The East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024: recognising the exceptional work of property and construction businesses

Tess Egginton
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The East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024: recognising the exceptional work of property and construction businesses
With nominations OPEN for Business Link’s annual East Midlands Bricks Awards, don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your business, team and projects by submitting an entry for the prestigious event. Attracting leaders from across the region, the celebration of the property and construction industry is the perfect way for firms to raise their profile and promote the work they are completing, as well as boost morale. Take this chance to highlight exceptional new commercial and residential developments, those demonstrating a leading position in sustainability and design excellence; gain recognition as outstanding developers, architects, contractors, and agents, as well as for significant deals; and ensure efforts in corporate social responsibility are rewarded, from eco initiatives to charity work, to social value schemes. Winners will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony on Thursday 3rd October, at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground – an evening also offering time to establish new connections with property and construction professionals from across the East Midlands. After winning the Commercial Development of the Year award at last year’s event, Clare Swaine, business development manager at Henry Brothers, said: “I was delighted to collect this award on behalf of Henry Brothers, it was a fantastic team effort to deliver this impressive Passivhaus building which is supportive of Loughborough University’s path to net-zero and is a tremendous asset to the University and wider Leicestershire economy. The event was also a great networking opportunity and it was interesting to hear more about the various developments happening in the region.” To nominate your (or another) business/development for one of our awards, please click on a category link below or visit this page.
Award categories include:

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. Attendees will also hear from keynote speaker Paul Southby, partner at Geldards LLP, chair of the Advisory Board to Nottingham Business School, chair of Broadway independent cinema, trustee of Clean Rivers Trust, chair of Nottingham Partners, board member of Marketing Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, and former High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire. Dress code is standard business attire. Thanks to our sponsors:      

     
     
 

To be held at:

Local businesses boosted with launch of Early Stage Angel Investment Fund

Tess Egginton
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Local businesses boosted with launch of Early Stage Angel Investment Fund
‘Early stage’ businesses based in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire can now pitch to access new funding to support growth. The Early Stage Angel Investment Fund (ESAIF) was developed by the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership (D2N2 LEP) ahead of it becoming part of the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) earlier this year. The Fund, which has been launched at events in Derby and Nottingham, aims to stimulate investment and growth in ‘early stage’ companies – those that have been trading between six and 24 months. D2N2 LEP/EMCCA are contributing £4 million to the fund, match-funded by ESAIF fund manager, Haatch. Over the longer term these funds will be re-invested in the programme, to catalyse investment and growth for more early-stage companies. The Derby launch event, held at Derby Arena, featured a video keynote address by Claire Ward, Mayor of the East Midlands, and presentations by D2N2 LEP Deputy Chair and EMCCA’s business representative David Williams MBE DL, Lewis Stringer of British Business Bank, Samantha Deakin of the University of Derby and Fred Soneya of ESAIF fund manager Haatch. The Nottingham event, held at BioCity, featured a video keynote address by Claire Ward, Mayor of the East Midlands, and presentations by D2N2 LEP board member Glenn Crocker, Lewis Stringer of British Business Bank, Sarah King of Obu and Fred Soneya of ESAIF fund manager Haatch. The events were MC’d by EMCCA’s Nicola Swaney and attended by more than 100 delegates over the two days. Claire Ward, Mayor of the East Midlands, said: “Supporting our local economy is one of my priorities as Mayor of the East Midlands and I’m delighted we’ve been able to launch the Early Stage Angel Investment Fund. “I look forward to hearing all about the impact of this fund, how it supports our local businesses, and how it will help our regional economy thrive. I’m keen to see what we can achieve together through this significant investment and strong collaborative partnership.” The Early Stage Angel Investment Fund was announced by D2N2 LEP Chair Elizabeth Fagan at the UK’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) in Leeds earlier this year.

Plans submitted for major Northampton industrial development

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Plans submitted for major Northampton industrial development
Trebor Developments and Hillwood have submitted a detailed planning application for a major industrial development in Northampton. The application has been submitted for a single B8 industrial unit of 330,000 sq ft to be developed to BREEAM Excellent and EPC “A” rating. The site is situated 5 miles east of Northampton Town Centre adjacent to the A45 Expressway, which provides dual carriageway access to Junction 15 of the M1 Motorway in a 7-minute drive. Subject to planning the building could be available for occupation in 2026 on a build to suit or speculative basis and is available on both a leasehold and rare freehold basis. James Drew, Trebor’s Development Director, said: “We are delighted to have reached the next key stage of delivery for this major, golden triangle, development. The building is expected to deliver over 350 direct full-time jobs, an ecological net gain of over 10% and generate a total economic benefit of £890m over the life of the scheme.” Drake & Partners and Knight Frank have been appointed agents.

New Chair for Boston Town Board

Tess Egginton
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New Chair for Boston Town Board
Joanna Brigham has been announced as the new Chair of Boston Town Board. Joanna, a highly experienced senior leader who has held Chief Executive and Director roles within a broad range of organisations, assumes the role after former Chair Neil Kempster decided to step down. Joanna’s appointment comes as the Boston Town Board begins a new phase in its existence having been repurposed to oversee the delivery of £20m Long Term Plan for Towns funding awarded to Boston. This additional funding complements the £21.9m Town Deal funding which is being invested in Boston through a number of transformational projects, including the new Mayflower learning centre at Boston College and improvements to the Geoff Moulder Centre. Joanna, who was also most recently Chief Executive of UK Shared Business Services Ltd and previously CEO for the Scottish Police Services Authority, and Director of Strategy and Marketing for the Royal Parks said: “I am so pleased to have been appointed to lead Boston Town Board through its next chapter, when we will build on the successful and significant progress to date and look to the future by creating and overseeing the implementation of a long term plan for Boston. “I would like to thank my predecessor Neil who has held the position of chair almost from the very beginning. I look forward to continuing to work with him and all the board members as we bring together our shared skills, commitment, and ambition for Boston to make a difference for the town.” Neil, who is Land and Development Director of Chestnut Homes was an inaugural member of the Board and has been Chair of the Boston Town Board since June 2020. During his four years at the helm, the Board’s role expanded after further funding including Levelling Up and more recently Long Term Plan for Towns investment was awarded to Boston. Neil said: “It has been a privilege to serve as Chair for the Boston Town Board, and to be involved in shaping the town investment plan and projects ever since the announcement of the funding. “Following the establishment of the Boston Town Board in 2020, which enabled the Boston Town Deal investment of £21.9 million, we have supported significant further funding and investment into Boston. “This has included Levelling Up and Levelling Up Partnership, match funding for the Town Deal, UK Shared Prosperity Funding, High Street Task Force support and most recently the Long Term Plan for Towns funding. “Now, with the changes in the board’s role, it feels like the right time for me to step down. I am looking forward to remaining as a board member, and continuing to work with Jo and the other board members. I wish Jo all the very best in her role as Chair.” Councillor Anne Dorrian, Leader of Boston Borough Council, said: “I think I speak for all the partner organisations who are represented on the Town Board when I say that Neil’s chairmanship over the last four years has given a steady and stable influence, giving oversight to the important major projects of the Town Deal. “I am delighted that he has chosen to stay on as a board member and is willing to offer his vast wealth of experience as we move forward with the Long Term Plan for Towns.”

Nottingham Venues scoops award at 2024 Conference and Events Awards

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Nottingham Venues scoops award at 2024 Conference and Events Awards
Nottingham Venues has been named in the Top 3 ‘Best Venues’ in the UK at the 2024 Conference and Events Awards. The company, which operates a collection of hospitality destinations located on the University of Nottingham’s campuses – including the 4* Orchard Hotel & Restaurant, The East Midlands Conference Centre, the Jubilee Hotel and Conferences and Campus Venues – scooped the Silver Award in the Best Venue (500-1100 attendees Theatre Style) category. The Conference and Events Awards are the event industry’s pinnacle of recognition. The annual awards celebrate and champion everyone involved in the events industry including conference and trade-show organisers, in-house events teams, event, PR & marketing agencies and the venues themselves. The judges recognised Nottingham Venues’ first-class use of technology, beautiful outdoor and indoor space, strong sustainability credentials and excellent customer service which results in a 75% rebooking rate. Stephanie Moss-Pearce, Director of Marketing at Nottingham Venues, said: “Our category was packed with some of the leading venues in the UK, so the team and I are delighted that Nottingham Venues has scooped the silver award, just 3 years after we launched our brand.” The Best Venue (500-1100 attendees Theatre Style) award is given to the Best Conference or Event Venue that caters for larger audiences of over 500. Judges will be looking for innovation, expertise and success in all areas including first-class interior design and facilities; flexible and versatile spaces to adapt to clients’ requirements; modern equipment and technology and superb acoustics; excellent customer service and support; competitive pricing and value for money and outstanding catering for event attendees.

Aircraft robotics pioneer raises £1m to support business expansion

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Aircraft robotics pioneer raises £1m to support business expansion
A £1 million equity investment in True Position Robotics has become the first deal from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II, facilitated by fund manager Mercia Ventures. True Position Robotics (TPR) is a Nottingham-based company whose industrial robots could revolutionise aircraft production and slash the cost of new planes. The investment comes as demand for new planes has surged due to a rise in passenger numbers and a drive by airlines to replace ageing fleets with more modern, fuel-efficient craft. TPR, founded in 2018 by Roger Holden, has pioneered a way to automate the assembly process for aircraft using low-cost ‘off the shelf’ industrial robots adapted with its own software and hardware. The company is already working with leading industry names including BAE, which has adopted the technology as part of its Factory of the Future programme. Currently aircraft assembly is largely a manual process. Parts must be lined up, holes positioned precisely and carefully drilled. TPR’s robots automate the entire drilling process and the subsequent inspection. Its unique optical tracking technology and clamp system keeps the drill in place for 100% accuracy. This pioneering approach to aircraft assembly enables planes to be built in a fraction of the time and reduces the amount of material required, resulting in lighter craft with better fuel efficiency. The use of lightweight standard robots also means that TPR’s systems are around a tenth of the cost of a traditional automation line and use far less energy. The equity investment received through the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II and managed by Mercia Ventures will enable the business to scale up operations and continue its research and development. Shakespeare Martineau in Nottingham provided legal advice to Mercia Ventures on the deal. Roger Holden, CEO, True Position Robotics, said: “Unlike vehicle assembly, where processes are repeatable, with aircraft the need for lightweight components and high precision means that no two operations are the same. For this reason automation has so far proved too difficult or too costly. Our robot guidance systems overcome these challenges. “The investment from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II will enable us to consolidate our position and start work on the next generation of products to ensure we maintain our position as thought leaders in the industry.” Hannah Tapsell Chapman of Mercia Ventures added: “True Position Robotics’ technology addresses some of the key challenges for UK manufacturers – how to increase productivity, reduce cost and energy use and move towards net zero. “Despite being an early-stage business, it has already gained real traction and attracted major clients. The funding will help Roger and the team to scale up their operation and pursue their mission to revolutionise aircraft manufacturing.”

Midlands businesses plan multi-million pound investments over the next five years

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Midlands businesses plan multi-million pound investments over the next five years
Mid-sized businesses in the Midlands plan to invest millions over the next five years, with nearly half (42%) planning to spend upwards of £3 million to grow their business, according to accountancy and business advisory firm, BDO LLP. The firm’s bi-monthly Economic Engine survey of 500 mid-sized businesses, which generate a turnover of between £10 to £300 million each and account for one in four UK jobs, has revealed that nearly a third (29%) of those in the region plan to direct their investment primarily within the UK. More than a quarter of Midlands businesses (27%) said that sourcing new capital to fund growth was one of their top priorities between now and the end of the year. This includes private equity investment, venture capital or additional bank loans. A similar number (24%) are prioritising developing new products or services. With a new government now in post, Midlands businesses are calling for policies that will help them deliver their scale-up plans. Facing persistent recruitment challenges, almost half (45%) want to see the Government prioritise policies to ease workforce pressures, including reform of the apprenticeship levy or more support towards the cost of skilled worker visas. To enable better access to finance, two-fifths (40%) want to see the new Government prioritise smaller business banks entering the market or increasing access to grants for their business. Meanwhile, 40% are calling for more progress on investment in the regions outside London and the South East. The follows the announcement last week during the King’s Speech that an English Devolution Bill will streamline the process to transfer more powers to elected mayors in combined council areas. Kyla Bellingall, regional managing partner in the Midlands at BDO, said: “With a new government in place and inflation hitting the Bank of England’s 2% target in May, businesses in the region have some reason to be optimistic after years of challenging economic conditions and uncertainty. “The message from Midlands business is clearly one centred on growth, but they will need the support of central policymakers to ensure that the regions receive the required investment to accelerate those ambitions, with Labour looking to take a fresh approach to tackling regional inequalities.”

Government asked to rule on ‘first of a kind’ reactor design from Rolls-Royce

Stuart Pearcey
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Government asked to rule on ‘first of a kind’ reactor design from Rolls-Royce
The government has been asked by the Nuclear Industry Association to give a justification decision for Rolls-Royce SMR’s reactor design. Justification is a regulatory process which requires a Government decision before any new class or type of practice involving ionising radiation can be introduced in the UK. A justification decision is one of the required steps for the operation of a new nuclear technology in the UK, but it is not a permit or licence that allows a specific project to go ahead. Instead, it is a generic decision based on a high-level evaluation of the potential benefits and detriments of the proposed new nuclear practice as a pre-cursor to future regulatory processes. The new application, the first of its kind for a UK reactor design, makes the case that the benefits of clean, firm, flexible power from the reactor would far outweigh any potential risks, which are in any event rigorously controlled by robust safety features, including passive safety systems, built into the design, in line with the UK’s regulatory requirements. The application also demonstrates that the reactor design would support nuclear energy’s contribution to a stable and well-balanced electricity grid, which is essential to reduce consumer bills and maintain economic competitiveness. Tom Greatrex, Chief Executive of the Nuclear Industry Association, said: “Rolls-Royce SMR’s design, like other SMRs, offer huge possibilities for the UK to revive our industrial capabilities and deliver low-carbon energy for net zero and energy security. We are delighted to support this step to get the design approved in its home country. “It is essential that our nuclear renaissance is made in Britain, so the new Government should ensure that we deploy enough SMR designs to justify investment in the UK supply chain to deliver them.” Helena Perry, Rolls-Royce SMR’s Safety and Regulatory Affairs Director, said: “As the UK’s most advanced SMR design, today’s submission for regulatory justification is another important step to ensure that we can continue to move at pace towards deployment in the UK. “Each Rolls-Royce SMR ‘factory-built’ nuclear power plant will provide enough clean, affordable, electricity to power a million homes for 60+ years – delivering energy security, enabling net zero and making a transformational contribution to the UK economy. “Rolls-Royce SMR remains on track to complete Step 2 of the Generic Design Assessment by the nuclear industry’s independent regulators and move immediately into the third and final step this summer.”

Views sought on £20m improvements for Bulwell town centre

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Views sought on £20m improvements for Bulwell town centre
Following Nottingham City Council’s bid for Central Government funding which saw the city allocated around £20 million, the money was formally accepted this spring to transform Bulwell. The money will allow Nottingham City Council to make huge improvements to Bulwell including:
  • A new modern marketplace – around 20,000 square metres of improvements and the creation of a ‘Bulwell Promenade’ linking the marketplace and bogs area.
  • More trees and greenery
  • Improved public toilets at Bulwell Bus Station
  • Better pedestrian links between spaces and links to local transport
  • Improvements to Bulwell Bogs, including new play elements, seating areas and and improved connectivity with the River Leen
  • Historic buildings and shopfronts will have their heritage features restored
The council will also work with the Environment Agency to see how the River Leen area can be improved and become more resilient to future flooding events. It’s hoped this work will make more jobs, increase visitor numbers, improve trade and make it easier for people to access top quality green space. It will also restore heritage and hopefully mean that more cultural and creative events can happen in the town. Nottingham City Council Major Projects team will be at Bulwell Riverside on 23 and 26 July from 10am – 4pm to remind local communities of the plans developed in the bid work and capture feedback to feed into the design process which will be starting soon. Anyone who can’t attend is invited to give feedback via email to major.projects@nottinghamcity.gov.uk The Bulwell Town Regeneration Project has been created in partnership with the people of Bulwell and the surrounding Nottingham North area, including businesses, community groups, members and wider stakeholders including the local MP. Residents first gave their input via a well-supported public consultation in 2022 which shaped the scheme and was submitted as part of the funding bid. The project teams next steps will be to develop detailed designs for the regeneration scheme over the next few months, with work in Bulwell expected to begin next summer and be complete by March 2026. The scheme is funded through the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG). This project will complement recent transport investment in Bulwell in the new Bus Station, which was completed using Transforming Cities funding from central Government. All the council’s costs for the Bulwell town centre project will be met through the external funding, including management costs. Councillor Neghat Khan, Council Leader and Executive Member for Strategic Regeneration, Transport and Communications, said: “Bulwell town centre is an important part of the city and I’m pleased we can invest vital funds to make improvements, such as creating a modern square with better toilets and more green spaces. “This work will help to enhance the heritage of the town, while boosting the facilities for markets and events, and also making it easier to get around the town and to and from the main transport hubs. This is really an exciting time for this historic market town.”

Draft designs approved to change the face of Cleethorpes

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Draft designs approved to change the face of Cleethorpes
Draft designs that will change the appearance of Cleethorpes Market Place and Pier Gardens with the help of an £18.4m government grant have been agreed, and detailed designing can now begin. The centre of the Market Place is to be pedestrianised for parts of the day, allowing for cafes and public events. This will swallow up most of the parking spaces, though lay-bys and drop off zones will still feature in the plans within Market Place to make sure businesses have access for deliveries. Additionally, changes are being progressed to convert High Street Car Park into a short stay only car park. The unused land behind the Old Vic pub, is also proposed to be converted into a public car park of around 40 spaces. Council leader Cllr Philip Jackson said: “We are having discussions with businesses. We know that there are concerns, but we’ve also seen in other areas across the country what these sort of projects do to help local economies, and what the possibilities are.” The Pier Garden design harks back to the historic use of space, where people went to spend time. The new vision brings people of all ages and abilities together, and creates a more family orientated area, alongside areas for quiet reflection and education, whilst also increasing biodiversity in the resort. The design proposes a “zoning” system, which will provide a mixture of uses across the park with a consistent theme throughout.
  • arrival space at Sea Road/Alexandra Road junction, creating a welcoming space to the gardens;
  • events zone to support a mixture of activities/events that could take place;
  • play/recreation zone which would consist of a larger central space and provide a mixture of activities for young and older children alike;
  • reflection zone at the Sea View Street end of the gardens supporting the existing armed forces memorials that are situated there.
The projects will now progress to the detailed design stage (RIBA4) to finalise things like materials to be used, and specifications of equipment, so that the projects can be costed up in full and the work tendered out for construction. Other special surveys and assessments, like updated environmental impact assessments, will also be completed during this time. Cllr Jackson continued: “Along with the third project, the Sea Road building, the work in the resort is going to be intense. We know there will be disruption across the resort, and we’re working in the background to find ways of weaving elements of these projects together where we can to minimise the disruption overall. “However, these are great projects, and ones that will make a huge change to Cleethorpes overall, and the ways that people use the spaces.”
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