Belinda Lunn, Senior Responsible Owner Army Basing Project Kendrew said: “I am delighted to see the Kendrew Barracks project progressing as part of our ongoing effort to rationalise the Defence estate, provide the right infrastructure for the Army and enable the delivery of the important Military Working Dogs capability.”
Expected to complete in December 2025, the project team working on the scheme also includes architect Corstorphine + Wright.
Nottingham care home operator secures funding for expansion
A family-owned Nottingham care home operator has acquired a home in Solihull with the support of a seven-figure funding package from HSBC UK.
Sherwood-headquartered Affinity Care Consortium will use the funding to continue its nationwide growth strategy, supported by the acquisition of the 50-bed Silver Birches care home. Silver Birches will undergo a full estate review, with plans to upgrade and modernise the home, including a full redecoration and technological advancements.
The acquisition comes as part of Affinity Care Consortium’s plan to open six homes in the West Midlands by 2025, in addition to its existing site in Coventry, Coundon Manor, as well as five other services across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire.
As a result, Affinity Care Consortium is forecasting a £2.5 million annual increase in turnover with 60 new permanent roles expected to be created.
Tanzeel Younas, Co-Owner of Affinity Care Consortium, said: “Buying Silver Birches marks a pivotal milestone in our strategic expansion into Birmingham and Solihull. Our vision is to breathe new life into existing homes through modernisation and enhancement, while simultaneously pioneering new services in the region to cater to those in need.”
David Subba, Healthcare Sector Lead for Thames Valley & Solent at HSBC UK, added: “We are very proud to be able to support the growth ambitions of Affinity Care Consortium, particularly as in doing so the care facilities for residents in Solihull are being improved.
“The healthcare sector needs regular investment to ensure facilities are suitable for increasing numbers in need of support and HSBC UK are keen to support this wherever possible.”
Affinity Care Consortium operates a total of 48 adult care homes, 100 supported living homes, ten children’s homes, one school and 30 homeless housing units.
Chesterfield Skills and Employment Partnership marks one-year milestone
An innovative partnership which is helping local people access workplace skills and training has marked its one-year milestone.
The Chesterfield Skills and Employment Partnership brings together representatives from the business community, education providers and public sector, to develop programmes and initiatives that aim to help local residents improve their skills to access new opportunities, which will help the local economy to grow.
The partnership has had a busy first year – launching five new skills programmes, established a skills brokerage service, hosted almost 20 events, and created a new initiative that has helped more than 200 young people to make more informed decisions about their future.
Michael Timmins, a director at AECOM and chair of the Skills and Employment Partnership, said: “It has been an incredibly busy first year and we’ve launched lots of new initiatives and programmes that will help ensure everyone can develop the skills that local businesses need to grow.
“By working in partnership with the public sector, it has helped ensure that support can be provided to solve the challenges faced by businesses and I look forward to seeing how this partnership develops, and to launching more programmes that will help local people access skills training.”
The Chesterfield Skills and Employment Partnership is a key element of Chesterfield Borough Council’s Skills Action Plan. Launched in 2023, it sets out a variety of partnership initiatives – working with local agencies and businesses – to help bridge the skills gap.
Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and vice chair of the Skills and Employment Partnership, said: “We want to ensure that everyone can benefit from a growing local economy and through working in partnership with businesses and the community sector we can help local people develop the skills to progress in their careers or access new opportunities as they become available.
“Over the last year we have launched lots of new programmes with the business, education, and voluntary sector, I would like to encourage local residents to look into these opportunities and take full advantage of them because they can help progress their career and build a better life in our borough.”
The Skills Action Plan runs until 2027. It is just one of a range of projects and initiatives which is being funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), after the council was successful in securing £2.6m from the Government. It will fund initiatives, until 2025, which are designed to improve life for local people and support local businesses.
Lindum works on 16 schools during summer lesson break
Lincoln-based Lindum construction is working on 16 schools across Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire, and Yorkshire to complete projects before students return this Autumn, ensuring teaching and learning are not disrupted.
In Nottingham, teams are delivering projects ranging from fire alarms to re-roofing at seven primary schools for Nottingham City Council, another repeat client.
The work for repeat client the Priory Federation of Academies at four sites in Lincolnshire includes science classroom upgrades and internal remodelling of a trades training centre.
In Yorkshire, work involves delivering a pipeline of refurbishments for Red Kite Learning Trust, a multi-academy trust of 14 schools across North and West Yorkshire.
The works include a new landscaped outdoor space for children to enjoy, and roof replacement. We procured our school summer projects through our membership of frameworks.
Lindum Framework Manager Steve Duckering said: “Our commitment to forward-planning is evident in projects like our summer works programme for Nottingham City Council where discussions began as early as October last year, utilising the efficient procurement mechanisms offered by frameworks.
“These frameworks enable us to collaborate with clients early in the process, ensuring projects are meticulously planned and resourced. This proactive approach is essential for successful delivery, especially when working under tight deadlines like the school summer holidays.”
Other school summer works include refurbishments in Boston, Wisbech and Peterborough.
Over 3,000 North West Leicestershire businesses could be eligible for rural grant funding
Rural businesses in North West Leicestershire are set to benefit from over £350,000 in grant funding to support the growth of the rural economy.
The North West Leicestershire Rural Business Grant programme, funded by the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund, is being administered by North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC) this year.
The grants will help small and medium-sized businesses in rural locations to fund investment projects that can demonstrate business growth, tourism and visitor economy development, invest in carbon reducing technology or farm diversification.
A total of £351,818 is available in 2024, with businesses able to apply for a grant of between £1,000 and £25,000. Recipients will have to provide at least 50% match-funding alongside the grant.
The window for applications will close on 29 September. Applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis. All successful projects will need to be claimed for by 31 January 2025.
Businesses employing fewer than 250 staff can use the funding to support capital projects, such as purchasing new equipment to:
- Modernise farm tourism facilities such as accommodation, wedding venues and leisure facilities
- Invest in energy efficiency or achieving zero carbon
- Invest in business premises, new technology and innovation.
Buyer sought as Lincolnshire manufacturer falls into administration
A Lincolnshire manufacturer has fallen into administration, with a buyer being sought for the business.
Gareth Harris and Deviesh Raikundalia of RSM UK Restructuring Advisory LLP were appointed as Joint Administrators of MTAG Composites Ltd, MTAG (Holdings) Ltd and Electric Future Group Ltd on Friday 12 July 2024.
Based in Coningsby, MTAG Composites is the trading company in the group and is a manufacturer of moulded composite parts for the rail, aerospace, automotive, construction and leisure sectors, producing items such as train interiors, aircraft seating and boats.
Whilst viable options were being considered, the administrators took the decision to temporarily cease day-to-day operations immediately upon their appointment.
Following an accelerated and detailed review of the financial position, the administrators have decided to recommence day-to-day operations on a limited basis to align with the timetable for an accelerated sales process.
Thus far, the administrators have made minimal redundancies but have retained all of the operational and production staff on a ‘lay-off’ basis. The administrators understand that employees had not been paid for some time prior to their appointment and they are working with the Redundancy Payments Service (RPS) to ensure that those affected receive their statutory entitlements at the earliest possible opportunity.
Gareth Harris, restructuring advisory partner at RSM UK and joint administrator, said: “The decision to recommence operations demonstrates the commitment of all stakeholders to attempt to save this business and the livelihoods of the staff. Although not at full operational capacity, ongoing production will assist us in finding a buyer for all or part of the businesses.”
Deviesh Raikundalia, restructuring advisory director at RSM UK and joint administrator, added: “We have received significant interest in the acquisition of the business in the short time that we have been undertaking the sales process. We are continuing to engage with all parties who have expressed an interest in acquiring all or part of the businesses.
“Staff that we have retained since our appointment will continue to be paid and we appreciate the commitment and patience shown by the employees to date.”
Willmott Dixon to deliver £61m estate investment for the British Army in Rutland
The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) has appointed Willmott Dixon to deliver a £61m estate investment for the British Army at Kendrew Barracks in Rutland.
Procured through the Crown Commercial Service framework, Willmott Dixon will be delivering technical infrastructure to enable the rebasing of 18 Army Education Centre and 1 Military Working Dogs from St George’s Barracks to Kendrew Barracks.
The project will deliver 15 buildings – 11 which will be brand new with four being refurbished or retrofit – and will enable the disposal of St George’s Barracks scheduled from 2026.
The project will deliver some 13,000 sq m of space, including refurbishment of 110m of hangars. The facilities will comprise 173 new kennels for permanent, isolation and quarantine needs with a vet centre and training facilities, squadron offices and stores for all squadrons, a new gym and the repurposing of hanger B as the Regimental Headquarters and Quartermaster stores.
Nick Heath, director at Willmott Dixon, said: “This significant investment from the Army, supported by the DIO, is set to create high-quality facilities for those stationed at Kendrew Barracks. It’s always a privilege to contribute to national defence by making sure the estate meets the needs of those who access and use the facilities.
“Operating on a live barracks, as we will be throughout this project, creates unique challenges in terms of ongoing operations, but our wealth of experience within the sector means we are well positioned to understand and overcome these.
“Works will incorporate DREAM – the environmental assessment tool for new building and refurbishment projects on the defence estate – and we are aiming for high standards across all elements of the project.
“In particular, the new build elements will be targeting net-zero carbon in operation. With modern methods of construction also set to be used within the kennels structures, the entire scheme has been considered in relation to its current and future impact.”
60 new homes get the green light for Northampton
Vistry Group, the provider of affordable mixed-tenure homes, has been given the green light by West Northamptonshire Council to start building 60 new homes on Towcester Road, Northampton, in partnership with emh group.
This new development will consist of two-, three- and four-bedroom homes in the heart of south-west Northampton. Planned by Vistry, working under its Countryside Partnerships brand, it aims to strike a balance between family-friendly housing and green open spaces. The project will also include over £550,000 of investment in the local community.
Andy Reynolds, managing director of Vistry South East Midlands, said: “We are thrilled to receive full planning permission for this exciting new development which will not only meet the housing needs of the community but will also blend with the local environment.
“We’re excited to be working with emh to play a part in Northampton’s growth and to be entrusted with the build of these much-needed new homes which will contribute to the unique character of the area and will release over half a million pounds of investment in local services, creating a thriving and sustainable community.”
Chris Jones, executive director – development at emh, said: “We’re proud to be working alongside Vistry Group to provide this new affordable homes development in Northampton. The scheme has been thoughtfully designed to meet the needs of local people, with community, green spaces and the environment in mind. We look forward to seeing the development progress in the coming months.”
Frontline healthcare services provider sees difficult year
Totally plc, a provider of frontline healthcare services alongside corporate fitness and wellbeing services, has slipped to a pre-tax loss while revenues have fallen.
According to preliminary results for the 12-month period ended 31 March 2024, revenue at the Derby-based firm dipped by 21% to £106.7 million, from £135.7 million in the year prior.
Meanwhile, in a year where Totally let go some of its team, as it right sized structures, the company slid to a loss before tax of £3.9 million, from a profit of £1.8 million for the year prior.
Looking ahead, the business expects revenues for the year ending 31 March 2025 to decline further, to £85 million.
Simon Stilwell, Chairman, said: “It was undoubtedly a difficult year for the Group but the actions on costs, structure, internal process and financial controls taken in the second half of the year have seen a stabilisation in the business.
“As we look to the year ahead, we are a stronger organisation with clear accountability and improving performance.”
Breedon delivers “resilient performance”
Pre-tax profits have fallen while revenue has risen at Breedon Group, the construction materials group.
According to unaudited results for the six months ended 30 June 2024, revenue increased by 3% in comparison to the same period of last year to reach £764.6m. This was supported by Breedon’s entry into the US.
Pre-tax profits, however, were down by 18%, at £46.5m, as the macroeconomic and political landscape in Great Britain continued to present significant headwinds, exacerbated by challenging operating conditions created by wet weather.
Looking ahead, Breedon expects growth in all its markets from 2025 as the economic and political landscape stabilises.
Rob Wood, Chief Executive Officer, said: “For the team to deliver such a resilient performance given the challenging GB market conditions we have faced is an incredible achievement.
“We achieved a major strategic objective in March, entering the US and establishing our third platform with the transformative acquisition of BMC, creating the foundation from which we will build out our US business.
“We expanded our routes to market, delivering two bolt-on transactions in GB, and growing organically through our downstream businesses, pulling through more of our own material.
“We moved our sustainable growth strategy forward on all fronts in the first half of 2024 and were pleased to see this recognised by CDP with our first ratings placing us at the forefront of our sector for Climate Change and Water Security.
“During this time the quality and flexibility of the Breedon team, of whom I am incredibly proud, have kept us close to our customers, accelerated our drive for efficiencies, and strengthened our operations. As the economic and political clouds clear in GB, our markets will return to growth in time and we will be well placed to grow and succeed.”
Rolls-Royce welcomes Virgin Atlantic order for 14 Trent 7000 engines
Virgin Atlantic has agreed to place an order for 14 additional Trent 7000 engines to power seven Airbus A330neo. Rolls-Royce’s Trent 7000 is the exclusive engine for the aircraft.
The aircraft will enter service in 2027 and adds to the existing Virgin Atlantic fleet of Trent 7000-powered A330-900s.
Ewen McDonald, Chief Customer Officer, Rolls-Royce – Civil Aerospace, said: “Virgin Atlantic is an existing Trent 7000 customer, and we are delighted that they have elected to return for seven Airbus A330neos – confirming their confidence in the Trent 7000 and A330neo combination. We look forward to supporting these new aircraft as they enter service.”
Corneel Koster, Chief Customer and Operating Officer, Virgin Atlantic, said: “We know our customers and crew love flying on the A330neo. Ordering another seven of these beautiful, carbon and fuel-efficient aircraft, powered by the Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engine, completes our fleet transformation and will ensure that our customers can continue to enjoy our award-winning experience in the sky.”
The Trent 7000 is the latest addition to the Rolls-Royce Trent family of engines and exclusively powers the Airbus A330neo. After entering service at the end of 2018, the Trent 7000 has flown more than two million hours.
Incorporating the latest generation technology, the A330neo/Trent 7000 combination delivers a 14% better aircraft fuel burn per seat (compared to the A330/Trent 700), while significantly lowering emissions.
Rolls-Royce is investing more than £1bn in a programme that will deliver further improvements to the Trent engine family.
