Brackley Property Developments (BPD) has completed construction of a new £16.5 million low carbon innovation hub in Leicester, on behalf of Leicester City Council.
The Dock extension project has created three new buildings which deliver c.65,000 sq ft of purpose-built accommodation for hi-tech industries in an area of Space City formerly known as Pioneer Park, within Leicester’s Science and Innovation Enterprise Zone.
Known as Docks, 3, 4 and 5, the new buildings include two new offices that cater for up to 45 businesses across c.43,000 sq ft. A terrace of nine manufacturing units provides more than 21,500 sq ft for innovative start-ups and established businesses seeking grow-on space.
The new buildings are net carbon zero in operation and require no gas heating. They house a range of environmentally sustainable features, such as low energy LED lighting, roof-mounted photovoltaic panels on the offices, air source heat pumps, and super-thick insulation. Externally there is cycle storage and 12 electric vehicle charging points in a new parking area.
The Dock extension has been designed to complement the look and feel of the original Dock workspace buildings and is part of Space City Leicester, one of the largest Enterprise Zones for space-related activities in the UK.
Stephen Pedrick-Moyle, Managing Director of BPD, said: “We are very pleased to have delivered the expansion of the successful Dock managed workspace development for Leicester City Council.
“These three new energy efficient units deliver purpose-built space for exciting new businesses in a range of sectors. Extending the Dock innovation hub will undoubtedly support the attraction and retention of local talent and hi-tech entrepreneurs, ensuring Leicester continues to be a hub for research, production and manufacture in the space industry.”
Leicester City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said: “It’s fantastic to see the next chapter of our innovative workspace development for hi-tech businesses take shape.
“Space City Leicester is helping to put our city firmly on the map for research, production and manufacture in the space industry.
“We’re proud to contribute to that momentum by further expanding our Dock innovation hub with three new, low carbon buildings which will help meet demand from businesses keen to locate here from the UK and overseas. The new buildings will also provide valuable grow-on space and much-needed manufacturing facilities for our local talent and high-tech entrepreneurs.
“The new buildings are looking fantastic and I’m particularly pleased that we have been able to work with locally-based Brackley Property Developments as our development partner on this ambitious project.”
The development was supported by £12 million from the previous government’s Levelling Up Fund, with the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership providing £3.5 million from Enterprise Zone retained business rates.
Watling Real Estate has been appointed to sell a prominent, mixed-use, city centre investment in Nottingham.
Ben Holyhead and Toby O’Sullivan of Watling are seeking offers in excess of £2.3 million for Huntingdon House at 278-290 Huntingdon Street, Nottingham.
The 16,256 sq ft is currently 69% occupied, producing gross annual rental of £297,886, but the agents stress that the site has potential for change of use and redevelopment, subject to planning.
Huntingdon House is held long leasehold, on a 125 year lease from August 1977 at a peppercorn rent, however, the freehold is owned by Nottingham City Council which is understood to be open to discussions on the sale of the freehold.
The property comprises a three storey building, providing multi-let retail space and serviced office accommodation, with covered car parking with 14 spaces to the rear. This includes four self-contained shops at ground level, each overlooking Huntingdon Street with return frontages on to Rick Street and Kent Street.
The first and second floors provide a mix of open plan and cellular office accommodation, currently operated as a serviced business centre.
Ben Holyhead, associate in Watling Real Estate’s Birmingham office, said: “The immediate area comprises mixed-use property, but high demand for student and residential accommodation within Nottingham city centre is driving change of use development.
“Huntingdon House offers various asset management opportunities, via rental uplift, refurbishment or redevelopment, or potentially change of use to student, residential or co-living accommodation, subject to planning permission.”
Nottingham broadcasting legend Mark Dennison has been appointed Patron of local charity Forever Stars, which is dedicated to providing support for families affected by baby loss and miscarriage.
Well-known for his mid-morning slot on BBC Radio Nottingham, as the matchday host and stadium announcer at Nottingham Forest, Notts TV presenter, and compere of Forever Stars’ fundraising Charity Black Tie Balls, Mark’s long association with the charity began soon after Richard and Michelle Daniels set-up Forever Stars 10 years ago following the stillbirth of their daughter, Emily.
“To become Patron of Forever Stars is a real honour,” says Mark. “I am absolutely delighted.”
Recounting when Richard Daniels asked him to become the charity’s Patron, Mark explains: “It was a very special moment. My wife and I joined the Forever Stars’ annual picnic at the Serenity Garden at Nottingham’s Highfield Park Nottingham, which the charity officially opened in July 2021.
“This is such a special place for so many people, especially for my wife and I, who often visit the Serenity Garden to reflect and remember our son Niall, who we lost shortly after he was born in November 1999.
“I was completely taken aback when Richard asked me that day to become the charity’s Patron. I am honestly so honoured and thrilled to take on this role, especially given my long connection with the charity, which began when I first interviewed Richard and Michelle for BBC Radio Nottingham shortly after they created Forever Stars.
“I am excited to continue highlighting the charity’s incredible, important, and valuable work, and as Patron, to play an even greater role in building on and developing its efforts. For now, I am helping Richard and the team to drive forward the plans and goals for specific projects both this year and those in the not-too-distant future, in particular the ‘Supporting 1 in 4 for 2024’.
“This flagship fundraising campaign for the charity’s 10th anniversary year aims to raise £50,000 to renovate and improve Ward A23’s clinical and non-clinical areas at Queen’s Medical Centre Nottingham.”
Richard adds: “I am absolutely thrilled that Mark has agreed to become the charity’s Patron. He has been an unwavering and dedicated supporter of Forever Stars pretty much from day one. His support has always been and continues to be invaluable, and we have become great friends over the last ten years.
“We owe so much to our Patrons and army of dedicated volunteers and trustees, who work tirelessly behind the scenes and give so much time to the charity every single month.”
Forever Stars’ next fundraising event is a skydiving challenge on 26 July. Levi Bradley, Callum Tighe and Omar Baird of Levi’s Barbers in Beeston, Ben Wright of Skinvasion in Toton, and Ella Peck, Joab Bryan and Abi Hallam, take to the skies in aid of the 1 in 4 Campaign. To date, donations exceed £1,000. To donate, visit their JustGiving page: JustGiving – Levi Barbers Skydive
Mark Dennison is a radio presenter and events host with over 30 years’ experience. He first came to Nottingham in the late 1980s to study humanities at Nottingham Trent. He then worked voluntarily for Nottingham Hospitals Radio, before working at Trent FM in the early 1990s, and joined the BBC in 2010.
During his time with the BBC, he hosted a broadcast while on a week-long trip along the Trent and canals by boat, and live from Sarajevo to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Torvil and Dean’s Olympic triumph.
Forever Stars is a charity dedicated to supporting families living in Nottingham and the wider East Midlands who have suffered a stillbirth or infant loss. Michelle and Richard Daniels created and founded Forever Stars in May 2014 following the stillbirth of their daughter Emily on 19 December 2013.
Forever Stars’ mission is to promote and protect the health of parents affected by stillbirth or other perinatal or neonatal death of their child or children, and in particular, to relieve suffering and emotional distress amongst such parents.
A dedicated team of volunteers runs the charity, and fundraises and campaigns to improve the bereavement care for parents, families and their loved ones. Forever Stars was officially given charity status by the Charity Commission in England (reg no. 1156990) on 9 May 2014.
Derbyshire accountancy and tax specialists Shorts has acquired South Yorkshire accountancy firm Hewson & Howson in a deal which sees all of the Hewson & Howson employees join the Shorts team.
Formed by Ian Hewson and Andrew Howson in 1995, Hewson & Howson built a respected reputation throughout its 30-year history, specialising in providing a partner led service to owner managed businesses. Driven by the decision for both Ian Hewson and Andrew Howson to retire, transferring the business to an accounting firm with a similar culture and service ethic was a key priority for both outgoing partners.
Andy Irvine, Managing Partner at Shorts, said: “Hewson & Howson have a long-standing reputation for providing their clients with high quality tax and accountancy service and we are delighted to now welcome their team and clients to Shorts. Their approach of providing a fully supportive and personal service, and building long standing relationships with their clients is very much in line with the culture here at Shorts and we are looking forward to working with their clients and team over the years to come. Our very best wishes go with Ian and Andrew for a long and happy retirement.”
Ian Hewson added: “When Andrew and I considered retirement and selling the practice, finding the right firm, with the perfect synergy for our clients and team was very important in that decision. Having built a business with a solid reputation, it was important to us that our clients would continue to be looked after with the same attention and support, following the transfer. We firmly believe that the culture at Shorts aligns with our own and we are confident that we leave our clients in the very safest of hands at Shorts going forward.”
With nominations OPEN for Business Link’s annual East Midlands Bricks Awards, it is time to applaud businesses, teams 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.
Take this opportunity to showcase 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 an opportunity to establish new connections with property and construction professionals from across the region.
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.
Overall winner (this award cannot be entered, with the winner, and recipient of a year of marketing/publicity worth £20,000, selected from those nominated for the event’s other awards)
Nominations end Thursday 5th September
Guests network at the East Midlands Bricks AwardsTickets 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:
Melton Borough Council has launched the next tranche of funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) for local businesses.
The council have announced that £170,000 is available for capital projects, with two categories of grants available: Pre-Start/Startup Businesses and Supporting Business Growth.
Businesses can apply for amounts of £2,000-£10,000, which depending on their project may need to be supported by a Business Plan for pre-startups, and a Business Case (if applying for over £7,500).
Leader of the Council, Cllr Pip Allnatt said: “I am pleased that once again the award of grants will be by a panel with independent and impartial assessment of all applications. We want to ensure that taxpayers’ money is used fairly.
“Our Council is not a big ‘mover and shaker’ in the world of private enterprise, but it is important we do our bit to support local initiative and business enterprise. In the long run, thriving small businesses benefits everyone.”
The application window for this tranche of business grants opened on 12 July 2024 and closes at midnight on 09 August 2024.
During the past financial year, the council had a total fund of £152,806.60 allocated for capital business grants from the UKSPF and REPF. They received a total of 65 applications, a clear indication of the high demand for financial support among local businesses, of these 13 businesses were successful.
Businesses that were unsuccessful in the initial funding round, as well as others seeking grants and support, were offered free assistance from the Leicestershire Business Advice Service. They were also encouraged to participate in workshops aimed at enhancing their applications for the upcoming round.
Between May and July, four workshops were held to guide potential applicants on the grant application process and the necessary information and evidence for a successful submission.
After more than a year of works, Ashfield District Council’s Moor Market in Kirkby is now home to a new Banking Hub.
Kirkby in Ashfield is set to experience a significant boost to its banking services following the opening of the new Banking Hub, bringing vital services to residents and businesses alike.
This comes as part of a national initiative that will see 66 new hubs established across the UK, aimed at revitalising banking accessibility in communities.
Ashfield District Council is hosting the new Banking Hub, located on the Lowmoor Road pedestrianised section of the High Street next to Moor Market Café.
Customers of multiple banks can now deposit and withdraw money, get face-to-face assistance, and carry out regular banking transactions.
Additionally, the hub features one private room for one-on-one discussions, ensuring a personalised banking experience.
The move follows the closure of three bank branches in the town centre over the past few years, culminating in the loss of Lloyds in February 2022.
The Banking Hub is operated by Cash Access UK and represents a collaborative effort to restore essential banking services to communities like Kirkby.
By reducing the need to travel out of town for banking needs, the hub will significantly enhance the convenience and financial wellbeing of the local population.
Cllr Matthew Relf, Executive Lead for Regeneration and Planning, expressed his enthusiasm. He said: “We know that so many residents and businesses have struggled with the lack of face-to-face banking in Kirkby since the banks closed and so we have been working hard to bring a banking hub here. This will make a huge difference to people’s lives.”
Cllr Andy Meakin, ward councillor, added: “We are over the moon to have secured this vital service and after months of incredibly hard work, we are really excited to see it opening.
“This is a vital part of our plans to regenerate the town centre.”
Reform in skills, planning and business rates are among asks from East Midlands Chamber, ahead of the King’s Speech at the State Opening of Parliament on 17th July.
East Midlands Chamber Chief Executive Scott Knowles said: “As the King reads out the bills the government proposes to make law, it’s vitally important this new government listens to the needs of the East Midlands business community.
“The East Midlands has immense potential but has been continually overlooked when it comes to investment from the centre and getting the region where it needs to be to enable growth.
“Enhancing infrastructure, rolling out high speed broadband and upgrading connectivity of the rail network are all essential components for East Midlands sustainable growth. Our labour market would be boosted with skills reform, while tax and regulation are barriers to business growth that need to be addressed.
“The ingredients for success in the East Midlands are already set out in the Manifesto for Growth launched in Westminster earlier this year. We ask the new government to engage with us so we can get the asks of the Manifesto implemented.”
Summary of asks in East Midlands Chamber’s Manifesto for Growth
Business rates: Full review of the system
Tax and regulation: Simplify the R&D tax credits system
Skills: Incentives for businesses that invest in staff training
Infrastructure: Speed up full-fibre Broadband rollout
Planning: Let the private sector plug gaps on council staffing
Transport: Electrification of the Midland Main Line, Reinstatement of Coventry and Leicester direct rail
Ashfield District Council (ADC) together with the Ashfield Arts Partnership has launched Ashfield Creates, a three-year transformational programme to inspire and sustain the cultural and creative fabric of Ashfield. The programme is supported by Arts Council England, who have awarded £1 million through their Place Partnership programme, which uses money from the National Lottery.
Ashfield is an area that Arts Council England has identified as having great potential but, where historically, investment and engagement has been too low. Arts Council has been working closely with leaders and cultural organisations in the district to encourage regeneration and growth through greater investment and access to creative and cultural activities. The programme will work to increase arts engagement and cultivate an environment where Ashfield can realise its creative potential dramatically and sustainably.
Ashfield Creates will activate the towns and neighbourhoods of Ashfield with creative activities, events and experiences through establishing ‘Local Creative Hubs’ in Hucknall, Kirkby and Sutton with a fourth hub travelling across Ashfield’s villages. The programme aims to engage over 160,000 live audience members, over 14,000 participants, 250 volunteers and over 500 creative practitioners.
Ashfield Creates will be led by the residents of Ashfield, working with local engagement producers to plan regular participatory activities across dance, art, music and craft. The programme will include weekly local events and performances, and a yearly community arts festival, as well as large-scale events and festivals working with national and international artists.
The initial three-years of the programme are part of a larger 10-year arts, cultural and creative strategy for Ashfield, commissioned by Ashfield District Council and Ashfield Arts Partnership. The aim of the programme is to galvanise the arts sector, creative practitioners and community organisations to become a strong and sustainable arts and culture sector that will thrive in Ashfield for many years to come.
Across the summer the Ashfield Arts Partnership will be talking to people at local events to find out what they want to see and do and to help shape the programme of events and activities which are due to start in the Autumn.
Jason Zadrozny, Leader of Ashfield District Council, says: “I am absolutely thrilled that the incredibly strong partnership working we have in Ashfield has led to us securing this investment. It’s fantastic that the Arts Council is entrusting us with such a large grant to achieve truly transformational change. Investment into the arts is something that I am very passionate about and I believe it will set us on our way to everyone being able to experience arts on their doorstep.”
Peter Knott, Midlands Area Director at Arts Council England, said: “We’re delighted to invest £1 million into Ashfield through our Place Partnership programme, with funding from the National Lottery.
“We’ve been working closely with local leaders and cultural organisations to improve investment and access to culture and creativity in the district. We know the positive impact that cultural investment has on places, such as regeneration, growth, employment and happiness, so we’re delighted that local people will have more opportunities to experience, connect and take part in creative and cultural activities where they live.”
Edward Boott, Artistic Director & CEO of Nonsuch Studios who coordinated the bid efforts and member of Ashfield Arts Partnership says: “This is an incredible achievement by the people and communities of Ashfield. With over 200 community members and 25 local organisations coming together to help shape what Ashfield Creates will be, we created a truly transformational, community-led proposal to Arts Council England which the whole of Ashfield Arts Partnership can’t wait to put into action over the next three years. We can’t wait to see what we can create together!”
Playwright and screenwriter James Graham says: “As an Ashfield born-and-bred writer I can’t begin to express my delight that the area is to receive this cultural boost. We all know it is not a level playing field when it comes to accessing the arts, but I know from experience the talent in these towns and villages that is waiting to be supported, and the appetite that potential audiences have for engaging as a community with work that can bring people together. Congratulations to the dedicated team who brought this project to life, I can’t wait to see the work begin.”
Gatehouse Investment Management has acquired 82 single-family build-to-rent homes from Persimmon Homes for £18.7 million, as part of its joint venture with global investment firm Carlyle.
Persimmon will deliver the homes within its Bardolph View development in Gedling and its Hawkers Place site in Hucknall over the next 18 months. This is the joint venture’s second deal with Persimmon, following its acquisition of 174 homes across three West Midlands schemes in December 2023.
As part of Gatehouse IM’s commitment to sustainability, all homes will have an EPC rating of ‘B’ or higher. In total the joint venture has completed the purchase of, or is under offer on, over 820 homes nationwide, all of which will be managed by Ascend.
John Coles, Director of Acquisitions at Gatehouse IM, said: “Nottinghamshire is a location we know and understand well, with strong demographic support for increased SFR provision, and as such it is fantastic to be expanding our presence in the county.
“Both Bardolph View and Hawkers Place are established master planned schemes with a strong base of amenities, excellent transport links and good local schooling provision perfect for our target rental market. Through our previous deal with Persimmon Homes, we have seen the high-quality product they deliver, and hope to work with them again on further acquisitions.”
Anssi Halonen, Managing Director and Head of Acquisitions on the Carlyle Europe Realty advisory team, added: “This acquisition is testament to our ability, alongside our partners Gatehouse, to identify high-quality, well-situated assets, complemented by excellent transport links and local amenities. We are pleased to continue expanding our UK residential platform and look forward to seeing these homes delivered between now and the end of 2025.”
Gareth Hankin, Managing Director for Persimmon Nottingham, said: “We’re delighted to have worked with Gatehouse IM to deliver much needed new housing in Nottinghamshire. With housing rightly high up the political agenda, we’re working with partners to provide the high-quality, sustainable new homes the country urgently needs.”
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