Further £500,000 for Kettering town centre improvements
More improvements to the street scene of Kettering will soon start thanks to an additional £500,000 of Historic England funding, which has been awarded to North Northamptonshire Council (NNC).
It is hoped that works will extend from Dryland Street to Crispin Place, following earlier works being completed on High Street, Gold Street, West Street and Meadow Road.
Due to the high quality of the materials and workmanship on the previous phase of the project, alongside the improvements to accessibility for town centre users, Historic England has awarded NNC additional funds to allow larger areas of the High Street to be improved.
The works are part of the Kettering High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) project, a partnership between North Northamptonshire Council and Historic England. The additional phase will have the same materials and design principles already used along the High Street.
Cllr David Brackenbury, the Council’s executive member for growth and regeneration, said: “I am so pleased that Historic England have recognised the high quality of the scheme and that work can continue along the High Street. Once finished, this work will make a real difference to Kettering and breathe new life into the town centre.”
Cllr Jason Smithers, leader of the Council, said: “Throughout this project, the aim has always been to encourage people to visit and stay a while in Kettering, using the businesses and services across the town. By the end of this phase the work will really showcase Kettering’s heritage and help improve footfall in the town. I cannot wait to see the end result.”
Louise Brennan, Historic England’s regional director – Midlands, said: “The improvements to the public realm on Kettering’s High Street are really impressive – the quality of the design and materials perfectly compliment the many historic buildings that give the town centre its strong character. We are delighted there is more proposed work to come to continue this enhanced public realm as part of the High Street Heritage Action Zone.”
Street scene improvements began in January along the southern end of the High Street, Meadow Road and Gold Street, with all work now due to be completed by Autumn 2022.
Derbyshire Dales District Council finalising £15m bid for Ashbourne regeneration
Derbyshire Dales District Council is in the process of finalising its bid to the Levelling Up Fund for a £15 million package of projects in Ashbourne town centre.
The bid, into round two of the Government initiative, will be submitted by 6 July and is designed to transform Ashbourne’s town centre.
District Council leader councillor Garry Purdy said: “We are working incredibly hard on this with partners and Derbyshire Dales MP Sarah Dines, whose support is crucial.
“Together we are aiming to reverse decline in parts of Ashbourne, create vibrant public squares and yards, and give people lots of reasons to visit within a safe and welcoming environment. We want to restore the pride in place in Ashbourne.”
The bid has been developed through close working with a number of local partners who have brought forward project ideas, identified opportunities and raised match-funding for the bid. These partners include the Ashbourne Town Team, Ashbourne Town Council, AshCom, Ashbourne Methodist Church and Derbyshire County Council.
There are two distinct project areas. The first is public realm improvement, delivering a series of transformed public spaces including Market Place, Victoria Square, Millennium Square and Shrovetide Walk.
Connections between these spaces will also be improved and a comprehensive set of improvements along Compton, Dig Street and St John Street will create a far better pedestrian experience, reducing the impact of vehicles and improving safety.
“The changes will celebrate the town’s heritage while enabling a wide variety of future events to bring new life to the centre of the town. Together they will create an environment where businesses will want to locate and invest, and residents and visitors spend time whilst supporting the local economy,” said Councillor Purdy.
The second project area focuses on a new community hub, transforming the Methodist Church into a multi-purpose community building to provide a wide range of event and meeting spaces, a performance venue and flexible work areas with high quality digital provision.
The hub will also link to a range of sustainable transport options to improve connectivity, including charging for e-bikes and scooters and connections to the Tissington Trail.
Councillor Purdy added: “The venue will offer a fresh, modern range of accommodation options for groups and families and an outdoor riverside garden event space. Together this will greatly enhance the town centre offer, providing a venue that will bring more people into the town centre while improving links to wider destinations.”
If the bid is successful work could begin as soon as late autumn this year.
Oakham hotel to be refurbished following acquisition
OakNorth Bank has provided a £3.8m loan to The Signet Collection, to acquire Barnsdale Lodge Hotel in Oakham, Rutland, and refurbish and upgrade it to a 4-star Signet-branded spa resort.
Founded in early 2020 by seasoned hotelier Hector Ross and his team, The Signet Collection is a British hospitality brand that creates boutique hotels in memorable locations.
The business was supported by OakNorth Bank for the opening of its first hotel – The Mitre Hotel at Hampton Court, and its second hotel – The Retreat at Elcot Park which very recently opened.
Barnsdale Lodge Hotel has been in Thomas Noel’s family since 1760 and formed part of the adjoining Exton Park, seat of the Earls of Gainsborough. Formerly a farmhouse and hunting lodge, it was converted by Thomas in 1983, and has since gained a 4.5-star rating on TripAdvisor, 8.4-star on Booking.com, and 78% Visit England rating.
Being less than a mile from Rutland Water (reservoir), a popular tourist attraction, it benefits from visitors throughout the year. The hotel currently consists of 46 ensuite bedrooms, 17 luxury self-catering cottages known as ‘Rutland Retreat’, three private dining and events rooms which can accommodate up to 50 guests, a larger function space which can accommodate up to 120 guests, a hair salon called Glow, and a 130-cover restaurant.
Signet’s plan is to refurbish the rooms, convert the existing events space into a spa and a new events space with capacity for 150 guests, and develop new retail units.
Hector Ross, founder of The Signet Collection, commented on the transaction: “Signet Hotels is all about taking assets in the UK countryside that have fallen out of love, favour or investment, and breathing new life into them. I’ve now worked with OakNorth Bank for a number of years for both our Mitre Hotel in Hampton Court and The Retreat at Elcot Park, so I know they listen, they believe in backing entrepreneurs, and will work collaboratively to make plans come together.
“There’s a real can-do attitude amongst the team, and an understanding that in construction and hospitality, things don’t always go to plan, so timeframes can sometimes be longer than expected. They also move faster than any other UK lender I’ve ever worked with – if you go to them on a Monday with an opportunity but caveat that you need the capital in two weeks’ time, they’ll get it done.”
Deepesh Thakrar, senior director of Debt Finance at OakNorth Bank, said: “When it comes to hospitality, many lenders have a tendency to paint every business in the sector with the same brush. We’re different: we consider every business on its own merits and delve deep into the data to really understand the management team’s objectives and future potential.
“We’ve worked with Hector and the team for years, so know this is a team that can deliver and has the expertise and drive to succeed in this highly competitive market. The fact that this is the third time Hector and his team have chosen us as their trusted funding partner demonstrates that we’ve continued to deliver on our promise to delight customers and offer a borrowing experience that’s truly differentiated.”
“A great opportunity to celebrate key developments and achievements”: Marketing Derby shows support for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022
Marketing Derby is encouraging local property and construction businesses to enter the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022, to “increase their credibility, benchmark against competitors and recognise the hard work and achievements of staff.”
John Forkin, Managing Director of Marketing Derby, who is also the event’s keynote speaker this year, said: “The East Midlands Bricks Awards are a great opportunity to celebrate the key developments and achievements within the sector.
“Here in Derby, we are focused on recovery – with a number of major schemes now fast-becoming a reality. Research has shown that businesses entering awards can increase their credibility, benchmark against competitors and recognise the hard work and achievements of staff.”
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If you haven’t submitted your nominations yet, now is the ideal time.
The East Midlands Bricks Awards celebrate the region’s property and construction industry, its people, and exceptional developments, and provide the perfect opportunity to shine a light on your team, reward their hard work, and boost morale. Winners will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony on Thursday 15 September, at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground – an evening that will also provide plenty of time to forge new contacts with property and construction professionals from across the region. To submit a business or development for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022, 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)
Book your tickets now
Tickets can now be booked for the awards event – click here to secure yours. The special awards evening and networking event will be held on 15 September 2022 in the Derek Randall Suite at the Trent Bridge County Cricket Club from 4:30pm – 7:30pm. Connect with local decision makers over canapés and complimentary drinks while applauding the outstanding companies and projects in our region. The event will also welcome 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. Dress code is standard business attire.
To be held at:
Biggest growth ever for consultancy firm helping town and city centres to improve
A specialist consultancy firm is celebrating its biggest ever year after supporting town and city centres to rebuild in the post-pandemic world.
Partnerships for Better Business Ltd (pfbb UK) work with local authorities and businesses across the country to implement and manage effective Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) in their areas, focusing on partnership and investment opportunities, and creating better places for shoppers and visitors to enjoy.
In the last year, the Derby-based business has launched a new ‘place management’ service to help local authorities with research, partnerships, BIDs and strategies to improve town and city centres, grown to a team of 14, and increased its loyal client base by 67%, as more and more businesses and organisations need help to overcome challenges caused by Covid.
Ian Ferguson, director at pfbb UK and a Government expert for the High Street Task Force, said: “We have experienced some fantastic organic growth here at pfbb UK, which has come through our expertise in delivering BIDs and helping local authorities to generate levy revenue to reinvest in their areas.
“Making places better is at the heart of what we do, and our experience of working in town centres for the last 20 years has put us in an excellent position to help local authorities and businesses adapt to the changes brought by the pandemic, such as the reduction in retail footage, the need for more green spaces, and making offices work in a different way due to hybrid working.
“The way people use town centres has changed dramatically in the last two years, and we have the experience and skills to ensure masterplans are delivered on the ground. Many towns and cities need help and support to bring all their plans together, and our success and growth as a business demonstrates that the high street is certainly not dead.”
Kerry Reynolds, co-chair, Northampton town centre BID, and area director, Metro Bank, said: “pfbb UK has been managing the BID since 2014, eighteen months before its first renewal to set it back on track.
“They have since managed delivery of our BID projects and taken us through a further renewal into our third term. Through their skill they developed a very close and productive working relationship with Northampton Borough Council and managed relationships under the newly reconstructed unitary authority.
“During Covid the BID initiated and led the creation and coordination of Northampton town centre Task Force, supporting businesses and managing the town centre throughout the various stages of Covid, lockdown and openings. Through a highly experienced, effective and professional team, the BID is now playing a key role in shaping the delivery of the Northampton town centre’s Masterplan, driving real benefits to businesses and shaping the future of the town centre.”
Gavin O’Brien, chair of Luton BID and co-director of Clearhead Media, added: “I have worked with pfbb UK since they developed the BID back in 2014. Since then the pfbb UK team have managed the delivery of BID plans and taken Luton BID into its second term.
“We are very fortunate to have such a professional, experienced and technically skilled team supporting the Board and managing the BID to deliver real benefits to businesses in Luton town centre. Thanks to the effectiveness of their project delivery, the BID has made a real difference to the way the town centre looks and feels.
“pfbb UK’s placemaking expertise also enables the BID to play a key strategic role in working with the council in the development and delivery of its masterplan which is key to changing the perceptions of the town centre and enabling Luton to reach its full potential.
“On top of this, they aren’t scared to challenge ’the norm’ and really do feel like incredible teammates, guiding us through issues that any town or city might have. I highly recommend pfbb UK as a highly professional and competent team who deliver valuable benefits to BID business levy payers.”
To find out more about pfbb UK visit www.pfbbuk.co.uk.
Third generation of commercial launderers sell family firm after 94 years
A commercial laundry and linen hire specialist which was founded by the current owners’ grandparents in 1928, has been sold in a deal completed by Northampton based corporate finance specialists Watersheds.
K Laundry Ltd, which is based in Ramsgate, Kent, was established by the grandparents of current owners Clive Jones and family almost a century ago, and still operates from the original site.
Originally serving the domestic market, K Laundry later moved into the commercial laundry sector as domestic washing machines became more prevalent. K Laundry served the seaside town’s hotels and guest houses, before expanding into laundry and linen hire for hospitality, private schools and manufacturers.
When MD Clive Jones decided to retire, he wanted to be confident that his family’s business would still have a promising future, and particularly that the company’s employees would be secure in their jobs.
Clive said “With the experience in laundry deals, and their sympathetic and hands-on approach to the sale, my family were reassured that Watersheds was ‘on our side’”.
When Watersheds introduced Clive to Belmont Laundry, an Essex-based company serving much of the South-East of England, Clive felt that Belmont would be an excellent fit.
“Like K Laundry, Belmont is a family-owned company that serves similar customers and also strives for the highest standards of customer service,” continued Clive.
“Ramsgate is an area of deprivation and preserving the jobs of those who have been so loyal to us was an absolute must for any deal. Watersheds appreciated the importance of the human element if we were to sell, and we really appreciate the time and effort they took to find a match that met our ethical, as well as financial, requirements. Engaging Watersheds was one of the best business decisions made in the 90+ years of K Laundry.”
Mark Middleton, MD of Belmont Laundry, said his own father started their business over 30 years ago, so he understands why Clive and his family wanted a buyer with similar aims and values.
“This acquisition will allow us to expand geographically, while maintaining the same high-quality service,” said Mark.
“We will continue to invest in the K Laundry site and, given that providing such a service is very labour-intensive, will continue to employ the local workforce.”
Jessica Painter, a partner with Watersheds, said:
“This was our fourth laundry deal, and one of very many deals where the owners understandably have no experience of transactions such as this, so it was gratifying to be able to support Clive and get a deal in place that ticks all his boxes.
“It’s not at all uncommon for owners of second or third-generation firms to feel a strong commitment to their staff, and to want to protect their future livelihoods.
“Because we spend a lot of time understanding what they really want from a deal, we can save them time by seeking out offers that genuinely meet their criteria. This means they can leave the company in safe hands and enjoy the fruits of their long years of labour.”
Former DWP building in Sutton to be transformed into office, retail, and creative space
As part of the £6.27m Future High Streets Fund that was secured by Ashfield District Council, the former DWP building on High Pavement, Sutton, will be transformed into a shared office, retail, and creative space.
Ashfield District Council purchased the building in September 2021 using the Future High Street Fund which was awarded to the Council in January 2021 to regenerate Sutton’s town centre.
This project will see the building converted into a mixed-use hub including a Maker Space shared facility and a business hub.
The ground floor Maker Space will be a community space with access to equipment for members to use, learn new skills, invent, and build whilst socialising and collaborating.
The business hub will contain small lettable units for new and existing businesses in the creative industries, with communal kitchen facilities, meeting space, and breakout areas.
The renovation work should be completed before the end of the year and artist impressions have now been revealed.
Cllr Matthew Relf, lead executive member for regeneration and corporate transformation, said: “The artist impressions are an exciting step in the development of this project, which will give new purpose and energy to this prominent building in Sutton. Housing the new Makerspace and business hub it will be an incredible asset to residents of Sutton and the rest of the District.
“The business hub will allow new creative industries to flourish in a purpose-built space. The Makerspace will provide a fantastic space that gives people the opportunity to gain valuable new skills and enjoy the pleasure of making things. This is just one of the many exciting projects that we are developing through the Future High Street and Towns Fund worth over £70m.”
LDC’s East Midlands team invests in advertising company to accelerate growth and double headcount
Mid-market private equity firm LDC has made a significant investment in Blis, a global programmatic advertising company, to support its international growth plans.
Blis has an international team of more than 240 people working for some of the world’s largest companies. The company has grown rapidly over the last five years, with revenues rising to c.£60m this year.
LDC is backing the existing management team led by CEO Greg Isbister. The private equity firm is supporting their growth plans to invest in new product development, broaden its service offering and expand the team across Europe, the USA and Asia-Pacific. LDC’s investment will enable Blis to double its headcount over the next few years.
The transaction was led by John Green, an investment director in LDC’s East Midlands and East of England team, and was supported by investment director Karen Mann and partner David Andrews.
LDC’s John Green and David Andrews will join the board alongside CEO Greg Isbister, CFO Parm Dhami and industry heavy-weight John Farrell, who joins Blis as non-executive chair. With more than 25 years’ experience, John Farrell has led some of the world’s biggest marketing services brands and was the former president and CEO of Publicis Group’s specialised agencies and marketing services arm.
Greg Isbister, CEO of Blis, said: “I’m really excited to have LDC as an investor in the business – they clearly understand the opportunity ahead of us and back our vision to accelerate our growth in this exciting space. They bring a huge amount of sector expertise across their broad portfolio and have a straight talking and down to earth approach.”
John Green, investment director in LDC’s East Midlands team, added: “The Blis team has created a compelling marketing proposition that really works in today’s privacy-first world. They came to us with a successful track record and a plan to further expand the business across major international markets. We’re excited to play a part in the next stage of their growth journey.”
LDC was advised by GP Bullhound (corporate finance), Browne Jacobson (legal), PwC (commercial and financial due diligence).
Blis was advised by Moelis & Co (corporate finance) and Fox Williams (legal). The management team were advised by Deloitte (corporate finance) and Eversheds (legal). Debt facilities were provided by OakNorth Bank.
Exhibitor bookings flying for Midlands Machinery Show
Exhibitor bookings for this year’s Midlands Machinery Show are running 15% ahead of normal, demonstrating the farm industry’s delight at getting back out and about post-Covid.
The event, which will be held on 16-17 November at Newark Showground, provides farmers and contractors the opportunity to view the latest kit, from new tractors to robots and precision sprayers to low disturbance cultivators. “Exhibitors are clearly keen to return to farm events; new bookings were 15% up by the early bird deadline at the end of May, and repeat bookings are also flooding in,” says show organiser Elizabeth Halsall.
The event promises to feature some of the newest, most advanced machinery and equipment on the market, including the latest tractor models, robotic machinery, loaders, telehandlers, and mowers. “Last year, 77% of our visitors attended to research and purchase new products and to meet suppliers face-to-face, and there will certainly be plenty for them to see.”
Chandlers (MF) Ltd will be bringing a large selection of the latest Massey Ferguson models and the Chandlers (FV) Ltd team will have a full range of Fendt and Valtra tractors, including some brand new models not yet released at the time of going to press. Telehandlers and loaders will also be on view, joined by the innovative FarmDroid FD20 – which will for many be the first chance to see the new fully automated machine. The lightweight six-to-eight row FD20 runs entirely off solar power to reduce labour and costs of sowing and weeding crops, while being CO2 neutral, explains Gavin Pell, managing director at Chandlers.
“The farming industry is changing towards machinery that is high tech and often robotic to reduce labour and costs,” he says. “Requirements are drifting towards newer, more advanced technology and we are excited to be able to offer the new FarmDroid to our customers.”
Returning exhibitor Setchfields will be celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, and will be exhibiting Kioti tractors, mowers, and equipment. The Lincolnshire–based firm will also be joined by JCB loaders.
“The Midlands Machinery Show is a good place to catch up with new and existing contacts,” says chief operating officer Hannah Setchfield, who joined the family business last year. “The farming community is continually evolving, and through our parts, service and machinery offering we are well equipped to meet the demands of the modern farming business.”
Almost 35% of visitors last year ordered a new product from the show, and 82% learnt about new products and innovations, says Mrs Halsall. “Given the close focus on farm and turf care machinery and equipment, both exhibitors and visitors know that they will get what they came for. Last year 93% of visitors were satisfied with the exhibitors’ offering, and with advance bookings already up on previous years, it promises to be a fantastic event for all involved.”
East Midlands furniture manufacturer delivers second contract for community hospital in Scottish Highlands
The new Broadford Community Hospital on the Isle of Skye is part of a £40m development by NHS Highland. This investment included the award-winning Badenoch & Strathspey Community Hospital in Aviemore, which opened towards the end 2021, and was also fitted out by Deanestor.
Deanestor provided both loose and bespoke fitted furniture for 142 rooms throughout the new hospital on Skye. This included storage units, medicine cabinets, height-adjustable changing benches, bedroom wardrobes, foldaway beds in some inpatient rooms, nurse stations, and a main reception desk with a walnut wood-effect finish and contrasting glacier white solid surface countertops.
Bespoke joinery was also manufactured and installed by Deanestor for a new six-bay suite for chemotherapy and renal patients to help create a more welcoming patient environment. This suite has large picture windows with stunning sea views. The white low-level counters are designed to house medical gases and vacuum outlets, and incorporate lighting, worktops, oak privacy screens, and coat and bag storage.
Commenting on the opening of the new hospital, Tracy Ligema, Project Director at NHS Highland, said, “This is a significant milestone in the history of Skye, Lochalsh and South West Ross. There has been a considerable amount of work involved in this process and we want to thank everyone who has contributed.”
“The new hospital will serve the community for many years to come and highlights the health board’s commitment to developing remote and rural health and social care services.”
Peter Ramsay, Project Director for hub North Scotland, said, “Broadford Hospital is a fantastic health facility which will bring huge benefits for the communities of Skye, Lochalsh and South West Ross. We faced major challenges progressing construction during the Covid pandemic but the support of all the partners and the local community ensured we have delivered a hospital that everyone can be proud of.”
A durable laminate finish was used for the storage solutions in two shades of blue to reflect the sky and the sea in the surrounding landscape. Darker blue was specified for the inpatient bedrooms and utility areas, with calming aqua for the treatment areas.
Deanestor also fitted out the pharmacy with tall cabinets, worktops, dispensing cabinets with integrated trays and metal drugs cabinets. A wide range of specialist equipment was also installed across the hospital – from physiotherapy bars to white boards, dispensers, sanitisers, and appliances.
Originally established in 1948 to manufacture hospital furniture and fittings for the newly established NHS, Deanestor now has the resources and expertise to manage 5,000-room hospital projects. It offers bespoke design services to meet specific healthcare project requirements and is responsible for installation to provide a seamless approach and a single point of contact for contractors, NHS trusts and other construction clients.
