Lincolnshire fulfilment firm set for growth following acquisition
Rookery Farm in Holbeach St Johns, a specialist picking and packing firm for the horticulture industry, has been acquired by Sarah Raven Ltd. as part of the business’s growth plan and in response to increased demand.
Previously an arable farm, and in the Robinson family for over 100 years, Rookery Farm in South Lincolnshire is renowned for its growing, packing and despatching services to the horticultural industry. David and Elaine Robinson have built up the family-owned business over the past 20 years and, now with a team of over 50 permanent staff, will continue to run the business for the Sarah Raven Group.
The Sarah Raven brand was first established in 1999 and is now a market-leader in the consumer gardening industry, providing a range of seeds, seedlings, plants, and gardening and floristry kits.
Lou Farman, CEO at Sarah Raven, said: “We are excited to cement our long-standing partnership with Rookery Farm who has been our principal plant grower and handled our plant fulfilment for many years. This acquisition gives us the ability to increase capacity and will enable us to achieve our longer-term growth plans. The excellent Rookery Farm team will continue to manage the day-to-day business, and we look forward to continuing our successful partnership.”
The acquisition of Rookery Farm comes as the Sarah Raven brand has seen significant growth in the previous two years. Bringing Rookery Farm under its operation will allow the brand to continue to grow and maximise the opportunity a growing market presents. To accommodate this anticipated expansion, Sarah Raven has plans to increase the size of the workforce at Rookery Farm and expand its operational site in due course.
David Robinson, previous owner of Rookery Farm, said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to be part of the Sarah Raven Group, who we have worked so closely with over the last 13 years. This will allow us to continue to expand, both in terms of growing and fulfilment, and also as a key employer in the Spalding area.
“Our focus has been to raise and despatch plants with a continued emphasis on sustainability, reducing waste and recycling our water. We are looking forward to more opportunities in the future. Rookery Farm will continue with its policy of working with local suppliers, having spent over £3m with local companies in 2021.”
Councillor Nick Worth, South Holland District Council deputy leader and portfolio holder for people, places, economy, said: “This is a great move for everyone involved, and for the wider district of South Holland, and should bring significant investment into the area whilst seeing one of our many thriving horticultural businesses continue to grow.
“We have worked closely with Rookery Farm for many years now, to support them and provide help and advice as they have developed as a business. I look forward to us continuing this partnership as they move into this exciting new chapter with the Sarah Raven Group, helping to put some of the great work that takes place in South Holland on the map.”
US toy brand lands in the East Midlands
Lovevery, the early childhood brand, has invested in the UK, opening a logistics centre in the East Midlands.
The expansion and investment into the UK sees its first local fulfilment centre open at Magna Park Lutterworth, as a part of the expansion plan by supply chain expert, Bleckmann, who provides end-to-end logistics solutions for retail and lifestyle brands, such as Lovevery.
The move by startup, Lovevery, to join other recognisable brands at Bleckmann including Gymshark, follows its successful US $100m Series C raise, announced last October.
To date, all Lovevery product shipments into the UK have been processed via its European HQ, based in the Netherlands, which at times became challenging, due to Brexit and COVID-19. The strategic move to shift all UK orders via Bleckmann will improve delivery times and keep shipping costs localised, and any Brexit related limitations which have caused delays and additional costs to date, to a minimum.
Jessica Rolph, co-founder of Lovevery, said: “Our early learning program has become an essential resource for parents in 30 markets worldwide. Our goal is to keep expanding, creating new products that serve children all over the word for more years of their early development. Our long-term vision is to support every part of the parenting experience throughout early childhood. We want to be truly accessible to as many families as possible.”
County council recruitment event aims to fill more than 50 jobs
More than 50 jobs are on offer at Leicestershire County Council in the authority’s highways, transport and waste management teams – and jobseekers are invited to a recruitment event to find out more.
The council is seeking to recruit to a variety of posts including HGV drivers, highways workers, waste site advisors, tree surgeons and transport officers.
There are also trainee and graduate schemes, apprenticeships and numerous casual vacancies waiting to be filled.
Anyone interested is invited to a recruitment event at County Hall in Glenfield between 11am and 4pm on Thursday March 3.”In line with the national picture, we are experiencing significant problems recruiting to some vacancies and we are hoping that our recruitment event will attract new staff. Our event is being run in partnership with Reed and we are specifically looking to generate interest in roles across highways and transport as well as our waste operation.
Councillor Ozzy O’Shea, cabinet member for highways and transport said: “We are looking at not only getting good candidates into the departments, but also increasing diversity across the workforce. I would urge anyone looking for a new job to come along to our recruitment event and find out more about the roles we have on offer
Visitors will have the chance to talk to staff already doing the jobs, ask questions and get a real feel for the roles. There will be the opportunity to see how employees could progress in their chosen field and what training is on offer.
Those interested in agency work can meet the council’s recruitment partners Reed and local recruitment agencies specialising in a variety of temporary roles including driving.
Free parking is available in the visitor’s car park and anyone attending is asked to report to main reception on arrival.
Some of the benefits of working for the Leicestershire County Council are:
- 24 days annual leave a year (five days extra after 5 years continuous service)
- 8 public holidays a year
- Flexible working
- Training and development opportunities
- Access to continuous professional development
- Working groups for LGBT staff, disabled workers, carers and a black workers group
Refrigeration solutions provider appoints administrators
A company that provides refrigeration solutions to the retail, hospitality, and leisure sectors, with a warehouse and distribution facility based in Kettering and a head office function based in Livingston, has entered administration.
Chris Pole and Sarah Collins from Interpath Advisory were appointed as joint administrators of Beheren Limited, trading as Capital Cooling, on 24 February 2022.
The company had recently experienced significant trading difficulties, with high shipping costs compounding ongoing pressure on sales and margins, leading to cash flow difficulties.
As a result of these issues, the company undertook a process to explore investment options. However, a solvent solution could not be found and ultimately it was concluded that it was in the best interests of the creditors for the company to be placed into administration.
The company employed 42 members of staff. Immediately following their appointment, the joint administrators made a number of redundancies.
Chris Pole, Managing Director at Interpath Advisory and joint administrator, said: “Our immediate priority is to assist those members of staff who have been impacted by redundancy, providing them with the support they need to make claims to the Redundancy Payments Office.
“We will also be exploring options for the sale of the business, and would invite interested parties to contact us as soon as possible.”
Businesses urged to consider Chesterfield Market Hall
The Market Hall in Chesterfield is home to a wealth of businesses and is based in the heart of Chesterfield, and even more businesses are being offered the opportunity to be based there too.
Chesterfield Borough Council has a number of options available for local retailers looking for a new location for their business, whether they are looking for a short-term trading solution or a longer-term base.
There is currently a pop-up shop offer available to new traders who would like to be based inside the Market Hall. The pop-up offer is £60 per week and the stall can be held for a maximum of three months, with no minimum term.
After the maximum of three months at the pop-up rate the tenant will be offered the opportunity to remain (conditional to signing up to a full lease at the full rate for that stall).
As part of the package, Chesterfield Borough Council also offers access to free business support for pre-start businesses or businesses in their first year through the Vision Derbyshire Scheme. The Vision Derbyshire Business Start-Up and Business Support Grant Scheme is open to people who live in Derbyshire who are starting their own business or have recently set up a business in the last year.
Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “A team of local expert business advisers at Vision Derbyshire are in place to offer free advice and support so this could have huge benefits for your future business planning.
“Council officers can also discuss access to the Digital High Street Campaign for businesses that are eligible which could allow you to develop a website equipped with the latest forms of payment and consider options such as “click and collect” if you do not have this set up already.”
Each of the stalls inside the Market Hall can also be rented on a permanent let basis also, the start dates for this can be negotiated at the enquiry stage.
For more established businesses, there are currently two larger external shops on the outside of the Market Hall available for permanent lease also.
Sneinton office and storage space sold to Nottingham Mencap
Nottingham Mencap has snapped up Clarence Street in Sneinton. The property comprises two buildings which have been combined and are set over three floors.
The premises is located just off Carlton Road in Sneinton, approximately 1 mile north east of Nottingham City Centre, close to the Motorpoint Arena, measuring 5,806ft².
The building was previously used by the 3D Group UK for storage, manufacturing and distribution on the ground floor and offices/meeting rooms on the first and second floors alongside staff welfare facilities throughout.
Nottingham Mencap, the purchasers, are a self-funded Nottinghamshire charity which was founded in 1950 by a small group of parents who united to establish the right for their disabled children to live independent lives and have the same opportunities as everyone else.
Helping those living with learning difficulties and autism Nottingham Mencap provide a supportive and welcoming space within their community to enable them to develop and maintain relationships and develop skills needed to live healthy, safe and fulfilling lives.
Anthony Barrowcliffe of FHP said: “When I first met the 3D Group UK and they showed me around the property it blew me away in terms of internal fit out, specification, quality and the high standard of finishings throughout.
“No expense was spared in what they thought was their forever home. Every inch of the building was utilised and bursting at the seams and reluctantly the 3D Group UK were having to relocate due to their incredible expansion and outgrowing this space.
“Nottingham Mencap is a wonderful charity and I was so pleased that terms could be agreed to allow the 3D Group UK to move into their much bigger new unit, and for Nottingham Mencap to move into Clarence Street which met their needs and support their expansion.
“This was a great transaction to be involved with, in an area I am very active in and believe is up and coming for industrial, office and residential property.”
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.
