New contracts manager joins Blueprint Interiors
Workplace consultancy and commercial office interior fit-out specialists Blueprint Interiors has appointed Paul Brown as a contracts manager.
Paul, who lives in Ripley, Derbyshire, has 23 years experience in the shopfitting industry and has managed a wide range of high-profile projects for various blue-chip clients. He also holds a CSCS licence and several NEBOSH general, construction and fire safety certificates.
In his new role, Paul will be responsible for organising the construction phase of all commercial office fit outs projects which the company is delivering. Since the beginning of 2022, Blueprint Interiors has won a number of high profile and high value projects from companies who wish to embrace hybrid working and want to adapt their workplaces according to the needs of the people using them.
Commenting on his new role Paul said: “This is a slight change of industry sector and is an exciting new challenge. I am looking forward to gaining the sense of achievement I get from successfully completing the fantastic looking and people orientated bespoke commercial office fit outs for which Blueprint Interiors is renown.”
Creative and commercial director, Chloe Sproston, added: “Our workplace consultancy process has always preceded our design recommendations. We are finding that this advice is now more important than ever as office managers seek ways to transform their largest overhead – their office space – into a place which attracts the very best talent and inspires them to work to their best ability. With Paul’s skills we will be able to ensure the construction phases continue to meet the highest standards.”
In his spare time, Paul enjoys cycling and getting outdoors with his partner and two young children.
Local business celebrates 20 years in tough times
Hydroscand is an international family-owned business, founded in 1969 in Stockholm, Sweden, providing solutions and services for hoses, fittings, and related products through a customer-driven organisation.
By 2002, Hydroscand was already a very well-established business in Scandinavia, owner, and founder, Björn Holmström had a long-standing relationship with Europower Hydraulics, having been their Swedish distributor in the early days of building Hydroscand there. The Europower business sold off its branch network. Björn Holmström acquired Europower’s branch in the UK.
Today Hydroscand is headquartered in the East Midlands and operates from nine branches in the UK with over 60 employees, serving customers in industries ranging from agriculture to construction to waste management. Its branches offer customers “while you wait” hose replacement. Three of them also operate as production centres, manufacturing hose assemblies for Equipment Manufacturers customers, including Sandiacre.
Its HoseExpress technicians have grown to 30 mobile hose workshops providing on site hose replacement and 3 HoseOnSite static containers kitted out with hose assembly machinery and stock to suit.
Rebecca Galley, Managing Director of Hydroscand UK, said: “Hydroscand has an ethos of being a family business with customer closeness at the top of our agenda in all our operations. I believe that is why the business has been around for more than 50 years, and 20 years so far in the UK. It has been a privilege to lead the UK team here for the past three years and as a team, we are looking forward to the next 20 years with energy and passion for what we do!”
To celebrate this exciting milestone, the business is holding customer open mornings at all its branches from 9am – 1pm on Friday 29th July. Join the firm at its Sandiacre HQ and branch in the morning. There will be exclusive anniversary deals for customers, a free bacon sandwich and a free gift with every purchase for customers.
More supported living homes planned for Notts
205 more ‘supported living’ placements could be created in Notts to help people with disabilities and complex needs live as independently as possible in the community.
The County Council will go out to the housing provider market to tender for eight different contracts between now and January 2023. The plans include up to 10 schemes of between six and 12 units within north Notts, mid Notts and south Notts, as well as two larger schemes in Worksop and an extra care scheme for older people in Hucknall.
There are already 190 supported living schemes throughout Nottinghamshire, providing independent living for 750 people. The Council is due to open a new scheme in Carlton in the autumn called Annear Place, which will offer short term support for 12 people.
Councillor Matt Barney, cabinet member for Adult Social Care and Public Health, said: “We want to help more people to live as independently as possible so they can be a part of their local community.
“Supported living can offer a great option for people with learning disabilities who are leaving home for the first time, as well as people with mental ill-health who have been discharged from hospital. Staff are on-hand if they need extra support and will help people develop the skills they need to eventually move into their own accommodation, such as preparing meals or managing their finances.”
East Midlands business confidence falls for second consecutive month
Business confidence in the East Midlands fell 11 points during July to 12%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking.
Companies in the region reported lower confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, down 12 points at 15%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, down 11 points to 8%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 12%.
East Midlands businesses identified their top target areas for growth in the next six months as evolving their offering with new products or services (46%), hiring new employees and investing in the development of their existing teams (39%) and diversifying into new markets (34%).
The Business Barometer, which questions 1,200 businesses monthly, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide.
A net balance of 13% of businesses in the region expect to increase staff levels over the next year, down three points on last month.
Overall UK business confidence fell three points during July to 25%. Firms’ outlook on their future trading prospects was up three points to 37%, but their optimism in the wider economy dropped nine points to 12%. The net balance of businesses planning to create new jobs also decreased, seven points to 21%.
Every UK region and nation reported a positive confidence reading in July, with four out of 11 recording a higher reading than last month. The East of England (up 15 points to 46%), West Midlands (up eight points to 38%) and Wales (up seven points to 30%) saw the biggest increases month-on-month, with the East of England now the most optimistic region overall.
Dave Atkinson, regional director for the East Midlands at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “The region’s businesses are clearly feeling the heat from the ongoing challenges around rising costs, supply chain disruption and skills shortages. Despite this, it’s encouraging to see overall confidence among firms remain in positive territory, the latest sign of their resilience against the backdrop of uncertain trading conditions.
“In times like this, it’s more important than ever for businesses to keep a close eye on their working capital and to plan for any potential pinch points on the road ahead. We’ll be by their side to offer the necessary financial guidance and support to help them do this.”
Business confidence declined across all four of the sectors in July, reflecting lower optimism about the economy. Confidence within manufacturing declined the most this month (20%/-12), with firms citing moderating trading prospects and a notable drop in economic optimism, but also issues with inflation and supply bottlenecks. There were small falls in confidence for construction (28%/-2), retail (25%/-6) and services (24%/-1).
Hann-Ju Ho, senior economist for Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “Business confidence declined this month, suggesting that economic headwinds are becoming more forceful. Despite this, firms’ assessment of their own trading prospects showed some resilience in the face of a challenging environment. Meanwhile, price pressures have shown no clear signs of a downward trend and there appears little sign yet that wage pressures are abating.”
Permission secured for new homes and conversion plans at Grade II Listed model farm complex
Northern Trust Company Ltd, working alongside the landowner, has secured planning permission for 65 dwellings on the 15.8 acre site at Bulcote Steading.
The site is owned by Midlands Land Portfolio Limited (MLPL), the property development arm of Severn Trent, with Northern Trust acting as their planning promotion partner. Northern Trust has secured planning permission for the site and is now working alongside MLPL on the marketing process for disposal of the site.
The site which comprises a Grade II Listed model farm complex located within the Bulcote Conservation Area and within the Green Belt, has been the subject of extensive discussions with Newark and Sherwood District Council and Historic England regarding the future of the listed buildings.
Following lengthy discussions an application for planning permission and listed building consent was submitted in 2015, supplemented by a further application in 2017. This proposed the conversion of the existing buildings to provide 24 dwellings and a community hall alongside the provision of 41 new build homes.
In light of the extensive discussions with the local planning authority and Historic England the planning application was approved at planning committee in October 2020, and following detailed negotiations the S106 has now been agreed and planning permission granted.
John Tootell, head of strategic land at Northern Trust, said: “Through the hard work of an exceptional project team I am delighted to have now secured planning permission. With the buildings being Grade II Listed, located within a conservation area and within the Green Belt there are a number of competing pressures that have required careful consideration during the process.
“The careful approach to conversion and the considered approach for the new build ensure the right balance of this very exciting development will be achieved. Alongside the project team the local planning authority were exceptional throughout and their pragmatism was an essential component of the successful planning applications.
“This is a great example of how working positively with a local planning authority to resolve complicated issues can deliver exceptional results, securing the future of an important heritage asset. We will now be seeking a development partner and look forward to seeing this high quality development delivered.”
Adam Tustain, development surveyor at Severn Trent, said: “We are extremely pleased to have secured this consent after so many years of hard work by everyone involved. This consent will secure the long term future of these fabulous Grade II Listed buildings to provide much needed new homes, community facilities and local jobs in the areas we serve.”
Fisher German has been appointed to market the site for sale.
Frasers Group acquires online fashion retailer
Shirebrook-based Frasers Group has acquired online fashion retailer I Saw It First.
The business, which today has over 5 million consumers, has rapidly grown its digital presence since launching in 2017.
Frasers said it “looks forward to integrating I Saw It First” and that the business will “benefit from the strength and scale of Frasers Group’s platform and from the integration with Frasers’ recently acquired business, Missguided.”
Strong trading continues at Forterra
Forterra, the manufacturer of clay and concrete building products, has “delivered a strong performance in the first half of 2022 supported by a backdrop of robust market conditions.”
The company noted that brick sales volumes were slightly ahead of the prior year and in line with 2019, limited only by capacity constraints rather than demand, with factories generally operating at capacity and with inventory levels remaining at record low levels.
Results have also benefited from the firm’s ability to pass on cost inflation to customers, with two price increases delivered in the period.
For the six months ended 30 June 2022, Forterra posted total revenue of £222.8m, an increase of £42.5m (23.6%) on the prior year (£180.3m) and an increase of £29.2m (15.1%) on 2019 (£193.6m).
Meanwhile the company reported adjusted profit before tax of £37.3m, compared with a profit of £27.1m in 2021 and £32.7m in 2019, and a statutory profit before tax of £44.2m, compared with a profit of £29.1m in 2021 and £32.7m in 2019.
Full year expectations have now slightly increased.
Stephen Harrison, Chief Executive Officer, said: “Forterra delivered a strong performance in the first half of 2022, against the backdrop of robust market conditions. Sales volumes were slightly ahead, limited by capacity constraints rather than demand, with our factories generally operating at capacity and with inventory levels remaining at record low levels.
“We also benefited from our ability to pass on cost inflation to our customers with two price increases delivered in the period, facilitating an improvement in margins relative to 2021 as a whole.
“We continued to produce strong operating cash flows, enabling us to progress our strategic capital investment and innovation plans. Our strong financial position allows us to increase capacity, to better serve our customers; to focus on efficiency; and to reduce our carbon footprint, thus progressing our sustainability agenda.
“We anticipate current trading conditions will continue in H2, despite growing macro-economic uncertainty. The temporary closure of our Wilnecote brick factory, ongoing capacity constraints and the closure costs and inefficiencies relating to the old Desford brick factory will influence H2 performance. Despite this, the performance to date and our expectations looking forward, lead the Board to anticipate a full year 2022 result slightly ahead of the Board’s previous expectations.”
Positive progress for Microlise despite challenges of global microchip shortage
Microlise Group, the Nottingham-based provider of transport management software to fleet operators, is witnessing positive progress despite the challenges created by the global microchip shortage.
According to a half year update on trading for the six months to 30 June 2022, the group has seen strong recurring revenue growth with ARR increasing by 10.5% to £40.2m.
Microlise has added 60 new customers in the period and expanded its partnerships with existing customers, including MAN Trucks in Malaysia.
The business said full-year revenue and profit are to be in line with market expectations.
The planned retirement of Bill Wynn, chief financial officer, in Spring 2023, has also been announced.
Nadeem Raza, CEO, Microlise, said: “2022 has shown the vital role Microlise plays in supporting the transport industry through a challenging period. A perfect storm of problems has hit the sector, including the pandemic, Brexit, driver shortages, and a fuel crisis. Fuel accounts for a third of all transport costs and Microlise’s technology gives customers greater visibility and control over their fleets’ fuel consumption.
“Our healthy commercial performance with new customers signing up and existing customers extending their relationships shows how critical Microlise is to our client’s fleet operations. The successful return of the Microlise Transport Conference further highlighted our position as a key industry component.
“Looking ahead, the group has a healthy pipeline of opportunities. We are focused on delivering our acquisition strategy and developing and expanding our product portfolio. In the long term, operators face growing pressure to ensure that fleets are efficient and sustainable. As a result, we are confident the business will meet expectations for the full year and deliver long-term value to our shareholders.”
Rolls-Royce Nuclear Skills Academy set to open doors this autumn
A new academy dedicated to nuclear training in Derby is set to welcome its first set of apprentices this autumn at Infinity Park.
Earlier this year, Rolls-Royce Submarines announced plans to open a dedicated training facility as part of its initiative to boost nuclear capability in the UK. The engineering giant will introduce an extra 200 apprenticeships each year for at least the next 10 years to create a pipeline for nurturing talent.
The iHub innovation centre – which is owned by the Council and managed by Connect Derby – is to be re-purposed in time to open its doors in September for new apprentices. There is strong interest already, with more than 1,200 applications for the initial 200 places. Offers have been made to over 180 people.
At its next meeting on 3 August, Derby City Council Cabinet will be asked to note negotiations to finalise a partial take-up of the building in September for the first-year intake, working towards a full lease in 2023.
The Nuclear Skills Academy will be supported by industry and education experts, including the Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (Nuclear AMRC) – currently building a new £15 million research facility on Infinity Park in Derby – the National College for Nuclear, the University of Derby as well as Derby City Council.
The Council is working with existing iHub office tenants to manage their move to other provision within the Connect Derby estate and to find alternative premises for the current workshop tenants.
Councillor Chris Poulter, leader of Derby City Council, said: “This is an exciting opportunity for the people of Derby. Apprenticeships aren’t restricted to young people; they’re also open to those who want to re-skill or are looking to change career or who would struggle to pay for their higher-level degrees. All apprentices are paid from the start.
“A skills academy can also support key employers in the city and help to secure future talent for decades into the future.”
Led by the University of Derby, the new apprenticeships will range from technician to advanced degree level and will be spread across four courses: Nuclear Engineering Degree Apprenticeship, Business Degree Apprenticeship, Nuclear Engineering Technician Apprenticeship and Advanced Engineering Apprenticeship.
The new apprentices will provide a regular flow of new nuclear expertise to support Rolls-Royce’s commitments to the UK Submarines programme. For 60 years, Rolls-Royce has provided the power for all the Royal Navy’s nuclear submarines from its base in Raynesway, Derby. Their work ensures submariners have the power to protect the UK’s interests at home and further afield.
Celebrate the prowess of the East Midlands’ property and construction industry with leaders from across the region
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.
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Tickets can now be booked for the awards event – click here to secure yours.
With nominations closing on Friday 19 August for East Midlands Business Link’s annual Bricks Awards, there’s not long left 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:
