Science company employees raise more than £15,000 for St John Ambulance
Hundreds of science company employees turned their office canteen into a sea of Christmas jumpers as they held one of their final fundraisers wrapping up more than £15,000 in fundraising for St John Ambulance.
Staff at science company Lubrizol’s UK Technical Centre in Hazelwood, near Duffield, put on their best Christmas jumpers, antlers, Grinch outfits and sparkly headgear as a fundraiser for their current chosen charity.
Lubrizol has supported St John Ambulance for the past two years across all its UK sites: Derbyshire, Huddersfield, Blackley in Manchester and Barnsley.
Employees have thrown themselves behind a range of charity fundraisers culminating in dressing up in their festive jumper best for a Christmas meal on-site, donating to St John Ambulance as they did so.
Over two years Lubrizol employees have been raising money for the life-saving charity and will be handing it over when the final donations arrive in early 2025.
Lubrizol staff have undertaken a wide range of charity efforts to raise money for St John Ambulance over the past two years, including employee couple Claire and Tim Hollingshurst who braved blisters and tiredness to walk the whole of the 55-mile Derbyshire Heritage Way within a 24-hour timeframe. The couple and supporters raised nearly £2,000 with their efforts.
Over the past two years teams from St John Ambulance have also visited Lubrizol’s offices across the UK to deliver life-saving first aid sessions.
Across the UK, more than 30,000 cardiac arrests take place outside of a hospital setting annually. But less than one in ten people survive, often because those around them lack the skills or confidence to perform CPR, or access to a defibrillator.
When someone is in cardiac arrest their heart has stopped beating, and every minute without CPR or defibrillation reduces the chances of survival by up to 10 per cent, while early CPR and defibrillation can more than double survival rates.
Claire, who sits on Lubrizol’s charities and communities committee which co-ordinates the company’s charity fundraising each year, said: “Every year we hold our Christmas jumper day at Lubrizol and it’s nice to raise some money for our charity at the same time.
“Some people wear the same Christmas jumper each year but others like to mix it up and surprise us all with something new! One of our senior members of staff likes to wear the same turkey hat each year and it’s a mark of the festive season when we see him wearing it as he walks into the room.
“We’re very proud at Lubrizol to be able to support a new charity every two years and it’s been brilliant to raise money for St John Ambulance in 2023 and 2024. It’s a great organisation that’s saving lives. We’ll be finalising our total in 2025 ready to announce our next chosen charity.”
Pair of Northampton pharmacies sold
Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, has sold Delapre Pharmacy and Far Cotton Pharmacy in Northampton.
Delapre Pharmacy and Far Cotton Pharmacy are a pair of standard-hour community and health centre pharmacies that dispense a combined average of 17,500 items each month. They are located in Northampton, less than one mile apart on Gloucester Avenue and Delapre Crescent Road respectively.
The branches were previously owned by Vyas Limited for over 10 years and were brought to market to enable semi-retirement.
Following a confidential off-market sales process with Carl Steer at Christie & Co, and with funding sourced through David Ward at Christie Finance, they have been sold to Sagar Shah, who is now the proud owner of three pharmacies all bought through and funded through Christie & Co and Christie Finance.
Carl Steer, Director – Pharmacy at Christie & Co, said: “Not many first-time buyers find their ideal pharmacy close to home, but we were pleased to help Sagar achieve this 18 months ago, so to be able to help him add two more in his local area is pleasing.
“Delapre and Far Cotton pharmacies were sold off-market and offered to just a handful of likely suitors. The guide price was achieved.
“Year-on-year, not many pharmacies come to market in Northamptonshire, so it was pleasing to complete two more this year after two last year. There are many Pharmacists seeking a pharmacy business across the wider county, and we expect this strong appetite to continue in 2025.”
Delapre Pharmacy and Far Cotton Pharmacy were sold for an undisclosed price.
Regeneration plans move forward for the Hucknall area
Plans to use Nottinghamshire County Council-owned land to help boost the local economy have taken a further step forward.
This is the next phase of the Top Wighay site, near Hucknall, which the county council successfully secured outline planning permission for in 2022 and has already made substantial progress on, with the residential element of the site and the construction of the Oak House office well underway.
This next phase includes the development of land earmarked for employment use. Uses could include workshops, storage, distribution, and other employment uses that can drive local economic growth.
A specialist agency will now be commissioned by Arc Partnership, on behalf of the county council, to come up with a range of options on the potential future use for this land, including a feasibility study into the self-delivery of employment units.
Options will then be considered by the county council in early 2025.
Councillor Keith Girling, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Asset Management, said: “We have big plans for this development to bring more jobs, skills and inward investment to the area.
“With its central location, good public transport links and being close to the M1, this site could be an attractive location for businesses.
“We are a forward-thinking council, so providing workshops or business units for SMEs could be something we could consider.
“This would not only help boost the local economy but would also help generate revenue which could be used towards other council services.
“We will carefully look into all the options available to find what is best for this site.”
A new community is being created on the overall site, including much-needed new homes led by Vistry Partnerships.
Oak House, the council’s new low carbon, all-electric office is currently under construction on the site and due for completion in 2025.
It also forms part of the wider plan to bring more jobs, skills and investment into the Hucknall area.
This new office is being designed, project and cost-managed by Arc Partnership and delivered through Arc’s construction partner, Morgan Sindall Construction.
Sara Williams, Deputy Managing Director at Arc Partnership, said: “We are pleased to be supporting Nottinghamshire County Council with the next phase of the Top Wighay site.
“The options appraisal will consider the viability of all development opportunities for the site and local economy.”
Work starts on new affordable homes for Ashbourne
Work has begun on 35 new, affordable and sustainable homes in Ashbourne.
Sited on the old airfield off Cavendish Drive, the development will be a mix of two and three-bedroom homes, including six bungalows and 29 houses.
Seventeen homes will be available for shared ownership – part rent, part buy – and the remaining 18 for affordable rent. The homes are expected to be complete in winter 2025.
Rob Cogings, Director of Housing at Derbyshire Dales District Council, said: “The provision of affordable homes remains the Council’s top priority and this development follows another recently completed affordable homes development at the former Dove Garage site on Mayfield Road, also in Ashbourne.
“All affordable homes for rent and shared ownership can be viewed online at www.home-options.org. These new homes will be advertised later in 2025.”
Developed by Nottingham Community Housing Association (NCHA) in partnership with MyPad, the scheme will offer much-needed affordable housing for local families.
MyPad will construct the homes, that’ll be built to energy rating A standard. With no gas on-site, the homes will be fitted with air source heat pumps, enhanced insulation, and advanced double-glazed windows, along with EV charging points for each home and PV panels reducing energy bills for residents and supporting Derbyshire Dales District Council’s commitment to a greener future.
NCHA and MyPad recently met with Derbyshire Dales District Council for a tour of the site.
Claudine Edwards, New Business and Development Manager at NCHA, said: “This development reflects our commitment to building homes that are both affordable and environmentally friendly, in line with our sustainability targets.
“With rising energy costs, these homes will provide residents with lower living expenses and a reduced carbon footprint. We’re proud to bring this new housing scheme to Ashbourne, addressing local housing needs while paving the way for a sustainable future.”
John Turner, Land and Partnerships Director at MyPad, said: “We’re delighted to have started another project in partnership with NCHA. This development will provide a range of high quality and efficient homes to meet the growing need for affordable housing in Ashbourne. We’re now fully focused on build to allow the handover of the first completed homes in summer 2025.”
Interest rates left unchanged
The Bank of England has held interest rates at 4.75%, in line with expectations following the further rise in inflation announced yesterday.
The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), which sets monetary policy to meet the 2% inflation target, voted by a majority of 6–3 to maintain Bank Rate at 4.75%. Three members preferred to reduce Bank Rate by 0.25 percentage points, to 4.5%.
Alpesh Paleja, Interim Deputy Chief Economist, CBI, said: “It was widely expected that the Monetary Policy Committee would keep rates unchanged in December. Having cut twice this year, today’s announcement was in line with the gradual pace of rate cuts that the MPC has previously endorsed.
“However, the trade-off facing the Bank of England is getting more difficult. While the worst of the inflation crisis is undoubtedly behind us, we now expect the CPI rate to stay above the Bank’s 2% target for the next two years- following announcements in October’s Budget.
“Domestic price pressures also remain stubbornly high. At the same time, business surveys – including our own – show a notable deterioration in growth and hiring expectations.
“The MPC has prioritised its price stability mandate in the recent past, which aligns with a gradual loosening in monetary policy. As a result, we expect four more rate cuts over the coming year.
“However, if growth prospects worsen more materially, dampening domestic price pressures in the process, we may be looking at a scenario where rates are cut at a faster pace.”
Footprints calls out for building materials and construction skills for new centre
Nottingham-based charity Footprints Conductive Education Centre is asking the East Midlands construction community if it can pledge its support in 2025.
Footprints transforms the lives of children living with mobility and communication difficulties across the East Midlands and empower their families. Through Conductive Education and its other transformative services, children develop the skills they need to thrive and achieve their potential.
Having outgrew its previous centre, which was within a school in Sneinton, the charity announced earlier this year that it had found its own, larger premises on Farnborough Road in Clifton, and would be moving in 2025.
The brand-new Footprints Centre, home of Footprints Conductive Education and Community hub, will enable the charity to deliver a greater number of transformative services and reach more children and families, as well as connect with the local community. However, the new centre needs significant renovation works before it can be fully operational.
To progress with the building works Footprints is looking for companies who can support with services and donations of building materials, supply and installation of insulation and landscaping services. It is also looking for funds to buy the equipment it needs in the centre to support more families.
The charity has already welcomed over 100 volunteers who have helped to strip back and clear the site, and local businesses have also played a major role in the project to date. Halsall Lloyd Partnership Architects, project manager Gleeds, mechanical and electrical engineer Chord Consult and workplace consultancy Blueprint Interiors have donated time and expertise to get the renovation plans together.
John Pye Auctions has also donated goods for the centre, as well as storage and logistical support with the collection and delivery of furniture and materials, and 200 Degrees Coffee will be training volunteers to be baristas in the new coffee bar.
Blueprint Interiors is now calling on its contacts in the property and construction industry to bring together more partners who are looking for a meaningful cause to support in the new year, and can help Footprints get its new centre operational.
John Tansur, Commercial Director at Blueprint Interiors, said: “Having seen the miracles the team at Footprints have performed over the years working with the children and families it supports, it was an easy decision for us to get involved in the project. If the business community can all pull together and deliver the facilities they need then we can help change so many lives for the better.
“To help with longer term financial support, part of the new centre will be a wellbeing coffee bar which will provide a safe and supportive space for families to spend time in and connect with other Footprints families, as well as being open to the local community.”
Stephen Frew, Footprints’ Business and Charity Manager, said: “Moving to our new centre in Clifton will be an absolute game changer for Footprints. As a charity who supports children and families with mobility and communication difficulties, it’s crucial that we provide a space which is accessible and is suitable for all of our needs, now and in the future. And we’re so pleased to have found this at Clifton!
“At our brand-new Footprints Centre, we will be able to deliver a greater number of our transformative services and reach more families and children. We are hugely grateful to the amazing organisations who are working with us on our exciting project, their support will truly make a difference to all of the children and families we support.”
As well as having the wellbeing coffee bar for families and the community, the new Footprints Centre will have three session rooms, and new facilities including a sensory room, function space and outdoor education areas.
To find out more about the project and to pledge support, contact enquiries@footprintscec.org
Football clubs write to Government to support rail link connecting Midlands cities
Coventry City and Nottingham Forest football clubs have written to the Transport Secretary and the Culture Secretary to support a potential rail link that would connect Coventry, Leicester and Nottingham to boost economic growth in the Midlands.
The rail link, planned by Midlands Connect, would reinstate direct rail services between the three cities for the first time in two decades.
The letter signed by the sports clubs says improved rail connections between Coventry, Leicester and Nottingham would help to reduce emissions from match-going fans by offering supporters a reliable alternative to the car. The link would also increase home and away attendance in the major sports grounds and entertainment venues of the Midlands, providing a boost to the local economy.
Interviews with Coventry City, Leicester City and Nottingham Forest fans showed an appetite for improved rail connections for fans in the Midlands.
John Taylor, COO at Coventry City, said: “For Coventry City and other football clubs, transporting fans efficiently and sustainably is incredibly important.
“This project will help increase attendance and create an easier journey for people using the Coventry Building Society Arena for non-sporting events.
“Connecting the three major cities is massively beneficial for sports clubs like Coventry City, and other local businesses.”
Andy Clark, Head of Rail at Midlands Connect said: “Currently only 3% of journeys on the Coventry-Leicester-Nottingham corridor are made by train, compared to 30% between better connected cities such as Coventry and Birmingham.
“We plan to have a direct, half hourly service with a journey time of 40 minutes from Coventry to Leicester and 70 minutes from Coventry to Nottingham, which would improve the journey for thousands of sports fans and other customers travelling between the three cities”.
Council issues Temporary Stop Notice on 45-house development
Newark and Sherwood District Council have issued a Temporary Stop Notice (TSN) on the Cameron Homes development site at The Vineries, Kirklington Road, Southwell effective immediately.
This action comes after numerous planning conditions were found to be non-compliant, despite repeated efforts to resolve these issues through dialogue between the developer and District Council.
Outlined planning permission was granted in June 2021 for the construction of 45 dwellings on the site, subject to 20 conditions requiring approval before development commenced. Following this, reserved matters was granted in September 2024, which also included several conditions for compliance.
Both permissions necessitated significant work on the existing highway network, including the installation of a new mini roundabout and other alterations, collectively referred to as S278 works.
In late October 2024, it was brought to the District Council’s attention that activities had commenced on-site without the necessary pre-commencement planning conditions being approved. Although initially described as S278 works by the developer, Cameron Homes, it was later revealed that the onsite activities also included main development works.
Despite ongoing discussions, the required planning conditions remain unfulfilled. Issues noted include the creation of an unauthorised temporary access from Kirklington Road, lack of wheel washing facilities, and inadequate tree protection measures.
Councillor Andy Freeman, Chair of Planning Committee at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “Issuing a Temporary Stop notice is not a decision taken lightly. Across the country there is a real need to build more homes so it’s disappointing that Cameron Homes have left us no choice but to take enforcement action.
“As a planning authority, we have a duty to take action if planning conditions have been broken regardless of if it’s for a single property or a large development.
“We’re keen to work with Cameron Homes so we can quickly resolve this and would appreciate their co-operation in ensuring they stick to the planning conditions.”
Due to the continued progression of the development and unresolved issues, the District Council has determined that issuing a TSN is necessary. The TSN will halt all development activities for 56 days, except for making the site safe.
This period is intended to allow Cameron Homes to submit sufficient information to discharge the planning conditions and ensure full compliance with the granted permissions.
Final phase gets underway at Market Harborough business park
The final phase of Airfield Business Park is underway after a groundbreaking ceremony in Market Harborough.
With businesses first moving in in 2019, Leicestershire County Council’s development has been fully let at every stage and has proved to be a popular location for businesses – boosting local jobs and the local economy.
A special event was held to mark the start of construction, featuring councillors, Leicestershire-based architects IMA Architects, building contractors Britcon and project managers Pulse Consult.
A local company expanding their business into a new unit when work has finished were also in attendance.
Councillor Lee Breckon, cabinet member for corporate resources, said: “It is fantastic for work to begin on the final phase of this successful business park.
“Airfield is popular with businesses and it’s brilliant that we’re able to help thriving businesses expand. We’ve been able to keep our local businesses local, boosting both employment and the Leicestershire economy.”
Many of the commercial units have already been let. Tenants include fine foods manufacturer and distributor Bramble Foods, who already employ more than 150 people in Market Harborough. They will occupy a 67,000 sq ft unit to expand their growing business when work is completed.
Tony Foster, Managing Director of Bramble Foods, said: “We are very pleased that work has begun on our new distribution unit, it secures the future of Bramble Foods Group in Market Harborough and will be an important part of our continued growth.
“We launched Bramble Foods in 2008 in the town with a team of 6 people we now employ over 140 from the local area so it was very important to us that we kept the local tie.
“With the town growing so quickly it is essential that projects like this continue to help create local jobs and bolster the local economy.
“Bramble will continue to operate from two other sites in town, the preserve manufacturing site on the Riverside Industrial estate and the Bakery and packing facility on Crosby road.”
As with the first phase of Airfield Business Park, commercial units range in size to cater for a variety of businesses’ needs.
Sustainability will also be at the forefront of the county council-led development, featuring sustainable construction methods including the use of solar panels, electric car charging points, insulation and the use of best practice construction methods.
Located next to the roundabout on the B6047 Harborough Road, the development will also include a Costa Coffee and will be capable of hosting a second drive-thru unit.
Nottingham pharmacy sold
Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, has sold Shally’s Chemist in Nottinghamshire.
Shally’s Chemist is a standard hour’s community pharmacy that dispenses an average of 4,200 items per month. It is located in the Nottingham suburb of New Basford.
The pharmacy has been owned by Shally Suri of Shally’s (Nottingham) Ltd for over 25 years and was brought to market to enable retirement.
Following a confidential sales process with Carl Steer at Christie & Co, and with funding sourced through Gary Boyce at Christie Finance, it has been sold to Mizan Choudhury, a first-time buyer from Birmingham.
Carl Steer, Director – Pharmacy at Christie & Co, said: “Some sales seem to attract the roller-coaster effect.
“Within four weeks of going live on the market, multiple viewings had been arranged and offers made with a sale being agreed upon for the goodwill and freehold within circa 10 weeks, sadly after many months of progress the finance for the would-be buyer was looking less than promising, so Mr Suri and I decided to seek a new purchaser.
“Within just two weeks a sale was agreed for a higher price than was previously agreed and the sale was duly completed within circa six months. The finance this time being brokered by Christie Finance. Appetite for pharmacies across all value ranges has very much returned and 2025 certainly looks encouraging for any would-be sellers.”
Shally’s Chemist was sold for an undisclosed price.
