Mortgage broker makes new home at Friar Gate Studios
A specialist mortgage broker has made its fourth move within the Connect Derby portfolio of managed workspaces.
Create Finance, which was founded in 2015 by mortgage broker Gindy Mathoon, has taken advantage of the relaxation of rules allowing non-creatives to take office space at Friar Gate Studios and moved his 23 strong team of brokers to the headquarters of the Connect Derby scheme.
The company started life at Riverside Chambers on Full Street, which was the subject of a £2m refurbishment in 2015. Over the next three years it achieved significant growth – expanding from one to two offices and employing more than 15 mortgage brokers and 11 admin staff.
In June 2018, the company expanded still further taking over the historic Shot Tower building on the Morledge – with the creation of twelve new jobs.
The advent of the pandemic prompted a rethink of the company’s accommodation strategy and the decision to adopt a hybrid working approach, resulting in a move away from the three storey Shot Tower building to offices at Friar Gate Studios.
This will enable staff to make better use of their time, working from home, but able to come into the office for meetings and training.
Create Finance works with a range of customers – from the self-employed, contractors and professionals to people with adverse credit ratings.
Commenting on the move to Friar Gate Studios, director Gindy Mathoon, said: “What we like about being with Connect Derby is the flexibility. This is our fourth office at Connect Derby, and we wouldn’t consider going anywhere else.
“Over the years, we have developed a tremendous working relationship with Ann and her team. In fact, when we told Ann we needed a bigger space at Friar Gate Studios than was available, she gave us her own office!
“We like the managed office space and the flexible tenancy agreement. Services like health and safety around the building are taken care of. If there are any issues, we just report it and it’s taken care of by the building manager, allowing us to focus on our day-to-day business.
“Previously we had a team of brokers working across the UK supported by local admin staff. When the pandemic hit, everyone reverted to working from home, so we no longer needed all the space at Shot Tower.
“Staff morale remains key, though, so maintaining an office will enable our admin team and brokers to touch base on a regular basis.”
Ann Bhatti, head of Connect Derby, added: “We’re delighted to have been able to facilitate Create Finance’s expansion and changes within the business over the past seven years and are delighted they have found a new home at Friar Gate Studios.
“The relaxation of rules which enable non-creatives from the supply chain to the creative industries to take space at Friar Gate Studios and Sadler Bridge Studios has proved very popular and resulted in a dynamic and diverse community of tenants at both workspaces.”
150 jobs boost for Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire manufacturers
Nearly 150 manufacturing jobs have been created or safeguarded in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire over the last twelve months thanks to the backing of a specialist business support programme.
The Manufacturing Growth Programme (MGP), which is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and designed and delivered by Oxford Innovation Advice, has delivered more than eighty strategic reviews to firms in the region – despite being in the midst of the pandemic.
Specialist assistance from dedicated Manufacturing Growth Managers has helped companies to improve quality performance, access new markets, develop new products and address environmental concerns.
In a deal agreed with D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, more than £130,000 of grants have been given out and this has been matched with £260,000 of private sector investment as manufacturing SMEs begin to bounce back from the effects of COVID-19.
Encouragingly, management teams still have until December 2022 to tap into MGP and make the most of a further £360,000 of support.
“Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire manufacturers are extremely resilient, especially with what has been thrown at them over the last two years,” explained David Caddle, regional manager of the Manufacturing Growth Programme.
“Despite the pandemic, companies are still looking to grow sales and achieve competitive advantage and that’s where our team come in, using the GROWTHMapper benchmarking tool to identify pain points within the business.
“We can then use this to inform the specialist support they need, delivering grants that can help with a third of the total cost of an improvement project up to a maximum of £10,000.”
He went on to add: “There are still grants available to support the industrial bounce back and to help companies overcome the widespread supply chain and inflationary pressures we are seeing.”
Retford-based Trans-Sport.tv (also known as Trans-Sport Limited) is one of the companies that has tapped into the Manufacturing Growth Programme so far.
The media and broadcasting events contractor, which designs, makes and supplies structures, sets and rigging to broadcast industry clients, has made several operational improvements as well as designing a new diversification strategy to help it offset quieter periods of activity.
It is an approach that is already paying off, with the firm supplying bespoke safety screens for workplaces and manufacturing stages for new clients.
New installation contracts have also been won for Ant & Dec’s Limitless Win, game show Quizness and an extension to support the BBC Antiques Roadshow.
Helen Cope, director of Trans-Sport Limited, stated: “The Manufacturing Growth Programme has been so helpful, and the process is very straightforward. If your business has a genuine desire for manufacturing growth, then go for it!
“We did it and we are now trading above pre-pandemic levels and have taken on an extra four new staff to cope with demand.”
East Midlands manufacturer wins £3.1m furniture contract for major residential scheme
Mansfield-based Deanestor, the furniture and fitout specialists, has been awarded a £3.1m contract by Robertson Group to manufacture and install bespoke kitchens and wardrobes for a new £80m build-to-rent scheme in Glasgow developed by Moda Living.
Holland Park is Deanestor’s first build-to-rent contract in Scotland. It follows its successful delivery of multiple fitout projects for private rental schemes in other parts of the UK, and the company’s long track record of providing furniture solutions for major new developments across Scotland.
Deanestor will provide 433 contemporary kitchens and 599 wardrobe sets for the high-tech studios and apartments in Holland Park. Set around a new public courtyard, the development will provide 433 homes for rent in four buildings up to 22 storeys, creating a community of around 900 people.
Deanestor is manufacturing L-shaped and linear kitchens in 18 different configurations for the 1, 2 and 3-bed apartments. These will have a dark grey woodgrain finish for the base cabinets and matt arctic grey wall units with contrasting white quartz worktops and splashbacks.
William Tonkinson, Managing Director of Deanestor, said: “We engaged with Robertson, the main contractor at the early planning stages of this project and so were able to develop the furniture solutions to meet Moda Living’s stringent design, cost, quality, and programme requirements. We look forward to starting on site, and to completing the furniture and fitout works by Spring 2023.
“Demand for our kitchen and fitted bedroom furniture solutions continues to rise in the fast-growing UK build-to-rent sector. We are delighted to be involved in this exciting new city living scheme for Moda in Scotland.”
The kitchen cabinets will have integral formed handles and integrated appliances including extractor fan, ceramic or induction hob, combi or dual fan oven, dishwasher, built-in fridge/freezer or under-counter fridge, microwave, and washer/dryer fitted in a specially designed utility cabinet.
The bespoke, full height fitted wardrobes for Holland Park will have a woodgrain finish and will be installed with mirrors, shelving, and hanging rails.
Deanestor’s sister company, Offsite Solutions, is also working on the Holland Park project, manufacturing bathroom pods in its third contract for Moda Living.
£200,000 grant to help create business hubs at Lincoln and Spalding libraries
A £200,000 government grant will help create business hubs at Lincoln and Spalding libraries.
The funding will create two ‘Business Bubbles’ for small businesses, providing confidential workspaces equipped with modern technology.
Lincolnshire County Council has been awarded £211,200 for the project, by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sports, delivered by Arts Council England.
At Lincoln and Spalding library, drop-in workspaces will be created for small businesses and start-ups. Kitted out with acoustic booths and modern technology, these will offer flexible and confidential space to work from as and when they need to.
Businesses using the bubbles will also be able to use the libraries as a registered business address, and a ‘poste restante’ service will be available.
In Lincoln, an open plan business lounge located next to the Business Bubble will provide space for client meetings.
At Spalding Library, the Business Bubble will also provide more opportunities to work with local education providers to address employability and digital skills shortages in the area.
The funding is part of the Government’s £48m Cultural Investment Fund (CIF), which has provided grants to more than 60 galleries, museums, libraries and cultural venues across the country to improve access to the arts, safeguard cultural assets for future generations, and power economic growth through culture.
Cllr Lindsey Cawrey, executive member for culture and heritage at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “We’re always looking at ways to develop the range of services and facilities offered by the library service to ensure we’re meeting the needs of our residents.
“By transforming areas of our Lincoln and Spalding Libraries in this way, we’re enhancing the value and role of the library service, extending the benefits of local libraries to small business and supporting them at a time when Lincolnshire is emerging from the pandemic into a new economic landscape.”
Finch Consulting makes trio of promotions
Leicestershire-based health and safety engineering risk management experts, Finch Consulting, are promoting three of their senior consultants to principal consultants.
Rob Migliaccio, Dr Steve Cowley and Melvin Sandell have all been with the business for at least three years and have made great progress in their personal development as well as being instrumental in driving Finch forwards.
Rob Migliaccio, a Chartered Electrical Engineer, provides expertise to the industry and provides the tools and expertise necessary to minimise the potential dangers of machinery in the workplace, helping businesses to avoid costly and unfortunate mishaps, and meet legal requirements and conformance of machine safety standards.
Dr Steve Cowley is a Chartered Occupational Hygienist, providing his expertise in a range of Expert Witness cases including confined space incidents, musculo-skeletal injury claims and asbestos-related claims.
Melvin Sandell’s main areas of expertise are health and safety in the entertainment and leisure sector, giving expert advice on civil and criminal Expert Witness matters in H&S management structures, the agriculture industry and leisure industry.
Commenting on the promotions, Dom Barraclough, Managing Director at Finch, said: “All three have made great progress in their roles, and have proven to continue to be great assets to Finch hence why the decision was made to promote them to principal consultants. Not only are they professional individuals, but they also embody the Finch ethos of teamwork and putting the client first.”
National company chooses Oberoi Business Hub for future growth
A fast-growing national physiotherapy and occupational health company has chosen Oberoi Business Hub in Pride Park to relocate and grow its Derby clinic.
Launched in 2010, Sano Physiotherapy Ltd currently has 36 clinics across Yorkshire, North East and the Midlands including Derby, Matlock and Chesterfield.
Sano provides physiotherapy and well-being services to both the public and private sector, including occupational health services for large corporate clients and public sector organisations, alongside medico-legal reporting and rehabilitation for solicitors and Insurance Companies. Sano also provide NHS services across England, including NHS secondary care services in Derbyshire.
The Derby clinic was previously on Great Northern Road and the decision was made to move to Oberoi Business Hub in St Christopher’s Way to upgrade the client experience and create capacity for growth.
Sano Physiotherapy’s clinical operations manager Trishul Vegad said: “We are very excited to open a new clinic in Pride Park which is the ideal location in the heart of Derby’s premium business community. The clinic environment is first rate and the Hub easily accessible for our staff and clients. Everyone at Oberoi Business Hub has been great and they have made our move here seamless.”
Oberoi Business Hub founder and Managing Director Kavita Oberoi OBE said: “We are receiving an increasing number of enquiries from national companies who have earmarked Derby as a prime area to expand their operations and who recognise the importance of having a high-quality serviced accommodation in Derby’s most prestigious business address.
“We are also seeing a more diverse range of businesses wanting facilities. As well as businesses requiring serviced offices, we have recently welcomed not only Sano Physio but also a beauty salon into the Hub community.
“Both are finding they have many areas of synergy with other businesses already based here and, of course, the potential to expand their client base through those working in neighbouring offices and in the wider Pride Park business community.”
Nottingham payment platform software specialist acquired in multi-million pound deal
Payment platform software specialist, Tebex Limited, has been sold to the Israel-based app and monetisation experts Overwolf.
Famous for its work across the gaming sector, including longstanding relationships with Minecraft and Rust, the $29 million deal opens a new chapter for Tebex, while building on Overwolf’s own technology platform, employed by third party developers worldwide.
Founded in Nottingham in 2011 by British developer Lee McNeil, Tebex capitalised on a gap in the market to create new revenue streams for gamers. Offering an end to end payment solution for content creators, enabling them to have a market place for transacting, has helped game creators earn over half a billion dollars using Tebex’s monetisation platform.
Built to unite in-game creators everywhere, Overwolf gives developers the tools they need to build, distribute and monetise in game apps and mods. Founded by computer science graduates in 2010 to build more of the features missing in the games they played, the firm’s success in the field has seen Overwolf grow and develop its offering.
Led by CEO and co-founder Uri Marchand, Overwolf raised $75m in Series D funding in November, with backing from Insight Partners, Intel Capital and Liberty Technology and already supports nearly 100,000 creators and 31 million monthly active users.
Lee McNeil, Managing Director of Tebex, said: “Joining Overwolf enables Tebex to expand its offerings to more game servers, publishers, and more importantly allows us to further grow the communities of our existing game servers. Their commitment to helping us grow the game server industry will push Tebex into our next growth chapter.”
Uri Marchand, CEO of Overwolf, said: “As long-time champions of in-game app creators and mod authors, we are excited to work with a new creator category–server owners–to continue to build new experiences in the industry.
“By combining our industry-leading operations with Tebex’s technology and passionate team, we’ll be able to reach more creators and help them earn a sustainable income for their work.”
Irwin Mitchell associate solicitor Matt Smith, together with corporate partner Nick Dawson and solicitor Aidan Clucas, advised Tebex’s shareholders on the deal, which is set to deliver big opportunities for the two businesses that have much in common in their work in the gaming and technology sector.
Matt Smith said: “As a firm we have an established reputation in the gaming and software space. It was a pleasure to help Tebex take the next step in their journey.
“From small beginnings, Tebex and Overwolf have shown what can be achieved with the right software and services. This deal will allow both firms to do more of what they do best, supporting existing household names in the sector and offering new developers the means to develop their own businesses and ideas and bring them to a wider global audience.
“There is huge potential in this market and two such names joining forces can only be good thing for the long term interests of both parties.”
Corporate finance advice on the deal was given to the shareholders of Tebex by Simon Heath and Matt Croker at Heligan Group.
Networking etiquette – 7 tips to ensure you are remembered (in a good way): Fiona Duncan-Steer, founder of RSViP Business Networking Agency
Fiona Duncan-Steer, founder of RSViP Business Networking Agency, offers some useful tips and reminders on how to best conduct yourself when attending networking events.
As we return to in-person events after adjusting to life through the screen, it’s easy to forget the basics of etiquette and communication when face to face with another human. Anxieties of being back in the room may creep up on you unexpectedly, clouding your judgment, therefore affecting your behaviour, whether conscious or not. So, I have put together a few useful tips and reminders on how to best conduct yourself when attending networking events and socials in a bid to be the best version of yourself:
- Acknowledgment – If someone approaches you, your eyes meet across the room, or you are in conversation with someone, yet there is someone else waiting to speak to you, always acknowledge them in some way – even a subtle glance in their direction. Eye contact and a smile or wave will do the trick, so that at least they know you have seen them and they are on your agenda to make your way to at some point when you are able.
- Handshake – Focus on this – this is your chance to make a great first impression, to show confidence and assertiveness. Make it firm, look the person in the eye and smile – it’s as simple as that.
- Don’t be a space invader – What I mean by this is respect other people’s personal space. Create a one-meter distance from the person you are speaking to, in particular since the pandemic, and if someone backs away from you, it is a sure sign that they feel you may be in their personal space, so don’t follow them – give them the space they need!
- Use your left hand – Whether comfortable to you or not, it is polite to use your left hand to eat any canapes or finger food that may be on offer at an event, to keep your right hand clean and food free for when shaking hands with others – an obvious one, but one so often missed. Hold your drink in your left hand too, to keep your right hand free and readily available to shake hands so you don’t leave people hanging when they approach you and reach out – this avoids any embarrassing faffing.
- Body language – Keep it open and approachable – uncross your arms and open yourself up to a conversation. When speaking to people, show that you are giving them your undivided attention by turning your body square on towards them and give them signals every so often that you are engaged in what they are saying – a smile, a nod, eye contact etc.
- Ask questions & listen – Networking is about helping others as opposed to selling in the room, so it is a complete no no to try to sell ‘at’ someone and a sure-fire way to end a conversation as quickly as it began. Instead focus on getting to know the person, be interested and curious, ask questions, learn about them, and above all listen to what they are saying so that you can steer the conversation in an interesting and creative way.
- Be the connector – Invite others to join you in conversations – just an acknowledgement/eye contact is often enough, but don’t be afraid to make introductions, work the room, and facilitate your own event within the event – this is top level networking and you will be remembered for your efforts.
President steps down from Next Generation Chamber
The president of an organisation which supports more than 100 young entrepreneurs from across Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes has stepped down after completing her tenure.
Hannah Brady became the second ever president of the Next Generation Chamber when she was appointed in November 2020.
Since then, she has championed the organisation wholeheartedly, hosting countless events including the popular social sandwich online networking events during the pandemic.
Hannah, who was a finalist at the Northamptonshire Business Awards 2021, also hosted the first face to face Next Generation Chamber event post-Covid at Cobblers Sixfields stadium.
Hannah said: “Being involved with Next Gen over the last three years has been brilliant. I’ve broadened my network, learnt from members and CPD speakers and built friendships. As somebody who likes to get stuck in, it’s been great to help drive things behind the scenes.
“I love working in a team so being on a committee with such great people has been an absolute pleasure. I’ll always be a cheerleader of Next Gen and what it stands for and I’m looking forward to attending some of the upcoming events as a member. You can’t get rid of me that easily!”
Next Generation Chamber was created in 2017 by Northamptonshire Chamber and Milton Keynes Chamber to help businesses support and nurture staff who are dedicated to advancing their careers.
Northamptonshire Chamber and Milton Keynes Chamber deputy CEO Julie Maclennan said: “Hannah has been a hugely influential leader of our Next Generation Chamber and we thank her for her commitment and dedication over the past three years. She has welcomed many new members to the fold, supporting and inspiring them all to strive and thrive.
“Next Generation Chamber continues to grow and will now refocus its activities to do what it does best – champion, inspire and encourage young business professionals from across Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes.”
Plans for Derby’s new performance venue hit new milestone as contracts signed
Derby’s new £45.8m performance venue has reached a new milestone, with contracts signed this week between Derby City Council, Leeds-based developers St James Securities and venue management and services company, ASM Global.
Planning permission, land acquisitions and other pre-commencement conditions have now been fully satisfied and ASM Global has entered into an unconditional Agreement for Lease with Derby City Council and St James Securities, which will give the green light for construction work to commence.
ASM Global, which has a global network of more than 350 venues around the world, will work with St James Securities and Derby City Council on the design development of the venue, located in Derby city centre.
The new 3,500 capacity entertainment and events venue forms phase two of the £200m Becketwell regeneration scheme, which is the most significant urban regeneration scheme in the city for more than 30 years.
Construction work is underway on phase one of the scheme, 259 Build to Rent apartments on the site of the former Debenhams store on Victoria Street, which will be funded, acquired, and operated by Grainger plc, market leaders in the UK build to rent and private rented sector.
The new performance venue will be built on the site of the former Pennine Hotel, Laurie House offices, multi-storey car park and Pink Coconut nightclub in Colyear Street and Padley House in Becket Street.
The new venue will be owned by Derby City Council and leased to and operated by ASM Global.
The venue is expected to significantly add to the cultural offering in the city. It will offer a larger, more flexible space than the city centre has had in the past and will collaborate with and complement the activities of Derby Arena to provide the best possible events programme for Derby and the wider region.
It will be a scalable space capable of staging a range of concerts, stand-up comedy, family shows, musical theatre, exhibitions, and business events.
The venue is a key component of Derby’s recovery plan which is putting culture at the heart of the city centre and is playing a major role in Derby’s bid for City of Culture 2025.
The performance venue, which will be at the heart of the wider mixed-use Becketwell development scheme, will help regenerate the area and is expected to bring benefits to the city including attracting both visitors and residents to the city centre.
The planning application for the venue received the written support of key stakeholders and business leaders including D2N2 LEP, East Midlands Chamber, the University of Derby, Derbion, Marketing Derby, Derby Live, Déda, QUAD, Derby College, Pauline Lathan MP, Amanda Solloway MP, Margaret Becket MP, the Cathedral Quarter and St Peter’s Quarter BIDS.
The venue is set to host over 200 cultural and commercial events each year and attract an additional 250,000 visitors to Derby. It is also expected to create over 200 new local jobs, generate more than £10m GVA per year for the area, diversify the economy and increase levels of investment in surrounding areas of the city centre.
Demolition work has recently commenced, with construction work on the performance venue set to commence in January 2023, with completion and handover to ASM Global in late 2024.
Cllr Chris Poulter, leader of Derby City Council, said: “This is an exciting milestone in delivering The Becketwell Performance Venue. This new and flexible space is a key part of putting culture back into the heart of Derby.
“We are delighted to be moving on the next steps of this journey working together with long term partners ASM Global and St James Securities.
“This ambitious venue run by a world-leading operator will create hundreds of jobs, attract investment and generate millions of pounds each year for the city along with attracting new visitors and residents to Derby City Centre.”
Tom Lynch, group commercial director & senior vice president, Europe of ASM Global, said: “We’re delighted to have closed this exciting deal with Derby City Council and St James Securities to bring to market such an ambitious state of the art venue.
“ASM Global looks forward to building on the great success of our UK venue portfolio and leveraging our strength in venue programming and commercialisation, to further develop the cultural landscape in the Midlands and support the ongoing growth of the region’s economy.”
Chris Bray, executive vice president, Europe of ASM Global, said: “This deal marks the start of an ambitious and transformational development, and ASM Global is incredibly pleased to be a part of the journey. We’re excited to join forces with Derby City Council and St James Securities for this significant regeneration, and new cultural hub in the centre of Derby.”
Paul Morris, director of St James Securities, said: “We are pleased to have concluded our agreement with Derby City Council and ASM Global, who have a global reputation for excellence.
“We look forward to moving this exciting project to the construction phase and deliver this scheme to the people of Derby and the wider region.
“Closing the performance venue deal and starting on site this month continues the success story at Becketwell with over £85m of development now underway. We will continue to build on these successes as we look to bring forward further mixed-use phases in the coming months.”
Future planned phases of the scheme include the potential for a range of other complementary uses of the site including new grade A offices and commercial space, a hotel and a multi-storey car park and purpose-built student residential.
