Raleigh relocates HQ to historic Eastwood property
Raleigh, the British bicycle brand, has relocated to Durban House in Eastwood, Nottingham, after being based locally on Church Street in Eastwood since the early 2000s.
Durban House, built in the late 19th century, is renowned for its historical significance as it was once the wages office for the local collieries where the father of the famed writer D.H. Lawrence worked. The property, which later became a D.H. Lawrence Heritage Centre, has been a symbol of local heritage and cultural pride, so was a natural site of interest for Raleigh whose past is also entwined with the local area.
Broxtowe Borough Council had two primary objectives: to restore Durban House to its former glory and to create a functional business space. Raleigh’s move to the premises achieves both goals, marking just the first stage of a longer-term plan between the Council and Raleigh.
Work started on turning Durban House into a Community Hub in 2021, but a bid for Levelling Up Funding was unsuccessful. The challenges this created have now been solved by the agreement with Raleigh.
The Council, through UKSPF, has identified new locations for community activities. Some community projects connected to the Hub, such as the Gardening Group, will continue to work on the grounds of Durban House and the surrounding area. Raleigh is committed to supporting community activities outside of working hours wherever possible.
Chris Slater, Managing Director at Raleigh, said: “We are pleased to remain in Eastwood and deeply appreciate the ongoing support and collaboration from Broxtowe Council in facilitating this move. Raleigh’s rich heritage is deeply intertwined with the Borough, making it essential for us to stay connected to our local roots.
“Durban House represents an exciting next step in our long-term strategy, offering a space that not only honours our storied past but also aligns with our vision for future growth as we continue to invest in our ambitious plans for the bicycle business.”
Milan Radulovic MBE, Leader of Broxtowe Borough Council, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Raleigh to Durban House in Eastwood. It’s vital that we support our local businesses and particularly strategically important businesses like Raleigh. We’ve been working on this partnership for a number of months to secure Raleigh with a new home.
“As soon as we heard the news that they needed to relocate their head offices we wanted to ensure we worked with the team to support them through this change. It’s also been really important that we ensure that we can keep these jobs in the local area and help support our local economy.
“The project was made possible by support from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and used a new local enterprise – Wilborne Painting & Decorating Limited to complete the renovation, further supporting local jobs.”
Inflation creeps up
Inflation has increased from the Bank of England’s 2% target, according to new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
Measured by the Consumer Prices Index (CPI), annualised inflation rose 2.2% in July, higher than the 2% reported in June, but lower than the 2.3% forecast.
The largest upward contribution to the monthly change came from housing and household services where prices of gas and electricity fell by less than they did last year; the largest downward contribution came from restaurants and hotels, where prices of hotels fell this year having risen last year.
Core inflation, meanwhile, which takes out volatile factors like energy, food, alcohol and tobacco to give a clear picture of underlying trends, rose by 3.3% in the 12 months to July 2024, down from 3.5% in June, with inflation in the services sector falling from 5.7% to 5.2%.
Martin Sartorius, Principal Economist, CBI, said: “Inflation undershooting the Bank of England’s expectations will be seen a positive sign that price pressures are continuing to normalise for households and businesses.
“Today’s data will give the Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee some measure of confidence that domestic price pressures are less likely to derail a sustainable return to the 2% target. A second consecutive cut in interest rates next month is not a certainty, however. This is because the MPC will still be mindful of upside risks to the inflation outlook, especially as pay growth remains stubbornly high.”
CCTV, intruder and fire alarm specialist makes Mickleover move
CCTV, intruder and fire alarm specialist, JKE Fire & Security has snapped up offices in Mickleover, allowing it to “serve the local area with ease” and “branch out further.”
Salloway Property Consultants were appointed to market the former Kip McGrath offices in June of this year following the tenant’s decision to relocate. Office premises in this location are something of a rarity given that this is a busy parade with a strong retail focus.
However, after a brief but intense marketing campaign, terms were swiftly agreed and the new tenant secured, taking occupation of the first floor offices.
William Speed of Salloway Property Consultants said: “It is great to be able to place a local business into a prime location within Mickleover. The letting to JKE Fire & Security emphasises the fact that local centres are still top of the list for many occupiers.
“Demand is still strong in these locations and we would strongly recommend that anyone looking to sell or let their premises contacts us to discuss potential options.”
Dan Mather, owner of JKE Fire & Security, added: “We are thrilled to have found such a well-located office in Mickleover. This move will allow us to serve the local area with ease whilst providing us with the opportunity to branch out further utilising the excellent transport links.”
East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024: “I would encourage everyone to get nominating…as this industry deserves to be in the spotlight,” says Nottinghamshire County Councillor
With nominations closing in less than a month for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024, Nottinghamshire businesses are being encouraged to enter the prestigious event.
Nottinghamshire County Councillor Keith Girling, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Asset Management, said: “The property and construction industry is more crucial than ever to our economy, helping bring skilled jobs, investment and provide long-term contract opportunities for the supply chain.
“I know first hand that this industry is helping young people’s career prospects. We have a graduate site manager at the construction site of our council’s all-electric and BREEAM Excellent council offices in Hucknall. He is really benefitting from being involved in a project of this size.
“So I would encourage everyone to get nominating for these awards as this industry deserves to be in the spotlight.”
A key event in the business calendar, showcasing the exceptional work of the region’s property and construction industry, the East Midlands Bricks Awards will take place on Thursday 3rd October, at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground (4:30pm – 7:30pm).
Revealing the winners in a glittering awards ceremony, the evening also offers time to establish new connections with property and construction professionals from across the region, and hear from keynote speaker Paul Southby.
Nominations for the annual event are open, and now is the ideal time to make your submissions, ahead of the deadline – Thursday 5th September.
To nominate your (or another) business/development for one of our awards, please click on a category link below or visit this page.
Tickets can now be booked for the 2024 awards event, click here to secure yours.
Taking place in the Derek Randall Suite at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground on Thursday 3rd October, from 4:30pm – 7:30pm, connect with local decision makers over nibbles and complimentary drinks while applauding the outstanding companies and projects in our region.
Attendees will also hear from keynote speaker Paul Southby, partner at Geldards LLP, chair of the Advisory Board to Nottingham Business School, chair of Broadway independent cinema, trustee of Clean Rivers Trust, chair of Nottingham Partners, board member of Marketing Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, and former High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire.
Dress code is standard business attire.
Thanks to our sponsors:
Award categories include:
- Most active 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, with the winner, and recipient of a year of marketing/publicity worth £20,000, selected from those nominated for the event’s other awards)
Nominations end Thursday 5th September
Tickets can now be booked for the 2024 awards event, click here to secure yours.
Taking place in the Derek Randall Suite at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground on Thursday 3rd October, from 4:30pm – 7:30pm, connect with local decision makers over nibbles and complimentary drinks while applauding the outstanding companies and projects in our region.
Attendees will also hear from keynote speaker Paul Southby, partner at Geldards LLP, chair of the Advisory Board to Nottingham Business School, chair of Broadway independent cinema, trustee of Clean Rivers Trust, chair of Nottingham Partners, board member of Marketing Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, and former High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire.
Dress code is standard business attire.
To be held at:
Cellomatics underpins continued US and European expansion with two business development hires
Cellomatics Biosciences, a Nottingham-based preclinical contract research organisation, continues to expand its global client base by adding two new members of staff to support its business development efforts.
The company has welcomed Dr Pier Giorgio Amendola and Dr Jyoti Mundra to assist the company with its expansion into both European and US markets.
A key challenge for UK-based CROs operating internationally is managing cultural differences and regional market dynamics. Pier will use his experience to navigate these challenges in European markets and build strong local partnerships. He will be focused on identifying new business opportunities, building and nurturing relationships with key stakeholders, and enhancing Cellomatics’ market footprint.
Of joining Cellomatics, Pier says: “Cellomatics provides a dynamic, science-driven environment that allows for close collaboration with clients and the delivery of tailored, innovative solutions. Having been a client of Cellomatics in my previous roles, I value its high scientific standards and am eager to promote its capabilities to new clients, accelerating their drug development pipelines.”
The US is one of the biggest and most fast-growing biotech markets globally and Cellomatics is eager to further its client base here, following its recent export achievements. The timing of Jyoti’s appointment could not be better as the US looks to work with new markets following the recent BIOSECURE Act.
Jyoti is based in New Jersey, US and brings over 15 years of experience working in a business development role at large US-based CROs. Her experience will be a valuable asset to Cellomatics as she assists with accelerating the company’s growth while enhancing its presence and business within the US.
Jyoti says: “I am excited to bring my extensive business and scientific experience to help expand the customer base and to provide the opportunity for US clients to benefit from Cellomatics pre-clinical expertise.”
Of the two new appointments, Cellomatics’ CEO and founder Shailendra Singh adds: “Having worked with Pier for a number of years through Dompé we are delighted that he has decided to join the Cellomatics team in a Business Development role.
“His experience working in the pharmaceutical sector has given him a deep understanding of our client needs and this will be key in building new relationships and achieving Cellomatics’ growth goals.
“I am also thrilled to welcome Jyoti to the Cellomatics team. Her wealth of experience in executive leadership roles, deep understanding of the US market and its work culture will be an invaluable asset to Cellomatics and I look forward to working closely with her.”
Nominate exceptional businesses for Developer of the Year at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024
Nominations are OPEN until Thursday 5th September for the annual East Midlands Bricks Awards, shining a light on the region’s property and construction industry. With 10 categories available to enter, the occasion offers a prime forum to showcase outstanding businesses, teams and projects.
One category at the prestigious event is Developer of the Year, which can be entered here.
The winner of this category will be the developer that has truly pushed the limit over the last 12 months. Their scheme(s) will have shown to not only be a success, but that there was true demand for them. The winning developer will have displayed courage in a tough market to deliver award winning results. There is no size limit, but schemes must have been completed over the last 12 months.
Last year the award was won by Clowes Developments, with Chevin Homes and Brackley Property Developments runners up. Upon winning, Thomas Clowes, Managing Director at Clowes Developments (UK) Ltd, said: “We are incredibly grateful to be acknowledged for our achievements within the property sector. Winning this award is only made possible by the commitment from our team at Clowes and our expert advisors, consultants, contractors and design teams who support us to deliver a diverse scope of projects across our portfolio. Thank you very much for the recognition and awarding us Developer of the Year.”
With this year’s Developer of the Year award sponsored by IMA Architects, Anthony Day, Managing Director at IMA Architects, said: “The Bricks Awards are always a fantastic event that brings together some of the best companies and experts within the East Midlands construction industry.
“We are proud to support the awards so that Business Link can continue to highlight the excellent work being done in our region and recognize the businesses and individuals that are driving growth in the industry. IMA Architects works with several of the leading developers in the Midlands so we wanted to show our support by sponsoring the Developer of the Year Category.
“Good luck to everyone who is planning on entering the awards!”
Submit your nominations for Developer of the Year here before entries close on Thursday 5th September.
Winners will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony on Thursday 3rd October, at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground (4:30pm – 7:30pm) – an evening also offering an opportunity to establish new connections with property and construction professionals from across the region, and hear from keynote speaker Paul Southby.
Other award categories open for entry include: Most Active Estate Agent, Commercial Development of the Year, Responsible Business of the Year, Residential Development of the Year, Contractor of the Year, Deal of the Year, Architects of the Year, Excellence in Design, and Sustainable Development of the Year. All entry forms can be accessed here.
The Overall Winner award will also be presented at the event. This award cannot be entered, with the winner selected from those nominated for the event’s other awards. The Overall Winner of the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024 will also receive a year of marketing/publicity worth £20,000.
Winners will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony on Thursday 3rd October, at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground (4:30pm – 7:30pm) – an evening also offering an opportunity to establish new connections with property and construction professionals from across the region, and hear from keynote speaker Paul Southby.
Other award categories open for entry include: Most Active Estate Agent, Commercial Development of the Year, Responsible Business of the Year, Residential Development of the Year, Contractor of the Year, Deal of the Year, Architects of the Year, Excellence in Design, and Sustainable Development of the Year. All entry forms can be accessed here.
The Overall Winner award will also be presented at the event. This award cannot be entered, with the winner selected from those nominated for the event’s other awards. The Overall Winner of the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024 will also receive a year of marketing/publicity worth £20,000.
Book your tickets now
Tickets can now be booked for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024 – click here to secure yours. The special awards evening and networking event will be held on Thursday 3rd October 2024 in the Derek Randall Suite at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground from 4:30pm – 7:30pm.
Connect with local decision makers over nibbles and complimentary drinks while applauding the outstanding companies and projects in our region, and hear from keynote speaker Paul Southby, partner at Geldards LLP, chair of the Advisory Board to Nottingham Business School, chair of Broadway independent cinema, trustee of Clean Rivers Trust, chair of Nottingham Partners, board member of Marketing Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, and former High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire.
Dress code is standard business attire.
Thanks to our sponsors:
To be held at:
Jobs saved after sale secured for Nottingham vehicle recovery and repair company
All remaining jobs were saved at a vehicle breakdown and repair company, Nottingham Breakdown Service Ltd, following a pre-packaged sale of the company’s business and assets, after the company entered administration on 1 August 2024.
Dean Nelson and Nick Lee (Business Recovery & Restructuring partners at PKF Smith Cooper) were appointed as joint administrators of the company.
The sale of the company ensured that all nine remaining jobs were saved, as well as the business assets and its ongoing customer contracts. The business was therefore able to keep hold of all current customers and can continue to service its contracts going forward.
With over 40 years’ experience in the industry, the business provides 24/7 breakdown recovery services and garage services, including repairs and servicing, to vehicle owners across the United Kingdom.
The company’s issues arose as a result of the rising costs of overhead inflation, including increasing fuel costs, which put pressure on the company’s cash flow and working capital requirements.
Due to these difficulties, Dean Nelson, a partner of the Business Recovery and Restructuring team at PKF Smith Cooper, was contacted by the directors of the company, to conduct an accelerated merger and acquisition process, to try and identify a purchaser for the company’s business and assets.
Following protracted negotiations with interested parties, a pre-packaged sale was able to be completed on 1 August 2024, following the company entering administration on the same day.
Dean Nelson, Business Recovery and Restructuring partner at PKF Smith Cooper, said: “I am thrilled that we have been able to save all of the remaining jobs and enabled the business to service its loyal customer base and ongoing contracts.
“We always strive to achieve the best outcome for everyone involved, and it is great that we have managed to save the business and assets. Our attention now turns to the remaining assets of the company, to try and achieve the best possible outcome for creditors.”
Nottingham financial advice firm makes acquisition to grow south coast presence
Nottingham financial advice firm, Wren Sterling has completed the acquisition of the In Focus Group.
The deal is Wren Sterling’s third deal of 2024 following the acquisition of TW Financial and the Howe Maxted Group in March and July respectively.
The In Focus Group is led by Managing Director Nick Stewart and is comprised of two other companies previously acquired by In Focus; Certus and Hughes Carne. Nine advisers and ten support team members will transfer to the Wren Sterling Group.
Wren Sterling’s Chief Executive, James Twining said: “Nick and his team have built a business through careful acquisition but also high levels of entrepreneurialism, which aligns with our strategy to give our advisers the freedom to grow their business.
“As well as drive growth, acquisitions such as this enable us to bring highly talented people into our business who bring a range of expertise, experience and insights that we and our clients can benefit from.
“The south coast is an important strategic location for us too. It gives us the ability to expand across Southampton, Portsmouth and the surrounding area.”
Nick Stewart, Managing Director of In Focus Group, added: “Joining Wren Sterling made a lot of sense for us. Access to Wren Sterling’s resources and structure will allow us to continue to grow, whilst focusing on delivering high quality personalised advice and excellent client service.
“What’s more, Wren Sterling’s experience in completing acquisitions means we could transition with the minimum of disruption to our clients.
“We have the support to expand the Solent office in future once we’re settled, so I’m optimistic about the future of the business and excited to get started.”
New technical director appointed at Gateley RJA
Gateley RJA, the specialist quantity surveying, employer’s agent, project management and clerk of works arm of professional services group, Gateley, has strengthened its commercial team with the appointment of Harman Singh Barech as a technical director in Leicester.
Chartered surveyor, Barech, brings 17 years of quantity surveying, employer’s agent and project management experience to the team following roles with TSA Riley (formerly known as Henry Riley) and AtkinsRéalis (formerly known as Faithful + Gould) with experience in both the public and private sector.
He also headed up the internal RICS Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) programme at TSA Riley and has mentored and assessed RICS APC candidates on a national scale since 2018, as well as holding a chair role.
At Gateley RJA, Barech will be responsible for overseeing and developing technical output and client account management, as well as supporting the continued growth of the Leicester commercial team.
His role will support director of commercial, Chris Clubb, as the consultancy continues to expand its commercial work across the healthcare, education, supported housing and insurance sectors to name a few.
Barech will also support Clubb in playing a key role in Gateley RJA’s internal APC programme as part of the consultancy’s commitment to developing its people.
On his appointment, Barech said: “Gateley RJA is going through a rapid period of expansion and it’s brilliant to be joining them at such an exciting time. The consultancy prides itself on both its culture, as well as the outstanding results it delivers for clients, and I’m looking forward to supporting this as we continue to develop the commercial offering.”
“We are seeing a significant uplift in instructions within the insurance sector, especially now we are part of the same Group as Gateley Smithers Purslow, as well as across the healthcare, education and supported housing sectors,” said Chris Clubb.
“As a result, we are rapidly expanding so needed to create a new technical director role to oversee projects and support the development of our team. Harman has the perfect expertise both in terms of delivering projects, as well as training and management, and will be a brilliant addition.”
Renewed fall in East Midlands business activity in July
The NatWest East Midlands Growth Tracker – a seasonally adjusted index that measures the month-on-month change in the combined output of the region’s manufacturing and service sectors – posted at 48.3, down from 50.8 in June, to signal a modest downturn in output at East Midlands firms, thereby ending a seven-month sequence of expansion. The latest fall was linked to subdued client demand and another drop in new orders.
Moreover, firms in the region registered the joint-fastest decrease in activity of the 12 monitored UK areas, alongside Wales.
East Midlands firms signalled a second successive monthly decrease in new business in July, albeit at a slower rate. The fall in new orders was only marginal, with firms linking the contraction to weak client demand and increased competition. Manufacturers and service providers alike saw a drop in new sales, with the latter recording the sharper decline. When compared to the UK as a whole, the East Midlands was the only region monitored to record a drop in new orders.
Nonetheless, firms were more upbeat in their expectations regarding the outlook for output over the coming year. The degree of optimism picked up to the highest since February and was above the series average. Companies hoped that investment in advertising and new product launches would help boost client demand and overall activity.
Dipesh Mistry, Chair of the NatWest Midlands and East of England Regional Board, said: “The second half of the year started on a slightly damper note for East Midlands firms as output returned to contraction amid weak client demand. Evidence of spare capacity led firms to reduce staffing numbers. Although rates of decline in both employment and new business softened, the East Midlands was the only monitored UK area to see a fall in new orders.
“Meanwhile, cost pressures picked up for firms. Whilst still seeking to pass higher operating expenses through to customers, selling prices rose at a softer pace. Strain on margins was potentially more keenly felt in the East Midlands as costs rose at a sharper rate than the UK average, but output charges were hiked to a lesser extent. Nevertheless, business optimism was the strongest since February.”
Performance in relation to UK
In contrast to the UK average which indicated a solid rise in output, East Midlands firms, alongside those in Wales, recorded a fall in business activity.
Similarly, the UK as a whole registered a strong increase in new business which contrasted notably with a marginal decline seen in the East Midlands.
July data signalled a further and faster increase in input prices at East Midlands private sector firms. The rate of cost inflation picked up to the steepest since April, and was quicker than both the region’s long-run series and the UK averages. The hike in operating expenses was often linked to higher labour, raw material, energy and shipping costs.
Nonetheless, companies raised their selling prices at a softer pace during July. Although still solid, the rate of charge inflation was slower than that seen across the UK as a whole. That said, firms continued to note the pass-through of greater costs to clients.
Workforce numbers at East Midlands companies declined further in July, thereby extending the current sequence of contraction that began just over a year ago. In fact, the region was one of only two to see a drop in staffing levels (alongside the neighbouring West Midlands), with the fall contrasting with the UK trend which signalled a modest rise. Restructuring and the non-replacement of voluntary leavers reportedly drove the decrease.
Meanwhile, backlogs of work fell at a solid pace that was sharper than the UK average. The rate of depletion eased from June but was also quicker than the long-run series trend.
