Blueprint Interiors sponsors the East Midlands Bricks Awards for a third consecutive year

Tess Egginton
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Blueprint Interiors sponsors the East Midlands Bricks Awards for a third consecutive year
Workplace consultants and commercial office fit-out specialists Blueprint Interiors is the next company to sign up to be a category sponsor of the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022. The company, which is based in Ashby de la Zouch, is sponsoring the Most Active Estate Agent category for the third year running. Commenting on their involvement, Chloe Sproston, creative and commercial director from Blueprint Interiors, said: “Our company is focused on helping companies create workplaces that inspire and motivate people to deliver their best work in environments that encourage innovation and engagement. The Bricks Awards provides the ideal networking platform to raise our profile, meet likeminded professionals and at the same time acknowledge the services and deals delivered by the region’s commercial agents.” She added: “The commercial property market is currently very buoyant because office owners and company leadership teams are redefining their offices’ space requirements and trying to gain a better understanding of their employees’ needs. They face a real challenge to create spaces that offer compelling reasons for their employees to want to return the workplace. We have helped to solve these dilemmas on a number of projects ourselves and we are really looking forward to reading some exciting award submissions from an agent perspective. Deciding who the winning agent will be in 2022 may be very interesting!” The awards, which will take place on Thursday 15 September at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, celebrate the outstanding work of those shaping the landscape of our region, recognising development projects and people in commercial and public building across the East Midlands – from offices, industrial and residential, through to community projects such as leisure schemes and schools. Nominations are now OPEN for East Midlands Business Link’s annual Bricks Awards. To submit a business or development, please click on a category link below or visit this page.
Award categories include: The Overall Winner of the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022 will also be awarded a year of marketing/publicity worth £20,000.
Find out who last year’s winners were here.

Book your tickets now

Tickets can now be booked for the awards event – click here to secure yours. The special awards evening and networking event will be held on 15 September 2022 in the Derek Randall Suite at the Trent Bridge County Cricket Club from 4:30pm – 7:30pm. Connect with local decision makers over canapés and complimentary drinks while applauding the outstanding companies and projects in our region. The event will also welcome John Forkin MBE DL, Managing Director at award-winning investment promotion agency Marketing Derby, as keynote speaker. Dress code is standard business attire.
Thanks to our sponsors:                                      

To be held at:

Robert Welch Designs invests in cloud software implementation with BrightBridge to meet needs of evolving customer expectations

Tess Egginton
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Robert Welch Designs invests in cloud software implementation with BrightBridge to meet needs of evolving customer expectations
Award-winning designers and producers of cutlery, tableware and kitchenware, Robert Welch Designs is making a significant investment in digital transformation, to reflect the evolution of customer requirements and demand for real-time data, in an omnichannel space. It has chosen specialist business software firm BrightBridge to design and implement this complex project. Cloud-based Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution Oracle NetSuite will facilitate improved service for customers spanning the retail, hospitality and trade sectors. The prestigious firm has a heritage of nearly 70 years and supplies exquisitely designed, high-quality cutlery and other tableware to internationally renowned hotels and restaurants. Robert Welch Designs chose Leicestershire-based BrightBridge due to their specialisms working with clients within retail, distribution and systems integration. The project will comprise implementation of Oracle NetSuite including financials, sales and purchase orders, invoicing, inventory control and real-time management information. WAERlinx, a Built-for-NetSuite solution, will be implemented to handle all elements of warehouse management. Seamless integration of B2B, B2C, Amazon, and major retail partners will be achieved using Jitterbit, an integration platform as a service. This will mean the firm can not only effectively integrate the fulfilment of all orders, whether direct or from third party shopping platforms such as Amazon, Shopify and Wayfair, but more importantly, provide the up-to-the-minute information required by Robert Welch customers. This is thanks to the real-time flow of data the platform facilitates, which will mean customers can access information such as order and delivery details, getting an exact status at every stage. This capability was a crucial element for the firm and a major factor in its implementation decision. Ed Smith, IT director at Robert Welch Designs, based in Chipping Campden, said: “The world is moving at a rapid pace, and as a global supplier, we need a technology solution that will allow us to effectively move with it as our business continues to grow and diversify. The growth of omnichannel means we operate in a broader range of channels, so we need a real breadth of functionality. “The cloud is the future and we want to be part of that as we know it will afford us the agility to service customers in all areas with speed, efficiency and professionalism – whether they’re a direct consumer, a trade client such as John Lewis & Partners or a hospitality client such as the Shangri-La Group. The solution BrightBridge is implementing will give us the full capability of process automation and instant updates that will furnish our customers with up-to-date information.” “We want to both properly serve our customer base and grow it, and we believe BrightBridge’s expertise in building robust business architecture, coupled with the plethora of features in the NetSuite and WAERlinx solution, will allow us to achieve that. When there is a big community, which Oracle NetSuite has, development and progress are fast-paced and driven by that community,” he added. Having a real-time 360-degree view of the business on a single platform, allowing fast identification and therefore resolution of any issues quickly, was also part of the appeal for Robert Welch Designs. The fact it is a cloud-based solution offering automatic updates, and therefore negating the need for manual upgrades, was an even bigger attraction for the business. While Robert Welch Designs may be moving with the times when it comes to technology, the company continues to design its products (from stainless-steel cutlery and tableware accessories, through to kitchen knives, cookware and homewares) at the Old Silk Mill, Chipping Campden, the same building in which the family business was founded in 1955. Ian Robertson, sales and marketing director at BrightBridge, said: “It was clear that a firm with such a rich history, stellar reputation and solid high-end customer base needed a solution that would help it continue to exceed customer service expectations via access to real-time data and more intuitive processes. We are confident that the Oracle NetSuite solution, coupled with our expertise, will see a successful implementation for Robert Welch Designs and allow the company to meet its growth goals.” As BrightBridge is the only European partner of both Oracle NetSuite and leading integration platform Jitterbit, the firm is well-placed to take Robert Welch Designs on its digital transformation journey. For more information, please visit brightbridgesolutions.com, or follow BrightBridge on Twitter – @brightbridge_uk – or LinkedIn.

Drax partners with the University of Nottingham to pilot more pioneering new carbon capture technology

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Drax partners with the University of Nottingham to pilot more pioneering new carbon capture technology
Renewable energy pioneer Drax has partnered with the University of Nottingham and Promethean Particles to trial a pioneering new bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) process at its North Yorkshire power station.
The new process uses a type of solid sorbent called metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), which Promethean Particles are a global pioneer in the development and deployment of, to capture the CO2 released when sustainable biomass is used to generate electricity. CCS technologies typically use liquid solvents. MOFs have a simple structure, which means they can be tailored to separate and soak up specific molecules making them excellent for CCS. The trial will last for two months and will allow all three organisations to understand if this new carbon capture process performs well in real conditions on large-scale projects. Jason Shipstone, Drax’s chief innovation officer, said: “Negative emissions technologies like BECCS will play a vital role in the fight against the climate crisis, so it’s crucial we continue to innovate and develop new technologies that will support their future deployment. “This partnership with the University of Nottingham and Promethean Particles is part of our long-term innovation programme and will allow Drax to understand the future potential of this technology, as we continue to innovate and grow as a business.” Professor Ed Lester, project lead, University of Nottingham, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase how these solid adsorbents perform in an industrial setting. We know that this project is gathering a lot of interest across many industrial sectors that currently generate large amounts of CO2.” James Stephenson, CEO of Promethean Particles, said: “There is exciting potential for MOFS to deliver a more efficient CCS. By collaborating with Drax and the Uni, we can show how they can perform in a real industrial setting and drive a step change in their availability and cost effectiveness.” Drax Group, which has converted Drax Power Station in North Yorkshire to use sustainable biomass instead of coal to become the UK’s largest renewable generator, plans to deploy the essential negative emissions technology BECCS in the 2020s. This would be the world’s largest carbon capture power project, delivering a significant proportion of the negative emissions needed for the UK to meet its climate targets.

Rolls-Royce submarines to launch Nuclear Skills Academy and new apprenticeships in Derby

Tess Egginton
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Rolls-Royce submarines to launch Nuclear Skills Academy and new apprenticeships in Derby
Rolls-Royce Submarines Ltd will launch a new skills academy dedicated to nuclear training, alongside 200 additional nuclear apprenticeships starting in September 2022. As part of its drive to boost nuclear capability in the UK and to create a pipeline for nurturing talent right at the start of their careers, Rolls-Royce Submarines has committed to 200 new apprenticeships every year for at least the next ten years. Based in Derby, the new Nuclear Skills Academy will be supported by industry and education experts, including the Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, the National College for Nuclear, the University of Derby and Derby City Council. This ensures new apprentices will have access to the best courses and mentors throughout their apprenticeship.
Steve Carlier, president – Submarines, Rolls-Royce, said: “We are proud of our unique nuclear capability and we are fortunate enough to have some of the smartest minds on the planet working for us. But we must maintain this capability if we want to continue to innovate and evolve.” “Being born and bred in Derby, I am immensely proud that we are playing our part in further boosting the area’s reputation for engineering excellence,” Steve continued. “The UK is embarking on a nuclear renaissance and we are determined to make the East Midlands the home of nuclear expertise for decades to come.” The new apprenticeships will be spread across four courses: Nuclear Engineering Degree Apprenticeship, Business Degree Apprenticeship, Nuclear Engineering Technician Apprenticeship and Advanced Engineering Apprenticeship. Lee Warren, Submarines engineering & technology director, Rolls-Royce, said: “All four courses offer debt-free, higher education qualifications while earning a wage within an exciting and growing business that supports the UK’s net carbon ambitions. If you know someone who is finishing school or college, rethinking university debt, or even already in work and looking for a change of career, our apprenticeships are a fantastic opportunity.” For 60 years, Rolls-Royce has provided the power for all of the Royal Navy’s nuclear submarines from its base in Raynesway, Derby. “Our new Academy will not only maintain and develop our nuclear capability for years to come, but it will also provide invaluable STEM qualifications for hundreds of individuals at the very start of their careers,” Lee continued. “Generations of submariners have put their faith in our nuclear expertise and our new academy will mean we can keep providing them with cutting edge technology to keep them, and the UK, safe.”

Marketing agency helps launch first disabled Ryder Cup style golf event sponsored by Amazon

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Marketing agency helps launch first disabled Ryder Cup style golf event sponsored by Amazon

Hot on the heels of the recent British Masters, Derby-based marketing agency, Purpose Media has provided sponsorship and marketing support for the first ever Ryder Cup style golf event for disabled people. Global brand Amazon was the main sponsor of the event and has committed to further raise the profile of the event to help secure its ongoing viability.

Called the Cairns Cup, the inaugural event is taking place at the Seve Ballesteros-designed The Shire London golf course between 7-13 May. The venues for future Cairns Cup include The Fortress (Michigan USA) in 2024, Celtic Manor (Wales) in 2026, Florida in 2028 and San Rogue, Gibraltar in 2030.

The tournament has the backing of the “Ryder family” and Tom Ryder Smith, the grandson of Samuel Ryder, who founded the Ryder Cup, has committed his full support to the Cairns Cup.

The tournament sees Europe host USA over 3 days playing fourball betterball, foursomes and singles formats. Each team consists of 16 players, however only 12 will play each day. Each team has at least 6 different disabilities and WHS handicaps ranging from scratch to 54 making the event truly inclusive and available to all golfers who have a disability.

Team Europe will be led Kevin Booth, with vice captain Kris Aves, a police officer from Barnet, London who was injured in a terrorist attack on Westminster Bridge in 2017.

Team USA is captained by Tracey Ramin, who is executive director of The National Amputee Golf Association, Board member of The Michigan Amputee Golf Association, director of completion and co-founder of USAGA Para long drive Rock City Rumble 2019. Other vice captains include Derek Milne, John Bell, and Tineke Loogman and Jonathan Snyder.

Purpose Media has agreed to create branding for the UK event, manage social media, film the event and create promotional videos as part of its contribution towards ensuring this inaugural event receives the support it deserves.

Matt Wheatcroft from Purpose Media said: “We have an established reputation for helping sports clubs and associations maximise the power of digital marketing. We are delighted to have been asked to support the launch of this inaugural event and look forward to playing a key role in the future.”

The Cairns cup is a “Ryder Cup Style” match-play event between golfers with various disabilities from Europe and USA.

The event is also presented as a DISABILITY GOLF FESTIVAL with the following aims:

  • Establish a competitive event for those with a disability
  • Raise awareness of Disability Golf
  • Provide a platform to raising funds to promote golf to all
  • Leave a legacy for future generation

The Cairns Cup aka “The Billy” arose from the Phoenix Cup 2018 in Florida when a team of disabled golfers from USA & Europe played at Rotonda Golf Club, Florida. Mr. Billy Cairns was a team member of the travelling European team and unfortunately passed away the day after arriving in Florida. This made the competition very emotional and ensured that the camaraderie between the two teams was unprecedented.

The Cairns Cup CIC is now a not for profit company that will allow the event to grow and promote opportunities for Disabled Golfers in the USA and Europe.

Midlands logistics take-up outperforms rest of UK

Tess Egginton
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Midlands logistics take-up outperforms rest of UK
The Midlands recorded the highest level of take-up of logistics space in the first quarter of 2022, accounting for almost half (46%) of the total space taken across the UK. According to CBRE’s UK Logistics Market Summary, of the 10.43m sq ft transacted in Q1, 3.4m sq ft (32.4%) was in the East Midlands, representing a 111% year-on-year increase. The East Midlands also ended the quarter with the largest amount of logistics space under offer, at 5.9m sq ft. Logistics take-up in the West Midlands totaled 1.5m sq ft (14.1%), with 5.3m sq ft under offer. Available space fell for a second consecutive quarter to 1.7m sq ft, of which more than 1m sq ft was secondhand. There were no new speculative units completed during Q1. In the East Midlands, the development pipeline is looking much healthier. At the end of Q1, the region had 4.9m sq ft of available space, the majority (73.3%) of which is speculative and currently under construction. The demand for logistics space is putting upward pressure on rents, with nearly all UK regions experiencing rental growth during Q1. Prime rents in the East Midlands grew for the fifth consecutive quarter, reaching a record £8.25 per sq ft, while the West Midlands recorded the second highest prime rent across the UK regions at £8.50 per sq ft. Luke Thacker, associate director in CBRE’s Midlands industrial and logistics team, said: “The Midlands was once again the standout performer, dominating take-up of logistics space during the first three months of the year and reaffirming its position as the UK’s logistics heartland. “Take-up in the East Midlands was predominantly for build-to-suit and speculative units, a trend that looks set to continue, with almost all the 5.9m sq ft of space under offer in the region being build-to-suit. It’s a similar picture in the West Midlands, where again pretty much all the space under offer is either speculative or build-to-suit. “The challenge in the Midlands, however, is the current shortage of new ready to occupy space and while there is speculative development in the pipeline, this is quickly being taken due to the competition for space. Developers have responded by building speculatively again but more space is needed to satisfy the strong market demand.”

First UK logistics building to go beyond “Net Zero“ built in Daventry

Tess Egginton
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First UK logistics building to go beyond “Net Zero“ built in Daventry
Prologis, the developer and owner of logistics parks, has completed the construction of the UK’s first logistics property to go beyond net zero carbon in its construction and operation – delivering a net benefit for the environment over its lifetime. Located on Prologis Apex Park, near Daventry, Prologis has delivered a brand new 435,000 sq ft unit, which will act as UK Logistics Centre for an American multinational. In a first for the world of industrial logistics property, Prologis have delivered an industrial unit which pushes the boundaries of sustainable construction.   The building includes the installation of bespoke energy saving technology. In addition to the standard sustainability measures provided by Prologis, including rainwater harvesting and electric vehicle charging infrastructure, a 1.4MW rooftop solar system has also been installed, resulting in a building which will return more energy to the grid than it uses. The surplus energy it generates will help to power other homes and businesses.  The new unit at Apex Park is BREEAM rated ‘Outstanding’ – placing it in the top 1% of UK non-domestic buildings. When certified at Post Construction stage by BREEAM, the building scored 88.2%, which was the highest “Industrial 2018 Shell & Core” score so far achieved. Martin Cooper, vice president, development management at Prologis UK, said: “This is a milestone for Prologis and shows what can be achieved when like-minded businesses work together to realise their vision for a building that delivers a net benefit for the environment. All our new warehouses in the UK have been net zero carbon in construction for the past 14 years, but this building at Apex Park takes carbon reduction to a new level. “The dialogue around net zero is progressing rapidly and businesses are beginning to look beyond ‘operational carbon’ to find other ways to make their buildings more sustainable. Reducing the embodied carbon of new buildings requires intense collaboration across the supply chain, from engineers and architects to material and product suppliers, plant hire firms and contractors. “Moving as a country towards being net zero by 2050, we look forward to seeing many more logistics projects that are net-positive for the environment, and we’re extremely proud to be leading the way.” Additionally, the new unit is also the first development of its type to achieve an EPC rating of A+, meeting the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) Framework Definition of Net Zero Carbon for both embodied & operational carbon. It’s predicted that the unit will generate more energy than it uses, avoiding 105 tCO2eper year and feeding unused energy back in the grid. As part of its ongoing commitment to sustainable construction Prologis ensures that each new logistics property can achieve a net environmental benefit, starting by designing out carbon emissions wherever possible – for example by offering customers rooftop solar power systems. The whole life carbon footprint is then measured, and unavoidable embodied carbon emissions are mitigated by protecting rainforest. Through Prologis’ partnership with climate change charity, Cool Earth, 310 acres of Papua New Guinea rainforest were protected based on a whole lifetime assessment of the Apex Park building’s carbon impact.  In November 2021, Prologis were awarded the Terra Carta seal, which recognises companies who are building a sustainable future and have made a serious commitment to put nature, people & the planet at the heart of the economy.

Digital marketing specialist expands to new home in Derby

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Digital marketing specialist expands to new home in Derby
Digital marketing specialists Alphageek are relocating to the Cubo flex workspace in Derby after outgrowing their current premises. The company, which was launched in 2017, has taken a 24-person office at Cubo, which is located in the Old Post Office building on Victoria Street. The grade II listed three-storey, 18,000 sq ft Cubo Derby was opened in 2020 following an extensive refurbishment and can accommodate more than 200 desks in a variety of co-working spaces and private offices. Members benefit from a variety of other services and facilities including meeting rooms, networking events, private booths, chill-out areas, beer on tap and a free barista service. Alphageek specialises in data-driven online advertising and web development. The company delivers tangible results for companies of all shapes and sizes worldwide and has created campaigns for some of the country’s most exciting brands including Project D, HUUB, G-SHOCK, Casio and more. The company now employs 15 staff, with plans for future expansion in the coming months. Commenting on the move to Cubo Derby, Art Lindop, Managing Director of Alphageek, said: “Alphageek are entering an exciting phase of growth and we needed a high end, modern space representative of our aspirations. “We can’t wait to move into our new home in a hub of Derby businesses and make full use of Cubo’s amazing facilities. As a venue we can both grow our local client base and help the Alphageek creative magic flow – Cubo is perfect.” Marc Brough, Managing Director at Cubo, added: “Alphageek is one of a growing number of exciting local businesses that are rethinking their accommodation strategies and opting for a hybrid working model at Cubo. “Location, an inspiring space to work from and flexibility are the main drivers for businesses who are looking for office accommodation. Cubo provides all this and much more, making it an attractive place to base a business.”

£2.6m Loughborough Town Deal investment confirmed to build Digital Skills Hub

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£2.6m Loughborough Town Deal investment confirmed to build Digital Skills Hub
A hub to help equip local people with digital skills for the future has received a £2.6 million boost from Loughborough Town Deal. The Town Deal has confirmed the funding to create the Digital Skills Hub at Loughborough College which will also work with employers to deliver a greater breadth of work placement opportunities. It is one of 11 projects Loughborough Town Deal is backing after securing £16.9 million of Government funding. In total, the projects are worth over £40 million of investment for the town. The Town Deal Board is co-chaired by Cllr Jonathan Morgan, leader of Charnwood Borough Council, and Dr Nik Kotecha OBE, chairman of Loughborough-based Morningside Pharmaceuticals. Cllr Morgan said: “I am delighted that we can now confirm Town Deal funding for the Digital Skills Hub at Loughborough College. “We are living and working in an ever-increasing digital world and therefore the demand for a facility like this has never been higher. The skills hub will help not only people but also local businesses as we continue to emerge from the impact of the pandemic and build a stronger local economy.” Dr Nik Kotecha said: “We want the Town Deal to have a real legacy and this will certainly be one aspect of that. Thousands of local people will be trained at the Digital Skills Hub and forge their careers and futures with the skills they will learn there. “I am really pleased the Town Deal can invest in Loughborough College which is a wonderful asset for the town and borough.” Jo Maher, principal and CEO of Loughborough College, said: “This is fantastic news and we’re extremely grateful to the Town Deal for investing in our digital vision. “The funding means we can create more cutting-edge facilities on campus which enhance the digital capability of learners and our community so that we can better meet the needs of local and regional employers. “In addition, the Skills Hub perfectly complements our new T-Level Centre and proposed Institute of Technology on campus, helping us create a state-of-the-art learning environment in the heart of the community.” The Town Deal grant will support the construction of the new Digital Skills Hub building on the College campus next to a new T Level Centre off Epinal Way. Construction work is due to start at the end of 2022. The Digital Skills Hub will aim to support the delivery of T Levels, apprenticeships, industry placements and higher technical qualifications to skill-up local people as Loughborough moves into a more digitally-focussed future. It will also:
  • target unemployed and semi-skilled adults to support them into employment
  • equip the next generation with the skills and knowledge to improve social mobility, human capital and economic success
  • provide support to businesses post-COVID-19
  • reduce the need for local people to travel to access skills, therefore, contributing to the college’s commitment to clean growth and carbon reductions in Loughborough.
  • create an accessible and modern facility to welcome the community and local businesses, training on digital jobs for the future.
Loughborough Town Deal is backing projects to boost skills, improve the town centre, reduce flooding, regenerate the riverside, develop a creative hub and support two key attractions – Great Central Railway and the bell foundry. So far, Loughborough Town Deal has invested £750,000 to create a Careers and Enterprise Hub in Loughborough town centre; £1.7 million to support the Bedford Square Gateway Project which is regenerating part of the town centre and £835,000 to help save Taylor’s Bell Foundry, the last major bell foundry in the UK. Combined with the Digital Skills hub project, that brings Town Deal investment in Loughborough so far to around £5.8 million.

Local artist creates bespoke bowl for Belmayne Ball

Michael Fisher
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Local artist creates bespoke bowl for Belmayne Ball
A charity ball organised by Dronfield-based financial planners, Belmayne, has received a boost, thanks to the generosity of a Derbyshire artist. A unique bowl, created specially by Chris Fisher RPT, will be auctioned at the Belmayne Foundation’s black-tie event, being held on Saturday (May 14). The tactile blue charging dish is decorated with silver gilt and entitled “Every Cloud.” It was designed by Chris Fisher, also known as The Blind Woodturner, the UK’s only completely blind professional accredited woodturner. He learned his craft by listening to hundreds of hours of YouTube videos and now sells his products worldwide. Almost 160 people are expected to attend Belmayne’s ball, which is being held at the Crowne Plaza Royal Victoria in Sheffield. The event is fully funded by the firm, so all money raised from ticket sales and activities on the night will be donated to the four small charities it is supporting this year. They are: Derbyshire Asbestos Support Team, Disability Awareness with Sport, Sheffield Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus and Sight Support Derbyshire. Martin Birch, a partner at Belmayne, said: “We are extremely grateful to Chris Fisher for taking the time to make this beautiful piece of art for our event and our friends at Sight Support Derbyshire for the introduction. There is no doubt it will be highly sought after and will help us generate generous sums of money for our charities. This year’s ball is set to be the biggest fundraiser we’ve ever organised and we would like to thank everyone who has booked tickets or donated prizes for their support.” Belmayne will be auctioning and raffling a number of high-profile prizes, including tickets to see England v New Zealand at Twickenham, a bottle of wine signed by the Prime Minister, signed shirts from both Sheffield football teams and a signed photo of world champion mountain biker, Steve Peat.
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