Only 3 weeks left to make your nominations for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022!

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Only 3 weeks left to make your nominations for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022!
With just three weeks remaining until nominations close for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022, ensure to submit your entries for the annual celebration of the property and construction industry by 19 August! Scheduled to take place on Thursday 15 September, the Bricks shine a light on the outstanding work of those shaping the landscape of our region, recognising development projects and people in commercial and public building across the East Midlands – from offices, industrial and residential, through to community projects such as leisure schemes and schools. We also highlight the work of architects, agencies and those behind large schemes. The glittering awards ceremony revealing winners, at the famous Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, will also offer the perfect chance to forge new contacts with property and construction professionals from across the region. The event will additionally feature John Forkin MBE DL, Managing Director at award-winning investment promotion agency Marketing Derby, as keynote speaker. Nominations for the awards are open until Friday 19 August. To submit a business or development for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022, please click on a category link below or visit this page.
The Overall Winner of the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022 will also be awarded a year of marketing/publicity worth £20,000. Find out who last year’s winners were here.

Book your tickets now

Tickets can now be booked for the awards event – click here to secure yours. The special awards evening and networking event will be held on 15 September 2022 in the Derek Randall Suite at the Trent Bridge County Cricket Club from 4:30pm – 7:30pm. Connect with local decision makers over canapés and complimentary drinks while applauding the exceptional companies and projects in our region. The event will also welcome award-winning mind reader, magician, and professional mentalist Looch, who will bewilder and astonish guests during the evening’s networking. Dress code is standard business attire.
Thanks to our sponsors:                                      

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Clegg Construction re-appointed to Scape’s Regional Construction Framework

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Clegg Construction re-appointed to Scape’s Regional Construction Framework
Clegg Construction has been re-appointed to a leading construction framework designed to facilitate the delivery of high-quality construction services for public sector projects in the Midlands and East of England. The company has been selected as one of eight contractors on the fourth generation of Scape’s Regional Construction Framework (RCF), which will see them delivering projects across Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Peterborough, and Suffolk in partnership with fellow construction professionals, RG Carter. Procurement authority, Scape, has been helping the public sector create maximum social value for local communities through its national and regional frameworks since 2006. This marks the continuation of a long-term partnership between Clegg and Scape, with Clegg having been appointed to the third generation of the framework in 2018, following the expiry of Scape’s East Midlands Property Alliance (empa) framework on which Clegg was also a selected contracting partner. The framework has continued to evolve with a view to providing clients with the most flexible, dynamic, and highly efficient route to market, with the value bands having increased from up to £2.5m to up to £7.5m. Nottingham-based Clegg, who established an office in Cambridge in 2018 after being appointed to the third generation of the Scape framework, has delivered a raft of works across the East of England with highlights including the creation of the highly energy-efficient Cardea Community Pavilion in Peterborough as well as several schemes completed across live air bases in Suffolk. Pre-construction director, Ross Crowcroft, said: “On behalf of the team at Clegg Construction, we are delighted to have been re-selected as a partner on Scape’s Regional Construction Framework (RCF). “The newly defined value band of up to £7.5m is very exciting as it presents additional opportunities for Clegg to deliver high-quality, sustainable design, build and refurbishment schemes in partnership with new and existing clients across the East of England – supported by our dedicated regional office.” The framework agreement, which begins on 26th August 2022 and will run for four years, will operate under a new parallel lotting structure to provide public sector clients with opportunities for early engagement with contracting partners prior to awarding a project. In addition, the selection process can broaden procurement options for clients by incorporating contractors in adjacent geographical lots where appropriate. As part of the agreement, a new ‘net-zero ready’ lifecycle feature will be implemented to support public sector sustainability goals in line with the government’s 2050 target. Aligning with the government’s Procurement Policy Note 06/20 there will be a key focus on facilitating local economic impact and social value, using the industry-recognised TOMs (Themes, Outcomes and Measures) social value framework to measure and report on Clegg’s social value activities which will revolve around local spend, educational and skills development, as well as the provision of meaningful employment opportunities.

Nottingham Forest gets go-ahead for new stand and residential development

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Nottingham Forest gets go-ahead for new stand and residential development
Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Planning Committee has approved Nottingham Forest’s plans for amendments to The City Ground including a new stand increasing capacity and associated residential development. Leader of Rushcliffe Borough Council, Cllr Simon Robinson, said: “Both sides have shown commitment to get the application through and do the very best for the club, the supporters and Rushcliffe itself. “We appreciate Nottingham Forest is a very keen partner of the council. They bring a huge amount of business right across the Borough. We’re absolutely delighted that this application has now been passed and we look forward to working with them going forward.” The proposals consisted of a full planning application for the redevelopment of the Peter Taylor stand, including the demolition of existing buildings/structures, new public realm and car parking, and an outline planning application for up to 170 residential units.
The stand redevelopment will see it replaced with a new three tier scheme, increasing capacity and enhancing facilities. The new stand’s primary uses include seating for spectators, players and match official facilities, media facilities, premium hospitality, conference facilities and staff accommodation.
The residential scheme, meanwhile, is to be housed in a 13 floor development with vehicle and cycle parking, commercial floor space, back of house and plant spaces, access and support facilities at the ground floor, additional vehicle parking and resident amenity space at first floor level followed by 11 levels of mixed sized residential units and roof top plant/terrace areas.
A committee report said: “It is considered that the proposal would contribute towards the regeneration of the area through optimising the use of brownfield sites and by enhancing the local economy. “It would also be an opportunity to improve the financial sustainability of NFFC, retaining its home in the Borough, which would maintain its heritage and identity and help secure and expand its existing community and sporting role in the region. “The proposed new housing, commercial uses, and environmental improvements (in the form of a plaza) would add to this regeneration, provide housing choice, and help stimulate local economic activity.” Ben Dorks, CEO of Nottingham-headquartered global software company Ideagen, Principal Club Partners of Nottingham Forest, sponsor of their Academy and women’s development squad and partner of the Nottingham Forest Community Trust, said: “Nottingham is an ambitious city, home to globally successful businesses, two world-renowned universities and now a top-flight club in one of the most televised leagues in the world. “The development of the City Ground will mean Forest will have a stadium that matches that ambition and I for one can’t wait to see it, sit in it and celebrate three points in it.”

New contracts manager joins Blueprint Interiors

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New contracts manager joins Blueprint Interiors
Workplace consultancy and commercial office interior fit-out specialists Blueprint Interiors has appointed Paul Brown as a contracts manager. Paul, who lives in Ripley, Derbyshire, has 23 years experience in the shopfitting industry and has managed a wide range of high-profile projects for various blue-chip clients. He also holds a CSCS licence and several NEBOSH general, construction and fire safety certificates. In his new role, Paul will be responsible for organising the construction phase of all commercial office fit outs projects which the company is delivering. Since the beginning of 2022, Blueprint Interiors has won a number of high profile and high value projects from companies who wish to embrace hybrid working and want to adapt their workplaces according to the needs of the people using them. Commenting on his new role Paul said: “This is a slight change of industry sector and is an exciting new challenge. I am looking forward to gaining the sense of achievement I get from successfully completing the fantastic looking and people orientated bespoke commercial office fit outs for which Blueprint Interiors is renown.” Creative and commercial director, Chloe Sproston, added: “Our workplace consultancy process has always preceded our design recommendations. We are finding that this advice is now more important than ever as office managers seek ways to transform their largest overhead – their office space – into a place which attracts the very best talent and inspires them to work to their best ability. With Paul’s skills we will be able to ensure the construction phases continue to meet the highest standards.” In his spare time, Paul enjoys cycling and getting outdoors with his partner and two young children.

Local business celebrates 20 years in tough times

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Local business celebrates 20 years in tough times
Hydroscand is an international family-owned business, founded in 1969 in Stockholm, Sweden, providing solutions and services for hoses, fittings, and related products through a customer-driven organisation. By 2002, Hydroscand was already a very well-established business in Scandinavia, owner, and founder, Björn Holmström had a long-standing relationship with Europower Hydraulics, having been their Swedish distributor in the early days of building Hydroscand there. The Europower business sold off its branch network. Björn Holmström acquired Europower’s branch in the UK. Today Hydroscand is headquartered in the East Midlands and operates from nine branches in the UK with over 60 employees, serving customers in industries ranging from agriculture to construction to waste management. Its branches offer customers “while you wait” hose replacement. Three of them also operate as production centres, manufacturing hose assemblies for Equipment Manufacturers customers, including Sandiacre. Its HoseExpress technicians have grown to 30 mobile hose workshops providing on site hose replacement and 3 HoseOnSite static containers kitted out with hose assembly machinery and stock to suit. Rebecca Galley, Managing Director of Hydroscand UK, said: “Hydroscand has an ethos of being a family business with customer closeness at the top of our agenda in all our operations. I believe that is why the business has been around for more than 50 years, and 20 years so far in the UK. It has been a privilege to lead the UK team here for the past three years and as a team, we are looking forward to the next 20 years with energy and passion for what we do!” To celebrate this exciting milestone, the business is holding customer open mornings at all its branches from 9am – 1pm on Friday 29th July. Join the firm at its Sandiacre HQ and branch in the morning. There will be exclusive anniversary deals for customers, a free bacon sandwich and a free gift with every purchase for customers.

More supported living homes planned for Notts

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More supported living homes planned for Notts
205 more ‘supported living’ placements could be created in Notts to help people with disabilities and complex needs live as independently as possible in the community. The County Council will go out to the housing provider market to tender for eight different contracts between now and January 2023. The plans include up to 10 schemes of between six and 12 units within north Notts, mid Notts and south Notts, as well as two larger schemes in Worksop and an extra care scheme for older people in Hucknall. There are already 190 supported living schemes throughout Nottinghamshire, providing independent living for 750 people. The Council is due to open a new scheme in Carlton in the autumn called Annear Place, which will offer short term support for 12 people. Councillor Matt Barney, cabinet member for Adult Social Care and Public Health, said: “We want to help more people to live as independently as possible so they can be a part of their local community. “Supported living can offer a great option for people with learning disabilities who are leaving home for the first time, as well as people with mental ill-health who have been discharged from hospital. Staff are on-hand if they need extra support and will help people develop the skills they need to eventually move into their own accommodation, such as preparing meals or managing their finances.”

East Midlands business confidence falls for second consecutive month

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East Midlands business confidence falls for second consecutive month
Business confidence in the East Midlands fell 11 points during July to 12%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking. Companies in the region reported lower confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, down 12 points at 15%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, down 11 points to 8%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 12%. East Midlands businesses identified their top target areas for growth in the next six months as evolving their offering with new products or services (46%), hiring new employees and investing in the development of their existing teams (39%) and diversifying into new markets (34%). The Business Barometer, which questions 1,200 businesses monthly, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide. A net balance of 13% of businesses in the region expect to increase staff levels over the next year, down three points on last month. Overall UK business confidence fell three points during July to 25%. Firms’ outlook on their future trading prospects was up three points to 37%, but their optimism in the wider economy dropped nine points to 12%. The net balance of businesses planning to create new jobs also decreased, seven points to 21%. Every UK region and nation reported a positive confidence reading in July, with four out of 11 recording a higher reading than last month. The East of England (up 15 points to 46%), West Midlands (up eight points to 38%) and Wales (up seven points to 30%) saw the biggest increases month-on-month, with the East of England now the most optimistic region overall. Dave Atkinson, regional director for the East Midlands at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “The region’s businesses are clearly feeling the heat from the ongoing challenges around rising costs, supply chain disruption and skills shortages. Despite this, it’s encouraging to see overall confidence among firms remain in positive territory, the latest sign of their resilience against the backdrop of uncertain trading conditions. “In times like this, it’s more important than ever for businesses to keep a close eye on their working capital and to plan for any potential pinch points on the road ahead. We’ll be by their side to offer the necessary financial guidance and support to help them do this.” Business confidence declined across all four of the sectors in July, reflecting lower optimism about the economy. Confidence within manufacturing declined the most this month (20%/-12), with firms citing moderating trading prospects and a notable drop in economic optimism, but also issues with inflation and supply bottlenecks. There were small falls in confidence for construction (28%/-2), retail (25%/-6) and services (24%/-1). Hann-Ju Ho, senior economist for Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “Business confidence declined this month, suggesting that economic headwinds are becoming more forceful. Despite this, firms’ assessment of their own trading prospects showed some resilience in the face of a challenging environment. Meanwhile, price pressures have shown no clear signs of a downward trend and there appears little sign yet that wage pressures are abating.”

Permission secured for new homes and conversion plans at Grade II Listed model farm complex

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Permission secured for new homes and conversion plans at Grade II Listed model farm complex
Northern Trust Company Ltd, working alongside the landowner, has secured planning permission for 65 dwellings on the 15.8 acre site at Bulcote Steading. The site is owned by Midlands Land Portfolio Limited (MLPL), the property development arm of Severn Trent, with Northern Trust acting as their planning promotion partner. Northern Trust has secured planning permission for the site and is now working alongside MLPL on the marketing process for disposal of the site. The site which comprises a Grade II Listed model farm complex located within the Bulcote Conservation Area and within the Green Belt, has been the subject of extensive discussions with Newark and Sherwood District Council and Historic England regarding the future of the listed buildings. Following lengthy discussions an application for planning permission and listed building consent was submitted in 2015, supplemented by a further application in 2017. This proposed the conversion of the existing buildings to provide 24 dwellings and a community hall alongside the provision of 41 new build homes. In light of the extensive discussions with the local planning authority and Historic England the planning application was approved at planning committee in October 2020, and following detailed negotiations the S106 has now been agreed and planning permission granted. John Tootell, head of strategic land at Northern Trust, said: “Through the hard work of an exceptional project team I am delighted to have now secured planning permission. With the buildings being Grade II Listed, located within a conservation area and within the Green Belt there are a number of competing pressures that have required careful consideration during the process. “The careful approach to conversion and the considered approach for the new build ensure the right balance of this very exciting development will be achieved. Alongside the project team the local planning authority were exceptional throughout and their pragmatism was an essential component of the successful planning applications. “This is a great example of how working positively with a local planning authority to resolve complicated issues can deliver exceptional results, securing the future of an important heritage asset. We will now be seeking a development partner and look forward to seeing this high quality development delivered.” Adam Tustain, development surveyor at Severn Trent, said: “We are extremely pleased to have secured this consent after so many years of hard work by everyone involved. This consent will secure the long term future of these fabulous Grade II Listed buildings to provide much needed new homes, community facilities and local jobs in the areas we serve.” Fisher German has been appointed to market the site for sale.

Frasers Group acquires online fashion retailer

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Frasers Group acquires online fashion retailer

Shirebrook-based Frasers Group has acquired online fashion retailer I Saw It First.

The business, which today has over 5 million consumers, has rapidly grown its digital presence since launching in 2017.

Frasers said it “looks forward to integrating I Saw It First” and that the business will “benefit from the strength and scale of Frasers Group’s platform and from the integration with Frasers’ recently acquired business, Missguided.”

Strong trading continues at Forterra

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Strong trading continues at Forterra
Forterra, the manufacturer of clay and concrete building products, has “delivered a strong performance in the first half of 2022 supported by a backdrop of robust market conditions.” The company noted that brick sales volumes were slightly ahead of the prior year and in line with 2019, limited only by capacity constraints rather than demand, with factories generally operating at capacity and with inventory levels remaining at record low levels. Results have also benefited from the firm’s ability to pass on cost inflation to customers, with two price increases delivered in the period. For the six months ended 30 June 2022, Forterra posted total revenue of £222.8m, an increase of £42.5m (23.6%) on the prior year (£180.3m) and an increase of £29.2m (15.1%) on 2019 (£193.6m). Meanwhile the company reported adjusted profit before tax of £37.3m, compared with a profit of £27.1m in 2021 and £32.7m in 2019, and a statutory profit before tax of £44.2m, compared with a profit of £29.1m in 2021 and £32.7m in 2019. Full year expectations have now slightly increased. Stephen Harrison, Chief Executive Officer, said: “Forterra delivered a strong performance in the first half of 2022, against the backdrop of robust market conditions. Sales volumes were slightly ahead, limited by capacity constraints rather than demand, with our factories generally operating at capacity and with inventory levels remaining at record low levels. “We also benefited from our ability to pass on cost inflation to our customers with two price increases delivered in the period, facilitating an improvement in margins relative to 2021 as a whole. “We continued to produce strong operating cash flows, enabling us to progress our strategic capital investment and innovation plans. Our strong financial position allows us to increase capacity, to better serve our customers; to focus on efficiency; and to reduce our carbon footprint, thus progressing our sustainability agenda. “We anticipate current trading conditions will continue in H2, despite growing macro-economic uncertainty. The temporary closure of our Wilnecote brick factory, ongoing capacity constraints and the closure costs and inefficiencies relating to the old Desford brick factory will influence H2 performance. Despite this, the performance to date and our expectations looking forward, lead the Board to anticipate a full year 2022 result slightly ahead of the Board’s previous expectations.”
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