Aggregate Industries’ dome silo is inflated for the first time

Stuart Pearcey
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Aggregate Industries’ dome silo is inflated for the first time
An inflatable dome silo commissioned by Coalville-based Aggregate Industries has been inflated at the heart of a multi-million-pound cement import, manufacturing and distribution facility on Tilbury Docks. The 45m tall, 32m diameter dome silo is one of only a handful of its kind in the UK, built using innovative construction methods and materials. It is designed to store up to 30,000 tonnes of cement to support local demand for building materials, to be used across an array of construction projects in the region. Once operational in 2026, this facility will allow Aggregate Industries to serve its customers 24/7 with conventional, low carbon and circular cementitious materials from five loading heads. In line with the firm’s commitment to sustainability, the new facility demonstrates Aggregate Industries ongoing commitment to be a leader in supplying low-carbon, sustainable construction solutions. During construction, more than 25,000 tonnes of concrete from the existing site has already been recycled and reused, and over 10,000 tonnes of recycled asphalt planings have been incorporated into new asphalt products. Aggregate Industries is also incorporating lower carbon materials throughout every aspect of construction; including use of the firm’s own green-building solution, ECOPact readymix. Local stakeholders and businesses are already seeing potential economic benefits, as the project is expected to stimulate demand for trades and materials in the region. More than 100 jobs are expected to be created during the construction phase of the scheme, with a further 30 full time permanent positions generated once the site is operational.

Mather Jamie appoints Rural Estates Assistant

Tess Egginton
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Mather Jamie appoints Rural Estates Assistant
Loughborough-based land development and property consultancy, Mather Jamie has appointed Joanne Brown as Rural Estates Assistant. Joanne brings experience in rural estate operations, along with a strong commitment to delivering quality service and support to Mather Jamie’s rural estates team. She brings four years of experience managing the estate office at Melbourne Hall Estate.  Her background also spans account management and sales executive roles with the logistics sector, where she refined her skills in client relations and organisation. After taking time out to focus on her family, Joanne returned to Melbourne Hall Estate and developed a strong foundation in rural estate operations. In her new role, Joanne will be assisting with residential and agricultural lettings, tenancy management, property repairs and maintenance, inspections and viewings. Commenting on her appointment, Amy Biddell, Director at Mather Jamie, said: “Joanne’s hands-on experience in estate management and her approachable nature make her an ideal fit for Mather Jamie’s Rural Estates Team, where she will contribute to supporting clients and enhancing tenant relations.” Adding, Joanne said: “In my previous role, I had dealings with Mather Jamie and saw them as a company with a great work ethic and fantastic staff. I’m excited to join a team that values professionalism and provides an opportunity for growth.”

Chesterfield’s Superior Wellness expands with new U.S. headquarters

Tess Egginton
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Chesterfield’s Superior Wellness expands with new U.S. headquarters
Superior Wellness, the Chesterfield-based hot tubs and wellness products firm, has established its first U.S. operation in Orangeburg County, South Carolina. This £8.9 million investment marks a significant milestone in the company’s global expansion strategy, creating 35 new jobs and strengthening its commitment to serving partners and customers across the United States. Located at 106 Logistics Drive in Cameron, the newly acquired 75,000-square-foot facility will serve as the company’s U.S. headquarters. It will streamline warehousing and logistics, provide faster service to U.S. partners, and act as a hub for spare parts and accessories. Superior Wellness Managing Director Rob Carlin said: “This investment represents a significant milestone for Superior Wellness as we establish a strong foothold in the U.S. With the opening of Superior HQ in Cameron, South Carolina, we’re investing in the future of wellness while creating 35 new jobs for the local community. “Our £8.9 million state-of-the-art facility will revolutionize our stock and logistics operations, ensuring faster service and greater support for our U.S. partners and customers. We’re thrilled to begin this exciting chapter and deepen our connection with the American market.” Sales Director Gareth Ward added: “Our expansion into South Carolina demonstrates our unwavering commitment to providing exceptional service and innovative products to our U.S. partners. “Working with over 100 partners across the U.S., this facility allows us to better serve them with shorter lead times and improved availability of our award-winning products. We look forward to building stronger relationships and growing together with the Orangeburg community.” Orangeburg County Council Chairman Johnnie Wright welcomed the company, stating: “Superior Wellness’ decision to bring their U.S. headquarters to Orangeburg County underscores the incredible momentum we’re seeing in our region. “Their £8.9 million investment will create 35 good-paying jobs, benefiting local families and contributing to our community’s economic growth. We warmly welcome Superior Wellness and look forward to supporting their success.”

FPA Consulting appoints new Business Administrator

Tess Egginton
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FPA Consulting appoints new Business Administrator
Derby-based independent management consultancy FPA Consulting has appointed Lily Ormsby as Business Administrator. With a background in planning and technical administration at XEIAD, owned by British Engineering Services (BES Group), Lily brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to her new role. Lily has a wide ranging role which includes supporting FPA’s consultants, it’s accounts team, facilitating external Client training together with general day-to-day administration duties. Commenting on her decision to join FPA, Lily said: “I really wanted to join a company that would allow me to progress professionally in a considerate environment. FPA is filled with opportunities for me to learn and grow. The team have been incredibly welcoming and I’m excited to now be a part of the company.” Outside of work, Lily is passionate about health and fitness, loves traveling, walking her dog, and indulging in interior design as a personal interest. John Barke, Managing Director at FPA Consulting, added: “We are pleased to have Lily join our team at FPA Consulting. Her proactive approach and dedication to personal and professional growth align perfectly with our values.”

Lincoln business celebrates 10 years of gourmet gifting with £3m turnover, expansion and ambitious growth plans

Tess Egginton
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Lincoln business celebrates 10 years of gourmet gifting with £3m turnover, expansion and ambitious growth plans
From kitchen table to £3 million turnover, Lincoln-based The British Hamper Company is celebrating 10 years of business success as it gears up for its busiest Christmas and unveils plans to double its turnover by 2026. The family-run business, which was founded in 2014 from a gazebo at the family home, was born from a shared enthusiasm for great food, British individuality and a love of gift giving. After a decade of business growth, it has marked its landmark year with a number of major milestones including a branding overhaul, the launch of its products into wholesale, expansion of its Lincolnshire premises and growth of its senior team. The business is now preparing to fulfil more than 2,000 orders a day over the Christmas period, with the creation of 30 additional seasonal jobs. This year The British Hamper Company has rolled out an ambitious growth strategy as it forecasts a £6 million turnover by 2026. Central to this growth is the launch of a wholesale product range, which will see its artisan food and drink products, including Cornish Fudge, All Butter Cheddar Biscuits, Lemon Butter Shortbread, Raspberry Zing Jam, fine teas, and handcrafted sweets, sold in gourmet food stores across the UK and rest of world for the first time. To meet growing demand from consumers, corporate gifting clients and its growth into the wholesale market, this year the business has significantly expanded its Lincoln-based warehouse facilities. The investment into its premises has increased its storage capacity by 36%, bringing the total operational area to approximately 15,000 square feet. With 35% of its orders being sent to recipients overseas, The British Hamper Company has also opened a European distribution hub in the Netherlands to streamline its distribution to global markets and to help support its global growth ambitions. The business has been further bolstered with the appointment of three new senior positions including an Export Sales Manager, National Wholesale Account Manager and Marketing Manager, taking the total number of permanent employees to 20. With a commitment to supporting the local community, 2024 saw the business form a partnership with Lincoln City Football Club. “Celebrating 10 years of The British Hamper Company is an incredible milestone for us as a family and as a business,” says Alice Tod, Sales Director of the Lincoln-based business. “This year has been particularly transformative, from unveiling a refreshed brand identity to launching our wholesale range – we’re immensely proud of how far we’ve come. It all started from humble beginnings in a gazebo at our family home, we are now proud to be a multimillion pound business at the heart of the luxury gifting market. “Throughout this journey, our Lincolnshire roots have been a constant source of inspiration and pride.” James Tod, Managing Director, continued: “Lincolnshire has provided us with a strong foundation to grow, from the talented local workforce to the support of the community that has championed us every step of the way. “This year, we’ve expanded our premises to meet rising demand, creating more jobs and investing in our future, all while staying true to our local heritage. Our new partnership with Lincoln City Football Club is a further example of how we’re staying connected to the region that means so much to us. “As we reach the end of our anniversary year and prepare for our busiest Christmas yet, we remain committed to delivering exceptional gifts that showcase the very best of British craftsmanship and quality. We’re excited about what the future holds and look forward to sharing this next chapter with our loyal customers and partners.”

First half revenue rises at Watches of Switzerland

Tess Egginton
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First half revenue rises at Watches of Switzerland

Revenue has risen at Leicester-based Watches of Switzerland Group during the first half its financial year.

In the 26 weeks to 27 October 2024 (H1 FY25) group revenue rose to £785m, from £761m in the same period last year.

Profit before tax, however, was down at £41m, from £67m last year.

Brian Duffy, Chief Executive Officer, said: “We are pleased to report H1 FY25 revenue growth of +4% in constant currency reflecting an encouraging improvement in trading in Q2, driven by growing demand in the UK and US, and consistent growth in client registration lists, along with the acquisition of Roberto Coin in the period.

“As previously outlined, in Q1 we increased showroom stock levels of key brands to enhance displays and client experience, particularly in the US. With the stock rebuild complete, in Q2 we drove significantly improved US revenue of +24% (constant currency) and revenue in the UK market turned positive.

“Price increases from brands in the half have been modest, and this has also positively influenced consumer sentiment. Consequently, overall Group revenue increased +11% in Q2, in constant currency.

“Our newly acquired Roberto Coin business in North America has traded strongly since acquisition and is now making a good contribution to our Group. Integration is progressing well, and growth plans are underway.

“We are also encouraged by the performance of the Rolex Certified Pre-Owned programme and the sustained growth in our overall pre-owned business. Additionally, we acquired Hodinkee, a leading global digital platform for luxury watch enthusiasts, further strengthening our online sector leadership. Integration is progressing in line with our expectations.

“Q3 trading has started encouragingly, and we have continued with our showroom transformation programme. Looking ahead, key showroom openings in H2 include the flagship Rolex boutique in Old Bond Street, London; Audemars Piguet Town House, Manchester; Rolex introduction in Plano, Texas, and a reintroduction in Jacksonville, Florida; and the conversion of Mayors Lenox, Atlanta, to a Rolex mono-brand boutique.

“Our trading momentum through November, visibility of intake and second half opening of large showroom investments support our full year guidance, which is unchanged.

“This year marks the centenary of Watches of Switzerland, celebrated with a number of exclusive products, and we extend our gratitude to our colleagues for their unwavering dedication and exceptional client service throughout the year.”

£40m funding from Octopus Real Estate to deliver three new care homes

Tess Egginton
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£40m funding from Octopus Real Estate to deliver three new care homes
Octopus Real Estate has announced £40 million of funding for three new purpose-built care homes in the Octopus Healthcare Fund’s (OHF) portfolio of over 100 homes. These new care homes will provide a total of over 200 beds, each with a private wet room, having been funded as part of a strategic partnership with operator Torwood Care. The sites are prominently located in Durham, Worksop and Bradford, and will operate as Tanglewood Care. The homes, which are being developed by Torsion Care, will be fully electric, powered by air source heat pumps and featuring solar panels. All homes are targeting BREEAM ‘Excellent’, contributing to the Fund’s ESG performance and net zero targets. These acquisitions mark sites three, four and five of a seven-home forward funding portfolio with Torwood Care, a joint venture partnership between Torsion Care and Tanglewood Care. The three new homes are expected to open in the first half of 2026. Forsters LLP acted for the Fund on all three acquisitions. Max Weitzmann, Investment Director, Care Homes, Octopus Real Estate, said: “We’re pleased to build on our partnership with Torwood Care, an experienced and well-respected operator. We have now worked together on the development of five best-in-class elderly care homes across the UK, totalling over 350 beds. “It’s another example of Octopus Real Estate’s commitment to delivering quality, sustainable homes that are fit for the future and meet the needs of society. We look forward to working with Torwood on additional developments going forward, working together to address the undersupply of high-quality care beds across the UK.” Nick Kempster, Director, Torwood Care, said: “At Torwood, we believe that everyone has the right to live in a home that is fit for their needs, and we take great pride in providing quality care in comfortable, relaxed and homely surroundings. “The developments we have funded with the Octopus team are a prime example of that commitment; we’re delighted to be working with Octopus Real Estate to fund and operate these three purpose-built care facilities.” Martin Hutson, Director, Torsion Care, said: “We’re thrilled to have secured project funding with Octopus Real Estate to enable us to deliver three more excellent schemes in an increasingly demanding market. We are expanding our own development portfolio and are excited to continue working with both teams.”

Bambino Mio sold following appointment of administrators

Tess Egginton
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Bambino Mio sold following appointment of administrators
Bambino Mio, a Northampton-based multi-category consumer goods brand focused on reducing waste through the use of reusable nappies, has been sold after falling into administration. Kiri Holland and Danny Dartnaill of BDO LLP were appointed Joint Administrators of Bambino Mio Limited on 29 November 2024. The Joint Administrators completed a pre-packaged sale of the business and assets of the company immediately following their appointment to Demeter Project Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Kiddy Cloud Limited. This transaction has protected the jobs of 22 staff who have transferred to the new owners of the business, as well as providing business continuity for the company’s suppliers and customers. As part of the transaction, the company’s wholly owned trading subsidiary, Bambino Mio B.V., based in the Netherlands, has also been acquired on a solvent basis. Kiri Holland, one of the Joint Administrators, said: “Bambino Mio is a well-established consumer business that has experienced similar headwinds to other operators in the sector. “We are delighted to have secured a sale of the whole business, including its international operations, preserving 22 jobs in the UK and delivering value for creditors and continuity for business stakeholders.”

Landmark agreement between the UK, Qatar and Rolls-Royce to support clean energy transition

Tess Egginton
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Landmark agreement between the UK, Qatar and Rolls-Royce to support clean energy transition
The UK’s position in clean energy has received a further boost as a landmark agreement with Qatar reaches a significant milestone, solidifying £1 billion of investment in climate technology. The partnership is expected to create thousands of highly skilled jobs over its lifetime and will see the launch of climate technology hubs across the UK and Qatar to accelerate development in climate-friendly technologies. This includes investment in technology programmes by Derby engineering giant Rolls-Royce that improve energy efficiency, support new sustainable fuels and lower carbon emissions. It will also see investment into start-ups in the UK and Qatar focusing on energy efficiency, carbon management, and green power. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “I am proud that Qatar has chosen to base this global partnership here in the UK and I am delighted that the project is getting off the ground with this initial £1 billion commitment. “Qatar and Rolls-Royce pursuing these opportunities in climate technology is a significant step in our ambition to become a clean energy superpower and further evidence that the UK is one of the best places in the world for companies to develop those technologies.” Prime Minister of Qatar HE Sheikh Mohammed Abdulrahman al Thani said: “We are delighted to formally launch this groundbreaking partnership. The United Kingdom has a proud history of innovation in cutting edge technology, and Qatar has long been a trusted investment partner to British businesses. This new collaboration aligns with our long-term strategy to invest in the economies of the future. “We welcome the formalisation of our strategic relationship with Rolls-Royce. Qatar is already one of the largest purchasers of Rolls-Royce engines for Qatar Airways and a major investor in the small modular reactor nuclear industry. This new partnership further strengthens Qatar’s position as a leading global investor in climate technologies.

“We welcome the creation of highly skilled jobs in both Qatar and the UK, and look forward to welcoming a diverse range of businesses to Doha as part of the Rolls-Royce partnership.”

Tufan Erginbilgic, CEO, Rolls-Royce, said: “In the last two years we have made significant progress in the transformation of Rolls-Royce. This announcement is further evidence of our progress to create a highly competitive and fast-growing company.

“Enabling the energy transition through lower carbon technologies is a key part of our strategy. We are delighted to welcome Qatar as a strategic partner, who will support the growth of these technologies. They share our ambition to make an impact on the challenge of climate change.”

Frasers Group makes profit warning following Budget

Tess Egginton
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Frasers Group makes profit warning following Budget
Retail giant Frasers Group has issued a profit warning in its half year results, following the recent Budget.

The Shirebrook-based business noted that while its first half marked another period of progress “both ahead of and after the recent Budget, consumer confidence has weakened and recent trading conditions have been tougher.”

Frasers Group added: “Given this current uncertainty, FY25 APBT is now expected to be in the range £550m to £600m. Further out, we expect to incur at least £50m of incremental costs going into FY26 as a result of the recent Budget, but we are working hard to mitigate these in order to maintain our profitable growth ambitions.”

In unaudited results for the 26 weeks ended 27 October 2024 (FY25 H1), the firm saw group revenue of £2.54bn, dipping from £2.77bn in the same period of last year.

An adjusted profit before tax of £299.2m, meanwhile, was down on £303.8m last year.

Michael Murray, Chief Executive of Frasers Group, said: “The first half of this year has been another period of progress for the Group, delivering on our objectives as the Elevation Strategy continues to take the business to the next level.

“Sports Direct UK delivered further sales growth, and our Property and Financial Services divisions are seeing encouraging progress.

“We continue to operate with discipline to ensure our business is as resilient as possible – proactively right-sizing recent acquisitions to set them up for profitable long-term growth and driving further automation benefits to exceed our stock reduction targets for the period.

“We have also made significant strides in international expansion, developing new partnerships across Australia and Africa, and unlocking opportunities as we move further towards our goal of becoming a leading global sports retailer.

“We are set to deliver another year of profitable growth but, given recent weaker consumer confidence leading up to and following the Budget, FY25 APBT is now expected to be in the range of £550m to £600m.”

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