Kinaxia Logistics seals two-year extension to multimillion-pound Eurocell contract
Kinaxia Logistics has sealed a two-year extension to its multimillion-pound contract with Eurocell, the manufacturer, recycler and distributor of PVC-U products for the construction industry.
The initial five-year agreement covering the whole of the UK and Ireland will now run until September 2026.
Kinaxia deploys a dedicated core fleet of more than 40 vehicles to provide a 24/7 service to Eurocell and has consistently achieved an on-time, in-full performance level of 99.96 per cent.
As part of its strategy to get closer to its customers and provide a service tailored to their specific needs, Kinaxia is now trialling night fulfilment to ensure optimum stock levels are maintained at key Eurocell branches.
To further improve efficiency, Kinaxia and Eurocell will be implementing new artificial intelligence software to improve routing and reduce delivery miles and emissions by analysing real-time traffic information, congestion and distribution data.
Kinaxia shunts stock from Eurocell’s manufacturing facilities in Derbyshire to the customer’s national distribution centre in Alfreton. From there, Kinaxia undertakes daily deliveries to more than 200 Eurocell branches and fabricators.
As part of the contract, Kinaxia also provides on-demand flexible warehousing – which gives Eurocell the agility to scale storage up and down – and import and export services.
Eurocell’s product range includes doors, windows, roofline, rainwater, decking, flooring, fencing, conservatories and garden rooms. It supplies more than 10,000 home improvement products through its branch network and online to trade customers, homeowners and housebuilders.
Simon Nelson, chief operating officer at Kinaxia Logistics, said: “The extension to our contract is testament to the excellent service and great teamwork with Eurocell.
“The Kinaxia and Eurocell teams have put in a tremendous amount of hard work to ensure continuous improvement, boost productivity and achieve exceptionally high service levels over the initial five-year period.
“Our actions have resulted in significant environmental and financial savings and have enabled Eurocell to leverage the improvements we have implemented to consolidate its market position.
“We will be implementing further enhancements, including the latest AI-based routing and scheduling system, to deliver additional operational and environmental benefits to Eurocell.”
Robin Balderstone, Eurocell’s head of procurement, said: “I have worked with many logistics companies over many years. The relationship with Kinaxia is open and honest. As a result of the great teamwork between the two companies, we are now delivering great cost and delivery improvement projects. This has made the decision to extend the contact for two more years an easy one.”
Supporters of new multi-million-pound youth zone visit construction site to see progress
Key stakeholders and major supporters of a new state-of-the-art youth centre in Grimsby – known as Horizon Youth Zone – visited the site of the pioneering project this week to see how construction firm, Hobson & Porter’s work is progressing.
Due to open in Autumn 2025, Horizon Youth Zone on Garth Lane is being delivered by national charity OnSide, in partnership with North East Lincolnshire Council, which is contributing to the development as part of the Greater Grimsby Town Deal, and the Department of Culture Media and Sport, through the Youth Investment Fund.
Other capital funders include Historic England, National Lottery Heritage Fund, St. James’s Place Charitable Foundation, Ørsted and Greencoats Wind UK.
Attending the event were representatives from Cornerstone and Founder Patrons including Allied Protek, DFDS Seaways, Ørsted, Lincolnshire Co-op, myenergi and Prax Foundation Roots.
Welcoming the guests on site was Horizon’s Young People’s Development Group; a group of local young people who meet weekly with youth workers, developing their skills through tailored experiences, and who play an integral part in making key decisions about the Youth Zone and its future.
The disused site, which was formerly home to the West Haven Maltings and Migar House buildings, is being transformed by Yorkshire and Lincolnshire construction firm, Hobson & Porter. The company is restoring and repurposing the Grade II Listed 19th century maltings and grain stores as part of the project, as well as building a major new sports hall alongside a large outdoor multi-use games area (MUGA).
When it opens next year, Horizon will become part of a network of 15 existing OnSide Youth Zones operating across the country and will be filled with energy, inspiration, and highly skilled youth workers who truly believe in young people.
North East Lincolnshire’s young people – aged between eight and 19, and up to 25 for those with additional needs – will be able to access over 20 activities each evening. These activities range from sports such as football, boxing and climbing, to creative arts, music, drama and employability training – all for just £5 annual membership and 50p per visit.
Lucy Ottewell-Key, CEO of Horizon Youth Zone, said: “We couldn’t deliver this hugely ambitious project without the generous support of the many organisations, local businesses and our Founder Patron donors.
“It was therefore an honour to welcome them onto the site so they can see how work is progressing and share our vision for how the development will look and function. We now have a very exciting 12 months ahead as we approach completion.”
Jamie Masraff, CEO of OnSide, said: “Our aim at OnSide is to give all young people the chance to thrive and discover their passion and purpose. We already have 15 Youth Zones open across the country, and I can’t wait for Horizon to join the Network and give Grimsby’s young people the exciting opportunities all our Youth Zones offer.”
Jason Stockwood, chair of the Horizon Youth Zone, said: “I’m so glad we can welcome our community of supporters onto the site and mark just how far we’ve come – and celebrate as we look to the future.
“Horizon Youth Zone will be transformational for Grimsby and North East Lincolnshire; not only will it make a huge difference to young people’s lives, but it will also support the wider regeneration of the area. It’s very exciting to see the building take shape.”
Joe Booth, business development director from Hobson & Porter, said: “This is a project that we’re very proud to be working on because it’s going to have a lasting impact on Grimsby and its people.
“Our team thoroughly enjoyed hosting so many of the project’s supporters and stakeholders on site and giving them an insight into the complexities and uniqueness of this flagship project.
“The delicate and intricate task of combining heritage and conservation works with the new-build elements is creating incredible state-of-the-art facilities which will genuinely change lives for the better and we are incredibly proud to play our part in that journey.”
Horizon Youth Zone is an independent charity with a private sector led board, and once opened, it will be part of the OnSide Network of Youth Zones nationwide, which support over 50,000 young people annually. After completion, it’s estimated that Horizon could benefit up to 4,000 young people from North East Lincolnshire each year.
Orderly growth for Derbyshire food and drink supply chain tech specialists
Orderly, a supply chain management software business, headquartered in Derbyshire, is celebrating a 40% increase in the size of its team after a major expansion phase.
The B Corp certified company, which can count some of the biggest names in the food and beverage sectors among its clients, has added 16 members of staff to its team in the past few months from all over the globe.
Orderly CEO Peter Evans said: “We began as a simple idea in someone’s study, and now are a recognised global supply chain vendor.
“We are very much ‘remote first’ and thanks to this dynamic and diverse working culture, we have been able to recruit elite talent from around the world and attract major clients to us who find that our values and approach resonates with them. However, we’ve still got an office in Derbyshire for anyone who likes having a base.”
With a passion for sustainability as well as the mission to streamline its customers’ supply chains, Orderly is fully self-funded but has benefited from direction from Innovate UK.
Looking ahead, Orderly anticipates major sustainability savings to be unlocked for forward thinking businesses by leveraging their expanded product capabilities, including the Orderly Digital Assistant.
Pete added: “On top of our standard ordering and inventory management solutions, we’ve introduced our Orderly Digital Assistant. It’s an exciting AI tool that helps you predict the needs of your business, reduce risk and engage your employees.
“We think this will be a game-changer in the food and beverage sector and will make a massive difference in terms of sustainability and its impact on the planet.”
Work set to begin on regeneration of Staveley market
A multi-million pound regeneration project is set to begin in Staveley in November.
Chesterfield Borough Council’s Staveley 21 project, funded through the Staveley Town Deal, includes the construction of a new landmark building in the town centre, improvements to the market square and rejuvenation of the high street.
Together the works will help support local businesses by creating a more attractive, welcoming and safe town centre for everyone to enjoy.
A drop-in session will be held in Staveley market square from 1pm to 3pm on Wednesday 23 October where local residents and business owners can come and find out more about the plans and the programme for construction.
Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “This project will transform Staveley town centre and encourage more people to visit to support both existing retailers and market traders.
“The project will help expand the town centre offer, creating new opportunities for events and social spaces we want to boost visitor numbers and provide the space for local businesses to thrive.
“We’ve been speaking with local businesses and hosting drop-in sessions throughout the design process to ensure the plans are right and at this next drop-in session you’ll be able to speak with the contractor who is delivering the project and find out more about the programme.
“We’re trying to minimise the disruption caused in the town centre to ensure that businesses can continue to trade and will be ready to benefit from the improvements once work is complete.
“This is a really exciting project for Staveley and will help ensure that the town can thrive for generations to come.”
Stepnell who have been working to complete the town centre designs have been appointed to lead construction on the Staveley 21 project.
Tom Sewell, regional director at Stepnell, said: “Staveley 21 will be incredibly transformative for the town centre and as a complete construction partner with vast experience enhancing public spaces, we recognise the importance of close collaboration with local authorities, partners and future users to exceed on these expectations.
“Early engagement with the local community is vital to ensuring the landmark building, market and high street can maximise their impact and we have made great progress since our appointment. Social value can be just as transformative to the community as the build itself, and the Staveley Town Deal will encompass this approach as we look to commence works.”
Works in November will begin with the removal of the disused toilet block on the market square.
In its place a new landmark building will be built that will form a new focal point for the town centre. Once completed the building will house Derbyshire County Council’s Staveley Library on the ground floor and the upstairs will provide space for new businesses.
Staveley 21 also includes the transformation of the marketplace to create an enlarged public space to support existing uses such as Staveley Town Council’s regular markets but also as a setting that can be used to host a wide range of new events to encourage more people to visit the town centre.
Proposals include new tiered outdoor seating to support outdoor theatre and performances, and natural play equipment to help make the marketplace more attractive to families.
Designs for the play equipment have been developed in collaboration with pupils from Staveley Junior School, who visited the site with Stepnell and took part in a workshop to discuss what kind of equipment they would like to see installed.
New paving, lighting, street furniture and planting will help create an enhanced atmosphere and visitor experience at any time of day or night whilst new signage will help connect the town centre with Staveley’s other visitor attractions including the Chesterfield Canal and Staveley Hall.
There is also a shop front improvement grant scheme for businesses based in the town centre. Up to 80% of the costs of shop front improvements like new signage, windows, canopies, and much more can be funded through the scheme.
Through the Animate Chesterfield public art project, Coralie Turpin has been appointed to work with the community and develop a new piece of artwork that will celebrate Staveley’s heritage and develop designs that can be incorporated into the new paving.
Coralie said: “I am looking forward to working with the people of Staveley, we’re planning some fun activities reflecting the local canal heritage and nature to generate ideas for the design. I’m excited to create a great piece of public art for the new marketplace that is friendly and interactive.”
Around £5 million of funding has been provided through the Staveley Town Deal, a £25.2 million programme that aims to ensure Staveley is a place to start, stay and grow.
Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and vice chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board, said: “I’m pleased that work will be starting soon on Staveley 21, this is a key project in the Town Deal programme and will make a real impact on the ability of the town centre to attract additional visitors to support local businesses and explore the Staveley area. I look forward to seeing the plans come to life over the next year.”
The building will include grade A modern office accommodation available for businesses. Located in a prominent town centre position, with sustainable features and accessible entry, the space will be available on competitive terms.
Promotions signal new chapter for IT company
A Nottinghamshire-based IT support and cyber security company has made a series of employee promotions to strengthen its position.
The changes at Your IT Department mark the start of a new chapter for the firm which is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year.
The promotions include Charley Clarke, from Service Desk Manager to Head of Service Delivery, Nathan Harris, who becomes Team Leader for the Technical Services Team, and Fern Ritchie, who becomes Security & Compliance Team Leader.
In addition, Senior Business Advisor Angus Unwin-Rose has joined the Senior Leadership Team. There are now two under-35’s within the senior leadership of the business.
Charley Clarke is the longest serving employee and his promotion involves taking over the management of the Technical Service team as well as running the Service Desk team. Fern Ritchie joined Your IT Department as an apprentice.
The Managing Director of Your IT Department, Lee Hewson, said the changes demonstrated the company’s commitment to the development of its employees.
“It’s important to us that all our staff have the opportunity to progress,” said Lee. “We have our own in-house training programme which gives employees the chance to develop their careers. That way, we can retain high quality staff and continue to provide excellent customer service.”
The recent changes follow the decision by a founding director of the company, Simon Cox, to retire following a period of ill health. Simon and Lee established Your IT Department in a small office in Nottingham in 2009.
From that initial partnership, the business now employs 24 staff and has an annual turnover of £2.4m.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time helping to develop Your IT Department into the successful business it is today,” said Simon. “I’m proud that we’ve created and secured local jobs and helped employees to develop their careers.
“It’s also been great to work closely with a range of long-standing clients and I’m sure they will continue to receive a first class service in the future.
“The decision to retire is not one I’ve made lightly, but it’s the right time to let other people flourish within the company. I’m looking forward to spending more time with my wife, Juliet, and enjoying some quality leisure time together.”
Midlands administrations outpace last year’s figures
The number of companies in the Midlands filing for administration during the first nine months of the year has outpaced last year’s figures by more than 10%, according to Interpath Advisory, as industrial manufacturing, building & construction, and retail drive insolvencies.
Analysis of notices in The Gazette shows there have been 126 administrations across the Midlands in the first nine months of 2024, representing a rise of 11.5% when compared to last year’s figures (Q1 – Q3 2023: 113). For Q3 2024, there were 45 administrations, a marginal decrease when compared to the same period last year.
The region remained one of the prominent for administrations outside of London, accounting for more than one in ten cases in the country (12.4%). The most impacted sectors in the Midlands have been industrial manufacturing with 24 administrations, building & construction (20 administrations), and retail (13 administrations) between Q1 and Q3 2024.
Nationally, there were 1,016 administrations across the UK between January and September 2024, in line with the corresponding figures for last year (January to September 2023 1,013 administrations). The building & construction sector has been the most impacted by administrations nationally since the start of the year with 147 cases, followed by business services (130 administrations), industrial manufacturing (119 administrations) and retail (93 administrations). Together these sectors account for almost half (48.3%) of total administrations in the UK economy.
Commenting on the figures, Chris Pole, Managing Director and Head of the Midlands team at Interpath Advisory, said: “The Midlands is on track to surpass last year’s rate of administrations. Despite some improving economic metrics, these figures lay bare the fragility that persists in the economy and challenges that still face business leaders in maintaining solvency, let alone consider growth opportunities.
“The picture on the ground here in the Midlands is similar to what we’re seeing on a national level. There’s a stubborn volume of administrations across the country, but also there’s a clear profile of the type of businesses in distress taking shape.
“Those in the construction sector have really suffered so far this year as they navigate the impact of such a sustained period of price inflation and square that with the prevalence of fixed price contracts across the sector. Meanwhile, as the figures show for the Midlands, industrial manufacturing and retail are also heavily represented in the figures on a national level.
“Looking ahead, we expect administrations to push further beyond last year’s figures come December as some businesses struggle to respond to market conditions, but also as others find the pressure of growth too much to bear.
“Whatever position they are in, business leaders will be looking to the Budget at the end of this month for some stability and visibility so they can make better, more informed decisions to guide their organisations solvently through this fragile economic period.”
Nottingham University Business School partners with Veritas Prime LLP to boost graduate HR knowledge
Nottingham University Business School (NUBS) is set to educate students on core HR, payroll and employee experience skills thanks to a new partnership with Veritas Prime LLP.
The partnership will see students at NUBS use SAP SuccessFactors to gain practical, hands-on experience with the software.
Veritas Prime will facilitate this learning experience by providing NUBS with a dedicated training instance of SAP SuccessFactors, pre-populated with the data needed to support teaching and configuration exercises.
This collaboration aims to equip students with both theoretical HR knowledge and the software system expertise required to excel in SAP SuccessFactors environments, ensuring a steady pipeline of business-ready graduates.
Veritas Prime specialises in SAP SuccessFactors, with offices in the UK, US, South America, India, and the APAC region. The company works with organisations to streamline HR processes, improve employee experiences, and drive strategic workforce management.
In response to this partnership, Professor Andy Callaghan: Director Digital Centre of Excellence at the University of Nottingham, said: “The University of Nottingham is already the second most targeted university for graduate employers across the UK (The Graduate Market by Highfliers Research) and the partnership with Veritas Prime to bring SAP SuccessFactors to Nottingham raises the bar even higher.
“Not only does it set the benchmark for how we want to engage with industry going forward, it will also enhance our students’ experience, enabling them to combine the functional learning gained from their Human Resource Management degree with the practical knowledge of the enterprise application they are likely to use in the work environment.
“It will also make our students more employable; it opens the door to job opportunities with Veritas Prime and within a wider SAP sector that has a significant early talent shortage. We hope to replicate similar engagement models with our industry partners as we strive to deliver more value from a University of Nottingham degree.”
Lindab ordered to sell sites in Nottingham and Stoke-on-Trent after ventilation merger investigation
Having carried out an in-depth Phase 2 merger inquiry, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has ordered Lindab – a supplier of circular ducts and fittings used in ventilation systems in buildings – to sell two sites after finding its deal with HAS-Vent could lead to reduced choice and higher prices for installers of ventilation systems in both Nottingham and Stoke-on-Trent.
The independent CMA group leading the inquiry scrutinised a wide range of evidence, including the parties’ internal documents and evidence from installers of ventilation systems and other suppliers of circular ducts and fittings. Based on this evidence, the group found that competition for these products occurs at a local level.
Having assessed the impact of the deal in various local areas, and then consulted on its provisional findings published in August, the inquiry group has concluded the deal has resulted in a substantial lessening of competition in the supply of circular ducts and fittings in the local areas centred around Nottingham and Stoke-on-Trent.
To resolve the loss of competition, the CMA is requiring Lindab to sell one site in each of the impacted areas. To ensure the largest pool of potential purchasers and given the different operating models in the industry (which means that some purchasers may want a site with manufacturing assets, while others may not), Lindab is required to market for sale all four sites it owns in the two areas and put forward potential buyers for the CMA to approve.
Kirstin Baker, Chair of the independent inquiry group, said: “Circular ventilation ducts and fittings are essential components in the construction of buildings, such as new offices and flats.
“Our investigation found this deal – by removing one of two main suppliers of these products in the Nottingham and Stoke areas – risked installers and developers having to pay more for these products.
“As a result, we are requiring Lindab to sell one site in each of the two areas, which should ensure local installers and businesses can benefit from effective competition.”
Juno Women’s Aid secures safe housing for domestic abuse survivors with £3m investment
Eight safe properties that will allow survivors of domestic abuse to make a fresh start in their own homes have been bought in ambitious plans by Nottingham charity Juno Women’s Aid.
The two and three-bedroom homes, across the city and the county, are currently being refurbished and will soon be occupied by women and their children so they can set down roots in new communities. These are the first to be bought in the organisation’s overall plan to secure 28 homes.
Juno, the city’s largest domestic abuse organisation, has bought the properties after receiving a ‘life-changing’ £3m of social investment, as it strives to change the way that families are housed after fleeing abusive relationships.
Yasmin Rehman, Juno CEO, said: “Being able to move survivors and their families from refuges and into properties we own is so important in helping them to build new lives, develop safe social networks, find jobs or training courses and see their children flourish at school or college.
“This is a dream come true for us to move away from an emergency, sticking plaster approach. We will continue to support these families during their tenancies and look forward to helping many more in the future as part of our longer-term strategy.”
The social investment loan of £3,075,000 was given by Social and Sustainable Capital (SASC), which provides finance for ‘extraordinary’ charities and social enterprises.
Of the first tranche, four properties fall within the city council boundary and a further four are in south Nottinghamshire. The properties are being renovated, redecorated and fitted with new carpets, kitchens and bathrooms where necessary and the first tenants will be able to move in imminently.
A further two properties will be used for the charity’s Serenity scheme which provides emergency refuge accommodation, while the others will provide tenancies for typically up to two years. Families will have access to bespoke specialist tenancy and domestic abuse support to help overcome the trauma they have experienced.
While giving Juno greater control over the quality and location of its properties, it is estimated the project will support around 110 women and 220 children during the loan term.
“Our refuges are meant to be temporary crisis accommodation to look after women and children for six months to a year,” said Yasmin. “But many often stay longer than that because of the cost of living crisis and the difficulty in finding homes that are safe, secure and affordable.
“When they are in a refuge, women can struggle to find or stay in work or access education because it is not safe to disclose where they live, or they might not want to explain their situation – they don’t want to be labelled. This is just a point in their life – it doesn’t define them.
“It’s so important that they can move on into living independently, make plans for the future, and perhaps save some money so they can eventually find their own place in an area where they have built a connection on their own terms.”
In its latest figures, in 2023-24, Juno worked with 2,980 women, 501 children and young people, fostered 84 pets, and received more than 16,000 calls on its helpline. At any one time, it supports 500-600 women and children in Nottingham and south Nottinghamshire.
The £3m that Juno has received was distributed by SASC’s Social and Sustainable Housing Fund II (SASH II). It is SASC’s first ‘midwife’ deal which pairs the charity with existing partners Winner Trading Ltd, the registered provider of social housing based at Preston Road Women’s Centre in Hull, which works to help build capacity in UK women’s organisations.
“Preston Road Women’s Centre has been doing this for several years and now owns or manages nearly 200 properties,” said Yasmin. “They have been incredibly supportive, and we have welcomed their guidance and advice about the property market and the whole process.”
Mark Bickford, CEO of SASC, said: “We are delighted that with investment from our Social and Sustainable Housing Fund II (SASH II), Juno Women’s Aid has purchased eight two and three-bedroom properties that will become safe homes for domestic abuse survivors in Nottingham. This is also a step towards the charity’s goal of purchasing 28 safe homes.
“Such housing is critical, providing not only immediate safety but also to provide a foundation for survivors to rebuild their lives. Domestic abuse is a pressing issue and providing access to this kind of accommodation is life-changing. At SASC, we are committed to investing in charities like Juno Women’s Aid, where their work profoundly improves the lives of vulnerable individuals and their families.”
Over £35k raised for Nottingham drama charity at inaugural ‘Great Notts Ball’
The Television Workshop, an acclaimed Nottingham-based drama group and TV casting resource, raised an impressive £37,000 at its first-ever charity ball.
The ‘Great Notts Ball’ took place at the University of Nottingham’s historic Trent Building on Thursday 3 October, attended by a variety of special guests including award-winning director of This is England Shane Meadows alongside iconic Nottingham-born lead actor of Line of Duty and Trigger Point, Vicky McClure – both are also patrons of the organisation.
Hosted by Game of Thrones actor and TV Workshop alumnus Joe Dempsie, the evening featured a drinks reception, three-course dinner, lively auction and raffle, rounding off with a disco and live band.
Speaking about his personal experience, Joe said: “Workshop not only offered me the training, the grounding, and a genuinely viable route into the industry, it offered me the opportunity and gave me permission to have that ambition in the first place.
“And all of that was underpinned by the vital, founding and guiding principle that the Workshop would be accessible to all, regardless of financial circumstance.”
One of the event highlights was the charity auction, where attendees had the chance to bid on exclusive prizes, such as a day on set with Shane Meadows, original This is England artworks by Nick Holdsworth, and Paul Smith designer handbags.
The money raised will go to supporting more of the free student places offered by the Workshop, ensuring that aspiring performers can access the organisation’s training regardless of financial background.
The charity, known for its commitment to promoting diversity in the performing arts, offers subsidised fees and bursaries to break down socioeconomic barriers and currently receives no external funding or grants.
Alison Rashley, artistic director at The Television Workshop, said: “Our Great Notts Ball was a resounding success, and we have been completely blown away by the kindness and generosity shown from start to finish.
“Our sponsors, prize donations and attendees have all played a pivotal part in making a difference to the lives of so many young people, by enabling us to continue our work to recognise and nurture talent.
“It was also very special to welcome back so many familiar faces from our Workshop past, who kindly gave up their time to attend and speak on the night, as well as supporting us with unique experiences for the auction.
“By focusing on talent over financial status, we can open our doors to young performers who might otherwise be excluded from the arts. For too many aspiring actors, financial barriers can limit their opportunities, and that’s something we’re determined to change. We can’t thank everyone enough for their contributions.”
