Ilkeston industrial unit let to Scandinavian-inspired furniture business
On behalf of a private client, FHP Property Consultants have completed the letting of Unit 4 & 5 Eagle Road, located on Quarry Hill Industrial Estate in Ilkeston, to Vaunt Design Ltd.
The property comprises a light industrial unit providing 2,262 sq ft of warehouse, office storage and WC facilities.
The premises is positioned just south of Ilkeston, providing good access to main road links such as A52 and J26 of the M1 Motorway.
Dan Mooney of FHP Property Consultants said: “This was a great result for all involved. We conducted a good number of viewings and had numerous offers on the table for the asking rent of £15,500 per annum. It was amazing to see completion within 3 months of writing the initial marketing report.
“Competition is fierce for units like this, and we could have let it out many times over, so it’s great to have seen it gone to a quirky Scandinavian inspired furniture storage firm seeking an expansion into Ilkeston.
“We continued to see great success in Ilkeston during 2021 with several lettings done at West Hallam Industrial Estate and getting this letting over the line provides a great start to 2022 for FHP. We are looking towards completing many more transactions in Ilkeston and wider Derbyshire this year.”
Get ready to network at the Property & Business Investment Lincolnshire Expo
With everything you require for a great day of networking and business generation, attend The Property & Business Investment Lincolnshire Expo to establish new contacts.
A well targeted, free to attend event aimed at the Construction, Property, Business, Investment, Finance, Professional Services and related B2B markets, for which Business Link is a proud partner, the expo will take place on Wednesday 27 April 2022 at The Bentley Hotel, Lincoln.
Opening at 9am, as the exhibition closes (circa 2pm), it will roll directly into an informal network lunch – tickets are just £25 plus vat and can be ordered and paid for directly online.
Meet more potential clients in one amazing cost effective day, than it would take months out on the road.
To attend the event, register for free here.
To generate opportunities by exhibiting at the event, click here.
Purchase tickets to the networking lunch here.
Engineering consultancy supports Age UK Notts’ Men in Sheds project
Engineering consultancy Howard Ward Associates (HWA) has supported Age UK Notts, by providing structural advice to the charity to assist with its plan to create more space and generally refurbish one of its Men in Sheds facilities in Blidworth, Nottinghamshire.
From its head office in Nottingham, HWA delivers construction engineering consultancy services across a range of sectors, including education, healthcare, emergency services, commercial and residential throughout the country.
On a pro bono basis, HWA has provided advice on the structural aspects of Age UK Notts’ planned project, which includes the construction of the new first floor alongside refurbishing an adjacent unit that the charity has recently expanded into.
Launched in 1942, Age UK Notts is one of the largest local independent charities providing a wide range of services for older people from all communities and backgrounds in the city and county.
The charity’s Men in Sheds project has been welcoming older men to get together to learn and share new skills in a local shed concept workshop since 2009.
A team of volunteers are on hand to support and there are a range of tools and equipment for the members to put practical skills to good use in the day-to-day running of the shed.
Members can build confidence and take control by deciding which activities they want to take part in including woodworking, skills sharing and socialising.
The national Age UK’s research shows that 1.4 million older people in the UK are often lonely. This is now especially prevalent following the COVID-19 pandemic and the effects this has had on families.
Giles Ward, director at HWA, said: “We are very pleased to offer our expertise and support to Age UK Notts and its important Men in Sheds project, which addresses the often-overlooked subject of loneliness and mental health issues in older men.
“This fantastic project encourages and allows men aged 60+ who are isolated or disconnected from their community to experience learning new skills, regaining confidence and making new friends.
“As a Nottingham-based company, we are always keen to get involved in projects that support the local community.”
Peter Anderson, volunteer shed manager at Blidworth Shed, said: “It is very encouraging to have support from a local Nottinghamshire business like HWA. The refurbishment has been an important aspect returning from COVID restrictions. Now we can open the Men in Sheds projects to many more men aged over 60, who want to be involved in woodworking projects and meet new people.”
Fully-funded leadership and management training on offer for 100 East Midlands businesses
East Midlands Chamber has announced a new training subsidy to help businesses across the region with their post-COVID growth.
The subsidy covers the upfront 10% fee – usually £750 – of joining the Help to Grow management programme, which is designed to help businesses develop leadership, boost productivity, innovate and produce a plan for growth. The remaining 90% cost of course attendance is paid by Government.
A total of 100 eligible businesses can benefit from access to the fully-funded, 12-week executive development leadership and management programme, which blends online and face-to-face sessions.
To qualify for the subsidy, organisations must employ between five and 249 people, and have been operational for at least a year. Additionally, they must be based in a local authority area earmarked for UK Community Renewal Fund (UKCRF) support, namely Bassetlaw, Derbyshire Dales, High Peak, Leicester city, Mansfield, Newark and Sherwood, or Nottingham city.
The training is being delivered by Leicester Castle Business School, Nottingham Business School, Nottingham University Business School, University of Leicester and University of Derby. Each has been accredited by the Small Business Charter, an award which recognises high quality, tailored guidance to small businesses and their local economy.
Diane Beresford, deputy chief executive at East Midlands Chamber, said: “A key part of the Government’s levelling up agenda is to invest in skills. The Chamber shares this priority so it makes perfect sense that we add our support to the excellent training provision on offer in our region.
“Boosting skills among the businesses and staff members involved, particularly amongst those where cost would otherwise prohibit participation, means our region is in a much stronger position to seize the opportunities that lie ahead.”
Applications, which can be submitted via the Chamber’s Help to Grow webpage, are being approved on a first-come, first-served basis.
Courses starting from March onwards are available to join at smallbusinesscharter.org/h2gm-registration.
Nottingham engineering consultancy signals growth ambitions with environmental groundwork acquisition
Nottingham-based engineering consultancy, Dice, has acquired fellow Nottingham firm Unity Environmental.
Unity Environmental founder Jake Bayne and team have formed Dice Environmental – a new sub-division of the overall Dice company, offering expert geo-environmental and geotechnical engineering specialisms.
Wayne Oakes, director at Dice, said: “We are delighted to be expanding our offering with geo-environmental and geo-technical services through Dice Environmental to clients we currently work with for civil and structural services, and as a stand-alone service for projects large and small.
“We are almost four years old and as we develop from a start-up company to an SME it is important we evaluate what we are able to offer in order to ensure our growth is sustainable and measured, so our core values are never lost in the process. Keeping our customer service at 100% is the most important thing to us.”
Speaking on the formation of Dice Environmental, Jake Bayne said: “I’m excited to be growing my business by joining the Dice family, as their values around sustainability and wellbeing really align with my own.
“The experience I’m bringing to the table from working in both the public and private sector throughout the UK will enhance the service we’re able to offer clients, as well as to allow us to tap into a totally new client base. It’ll be great to see what we achieve together on this new venture.”
City of Lincoln Council delivers successful Christmas Market enabling wider economic spend in Lincoln
City of Lincoln Council delivered a successful 2021 Lincoln Christmas Market despite the pressures of an exceptional year due to Covid-19, allowing for an increase in visitors for the local economy.
In 2021, the city welcomed a covid-safe Lincoln Christmas Market between 2 and 5 December, drawing in a near-record 276,000 visitors over the four days.
In doing so, City of Lincoln Council committed to a loss in income to allow for Covid-19 safety procedures to take precedence and ensure the 2021 event went ahead.
According to economic assessments and visitor surveys previously conducted by the University of Lincoln, visitor spend from the annual market is estimated in the region of £12 million, with approximately £2.65 million going directly into the economic value of the city.
Ahead of the 2021 market, and reflecting the impact the pandemic had on some regular stallholders, many had ceased to trade or found other forms of business or employment, while others felt nervous about committing to any events due to potential cancellation due to government restrictions.
To maintain the quality of stalls, and to keep the reputation of the market, the city council made the decision to reduce the number of stalls at the 2021 market.
Reducing number of stalls, from 185, to 150, allowed for more space for visitors during the pandemic, and was just one of a number of procedures in place to give confidence in a covid-safe event. This also included hand sanitisation stations, the use of face coverings in indoor settings and crowded areas, and increased covid messaging both prior to and during the market.
However, stallholder fees are the main source of income for the Christmas Market and therefore a reduction in stalls had a serious impact on the budget.
This, combined with a shortfall in associated income from parking fees, resulted in an estimated income loss of £45,748 – a figure anticipated by the city council.
Cllr Neil Murray, Portfolio Holder for Inclusive Economic Growth at City of Lincoln Council said:
“In 2021 we fully committed to putting on the Lincoln Christmas Market as we are aware of the wider benefits the market brings to the local economy.
“The market is one of the biggest in the country and attracts visitors from far and wide, really putting Lincoln on the map, and is an important calendar event for many local businesses in the area, with over a third of the market’s stallholders from Lincolnshire.
“The 2021 market was a great success, welcoming 276,000 visitors, many of which are likely to visit our beautiful city again throughout the year, further benefitting the local economy.
“We continue to be proud to host this festive event, which keeps the spirit of Christmas alive in the city – something Lincoln greatly needed last year.”
The Derbyshire Festival of Business showcases business capabilities in the local area
The Derbyshire Festival of Business consists of various activities and networking opportunities to boost post-covid recovery.
Multiple workshops, masterclasses, networking activities and exhibitions aim to showcase the extensive business capabilities in Derby and the surrounding areas.
As part of the Derbyshire Festival of Business, the D2N2 Growth Hub will be delivering two free conferences to businesses. They will be covering marketing trends and information around the support the growth hub offers.
The first of these free events will take place on Wednesday 9 March between 7.45am and 3.15pm at the Palace Hotel in Buxton. The conference will cover digital marketing, and various experts in the digital consultancy industry will discuss key trends developing for 2022. Similarly, there will be an engaging keynote speaker providing food for thought around the digital marketing sector. This conference is now fully booked.
The exhibitions element of the Derbyshire Festival of Business will be delivered in partnership with East Midlands Chamber and the University of Derby. The exhibition opportunity allows you to showcase your business to other local businesses based in Derbyshire or Nottinghamshire, as well as the wider business community. As part of the exhibition package, businesses will also receive entrance to the Digital Conference and a buffet lunch.
More information about these exhibition stands, including pricing, can be found on the East Midlands Chamber website.
The second free event will take place on Wednesday 6 April between 8.30am and 1.15pm at the Museum of Making in Derby. This event will showcase the support that the D2N2 Growth Hub has provided to local businesses, who are Growth Hub clients, as well as the impact this has had overall. Similarly, an inspiring keynote speaker will share their story and experiences, as well as a discussion about the future of the D2N2 Growth Hub and how to access the support that they provide to businesses.
To book your place at the event, or to find out more information, visit the D2N2 Growth Hub website.
Dr Peter Dewhurst, Commercial Director at the University of Derby said: “This festival is an opportunity to showcase what our county has to offer, to identify current and future talent, and to create opportunities for collaboration between businesses, the University, policy makers and advisory organisations, which will help us build a strong, resilient and inclusive economy as we recover from the impact and challenges of the pandemic. The conferences that are being delivered in Derby, Buxton and Chesterfield on the 9, 16 and 23 of March are three of the festival’s signature events, which will serve as showcases for the outstanding business talent across the county.”
Councillor Steve Hassall, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Decarbonisation, Strategic Planning and Transportation, said: “The Derbyshire Festival of Business is a great opportunity for SME businesses in the local area to find new ways to promote their business. The D2N2 Growth Hub is a vital asset that local business continues to rely on for expansion and it’s great to see they are striving to help even more organisations. We’re excited to see what their plans are for the future.”
Pop-up hub to help breathe new creative life into Leicester’s historic Church Gate
PEOPLE are being invited to discover a new pop-up creative hub located in the heart of Leicester’s historic Church Gate.
Called BETA X, the project has brought together a diverse community of artists, makers, designers, researchers, thinkers and innovators to deliver a programme of events and workshops in a recently renovated property on the historic shopping street.
The project is led by Leicester City Council and supported by Historic England as part of the High Street Heritage Action Zone programme.
Over two months, BETA X will make the pop-up art space at 72 Church Gate a hub for creative activities with over 30 free to attend events taking place in the previously vacant property.
The programme has been developed by LCB Depot and De Montfort University and includes activities for all ages including from junk modelling with led lights, blacksmithing workshops, upcycling unwanted clothes into cuddly soft toy companions, cartooning workshops and talks on wartime fashion and the secret life of hats.
City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “We’ve got some really creative things happening in Leicester and some really creative people doing them. We’ve also got a real wealth of undiscovered architectural treasures in the city.
“To bring all that together in this exciting pop-up creative hub – where people can meet and be creative together in a beautifully restored historic building – is a wonderful showcase for Churchgate and a great reason to rediscover this historic shopping street.”
BETA X is part of the Leicester High Street Heritage Action Zone, a £2.2million heritage-led regeneration scheme backed by Historic England. The national scheme aims to breathe new life into high streets across England, fuelling economic, social and cultural recovery and give them a new lease of life for future generations to enjoy.
In Leicester, the four-year programme will focus on projects in the Church Gate and Granby Street conservation areas.
The scheme offers grants to repair and restore historic buildings along with funding street improvements, work to develop options for particularly difficult sites, and a programme of cultural and community engagement.
Examples of work already underway include the pedestrianisation of Church Gate and major improvements to the street scene to create a more attractive for shoppers and visitors; the award of £750,000 to restore the roof of the former HSBC bank of Granby Street; plans to restore the Grand Hotel shopfronts to their original design; and the development of proposals to restore the historic timber warehouse which can be seen to the rear of the courtyard of BETA x’s temporary home at 72 Church Gate.
BETA X is an example of how the High Street Heritage Action Zone programme is supporting local creative industries to help reanimate the high street and encourage people to rediscover the rich architectural heritage of their city centres.
Frasers Group acquires digital retailer, saving 1,500 jobs
Shirebrook-based Frasers Group has acquired digital retailer, Studio Retail Limited and certain other assets of Studio Retail Group (in administration).
The consideration for the transaction comprised cash and the release of Studio Retail Group from its liabilities to the lending banks under its revolving credit facilities resulting in a cash payment by Frasers Group to the lenders in the amount of £26.8 million.
The company also agreed to act as guarantor in respect of certain payments in respect of the Studio Retail Group group pension scheme.
Earlier in the month Studio Retail Group, which is backed by Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group, revealed it was set to bring in administrators after attempts to secure a £25m loan failed. Studio had a surplus stockholding requiring additional working capital funding whilst it was sold through to customers. While Studio Retail Limited itself was not in administration, it had temporarily ceased taking orders and the transaction will allow trading operations to resume, ensuring continuity for suppliers, the group’s over 1,500 employees, pension holders and customers. Frasers Group said in a statement to London Stock Exchange: “As Frasers Group seeks to elevate its customer journey including a flexible repayment proposition, the acquisition of Studio Retail Limited will provide Frasers Group with expertise and synergies that will accelerate this ambition. Frasers Group is also pleased to have rescued another business out of administration and saved approximately 1,500 jobs.”Bungalows for the elderly planned for Shirebrook
Plans to build 24 new single storey council properties on land off Market Close in Shirebrook have been approved by Bolsover District Council’s Planning Committee.
The development is on 1.2ha of land which will see 24 bungalows be constructed to meet quality standards such as the Code for Sustainable Homes Level 3, Lifetimes Homes, Building for Healthy Life 12 and Secured by Design – all at affordable rents.
Council Leader, Councillor Steve Fritchley, said: “Where land is available and not being used to its full potential, we need to be thinking how it can benefit the local community. This site is close to the town centre and all the amenities, so it is the perfect place to build new homes for our elderly residents so they do not have to move out of the town.”
This latest development is the next phase of houses to be built under the Bolsover Homes banner, a £36million scheme to build up to 400 new council properties.
