< Previous20 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk RELOCATION AND INWARD INVESTMENT like solar panels or wind turbines. Such initiatives reduce environmental impact, enhancing operational sustainability, and appeal to eco-conscious customers and consumers. But the green bonuses are only one facet of the extensive potential advantages of relocating to a new environment, with different business peers and connections. Collaboration with new businesses can even refresh the synergistic corporate environment within cities. Securing the funding to back such bold moves proves the stumbling block it always does. Support will be crucial in this area, perhaps more than any other, to grapple with substantial upfront costs associated with purpose-built developments. However, tailored solutions often require significant capital investment, particularly daunting for small and medium-sized enterprises with finite resources. Ongoing operational expenses associated with new premises, such as rent, utilities, and maintenance, can strain budgets, especially during the initial phases of relocation; this goes double for a growing or consciously limited business. To address these financial challenges, make sure to explore a variety of avenues for funding and support before taking leaps with anyone. Government grants and incentives offer a lifeline for relocation projects aligned with regional development objectives, providing financial assistance and favourable terms if a business qualifies. Additionally, forging partnerships with financial www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 21 RELOCATION AND INWARD INVESTMENT institutions or private investors can help secure capital for relocation initiatives, spreading the financial burden and easing the involved risks. It also goes without saying that a relocation can lead to a lot of upheaval and struggle within the business, and obvious downtime in many cases. On top of intruding on productivity and customer service, transferring to a new premises might involve transporting equipment and inventory, coordinating with suppliers and service providers, and reconfiguring IT infrastructure. To keep interruptions to a minimum, compose a relocation plan which takes every stage of transition into account. This includes establishing clear timelines, dividing responsibilities between key personnel, and thoughtfully taking note of all communication with stakeholders along the way. If the relocation is drastic, it can also prove an issue with existing employees who may not want to commute or move. Communication is key a good while ahead of a decision being made and allowing employees to offer their own thoughts can improve morale. However, if a decision has to be made for financial reasons or the continued health of the company then it might be necessary to come clean about that. Sometimes decisions have to be made irrespective of the thoughts and feelings of employees, and explaining why that is will do less damage than making employees feel their opinions don’t matter. 22 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk A number of significant deals have taken place across the East Midlands since our last issue, with investors, businesses and developers setting their sights on the region. T he East Midlands has seen a plethora of significant deals across industrial and logistics sites, retail, and residential schemes over the last month as the region continues to attract investors, businesses and developers. A key acquisition in Leicester has seen a 1.2m sq ft logistics hub site snapped up. The Drummond Estate and Inverock have agreed the sale of an 82-acre site adjacent to the M1 and M69 in Leicester. Together they secured outline planning permission for 106,500 sq m of advanced warehouse and distribution space at the site, known as Enderby Logistics Hub, in September 2024. Royal London Asset Management Property, partnering with Canmoor, plans to speculatively develop 1.2m sq ft of prime logistics space with an estimated GDV of £300m. Strategically located in the heart of the UK’s logistics ‘Golden Triangle,’ the development will also feature a flagship 500,000 sq ft unit to address strong occupational demand. Martin Ward, on behalf of The Drummond Estate, said: “The site offers an exceptional location, adjacent to the M1 and at the heart of the UK’s logistics golden triangle. We had an extremely high level of interest as expected and following a competitive tender process have selected Royal London Asset Management Property and Canmoor, both of which have extensive track records of high-quality developments around the country.” Enderby Logistics Hub would create some 2,000 new jobs. Meanwhile, Rula Developments has acquired a 39-acre site in Bingham, east of Nottingham, from The Crown Estate, to develop a new business park. The site, to be called Bingham 46, has outline consent for Employment Uses, and is one of Rushcliffe Borough Council’s key employment allocations. The scheme can accommodate over 500,000 sq ft of accommodation and, subject to planning, units of between 10,000 sq ft and 350,000 sq ft can be delivered. A masterplan is being developed and Rula will be submitting a reserved matters application for necessary infrastructure, new entrance, associated 278 works, structural landscaping and drainage features imminently. Mark Hawthorne, development director at Rula Developments, said: “We are delighted A wave of deals A wave of deals www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 23 COMMERCIAL PROPERTY to be working alongside The Crown Estate to deliver this exciting new employment park. Having grown up locally, my vision for the development is to provide a high quality business environment in this attractive setting and deliver best in class accommodation to attract both local and regional businesses, who want to base their business in the heart of the East Midlands and benefit from the excellent road links the site provides and access to a growing skilled work force.” Elsewhere, in Nottingham L&G has acquired The Place, on behalf of L&G’s Institutional Retirement business to bolster its Student Living portfolio. The student accommodation consists of 409 beds to the south of Nottingham city centre and 0.6 miles from the University of Nottingham’s new Castle Meadow Campus. The purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme, developed by MRP and constructed by McAleer & Rushe, completed in August 2024 and is currently in its first operational academic year. It is operated by Homes For Students under its Prestige Student Living brand, who will be retained as L&G’s preferred Operating Partner under the new ownership. Neil Dovey, head of annuity transactions, L&G, said: “We are delighted to continue to deploy capital and realise the L&G Student Living Strategy through this acquisition of The Place, Nottingham. The building demonstrates the high quality of accommodation we are looking to introduce to the market, having been developed by one of our trusted delivery partners, MRP, who share a similar vision. Investing in direct-let PBSA assets forms an important part of our wider residential portfolio. The sector has demonstrated strong alignment to our strategic requirements and is supported by robust demographic tailwinds and supply/demand fundamentals.” Moreover, in Chesterfield, ALB Group has swooped for the former 24 Á The Place, Nottingham Enderby Logistics Hub24 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk COMMERCIAL PROPERTY Marks and Spencer department store in one of the town centre’s most prominent buildings. The Nottingham developer stepped in to make the deal for an undisclosed amount before the 68,000 sq ft premises, comprising two adjacent buildings, was due to be offered at auction, for a guide price of over £3m. Marks and Spencer vacated the store in High Street over two years ago when it relocated to nearby Ravenside Retail Park. The premises is distributed across five floors and occupies a prime location next door to Primark and opposite Chesterfield’s historic open-air market, in Market Place, which has been undergoing a major refurbishment. ALB Group is currently in advanced negotiations with a major retailer interested in taking up part of the ground floor of the building. The firm is seeking additional tenants for the remaining ground floor commercial space. The upper floors are expected to be either residential, office space or commercial use pending further consultations with ALB’s architect John Morgan, of Nottingham- based Leonard Design. Arran Bailey, managing director of ALB Group, said: “We’re delighted to have secured the deal to purchase this magnificent property. When M&S vacated this iconic building, it left a huge hole in Chesterfield town centre – one which caused some upset for shoppers and traders alike.” Finally, in Grimsby, commercial developer Wykeland Group has acquired a landmark site, announcing new investment is on its way. Wykeland has purchased the former Ramsdens Superstore site from the retail and cash and carry business Ramsden Group and, as the new owner, will take the lead in rejuvenating it. That has already begun with Wykeland announcing that, in a linked transaction, a deal has been agreed to sell part of the site to Farmfoods, for the development of a new 15,000 sq ft store with car parking. Wykeland will retain the remaining 1.8 acres and explore opportunities to attract further investment and regeneration, while investing around £100,000 to improve the site, including structural repairs to a property fronting Cleethorpe Road. Wykeland has also renamed the development as Ramsden Park, in tribute to the site’s history as the place where the Ramsden Group business was founded, with the opening of the Ramsdens store in 1946. Wykeland development director Jonathan Stubbs said: “We’re pleased to announce we have acquired the site from Ramsden Group and have also concluded a deal, subject to planning consent, to bring in new investment from one of the UK’s most popular food retailers. As well as supporting Farmfoods through the planning process, we’ll be investing in improvements on site and exploring further development opportunities. We’re committed to the regeneration of this important location on the main route between Grimsby and Cleethorpes and keen to hear from investors who would like to work with us to realise its potential.” The site has existing planning approval for 65,000 sq ft of retail development, with units ranging from 1,000 sq ft to 10,000 sq ft. Aerial view of the former Ramsdens Superstore site in GrimsbyArmstrong house Armstrong House, Armstrong Street, Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire DN31 2QE Tel: (01472) 310301 Email: s.fisher@blmgroup.co.uk Superb Location - - Close to the ports of Grimsby & Immingham - Great motorway links - Close to the town centre Secure off street parking High speed internet availability A range of affordable office sizes 3 3 3 3 Last remaining office suites Prime location in Grimsby Offering a prime position in Grimsby, Armstrong House on Armstrong Street is ideally located. Close to the ports of Grimsby and Immingham, motorway links and the town centre, off-street parking is also available for all staff and visitors, meaning it’s convenient too. Our spacious, welcoming offices are located on the ground floor and are both secure and CCTV-monitored, giving you the ultimate peace of mind. At Armstrong House, when it comes to affordability and with a range of office sizes there are opportunities for all types of business. If you require virtual office services, prices start from just £15 per month. For more information, or to discuss your office requirements call 01472 310301.26 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk SECURITY Bricks, bolts, and bobbies www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 27 SECURITY In the East Midlands, where businesses contribute significantly to the UK economy, the reality of crime extends beyond the digital realm. For the 12-month period ending September 2024, the overall crime rate in the region stood at 89 crimes per 1,000 people. While violence and sexual offences account for the highest number of reports, businesses remain particularly vulnerable to burglaries and theft due to the inherent value of their assets and predictable periods of closure. It’s easy to see why cyber security often steals the limelight. The potential for large-scale data theft and the complex nature of online threats can feel both daunting and sophisticated. However, the reality is that for many businesses, the more immediate and statistically significant risks often lie within the physical realm. Consider the motivations of a would- be thief. Businesses, by their very nature, often house valuable assets. From high- spec computer equipment and tools of the trade to stock, cash registers, and even intellectual property stored on physical media, the potential spoils can be considerable. Furthermore, the predictable ebb and flow of business hours presents a clear window of opportunity. Unlike a constantly occupied residence, commercial premises are often left unattended for significant periods, making them prime targets for opportunistic or planned intrusions. This vulnerability is reflected in the Crime Risk Scores across the East Midlands. According to recent data, the typical nearby area in the region has a crime risk score ranging from 354 to 603, a metric that importantly factors in the severity of the crimes committed. While overall crime rates provide a broad overview, the Crime Risk Score offers a more nuanced understanding by considering sentencing guidelines, ensuring that offences like robbery are weighted more heavily than less serious crimes. Notably, locations like Scunthorpe, Grimsby, and Lincoln exhibit the highest Crime Risk Scores in the region, highlighting areas where businesses might need to be particularly vigilant. Local police forces in the East Midlands often provide valuable advice for businesses looking to bolster their physical security. Common recommendations frequently revolve around a layered approach, combining several preventative measures to create a more robust defence. One of the most fundamental elements of physical security is perimeter control. This starts with the basics: sturdy doors and frames, robust locks, and well-maintained windows. For vulnerable entry points, particularly when the business is closed, physical barriers such as security grilles or shutters can act as a significant deterrent. Access control within the premises is equally important. For businesses with multiple employees or sensitive areas, Beyond digital defences, securing physical premises with traditional methods is paramount for businesses across the East Midlands. 28 Á28 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk SECURITY keypad entry systems or proximity card readers can provide a far greater level of security than traditional locks and keys. These systems allow for the tracking of entry and exit, the easy revocation of access rights for former employees, and can create audit trails in the event of an incident. Surveillance technology has become increasingly sophisticated and affordable. Closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems act as both a deterrent and a crucial tool for post-incident investigation. Strategically placed cameras, covering entry and exit points, loading bays, and internal areas, can capture vital evidence. Modern CCTV systems often offer remote monitoring capabilities, allowing business owners or designated personnel to keep an eye on their premises even when off-site. Furthermore, clearly visible signage indicating the presence of CCTV can deter potential criminals in the first place. Beyond these core measures, several other often-overlooked aspects contribute to a strong physical security posture. Adequate lighting around the exterior of the premises, particularly during hours of darkness, can significantly reduce the cover available to intruders. Secure storage for valuable items, whether in locked cabinets or a dedicated safe, adds another layer of protection. Even seemingly minor details, such as ensuring waste bins are not left overflowing and providing potential climbing aids, can make a difference. It’s also important for businesses to understand the local nuances of crime within the East Midlands. While some areas, like Loughborough, Mansfield, and Corby, are identified as having lower Crime Risk Scores, a proactive approach to physical security remains essential across the entire region. The fact that the overall crime risk score for the East Midlands has shown a downward trend in the last year of approximately 29 points, and a smaller decrease of 12 points over the past five years, is encouraging. However, the 10-year trend indicates an increase of 13 points, underscoring the ongoing need for robust security measures. Businesses across the East Midlands, whether in bustling urban centres or more rural locations, should remain vigilant. Adding to these preventative measures, businesses across the East Midlands can look forward to an increased police presence in their local communities. Recent announcements confirm that the region will see an additional 213 neighbourhood police officers deployed across its various constabularies. This uplift, part of a national initiative, aims to put more officers on the street in busy areas, proactively tackling issues like antisocial behaviour that can often escalate into more serious crimes affecting businesses. This commitment to bolstering police numbers in the East Midlands is further reinforced by a significant funding increase announced by the Home Office. As part of the government’s Plan for Change, each police force in the region will receive a funding uplift of at least 5% in the coming year. This financial commitment, coupled with the increase in neighbourhood officers, signals a concerted effort to enhance policing capabilities in the East Midlands. While the importance of robust physical security measures for businesses remains undiminished, this additional investment in law enforcement offers a welcome layer of support in creating a safer environment for commerce and community.www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 29 CORPORATE FINANCE A new start-up looking to develop and launch a novel product, an established company on the road of continuous expansion, or a firm simply seeking to survive the challenging economic outlook, rising costs, and late payment epidemic — all businesses must be appropriately financed at every point of their journey. A firm’s relationship with corporate finance is thus a continual one, and one that will have different requirements throughout a business’s life, whether being utilised to provide access to capital, to manage cash flow or support expansion, hiring or acquisitions. Fortunately, there are a diverse range of options available to businesses seeking finance, all with their own advantages and disadvantages, from the conventional to alternative platforms, yet when it comes to smaller businesses, access and awareness are major challenges. Amongst the main types of business finance are debt financing, equity financing, and grants. With the first of these, a business takes on debt to borrow money, such as through the traditional method of taking out a business loan with a bank, repaying the amount borrowed over time with added interest. Remaining a common option, last year, the overall flow of bank lending increased, though remained lower than 2020 (driven by government-guaranteed COVID- 19 loans) and 2022, as noted by British Business Bank’s Small Business Finance Markets report. A change has been seen, however, with the funding sources turned to, as the report showed challenger banks’ share of bank lending reached 60% of total bank lending - their highest ever share. A company might otherwise engage with debt finance through asset-based lending, often referred to alongside invoice finance, which in 2024 saw an increase in the value of advances to smaller businesses, with the full year average expected to be above £8bn for the first time since 2019. Securing finance against assets such as machinery, property and IP, asset-based lending offers benefits for businesses in unpredictable markets or with inconsistent cash flow. With this form of lending, it is possible to access higher levels of funding than with other financial products and gain flexibility, with fewer restrictions usually placed on how you can spend the facility. Of course, if repayments are not made, the lender may seize the asset put up as security. A vast range of options All businesses should be appropriately financed at every point in their journey, but determining which form of funding is suitable is not always easy. 30 ÁNext >