Merger agreed to create one of the largest housing associations in the region
Milton Keynes-based Grand Union Housing Group and Rushden-based Longhurst Group have agreed to come together and merge as single entity after Boards at both organisations unanimously agreed to the proposal and signed off a detailed business case.
The aim is for both organisations to come together formally and legally in December under a new name and brand.
The new organisation will own and manage over 37,000 homes and employ over 1,400 colleagues across the Midlands and East of England. This will make it one of the largest housing associations in the region.
By joining together, the organisations say they will unlock significant potential to invest even more in their existing homes and communities, while building more much needed affordable homes and improving the services their customers receive.
Back in July, the two housing associations announced their intention to merge and have since completed a consultation with their customers about the proposal and undergone a process of due diligence before reaching their final decision.
Lasting six weeks, the customer consultation closed in September and saw just under 2,000 customers provide feedback, either by post, online or over the phone.
In total, 47 percent of all feedback from customers of both organisations was positive or very positive, with only 20 percent negative or very negative.
A Shadow Board and Shadow Executive Team have been appointed and will take on responsibility for the new organisation.
Chief Executive of the new organisation will be current Longhurst Group Chief Executive, Julie Doyle, while Emma Killick, currently Chair of Grand Union’s Board, will become Chair.
After 25 years with the company, Aileen Evans, the current Chief Executive of Grand Union, decided not to put herself forward for a role with the new organisation and will step down from Grand Union once the merger is completed.
Emma Killick, Chair of Grand Union, said: “It’s a real privilege to take on the role of Chair as we bring these fantastic organisations together.
“Our new organisation will have significant potential to make a positive difference to thousands of people’s lives across the regions we serve, improving the homes and services we provide and building more homes.
“I’m really looking forward to working more closely with Julie Doyle. We share the same drive and passion to improve the lives of people who rely upon us the most and her philosophy and her values align so closely with those of Grand Union.
“Bringing the two organisations together really does seem like the perfect fit and we’ll be in extremely safe hands with Julie at the helm.”
Julie Doyle, Chief Executive of Longhurst Group, said: “I’m delighted to have been appointed Chief Executive of the new organisation. A significant amount of work has already taken place and I can’t wait to formally bring the two organisations together in December.
“I’m aware I have some very big boots to fill. I’m proud to class Aileen as a friend and she’s someone I have huge respect and admiration for. I’m confident that the new organisation will build on these principles to ensure we’re able to do even more for our customers, the communities we serve and our colleagues.
“I’m looking forward to working with Emma and the rest of the Board, and senior leadership team, to bring both organisations together and ensure we have the plans in place to realise our objectives.
“Both organisations have acknowledged that we haven’t got everything right and there are improvements we need to make, but the opportunity to merge brings with it fantastic potential for us to achieve even more, building more affordable homes and being a reliable and trusted landlord that delivers the homes and services that our customers need and expect.”
Reflecting on the integral role Aileen Evans has played in Grand Union’s growth and success over the years, Emma Killick added: “Aileen has been pivotal to ensuring that Grand Union has continued to deliver on its purpose of providing homes for those that need them.
“In recent years, she’s continued this fantastic work despite the sector experiencing some of the most challenging environments it has faced in years, including the pandemic and a cost-of-living crisis.
“It’s been an absolute pleasure working with Aileen. With her fantastic reputation and profile in the housing sector, a sector I know she retains huge affection for, I’m sure she’ll continue to be a force for good and drive change and improvement.
“I, along with the rest of the Board and all Grand Union colleagues, thank her wholeheartedly and wish her all the very best for the future.”
Aileen became Group Chief Executive in July 2017, having previously been Group Operations Director. Under her leadership, Grand Union came together as a single organisation following a unification, then moved to a single office in Milton Keynes. From there, the organisation has started to transform and modernise the way it works, by using data and technology to improve services for customers and colleagues.
Aileen, who will still serve on the board of the Chartered Institute of Housing and volunteer for Furnishing Futures – a charity that creates healing homes for domestic abuse survivors – said: “Stepping down from Grand Union is the hardest decision I’ve ever made.
“It’s a bit of a cliché, but it genuinely has been a privilege to lead Grand Union over the last seven years and I’m really proud of what we’ve achieved in my time as Chief Executive.
“I’m incredibly grateful to those who have helped us achieve what we have. Every day I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside amazing colleagues and board members and got to see the positive impact they consistently have.
“Julie will be a fantastic CEO of the newly merged organisation, her values and integrity guide everything she does, and I feel happy in entrusting Grand Union’s proud legacy to her.
“After a bit of a break, I’ll still be around in the sector. As well as all the other issues facing the sector, there’s a housing crisis to solve.”
New £500,000 centre at Northampton College to tackle green construction skills shortage
Northampton College will tackle the UK’s acute shortage of construction workers with up-to-date ‘green skills’ head on with the opening of a £500,000 renewable energies education and training facility.
The new Green Skills Centre at Booth Lane will provide up to 250 students with daily access to the latest green technologies each year, reskill adults who want to move into the construction industry and upskill existing professionals in the sector.
It will also support a variety of green initiatives run by Northampton College, such as the Big Rig Low Carbon Challenge, which promotes sustainable construction careers to secondary school students across the county.
Designed by decarbonisation specialist and renewable training provider Quantum, the centre features rigs and bays for air source heat pumps, ground source heat pumps, solar PV, solar thermal, wind generation, electrification of vehicles and EV charging and promotes sustainable construction methods and materials.
Students will receive training on top-of-the-range low carbon technologies such as Daikin air source heat pumps.
Deputy Principal Patrick Leavey said: “We tasked Quantum with creating one of the best renewable technology centres in the country for us and they haven’t disappointed.
“This incredible facility will support the UK’s targets around carbon reduction and help to address the acute skills shortages within construction personnel to meet the rising demand for green technologies.
“This is a fantastic resource for Northamptonshire and the region and will strengthen the area’s construction and built environment workforce by providing them with specialist green construction skills which are needed across the UK.”
Construction Curriculum Manager Mark Bradshaw added: “The technology in our Green Skills Centre is highly sophisticated and we’re replicating the best contemporary professional practices there to help our region get to net zero.
“With support from Castle Climate Control and Thorn Electrical we’ll be offering master classes, we’re developing a range of competency and licence-to-practice courses in various green technologies and we’re also creating a sustainability course.”
The new facility, which is next to the College’s existing Advanced Construction Engineering Centre, will also be used to support an ongoing partnership Northampton College has with the University of Northampton to research efficient design and implementation of low carbon adoption.
Green skills was identified as a priority skills development area within the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP), with the centre partially funded with support from the Local Skills Improvement Fund (LSIF).
In a world of Ai, don’t be afraid to be more ‘I’: by Greg Simpson, founder of Press For Attention PR
With the rise of Ai, Greg Simpson, founder of Press For Attention PR, stresses the importance of being more ‘I’.
I had an interesting exchange with someone recently, when discussing branding, Ai and marketing.
For some, Ai, images-wise for blogs as far as I’m concerned, has been a game-changer. I have been able to be even MORE prolific in my content. It has freed me up no end in terms of productivity and getting things done that look waaaaay better than a woeful stock image would muster.
For others, they have finally begun making some marketing moves. I love this. However, whilst Ai has made content so much easier to create, with that ease has come a tidal wave of tedium. There is less personality, simply by dint of it being way easier to bash out some copy and conjure a clever picture. It is almost too easy and with that, there is always a danger of even more “Meh” in your marketing.
It doesn’t have to be like this! That’s why when I do media stories about me working with my clients, there is zero Ai. There is ME, with my client, being human and…hold the phones…having FUN! Dun, dun, durrrrrr!
Take the press release I put out this week about working with business psychology expert Penny Strutton. Penny is FUN. She is not from a corporate background and has a wonderful vibrancy about her. So, the photo we did to illustrate the story was dynamic.
Was it a faff? Yes! Did we have to carve out 2 hours for travel and logistics? Yes. Did Penny forget the Twister mat thingy she uses and had to go back and get it? Yes. But the point is, she did. Did I fall over attempting to stretch in an unnatural way? No comment.
The result is that people know we are working together, and they know why, mainly because Penny is rebranding from her “Think Forward” corporate identity, which all sounds very nice and professional BACK to her name. Why?
You’ve all heard the phrase ‘People buy from people’, so put the people back into the brand.
Penny’s brand is actually HER. Here’s Penny’s take: ‘‘In today’s landscape, where Ai is automating many tasks, people want to work with real people, not faceless brands.
“My work has always been about helping individuals and teams thrive and by bringing my personal brand to the forefront, I’m better able to connect with clients who value that human touch. Think Forward remains the core methodology I use to deliver results but this partnership with Greg will ensure that personal touch and human message is heard clearly.”
Note Penny used my name, not ‘Press For Attention PR’.
In a world of Ai, be more ‘I’. Maybe the penny will drop for a few folk reading this too.
A former business journalist, Greg Simpson is the author of The Small Business Guide to PR and has been recognised as one of the UK’s top 5 PR consultants, having set up Press for Attention PR in 2008.
He has worked for FTSE 100 firms, charities and start-ups and conducted press conferences with Sir Richard Branson and James Caan. His background ensures a deep understanding of every facet of a successful PR campaign – from a journalist’s, client’s, and consultant’s perspective.
See this column in the October issue of East Midlands Business Link Magazine, here.
Sandwich bread baker fined after worker loses finger
A bakery has been fined more than £360,000 after one of its employees lost a finger in machinery at a site in Northamptonshire.
Jacksons Bakery, a supplier of bread used in the commercial making of sandwiches, was given the fine after an engineer had a finger on his right hand caught in a flour sifting machine.
The then 31-year-old was assisting colleagues as they attempted to maintain the machine by clearing a blockage at the plant in Corby on 2 February 2023.
Following removal of a guard, as the engineer assisted with the task, he checked the tension of a drive belt and his hand got pulled around the bottom pully which resulted in the amputation of part of his right middle finger. The engineer was unaware that the machine had been switched back on.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that Jacksons Bakery Limited failed to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of all their employees.
In this instance there was a failure to implement a safe system of work ensuring that machinery was isolated and then locked off during maintenance work when fixed guards would be removed.
Additionally, HSE found that engineers were unclear on when to isolate and ‘lock out tag out’ machines due to an absence of adequate training and instruction – and the fact that it was custom and practice to not robustly isolate and lock off illustrated an absence of adequate supervision and monitoring.
Jacksons Bakery Limited of The Riverside Building, Liverstone Road, Hessle, East Yorkshire, pleaded guilty to contravening a requirement of section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.
The company was fined £366,666 and was ordered to pay £5,386 costs at a hearing at Wellingborough Magistrates Court on 3 October 2024.
After the hearing, HSE inspector Rebecca Gibson said: “This unnecessary incident highlights the duty on employers to ensure that there are robust procedures in place relating to maintenance activities.
“If an appropriate ‘lock out tag out’ procedure had been produced and implemented and with suitable training, the serious injury would have been avoided.”
U-turn for East Midlands economy as number of companies with late payments falls along with insolvency activity
The monthly number of East Midlands businesses with late payments on their books has fallen for the first time this year, while there has also been a drop in insolvency activity in the region.
According to the Midlands branch of R3, the UK’s insolvency and restructuring trade body, the quantity of East Midlands companies with unpaid invoices past their due date fell to 24,145 in September, which is the region’s lowest number for 2024. It is also the lowest figure for the month across all English regions, except for the North East.
R3’s figures, which are based on an analysis of data from business intelligence provider Creditsafe, also show a decrease in insolvency activity in the East Midlands, which includes liquidator and administrator appointments as well as creditors’ meetings.
R3 Midlands Chair Stephen Rome, a partner at Penningtons Manches Cooper in the region, said: “There are signs that the local economy is shifting from a period of high inflation, stagnation and recession to conditions which are more favourable for growth.
“We have seen retail sales rise over the summer, and the construction and tourism sectors have also received a boost. However, despite some improvement in the local economic picture, there are still significant obstacles to overcome as we head into the critical pre-Christmas trading period.
“It is therefore absolutely crucial for both new and longer-established businesses to keep a careful eye on cashflow and to plan ahead. As soon as any significant financial difficulties arise, professional advice should be sought so that rescue options can be maximised.”
Unique village centre site sold for new housing in Melbourne, Derbyshire
A development opportunity in the market town of Melbourne has been sold to Cameron Homes by Loughborough-based specialist land and development consultancy Mather Jamie who acted on behalf of the landowner.
Formerly used as the Melbourne Senior Citizens Community Centre, the site is an extraordinary development opportunity which benefits from full planning permission for the demolition of existing building and the erection of five new high-quality dwellings with associated amenity space and car parking. Plot sizes range from 1,065 sq ft to 1,700 sq ft.
Commenting on behalf of Mather Jamie, Development Surveyor, Sam Tyler, said: “Melbourne is a thriving village on the edge of the National Forest, and 8 miles south of Derby.
“With more than 60 restaurants and shops on offer nearby, the potential to have quality housing within the village centre will be a much added boost to the local economy and a huge attraction for new home owners.”
Cameron Homes began designing and building individual homes in 1994. Its ethos is to take the right parcel of land in the right location to create beautiful homes that owners would fall in love with, that blend with existing communities, and enhance the surroundings.
Elliott Lawley from Cameron Homes added: “This site and its location fits our development model perfectly. Our plan is to be very sensitive to its conservation area location, in the very heart of Melbourne, whilst also meeting the demands of the local community.
“Mather Jamie has been a pleasure to deal with and extremely professional and co-operative during negotiations.”
Government consults on plans to modernise pension provision
The UK government is fast-tracking plans to modernise its own pensions system by broadening access to Collective Defined Contribution schemes.
CDC pension schemes were first introduced to the UK in 2022, and have the potential to deliver reliable returns for savers, while ensuring more predictable costs for employers.
Today, industry experts, savers and pension providers can have their say on new proposals to extend the current offering of CDC pension schemes to more employers, delivering better value for money for future pensioners and unlocking huge investment potential.
In Canada, the funds from pooled pension contributions are invested into a wider range of assets like infrastructure, startups and private equity – which can benefit the wider economy and boost returns.
Extending CDCs could similarly allow for greater return on investment for those saving into the schemes and allow for larger investment in the UK – supporting the Government’s growth mission to boost the economy.
Minister for Pensions Emma Reynolds said: “We are seizing this opportunity to modernise our pensions market to deliver better outcomes for millions of workers. People work hard to put money aside for their pension with every pay cheque. This significant innovation will offer a more predictable income and greater finance security for future pensioners.”
Currently only single or connected employers can set up CDC schemes, with the first scheme launched by the Royal Mail yesterday.
Building on the significant appetite from industry for extending CDC provision, the Government is now seeking to broaden access further by allowing unconnected multiple employer schemes – making this pension model more accessible to a wider range of businesses and employees.
This work builds on plans to review our pensions landscape as well as our new Pension Schemes Bill which could boost pension pots – with further consolidation and broader investment strategies to possibly deliver higher returns for pensioners.
The consultation seeks views from employers, industry experts, pension providers and the public on draft regulations and their potential impact.
The consultation will run for six weeks – running until 19 November 2024.
New team member, promotion, and investments at Mackworth Vehicle Conversion Specialists
Mackworth Vehicle Conversion Specialists, a provider of bespoke vehicle solutions, has appointed a new team member, made a promotion, and made a significant investment in facilities.
Mackworth has welcomed Phil Taylor as the new Quality and Compliance Inspector. With over five years of experience in quality assurance from his time at Toyota, Phil brings a wealth of expertise in maintaining high standards in the automotive industry.
At Toyota, Phil was responsible for conducting 300 checks in just five minutes on a rolling road, inspecting up to 280 vehicles daily.
At Mackworth, Phil’s role will be critical in ensuring that all vehicle conversions and modifications adhere to customer specifications and industry standards. He will be responsible for performing final quality checks on completed builds, verifying that each vehicle meets the bespoke needs of customers and adheres to Mackworth’s rigorous quality assurance protocols.
Andrew Kent, General Manager at Mackworth, said: “Phil’s eye for detail and dedication to quality will play a key role in enhancing the company’s operations, ensuring that all vehicles leave the facility ready for use and in perfect condition.”
Andrew continued: “Phil’s extensive background in quality assurance and his passion for the industry make him a valuable asset as Mackworth continues to grow and develop its capabilities.”
The company has also promoted Emma Ockhuis to Customer Sales Administrator. Emma has been with Mackworth for just over 12 months, during which time she has demonstrated exceptional dedication, attention to detail, and a strong passion for customer service.
Andrew said: “Emma has a fantastic work ethic and attitude; she’s always willing to go the extra mile for the team and our customers. Her positive approach and attention to detail have been invaluable, and she’s become someone the team can always rely on. Emma is not only efficient and organised, but she always brings her smile to work, creating a friendly and welcoming atmosphere for everyone.”
As part of its ongoing commitment to enhancing the work environment, Mackworth has invested £25,000 in upgrading its workshop toilet facilities. The new installation features automatic taps, promoting hygiene and water efficiency, along with efficient hand dryers, and modern cubicles and urinals. This investment aims to create a comfortable workspace for employees, ensuring the team can operate in the best possible conditions.
Frasers Group acquires over 1 million sq ft of retail assets
Frasers Group has made three real estate acquisitions in strategic retail locations.
The Shirebrook-based business has acquired Princesshay Shopping Centre in Exeter, Fremlin Walk Shopping Centre in Maidstone, and The Olympus Centre in Quedgeley.
Covering over 600,000 sq ft and including Princesshay Shopping Centre, this retail destination for shoppers in Exeter city centre and the wider region is home to more than 60 retailers across boutique, specialist and national brands.
Fremlin Walk Shopping Centre (350,000 sq ft) is a key retail destination in the heart of Maidstone, and home to major UK high street tenants.
It is currently undergoing extensive refurbishment ahead of the opening of a multi-brand 70,000 sq ft FRASERS flagship store, offering consumers access to more brands from the Group’s ecosystem including a Sports Direct, USC, Evans Cycles, GAME and Jack Wills. A 5,000 sq ft FLANNELS store is also set to open this month.
The Olympus Centre (65,000 sq ft) is a fully-let retail park located in the Quedgeley area of Gloucester. Strategically positioned, the retail park has good access to a thriving local catchment population and has strong fundamentals as a retail destination.
The three centres see an annual footfall of almost 17 million visitors.
Michael Murray, CEO of Frasers Group plc, said: “The acquisition of Princesshay, Fremlin Walk and The Olympus Centre reinforces our commitment to investing in physical retail. Securing properties which serve as the primary retail destination for the community remains a top priority for us.
“Such acquisitions unlock new growth opportunities for our retail concepts, while revitalising high streets and physical shopping locations up and down the country. At Frasers, we strive to re-invent and elevate retail for UK shoppers, bringing the very best brands, environments, and experiences to all our customers across the country.”
Frasers Group was advised by James Keany, Executive Director, Head of National Agency at CBRE on this acquisition.
Derby City Council instructs Salloway to sell Allestree Hall
Salloway Property Consultants have been instructed by Derby City Council to sell Allestree Hall.
Set in 8.7 acre grounds and including the former stables and icehouse, the building is steeped in history and character but requires new owners to repurpose and restore the building back to its former glory.
Allestree Hall was built in the early 1800’s on land previously owned by the Mundy family of Markeaton Hall.
Commissioned by Bache Thornhill, Architect James Wyatt was instructed to build an imposing mansion within a country park setting. The Grade II* listed building was built over three storeys with Ashlar stone elevations with sash windows and a central full height bow with a foundation stone bearing the initial JW and dated 1802.
The house was used as a residence from the early 1800s up until the late 1920s with notable stewards amongst others including William Evans, Sir Thomas Williams Evans, Colonel Herbert Johnson.
In 1928 the property was sold to Commercial Constructions Limited who broke the estate up, before disposing of this in 1936. Following the onset of the wars the property was utilised by the National Fire Service as the County Headquarters, albeit conflicting reports suggest that Sherwood Foresters Regiment occupied the property during a similar period.
In 1946 Derby City Council acquired the hall and subsequently converted some of the grounds into an 18-hole golf course. In November 2020 the golf course closed with the land returned to nature to become the UK’s largest urban re-wilding project.
The picturesque setting and scale of this property means that there is great potential in what the building could be utilised for and, subject to meeting the necessary planning and listed building requirements, Salloway believe that the building may be adaptable for educational, office, leisure and recreational or residential use.
“We went live with the property on Friday afternoon and given the volume of enquiries and requests for further information we are looking to conduct block viewings with an intention to draw interest to a close, by late October/early November,” said Chris Keogh, Associate Director, Salloway.
