First phase completed at Wingfield Court with all units sold/let

Phase one of Wingfield Court, Clay Cross, Chesterfield has reached completion with all three units sold/let. The new occupiers include Stanwood Engineering Ltd, DK Europe Ltd and Highlight Crafts Ltd. The first phase of units extends to approximately 12,700 sq ft across the three units and all units were under offer prior to completion of the build. Planning has just been granted for the second phase of units at Wingfield Court, which will bring forward a further sixteen units ranging from 1,900 sq ft up to 12,000 sq ft, with the ability to combine units. David Roe of Coney Green Developments said: “I am very pleased to have completed phase 1 of Wingfield Court. We continue to receive strong levels of interest for the scheme and we look forward to delivering more units, which will create both employment and economic growth for the local area.” Chris Proctor, associate director of FHP Property Consultants, said: “Following the success of over 100,000 sq ft developed on Railway View Business Park in Clay Cross on behalf of the same client, it is fantastic to continue this momentum on Wingfield Court. “We now turn our focus to Phase 2 and we already have a number of units on the development under offer, but we do invite further interest in the scheme and we would be delighted to speak to both local and national occupiers.” John Jarman of Knight Frank said: “There continues to be a severe shortage of small to medium sized units across the region. Our enquiry levels are running significantly ahead of pre-covid levels with approx. 50% of all enquiries received for units up to 10,000 sq ft.
“The first phase has been a huge success and the second phase will provide further much needed space to fulfil the occupier demand that we are seeing. The scheme will be built to a high specification and provides flexibility to suit industrial, manufacturing and warehouse uses.”

Administrators sell Capital Cooling assets, saving 14 jobs

The joint administrators of Beheren Limited have sold certain assets of the company to a subsidiary of TEFCOLD Group. Chris Pole and Sarah Collins from Interpath Advisory were appointed joint administrators to Beheren Limited, which traded as Capital Cooling, on 24 February 2022. The company provided refrigeration solutions to the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors, with a warehouse and distribution facility based in Kettering and a head office function based in Livingston. TEFCOLD Group has acquired certain assets including stock, trademarks, domain names, fixed assets, and the goodwill of Capital Cooling from the administrators. The transaction sees a total of 14 members of staff transfer to the buyer. The TEFCOLD Group is a European commercial refrigeration company with a turnover of more than €120 million, 130 employees, and warehouses in 4 countries. TEFCOLD (UK), which was previously known as Interlevin Refrigeration, has more than 40 employees and has its local head office in Castle Donington where its premises includes warehouse and office space altogether covering more than 100,000 square feet. Chris Pole, Managing Director at Interpath Advisory and joint administrator, said: “We are pleased to have concluded this transaction which ensures continuity of service for Capital Cooling’s customers and importantly, safeguards a number of jobs. We would like to thank customers, suppliers and staff for their support throughout the administration process.”

Toyota Manufacturing UK Charitable Trust supports Safe and Sound

The Toyota Manufacturing UK Charitable Trust has donated nearly £2,000 to Derby-based charity Safe and Sound to support their work with children, young people and families whose lives are affected by exploitation. The donation will go towards the charity’s expanded youth work programme which includes a wide range of positive activities. Tim Freeman, trustee for the Charitable Trust and Deputy Managing Director at Toyota Manufacturing UK, said “It is a privilege to be able to support the fantastic work of local charities such as Safe and Sound despite what has been a particularly challenging year for us all. At Toyota, it is important to us to be able to contribute to our local communities in this way.” Safe and Sound fundraising and marketing officer Lucy Orme was invited to speak at the presentation event. She said: “We are extremely grateful to the Toyota Manufacturing UK Charitable Trust for their support again this year. “This donation will be put into our youthwork programme which provides a wide range of positive activities for the children and young people that we work with whose lives have been affected by child exploitation.”

Funding to help accountants achieve further growth following acquisition

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A fast-growing accountancy firm is set for further expansion after acquiring a practice in Lincoln. Jackson Stapleton Accountants of Scunthorpe has doubled its staff numbers to 24 with the acquisition of Fawcett & Co. The firm now plans to expand its services to include wealth advisory, legal services, estate agency and marketing to provide a ‘one-stop shop’ for clients. The firm has also secured £300,000 funding from NPIF – Mercia Debt Finance, which is managed by Mercia and is part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund (NPIF), to help it invest in new technology and support future growth after the acquisition. Founded around 40 years ago, Fawcett’s is one of Lincoln’s longest established accountancy practices. The acquisition will allow for the retirement of the two senior partners Rob Merriweather and Kevin Smith, who had managed the business since owner Dennis Fawcett retired several years ago. It will also secure the jobs of the remaining staff and create seven new jobs across the Scunthorpe and Lincoln area. Jackson Stapleton was set up in 2017 by Mark Jackson-Stapleton, who has over 20 years’ experience in accountancy. Mark says: “Fawcett’s is a well-established and respected name in Lincolnshire and we are delighted to welcome the team on board. The funding from NPIF and Mercia will help us build on the acquisition and pursue our long-term growth plans. Ultimately we aim to offer a full range of professional services and become the practice of choice for fast-growing companies.” Rebecca Pickering of Mercia added: “Mark is a forward-thinking entrepreneur bringing a fresh approach to the world of accountancy. Jackson Stapleton has grown steadily since its inception and has now doubled in size. The funding will help him to further build the business and pursue his vision to become a one-stop shop offering an integrated service to the region’s business community.”

Interest rates rise comes at difficult time for businesses

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The Bank of England has announced that interest rates will increase from 0.5% to 0.75%, with the decision coming at a time when consumers and businesses are dealing with a plethora of rising cost pressures. East Midlands Chamber Chief Executive Scott Knowles said: “While another rise in interest rates has been expected since the previous increase in December, this latest announcement comes at a difficult time given all the pressures squeezing margins on businesses right now. “Against a backdrop of growing domestic and global headwinds including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, it will be viewed by many as a further step in a prolonged period of aggressive monetary tightening at a time when consumers and businesses are struggling under a myriad of rising cost pressures. “Our latest Quarterly Economic Survey for Q1 2022 shows 80% of East Midlands companies expect prices to go up across resources such as staff, raw materials and energy over the next three months, leading to a very real cost of doing business crisis. “Cashflow went into negative territory for three out of 10 of our region’s organisations at the beginning of this year and raising interest rates will be another deterrent to future investment – which ultimately is what enables businesses to improve productivity in order to create growth, jobs and wealth in their communities. “It’s important that the focus should be on using next week’s Spring Statement to tackle this escalating crisis by delaying the national insurance rise and introducing a temporary energy price cap for small businesses. “This would give firms the headroom to keep a lid on prices, protect jobs and make investment that is so vital to sustaining our economic prospects.” Alpesh Paleja, CBI lead economist, said: “With ongoing conflict in Ukraine pushing global commodity prices higher and exacerbating supply chain disruption, the MPC are clearly making moves to counter growing inflation. But they will be walking a tightrope in the months ahead, having to both keep price pressures in-check and manage the impact of tighter monetary policy on economic growth – particularly against a background of rising living costs. “As households and businesses brace for further price rises, targeted support from government will be needed to cushion the blow until the outlook is on a firmer footing. By using the forthcoming Spring Statement to facilitate more investment-led growth – including through the introduction of a permanent investment – the Chancellor can push the UK onto a more ambitious growth trajectory.” Kitty Ussher, chief economist of the Institute of Directors, said: “Business leaders will welcome the Bank of England’s continuing to take action in the face of rising inflation. Unstable prices add to the cost of doing business, and it is therefore important that the monetary authorities do everything they can to bring greater confidence into the system at a difficult time. “Our most recent data from our members shows, however, that expectations of future inflation are still rising, so it may be that further corrective action will be needed in the months ahead, depending on how the UK economy is affected by fast-moving events elsewhere in the world.” Martin McTague, national chair of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), said: “This move will mean higher debt costs for many firms at a moment when soaring overheads are threatening futures. “The economic consequences of the pandemic are still being felt by small businesses, whose ability to make up for lost time and income has been undermined by a vicious cycle of rising costs. “A lot of small firms have had no choice but to increase prices in response, but this isn’t always an option, especially in sectors still trying to entice customers back, such as hospitality and tourism, and their suppliers. “At the same time, consumer confidence has plunged and the cost-of-living squeeze has intensified, with record fuel prices and sky-high utility bills meaning loss of disposable income. “Small businesses increasingly feel that the Government is indifferent to the cost pressures they face. The planned hikes to national insurance and dividend taxation taking effect in a matter of days, alongside an income tax threshold freeze, will, for many, be the final straw. “Next week’s Spring Statement is the Government’s last chance saloon to mend relations. Increasing the Employment Allowance, upping the small business rates relief threshold on rates, and taking action on surging fuel and utility bills would all help. “‘Pay as you grow’ options to spread the pressure of debt repayments should be opened up to users of other state-backed loan schemes beyond just bounce-backs. We urgently need to see the Chancellor ease the pressure on the five and a half million small firms and sole traders on which our recovery will depend.”

Anthony James acquires local Nottingham broker

Insurance broker, Anthony James, is expanding again after acquiring a Nottingham counterpart to deepen the community footprint. Anthony James, which is based in Loughborough, has aligned with Bale Insurance Brokers, in a deal which will bring a wider range of services for the clients of both firms. Bale Insurance Brokers is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2022 and the decision to team up with Anthony James has been described as “hugely exciting” by Managing Director Jeff Bale. He said: “We’re delighted to seal this partnership with such a highly-respected firm as Anthony James. The deal will result in a wider range of services for our clients, including access to more insurance markets and an in-house claims management team. “Being part of the Anthony James Insurance Brokers group of companies will bring forward  access to resource and a dynamic range of solutions for all of our clients’ changing insurance requirements.” Jeff will have a senior role within Anthony James and maintain client and colleague relationships. A key part of the deal is that Bale will keep its Nottingham office open as usual and all contact details will stay the same. Steve Boorman, Anthony James Insurance Brokers’ Managing Director, said: “We’re excited to announce this expansion and look forward to welcoming Jeff and his colleagues as part of the team. Bale is a recognised name in the local insurance brokerage world and we’re delighted that their loyal clients will now have access to a wider range of insurance support.” The last year has been one of major growth for the brokers, with additional businesses brought into the group including Impaqt. This brings together Health & Safety and HR support, to provide its customers with a dovetailed risk management program that runs alongside the commercial insurance arrangements, providing 360 protection. “For Anthony James, this is the next step in our strategic growth plan,” concludes Boorman. “The integration of Jeff and his team has already begun and we look forward to helping Bale’s clients get the very best insurance advice available.”

Business Gateway welcomes Good Growth result with plans to help small business build on it

The Business Gateway for Leicester and Leicestershire has welcomed the findings published today by Demos-PwC as part of their Good Growth for Cities Index. The Index saw Leicester achieving the highest ranking of any East Midlands city at 14th out of 50.  The index uses indicators such as environment, transport, jobs, high street and shops, skills and new businesses. Business Gateway manager, Rachel York, said: “It’s very heartening to see the city and county recognised as a great place to start and grow a business. It’s our job to make sure that this potential is realised – particularly in such challenging times globally. “We’re interested to see that manufacturing is 16% of Leicester’s economy, wholesale and retail is 11.4% and real estate is nearly 12%. This situation means that we have a slightly below average overall rate of economic growth in the region and that’s what we’ll continue to address in the new financial year. We will continue to focus on supporting microbusinesses and very small businesses because they bring variety to our economy and, with the right support, can grow quickly. “It’s also good to see that the environment and work-life balance are becoming more highly valued. We have offered programmes in Going Green throughout the year and they have proven very popular with our clients, along with our Zellar carbon reduction programme.  This focus will continue in our new programme of events to be published soon.” Mrs York concluded: “We completely agree with Ali Breadon of PwC’s comments that local government, employers and leaders all have a part to play in providing opportunities to grow businesses, careers, and skills. This of course is why the Business Gateway exists – to support growth, at start-up and for many years after.” The Demos PwC Report can be found here: Good growth – Government & public sector – PwC UK

113,000 sq ft unit sold at Derbyshire logistics development

St Francis Group and ALMCOR have completed on the pre-sale of a 113,872 sq ft prime industrial unit at Horizon 29 to PCT Healthcare Ltd. The development located adjacent to Junction 29A of the M1 and Markham Vale is being delivered by Bolsover Land Ltd, the second joint venture partnership between St Frances Group and ALMCOR (formerly known as iSec). This quickly follows the recent sale by the JV of 80 acres of land at Horizon 29 to Bentallgreenoak for the speculative development of 1.2 million sq ft of warehouse and logistics space. When complete the park will comprise eight industrial/warehouse units from 73,174 sq ft to 250,000 sq ft. The opportunity to purchase the site in Bolsover allows PCT Healthcare (trading as Peak Pharmacy) to consolidate their depots into a purpose-built unit. Horizon 29 was acquired by Bolsover Land as a brownfield site in need of extensive remediation and with the help of public sector funding support from North East Derbyshire District Council, Bolsover District Council, Derbyshire County Council and the D2N2 LEP, the developers recently completed extensive infrastructure works to regenerate the site and create 4 development ready plots ready for immediate development. Gareth Williams, development director at St Francis Group, part of the Joint Venture and who oversaw negotiations, said: “Large regeneration projects have a long lead-in time and Horizon29 was no exception, so securing the first occupier is an exciting milestone. “On behalf of the Joint Venture, I’m delighted to have reached agreement with PCT Healthcare and look forward to working with them on this part of their next chapter. Work on site will begin in June and the new unit will be handed over in April next year.”
CBRE and Knight Frank acted for the Joint Venture. Mike Baugh, senior director, CBRE Industrial team Leeds, said: “It was great working with our clients Bolsover Land Ltd on this project and to advise on the first unit to be built at Horizon29, a scheme that will quickly become an exciting new business location. PCT and their acquisition team at WT Gunson were a pleasure to deal with.”
Joe Cattee of PCT said: “I’m delighted to have managed to get this acquisition over the line. The possibility of relocation to this site completely revolutionizes how Peak Pharmacy operate. “The pressures on the business over the last 18 months have been extreme to say the least, and by having the ability to locate all our supply depots into one location, and free up capacity across our Pharmacy network, our colleagues and patients should see these pressures reduced and a better service, and atmosphere for both should follow.
“I’m very thankful to our legal representation CMP Legal, based in Chesterfield, and our Consultants team, WT Gunson, based in Manchester for their continued support in the development of our business.”
Jack McCabe, senior consultant at WT Gunson, acted for PCT Healthcare Limited.

New report spotlights lack of women at top levels in Midlands businesses

Women in business leadership across the Midlands is the focus of the Midlands Engine Quarterly Economic Briefing tomorrow – an opportunity to celebrate women in leadership positions across the region, and spotlight areas where barriers to female leadership exist and how they can be addressed. The briefing follows the release on International Women’s Day of a revealing new Midlands Engine partnership report – Women in Business Leadership in the Midlands. The research was conducted in conjunction with the University of Wolverhampton and highlights the lack of women in business leadership positions in the region, including the low percentage of women running small businesses, and details the barriers women currently face. The report’s findings include:
  • Amongst the top 350 Midlands companies, there are 169 companies with male-only boards. This means 48% of the largest 350 companies by turnover in the Midlands do not have a woman on their board.
  • Women hold 15.8% of directorships in the top 350 public and private companies in the Midlands, which is lower than the UK’s large public companies.
  • This falls to 7.8% of executive directorships in the Midlands’ top 350 companies, compared to 13.7% and 11.3% in FTSE100 and FTSE250 companies respectively.
  • Companies with female executive directors are less prevalent in Midlands100 at only 12%, compared to 27% of UK FTSE100 companies.
Using testimonies from stakeholders, the report highlights how the prevalence of traditionally masculine-dominated industries in the Midlands, such as those in the manufacturing sector, have hampered the progression of women in leadership. The findings also confirm the wide range of barriers yet to be broken down, including masculine work cultures and exclusionary practices, negative perceptions of flexible working and unconscious bias/stereotyping. On the agenda for discussion at the Midlands Engine briefing are the key interventions identified by the partnership to promote women in leadership. These include ousting deep-rooted cultural biases in companies, promoting women based on achievements instead of hours worked and supporting flexible working hours. They also focus on targeting funding to address the persistent funding gap in female-owned businesses, celebrating role models and effectively sharing success stories. Joining the event is a panel of prominent regional female leaders including: Member of the Women and Equalities Select Committee, Theo Clarke MP; CEO of Home Fresh, Jigna Varu; Managing Director of Dignio UK, Dr Ewa Truchanowicz; and Head of Business Development at HSBC, Suzy Verma. Insights also come from: Clare James, Midlands Engine Business Council Member and CEO of East Midlands Airport; Jeannie McGillivray, Midlands Engine Business Council Member and CEO of Remote; Councillor Abi Brown, Midlands Engine Executive Board Member and Leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council; and Edwina Dunn, Founder, Dunnhumby. Rachael Greenwood, CEO of the Midlands Engine Partnership, said: “Ingenuity, determination and fairness have proven to be decisive factors in business success here in the Midlands Engine region – and fully embracing inclusivity is fundamental to moving forwards together. Just as we have committed to accelerating the Midlands’ path to net zero, we can commit to embedding gender equality into everyday business practice. “By taking on the recommendations outlined in the Women in Business Leadership in the Midlands report as a baseline – as an undisputed foundation – then there is profound potential to build from there and make the Midlands a beacon and a champion for the benefits of supporting women in business.” Professor Silke Machold, PhD, Dean of Research and Professor of Corporate Governance at the University of Wolverhampton, said: “This report demonstrates how women in the Midlands are under-represented in boardrooms and executive teams, and that women are less likely than men to lead or own businesses. “Progress continues to be made, and this research provides a series of recommendations at an individual, organisational and regional level to help promote women into leadership, and reap the social and economic benefits that equality will bring.”

New research finds Leicester best positioned city for economic growth in the East Midlands

Leicester has placed as the highest ranked East Midlands city in the the Demos-PwC Good Growth for Cities Index, which ranks 50 of the UK’s largest towns and cities (plus the London boroughs as a whole), based on people’s assessment of 12 key economic wellbeing factors. It achieved a ranking of 14th out of 50 and is followed by Derby (ranked 23rd), Nottingham (ranked 34th) and Lincoln (ranked 35th). The index uses a series of indicators including safety, income distribution, income, health, work-life balance, environment, transport, jobs, high street & shops, housing, skills and new businesses. Each indicator is weighted relative to how important it is considered by the 1,000 people surveyed as part of the study. In comparison to last year’s report, the importance given to these indicators by the members of the public who have been polled has shifted considerably. Jobs and skills, two of the most important variables last year, see significant decreases in their importance in the updated Index. In contrast, the environment and income distribution have seen significant increases. For the first time, two new indicators – safety and high street and shops – have been added to the index. The index found that Leicester ranked above average for work-life balance, income distribution and safety, and was around average for indicators including jobs, health, new business, house prices to earnings, homeowner occupation rate, transport and environment. The average annual economic growth rate as measured by Gross Value Added (GVA) on cities in the Midlands region is 6.9% in 2021 – below the UK average rate of 7.3% in 2021. Data shows that across the East Midlands, manufacturing, wholesale & retail, and real estate make up the highest proportions of cities’ economies. For example, 23.8% of Derby’s economy is attributed to the manufacturing sector, which is among the highest in the country. Research indicates that this partly drove lower than average estimated growth rates in 2021, as manufacturing, like many other sectors, faced challenges through the pandemic such as supply chain and logistical issues and reduced workforce capacities. Elsewhere in the region, manufacturing makes up 16.1% of Leicester’s overall economy, 14.8% in Lincoln and 12.2% in Nottingham. Wholesale and retail comprises 12.4% in Derby, 11.4% in Leicester, 12.7% in Lincoln and 13.2% in Nottingham. Finally, real estate accounts for 11% in Derby, 11.9% in Leicester, 12.2% in Lincoln and 11.2% in Nottingham. Ali Breadon, senior partner for PwC in the East Midlands, said: “We’re emerging from the pandemic with a new set of priorities, largely focused around fairness, the environment and work-life balance. In concert with the vision set out in the Levelling Up White Paper, local government, employers and leaders all have a part to play in providing opportunities for people to grow their businesses, careers, and skills in cities, towns, and communities right across the East Midlands. “We see a clear theme across Midlands cities of manufacturing, retail and real estate accounting for larger sections of our regional economies. As the research suggests, this contributes to a slightly below average overall rate of economic growth in the region. That in itself presents both challenges and opportunities for the local business community with the identification of growth opportunities.” How the Midlands fares on priorities for good growth As a whole, cities in the Midlands performed well on safety, where six out of eleven cities (Derby, Leicester, Milton Keynes, Nottingham, Stoke-on-Trent, and Wolverhampton & Walsall) scored above average. Transport sees four cities (Derby, Lincoln, Northampton and Peterborough) score above the national average. Four cities (Leicester, Lincoln, Peterborough, and Wolverhampton & Walsall) scored above the index average on the income distribution indicator, with the other cities at around average. However, this positive performance is also coupled with lower scores in jobs, with five cities (Birmingham, Northampton, Nottingham, Peterborough, and Wolverhampton & Walsall) coming below the national average.