Councils get powers to tackle the scourge of empty shops with ‘right to rent’ scheme
High streets could be revitalised as the government hands councils new powers to tackle the scourge of empty shops.
From this week local authorities will be able to auction off leases for commercial properties that have been empty for long periods, helping bring business back to the high street and drive growth across the country.
High Street Rental Auctions will create a ‘right to rent’ for businesses and community groups, giving them access to city, town and village centre sites. The changes will stop disengaged landlords sitting on empty lots for more than 365 days in a 24-month period, before councils can auction a one-to-five year lease.
With growth a key mission for the government, it is committing over £1m in funding to support the auction process, which will create jobs for local people and boost trade by bringing local businesses back to the heart of our communities.
Local Growth Minister Alex Norris said: “High streets lie at the heart of communities the length and breadth of this country. But in many areas, they are not what they used to be.
“Small businesses need our support and that’s why we are creating a ‘right to rent’ so that high street lots that have been left empty for far too long can be brought back to life. We want shops and shoppers back on the high street – and that’s what these changes will help to bring.”
Let’s hear it for the girls: Derby-based finance organisation partners with UK Export Finance
UK Export Finance and Derby-based Female Founder Finance are working together to help more women-owned businesses get export finance support to help grow their business and compete on the international stage.
Female Founder Finance, launched in June last year, has handed £115m in funding to women who have founded their own businesses and who have been disadvantaged when seeking access to finance.
The partnership between UKEF and Female Founder Finance will streamline the process for referring eligible businesses into one another’s financing programmes, therefore reducing missed opportunities for women owners. For example, Female Founder Finance can introduce their clients to UKEF’s short-term products for small exporters, including capital guarantees, bond support guarantees and export insurance policies. In turn, UKEF can refer female clients to Female Founder Finance where appropriate.
According to the Rose Review, only six percent of UK women run their own businesses, compared to around 15% of women in Canada, almost 11% of women in the USA, and over nine percent of women in Australia and the Netherlands. The report also estimates £250 billion could be added to the UK economy if women matched men in receiving business investment.
Tim Reid, CEO of UK Export Finance, said: “Supporting small businesses is a priority at UKEF. Each year we support a large number of small businesses. Just last year, 88% of businesses to which we provided a loan, guarantee or insurance were small or medium-sized businesses. By partnering up with Female Founder Finance we will reach out to more women-owned businesses, providing financing to support them to increase their exporting capacity.
Roxanne Goodman, Founder of Female Founder Finance, which operates from Pride Park in the city, said: “By working in partnership with UK Export Finance we can equip women-led businesses with the knowledge and funding they need, and empowering them to reach new international markets, fuelling growth and innovation through export finance, and adding back to the growth of the UK. Together, we can open doors to new markets, drive innovation, and ensure that the voice of women entrepreneurs resonates worldwide.”
Workspace transformation for Promethean Particles
Derby-based design, refurbishment and fit-out experts, DSP (Interiors) Ltd, have completed a significant transformation project for Promethean Particles, a chemical manufacturing company headquartered in Nottingham.
This project transformed a mezzanine floor, previously only used for storage, into a functional and efficient workspace. Promethean Particles Ltd, renowned for its innovative approach to chemical manufacturing, wanted to upgrade its workspace to support its growing team and operations.
The project involved a comprehensive reconfiguration of the mezzanine area, starting with the installation of fire-rated partitions to define the office layout and ensure compliance with safety standards. To improve access and functionality, the existing staircase was removed and reconstructed, seamlessly integrating it into the new design.
Advanced mechanical and electrical systems were implemented to provide optimal lighting, ventilation, air conditioning and connectivity throughout the space, while the addition of a ceiling grid with quilt insulation enhanced both acoustic performance and temperature control.
The transformation was completed with the specification and installation of ergonomic furniture, chosen to complement the modern design and create a workspace that enhances productivity.
Darren Ward, director at DSP (Interiors) Ltd, said: “We are thrilled to have partnered with Promethean Particles on this exciting project. Our team worked closely with their vision to create a tailored workspace that enhances their operations whilst reflecting their innovative approach.
“This project reinforces our commitment to delivering high-quality, innovative solutions tailored to our clients’ individual needs. We wish the team at Promethean Particles the best in their new space.”
James Stephenson, chief executive officer of Promethean Particles, added: “The DSP team have done a brilliant job! We’re thrilled with the transformation of our mezzanine space – it’s modern, practical and perfectly aligned with our needs.”
CWA welcomes new Account Director as latest strategic appointment
Leicester-based B2M full-service agency, CWA, has appointed Dan Holdsworth as Account Director within its Account Management team.
Holdsworth brings a wealth of experience from a career that spans digital marketing, brand communications, and client-side leadership roles. His background includes working as Digital Marketing Manager for Derby County Football Club, two years as an Account Director at Linney Create, and serving as Head of Marketing at RST Moto.
Most recently, Holdsworth was Brand Communications Manager at TravisMathew (Callaway Golf), where he managed major brand and product campaigns across multiple markets.
The appointment of Holdsworth is the latest step in a period of strategic growth for the long-established international agency.
This year CWA has bolstered its team with high-profile appointments across key areas, including David Leatham, at the beginning of the year, as Media and Communications Director, followed by Sam Ard as Media and Communications Manager, Mariam Malik as Media and Communications Executive, Tracey Whiskens as SEO Lead, Carl Perkins as Business Development Director, and Adam Spencer as Junior Artworker.
Nicola Adams, Managing Director at CWA, said: “This year has been a transformative one for CWA, as we continue to build a team of outstanding professionals who strengthen our capabilities and enhance the agency services we offer. I’m really pleased with all of the appointments we’ve made during 2024.
“We’re on track for very big 2025. Dan’s appointment is an important part of that journey… His diverse experience and strong track record in managing campaigns and building brand presence are a perfect fit for CWA and our ambitions as an agency. He’s settled in brilliantly already and I’m excited to have him onboard.”
Holdsworth said: “I loved the background and long established history of CWA, but I was equally impressed by the strategic vision for the future outlined by Nicola. It’s exciting to join the agency at such an exciting time and I’m already enjoying the experience, including reaching out to my connections across many different sectors.”
Nottingham Energy Institute in £5m collaboration to scale climate start-ups
The University of Nottingham is set to be part of a new collaborative network, dedicated to enhancing and developing business support and technical ecosystems focused on climate start-ups.
The UK is set to receive a serious boost in its fight against climate change with the launch of the Climate Scaling Collaborative, a pioneering initiative to support IP-rich start-ups and spin-outs with links to universities, working on solutions for climate mitigation and adaptation.
The Climate Scaling Collaborative will provide robust support to 60 businesses, helping them develop from initial funding to commercial deployment. Covering multiple industries, these businesses will be sourced from across the UK university ecosystem with the support of a wide network of partner organisations.
Backed by £5m from the Research England Development Fund, the Collaborative unites UK universities Imperial, Cranfield University, the University of Derby, the University of Exeter, the University of Leeds and the University of Nottingham to provide the critical support required by deep tech climate innovators in the scale-up phase.
The funding was announced by Professor Dame Jessica Corner, Executive Chair of Research England at an event hosted by TenU celebrating a year since the launch of the government’s review of university spinouts.
The Collaborative will create a regional hub at each partner university, enhancing and developing business support and technical ecosystems focused on climate start-ups.
These hubs will build local relationships and specific expertise on potential clients, partners or collaborators, turbocharging the journey from start-up to scale-up. Through the Collaborative, these local hubs will form an interlinked network across the UK.
Professor David Grant, Director of the University of Nottingham Energy Institute, said: “This new Climate Scaling Collaborative will see our climate related research backed up by expertise in knowledge exchange and commercialisation. We’re are excited to see this timely new initiative take shape and look forward to working with our new partners.” Golden seat marks milestone at Becketwell Live
Derby’s Becketwell Live has moved a step closer to completion as the final auditorium seat was fixed into place with a ‘golden’ seat made for the occasion.
Main Contractor Bowmer + Kirkland (B+K), developer St James’ Securities, building owner Derby City Council and venue management company ASM Global were there to mark the occasion and joined by a selection of representatives from B+K’s supply chain who had all worked together to get the project to this stage.
With the handover date of January 2025 only seven weeks away, the £45.8m venue is almost ready to welcome entertainment seekers from across the city and the wider East Midlands. Work between now and practical completion includes testing and commissioning, including 150 acoustic tests.
The main auditorium has flat floor seating, a lower tier of retractable bleacher seating, an upper tier of fixed seating and there is a ring of VIP seating on the central and side balconies – enabling a capacity audience of 3,500 to enjoy the range of concerts, family and comedy shows, theatre performances, and more that the venue will host.
Investing back into the local area has been at the heart of the project. Of the 1,424 people who have worked on site, 51% are from within 20 miles of Derby and over the span of the whole project, £5.3m has been spent within the local area. The project has supported 36 apprentices and T-Level students equating to 506 weeks of on-the-job training.
Robert Kirkland, Bowmer + Kirkland Life President, said: “Becketwell Live has been an important scheme for us all. It has continued a long-standing relationship we have with the city of Derby, it will bring vibrancy and much-needed commerce to this area of the city and we are all very proud to have been part of this exciting development.”
Paul Morris, Development Director at St James Securities, said: “We are thrilled to see the Becketwell Live entertainment, events and conference venue reach this important milestone. This project represents a significant step forward in revitalising Derby’s city centre and providing a state-of-the-art facility that will serve the people of Derby and the wider region.
“We are proud to have created a scheme that will bring new energy to the city and provide a platform for a diverse range of performances and events.
“This is an exciting moment for Derby, and we look forward to seeing the venue open its doors in 2025.”
Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Leader of Derby City Council and Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Strategy and Policy, said: “Installing the final seat is a huge and very exciting step in the Becketwell journey, bringing us closer to realising our vision of transforming Derby into vibrant city centre that puts culture at the forefront.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming audiences from across the region into the city centre to enjoy a variety of performances and functions, with tickets already on sale for some of next year’s shows. A huge thanks to all of our partners and everyone involved for getting us to this stage in the journey – the final seat is in place but this is just the beginning for Becketwell Live.”
Marcus Sheehan, Manager at ASM Global, said: “The installation of the final seat is a major milestone bringing us one step closer to opening our doors to the people of Derby. We’ve already begun announcing our first confirmed events for 2025 and beyond here at Becketwell, featuring live music, comedy, and more.
“The future here is bright, and we’re committed to delivering the very best guest experiences and unforgettable live entertainment. I look forward to seeing you all in a packed-out auditorium very soon!”
JCDecaux UK awarded council’s digital advertising contract
Nottingham City Council has awarded JCDecaux UK a 15-year bus shelter and free-standing digital advertising contract following a competitive tender.
The contract not only provides the council with income from digital advertising screens, but it also includes a refurbishment of bus shelters and the introduction of smart technology benefits like free public Wi-Fi and real-time air quality monitoring.
Nottingham is the eighth largest city in England in terms of catchment population and retail spend – a vibrant business and leisure hub in the East Midlands. The new contract will provide advertisers with a new city-wide network of ‘Out of Home’ digital 6-sheet screens, providing a new opportunity for local, national and international advertising clients.
The digital network will comprise 30 free-standing units (60 screens) and 75 bus shelter screens as well as ‘classic’ paper poster sites.
All 800 bus shelters will be totally refurbished and rebranded in the city’s ‘Robin Hood Network’ livery and will include energy-efficient LED lighting helping to work towards the city’s carbon-neutral goals.
JCDecaux will be introducing ‘smart city’ tech to the city centre, providing free Wi-Fi and air-quality monitors across the city centre, enabling the council to access real-time air quality information across the city via an app – all funded by advertising.
Aligned with the council’s climate strategy, the high-quality design and robust maintenance of JCDecaux’s bus shelters means they will be refurbished when the new contract begins in January 2025 – reducing greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 90% compared to the installation of replacement street furniture.
JCDecaux will also fund a range of important environmental and community initiatives, paid for by the advertising network. This includes financial support for the Mayor’s Charity, local community group funding as well as supporting city University research projects and city-wide biodiversity initiatives.
Councillor Neghat Khan, Leader of Nottingham City Council and Executive Member for Strategic Regeneration, Transport and Communications, said: “Congratulations to JCDecaux on getting this contract after a thorough tender process. We’ve worked with them in Nottingham for many years and look forward to continuing this partnership.
“It’s important that the bus stops and shelters in Nottingham are well-maintained and use the latest technology. The digital screens in the city centre provide advertising space for local and national companies, which also brings in extra income for the council.”
Phil Drye, Chief Commercial Development Officer at JCDecaux UK, said: “Nottingham is a dynamic city and we are very proud that Nottingham City Council has again placed its trust in JCDecaux UK, continuing our relationship that spans over 20 years.
“Our bus shelters are designed with high-quality materials and maintained and cleaned to the highest standards. We are looking forward to delivering this new contract for Nottingham City Council and local residents, which will include digital screens and ‘smart city’ technology to bring innovative public services to the city.”
The digital screen network is set to include the main retail and business hubs of: Beastmarket Hill, Carrington Street, Clumber Street, Lister Gate, Milton Street and Upper and Lower Parliament Street.
Bambinos & Beyond expands with letting at Maltings Industrial Estate
Rushton Hickman has let Unit 5 Maltings Industrial Estate to Bambinos & Beyond, a retailer specialising in new, ex-display and preloved baby and nursery items.
It comes as Bambinos & Beyond expands its operations and now occupies a total of three units marketed by Rushton Hickman.
Bambinos & Beyond required additional storage space to accommodate their expansion. The newly acquired unit, with a gross internal area of 2,264 sq ft, is located on Maltings Industrial Estate, less than two miles from Burton upon Trent town centre and close to Bambinos & Beyond’s existing units at Albion Gateway.
Jade Martin, Associate Director at Rushton Hickman, said: “Working with Bambinos & Beyond has been a pleasure and we are thrilled to welcome them to the Maltings Industrial Estate, which is an ideal location for their growing business.”
Jade continued: “We believe this unit offers the necessary space to enhance their operations and meet increasing customer demand. This letting exemplifies the confidence that businesses like Bambinos & Beyond have in both the properties we have available and the service that Rushton Hickman so proudly delivers.”
Castle Donington software provider reaches agreement on £36m acquisition
K3 Business Technology Group has reached agreement with SYSPRO, a Castle Donington-based ERP software provider, for the sale of the Group’s wholly owned subsidiary, NexSys.
NexSys is a leading SYSPRO elite partner in the UK and has over 40 years’ experience of providing and supporting specialised business software solutions to manufacturers and distributors.
Under the terms of the agreement, the total consideration for NexSys is £36 million.
Jaco Maritz, Chief Executive Officer of SYSPRO, said: “SYSPRO, an Advent and Safari company, believes that NexSys is a compelling strategic fit given the company’s position as a trusted provider of digital solutions to manufacturing and distribution companies across the UK and Europe.
“The carve-out acquisition is a key milestone in Safari’s SYSPRO strategy to expand its global footprint, strengthening its presence in the UK and extending its reach across Europe. The acquisition will also enable SYSPRO to expand its highly regarded digital manufacturing suite with new products and capabilities.
“Safari believes there are further initiatives that would help accelerate its existing strategy and which it intends to confirm after a detailed review of the business and operations following Completion. Safari and SYSPRO attaches great importance and value to the skills, experience and commitment of the existing management and employees of NexSys.”
Eric Dodd, Chief Executive Officer of K3 Business Technology Group plc, said: “As the UK and Ireland’s largest reseller of SYSPRO software, our NexSys business is a superb fit for Advent, and we are delighted to have reached this agreement.
“Advent is a leading technology investor and its purchase of NexSys is a natural next step following its recent acquisition of a majority holding in SYSPRO. Advent has the resources and market experience to more fully capitalise on NexSys’s strategic value.
“We view the proposed sale as an excellent outcome for K3 shareholders, NexSys, and Advent and recommend that shareholders vote in favour the proposed sale at the Company’s General Meeting in December.”
How to plan an expansion to your business in the East Midlands
Expanding your business can be a significant step toward achieving long-term growth and profitability. For businesses in the East Midlands, this process comes with unique opportunities and challenges, from navigating the regional market to ensuring financial stability. A well-structured plan is essential to ensure your expansion journey is smooth and successful. This guide will walk you through practical steps to help you prepare for growth while taking full advantage of the opportunities within the East Midlands.
Evaluating Readiness for Expansion
Before planning an expansion, it’s crucial to assess whether your business is ready to take this step. Start by evaluating your financial stability. Review your profit margins, revenue trends, and existing cash flow to ensure that your current operations are sustainable. Key performance indicators (KPIs) like customer retention rates and sales growth can provide valuable insights into your readiness.
Operational capacity is another vital consideration. Ask yourself whether your current processes and infrastructure can scale efficiently. Expansion is only viable if your business is stable and adaptable enough to meet increased demand.
Researching Market Opportunities
Understanding the East Midlands market is critical to a successful expansion. Research consumer behaviour and preferences within the region to identify growth opportunities. For example, pinpoint areas where demand for your products or services is rising or where competitors may not be adequately serving the market.
Analysing the competition is equally important. Study how established businesses operate and consider what differentiates your offering. This research will help you identify underserved niches or refine your strategy to make your expansion more competitive.
Developing a Financial Plan
Financial planning is the backbone of any expansion. Start by estimating the costs involved, including new hires, marketing campaigns, and potential property expenses. Create a detailed budget that outlines these costs and establishes clear spending limits.
This is also the stage to explore funding options. Many businesses turn to small business loans to manage cash flow effectively during periods of growth. These loans can provide the financial flexibility needed to cover upfront costs while your expansion generates returns. For example, small business loans to boost cash flow are a practical tool for maintaining stability while investing in growth opportunities.
Selecting the Right Location
For businesses expanding within the East Midlands, choosing the right location can make all the difference. Consider factors like accessibility, customer proximity, and local infrastructure when selecting a site. The region offers a variety of commercial spaces suitable for businesses of all sizes.
Engaging with Local Resources and Networks
The East Midlands is home to numerous resources that can support your expansion. Regional business associations and chambers of commerce provide valuable networking opportunities and access to industry-specific advice. These organisations often host events where you can connect with potential partners or clients.
Additionally, explore local grants and support programmes designed for growing businesses. Many regional initiatives are aimed at fostering economic growth and can offer financial or logistical assistance during your expansion.
Ensuring Legal and Compliance Readiness
Expanding your business involves navigating various legal and regulatory requirements. Review contracts, permits, and tax obligations to ensure compliance with regional laws. If you’re opening a new location, check zoning regulations and other local ordinances. Staying proactive about compliance protects your business and builds trust with customers and stakeholders.
Adapting to Regional Consumer Trends
Every region has its unique consumer preferences, and the East Midlands is no exception. Understanding the demographics, purchasing habits, and preferences of the local population can help tailor your products or services to meet their needs. Invest time in conducting surveys, focus groups, or market analysis to ensure your offerings resonate with potential customers.
Pay attention to cultural and seasonal trends specific to the region. For example, aligning your product launches or marketing efforts with regional events or festivals can significantly boost engagement and sales during your expansion.
Preparing for Contingencies
No expansion plan is complete without contingency measures. Anticipate potential challenges, such as supply chain disruptions, unexpected expenses, or slower-than-expected growth, and create backup strategies to address them. Regularly reviewing your plans and adapting to changing conditions ensures your business remains resilient throughout the expansion.
Investing in Employee Development
A successful expansion relies heavily on the people driving it. Supporting your employees through training and development opportunities ensures they are equipped to manage the challenges of growth. From leadership development programmes for managers to upskilling frontline staff, investing in your workforce pays off in productivity and morale.
Planning an expansion in the East Midlands offers exciting possibilities for businesses looking to grow. With careful preparation, your business can thrive in its next phase of growth.
