Retail Assist appoints new Chief Finance Officer
Nottingham-based IT service and software provider, Retail Assist, has appointed Andrew McManus as their new Chief Finance Officer.
Andrew joins Retail Assist from Simworx Limited, a media based attractions group based in the West Midlands where he worked as group CFO. Prior to Simworx, Andrew served as group finance director for various businesses across the Midlands.
Kevin Greathead, Managing Director, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Andrew to the team. He brings a wealth of relevant experience from across a range of industries, he is an accomplished expert and his mindset is perfectly suited to how we work. I look forward to working with him as we execute our strategy and continue to deliver award-winning services and solutions to our customers.
“I’d also like to thank Matthew Proudlove for his time at Retail Assist. Over the last seven years, Matthew has been key to delivering the success of Retail Assist, from successfully leading a private equity backed buy-out to driving our response to the pandemic. I wish him the best of luck in his new role, I know he’ll be greatly missed across the business.”
Matthew Proudlove, COO, will be leaving Retail Assist to join C3 Construction as finance director: “I’ve had the pleasure of working with and meeting some brilliant people over the years, none of what we have achieved as a business would have been possible without the support of so many talented, dedicated and hard-working people within Retail Assist, I’d like to thank everyone for their support over the years and wish every colleague, partner and customer every success for the future.”
Heavy machinery moving company appoints new contracts manager
Nottinghamshire-based heavy machinery moving company, Joseph Merritt Group, have recently appointed Steve Burlinson as their new contracts manager.
The appointment of Steve is a result of a recent influx in manufacturing activity, with enquiries coming from businesses across the UK requiring a heavy machinery moving service. Recent clients include the likes of ENGEL, DMG Mori, Heidelberg, Pirelli, and Trumpf.
As a qualified CPCS appointed person, in his new role Steve will be responsible for managing both ongoing and upcoming contracts with clients. He will also act as a vital link between the sales and operations departments, providing expert advice where required.
Steve said: “Living locally in Mansfield, I saw this as a great opportunity to join a family run business that operates within a niche market but ultimately delivers a quality service. I see this as a new personal challenge along with being a new chapter in my career.”
James Merritt, co-owner of Joseph Merritt Group, said: “We are fast approaching our 100 year anniversary and as a result we wanted to make sure that we had the appropriate personnel in place to help us push forward in 2022. Steve is well respected in the industry and will work well with our experienced team to ensure we continue to provide an outstanding heavy machinery moving service to our clients.”
Terms agreed for £1.2bn acquisition of pharmaceutical company
The board of directors of Clinigen and the board of directors of Triley Bidco Limited (Bidco) have agreed the terms of a recommended all-cash acquisition of Clinigen by Bidco, a newly-incorporated company indirectly owned by the Triton Funds.
Under the terms of the acquisition, Clinigen shareholders will be entitled to receive 883 pence per share.
The acquisition values the entire issued and to be issued ordinary share capital of Clinigen at approximately £1.2 billion on a fully diluted basis.
Triton is a European private equity investment firm with a track record and expertise in investing in healthcare, including in pharmaceutical and pharmaceutical services companies.
Triton believes that “Clinigen can better reach its full potential in a private market setting with a greater focus on longer term value creation, enabled by the acceleration of investment in growth. Triton believes that as a private company Clinigen will be able to extend its geographical reach, compete more effectively for inorganic growth opportunities, and strengthen its differentiated technology base to the benefit of the company’s key stakeholders.”
Elmar Schnee, chairman of Clinigen, said: “Since IPO, Clinigen has grown significantly to become the trusted global leader in access to medicine. We make sure a healthcare professional with a patient in need, anywhere in the world, can always get the right medicine for their individual patient quickly, easily and safely whether licensed or unlicensed.
“Clinigen has delivered meaningful value creation to its shareholders with significant growth in revenue, earnings and cash flow since IPO. The Clinigen board believes this offer represents an exceptional opportunity for Clinigen shareholders to realise value for their investment in cash at a very attractive valuation. We are therefore unanimously recommending it to our shareholders.”
Jan Pomoell, co-head of Triton’s Healthcare sector, said: “We are pleased that the board of Clinigen has unanimously agreed to recommend the acquisition of Clinigen by Bidco.
“Clinigen has long established itself as a leading provider of services to pharma and biotech companies, and pharmaceuticals to healthcare professionals and patients, supported by a highly skilled workforce. We believe that under Triton’s ownership, Clinigen will be able to accelerate growth and better serve its clients, healthcare professionals and patients.”
2022 Business Predictions: Mandy Watson, MD at Ambitions Personnel
It’s that time of year, when Business Link Magazine invites the region’s business leaders to offer up their predictions for the year ahead.
It has become something of a tradition, given that we’ve been doing this now for over 30 years.
Here we speak to Mandy Watson, MD at Ambitions Personnel, a recruitment expert based in the East Midlands.
2021 has been somewhat of a hangover from the events of 2020. 2022 will be slightly different, but we envisage staff and skills shortages will continue as the unpredictability carries on.
The realities of the issues associated with this are yet to be really perceived by the public. As a result of labour shortages, some employers may have to reign in their product range or level of services.
Consumers may well have to accept a more limited array of products to choose from than they are used to and less chance to enjoy perks like same day or next day deliveries. Fulfilment may well be an issue.
Employers will also have to continue to increase offerings, although possibly not salaries as these have already been pushed to the limit of what firms are comfortable and able to pay. This is where working conditions and other benefits become important. Therefore, employer branding is more important than ever and those who are simply returning to a ‘business as usual’ model pre-pandemic might find themselves the ones not able to attract talent.
As a recruitment operator in the East Midlands, we are already seeing businesses who don’t believe the labour market will become favourable again, they are turning to automation as the solution and we could expect to see a gradual reduction in the demand for low-skilled positions in the longer term.
Duo of promotions at Godwin Developments
Godwin Developments announces the immediate promotions of Development Director Matt Chandler to the position of Managing Director and Catherine Hems to the role of Associate Director, Communications and Engagement.
A member of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors, Matt joined the company as a Development Manager and became Associate Director in 2018 before being promoted to Development Director in September 2020. Prior to his role in Godwin, he gained a range of experience in the real estate industry working as a Quantity Surveyor, Project Manager and Development Manager within consultancies and developers.
Throughout his career, Matt has led the development of varied projects ranging from high-end residential, commercial, and mixed-use schemes, and is skilled at all stages of the development process. Most recently he worked on the company’s 783-bed student scheme in Nottingham, from site acquisition through to full planning permission being secured in just over a year.
As Managing Director for Godwin Developments, he will focus on delivering the company’s ambitious growth plans across its residential, commercial, and industrial pipeline. The business’ London and Nottingham teams will report into Matt and he will continue to be based in the company’s Birmingham head office.
Catherine Hems, who joined the business as Senior Communications Manager from a London PR agency, has also been promoted to Associate Director, Communications and Engagement. In addition to her media relations remit, Catherine will lead on all stakeholder management activity for the business as a whole and for the individual schemes Godwin is delivering across the country. She will continue to play a significant role in creating and delivering the strategic communications of Godwin Developments.
The co-founders and directors of Godwin Developments, Stephen and Stuart Pratt, said: “The executive board felt that Matt’s development knowledge and experience, combined with his drive and leadership qualities, made him the right person to help build on Godwin’s past success and be at the forefront of delivering an exciting future for the business as Managing Director.
“Since arriving at the business in the spring, Catherine has built a solid understanding of the industry and demonstrated her outstanding communications capabilities. She has continually brought new perspectives and ideas to the table which have played an important role in building the reputation of our business.
“We wish them both every success in their new roles and look forward to continuing to work closely to take the business to the next level.”
Find out more about the Godwin Developments team here.
New vision reimagining city centre and old shopping centre backed by Nottingham City Council
Nottingham’s independent Greater Broad Marsh Advisory Group, established by Nottingham City Council in March 2021, has published its Vision and recommendations for one of the most significant city centre development sites in the UK and the “once in many generations” opportunity for Nottingham to lead the way in city centre regeneration following the impacts of COVID-19 and online retailing.
The unique 20 acre site includes the former, part demolished Broadmarsh shopping centre which was handed back to Nottingham City Council when Intu went into administration at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nottingham City Council set up an independent Advisory Group to build on the council’s successful ‘Big Conversation’ consultation to reimagine the derelict Broadmarsh shopping centre. Heatherwick Studio, led by the highly-acclaimed British designer Thomas Heatherwick, and Stories, a socially responsible development company, were commissioned to work with the Advisory Group on the creative Vision for the city centre site and advise on how Nottingham can deliver the project.
The Advisory Group believes the new Vision published gives Nottingham a “once in many generations” opportunity given the size, scale and position of the site and would offer social and economic opportunity to Nottingham on an unprecedented and historic scale.
The development, which the Advisory Group thinks will take ten years to fully deliver, will generate 3,000 jobs in the build and 3,000 new jobs once development is complete and create more than 750 new homes and over 400,000 sq ft of high-end business and office space.
The key elements of the Vision:
• Rebuilding The Lost Connections. The vision aims to reinstate many of Nottingham’s lost street connections and rebuild them for the future of the city, reconnecting the whole of the centre, both physically and with its history
• A New Green Heart. At the heart of the Vision is the creation of a new ‘Green Heart’ for the city centre. This wildlife-rich green space, which will permeate the whole site and weave in and out of the Frame, will aim to create a beautiful, tranquil core to the city. It will be set within 3.5 hectares of common ground – high quality public realm that permeates the zones across the 20 acre site
• Living by Nottingham Castle. On the west side of the site, looking up at Nottingham Castle and just yards from the Robin Hood statue, the Vision creates over 750 new homes. Located within walking distance of the train station, these would be prime location homes in the heart of the city
• Work by the New Green Heart. To create an engine room for the city’s growth aspirations, the Vision includes new commercial and mixed use buildings, creating high-end business and office space, including conference space, and high quality ground floor retail. The buildings will have the capacity to accommodate over 3,000 jobs
• The retention of ‘The Frame’. The creative response from Heatherwick Studio, and endorsed by the Advisory Group, is to keep some of the structural frame of the Broadmarsh shopping centre and give it new life and meaning. Inside the Frame, the Vision creates a space like no other, totally unique to the city. Under the key themes of play, performance and food, it could provide a place with a diverse range of uses that brings people together
• Sleep Above The Caves in a new Art Hotel. The Vision proposes to rejuvenate Nottingham’s unique cave network creating a new entrance and transforming the existing Severns House into a hotel, providing the opportunity for tourists to sleep right above the caves and forming part of a new heritage and culture trail through the city centre.
The Advisory Group has also given advice on the delivery of the Vision over the next decade. Their recommendations include:
• Nottingham City Council should act as the custodians of the site, pursuing a long-term leadership role and working with public and private sector partners to help deliver the Vision
• Nottingham City Council advised to establish a delivery ‘vehicle’ with the responsibility and skills to attract public and private investment. The new body, provisionally called ‘The Broad Marsh Development Partnership’, should have the sole responsibility and accountability for the critical delivery functions
• New body advised to place early emphasis on ‘meanwhile use’ and getting innovative local organisations to be the early adopters of the site, opening parts of the site quickly, building momentum and stimulating interest
• The Advisory Group believes the next stage of the project, lasting two to three years, will require around £5-6million of investment, and that the priority should be demolition, masterplanning, legal work on title, and preparation to take the Vision to the private and public sector markets
• The Advisory Group advises that the return on investment would be “unprecedented in the city’s history.” A physical development worth in the region of £500million, and the creation of jobs, new homes, new commercial space, increased tourism and hotel spend, business relocation and increased footfall in the city. Nottingham City Council has backed the Vision and asked the Advisory Group to continue its work and advise on the formal setting up of the delivery partnership, in March.
Thomas Heatherwick said: “The challenge of what to do with the former Broadmarsh shopping centre has been a chance to think about the failure of our city centres. They should be about bringing people together, not just about retail. Rather than demolish the structure, we are proposing to keep the frame and breathe new life into it, creating a place that can hold the diversity and vibrancy that is so lacking from many city centres.
“The aim is to bridge between generations, communities, and cultures so that the new Broad Marsh can reflect the true diversity of the city. In the fog of Covid-19, Nottingham has seized the opportunity to create a new blueprint for the future of city centres.”
Independent Chair of the Greater Broad Marsh Advisory Group, Greg Nugent, said: “Out of the adversity of the collapse of Intu comes a chance for Nottingham to build a new kind of city centre. Thomas Heatherwick’s vision creates a blueprint for a city that wants to reinvent itself, ready for life beyond Covid-19.”
Cllr David Mellen, Leader of Nottingham City Council, said: “I would like to thank the Advisory Board, Heatherwick Studio and the team at Stories for their creativity, hard work and ambition. When Heatherwick Studio was commissioned to create a new vision for Broad Marsh, there were some key things I was keen for it to include. I think Thomas and his team have delivered on all of them.
“They have clearly listened to the feedback from the Big Conversation and captured the wide range of views and ideas put forward in what was the council’s biggest engagement exercise to date. They have used the extensive footprint of Broad Marsh to ensure the Vision provides something for everyone.
“It includes a substantial green space via a ‘green heart’ at the centre of the vision. It will lead to over 750 homes and 6,000 jobs for local people. By proposing to make some use of the existing frame, reducing the waste and carbon emissions from new construction, it is sustainable, something which is very important for the city’s ambition to be the UK’s first carbon neutral city by 2028. And it respects and promotes the city’s rich heritage by opening up views to the Castle, enhancing the caves, one of the city’s hidden gems, and re-establishing old street patterns.
“Now we will begin the important work necessary to test the new Vision and our ability to realise it. We have said all along that this isn’t something the council can or would want to do on its own. We will continue to work with colleagues on the Advisory Group to develop a Masterplan for the space and secure the investment needed from public and private sector partners. This will take time to get right but people will see major changes soon with the opening up of the area between Collin Street through to Lister Gate as part of the creation of the ‘Green Heart’.”
Lilian Greenwood, MP for Nottingham South, said: “Nottingham has a fantastic opportunity to lead the way in rethinking who and what our city centres are for. This plan draws on the area’s heritage and historic street layout but reimagines the space for a green and sustainable future. I hope my constituents are as excited as I am about this vision for the Broad Marsh.”
The ‘Green Heart’ at the centre of the site could create one hectare of new green space, set within a 3.4 hectares of common ground across the whole site.
Paul Wilkinson, Chief Executive of Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, said: “Almost exactly a year ago, the Wildlife Trust put forward a bold idea of the Broadmarsh reimagined as wildlife-rich green space to support nature’s recovery and enable people living and working in the city centre to connect with nature on their doorstep. Given the public support for our ideas we’re pleased to have had the opportunity to feed into the creative process to illustrate how a nature first approach could underpin the City’s carbon neutral ambitions and address social inclusion.
“We are delighted that wildlife-rich green space is integral to the Advisory Group’s vision for transforming the site and as a catalyst for a more sustainable approach for regenerating our city. As we face up to the ecological and climate crises the prospect of wildlife habitat and green spaces being woven across a much wider footprint than the former shopping centre itself is particularly exciting and we would welcome the opportunity to work with Nottingham City Council on the next phase to ensure the green vision is delivered.”
Members of the Advisory Group who have given their time, expertise and insight for free praised the process and outlined their excitement for what the Vision could achieve for Nottingham.
Sir Tim Smit, Co-Founder of the Eden Project and member of the Advisory Group, said: “The Broad Marsh Vision represents the fruit of a hugely aspirational and exciting process which exhibited possibly the best leadership I have ever come across in civic conversation. It was respectful, inclusive and encouraged the participants to take responsibility for creating the climate in which something could be dreamed and that future generations would be proud of. From the collegiate conversations to the narrative development of Stories to the bravura performance of the Heatherwick Studios, the whole thing sent a shiver up my spine.
“I think this is some of the best work I have seen in many years from a designer who ranks among the very best in the world. His personal excitement in the possibilities for Nottingham shone through and, hand on heart, I am convinced that were we to be able to make real the magic expressed here, Nottingham would have a centre that will ground the lightning of the cultural, tech and scientific ferment that is waiting for a stage. This is that stage and I offer my utmost admiration to the team that have got us here and the spirit of the citizens of Nottingham for daring to dream while organising to deliver.”
Natalie Gasson-McKinley, Development Manager, Federation of Small Businesses, said: “It has been a privilege to represent the voice of business as part of the Broad Marsh Advisory Group. Small and growing businesses are a key part of city centre tapestry and will play a pivotal role in the recovery of Nottingham and cities across the globe.
“Strengthening the heart of Nottingham’s city centre is a significant opportunity to support local businesses, attract inward investment, secure jobs and prepare now for future economic recovery. The plans for the Broad Marsh include a Frame that rethinks the design of domestic, commercial and public spaces, to promote a cohesive sense of community that binds the people of Nottingham and businesses of all sizes together. Although in its early conceptual stages, the Frame presents a compelling offer to interconnect economic, cultural and social prosperity.”
Councillor Angharad Roberts said: “This is a really exciting bold new vision for the Broad Marsh. I believe it will stitch this part of the city centre back together. At its heart are the things which the people of Nottingham told us they wanted to see on this site in the Big Conversation – green space and an environmentally-friendly approach; a flagship location for the carbon neutral city we aim to be by 2028; a celebration of our city’s heritage, restoring old street patterns and reconnecting with the history of Broad Marsh; and mixed use development including homes, jobs, open public space and quality retail, hospitality and leisure facilities.
“I hope it’ll become a place which feels like home for local residents as well as being a welcoming, inclusive and exciting venue for visitors to Nottingham. It’s a Vision for the future which I hope the people of Nottingham will be proud of for decades to come.”
The Vision has also been welcomed by key groups and individuals from around the City. Vicky McClure, Nottingham-based actor and founder of BYO Films, and a member of the Advisory Group, said: “This is a visionary and beautiful solution for our city. Nottingham leading the way once again and showing how cities can grow and adapt sustainably and creatively.
“I have been lucky to speak to Thomas Heatherwick and the teams involved through the design process and have been blown away by their ideas and depth of thinking. Huge credit to Heatherwick Studios, Stories, Greg Nugent and the rest of the Advisory Group for their dedication to our City.”
Nelson Blackley, Nottingham-based Independent Retail Analyst, welcomed the new approach for the city centre site: “I believe this mixed-use, zoned and modular vision for the future Broad Marsh not only reflects the priorities of investors, local businesses and communities, but also respects the unique heritage and location of the site, as well as its environmental impact and legacy.”
Victoria Reeves, Chief Executive of the National Justice Museum, who also operate the caves experience in Nottingham, welcomed the community focus of the plans: “The National Justice Museum applauds this stunning vision for the Broad Marsh site and wholeheartedly supports its ethos in the bringing together of communities and the sharing of culture which lies at its heart.
“We are wholly committed to this project. It aligns closely with the work we do as an Arts Council National Portfolio organisation, reaching out to communities and partners to celebrate the culture of our outstanding city. We are energised and excited about contributing to this in the remarkable setting the vision proposes.”
Glenn Crocker, Executive Director for BioCity Nottingham, said: “This is an ingenious, radical and game-changing proposal for the Broad Marsh site. Completely appropriate for an ingenious, radical and game-changing city.”
Docuflow relocates to Oberoi Business Hub
Derby-based Docuflow, a provider of workplace software and office infrastructure with a client base across the UK, has moved to Oberoi Business Hub in Pride Park to pave the way for future growth.
Previously based at Cardinal Square, Docuflow has relocated to Oberoi Business Hub for greater flexibility.
The company is an independent UK provider of workplace services and solutions, including print, mail, software and document workflows. They are also a Government G-Cloud supplier for ‘Cloud’ accessed software.
Specialising in providing software, hardware and support services, Docuflow enables businesses and organisations to manage their documents, information and automate manual processes quickly, efficiently and cost effectively as well as improve their environmental credentials.
Docuflow director, Chris Rowlands, explained: “We have been steadily expanding in recent times and this has accelerated since the start of the pandemic as a growing number of businesses and organisations have recognised the benefits of embracing digital transformation in their processes and document handling.
“By automating key processes, our customers can increasingly operate more efficiently to accommodate both remote and workplace-based staff and realise their ambitions of achieving paper-light operations as part of their environmental sustainability goals.”
He continued: “Oberoi Business Hub already provides us with a first-class call handling service efficiently managing our non-support related helpdesk incoming calls, so when we looked for an improved location, it made sense to view the locations Oberoi had available.
“We have a new office opening in Leeds in January to manage our Northern customers and sales enquiries, but over the last 12 months, it had become increasingly clear that we needed to improve our office space in Derby.
“Having worked with the Oberoi team for several years and by viewing their facilities and locations, it was a straightforward choice to relocate with them as our chosen office space partner.
“The quality of the offices and meeting space, as well as the central location in Pride Park, are far more convenient and conducive to welcoming business partners, suppliers and customers.”
Oberoi Business Hub manager, Jodie Brady, added: “We are delighted to welcome Docuflow to the Hub community – particularly having worked with the company for several years to manage their incoming calls.”
Founder and Managing Director, Kavita Oberoi OBE, concluded: “The Business Hub is now nearing full capacity, which is excellent news. We, therefore, continue to plan for the future and are looking at further premises to expand the Hub.
“This will enable us to support an even larger number of new and growing businesses, as well as national and international companies requiring an East Midlands satellite base who all benefit from high quality and affordable business premises with a prestigious address, on-site meeting and conference facilities and a wide range of back-office support.”
Space Park Leicester lands top science award
The ambition of Space Park Leicester to become a world-leading centre of excellence has been recognised at a highly prestigious awards ceremony.
The ground-breaking £100 million research, innovation and teaching hub for space-related high-tech companies and researchers based in the city was presented with the ‘Place-Based Initiative of the Year’ accolade at the 2021 KE Awards.
The awards celebrate and ‘amplify’ the achievements of the knowledge exchange profession, embodying the sector’s high standards and recognising the people, partnerships, deals and initiatives that generate world-class activity.
Space Park Leicester – which is being led by the University of Leicester in partnership with Leicester City Council and the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) – impressed judges for its vision and ambition.
The 2021 KE Award winners were announced at a digital ceremony on November 18, hosted by PraxisAuril and sponsored by UK Research and Innovation. Space Park Leicester’s award was presented by Fariba Soetan from The National Centre for Universities and Business.
Speaking on a video as part of the award entry, William Wells, Commercial Director at the University of Leicester, said: “Space Park Leicester is a 10,000m2 urban, science and innovation campus on the edge of Leicester city centre. When we conceived of it five years ago, we saw it as a world-leading hub for space and space-enabled researchers, students and industry.
“The hub is underpinned by the world-leading research that’s taking place here at Leicester within the realms of space, science and instrumentation, but also the exploitation of satellite data and images.
“We are looking to create an environment where we can interact with our industrial and commercial partners, creating open-access facilities for them to use in terms of labs, clean rooms and collaborative spaces.
“We are driving for a number of things, new research collaborations but also building on existing research collaborations. Crucially we are trying to create a novel innovation environment where we can host and indeed incubate businesses within the space park environment while driving economic activity in our city and county.”
The KE Awards, organised by PraxisAuril and sponsored by UK Research and Innovation, celebrate the people who help to initiate and deliver impact and outcomes from publicly funded research through a diverse range of partners and activities.
Developed by the University of Leicester in collaboration with local, national and international partners, Space Park Leicester comprises a 4,800m2 facility featuring offices, shared laboratories, teaching facilities and co-working spaces, focusing primarily on research, development and applications of space.
The project enables collaboration between University researchers and the private sector, creating high quality knowledge-based jobs, building the skills base and contributing to economic growth and resilience of the economy. Space Park Leicester also proudly hosts the NERC-affiliated National Centre for Earth Observation (NCEO).
‘The Lawyer’ ranks Sills & Betteridge in the UK’s Top 200 law firms for a 3rd Year
With an impressive 12 place leap up the table, Sills & Betteridge LLP now proudly takes 174th position in the ‘UK200’, placing the practice among the UK’s best performing law firms. Compiled by The Lawyer publication, the annual report is the result of months of detailed, impartial research into the firm’s financial performance, service delivery, and analysis of its partners and employees in terms of gender and other diversity characteristics, progression and development. It is seen as the benchmark report for anyone with a serious interest in the business of law. Chief Executive Martyn Hall who was quoted in the report is delighted with the results: “The last 18 months of disruption to the legal market seems to have had quite an impact on the list with some firms being affected more than others. “I’m pleased to see that Sills & Betteridge LLP has significantly improved its position in the list and goes into 2022 in a very strong position. This is down to sound planning from our management team, robust working practices and the hard work and commitment from our staff.” The results were announced hot on the heels of another prestigious publication The Legal 500 releasing its findings on the firm. Known as ‘the world’s largest legal directory’ it again recognised Sills & Betteridge as a ‘Leading Law Firm’, with several of its practice areas improving their tier rankings.
Lincolnshire’s James Oliver targets the future after £1m ‘home comforts’ boost
One of the East Midlands’ leading independent home improvement specialists is investing in its workforce of the future after securing a £1m sales boost this year.
James Oliver Conservatories, which has invested over £250,000 into its new showroom on Crofton Road in Lincoln, has taken on two new apprentices as part of a recruitment drive that has seen employee numbers rise from 35 to 50 since the end of lockdown.
Part of the Conservatory Outlet retail network, the company has taken on Lloyd and Zack as apprentice bricklayers to ensure the skills and knowledge of its skilled tradespeople is passed down to the next generation and to help its expanding fitting team cope with a rise in demand from homeowners pressing the button on improvement projects.
Interest has risen across all the firm’s product lines, including replacing conservatory roofs with solid roofs, complete living spaces, conservatories, orangeries and individual windows and doors.
“The last twelve months have been some of our busiest in our 40-year history and we’ve seen orders from all over the region, from the Lincolnshire coast across to Mansfield and parts of North Nottinghamshire,” explained Simon Ahearn, general manager of James Oliver Conservatories.
“Ramping up activity has been a nice, but difficult challenge and we’ve found we need more staff in all parts of the business to make sure we can complete existing projects and deliver new work in timescales the clients are happy with.”
He continued: “We’ve taken on a lot of experienced people, but also recognised the need to grow our own staff and this has seen us invest in Lloyd and Zack, working with Lincoln College to help deliver a mix of practical and theoretical training, boosted by an internal mentoring programme with senior colleagues.”
James Oliver started the business more than 40 years ago, using his joinery background to launch a conservatory company that is now headed up by his two sons Tom and Will Oliver.
The Lincolnshire firm has built a reputation for combining personalised service (achieved through a loyal and committed workforce) with a mix of the latest products, such as aluminium doors and the latest roofing structures.
It has also completely transformed its 17,500 sq ft showroom during lockdown to include 14 living space displays, a new specialist lighting centre and the launch of a new indoor furniture range to complement the existing external products, including sofas and dining ranges.
Simon went on to add: “Being part of the Conservatory Outlet network of retailers has been instrumental in our growth, giving us lots of external advice, help in creating a 3D walkthrough of our showroom and in industry-leading marketing support.
“The latter has been extremely useful, generating more than 2000 new leads in the last twelve months, many of which have been converted into actual sales. This has seen us move from being worried about a potential drop in orders when Covid-19 struck to trying to manage our best ever year.”
Conservatory Outlet’s CEO, Greg Kane, added his support: “James Oliver is a superb family business, delivering some of the highest quality home improvement projects in the East Midlands.
“The management team embraced our desire to be proactive during the first lockdown and are now reaping the dividends, investing in new staff and, I’m delighted to see, training the fitters of the future.
“It certainly has one eye on the next forty years, and this is reflected in its approach to creating a greener environment through the upgrading of its commercial fleet to all electric vehicles, installing a range of charging facilities at its showroom, and aiming to plant 1000 trees over the next 12 months.”
Recruitment business becomes employee owned
HR Essentials Ltd, trading as Essential Recruitment, based in Chesterfield has sold 100% of their shares to HR Essentials Trust, making the business wholly owned by its employees.
With offices in the East Midlands and South Yorkshire, the 50 employees will now share in the future success of the business.
The owner directors of the recruitment business – Marc Orli, Kristyan Rachael, Lisa Smith, Alison Wilby, Gary Wilson and Carl Wootton – sold their shares for an undisclosed sum.
With the exception of Gary Wilson, who will step down from his role as chairman, the directors will remain with the business and work with the Employee Trust to help grow the company, and implement a succession plan for the long-term future of all its employees.
A statement provided on behalf of the directors said: “Our vision since starting in 2006 was to build a business that not only cared for its clients and candidates but also to provide a company that provided its colleagues a positive environment in which they could thrive.
“Over the last 15 years, we have done our utmost to stand by this vision. During the last 2 years of uncertainty, it has been the team as a whole that has stood true to our culture, so what better way to reward all those involved than to become Employee Owned.”
Deb Oxley, Chief Executive of the Employee Ownership Association, said: “Congratulations to Essential Recruitment on its transition to employee ownership, securing the ethos, values and culture of the business for the longer term.
“Businesses that are all about people benefit greatly from empowering employees by giving them a stake and a say, with impacts for the employees and the business, which is also felt by clients and the communities the business serves.”
Mortgage Advice Bureau invests in Heron
Mortgage Advice Bureau (MAB) has completed an investment in a tech-savvy brokerage.
As a result of the deal, Derby-based MAB has formed a strategic partnership with Heron Financial, which develops bespoke software to enhance customer outcomes and adviser performance.
According to MAB, Heron’s technical expertise will empower future customers to better understand financial products and solutions and equip both businesses with customer insights to inform future proposition development.
The new partnership also forms part of MAB’s strategy to further strengthen its position in the new build sector.
The deal follows other key investments in new build specialist broker firms, Meridian, Metro, and Evolve this year.
Peter Brodnicki, Chief Executive at MAB, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Heron Financial into our ever-growing network – a decision made easy by the synergies between the two businesses. Securing long-term business success is achieved by understanding the threats and opportunities that advances in technology will bring.
“Heron Financial puts technology at the forefront of everything it does, paying close attention to how it can enhance both the client and adviser experience. The broker’s systems, processes and approach to lead generation is superb, with exceptional adviser productivity.
“The business is headed up by an inspirational management team with a clear vision that adapts to meet changing customer needs – and with major growth plans on the horizon, we’re excited about what the partnership can bring.”
Study Inn adds second Nottingham property to growing portfolio
Study Inn Group, the student accommodation owner, developer, and operator, is set to deliver a 270-bed purpose-built Study Inn in Nottingham, its second property in the city.
Triumph House is located adjacent to the University of Nottingham’s Jubilee campus. The £35 million brand-new scheme will offer a mixture of studios and en-suite serviced apartment rooms. Construction of the 5-storey ground up new build is in progress with opening scheduled for the next academic year.
Facilities will include 24×7 onsite management, room cleaning and linen services, superfast Wi-Fi, and state-of-the-art communal facilities such as study space, wellness spa, sauna, steam room, hot beds, gym, yoga studio, games room, lounge, big screen cinema room, bicycle parking, and private landscaped gardens.
Commenting on the new development, Jack Jefferson, acquisitions director at Study Inn Group, said: “Having opened 288 rooms in Talbot St, adjacent to Nottingham Trent University in 2020, this new development offers the opportunity to open a similar number of rooms adjacent to the University of Nottingham and so we are very pleased with the acquisition and the potential to continue to work with both universities in these excellent locations.
“This will be the seventh property in our second portfolio of luxury Study Inns. We had the ability and resources to close the acquisition quickly and have appetite for further acquisitions in good locations in UK cities.”
Azets strengthens tax practice in the Midlands
Azets, the accountancy firm and business advisor to SMEs, with 14 offices across the Midlands, Shropshire, and Welsh Borders, has strengthened its tax practice in the region with three senior appointments.
Gurj Sandhu, Stuart Bentley and Jay Mistry have all joined Azets in specialist tax roles as the firm continues to broaden and grow its expertise both in the region and nationally.
Gurj Sandhu, Partner and National Head of Capital Allowances with Azets, is dual qualified as a chartered surveyor and accountant, specialising in capital allowances and land remediation relief. Gurj qualified at a Big 4 firm and later moved on to establish the central region capital allowances team at RSM. Gurj advises across a broad range of clients and sectors and his experience includes discussions with HMRC to agree capital allowances claims, as well as specialist consultancy reviews of internal capital allowances systems and processes.
Stuart Bentley, Research & Development (R&D) Tax Director with Azets, joins from Fortus Business Advisors & Accountants. Stuart is an experienced advisor, specialising in the optimisation of government incentives, primarily R&D Tax Credits. He has a in degree in Materials Science, a PhD in Mechanical Engineering, and a Masters in executive coaching, helping him get a deeper understanding of clients’ businesses.
Jay Mistry, R&D Tax Manager with Azets, has experience in the automotive and engineering industries before moving into financial services and working at a top 15 accounting and business advisory firm, consulting on R&D Tax. Jay was most recently Senior Consultant with BDO, working with SME clients to deliver R&D benefits by preparing accurate, technical projects for R&D relief.
Clare Clifford, Head of Tax – Midlands, with Azets, said: “I’m thrilled to welcome Gurj, Stuart, and Jay into the Azets team. The rate of growth of our Midlands tax practice in the past year has reflected the urgent need for SMEs to take specialist advice and optimise their tax position against an extended period of economic uncertainty in the UK. This is apparent in our region and across the country – and our extended office network will benefit from these appointments and our enhanced specialist capability in tax allowances and R&D tax.
“It’s more important now than ever before for businesses to seek professional advice to fully understand the reliefs available to them and how they can prepare for confirmed and speculated tax changes in the next 12 months. The addition of Gurj, Stuart, and Jay will help our clients to plan and structure appropriately, providing certainty and stability despite challenging economic circumstances.”
Support for covid-hit businesses reaches milestone
The recovery of Leicestershire businesses affected by COVID continued this week with the number of SMEs receiving support hitting the 100 mark. 100 local businesses have signed up for the Start Up Business Support or SUBS programme, aimed at businesses that started in or after 2018 and were then interrupted by the pandemic.
The support takes a number of different forms, depending on what each business needs. The digital marketing expertise SMARTUP programme is provided by the agency So Very Creative; the company Incrementa is providing six weeks of mentoring, weekly workshops and 1-2-1 support; the Accelerator programme from Leicester Start-Ups CIC is six weeks of workshops, round tables and mentoring. They have also provided weekend workshops for businesses that are unavailable during the working week. Finally, NBV are delivering the three-week programme ‘Gearing for Growth’.
Each provider aims to build the confidence of the new businesses as well as providing essential skills to make sure they can grow and overcome any barriers that may arise in future.
There are still a further 90 places available for any Leicestershire business that launched in or after 2018 and whose trading was interrupted by COVID.
Sonia Baigent, Chair of the Business Gateway Board, commented: “COVID affected us all in different ways and it hit these businesses at a crucial time in their development. We’re happy to support them to make up for lost time and start growing. We would encourage any Leicestershire business in a similar situation, to get in touch to receive the support that’s available to them.”
Any business interested in discussing the SUBS programme should call the Business Gateway on 0116 366 8487 and ask to speak to a Business Adviser.
Dynamic team expansion to drive ambitious growth at Newsome
Over the last few months, temperature control and humidity experts, Newsome, has been actively recruiting key personnel to expand its experienced team – to help drive the company’s ambition to become the largest privately owned temperature control company within the UK.
The latest industry specialists to join the company include Chris Flynn, as sales manager and Rob Whyte, as contracts manager, both joining the Process Temperature Control division; whilst John Askew joins as contracts manager for the expanding HVAC & Refrigeration team.
The addition of these new recruits will enable Newsome to strengthen its presence across core markets as well as broadening into new sectors and service areas.
Chris Flynn will help Newsome drive their business growth strategy in the Process Temperature control division. He has carved a successful career in the temperature control industry, having spent the last 16 years working for ICS Cool Energy.
Chris says: “I am really excited to join Newsome. Being a smaller, privately owned company gives me the opportunity to use my skills to make a significant difference to the companies’ growth, particularly in the North & Midlands. I am looking forward to furthering my career with such a dynamic and ambitious team.”
Rob Whyte brings over 40 years of industry experience to the business, having spent the last 10 years working in the confectionary sector as technical director for Hilton Process Solutions.
Rob explains why he was keen to join: “I was looking for a new challenge. When I met Richard Metcalfe, I was really inspired by his passion and enthusiasm and vision for the business. I am really excited to join the team and play an integral part in the delivery of their business growth strategy, leveraging my extensive experience in project management and client services.”
With over 15 years in the industry, John Askew says: “I am really excited to join Newsome in their HVAC & Refrigeration team. In my previous role at Sovereign Air Movement, I worked alongside Newsome on a number of projects and was always impressed by the competence and professionalism of their personnel. I respected the fact they always worked directly with customers, rather than via third party contractors, which always led to greater customer satisfaction. I am looking forward to helping them expand their presence in this key business sector.”
Richard Metcalfe, director at Newsome, concludes: “Recruitment is a key part of our strategy to drive the business forward, to enable us to meet our ambitious growth targets. Having experienced and passionate people on our team is crucial to our continued success.
“We pride ourselves on providing a personalised, tailored solution to each of our customers. We are delighted that Chris Flynn, Rob Whyte and John Askew have recently joined us. They each bring valuable industry experience to the company, plus the maturity and motivation to help us deliver exceptional customer service.”
Over the coming months Newsome will continue with its expansion plans and looks forward to welcoming a number of additional personnel across the business in the new year.
Richard says: “We are now on the hunt for competent, highly motivated, service technicians and rental sales managers to join our fast-growing team – we invite anyone who may be interested to get in touch.”
Ridge appoints Building Surveying Partner in Leicester
Ridge and Partners LLP (Ridge) has appointed Andrew Jenkins as Partner to lead its Building Surveying practice in Leicester.
Andrew brings over 18 years’ experience in the property industry, with expertise in dilapidations, technical due diligence, and building surveying services.
Andrew joins Ridge from Uppingham School in Rutland where he spent three years as Estates Director working on a range of capital and revenue projects. Prior to this he was a Director at CS2 Chartered Surveyors, establishing its Birmingham office in 2010 and later taking over as head of its London office in 2014.
Andrew will head up a new building surveying arm that enhances the existing disciplines offered by Ridge Leicester – including Architecture, Quantity Surveying, Project Management, and Mechanical and Electrical. To support the growth, Ridge is recruiting four new building surveyors in the coming months.
Speaking of his appointment, Andrew said: “I’m looking forward to playing my part in the success of Ridge and developing a building consultancy team here in the East Midlands. Celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, Ridge has a strong reputation built on providing exceptional client service and I’m excited to contribute to its continued growth.
“The most rewarding part of my job is working with clients to solve their property questions. Whether it is settling a dilapidations claim or delivering a refurbishment project, every day brings a new challenge. I’m lucky to have the opportunity to build a team of talented individuals who enjoy the very same challenge.
“Property is ever-changing and in the coming years there will be an exciting evolution of property types and sectors. As a successful multidiscipline property and construction consultancy, Ridge can continue to deliver savings, increase efficiencies, and provide property solutions to a range of blue-chip clients.”
Matthew Francis, Partner and head of the Leicester office at Ridge, said: “We’re delighted that Andrew has joined us to lead the building surveying team in Leicester. He has a wide range of sector experience and technical knowledge that will benefit both new and existing clients. He is experienced in building teams, and I am confident we can deliver a market-leading building surveying arm in the East Midlands.”
Duo of deals at SEGRO Logistics Park East Midlands Gateway see 860,000 sq ft of warehousing snapped up
SEGRO has signed two deals for more than 862,000 sq ft of warehousing at its flagship UK big box development, SEGRO Logistics Park East Midlands Gateway, leaving just one big box plot available.
Global logistics company, Arvato, agreed a lease for a 220,000 sq ft unit, which is the first speculatively developed warehouse at SEGRO Logistics Park East Midlands Gateway. Arvato secured the BREEAM Excellent rated building in September 2021, whilst it was still under construction.
SEGRO has also signed a pre-let agreement with a leading supply chain management company to occupy a new 640,000 sq ft, BREEAM Excellent warehouse on a 10-year term. Construction is scheduled to start in January and complete in Autumn 2022. The customer is expected to create up to 400 new jobs at the 30-acre site.
SEGRO Logistics Park East Midlands Gateway started construction in 2017. It was initially anticipated to be a 10-year programme, however strong uptake means there is only one big box plot remaining, which can accommodate up to 700,000 sq ft, with all other plots being either operational, under development or committed.
Andrew Pilsworth, Managing Director, National Logistics at SEGRO, said: “We are seeing sustained warehouse demand in the East Midlands logistics market, with ongoing supply chain challenges driving companies to build operational resilience and occupy high-quality space in the best locations.
“We’re proud that we have been able to develop SEGRO Logistics Park East Midlands Gateway more quickly than originally anticipated to meet these customer requirements and thrilled that our first speculative unit at the park has let so quickly.
“It’s fantastic that Arvato, which is also a customer of ours in Poland, has selected SEGRO Logistics Park East Midlands Gateway for its new state-of-the-art distribution hub. The building is being developed to the highest design and sustainability standards. It is a great name to add to the logistics park community and will bring valuable employment opportunities to the local area.”
Tobias Uthmann, Managing Director UK at Arvato Supply Chain Solutions, said: “With the new site, we aim to meet the high demands of our existing as well as potential new customers and are very pleased that the capacity at East Midlands Gateway will allow us to plan for the long term with a distribution centre that fits perfectly into our growth strategy. By 2023, we will be able to excellently implement our growth plan.”
The new customers will join Kuehne + Nagel, Amazon, ShopDirect, Games Workshop and DHL at the 700-acre logistics park, which is located adjacent to East Midlands Airport and close to Junction 24 of the M1. The on-site rail terminal, operated by Maritime, is fully operational with trains transporting goods across the UK linking other strategic rail freight interchanges and major UK ports such as Southampton, Felixstowe, London Gateway and the Channel Tunnel. Once complete, SLPEMG is expected to support over 9,000 jobs.
University of Nottingham collaborates on new research centre to accelerate the UK’s electrified future
GKN Automotive, a global leader in drive systems, has announced its new Advanced Research Centre – created to develop next-generation eDrive systems powering future electrified vehicles and increase engineering capability in the UK to meet Net Zero commitment.
GKN Automotive is partnering with the University of Nottingham and Newcastle University to push the boundaries of eDrive technology and accelerate modular innovation. The collaboration will focus on the development of ultra-high efficiency EDUs for future electric vehicles.
The Advanced Research Centre is being supported through £3.5m in funding from the Melrose Skills Fund, to increase the automotive electrification knowledge capability and strengthen research and development in the UK.
The project will be virtually shared between the engineering departments at the University of Nottingham and Newcastle University, with research teams at each university operating collaboratively with engineers at the GKN Automotive Innovation Centre.
Gordon Day, Managing Director, GKN Automotive Innovation Centre, said: “GKN Automotive is a pioneer of advanced eDrive development and this new research partnership will play a key role in strengthening the innovation of electrification technologies for future advanced propulsion systems.
“We are extremely proud that this research will be in partnership with Newcastle University and the University of Nottingham, two renowned and respected global leaders in automotive electrification engineering research. Both institutions will also play a leading role in helping us develop a supply of high-calibre engineering talent, which is essential to enable us to put the UK at the forefront of global automotive industry innovation.”
This collaborative research not only spearheads the development of disruptive technology innovations in eDrive but supports the UK’s technology roadmap set out by the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC). It also further strengthens GKN Automotive’s collaborative links within the UK Innovation Network.
Both partner universities are part of the Advanced Propulsion Centre’s ‘spoke’ community. The initiative brings together specialist academic, technological, and commercial expertise from across the UK to share best practice for the development of low emission propulsion technologies.
The University of Nottingham is the APC’s spoke for power electronics, and home to the Driving the Electric Revolution (DER) Industrialisation Centre – Midlands; while Newcastle University is the spoke for electric motors, and leads the national network of four DER Industrialisation Centres including the Driving the Electric Revolution Industrialisation Centre – North East.
The Centres are backed by £33m UK Government funding (UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)), providing open access facilities with state-of-the-art equipment. They bring together the UK’s technology and manufacturing expertise in electrification research and development. The network will help propel UK manufacturing to the forefront of global efforts to tackle climate change and ensure the UK can reach net zero emissions by 2050.
The Melrose Skills Fund is a £10m fund, allocated over five years across GKN Aerospace and GKN Automotive, developing and promoting engineering skills in the UK. The first phase of investment saw the launch of the Skills Development Programme at the Abingdon Innovation Centre, supporting the development of engineering skills through STEM engagement, apprenticeships, training opportunities and internal staff upskilling. This next phase now focuses on Research.
