43 new businesses created in Charnwood incubator programme

Tess Egginton
-
0
43 new businesses created in Charnwood incubator programme

Hundreds of people have sought help from a Loughborough-based startup incubator – with more than 43 new businesses created as a result.

The latest cohort of local entrepreneurs have now completed the fifth cycle of the programme, which first launched towards the end of the Pandemic.

A total of 460 individuals engaged with Charnwood’s Restocking the Business Base programme to seek initial guidance about setting up a business. That was almost double the 250 queries projected when the programme got underway in March 2021.

Of those emerging startups, 101 went on to receive structured support across five cohorts. A total of 43 new businesses were ultimately founded, creating 48 jobs.

Andy Reed OBE, Chair of the Leicester and Leicestershire Business Board, said: “All economies need productive and innovative small businesses and entrepreneurs.

“Programmes such as Restocking the Business Base help to nurture bright new business ideas, which is so important for local employment and growth.”

LUinc – the Loughborough University incubator – has been supporting graduate startups and research spinouts since 2011. It operates from bases on Loughborough University Science and Enterprise Park (LUSEP) and the Careers and Enterprise Hub in Loughborough town centre.

Restocking the Business Base saw LUinc. partner with the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) and Charnwood Borough Council to extend its services to founders from outside the campus.

The aim was to develop a new generation of agile Leicestershire businesses.

As well as access to coworking space and other university facilities, members benefited from free weekly meetings, one-to-one coaching, structured training, and roundtable discussions delivered by a range of experienced experts and entrepreneurs.

Pete Hitchings, Incubator Manager, said: “Bringing together businesses from the university and the local area has grown a diverse community of business owners who are really invested in helping one another to succeed.

“We are now seeing businesses from our earlier cohorts grow and begin hiring new employees themselves.”

Sirius Transformation joined LUinc. in the Spring of 2022 after making an initial inquiry through the Careers and Enterprise Hub.

Founded in late 2021 by former 3M employees, James Whyley and Steven Sleath, Sirius is a process improvement consultancy based on its founders’ extensive manufacturing experience. It has gone on to work with a number of private sector clients in the construction, glass-processing and plastics industries.

Earlier this year, Sirius was appointed the Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing Specialist Advisor for a borough in Gloucestershire, assisting businesses on matters including capital investment, strategic planning, connections to subject-matter-experts, and targeted process improvements.

Charnwood Borough Council and Loughborough University have now collaborated to extend their small business incubation partnership for a further 12 months.

Cllr Jewel Miah, Leader of Charnwood Borough Council, said: “It’s great to see so many local startup companies taking advantage of what’s available through this programme.

“As a Council, we’re committed to supporting a thriving local economy; small businesses are central to that and that’s why we are keen to continue supporting them.”

The original three-year project was part-funded with £314,000 from a Covid-19 Recovery Fund, created using Enterprise Zone Retained Business Rates.

The extended programme, running until March 2025, is now accepting applications from local founders.

Construction of 22 new eco-efficient homes begins in Mansfield

Tess Egginton
-
0
Construction of 22 new eco-efficient homes begins in Mansfield

Contractors drafted in to build new energy-efficient council homes in Mansfield have broken ground on-site.

Once complete, this new-build neighbourhood will consist of 22 properties, including three four-bedroom, eight three-bedroom and nine two-bedroom semi-detached houses. There will also be two two-bedroom detached houses, all of which will be available for council tenants on the housing waiting list. The homes will be the epicentre of the regenerated Bellamy estate, which is also home to a new parade of shops, now built and ready to be let out. Also, a new through road and a newly installed green space are all in the pipeline with building contractor Mercer. Executive Mayor Andy Abrahams said: “As well as building 22 well-designed, energy-efficient family homes, these much-needed houses will enable the council to play its part in tackling climate change and, just as importantly, help our tenants save money with lower electricity and heating bills. “Social value is also hugely important to us, so it is pleasing to see that 88 percent of the people employed on the project are from within 20 miles of Mansfield, against a target of 60 percent. “We want to expand this practice with all our local partners and suppliers to multiply the benefits to our economy, with the aim of seeing money being earned and spent in the Mansfield district.” The Bellamy regeneration scheme has a projected total cost of £7.7 million and is due to be completed next year. The site’s regeneration began more than 18 months ago with the installation of a new play park and a learn-to-cycle track for children. Mercer was appointed to the project via an open tender process with the council’s procurement partner Nottingham City Council, at the time, in July last year, in line with the Public Contract Regulations 2015 for over threshold projects. The council’s in-house architects designed the 22 homes in accordance with the Future Homes Standard, which requires new homes to have low-carbon heating and high energy efficiency, resulting in significantly lower carbon dioxide emissions than properties built to current Building Regulations. Fraser Mercer, Director at Mercer Building Solutions, added: “This is an exciting scheme, and it’s great to see the plots now coming out of the ground as we move into the next phase of our programme. “Our supply chain network is adapting well to the regulatory changes associated with the Future Homes Standard, and we continue to work alongside the council’s architects to implement the designs which go above and beyond present expectations in terms of energy-efficiency for each new property.”

Nottinghamshire engineering group acquires Italian business

Tess Egginton
-
0
Nottinghamshire engineering group acquires Italian business
Langley Holdings, the engineering and industrial manufacturing group, has acquired GKN Hydrogen from Dowlais Group. Based in Northern Italy, GKN Hydrogen specialises in providing all-in-one clean hydrogen energy management systems and solutions to help achieve net zero emissions targets by generating green hydrogen from renewable energy sources and storing it compactly and loss-free in metal hydride. Nottinghamshire-headquartered Langley Holdings was established in 1975 by the current Chairman and CEO, Tony Langley. The Group operates in three principal areas: Power Solutions, Print Technologies and Other Industrials. Its 18 manufacturing facilities spanning Europe, the UK, and the USA are supported by a global network of more than 100 sales and service subsidiaries and a workforce of over 5,000 people. GKN Hydrogen will be a critical part of the Group’s Power Solutions division, which comprises Norwegian-based Bergen Engines, Italian Marelli Motori, and Piller Group, Europe’s leading producer of critical power conditioning, stabilisation, and backup systems based in Germany. In 2024, the Power Solutions Division will account for approximately half of the Group’s $1.5bn revenues. Anthony Langley, Chairman & CEO, Langley Holdings plc, said: “This acquisition underscores Langley Holdings’ strategic focus on sustainable energy solutions and commitment to a greener future.” David Armitage, corporate partner in the Leeds office of Gateley Legal, led on the deal and was supported by Scott Cooper. David Armitage added: “We are pleased to have acted on this latest strategic acquisition for our client. We were able to act quickly and decisively alongside our client based on our longstanding relationship and history of assisting Langley Holdings in its acquisitive growth.”

East Midlands logistics warehouse sold for £16.8m

Tess Egginton
-
0
East Midlands logistics warehouse sold for £16.8m
DTZ Investors has completed the sale of an industrial warehouse in Amber Park, South Normanton, to EQT Exeter for £16.8 million. The property is fully let to Alloga UK Limited for a further 1.1 years, providing an opportunity to capture significant reversion at lease expiry. AP3 is one of seven units occupied by Alloga within South Normanton which acts as their central UK distribution hub. Tom Royston, Director at DTZ Investors, said: “We are very pleased to have successfully disposed of this asset. The sale crystalises an exceptionally strong outcome for our client, having held the asset for 15 years. “The divestment of this asset removes the impact of what was a high level of income concentration risk in 2025 due to the upcoming lease expiry and therefore the sale is in accordance with fund strategy.” Will Gubb, Head of Industrial Capital Markets at Knight Frank, said: “This transaction demonstrates the continued strong investor demand for reversionary logistics assets with lease events within the next 12-24 months. “We continue to see good liquidity in this area of the market, with investors remaining bullish on rental growth performance and re-letting prospects.” Knight Frank advised DTZ Investors on the disposal, BNP Paribas represented EQT Exeter on the acquisition.

Profit and revenue drop at building products manufacturer

Tess Egginton
-
0
Profit and revenue drop at building products manufacturer

Ibstock, the manufacturer of building products and solutions, has seen a dip in profit and revenues.

According to results for the six months ended 30 June 2024, revenues reduced by 20% to £178 million, down from £223 million in the same period of 2023.

The firm said this principally resulted from lower sales volumes across the core business, with lower market demand compounded by exceptionally wet weather.

Statutory profit before tax, meanwhile, dropped to £12 million from £30 million.

Joe Hudson, Chief Executive Officer, said: “Market conditions remained challenging in the first half, as expected, with sales volumes below those reported in the comparative period. We delivered a solid profit performance for the period which reflected our ongoing focus on the active management of cost and margin.

“Lead indicators point to an improving sector picture, and although we are taking a cautious view of the extent to which this will translate into a demand improvement in the balance of the year, we expect adjusted EBITDA for the second half of the 2024 year to be broadly in line with the comparative period in 2023.

“The new government’s commitment to increasing the supply of new homes creates a more positive backdrop for medium term demand, and the Group remains well-positioned for market recovery.

“Our investments over the last few years have added high quality, lower cost, efficient and more sustainable capacity to our network and developed new capabilities for the group in diversified construction markets, while also creating a leaner, more customer-focused business. We believe this will be a powerful combination as market conditions improve.

“The fundamental drivers underpinning demand in our markets are firmly in place and our prospects remain strong, underpinned by our robust balance sheet.”

Contracts exchanged for development of new 100,000ft² facility at Fairham Business Park

Tess Egginton
-
0
Contracts exchanged for development of new 100,000ft² facility at Fairham Business Park
Contracts have been exchanged with ABB Group for the bespoke development of a new 100,000ft² facility at Fairham Business Park, just on the edge of Nottingham adjoining the A453. Clowes Developments’ Development Director, James Richards, formally announced the news. In a deal agreed by Tim Gilbertson of retained agents FHP Property Consultants, work has already started on site with the property due to be constructed at speed and ready for occupation by ABB in July 2025. The new facility will replace ABB’s current Nottingham base closer to the City Centre and will provide state of the art accommodation for their electrification and automation businesses. James Richards, Development Director at Clowes Developments, said: “We are delighted to welcome ABB to Fairham Business Park. “Their arrival is a great step for the business park and hopefully for ABB as well as we continue to capitalise on Fairham’s unique location, which adjoins the A453 providing quick access to the centre of Nottingham and Junction 24 of the M1 whilst also abutting a tram stop, park and ride and having the benefit of Parkway Station on the other side of the A453 and a location which still sits within minutes access of East Midlands Airport as well as the M1 motorway. “We have further deals to announce shortly at Fairham and once completed, the ABB building will take us to well over half a million square feet built. “Many thanks to Tim Gilbertson at FHP Property Consultants who introduced us to ABB and agreed the deal on our behalf and thank you as well to our joint agents Fisher German.” Tim Gilbertson, Director at FHP Property Consultants, said: “It is a pleasure to work on Fairham Business Park, we have a very capable client and a fabulous location and when combined, these factors are leading us to complete a number of deals on the site with this latest one seeing a further one hundred thousand square feet built bespoke for ABB who will purchase the building upon completion. “The ability to sell as well as rent space on the park really is a massive advantage and in a market where there is still a real lack of stock, we are seeing more and more interest on design and build opportunities so that we can provide bespoke property solutions for occupiers. “I am sure Fairham will continue to go from strength to strength and together with our joint agent, we look forward to announcing further deals shortly.”

Burton pharmaceutical services business makes acquisition

Tess Egginton
-
0
Burton pharmaceutical services business makes acquisition
Clinigen, a Burton-based specialist pharmaceutical services business, has acquired Kinesys Consulting, a provider of strategic regulatory affairs, regulatory/medical writing, and medical devices services for the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. This strategic acquisition strengthens Clinigen’s ability to offer clients comprehensive high value services across the entire drug development and commercialisation lifecycle. Kinesys adds valuable expertise in regulatory strategy and execution for drugs and medical devices, complementing Clinigen’s existing capabilities in regulatory affairs, pharmacovigilance, medical information, clinical trial services, licensed and unlicensed distribution, managed access, and commercialisation. The Kinesys team of experts will integrate into Clinigen’s Lifecycle Services division. Kinesys also brings a respected scientific and regulatory advisory board, comprised of seasoned industry veterans, including former regulatory agency assessors. Clinigen was advised on the transaction by BDO LLP and Stevens & Bolton LLP, while Ernst and Young LLP and JMW Solicitors LLP acted as financial and legal advisors to Kinesys Consulting. Clinigen CEO Jerome Charton says: “At Clinigen, we’re dedicated to ensuring everyone has access to the treatments they need, and this acquisition unites Clinigen’s commitment to healthcare equity with Kinesys’ specialised expertise, solidifying Clinigen’s position as a life sciences leader. “By combining the expertise of Kinesys with our existing services, Clinigen will be better positioned to achieve our mission of accelerating the development and delivery of life-saving treatments to patients worldwide. This move underscores our commitment to helping our clients navigate the complexities of developing and commercialising drugs and medical devices, bringing innovative therapies to patients faster.” Co-founder of Kinesys Consulting Elaine Murphy says: “At Kinesys, we specialise in guiding clients through the intricacies of regulatory strategy and execution for drugs and medical devices, as well as providing a high-quality medical/regulatory writing service. This strong foundation allows us to support our clients throughout the entire development journey. “By joining Clinigen, we’re excited to offer both our existing clients and Clinigen’s a seamless path from navigating initial regulatory hurdles to achieving successful market access.” Co-founder of Kinesys Consulting Gerry McGettigan says: “Clinigen’s commitment to improving access to crucial treatments for patients across the globe make them the perfect partner to take Kinesys into its next exciting chapter. This partnership unlocks new horizons for Kinesys. “By joining forces with Clinigen, with its leading expertise across the entire drug development landscape, we can create a truly powerful force for accelerating patient access to life-saving treatments on a global scale.” Both Elaine Murphy and Gerry McGettigan will remain within the business to ensure a smooth transition and bring their wealth of expertise to Clinigen’s new Lifecycle Services division.

Former hospital site to be developed with almost 60 homes

Stuart Pearcey
-
0
Former hospital site to be developed with almost 60 homes
Work has begun to transform the site of Bolsover’s former hospital into a development of 58 properties for Sheffield-based housing provider Forge New Homes. Work is being done by Lincoln-based Lindum Group, and will provide a mix of three and four-bedroom properties on a 6.5-acre site off Welbeck Road. Freddie Chambers, chairman of Lindum Group, said: “The first phase of work involves segregating and securing the site and then conducting the bulk earthworks to level the land. “We will be installing the first section of drainage and infrastructure before moving on to the construction stage. We plan to hand the homes over in groups of four, with the first properties due for completion in April.” Andy Beattie, MD at Forge New Homes, said: ‘This development marks a momentous day for both Forge and Lindum Group as we join forces to bring affordable houses to Bolsover, a charming Northern town with a bonded community. “We’re excited to bring new life to this historic location, and in the process contribute to the economy with the provision of new jobs as we create a vibrant neighbourhood with much needed family homes.” Nick Atkin, Chief Exec of Yorkshire Housing and Chair of Forge New Homes, added: “This progress is testament to the work Forge has been doing in expanding its offering across the Midlands and Yorkshire. Our strategy is to move forward with much needed new homes for all and I am proud to see this now becoming a reality.” The work is expected to be finished by June 2026.

Businesses to get earlier flood warnings in Charnwood

Stuart Pearcey
-
0
Businesses to get earlier flood warnings in Charnwood
Businesses in Charnwood will get earlier warnings of potential flooding thanks to a new service being launched by the Environment Agency. The Agency has installed three upgraded and modernised gauges in Charnwood Borough, and will be fully integrated into existing incident systems, including River Levels Online for public consumption. This development is allowing the Environment Agency to expand its Flood Warning Service to three additional communities, including those impacted last winter, and those still relying on a legacy flood siren system. The flood warning service will go live on August 14, covering the following areas:
  • Barkby Brook at Syston – 481 properties
  • Rearsby Brook at Rearsby – 36 properties
  • Sileby Brook at Sileby – 154 properties
Businesses and residents are encouraged to develop a personal flood plan.  If they receive a flood warning they could be prepared with a bag containing medicines, insurance documents and anything else they wouldn’t want to lose if flooding were to take place. Paul Lockhart, Flood and Coastal Risk Manager for the East Midlands said: “We know how devastating flooding can be and saw last winter the impact of flooding on communities in the East Midlands.  These new flood warnings will help people to get early warnings and know what actions they need to take if there is risk of flooding in their area.” The Environment Agency will be writing to all businesses and residents within the new Flood Warning areas to let them know about the service and how to register. Residents are able to register directly after the service has gone live by calling Floodline on 0345 988 1188

Plan set out to kickstart major development

Tess Egginton
-
0
Plan set out to kickstart major development
New plans designed to kickstart a major development and generate thousands of new jobs have been revealed. Leicestershire County Council secured planning permission two years ago for the 550-acre Lutterworth East site – a key part of Harborough District Council’s local plan – creating 2,750 new homes, 36 acres of business space, over 100 hectares of green space, including protecting Misterton Marshes, schools and around 5,000 new jobs. Now, with a vastly different landscape of rising construction costs and a stagnant housing market, the council has set out how it will make the scheme a reality:
  • Create the business space first – so companies can move in
  • Develop in phases – and consider options for homes next year
  • Unlock a prime 30-acre development site on the M1 – by removing the unit size limit and marketing the site
  • Invest in infrastructure – creating site access, delivering major M1 J20 improvements and contributing to Gibbet roundabout improvements
  • Market the 6-acre Swift Valley Business Park – to create jobs
  • Work with Harborough District Council – to review the right level of affordable homes in the current market conditions
Timescales are dependent on planning decisions but it’s hoped to find a developer to create the distribution site later this year, with work hoped to start in 2026. Decisions about how best to develop the homes element will be considered next year. Councillor Lee Breckon, cabinet member for finance and corporate resources, said: “The world has changed, with Covid, inflation and rising construction prices almost doubling the infrastructure cost of this project. “Across the country, inflation costs are putting schemes under water but we’re determined to find the best way to generate jobs and much-needed homes. “This is a complex project. We’ve thought long and hard about next steps and independent assessments show that phasing development and sales to ensure a financial return is the best approach. “We need to be shrewd and that’s why we’re focused on making it financially viable and attractive to developers, reducing the risk to Council Tax payers.” Harborough District Council’s ‘local plan’ sets out how land is used and what is built where and both councils are working together on next steps. Lee Breckon added: “The housing landscape has radically shifted but we’re committed to working with the district council to ensure the local plan is delivered.” Applications are being submitted to Harborough District Council proposing to remove the unit size limit for the distribution site, and a reduction in affordable housing.
1...101102103...894Page 102 of 894