Armsons Barlow celebrates a year of social impact
Derby-based project managers, construction cost consultants, and building surveyors Armsons Barlow are celebrating a milestone year of community engagement and charitable giving and have unveiled Derby County Community Trust as their Charity of the Year for 2025.
At the start of 2024, the firm reaffirmed its commitment to corporate social responsibility through a variety of initiatives, including raising £2,700 for its 2024 charity partner Derby Food 4 Thought Alliance at its annual Charity Golf Day.
As well as organising this event, the team took part in other charity golf days hosted by Clowes Developments, Rodgers Leask, and the RICS, and also sponsored a hole at the YMCA Golf Day.
The firm’s efforts have extended beyond sporting events, and they have supported charities like Safe & Sound by providing Pro Bono services to further their mission of safeguarding vulnerable individuals. The team also took part in the Derbyshire Brain Game and support the Friends of Derby 500 Club, an initiative which helps local people and community projects.
Community engagement has extended into creative endeavours through the SHINE Virtual Balloon Race, an eco-friendly initiative raising funds and awareness for those affected by spina bifida and hydrocephalus.
Three team members volunteered with Over the Wall, a charity providing transformative experiences for children and young people with health challenges and disabilities.
The firm also teamed up with engineering consultancy Jackson Purdue Lever to organise a Harvest Festival Food Drive in support of the Derby Food 4 Thought Alliance and have just supported the national Christmas Jumper Day campaign, raising funds for Save the Children UK.
Armsons Barlow has now announced Derby County Community Trust (DCCT) as its Charity of the Year. The charitable arm of Derby County Football Club, the Trust is dedicated to improving lives and communities through sport, physical activity, health, and education.
Later this month Armsons Barlow will be partnering with the Trust and Clowes Developments to host the inaugural Construction & Property Padel Cup and Networking Event at We Are Padel on Pride Park.
The event will see 32 companies compete with the aim of being crowned inaugural champions. All profits raised from the event will be donated to DCCT, which will kick start a strong year of charitable initiatives, with a variety of events planned throughout the year.
Commenting on the firm’s CSR efforts, Josh Toon, director at Armsons Barlow, said: “At Armsons Barlow, we believe that success is not just measured by what we achieve professionally, but by the positive impact we have on our community.
“Last year, our team went above and beyond to support meaningful causes, and we’re excited to carry this momentum forward into 2025 with Derby County Community Trust as our Charity of the Year.
“We look forward to co-hosting the Construction & Property Padel Cup competition in February whilst working closely with DCCT to make a real difference.”
More than a quarter of Midlands businesses look to salary sacrifice schemes as a means of mitigating Budget tax changes
More than a quarter (29%) of Midlands mid-market businesses are looking at salary sacrifice schemes as a means of mitigating the impact of Budget tax changes coming into force from April, a new survey has found.
BDO’s Economic Engine survey of 500 mid-market businesses found that while the use of salary sacrifice schemes was one of the most popular choices among employers seeking to mitigate the rise in employers’ National insurance Contributions (NIC), 40% said they would look to outsource or offshore work.
Nearly a quarter (24%) reported that they would look to reduce or scrap planned pay increases or bonuses, while 29% said they would hire more part-time or contract workers.
Overall, nearly three quarters (74%) of respondents to BDO’s survey said they were planning to take at least one action in response to the imminent rise in employers’ NIC announced at the Budget.
Commenting on the survey findings, Steve Talbot, Head of Employment Tax at BDO in the Midlands, said: “The increases to employers’ National Insurance Contributions announced at the Budget and the accompanying drop in the threshold at which NIC applies to employee earnings came as a shock to many Midlands businesses. Unsurprisingly, the vast majority have been urgently exploring ways to mitigate this imminent jump in their costs.
“There is no silver bullet, but clearly salary sacrifice schemes for things like pensions, Electric Vehicles or cycle to work schemes – which offer NIC savings to both employers and employees – are top of mind for employers.
“For those businesses not yet offering a pension salary sacrifice scheme, now would be a good time to start. Those already operating such a scheme may seek to encourage employees, many of whom reduced their pension contributions during the pandemic, to consider the longer-term benefits of raising their contribution levels.”
Derek Bowler, Director, Employment Tax at BDO in the Midlands, said: “There is also an education piece here for employers – particularly when it comes to helping employees earning close to the key earnings thresholds.
“For example, employers could help parents earning just above the £60K and £100K thresholds to understand that using salary sacrifice schemes could help them bring down their net adjusted income and retain entitlements to child benefit or free childcare.
“Employers are also increasing the use of salary sacrifice schemes for Electric Vehicles. The Benefit in Kind charge and NIC savings will depend on the model and its list price. However, with a low Benefit in Kind charge – 2% of the list price of the vehicle this year or 3% in 2025/26 – these schemes offer both employees and employers attractive savings.”
Talbot concluded: “Our survey also found that the Budget changes are also likely to result in some businesses looking at cutting fixed costs by outsourcing or offshoring work, switching to a part-time workers model and suppressing pay increases.
“However, Midlands businesses must resist the temptation of cutting corners. Any salary sacrifice schemes introduced must be watertight to avoid any risk of HMRC censure.
“Regional employers also need to pay particular attention to ensure that salary sacrifice arrangements don’t reduce an employee’s cash earnings below the National Minimum Wage as this could result in them being fined, named and shamed.”
Pre-sale secured on 72,000ft² unit at Fairham Business Park
A new deal has been sealed at Nottingham’s Fairham Business Park, one of Clowes Developments’ flagship schemes where over one million square feet of commercial space is planned together with 3,000 dwellings.
The deal, brokered by Tim Gilbertson of FHP Property Consultants, sees the pre-sale of a 72,000ft² unit to CLEAN Linen & Workwear for their relocation and expansion of their existing Nottingham facility.
The laundry company specialises in providing linen and workwear rental services to household names and independent hotels, in addition to a range of other industries throughout the UK, with their parent company, Alsco, being a pioneer in the industry since 1889.
The new facility will meet the highest efficiency and sustainability standards, incorporating the latest automation and laundry technology advancements to significantly enhance CLEAN’s capability to serve its growing customer base.
Development Director at Clowes Developments, James Richards, said: “To date we’ve seen huge success at Fairham Business Park with a high calibre of occupiers choosing to make Fairham their home for business. It’s great to secure CLEAN and add another multi-national company into the mix.
“Fairham Business Park has already provided employment for over 750 people, the addition of CLEAN will bring that number to over 1000. We are delighted with the inward investment being generated for the area and hope to continue this as we look to bring forward phase two of the development.
“As is always the case with our projects, our professional team of advisers have delivered another great result for us in getting this deal over the line, special thanks goes to our legal representatives, Heather Dixon and Chris Hawrylak at Geldards LLP.”
Director for Operations for Hotel Linen, John Newland, who was at the forefront of the deal for CLEAN, added: “CLEAN is excited about our new laundry facility at the Fairham Business Park, in partnership with Clowes Developments and their delivery partners.
“This collaboration has truly embodied the spirit of partnership, progressing through the design and planning stages with remarkable speed and efficiency. We eagerly await the completion of this project, which will feature our most advanced laundry facility to date.
“This cutting-edge facility combines over a century of expertise with the latest technological innovations. After an extensive search, we selected the Fairham site for its top-tier facilities, abundant utilities, and excellent transport links. These attributes will enable CLEAN to continue providing exceptional service to our customers for many years to come.”
The agents for Fairham Business Park were Tim Gilbertson, Director at FHP Property Consultants, and Rob Champion, Partner at Fisher German.
This deal was brokered by Tim Gilbertson who added: “Fairham Business Park continues to go from strength to strength, and this is the latest deal we have agreed on, which sees another fantastic name join Fairham Business Park to augment the fabulous array of occupiers we have in place.
“From our initial discussions through CLEAN’s agent, Mitchell Brooks of Kempton Carr, it was clear that there was a synergy between CLEAN’s aims and what could be offered at Fairham, and it was a smooth process, as a detailed specification was quickly agreed for the bespoke facility CLEAN required.
“The end result is that we have now exchanged contracts for Clowes Developments to construct a unit of 72,000ft² for CLEAN, which will enable their expansion and relocation in the region as they continue to grow their business and expand their services to customers both old and new.
“This is the last of the large development plots that we have available at Fairham Business Park but we can still offer bespoke distribution or manufacturing space from as little as 10,000ft² up to nearly 70,000ft² and with CLEAN’s building expected to be ready for occupation by the middle of 2026, that will take the space built and occupied on the park to well over half a million square feet.
“2026 should also see us release details of the next phase of development, which will bring further facilities to the site and other opportunities for occupiers to take space ranging from offices to trade counters to standard industrial or warehouse units to retail and leisure with more detail to be provided shortly.”
Agent for CLEAN, Mitchell Brookes of Kempton Carr, concluded: “Kempton Carr Croft have worked with CLEAN for a number of years, I was delighted to assist with acquiring this latest premise to add to their portfolio and continue to watch CLEAN grow in strength.
“We undertook a search and reviewed several possible sites / options in 2024 on behalf of CLEAN, Fairham by far ticked the most boxes due to its location, connections and specification. It was a pleasure to work with Tim, and Clowes Developments on this acquisition which was a smooth process from start to finish.”
Anglian water invests £11 billion in jobs and infrastructure across East Midlands
Anglian Water is set to invest £11 billion in infrastructure projects across the region, including Nottinghamshire in the East Midlands, over the next five years. The investment is expected to create thousands of new jobs.
The company will prioritize apprenticeships to develop future industry leaders as part of its recruitment drive. This year, 90 new apprentices will join the company, adding to the existing 230 already in training.
The initiative aims to address skills shortages in the sector by combining hands-on experience with formal education. Apprentices will gain industry qualifications while working alongside experienced professionals, with a focus on digital, data, and technology roles.
Anglian Water’s investment is part of a broader strategy to strengthen water infrastructure and workforce development across the region.
Council offices to become temporary home for new Market Harborough banking hub
The call for a new banking hub in Market Harborough has been answered by Harborough District Council.
The Symington Building will be used to host the facility temporarily until a permanent home has been confirmed.
Work to fit out the space will start on the ground floor of the council premises immediately and Cash Access UK is expected to open the banking hub at the end of February.
The hub will be operated by Post Office employees, where customers of any bank can withdraw and deposit cash, make bill payments and carry out regular banking transactions, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
There will also be a community banker service available where people can talk to their own bank about more complicated issues on the day their bank is in the hub.
Cllr Phil Knowles, Leader of Harborough District Council, said: “Although lots of people do their banking online nowadays, there are many residents in the Harborough district who find this difficult, do not have internet access or prefer to do their banking in person.
“I have campaigned for a banking hub for Market Harborough for a while following the steady closure of high street banks in the town, and I’m delighted that the council has been able to assist with welcoming the new banking hub provided by Cash Access UK by hosting the hub temporarily in our council offices. I am looking forward to the banking hub opening for residents later this month.”
Leicester market proposal takes next step
A proposal to return Leicester Market to its original site and create a major new event space around it is to proceed to the next stage.
City Mayor Peter Soulsby met with market trader representatives yesterday (Thursday 13 February) to advise them that he intends to move forward with the scheme, creating a food-focused market next to the existing Food Hall, together with a versatile space that would become a focal point for outdoor events in the city.
Final designs, new planning applications and detailed costs will now be drawn up, prior to a formal decision being taken. Subject to planning permission, work could start on site this summer – and market traders could be operating from the new market building by the end of 2026.
“This proposal would give Leicester Market a fresh start and a sustainable future – and would give the traders what they wanted: a return to the site where they’ve stood for generations,” said the City Mayor.
“But it’s also a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reopen the market place as a wonderful flexible space – as it was for hundreds of years.
“The scale of the space, and the quality of the surrounding architecture, make it a very special site and my hope is that our investment in this scheme will act as a catalyst for the regeneration of the wider area.”
The proposal to create a new market building, housing 48 stalls that could be fully dismantled if necessary, and a new event space for Leicester was welcomed by most of those who took part in a formal consultation last year.
More than 1,600 (1,667) people gave their views in the online consultation, which was launched in October and ran for six weeks.
Of those responding, 60% (1,008) supported the proposal, 38% (639) did not, and a further 20 respondents did not express a preference.
“I’m grateful to everyone who took part in the consultation, as their views showed there’s support for the proposal,” said the City Mayor.
“My focus now is on progressing this scheme, ahead of a formal decision. Our project team will now be developing the designs and preparing the planning applications, with a view to getting this important site redeveloped and open for business as quickly as possible.”
A planning application for the new square is due to be submitted next month (March), with plans for the new building expected to be submitted in July.
Approval granted for final phase of 334,000 sq ft scheme at Corby’s Saxon Park
Hortons has been granted planning consent for the final phase of a scheme to deliver 334,000 sq ft of premium industrial/logistics accommodation in the UK’s ‘golden triangle’.
Saxon 68, a new Grade A warehouse spanning 68,000 sq ft, will be developed at Saxon Park on Oakley Hay Industrial Estate in Corby.
The development will offer modern, high-specification facilities, including 12.5m to haunch, a minimum 520 KVA power supply, first-floor offices, and enhanced PV roofing. The unit is targeting BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and an EPC A+ rating.
Construction is set to commence shortly, with completion expected in Q4 2025.
Hortons acquired Saxon Park in 2023 as part of its long-term investment strategy. The broader redevelopment of the site includes the transformation of an existing building into two units, Saxon 79 and Saxon 129, which will comprise 78,500 sq ft and 129,300 sq ft respectively. Both units will be available for occupation from Q3 2025.
Additionally, Hortons has delivered Saxon 58, a refurbished unit of 58,350 sq ft, which was let to Russell & Bromley in 2024.
James Slater of Hortons said: “We are investing in a full-scale redevelopment programme at Saxon Park to create high-specification units that offer enhanced power and sustainability. Saxon 68 is a key part of this plan, delivering best-in-class industrial/logistics space in an established and sought after location.”
New construction centre to be created in Sutton-in-Ashfield
Young people, adult learners and apprentices are set to gain the skills for “rewarding and well-paid” jobs in construction at a major training centre being created in Sutton-in-Ashfield.
This comes after Ashfield District Council and West Nottinghamshire College secured a new future for the town’s former Wilko store.
Thanks to £4 million in Towns Funding, the building will be converted into a modern teaching facility offering opportunities for students to train or upskill for careers in this growing sector.
The council has purchased the building at 1-5 Outram Street and will now lease the premises to the college.
The former Wilko building will be fully refurbished, creating a campus for students aged 16-18, adult learners and apprentices to gain trade skills and qualifications in plumbing and electrical installation.
It will also be a centre for ‘green skills’ courses in areas including ground source and air source heat pump, photovoltaics, and electric vehicle charging and wiring.
The conversion will involve a major programme of internal works to create classrooms, workshop space, offices and a canteen across three floors within 29,428 sq ft, plus renovation and redesign of the building’s façade.
It is hoped the campus will be open from September 2025, accommodating around 400 students.
This project is one of 17 being funded by the council’s £62.6 million Towns Deal.
The funding will also contribute towards the cost of substantial internal alterations to the college’s existing Station Park facility, off Lowmoor Road, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, to relocate some curriculum areas under one roof.
These works will in turn enable the development of the college’s engineering centre on Oddicroft Lane, Sutton-in-Ashfield, into the UK’s first Gene Haas Centre for Advanced Manufacturing.
The district council and college have now signed a 125-year lease, which means the college can take possession of the vacant building and begin the conversion works.
Andrew Cropley, principal and chief executive of West Nottinghamshire College, said: “I am delighted this landmark agreement has now been secured. Our new construction centre will create exciting opportunities for local people across a range of rewarding and well-paid careers, and support businesses in meeting their skills needs.
“The centre will provide a great environment for students and enable us to further modernise our curriculum.
“It will bring hundreds of students into Sutton town centre every day, bringing economic benefits to high street businesses and breathing new life into this large-scale, unused building.
“I am also excited about the knock-on benefits to our other campuses in Ashfield, with major changes coming to our Station Park and Oddicroft Lane sites to respond to the ever-increasing demand for skills in both construction and engineering.”
Cllr Vicki Heslop, Ward Member for Sutton, said: “We are excited to move forward with this fantastic project to turn the former Wilko store in Sutton town centre into a new educational facility for construction students in Ashfield and beyond.
“This will be the fourth construction facility for West Nottinghamshire College and will allow Ashfield’s young people the opportunity to gain valuable skills to set them up for the future.
“The building is in a fantastic location, close to shops and local amenities, and will provide a welcome boost to local businesses.”
Cabinet gives the green light for St James Depot regeneration in Northampton
A long-neglected brownfield site situated in a prominent gateway location on the edge of Northampton Town Centre has been awarded £1.37 million from the Government’s Brownfield Land Release Fund.
The former St James bus depot will be transformed into a vibrant new neighbourhood. West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) Cabinet has approved the plans for the regeneration scheme, which will enable the development of more than 70 family homes.
The 4.5-acre site, built in the early 1900s, was home to Northampton’s tram and bus depot until its closure in 2013. After being purchased by Church’s in 2014 and remaining vacant, the site was acquired by WNC in November 2023. The Council has identified a significant need for quality housing in the area, and this project is a crucial step towards meeting that demand.
The redevelopment of the St James Depot site presents several challenges, including asbestos and ground contamination, flooding risk, and structural deterioration. Additionally, any development must retain the Grade II listed Transport Office, built in the 1930s. The funding requirements stipulate that the contract for these remedial works must be in place by 31 March 2025.
Cllr Dan Lister, Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture and Leisure, said: “This approval marks a significant step forward in transforming the St James Depot site into a vibrant gateway for Northampton Town Centre.
“By revitalising this area, we are not only preserving the historical significance of the Transport Office but also addressing the urgent need for quality housing and boosting the local economy. We will seek to work with developers to maintain and enhance the external façade of the buildings, to elevate this area where possible.
“With the Cabinet’s approval, we are now ready to tackle the challenges ahead, site remediation including asbestos removal and structural preservation. We are committed to delivering a project that benefits our residents and the wider community.”
With the Cabinet’s approval, the next steps will include:
- Transport Offices: The Grade II listed building will undergo a light strip out of fixtures and fittings, with asbestos removal where it does not impact listed features.
- Original Section of Tram Depot: The front and rear facades of the original building will be retained. Works will include an internal strip out and asbestos removal. Roof coverings will be removed, but the roof structure and internal walls will remain to support the facades.
- Bus Depot Extension: The mid to late 20th-century extension will be demolished. Hoarding will be reinstated to secure the site post-demolition.
Energy firm says Gainsborough gas resources could generate GDP contribution of over £100bn
A huge gas field has been discovered under Lincolnshire with the ability to fuel the country for a decade, it has been reported.
Reaching out to Egdon Resources, the energy firm behind the discovery in Gainsborough told Business Link that the Telegraph’s description of a “gas field” is premature “as the political and regulatory conditions for its development do not exist in the UK today.”
At present there is a moratorium on hydraulic fracturing (fracking) for shale-gas, a practice with strong opposition, with fracking having been met with protests, critiqued for creating earth tremors, and clashing with the government’s environmental course, plans to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and Net Zero aims.
Commissioning Deloitte to undertake an assessment of the potential economic, social and environmental impact that developing this gas resource could have, Egdon Resources said the gas resource is capable of supplying over 16 trillion cubic feet of gas, amounting to around six to seven years of current gas consumption.
Deloitte’s modelling estimates that the development would generate a GDP contribution of over £100 billion, up to 250,000 direct and indirect jobs, and offset 202 million tons of CO2 equivalent when compared to the emissions associated with imported gas.
Egdon Resources said: “The Telegraph article relates to the potential gas resources in the Gainsborough Trough geological basin which extends across parts of Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire and South Yorkshire.
“The presence of these gas resources in shales and sandstones at a depth of around 2 kilometres, was proven by the drilling of the Springs Road-1 well back in 2019 and compare favourably with some of the best producing shale basins in the USA.
“At present they cannot be developed due to the moratorium on hydraulic fracturing (fracking) for shale-gas. It’s description in the article as a “gas field” is premature as the political and regulatory conditions for its development do not exist in the UK today.
“Egdon commissioned Deloitte to undertake an assessment of the potential economic, social and environmental impact that developing this gas resource could have. This has highlighted a gas resource capable of supplying over 16 trillion cubic feet of gas or around 6-7 years of current gas consumption thus offsetting significant amounts of imported gas.
“Deloitte’s modelling estimates that if this was developed it would generate a GDP contribution of £140 billion, £34 billion of direct taxes, up to 250,000 direct and indirect jobs and offset 202 million tons of CO2 equivalent when compared to the emissions associated with imported gas. To put that in context that is equivalent to the annual emissions of over 40 million cars.
“As accepted by the Government and shown by the Climate Change Committee’s figures, whilst its use will reduce, gas will continue to be an important part of the UK energy mix out to 2050 and beyond. The UK will become increasingly reliant on imports as North Sea production declines.
“The UK government is looking for ways to grow GDP and is increasingly reliant on overseas energy imports such as LNG, much sourced from US shale. It would therefore seem sensible for politicians to consider in a pragmatic and fact based way, the potential security of supply, fiscal, environmental and employment benefits of developing the UK’s own resources such as those present in the Gainsborough Trough.
“The proposed development of Carbon Capture and Storage projects at nearby Humberside further enhance the environmental credentials of this opportunity.”
The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Ed Miliband, is among those opposed to fracking, needed to extract the gas.
A Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) spokesperson said: “We intend to ban fracking for good and make Britain a clean energy superpower to protect current and future generations.
“The biggest risk to our energy security is staying dependent on fossil fuel markets and only by sprinting to clean power by 2030 can the UK take back control of its energy and protect both family and national finances from price spikes.
“Through our Plan for Change, we will reignite our industrial heartlands as we seize the opportunities of the clean energy transition, and will continue to drive investment for businesses and communities in the UK.”
A moratorium on fracking in England is in place because of an inability to predict the size, timing or location of any seismic events that take place after fracking operations.
The government has also highlighted that there is no guarantee that oil and gas produced in the UK will be used here, with private companies selling to an international market.
The government has a commitment not to issue new oil and gas licences to explore new fields, which it is to consult on in due course.
