Council leader raises rail freight concerns to new government

Tess Egginton
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Council leader raises rail freight concerns to new government
Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council’s leader has written to the new Labour Secretary of Transport, Louise Haigh MP, and new Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner, inviting them to meet to discuss a major rail freight scheme.
The controversial scheme, proposed for the outskirts of Hinckley, from developers Tritax Symmetry is earmarked for 650 acres of land outside Hinckley and close to Burbage Common. Previously, councillors and campaigners have raised concerns about the “permanent blight” this development would have on Burbage Common as well as the impact on residents and businesses with thousands of extra daily heavy good vehicle movements and an extra additional half a million vehicle movements per year the development is poised to generate in and around the area. Due to the size of the proposed development, it is classed as a ‘Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project’ with the planning decision due to be made by the Secretary of State for Transport after a recommendation made by the Planning Inspectorate. The Council leader’s letter sets out the concerns the Borough Council and residents have raised about the proposed scheme including:
  • Lack of meaningful community engagement and consultation on the proposals
  • Impact on Burbage Common and woods which he said would have a devastating impact on the common and people’s ability to enjoy the peaceful open space it provides.
  • The huge impact of the 30m high units proposed resulting in the loss of open countryside that separates the village from the motorway, blighting the landscape forever
  • The impact of the A47 link road proposed on the Green Wedge separating Hinckley/Burbage from Barwell and Earl Shilton
  • Major concerns over the traffic gridlocking local roads at peak times and particularly on the A5
  • The significant implications on the local highway network in the event of an incident on the M69
  • No confidence in the delivery of the proposed sustainable transport strategy, particularly for connecting Hinckley, Barwell and Earl Shilton employees to the development.
Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council leader, Councillor Stuart Bray said: “I see very little benefit in this scheme. There are no shortage of haulage and warehousing jobs in this part of Leicestershire and the impact of the noise, light and traffic on the surrounding towns and villages will be huge. “That’s why I’ve invited the new Deputy PM and the new Secretary of State for Transport to visit the area to discuss the proposals with us and see for themselves the major logistics developments in this area. “We would love to showcase the alternative exciting growth opportunities offered by our existing major logistics developments such as DPD’s UK and International hubs along with MIRA technology park and the new National Conservation and Science Centre at Twycross Zoo and demonstrate why the Rail Freight proposal is so unpopular with our local residents.”

Plans submitted for up to 95 new homes in Croft

Tess Egginton
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Plans submitted for up to 95 new homes in Croft
Bellway Strategic Land is seeking planning permission for up to 95 new homes in Croft. An outline planning application has been submitted to Blaby District Council for an 11-acre site at Croft Lodge Farm, off Broughton Road, to the south of the village. The application includes plans for 25 per cent affordable housing, with some properties to be provided under the Government’s First Homes scheme, whereby buyers who meet certain criteria can get between 30 and 50 per cent off the market value. If approved, the homes will be built by Bellway’s East Midlands housebuilding division, which is based in Leicester. The design for the site features a collection of energy-efficient new homes with electric vehicle charging points. The proposed development would include new footpaths into the centre of the village, a new bus stop on Broughton Road, land for nature and biodiversity enhancements, a children’s play area and a new entrance for the Sunday car boot market. Details of the financial contributions the developer will make towards local infrastructure and facilities, including the parish council’s proposed new village hall, would be confirmed as part of a planning agreement with the local authority. Bellway Strategic Land carried out a public consultation exercise in the village in April. This followed earlier engagement with Blaby District Council and Croft Parish Council. Feedback from the public consultation highlighted the desire for affordable new homes with eco-friendly features such as solar panels, the need for improved local facilities and the retention of the popular Sunday car boot market. Matt Smith, Strategic Land Manager at Bellway, said: “Blaby has a shortfall in its housing supply across the district and Croft is a sustainable village for a development of this size. “As part of the planning process, following pre-app consultation with the district council, we reached out to the parish council and local residents for their views on our plans. This valuable feedback has helped to shape the proposals to ensure there are meaningful benefits to the community. “We are proposing to deliver an attractive and sustainable development with green spaces at its heart. There will be landscaped open spaces including a children’s play area and existing trees will be retained to create a buffer to protect woodland to the south of the site. Additional land will be set aside for nature and new habitats to increase biodiversity. “We have worked closely with the planning team at Bellway East Midlands and their localised expertise made an important contribution to our proposals.”

Belper heritage building to be given new lease of life

Tess Egginton
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Belper heritage building to be given new lease of life
A local business owner has taken steps to purchase their own office accommodation in Belper town centre in one of the town’s most prominent heritage buildings. Martyn and Claire Jones, business owners of Claire’s School Solutions, currently occupy an office in Unity Mill House but have taken the opportunity to create their own modern office by renovating The Old School House. William Speed of Salloway Property Consultants, who acted on behalf of a private client, was encouraged to see the property being repurposed for an alternative use. “It’s great to see a heritage building such as The Old School House being repurposed to provide a different occupational use. “Heritage buildings such as this sometimes fall by the wayside and can blight a town centre, I have full faith in Martyn being able to bring this property back to life and making it a highlight of Belper town centre!” The Old School House, located on Green Lane in Belper, has been a long-established landmark building in the community since its original construction. Originally serving as an educational institution, the property has been repurposed over the years to include uses such as a restaurant, pub and bar. The property has not been consistently occupied for a number of years now with the new purchasers hoping to breathe a new lease of life into the building. Martyn and Claire Jones, the new owners, were delighted with the purchase and are looking forward to the project ahead: “We’re really excited to give a new lease of life to this prominent and historic building. “Our plans involve renovating the whole property to provide modern office accommodation. We will occupy part of the accommodation ourselves and the remaining office accommodation will be available to rent in the future.”

Forterra sees drop in revenue and profit in “challenging market conditions”

Tess Egginton
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Forterra sees drop in revenue and profit in “challenging market conditions”
With a dip in revenue and profit, Forterra, the manufacturer of clay and concrete building products, has hailed “a solid performance in the first half of 2024, despite a continuing backdrop of challenging market conditions.” For the six months ended 30 June 2024, group revenue stood at £162.1m, down from £183.2m in the same period of 2023. Meanwhile, the firm posted an adjusted profit before tax of £9.1m, dropping from £19.2m. It comes as UK brick industry despatches in the first half of the year are estimated to have fallen approximately 9% relative to the prior period, with Forterra’s own brick despatches in line with this. Moreover, competitive market conditions are restricting the business’s ability to implement its planned price increases.

Neil Ash, Chief Executive Officer, said: “The Group delivered a solid performance in the first half of 2024, despite a continuing backdrop of challenging market conditions. Decisive management actions assisted in producing a result in line with our expectations and a better than expected net debt position at the period end.

“We are encouraged by the new Government’s focus on significantly increasing housing supply which will clearly provide medium to long-term structural benefits for Forterra. 

“While the short-term outlook remains challenging, as we look further ahead the Group is well positioned to capitalise on the recovery of our key markets as it occurs.”

Games Workshop reports best results in its history

Tess Egginton
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Games Workshop reports best results in its history
Nottingham-based manufacturer of miniature wargames, Games Workshop has reported the best results in its history. According to the company’s annual report for the 53 week period to 2 June 2024, revenue soared to £525.7m, up from £470.8m in the year prior. Profit before tax, meanwhile, grew to £203m, up from £170.6m.

Kevin Rountree, CEO of Games Workshop said: “After a record year, we will continue to focus on the things in our control. We have a very clear strategy, which remains unchanged, a detailed operational plan for the year ahead and a great team to deliver it.

“I wish to thank our staff, customers, trade accounts and broader stakeholders for their ongoing support. Exciting times.”

Law firm chooses Derby for expansion

Tess Egginton
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Law firm chooses Derby for expansion
Fishers Solicitors has opened a new office in Derby’s Pride Park as part of its expansion plans across the East Midlands. The firm, which already has a number of Derby-based commercial and private clients, has moved into offices at Oberoi Business Hub and are already planning to take further space in line with their ongoing recruitment drive. Fishers Solicitors’ co-director and head of residential property, Amanda Payne, explained: “Having been established in Ashby for nearly 200 years and, with an office in Tamworth, we were looking for new locations in the East Midlands. “Derby was the natural choice. This is a thriving and growing city and we were particularly keen to be based in Pride Park which continues to attract a wide range of new and growing businesses which we can support through our commercial and private client services. “Oberoi Business Hub is also the ideal location as it is easily accessible, offers free parking for clients and has a range of further office accommodation to support our growth plans.” Oberoi Business Hub manager Jodie Brady continued: “Fishers Solicitors are the perfect fit for us – a growing professional services business who require a prestigious serviced office location and address with their sights set on growth.” Founder and Managing Director Kavita Oberoi OBE concluded: “We understand the legal world having supported a number of solicitors with our back office services including call handling so we are delighted to welcome Fishers Solicitors to the Oberoi business community.”

Revenue grows while pre-tax losses widen at Nottingham recruitment group

Tess Egginton
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Revenue grows while pre-tax losses widen at Nottingham recruitment group
Losses have widened despite an uptick in revenue at Staffline Group, the Nottingham-based recruitment and training group, amidst a “widely reported downturn in the recruitment sector.” According to unaudited interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2024 (H1 2024), revenue increased 11.7% to £480.2m, from £430m in the same period last year. Meanwhile, the business posted a loss before tax of £12.1m, in comparison to a £1.4m loss before tax last year. Albert Ellis, Chief Executive Officer of Staffline, said: “With the widely reported downturn in the recruitment sector, I am delighted to report a highly creditable performance across the first half of 2024. “In what has proven to be a persistently challenging macro-economic environment, Staffline’s strategy to grow its market share organically, and focus on customer service and delivery has served it well in the first six months of the year. “In exiting the Skills market twelve months ago, PeoplePlus has reduced its overheads at a time when political changes in the UK have resulted in the pipeline being pushed back. “My thanks to everybody in the Group who has contributed to this excellent result, and looking forward, I am pleased that we expect underlying trading to be in line with expectations for the full year.”

Newark businesses highlight urgent need for action on A46 town bypass

Stuart Pearcey
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Newark businesses highlight urgent need for action on A46 town bypass
A new report from Midlands Connect highlights the significance of upgrading the A46 Newark bypass for local businesses and the economy. Vodaphone, which has a significant regional presence in the town, says it could consider reducing its presence if employees aren’t able to get to work easily to provide customer service. The company’s National Marketing Lead Daniel Copper said: “If the office space is underutilised due to people avoiding coming in as the traffic is so bad, Vodafone is less likely to continue requiring that office.” Graham Wright, Environment Manager at British Sugar, which processes all the sugar beet grown in the UK, and supplies 60% of the UK market, added: “The road network here is almost like a gateway, from the A46 you can access so much of the rest of the country that in investing in this stretch of road you would benefit not only Newark but wider UK connectivity.” Simon Eccleston, Chief Executive at Newark Showground, said: “Queues can be miles long and so if you’re trying to attend an event here at the showground, clearly that can mean that you’re sometimes delayed by two hours. Newark Rugby Club Bonfire Night started over an hour late because we just simply couldn’t get people into the showground on time. “Improving the A46 would be the best thing possible for business and the best thing possible for Newark as well. The sooner the works can start, the better.” In November 2023, Midlands Connect released a report proposing upgrades and finishing the Newark bypass. The £400 – £500 million scheme was dubbed as ‘imperative’ by Midlands Connect Chairman Sir John Peace. The plans are now in the pre-examination stage with the Planning Inspectorate and a full examination will begin later this year before a recommendation is made to the Secretary of State for Transport who will make a final decision. The scheme will:
  • Improve traffic signals at Farndon roundabout to achieve smoother traffic flows in peak hours.
  • Provide a new dual-carriageway bridge over the A1.
  • Enlarge and partially signal Winthorpe roundabout to reduce congestion and improve journey reliability.
  • Create a new grade separated junction at the Cattle Market roundabout.
If delivered, Midlands Connect forecast a 30% reduction in journey times for traffic using the improved section. We also believe that the five scheme objectives of improving safety, easing congestion, increasing connectivity, protecting the environment, and benefiting all road users, will be met. The National Highways Consultation results showed 53% of respondents were satisfied or very satisfied with the proposed scheme improvements. Swati Mittal, Integrated Transport Programme Lead at Midlands Connect, said: “This report highlights the day-to-day impact that not having necessary improvements around Newark has on residents, commuters and businesses. It is hurting the economy and it is frequently snarled up in traffic gridlock. “This is why Midlands Connect has worked with local councils, National Highways and Robert Jenrick MP to advocate for upgrades to the area. We hope to see movement soon and positive news for Newark.”

Rutland Rural Enterprise Grant launched to boost local business

Tess Egginton
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Rutland Rural Enterprise Grant launched to boost local business
Rutland County Council has launched the Rutland Rural Enterprise Grant, a new initiative funded by the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF). This grant scheme is designed to support small and medium businesses in rural areas of Rutland, with the aim of driving economic growth, business diversification and innovation, and promoting sustainable practices. This grant scheme has received £200,000 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, of which the REPF is an extension. Businesses can apply for grants between £5,000 and £20,000 for their projects. The grant will fund up to 50% of the total project costs and the projects applied for must be capital. Councillor Paul Browne, Cabinet Member for Planning, Property and Economic Development, said: “We are delighted to offer grant funding to our local businesses, fostering projects that will spur business and economic growth. “This initiative is a key initial component of Rutland’s new Economic Strategy, reflecting our commitment to sustainable development. “Rutland County Council is committed to supporting local enterprises and ensuring the prosperity of the rural economy. This grant scheme is a significant step towards achieving these goals and enhancing the overall quality of life in our rural communities.”

Chesterfield firm acquires manufacturer of motorhome and caravan covers

Tess Egginton
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0
Chesterfield firm acquires manufacturer of motorhome and caravan covers
Chesterfield-based Specialised Canvas Group has acquired Protec Covers, the manufacturer and retailer of motorhome and caravan covers. This latest acquisition further strengthens Specialised Canvas’ growth within the UK leisure market and aligns with its campervan and motorhome windscreen cover brand Custom Camping. Founded in 1997, Protec Covers has earned a reputation within the UK leisure vehicle market for providing durable, custom-fit covers specifically designed for the transportation and storage of caravans, campervans, and motorhomes.
Paul Noble, Managing Director of Specialised Canvas, said: “We are delighted to welcome Protec Covers to the growing Specialised Canvas family. “With our extensive fabric and sewing capacity and expertise, along with our years of experience within the leisure vehicle industry, we are perfectly positioned to build on Protec’s success and continue providing customers with market-leading products and services. “Our team has been hard at work to ensure a seamless transition in production and resolve any fabric supply challenges. We are pleased to announce that we are currently fulfilling past orders and accepting new ones for caravan towing jackets and caravan covers. “Looking ahead, we expect to restart production of motorhome and campervan covers by late 2024, once we have addressed our current backlog.”
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