< Previous East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk FINANCE NEWS Investment firm swoops for Lincolnshire agricultural equipment specialist The listed Japanese conglomerate, Marubeni Corporation, has signed an agreement to divest Spaldings to investment firm, Inspirit Capital. Established in 1956, Spaldings has grown to become one of the UK and Ireland’s largest distributors of tillage aftermarket equipment, as well as an emerging player in professional groundcare, forestry and industrial products. Lincolnshire-based Spaldings employs over 140 people and has a network of over 30,000 customers. The business also benefits from a number of exclusive or preferred distribution agreements with product manufacturers, as well as an in- house design team focused on the Spaldings own brand product range. Inspirit Capital is a London-based investment firm that specialises in acquiring businesses that are no longer core to their parent company’s strategic objectives and require a different ownership structure to achieve their full potential. Will Stamp, founding partner at Inspirit Capital, says: “We are very pleased to be investing in Spaldings. We are excited about the prospect of continuing to grow the business, both organically and through select acquisitions.” Leicester-based HR software platform raises further £3m A Leicester-based HR software platform that helps firms to manage the performance of employees in different locations has raised a further £3m from existing investors. StaffCircle has received funding from Blackfinch Ventures and the MEIF Proof of Concept & Early Stage Fund, which is managed by Mercia and part of the Midlands Engine Investment Fund. The latest investment round brings the total funding to £5m, which will allow the company to enhance its platform, expand its global reach and expand its team by creating 10 new jobs. Mark Seemann, founder and CEO of StaffCircle, said: “With hybrid working here to stay, companies need the right technology to manage and motivate teams in different locations. StaffCircle is helping an ever-increasing number of organisations to keep their employees connected and improve productivity. We are delighted to have continued support from our existing investors. The latest funding round will help us to build momentum and take the company to the next level.” David Baker, investment manager at Mercia, said: “StaffCircle’s focus on managing remote workers has helped to differentiate it from competitors and achieve significant growth. The company has already gained significant traction in the market, and this latest investment will take it closer to its goal of becoming the leading end-to-end provider of employee experience software.” Delta-Simons acquires Ground Engineering Ltd Delta-Simons, the Lincoln-headquartered multi-disciplinary environmental and health and safety consultancy division of the Lucion Group, has completed a key strategic acquisition in the East of England. Peterborough-based Ground Engineering Ltd, which specialises in the provision of site investigation services and geotechnical testing, strengthens Delta-Simons’ Geo-Environmental team, bringing additional site investigation expertise, capability and also enhancing its geographical footprint. The bolt-on deal, which brings a skilled team of 24 geotechnical engineers, geologists, laboratory technicians and drilling operators to Delta-Simons is the first acquisition since its own integration into fast-growing private equity-backed environmental services company Lucion Group in April 2021. Ground Engineering has a distinguished history in the sector, tracing its roots back to 1936 when it was founded as Pre-Piling Surveys Ltd, which later became Soils Engineering. Today, the company offers geotechnical and geo-environmental ground investigation and associated professional services to a wide range of civil engineering, construction, housing, environmental management and financial sectors. Ground Engineering’s directors Chris Ebeling and Steve Fleming will remain with the business moving forward, supported by the Delta-Simons leadership team. Chris Ebeling said: “We decided it was the right time to join forces with a larger group of companies to ensure the future sustainability, growth and success of the business. Our team have built a strong reputation for providing high-quality, trusted geotechnical services to our clients.” © stock.adobe.com/ REDPIXEL Mark Seemann 06-15.qxp_Layout 1 04/07/2022 14:50 Page 5Birmingham IT service provider acquires Northampton telecommunications business Birmingham-headquartered IT service provider Intercity has acquired Northampton-based telecommunications business Chandler Communications. Established in 1986 by Perry and Jo Chandler, Chandler Communications is a family-run business with over 350 customers across the UK. The deal sees Chandler Communications colleagues become part of Intercity with the business’s Northampton site also joining Intercity’s network of UK offices. Andrew Jackson, CEO of Intercity, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Chandler Communications to the Intercity Group. Having seen how this well-managed business has grown over the last 30 years, and the care the team put into building long-term partnerships with customers, we recognised the huge synergies between our two organisations. “We pride ourselves on our high levels of service and ensuring a positive customer experience within every aspect of the business, we measure this continually and will never rest in our pursuit of excellence and market leading customer satisfaction. Chandler is a great fit for Intercity and this deal is an important step in our long- term plan to grow through careful and considered acquisitions.” Perry Chandler, director and co-founder of Chandler Communications, added: “After thoroughly enjoying the past 36 years, and for very personal reasons, it’s time to hand over the reins. I’ve looked for a company who hold the same important values at their core as I do and have found this in abundance at Intercity.” FINANCE NEWS www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link Triumph snaps up electric motorcycle manufacturer Hinckley-based Triumph Motorcycles has acquired OSET Bikes, a leader in the world of children’s electric, off-road motorcycles. Started in 2004 by Ian Smith, who wanted to build an electric off-road bike for his son Oliver, OSET has sold more than 40,000 bikes globally that feature their inhouse developed electric powertrains. The acquisition of OSET sits within Triumph’s strategy of entering the off-road segment, announced in 2020, and provides both companies with the opportunity to share and benefit from each other’s knowledge and experience in their respective segments, enabling both brands to grow internationally in parallel. Nick Bloor, Triumph CEO, said: “We are excited about the opportunity of joining forces with OSET Bikes: a dynamic brand that has been encouraging children into motorcycling for many years and have been at the forefront of developing electric trials bikes for fun and competition. “Whilst the two brands will continue working independently, Triumph and OSET will collaborate on new state-of-the-art products to inspire young riders into off-road riding, across the segments that Triumph and OSET will have a presence in, drawing on their respective strengths to build the best bikes in the world.” Ian Smith, OSET Bikes CEO, said: “When we built that first ‘garage’ bike for my son, Oliver, I had no idea that it would lead to this moment. We are all very excited for what the future holds for OSET as part of the Triumph family.” © stock.adobe.com/ William Intercity CEO, Andrew Jackson 06-15.qxp_Layout 1 04/07/2022 14:51 Page 6Gainsborough emissions solution company opens first joint venture in India Eminox, a Gainsborough-based designer and manufacturer of global emissions solutions and technologies, has opened the doors to its first Indian-based business in collaboration with IP Rings (IPR), part of Amalgamations Group, India. IPR Eminox Technologies, will be based at IP Rings Limited HQ in Chennai. The joint venture will help contribute to India’s future for increased sustainability and self-reliance, as local engineers design products for the local market. Oliver Ballhatchet MBE, UK Deputy High Commissioner in Chennai officially opened the IPR Eminox Technology Centre, along with representatives from both partners. “This is a very exciting collaboration, which will allow the development of after treatment systems to suit off- and on-highway emissions regulations which are becoming more stringent across many transportation sectors in India,” said Mark Runciman, Managing Director, Eminox. “IPR has a huge presence in India, and together we will be able to draw on each other’s strengths to expedite the delivery of solutions to meet current and future legislation.” The venture was established to explore ways to cost effectively meet the Indian BS/TREM V off-highway3 and BS VI Stage 24 niche on-highway emissions standards. Initially, the venture will develop the products for Indian certification and approval. Beginning in April 2024, TREM V will set emissions standards equivalent to the European Stage V regulation and cover applications including agricultural machinery, construction equipment and power generators. East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk MANUFACTURING NEWS Manufacturing Growth Programme delivers business support plea A business support programme that has created and safeguarded over 1,000 manufacturing jobs in the East Midlands is urging local authorities to ensure assistance is still in place under the new funding landscape. Bosses at the Manufacturing Growth Programme (MGP), which provides grants and dedicated consultancy to SME manufacturers in the region, are warning that the potential gap between European Regional Development Funding and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) could see businesses left without the assistance they need. Regional director Dean Barnes believes the fragmented nature of UKSPF – where each local district will receive its own pot of money – means it will be difficult to deliver good quality support to management teams that have guided their firms through Brexit and, more recently, COVID-19. The rallying call comes as MGP reveals its latest performance data, with £1.93m in grants delivered to 1,066 East Midlands companies over the last three years. This has leveraged £3.3m of private sector investment and helped manufacturers enter new markets, diversify their products/services, improve efficiencies and secure vital quality accreditations. Derbyshire company joins forces with another British manufacturer A Derbyshire company known for manufacturing self-watering planters and street furniture has joined forces with another UK company as part of an acquisition. Family run business Amberol work with a range of organisations including local authorities, community gardening groups, businesses and education establishments. They have now combined with plastics manufacturer Leafield Environmental to take the business forwards. For Amberol customers it will be business as usual according to Patience Atkinson-Gregory, the company’s Managing Director. She commented: “As a family business, we have built strong and enduring relationships with our customers. The Amberol ethos of providing personal service, value for money and high quality products will remain. However, the support and investment from Leafield Environmental can only help enhance customer service, as well as strengthening the Amberol brand. With over 30 years of experience in manufacturing premium plastic products, using similar innovative design and manufacturing expertise, Leafield are a great fit for our business.” Amberol will continue to manufacture the full range of products at their Alfreton factory. The self- watering planter range includes stone effect troughs, wood effect barrels, hanging baskets, tiered planters and large floorstanding planters. The company’s litter bins can be found on some of Britain’s busiest streets in Westminster, and as far afield as Australia. Dean Barnes 06-15.qxp_Layout 1 04/07/2022 14:51 Page 7Europe’s largest modular housing factory set for Corby TopHat, the 3D modular house builder, is to open a new, 650,000 sq ft facility in Corby, Northamptonshire in 2023, equivalent to the size of 11 football pitches. This major investment builds on the success of TopHat’s existing site in Derby which already produces up to 800 homes per year. The new facility will bring together the latest robotics and TopHat’s proprietary technology to manufacture and distribute up to 4,000 homes per year. One thousand new, green economy jobs across a wide range of roles will be created and a training academy will be established in partnership with local colleges. The new Corby facility will be the anchor tenant in the new Magna Park site being developed by GLP, the global logistics development manager, as part of a multi- million-pound investment in the site. Construction will begin later in the year, with the facility expected to be delivering its first homes by the end of 2023. Jordan Rosenhaus, CEO and founder of TopHat, said: “TopHat’s new facility will increase our capacity to over 4,500 homes a year. Our homes are designed to be beautiful and green, being low-carbon to build and much cheaper to run. TopHat is playing a leading role in transforming home building in the UK, improving quality, reducing costs and protecting the environment. We are also delighted to be creating 1,000 new jobs in Corby supported by a major investment in training through the TopHat Academy.” www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link MANUFACTURING NEWS Burton manufacturer swoops for global business Burton-based Doncasters has acquired Uni-Pol, a global business specialising in the manufacture of superalloy cast parts. This acquisition places Doncasters amongst the largest manufacturers of high-precision alloy components in the global supply chain, enhancing the future for the group, its employees, and customers. Established in 2005, Uni-Pol has four manufacturing facilities in China, India, Mexico and the UK. This acquisition means that Doncasters will have an annual revenue of over $500 million and employ nearly 3,000 people across 7 countries. “Some time ago, we identified Uni-Pol as a natural fit with the Doncasters group of businesses,” explained Mike Quinn, CEO of Doncasters. “The additional support from the group gives Uni-Pol extensive opportunities to further develop its offering and, in turn, Doncasters will benefit from Uni-Pol’s additional expertise and technology. “It also broadens Doncasters’ product offering, benefiting existing and new international customers, particularly those in Asia and South America.” “This is an exciting time for the Doncasters group of businesses, as we invest in upgrading our operating equipment, technology platforms and capabilities, so that we can be more efficient, accurate, timely and can compete on a wider scale. We’ll also be strengthening and developing our talent, who will benefit from the opportunities created by this acquisition,” concluded Quinn. David Orr, Chief Executive Officer of Uni-Pol, said: “This is a fantastic new chapter in our history. This synergy is great for our people and for our customers as we focus on supplying complex, high-quality competitive products for the automotive and aerospace industries on an international scale. I’m looking forward to working together as one team, towards what looks like a bright future for us all.” © stock.adobe.com/ ASDF © stock.adobe.com/ REDPIXEL 06-15.qxp_Layout 1 04/07/2022 14:51 Page 8PROPERTY NEWS Property consultancies merge to create £60m turnover business Two independent property consultancies have announced a merger to create one of the largest providers of multi-disciplinary property services in the UK, with a turnover approaching £60 million and 29 offices. Fisher German – which has its head office in Ashby – and Matthews & Goodman have joined forces, combining their 750 employees into a single firm which will retain the Fisher German name. The announcement comes after negotiations between the two firms reached their final stages following months of positive discussions. Andrew Bridge, managing partner at Fisher German, said there were clear similarities between the firms which attracted both parties to working together. He said: “What we share with Matthews & Goodman is a long history dating back to the mid-nineteenth century, a collaborative approach to working with our colleagues and clients, and a proven track record of winning and retaining some of the UK’s biggest property portfolios. “Matthews & Goodman not only shares our vision and values, but also brings with it a highly- motivated team of commercial property experts to match our own. “Together, we can offer unrivalled property advice across urban and rural settings and maximise the return on investment to our clients through the benefit of our multi-disciplinary services.” Software developer takes final space at Nottingham business park A software development company has snapped up the final available premises at a now fully let business park in the East Midlands. DIGI-Steel has agreed a new five-year lease on Unit 4, a recently refurbished 5,440 sq ft office building at Interchange 25 Business Park, Bostocks Lane in Nottingham. The company, which delivers cloud based solutions to the steel processing fabrication sectors, is taking further space on the estate where it has been based since 2019. It is the third letting to be completed at Interchange 25 Business Park in less than six months and follows recent deals with UK house builder, Keepmoat Homes and global packaging solutions provider, GPA Global. Hortons’ has also agreed a five-year lease renewal with accountants Coleby Associates LLP on Unit 3, a 4,240 sq ft property near the entrance to the business park. Jeremy Boothroyd of landlord Hortons’ Estate Ltd said all eight buildings at Interchange 25 were now let and hailed the recent spate of deals as a positive sign for the out-of-town office market. East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk Chatsworth takes 15,000 sq ft unit in Bakewell to support retail operations Litton Properties have exchanged contracts with Chatsworth for a new 15,000 sq ft warehouse unit at Riverside Business Park in Bakewell. The unit is planned for completion in November 2022 and will be handed over in early January 2023 for fit out. The unit will be used for warehousing and support for the nearby Chatsworth Estate Farm shop and other estate retail operations. The unit is part of a further 28,000 sq ft phase ‘Rutland Building’ currently on site and under construction. A further 5,000 sq ft unit within the building is also under offer to Bakewell Bakery who are relocating into larger and more modern premises from their existing unit on the site. Both lettings will lead to further jobs growth in Bakewell and on the site. Mark Twelves at Litton Properties said: “We are delighted to be welcoming Chatsworth as occupiers and customers to the estate. We are really looking forward to working closely with them. James Routledge, head of investment at Matthews & Goodman (left), with Andrew Bridge, managing partner at Fisher German 06-15.qxp_Layout 1 04/07/2022 14:51 Page 9PROPERTY NEWS Specialist investor purchases second phase of £30m mixed- use development A specialist investor in UK logistics sites has purchased the second phase of a £30m mixed-use development in Nottingham. Northwood Urban Logistics acquired the first phase of trade units last November at Teal Park, off the Colwick Loop Road in Netherfield, which has been jointly developed by Warwickshire-based AC Lloyd Commercial and Nottingham- based Henry Davidson Developments (HDD), and is now fully occupied. Toolstation, Screwfix, Howdens, Trent Valley Windows, Trent Vehicle Charging, Karcher UK and Paintwell occupy phase 1 of the 35,270 sq ft trade park. The second phase, which consists of six trade units ranging from 2,357 sq ft to 4,359 sq ft, has been acquired by Northwood Urban Logistics from AC Lloyd Commercial and HDD. This phase, totalling 21,241 sq ft, is located directly opposite the first phase with car- parking and an access road separating the two banks of trade units. The third and final phase consists of six larger employment units which range from 9,590 sq ft up to 31,470 sq ft and is set for completion during early Q4 this year. BDO signs long-term office lease confirming commitment to East Midlands Accountancy and business advisory firm BDO LLP has signed a long-term lease in a prominent office building in the centre of Nottingham, cementing its commitment to the East Midlands market. The firm will move from its current temporary base at Regus in Nottingham city centre to its new East Midlands hub at Water Court on Canal Street later in 2022. BDO will take 3,500 sq ft of commercial space as part of a five-year agreement, joining the likes of global law firm Eversheds Sutherland at the high-profile city centre location. The Grade A offices, formerly two separate Victorian warehouses, were acquired and comprehensively refurbished by Marlborough Property Company. The offices will be fitted out to provide BDO with a modern, collaborative working space, consistent with the firm’s commitment to supporting its agile-workforce, with employees encouraged to work from wherever they can be most productive, whether that’s a mixture of client sites, office hubs or from home. Plans approved for extension of Lincoln business park North Kesteven District Council has approved plans for a third phase of Kirk’s Yard in Branston, Lincoln. Kirk’s Yard is a 2.4-acre business park, located approximately 4 miles from Lincoln City Centre, which has been developed by local commercial property developer, Stirlin. Stirlin completed the first phase of Kirk’s Yard back in March 2019, which comprises 6 industrial units, ranging in size from 1,000 sq ft to 1,400 sq ft. Due to high demand, this was swiftly followed with a second phase, which provided 5 more units at slightly larger sizes, ranging from 1,507 sq ft – 2,005 sq ft. Following the success of these phases, with all units now occupied by a variety of growing businesses, Stirlin have been given the go- ahead to extend the site and construct a further 10 units. Phase 3 will provide industrial units ranging in sizes from 1,507 sq ft – 2,005 sq ft. Each unit will be built to a high specification, providing warehouse space with an electric sectional door and personnel door, DDA compliant toilet facility and allocated parking spaces. www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link © stock.adobe.com/Friends Stock From the left: Damian Middleton (HDD), Richard Croft (HDD), Tony Hargreave (AC Lloyd Commercial), Iain Taylor (Northwood Urban Logistics) and Mark Edwards (AC Lloyd Commercial) 06-15.qxp_Layout 1 04/07/2022 14:51 Page 10 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk COMMERCIAL PROPERTY A s major regeneration schemes get underway and power ahead in the East Midlands, a plethora of buildings and brownfield sites are being transformed as part of these huge projects. But this is also occurring in smaller, singular ventures, from offices becoming student accommodation to police stations becoming retirement communities in cities and towns across the region. In Newark-on-Trent, for example, a former Victorian wool warehouse is to become new apartments following a multi-million-pound commercial property deal. The building has more recently been used as a pine manufacturer, then bricklaying workshop and training school, before falling vacant. Now, it has gained planning permission to be converted into 39 residential units, featuring co-working spaces, yoga studio, electrical charging points and other amenities – including a courtyard. Set to transform the characterful building on Victoria Street is JYD Holdings. Jinny Yang, founder and Managing Director of JYD Holdings, said: “We are incredibly excited to have the opportunity to renovate this former unused warehouse into stylish, one-of-a- kind apartments, bringing this beautiful building back to life and rejuvenating its unique character. Aimed primarily at young professionals, this is our first project in Newark-on-Trent and we are thrilled with the designs that have been approved. A unique selling point is that the building will feature a communal co- working space and a yoga studio for the residents, giving them an area perfectly designed to suit the remote ways of working that many of us have adopted.” Meanwhile, in West Bridgford, Nottinghamshire Police has completed the sale of its former police station on Rectory Road to McCarthy Stone, in a deal brokered by Box Property and LSH. The old station will be transformed into a retirement community. McCarthy Stone has already worked with Rushcliffe Borough Council to secure planning consent for a scheme on the site which will see the existing building demolished to make way for 86, one-and two- bedroom, Retirement Living apartments, with on-site support, car parking and professionally-landscaped gardens. The development will also include communal facilities such as a residents’ lounge, In with the new Sites large and small are being transformed across the East Midlands as historic properties and brownfield land are given a new lease of life. 16-19.qxp_Layout 1 04/07/2022 14:31 Page 1www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link COMMERCIAL PROPERTY mobility scooter charging and storage room, guest suite and an internal refuse store, with lift access to all floors. Furthermore, in Loughborough plans for an arts and culture hub at a derelict hall in Packe Street are charging ahead following a £1.6 million boost from Loughborough Town Deal. The project is being led by the Generator Loughborough Community Interest Company (CIC) and the town deal funding will support the renovation of the old Generator Hall, a 1930s building which was originally home to diesel generators that powered the then Loughborough College’s many town centre departments. David Pagett-Wright, chair of the Generator Loughborough CIC, said: “The Town Deal funding has given us a tremendous boost. We are so pleased to be part of it. The Generator Hall will become the multimedia arts venue that the community of Loughborough and the wider area needs. It will become a cultural hub that will Nottinghamshire Police’s former police station on Rectory Road, West Bridgford 19 Á 16-19.qxp_Layout 1 04/07/2022 14:31 Page 2Armstrong 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. 16-19.qxp_Layout 1 04/07/2022 14:31 Page 3www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link COMMERCIAL PROPERTY deliver performances, exhibitions, gigs, workshops, lectures and debates, festivals and heritage events, school visits and community engagement. We envisage a dynamic and multifunctional space serving all Loughborough communities.” In a larger scheme, plans for the regeneration of the Corah Site on Burleys Way in Leicester City Centre have been submitted to Leicester City Council. The hybrid planning application, by Cityregen Leicester and Galliford Try Investments, seeks to transform the site into a dynamic new community in the heart of the city with the potential to deliver over 1,000 new homes. The plans include the creation of supporting retail and leisure provision as well as significant public realm on the prominent brownfield site. The Corah Site’s industrial heritage will be enhanced, with the principal façade of the Old Textile Building – the oldest building on the site – set to be retained. The Corah Green will provide a new public square, and the two historic chimneys to the rear of the site will act as signposts to the new destination. A spokesperson for Cityregen Leicester and Galliford Try Investments said: “Our transformative proposals promise to unlock the Corah Site and create a new legacy for this important location in the city. The plans will bring new life to this area of Leicester, creating a dynamic new community and destination which will act as a catalyst for further growth and regeneration in the area. By delivering a significant number of homes, this site can also play a major role in easing the housing shortages facing local people, while creating fantastic new green spaces and public realm in the city. While reinvigorating the Corah Site, our proposals also recognise its important history. Our plans are inspired by this legacy and the heritage of the site has been threaded through the proposals to ensure the people of Leicester are connected to the Corah Site’s past in its new reincarnation.” Plans for the Corah Site on Burleys Way in Leicester City Centre Pictured are Dr Jill Vincent, from the Generator project, Cllr Jonathan Morgan and Dr Nik Kotecha OBE, Loughborough Town Deal co-chairs, and Andy Harper and Roger Perrett, from the Generator project 16-19.qxp_Layout 1 04/07/2022 14:31 Page 4Next >