YMCA begins work on transformational housing at Cotton Lane
Building work on 60 flats in central Derby, specifically designed for young people in employment, education and training, has begun.
The project was initiated following on from an extensive piece of work through the YMCA movement which looked at the housing market from a young person’s perspective.
The research found that young people entering work or on low wages faced considerable barriers to accessing the housing market.
Affordable and social housing is in short supply and the private sector requires references, deposits and rent in advance making this sort of housing beyond the reach of the young people.
As a result, YMCA Derbyshire in partnership with Nottingham Community Housing Association and Blueskies consortium, have planned and are beginning build on these 60 transformational flats.
Fran Cropper, development and new business manager at Pelham (on behalf of the Blueskies Consortium), says: “We are delighted to see works commence at Cotton Lane. We have experience of working with clients to inject new high quality housing schemes on derelict sites which will bring a new lease of life to the area.
“Our design has been driven by the needs and requirements of the young people who will live and thrive in these new homes. The flats will be energy efficient to reduce fuel poverty and utilise green energy to help reduce running costs. Our specialist architects and development team will be working very closely with YMCA Derbyshire to bring this plan to life.”
Gillian Sewell, Chief Executive at YMCA Derbyshire, says: “This project has been four years in the making and we are so pleased that thanks to support from our partners, Derby City Council and Derby Homes we’ll be able to provide this offering to young people in Derby. It’s so important that we invest in the youth of our city as they become the future leaders of our businesses and our communities.
“Our services over the last 12 months have enabled 52 young people to gain employment, 41 to secure a volunteering role, 61 to enter education, 7 to get to university and 59 to attend training courses. We aim to support even more young people to achieve their goals and fulfil their potential with this project.”
Tony Walker CBE DL, YMCA Derbyshire’s chair of the Capital Development Committee and trustee, says: “The start of construction of these 60 flats is a significant milestone for YMCA Derbyshire.
“The build will strengthen the YMCA’s ability to support young people who have had a difficult start in life become independent and to live self-reliant lives. It was such a joy to be present at the ground-breaking.”
The location of the scheme has been influenced by its proximity to some of Derby’s largest employers – those who provide apprenticeships for young people. The area also has fantastic public transport links for education and work purposes.
Construction is due to be finished in September 2024.
Atlantic crossing raises nearly £170k for cardiac risk in the young
Andrew Osborne, a 57-year-old businessman from Rutland, has completed his unsupported row across the Atlantic in honour of his late daughter, Amy, who died aged 25 years-old from an undiagnosed heart condition.
Andrew’s ‘Row For Amy’ campaign has raised £169,025 as of the 30th March for Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) with the support of sponsors, MHR and Delancey.
The total amount takes into account funds raised via Andrew’s Just Giving page (£143,542), the Row for Amy prize draw (£7,810) and gift aid (£17,673).
The charity offers lifesaving screenings to 30,000 young people aged 35 and under per year – the funds raised by the campaign will pay for 3,000 of these tests, which equals one test for every mile rowed by Andrew.
Setting off from Gran Canaria on 8th January – just a few days shy of the sixth anniversary of Amy’s death on 14th January 2017 – Andrew rowed tirelessly for 78 days before finally arriving in Antigua 3,000 miles and 1.5 million oar strokes later. Along the way he overcame bouts of sickness, technical issues with the boat, loneliness and isolation, and even a large storm – but arrived at his destination unscathed and full of accomplishment.
Andrew decided to take on this gruelling challenge in memory of his daughter, Amy, who shared her father’s love for water and sea, but passed away suddenly from an undiagnosed, asymptomatic heart condition. Each week in the UK, 12 seemingly healthy young people die from similar undetected heart defects, with four-fifths (80%) of them never exhibiting or feeling any symptoms.
Andrew’s goal was to raise the funds and awareness needed to put a stop to these staggering numbers and prevent others from losing their young, loved ones in the same way. His original fundraising target was £100,000, which he passed in January earlier this year.
Andrew Osborne notes: “My arduous voyage across the Atlantic has been the most gruelling and exhilarating experience of my life. Rowing solo across the Atlantic in a little 20-foot boat, I was pushed to the limits of endurance.
“I faced an initial 72 hours of extreme sickness and problems with the boat’s autohelm shortly after setting off, and later, there was troubleshooting with contact due to a faulty satellite.
“At several points, I had to abandon my oars for a parachute anchor, to steady my position amid unruly waters and searingly hot gusts and I even experienced a turbulent capsize but thankfully emerged unscathed.
“At the other extreme was frustratingly calm waters which were soon overthrown by a cataclysmic storm towards the end of my journey which threatened to push me back off course altogether right before the finish line. At the same time, mentally I experienced extreme isolation and loneliness throughout my journey and had to dig deep to find the strength and determination to go on.
“Despite the challenge, each painstaking mile has been worth it, and it is the most humbling and rewarding feeling to know that every pull on the oars will give at least one young person the chance to receive lifesaving tests and be spared from experiencing the same tragic fate as Amy did. It is the honour and privilege of a lifetime to be able to raise this support and awareness, in memory of Amy.
Independent property company swoops for city centre commercial park
Independent property company, Hortons’ Estate Ltd, has expanded its industrial portfolio with the multi-million pound acquisition of a city centre commercial park in the East Midlands.Sinfin Commercial Park is a prominent, multi-let industrial and logistics estate approximately two miles south of Derby city centre and near the Rolls-Royce Sinfin campus.The 26-acre site consists of 21 fully occupied warehouse units, totalling more than 135,000 sq ft and includes almost eight acres of additional open storage and development land. The deal complements Hortons’ investment and development portfolio, which encompasses more than two million sq ft of industrial, leisure, offices and retail properties located throughout the Midlands. Steve Tommy of Hortons, said the company intends to further expand its portfolio by investing in the acquisition of additional high-quality industrial and logistics locations in the region. He said: “This is an excellent acquisition which builds on our investment strategy of obtaining income generating industrial sites with significant development potential.“Sinfin Commercial Park benefits from a good mix of modern and flexible units with established occupiers and presents the opportunity to add value through letting or developing vacant plots of land.”Hortons was advised by Acre Capital Real Estate.
Leicester duo to compete in Ultra Ballroom charity dance off
Tom Moore, CEO, and Dimple Joshi, a senior tax associate from Leicester-based WBR Group have announced their participation in the Ultra Ballroom event which is taking place at the Leicester Tigers on 15 April 2023.
Tom and Dimple are partnering together as they enjoy 8 weeks of professional training to prepare for the competition which is raising money for Cancer Research UK. The Leicester event hopes to raise over £30,000 in total.
The duo has chosen to perform a jive routine choreographed to the song ‘Candyman’ which was a hit for Sammy Davis Jr in 1972 and was later remixed and released in 2006 by Christina Aguilera.
Tom is no stranger to dance-off success as he is the 2022 Ballroom Glitz champion. He said: “Dimple and myself have been having great fun rehearsing our routine. The song has some quite memorable lyrics, and also mentions being a one stop shop – which is exactly what WBR Group aims at for SSAS pensions, tax planning and actuarial advice.”
Dimple added: “I am really looking forward to performing with Tom on the night and more importantly raising money for such a great charity. We would both like to thank everybody who has supported our fundraising so far.”
Nicki Jones joins board at 200 Degrees as financial director
East Midlands-based coffee roaster 200 Degrees Coffee has made its second senior promotion of 2023, with Nicki Jones becoming financial director.
Joining 200 Degrees last year as financial controller, Nicki takes on the financial director position from Stephen Fern – who was promoted to Managing Director of the company earlier this year.
With 20 years’ experience in the financial industry, Nicki will help to implement and oversee 200 Degrees’ growth strategy and is the first female director at the company.
Both promotions follow a continued period of expansion for 200 Degrees and come as it prepares to open its 19th coffee shop, and eighth barista school, in Chester this spring.
Nicki said: “200 Degrees is an impressive company that I’m proud to be a part of and the teams across our head office and coffee shops are the best in the business.
“Becoming financial director is an exciting step in my career and I look forward to taking on more responsibility and continuing to work with Steve to achieve our financial and community ambitions as a company and a team.”
Stephen said: “As we continue on our growth journey it is important we continue to strengthen the infrastructure and foundations of the business for now and the future.
“Nicki brings a wealth of expertise in finance and hospitality. Since joining us in the summer, Nicki has exemplified all the core behaviours of 200 Degrees Coffee and the word on the street is her latte art is better than the previous FD. In a short time she has built great relationships within the 200 Degrees family and has made and assisted with implementing significant improvements across all facets of the business.
“I’m extremely excited about Nicki joining the Board and seeing the value she will continue to bring through her desire, work ethic and expertise. We wish Nicki all the very best in her new role.”
20 new jobs created as MKM Nottingham opens
Nottingham Forest great Mark Crossley and local philanthropist and boxing coach Dr Marcellus Baz (BEM) were the special guests for the grand opening of MKM Nottingham.
The UK’s largest independent builder’s merchant invited the two local heroes to mark the branch officially opening its doors to the trade and public.
To kick-off celebrations and highlight MKM’s commitment to the local community, the branch has pledged its ongoing support to Mark’s W.A.T.C.H Foundation (Walking and Talking Charity Hikes / #Walkingsbrilliant) with an initial donation of £1000.
And to deliver another knock-out punch, MKM Nottingham’s Branch Directors Gavin Moody and Sam Shipman also presented a cheque of £1000 to Baz, the founder and CEO of Switch Up Nottingham, a charity that exists to empower Nottingham’s young people, children and adults to break the cycle of offending and reoffending.
Gavin Moody, Branch Director at MKM Nottingham, said: “As a local, independent business, we are extremely passionate about our local community. That’s why we are delighted to celebrate the official opening of our new branch with the announcement of these two partnerships.
“Mark’s a local legend in these parts and W.A.T.C.H – a non-profit organisation, has already raised up to £200k for a number of local good causes, whilst at the same time promoting the importance of mental health support.
“We also wanted to pledge our commitment to Switch Up Nottingham and the amazing work that Baz and his charity do in the local community. The hard work, dedication and passion that Baz has for helping others, driven by his own adversity and the power of boxing, is truly inspirational.
“The charity makes such a huge difference to the lives of the people they touch, so we are looking forward to supporting Switch Up Nottingham and playing our part in making a difference in the local area too.”
Marcellus Baz (BEM) said: “My team and I are grateful to MKM Nottingham for choosing us as its charity partner. Aligning with local and like-minded businesses is essential in creating opportunities for the young people we support, both through funding but also through connections with the city’s employers.
“Our work empowers vulnerable, disadvantaged young people by providing mentors and steering them away from the temptation of crime and exploitation. We offer a supportive environment backed by fitness classes, workshops and alternative education where they can build skills to carry for life and reach their true potential.
“The construction sector has to urgently attract the next generation of skills, while we have a resource of local people that desparately want to be given the chance to prove themselves and build a long-term career. With that in mind, we’re looking forward to a long and prosperous partnership between Switch Up and MKM.”
Open to both the trade and general public, MKM Nottingham is a purpose built, state-of-the-art builder’s merchant that is conveniently located on a 1.9 acre site just off the A612 in Colwick.
Creating 20 new jobs in the area, the branch provides an extensive range of building materials, plumbing and heating, timber, landscaping, joinery and more. The branch also boasts a kitchen and bathroom showroom and outdoor landscaping display, which showcases all the latest designs, colours and trends.
Sam Shipman, MKM Nottingham’s Branch Director, concluded: “We might be a new independent business, but we have a highly experienced and skilled team on-hand to help our customers every step of the way, no matter what project they are working on.
“Our aim and commitment is to provide outstanding levels of customer service in a welcoming, friendly and fun environment. In addition to our extensive product offering, we also offer a range of first-class services, from free same day or next day delivery, to free kitchen and bathroom design services.”
Nottingham born and bred and huge Forest fans, both Gavin and Sam have extensive experience in the merchanting industry and of the local area. Gavin started in the sector at 16 years old as a part-time sales assistant, working his way up over the last 34 years.
Sam took a slightly different path, studying for a degree in Business at Nottingham Trent University, before joining the management training programme of a national merchant where he became one of the youngest branch manager’s in the company’s history. They are both excited by the challenge and opportunity of running their own business with MKM.
Work completes on 55,000 sq ft urban logistics development in Brackley
Developer Chancerygate has achieved practical completion on its 55,000 sq ft urban logistics scheme in Brackley, South Northants.
Called Boundary43, the development is situated at the Buckingham Road Industrial Estate off Boundary Road. The scheme comprises 14 Grade A units ranging from 2,100 to 19,200 sq ft available on both leasehold and freehold basis.
All properties at the development have achieved an EPC A rating and benefit from electric vehicle charging points.
In addition, the units are constructed from high-performance building materials and 15 per cent roof lights to reduce CO2 emissions and occupational energy costs.
Chancerygate development director, George Dickens, said: “There is already strong demand from businesses in Brackley and the surrounding region for high-quality, sustainable urban logistics accommodation on both a freehold and leasehold basis.
“The region has a shortage in supply of small to medium sized Grade A industrial and warehouse accommodation. Boundary43 will act as key development to meet this demand.
“The scheme’s strategic location in one of Brackley’s most prominent industrial estates means occupiers will be best placed to serve both the town and wider region.”
New head office for RH Commercial Vehicles
RH Commercial Vehicles have recently secured Birkbeck House on Phoenix Business Park in Nottingham as their new head office facility.
Founded in 1977, the company operates from facilities in Nottingham, Leicester, Peterborough, Northampton, Alfreton and Newark and due to their continued expansion, required further office space close to their main dealership on Blenheim Industrial Estate.
The 4,912 sq ft building was recently sold by FHP with its clients undertaking a high specification refurbishment providing two, open plan floorplates with top quality fixtures and fittings including heating / cooling provision, LED lighting, brand new welfare facilities and the benefit of a substantial on-site car parking facility.
Phoenix Business Park itself is located within easy reach of the A610 trunk road – providing access to both Nottingham and the M1, with a NET Tram Terminus and Park & Ride on site.
Thomas Szymkiw of FHP’s Office Agency Department said: “It was a pleasure to work with both Landlord and Tenant on this transaction with both parties working towards completing the deal quickly and efficiently, enabling occupation within tight timescales.
“As soon as I was aware of RH Commercial Vehicle’s requirement, I knew that the building would be suitable due to it providing the high quality offices that they were seeking – with the location additionally in perfect close proximity to their main dealership on Blenheim Industrial Estate and Nottingham/M1.
“We were just about to formally launch the marketing of the property – so it really was a case of good timing for both parties – and therefore it just goes to show if you considering your options, please do get in touch as we have opportunities both on and coming to the market that could be of interest.”
New acquisition for Corby-based Nene Capital
Law firm Howes Percival has acted for Corby-based private equity investor Nene Capital on its acquisition of Woodland Corporate Interiors.
The deal is the first acquisition of 2023 for Nene’s long hold portfolio, which Howes Percival have been advising the client on since its formation.
Based in Harlow, Essex, Woodland Corporate Interiors (WCI) is a long established and highly regarded, lead contractor undertaking specialist corporate interior work for large institutional landlords in Greater London and the Home Counties, from office refit and light industrial work to education and luxury homes.
The existing WCI management team will remain in place for the foreseeable future, as part of a structured handover, and it is Nene Capital’s aspiration to continue to support and grow the business from its robust foundation.
Howes Percival’s Miles Barnes said: “We are absolutely delighted to be able to advise Nene Capital on this transaction. Having worked with the Nene Capital team on this portfolio since its inception it’s been great to see the growth they’ve achieved so far and we look forward to working with them again as they continue with their acquisition strategy.”
New hub to bring history to life following rapid transaction
A commercial deal completed by Chartered Surveyors and Property Consultancy Wells McFarlane in just 17 days has secured a new hub in Melton Mowbray for historical re-enactment company, UP AN’ AT ‘EM! HISTORY.
Specialists in providing history days, character portrayals and accurately dressed models for schools, museums, photoshoots, film and TV work, UP AN’ AT ‘EM! HISTORY has taken a 1,159 sq ft unit on the town’s popular Rotherhill Business Park. After experiencing significant expansion in the last 12 months, UP AN’ AT ‘EM! HISTORY’S owner and director, Jed Jaggard urgently needed a centralised base.
“Covid gave us a unique opportunity to step back and reassess goals, and our planning in that time resulted in a year of rapid expansion,” explains Jed. “What this meant, however, was that we were operating from three containers, a workshop and space at home, which was not ideal so we either had the choice to standstill or take the next step and secure a dedicated premises.
“Melton is my home town, and many of our clients are local so it made sense to start the search there. When we realised there was a unit at Rotherhill Business Park, it was the obvious choice. Well connected, it has excellent transport links, plus is fully managed and secure. We contacted Wells McFarlane to arrange a viewing and they responded superbly to the urgency of our situation, ably helping us complete the letting in just 17 days, which was an incredible achievement.”
UP AN’ AT ‘EM! HISTORY will now use Rotherhill Business Park as its main operating base, encompassing office space, a You Tube studio, training area, plus storage for props, costumes and equipment including an 1840’s horse drawn fire engine and a 1930’s auxiliary fire service trailer pump.
Jed continues: “The new premises has allowed us to implement proper operational/delivery procedures while also providing adequate space to train casual and seasonal workers as required. I can focus more on client account management and business development, so it’s put us in a healthy position to achieve our five-year growth plan.”
Wells McFarlane’s director, Jason Hercock negotiated the deal, commenting: “The speed of this transaction was really remarkable and demonstrates what can be achieved when all parties are highly motivated and work seamlessly together. The legal team on this deal, led by Abe Mee of Bird Duckworth Mee Solicitors was also exceptional, acting swiftly throughout to enable such a positive outcome. We look forward to seeing UP AN’ AT ‘EM! HISTORY’s continued success and growth.”
