- The purchase and refurbishment of the derelict Grade II listed Ritz building with a view to letting it out as a possible food court, market hall or entertainment venue.
- Tackling the long term empty shops on Bath Street where there are currently 10 properties that have been vacant from 4 up to 23 years. The proposal is to support whole building refurbishment by offering to buy the leasehold of refurbished commercial units in these buildings or, failing that, to acquire the buildings and appoint a development partner to carry out the refurbishment.
- A third project aims to raise the overall quality and attractiveness of the area to attract further private sector investment and boost the welcoming vibe for residents. Suggestions include more greenery, new gateway features to the main shopping streets and innovative new lighting schemes for the Market Place.
£20m Levelling Up bid set to move forward for Ilkeston
A bid for up to £20m of government funding for three projects to help regenerate Ilkeston town centre looks set to be approved next week.
A meeting of Erewash Borough Council’s Executive on Tuesday (5 July) is expected to agree that the bid should be submitted to the nationwide Levelling Up initiative as part of the drive to improve the town centre.
A report going to the meeting says that a seven week public consultation earlier this year produced clear results that have helped shape the ambitious bid, with residents particularly highlighting a desire for a better range and quality of shops, including restaurants and services for children, and action over vacant properties.
If approved by Executive members, the bid will go to the government next week and focus on winning funding for three inter-linked regeneration projects covering South Street, the Market Place, Bath Street and Station Road.
Details of these project proposals include:
Multi-million-pound investment and development signals new era at Gamston airport
The first phase of the multi-million-pound development and investment at Retford (Gamston) Airport by Thatcham Research marks an exciting new era for the site and surrounding area.
The ambition is to create a UK centre of excellence around vehicle technology testing and safety research that will attract future investment as well as employment and skills development in the area, while securing a long-term future for aviation.
The initial construction work started on 20 June 2022, with the first phase focused on ensuring the continued safe operation of aviation with upgrades to the main runway, markings and runway lighting, as well as development of part of the site for vehicle technology testing and safety research. Construction work is expected to be completed in September 2022.
During this period, the airport will be closed to all visiting aircraft. Businesses and private flyers based at Gamston will continue to be able to operate using an alternative runway.
Jonathan Hewett, Chief Executive at Thatcham Research, says: “We are extremely excited to begin to realise our ambition of creating a UK centre of excellence for vehicle technology research and safety assurance testing, as well as securing a long-term future for aviation at Gamston.
“We have ambitious plans around employment and skills development at Gamston. We will be looking to create 30 jobs in this first phase, through the recruitment of key engineering and support roles from across the area, as well as transferring some of our staff from Berkshire to Gamston.
“We are also exploring opportunities with Bassetlaw District Council on extending the training and skills development that we already undertake for the automotive repair industry, with more than 3,500 technicians and apprentices benefitting from our training every year.
“In terms of this phase of the construction, we’re doing all we can to ensure that it has limited impact on the local community, and are working closely with our contractors to minimise noise and disruption, as well as making sure that aviation can continue.”
Cllr Jo White, cabinet member for regeneration at Bassetlaw District Council, says: “I am very pleased to welcome Thatcham Research to Bassetlaw and I’m thrilled that they have chosen our district as a home for their new UK centre of excellence.
“Their presence and investment at Gamston will be a step-change for the area in terms of the new technology that Thatcham will bring, but also for the higher skilled employment opportunities that will be developed.
“This is the beginning of a partnership that will benefit Thatcham and Bassetlaw and I’m excited to see how this flourishes and develops over the coming months and years.”
Thatcham Research received planning permission from Bassetlaw District Council in August 2021 to develop Retford (Gamston) Airport as a dual operations site, and became owners of Gamston Aviation Limited (GAL) who run the airport in December 2021.
Future of fire & security specialists secured with Employee Ownership Trust
The long-term future of fire and security alarm system installation specialists Tecserv UK has been assured following the completion of an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT).
Based in Underwood, on the Notts & Derby border, Tecserv UK is about to celebrate its 21st anniversary and best ever turnover.
CEO Grahame Tilley said: “Tecserv is a great place to work and has a fantastic talented team driving it forward. I am planning on retiring within the next few years, so by adopting an EOT as an exit strategy, instead of selling the business to a 3rd party, we will be rewarding our staff for their hard work and loyalty with long term security and brand continuity.”
Founded in 2001, Tecserv UK employs more than 50 people across the UK installing and maintaining fire and intruder alarms, CCTV, access control and fire extinguishers.
Professional advice to establish the EOT was provided by John Sykes from Skye Corporate Finance in Leicester, Roger Harcourt from Shakespeare Martineau and Bob Johnson and Pujah Joshi from Mazars Leicester office.
How to increase customer satisfaction on an eCommerce site
The eCommerce sector is one of the fastest-growing industries, with eComm sales reaching over £693 billion in the UK alone. Whether you have a burgeoning eComm site or you’ve been part of the growing online revolution for a number of years, in such a competitive market it’s important to continually look for ways to improve and increase customer satisfaction.
Why is customer satisfaction important?
Ultimately, without customers, you have no business. You could have the best product in the world, but if customer satisfaction is low, they’re less likely to recommend your services.
Customer satisfaction leads to greater customer retention, which in turn, will lead to greater profits. But in order to increase customer satisfaction, you’ll need to understand how to measure it, which will help show you how you can increase it.
How to measure customer satisfaction
There are a number of ways you can measure customer satisfaction, but the easiest and most effective way is by asking your customers. Whether you ask them to fill out surveys and in thanks they receive a discount on a future purchase, or you create focus groups that use your site and then give feedback.
If you’re more tech-savvy and interested in user experience, you can also measure the conversion rate and bounce rate. By looking at which pages customers leave your site (bounce) and which pages have the highest conversions you can see where in the customer journey you need to pay attention.
How to improve customer satisfaction
Once you’ve measured customer satisfaction, you’ll know which areas to focus on. Typically these are the most common processes that cause dissatisfaction:
Make the checkout process simple
If the checkout process is long and drawn out, users are far more likely to find another site selling a similar product with a much smoother process. If you ask users to create an account, consider doing this after purchase instead of before.
Make returns easy
Having a clear returns policy will help your business stand out in a crowd. Consider enabling open banking solutions within your eCommerce site. Not only will this provide a quick payment option, but it will help customers receive return payments without much hassle in a quick and timely manner.
Make the site easy to navigate
Whilst the time spent on sites such as Facebook and Google is around 20 minutes per day, users tend to spend less than one minute (54 seconds) on other sites, so making your site easy to navigate is essential if you want to make the most of those seconds.
Make sure a user knows how to find a specific product or service, relevant details are prominent, and navigating to make a payment is clear.
It’s important to remember that customer satisfaction isn’t just a one-time thing. You should continuously monitor your site and look for ways to improve your offering.
Nottingham Venues unveiled – new name launches “unrivalled portfolio of meeting & event spaces”
After decades of providing meetings, events and hotel stays, a collection of venues located across the University of Nottingham’s campuses has been rebranded as Nottingham Venues.
The rebrand brings the Orchard Hotel, the Jubilee Hotel & Conferences, Hugh Stewart Manor House, Campus Venues (formally known as Nottingham Conferences) and East Midlands Conference Centre under one roof.
“These unique venues have always been a part of the University but have now decided to stand alone without a management company due to the wealth of knowledge of the inhouse team,” explains general manager Tom Waldron-Lynch.
“We’re talking about ‘One Destination with Endless Possibilities’ because when you look at the offering, that is what truly awaits visitors and guests.”
The five venues provide customers with world class sporting facilities, global conferences, exhibitions, award nights or cater for a simpler everyday meeting.
Each venue has its own aesthetic, located in peaceful green grounds of the secluded university campus.
Tom continues: “The move provides us with the opportunity to take the knowledge and experience gained from the last 10 years and take the business into its next phase.
“The unique nature of our offering sets us apart from competitors which has seen us become a firm favourite of organisers of global conferences, team away days, overnight stays, and business meetings.
“Being part of the University gives us world-class facilities which has seen us host a variety of sporting teams from premier league football teams to cricket and netball. We are looking forward to growing the business and becoming the number one place in the East Midlands for meetings and events.”
Whilst the heritage of the sites is important, it is the future of the organisation as a beacon of sustainability and local employment that is driving the direction and growth of the business, according to marketing director Stephanie Moss-Pearce.
“We employ circa 180 people across our sites, and we are proud to be one of the larger employers in the city. We have plans to grow but as we do, we want to make sure we do that sustainably, both in terms of personnel but also with regards to our own impact on the planet
“Nottingham Venues will officially launch as a new brand with a garden party event in early July.”
What you can experience at Nottingham Venues:
- Accommodation to suit every budget and need from student halls to four-star bedrooms.
- Sustainably built buildings, locally sourced food, and electric charging points.
- Endless food options from banqueting menus, delegate lunches, Bramleys Restaurant and Spokes Café.
Frasers Group snaps up stake in Australian fashion marketplace
Shirebrook-based Frasers Group has acquired a 28.7% holding in the Australian-based fashion marketplace, MySale plc.
MySale connects global buyers and sellers to Australian and New Zealand ecommerce sites.
In a statement to the London Stock Exchange, Frasers said: “The group believes this creates an opportunity for a strategic partnership whereby end of line group products can be cleared via an established clearance channel.
“This pipeline will be further enhanced by the benefits of counter seasonality between the European and Australian climates.”
Applaud and connect with the region’s property and construction leaders at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022
Taking place on Thursday 15 September, at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022, a highlight in the business calendar, will celebrate the region’s property and construction industry while providing a brilliant opportunity to connect with local decision makers over canapés and complimentary drinks.
The event, taking place from 4:30pm – 7:30pm, will also feature John Forkin MBE DL, Managing Director at award-winning investment promotion agency Marketing Derby, as keynote speaker, as well as award-winning mind reader, magician, and professional mentalist Looch, who will bewilder and astonish guests during the evening’s networking.
Thanks to our sponsors:
Tickets can now be booked for the awards event – click here to secure yours.
With nominations OPEN for East Midlands Business Link’s annual Bricks Awards, it’s time to submit your entries for the prestigious event – showcase your business, team and projects. Award categories include: most active estate agent, commercial development of the year, responsible business of the year, residential development of the year, developer of the year, deal of the year, architects of the year, excellence in design, sustainable development of the year, contractor of the year, and overall winner. To submit a business or development please click on a category link below or visit this page.- Most active estate agent
- Commercial development of the year
- Responsible business of the year
- Residential development of the year
- Developer of the year
- Deal of the year
- Architects of the year
- Excellence in design
- Sustainable development of the year
- Contractor of the year
- Overall winner (this award cannot be entered, the winner will be selected from those nominated)
To be held at:
Up to 170 homes coming to Leicestershire village after successful appeal
A property consultancy has helped a housing developer win an appeal to build up to 170 homes at a site in north Leicestershire after giving detailed evidence at a public inquiry.
Fisher German helped David Wilson Homes and Anthony Raymond Shuttlewood win its appeal against Charnwood Borough Council, which initially refused its outline planning application to create up to 170 homes at a site off Cossington Road, Sileby.
The Council initially refused permission on its officers’ advice as the site was in an ‘Area of Local Separation’ (ALS) between Sileby and nearby Cossington and that Sileby had already met the target growth as set out in the Council’s Development Plan.
However, David Wilson Homes appealed, and its case was bolstered by Fisher German’s expertise in planning matters.
Angela Brooks, associate director at Fisher German, was called as an expert planning witness by Paul Tucker QC, acting for David Wilson Homes, at the public inquiry.
The presumption in favour of sustainable development was engaged as the council were unable to demonstrate a five-year supply of housing.
Angela was able to successfully demonstrate that the any negative effects of the proposed development in terms of character and appearance and the conflict with the development plan were outweighed by the clear benefits.
Despite the Council‘s disagreement, she argued that the development was in a sustainable location, would make provision for affordable housing and other infrastructure requirements as well as a significant over provision of open space ensuring that incursion into the ALS was minimised.
The Planning Inspector agreed with her submissions and David Wilson Homes’ case and allowed the appeal.
Angela said: “This is a fantastic result for David Wilson Homes – we felt its application did not contradict relevant guidelines and that there was a good chance the appeal would be allowed by the Planning Inspector.
“While the site was indeed in the ALS, under half of it will be developed with built form, and the separation between Sileby and Cossington would remain.
“We’re delighted the Planning Inspector agreed with our submissions and that David Wilson Homes will now be able to deliver much-needed housing in north Leicestershire.”
John Reddington, Managing Director at David Wilson Homes East Midlands, said: “Winning the appeal for a new development in Sileby is fantastic news as it brings the delivery of 170 much needed new homes ever closer for Leicestershire property seekers.
“The plans for the development include a mix of housing and will form part of a major investment in this part of the county. Our development would also underpin approximately 340 jobs for local people.”
The landowner’s strategic development consultant, John Edmond of Silver Fox Development Consultancy, said: “This detailed proposal was an important test of the Council’s Area of Separation Policy.
“The Inspector noted that the perceptual reduction in the Area of Separation would be limited to relatively small sections with the area of different routes around the site, while the significant area of public open space proposed would retain a meaningful break in the built form.
“It was a great result that will meaningfully assist the Council in its delivery of market and affordable housing. It was a pleasure to work with a great professional team led by Paul Tucker QC.”
BDO names new regional head of audit
Accountancy and business advisory firm BDO has announced a new head of audit in the Midlands.
Jon Gilpin will take on the role, which is effective from 1 July 2022, and will lead the region’s 150-strong audit practice as Kyla Bellingall steps into her new position as regional managing partner in the Midlands.
Jon joined BDO in 2017 as an audit partner in Birmingham and has worked with ambitious businesses across a range of industries. He has carved out a specialism in the manufacturing sector and has established a voice as a champion of the region’s manufacturers. Jon will oversee the audit practice in its role as leading adviser to the AIM market in the Midlands and the team will continue to focus on working with entrepreneurial mid-market and listed businesses.
BDO, which has offices in Birmingham and Nottingham, has experienced strong growth in the Midlands, increasing headcount in the region by 20% in the past 12 months. Underpinning this expansion has been developing specialist teams in the regions with the skills, attributes, and experience to help clients succeed. The firm has just announced a long-term commitment to the Midlands, having invested in a new office in Nottingham city centre in addition to its Birmingham base.
Speaking of his appointment, Jon Gilpin said: “In the five years I’ve been with BDO, we’ve seen huge changes in the market as businesses have demonstrated ingenuity and tenacity to overcome new challenges and rethink the way they work. Our own team has also transformed during this period and we’re proud to support so many of the region’s most impressive businesses.
“One thing which remains a constant at BDO is our culture, which allows our people to thrive and is the key to the firm’s success. My passion is helping our people and clients succeed and I’m excited about how I can continue to do this in my new role.”
Head of BDO in the Midlands, Kyla Bellingall added: “It is fantastic to be able to announce Jon’s new role today as we continue to invest in our people in the region. Businesses face ongoing uncertainty, but our clients have remained resilient and require best-in-class advisers to help them navigate any challenges and unlock opportunities. Jon’s appointment reflects this demand and I look forward to seeing what he goes on to achieve in his role.”
East Midlands business confidence remains positive despite dip
Business confidence in the East Midlands fell two points to 23% in June, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking.
Companies in the East Midlands reported higher confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, up seven points at 27%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, down 11 points to 19%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 23%.
East Midlands businesses flagged a range of growth opportunities for the next six months, including evolving their offering with a new product or service (44%), investing in the growth and development of their team (37%) and making their operations more sustainable (28%).
The Business Barometer, which questions 1,200 businesses monthly, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide.
A net balance of 16% of businesses in the region expect to increase staffing levels over the next year, up one point on last month.
Across the UK, business confidence fell 10 points during June to 28%. Firms’ optimism in the economy dropped 12 points to 21%, while their outlook on future trading prospects was down eight points, at 34%. The net balance of businesses planning to create new jobs also decreased, by nine points, to 28%.
Every UK region and nation reported positive confidence readings in June. However, all except the East of England (up 17 points to 31%) recorded a lower reading than last month. London (down 28 points to 35%), the West Midlands (down 23 points to 30%) and Scotland (down 15 points to 27%) reported the largest decreases month-on-month, with the North West (down two points to 42%) now the most optimistic region overall.
Dave Atkinson, regional director for the East Midlands at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “Despite the challenges businesses face, confidence across the East Midlands remains robust and the outlook positive. Firms are looking to innovate, develop skills, and make their operations more sustainable, highlighting their confidence to invest in mid-to-long-term growth opportunities.
“Businesses should explore different support options as they pursue these new growth opportunities. For example, the focus on sustainability has grown since last month and I expect this trend will continue as we head towards our Net Zero goals. Using tools like our Clean Growth Finance Initiative could help businesses introduce more energy-efficient measures and create a more sustainable way of operating. We’ll be by the side of businesses across the region as they explore these options and look forward to a more positive future.”
Confidence among businesses in the manufacturing and construction sectors fell, bringing them close to the UK all-sector average, at 32% and 30% respectively, reflecting lower optimism in the economy. Service sector confidence declined to its lowest in a year, at 25%, showing weaknesses in hospitality, though offset by stronger confidence in business services. Confidence in retail businesses edged up this month four points from 27% to 31%.
Hann-Ju Ho, senior economist, Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “Business confidence declined this month, suggesting that the momentum for growth is moderating. Firms remain broadly positive but face several challenges ahead, including concerns around higher costs and slowing demand. If these trends continue, businesses may have less scope to pass on higher costs to support their margins.”
