Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) has appointed Anthony Hemmerdinger as Managing Director of Boots UK and Ireland, effective from 4 November 2024.
This follows the announcement in July that Seb James would be stepping down in November after six years to pursue a new role in the healthcare sector.
Anthony’s appointment follows a search process which considered both external and internal candidates.
Anthony is currently Retail & Operations Director at Boots UK, a position he has held since September 2022. He brings with him over 30 years of experience in the UK retail sector.
In his current role at Boots, Anthony leads the team across its c.1,900 stores and distribution centres. He has been a principal member of the leadership team under which the business has undergone a successful transformation.
Anthony has spearheaded Boots’ significant beauty re-fit and brand expansion programme across the company’s stores and has been instrumental in the delivery of its enhanced healthcare and beauty services in-store.
Prior to joining Boots, Anthony was Chief Operating Officer at Asda, where he spent six years leading company operations across its UK retail portfolio. He previously held senior operational and strategy roles at Greene King, Sainsbury’s and Carphone Warehouse, and prior to that spent 17 years at Marks & Spencer.
Ornella Barra, EVP, Chief Operating Officer, International at Walgreens Boots Alliance, said: “Anthony is a great leader with extensive retail experience. His deep understanding of our business, passion for brilliant customer service and strong relationships will ensure a seamless leadership transition and enable us to build on our transformation journey apace.
“Since he joined the Boots team in 2022, Anthony has successfully guided our retail and operations team through our change journey, which has delivered consistent growth across all our categories. I am confident that he, together with our talented leadership team, will ensure that Boots maintains its very positive trajectory.
“I would also like to once again thank Seb for his leadership over the last six years. On behalf of the whole team, we wish him all the best in his next role.”
Anthony Hemmerdinger, Managing Director designate, added: “I am honoured to be appointed Managing Director of Boots, one of the UK’s most trusted brands and a place where I began my retail career with my first Saturday job as a teenager.
“Boots is a terrific business that holds a unique position at the heart of the UK’s health and beauty sector, and I am extremely proud of all we have achieved over the last few years. This is an exciting time for the company and I look forward to working with Ornella and the wider team to deliver against our ambitious strategy and build on our great momentum.
“I would also like to thank Seb for his support and leadership over the last few years. It has been a privilege to work alongside him and I look forward to working closely together in our handover period.”
East Midlands school uniform company sold to Australian business
Law firm Howes Percival has advised the shareholders of school uniform company Schoolblazer Limited on the sale of the company to Australia’s Hancock & Gore Limited.
Founded in Oundle, in 2004, Schoolblazer grew rapidly to become the dominant retailer to UK independent schools. The deal will support the firm’s continued growth in the UK, as well as enable it to develop a unique offering for the Australian market.
Howes Percival was instructed by the two founders, Tim James and Robin Horsell, and the other shareholders, to sell the entire issued share capital to Hancock & Gore Limited, owner of the Mountcastle and LW Reid brands in Australia and Argyle in New Zealand, to begin the creation of a global uniform group.
Tim James will remain as the chairperson and a director of Schoolblazer from completion and will join the Hancock & Gore board as a director upon completion. Robin Horsell will be stepping down from the board of directors of Schoolblazer but will remain as a consultant, actively supporting the launch of the Schoolblazer business in Australia.
Howes Percival’s Corporate partner James Stephen led the team on the transaction, supported by Ollie Flowers (Director) and Josie Rogers (Associate), with input from a wide range of teams including Commercial, Banking, Commercial Property, IP, Employment, Regulatory and Tax.
James Stephen said: “We really enjoyed supporting the sellers during this transaction, which was delivered to a challenging timeline. They have built a fantastic company, and we look forward to seeing the Schoolblazer brand go from strength to strength as part of the wider Hancock & Gore group.”
Clowes Developments assembles team to deliver warehouse and industrial units at Castle Donington business park
Clowes Developments have assembled a first-class team to deliver warehouse and industrial units at Stud Brook Business Park in Castle Donington.
A tried and tested professional services team made up of IMA Architects, lead construction contractor, TanRo, Millwards engineers, and employers’ agent, Postins Project Services will deliver the mixed-use development which will include industrial units ranging in size from 1,500 to 45,000 sq ft.
Agents, FHP Property Consultants and NG Chartered Surveyors have been appointed to lead on the marketing of the site.
TanRo are committed to achieving a BREEAM score of ‘Excellent’ and an EPC rating of ‘A’ across units 2-7 at Stud Brook Business Park on behalf of Clowes Developments in line with the group’s environmental, social and governance strategy.
Some of the necessary steps to achieve these goals include providing enhanced recycling and waste storage solutions, installation of photovoltaic enhanced roofs with the ability to take full capacity of solar PV panels, electric vehicle charging points and a heavy investment in landscaping across the site.
Units 2-7 will be delivered as Net Zero Ready with the capacity for occupiers to be Net Zero in Operation.
James Richards, Development Director at Clowes Developments, said: “Clowes are committed to delivering a first-rate business park in Castle Donington.
“The mixed-use development will bring a combination of employment & amenity, units to the area which we anticipate will boost the local economy and benefit the neighbouring residents with appropriate convenience offering.”
Hotel and golf club to be sold in Northamptonshire
Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co has been instructed to market for sale Staverton Park Hotel & Golf Club in Northamptonshire – a profitable 247 bedroom hotel and golf resort with value enhancement opportunities.
This hotel is located in the centre of the country, close to Junction 16 of the M1, amongst the Northamptonshire countryside.
Staverton Park offers an additional 61 conference suites, the largest of which can host approximately 420 guests, with views across the 18-hole PGA Championship quality golf course.
The golf course is complimented by a golf driving range and a dedicated club house, including a club bar, restaurant with outdoor patio area as well as a function room. The hotel also offers substantial health and leisure facilities complete with a 15-metre swimming pool and a gym.
Jeremy Jones, Head of Brokerage, Christie & Co, says: “Staverton Park Hotel & Golf Club provides an exceptional opportunity for a new owner to build upon on its growing success and increasing profitability.
“With a whole range of investment, branding and operational asset management opportunities of offer, the scale of the business will appeal to both domestic and international investors.”
Rail hub decision delayed with Secretary of State for Transport “minded to refuse consent”
The Secretary of State for Transport has said she is “minded to refuse consent” for the 662-acre Hinckley National Rail Freight Interchange (HNRFI) – but needs further information before making a final decision.
Secretary of State, MP Louise Haigh, was due to give her verdict on the controversial scheme by Tuesday 10 September. This followed a review and subsequent recommendation from the Planning Inspectorate’s Examination Authority (ExA).
However, Blaby District Council has received notice that Ms Haigh is delaying the decision until 10 March 2025.
The letter makes it clear the ExA felt the plans should be rejected. Ms Haigh says having weighed both benefits and adverse effects, she is of a similar opinion.
The Minister said while she “is minded to agree” with the advice, she wants further information before making her final decision.
As the scheme is classed as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project any ruling on approval or rejection lies with the Secretary of State for Transport.
Proposed by developers Tritax Symmetry, the hub is earmarked for an expanse of countryside between the M69 and the Birmingham to Leicester rail line. The site is southwest of Elmesthorpe, mainly in Blaby District but it also abuts the edge of Burbage Common.
Blaby District Council has been opposed to the plans from the outset. Criticisms have centred on the loss of countryside and adverse environmental, traffic and social impacts.
Leader of Blaby District Council, Councillor Terry Richardson, said: “I am extremely disappointed that while the Secretary of State is minded to refuse this application, following the recommendation of the ExA, she has not done so.
“The applicant has clearly failed to present the appropriate evidence during the process. They should not be given what residents might consider a ‘second bite of the cherry’.
“My residents find it extraordinary as Leader of the Council, in whose District the application lies, that I have not had the courtesy of any direct communication from the Secretary of State relating to this decision. I therefore urge the Secretary of State to stop being evasive. She should listen to the ExA and turn down this application now.
“Once again, I should like to thank everyone, especially our officers, who provided the necessary information at the public examination to ensure the recommendation could only go one way, namely, to recommend refusal.”
Ashfield District Council launches new project to connect businesses with local graduates
Ashfield District Council has launched a new project to connect businesses with local graduates, funded by their share of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
The Ashfield GradBoost project will work directly with universities in the East Midlands region to encourage graduates from Ashfield to start their careers in one of the many businesses in the District.
They will also support unemployed graduates progress into the variety of graduate level roles that are available on their doorstep. Graduates in employment will be supported to remain in work and enhance their career.
The scheme will provide opportunities for graduates from Ashfield to use their skills, knowledge, and experience to contribute to the success of the local area.
The project will also offer bespoke consultancy support to small and medium sized businesses in the District to attract, recruit and develop graduate talent, making it easier for dynamic local businesses to recruit graduates with the skills and knowledge needed to take their business to the next level.
Cllr Matthew Relf, Executive Lead Member for Growth, Regeneration, and Local Planning, said: “Graduates from Ashfield have a wealth of skills and capabilities that would make them an asset to businesses seeking to grow, innovate and diversify their organisation. This project will help to keep that valuable talent in the local area boosting the economy, skill levels and leading to greater opportunities for both the businesses and the graduates.
“This project is just one of the ways that Ashfield District Council is supporting local businesses and young people. We know how important it is to keep these highly-skilled people in Ashfield and this scheme will help retain as much local talent as possible. We have a fantastic array of businesses in Ashfield and we want them to help them prosper.”
The scheme will end in March 2025 and businesses in Ashfield are encouraged to get in touch with GradConsult Ltd to benefit from the project.
Ashfield Graduates can contact GradConsult Ltd to access this free support by visiting the Career Boost portal on Ashfield District Council’s website.
Gabi Binnie, Head of Programmes and Research at GradConsult, which delivers the Ashfield GradBoost project on behalf of Ashfield District Council, said: “We are delighted to be working with Ashfield District Council on this new project, which will support economic growth by helping small and medium sized businesses to access graduates from universities across the East Midlands. There has never been a more exciting time for graduates to start their career in Ashfield.”
Extend your network at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024
As shortlisting for the highly anticipated East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024 takes place, secure your tickets for the prestigious event.
Recognising development projects and people in commercial and public building across the region – from office, industrial and residential schemes, through to community projects such as leisure schemes and schools – attend the Bricks on Thursday 3rd October at Trent Bridge Cricket Ground to celebrate the region’s property and construction industry while connecting with local decision makers.
With time for networking before and after the glittering awards ceremony revealing the winners of 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, don’t miss this opportunity to forge new contacts and strengthen existing ones.
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.
The event, which will begin at 4:30pm and continue until 7:30pm, 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).
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 outstanding companies and projects in the region.
Thanks to our sponsors:
Tickets can be booked for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024 here.
Complementary drinks and nibbles will be served on arrival. Dress code is standard business dress.
To be held at:
Plans to establish Derby-headquartered Great British Railways move a step closer
Plans to create a new Derby headquartered organisation that will manage rail infrastructure and train operations in the UK have moved a step closer.
Recently, Transport Secretary Louise Haigh launched a shadow version of Great British Railways – the public body that will oversee Britain’s railways.
The establishment of Shadow Great British Railways (Shadow GBR) is intended to pave the way for the full establishment of Great British Railways (GBR), which will require legislative approval.
In March last year, following a nationwide competition, the Government named Derby as the new headquarters for GBR in recognition of its world-leading position in the sector.
Louise said: “Establishing Shadow Great British Railways marks a significant step towards delivering a unified railway with passengers at its heart by bringing together track and train.
“This government will direct every penny into creating a stronger, more reliable rail network that works for everyone.
“This is about making the railways work for the people that use them – putting passengers first and driving up performance.”
The idea behind GBR is to bring together responsibility for both track and train into a single organisation, to make the railway simpler to use, more efficient to run and better for the country as a whole.
Earlier this year, the Government published its draft Rail Reform Bill – the legislation needed to create GBR.
The draft bill is now being scrutinised by Parliamentarians and industry.
Derby beat off competition from locations around the country, including Birmingham, Newcastle and York, to be selected as the home of GBR.
It followed a concerted campaign by the city called Destination Derby, which was backed by the public, businesses and politicians, not just from Derby and Derbyshire, but across the region.
A spokesperson for the Great British Railways Transition Team said: “The plan to create Shadow Great British Railways (SGBR) is a welcome step. The Great British Railways Transition Team (GBRTT) will use its ‘one-railway’ capability and tools to help SGBR and its drive for better collaboration across the rail sector.
“The Prime Minister has been clear that an enlarged GBR headquarters in Derby will be at the heart of a ‘rail renaissance’. GBRTT will take advantage of what Derby has to offer today by continuing to work from its office there together with SGBR partners, ultimately helping to play its part in delivering benefits to customers ahead of broader structural changes under Great British Railways.”
On the back of attracting GBR, the city is now looking to establish a new campus devoted to companies and organisations involved in the sector.
Derby City Council and East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward, together with the Great British Railways Transition Team, will share the vision for Rail Campus Derby at a special conference, which is due to take place in the city in October.
It will explore opportunities for railway businesses and organisations from across the country to co-locate businesses or key personnel alongside the new headquarters for Great British Railways at the proposed campus.
Speakers from national rail organisations and key regional stakeholders will be supporting the conference, including John Forkin, Managing Director of Marketing Derby.
Specialist metals manufacturer acquired, saving over 500 jobs
Specialist metals manufacturer Fablink Group has been acquired by Ensco 1 Limited, which will be known as Wharfside Industrials, and its subsidiaries, in a deal that secures more than 500 jobs.
The deal brings together seven pre-pack transactions following the appointment of Chris Pole and Ryan Grant from Interpath Advisory as Joint Administrators.
On Thursday 12 September 2024, the Joint Administrators were appointed to Fablink Limited (FL), Fablink Tank Systems Limited (FTSL), Streamline Panels and Assemblies Limited (SPAL), Fablink Group Holdings Limited (FGHL), Fablink Cab Systems Limited (FCSL), Fablink Group Holdings Limited (FGHL) and Fablink Toolspec Limited (FTL).
The business and assets of the companies were immediately sold on appointment to the new group.
The companies are part of the Fablink Group, a Northampton-based manufacturer specialising in the production of metal pressings, operator cab assemblies, fuel and hydraulic tanks and complex structures, as well as ‘clean build’ of vehicle assemblies. Together, the group trades across six sites in Wolverhampton, Evenwood, Luton, Durham, Brixworth and Northampton.
As a tier one supplier, Fablink has built a strong reputation in delivering comprehensive design and manufacturing solutions to some of the world’s largest OEMs within the automotive, truck, off-highway, power generation and material handling industries.
Over the last two years, however, the group has suffered from a number of adverse events which have cumulatively caused challenges to liquidity. This included delays in the receipt of grant funding to support its relocation to a new site in Wolverhampton and the insolvency of one of its customers, which caused a significant bad debt.
The directors sought to explore the options available to the group, including its sale, investment, refinance and restructuring options. All the group’s 521 employees have transferred to the purchaser as part of the transactions.
Chris Pole, Managing Director at Interpath and Joint Administrator, said: “Fablink has built a strong reputation over the years for its cutting-edge technology and innovative manufacturing processes, but had faced a number of challenges in recent times that threatened the long-term future of the business.
“This outcome secures the future of the Fablink Group and safeguards employment for over 500 staff. We wish the team all the best as it forges a new future.”
East Midlands businesses address the challenges of Climate Change preparation at summit
The region’s businesses joined academics and industry specialists to tackle barriers in achieving Net Zero at the East Midlands Sustainability Summit on 12th September.
Workshops, seminars and presentations unpicked hurdles faced by firms in their journey to become more sustainable at the event hosted by East Midlands Chamber, in partnership with the University of Derby, where the summit was held.
East Midlands Chamber President Stuart Dawkins opened the summit. He said afterwards: “To see so many businesses, of different types and sizes gathered at this summit was a welcome sight and really underlines just how seriously the East Midlands is taking its approach to sustainability. I get the feeling no one is under any pretence about the obstacles that can make mitigating against Climate Change daunting. How does a business prepare? Are they doing it the right way?
“Today’s summit shared best practice, saw research the Chamber has carried out with the University of Derby and workshops to help break down difficulties and find solutions. The East Midlands must, as I reiterated today, think hard about what it leaves for Generation Next-But-One – what we do now directly impacts the life they inherit. Businesses in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire really can be on the right side of history and get this right, but how we all get to that destination, when each business is structured differently, is a conversation that must never stop.”
East Midlands Chamber Director of Policy and Insight Richard Blackmore said: “Getting East Midlands businesses together to overcome the challenges around becoming more sustainable is an important step toward achieving Net Zero, but we should remember that the summit was also an excellent opportunity to focus on the economic growth potential for businesses that get the strategy right.
“Keeping the momentum of the sustainability journey front and centre of all business operation is essential, as putting it on the back burner to just worry about another day isn’t an option.
“We heard from some fantastic speakers today and I extend my thanks to all of them – to our summit sponsors Auditel, Geo Green Power and our partner for this summit, the University of Derby.”
Research carried out by the Chamber and the University of Derby into Green Growth Trends – achieving economic growth without negatively impacting the environment – was shared by the university’s Associate Professor of Strategy and Sustainability Dr Polina Baralova. Findings included three quarters of large businesses reporting that they pursue Green Growth, while half of small businesses did.
Following the presentation, Dr Polina Baralova said: “My advice to businesses would be to think a little bit about how to grow sustainably, which we refer to as Green Growth. So, if you have a number of products and services that you trade on the market and they are having green credentials – as in they allow the general public, your customers or suppliers to reduce their carbon footprint and support an environmentally friendly agenda.
“At the same time, you also need to start thinking about your decarbonization initiatives and reducing carbon so those two elements go hand to hand. You can’t really have one without another.”
Auditel Carbon, Cost and Procurement Consultant Julie Adams explored the importance of ‘carbon maturity’ and how to approach Scope 3 emissions. Following the summit, Julie said: “Coming together like this at the summit has been invaluable, and the sessions that we’ve had have all built upon each other with the message that there is an imperative and an urgency to address sustainability that we all have to pull together to head.
“It’s not about having a carbon footprint or reduction plan. It’s how we build this into our lives personally and professionally into a company.”
Spenbeck Co-owner, Sustainability and Building Health Consultant Becky Valentine gave a presentation on overcoming barriers to climate engagement. She said afterwards: “This summit has been very much around ‘you’ve started your net zero journey, now how do we help you with the next steps?’ I think these questions are vital, bringing companies together with academics helps us on the next stage of all of our journeys. I think it it’s been a really vital day.”
Samworth Brothers Responsible Business Director Andy Wright, on the importance of having the right approach to sustainability, said: “Engaging is the key. People have to understand what it is they’re trying to deliver and make it available in a language that is understandable. So, if you’re dealing with procurement colleagues, it’s probably a different conversation than if you’re dealing with new product development colleagues or operational colleagues. There needs to be a message for everybody.”
Headline findings from Green Growth Trends in the East Midlands 2024 research
- Three quarters of large businesses (75%) report they pursue Green Growth
- Half of small businesses (50%) are pursuing Green Growth, while 39% of micro and 53% of medium-sized companies adopt the strategy
- More than 45% of East Midlands businesses have invested in decarbonisation initiatives over the past 12 months, an increase of 6% on 2023
- Seven out of ten large companies invest in decarbonisation
- One in three businesses have never engaged in nature-based solutions over the last 12 months
