Keynote speaker revealed for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024

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Keynote speaker revealed for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024
The keynote speaker for this year’s East Midlands Bricks Awards, taking place on Thursday 3rd October, at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, can now be revealed. Paul Southby is a partner at Geldards LLP, chair of the Advisory Board to Nottingham Business School, chair of Broadway independent cinema in Nottingham’s Lace Market, and a longstanding trustee of environmental charity Clean Rivers Trust. He is chair of Nottingham Partners, a group of businesses that supports the work of the local inward investment agency, Invest in Nottingham, and a board member and past chair of Marketing Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Limited. Paul is also a former High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire (2022/23). Paul shared: “The East Midlands development and property community faces an exciting time ahead with a new government in place and the advent of a new East Midlands Combined County Authority under the leadership of the first Mayor of the East Midlands. “As we step into this new political and economic phase, the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024 is a great opportunity to look back on our past successes, to reflect on where we are as a region, to consider what needs fixing, and – looking forward – to emphasise our region’s strengths as a strong investment location.” Celebrating the property and construction industry, the East Midlands Bricks Awards showcase the outstanding work of those shaping the landscape of our region, recognising development projects and people in commercial and public building – from offices, industrial and residential, through to community projects such as leisure schemes, schools and public spaces. We also highlight the work of architects, agencies and those behind large schemes. Nominations are OPEN for East Midlands Business Link’s annual Bricks Awards. To nominate your (or another) business/development for one of our awards, please click on a category link below or visit this page.

Nominations end Thursday 5th September

Tickets can now be booked for the 2024 awards event, click here to secure yours. Taking place in the Derek Randall Suite at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground on Thursday 3rd October, from 4:30pm – 7:30pm, connect with local decision makers over nibbles and complimentary drinks while applauding the outstanding companies and projects in our region. Dress code is standard business attire. Thanks to our sponsors:      

     
     
 

To be held at:

HMRC gets tougher on R&D claims

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HMRC gets tougher on R&D claims
HMRC’s annual report suggests that the tax authority is getting much tougher on historic R&D tax relief claims it suspects may be incorrect or fraudulent.

The new statistics show that the tax under consideration in R&D investigations being carried out by HMRC’s Wealthy and Mid-sized Business Compliance Directorate has doubled over the past year to reach £641m in 2023/24.

Over the last few years, there has been increasing concern about the level of fraud and error in R&D claims. Last year, HMRC published a new analysis of R&D claims in 2020-21 which estimated that almost a quarter (24.4%) of claims by value in the SME scheme and 3.6% of claims in the RDEC scheme were either incorrect or fraudulent – with a combined cost to the Exchequer of an estimated £1.13bn.

While the new report shows the estimated level of “error and fraud” in claims for 2022/23 is almost unchanged, HMRC estimates that its policy and operational measures in 2023/24 – notably the introduction of the Additional Information Form – will have reduced the overall level of error and fraud in claims to 7.8% overall (down from 13.3% in 2022/23).

Commenting on the report, Carrie Rutland, Innovations Incentives partner at accountancy and business advisory firm BDO, said: “We’ve been aware of an increase in HMRC activity in relation to historic R&D claims. Buried in the detail of today’s report are clear signs that the tax authority is getting much tougher when it comes to investigating past claims it thinks were wrong or fraudulent. “In our view, the published increases in tax under consideration must equate to a lot more R&D investigations.

“With an increase in targeted HMRC activity, many businesses may find they are subject to an enquiry triggering a large clawback in R&D tax credits. Many will require specialist advice to ensure their claims, both historic and current, are watertight.”

Tanker hire business takes open storage land in prime location

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Tanker hire business takes open storage land in prime location
A HGV tanker hire business has taken more open storage land in a prime location to grow the already successful business. WG Tankers, which has a strong presence on Woodyard Lane, Foston, is taking further space nearby at Heath Top on the former RAF Church Broughton runway. William Speed of Salloway Property Consultants, who negotiated the deal to WG Tankers on behalf of a private client, was very pleased with the result of his brief marketing campaign.  “The demand for open storage land has increased dramatically over the past couple of years, so it isn’t surprising to see that when an opportunity like this presents itself there are high levels of interest. “The site comprised over 5 acres of open storage located on a former poultry farm in Foston, extremely well located for accessing the A50 dual carriageway and in turn Derby, Stoke and the M1 and M6 motorways. It will provide WG Tankers with the perfect opportunity to increase their storage provisions and offerings for customers.” Ian Buxton, Director of WG Tankers, added: “It was great to be able to find more space so close to our existing site on Woodyard Lane. This new site gives us the opportunity to consolidate a number of storage facilities and improve our offering and accessibility to customers throughout the UK. “It can be very difficult to find suitable open storage land in the current market so we had to jump on the opportunity when it presented itself!” William Speed added: “WG Tankers’ desire for the site really emphasised the lack of suitable open storage land on the market currently. With the majority of sites being developed on, open storage sites are becoming rarer and rarer. “Former poultry farms make great sites for open storage space and more often than not provide level, hard surfaced land in an accessible location. If anyone is considering selling or letting their site, poultry related or not, please contact me at Salloway Property Consultants as I would be delighted to help.”

Profits and revenue decline at Travis Perkins in challenging trading conditions

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Profits and revenue decline at Travis Perkins in challenging trading conditions
Builders’ merchant Travis Perkins has battled through a challenging first half of the year, with profits and revenue declining. For the six months ended 30 June 2024, the business delivered revenue of £2.3bn, down 4.4% versus the same period of the prior year. The decrease in revenue was driven by the firm’s Merchanting segment which experienced a combination of activity across the construction sector remaining subdued and significant price deflation, predominantly on commodity products. Adjusted operating profit of £75m, meanwhile, was £37m lower than the first half of 2023. Moreover, adjusting items of £32m recognised in the first half resulted in statutory operating profit of £38m, down from £107m. Nick Roberts, Chief Executive Officer, said: “Trading conditions have remained challenging through the first half of the year and we have continued to prioritise delivering for our customers whilst also recognising that a persistently lower volume environment means that we have to deliver a simpler, more efficient business. “Whilst market conditions have impacted on our trading margin, we have made good progress on managing our overhead base and generating cash. “With a new government quickly setting out its plans to reform planning to deliver more housing and infrastructure, and the expectation of an easing in macroeconomic conditions, the Group is focused on ensuring that it is well placed to maximise the benefits from both a future recovery in demand and the long term requirement for the UK to expand and decarbonise its housing stock.”

Deals in Derby city centre support high street vibrancy

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Deals in Derby city centre support high street vibrancy
Commercial property consultancy OMEETO has completed a series of lettings in Derby city centre’s Cathedral Quarter and St Peters Quarter business improvement districts – supporting the resurgence of the area and particularly the progress of the Becketwell regeneration area. The deals have been completed by surveyor Ruby Scott-Mullen. Recent lettings include an off-market deal to wine expert, Chris Barlow, who has realised a long-held ambition and opened a new wine bar and tasting rooms. Wine Stories recently had their opening launch weekend at 5-6 Strand Arcade. Mr Barlow said: “This wonderful building in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter is the perfect place for Wine Stories and it is great to see this area buzzing again. “This has been a dream of mine for many years and I am loving it. I am so grateful to Ruby at OMEETO for going the extra mile to help us secure the property. “The feedback so far from our customers has been amazing and the whole Sadler Gate and Strand Arcade business community have been incredibly welcoming and supportive.” Other lettings include a prominent retail unit on the corner of Sadler Gate and The Strand.  The former Eye Gallery opticians is now due to be re-opened as a convenience store. A street-facing unit at the historic Royal Buildings in Victoria Street has been let to AK Tattoos and the leases on two retail units in Babington Lane have also been completed. Miss Scott-Mullen explained: “Although we work across Derbyshire and the East Midlands, we are definitely seeing an increase in activity in Derby city centre which is long overdue. “Enquiries for commercial property leases have been steadily rising in recent months and feedback is that the progress on the Becketwell Regeneration area and particularly the pending opening of the new 3,500 capacity performance venue has been the catalyst for the surge in interest. “I look forward to carry on working with all my clients to market new instructions and bring more new businesses to the city.”

Board launched to be voice of business across the region

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Board launched to be voice of business across the region
Representatives from across the East Midlands are being sought to help strengthen the connection between East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) and local businesses. EMCCA’s Business Advisory Board will provide strategy, advice and guidance to the main EMCCA Board, chaired by Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward and EMCCA’s committees. It will help ensure the experience and knowledge of regional businesses is harnessed when making decisions around the economy, skills, transport, housing and the transition to net-zero. David Williams, Chairman of Geldards, one of the UK’s leading law firms and business representative on the EMCCA Board will chair the new Business Advisory Board. David Williams, Chair of the Business Advisory Board, said: “I’m committed to raising the economic prosperity of our region and through this board we will build a strong partnership between the public and private sector and ensure that the benefits of devolution can be realised across the region. We need experienced individuals to join the board who are willing to share their insights to help guide the work of the new combined county authority.” Mayor Claire Ward said: “It is vital that we bring together representatives from across the business community to help shape the future direction of the East Midlands. Our region is home to a huge range of businesses from global manufacturers through to small high street retailers and through this board we can shape policies and support programmes that will drive growth across our region.” EMCCA’s Business Advisory Board will include 16 members, including representatives from the private and public sector and East Midlands Chamber of Commerce. Private sector representatives will include experts from large businesses, small and medium enterprises and sectors with a significant chance of attracting further investment. Members of the Board will be expected to have a good understanding of the East Midlands region and the business sectors that operate within it, experience of leadership roles in business and understand the challenges faced by businesses. The Business Advisory Board will meet four times during each financial year.

New report sets out plan to transform high streets across the East Midlands

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New report sets out plan to transform high streets across the East Midlands
A package of new measures has been unveiled to help transform life for small businesses on East Midlands’ ever-evolving high streets, in a major new report by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). Supporting pop-ups and temporary use initiatives for new businesses, creating mobile phone-based loyalty programmes and providing accessible public toilets are some of the recommendations aimed at local government to help the East Midlands’ small firms thrive and grow. The Future of the High Street report calls for local authorities to create a specialised fund to support pop-ups, markets, and temporary use initiatives for first-time businesses to encourage new ventures and help them set up on the high street. A total of 39 per cent of high street small businesses across the UK say the availability of affordable commercial space is important for the future of an area. Ensuring temporary spaces are available will not only help fill vacant sites but also provide opportunities for small firms eager to launch on the high street. The report, which features in-depth analysis following a large-scale survey of small businesses, also suggests a specialised fund to support a mobile phone-based loyalty programme for high street firms and launching community-specific online marketplaces to showcase local shops and services. The research highlights the need for well-maintained and accessible modern public toilets and family-friendly services like creche facilities on our high streets, encouraging visitors to stay longer, upping footfall and supporting the local economy. Jennifer Thomas, Development Manager for FSB, said: “It’s important that small firms across the East Midlands are provided with the right environment, infrastructure and flexibility to be successful – and in turn help grow their local economy. “From the core high street issues of business rates, parking and transport to more innovative asks, this report sets out a raft of recommendations to try to revive our town and city centres and ensure our small businesses are well supported. “Local authorities can play a pivotal role in improving the experience of a high street, encouraging more people to visit, shop and invest there, and we look forward to working closely with them. “Our high streets have been through many changes and will continue to evolve – and that’s why it’s so important that the small businesses at their heart are well-equipped for the future.” The survey found local businesses in the East Midlands saw a range of closures on their local high street since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, including: retail stores (70%), hospitality (64%), banks (62%), post offices (21%), entertainment venues (20%). Within the report FSB is calling for a band of on-site high street chiefs responsible for the growth and wellbeing of high streets across the country, creating promotion plans and monitoring vacant units within their area. They would work with local businesses, landlords, BID managers and community groups to help encourage growth in the area, as well as lead a Vacancy Taskforce, monitoring commercial properties. Business rates remain a huge burden on high street small businesses, with the current Small Business Rate Relief (SBRR) a key part of their survival. The research found 36% of high street small businesses in the East Midlands say they would not survive without SBRR. To help small firms to grow further, the SBRR threshold should be increased from £12,000 of rateable value to £25,000. Good transport links are important for the future of the high street, according to 47% of small businesses in the East Midlands. The report calls for a high street hop scheme providing free bus fares on key routes during peak shopping days to help increase footfall and support local businesses. 43% of high street small businesses in the East Midlands say parking facilities are managed poorly on their local high street. Offering free parking on at least two Saturdays plus two additional days a month, would increase footfall and support local businesses by making high streets more accessible.

What innovative approaches to utilise when looking into expanding your business

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What innovative approaches to utilise when looking into expanding your business
Business expansion requires strategic planning and creative approaches to navigate the competitive market. Companies aiming for growth must address various challenges and capitalise on opportunities. Effective expansion is about staying competitive, understanding market dynamics, and meeting evolving customer needs. Businesses that incorporate innovative strategies can achieve sustainable growth and success. Let’s explore practical and forward-thinking methods to help your business expand effectively and efficiently. Uncovering Hidden Market Opportunities Starting with one of the most effective approaches – finding market opportunities. If you can identify new market opportunities, it can help you drive business growth. The best place to start is to conduct comprehensive market research using advanced techniques, and employ tools like SWOT analysis to understand strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. With this, you can analyse competitor strategies to find gaps your business can fill and look into underserved niche markets that align with your offerings. In addition, engage with your current customers through surveys and feedback forms to gain insights into their needs and preferences. These insights can reveal new product or service ideas. Monitor industry trends and consumer behaviour to stay ahead of the curve. If you focus on these hidden opportunities, your business will be able to expand into new markets with tailored strategies. Harnessing The Power Of Advanced Digital Marketing Digital marketing plays a pivotal role in business expansion. Leverage advanced tactics such as AI-driven SEO to improve your website’s search engine rankings. Create high-quality, personalised content that resonates with your target audience. Use data analytics to understand customer behaviour and preferences, tailoring your marketing efforts accordingly. Social media platforms offer powerful tools for reaching potential customers. Implement targeted advertising campaigns to reach specific demographics. Use social media analytics to measure the effectiveness of your campaigns and adjust your strategies as needed. Email marketing remains a potent tool; personalised email campaigns can nurture leads and convert them into loyal customers. Effective digital marketing can significantly boost your lead-generation efforts in the UK and beyond. Forming High-Impact Strategic Alliances Strategic alliances can provide access to new markets and resources. Collaborate with businesses that complement your offerings to create mutually beneficial partnerships. For instance, partnering with a tech company can enhance your digital capabilities, while teaming up with a logistics firm can improve your distribution network. Negotiating favourable terms and ensuring clear communication are essential for successful partnerships. Develop joint marketing strategies and share insights to drive growth. Regularly review the performance of these alliances and make necessary adjustments to ensure they remain productive. Strategic alliances can accelerate growth and open doors to new opportunities, enhancing B2B lead generation. Innovating Your Product And Service Lines Diversifying your product and service lines can attract new customers and increase revenue. Begin by analysing market demand to identify potential gaps your business can fill. Use customer feedback and market research to develop new offerings that cater to evolving needs. Stay adaptable and pivot based on market trends and consumer behaviour. Consider offering variations of existing products or introducing entirely new ones that align with your brand. Experiment with different service models, such as subscription-based services or personalised packages. Collaborate with your R&D team to innovate and improve product quality. If you continually evolve your offerings, your business can stay relevant and competitive. Elevating Customer Experience With Innovation An exceptional customer experience can significantly boost your business growth. Implement innovative approaches to enhance how customers interact with your brand. Use AI-powered chatbots to provide instant customer support and personalised recommendations. Develop a user-friendly website with intuitive navigation and mobile compatibility to ensure a seamless online experience. Invest in training your customer service team to handle inquiries efficiently and empathetically. Introduce loyalty programs and special offers to reward repeat customers. Gather and act on customer feedback to improve your services continuously. Prioritising customer satisfaction can build a loyal customer base and generate positive word-of-mouth referrals, driving lead generation B2B. Scaling Up With Strategic Operational Enhancements Effective scaling is crucial for business expansion. Focus on enhancing your operations to support growth without compromising quality. Automate processes wherever possible to improve efficiency and reduce manual errors. Expand your physical and digital infrastructure to accommodate increased demand. Hire additional staff strategically, ensuring that new hires align with your company’s culture and objectives. Provide ongoing training to keep your team skilled and motivated. Optimise your supply chain to ensure timely delivery of products and services. By strategically enhancing your operations, your business can scale effectively and meet the growing needs of your customers. Strategic Financial Planning For Expansion Sound financial planning is vital for supporting business expansion. Develop a comprehensive budget that accounts for all potential expenses related to growth initiatives. To secure the necessary capital, explore various funding options, such as loans, investors, or crowdfunding. Manage your finances carefully to maintain a healthy cash flow. Monitor expenses and revenue regularly to identify discrepancies or areas for improvement. Set financial goals and track your progress towards achieving them. Your business can sustain growth and avoid common financial pitfalls by ensuring robust financial planning. Expanding a business successfully requires innovative approaches and strategic planning. Embrace these strategies to navigate the competitive landscape and drive your business towards success.

Company fined thousands after failing to clean up land

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Company fined thousands after failing to clean up land
A company has been handed a hefty fine by the Leicester Crown Court after failing to ensure a clean-up of an eyesore section of land in Earl Shilton.
Building waste, general rubbish and other mess was left on the land behind the former King William IV pub in The Hollow, Earl Shilton for more than a year. People living around the site complained the mess was encouraging others to fly tip in the area and that it was attracting anti-social behaviour. The owner of the land was Regis Development Group Limited of St. Matthews Business Centre, Leicester. The directors of the company ignored several council demands to clean up the land, and the company was ordered to pay a £10,000 fine by Leicester Magistrates in October 2023. However, Regis Development Group appealed against the sentencing and at Leicester Crown Court on 26 July 2024 the fine was reduced to £8,000. At the original court hearing (18 October 2023) the Magistrates Court heard Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council was first made aware of the problem by people living around the site in August 2022. After Regis Development ignored informal advice, Officers from the Clean Neighbourhood team subsequently served the first Community Protection Notice (under Section 43 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing act 2014) on the landowner on 1 December 2022. The Notice required Regis Development to clear the mess by 6 January 2023, but this was repeatedly ignored, and the mess remained. Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council’s Executive Member for Parks, Open Spaces and Neighbourhood Services, Councillor Lynda Hodgkins, said: “This land was left in an unacceptable state, and this can have a negative impact on nearby homes and businesses. “The director of the company was given ample opportunities to clear it up but chose to ignore those warnings which left the council with no option other than to prosecute the company. “We will not hesitate to act in these circumstances to protect others from the misery this can cause. I am grateful to all those involved, particularly local councillors Richard and Claire Allen and those local residents who originally highlighted the state of the land.”

Bespoke loan secured for major new student accommodation scheme next to University of Nottingham

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Bespoke loan secured for major new student accommodation scheme next to University of Nottingham
OakNorth has provided the OMNI Developments SPV with a bespoke facility for a major new purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) development in Nottingham. Located in a prominent position along Radmarsh Road and facing the pedestrian thoroughfare of the University of Nottingham’s Jubilee Campus, the new six-storey, 222-bedroom PBSA will consist of 148 en-suite rooms and 74 studios. A unique six-storey ‘winter garden’ will provide various co-working, dining, and entertainment spaces throughout the building. The zero-fossil-fuel building also includes an energy and recycling centre. The project is being led by Andy Roberts, who has over 22 years of experience, a strong track record in delivery, and a reputation for innovative design. Andy co-founded property developer, OMNI Developments, in 2013. He specialises in student accommodation and high-end residential development projects across the country. To date, he has provided over 3,000 student beds, including three previous successful PBSA schemes in Nottingham. Andy Roberts, Director of OMNI, said: “This new site overlooking the Jubilee Campus is in an excellent location for students living in Nottingham. Working with the University and other partners, we have jointly crafted a scheme that not only seamlessly integrates into the campus but has been significantly enhanced by an ambitious social and environmental brief. I fully expect it to be one of the most popular residences in the city. “Working closely with Dale and the OakNorth team for the first time was extremely positive. Their transparency and ability to customise the facility to our needs was very helpful, and it was clear from our first meeting that they had a strong knowledge of the city’s property development market.” Dale Cowdell, Director of Debt Finance at OakNorth, added: “Andy is one of the region’s most experienced designers and developers specialising in PBSAs, so we’re delighted to be able to support him with this latest project. “His most recent Nottingham-based PBSA project, Graystacks, also provides a unique and popular product with exemplary social and environmental credentials. We look forward to working closely with Andy on future projects and seeing this development through to completion.” OakNorth were advised on the transaction by Freeths, Knight Frank, and Emerson Bond. Radmarsh Road Holdings Limited were advised by Gunner Cooke.
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