Sustainable health and beauty firm agrees long-term lease for brand new Ilkeston warehouse
Sustainable health and beauty pioneer Weleda has agreed a long-term lease with fellow Derbyshire-based company, Clowes Developments, for a state-of-the-art facility.
Unit B at Etiquette Park comprises of a warehouse and office facility totalling 23,500 sq ft.
Works began on site back in January 2022 with construction contractor TanRo tasked with delivering two facilities totalling 50,000 sq ft at the newly established business park located near Manners Avenue Industrial Estate in Ilkeston, the heart of Ilkeston’s existing industrial, warehouse and distribution hub.
Both occupiers, Weleda and Catering24, are locally established businesses who were keen to remain close to their roots, retain their workforce and continue to grow their successful enterprises within the area.
Jayn Sterland, Managing Director, Weleda UK, said: “We are excited to be expanding our existing operations at Heanor Road with a brand-new warehouse and office space at Etiquette Park, which will be tailored to meet our very individual needs.
“As a manufacturer of natural and organic cosmetics and holistic wellbeing products, it is essential that our stock is stored in very specific conditions which meet GMP standards. The new build will allow us to grow our business whilst remaining in the area where our manufacturing site and Demeter-certified organic medicinal herb gardens are also based.
“The new facility means our Customer Care team can also relocate to Etiquette Park, which will in turn free up space for us at Heanor Road to enable us to expand the rest of our operations as we grow.”
Weleda was first founded in Switzerland in 1921. The British Weleda Co. Ltd was initially established in London in 1925 and has since enjoyed over four decades at its Derbyshire premises at Ilkeston and its herb growing site just up the road at Shipley.
Today Weleda UK is part of an international group employing over 2,500 people and operating in over 50 countries across 5 continents.
At the end of 2021, Clowes Developments announced that Catering24 had agreed a lease for the brand-new purpose-built warehouse and distribution facility at Etiquette Park. The deal marks significant expansion for the food packaging distributor who have doubled their turnover in the past 18 months. Catering24 has the option to purchase the property within the first 2 years which Catering24 aim to do and represents a total investment in the warehouse, equipment, racking and IT software to the sum of £2.8million.
Richard Sutton, Managing Director at NG Chartered Surveyors and joint agent on the scheme, said: “It’s fantastic to see TanRo progressing with such pace at Etiquette Park and I’m proud of our involvement in the bespoke scheme by Clowes Developments.
“Letting over 50,000 sq ft of space shows just what a quality development Etiquette Park is, and I wish both Weleda and Catering24 all the very best in their new homes.”
Planning permission for both warehouse units totalling 50,000 sq ft was approved by Erewash Borough Council at the later end of last year. Construction on site is progressing and both occupiers are looking to move into their premises by the end of this year.
FHP Property Consultants are joint agents on Etiquette Park, director Tim Gilbertson added: “This has been a really good outcome for Clowes as well as for the Ilkeston market.”
Grantham law firm expands
JMP Solicitors has expanded its personal injury team in its Grantham office with the appointment of senior solicitor, Monique Medd.
Monique brings a wealth of experience to the firm having specialised in litigating high value and complex personal injury claims for the last 22 years. Many of these claims were for catastrophic injuries – where people have suffered life changing injuries due to different types of accidents, as well as pursuing claims for the victims of asbestos exposure and other serious industrial diseases.
Monique will be advising clients on all aspects of personal injury law including workplace claims, road traffic accidents, criminal injuries, fatal accidents, and public liability claims.
As an active member of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers, Monique is committed to fighting for the rights of injured people. APIL is a not-for-profit organisation representing injured people and is dedicated to protecting and enhancing access to justice, improving the services provided for victims of personal injury, and campaigning to change the law wherever appropriate.
Neil McKinley, also a personal injury solicitor at the firm, was elected the president of APIL in May 2021.
On her new appointment, Monique said: “JMP Solicitors is an approachable practice and well regarded for this area of law.
“As a well-established Lincolnshire firm, I’m very excited to be joining such a friendly and passionate company and utilising my skills and experience within the team.”
Ian Howard, Managing Director at JMP Solicitors, said: “We’d like to give a warm welcome to Monique on joining the JMP team. Monique is ideally positioned to drive forward our work in this critical area, bringing with her a real passion for helping people, alongside an impressive track record.
“Accident claims are the core of our business and over the years we have won millions of pounds of compensation for thousands of clients all over England and Wales. I believe she will fit in perfectly with other team members and we wish her all the best of luck in her new role.”
Boston Town businesses to receive fully-funded support
Businesses based in Boston Town can now benefit from fully-funded support and training to help them to prosper and grow. The Centre for Food and Fresh Produce Logistics has been set up by the University of Lincoln’s National Centre for Food Manufacturing (NCFM) in association with Boston College.
Funded through the Boston Town Deal this forms one of the eight projects within an overall funding package of £21.9 million to Boston provided through the Town Deal Initiative by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.
The funding is aimed at businesses in: Agri-Food Technologies, Port & Logistics, Manufacturing, Engineering & Packaging, Equipment & Technical Services plus Food Service including Retailers and Restaurants.
The delivery partners provide an outstanding resource base and work in collaboration with Boston businesses to identify growth needs and provide suitable solutions. The ambition is to enable businesses to grow through adoption of innovation, digital technologies, scientific research, training and development of workforce, products and process development plus business advice. There is also a Capital Grant element to help towards equipment purchases.
Benefits are tailored to suit the needs of the business and employees with a focus on:
Business Support to Enhance Productivity, Profitability and Job Creation
Access to technical services and consultancy provided by a dedicated team of experts at the National Centre for Food Manufacturing (NCFM), Boston College, Lincoln Institute of Agri-Food Technology and University of Lincoln College of Science. Project examples include – Digitalisation, Automation, Product Trials and New Product Development, Processes, Packaging, Robotics, Finance, Marketing, Crop Storage, Scientific Research and General Business Consultancy.
Knowledge Transfer and Networking
Programme members benefit from business networking and knowledge sharing activities such as – Events, Equipment Demonstrations, Masterclasses and Signposting to other sources of relevant support.
Workforce Development through enhancement of Skills and Knowledge
Boston College provides the lead for the development and delivery of training programmes to match the growth needs of programme businesses. Topics aim to upskill the workforce and enhance the effectiveness of business leadership and management. Sector activities will also campaign for career awareness, create a talent pipeline and encourage new entrants. Some courses will be delivered via distance learning and course costs will be covered by the programme, thus avoiding the main barriers to workforce development.
Capital Grants
Potential for Capital Grant funding contribution towards the purchase of equipment identified as required to meet project needs established during programme engagement. Up to 50% of purchase cost to a maximum of £5000 could be available, subject to application and panel approval.
Councillor Paul Skinner, leader of Boston Borough Council, said: “This new opportunity which focuses on skills development for the food chain and technology sector is something we have been looking forward to for many months now. The Centre for Food and Fresh Produce Logistics forms part of the wider South Lincolnshire food knowledge cluster centred on the South Lincolnshire Food Enterprise Zone in Holbeach. Getting this project underway by enhancing and developing our younger generations education is key to future successes.”
Chair of the Boston Town Deal Board, Neil Kempster, said: “I am delighted to see the official launch of the Centre for Food & Fresh Produce Logistics which is a key component within the portfolio of projects being supported through the funding from the Boston Town Deal.
“It targets some of the key sectors of the local economy providing support and access to funding and resources that will enable local businesses to prosper, as well as helping to educate our younger generations of the significant opportunities available to them in this specialist and diverse environment. I would encourage as many local businesses as possible to take advantage of this initiative which I believe will make a real difference to the local economy.”
Dean of The University of Lincoln Holbeach Campus and head of NCFM professor Val Braybrooks MBE said: “The new Centre for Food and Fresh Produce Logistics will enable Boston Town to play a pivotal role in achieving the Local Enterprise Partnerships UK Food Valley ambitions to grow and promote our world class food sector as a major talent and investment hub.
“It will help to drive business partnered enterprise, innovation, and research, with an aligned skills offer to enhance productivity and provide access to high quality career opportunities for Boston’s agri-food sector and community.”
Principal & CEO of Boston College, Claire Foster, said: “We are delighted to be associated with this Boston-focussed project to support our food and logistics sector. Never before has it been more important for colleges, universities and businesses to combine our efforts for innovative collaborations, mutual support and benefit, increasing productivity for the shared prosperity of all. We look forward to being integral to the success of our local industries, providing skills and employment opportunities for now and the future.”
D2N2 LEP awards £6.5m to seven low carbon projects
The D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership has announced it will be investing £6.5million from its Low Carbon Growth Fund into seven innovative projects based across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham, and Nottinghamshire.
The ground-breaking fund, which was launched in December last year, aims to provide solutions to help reduce the region’s carbon dioxide output and deliver more sustainable industrial practices.
The funded projects are expected to deliver wide-ranging support and diversification of the local economy. The selected initiatives have a strong focus on innovation with the potential to assist nationally important industries and sectors – and will also benefit small and medium-sized businesses, public sector organisations, and community groups.
Today’s announcement builds on the work of the D2N2 LEPs Low Carbon Group, which was set up last year to convene and coordinate low carbon programmes to deliver opportunities for investment, business growth and jobs to support national and regional policy, including the government’s “Net Zero Strategy: Build Back Greener” and the “The Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution.”
All project funding is subject to the delivery of a full business case which will be considered by the D2N2 investment and main boards.
Elizabeth Fagan CBE, chair of the D2N2 LEP, said: “This announcement is a further signal of our region’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and supporting the growth of our green economy. These projects have the potential to accelerate sustainable carbon reduction across our region and provide commercial solutions to carbon challenges across the UK. ”
Wayne Bexton, director of carbon reduction, energy and sustainability at Nottingham City Council, said: “As co-chair of the D2N2 Low Carbon Group I’m thrilled to note the award of funding across the region to deliver innovative solutions to the carbon reduction challenge. Collaboration and sharing of best practice is a key pillar in enabling sustainable change at pace and I have no doubt that this funding award will lead to fantastic results. I look forward to the further opportunities for low carbon jobs these initiatives will bring.”
Becky Rix, D2N2 Board member and marketing director at Roadgas, said: “It is vital that D2N2 encourage and support local SMEs to consider their carbon emissions in the development of new projects in our region. The Low Carbon Growth Group is committed to supporting the city’s #CN28 campaign as well as delivering green growth in pursuit of our economic recovery. Sustainability and exciting innovation is at the heart of these successful bids.”
Drone firm flies into Silverstone Park
Crowded Space Drones, whose advanced drone technology the government uses to help with counter-terrorism and public safety at high profile venues and events, has located to Silverstone Park.
The business is currently completing a full fit-out of 2,350 sq ft of industrial accommodation.
Inside, after installation of a new internal second floor, the premises will house a broadcasting centre and conference and training rooms for seven full-time staff, plus a workshop to maintain its drones – some costing over £20,000 each.
MD Andrew McQuillan, previously head of security for Game of Thrones and in charge of the Drone Racing League, said: “We get a pure fibre connection from the Innovation Centre – incredibly fast speeds which is one of the things we require.
“Silverstone Park offered us really good options on unit size, but also the location means the travel radius from here is phenomenal – for example we might need to be in Portsmouth to film for Virgin Cruises and it’s still only two hours away.”
Linked up to Crowded Space’s head office in Belfast, the business is CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) accredited – all its pilots are CAA-trained – and, says Andrew: “We’re probably the only business who can do what we do.”
“Essentially, we’re a very specialist drone services company which the CAA will give special permissions to,” he continued. “After the Gatwick drone incident in 2018, we responded to counter-terrorism police and covered all other UK airports for them.
“Soon after that incident, we prevented someone trying to fly a drone down a runway at another major airport and also potentially into the path of a large passenger jet on its final approach.
“A lot of that work is when we bring our range of detection systems into play – they can detect any drone from around 40km away. We undertake similar counter-terrorism measures for governments in the USA and Ireland, but it’s mainly UK.
“We’re also active in other areas such as the Wimbledon tennis tournament for the full three weeks and even I’m a Celebrity, where we use infra-red drones through the forests to detect people trying to access the set illegally.”
Challenges remain as deal for Derby County nears completion
The deal to take Derby County out of administration and under the ownership of American businessman Chris Kirchner is nearing completion, according to the EFL Board.
In a newly released statement, the EFL noted that evidence of source and sufficiency of funding has now been provided, but there still remain a number of outstanding challenges to be resolved. The Board has instructed the Executive to continue its discussions with Kirchner in regard to finalising the terms of a Membership agreement.
A significant issue highlighted is the status of the stadium. The EFL said: “It is clear that the complexity associated with this aspect of the transaction is the biggest hurdle to overcome.” Kirchner continues in dialogue with the relevant parties as to how this can be resolved.
The joint administrators of Derby County, Quantuma, named Kirchner as the preferred bidder for the club last month, after the businessman had initially expressed an interest in acquiring the club in late 2021. Quantuma noted that the bid is for the purchase of the football club only, with the terms of the club’s ongoing occupation of Pride Park stadium to be negotiated with external stakeholders.
The EFL’s statement said: “The EFL Board has today been advised that a deal to take Derby County out of administration and under the ownership of Mr Chris Kirchner is nearing completion.
“Evidence of source and sufficiency of funding has now been provided but there still remain a number of outstanding challenges to be resolved.
“As a result, the Board has instructed the Executive to continue its discussions with Mr Kirchner and his representatives in regard to finalising the terms of a Membership agreement.
“However, a significant issue remains in respect of the status of the stadium and Mr Kirchner continues in dialogue with the relevant parties as to how this can be resolved. It is clear that the complexity associated with this aspect of the transaction is the biggest hurdle to overcome.
“The EFL acknowledges the current time pressures relating to Mr Kirchner’s position as preferred bidder and will seek to conclude matters as soon as possible in line with requirements as set out in the League’s Insolvency Policy.
“The League will be making no further comment at this time.”
Ward backs the East Midlands Bricks Awards for another year
Ward has joined the sponsor line up for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022, supporting the Developer of the Year category for another year.
Speaking with Business Link, Donald Ward, operations director at Ward, said: “Supporting the achievements of our friends, customers, colleagues and suppliers in the building and construction sector is important to us, that’s why we’re pleased to be sponsoring the Bricks’ Developer of the Year category again this year.
“As a business we support developers and contractors to maximise recycling and achieve potential returns through segregating waste streams on site. Part of our ongoing sustainability strategy is to work with the construction sector and its supply chain to reduce waste to landfill, improve environmental credentials and realise financial and operational efficiencies through effective metal recycling and waste management.”
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.
“As a business we support developers and contractors to maximise recycling and achieve potential returns through segregating waste streams on site. Part of our ongoing sustainability strategy is to work with the construction sector and its supply chain to reduce waste to landfill, improve environmental credentials and realise financial and operational efficiencies through effective metal recycling and waste management.”
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:
- Most active estate agent
- Commercial development of the year
- Responsible business of the year
- Residential development of the year
- Developer of the year
- Deal of the year
- Architects of the year
- Excellence in design
- Sustainable development of the year
- Contractor of the year
- Overall winner
Find out who last year’s winners were here.
Thanks to our sponsors:
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.
To be held at:
Stapleford £1m Town Centre Recovery Fund reopens with more businesses now eligible
The £1m Town Centre Recovery Fund has reopened to high street businesses in Stapleford, and now includes more local businesses, to aid their recovery from the pandemic.
The funding is being made available through the £21m Stapleford Towns Fund which aims to regenerate and revitalise the town.
The scheme is split into two grants to support different aspects of business recovery:
- The Business Continuity Grant (BCG) aims to support business resilience and growth over the long term, sustaining occupancy levels within Stapleford Town Centre. This grant will support existing businesses looking to expand the way they distribute their services. It is anticipated a maximum of £200,000 will be spent on this portion of the wider Town Centre Recovery Fund. Under the BCG, eligible businesses will be able to apply for and receive up to a maximum of £10,000, although this higher amount does require match funding.
- The Building Development Fund (BDF) is to create buildings of the future; improving accessibility, energy efficiency and the look and feel of Stapleford Town Centre. It is anticipated a maximum of £800,000 will be issued through this part of the fund. Under the BDF eligible businesses will be able to apply for and receive up to a maximum of £100,000, although this higher amount does require match funding.
- 20 Derby Rd, part-funding the conversion of the building into three offices – £97,330
- Sun Shine Fish and Chicken, 90 Derby Road, new cooking equipment to offer healthier food – £5,000
- Ryan Plumbing and Heating, 137a Derby Road, shopfront signage and showroom fixtures and fittings – £6,000
Nottingham sushi producer set for nationwide expansion
A Nottingham-based luxury sushi producer has launched a nationwide delivery service with support from The Food Innovation Centre at the University of Nottingham.
Uramaki began producing sushi products for delivery in the Nottingham area during lockdown. Now the company has expanded by introducing UK-wide delivery after receiving expert advice from the Food Innovation Centre.
Food innovation technologist Jack Wallman helped Uramaki to research and source the ideal cases to keep the sushi looking great and in top condition during transportation and delivery.
Rachel Thacker, who runs Uramaki with chef husband Paul, said: “We needed to secure the sushi so that it arrived at its destination intact and wanted to include special slots for the wasabi, ground ginger and soy bottle. Jack helped to work through the vision and helped to source packaging suppliers.
“The cases we decided on are more compact, so the sushi doesn’t move around during transit, with a liner inside for the accompaniments. This means we can now deliver nationwide, knowing that the sushi has been carefully and optimally packaged.”
The West Bridgford-based business specialises in authentic handmade sushi and was launched during lockdown in 2020 when Rachel and Paul saw a gap in the market for luxury food deliveries. The team also includes award-winning sushi chef Jaturavit Saysena, a friend and work colleague of Paul’s for many years, who has worked in some of the world’s best sushi restaurants.
Uramaki began a local delivery service within 15 miles of Nottingham, before also introducing pick-up points at various farm shops in the area. But this latest move allows the company to deliver across the UK – opening up a significant market for their sushi.
Former hotel manager Rachel, who now works part-time at the Waterside Apartments at Trent Bridge, and husband Paul, a chef at Lakeside, Ravenshead, were put in touch with the Food Innovation Centre by business support enterprise Nottingham Business Venture.
The Food Innovation Centre is based at the Bioenergy and Brewing Science building at the University of Nottingham’s Sutton Bonington campus, and offers free support to eligible small and medium-sized food and drink manufacturers in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire under the Driving Research and Innovation project – a three-year project that runs until the end of December 2022.
Rachel said: “Support from the Food Innovation Centre has been really helpful for us. We were a new business in lockdown and if you haven’t got the skill base to solve particular challenges or don’t know how to get the information that you need, it’s really helpful to be able to speak to someone like Jack. It’s someone believing in your vision and helping you to reach the next step.”
Richard Worrall, who runs the Food Innovation Centre, said: “We are very pleased to hear that the Uramaki team has been able to introduce a nationwide delivery service. Lockdown proved to be a catalyst for a number of new food and drink businesses in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire and we are delighted to be supporting them on their journeys as they develop.”
OMEETO expands with key appointment
A commercial property agent with industry experience in both the UK and his native Australia has joined OMEETO due to increased instructions across the East and West Midlands.
Caine Gilchrist has joined OMEETO from AE Commercial in Sutton Coldfield and explained that he was attracted to the company due to its fresh approach to marketing.
“I have worked in all aspects of property from facilities and property management to sales and lettings and I am particularly excited to be part of OMEETO’s original approach to marketing – embracing the latest digital techniques and bring the standard of UK property marketing to another level.
“I was also keen to work alongside Chris Wright to expand the company as he has a great reputation in the industry and, having settled fully in the UK after moving here from Melbourne, Australia, it was time for a fresh challenge.”
OMEETO director Chris Wright added: “Caine’s proven track record in so many aspects of the industry and in digital marketing made him the perfect addition to the team at a time when we continue to win tenders and pick up new instructions for a wide range of commercial property sales and lettings.”
