Nottingham CRO goes for growth with senior business development hire
Nottingham-based contract research organisation (CRO) Cellomatics Biosciences has made a key business development appointment in support of its ambitious growth plans.
Haroon Allybacus joins Cellomatics as senior business development manager. With more than 20 years’ experience in the pharmaceutical, contract research and ‘omics’ industries, Haroon has held numerous business development roles, most recently as European account manager at Human Metabolome Technologies, the global provider of next generation metabolomics.
With a Chemistry with Management Science BSc Hons and an MBA in International Business, Haroon began his career in big pharma, working for Pfizer and Astra Zeneca, before moving into CROs and biotechs.
Based at BioCity Nottingham, Cellomatics is a specialist preclinical CRO with expertise in five main therapeutic areas: oncology, immuno-oncology, immunology, inflammation and respiratory. Last year, the company reported year-on-year organic growth of 30 percent since its inception in 2015, following a hike in demand for its bespoke preclinical and early discovery phase laboratory services and expertise.
At Cellomatics, Haroon, who has worked in international business development for over ten years, will use his extensive experience at preclinical and clinical CROs and in pharmaceutical sales to develop the company’s global client base.
“I am truly passionate about the life sciences industry and believe there is nothing more rewarding than supporting companies with the development of new therapies for diseases with unmet treatment needs,” Haroon says. “The role Cellomatics plays in this process is key, and I am excited to be supporting the growth of its pipeline of business opportunities, as well as managing its strong and loyal customer base.
“By applying my specialist expertise in the ‘omics’ industry, as well as my knowledge of the Nordic life sciences territories, I hope to drive further, diversified growth for Cellomatics and ensure more businesses, from early start-ups to medium-sized biotechs, can access our bespoke, innovative and practical solutions to advance their drug development programmes.”
Shailendra Singh, CEO of Cellomatics, says: “Haroon is a top-performing and highly experienced business development expert, with a proven track record of success, having consistently exceeded sales and growth targets for successive companies.
“Increasingly, pharmaceutical companies are relying on the robust infrastructure and clinical expertise of CROs, and as specialty drugs become a larger portion of the market, we anticipate significant growth in the EU market, especially in the immuno-oncology and immunology spaces that we specialise in.
“Haroon’s in-depth experience and knowledge mean he can hit the ground running and help us tap into this growth, as we seek to become the CRO of choice for our growing global client base seeking expert support with the development of bespoke bioassays.”
New state of the art surgery proposed for Beeston town centre
The relocation of The Manor Surgery, currently located on Middle Street in Beeston town centre, has moved a step nearer following the submission of detailed plans to Broxtowe Borough Council which, if approved, will see the Practice relocate to a site close by on Chilwell Road.
The existing GP Surgery has outgrown the property following the population growth in and around Beeston, the closure of other surgery facilities in the town and the continuing move from the NHS to provide more clinical services within GP surgery premises.
The new building will be constructed on a site opposite Beeston Parish Church, adjacent to the town centre shopping and leisure facilities and next to the main public transport hub a few metres from the main bus and train stops.
The existing Manor Surgery provides around 445 sq m of floor space – the new surgery will provide 970 sq m which will be purpose built to the most up to date standards for surgery accommodation, capable of delivering a wide range of clinical services to the population of Beeston.
The surgery has been future proofed to allow for the projected growth in patient numbers – currently the surgery has a patient list size of 13,000, which is expected to grow to around 18,000 patients by 2025.
In addition, the new design provides space for a new Pharmacy unit and 265 sq m of additional clinical accommodation which will provide complimentary services alongside the main surgery function, creating new employment opportunities in the centre of the town.
Louis Mok, GP Partner at Manor Surgery, said: “The Partners and staff at Manor Surgery are really excited to see the plans submitted for the new surgery on Chilwell Road. The location is ideal, prominent, easy to find and accessible by public transport. We have been keen to ensure the new building is designed to the best possible standards.
“The property will benefit from Air Source Heat Pumps and a range of other energy saving facilities which will future proof the property for years to come and reduce our carbon footprint. This development will allow us to provide the best possible clinical care to the ever-growing patients in Beeston within top quality surgical premises.”
Lynne Sharp, associate director of estates at NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire CCG, said: “We are pleased that plans for the new premises for Manor Surgery are progressing and that the practice will be able to deliver patient care in a modern and fit for purpose building for many years to come.”
If the plans are approved, it is proposed to start construction in mid 2022 with completion of the new much needed community clinical facility delivered by early Summer 2023.
New board member for Octavian Security UK
Octavian Security UK, the Nottingham-based security provider, has revealed a new face on its board.
Emily James steps up as operations director less than two years after joining the company from Bretherton Solicitors, where she spent 27 years. Emily was previously the business and compliance manager at Octavian.
Reshma Sheikh, Managing Director of Octavian, said: “Emily joined us during the first lockdown period of the pandemic, and over the last two years has shone brightly. This difficult time for everyone has brought to the fore some truly talented people, and Emily’s promotion to the board is well-deserved. She will be a huge asset, bringing her vast experience and knowledge to the table and I’m looking forward to working closely with her as we look forward to the post-pandemic era.”
Emily said: “I’m extremely proud of this promotion and would like to thank Reshma and the other directors for the opportunity. It has been an extremely busy time at Octavian since I joined in March 2020 and the challenges have been great, but the team has shown time and time again that we can bring solutions to our clients. I am now looking forward to using these experiences as we look to grow in 2022 and beyond.”
Derby City Council shines a spotlight on apprentices
The work of Derby’s apprentices and employers was celebrated as part of the 15th National Apprenticeships week (7-13 February).
Apprenticeships are a great way to develop yourself and learn new knowledge and skills while working on the job. However, apprenticeships also allow for you to take the first steps towards a new career, all while being paid and gaining vital workplace experience.
Here’s what some of the Council’s apprentices say about their experience:
Accounts Receivable Business Admin Apprentice Ella Duhaney 18 said: “You get an understanding of what it’s like in the working world, with the training a job provides, while earning a wage at the same time.”
School Organisation and Provision Business Admin Apprentice Michael Smra 21 said: “It is very useful to know that we have support outside of the team that we work with, if we need it.”
Apprenticeships are not just for school leavers. We offer various levels of apprenticeships up to the equivalent of a degree. Within the Council, we have lots of different apprenticeship opportunities available to take advantage of, regardless of your age or background. The full list of apprenticeships we offer can be viewed on our apprenticeships page. We work with the best local training providers to ensure the best possible learning for our apprentices all while allowing you to gain on the job skills within your team.
Sarah Webster was recently crowned the College of Business, Law and Social Science Apprentice of the Year. She joined Derby City Council’s Park Team in 2004 and was inspired to take an apprenticeship in Strategic Leadership after conversations with colleagues.
Sarah says: “I had always been particularly interested in undertaking a MSc Degree. The apprenticeship has provided me with a brilliant opportunity to expand my skills, interests and knowledge and apply it to my everyday work.
“A requirement of the apprenticeship scheme was to have the support of a Senior Leader mentor within the organisation, who helped to challenge the academic learning, bring it in to a real-world context and this provide guidance and support throughout the apprenticeship.
“There is no typical day within the Parks Team; it is very varied and can alter from one minute to the next. I deal with anything from an issue on a park, to leading volunteer tasks, working alongside and support one of the 26 Friends groups and stakeholders within the city, to dealing with strategic decisions linked to parks development and management plans for Local Nature Reserves and anything in between. You can’t make it up in this business and keeps you on your toes.
“I hope to continue to work within the field of conservation, environment, and community engagement, continuing to tackle and bring about change to help address and respond to the many challenges that face the city and wider in relation to climate crisis and loss of biodiversity. By bringing the knowledge and experiences that I have gained through the apprenticeship to my area of work.
“The apprenticeship programme has been a great opportunity for me to meet others, both internal to the City Council, as well as external organisations such as Derby University, NHS, and private sector to discuss, challenge and pass on experience around the different theories, challenge the way things are done and gain an insight into new areas of the business. I have found it challenging at times fitting it all in especially during the pandemic, but it has been a really worthwhile, enjoyable and interesting experience that I would totally recommend to others.”
Cllr Evonne Williams, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Skills at Derby City Council said:
“The apprentices are a vital part of Derby City Council and the services we provide for the city. Apprenticeships are a great opportunity for anyone, whether you’re looking to start your career or re-train into something different and can very often lead into permanent positions afterwards.”
As part of the National Apprenticeships Week campaign, our apprenticeships team hosted a question-and-answer session on our social media channels to see what future apprentices wanted to know about the process. These frequently asked questions from this session can be viewed online.
Although National Apprenticeships Week was a great opportunity to showcase our apprentices and the current vacancies we have, we offer support and training all year round. We are currently working with various local employers as part of the Derby Jobs Live events to showcase the opportunities in the city, most recently with rail giant Alstom which is recruiting for 30 graduates and apprentices
Our support doesn’t end there, as we also always aim to support employers recruiting new staff as apprentices. Derby City Council joined forces with the University of Derby, the Department of Work and Pensions, and the Derby College Group to host the Get On Board With Apprenticeships event for employers. Around 10 local employers attended the two-hour information-based event to learn about the benefits of hiring apprentices and how they could apply for additional funding from the Council’s Apprenticeship Levy Transfer Fund to offset the costs of training and assessment
Eligible businesses must have a head office within the Derby City Council area boundary and are able to meet the requirements of the Education and Skills Funding Agency for transfer. Further information about the requirements can be found online.
Alternatively, if you’d like to find out more about the current vacancies available at Derby City Council.
Marketing agency invests £450k on building purchase
Full service marketing agency, Purpose Media has invested £450,000 in purchasing the office buildings it has previously been leasing.
Based in The Village Business Park on Maisies Way, South Normanton, Purpose Media already owned unit 14 and had been leasing units 16 and 18 for the last four years. The combined space now comprises 5,000 sq ft and incorporates a variety of collaborative workspaces, meeting rooms and recreational areas for staff.
As part of an ongoing strategy to create more inherent value, the purchase was originally planned to complete two years ago, but the initial uncertainty caused by COVID-19 outbreak meant the purchase was placed on the back burner. Business confidence, driven by the high demand for digital marketing expertise during, and since the pandemic, enabled the deal to be resurrected at the end of 2021 and it finally completed in February 2022.
Funding was provided through a commercial mortgage from NatWest bank arranged by Darren Wilkinson and legal advice was provided to Purpose Media shareholders Matt Wheatcroft and Tim Lenton by Ellis Fermor & Negus. Rob Spencer from FHP acted on behalf of the vendor, Gary Dutton from EIRP who was given legal advice by Brownejacobson.
Commenting on the purchase, Matt Wheatcroft said: “At a time when most businesses are downsizing office space we have invested in our future and in providing our staff and clients an attractive environment to meet and collaborate. Now that we own all the buildings, we plan to invest further by re-designing and fitting out the space to enable more hybrid styles of working and accommodate further growth in our team.”
Claudio Davanzo, creative director, added: “The world of design and marketing will continue to be exciting and evolutionary and I think Purpose Media will remain at the forefront of leading change. Having an attractive work place means we can retain and attract the best talent and offer a work balance that enables people to adapt their work style according to how they work best.”
Prominent Coalville building to be restored thanks to council purchase
An historic building in the heart of Coalville will be given a new lease of life after being bought by North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC).
The row of terraced properties on the corner of Marlborough Square and Belvoir Road will receive a full renovation, creating 10 new first floor apartments and improving the business units on the ground floor.
The council is investing £4.5 million to bring the building up to date, complementing work to Marlborough Square.
The building has detracted from the area for some time, with peeling paint and vegetation growing from its masonry. With the cost of repair and refurbishment, it is unlikely that a private investor would take on such a project.
As it has done in the past with the former Pick and Shovel pub on High Street, which is now an attractive apartment building, and the former police station site, which is now a good quality housing development, the council is intervening to support Coalville in being a vibrant town.
The renovation will see:
As it has done in the past with the former Pick and Shovel pub on High Street, which is now an attractive apartment building, and the former police station site, which is now a good quality housing development, the council is intervening to support Coalville in being a vibrant town.
The renovation will see:
- Repairs to the building structure, including the roof
- Restoration of the original Victorian frontage
- Replacement of the shop fronts to Marlborough Square and Belvoir Road with traditional frontages
- Conversion of first and second floor accommodation to 10 quality one and two bedroom apartments, which will be offered for sale once complete
- Zero Carbon improvements – insulation to walls, floors, roof and ceilings, replacement doors and double glazing, LED lighting, water efficient fittings, energy efficient appliances, energy efficient heating systems.
£4m funding boost extends business support hub until next summer
Close to £4m of additional funding has been secured to support small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) across Nottingham and the wider area.
The D2N2 Growth Hub has received the money from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, which will see it extended from 1 April this year to 30 June 2023.
Working across the Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire (D2N2) region, and funded by the European Regional Development Fund, the Growth Hub:
- Employs 16 business advisers to offer SMEs a regular and comprehensive events programme
- Provides impartial business information and diagnostics
- Offers brokerage services to other established local business support organisations.
Derby City Council careers scheme welcomes new chair from University of Derby
A careers initiative which has helped thousands of secondary school pupils across Derby has welcomed a new chair.
Enterprise for Education (E4E) has appointed Louise Pigden, Deputy Dean of the College of Science and Engineering at the University of Derby, to the role. She replaces Mike Copestake, who has been involved with the Derby City Council-backed scheme since it was launched in 2014.
E4E was created in a bid to link employers with secondary schools and students in the city. The public-private sector organisation offers mock interviews, CV workshops and mentoring, with employees from organisations in Derby – including Rolls-Royce, Alstrom, Toyota and the University – all volunteering their time.
Louise said: “I am absolutely delighted to have been appointed chair of E4E – and I have some big boots to fill; Mike has done a brilliant job for the past eight years and he was the person who suggested I join the board at E4E because of my background in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).
“I have a keen interest in outreach work and do a lot of that for the University. The core mission of E4E has always been to inspire the school children of Derby to achieve great things, open their eyes to opportunities, and to do this by introducing them to fantastic volunteers from Derby’s employers.
“And, as a volunteer, I have witnessed first-hand how impactful it can be; it is a joy to talk to young people about their aspirations, to positively influence them, give them ideas or a little bit of practice by taking part in mock interviews or CV Workshops.
“I’m looking forward to taking on this position, which aligns to the University’s wider civic agenda, helping to transform people’s lives and creative positive impact.”
During March 2019 to March 2020, just before COVID-19 arrived, E4E delivered to 15,709 young people in Derby, the highest in any 12-month period. This represents impressive numbers of employer volunteers and volunteering activity.
Throughout lockdown, delivery was massively affected. However, E4E switched to online delivery and still made an impact on 3,384 students.
E4E is bouncing back now and during 2021/22 is on course to deliver to 8,241 students.
Louise says that she will use her connections – and those of the University of Derby – to help E4E reach those students.
“Our Vice Chancellor, Professor Kathryn Mitchell CBE DL, chairs the Derby Opportunity Area and there are several inter-relationships between the University and Opportunity Area, plus Derby City Council,” said Louise.
“There are lots of overlapping agendas and objectives, so it’s really good to think of ways in which we can all work together productively.
“Recent partnerships and collaborations that E4E has been involved with include the Derby School Debate competition, where we worked with the Derby & District Law Society and University of Derby, Laptops for Students (E4E, Rolls-Royce, Derby City Council and Derby County Community Trust) and the Derby Festival of Discovery, which saw us work alongside Learn By Design, Rolls-Royce, University of Derby, Toyota and many more local employers.
“The E4E mission is to help raise aspirations and bridge the gap in educational attainment. I’m honoured to have been appointed chair and I am looking forward to continuing the good work.”
A super deduction successor could trigger £40bn-a-year boost for UK business investment
Introducing a new permanent investment deduction to succeed the Government’s super deduction could boost UK business investment by up to £40bn a year by 2026, according to a new CBI survey.
Data compiled from 325 firms – of all sizes and sectors of the economy – suggests the super deduction has spurred investment and that a permanent incentive could trigger an annual 17% uplift in capital spending. This could turbo-charge growth ambitions, helping raise productivity and improve living standards across all UK nations and regions.
The CBI survey reveals more than half of respondents took advantage of the super deduction – or plan to do so – to increase or accelerate capital investment plans.
However, with the scheme set to end in 2023, there is a risk business investment could tail off at a crucial time, when the OBR is projecting post-recovery economic growth levelling out at a modest 1.3-1.7%. The recent Bank of England forecast is more pessimistic still, expecting growth of only 1.0% in 2024. In the CBI’s own economic forecast, business investment is expected to fall in spring 2023, once the super deduction ends.
The business group is urging Government to create a permanent 100% tax deduction for capital spending in the year of expenditure at this year’s Spring Statement, helping to sustain business investment throughout 2023 and ushering in a 17% rise in business investment over the medium-term.
If the super deduction expires without a successor, the CBI forecasts the UK will remain the lowest in the G7 for business investment by 2026. Implementing a permanent investment deduction would lift us off the bottom, fuelling higher growth and productivity across the UK. Longer term, increasing productivity is the only sustainable way to pay down debt and meet rising spending pressures.
Tony Danker, CBI Director-General, said: “The Chancellor’s super deduction exemplified the boldness in public policy that we need to inspire investment and get the economy moving. Going by our survey results, it looks to be a real success. It’s started the job but cannot be a one-hit wonder. Evolving the policy from short-term fix into long-term strategy will give firms confidence that Government and industry are aligned.
“The UK is facing the highest tax burden in decades. But by rewarding firms who put money into their operations, we can unleash new innovation and productivity – the ingredients we need to escape the low-growth trap and build a stronger, sustainable and more equitable economic future.”
Key survey results:
Impact of the Super Deduction:
- More than half of firms (53%) plan to claim the super deduction.
- A fifth of qualifying capital spend is only taking place because of the opportunity presented by the super deduction.
- Some 19% of qualifying capital spend was as a result of accelerated investment plans due to the super deduction.
- And 2% of qualifying capital spending is being invested in the UK – rather than elsewhere – because of the super deduction.
- In total, 41% of planned qualifying capital investment in 2021-23 is due to the super deduction – more than half of which would not otherwise have taken place in the UK.
- 50% of respondents indicated they would revise investment plans as a result.
- 24% said they would make additional capital investments in the UK.
- 13% would make additional investments – and bring forward investment timescales.
- A further 13% would accelerate UK investments already planned.
- Survey respondents revealed plans for £1.3billion of capital projects and said a new investment deduction of the type proposed would see £169million of that spending accelerated – and a further £224million of projects added.
- Extrapolating these findings to a medium-term projection of business investment shows this could increase spending by 17% by 2026, compared to existing projections.
- This is equivalent to additional investment worth £40billion per year by 2026.
- Expanding the assets that qualify for a permanent investment incentive – to include, for example, second-hand, leased and rented assets – and expanding the relief to unincorporated businesses could raise investment further, with potential for an additional boost of 4% over current projections, or another £10billion of investment per year by 2026.
Forge new connections at the Property & Business Investment Lincolnshire Expo
Offering all that you require for a great day of networking and business generation, attend The Property & Business Investment Lincolnshire Expo to forge new connections.
A well targeted, free to attend event aimed at the Construction, Property, Business, Investment, Finance, Professional Services and related B2B markets, for which Business Link is a proud partner, the expo will take place on Wednesday 27 April 2022 at The Bentley Hotel, Lincoln.
Opening at 9am, as the exhibition closes (circa 2pm), it will roll directly into an informal network lunch – tickets are just £25 plus vat and can be ordered and paid for directly online.
Meet more potential clients in one amazing cost effective day, than it would take months out on the road.
To attend the event, register for free here.
To generate opportunities by exhibiting at the event, click here.
Purchase tickets to the networking lunch here.
