Rolls-Royce SMR appoints operations and supply chain director
Ruth Todd CBE will join Rolls-Royce SMR’s Executive Team as operations and supply chain director at this pivotal period for the organisation, with an immediate focus on the industrialisation and scale up of its small modular reactor (SMR).
Ruth, who is a well-known and respected major programmes professional with an impressive track record in leadership and delivery, will begin her role on 30 September. In previous roles, Ruth was chief commercial officer for the UK Government HS2 programme and, before that, the Covid-19 UK Vaccine Task Force, where she led the programme to deliver coronavirus vaccines for the UK.
Rolls-Royce SMR Chief Executive, Chris Cholerton, said: “I am delighted to welcome Ruth to the team at this important time. Much of our work in recent years has been on product development and securing contract certainty – as we make meaningful progress on both, our emphasis moves to the industrialisation and significant scale-up ahead of us.
“Ruth’s experience and expertise in complex infrastructure programmes will further strengthen our leadership team as we focus on de-risking the challenges ahead and implementing our industrialisation plan.”
Ruth Todd CBE, Rolls-Royce SMR operations and supply chain director, added: “We have an opportunity at Rolls-Royce SMR to transform power generation and provide clean, sustainable energy for generations to come. I am excited by the opportunity to bring my experience in infrastructure delivery to the business and support its future growth and success as we shift into a project delivery organisation at home and overseas.”
The Rolls-Royce SMR is the first nuclear power station to be designed and built in the UK for over a generation and offers a radically different approach to delivering new nuclear power. Each ‘factory-built’ nuclear power station will provide enough low-carbon electricity to power a million homes for more than 60 years and will create thousands of long-term, high-skilled jobs.
Bloor Homes advocates wellbeing in construction through Lighthouse Charity Pledge
Bloor Homes has announced it is a company supporter of The Lighthouse Construction Charity, the charity dedicated to the emotional, physical and financial wellbeing of construction workers and their families.
Hannah Burgess, HR Director at Bloor Homes, said: “The Lighthouse’s mission is very clear. It shows that every day two construction workers in the UK take their own life, while stress, depression and anxiety accounts for 27% of all work-related illness in the industry. The Charity has set out to reduce the number of construction industry suicides and improve workforce in a number of ways.
“As well as its free 24/7 helpline it provides free and accessible key support services for everyone in the industry – and their families – and it addresses the root causes early on, tackling three areas of wellbeing: emotional, physical and financial early on to drive change.”
For example, alongside its crucial ‘Get Help Now’ resources, support extends to providing aid to families in crisis from food to financial support, and critical interventions when required.
For those struggling physically or financially, The Lighthouse can help on a wider range of issues from requiring occupational health support or struggling with addiction, to debt management and retirement planning.
In addition, the Charity is pioneering awareness at all levels across the industry via its Wellbeing Academy. It offers a range of courses designed to promote understanding around people’s own mental health whilst also providing them with the skills and knowledge to look out for colleagues.
And The Lighthouse is taking awareness to the frontline of construction through its #makeitvisible campaign, travelling to construction sites around the country to ‘meet the boots on the ground and get them talking’.
Hannah continues: “This aspect of the charity’s work really impressed us as it brings it to everyone working on our sites whether they are directly employed, contracted or subcontracted. It’s an all-encompassing approach. We are looking forward to rolling out a series of dedicated site visits from The Lighthouse in the coming months.”
The visits will include a ‘Toolbox Talk’ and the opportunity for a one-to-one chat.
Meanwhile Bloor Homes is also ensuring teams across its regional head offices and extended site teams are aware of the Charity and its work by sharing communications with every person working with the developer. By doing so, Bloor Homes aims to create – and reiterate – as many opportunities for people to access as much support as possible, complementing its established Employee Assistance Programme.
Balls2 Marketing merges with Koobr to create super agency
Long-established Derby agencies Balls2 Marketing and Koobr, are merging to create a super agency under ‘The Koobr Group’ umbrella.
With both agencies already working in strategic partnership, the merger is set to combine the strengths of both companies, forming a full-service agency that will serve clients across the East Midlands and beyond with next-level marketing, PR and digital expertise.
Craig Barker, Director and Founder of Koobr, and Katie Bregazzi, Director at Balls2 Marketing, will lead the new entity, bringing together their vast experience and vision. The founders of Balls2 Marketing, Sarah and Andy Ball, will continue to step back from daily operations and remain involved in strategy.
Craig Barker said: “This union is the culmination of years of experience, expertise and collaboration, and we are excited to move forward as a united team. By joining forces in this new chapter, we are creating a powerhouse agency that will provide even greater value to our clients and the local community across the East Midlands and further afield.”
The merger is expected to have a positive impact in Derby. The group will not only create new job opportunities, but also contribute to driving growth across the local business arena.
Sarah Ball said: “After a hugely successful collaboration, this is a perfect opportunity to combine the strengths of the two companies on a formal basis. I am looking forward to the opportunities this will bring to the people that work at both agencies, the clients and the wider community.”
Logistics giant on the move in Nottingham
A logistics giant has taken a new Nottingham office.
Wincanton, the supply chain partner for British business, providing supply chain solutions up and down the country, has moved into the 5,454 sq ft Unit 2B office building at Vickery Way in Chilwell, Nottingham.
The BREEAM ‘Excellent’ office is a two-storey building set in the heart of Chetwynd Business Park on the edge of Nottingham and just three miles south-east of Junction 25 of the M1. It has 21 car parking spaces.
The deal was brokered by NG Chartered Surveyors’ Associate Director Charlotte Steggles, on behalf of a private landlord.
Charlotte said: “Unit 2B is one of two eco-friendly office buildings located in the most prominent position on the 8 acre Chetwynd Business Park at the corner of Palmer Road and Vickery Way at the main entrance to the development.
“We’re delighted to get this deal over the line; it means our landlord client has the very highest quality tenant in Wincanton and it goes to show that this standard of office space will always prove popular with ambitious companies. It’s been a great deal all round.”
AG Corporate Law relocates office headquarters to accommodate business growth
AG Corporate Law, a boutique law firm based in Mansfield, has relocated its office headquarters to a larger space, a move driven by the firm’s continued growth and expanding client base.
Founded in 2023, by Adam Gilbert, AG Corporate Law is a boutique firm specialising in corporate and commercial law. Over the past two years, the firm has quickly carved a niche for itself and has orchestrated a number of significant transactions with notable deals including the successful sales of Vision Surveys, Midoil Holdings Ltd and JAC Electricals.
The new office, Birch House, located at Ransom Wood Business Park in Mansfield offers 1,000 square feet of modern workspace designed to enhance client service and accommodate the firm’s growing team.
The larger office includes a dedicated meeting space, providing a more comfortable and professional setting for client consultations, strategy sessions, and team collaborations.
Adam Gilbert, Managing Director at AG Corporate Law, said: “We are excited about this move and what it means for the future of AGCL. Our business is going from strength to strength and the new office allows us to continue providing high-quality legal services in an environment that reflects our growth and dedication to our clients.”
Frasers Group acquires 160,000 sq ft shopping centre
Shirebrook-based Frasers Group has acquired St Nicholas Arcade in Lancaster, strengthening its commitment to physical retail in the UK.
The 160,000 sq ft shopping centre is a key retail destination in the historic heart of Lancaster, and home to major UK high street tenants.
With an annual footfall of almost 4 million visitors, this acquisition reinforces Frasers’ focus on expanding its real estate portfolio in the UK.
Michael Murray, CEO of Frasers Group plc, said: “At Frasers, we have always been strong believers in physical retail, and this acquisition demonstrates our ongoing commitment to supporting brick-and-mortar in the UK.
“By acquiring key retail sites, we are able to unlock new growth opportunities and revitalise high streets across the country, delivering unparalleled shopping experiences for consumers. This acquisition is also another step in developing our Property segment, which is set to deliver significant long-term value for the Group.”
Frasers Group was advised by James Keany, Executive Director, Head of National Agency at CBRE on this acquisition.
Manx Financial Group acquires remaining interest in Leicestershire firm
Manx Financial Group, the holding company providing diversified financial services to the Isle of Man and the United Kingdom, has acquired the remaining 49.9% interest in Leicestershire-based Payment Assist. The Group will now hold 100% of Payment Assist.
On 16 May 2022, the Group announced an agreement to acquire a 50.1% interest in Payment Assist by Manx Ventures, a wholly owned subsidiary. The Group also announced Manx Ventures had entered into an Option to acquire the remaining shareholding in Payment Assist for £5 million at any time for a period of two years after publication by Payment Assist of its audited accounts for the period to 31 December 2024.
Neil Jeffery and Colin Ellard are set to resign as directors of Payment Assist, whilst Group employees James Smeed and Marcus Gregory will remain on the Board of Directors. Mr Jeffrey will be retained on a consultancy arrangement.
Commenting on the acquisition, Douglas Grant, CEO of the Group, said: “We have worked with Payment Assist for over nine years through our banking subsidiary, Conister Bank Limited and held a majority stake in the business for over two years.
“During this time, we have grown the business, and it now makes sound financial sense for the Group to bring forward its opportunity to acquire the remaining shareholding. Payment Assist’s customer focused, short-term lending products remain in great demand during these uncertain economic times.
“This is a major acquisition for the Group, not only in terms of deploying our liquidity safely, but also in continuing to progress our growth strategy in niche markets.”
Drinks business awarded £100,000 grant to drive sustainability at distribution centre
Global Brands Ltd has been awarded a £100,000 grant from the Clay Cross Town Deal’s Low Carbon Challenge Fund, set to support its sustainability strategy.
The funding will be used to introduce state-of-the-art energy-efficient technologies at Global Brands’ Clay Cross distribution centre, accelerating its efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and achieve coveted net zero status by 2050.
The grant will facilitate three crucial elements: the installation of energy-efficient lighting, deployment of battery storage solutions to harness solar energy, and the creation of an onsite Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) fuelling station.
These measures are expected to substantially reduce emissions from Global Brands’ distribution operations, with the drinks business already aiming for a 40% cut per £M turnover by 2030, as well as a 92% reduction per £M turnover by 2050.
Shaun Bacon, Group Managing and Financial Director at Global Brands, said: “This investment marks another pivotal moment in our sustainability journey. As part of a single-use industry, it is crucial to lead by example and adopt meaningful changes that reduce our environmental impact.
“By switching to energy-efficient solutions and alternative fuels, we’re committed to doing our bit locally and hope to inspire other businesses in our community to do the same.”
The grant bolsters Global Brands’ existing sustainability strategy, which includes transitioning to a fully electric and HVO-powered fleet, using 100% renewable electricity by 2025, and partnering with suppliers who are equally committed to decarbonisation. The business recently became members of SEDEX, a move that will further enhance its ability to manage supply chain sustainability.
Shaun continued: “With plans already in place to switch the entire logistics fleet to zero-carbon by 2050, and with over 50% of the warehouse energy now powered by solar panels, this funding allows Global Brands to continue driving forward its sustainability goals.”
The grant has been provided by the North East Derbyshire District Council through the Low Carbon Challenge Fund – a programme of support to help stimulate the transition to a low carbon economy.
Lee Barned, Chair of the Clay Cross Town Board, added: “We’re seeing some significant change as more businesses like Global Brands complete their journey with the Low Carbon Challenge Fund. Recipients have praised the process of receiving grants as being quick, easy and well worth their time, and it’s heart-warming to know we were able to support them as part of their mission to be more sustainable.”
Roy Geddes Bricks backs the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024
Roy Geddes Bricks (RGB) have joined the sponsor line up for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024, backing the Most Active Agent category.
RGB are market-leading suppliers of facing bricks, rainscreen cladding, natural stone, cast stone and bespoke precast products. With a wealth of experience and an exhaustive range of superior quality building materials and masonry supplies, they can help to create dynamic facades for all property types, no matter the size and scale of the project.
Established since 1990, RGB has built an adept and knowledgeable team who can help building specifiers source the best suited construction materials for their project.
They take pride in their customer led approach which sees RGB strive to exceed the client’s requirements through design input, helpful product advice, value engineering, efficient procurement, logistics management and site support.
Speaking with Business Link, a spokesperson for RGB said: “Passionate about everything brick, Roy Geddes Bricks are proud to sponsor the prestigious 2024 East Midlands Bricks Awards, and specifically the Most Active Agent category. There are some brilliant estate agents around the region completing key, quality deals with excellent service, facilitating business expansion and new developments, and we are excited to present the winner with their award.
“With our head office in Nottingham we know the important role the East Midlands plays in the UK construction industry. We look forward to celebrating all shortlisted companies and projects, shining a spotlight on the fantastic results this region produces year after year.”
Taking place on Thursday 3rd October (4:30pm – 7:30pm) in the Derek Randall Suite at the famous Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, the highly anticipated East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024 will celebrate the region’s property and construction industry while providing a prime opportunity to connect with local decision makers over nibbles and complimentary drinks.
A key event in the business calendar since 2015, the glittering awards ceremony will additionally feature Paul Southby as keynote speaker.
Paul 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 said: “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.”
East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024
When: Thursday 3rd October 2024, 4:30pm – 7:30pm
Where: The Derek Randall Suite, Trent Bridge Cricket Ground
Keynote speaker: Paul Southby, chair of Nottingham Partners, board member of Marketing Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, partner at Geldards LLP, chair of the Advisory Board to Nottingham Business School, chair of Broadway independent cinema, trustee of Clean Rivers Trust, and former High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire
Dress code: Standard business attire
Tickets: Available at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/east-midlands-bricks-awards-2024-tickets-902294566337?aff=oddtdtcreator
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with property and construction professionals while applauding the exceptional companies and projects in the region.
Thanks to our sponsors:
They take pride in their customer led approach which sees RGB strive to exceed the client’s requirements through design input, helpful product advice, value engineering, efficient procurement, logistics management and site support.
Speaking with Business Link, a spokesperson for RGB said: “Passionate about everything brick, Roy Geddes Bricks are proud to sponsor the prestigious 2024 East Midlands Bricks Awards, and specifically the Most Active Agent category. There are some brilliant estate agents around the region completing key, quality deals with excellent service, facilitating business expansion and new developments, and we are excited to present the winner with their award.
“With our head office in Nottingham we know the important role the East Midlands plays in the UK construction industry. We look forward to celebrating all shortlisted companies and projects, shining a spotlight on the fantastic results this region produces year after year.”
Taking place on Thursday 3rd October (4:30pm – 7:30pm) in the Derek Randall Suite at the famous Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, the highly anticipated East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024 will celebrate the region’s property and construction industry while providing a prime opportunity to connect with local decision makers over nibbles and complimentary drinks.
A key event in the business calendar since 2015, the glittering awards ceremony will additionally feature Paul Southby as keynote speaker.
Paul 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 said: “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.”
Tickets can now be booked for the event – click here to secure yours.
Attend to forge new contacts and see who takes home Most Active Estate Agent, Commercial Development of the Year, Responsible Business of the Year, Residential Development of the Year, Developer of the Year, Deal of the Year, Architects of the Year, Excellence in Design, Sustainable Development of the Year, Contractor of the Year, and Overall Winner. The Overall Winner of the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024, sponsored by Blueprint Interiors, will also be awarded a grand prize – a year of marketing/publicity with Business Link worth £20,000.
To be held at:
East Midlands manufacturers yet to see lift off as growth prospects remain anaemic
East Midlands manufacturers have yet to see an immediate boost from a change of Government, but are forecasting an improvement to overall economic prospects from a period of greater political stability.
The findings come in the Q3 Manufacturing Outlook survey published by Make UK and business advisory firm BDO.
It shows that while growth in manufacturing continues to be anaemic at best, almost six in ten companies (58%) believe that the recent change in Government will lead to better economic growth overall in the next 12 months. In contrast just 6% of companies expect GDP to decline this year as a result of the new Government.
According to the survey, the balance on output in the East Midlands was -21% but is forecast to jump to +32% in the next quarter. Total orders are following a similar pattern, increasing from -11% to +11% in the next three months.
However, the mixed picture for the East Midlands is highlighted by a dip in recruitment intentions (-16%), although investment intentions are stable at +0% which could reflect the new lines and models coming on stream at car plants in the region.
Business confidence in the East Midlands is continuing to climb, reaching levels last seen at the beginning of the recovery from the pandemic.
Make UK is forecasting that manufacturing will grow by 0.5% in 2024. This is a downgrade from 1.2% forecast in the last quarter but is due to ONS revisions on which the forecasts are based. GDP is forecast to grow 1.1% in 2024 and 1.8% in 2025.
Chris Corkan, Region Director at Make UK in the Midlands, said: “This quarter presents a tale of two halves for the East Midlands with output turning negative and recruitment taking a dip.
“Investment remains positive and business confidence continues to climb and with an Autumn Budget and Spending Review fast approaching, now is the time for Government to pick up the pace and deliver on pre-election promises, most notably the publication of a long-term robust Industrial Strategy.”
Jonathan Lanes, Head of Manufacturing at BDO in the Midlands, added: “East Midlands manufacturers are hopeful that a period of greater political stability will provide a better economic outlook ahead, and that in turn is boosting business confidence.
“Time will tell if that confidence can translate to orders and output, or indeed recruitment intentions where the region relies heavily on skilled workers taking up manufacturing positions.”
