Family-run day nursery group in Nottingham sold

Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, has sold Hollies Day Nurseries in Nottingham to a major, expanding group. Established for over 30 years, Hollies Day Nurseries is a family-run group of five day nurseries located across Sherwood, Arnold, Mapperley, and West Bridgford. All settings enjoy either ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted ratings and have a strong emphasis on using natural materials and nature-based play, incorporating the Reggio approach into their curriculum, and delivering Forest School sessions provided by qualified Forest School leaders. All the nurseries are run under management with long-serving staff teams and the support of a head office function. The group has been owned by Andrew and Becky Pike for the last 32 years. Following a sales process handled by Jassi Sunner and David Eaves at Christie & Co, the group has been purchased by Kids Planet Day Nurseries, which now owns over 200 nurseries across the UK. Andrew and Becky Pike, former owners of Hollies Day Nurseries, say: “Hollies has been a part of our lives for 32 years and growing from one to five nurseries has been an incredible journey, making the decision to sell extremely difficult. We knew Kids Planet was the right team to take it forward as our work ethic and ethos are closely aligned. “We recognise the value of having a progressive team with a focus on quality and we found this to be the case in our very first meeting with Kids Planet. We are going to miss our dedicated and loving team. We wish them, the children and families every success and a wonderful future.” Clare Roberts, CEO at Kids Planet Day Nurseries, says: “I am delighted to welcome Hollies into the Kids Planet family, growing our presence in the Nottingham area. Hollies’ focus on inspiring learning environments is closely aligned with our own approach and we look forward to working with the teams and families moving forward. “This acquisition takes Kids Planet over 200 nurseries, a milestone we can be proud of, and a testament to the dedication of our people, who have grown and developed alongside the business over the past 16 years. “Our core values have remained consistent and embedded in our day-to-day work, and I would like to say a huge well done and thank you to everyone who has been on this journey. I look forward to the exciting future ahead for Kids Planet.” Jassi Sunner and David Eaves at Christie & Co say: “When provided with the opportunity to bring to market an absolutely stellar group of nurseries in Nottingham and perhaps even some of the best in the East Midlands as a whole, we were excited to see the competitive tension unfold. “Hollies is a shining example of both excellent childcare that parents seek out across the city but also a fantastic employer who really nurtures their staff. Drew and Becky have really enhanced the group from the Pike family legacy by adding settings as well as refurbishing regularly across the very first settings. “This super-competitive process is a fantastic example of the confidence in the market and the desire for high-quality assets in the sector. We are absolutely delighted for both Drew, Becky and their wider family, and wish them all the best with their travel plans and a well-earned break!” Hollies Day Nurseries was sold for an undisclosed price.

£30m Automated Distribution and Manufacturing Centre gets go-ahead

Ashfield District Council’s Planning Committee has given the green light to plans for a world-class distribution and manufacturing skills centre in Ashfield. The Automated Distribution and Manufacturing Centre (ADMC) is the Council’s flagship project from their £62.6 million Towns Deal. The plans for the ADMC, which will sit on Lowmoor Road, Kirkby, have ambitions to ignite the adoption of automation and advanced manufacturing in business across the region. This will drive productivity and bring more high skilled jobs to Ashfield. The centre will work with businesses on how technology can help them, enable them to test how things could work within their own business and train their staff on how to use and maintain automated systems. The broader site will be a £100 million+ technology park development attracting inward investment and creating higher economic growth opportunities for the residents of Ashfield. Cllr Matthew Relf, Ashfield District Council’s Executive Lead Member for Growth, Regeneration, and Local Planning, said ahead of the approval: “The ADMC is a hugely exciting project for the Ashfield, the benefits of which will be felt for generations to come. Businesses small and large will be able to free up their staff from mundane tasks to focus on the interesting so we can have productive businesses offering well paid jobs. “The ADMC will also attract further investment into Ashfield due to its size and state-of-the-art facilities, creating a legacy of industry, technology, and innovation. The economic benefits of this project are incredible and will allow the Council to unlock the District’s true potential. This is all part of our broader regeneration strategy to make Ashfield a fantastic place to live, work, study, play and visit.”

Marketing Nottingham & Nottinghamshire encourages businesses to celebrate their successes by entering the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024

As the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024 draw closer, and with nominations set to close in less than a month, Marketing Nottingham & Nottinghamshire is encouraging entries. Megan Powell Vreeswijk, Chief Executive of Marketing Nottingham & Nottinghamshire, shared: “The property industry, construction, and regeneration, quite literally lays the foundations for any city to thrive and grow. “The East Midlands has a strong heritage in the property industry and after a few years of the industry booming, with countless cranes in the sky in Nottingham, I would urge any business to recognise their achievements and celebrate successes from across the region, by submitting applications for the East Midlands Bricks Awards.” A key event in the business calendar, showcasing the exceptional work of the region’s property and construction industry, the East Midlands Bricks Awards will take place on Thursday 3rd October, at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground (4:30pm – 7:30pm). Revealing the winners in a glittering awards ceremony, the evening also offers time to establish new connections with property and construction professionals from across the region, and hear from keynote speaker Paul Southby. Nominations for the prestigious event are open, and now is the ideal time to make your submissions, ahead of the deadline – Thursday 5th September. To nominate your (or another) business/development for one of our awards, please click on a category link below or visit this page.
Award categories include:

Nominations end Thursday 5th September

Tickets can now be booked for the 2024 awards event, click here to secure yours. Taking place in the Derek Randall Suite at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground on Thursday 3rd October, from 4:30pm – 7:30pm, connect with local decision makers over nibbles and complimentary drinks while applauding the outstanding companies and projects in our region. Attendees will also hear from keynote speaker Paul Southby, partner at Geldards LLP, chair of the Advisory Board to Nottingham Business School, chair of Broadway independent cinema, trustee of Clean Rivers Trust, chair of Nottingham Partners, board member of Marketing Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, and former High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire. Dress code is standard business attire. Thanks to our sponsors:      

             

To be held at:

Unlock innovation funding with Streets’ new grant consultancy service

Streets Chartered Accountants has launched a new service to help businesses unlock innovation grants. Streets Chartered Accountants, a leading top 40 accountancy practice, is thrilled to announce the launch of its dedicated innovation grants consultancy service. Headed by Chris Parkhurst, who brings over a decade of experience in securing game-changing funding for companies across various sectors, this new service aims to empower businesses in their innovation journeys. Why innovation grants matter The UK offers a wide array of grant programs to support businesses at different stages of their innovation projects. These grants can significantly boost research and development (R&D) efforts, turning cutting-edge ideas into reality. With a dynamic and ever-evolving grant landscape, staying updated on the latest opportunities is crucial. Streets Chartered Accountants is committed to ensuring clients access the most relevant and beneficial programs tailored to their innovation goals. Comprehensive grant consultancy Streets Innovation’s primary focus is providing comprehensive funding solutions for its clients, including R&D Tax Credits, Patent Box, and Creative Industry Tax Reliefs (such as Film Tax, Video Game, Exhibition, etc.). With the addition of its new grant’s consultancy, it aims to become a one-stop shop for all aspects of the funding process. The consultancy focuses on UK government grants, including Innovate UK, offering funds ranging from £25,000 to £2 million for various projects. From identifying the most suitable programs to crafting compelling applications, the firm’s team are on hand to guide clients every step of the way. Expert insight Commenting on the launch of the service Chris Parkhurst said: “I am really excited to be launching this service with Streets. Our combined expertise will allow us to support our clients in finding the best funding opportunities and curating effective grant strategies, maximising their chances of success in competitive funding competitions.” “We understand that every client and project is unique. Our consultants work closely with clients to develop customized strategies that enhance their chances of success,” Chris adds. “Leveraging these grants can significantly reduce R&D costs and accelerate innovation efforts.” Leadership perspective Daniel Jones, Tax Partner and Head of Streets Innovation, shares his vision for the new service. “At Streets Innovation, our primary focus is providing comprehensive funding solutions for our clients. Our expertise spans R&D Tax Credits, Patent Box, Creative Industry Tax Reliefs, and now, Grants. Having Chris join our team has bolstered our offering to clients. I have seen firsthand how accessing the right funding can benefit clients’ innovation projects.” Daniel continues: “There are many misconceptions about the eligibility of claiming R&D Tax Credits and Grants simultaneously, but they should work in unison to maximize benefits. By using these funding options together, businesses can significantly reduce their costs and accelerate their innovation efforts. We are excited to expand our services and provide even greater support to our clients. Our goal is to simplify the process and ensure businesses can fully leverage available funding opportunities. We believe that combining our expertise in various funding avenues will enable our clients to achieve remarkable growth and success.” Beyond grants: R&D Tax Credits and more While not a grant, R&D Tax Credits offer significant tax relief to businesses investing in research and development. Companies can reduce their Corporation Tax or receive a cash payment based on their R&D expenditure. Streets Innovation also specializes in Patent Box and Creative Industry Tax Reliefs, providing a holistic approach to funding. Working with Streets’ specialist R&D tax team, the firm provide comprehensive advice on eligibility and the submission of R&D Tax relief claims. Combining these services with the new grant’s consultancy ensures clients receive the maximum benefit from all available funding opportunities. Get started today Discover how Streets Innovation can drive your R&D and Grants success. Visit the website or contact Chris Parkhurst at Chris.Parkhurst@streets.uk or Daniel Jones at Daniel.Jones@streets.uk  to start your journey today. See this piece in the August issue of East Midlands Business Link Magazine here.

Major student accommodation development completes at The Island Quarter

The latest phase of The Island Quarter is ready to open its doors with the construction completed at Winfield Court – the site’s 693-bed student accommodation phase which will open to students in September for the 2024/25 academic year. Experienced Nottingham student accommodation provider Fresh will manage the student scheme on behalf of The Conygar Investment Company, following the conclusion of construction work by Bowmer+Kirkland and dressing by Leonard Design Architects. Amenities for students in the new facility include high-level sky lounges that offer projected views across the city and private courtyard spaces that will provide the opportunity for working, socialising, dining and exercising. Christopher Ware, property director at The Island Quarter, said: “With Nottingham home to two outstanding universities attracting students both nationally and internationally, Winfield Court will be a thriving student community with high-quality housing while they study in the city. “This phase is an example of the highest quality student accommodation available and will be an excellent addition to The Island Quarter with plenty of entertainment, relaxation and future employment opportunities for them. “We look forward to working the first students to Winfield Court as part of our opening ceremony event later this month in partnership with the team at our Binks Yard and Cleaver & Wake restaurants.” Following the planning submission in February for a further 383-space student block built on the Manvers Road side of the 36-acre site, The Island Quarter could eventually be home to more than 1,000 students from the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University. Mark Cordin, head of division (central) for Fresh, said: “The completion of Winfield Court marks the beginning of a vibrant student community at The Island Quarter. “With its exceptional amenities and thoughtful design, complemented by our award winning Be wellbeing programme, Winfield Court will provide students with more than just a place to live – it offers a dynamic and welcoming environment for learning, socialising, and thriving. Nottingham is a flourishing student city.” The student accommodation will support The Island Quarter’s plans for intergenerational living across the site, which include future plans for rental apartments and family housing on site.

Lubrizol employee takes on world’s toughest triathlon in aid of Motor Neurone Disease charity

Derbyshire dad-of-two Paul Robinson is taking on the world’s toughest triathlon next month to raise vital funds for Sam Perkins’ Motor Neurone Disease (MND) research fund charity: Stand Against MND – with a swim across the English Channel just one third of the ordeal. Only 58 people have ever managed to complete the Enduroman Arch to Arc triathlon so tough it has been dubbed “in the realms of the unthinkable” by Derby sports expert Dean Jackson, owner of Huub, whose wetsuit technology has helped some of the world’s top athletes win gold, and is supporting Paul’s challenge. Paul, who works as a strategic marketing manager for science company Lubrizol, is this September taking on the huge feat which kicks off with an 87-mile run from Marble Arch in London to Dover, followed by a swim across the English Channel – in itself one of the world’s toughest endurance challenges – followed by an 181 mile bike ride from Calais to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. To top things off, Paul is attempting the challenge without a wetsuit – which only six people taking part in the Enduroman have ever achieved. He’s undertaking the mammoth triathlon in aid of Sam Perkins’ Fifty50 MND campaign Stand Against MND charity which has so far raised more than £270,000 to fund vital research into the brutal, aggressive disease. Former triathlete Sam was diagnosed with MND in 2019 aged just 37, and he now uses an eye gaze device voice box to communicate. Inspirational Sam has managed to raise huge funds through launching his current Fifty50 fundraising campaign in October 2023, which highlights the fact that there is a 50 per cent chance of dying within the first two years of being diagnosed. Yorkshireman Paul said he was inspired to sign up for the Fifty50 challenge having been a fan of former Leeds Rhinos rugby player Rob Burrow, who died in June 2024 from Motor Neurone Disease. Fitness fanatic Paul has previously swum the channel, on the last occasion raising thousands for Rainbows Hospice in Loughborough, and has decided to take on the phenomenally tough Arch to Arc having seen TV coverage about it some years ago. He said: “I’ve taken part in triathlons since I was nine years old and I’ve swum the English Channel three times. Even if I wasn’t training for anything I’d still be doing five to ten hours of exercise a week because I love sport!” Paul is busy training hard for the Enduroman, being put through his paces by sports experts at Loughborough University, and getting used to the cold waters of the English Channel with regular swims at Spring Lakes in Long Eaton. He is consuming a whopping 6,600 calories a day in order to make sure his body can withstand the extreme nature of the challenge. “I’ve always liked a challenge,” he explained. “It’s not just the physical side of it, it’s the mental side. When you enter an event, you’re not sure whether you’ll finish which is when the mental side of it kicks in. “I feel I’ve been very lucky in my life and I’m keen to raise money for charity. I wanted a local charity to raise money for and I grew up watching Rob Burrow in Rugby League. Sam Perkins was a local triathlete and it’s such a terrible disease – I just want to raise as much money as I can to fund research.” As well as being supported with a donation by his employers at Lubrizol, Paul has been provided with extensive free kit by Dean Jackson at Derby-based Huub, who is a close friend of Sam Perkins. Dean, who has recently been honoured with an MBE for his company, Huub, said he was delighted to support Paul’s incredible challenge in aid of a cause close to his heart. He said: “I’ve been friends with Sam for a long time – he helped us get a grant which enabled us to conduct vital research and development, helping Huub become what it is today. “This challenge that Paul is undertaking really stood out to us. What he is doing is in the realms of the unthinkable. It’s one of those challenges that’s so extreme that it just doesn’t come into your consciousness. “There are some things that are hard and some things that are crazy – for me, this is borderline crazy. And what Sam Perkins is living through is enough to push you through the crazy. I’m seriously impressed with Paul! And without Sam’s help, Huub would not have been in the position it’s in today.” Sam said he was blown away by Paul’s efforts to support MND research. He said: “I’ve done my fair share of triathlons but this does not even compare! It’s vital that we fund more research into MND which is why I’m so grateful to Paul and everyone who has signed up for my Fifty50 campaign. “I hope people are inspired by Paul’s efforts and give generously. It will really help him get over that finishing line to know that he is helping raise money for this important cause.” To support Paul Robinson’s incredible triathlon challenge, you can donate here: www.justgiving.com/page/paul-robinson-1708769374932

Armsons Barlow to bring forward new community hub for Padley@YMCA Derbyshire

Derby-based project managers, construction cost consultants and building surveyors Armsons Barlow are set to help bring forward a ground-breaking new Community Hub for Padley@YMCA Derbyshire on Parcel Terrace in Derby. The firm has been appointed as project manager and cost consultants for the transformative project, which will create a vibrant and inclusive space for individuals and families in need. The new Community Hub at Parcel Terrace will be a dynamic space which will enable Padley@YMCA Derbyshire to expand their traditional services, including warm meals and activities to combat loneliness and isolation, and develop their provision to meet the evolving needs of the city. It will offer a range of amenities, including community kitchens and a laundrette, alongside opportunities to learn through training and education and volunteering opportunities. The Hub will also serve as a collaborative space for partner organisations to deliver vital services. The development is set to be completed and ready for opening by late summer 2024. YMCA Derbyshire is a non-profit organisation that has been supporting young people and the community since 1847, focusing on health and wellbeing, support and advice, family and youth work, training, education, and housing. Padley Group was founded in 1985 and provides support for those at risk of homelessness, poverty, and social isolation, offering safe spaces, essential resources, and programmes aimed at enhancing wellbeing. In 2023, Padley became part of the YMCA Derbyshire group, and is now operating as Padley@YMCA Derbyshire. This consolidates YMCA Derbyshire’s efforts to combat homelessness and poverty in the city. Commenting on the project, Sally Walters, director of Armsons Barlow, said: “We are thrilled to be part of this transformative project that is set to have a really positive impact on the lives of many people across the city. “We are responsible for representing Padley@YMCA Derbyshire’s interests throughout the design and build phases of the development and look forward to delivering the new Community Hub for its official opening in late summer.” Gillian Sewell, CEO of YMCA Derbyshire, said: “We are excited to open the Padley@YMCA Community Hub, which represents our commitment to addressing the critical need for even more community services to relieve poverty and prevent homelessness. “It is also fantastic to collaborate with some of the best organisations in the city who will be working with us to ensure we have a comprehensive support network, broadening our capacity to meet the diverse needs of our community.”

Morris Homes and Citra Living join forces to deliver new Private Rented Sector homes

Morris Homes Group has agreed to sell 159 homes to Citra Living, part of Lloyds Banking Group plc. Morris Homes has assembled the properties for private rental across two of their key developments, St Michael’s Park in Northampton, and Prince’s Meadows in Kirkham. Working together, Citra and Morris Homes will provide additional new homes for open market rent that will help to meet the significant demand for quality rental properties in these areas. Many of these homes will be completed and available as family homes during this calendar year with 135 being completed before the end of 2025. Cindy Cade, Group Managing Director, Morris Homes, said: “We are delighted to be working with Citra Living to deliver 159 homes for the private rented sector in Northampton and Kirkham. “Citra Living share our commitment to delivering a wide range of high quality, greener homes across the UK and we are delighted to be working with them to develop communities at desirable locations, whilst supporting our overall growth ambitions to deliver much needed homes across the UK. “The family dwelling segment of the private rental sector continues to grow and presents an opportunity for us to diversify our revenue streams in the current market alongside developing alternative housing tenures within communities.” Andy Hutchinson, CEO of Citra Living, said: “At Citra we are committed to providing high quality homes to our customers. Working with Morris Homes at St Michael’s Park and Kirkham helps us to deliver this. We look forward to seeing our customers call St Michael’s Park and Prince’s Meadows home in the near future.”

Waste management firm bolsters senior team with ex-BT customer service specialist

ESE, the manufacturer of temporary storage systems for waste and recyclables, has expanded its team by appointing Jetal Sharma as its customer service manager. Based at its UK headquarters in Coalville, Leicestershire, with operations spanning across Europe, the strategic hire aims to enhance customer satisfaction and support across the region, as the firm advances its commitment to sustainable waste management solutions. With over two decades of experience — having previously held roles at firms including British Telecom (BT) and Futures Housing Group — Jetal brings a wealth of expertise to her position at ESE. As well as providing active mentorship to colleagues, planning day-to-day workflow, analysing KPIs and performance targets, and communicating across various levels — from stakeholders, investors, and head office, to the front end of the business — Jetal will lead on CRMs to centralise customer interactions. She will also implement policy and procedural changes to improve the end-user journey and enhance service levels at every stage. “We hold stringent standards of care across everything we do,” says Peter Vernon, managing director at ESE. “And as our footprint grows, alongside our expanding product portfolio, we want that to be a mainstay of operations. With Jetal’s vast experience, we’re confident our customer service function will reach new heights, ensuring our commitment to excellence reflects as much in our end-to-end service as it does throughout our sustainable waste management solutions.” Commenting on her new role, Jetal adds: “ESE has ambitious growth plans, and I’m excited to play a part. Interacting with customers, demonstrating empathy, and understanding their perspectives have been essential in shaping my customer service philosophy. I’ve been brought on board to mirror exactly that, and then some. “I’m eager to analyse departure trends to enhance our services, promoting swift conflict resolution and improving interactions to grow our customer base organically. I look forward to immersing myself in the business, as well as our products, and visiting our production facilities across Europe to deepen my understanding. With this insight, I aim to strengthen our customer-centric approach and contribute to ESE’s continued success in the waste management industry.”

Competition and Markets Authority finds area of concern in £2.5bn housebuilder deal

As Leicestershire-based housebuilding giant Barratt’s £2.5 billion purchase of rival Redrow Homes continues to progress, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has concluded a Phase 1 investigation into the deal.

The CMA has found that overall, the merger does not raise competition issues except for concerns regarding the supply of new build private residential housing in one of the more than 400 local areas where the two companies overlap.

The parties have until 15 August 2024 to offer undertakings to the CMA which would address its concerns and avoid the need for a reference to a full Phase 2 investigation.

Barratt and Redrow say they intend to engage with the CMA on the local area in question centred around Whitchurch, Shropshire which contains four Barratt developments and a Redrow development that has fewer than 10 plots remaining to sell. The proposed undertakings will seek to address the future conduct of sales and build on the Redrow site. No land disposals are being anticipated or proposed.

Joel Bamford, Executive Director for Mergers at the CMA, said: “Prospective homebuyers must not be disadvantaged as a result of deals like this one – with the potential loss of competition leading to even higher house prices or lower quality homes.

“Our initial investigation found concerns specifically in one area in and around Whitchurch, the companies now have the opportunity to agree workable solutions which address our concerns rather than move to a more in-depth investigation.”

David Thomas, Group Chief Executive of Barratt, said: “We are pleased that the CMA has found there would be no harm to competition in all but one of the areas in which Barratt and Redrow overlap.

“We remain confident that the combination of Barratt and Redrow will be approved and that it is in the best interests of our customers and wider stakeholders. Together we plan to build on our shared strengths and create an exceptional homebuilder, in terms of quality, service, and sustainability, helping to deliver the homes the country needs.”

Matthew Pratt, Group Chief Executive of Redrow, said: “Barratt and Redrow are two leading housebuilders, with strong reputations for quality, service and sustainability that have been decades in the making. Once the CMA process has completed, we are looking forward to our future as one team, accelerating the delivery of high-quality homes that the country so urgently needs.”