Pub People accelerates expansion

Tess Egginton
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Pub People accelerates expansion
The Pub People Group, led by Andrew Crawford and backed by investment manager Downing LLP, has accelerated its expansion plans by making several freehold acquisitions. In September 2022, Downing became the majority shareholder in the Alfreton-based group and committed to funding further growth through acquisitions and investment into the existing business. Downing also provided the funds to refinance the group’s bank debt from NatWest in May 2023. Pub People has increased the size of its pubs’ freehold estate by c.50% to 30 pubs, including an acquisition of a portfolio of five pubs in June 2023, from one of the UK’s largest tied pub landlords, that the group had operated on a tied-leasehold basis for over ten years, and has several other freehold acquisitions in the pipeline. Downing has set aside a significant amount of capital for further acquisitions and investment, with no near to medium-term requirement to raise funding from third-party lenders. Despite a substantial number of pubs being available in the market, the group notes it is focused on acquisitions where it believes it can deploy capital investment to rejuvenate underinvested or undermanaged pubs to achieve minimum net weekly sales of £10k. Pub People MD Andy Crawford said: “The recent acquisitions and investment underlines our commitment to expanding our high-quality estate of pubs. I am very excited to progress our discussions for further acquisitions in the coming months, which will support the group’s bid to become a market leader in its chosen regions. “I value the support from Downing, which will allow me and my team to take the group into the next phase of its evolution.” Pub People chairman Mark Crowther added: “Since joining the group last year, I have been very impressed with Andy and Sarah’s experience and market knowledge. The Pub People team has performed strongly and helped increase the size of the group’s freehold estate by c.50% in under a year. “I am confident that the group will continue to expand as opportunities become available, thus creating a high-quality leading regional pub business.” Gautam Chhabra, investment director at Downing, said: “Pub People has performed strongly despite the current economic uncertainty and conditions, and its success is a testament to the focus of its management team. “The group’s management team and Downing will continue to evaluate new acquisitions and investment opportunities, and we are committed to substantially increasing the size of the group’s freehold estate and geographical footprint. “We believe we can continue to execute deals that are attractive for sellers and us and especially for the local communities these pubs serve.”

East Midlands unemployment rate drops to 3.3% but record wage rise reflects challenges for businesses

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East Midlands unemployment rate drops to 3.3% but record wage rise reflects challenges for businesses
The East Midlands’ unemployment rate has dropped for a second consecutive month to 3.3% for the period between March and May 2023, new figures by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show. It fell by one-tenth of a percentage point from the previous reporting period to April, moving in an opposite trajectory to the UK unemployment rate, which rose from 3.8% to 4%. The region’s economic inactivity rate – which measures the number of working-age people who have dropped out of the labour market for reasons such as retirement, caring duties, long-term ill health or studying – dropped by three-tenths of a percentage point to 21.2%, the lowest level in a year. East Midlands Chamber Chief Executive Scott Knowles said: “Despite some mild concerns earlier in the year that the unemployment rate was rising, it appears to have stabilised around historically very low levels, which reflects the great resilience of the East Midlands business community amid some very tough challenges. “Rising economic inactivity has been one of the greatest concerns over the past year as it led to a dwindling labour market, which has restricted capacity – and therefore the ability to grow, raise productivity and bring prices down. “While this rate remains significantly above pre-Covid levels, it’s pleasing to see this has now come down by just under 1.5% in the past nine months, giving firms more room to manoeuvre. “Our own research backs this up but also illustrates persistent challenges, with our Quarterly Economic Survey showing seven in 10 businesses that attempted to recruit between April and June experienced problems in filling roles, compared to eight in 10 at the end of 2022.” Nationally, regular pay grew by 7.3% during this period, a record annual increase despite lagging behind inflation, which stands at 8.7%. Scott added: “While recruitment problems may be easing slightly, the record rise in wages suggests firms are still facing major cost pressures as the labour market tightness has forced employers to pay more for people at a time when they are being hit by inflation and surging interest rates. “This is perhaps why future recruitment prospects are less optimistic, with a net 6% decline in East Midlands businesses adding to their headcount for the next three months. The proportion of firms intending to invest in training also declined by 3%, with business confidence fragile. “What we desperately need is a dedicated Government policy that supports companies to invest in their people, whether that be in upskilling their existing workforce or reskilling prospective employees to fill skills gaps. “In our Business Manifesto for Growth, we have set out a list of policies we believe will make the required difference, including introducing flexible incentives for businesses that invest in staff training and bringing forward the introduction of the Lifelong Loan Entitlement to support retraining and the retainment of an older workforce. “We must also tailor policies to recognise the diversity of people who are out of work and avoid a one-size-fits-all solution. We would also like to see Government work with businesses to offer support, and share best practice, on what a flexible and inclusive workplace looks like as this is another vital ingredient in enticing people back to work.”

£25m build-to-rent loan kickstarts homes creation in Leicester

Stuart Pearcey
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£25m build-to-rent loan kickstarts homes creation in Leicester
Property developer Monk Estates is to create 171 homes at a historic site in Leicester with financial backing of a £25m build-to-rent loan secured through collaboration between Housing Growth Partnership, Pluto Finance, and the MAF Finance Group. The build-to-rent loan will be instrumental in supporting the repurposing of an Edwardian factory and the construction of two interconnected new build apartment blocks. Spanning four storeys, the redeveloped former hosiery factory will be transformed into a modern and stylish residential hub, blending heritage with contemporary design. Next to the factory, the two interconnected apartment blocks have been designed to integrate with the existing structure, enhancing the development’s architectural appeal, and helping to reduce overall massing. Upon completion, the development will feature 171 residential units, as well as an associated commercial unit which will be available to serve both residents and the surrounding community.
MAF Finance Group co-managing director Dave Chapman said: “Both our property director Paul Delaney and I are extremely pleased to have been involved in arranging the funding and introducing the client to HGP and Pluto Finance, working with all parties, to structure this exciting deal. “This is the second transaction in the build-to-rent sector in which we have assisted Robert and Sam Monk of Monk Estates, and we look forward to seeing the Hylyfe Leicester scheme flourish alongside Hylyfe Nottingham which is already progressing well.” Monk Estates director Sam Monk added: “Despite a very challenging market within the finance sector, MAF has once again provided us with top tier service and advice throughout the entire process, from early feasibility through to completion. “The company has been instrumental in providing us with both initial and long-term development funding, helping us to achieve our goal of creating 1,000 apartments, developed, managed and retained.” Established in 1991 and based in Nottingham, Monk Estates is a family-owned property development and investment company. It works on projects across a range of sectors including residential, student accommodation, industrial, office, leisure and retail. Now part of Begbies Traynor Group, MAF Finance Group (previously Midlands Asset Finance) was established in 2009 and spans the complete financial market across the UK, working to support the SME and larger corporate markets to source funding across a range of products.

Nottingham City Council faces £26m budget gap

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Nottingham City Council faces £26m budget gap
A report to Nottingham City Council’s Executive Board on 18 July highlights the significant additional pressures on the authority’s budget this year as it meets increasing demand for the services it provides to support vulnerable children and adults. All councils are facing extreme pressures on their budgets due to the huge and unexpected rise in inflation, a staff pay award agreed nationally, the cost of homelessness driven by the cost-of-living crisis and years of reduced core Government funding. An early assessment of the 2023/24 budget points to a provisional £26m funding gap which the council will seek to address in the coming months. This work is heavily dependent on achieving savings through an ongoing transformation programme and the council says it is “working hard to ensure this stays on track.” The council, because it is under the scrutiny of a Government-appointed Improvement and Assurance Board (IAB), has a duty to set a four-year financial plan and clearly demonstrate financial stability. As part of its work to improve financial management, the council has brought reports forward to its Executive Board next week looking back at last year’s budget, assessing the current budget situation and looking forward to the medium-term financial plan which runs to 2027/28. This early assessment gives the council the chance to get a good financial grip, strengthen resilience and bring the budget back in line in the coming months to avoid another overspend. These reports show:
  • A £10m overspend at the end of the 2022/23 financial year, which it is proposed will be met from the council’s financial resilience reserve
  • A £26m budget gap opening up in the current budget that needs to be addressed before the end of next March
  • A gross budget gap for 2024/25 of £51m and £58.7m over the four-year period is inferred but latest estimates based on ongoing work suggest there will be a revised net budget gap of £16m to £17m.
The council has identified areas it will focus on to help it deliver a balanced budget and medium-term financial plan, including best value reviews and service redesign in certain key parts of the organisation, as well as looking at efficiencies, assets, income and debt. These form part of a new ‘One Council’ approach under its transformation programme which is delivering the improvements and efficiencies required by the IAB. Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Finance & HR, Cllr Audra Wynter, said: “Like all councils, we are operating in a very volatile economic climate, with inflation, rising energy and fuel costs and an increased demand on our services driven in part by the cost-of-living crisis, all combining to make budget setting extremely difficult. “This is on top of the continued reduction in core Government funding over recent years and increased reliance on Council Tax for income, which creates a particular problem for places like Nottingham, where the predominant property types don’t allow us to raise sufficient funds. “There are also issues that led to the appointment of an Improvement and Assurance Board which continue to have an impact on our financial resilience. As part of our drive to improve financial management, we have prudently taken an early look at our budget situation so we can identify any problems and take action to address them. “The identification of a £26m in-year budget gap is significant and serious, and some difficult decisions about transforming the way we deliver services and doing some things differently will be needed, along with strong financial discipline. “We are determined to do so, set a balanced and realistic budget over the medium term, and keep the council on a sustainable financial footing.”

Travis Perkins names new CFO

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Travis Perkins names new CFO
Travis Perkins has named its next Chief Financial Officer, with Alan Williams set to retire as CFO and step down from the Board in 2024, after seven years in the role. Duncan Cooper, currently group finance director at Crest Nicholson and an executive director of Crest Nicholson Holdings plc, has been chosen to succeed Alan. Prior to his role at Crest Nicholson, Duncan, a Chartered Accountant, spent eight years in roles at Sainsbury’s including head of investor relations, finance director – food and director of group finance. Nick Roberts, CEO of Travis Perkins plc, said: “I’m hugely appreciative of the expertise Alan has brought to the group and the support he has given me and the wider leadership team. “He has been instrumental in leading us through a period of significant change including the successful sale of the Plumbing and Heating businesses and the demerger of Wickes as part of our strategy of focusing on the trade, as well as shaping our culture and our strategy to become the leading partner to the construction industry. “We all wish Alan well in his forthcoming retirement in 2024. “I’m thrilled that the Board has decided to appoint Duncan to succeed Alan as CFO. He brings an ambitious drive with a strong track record of performance focus and rich cross-sector experience having held senior leadership roles at Crest Nicholson and Sainsbury’s. I’m looking forward to him joining the Board and the leadership team.” Jasmine Whitbread, chair of Travis Perkins, said: “I’d like to thank Alan for his significant contribution to the group over the last seven years, and wish him well in his retirement. Alan has been instrumental in driving the group’s strong relationship with our shareholders and supporting the significant shift in strategic focus for the group. “I’m delighted that following a thorough and considered process we have been able to attract a candidate of Duncan’s calibre as our next CFO. “His blend of experience with Sainsbury’s and in the construction industry with Crest Nicholson will enable him to apply his industry knowledge, broad business and strategic acumen and strong leadership to the ambitious agenda we have for the group. The Board and I are very much looking forward to working with him.” Duncan Cooper said: “I’m excited to be joining Travis Perkins plc in 2024, a market leading business with an exciting and ambitious strategy to be the leading partner to the construction industry. “The industry is going through a period of significant change, underpinned by requirements for more sustainable, energy efficient buildings and I am looking forward to working with Nick, Jasmine and the Board to help shape the next phase of the company’s evolution.”

Half year revenue and profit drop at Forterra

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Half year revenue and profit drop at Forterra
Forterra, the manufacturer of clay and concrete building products, has hailed a “resilient” first half despite a drop in profit and revenue. In a trading update for the six-month period ending 30 June 2023, the business said the results were “broadly in line with expectations,” and “delivered against a backdrop of challenging trading conditions.” Revenues for the period are anticipated to be approximately £183m, a decrease of 18% relative to the prior year (2022: £222.8m), while the firm is expecting to report an adjusted profit before tax of approximately £18m, down from £37.3m last year. Forterra said progressive signs of market improvement were seen through May and June, but this improvement has been less pronounced than previously anticipated. In response to the challenging market conditions, and with its brick production capacity increasing with the opening of the new Desford factory, Forterra has mothballed its Howley Park brick factory and implemented other production reductions which will reduce fixed costs by around £10m on an annualised basis. In addition, the company is consulting with affected individuals on a restructuring of commercial and support functions, aligning them to anticipated demand, which Forterra expects to save approximately £3m annually.

Nottingham construction firm falls into administration

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Nottingham construction firm falls into administration
Hundreds of jobs have been put at risk with the entry of Nottingham construction firm J Tomlinson Ltd into administration. Founded in the 1950s, the business, which employs more than 400 people, has gone under after failing to attract additional finance. The company is said to have been affected, primarily in its Care division, by long-term contracts with hyper inflation and schemes priced pre-covid, which ultimately impaired the group’s cash-flow. Accounts for the year ended 30 September 2021 show a turnover increased to £106m, with a reduced £616,000 operating loss. FRP Advisory has been appointed administrator. In a statement, Mark Davis, CEO, said: “It is with a heavy heart that I have to announce that J Tomlinson Ltd will be filing a notice of intention to the court today to enter into administration, the proposed administrator will be FRP Advisory, which we anticipate will take place later today (10 July). “JTL have a number of divisions across Facilities Management, Regeneration, Refurbishment, Engineering Services, and Care. It is the latter division which has been battling long-term contracts with hyper inflation, schemes priced pre-covid which ultimately has impaired the groups cash-flow. “We as a board have worked tirelessly to attract additional overall finance into the group to invest for the future. Sadly today, we have to announce we have been unsuccessful in this regard. Since COVID-19 impacted the world and the local business community, we have worked tremendously hard to build the JTL brand across our chosen sectors with great success, which is testament to all our people. “We have many very long service colleagues who have spent a good portion of their lives supporting our business, along with their family and friends, we hoped we would end their journey with a bright future for the next generation, sadly we have run out of time. “I would like to express my gratitude to the JTL family for their proactive attitude to our customers, to each other, and the supply chain who have supported us over a long period of trading and especially post-COVID and the impact this outcome will have on them, their business, and their employees. “We have employees with 30 years time invested and customers lasting 15-20 years, which is incredible and tragic. We have done our upmost to communicate timely and provide the support to our teams, which is very difficult when decisions of this magnitude are taken and implemented in the tightest of timelines. “We will do our utmost to provide support and guidance throughout the forthcoming difficult period.”

How to improve your marketing videos

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How to improve your marketing videos
Marketing videos are a powerful tool to engage your audience and promote your brand. However, not all videos are created equal. Some may fall flat and fail to generate the desired impact. Fortunately, there are a few key strategies that can help you improve your marketing videos and make them more effective. Here are some tips to get you started. Define Your Audience The first step to creating an effective marketing video is to define your audience. Who are you trying to reach? What are their interests and needs? Once you know your audience, you can tailor your message and tone to resonate with them. This will help you create a video that is more engaging and relevant to your target audience. Keep it Short and Sweet In today’s fast-paced world, littered with carousel style content found on the likes of TikTok and YouTube Shorts, attention spans are short. To keep your audience engaged, keep your video short and to the point. Depending on placement, your video should ideally be no longer than a minute or thereabouts if it is to be placed on any form of social media, or 2-3 minutes if it’s going to be embedded on your website. Longer videos may be suitable depending on the content, for example it may be possible to create a 10 minute explainer video on YouTube if the content is engaging and interesting enough – but usually, if you have a lot of information to share, you should consider breaking it up into a series of shorter videos. Tell a Story Humans are wired to respond to stories. Use this to your advantage by telling a compelling story in your video. Whether it’s a customer success story or a behind-the-scenes look at your business, a good story can capture your audience’s attention and keep them engaged. Use High-Quality Visuals Visuals are a crucial part of any marketing video. Make sure your visuals are high-quality and relevant to your message. The simple truth is that if you want your videos, and thus your brand, to appear respectable and high quality on video, then you need to hire a video production company that specialises in business marketing videos, such as Glowfrog (www.glowfrogvideo.com). This actually costs far less in the long run than trying to make marketing videos by yourself. If you’re not sure, consider these six big reasons to hire a video production company. Focus on Benefits, Not Features When promoting a product or service, it’s easy to get caught up in the features. However, to really engage your audience, focus on the benefits. How will your product or service make their life better? How will it solve their problems? Highlighting the benefits will make your video more compelling and resonate with your audience. Include a Clear Call-to-Action Your marketing video should have a clear call-to-action (CTA) that tells your audience what you want them to do next. Whether it’s to visit your website, sign up for a free trial, or contact you for more information, make sure your CTA is clear and easy to follow. Test and Iterate Finally, don’t be afraid to test and iterate. Once you’ve created your marketing video, test it with a small group of people to get feedback. Use this feedback to make improvements and refine your message. Then, test it again until you get the results you’re looking for. In conclusion, creating effective marketing videos takes time and effort. By following these tips, you can improve the quality of your videos and create content that resonates with your audience. Remember to focus on your audience, tell a compelling story, and highlight the benefits of your product or service. With practice and persistence, you can create marketing videos that drive results for your business.

Ex-SAS: Who Dares Wins star adds to company’s ‘mountainous’ charity milestone

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Ex-SAS: Who Dares Wins star adds to company’s ‘mountainous’ charity milestone

A company that helps people fulfil personal goals while raising money for charity is on course to rake in an incredible £30m to help cancer patients.

Derby-based Ultra Events organises and trains people for free in exhilarating challenges, such as white-collar boxing, ballroom dancing, mixed martial arts, mountain climbs and endurance competitions – changing the lives of both participants and people diagnosed with cancer.

The firm is now set to hit the fantastic £30m milestone, which has been collected for Cancer Research UK since 2014.

Ultra Events founder Jon Leonard said: “We’re really proud to have been able to raise such a phenomenal amount for such an important cause, while at the same time helping people to reach their own goals or make their dreams come true.

“A big thank you to everyone who has helped make this possible over the years.”

The most recent exhilarating fundraiser was a climb up Mount Kilimanjaro – with Jon taking part in the fearsome feat alongside a team including ex-SAS: Who Dares Wins contestant Alan Knight.

Alan, a 39-year-old from Bristol, applied for Series 6 of the Channel 4 quasi-military training show, just four weeks after major eye surgery, having lost an eye to cancer.

Medics discovered the cancer just weeks before lockdown, in February 2020, and he went on the show “to start enjoying life again.”

The disease could have spread to his liver and killed him, so he is now keen to live life to the full.

Two years on, the dad-of-four and self-confessed adrenaline junkie is in remission and has been completing various challenges.

Alan, who runs a gym called Knight Nutrition and Fitness with his son Lewis, 19, has previously walked 42 miles in 12 hours while carrying all his own kit to raise money for a friend suffering a brain tumour and also climbed the 2,907ft Pen Y Fan in Wales continuously for 24 hours, hitting the summit nine times.

It was while trekking up Pen Y Fan where he met a group of Cancer Research UK supporters, who suggested he should do something for the charity.

They linked him up with Jon and a team of 40 climbers was put together for the Kilimanjaro trip.

They flew to Ethiopia last month before moving on to Tanzania, where they tackled the 19,341ft mountain during the 10-day trip from which they have just returned.

Alan, who is married to Megan and boxes and does cardio workouts every day, said: “I raised £11,000 in sponsorship before I even set off for this challenge, and also held a charity night to raise money for the climb.

“Because I nearly died from cancer, I just don’t want to waste my life.”

Before departing for the trip, the thrill-seeker promised: “I’ll be back to work in the gym at 6am the next day after arriving home!”

Jon – who is match-funding any sponsorship for his climb – said: “Alan is just one of the inspirational people we meet regularly through our events. I’m honoured to have had him on board. It was tough, but we were up for the challenge, knowing we are supporting cancer patients.”

Simon Ledsham, fundraising director at Cancer Research UK, said: “Since 2014, Ultra Events and their participants have raised an incredible £29.4m for Cancer Research UK and are fast approaching their £30m fundraising milestone.

“This represents a major contribution to the charity’s efforts to beat cancer sooner through the discovery of new ways to treat, diagnose and prevent a disease that will affect one-in-two people at some stage in their lives.

“We are immensely grateful to Jon Leonard, Alan Knight and all of the Ultra participants for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and would like to thank everyone who has supported them through sponsorship. The group have now raised over £240,000.”

To sponsor Jon, visit www.justgiving.com/jon-leonard17. To sponsor Alan, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Alan-Knight13.

Secure your place at the unmissable East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023

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Secure your place at the unmissable East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023
Taking place on Thursday 28 September, at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023 will celebrate the region’s property and construction industry while presenting the ideal opportunity to connect with local decision makers over canapés and complimentary drinks. The stand-out event in the business calendar, taking place in the Derek Randall Suite at Trent Bridge from 4:30pm – 7:30pm, will additionally feature Mike Denby, Director of Inward Investment and Place Marketing at Leicester City Council, as keynote speaker. Click HERE to secure your tickets for the unmissable occasion. After attending and winning Deal of the Year at last year’s event, Richard Foxon, Managing Director at Newton LDP, said: “My colleague Sam Jones and I thoroughly enjoyed the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022, the event was well attended, with some prestigious awards up for grabs. The evening offered a great opportunity to network with like-minded property folk, whilst enjoying the backdrop of Trent Bridge Cricket Ground. Many thanks to all the organisers and sponsors.” With nominations OPEN for East Midlands Business Link’s annual Bricks Awards, submit your entries NOW ahead of next month’s deadline (Thursday 31 August) – showcase your business, team and projects. To enter your (or another) business/development for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023, please click on a category link below or visit this page:
The Overall Winner of the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023 will also be awarded a year of marketing/publicity worth £20,000.
Find out who last year’s winners were here.
Thanks to our sponsors:                                                             To be held at:

Nottingham Business School to support digital transformation at BarberBoss

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Nottingham Business School to support digital transformation at BarberBoss

A new project between Nottingham Business School (NBS) and grooming brand, BarberBoss, is set to improve supply chain efficiency and reliability by using artificial intelligence (AI).

BarberBoss has experienced rapid growth in recent years and deals with complex supply chain operations, selling its products through multiple channels including Amazon and Boots.

The company has now commissioned the Centre for Business and Industry Transformation (CBIT) at NBS to assist in digitally transforming its stock inventory management.

The Centre’s team of experts will analyse open-source software, such as AI-based tools like ChatGPT and CoPilot, which can help to manage, oversee, and optimise the supply chain management process — from sourcing raw materials to delivering the final product to the customer.

The project will also create dashboards and visualisations which will give BarberBoss a comprehensive and real-time understanding of various aspects of the business, including sales trends, inventory levels, delivery status, and supplier performance.

By integrating AI tools into business practices, BarberBoss will benefit from informed decision-making in sales, marketing, and product development, as well as enhanced operational efficiency thanks to a centralised system. The technology will also ensure continued high-quality customer service by supporting BarberBoss to meet consumer expectations in terms of product availability and delivery times.

Rui Shi, the co-founder and CEO of BarberBoss, describes how this project will help the company: “We are looking to enhance the resilience of the BarberBoss supply chain, enabling the company to overcome challenges and adapt to the ever-changing business landscape. This will ensure effective responses to dynamic market conditions and meet the growing demands of customers, launching new products and expanding market share globally.”

Georgi Iliev, Venture and Product Manager at CBIT, explains how the outcomes of the project will also benefit the wider industry: “Not only will this project support BaberBoss’ ambitious growth plans, but it will also provide a blueprint for other small and medium-sized enterprises in the UK and worldwide to improve their supply chain management and increase their competitiveness in the global marketplace.

“SMEs could quickly and affordably develop custom IT systems that improve their operations, supply chain visibility, and responsiveness to changing demand. The project could also help to bridge the gap between industry and academia, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing that could benefit both sectors.”

CBIT has been chosen to deliver this Knowledge Transfer Partnership due to its expertise in the areas of industry transformation research, disruptive business practices, and business education.

The team will support BarberBoss with identifying the key performance indicators crucial for its growth, as well as giving advice on business model and process innovation, and new product development. CBIT will also provide BarberBoss with training and guidance on how to implement the advanced analytics methods.

SV2 appoints new CEO

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SV2 appoints new CEO
A well-known figure in Derbyshire’s voluntary sector has been officially appointed CEO of the county’s leading charity that supports victims of sexual abuse. Rachel Morris is now head of SV2 which has bases in Ripley, Derby and Buxton and provides a wide range of services to support victims and survivors of sexual abuse regardless of their age, gender, when the offence took place or whether they have reported the crime to police or not. The charity also supports the wider families and works to prevent and raise awareness of rape and sexual abuse and their effects through training and education programmes across the county. Mrs Morris has previously held senior positions in a wide range of organisations including Derby Diocese, Derby Cathedral, YMCA, Relate and DHA, The Derby Law Centre. As well as her role at SV2, she continues her voluntary positions at the Derby County Community Trust as a Trustee and the Friends of Derby 500 Club which she founded two years ago to support local families in crisis. She explained: “Having spent the majority of my working life dedicated to supporting people facing challenge and building resilience in local communities, I am delighted to have joined such a worthwhile organisation providing much needed support, training and awareness across the county. “Sexual abuse should not exist and no one should deal with it alone. SV2 is here to support and empower the victims, inform the public and protect future generations. “We all face challenging times in terms of increased demand for services coupled with funding pressures but I am very impressed with the passion and commitment of the SV2 team and trustees alike and I am honoured to be part of the next chapter in this long-established and high regarded charity.”

Government pumps in more than £5m to help people into work

Stuart Pearcey
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Government pumps in more than £5m to help people into work
More than 2,600 residents with disabilities and long-term health problems across Nottingham, Nottinghamshire and Derby are to receive employment support tanks to £5.3m of government funding. Nottingham City Council, in partnership with Nottinghamshire County Council and Derby City Council, has led a successful bid for £5.3m of Government funding to help people who are either out of work or find it hard to retain a job due to disability or physical and mental health issues. This new Department for Work & Pensions-funded Individual Placement Support in Primary Care scheme, named Working Well – East Midlands, will be for people already known to health services and will work closely with existing providers. There are more than 57,000 people not working due to long-term sickness across the three council areas – 14,400 in Nottingham, 10,300 in Derby and 33,200 in Nottinghamshire. This project will help improve their life chances and wellbeing. Developed in collaboration with health partners and due to start in September, the IPSPC programme aims to bridge the gap between healthcare services and employment support, empowering people to overcome barriers and lead fulfilling working lives. It will provide comprehensive support to individuals throughout their employment journey, offering:
  • Job placement assistance
  • Personalised coaching
  • Ongoing mentoring to help participants develop the necessary skills and confidence for sustainable employment
  • Close collaboration with employers to create inclusive workplaces that enable individuals to thrive
The launch of the IPSPC programme represents a significant step forward in enhancing employment opportunities and breaking down barriers for individuals with health conditions and disabilities in Nottingham, Nottinghamshire and Derby. Councillor Steve Battlemuch, Portfolio Holder for Skills, Growth, Economic Development and Property at Nottingham City Council, said: “Opening up the world of work to people remains a key priority for us, but we understand that significant barriers can sometimes stand in the way of disabled people or those with long-term medical issues. “As lead partners on the project, I’m delighted that we’ve been able to secure this significant grant to find new ways to remove these barriers, build confidence and provide both employment opportunities and further career development. “This programme will stretch across the wider county and into Derby City, and will see us working closely with employers and job-seekers to help them thrive and grow. I look forward to seeing its progress over the coming months.”

World’s first project sees National Grid transform Peak District park

Stuart Pearcey
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World’s first project sees National Grid transform Peak District park
In one of the world’s first projects of its kind, National Grid has transformed part of the Trans Pennine Trail in the Peak District National Park by replacing seven pylons and 1.5km of overhead wires with underground cables. The Peak District project is one of the first schemes in the world to remove existing high-voltage electricity transmission infrastructure, which has been in place since the 1960s, solely to enhance the landscape. The company has also enhanced the environment in the area by planting 9,000 trees and making the whole area more accessible by enhancing car parking provision.
Senior stakeholders from the Peak District National Park Authority and Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council were on hand to cut the ribbon, formally re-opening the public car park and picnic area in Dunford Bridge after refurb work. The car park and picnic area upgrade is part of the final phase of National Grid’s Going Underground project to transform this part of the Dark Peak landscape, following the successful removal of seven pylons and 1.5km of overhead electricity line in 2022. As part of how it is regulated by Ofgem, National Grid Electricity Transmission has been given dedicated funding to pursue Visual Impact Provision projects to reduce the visual impact of its infrastructure in AONBs and national parks. The complex construction and engineering programme has involved placing new cables below the ground, with world-leading teams joining forces with local contractors at each stage of the project from cable jointing to pylon removal. National Grid’s team has also been commended for achieving a planned 18 per cent biodiversity net gain for the project, smashing its initial target of 10 per cent. The additional eight per cent was achieved through careful management of the environment around the project’s highly sensitive and constrained construction site. Additional habitat for wildlife was created and the extent of permitted tree removal was greatly reduced. Leanne Evans, Senior Project Manager for National Grid said: “Securing a long-term 18 per cent biodiversity net gain for the project and enhancing the willow tit habitat has only been achieved with every single member of the project team being fully committed and willing to change the way we normally work. “We’re extremely proud to have set a high environmental benchmark on this scheme and to have demonstrated what can be accomplished by collectively doing the right thing. It proves that sensitive environmental management is possible on major projects, even in the most challenging of locations.”

Red Arrows fly-past marks opening of newly built dye bay facility

Tess Egginton
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Red Arrows fly-past marks opening of newly built dye bay facility
The Red Arrows staged a fly-past over RAF Waddington to celebrate the opening of a new £3.6m facility to help prepare the aircraft for the team’s exciting displays. Eight of the iconic Hawk T1A jets flew over their home station to mark the opening of the new Dye Bay facility, built on behalf of the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) by VIVO Defence Services and Henry Brothers Construction. The facility, which is next to RAF Waddington’s runway, formed part of a pre-planned aerobatic training flight at their home base on Thursday. The 260m2 facility is the first of its type built to enable an aerial display team to carry out the critical maintenance required on the aircraft’s dye pods. It features a purpose-built plant to create the famous red, white and blue plumes, cleaning and washdown areas, a maintenance workspace, storage for spare parts and office space. The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, formed in 1964, recently completed its move from RAF Scampton, in Lincolnshire, to nearby RAF Waddington. Wing Commander Adam Collins, Officer Commanding, Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, said: “Colourful smoke trails are a vibrant feature of displays and flypasts by the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team. The trails have an important flight safety role too. They allow the pilots to judge wind speed and direction and to locate other aircraft when different sections of the team’s formation are several miles apart. “Responsible for replenishing the Red Arrows’ smoke pods are two dedicated dye teams. Working to tight timescales, these engineers ensure the red, white and blue trails look the part when Red 1 calls ‘Smoke on, go!’. “The official opening of the new dye bay marks a step change in the quality of infrastructure and working environment for dye team personnel. The new bespoke facility allows the critical processes of smoke-pod maintenance and servicing to take place in better surroundings, increasing efficiency and safety. “The project is a real team achievement between VIVO, Anderson Green, Henry Brothers, DIO and RAF Waddington Works Services and ensures that the Red Arrows’ signature red, white and blue trails will delight and inspire global audiences for years to come.” Adell Vass, DIO Regional Delivery Central Region Head, added: “The Red Arrows are such a beloved element of our national identity that to provide support to their 2023 Display Season, on their relocation to RAF Waddington is to be celebrated. “This team came together, to successfully deliver both a temporary and permanent complex Dye Bay solution, at short notice and to tight timescales. The collaboration and engagement by all parties was key to this success and I am very proud of their achievements.” VIVO Defence Services acted as the Principal Designer and Contractor on the £3.6m project and Henry Brothers were contracted to carry out the construction. Other members of the team included lead designers Anderson Green, whose team included CBP Architects, civil and structural engineer Hexa and Fuels consultants BPS Ltd. Jerry Moloney, VIVO Managing Director, said: “Everybody loves the Red Arrows and to be able to watch them carry out a fly-past over something your organisation has been involved in is just incredible. “We at VIVO led the construction of this building with a number of partners and the Red Arrows are so pleased with what has been produced they wanted to mark the occasion in this way, that is amazing and well done to everyone involved.” Ian Taylor, Henry Brothers Construction Managing Director, added: “The Red Arrows are famous around the world, and we were very excited to have been appointed to build a maintenance facility at the new home of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team. The dye pod facility is absolutely crucial in helping the display team to create the famous plumes that we see in the air when the Red Arrows perform their amazing aerobatics. “Henry Brothers has strong links with RAF Waddington, having worked on several different schemes at the base, and we are proud to have supported the Red Arrows in the team’s next chapter, helping them to continue to provide the breath-taking air displays that they are renowned for.” As the new home of the Red Arrows, RAF Waddington will receive further investment under the Defence Estate Optimisation (DEO) AIR Programme. The project will deliver refurbishment and modernisation of over 8000 m2 of existing infrastructure including space for aircraft parking and runway access as well as maintenance capabilities, a refurbished aircraft hangar and office space. Plans also include new, modern Single Living Accommodation (SLA) to replace the existing life-expired accommodation as part of a wider scheme to deliver replacement SLA across a number of projects. The uplift in facilities will see about 150 additional personnel operating from the site once complete.

Landa Associates and OMEETO join forces to let more than 11,000 sq ft at Ilkeston industrial park

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Landa Associates and OMEETO join forces to let more than 11,000 sq ft at Ilkeston industrial park

Commercial property specialists Landa Associates and OMEETO have completed a rapid hat-trick of lettings totalling over 11,000 sq ft at Solomon Park industrial estate.Having won the brief to market four prime units on behalf of Heritage Properties, Sunny Landa and joint agent Chris Wright acted swiftly to bring a trio of businesses to the Ilkeston site.Exhibition specialists Graft Events Ltd have taken 5,795 sq ft of commercial space at the estate, complete with two ground floor and three first floor offices. Meanwhile, e-commerce prep centre Craner & Kirkman Ltd and aerospace engineering company Total Engineering Asset Management Ltd have both agreed to lease 2,777 sq ft units featuring mezzanine floors set above office accommodation.

Landa Associates and OMEETO let the three units just a few weeks after receiving the instruction, achieving a rent of £8.00 per sq ft for their landlord client – a rate rarely achieved for units of similar age and construction.  

Sunny Landa, director of Landa Associates, said: “It was a pleasure to complete these deals on behalf of our longstanding client Heritage Properties. I am extremely pleased with how quickly Chris and I were able to complete each transaction and I’m especially delighted with the quality of the terms we secured for the client. The rent we achieved is superb for this type and vintage of property.

“Graft Events, Craner & Kirkman and Total Engineering are all fantastic local businesses and I wish them every success in their new homes.”

Chris Wright said: “We had healthy levels of competitive interest. Working jointly with Sunny we were able to see these lettings concluded and keys handed over within three months of coming to market.”

Clive Stevenson of Heritage Properties added: “Once again I’m delighted with the results achieved by Sunny and Chris in leasing our industrial units at Solomon Park. From initial instruction through to lease completion it’s always a pleasure doing business with these two consummate professionals.” 

Funding sets logistics provider up for expansion

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Funding sets logistics provider up for expansion
Logistics provider Ascott Transport Limited (ATL) is expanding its operations thanks to an eight-figure funding package from HSBC UK. The Derby-based distribution business will use the funding to build a state-of-the-art 130,000 sq ft warehouse at its Foston Park site, bringing its total space to 420,000 sq ft. The new warehouse will be equipped with the latest technology and built with a sustainability-first strategy, ensuring the property’s environmental impact is kept to a minimum. To achieve this, the building will feature PV roof tiles that will improve its durability while integrating solar technology. The warehouse will also have thick walls to maintain temperatures, allowing it to achieve a Level A energy efficiency rating and an AO BREEAM accreditation. ATL has an impressive roster of blue-chip companies and will use the funding to increase its storage capacity with room for 22,000 new pallet spaces. The company is a major employer in the region, with the expansion expected to create up to 60 new jobs in the local area. Pete Ascott, director at Ascott Transport Limited, said: “The funding from HSBC UK has provided us with a great opportunity to invest in our current site and has driven our appetite to be more ambitious with our growth aspirations. Our relationship team has been fantastic, and the entire lending process has been extremely engaging. “The funding has allowed us to double our working capital, which has enabled us to service an increase in contract opportunities at Foston and also acquire additional warehousing space in Alfreton in recent months.” Simon Woods, relationship director at HSBC UK, added: “We are proud to support ATL in its expansion plans. The business has a strong track record of providing excellent service to its clients, and this funding will enable it to further enhance its operations. We are also pleased to see ATL’s commitment to sustainability, and we look forward to seeing the new warehouse take shape.” Ascott Transport Limited started as a family-run logistics service provider and is now a £32 million logistics business with 320 employees. The business offers bespoke warehouse solutions and operates a fully tracked fleet of around 80 vehicles and 180 trailers, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Optimism and hiring intentions rise as inflation shows early signs of falling

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Optimism and hiring intentions rise as inflation shows early signs of falling
UK businesses have shown stronger optimism and hiring intentions as inflation shows early signs of falling, according to the latest Business Trends report from accountancy and business advisory firm, BDO. BDO’s Optimism Index reached a 10-month high in June, recording a 0.65-point increase to 100.40 and crossing the 100-point threshold which indicates above-average positivity. Increases were driven by net-positivity across the services sector, which remains high at 100.67, and a return to improvement across manufacturing optimism which picked up by 1.00 point. Despite this, manufacturing optimism still sits in contractionary territory, below the crucial 95-point mark at 92.56, as businesses tackle ongoing supply side headwinds. Stronger hiring intentions in June reflect the generally more positive outlook from businesses. Buoyant employment levels drove a fifth-consecutive improvement in BDO’s Employment Index, as a 0.60-point increase saw the index rise to 111.96. Increases in the number of self-employed and part-time workers in June contributed to the resilience of the UK labour market. Confidence from businesses has been buoyed by the expected easing of inflationary pressures in the coming months. June saw BDO’s Inflation Index record its weakest overall reading since August 2021, when the country was emerging from a third national lockdown, falling by 2.06-points to 103.68. Price pressures are predicted to subside for businesses in the coming months. However, higher interest rates will place further strain on households leading to more cautious consumer spending, despite inflation slowly easing. Despite net growth across the Optimism and Employment Indices, supply chain pressures have dampened business productivity. BDO’s Output Index fell to 95.95, its weakest reading since March, indicating a slowdown in growth. Both the Services and Manufacturing Output Subindices declined in June and whilst services remain in positive territory at 97.78, manufacturing witnessed a larger fall of 3.19 points to a deeply negative reading of 81.52. This marks manufacturing’s worst output reading since May 2020 when manufacturing output was curtailed by the first national lockdown. Kyla Bellingall, regional managing partner at BDO in the Midlands, said: “It’s encouraging to see business confidence and hiring intentions reflect the resilience we’re seeing and hearing from firms, in the face of ongoing supply side challenges. “Whilst there’s hope that the new Ofgem price cap will drive down household energy prices and in turn ease inflation, the recent rise in interest rates and stagnating price growth indicate that this may still be a long way off. “Firms will need a helping hand from Government with targeted policies or we risk business growth stagnating and plans for expansion falling through.”

Hornby acquires 25% share in Nottingham wargames producer

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Hornby acquires 25% share in Nottingham wargames producer

Hornby, the international models and collectibles group, has acquired a 25% share in Nottingham-based Warlord Games Limited for cash consideration of £1.25 million.

Hornby has the option to acquire a majority stake in Warlord on or around the second anniversary of this initial acquisition and then to acquire any remaining shares in Warlord on future anniversaries.

Warlord was founded in 2007 by two former Games Workshop employees and is now one of the world’s leading producers of principally historical tabletop wargames, miniatures and accessories. Warlord hold the licences to produce games and miniatures for the much-loved TV series, Dad’s Army and the galaxy’s greatest comic, 2000 AD.

Warlord manufactures primarily in the UK and sells to over 600 distributors and stores around the world via their sales teams in the UK, Europe and the Americas. Warlord also operates a direct-to-consumer operation via their website.

Warlord will continue to be managed by its existing directors and the company believes that this transaction creates a number of opportunities to accelerate growth of the business further still.

Olly Raeburn, CEO of Hornby, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be able to join forces with Warlord Games, whose business we have always admired. We very much look forward to working with the team there to maximise the potential of the business and use their significant experience and expertise for the benefit of the wider group.”

John Stallard, CEO and founder of Warlord, said: “We are very much looking forward to working closely with Hornby as we have been big fans for many years. We see this as a huge opportunity to continue to build Warlord long into the future, as well as to contribute in any way we can to the future success of Hornby and its stable of iconic brands as there are innumerable opportunities and synergies in sales, marketing and production.”

Derby healthcare services business sees revenue and profit rise

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Derby healthcare services business sees revenue and profit rise
Revenue and profit have risen at Totally plc, a Derby-based provider of healthcare services. According to preliminary results for the 12-month period ended 31 March 2023, revenue was up 6.5% to £135.7 million, in comparison to £127.4 million in the year prior. Meanwhile a “substantial increase” in profit before tax was reported, growing from £1.3 million to £1.8 million.

Bob Holt OBE, chairman, said: “I am pleased to report a further year of continued growth as we rebalanced our portfolio towards higher margin business, and made significant organisational progress across the group.”

Wendy Lawrence, Chief Executive Officer, said: “In line with our buy and build strategy, we remain acquisitive where opportunities enhance our ability to deliver increased shareholder returns and broaden services for commissioners.

“In the year ahead, we will remain focused on making further progress with our growth strategy whilst ensuring we maintain the delivery of high-quality services and manage our costs. We expect the coming year to be challenging as the NHS continues to operate in crisis and faces ever-increasing demand across all services.

“The Board remains very confident in that the number of opportunities for the company continue to grow and we are ready and prepared to further support the NHS as it continues to focus on the recovery and embedding of sustainable services able to cope with continuing higher levels of demand and the reduction of waiting times and waiting lists.”

The business anticipates revenue in the year ahead to be lower than in the period to 31 March 2023.
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