Inflation rises, ahead of expectations
UK inflation rose last month, with energy prices in part to blame, according to new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
Measured by the Consumer Prices Index (CPI), inflation ticked up by 2.3% in the 12 months to October 2024, up from 1.7% in September, and ahead of expectations of a 2.2% rise.
The largest upward contribution to the change came from housing and household services, mainly because of electricity and gas prices. The largest offsetting downward contribution came from recreation and culture.
Core inflation, meanwhile, which takes out volatile factors like energy, food, alcohol and tobacco to give a clear picture of underlying trends, rose by 3.3% in the 12 months to October 2024, up from 3.2% in September.
Alpesh Paleja, Interim Deputy Chief Economist, CBI, said: “Inflation was always expected to pick up in October, but the increase was bigger than the Bank of England had expected.
“We’ll continue to see bumpier inflation over the coming months, as more base effects play out in the data. But the big picture should still remain one of headline inflation being much lower than this time a couple of years ago.
“Despite the upside surprise in today’s data, the Bank is still likely to continue cutting rates at a gradual pace going forward. However, renewed price pressures from the fiscal loosening in October’s Budget means that the CPI rate is likely to stay above the 2% target for longer than previously expected.
“Coupled with continued strength in services price inflation and wage growth, this all but rules out the prospect of a faster pace of rate cuts in the year ahead.”
Three charities to receive expert branding support from Nottingham creative agency
To celebrate two decades of helping organisations to tell their stories, Threerooms, a brand and creative agency, is giving back to the charity sector with a £15,000 branding support giveaway.
Three UK charities will each receive a bespoke branding package worth over £5,000 to help amplify their cause, strengthen their identity and deepen their connection with supporters.
Ian Morris, Director and Founder of Threerooms, said: “At Threerooms, our mission is to empower charities to connect with their communities through impactful, authentic branding.
“In today’s crowded landscape, it’s vital for charities to stand out and convey their purpose clearly. Good branding isn’t just about logos – it’s about building a story that resonates, fosters trust and drives action.”
He added: “We’re delighted to mark our 20th anniversary by offering this support to three charities, helping them strengthen their message and ensuring it reaches people in powerful, meaningful ways.”
Threerooms will work closely with each chosen charity to understand their goals and provide one of three tailored branding services:
Brand Strategy Workshop – A focused session to clarify brand values, messaging and mission-aligned direction.
Brand Identity Refresh – A revitalised visual identity designed to enhance the charity’s presence and appeal to supporters.
Design or Motion Support – Professional design or motion graphics that compellingly convey the charity’s message.
Charities are invited to apply at the Threerooms Charity Branding Application page by December 23, 2024. Recipients will be chosen based on their impact and how branding support could help them grow their reach. Winners will be announced on January 31, 2025.
Streets Chartered Accountants makes latest in string of mergers
Lincolnshire-based top 40 professional service firm, Streets Chartered Accountants has established Streets Bush Limited.
The announcement follows the merger of the Exeter chartered accountancy firm of Bush & Co with the fast-growing multi regional practice, Streets Chartered Accountants. This latest merger, along with that of the Bristol practice of Streets Steele following a merger only 12 months ago, now sees Streets firmly establish a presence in the South West.
When asked about the merger Shane Cann, Managing Director of Streets Bush, said: “We are thrilled to announce our merger with Streets and are excited about the future for our team and our clients as we move forwards as part of the wider Streets team.
“Bush & Co was founded in 1955 and over the years has grown into one of the leading accountancy firms in Exeter thanks to our strong reputation and excellent client care and continuity.
“It was very important to us that we joined forces with a firm who shared our values and ethos with an underpinning focus on excellent client service.
“We chose Streets because they also provide a tailored and bespoke service covering all areas of expertise across a broad range of sectors and in addition, we wished to retain some independence and investment in the existing business, providing for the continued longevity of the practice for our clients and our team.
“Being part of a wider, thriving UK practice means that we can now offer a more diverse range of specialist services including specialist corporate and private client tax planning, banking and finance, grants, R&D tax reliefs, international advice and personal financial planning. It also improves career prospects and training for our team, as well our ability to attract quality staff.
“The merger will strengthen our position in Exeter and Devon and enhance our reputation as a pre-eminent accountancy and business advice provider benefiting from the support of a multi-office and multi-region firm.
“Now we are very much an integral part of the further growth of the Streets practice we are all working closely to explore further expansion of the firm across the South West, including Cornwall, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire, both organically and through other merger opportunities.”
Looking at what the merger means to Streets, the firm’s Managing Partner, Paul Tutin, said: “We are especially pleased to have Shane Cann, his fellow directors and all the team in Exeter join the practice.
“We have wanted for some time to have a meaningful presence in the South West. In Streets Bush we have not only realised this but also our wider ambition to be amongst the region’s leading professional service firms looking after and supporting the needs of businesses, large and small, as well as private individuals.
“This latest merger, along with others over recent months, now means we have surpassed our target revenue of £40m for the year, a position we are delighted to be able to report and which reflects the success of our growth strategy and all the hard work by the team involved in our merger and acquisition activity.
“The profession is going through significant consolidation with heightened levels of merger and acquisition. In contrast to many, our approach seeks to build on the success of merging firms, ensuring we retain and build on their winning approach – an approach we believe is particularly liked by many of those looking to exit routes, the challenge of growing their practice or facing increased competition and the need to widen their service offering.”
Streets Law, the firm’s dedicated corporate and commercial law offering led by Managing Director and Solicitor, Adam Aisthorpe, undertook the legal work on behalf of Streets for the merger, including drafting the sale and purchase agreement and dealing with the due diligence process in collaboration with internal colleagues in the tax and audit teams at Streets.
Work starts on joint venture’s first East Midlands industrial scheme
McLaren Construction (Midlands and North) has started works at the first UK industrial scheme in the East Midlands for a joint venture with Garbe Industrial Real Estate GmbH and Invesco Real Estate.
McLaren will oversee all aspects of construction for the £30 million project located in Shireoaks, Worksop – in the prime East Midlands logistics district, including associated access roads and landscaping features.
With a 45-week completion target, works will include the design and build of two new industrial units totalling approximately 550,000 sq ft across 28.9 acres, alongside the construction of S38 works, and a private access road that will form the main access into the site and adjacent plot.
The site is easily accessed from the A57 and located in equal distance to the major A1 and M1 motorway links, with the major cities of Manchester, Birmingham, Nottingham and Sheffield reachable within less than two hours.
Soft landscaping, turfing and planting has been undertaken as part of the initial grounds and landscape works and complex aspects of the build will include the S38 carriageway to an adoptable standard throughout the site, alongside the implementation of a culvert drainage system.
In keeping with the environmental and landscape specifications, the build will include green cladding of varying shades alongside glazing and ribbon windows to allow natural optimised lighting to all warehouse areas.
McLaren Construction Midlands and North demonstrates its commitment to environmental sustainability by integrating recycled components from previous demolitions, using available materials from the groundwork that can be crushed and re-used, alongside connecting to the site’s Mains Power thereby eliminating the need for generators and fuel.
This approach will not only contribute to the scheme’s BREEAM Rating of Excellent and EPC rating of A+, but it will also extend to McLaren’s efforts to enhance local ecology.
The team has worked alongside the client to ensure satisfaction with pre-commencement planning conditions, and enabling works were undertaken during bird nesting season, with an ecologist appointed to oversee the process.
The contractor has meticulously planned the development to minimise environmental impact, enhance biodiversity, and target additional BREEAM points for ecological enhancements.
Gary Cramp, managing director of McLaren Construction (Midlands and North), said: “We are honoured to be working alongside Garbe and Invesco Real Estate as part of a joint venture for the first industrial and logistics scheme in the UK – contributing to the expansion of the companies’ UK and European logistics portfolio.
“Bringing our experience delivering exceptional quality sustainable industrial and logistics builds, and with the prime Midlands location of the site, the scheme is well positioned to support the operational growth needs of businesses across a variety of sectors.”
MMD invests in workplace transformation
OP has been appointed to deliver a revolutionary workplace transformation for MMD, a global leader in material processing solutions for the mining, quarrying and recycling industries.
The project will create a two-storey extension to MMD’s central office building in Derbyshire. It is designed to foster collaboration, celebrate the company’s rich mining heritage, and embrace sustainable technologies.
At the heart of the development is a ground-floor dining facility featuring a commercial-grade kitchen and servery, complemented by modern shower facilities and a dedicated gym area. The first floor will house a flexible games and training space, complete with a boardroom buffet room and an expansive roof terrace.
The office design seamlessly blends historical elements with contemporary functionality, incorporating repurposed materials including recut and repolished granite table tops from the existing building. Heritage features such as traditional panelling and brass lighting pay homage to MMD’s 1970s coal mining origins while creating a modern interpretation of a classic British social atmosphere.
The interior scheme features durable, wipeable surfaces throughout to accommodate both office and warehouse staff, creating an inclusive environment that encourages interaction between all departments. The new extension provides dedicated spaces for movement and collaboration, encouraging employees to step away from their desks and engage with colleagues in a more social setting.
Gary Tailby, Joint Managing Director of OP, said: “We’re delighted to partner with MMD on this transformative project that perfectly balances heritage with innovation. The design not only creates essential amenity spaces but facilitates a cultural shift towards more collaborative ways of working. By incorporating sustainable technologies and celebrating MMD’s industrial heritage, we’re creating a workplace that will serve their team well into the future.”
Graham Griffiths at MMD said: “This development represents a significant step in MMD’s evolution, creating spaces where our teams can come together, collaborate and relax. OP’s understanding of our heritage and vision for the future has resulted in a design that will transform how we work and interact as a company.”
The fast-track project is scheduled for completion in December 2024, and the new dining facility will host the company’s Christmas celebrations.
Burton industrial unit sold
Commercial property agency Rushton Hickman have completed the sale of Unit 9, Derwent Business Park, located off Hawkins Lane, in Burton upon Trent.
The property was acquired by CDS Burton Ltd and the owner Mark Burton said: “I was delighted to purchase this property through Rushton Hickman. Taylor kept me well-informed throughout the process and provided valuable advice on rental terms for our new tenant, Primal Instinct gym, who offer bespoke training sessions and classes to its members.”
The property comprises a detached industrial unit of steel portal frame construction with brick and block elevations beneath a pitched, steel-clad roof and extending to 2,399 sq ft. The new owner and their tenant have since transformed the space.
Taylor Millington from Rushton Hickman added: “We are pleased to have been instructed to market this property, achieving the best value for the site while also advising the new owner on the letting.”
Former owner of the property, Mr Downing said: “The Rushton Hickman team worked diligently to push this sale to completion.”
Taylor Millington concluded: “It’s not very often in the current market that freehold industrial units become available and so when they do it is vital for a vendor to take the best advice to maximise the amount achievable and to make the process the smoothest it can be and we were able to do this for both the seller and the purchaser which makes the deal especially rewarding.”
Forge New Homes appoints Head of Land to drive site acquisitions in Yorkshire and East Midlands
Forge New Homes has appointed Lindsay Salvin as its new Head of Land and Development, furthering its ambitions to secure key sites across Yorkshire and the East Midlands.
Salvin joins the Sheffield-based company from Hallam Land Management, where she spent two years overseeing nationwide land acquisitions. With decades of experience in the built environment, her career includes senior roles at companies such as Vistry Partnerships and Strategic Team Group.
Commenting on her new role, Lindsay said: “Forge New Homes is on the cusp of an exciting new era.
“The team has ambitious plans for growth, and I’m eager to leverage my experience in land acquisition to help secure the right sites that will deliver much-needed homes across the region.
“I look forward to working with our partners and stakeholders to shape thriving and accessible new communities across Yorkshire and the East Midlands.”
Her appointment follows a period of significant activity for Forge, which recently broke ground on two new residential developments – one at Waverley in Sheffield and another in Bolsover in the East Midlands.
Additionally, the company has announced the purchase of a seven-acre greenfield site in Beckingham, an attractive commuter village on the Lincolnshire/Nottinghamshire border from Wilgoose Homes.
Andy Beattie, Managing Director at Forge New Homes, said: “Lindsay is an incredible addition to our team. Her depth of knowledge and experience in land acquisition will be invaluable as we continue to grow our portfolio.
“Forge New Homes is committed to delivering high-quality homes, and with Lindsay on board, we are well-positioned to secure the best sites and deliver our pipeline of developments.”
Nick Atkin, Chief Executive of Yorkshire Housing and Chair of Forge New Homes, added: “Lindsay’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for Forge as we continue to expand our footprint. Her expertise in land acquisition will play a critical role in helping us identify strategic opportunities and drive forward our mission of creating sustainable communities.”
Corby company picks up hat-trick of awards in one month
A Corby-based holding company of businesses involved in the supply, distribution and fabrication of wood veneer and decorative laminate panels for the built environment sector, has netted a hat-trick of awards in a month.
See Limited is celebrating after beating off stiff competition to pick up the Sustainability Award at the Northamptonshire Business Excellence Awards (NBEAs) on Thursday, November 7.
The award recognises projects, innovations or actions that have improved the sustainability of a business and the environment and encouraged customers or clients to do the same to ensure a more sustainable future.
Independent and accredited judges, including head judge Nick Hewer, star of The Apprentice, recognised See Limited’s efforts to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of all companies in its group, including operating businesses – Performance Panels and Bousfields – and across the construction industry as a whole.
These efforts included establishing four key initiatives to fight climate change: producing an Annual Carbon Footprint Report to record the CO₂ impact of all businesses in the group; forming an internal Carbon Reduction Team to implement initiatives to reduce CO₂ emissions year-on-year; partnering with More Trees to plant trees all over the world; and signing up to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) to adopt best practice to significantly reduce carbon footprint.
The company also champions a sustainability driven product portfolio and supports customers to make their construction projects more environmentally friendly by providing environmental product data on materials including BioCarbon Laminates and SanFoot® Real Wood Veneer.
When presenting the award, host Alex Horne said: “The winners of this award have proven that they really benefit the environment as well as encouraging others to follow suit. They have shown a real commitment and dedication to ensuring a sustainable future.”
This latest win follows the company winning the Green Award at the NNBN Awards and national award success, as the Gold Winner in the Sustainability Award category at the National Building & Construction Awards – both in October. See Limited was also a finalist at the Building Innovation Awards in the Best Carbon Reduction Innovation or Practice category in Manchester on Thursday, October 17.
Robert Thompson, CEO of See Limited, said: “Sustainability is a daily topic of conversation for us, so it is great to start receiving awards and recognition for the moves we have made to reduce our carbon emissions across all of our businesses.
“Not only do we want to reduce our own carbon footprint, we also want to make it easier for contractors to make more sustainable choices with their buildings and encourage those within our supply chain to start adopting more sustainable practices.
“We’re proud to lead by example in our industry and if we all make small changes, it can have a big impact on people and the planet.”
Lincolnshire-headquartered Jointline makes £300,000 investment in hydroblasting
Lincolnshire-headquartered specialist civil engineering firm Jointline has fuelled its continued expansion with a £300,000 investment in hydroblasting technology. Established in 1987, the privately-owned company – which works across highways, airport runways and internal lining projects – is on track to achieve a record annual turnover approaching £18m.
The hydroblasting equipment delivers rapid line and rubber removal and retexturing across concrete, asphalt and composite surfaces. The new investment has enabled the company to add a service that had been wholly outsourced to its raft of in-house capabilities.
Two members of staff have been recruited to operate Jointline’s new hydroblaster unit, which benefits from a bespoke fit-out, eight-hour operation and low noise emission. Two high-performance jet driers have also been purchased to enable quick drying across external surfaces.
Gary Massey, Managing Director of Jointline, said: “The demand for hydroblasting from airfields, National Highways, tier one contractors, and local authorities led to our strategic decision to invest in bespoke machinery and boost our in-house capabilities. While we will continue to work with preferred supply partners on some major projects, by self-delivering this service we can be more flexible and reactive to client needs.
“We are proud that one of the new members of staff we have taken on to operate the hydroblaster is ex-army and applied for the role because he saw that we were members of the Armed Forces Covenant.
“It is encouraging to see the new wave of infrastructure projects being tendered across the UK and overseas in recent months, which will help to our expansion plans. We are also eager to see the detail of the government’s 10-year infrastructure strategy, which is anticipated to be published in late spring. The early success of this investment may even lead to us commissioning additional hydroblasting units next year.”
Jointline’s recent hydroblasting projects include the removal of thermoplastic lining at Immingham Docks for Dyer & Butler, to make way for the installation of new walkways. The firm has also removed epoxy road markings and parking areas airside at Heathrow Airport for Ferrovial to allow for temporary roadway linings to be applied.
In Norfolk, Jointline was commissioned by Tarmac to remove old road markings and install a new cycle path and thermoplastic road marking configuration.
Jointline has four main divisions; airfields; highways; off-highways and civils; and maintenance. Earlier this year, it deployed £1m of company funds in the investment of specialist grooving plant and machinery and took the headcount of skilled professionals to a record high of 120 employees.
The Witham St Hughs-headquartered firm has recently completed extensive rehabilitation works and grooving on the Southern Runway at Heathrow Airport, along with the significant Aircraft Servicing Platform (ASP) replacement works at a military airbase in Lincolnshire.
The team has also successfully completed a comprehensive National Highways project to upgrade M1 North and Southbound carriageways from Junctions 39 to 42.
The firm has undertaken renovation and improvement works at the majority of major civilian airports in the UK, as well as runways across continental Europe, Africa, Asia, and South America.
Caitlin Southall joins WBR Group as Head of SSAS Proposition
Leicester-headquartered WBR Group, the independent provider of SSAS services and tax experts, has appointed Caitlin Southall as the Head of SSAS Proposition, a newly created role.
Caitlin has over 12 years of self invested pensions experience and joins WBR Group from Nucleus Financial, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise in the pension sector.
Caitlin’s appointment is effective immediately, she reports to Martin Tilley and will be based at WBR Group’s Wimbledon office but will spend time between all six offices.
Her role will include the review, development and promotion of the professional services offered by the group to their SSASs and sponsoring employers.
Caitlin Southall has an impressive background in the financial services industry.
Prior to her role as Senior Technical Marketing Manager at Nucleus Financial, she served as a Pension Technical Manager at Curtis Banks, where she was responsible for developing and managing pension products, providing technical support, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
Caitlin was also active in thought leadership, contributing to industry discussions on topics such as the gender pension gap and pension policy reforms.
She is also known for her industry expertise on pension issues, having contributed to various industry publications and podcasts.
Martin Tilley, COO of WBR Group, said: “We are delighted to welcome Caitlin to our team. Her extensive experience and innovative approach will be invaluable as we continue to develop and expand our SSAS proposition. This appointment underscores our commitment to providing the highest levels of service and innovation to our clients.”
Caitlin Southall, Head of SSAS Proposition, said: “Having spent my 12 year career at Suffolk Life, Curtis Banks and latterly at Nucleus Financial, it was a difficult decision to leave the business I had seen grow and develop so much.
“But when the opportunity came to step into the senior leadership team of such a dynamic and thriving business, I couldn’t turn it down. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to the continued growth and success of the company, and I look forward to working with the talented team at WBR Group.”
