Developer adds £12m new home scheme to Lincolnshire portfolio
A developer has revealed plans for the second in a series of new housebuilding projects it will deliver in Lincolnshire.
E5 Living UK will build 39 bungalows in a £12m scheme in Marton between Gainsborough and Lincoln. The homes at Stow Park Road — provisionally named Marton Meadows —include 31 high specification two to four-bedroom single storey properties with eight affordable housing units. Work is expected to start in early 2022.
Marton Meadows will be E5’s second house building venture in Lincolnshire to date. It is currently heading into phase two of King’s Park in Grimsby, a new community of nearly 100 new homes with retail units next to the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Hospital.
E5 has also secured land in Market Rasen where it is proposing more than 70 bungalows and has further plans for an additional site in Market Rasen and one in Caistor.
The Marton homes are being designed by Lincolnshire-based architects Hodsons and will address the lack of single storey homes in the area, said E5 Director Kevin Stevens.
“There is a nationwide shortage of bungalows,” he explained. “We know from our experience in Grimsby that demand for bungalows far outweighs the availability and we’re going some way to redressing the balance with our Marton Meadows development.
“We have worked with Hodsons on King’s Park and together we bring a fresh approach to single storey living. Bungalows offer great scope for all kinds of house buyers — from young families to downsizers — and our designs reflect the preference for open plan contemporary homes.”
Work gets underway on Gedling’s largest modular housing scheme
A new development of 131 factory-built affordable homes – one of the largest of its kind in Nottinghamshire – is now underway following planning permission being granted by Gedling Borough Council.
ilke Homes, a modular housing firm who recently raised £60 million in a fundraise from a mix of public and private sector investors, is manufacturing the homes offsite for Jigsaw Homes, who will eventually own and operate the scheme.
The homes will be manufactured at ilke Homes’ 250,000 sq ft factory in Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, before being delivered to Rolleston Drive.
The latest milestone follows news that in October 2020, ilke Homes was chosen by Nottinghamshire County Council to regenerate the nine-acre brownfield site following a competitive tender process.
The Homes England-backed scheme will deliver 45 two-bedroom homes, 73 three-bedroom homes and 13 four-bedroom homes – all of which will made available for either shared ownership or affordable rent.
The new development is one of the largest modular schemes to be funded through the Affordable Homes Programme by the Government’s housing agency.
It is Jigsaw’s first foray into delivering factory-built houses as part of its sustainability strategy and plans to reach net zero carbon by 2050. A number of the homes could also be fitted with a mix of photovoltaic (PV) panels and Air Source Heat Pumps to maximise energy efficiency.
The homes will be constructed in phases consisting of 15 properties at a time and transported to site. The first homes are expected to be in place, tested and handed over in May 2022 with all 131 homes ready by summer 2023.
Garnet Fazackerley, operations director of development at Jigsaw Homes Group, said: “This is an incredibly exciting project and one that will potentially change the way we look at development in the future.
“Not only will these homes be affordable and meet the local housing need but are beautifully built as well as being sustainable. We are proud to be working with ilke Homes and Homes England to bring innovative housing to Gedling.”
Tom Heathcote, executive director of development at ilke Homes, said: “This new scheme is breathing life into a brownfield site that has laid derelict for over six years, so it’s really great to see work beginning on site.
“As one of the country’s most forward-thinking housing associations, Jigsaw Homes Group shares our ambition of ensuring that the homes delivered are some of the country’s most sustainable and energy efficient.
“Since securing the site just over a year ago, our Midlands team have worked closely with both Nottinghamshire County Council and Gedling Borough Council to ensure the development will deliver not only best value, but also a well-designed sustainable development all stakeholders will be proud of.”
Dilys Jones, assistant director of affordable housing growth at Homes England, said: “This is one of the largest fully volumetric sites we’ve funded through the government’s Affordable Homes Programme via Continuous Market Engagement. It’s an excellent example of how this funding can be accessed and used to facilitate ambitious MMC led schemes that deliver affordable housing at scale.”
Deputy leader for Gedling Borough Council, Councillor Michael Payne, said: “I’m very pleased to see work beginning at the Rolleston Drive site. This development will breathe much needed new life to this unused brownfield site, a site which had been an eyesore for local residents for a very long time.
“One of our main priorities is to redevelop vacant or underused sites to create affordable homes and provide much needed new homes to boost the local economy. We will work together with our local housing providers to bring this development together to offer high quality, energy efficient and affordable housing for our residents and I look forward to seeing the works as they progress.”
Green light for new creative workspace on Grimsby docks
Plans have been approved for a brand-new workspace which will be created on Grimsby docks for a mixture of artists and creative entrepreneurs.
World renowned conservation architects and historic buildings consultants, Donald Insall Associates, were appointed last year to develop plans to create the new workspace, and a planning application was submitted earlier this year to redevelop a number of buildings in the Fish Dock area of Grimsby as part of the Grimsby Creates programme.
Work will now move forward on the first phase of the project – initially to regenerate three central buildings back into use, and create a new space for creative individuals and businesses, which will incorporate studio space as well as a communal space for collaboration, networking, and art installations.
The first stage of this development will be to do some initial works ahead of the winter period to secure the buildings from water ingress. Following this, a tender for the redevelopment will be released and it’s expected that the main construction work will take place from mid-2022 onwards. The Council will also be seeking an organisation to take on the day-to-day operation of the workspace once it has been completed.
Should further funding be secured, additional buildings already identified in the planning application may be developed in the future.
Cllr Callum Procter, Cabinet member for economic growth, said: “This is a really important project for Grimsby, bringing together the creative activity that’s been happening along with development of a unique affordable space for businesses and creatives to grow. I look forward to watching the space develop in the coming year.”
The buildings in question have had a long history associated with the port – from being occupied by a bank to being home to carpenters, sail printers, basket makers, engineers and boiler makers and of course fish handling companies. Some of the buildings also had to be re-built after suffering bomb damage in the Second World War.
Other buildings have associations with long-standing Grimsby employers, including Edwin Bacon, Ross and Youngs. And many sailors will have heard “Sailor Radio” on their travels, transmitted from one of the buildings in years past.
The project aims to provide a culture-led regeneration project in the historic ‘Kasbah’ area of the Port of Grimsby as part of the wider Great Grimsby Heritage Action Zone.
The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport funds the Cultural Development Fund which is administered by Arts Council England.
Leicestershire sustainable cycling apparel business to create 7 jobs following £500,000 funding package
A Hinckley-headquartered cycling apparel manufacturer has secured a £500,000 investment to fuel expansion and strengthen its position in global markets.
Velobici Ltd secured the funding from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund (MEIF) – managed by The FSE Group Debt Finance Fund and backed by the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS).
The company will use the funds to bolster its workforce over the next three years, creating seven full time jobs, six dedicated to the manufacturing side of the business and a new finance employee.
Velobici manufactures and distributes high-end cycling apparel and accessories. It uses sustainably sourced fabrics and has an adaptable manufacturing strategy that helps limit excess production. The funding will also enable the company to increase stock levels to help meet demand from both UK and export markets.
Velobici is also planning to move to larger premises, which will increase production capacity and allow the company to grow its distribution channels overseas. Alongside the larger premises, a new range of cycling apparel is being developed for Spring 2022.
Chris Puttnam, founder and director of Velobici, said: “Being a keen amateur cyclist myself, I understand the importance of having the correct, high-performance cycling apparel. COVID-19 affected supply chains across the manufacturing sector, but with lockdown restrictions easing, the situation is greatly improving, enabling us to get back to ‘business as usual’, albeit with the correct safety measures in place.
“This funding has not only enabled us to maintain our workforce, but we are now back to full manufacturing strength, fulfilling current orders and scheduling new ones. We take great pride in attention to detail and all our roadwear garments are manufactured by our own master craftspeople from start to finish. The imminent move to our new premises will see capacity increased to deliver a growth in sales.”
Ann Marie McFadyen, investment manager at The FSE Group, which manages the MEIF Debt Finance Fund, added: “Velobici has a highly experienced leadership team, all committed to ensuring the business becomes carbon-neutral by 2025. Its respected high-quality ‘Made In England’ brand, being 100 per cent UK manufactured, is well respected and sought after, both overseas and in the UK by both current and new customers.
“The sector is set to continue to expand, and it is great to see the business getting ready to move to a larger production site to fulfil the increase in orders. We look forward to joining Chris and his team at Velobici on the next stage of their journey.”
Kevin Harris, chair of the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership, said: “Velobici is an innovative textile manufacturer whose products and designs are made right here in Leicestershire, keeping our historic heart of the UK textile industry very much alive.
“I’m very pleased that they have secured this funding to enable them to expand their team and invest in the future of their business. It is essential that our local innovative and sustainable manufacturers get the support and funding they need to expand, so they can offer future jobs and opportunities for local people. This is exactly what the Midlands Engine Investment Fund was set up to do.”
Green light for 71 new energy-efficient West Bridgford homes
Plans for 71 new homes on Abbey Road in West Bridgford have secured a unanimous Reserved Matters Approval from Rushcliffe Borough Council.
The no-gas housing development will sit on the Central Works Depot site, which was previously used primarily as the Borough Council’s depot for the storage of refuse freighters, vehicle maintenance and the storage of some recyclables.
Stagfield Group and Peveril Homes are behind the new scheme, which will include 21 affordable homes for Futures Housing Group.
The development, which is to feature energy systems and Smart living technology to assist homeowners to control their lifestyle and energy consumption, is estimated to deliver in excess of 50% CO2 reduction compared to building regulations, which is significantly higher than the enhanced standard target of 19% CO2 reduction for the scheme.
A supporting statement accompanying the submission said: “The design and layout is sympathetic to the existing locality yet creates a contemporary and high-quality new urban environment which encourages walking and cycling to local facilities.”
Miller Knight acquires headquarter building at Mansfield business park
FHP Property Consultants, on behalf of retained clients, have completed on the sale of 2A Sherwood Oaks Business Park in Mansfield to Miller Knight Resource Management Ltd.
The company, who also acquired the adjacent 2B property through FHP, have now secured a substantial 6,200 sq ft headquarter office building to expand their operations.
The property provides quality office accommodation over two floors, with the benefit of air conditioning and good levels of on-site car parking and several amenities in walking distance including the Golden Eagle public house, an ALDI supermarket and McDonald’s restaurant.
Thomas Szymkiw, of FHP’s Office Agency Department, said: “Miller Knight were keen to acquire this building for obvious reasons having already purchased the building next door previously through myself.
“I am therefore pleased that they have managed to secure the space required to expand their office operations on the same site – and wish them the very best of luck for the future.”
Derby manufacturer expands into neighbouring property
Tidyco, a producer of hose assemblies for the rail industry, has acquired an adjacent unit to house the expansion of its overhaul and refurbishment department.
In order to make the building fit for purpose, renovations have started with an official opening scheduled in November.
At the beginning of the year, the decision was made to acquire the adjacent space (Unit 6) of Tidyco’s existing location once the rental lease of the previous business was due to come to an end.
The purpose of this is to house the firm’s expansion of its overhaul and refurbishment of rolling stock components, which is managed and operated by the Tidyco Rail Division.
Rail Division Director, Paul Jacks, said: “Over the past few years we have worked tirelessly towards establishing an overhaul and refurb department within the rail division. We are starting to see our efforts pay off, which is why we needed to consider extending our premises. When we found out about the lease for the adjoining unit, it made perfect sense to move into there.”
James Tidy, Managing Director, said: “This really is a testament to the relentless determination of the rail division despite the incredibly difficult times brought about by the pandemic. I am immensely proud and optimistic of what they’ve achieved. This is a really exciting time for Tidyco.”
Smaller firms responsible for half of all UK greenhouse gas emissions from businesses
The British Business Bank has revealed that, based on its estimates, smaller businesses account for almost a third (30%) of all current UK greenhouse gas emissions (including emissions from households, industry and government) and around half (50%) of total emissions from UK businesses.
Its latest research report, Smaller businesses and the transition to net zero, highlights the potential collective influence of UK smaller businesses and the considerable contribution they could make to wider net zero objectives if they all made changes to reduce their carbon footprint.
The report, one of the most in-depth so far in this under-explored part of the market, incorporates results from fresh data via a bespoke, nationally representative survey of 1,200 smaller businesses, and analysis of public data sources.
Over three in four businesses (76%) are yet to implement comprehensive decarbonisation strategies, capabilities and actions, according to Bank estimates. One example of this is that just 3% of smaller businesses surveyed say they have measured their carbon footprint in the past five years and subsequently set an emissions reduction target.
The early stages of transition
There is limited proactivity from businesses to improve their own knowledge and capability, for example, with more than half (56%) in the survey saying they have taken no actions to change this.
However, when asked about physical actions, it is encouraging to see that the vast majority (94%) say they have taken at least one action to reduce their emissions, though they tended to be low-effort ones, such as installing a smart meter.
Overall, the most common motive for taking action, mentioned by just over half (51%) of businesses, was that it ‘made financial sense’, speaking to the need to align net zero and financial objectives for businesses in the transition.
The data reveals around half (52%) of smaller UK businesses fall within the ‘Carbon Complacent’ or ‘Carbon Exposed’ personas established by the Bank based on business characteristics, emissions intensity, actions and attitudes. Businesses falling under these personas are reactive or simply disengaged in their attitudes to cutting emissions and have ‘low carbon transition maturity’.
Awareness is mixed and attitudes split
More than half (57%) of smaller businesses have heard a lot, or a fair amount, about the government’s commitment to reach ‘net zero’ emissions by 2050, and the implications of climate change for their businesses (56%), establishing a strong base for further transition.
However, while nearly half (47%) of smaller businesses state reducing carbon emissions or environmental impacts is a high or very high priority over the next two years, 53% indicate they are not yet ready to prioritise decarbonisation. This split in attitudes demonstrates the need to raise awareness, balance the knowledge gap and ultimately help facilitate change.
Barriers are multiple, complex and business specific
The research found that smaller businesses identified more than twenty barriers preventing action on net zero, demonstrating the complexity in addressing the issues on a wide scale and the need for tailored approaches.
Some common themes have emerged, however – more than a third (35%) of smaller businesses cited costs as a barrier for reducing carbon emissions, particularly upfront capital costs (21%), followed by feasibility (32%), such as lack of control due to tenancy agreements or lack of an appropriate technology. Over one in ten (12%) said that lack of information was preventing them from action.
Finance as an enabler to net zero transition
So far, 11% of the smaller business population – equating to around 700,000 businesses in the UK – have accessed external finance, in the form of loans or equity, to support net zero actions. Looking forward, 22% of the UK smaller business population (equivalent to around 1.3 million businesses) – say they are prepared to access external finance to support net zero actions in the next five years.
Catherine Lewis La Torre, CEO, British Business Bank, said: “Smaller businesses will generally have lower individual carbon footprints than their larger counterparts, but by broadening their vision and committing to action they can collectively produce a significant overall impact.
“Action to mitigate the impacts of climate change is at tipping point, and it is crucial for smaller business owners to feel empowered, informed and supported in making the relevant steps to decarbonising their business if the UK is going to meet its wider net zero objectives by 2050.
“More than half of smaller businesses say they’re not ready to prioritise decarbonisation, so clearly more needs to be done.
“The Bank continues to strive to bridge the knowledge gap and work with its partners to improve smaller businesses’ access to the right finance to help them transition to net zero. We hope this report encourages business owners to review their business model, consider where changes can be made and to make the necessary investments to secure a sustainable future for their businesses.”
East Midlands commercial vehicle company secures £7.5m for fleet expansion
An East Midlands commercial vehicle rental company has secured a £7.5m asset finance loan from HSBC UK to help purchase a new fleet of 200 trucks, as demand for vehicles in the supply chain soars. The investment will create 20 full-time jobs across the East Midlands.
With operating depots in Leicester, Loughborough and Nottingham, Alltruck provides contract hire and rental vehicle services to over 250 SMEs across the UK. The company has used the funding to increase its fleet of commercial vehicles – which ranges from 3.5 tonne vans to 44 tonne tractor units – from 2,000 to 2,200 to help meet an increase in demand from its customers.
As part of the company’s ‘Journey to Zero’ initiative, the new investment includes 10 fully-electric vans which will enable Alltruck and its customers to become more eco-friendly. As well as creating 20 new jobs, the company hopes its expanded vehicle capacity will increase annual turnover by 10 per cent.
Paul Robinson, Managing Director of Alltruck, said: “We pride ourselves on having the trucks our customers need, when they need it – and it’s crucial we continue to support customers during this period of sustained pressure facing UK supply chains.”
Simon Woods, relationship director East Midlands corporate banking, HSBC UK, said: “This deal gives Alltruck the funding to realise its own growth ambitions, which include becoming more eco-friendly as well as playing an important role in boosting supply chain capacity. We were pleased to support Paul and the team and look forward to working with them closely as they continue to grow the business.”
Capital One submits plans for roof terrace at Nottingham HQ
Plans from Capital One to convert the existing flat roof areas of its HQ at Trent House, on Station Street, have been submitted to Nottingham City Council.
The credit card provider wants to create a new roof terrace space for employees as it looks to “introduce high quality external areas to supplement the internal spaces, bringing the benefits of wellbeing associated with landscaping and the outdoors,” according to a design statement.
A green wall would also be incorporated and the firm is looking to complete remodelling internally to provide conference space.
The project aims to provide:
• New open air hospitality/events areas on existing rooftop areas
• Covered events terrace area at main roof level, with extension of terrace areas to high-level plant deck roof
• Maximisation of green walls and planting
• Provision of new vertical access through the existing building, via new stair and platform lift from Level 02 accommodation
• A dedicated conference suite at the existing Level 02 Mezzanine level, with improved
vertical access
Business insolvencies at highest level since January 2020
The economic effects of the pandemic continue to impact heavily on local businesses as latest Government insolvency statistics highlight an increase in corporate insolvencies to their highest level since January 2020.
Monthly research by the Insolvency Service shows that the number of insolvent businesses in England and Wales increased by 7.2% in September to a total of 1,446, which is 55.8% higher than September 2020’s figure of 928 and approaching the pre-pandemic statistic of 1,515 for January of last year.
According to the Midlands branch of insolvency and restructuring body R3, the dramatic increase in corporate insolvencies compared to this time last year illustrates just how crucial the Government’s support has been in keeping businesses afloat and suggests that there may be a rocky road ahead for many now it has ended.
R3 Midlands Chair Eddie Williams, a partner at PwC in the East Midlands, said: “The monthly rise in corporate insolvencies was driven by Creditors’ Voluntary Liquidations, which have increased for the third consecutive month. Directors may be closing their businesses after deeming financial survival unlikely after 18 months of struggling through a pandemic.
“Despite the fact that businesses have benefitted from two months of restriction-free trading and the economic boost over the summer, conditions are still not back to where they were before Covid-19.
“Consumers are now more cautious about the state of the economy and the growing cost of living and are more wary about spending their money. With widespread supply chain disruption and significant wholesale energy price increases building up between September and October, there is likely to be little slack for vulnerable businesses.
“For those companies continuing to struggle, the sooner advice is sought from a qualified and reputable source, the more potential there is for a solution.”
Record growth continues at Boyds with expansion for Product Development team
Leading pharmaceutical and biotech product development consultancy Boyds has added two experienced product development experts to its team, amid growing demand for its specialist Product Development services from biotech and spinout businesses in the UK, Europe and the US.
Diane Shattock Ph.D., joins as Director of Product Development and Ian Hollingsworth M.Sc., as Associate Director of Product Development. Both are working alongside Boyds’ Vice President of Product Development, Nick Meyers Ph.D.
The hires are central to Boyds’ planned expansion of the Product Development team and its clear strategy of expansion into the US, specifically of its programme management and product development support to US-based clients via its expertise, support and guidance throughout the life-cycle of medicine development activities, from early-stage discovery to commercialisation.
Diane and Ian are the latest of 18 new starters since March, when Boyds embarked upon its current expansion. The consultancy has created the new roles to further enhance its expertise and also expand the business, in response to a 25% surge in turnover and sustained growth in demand for its services across the UK, Europe and the US.
The Product Development team works collaboratively with Boyds’ in-house regulatory affairs, clinical operations and medical teams to support clients from the earliest stages of drug development, through clinical trials towards product approval and launch, working closely with regulators in the UK, European and US.
With over 19 years’ experience in clinical drug development, Dr. Shattock is a Project Management Professional (PMP)-qualified programme director and before joining Boyds, was Project Lead at Freeline for its lead gene therapy programme in Fabry Disease, and Project Manager on its Haemophilia B programme.
Diane has a wealth of programme management experience from her work across many therapeutic areas and all phases of drug development, including as Global Project Manager at Takeda and leading a collaborative Phase I-stage programme for an antibody therapy in Rheumatoid Arthritis for Eisai and Morphotek.
Ian Hollingsworth is PMP qualified, and has over 20 years of experience in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries. His career began as a research chemist at AstraZeneca before his move into project managing early-stage programmes. Ian has managed projects in production facilities as well as transnational drug development programmes, and most recently the UK initiative to establish Advanced Therapy Treatment Centres (ATTC) across the NHS.
Following their appointments, Boyds’ Nick Meyers said: “I am delighted that Diane and Ian have joined the group. As well as their scientific expertise, they bring a wealth of development and programme management experience from previous R&D roles across the sector, and importantly, provide us with a significantly increased capacity to support our clients and their programmes.”
Professor Alan Boyd, who founded the consultancy in 2005, adds: “Boyds is committed to supporting the development of medicines for patient benefit.
“The number of companies approaching us for support and guidance with taking their idea through the discovery and development pathway, has grown again this year, and in particular there has been significant surge in the number of biotech’s and spinouts seeking our expertise. Not only do we have the experts to deliver the relevant support and guidance to companies that don’t have the expertise or resource in-house with which to take their idea through the pathway from discovery to commercialisation, but we may also be able to help save them time and money, particularly when involved from an early stage.”
Last month (September) Boyds opened a US office in Pennsylvania, which is headed by Katy Rudnick, Vice President and Head of US Regulatory Affairs.
Since Boyds was established, the company has worked with companies across the globe to help them translate their ideas into medicines for the benefit of patients. The company’s global reputation for its work in advanced therapies has led to a steady increase in the number of companies approaching Boyds for this expertise, with over 60% of the company’s client base now in the US.
Newly published business book supports Uganda charity
Nottinghamshire businesswoman Louise Third is using the publication of her new book ‘PR ON A BEERMAT’ to support a charity working in the Teso region of northeast Uganda. She will donate £1 of every book sold to give assistance to the Teso Development Trust (TDT) in its relief and development activities.
PR ON A BEERMAT is a guide to public relations aimed at freelancers, entrepreneurs, and owner-managers of growing businesses.
The author draws from over 30 years as a business adviser and PR consultant. “I decided it was time to capture in print the advice I share through my mentoring and online workshops,” she says. “Everyone can do PR. It’s simple once you understand the basics, but it must be done well.”
Louise has worked closely with Mike Southon and Chris West, authors of The Beermat Entrepreneur (Pearson 2018). Chris comments: “Louise’s book is the perfect lesson plan for every small outfit seeking to get heard amid all the noise out there. It should be part of the desk-top clutter of any office; pick it up, scribble in the margins, have a go.”
Central to the book are the stories of smaller firms who use publicity to get noticed. Firms such as TEA REX teas, outdoor clothing company Alpkit, Tuneless Choir, retailer The Bottle Top and Lindhurst Engineering. Journalists from The Daily Express, The Times, the Daily Mail, and city paper Nottingham Post guide the reader about how to work with the media.
Given the increasing importance of online publicity, Louise drew on the expertise of the multi-award-winning digital marketing company, Hallam.
Tom Bestwick, Hallam’s Content Marketing & PR Consultant, says: “PR has changed significantly over the last few years and its importance to organic growth and visibility on search engines, like Google, has only increased. There’s a big opportunity right now for savvy small businesses and entrepreneurs when it comes to standing out digitally. I can’t thank Louise enough for giving me the opportunity to support her with the writing of PR ON A BEERMAT. I hope our readers will take some fundamental golden PR-shaped nuggets away that will help them, their business or venture, thrive online.”
Louise adds: “We have created a new website www.pronabeermat.co.uk to gather stories, comments and ideas from readers who are experimenting with PR. I want to hear from anyone whose experience we can share, or who might like to be interviewed for our podcasts. Seeing the lessons from the book come to life through thriving small businesses will make all our work worthwhile.”
Chris West will host an online webinar between 6 pm – 7 pm on Wednesday 10th November with Louise and guests who appear in the book. They will chat about how they have used PR in their companies and will answer audience questions.
Robinson wins ‘Best Custom Packaging Solutions Provider’ at Midlands Enterprise Awards
Robinson – the manufacturer specialising in value-added custom packaging – has been named ‘Best Custom Packaging Solutions Provider’ at the 2021 Midlands Enterprise Awards.
Now running for four consecutive years, the Midlands Enterprise programme is created to acknowledge and award those SMEs of all different sizes covering a range of businesses and industries that are based within the Midlands. The region is often described as the beating heart of the British industry and is a strong force in opening new avenues and business opportunities to most SMEs.
Dr Helene Roberts, CEO at Robinson, says: “We are thrilled to be named Best Custom Packaging Solutions Provider. With nearly 200 years within the industry, we have a wealth of knowledge and expertise to provide our customers with customised solutions that meet their packaging needs.
Roberts continues: “Being an independent business, it gives us the advantage of being highly adaptive and flexible, our in-house team can help develop sustainable packaging formats, introduce innovative features and designs, or refine functionality, to make sure our customers meet their goals.”
The awards are given solely on merit and are awarded to commend those most deserving for their ingenuity and hard work, distinguishing them from their competitors and proving them worthy of recognition.
Awards Coordinator Dean Taylor commented: “I am incredibly proud of all of the winners this year and would like to congratulate them on achieving so much. It has been a pleasure managing this programme and I wish all the winners the best of luck for their future endeavours!”
Silverstone’s Carbon Component Solutions acquires plastic manufacturer
Carbon Component Solutions, a composite component manufacturer situated in Silverstone, has acquired Arnold Engineering Plastics.
Arnold Engineering Plastics, a well-established manufacturing business based in Northampton, was previously owner managed by the Larkins family, who shared a long-standing relationship with Carbon Component Solutions.
The firm has specialised in plastic manufacturing for 50 years and the acquisition has enabled Carbon Component Solutions to expand the manufacturing services and goods available to its clients.
Co-owner and director of Carbon Component Solutions, Bryn Noon, said: “Purchasing Arnold Engineering Plastics is an exciting opportunity to expand our business and manufacturing capabilities. We have had a strong relationship with AEP for some time and we’re now excited to work alongside Peter Larkins to integrate the two businesses together into Carbon Component Solutions’ wider services.”
Co-owner and director of Carbon Component Solutions, Scott Noon, said: “We are looking forward to being able to provide our clients and customers with a greater range of services which was one of the driving forces for us doing this transaction. We couldn’t have done the deal without our team of advisors, Howes Percival and CED Accountancy Services, who provided clear guidance throughout and their combined project management got the deal over the line.”
Howes Percival’s team comprised Matt Thompson and Matt Mayes (Corporate), Graham Irons and Sobia Ahmad (Employment), Rob Starr (Regulatory) and Owen Franks (Commercial Property).
Duo of tools and building materials businesses open at new £30m mixed-use development
Two UK-wide tools and building materials businesses have opened their doors at a new £30 million mixed-use development in Nottingham.
Tool Station started trading earlier this month at Teal Park off the Colwick Loop Road in Netherfield. They have been joined this weekend by Screwfix.
Howdens is due to start the fitting out of its 6,000 sq ft premises towards the end of this month.
This activity marks the completion of the 33,300 sq ft trade park and a 28,860 sq ft industrial unit sold to Storage Giant which has been jointly developed by Warwickshire-based AC Lloyd Commercial and Nottingham-based based Henry Davidson Developments (HDD).
The multi-million-pound development will also include another six trade units and six large employment units totalling 111,000 sq ft, a care home, a new Local Centre with four retail shops, a children’s day nursery and a pub as well as an Aldi supermarket when it is completed.
Mark Edwards, Managing Director at AC Lloyd Commercial, said this was the first time he had visited Teal Park since the first national lockdown in March 2020.
“It was fantastic to see all the work that has been done over the last 19 months in person – and the difference to my last visit is staggering,” he said.
“There was a hive of activity with customers already visiting Tool Station and Screwfix and I’m sure there will be an equally positive response when Howdens and Storage Giant open.
“Looking at photos of the trade park doesn’t do it justice and we are really pleased with the completion of the first phase of the development.”
Richard Croft, director at HDD, added: “This is the first branch of Tool Station in this part of Nottingham and the steady flow of customers shows that Tool Station and Screwfix are already proving popular.
“The opening of these two units will be part of an overall job creation figure of 340 full-time equivalent posts when Teal Park is finished which is good news for local job-seekers and the local economy.”
Derbyshire Dales District Council to further support recovery of small businesses with grants
To support the continued recovery of the local economy, Derbyshire Dales District Council proposes to utilise its remaining COVID Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) allocation to help small and micro-businesses to adapt, diversify and improve resilience post COVID.
Priority will be given to businesses operating from business premises and employing staff in order to assist longer term economic recovery. Applications from businesses with growth plans curtailed as a result of COVID restrictions will also be considered.
Applicants should show that investment will contribute to one or more of the following: increase turnover, enhance productivity, enable diversification/expansion into different products or services, improve efficiency or safeguard/create new jobs.
Businesses in manufacturing, engineering and knowledge based/creative and digital sectors are particularly encouraged to apply.
Grant support at 50% of eligible project costs up to a maximum of £20,000 will be considered for projects costing more than £10,000 and up to £40,000 (excluding recoverable VAT).
Larger projects may be considered in exceptional cases. Eligible costs include: new equipment, machinery or technology; specialist consultancy; or expenditure to reduce the carbon footprint of the business.
Applicants must be able to complete their investment and claim the grant by 28 February 2022 latest.
Three quotes are required for items of expenditure over £1,000. These must be submitted online as part of the application.
Applications are to be submitted online before 5pm on 15 November 2021.
Carlton Forest 3PL acquires 100,000 sq ft site in Nottinghamshire
Carlton Forest 3PL has added a further 100,000 sq ft site to its growing portfolio, it’s fourth building acquisition in just eight months.
The warehouse, located at Tuxford, Nottinghamshire, close to the A1, is facilitating stock storage, management, and fulfilment for two significant retailers to support them with their strategic long-term supply chain management.
“We continue to seek opportunities to grow our customer base and the reputation that we have secured for our high levels of customer service are paying dividends as businesses seek partnership agreements with us,” said Adam Jones, Managing Director, Carlton Forest 3PL.
“This latest acquisition highlights our ability to create tailor made solutions in strategic locations that suit our customer requirements and allows us to integrate the site into our business operations with ease.”The site is now fully operational and has secured the employment of ten staff from the local community after the previous company operating from the building went into administration. The companies’ entire portfolio of warehouse space now exceeds 1.3m sq ft.
Adam concluded: “This latest acquisition joins our sites at Worksop, Hellaby and Bawtry Park and gives us great flexibility in offering support to business who are either based in the region or who are seeking a distribution hub in the area. 2022 already looks exciting for us with further expansion planned and warehouse acquisitions already in the pipeline.”
Record month for Nottingham property developer
Hockley Developments, the Nottingham-based supported living and residential property developer, has exchanged on £5m of forward sales in the month of October.
Announcing the record month, head of construction, Paul Kennedy, confirmed demand continued to be higher than the business could supply.
“With one of our repeat buyers exchanging on the full development at The Phoenix development, a 26 apartment new build development in Nottingham, and further exchanges at our site at Westbridge House, this highlights the confidence in the value, finish and specification that our buyers have.
“With us expecting a similar amount of sales to be agreed in November across two new developments in Sherwood and St Anns in Nottingham, we are now focusing on securing further sites to develop in 2022.
“We also expect to expand our supported living developments across the East Midlands next year with sites being identified in Leicestershire and Northamptonshire.”
More than half of UK private equity firms have made investment strategies more ESG focused
More than half of UK private equity firms have made their investment strategies more ESG focused, despite COVID-19 threatening to halt progress as firms rallied to support portfolio companies throughout pandemic uncertainty.
According to accountancy and business advisory firm BDO, which studied the environmental, social and governance (ESG) policies of 100 private equity (PE) houses with UK operations, PE firms are increasingly having to prove to investors that they take ESG issues seriously.
While the majority have started to make their investment portfolios more responsible from an ESG perspective, progress stalled slightly during COVID-19 as PE houses focused their attention on supporting portfolio companies through the worst of the pandemic.
- In 2021, 57% of UK PE firms clearly set out the changes they have implemented to make their investments more ESG focused.
- 55% of UK PE firms now adhere to the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment (UNPRI), the world’s most-recognised set of ESG principles. This is up from 49% in 2020.
- 48% of UK PE firms now report in detail on the ESG impact of their investments – unchanged from the previous year.
- 29% of UK PE firms now have a dedicated individual or team responsible for embedding ESG into the investment process – up from 25% in 2020.
