Alumasc outperforms UK construction markets

Tess Egginton
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Alumasc outperforms UK construction markets
Alumasc, the Kettering-based sustainable building products, systems and solutions group, has hailed a “significant outperformance of UK construction markets” in a trading update for the year ended 30 June 2024. The Group expects organic revenue growth for the year to be around 6.5%, outperforming the 2% decline in overall UK construction activity.

Underlying profit before tax (UPBT), meanwhile, is now expected to be at least £12.6m, ahead of current market forecasts and the prior year (£11.2m).

Paul Hooper, Chief Executive of Alumasc, said: “Against such a challenging commercial market backdrop, I am delighted with the Group’s strong performance, which is testament to our robust business model and the significant progress we have made in delivering against our strategic aims.

“We are optimistic that our growth strategy, with a focus on environmentally sustainable solutions, new product development, investment in capability and ongoing self-help initiatives will drive further strong growth in returns as market conditions improve.”

Raise your business’s profile at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024

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Raise your business’s profile at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024
Raise the profile of your business by submitting a nomination for Business Link’s prestigious East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024! Celebrating the region’s property and construction industry, its people, and outstanding developments, the annual awards attract leaders from all over the region and are the perfect way for businesses to showcase the work they are completing and create more buzz. Award categories include: most active estate 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, and overall winner. A highlight in the business calendar, a glittering awards ceremony on Thursday 3rd October, at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, will unveil the winners – an evening that will also provide plenty of opportunities to forge new contacts with property and construction professionals from across the region. To nominate your (or another) business/development for one of our awards, please click on a category link below or visit this page.

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. Thanks to our sponsors:      

     
     
 

To be held at:

 

Hot tub manufacturer appoints new global marketing director

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Hot tub manufacturer appoints new global marketing director
Chesterfield-based Superior Wellness has appointed Richard Walker as their global marketing director. He joins them with over 15 years of international experience in on and offline marketing, above and below-the-line advertising, e-commerce, social media, influencer projects and celebrity endorsements. Richard is a multi-award-winning international marketing director with a proven track record. Before joining Superior Wellness, he was the marketing director of Wren Kitchens and the Wren brand guardian since its inception in 2009. He drove marketing effectiveness and business expansion, contributing to double-digit growth in turnover each year. Richard will play a pivotal role in driving awareness of the Superior Wellness brands to support the company’s expansion plans and long-term vision. Rob Carlin, Managing Director, said: “We are thrilled that Richard has joined the Superior Wellness leadership team. His experience will be invaluable, he’s an outstanding addition to our existing team and I am looking forward to working closely with him.” Richard Walker said: “I am incredibly excited to be joining the team at such a crucial point in Superior Wellness’s growth. There is a huge opportunity to play our part in the global wellness market – and great things are already happening.”

Local company raises more than £5,000 for Cancer Research UK in gruelling Tough Mudder challenge

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Local company raises more than £5,000 for Cancer Research UK in gruelling Tough Mudder challenge
A team of 23 from Corby-based SEE Limited, a group holding company responsible for three businesses involved in the supply, distribution and fabrication of wood veneer and decorative laminate panels, has raised more than £5,000 for Cancer Research UK by battling their way through more than 10 gruelling miles and 23 challenging obstacles in the Tough Mudder challenge, which took place at Belvoir Castle in Grantham. Crossing the finish line in around three hours, the team joined forces to help bolster the crucial efforts and vital research that goes into saving lives and finding cures and treatment for cancer, raising £5,355. Robert Thompson, CEO of SEE Limited, said: “It was such a challenging but rewarding experience. Pulling through the obstacles with my family, friends, and colleagues made this a very special moment. “I’m really proud of what we have achieved, all the efforts that went in to fundraising for the event and raising such a life-changing amount of money for a cause so close to my heart. “I’m also grateful to all those who have kindly donated – it means so much to everyone. If you’re contemplating taking on the Tough Mudder yourself, I would urge you to throw yourself at it, you will not regret it!” Digital marketing manager at SEE Limited, Inga Gusauskaite, agrees that it was a worthwhile experience which pulled on their team spirit to get them round the gruelling course: “The course itself was really hard, made even tougher by the challenging weather conditions with the rain and the wind. But I’m very proud of myself and the team because we stuck together and tackled each obstacle as a collective. “The worst obstacle was the electric shock one, where we had to crawl in the water while being electrocuted by the wires above. I think everyone would agree that was the worst one! “See Limited are immensely grateful to everyone who supported us with our fundraising. Every donation no matter how big or small helps towards the life-saving research and crucial support to those living with cancer right now. We can only hope that by uniting in this way, we are doing all we can to ensure that future generations are not burdened with the impacts of cancer.”

East Midlands manufacturer completes £1.6m contract for major residential scheme in Leeds

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East Midlands manufacturer completes £1.6m contract for major residential scheme in Leeds
Mansfield-based Deanestor, the furniture and fitout specialists, has delivered a £1.6m contract to provide more than 300 high specification kitchens for a major new co-living scheme in Leeds, developed by Caddick Developments. Mercer West and Madison East are two adjoining apartment buildings near the River Aire in Leeds’ vibrant cultural quarter, which were built by Caddick Construction. This build-to-rent development is part of SOYO Leeds – a new neighbourhood in the heart of the city. Deanestor provided bespoke, contemporary kitchens for 331 apartments in a range of configurations to suit each apartment layout. This involved the manufacture and installation of around 4,500 items of furniture including base and wall cabinets, drawers, tall fridge unit, oven housing and solid white quartz worktops. Eugene Cannon, Senior Quantity Surveyor at Caddick Construction, said: “The Deanestor team excelled commercially and in the design phase for this complex and large-scale co-living scheme. They were helpful at each stage and had a common-sense approach to any challenges, such as the need to upgrade appliances. The finished kitchens are great – good quality, contemporary detailing, superior worktops, and gave us the value for money we were looking for.” The kitchen cabinetry was supplied in two colour palettes for alternate floors – stone grey and dark blue, and with black D-shaped handles and brushed satin taps. Each kitchen was fully equipped by Deanestor with integrated appliances – a built-in oven, microwave, ceramic hob, washer dryer, fridge/freezer and dishwasher.

Burton testing, inspection, certification, and compliance firm makes acquisition

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Burton testing, inspection, certification, and compliance firm makes acquisition
Burton-based SOCOTEC UK has acquired Impulse Geophysics Ltd, a provider of 4K Digital Video and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) services based in Bedford.
Using cutting edge technology and AI, Impulse specialises in Asset Management and Condition Inspection in the Infrastructure industry, allowing clients to visualise and plan their networks/schemes effectively and safely. The company, which has strong experience and links with many key Infrastructure industries, will further strengthen SOCOTEC UK’s range of services in the Infrastructure Asset Monitoring area. Bob Milligan, Managing Director of Impulse, said: “It is great to be joining SOCOTEC UK within the Infrastructure Division. Over the years, we have delivered many projects for SOCOTEC UK, and we look forward to continuing our innovation and growth by utilising the client and geographical reach and expertise that joining SOCOTEC UK brings.” Richard Hildick-Smith, Managing Director of Infrastructure, continued: “We are really pleased to welcome Impulse to our division. It further strengthens our range of services in the Infrastructure Asset Monitoring area. Having Impulse’s expertise in the niche area of video linked with GPR surveys significantly enhances our portfolio. “It will seamlessly integrate with the existing business unit services and clients, bolstering our growth into a more data led offering to clients with the aim of supporting Asset Integrity throughout the lifecycle.” Hervé Montjotin, CEO of the SOCOTEC group, added: “Monitoring solutions are strategic to the infrastructure sector. As a leading trusted third party, ensuring safety, longevity and integrity of built assets are an essential part of our societal role. “This acquisition in the UK is further strengthening our infrastructure activities which at global level represent more than 30% of total Group revenues, and is reinforcing our leadership ambitions.”

Intervention called for as new analysis shows junction 28 of the M1 is ‘full’

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Intervention called for as new analysis shows junction 28 of the M1 is ‘full’
New analysis released by Midlands Connect shows junction 28 of the M1 is up to 107% capacity in the morning rush hour. The work shows three junctions off the road are over 100%, two others are nearly full and only one slip road is under 50% capacity. This has been ‘further evidence’ of the need for an upgrade of the Pinxton interchange. The A38 towards Alfreton going eastbound off junction 28 is seeing traffic flows reaching 107%, this equates to 2,302 cars, vans and HGVs using that slip road single hour. Assessments identified that the Northbound M1 slip road sees 1,104 vehicles on average using this off slip every hour and it is at 104% capacity. The Mansfield Road slip road also clocked up 102% capacity. The M1 southbound slip road clocked up 82% capacity and the A38 going towards Sutton-in-Ashfield only has 9% space left at the morning rush hour as 1,126 cars and vans use the route off junction 28. Only one road, the A38 left filter lane towards the M1 had much capacity left, with 38% of space being used in the rush hour. Integrated Transport Programme Lead, Swati Mittal said: “Junction 28 has struggled for many years with gridlock, and we are keen to get solutions moving to fix this. Drivers have been snarled up in traffic which impacts residents and businesses in and around Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and beyond. “An intervention in this area is necessary to facilitate growth, jobs and allow us to deliver the growth aspirations of South Normanton, Pinxton and the wider region.”

Housing associations explore merger

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Housing associations explore merger
Longhurst Group and Grand Union Housing Group have entered talks over a potential merger. The groups, which, combined, currently own and manage over 37,000 homes and employ over 1,400 colleagues across the Midlands and East of England, are exploring a proposal that would see them come together before the end of the year. The housing associations’ respective Boards have approved a business case that unlocks significant potential to invest more in existing homes and neighbourhoods and deliver 5,000 new homes over the next five years. The new organisation would be one of the largest housing associations in the region. Longhurst Group’s Chief Executive Julie Doyle said: “We have a strong existing relationship with Grand Union Housing Group, with whom we share similar visions and values as well as our geographic footprints and growth aspirations. “We feel that both organisations have complementing strengths as well as areas that can be further improved by coming together, which would give us the opportunity to learn from each other and, ultimately, deliver the best possible service for our customers.  “There is still a lot of work to be done, however both organisations believe there is a strong case for coming together and we are excited by the potential that this move would represent.” The two organisations will now enter a period of due diligence and will consult customers about the potential change.  Grand Union CEO, Aileen Evans, added: “Both ourselves and Longhurst Group are well governed and built on solid financial foundations and we believe that we’d be even stronger together as a larger organisation and have more resilience to respond to a challenging operating environment.    “We are exploring this from a position of strength and this presents an exciting opportunity for both organisations to take proactive steps in ensuring we’re well placed for the future.    “As one organisation, we could better realise our aims for the future; specifically, to speed up improvements in our homes, provide enhanced services and build more homes.”  

Sales rise at Dunelm as profits move ahead of expectations

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Sales rise at Dunelm as profits move ahead of expectations

Sales are on the up at Dunelm, the homewares retailer, according to a trading update for the 13-week period ended 29 June 2024 (Q4) and for the full year (FY24).

The business reported a strong final quarter, with sales growth of 5% to £399m, with good performance from both store and digital channels. Meanwhile, total sales for the year of £1.7bn grew by 4% versus the prior year, and pre-tax profits are expected to be slightly ahead of current market expectations (£200m). Dunelm’s new store opening programme is also on track, with six new stores opened in FY24, including one relocation.

Nick Wilkinson, Chief Executive Officer, said: “We delivered another strong performance in Q4, with continued volume-driven sales growth across both store and digital channels. Amidst ongoing consumer caution, our unrelenting focus on value and choice means the Dunelm proposition has continued to resonate with customers, and we saw both full-priced and discounted lines trade well during our summer sale period.

“Throughout the year, we grew sales and continued to exercise tight cost control in an environment of high inflation. Our strong gross margin performance means we now expect our FY24 profit before tax to be slightly ahead of expectations.

“Going into FY25, we have a significant opportunity ahead of us. We are finding quality sites for new stores, and are increasingly confident in our smaller format stores. We are also continuing to invest in both our digital offer and wider operations to support further market share gains.

“However, we will need to maintain strong operational grip given ongoing wage inflation. Notwithstanding the continuing uncertainty in our markets, we’re both excited and confident in our plans.”

Frasers Group CEO hails “break-out year”

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Frasers Group CEO hails “break-out year”

Frasers Group has shown “sustained profitable growth” in full year results for the 52 weeks ended 28 April 2024 (FY24), with its CEO hailing it a “break-out year.”

This was seen as adjusted profit before tax at the business grew by 13.1% on the prior year to £544.8m (+13.1%), at the top end of Frasers’ guidance range (£500-£550m).

The continued successful execution of the company’s Elevation Strategy was highlighted, alongside strengthened brand partnerships, which contributed to a strong trading performance from Sports Direct particularly. Frasers Group added: “The continued strength of third-party brand relationships and Sports Direct’s positioning, are unlocking further international expansion opportunities.

“Growing our presence in the Nordics, a joint venture in Southeast Asia, and currently acquiring a leading sports retailer in the Netherlands.”

Looking ahead, strong profitable growth is anticipated, with adjusted profit before tax in the year ahead expected to be £575m-£625m.

Michael Murray, Chief Executive of Frasers Group, said: “This has been a break-out year for building Frasers’ future growth. As well as delivering a strong trading performance, particularly from Sports Direct, we made significant progress with our Elevation Strategy. We expanded our retail ecosystem, establishing valuable partnerships with new brands.

“Our brand relationships have never been stronger, giving us invaluable support as we continue the international expansion of our business. We invested in group-wide operational efficiencies in warehouse automation and digital infrastructure, which we expect to yield a tangible impact as early as FY25. And we generated new growth opportunities with the rollout of Frasers Plus, including recently signing our first third party partner in THG.

“I’m really proud of what we have achieved at Frasers this year and would like to thank all colleagues for their continued hard work and our brand partners for their support. Together, we are building a resilient, profitable growth retail ecosystem that delivers exceptional value for our partners, consumers and shareholders.

“We have built a lot of momentum this year and are entering the new financial year with many exciting growth opportunities ahead of us, which we will continue to invest in for the long-term benefit of the Group.”  

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