Thursday, April 3, 2025

Clowes Developments adds to Board of Directors

Tess Egginton
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Clowes Developments adds to Board of Directors
Kevin McFarlane has been appointed as a member of Clowes Developments’ Board of Directors. Kevin started his career at Clowes as a trainee in 2007. After initially leaving to widen his experience elsewhere, Kevin re-joined the Group in 2017. Since 2020, he has led the company’s Asset Management department based at Ednaston Park, overseeing the day to day and strategic management of the Group’s diverse land and property portfolio, with responsibility for identifying and maximising opportunities, whilst minimising exposure to risk. Commenting on his promotion, Kevin McFarlane said: “I feel honoured to join the Board of Directors. “Having worked for the company for nearly a decade, I realise that opportunities such as this don’t come around too often, and I am extremely grateful for the trust that David, Tom and the other Board Directors have placed in me. “I am excited about what the future holds, and I will endeavour to make a positive contribution as the business continues to evolve and move forward.” Managing Director of Clowes Developments, Thomas Clowes added: “This is my first appointment to the Board in my role as Managing Director and I couldn’t think of anyone better. “Brass tacks, Kevin has been responsible for effectively half the group’s value and without him and his team the business simply couldn’t function the way it does. I’m looking forward to seeing Kevin push on in his new role and enhancing this critical element of the business.”

Shirebrook business expands into Council unit

Tess Egginton
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Shirebrook business expands into Council unit
Bolsover District Council has agreed to lease one of its business units on Vernon Street in Shirebrook to a neighbouring business.
Since purchasing their premises 10-years ago, Gladiator Storage Group Limited have grown sufficiently to need new premises so that they can expand. This unit presents an opportunity to grow their operation without the need to relocate, disrupt staffing, and incur significant relocation costs. The business approached the council to see if they could lease the unit and it was agreed that a ten-year lease would be issued, with a 12-month rent free period, to help offset some of the improvement works the company needs to do, which are essential for their business operations. Cabinet Member for Growth, Councillor John Ritchie said: “Growth is one of our key ambitions, so the more we can do to help local businesses the better. Bringing this unit back into use will help Gladiator Storage Group Limited expand and grow and provide their workforce with a bright and secure future.” The unit’s previous occupant left the building in September 2022 and it has since then been empty, attracting anti-social behaviour to the site.

£1.1m grant secures new lab for Loughborough

Tess Egginton
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£1.1m grant secures new lab for Loughborough

The Wolfson Foundation has awarded a grant of £1.1 million to Loughborough University to set up the Wolfson X-Lab Extreme.

The new lab will house the Gleeble 3800. Its creation will establish the University and East Midlands as a hub for hydrogen productivity and manufacturing of materials under extreme conditions.

The Gleeble 3800 with its unique enhancements is a specialist piece of equipment worth over £1.6 million. This particular Gleeble will be a specialist piece of equipment and the first of its kind in the UK and Europe, putting the University at the forefront of materials engineering research. It will have specific attachments for cryogenic quenching, ultra-high sustained temperature testing, and laser ultrasonics.   The Wolfson X-Lab Extreme will be a crucial step for a sustainable hydrogen economy in the UK. The procurement of this testing equipment will help accelerate and spearhead UK research in this sector, including materials development for hydrogen storage, distribution and transport.  The new facility will directly address current limitations and bridge knowledge gaps. The equipment will enable the observation of materials and their behaviour at the smallest of scales in-situ in real-time when subjected to extremes long-term.  Materials testing for designing, manufacturing and maintaining new and existing hydrogen storage, distribution and end-use application infrastructure is essential to achieving the UK’s vision and ambitious net zero targets. The Gleeble will help the University to do just that.   The demands of liquid and gas hydrogen mean storage material must be ultra-light, able to sustain very high pressures, be leak-free, have high structural integrity, and withstand extremes of temperature. Understanding the long-term reliability of materials in these settings is imperative, particularly for components in fuel cells, hydrogen internal combustion engines, pipelines, valves, compressors, and pumps.  Professor Anish Roy from the Wolfson School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering (MEME), and Professor Karen Coopman from the School of Aeronautical, Automotive, Chemical and Materials Engineering (AACME), are both Associate Deans for Research and Innovation and co-project leads for the new facility.   In a joint comment, Professors Roy and Coopman said: “Thanks to the foundation’s support, the establishment of the Wolfson X-Lab Extreme will be a great opportunity that builds on our longstanding expertise in materials science research including characterisation, computational modelling, design and component manufacture across our Schools.   “It will enable much needed materials discovery and research to support next generation hydrogen storage and distribution solutions, research in space science, fusion materials and cryogenics. We welcome participation from wider academic, industrial collaborators and research organisations to help drive research and innovation globally.”  Moving forward with the inception of the Wolfson X-Lab Extreme, their work will ensure the activities and opportunities emanating from the use of the new facility are maximised through academic partners and industry, leading to tangible societal benefit.   The new lab will be open within the Wolfson School of MEME to external collaborators through a booking process online, enabling access for students, researchers, and scientists across academia and industry, while promoting unique skillsets in the next generation of engineers.   Professor Dan Parsons, the University’s Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation, recognises how this new facility will play a pivotal role in the advancement of Loughborough’s clean energy research. He added: “I am delighted to welcome the announcement of the Wolfson X-Lab Extreme facility, made possible through the Wolfson Foundation’s generous grant.   “This lab is not only a game-changer for clean energy research but also a testament to Loughborough’s commitment to addressing global challenges through innovation. It will foster collaboration across academia and industry, inspire the next generation of engineers, and solidify our reputation as a hub for world-leading materials research. “We are deeply grateful to the Wolfson Foundation for their continued support and vision in enabling transformational research with real societal impact.”  In addition to research around hydrogen, the lab will aid university ambitions to contribute to Fusion Energy Engineering in the UK. The facility can simulate the physical response of fusion materials at extremes of thermos-mechanical loading, generating valuable experimental data which will feed into constitutive models for advanced reactor design and manufacturing.   The cryogenic module in the Gleeble will also help in designing components for space applications, such as in rocket tank design to store liquid hydrogen, ensuring it is lightweight, robust and reusable.  The Wolfson Foundation has supported the Wolfson School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering (MEME) at Loughborough University for 25 years. During that time, there has been important research in Manufacturing Engineering, Sports Technology, and Renewable Energy Engineering.  The Wolfson Foundation is an independent charity with a focus on research and education. Its aim is to support civil society by investing in excellent projects in science, health, heritage, humanities and the arts.  Paul Ramsbottom, Chief Executive of the Wolfson Foundation, said: “The School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering at Loughborough is leading the way in developing and testing new materials that can withstand extremes of temperature and pressure. “These materials will have a crucial role to play in accelerating the transition towards low-carbon energy and transport systems. We are delighted to help the University to acquire specialist equipment for the Wolfson X-Lab Extreme to support their research.”   The Wolfson X-Lab Extreme is set to open in late 2025 for testing in early 2026.

Nottingham Venues welcomes new Head Chef at Bramleys

Tess Egginton
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Nottingham Venues welcomes new Head Chef at Bramleys
Nottingham Venues has appointed David Cartwright as Head Chef at its Bramleys restaurant, located within the 4* Orchard Hotel. The former Head Chef at renowned Nottingham fine dining restaurant World Service, David has been excelling in the kitchen for over 15 years. David’s appointment marks the start of a series of changes due to take place at Bramleys and The Orchard Hotel throughout 2025, designed to put Bramleys restaurant on the map as a leading high standard dining destination within Nottingham. Commenting on his appointment, David said: “There is huge potential at Bramleys to create one of Nottingham’s best destinations, and I am excited to lead the team and to elevate the quality of the food and overall experience at the restaurant. “Our plan is to develop a refined, seasonal menu within the restaurant and also offer a series of high-quality small plates in the bar for those looking for a more casual dining option. “We want Bramleys to be a destination where people can come to have a memorable experience, and it is great to have the support of Nottingham Venues to create something special in Nottingham.” Peter Bartlett, General Manager at The Orchard Hotel and East Midlands Conference Centre, said: “David is a fantastic chef with a history of delivering exceptional experiences for diners at restaurants across our region. His vision and knowledge will be instrumental in us refining and improving our offering at Bramleys. “Currently, Bramleys is popular with our hotel guests, but we aim to establish it as a standout destination, offering some of the finest food in the County for both hotel guests and local visitors to enjoy. “I am excited to see the restaurant evolve in the coming months and to unveil our refreshed offering later this year, creating a unique opportunity for Bramleys to shine as a destination in its own right.”

‘Help business to deliver the growth you want’, says Business Board Network Chair

Stuart Pearcey
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‘Help business to deliver the growth you want’, says Business Board Network Chair
Business Board Network Chair Mark Bretton has urged government to give businesses the freedom and support that will allow companies to deliver the growth it’s so keen to see. Responding to the Chancellor’s speech last week he said: “it is business who create the jobs and opportunities that in turn deliver growth.  Government’s role is simple; create the right stimulus and give the freedom and support to allow business to do what it does best.  So no more reviews please, provide the small amount of funding that’s urgently needed and let’s focus on turning the dream of growth into the reality of prosperity.” It was that freedom which he said, would allow developments like the South Yorkshire Airport City. “The planning and eventual realisation of these major investments, and hundreds of others, are very much dependent on the strengths of Business Boards in Mayoral Combined Authorities and across all regions, which act as the instigators and visionaries of local growth. “Put simply, without the support of business and the local Business Boards that represent their voice in local decision making, the dream of growth will remain just that, a dream. “So, it is a confusing contradiction that at the very time government has driving growth as its number one mission and seeking the support of business in doing that, that it has launched a consultation on withdrawing its support for business engagement and regional economic planning. “Local business leaders are completely frustrated at the continual review and rereview of their efforts to work together with local government to drive growth.  They want to get on with real work, knowing that they have the support of government to do this.”

West Northants’ stage sees highest economic benefit of 2024 Tour of Britain

Tess Egginton
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West Northants’ stage sees highest economic benefit of 2024 Tour of Britain
The British Cycling Evaluation Report for the 2024 Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Men has revealed significant economic benefits in West Northamptonshire and highlighted the area’s contribution to the overall event as one of six host stages. The event’s fifth stage, held on Saturday 7 September 2024, showcased West Northants as a hub of excitement and community pride, seeing thousands of residents line the streets to cheer on the world-class cyclists. The report highlights how West Northants’ stage delivered the highest economic benefit of the entire Tour, with a total impact of £5.69 million, driven by £3.6 million in attendee spending. Over 85% of attendees expressed pride in their local area following the event, with 83% recognising the positive boost to the economy. Attendees from across the UK flocked to enjoy the race, with visitors spending an average of 2.4 nights in the area, further boosting the local hospitality sector. The stage also garnered significant media coverage, valued at £635,698, promoting West Northamptonshire to national and international audiences. Cllr Daniel Lister, Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture, and Leisure, said: “The Tour of Britain brought tremendous benefits to West Northamptonshire, showcasing our area as a prime destination for world-class sporting events. “This report further highlights our dedication to boosting tourism, attracting inward investment, and supporting local businesses while promoting a strong sense of community pride and spirit. “Hosting this event has not only delivered an incredible economic boost but has also inspired countless residents and visitors to embrace cycling and active lifestyles. The Council remains committed to building on this momentum and we can’t wait to host more major events like this including the upcoming Women’s Rugby World Cup.”

£250k grant to help Bolsover District establish green skills hub

Tess Egginton
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£250k grant to help Bolsover District establish green skills hub
Bolsover District Council has successfully bid for a £249,914 grant from EMIZ (East Midlands Investment Zone) for the development of a feasibility study for a Green Skills Hub. The council is developing the Green Skills Hub at Portland Drive in Shirebrook, which is being funded through the UK Government Regeneration Fund. The construction and fit out of a new subregional green skills centre will be housed in 9,000 sq ft of new industrial workspace. It will accommodate a retrofit training hub delivering demonstrator zones of existing residential/commercial buildings, training rooms to deliver accredited training for the installation of green technologies and a workspace for training on additional green technologies, such as electric vehicles, air and gas source heat pumps and other new emerging systems/products. The Hub is being developed as part of the council’s long-term strategy to develop green and retrofit skills across the district and the study is being undertaken by RLB Rider Levett Bucknall. It builds on research that the council led on (conducted for Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire) which identified the need for ‘green skills’ locally and work done with local colleges and employers to develop a green skills pathway from training to employment. In 2024 the council helped win external funding of £125,000 to pay for training rigs at local colleges and universities to develop their green skills teaching. The cash will be used to develop the ‘offering’ of the Green Skills Hub including:
  • Development of the education strand of the project, working with local colleges and universities.
  • Development of careers support and driving recruitment for courses.
  • Community liaison to develop courses and training relevant to the local community.
  • Development of a low carbon private and public sector training delivery hub for local businesses to use.
  • Developing an employer needs analysis linking programme plans to industry needs and capital design plans.
Cabinet Member for Growth, Councillor John Ritchie said: “These are exciting times for the district and we are delighted to have secured this funding and look forward to working with RLB to progress our green skills hub. “Green energy is the future and is big business. So, by developing our own Green Skills Hub where we can offer courses to local residents to improve their skills and knowledge or assist businesses develop their plans, then we can take advantage of the benefits on offer. “The manufacturing industries are rapidly moving towards green skills so this is us preparing for this shift and having a facility ready and available to train and upskill the next generation of workers.” The application also includes a ‘follow on’ project, that if funded by EMIZ, will fund the kit out of the Hub and resource funding for training and one employee to co-ordinate and accelerate the delivery of activities following completion of the build out.

Business park to welcome Sainsbury’s and Starbucks as scheme marks major step forward

Tess Egginton
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0
Business park to welcome Sainsbury’s and Starbucks as scheme marks major step forward
Clowes Developments’ 20-acre Stud Brook Business Park has taken another important step forward as the units which will be occupied by Sainsbury’s and Starbucks reach practical completion. The developer received planning permission for the Sainsbury’s convenience store and Starbucks ‘drive-thru’ last July – both units are now ready for the well-known brands to move in and begin their fit-out programme as construction contractor Roe Developments delivers the buildings on time and according to schedule. James Richards, Development Director at Clowes Developments, said: “It’s fantastic to see the Sainsbury’s and Starbucks units reaching practical completion – both will complement the industrial and warehouse offering at Stud Brook Business Park and will be a real convenience boost for the neighbouring residents – as well as bringing new jobs to the area.” Stud Brook Business Park at Castle Donington will include units ranging from 8,500 to 30,000 sq ft when completed. The warehouse and industrial units will be delivered by a team including IMA Architects, lead contractor TanRo, Millwards engineers and Postins Project Services. The delivery team are aiming for a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating and an EPC rating of ‘A’ for units 2-7, in line with Clowes Developments’ sustainability goals. Features include recycling solutions, solar-ready roofs, electric vehicle charging points and landscaping. Additionally, units 2-7 will be delivered as ‘Net Zero in Occupation’, which will enable future occupiers to operate at Net Zero emissions. Stud Brook Business Park will cater for small and medium-sized businesses while also accommodating larger national operators with recognised household names to be announced in due course. Marketing for the development is being led by FHP Property Consultants and NG Chartered Surveyors. Tim Gilbertson at FHP Property Consultants said: “We know how onsite facilities improve the attraction of industrial estates substantially providing effectively breakout areas and opportunities to ‘get away from the desk’ or have impromptu meetings for business owners and staff alike, so for FHP to have secured both Starbucks and Sainsbury’s for this scheme is great news all round and will, I have no doubt, help us to find the last couple of occupiers for the few units remaining.” Richard Sutton, Managing Director at NG Chartered Surveyors, added: “It’s brilliant news that these first two units are set to be occupied by such big-hitters. This will only help drive even more quality occupiers to Stud Brook Business Park – and the level of demand we’ve seen for this high-end development has already been incredibly high.”

Nottingham tech firm expands footprint in Australia with latest acquisition

Tess Egginton
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Nottingham tech firm expands footprint in Australia with latest acquisition
Nottingham-headquartered Ideagen, a provider of software solutions to regulated and high compliance industries, has strengthened its worker safety compliance capability with the acquisition of Australian SaaS business, Beakon. Specialising in environmental health and safety (EHS) and contractor management, Beakon hosts an impressive list of customers including Coca Cola, Sydney Water and Conoco Phillips, helping to manage safety, risk and compliance of workers and site visitors. Speaking about the acquisition, Ideagen CEO, Ben Dorks, said: “I’m really pleased to welcome Beakon into the Ideagen family. We’ve spent the last 12 months actively strengthening the capabilities we can offer our customers, particularly around worker and contractor safety. “Sam and the Beakon team have built a really strong product. Adding these capabilities to our portfolio means we can offer an even wider range of solutions to our global customer base. “We know this is particularly important to those industries with a high volume of transient or contracted workforces that require businesses to manage compliance obligations like permit to work and appropriate qualifications.” Founder and CEO, Sam Davies, said: “Joining the Ideagen team is an exciting opportunity for Beakon. This move will fuel our expansion into new markets, enhance our ability to serve global clients, and provide access to valuable expertise and resources to better serve our valued clients.” Beakon will be Ideagen’s fourth acquisition in the past 12 months and the sixth Australian business to come into their Asia-Pacific footprint since the start of 2023, joining Ideagen Damstra (April 2024), Ideagen Plant Assessor (January 2024), Ideagen OpCentral (November 2023), Ideagen Lucidity (October 2023), Ideagen OnePlace Solutions (May 2023), alongside Ideagen CompliSpace acquired in 2021.

Derby City Lab to make Market Hall move

Tess Egginton
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Derby City Lab to make Market Hall move
The national award-winning Derby City Lab will soon have a new home in the redeveloped Derby Market Hall, following an announcement made at Marketing Derby’s Annual Business Event. The new move will see the City Lab continue its role as a hub for community engagement and innovation from the Market Hall which is due to open in spring this year after undergoing a major transformation. Derby City Lab was created in 2022 and was based in St James’s St at the heart of the city’s regeneration frontline and in 2024, it moved to a new location in the Derbion shopping centre. The Lab is a hub for engaging the community in better understanding the evolution of the city. Visitors can find out about how the city centre is changing, explore the City Living Room which showcases Derby’s 300-year history of innovation, and view a range of exhibitions focused on ideas to regenerate Derby, including the University of Derby’s futuristic Derby Urban Sustainable Transition (DUST) vision. Nadine Peatfield, Leader of Derby City Council, said: “Derby City Lab has been integral in helping citizens and stakeholders to understand and shape the city centre’s transformation. I’m delighted to see that it will be moving into Derby Market Hall. It is central to our regeneration plans – reimagining our city centre with culture at its heart and making a better-connected, sustainable city for the future. “Derby City Lab will continue to provide a space where residents and visitors can learn more about the city centre’s ongoing regeneration and share their views on future plans. We are committed to engaging with residents in innovative ways and the Lab plays a big part in that. I am so excited for the opening of Derby Market Hall and am thrilled to welcome Derby City Lab to their new home.” John Forkin, Managing Director of Marketing Derby, said: “The Derby City Lab is a unique innovation in the UK – a genuine attempt to engage local people in the shaping of their city. Last week, we welcomed our 15,000th visitor and are excited to become part of the rediscovery of the wonderful Derby Market Hall.” The Derby Market Hall redevelopment is a £31.5m project part funded with £9.43m from the Government’s Future High Street Fund (FHSF). It is in the second phase of the transformation, focusing on refurbishing the interior and developing the public space outside at Osnabruck Square. Located at the heart of the city centre, linking Derbion and St Peter’s Quarter with the Cathedral Quarter and Becketwell, the new Market Hall will play a key role in widening the diversity of the city centre and will generate £3.64m for the local economy every year. Based on concepts in Shanghai and Amsterdam, the Derby City Lab is an initiative of Marketing Derby, the Queen’s Award-winning inward investment agency for Derby, together with partners including Clowes Developments, Derbion, Lathams, the University of Derby and Derby City Council. The Lab won the Estates Gazette award as the Best Public-Private Partnership in the UK.
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