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.
East Midlands unemployment rate hits fresh record low – but skills gaps linger
The East Midlands’ unemployment rate has hit a fresh new low at 3.1% for the period between November 2021 and January 2022, new figures show.
It falls from 3.4% for the previous three-month reporting period and compares to a UK average of 3.9%.
For the third month running, this is the lowest level since the Office for National Statistics (ONS) began publishing regional labour market figures in April 2015, and is now higher than only three other regions – the South West of England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
East Midlands Chamber Chief Executive Scott Knowles said: “It’s fantastic news for the region’s labour market that the unemployment rate has plummeted in recent months, hitting a fresh new low for the beginning of this year.
“Amid so much uncertainty in the world at the moment, it sends a clear signal that the East Midlands is open for business and recovering strongly from the direct impacts of the pandemic.
“The improving picture reflects our own research, which indicates our region’s firms are creating jobs to meet strong demand following the removal of restrictions.
“The Chamber’s latest Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) for Q1 2022 showed a net 20% of businesses increased their workforce in the previous three months, while a net 36% expected it to increase over the coming quarter.
“We are represented by a very diverse economy in the East Midlands – ranging from logistics and services to hospitality and tourism – while our manufacturing industry continues to play a hugely important role, with our region having the highest proportion of production sector jobs at 12.2%.”
While unemployment fell below pre-pandemic levels for the first time at a national level, the ONS said the number of people out of work and not looking for a job rose again, meaning total employment remained well below its pre-Covid level.
In the East Midlands, the economic inactivity rate – which measures the proportion of 16 to 64-year-olds who have exited the labour market for reasons such as retirement, caring duties or studying – was above the 21.3% national average at 21.6%.
Scott added: “With more people leaving the labour market and fewer overseas workers to choose from since the end of the UK-EU transition period just over a year ago, we are beginning to see emerging skills gaps across numerous industries.
“With the cost of business continuing to rise amid surging inflation and price rises in aspects such as energy, supplies and people, the impact this will have on business growth – which ultimately fuels local job creation and wealth – remains a considerable worry.
“Two-thirds of East Midlands businesses told us they have seen price rises and cashflow is now down for the first time in over a year. All this highlights the importance of investing heavily in skills, something that was highlighted in the Government’s Levelling Up White Paper as one of its 12 ‘missions’ but must now be prioritised with rapid action to ensure our post-Covid and post-Brexit economic recovery doesn’t stall.
“With the Spring Statement also coming up next week, this is a timely reminder that the Chancellor must not impose any new costs or taxes on businesses, and should also delay the introduction of the planned National Insurance rise.”
Four businesses awarded funding for Knowledge Transfer Partnerships with University of Lincoln
Four businesses have been awarded funding for Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) that will allow them to benefit from a new range of expertise and will encourage their business to grow.
Part-funded by Innovate UK, KTPs bridge the gap between industry and academic knowledge, which will in turn allow businesses to grow with the help of University of Lincoln, and its academic experts.
Warden Agri, Sanctuary, METIS Aerospace and Streets Heaver, will work closely with specialist academics from University of Lincoln, known as Associates, to help innovate and grow their businesses.
Three of the businesses are based in the Lincoln area, except for Sanctuary, which is a Worcester-based company that delivers sustainable housing solutions.
Their project will focus on the need to innovate home design and construction methods to respond to global challenges of climate change, while creating affordable, sustainable homes.
Stephen Pretlove, head of Lincoln School of Architecture, said: “We are delighted to be collaborating with the Sanctuary Group on this timely project, which brings together academic expertise from Lincoln, in housing design and construction, sustainability, waste, and low carbon strategies, with one of the UK’s largest and leading providers of social and private housing.
“The project provides a unique opportunity for academic and industrial cooperation, which will benefit both the housing sector, and our academic understanding of the challenging issues that we all face as we move towards a zero-carbon built environment.”
Colleen Eccles, Sanctuary’s head of Place Shaping, said: “There are increasing pressures on the construction industry to create new homes that are both sustainable and affordable, and this innovative project will allow us to identify new approaches to development work that will shape future building.”
One of the local businesses benefiting from Knowledge Transfer Partnerships is Warden Agri, who are aiming to develop safe and sustainable food waste products, and to extend the current business ecosystem to include processing, manufacturing and validation of these opportunities.
Johanna Buitelaar-Warden, director of Warden-Agri, said: “The project will allow us to embed a process for developing novel food ingredients from waste and by products in the food and feed supply chain, evolving our business to the next level.
“The Knowledge Transfer Partnership has set out a really helpful framework and we have already recruited an outstanding graduate who is coming to us from Nestle SA.
“She has a balance of both academic and business skills; very much mirroring the essence of the KTP.”
PKF strengthen corporate finance team with new appointment
PKF Smith Cooper is delighted to welcome Corporate Finance Senior Executive Harnil Motivaras to the team. Harnil joins from PwC where he worked alongside large corporate clients, as well as SME’s and owner-managed businesses, operating across a range of industries.
The specialist corporate finance division of PKF Smith Cooper, of which Harnil will be a key member, offers both practical and strategic advice across a variety of areas, whether clients are looking to buy, sell or grow a business.
The team specialises in high-intensity project management of deals, from company acquisitions and disposals, through to fundraising and succession planning.
The corporate finance team are also experts in a variety of sectors, from food and drink and self storage, to fire & security and automotive, making PKF Smith Cooper the adviser of choice in national and international transactions in these sectors.
James Ward, Corporate Finance Director based in the Nottingham office comments: “I am delighted to welcome Harnil to the team. He will have an integral role in the development of PKF Smith Cooper’s corporate finance team primarily in Nottingham, but also across the wider firm working alongside colleagues in our Derby and Birmingham offices.
Our corporate finance team continues to develop, and I look forward to working alongside Harnil in creating innovative solutions and value for the clients we work with.
We are continuing to recruit and are always looking for people of all experience levels to join our award-winning team”.
Ursula Lidbetter announces retirement from Lincolnshire Co-op
Lincolnshire Co-op’s CEO Ursula Lidbetter has announced her plan to retire at the end of 2022, after a career with the Society spanning 37 years.
Ursula, who started in 1985 as a buyer and department manager, is in her 18th year as CEO of Lincolnshire Co-op, which has over 220 varied outlets and recorded sales of over £355m in 2020/21.
She’s also been at the helm of major projects including the creation of the Lincoln Science and Innovation Park and The Cornhill Quarter development in Lincoln. She received her OBE in 2019 for services to the local economy.
This year will see Ursula turn 60 and, after almost two thirds of her life working for Lincolnshire Co-op, she feels it’s the right time to retire and spend more time with family.
She said: “It’s a privilege to work alongside my 2,900 colleagues to lead this special business, where we aim to make life better in our communities every day.
“It’s also wonderful to collaborate with many like-minded people in organisations across Lincolnshire and beyond to bring forward schemes making such a difference.
“In due course, I will hand over to my successor who will take us into the next stage of our development.”
Lincolnshire Co-op’s Board of Directors will be conducting a recruitment process for the new CEO over coming months.
Chair David Cowell said: “The Board would like to thank Ursula for the huge contribution she has made to the success of the society during her time here. She will be leaving our co-op in great shape to move on to its next chapter, based upon the strong legacy that has been built over 161 years of trading.
“In the meantime, we have a busy programme of work for 2022 and look forward to delivering this under Ursula’s expert leadership.”
SMB College Group begin partnership with the Defence Animal Training Regiment
SMB College Group have recently embarked on an exciting new venture with the Defence Animal Training Regiment (DATR), forging a partnership that will serve to provide a wealth of industry-relevant knowledge and experience for students.
Students from the college’s Horticulture, Countryside Management, Uniformed Public Services, Animal Management and Equine departments will benefit from work placements, industry insight and enrichment with the DATR, which is located in Melton Mowbray – just 7 miles away from the college’s 850-acre Brooksby estate.
This new working agreement will also facilitate the sharing of industry knowledge, allowing both organisations to champion welfare, care and industry best practice.
When speaking of this exciting new partnership and the opportunities it will bring, the Commanding Officer of the Defence Animal Training Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Mike Robinson, said ‘This Memorandum of Understanding recognises the significant benefits of our cooperative and reciprocal relationship, notably exploiting the land-based, animal care and public service parallels that exist between our two organisations.
‘We have identified opportunities that will strengthen both our organisations and allow for increased knowledge exchange, work placement opportunities and improvements to animal practice. The benefits are already being realised with partnering between the College, Defence Animal Training Regiment and The Dog Trust’s Animal Welfare Scheme as a triumvirate championing welfare, care and industry best-practice.
‘Furthermore, the College also provides an OFSTED-recommended Independent Advisory Panel to support the assurance of the duty of care to our trainees. The pastoral expertise of the College provides us with an independent, objective perspective, which is an invaluable source of advice, challenge and encouragement. It also supports our young soldiers under training and strengthens the Regiment’s continuous improvement programme.’
James Thorne, Assistant Principal at SMB College Group, added ‘SMB College Group – Brooksby Campus is delighted to be working with Defence Animal Training Regiment (DATR – MOD). This partnership will bring so many new opportunities to both our Further Education learners and our Undergraduate students, including a valuable insight into a very professional and high performing working environment.
‘Students will be working on a range of projects including involvement in the Equine and Dog units, competitions, and welfare schemes, in addition to conservation and environment input for the campus base. Uniformed Public Services students will also have the opportunity to experience personal training sessions. We look forward to working with DATR through this long term collaborative partnership’.
One such opportunity, that is already underway, is an Animal Management degree project in which students are engaging with the DATR and Dogs Trust Animal Welfare Scheme. When asked about this project, Animal Management Lecturer, Beth Prior, said ‘This scheme has allowed our students to put their knowledge into practice, completing a range of animal welfare assessments during regular visits to DATR, and sharing knowledge of animal welfare, care and industry best practice between the three organisations.’
SMB College Group is a Further Education college based across three campuses in Leicestershire. The college’s Brooksby Campus is an 850-acre countryside estate that specialises in training students in the land-based industries, sport and uniformed public services, with opportunities ranging from Entry Level courses up to Undergraduate degree programmes.
The Defence Animal Training Regiment is a training establishment based in Melton Mowbray, which trains animals for all three armed forces. Its headquarters are also the principal base of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps.
