The Access Group acquires construction management software company

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The Access Group acquires construction management software company
CSB Holdings Limited (CSB) has sold Construction Industry Solutions Limited and COINS US Group Corp (COINS) to The Access Group. The Access Group is a Loughborough-headquartered provider of business management software to mid-market organisations in the UK, Ireland and Asia Pacific. COINS is a construction management software and services company providing end-to-end business solutions to the contracting, home building and service management sectors globally, with more than 100,000 users worldwide. Nelsons, in conjunction with international law firm Addleshaw Goddard, advised CSB. David Kaplan, partner and solicitor in Nelsons’ corporate team, said: “We have worked with the key shareholders and management team of CSB for nearly ten years and I am delighted that all their hard work over the years in building and developing the COINS group and its offering has been recognised by a global leader in the software industry. By joining forces with Access, the COINS group will undoubtedly go from strength to strength.” Other advisors to CSB included KPMG Corporate Finance, BDO and Ashgates. Advisers to Access included Travers Smith and PWC.

Brendan Flattery, Managing Director Access ERP, said: “We see a huge opportunity with COINS joining the Access Group and we will be sharing more details over the coming months about our joint plans for the future. With the size, complexity and geographical spread of COINS’ operations, we are now in an exciting discovery phase while we integrate our two businesses.”

Robert Brown, COINS CEO, said: “I am excited to be joining my peers at The Access Group and the opportunities that this acquisition creates for our staff, customers, and business partners. Access and COINS share the same vision of delivering a suite of market-leading, end-to-end, construction-focused solutions, that enable construction companies to achieve higher levels of productivity, margin and cash flow.”

Chris Bayne, CEO of The Access Group, said: “This latest acquisition supports our growth strategy and focuses on delivering solutions that meet the needs of our expanding international customer base. We welcome COINS’ customers, partners and employees into The Access Group.”

Bank of England announces ninth rate rise in a row

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Bank of England announces ninth rate rise in a row
The Bank of England has increased the base rate from 3% to 3.5%, in the face of historically high inflation. Marking the ninth rise in a row, it adds more pressure on businesses’ margins during the cost of doing business crisis. Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) national chair Martin McTague said: “Today’s rise in the base rate was widely predicted, but there is also a sense in the air that the decision to go for an increase – with today’s the ninth in a row – may be less of a one-way bet in coming months. “This time last year, the base rate was just 0.1%. The precipitous climb in borrowing costs in under 12 months has hit small firms hard, eroding their margins at a time when many are struggling with the very cost increases which prompted the Bank of England to increase the rate in the first place. “Energy costs are by far the biggest driver of the inflation that businesses and consumers are experiencing, and interest rate increases are doing little to rein in energy bills, while making it harder for small firms to keep the lights on. “SMEs are collectively carrying £33 billion extra in debt, much of it index-linked, compared to January 2020, before Covid hit. Every basis point increase means extra pressure for those on floating rates, and a disincentive to apply for finance for firms looking to grow and invest. “Our Small Business Index found that in Q3, nearly two in five small firms applying for finance were offered a rate of 8% or higher, compared to a quarter of small firms in the same period in 2021. “This was supposed to be the recovery period, where the economy got back into gear, with small firms providing the engine of growth. The cost of doing business crisis has knocked that plan off course, and many small businesses are wondering – amid strikes and disruption, near rock-bottom consumer confidence, and continued rises in input costs – how they will stay afloat. “The Government’s forthcoming announcement on how it will support businesses once the Energy Bill Relief Scheme comes to an end must have a compelling offer for small firms, one in four of whom say they plan to close, downsize or restructure in the absence of a sufficient level of energy support after March. “Many small businesses are struggling at the moment. They need certainty and support, to help them make the most of the festive season, and enter the new year in a spirit of optimism.” Alpesh Paleja, CBI lead economist, said: “Another big interest rate rise from the Bank of England doesn’t come as a surprise, in the face of historically high inflation. However, with global price pressures starting to wane, along with the economy set to fall into recession, it is likely that we’ll see smaller interest rate rises for the foreseeable future. “Nonetheless, high inflation and weakening activity will continue into 2023, putting strain on many households and businesses. With monetary policy focused on tackling inflation, the government must use economic levers to stem the severity of an oncoming downturn, but also to address the UK’s persistent weakness in investment and productivity. We cannot afford to have another decade where both are stagnant.”

Games Workshop reveals agreement with Amazon to develop IP into film and TV productions

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Games Workshop reveals agreement with Amazon to develop IP into film and TV productions

A Nottingham-headquartered manufacturer and seller of fantasy miniatures has reached an agreement in principle with Amazon, to develop its intellectual property into film and television productions.

The agreement would also see Games Workshop grant Amazon associated merchandising rights.

In advance of contracts being entered into, Amazon will be commencing certain development activities (such as holding preliminary discussions with writers) in order to facilitate the project. It is intended that rights will initially be granted to develop the Warhammer 40,000 universe. 

Whilst the parties have reached agreement on material commercial terms, the project is wholly dependent on and subject to contracts being agreed and entered into, which the businesses say they are working towards.

Green credentials provide silver lining for Nottingham Venues with EcoSmart recognition

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Green credentials provide silver lining for Nottingham Venues with EcoSmart recognition
Nottingham Venues, the brand behind meetings, events, hotel stays and a collection of venues across the University of Nottingham’s campuses, has been awarded Greengage’s ECOsmart Silver accreditation. The accreditation is awarded to hotels and meeting venues demonstrating an eco-friendly approach. General manager of Nottingham Venues, Tom Waldron-Lynch says: “Sustainability is an increasingly critical issue, with green credentials as a supplier taken into account in many decisions, be it for meetings and major conferences or overnight and short-term accommodation in terms of the commercial market. “Becoming ECOsmart certified venues provides our delegates and guests with industry-recognised reassurance of knowing we have been comprehensively and independently assessed and that we operate in a sustainable way. “It is a fantastic achievement considering we have only been operating under our new brand and structure since the summer and is testimony to the hard work of the team in fulfilling our vision of a more sustainable future for hospitality.” Andrew Perolls, CEO of Greengage Solutions, said: “Nottingham Venues are a great example of embracing environmental and social sustainability at an advanced level. We are so pleased they have achieved the ECOsmart Silver accreditation. “An eco-approach is comprehensively embedded in the operations and fabric of the buildings’ with features as diverse as LED lighting, elimination of palm oil, use of recycled ocean plastic in promotional items, using green spaces to encourage biodiversity as well as paying particular attention to looking after the well-being of staff.” The latest recognition for Nottingham Venues follows news that they have now returned to pre-pandemic levels of business, a year on from re-opening and comes amidst a major recruitment drive, with 10 jobs currently available across the organisation. It is hoped that candidates for those roles may well be attracted by the sustainable approach of the Nottingham Venues, as well as their recent (November) accreditation as an officially recognised “Real Living Wage” employer. Waldron-Lynch concludes: “It is actually just over a year since we reopened fully post-pandemic and I am proud to say that we are back to the levels of business that we enjoyed before the Covid crisis. “Indeed, we are actively recruiting at the moment, with business bookings especially rising, as many organisations return with renewed vigour and confidence to the exhibitions and conference schedules that have been mothballed for so long. “Of course, recruiting and retaining team members to help us to deliver these experiences can be another challenge. We hope that by going the extra mile for our people and our planet we can be an employer of choice for the industry locally and a partner of choice for guests and delegates globally.”

Axil Integrated Services appoints new head of sustainability and zero-waste

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Axil Integrated Services appoints new head of sustainability and zero-waste
Axil Integrated Services has appointed Gina Rudkin as head of sustainability and zero-waste. In this role, Gina is responsible for leading the company’s efforts to reduce its own environmental impact and drive sustainability initiatives across all aspects of its operations, as well as supporting Axil’s clients with their initiatives. Gina brings a wealth of experience to the role, having spent the past 25 years working in the waste management field. She has a proven track record of driving change and implementing sustainability and zero-waste strategies within organisations and is a Certified Green Business Council TRUE Zero Waste Advisor. In 2021, she was appointed as a Chartered Institute of Waste Management (CIWM) Fellow, becoming the 36th female Fellow since the organisation’s inception in 1898. Such awards are offered to leading professionals in resources and waste management as a formal acknowledgement of their outstanding achievements in the sector. In her new role, Gina will advise clients how to best move waste through the hierarchy, helping them to recognise the importance of keeping materials at their highest use for as long as possible before being classified as waste. Providing expert support, Gina will act in a consultative capacity, advising on new environmental regulation and working closely with clients to navigate legislation that may impact their business. “We are thrilled to have Gina join our team and lead on sustainability,” said Managing Director, Edward Pigg. “At Axil, we pride ourselves on our client partnerships and ability to offer practical, tailored solutions to our clients. Now, more than ever, businesses need the support of their partners to provide actionable solutions to problems, mitigate risk and plan for a more sustainable future. Gina has the expertise and vision to help us, and our clients achieve our shared goals and make a real difference.” Drawing on her previous experience leading the Waste Training Academy for ISS Facilities Services, she will support Axil clients to increase their understanding and competency within their businesses through bespoke training programmes. Gina will work with colleagues, customers, and external partners to build programs that create a positive impact on the environment and deliver social value for local communities. Commenting on her appointment, Gina said: “I am excited to join Axil Integrated Services to build on its impressive environmental agenda and clear commitment to finding innovative ways to make positive environmental and social impact. I look forward to collaborating across the full value chain to move the dial beyond recycling and align the business more closely with our clients sustainability and ESG goals.”

BDO expands Midlands team with M&A hire

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BDO expands Midlands team with M&A hire
Accountancy and business advisory firm BDO LLP has bolstered its M&A team with the appointment of Ben Dawson as director. At BDO, Ben will be responsible for supporting business owners and management teams in the East Midlands on mergers and acquisitions, raising capital, as well as designing and delivering successful, value maximising exit strategies. As a qualified chartered accountant, Ben joins from Ideagen – a fast-growing, PE-backed, global software business, where he had responsibility for leading its M&A growth strategy. Ben has 16 years’ experience working in the Midlands corporate finance market in a variety of roles, including at KPMG, Natwest, and Foresight Group, where he led and managed several investments in regional SMEs. Roger Buckley, corporate finance partner at BDO in the Midlands, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Ben to the team – someone who has vast experience and a depth of understanding of the Midlands corporate finance market that adds real strength to our proposition. “As the UK braces itself for the biggest downturn of any advanced economy, regional businesses will be looking at alternative ways to secure financial stability and diversify their offering. The role of M&A will be important, as investor cash continues to follow fast-growth and scalable businesses, with a strong ambition and clear strategic intention.” According to BDO’s recent Rethinking the Economy survey, nearly a third of Midlands businesses intend to take on additional private equity funding and growth capital in the next 18 months. In the last three to six months, 64% of regional businesses have changed their approach to raising finance, with 14% seeking funding earlier than planned to support growth strategies. Dawson said: “The East Midlands is a vibrant and diversified regional economy, with strong long-term growth prospects, but remains somewhat underserved in terms of M&A advisory services. BDO is a strong, forward-thinking brand, with a full-service offering, deep sector insight, and a global reach that positions it perfectly for this market, creating a highly exciting opportunity. “I look forward to leveraging the breadth of my experience, including the insight gleaned from seeing transactions through the lens of funder, investor and strategic acquirer, to deliver great outcomes for businesses in the East Midlands and beyond.” He added: “This is an excellent time to join BDO. The firm is investing significantly in the East Midlands, with a new office opening and several recent senior hires and promotions. The M&A team has an established pipeline of opportunities in the region, which I look forward to helping to develop over the coming months.”

2022 has been a slog for businesses but optimism over ‘green shoots of recovery’ in 2023, says East Midlands Chamber study

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2022 has been a slog for businesses but optimism over ‘green shoots of recovery’ in 2023, says East Midlands Chamber study
The East Midlands economy has suffered a series of knocks throughout the year, with cost pressures hitting businesses hard – but there are hopes for a more optimistic outlook in 2023. This is the verdict of East Midlands Chamber after its latest research, which showed a decline in customer demand for products and services, investment intentions and recruitment prospects – yet a slight upturn in business confidence for the year ahead. As part of its Quarterly Economic Survey (QES), which is delivered in partnership with the University of Leicester School of Business and gauges the health of the region’s economy, the Chamber produces a State of the Economy Index to provide an “at a glance” picture showing the direction of travel for the local economy based on aggregated indicators. It has trended downwards every quarter since the start of the year to reach its lowest level since the end of 2020 – a period of local Covid-19 restrictions and the beginning of a second national lockdown – but underlying data in the Q4 2022 survey offers room for optimism. East Midlands Chamber director of policy and external affairs Chris Hobson said: “2022 has been a difficult year economically, with a series of events negatively impacting activity and sentiment – some out of our control and others self-inflicted. “Domestic demand and international activity has softened slightly as the year has gone on, with cashflow deteriorating and investment intentions down. “Recruitment difficulties have been the perennial issue, with this final set of data suggesting a drop-off in businesses seeking to grow their workforce. “However, within that data lies a multitude of experiences, not all negative, and some signs for positivity as we enter 2023. “Although business confidence – which affects tangible decisions like investment – has dropped significantly from where it was at the start of the year amid the war in Ukraine, political stability and policy flip-flops, there has been a small rise in optimism over profitability and turnover prospects during the final quarter of the year due to a more consistent approach to policy. “While the gradual slowdown in demand has created capacity within the economy – opening the pressure valve on prices that has been one of the inflationary drivers – there are also signs that other drivers of inflation are starting to soften.” East Midlands Chamber QES Q4 2022 data Key findings from the Quarterly Economic Survey Q4 2022 for the East Midlands, which was conducted between 7 November and 1 December 2022, included: · UK sales stagnated between the third and fourth quarters of the year, with UK advanced orders down by 9% · Overseas sales were up by 5% quarter on quarter but advanced orders decreased by 2% · The proportion of businesses that added to their headcount in the past three months fell by 8% compared to the previous quarter, while there was a similar decline in firms expecting to recruit new staff in the next three months · A net 57% of businesses expect they will be forced to raise prices as they grapple with rising costs for energy, interest rates, people, raw materials and fuel – although this is down from 62% and 58% in the previous two quarters · A net 17% of firms reported a decrease in cashflow, marking a 3% rise in the proportion of companies affected · A lack of room at the margins means investment intentions continue to trend downwards – falling by 6% quarter-on-quarter for plant and machinery, and 8% for training · After nosediving in recent months, business confidence in the prospects of profitability improvements rose 10% compared to the previous quarter, although optimism over improved turnover was down by 1%. Business Manifesto for Growth provides blueprint for economic growth Chris added: “To turn these green shoots into real economic growth in 2023, it is essential that policymakers work with businesses to support them in their growth aspirations. Our Business Manifesto for Growth, launched at Westminster in November, provides a blueprint for this. “While there is no one silver bullet, an immediate action Government could take is to better incentivise business investment in equipment and training, reducing inflationary pressures by both creating further capacity and softening the impact of high staff costs. “Policy and geopolitical events aside, the biggest thing businesses will be hoping for in 2023 is a bit of calmness and consistency from those taking decisions on the direction of the UK economy – along with meaningful engagement with those businesses that will ultimately deliver the growth to ensure any recession is not just shallow, but short.” The results will be discussed at the Chamber’s Annual State of the Economy Review on Friday (16 December), held in partnership with the University of Leicester, Geldards and emh group at Memorial House, in Coalville. Professor Mohamed Shaban, associate dean for business and civic engagement at the University of Leicester School of Business, said there was support available for businesses affected by the economic climate. He added: “We are proud of our long heritage providing research-informed knowledge exchange to businesses in the East Midlands and beyond through degrees, management development courses such as Help to Grow: Management, business support services, internships, placements, consultancy, knowledge transfer partnerships and contract research. “Our academics thrive on solving business problems with world-changing research and innovative solutions providing real-world impact.”

Staff play Santa as care leavers gather for their big Christmas treat

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Staff play Santa as care leavers gather for their big Christmas treat
Staff from a Swadlincote company pulled on their Christmas jumpers and handed out chocolates, gifts and dozens of hearty lunches when they helped give a group of care leavers a festive treat. The volunteers, who all work for rail maintenance firm MTMS, based in Swadlincote, Derbyshire, gave up their time to work at a very special Christmas party, which was attended by nearly 100 teenagers and young people who grew up in care but have now left the system. The event, called the Christmas Hope party, first took place four years ago but this was the first time that it had been held post-COVID, and each one of the special guests, who live in accommodation across Staffordshire, was determined to make the most of their day. Among the treats in store was music, dancing and games, Christmas crackers and a host of presents, as well as a full turkey lunch with all the trimmings. The event was organised by the company’s chairman, Malcolm Prentice, in conjunction with Trandeep Sethi, district leader for children’s services for South Staffordshire at Staffordshire County Council, who got to know Malcolm when he asked the Derbyshire Freemasons if he could hold a Christmas lunch at Ashfield House, which is home to 10 masonic lodges in South Derbyshire. He wanted to hold the party because he wanted to bring the care leavers together, because they are all too old to be growing up in care homes or with foster parents, and so instead would be spending Christmas on their own. Malcolm and the masons not only said yes, but went one better, offering to cook and serve the meal as well as arrange entertainment and hand out presents and Christmas cards as well. Malcolm said: “The event lasts for only three hours, but there are countless hours of work that goes into it, before, during and afterwards, and all because we want these young people to feel special for a day and know that people want them to be happy. “The young people come from all over the county and they all arrive at the same time, so it’s all hands on deck to make sure that they get their food, which is why we roped in some of the staff from MTMS to give us a hand. “Thanks to them and the rest of our wonderful volunteers, everything went smoothly and everyone had a great time. Now we’ll all have a breather and then we can start planning for next year!” It costs around £5,000 to host the Christmas Hope parties and you can donate for next year’s event by visiting https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/festivehope

East Midlands office market sees good activity levels in 2022 as FHP agrees 105 deals

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East Midlands office market sees good activity levels in 2022 as FHP agrees 105 deals
As 2022 comes to a close, Thomas Szymkiw, of FHP Property Consultants, reflects on the state of the East Midlands office market. In contrast to some opinion in regards to the future of the office, the East Midlands market has witnessed good levels of activity in 2022 with FHP agreeing 105 deals, representing some 357,000 sq ft of space across the region. It is apparent whilst delving into these figures in a bit more detail that in a continuation of the changing attitudes towards the sector as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, downsizing and demand for quality have been the real key drivers in the market – with 75% of these deals agreed being below 4,000 sq ft and over 70% of those being of high quality. We would expect the proportion of occupiers taking ‘Grade A’ spaces to be higher still if the quality of office supply in the region was there to match occupier demand. Additionally, a more flexible hybrid working model is also influencing occupiers’ locations and property preferences with some attracted to the accessible business parks on the periphery of the core towns and cities – whilst others are downsizing to smaller hubs in the city centres which act as a focal point destination for both employee collaboration and meetings. Although decision making still remains slow in the larger end of the market, whilst occupiers continue to assess their occupational space requirements, there has pleasingly still been traction this year too – with 8 key deals completed by FHP on floorplates and buildings over 10,000 sq ft within both the city centres and business parks. There is also a real focus within this sector on environmental performance and adhering to MEES recommendations with many occupiers stipulating that their buildings must at the very least have a ‘B’ EPC rating. Whatever the type of property or location, our advice to clients remains the same – occupiers are seeking ‘best in class’ opportunities and when quality is provided to the market, positive results generally follow. There is no better example of this than at CEG’s East West scheme in Nottingham City Centre where FHP have agreed over 45,000 sq ft of lettings in 2022, with the quality of the refurbishment which incorporates an onsite business lounge café being popular with occupiers seeking to improve the quality of their working environments and amenities provided to clients and staff. This is also reflected in a noticeable uplift in both rents and capital values in these ‘high quality’ options providing the evidence that refurbishing and remodelling to suit what is fast becoming a more ‘life-style’ office market is the way forward. Successful refurbishments in this regard have understood the importance of providing a real sense of arrival with many incorporating feature reception / communal areas including welfare facilities such as ‘barista-style’ cafés, gyms and informal meeting spaces to add to their offering – which for occupiers, these added benefits have just as much significance to their decision making as the office space itself. These not only provide a fantastic working environment that encourage their staff into the office, but also a key sales tool in what is an ever-competitive recruitment market. Looking into the new year, I would predict more of the same – with the activity in the market focusing on quality not quantity, with ESG credentials becoming ever more important due to the changes in EPC regulations – and I am, as always looking forward to assisting both clients and occupiers alike with their requirements moving forwards into 2023.

Approval tipped for 400-bed student scheme in Nottingham

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Approval tipped for 400-bed student scheme in Nottingham
Plans to redevelop a site at the corner of Queens Road/London Road in Nottingham to create student accommodation have been recommended for approval. The site, until recently, contained four single storey industrial units which have now been demolished.
The proposed scheme has been reduced from an application originally considered at a planning committee in October, where a decision was deferred for future consideration, pending a review of the development’s design and architectural approach, including further consideration of how the scheme can most sensitively contribute to the Nottingham skyline.
The original scheme proposed a trio of buildings including a 22 storey tower containing 163 BTR apartments, a 9 storey rectangular building containing 75 BTR apartments, and a 12 storey ‘L’ shaped building accommodating 406 student beds. The first two of these buildings have now been removed from the scheme so that the application solely relates to the Purpose Built Student Accommodation, which would form phase 1 of the overall development. The removal of the two buildings (now forming phase 2 for the site) will allow phase 1 to move forward whilst a more detailed review of their design is undertaken to address concerns raised by Committee. A new planning application for phase 2 is then anticipated to be submitted in early 2023.
Revised plans for the PBSA building, expected to be approved next week, see it remain a 12 storey ‘L’ shaped building which would accommodate 406 student beds within a range of studios and 5, 8 and 9 bed cluster flats. Its ground floor would accommodate communal facilities such as lounge/study space, a cycle store, plant/equipment, a laundry and waste storage facilities. However, significant changes have been made to the building’s exterior to address concerns raised by Committee.
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