Workplace technology firm acquires Northampton business

Tess Egginton
-
0
Workplace technology firm acquires Northampton business
Workplace technology firm, Agilico, has acquired Northampton-based document management software provider, INVU.
Agilico, which has its Midlands office in Leicestershire, says the investment represents a significant step in its mission to build a comprehensive and compelling set of workplace technologies.
INVU adds 300 customers to the group and deepens its expertise in delivering and developing software solutions.
 
Founded in 1997, INVU’s product suite spans: invoice processing, document management, workflow, purchase order automation and collaboration software.
Simon Davey, Chief Executive Officer, Agilico, said: “We are delighted to be expanding our portfolio of products to help make work easy for our customers who are increasingly turning to technology as they seek to remain agile and effective in today’s operating environment.”
Ian Smith, FD & GM, INVU, said: “We are pleased to be joining the Agilico group. This will enable us to accelerate our development roadmap into the cloud and widen our distribution capability. We share common goals in providing an excellent experience and this should assure our customer base that our high levels of customer service will be maintained.”

Festive place marketing, automotive product launch and sweet treats on list of six client wins for creative agency

Eleonora Gallina
-
0
Festive place marketing, automotive product launch and sweet treats on list of six client wins for creative agency
Six new client wins have maintained what has been a strong year for West Bridgford-based creative agency The Dairy, as the team celebrates getting to know a number of new sectors and products. The agency’s first new client is Nottingham-based CS Design (CSD), which specialises in cloud-based software solutions designed and supported by landscape experts. CSD’s Managing Director, Tim Calnan, was in search of the perfect agency to support the business with a rebrand as well as ongoing digital marketing services, and he is looking forward to the journey CSD will be going on over the coming weeks and months with The Dairy. “Our brand hasn’t had much love recently, so we felt it was time we invested in proper marketing to reconnect with who we are, what we do, and then reflect that in our name, identity and wider marketing activities,” Next up for The Dairy is a new product launch in partnership with Simon Rood, Managing Director of Nottingham-based Roodsafe. The product is not connected to Roodsafe, and is a separate venture for Simon as he embarks on an entrepreneurial journey to transform the automotive market. “Sometimes you just need to meet people to know if the fit is right. I’m someone who trusts their instincts and The Dairy really is the perfect fit. This product needs full-service support to launch it and make it a long-term success story, and The Dairy is a friendly team with a proven track record of exciting creativity and strategic know-how to make any product or service a success.” The agency’s third win has seen it establish a long-term partnership with independent confectionery brand Treat Kitchen – which recently launched its new flagship store in Nottingham’s Victoria Centre. The Dairy has been brought on board to promote its product offering through pay-per-click (PPC) advertising. Katie Gilbert, Head of Product Development at Treat Kitchen, is looking forward to partnering with The Dairy on a long-term basis and sees a bright future for the brand which continues to go from strength to strength. “We’ve seen steady growth over recent years, and new partnerships with big retailers such as Sainsbury’s have really accelerated our expansion. We felt the time was now right for us to maximise digital marketing, in particular PPC, and The Dairy has the expertise we needed,” She continues, “We see real similarities between Treat Kitchen and The Dairy in terms of their culture and approach. It was a match made in heaven for us and we’re excited for what the future holds!” The fourth client acquisition has seen The Dairy commissioned to create the Christmas campaign for the city of Oxford in partnership with Oxford City Council. The campaign is centred around the story of Alice in Wonderland – encouraging people to visit, eat, drink and stay during the festive period – and Oxford City Council’s Tom Jennings is delighted with the end result. “The Dairy was recommended to us for its creativity and imaginative ideas, and the team has certainly delivered. The campaign uses a Japanese illustration style to reimagine the story of Alice through the looking glass at Christmas, in Oxford. It’s certainly one of our most memorable festive campaigns and we are excited to see the reaction to it!” The final wins for the team come in the form of Yorkshire-based brands Oakworth Homes and Midland Renewables. Both sit under the Oakworth Group, with Oakworth Homes specialising in timber frame engineering and Midland Renewables designing, supplying, installing and commissioning ground and air source heat pumps, mechanical ventilation, heat recovery and underfloor heating systems. Managing Director of the Oakworth Group, John Capper, recognises the need for support across both brands and the difference a marketing partner can make in the long-term. “We really want to invest time in both brands, starting with their foundations, before building them up and achieving consistency across all platforms – especially in the digital space. There are tremendous opportunities for both brands in their respective markets and The Dairy has come on board to help us realise those.” For The Dairy’s Managing Director Nigel Rowlson, these new partnerships only reinforce the success of the agency’s long-term strategy and the team’s ability to remain true to its principles. “We’ve always said that we only want to work with good brands and good people, who really value the benefits of honest marketing and communications. Despite the challenges of the past eighteen months or so, we’ve remained true to that strategy and it’s delivering its rewards,” “All six are great examples of the types of brands we want to work with. These businesses are in it for the long-term and trust us to advise and recommend the right creative approach for them, and their products or services. By remaining true to our values, building the right team and marketing ourselves in the right way, we continue to grow and set ourselves up for a very exciting few years ahead.” adds Nigel. To find out more about The Dairy Creative Agency, visit thedairyagency.co.uk.

Sports technology business expands in Nottingham

Tess Egginton
-
0
Sports technology business expands in Nottingham
BatFast, a sports technology business founded and based in the East Midlands, is relocating to a bigger site in Nottingham following significant growth over the last 3 years. With an expanding team and a surge in demand for its bowling and pitching simulators,  the business has moved to a larger site at Colwick Quays Business Park, in Nottingham, as part of global expansion plans. The move has been supported by James Mann and the team from Invest in Nottingham. BatFast’s new Colwick offices will primarily enable increased development, testing, and assembly of its technologies which are being supplied to clients worldwide. The space will also be home to the BatFast batting lane, which is used for customers to improve their batting skills and can be utilised for community events with organisations such as Nottingham CCC and the local universities. James Mann said: “We’re delighted to be able to support local firms with their international growth plans, especially when they’re creating exciting and skilled job opportunities for people who reside in and around Nottingham.” BatFast COO, Navdeep Sethi, said: “Nottingham is central to BatFast’s growth as the Sports and Technology infrastructure are excellent. With world-famous sports teams, international sporting venues, excellent infrastructure links and two world-class universities, Nottingham was the natural location from which to grow our business.” Nigel Rhodes, former-Nottingham Panthers and Great Britain international, and owner of Colwick Quays Business Park, said: “I love working with the BatFast team! It was such a smooth transaction and I am excited to be part of their growth and future.”

Appeal to businesses to back Derbyshire children’s holiday charity’s festive Christmas card appeal

Tess Egginton
-
0
Appeal to businesses to back Derbyshire children’s holiday charity’s festive Christmas card appeal
A Derbyshire charity is appealing to business owners to back its festive appeal as it prepares to give needy children a much-deserved holiday in 2022 – for the first time in two years. The Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre (DCHC) takes 600 youngsters from across the county for a week’s seaside break to its centre in Skegness every year, but its service has not been able to run since 2019 due to Covid restrictions. To enable holidays to return next year the charity has printed two special Christmas cards and is urging businesses to consider using them to wish clients best wishes for the festive season. The charity would also welcome a festive donation from any local businesses who would like to offer their support but have chosen not to send Christmas cards this year. One of the cards is a nostalgic image of children being taken on a bus to its Skegness centre in the late 1930s, while the other, ‘Winter Trees’, has been donated by well-known Derbyshire photographer and former BBC Radio Derby presenter Ashley Franklin. Alan Grimadell, chairman of DCHC, said: “Christmas is approaching and here at DCHC we would appreciate it if businesses in the local area could show us their support by sending some of our cards to their clients this festive season. “Our charity celebrated its 130th birthday this year and in these Covid times our services are needed now more than ever. We know that many of the children we work with have been through some particularly difficult times during the Covid pandemic and we can’t wait to welcome them to our holiday centre in 2022.” DCHC is aiming to open once again to the maximum numbers of young people during the 2022 season. Nominated children come from homes where the impact of financial hardship, deprivation or abuse has created a situation where stress is common and there are few comforts. The charity is fundraising as much as possible in order to run the maximum service for children next year. A recent James Bond film night held at The Quad in Derby raised £1,150. DCHC’s Christmas cards feature both images and are on sale at £4 for a pack of ten. To support the charity’s Christmas cards appeal, contact Lesia Tombs in the DCHC office on 01332 345424 or email admin@dchc.org.uk. The cards can also be bought from the Post Office at Park Farm Shopping Centre in Allestree.

Business insolvencies increase by more than half within 12 months – R3 Midlands

Tess Egginton
-
0
Business insolvencies increase by more than half within 12 months – R3 Midlands
The economic effects of the pandemic continue to impact heavily on businesses as latest Government statistics show that corporate insolvencies have increased by more than half compared to the same time last year. Monthly research by the Insolvency Service shows that while the proportion of insolvent businesses in England and Wales fell by 3.0% in October to a total of 1,405, the number is 63.6% higher than October 2020’s figure of 864. According to the Midlands branch of insolvency and restructuring body R3, the dramatic year-on-year increase in corporate insolvencies indicates the sizeable number of directors who are finding the post-pandemic hurdles too high to jump and have closed their businesses down. R3 Midlands chair, Eddie Williams, a partner at PwC in the East Midlands, said: “The month-on-month fall in corporate insolvencies has been driven by a reduction in the number of Creditors’ Voluntary Liquidations. There are still twice as many companies entering this procedure than this time last year, however, and nearly 20% more than in 2019. “This would suggest that there are still a fair number of company directors who are choosing to close their businesses after deeming post-pandemic success unlikely. However, the fact that overall corporate insolvencies are 5% lower than the number in October 2019 suggests that the Government’s support measures have prevented the economic consequences of COVID-19 from translating into higher levels of corporate insolvency. “The business climate is still harsh, with economic growth slowing, costs rising and consumer confidence falling. Although consumer spending is higher than it was this time last year, rising COVID case numbers and sharp energy price rises have meant many businesses aren’t seeing the benefits of this. “As we move closer to Christmas, we would urge company directors to be mindful of the signs of business distress, which include cashflow problems, issues paying invoices, and concerns about paying staff, and get appropriate professional support as soon as they appear. “The sooner advice is sought from a qualified and reputable source, the more potential there is for a solution. Many R3 members offer a free consultation to those who are looking for help with their business’s finances and want to explore their options.”

Leicestershire homebuilder helps pupils look on bright side for road safety week

Michael Fisher
-
0
Leicestershire homebuilder helps pupils look on bright side for road safety week
Pupils at Fleckney Primary School in Leicestershire recently received a donation of reflective vests from David Wilson Homes to help them shine bright for Road Safety Week (15th to 21st November). The five star housebuilder gave the school 35 high vis vests for its pupils to wear whilst walking to and from school, ensuring they can be easily seen on the roads as the darker nights draw in. Road Safety Week runs in November each year and encourages pupils to celebrate the journey to school on foot. Tim Leah, Headteacher at Fleckney Primary School, said: “Lots of our young pupils walk the journey to and from school and their safety whilst doing this is incredibly important to us. “That’s why we’re incredibly grateful to David Wilson Homes for its donation of high vis vests. We were thrilled to accept the vests and our pupils will be using them throughout Road Safety Week and in the future.” Fleckney Primary School is located near the homebuilder’s Fleckney Fields development on Kilby Road and the donation of hi-vis vests is another part of David Wilson Homes’ outreach to the local community. In what’s been a challenging time for schools across the country as a result of the pandemic, the leading developer is as committed as ever to providing support during Road Safety Week and beyond. Rachael Harrison, Sales Director at David Wilson East Midlands, said: “We want to ensure the pupils in the local communities remain visible now the darker nights are here, and our donation has hopefully still encouraged them to safely practice Road Safety Week. “This is a campaign we actively support each year as we endeavour to help local school children in their efforts to commute on foot, and the vests have proven to be both effective and practical. “As a result of the COVID-19 crisis, it’s even more important for us to support the local schools in and around the communities we build, so we’re thrilled to have had the chance to support Fleckney Primary School during Road Safety Week.” David Wilson Homes’ high vis vests have proven to be particularly useful during Road Safety Week and beyond, with their features set to benefit pupils in their future journeys to school throughout the winter months.

Leicestershire CCC and M-EC Forge Decade Long Partnership

Eleonora Gallina
-
0
Leicestershire CCC and M-EC Forge Decade Long Partnership
Leicestershire County Cricket Club (LCCC) has announced that M-EC will be an Official Partner of the club for the 2022 season. The new sponsorship agreement marks a decade of collaboration between the two organisations. It is an exciting time at the Uptonsteel County Ground with numerous Leicestershire businesses backing the Foxes for the upcoming season. Having such commercial support will help the club thrive both on and off the pitch. Having sponsored LCCC in many ways over the past decade, M-EC will feature on the arm of the LV= County Championship and T20 Vitality Blast kits for the entirety of the 2022 campaign. M-EC, which is headquarted in Hugglescote, Leicestershire, has worked with LCCC since the company’s inception in 2009. The company has grown to become one of the nation’s leading development technical consultants, working with a range of local authorities, leading housebuilders and construction companies on projects across the UK. Edward Mewies, Managing Director at M-EC said: “We are proud to be longstanding partners of Leicestershire County Cricket Club and we are looking forward to cheering the team on once again next season. Supporting other local organisations and charities is important to us all at M-EC, either through agreements at a company level like this, or individually. LCCC share those values and are involved in the local community which is why we have partnered with them for the past ten years.” Tracey Branson, LCCC Commercial Manager said: “We are delighted to have M-EC on board once again and look forward to working with the team at M-EC in 2022. The relationship between the club and company has grown over the past decade and we highly value their support and its always great to invite the team to the Uptonsteel County Ground. Partnerships such as this are vital to the success of the team on the pitch and the work we do off it, so I would like to thank M-EC and all our partners for their support.”

Fibre optic firm expands in Derby

Tess Egginton
-
0
Fibre optic firm expands in Derby
Unit 35 Shaftesbury Street South has been snapped up by nationwide fibre optic providers Full Fibre to base a Midlands expansion out of. Full Fibre are rolling out fibre optic broadband to 13 towns across the Midlands in a move that hopes to provide better connections for those towns that may have been overlooked. William Speed of Salloway Property Consultants, who agreed the terms of the deal on behalf of a private client, said: “It is great to be able to provide space for a national company working to increase connectivity in the Midlands. “Full Fibre are a well renowned firm who work nationwide to provide fibre optic connections for ‘forgotten’ towns around the UK. Their new base in Derby provides them with the perfect location to serve the Midlands from.” Chris Williams, area general manager at Full Fibre, was pleased to see the speed in which they were able to take occupation of the unit: “Timing was essential for us, we needed a unit to work out of to fulfil our contract in the Midlands as soon as possible. The unit at 35 Shaftesbury Street South works perfectly, giving us a central location to work out of whilst connecting the Midlands.”

University of Nottingham purchases 350,000 sq ft of buildings for new campus

Tess Egginton
-
0
University of Nottingham purchases 350,000 sq ft of buildings for new campus
Mapeley Steps Limited and Malabar Investment Holdings Limited, advised jointly by Savills and Metis, have sold the freehold of Castle Meadow Campus in Nottingham to the University of Nottingham. The property was marketed at a guide price of offers in excess of £36 million.
Set across more than nine acres (three hectares), the campus comprises six highly specified three and four storey office buildings and a dedicated health & wellbeing hub totalling 351,247 sq ft (32,635 sq m). Four of the five office buildings are let to Mapeley Steps Contractors Ltd until late 2022, and are currently occupied by HMRC who will be vacating at the end of September 2022 to new accommodation at Unity Square, whilst the remaining building is let to Browne Jacobson LLP. Upon purchasing, the University has plans to provide a campus for final year and postgraduate students, realising its long standing ambitions to have a greater physical presence within the city centre. Castle Meadow Campus occupies a prominent canal side position immediately to the south west of the City Centre within Nottingham’s central office core and is overlooked by the renowned Nottingham Castle. The Campus is within easy walking distance from Nottingham Train Station, Castle Marina Retail Park, Sainsbury’s and Aldi, and a number of pubs and restaurants. Vice-Chancellor Professor Shearer West from the University of Nottingham said: “This is a symbolic milestone in the story of both the city and the University of Nottingham and presents a hugely exciting opportunity. Opening an additional UK campus is an expression of confidence in the future of both the University and the city of Nottingham. “Having a campus in the city, with transport links that offer a gateway beyond the region, will help enhance our civic agenda and enable us to deliver on our ambitions to support jobs, investment and growth across the city. It also offers greater opportunities for collaboration with local business, industry and SMEs, making it easier for partners to engage with us and develop long-term, mutually beneficial relationships. “For students in particular the site could enable greater and more convenient links with regional business and industry through placements, entrepreneurship, and collaboration to deliver a professional and practice-based curriculum, enhancing their graduate employment skills and opportunities to remain and work in the city. “A civic and professional campus at Castle Meadow will accelerate the delivery of our strategic ambitions, demonstrating to the people of Nottingham just how far we are prepared to go to make a positive difference for the city, while offering the best of facilities for staff and current and future students.” A representative from Malabar Investment Holdings Limited says: “This deal represents a successful conclusion to a very positive collaboration with Mapeley following the lease extension agreed with Browne Jacobson last year and we would like to thank the teams involved. It is exciting to see the Castle Meadow campus move into the next stage of its lifecycle, and we look forward to seeing the University’s plans delivered.”

Nottinghamshire nursery sold to growing East Midlands group

Tess Egginton
-
0
Nottinghamshire nursery sold to growing East Midlands group
Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, has sold Dragonflies Day Nursery Ltd in Nottinghamshire. Dragonflies Day Nursery Ltd is an independent setting for up to 51 children aged 0-5 years. With an ‘outstanding’ Ofsted report, the nursery also has an outdoor area which includes a container unit that was expertly designed and converted by early years experts with toddlers in mind. The setting comes with the opportunity to extend the premises to one side and to streamline management in line with their existing group. The nursery is located in a former police station in the village of Calverton in Nottinghamshire with various amenities in the locality providing plenty of drop-off points and access for local parents walking to work. The business was previously owned by Miss Michele Larman who successfully ran the nursery for over six years and recently decided to sell to pursue an early retirement and spend more time abroad. It has now been purchased by growing East Midlands-based nursery group, Purley Ltd, which comprises nurseries in Stoke, Northampton and Chesterfield. The group is owned by husband-and-wife team, Mrs Tushi Popat and Mr Anant Popat, who have financial and legal backgrounds which aided their acquisition process. Miss Michele Larman says: “Having converted the police house and police station in 2014 into a purpose-built nursery, it was important when I was considering handing over the reins that it would be to someone who would lavish the same care and attention to detail that I have for the last seven years.” Jassi Sunner, associate director at Christie & Co, who handled the sale, says: “Dragonflies Day Nursery is a delightful setting with some really unique features and is situated in a fantastic location. “The business attracted an array of interest and, much like other recent instructions, garnered a competitive process leading to bids in excess of the asking price. “As ever, the buyers want to see where they can add value and where the uplift is in the business and Dragonflies is an excellent example of a well-run business with a fantastic reputation with, crucially, room to grow and build on that success. “Day nurseries like this will always garner significant attention due to the lack of businesses coming to market, which can enable the best price possible for the seller – as was the case for Michele. It has been an absolute pleasure to work with Michele, I wish her and her family good health and hope they enjoy more time together following the sale of the business.” Dragonflies Day Nursery Ltd was sold for an undisclosed price.

Harrogate smart energy firm swoops for Leicester company

Tess Egginton
-
0
Harrogate smart energy firm swoops for Leicester company
Chameleon Technology (UK) Ltd, the Harrogate-based smart energy technology company, has acquired GenGame Ltd, Leicester-based specialists in consumer energy technology and app development. The deal signals the next milestone in Chameleon Technology’s plans to provide consumers with a platform for intelligent, optimised control over their home energy system, which will be a crucial element of everyone’s personal journey to net zero. Mike Woodhall, CEO, Chameleon Technology, says: “Acquiring GenGame is a timely strategic move to further advance our product roadmap. Our focus is on enabling all consumers to understand and reduce both their energy consumption and carbon emissions. “With this acquisition we gain another means of empowering those consumers and the ability to put the data needed to help them on their personal journey to net zero in their hands. We are aiming to make the management of home energy smarter, simpler, greener and more personalised. “GenGame’s experience in delivering applications that demystify some of the complexity of the energy system is going to be a big part of this. The acquisition is well-timed to leverage and support the transformation of the energy industry and will cement our position as a leader in smart home energy management.” Stephane Lee-Favier, Managing Director, GenGame, says: “It is great to be joining the Chameleon Technology group, and at a very exciting time for the future of energy. We are looking forward to scaling and commercialising what we have built and driving a consumer-led, low-carbon offering together. “Both of our companies’ missions are totally aligned in allowing the consumer to see value in changing their home energy behaviour, and this makes it an ideal opportunity for GenGame.” GenGame, who work with utility companies including Ecotricity, Green Energy UK and So Energy, will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Chameleon Technology (UK) Ltd and will exist as an ongoing entity. GenGame will continue to be based in Leicester and all of the staff will remain in place with Stephane Lee-Favier as Managing Director. Stephane will also be joining the Chameleon Technology Operations Board to provide strategic input into future technology developments.

Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service launches an emergency Christmas safety initiative for businesses

Eleonora Gallina
-
0
Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service launches an emergency Christmas safety initiative for businesses
The business safety team at Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service has joined forces with the licensing team at Nottinghamshire Police and the team at Mansfield Business Improvement District (BID) to engage with members of staff in businesses to raise awareness of certain fire safety issues which arise during the festive period. Business education advocate, Sophie Winterbottom, said: “This initiative was an opportunity to create wider relationships with the businesses in our communities as well as provide them with safety advice. The majority of businesses we visited in Mansfield were aware of the extra precautions they have to take during this period. “If you have a business, please ensure that you are not covering fire exit signs with tinsel, overloading plug sockets with Christmas lights or blocking fire escape routes with Christmas stock.” Paul Horton, Senior Licensing Officer, said: “It is always great to come together with our partners and offer this support to businesses as a partnership. The aim of this initiative really was to ensure businesses have the most up-to-date and best possible safety advice in the run up to Christmas. “We spoke to businesses around making sure their CCTV is working and retrieving footage, as well as where to place Christmas decorations so this coverage isn’t affected should an incident occur which we need to investigate. “Organising adequate door staff at busy times was also something we discussed with the premises, as well general vigilance, including taking note of how potentially vulnerable people might be getting home and organising taxis. “Christmas is a great time for people to enjoy themselves and I think it’s fair to say that, as a collective, we are committed to taking these proactive steps to make sure businesses are in the best possible position and that the public can have a safe and enjoyable festive period if they choose to go out.”

New chairman and investor for Bis Henderson Group

Tess Egginton
-
0
New chairman and investor for Bis Henderson Group
Bis Henderson Group, the talent-to-solutions supply chain services company, has appointed Adrian Fawcett as chairman. Adrian, who has also invested in the Northampton-based business, will join the board of directors to help the business accelerate through the next phase of its growth, as the company seeks to develop into the largest platform provider for warehouse space, consulting and recruitment services to the supply chain and logistics sector. Adrian is also currently chairman of Park Holidays UK. The company has seen its fortunes grow during his tenure, through four PE sponsor transactions, from being a sub £15m company into the £1bn business it is today. A sale to Sun Communities of the USA has just been agreed. His early career was spent at Bass Brewing where he helped build and sell the business and was instrumental in the creation of Tradeteam Exel distribution. He also led the growth of Punch Taverns, successfully floating the business as a 9,300 plus outlet, ftse 100 company. In the healthcare sector he became CEO of BMI Healthcare, where he elevated the company to being the largest private UK healthcare system servicing the breadth of the UK. And as chairman of Silentnight Group Adrian has overseen a transformation of the company’s fortunes, taking it to a market leading position in the sleep category. Andy Kaye, CEO of Bis Henderson Group, said: “Adrian brings a wealth of experience and a fantastic track record of working with teams to create some of the fastest growing, market leading and transactionally active companies in their sectors. “The board and I welcome Adrian’s insight and energy in helping us build for the future and we look forward to working with him in what is planned to be an exciting chapter of growth and development for our business.” Adrian Fawcett said: “Fast and efficient access to available warehouse space has become increasingly critical and relevant to the new, agile business models of today – and this is true across retail, manufacturing, distributors and supply chain service providers. “The Brexit and Pandemic dislocations have created accelerated and unavoidable new requirements – meaning that Bis Henderson’s integrated solutions and services are increasingly vital for business success.”

South East Coalville development enters second phase with further plot sale to Bellway

Tess Egginton
-
0
South East Coalville development enters second phase with further plot sale to Bellway
Harworth Group plc, a regenerator of land and property for sustainable development and investment, has sold a 13.8-acre land parcel at its South East Coalville residential development to Bellway. The land parcel will deliver 189 new homes and represents the first sale as part of the scheme’s second phase, which is focused on the Swinfen Vale area of the site. South East Coalville is Harworth’s largest residential development in its Midlands region. The 250-acre site is situated just two miles from Junction 22 of the M1, and has an outline planning consent for the creation of a sustainable new community of more than 2,000 homes. The development comprises two distinct areas: Hugglescote Grange to the north and Swinfen Vale to the south, both named after surrounding villages. The first phase of South East Coalville began in 2020, with land sold to Redrow for the delivery of 204 homes and Bellway for 166 homes, following extensive infrastructure works carried out by Harworth. Construction has already begun on Bellway’s first parcel of land at the site at Hugglescote Grange. Earlier this year, Harworth began enabling works for the second phase of the scheme. This will see the delivery of additional homes, a local centre with convenience retail, a new primary school and other civic amenities. A focus on environmental protection and enhancement is integral to the masterplan for South East Coalville. The completed site will feature 15 acres of parkland and amenity space, in addition to a 23-acre riverside green corridor along the River Sence. Further design elements will include an innovative energy efficient specification for the new school, the translocation rather than removal of hedgerows, and the creation of an Open Mosaic Habitat to boost biodiversity. Andrew Blackshaw, Chief Operating Officer, Harworth Group plc, said: “Earlier this year, Harworth unveiled an ambition to double the size of its business over the next five to seven years. One of the key drivers of this growth will be accelerating sales and broadening the range of our residential products. “With the completion of three land parcel sales representing over 500 housing plots in the space of two years, South East Coalville underlines our ability to deliver on this strategy.” David Cockroft, Regional Director – Midlands, Harworth Group plc, said: “Harworth’s second sale to Bellway at South East Coalville demonstrates the demand for our well-designed spaces where people want to live and work, and our position as a trusted partner to housebuilders. “We look forward to working with our partners to deliver these new homes alongside further amenities, infrastructure and green space as part of South East Coalville’s exciting second phase.”

£2m to help improve businesses and skills in Derbyshire

Tess Egginton
-
0
£2m to help improve businesses and skills in Derbyshire
Around £2 million has been given to projects to help boost businesses, create jobs and improve the career prospects of residents in the High Peak and Derbyshire Dales following Derbyshire County Council’s bids for government cash. Funding from the government’s UK Community Renewal Fund has been awarded to the following.

Better Futures project – £500,000

This pilot project will help unemployed people primarily in the Derbyshire Dales to improve their skills and find work locally. It will also help to improve the skills of residents who have recently found work, are at risk of unemployment, in part-time roles but wish to go full-time or are highly skilled but in low paid, low-skilled jobs.

Derbyshire Accelerator project – £1.48 million

This will help fund initiatives in the High Peak and Derbyshire Dales including:
  • DE-Carbonise – extra funding for this existing project to help more businesses to reduce their carbon emissions with grants of up to £8,000 to help businesses put carbon reduction recommendations in place
  • Digital Market Town Accelerator – a project to help small to medium sized businesses to start trading online, with a digital advisor offering hands-on support and access to financial support, digital events and peer networks offering help and advice. Grants of up to £8,000 will be available to help businesses adopt new technology or business processes
  • D2 starter programme – extra funding for this existing project, a mentoring and support network for new businesses with grants of up to £2,000 available to help them get started
  • Kick-start accelerator – support the government’s existing Kickstart programme for apprentices by providing online training support as well as financial support to turn job placements into a permanent role or recruit graduates looking for work. Grants of up to £8,000 will be available to help businesses subsidise wages for a new Kickstart role or graduate
  • upskilling the workforce – grants of up to £8,000 will be available to help businesses to provide specialist training to boost staff skills
  • COVID support – funding of up to £2,000 for businesses in need of consultancy advice to address resilience or growth challenges in the wake of the pandemic
  • funding for feasibility studies to look at the design and use of apps to support the development of leisure tourism across the Peak District
Councillor Tony King, Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Clean Growth and Regeneration, said: “We welcome this funding which will help us to support local businesses, create jobs and provide residents with the skills needed to either find work or improve their career prospects in the wake of the pandemic. “We’re committed to helping to reduce carbon emissions generated within the county to net zero by 2050 or sooner and so we also welcome the opportunity to reignite our successful DE-Carbonise programme to help local businesses on their Journey to Net Zero by supporting them to cut their carbon emissions. “Government identified the High Peak and Derbyshire Dales areas as priorities for funding, but we’re determined to continue pushing Westminster for further funding to ensure similar support can be offered in other areas where there is a need.”

Loughborough graduate startup acquired by The Access Group

Tess Egginton
-
0
Loughborough graduate startup acquired by The Access Group
A telecare company founded by a Loughborough University graduate has become part of The Access Group, a leading provider of business management software to UK, Ireland and Asia Pacific mid-market organisations.
The acquisition of Alcuris provides the Access Group’s Health and Social Care business with new technology that allows a step change in social care. Both companies are based on Loughborough University Science and Enterprise Park (LUSEP). Alcuris launched from LUSEP in 2017, one year after Access joined – The Access Group recently officially opened its new £20 million headquarters on site.  Alex Nash founded Alcuris in 2015 whilst he was studying Product Design Engineering at Loughborough, following his grandfather’s diagnosis of dementia. The company has grown at pace, securing more than £3m investment to create 16 jobs and deploy at scale its multi-award-winning telecare platform. Alcuris provides a combination of hardware and an in-home digital hub to provide daily living insights for users and carer management insight for families and the professional care community. The technology helps address a key gap within the current social care system caused by the absence of smart technology, and in doing so supports caregivers to take pre-emptive care action faster, whilst supporting the desire for people to live independently for longer. Digital insight direct from in-home monitoring systems allows for the reduction and prevention of hospital admissions, helps support sustainable care delivery in the lowest cost setting i.e., the home and allows care providers to reach more residents than budgets will have previously allowed. Steve Sawyer, Access Health and Social Care MD, said: “Alcuris, together with Access health and social care solutions, truly connects a fragmented market of hardware products and siloed patient and care monitoring. “Furthermore, the in-home digital-hub technology helps local authorities, care homes and sheltered housing providers upgrade old analogue alarms and monitoring systems to new digital standards. In connecting and analysing data across our broad range of Access solutions we can provide detailed and integrated insights for the delivery of better patient and service user care.” Alex Nash said: “The Alcuris team is thrilled to be joining The Access Group, whose Health and Social Care division is the leading provider to the local government, health and social care sectors in the UK. “Earlier this month we announced our partnership with Medequip Assistive Technology Ltd and Wirral Council; the first local authority to deploy next generation telecare services at scale. As part of the Access family, we look forward to setting the standard in a digital care system that connects people, data and services and enables intelligent care decisions at the speed of life.” Dr Jen Fensome, Loughborough University Director of Research and Enterprise and LUSEP lead, said: “Since its launch, Alcuris has shown outstanding potential and I am delighted that this has been recognised by The Access Group. “The acquisition is excellent news for Alcuris, LUSEP, the regional economy and the transformation of social care. Furthermore, Alex Nash’s entrepreneurial journey will inspire even more startups from the University’s student and graduate enterprise community.”

Nottinghamshire halal baby food manufacturer secures £400k

Tess Egginton
-
0
Nottinghamshire halal baby food manufacturer secures £400k
Nottinghamshire-based halal baby food manufacturer, For Aisha Baby Foods (For Aisha), has received a £400,000 investment to develop new product ranges and meet overseas demand. For Aisha received the funding from the D2N2-supported Midlands Engine Investment Fund (MEIF), provided by The FSE Group Debt Finance Fund and backed by the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS). This follows on from an initial equity investment from the MEIF East & South East Midlands Equity Fund, managed by Foresight Group. The company, which operates out of Edwalton, will use the funding to accelerate For Aisha’s expansion plans, initially recruiting a commercial director to develop its UK business as an immediate priority as well as to take the brand into new overseas markets, whilst the further additional two positions will strengthen the business as it grows. The finance will also allow it to focus on increasing stock levels to meet current UK and overseas demand, whilst developing new products to add to their range. For Aisha is currently the only major commercial certified brand of Halal and Tayyib baby food in the UK. Its main aim is to help infants to broaden their tastes when solids are introduced, with blended ingredients incorporating gentle spices. The business has won 20 national food awards, including the “Made for Mums” and “World Food Innovation” awards. Joy Parkinson, executive chair of the business, said: “Thanks to The FSE Group for guiding us through the funding process. We are really looking forward to strengthening the team, building stock which will allow us to meet both our supermarket and online shop orders. “The funding will also enable us to conduct research to develop exciting new recipes aimed at older toddlers. We are really looking forward to the range extension and getting more toddlers experiencing lots of different tastes from our selection of varied meals.” Ann Marie McFadyen, investment manager at The FSE Group, which manages the MEIF Debt Finance Fund, added: “For Aisha is an established brand with a strong existing client base. The range is readily available in leading supermarket chains as well as directly from their website. The business has the capacity to ramp up the production of their products to meet the growing demand for their brand. We look forward to seeing the brand go from strength-to-strength.” Will Morlidge, Interim Chief Executive at D2N2 LEP, said: “For Aisha is an amazing success story and a great example of an innovative firm investing in new product lines to support their growth ambitions. I’m delighted the Midland Engine Investment Fund is continuing to improve productivity and support job creation across the region.”

Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire fashion businesses offered support to overcome sustainability challenges

Tess Egginton
-
0
Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire fashion businesses offered support to overcome sustainability challenges
As consumer pressure grows for fashion brands to become more sustainable, clothing businesses in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire are being offered support to lessen the environmental impact of their products through a new programme run by Nottingham Business School, part of Nottingham Trent University. The Big House Sustainable Fashion Accelerator (SFA) programme will help small to medium-sized businesses (SMEs) overcome the difficult technical and commercial challenges of adopting a sustainable strategy. For many, the changes needed can be challenging, such as using different materials and manufacturing, dyeing and finishing techniques; reducing waste and transport; making products that are easier to recycle; and adopting leading edge technologies. Lynn Oxborrow, Big House programme lead and Associate Professor in Small Business and Supply Chain Management at Nottingham Business School, said: “Ultimately the most effective way to reduce fashion’s environmental footprint is to make and sell less and provide items that consumers want to keep in use for longer – but commercially, this goes against the grain. “Reducing the social impact of clothing could involve choosing responsible suppliers; investing in wages, training, working conditions and other benefits; and improving transparency across the supply chain. This can increase costs and reduce the flexibility that enables fashion to be fast and responsive.” The SFA programme is designed to help SMEs to design and sell more sustainable fashion by sharing technical knowledge and expertise, promoting peer learning and innovative collaborations, and providing a test bed for SMEs in D2N2 to overcome some of the challenges they face. Up to ten businesses will be supported in 2021 / 22 with access to a workshop programme on identified common themes, such as alternative materials or ways to market sustainable fashion; expert mentoring, networking and pitching opportunities with potential advisors, clients or investors. Participants will also be offered grants and access to student expertise and consultancy projects. The SFA will launch with an event on Thursday 2 December from 9.30 to 12.30 with a keynote presentation from sustainable fashion expert, Charlotte Turner. Charlotte has supported international brands, retailers and manufacturers to set up and run responsible businesses with long-term sustainability strategies, create and sell high quality products and services in the most socially just and environmental ways possible, and communicate authentically about sustainability. Through roles including head of Sustainable Fashion and Textiles at leading consultancy Eco-Age, and as a British Fashion Council mentor, she has supported numerous start-ups, SMEs and large-scale global brands, retailers and manufacturers to understand, manage and improve their social and environmental performance through training, developing and implementing long-term sustainability strategies, action plans and tools, and introducing alternative materials and processes to supply chains. She has then guided clients to transparently communicate these strategies and achievements with diverse audiences across multiple media platforms. The online event will be fully interactive, with panel discussions, Q and A sessions and opportunities to get involved. Dr Oxborrow added: “Small and new fashion businesses may lack the resources and impetus to change the whole supply chain, but they can be the source of amazing innovations that can lead to positive changes. But given the challenges they face, SMEs need a helping hand to enable them to find ways to make fashion more sustainable. The Sustainable Fashion Accelerator aims to provide that.” The SFA builds on NTU’s active research in the area of sustainable fashion, including the Durability Dozen and clothing longevity research.

D2N2 LEP launches strategy on trade and investment

Tess Egginton
-
0
D2N2 LEP launches strategy on trade and investment
The D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, in partnership with the Department for International Trade (DIT) has published a new report outlining how the region can build its competitiveness, drive productivity and create more jobs by increasing international trade. D2N2 Global: International Trade Strategy sets out the region’s ambition to increase the percentage of D2N2 businesses that export goods and services. It identifies key strategic priorities and actions to ensure that the business community can become more confident and active in overseas markets. It also identifies a range of emerging markets that D2N2 businesses can explore further. These market requirements match the strengths in the region. By connecting these strengths with potential growth markets the region can grasp the opportunities available through the UK’s new trading relationships and being at the forefront of ‘Global Britain’. The report, which is funded by DIT has been developed to align with Government’s new Trade and Export strategy, Made in the UK, sold to the World. Elizabeth Fagan, chair of the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “In 2020, the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership launched its Recovery and Growth Strategy to ensure we build a stronger economy and deliver more investment and jobs. “With our strategy in place, our strong partnerships and investments in skills, business support and innovation, we think now is a perfect time to look to the future and create more outward trade for our region. “Our International Trade strategy sets out a clear evidence base on the challenges and the actions required to support our businesses to grow and create new export-oriented jobs for our region.” Ian Harrison, head of export, DIT Midlands, said: “The D2N2 LEP’s International Trade strategy represents an innovative approach to aligning its priorities with this the strategic Global Britain vision to help achieve strategic international trade outcomes. We are particularly pleased to be support its launched during this inaugural International Trade Week. “The support for the development of this strategy was enabled through DIT’s Levelling-Up funding for the Midlands and the regional team has worked in partnership with the LEP in developing their approach. DIT Midlands very much welcome the opportunity to continue to work closely with the LEP to assist with its implementation.” The International Trade Strategy has been produced by Deyton Bell, independent economic development consultants working closely with key partners across the region.

Local community invited to explore Space Park Leicester

Michael Fisher
-
0
Local community invited to explore Space Park Leicester
Space Park Leicester will open its doors to local residents, organisations, families and businesses at an informal event to celebrate its presence in the East Midlands taking place next week. People are being asked to confirm their attendance at the open event taking place on Friday, 26 November: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/space-park-leicester-community-evening-tickets-207952610857. Between 4:30pm and 7:15pm experts will be on hand to provide information about the research taking place and lead a tour of the £100 million building that is a research, innovation and teaching hub for space-related high-tech companies and researchers. Visitors will also have the opportunity to learn about Leicester’s role in the development of the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA’s largest and most powerful science telescope ever constructed which is set to launch in December. Professor Richard Ambrosi, Professor of Space Instrumentation and Space Nuclear Power Systems in the University of Leicester’s School of Physics and Astronomy said: “We are delighted to be able to invite the local Leicester community to come and take a look around these fantastic facilities and learn about some of the exciting projects taking place here. “We want to celebrate our growing presence not only in the city of Leicester but the region and UK as a whole, in doing so we want the local community to gain an understanding of the work going on here and learn about what Space Park Leicester has to offer.” Earlier in the day, youngsters from local primary schools will have a tour of Space Park Leicester’s Second Phase, visiting the labs that will be used for satellite design and build. Dr Susie Imber, Associate Professor in Space Physics will lead a science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) outreach workshop involving a water rocket experiment.
1...449450451...465Page 450 of 465