New HR lead sails into Nottingham Venues to spearhead drive for talent

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New HR lead sails into Nottingham Venues to spearhead drive for talent

Nottingham Venues, the new name bringing meetings, events, hotel stays and a collection of venues across the University of Nottingham’s campuses under one brand, has appointed a new director of human resources.

Suzie Adams joins the organisation, which has close to 250 employees across its various sites, after a career spent with some of the world’s biggest cruise line companies, including the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.

It was there where she was headhunted to establish best practice and policies for its people management as it sought to become the best in the industry, which is a similar mission to her new one with Nottingham Venues, as general manager Tom Waldron-Lynch, explains: “We are on a journey of growth and independence where we talk about being ‘One Destination with Endless Possibilities’.

“A major part of that journey requires the best possible talent to join us as we strive to lead the field in our offering to guests and employees.

“Attracting someone of the calibre of Suzie is a big part of that, as she has incredible experience in both moulding and creating outstanding career experiences in the hospitality industry. We know that we have a superb guest experience across our venues and we want to create that same experience for our staff. Suzie will be invaluable in doing just that.”

After a career on the ocean before returning to dry land to establish the HR department at the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Suzie will now help Nottingham Venues to attract, retain, train and inspire its growing team.

Suzie says: “This is a wonderful opportunity to come into an organisation that is in a transitional phase from its previous corporate structure to a more independent approach. We all know that the pandemic presented the hospitality industry with a wide-ranging set of challenges and staffing is certainly one of them and remains so.

“However, here at Nottingham Venues we have a chance to create something truly special and unique for our growing team and I cannot wait to be part of this. There are already fantastic initiatives in place, including the ‘real living wage’, free meals when on shift and the ‘Top Of The Tree’ employee recognition scheme. My goal now is to work with Tom and his teams to create an experience that is truly remarkable and that will make us as much of a destination for talent as we already are for our guests.”

Renewable energy distributor signs up to Leicester scheme

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Renewable energy distributor signs up to Leicester scheme
Joint venture partners, Graftongate and BlackRock have announced the arrival of one of the UK’s largest distributors of renewable energy systems at Leicester Distribution Park (LEDP). Glasgow-based CCL Energy Group has completed a 10-year lease on Unit 6, a newly built distribution and logistics unit of 45,000 sq ft. CCL Components Ltd is the largest independent distributor in the UK and is involved in the technical distribution of a wide range of renewable energy products worldwide. It will jointly occupy the new unit with sister company LinQ Logistics Ltd, a third-party logistics and stock management company that services CCL Energy Group and other businesses. Graftongate and BlackRock have delivered eight Grade A logistics units at LEDP during three phases of development, with a total combined area of 700,000 sq ft. Four of the buildings were constructed in the final phase of development, each containing strong sustainability features being built to carbon neutral construction and operational standards. They include PV solar panels, EV charging points, rainwater harvesting, sustainable drainage systems and intelligent energy monitoring. Unit 2, a 150,000 sq ft distribution and logistics building, is the final unit available for occupation at the scheme and is currently available. Graftongate director, Colin Beasley said that LEDP’s location in the heart of the Golden Triangle had generated consistently high interest from prospective occupiers. He said: “We’re very pleased to have completed the letting of Unit 6 to CCL Energy Group. Its arrival not only complements the high calibre of occupiers that have chosen to grow their businesses at LEDP but supports our decision to speculatively build out a mid-box scheme in Leicester. “We are continuing to see an appetite for distribution and logistics accommodation of this quality in the region and are confident of letting the final available building shortly. It will mean that all four new units in the final phase of development have been let within six months of practical completion.”

Construction recruitment specialist set to grow following £2.5m funding package

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Construction recruitment specialist set to grow following £2.5m funding package
Lincoln-based business Clements Young, which offers recruitment services for the construction and M&E sectors, has secured a £2.5m finance deal with NatWest. The investment deal will enable Clements Young to explore opportunities to grow the business, including recruiting a number of new internal staff and expanding into regional locations across the UK. Founded in 2018, Clements Young has supported more than 130 customers within the construction and building services industry, working closely with clients and candidates to build relationships, understand the business need and ensure a beneficial employment outcome for both parties. Matthew Jones, Managing Director at Clements Young, said: “As the business grew organically over the last few years, it became increasingly important that we secured a new finance solution that matched our needs and future ambitions. This new funding line gives us the flexibility and freedom to explore new opportunities, which really puts us in control of our own destiny. “The team at NatWest have been invaluable in terms of their advice and support in terms of helping us move from a previous provider. Throughout, I’ve been able to pick up the phone and speak to the team, so it’s felt like a seamless transition for us and this personal touch has been an added bonus to the deal.” Ken Feast, business development director, Invoice Finance, at NatWest, said: “As well as flexible financing solutions, we work hard to remove barriers to enterprise, so that businesses can thrive. “It’s been fantastic to work closely with Matthew and his team to not only provide them with an invoice finance package that suits their needs but also support them with the wider aspects of taking a business on to the next stage of their growth journey. I’m really excited to see what’s next for them.” Invoice financing is a flexible way for businesses to borrow money against payments due from customers. This frees up finances and can help businesses reinvest in growth at an earlier stage. Broker Fundinground Ltd advised on the deal, supported by NatWest broker relationship manager Ben Davey. Lucy Painter, director at Fundinground Ltd, said: “The range of finance products and lenders for businesses is vast, and we find that clients can’t always identify or directly access the best product for their circumstances. “Invoice finance is of huge benefit to a broad spectrum of business to support their cashflow requirements, particularly bearing in mind the economic environment we are currently in. However, identifying the right product and lender is critical to its success, and it’s more than just price. The service aspect delivered by the lender is crucial due to the longevity and closeness of the client/lender relationship, and we know how Ken and the wider invoice finance team at NatWest recognise and value this. “We are delighted to have brokered this introduction and know that Clements Young are in excellent hands as they embark on the next stage of their growth.”

New investment brings a bright smile to Cardinal Square

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New investment brings a bright smile to Cardinal Square
Nurton Development’s £150,000 investment at Cardinal Square to boost the wellbeing of its occupiers has helped attract new letting Smile Dental. Smile Dental has taken 1,350 sq ft at the landmark building which now includes a revamped internal courtyard, which is a hidden oasis in Derby city centre. The new courtyard includes greenery, water features, meeting pods and outdoors games so people working at the Grade A offices can enjoy being outside come rain or shine. Created by local company, Talbot Landscaping, the investment is part of on-going upgrades to the offices which has totalled £1.5 million over the past three years. Smile Dental is one of a number of occupiers signing up to the improvements including Bulkhead, Freeth’s, City Fibre, FTT, Randd, Astute, FHP, and the NHS. David Dyas, asset manager for Nurton Developments, said modern occupiers are looking for buildings that offer more than just offices. “Creating a high-quality working environment now involves thinking about the experience of the workplace as much as the physical offices, and providing attractive spaces for employees to work, meet and enjoy breaks are important considerations for wellbeing and productivity. “The new-look courtyard is like a pocket park to bring the Cardinal community together and provides a unique added value amenity, in addition to all the great shops, restaurants and bars just a short walk away.” Dyas added: “Being able to connect to the outdoors is a welcome surprise for new occupiers and offers a real wow factor for people as they walk through the building. “Smile Dental is one of a number of lettings we’ve gained over the past 12 months including FTT and Randd and we’re pleased to welcome them to the building and demonstrate that our strategy for positive asset management pays off.” Following the letting to Smile Dental, the third floor is being divided up into three refurnished suites ranging in size from 1,111 sq ft to 3,748 sq ft, to accommodate businesses in Derby looking to get ahead or downsize their footplate in the city. FHP and Rigby & Co act as joint agents on the scheme.

Siblings team up to launch Engage & Grow Central Midlands

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Siblings team up to launch Engage & Grow Central Midlands
Employee engagement specialist Rachael Bull has teamed up with her brother and leading UK coach Matt Bull, to launch Engage & Grow in Central Midlands. Engage & Grow is a global brand that focuses on re-engaging and re-energising workforces across the world, through bespoke group coaching programmes and workshops, operating in more than 80 countries. Its mission is to create a globally engaged workforce, one employee at a time. After a successful career in journalism and public and private sector communications and engagement, Rachael became a certified coach and has joined her brother and Managing Director at ActionCOACH Loughborough, Matt, to launch Engage & Grow. Rachael said: “It’s fantastic to be teaming up with Matt to bring Engage & Grow to the Central Midlands. My previous roles have always centred around communication and engagement, but what drew me to the business was the focus on bringing leaders and employees together to decide what actions and behaviours will help the business succeed, actually putting it all into practice, and seeing results so quickly. “Everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy what they do, we spend so much of our lives in the workplace and if people are coming to work demotivated and uninspired then neither the employee nor the employer will benefit. “Part of Engage & Grow’s mission is to re-engage employees and help businesses enjoy the huge value and benefits of having an engaged workforce. You can’t grow and be successful with disengaged staff and I believe it’s something that every business needs to do. Companies not doing so are missing a trick – those with engaged employees enjoy 22% more profitability, as well as significantly lower staff turnover and great retention.” Matt said: “I’m really excited to be on this new venture with Rachael, combining my coaching experience with her employee engagement expertise. Our goal is to help leaders recognise the impact that having engaged staff can have on the business, through developing their leadership, communication and culture – all things that can easily be neglected. In fact, only 9% of the UK’s workforce is engaged. “Globally over the past decade, Engage & Grow has brought about an average of +257% engagement growth for SMEs and +361% engagement growth for corporates and governments – our goal is to bring that success to the region’s workplaces.” Engage & Grow Central Midlands, which is based in Loughborough, works with organisations across Nottingham, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Warwickshire, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes. Programmes can be delivered, either in person or virtually. Rachael and Matt are offering companies the opportunity to get clarity on their current employee engagement score through a free-of-charge, no obligation survey. “This is first crucial step – knowing what your engagement score is and the aspects of engagement that are stifling your organisation’s success,” Rachael explains. “We can then advise on the best way forward to make the improvements needed to ramp up that score and bring about the numerous benefits that increased employee engagement brings.” Employers can start the Engage & Grow processes by first getting a clear idea of where their business is at and how engaged employees are. Engage & Grow offers employee surveys to create bespoke plans for companies, at no obligation. To find out more about Engage & Grow Central Midlands and its free engagement survey, please visit: www.engageandgrowcentralmids.co.uk or contact Rachael Bull on Rachael@engageandgrowcentralmids.co.uk

Planners approve trio of new developments at Leicester’s Pioneer Park

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Planners approve trio of new developments at Leicester’s Pioneer Park
Commercial developer, Brackley Property Developments (BPD) has secured planning consent to deliver three new buildings at a science and technology park in the East Midlands.Leicester City Council has given approval for the development of Plot 3C, a c.1.1 acre parcel of vacant land at Pioneer Park, Exploration Drive, within Leicester’s Science and Innovation Enterprise Zone.The new self-contained developments will deliver high quality, contemporary accommodation suitable for knowledge based and creative businesses, ranging in size from 6,000 – 25,000 sq ft. Features will include LED lighting, raised floors, heating and cooling systems, as well as dedicated on-site parking, EV charging provision and cycle storage.Major infrastructure works are underway to support the new business space at Pioneer Park and bring forward an adjacent four hectares of land at Space Park, University of Leicester’s development for space research, learning and innovation. More than 42 high-tech businesses are already located within the Dock, a successful and managed development within the existing science park.Managing Director of BPD, Stephen Pedrick-Moyle, said that the developer had begun a design and tender process and anticipated being on site at Pioneer Park in early 2023.He said: “We’re pleased to have exchanged with Leicester City Council and secured planning consent for the development of Plot 3C. These new buildings will enhance the facilities available to the research and development sector and will cover a wide range of uses, from software development to bespoke laboratory space. They also have the potential to support local jobs, retaining talented graduates from Leicester’s two universities.”

East Midlands timber firm acquired by National Timber Group

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East Midlands timber firm acquired by National Timber Group
East Midlands firm SV Timber has been acquired by Sheffield-based National Timber Group (NTG) in its drive to be the largest, independent, specialist timber processing and distribution group in the UK, with a focus on value-added products and solutions. SV Timber fills a geographic gap in NTG’s existing branch network and further extends its customer reach within the Midlands. This follows the acquisition of Orchard Timber in late 2021 and the development of specialist business units National Timber Systems (NTS) and Intelligent Door Solutions (IDS). Established in 2004, SV Timber is a specialist, independent timber merchant supplying a range of timber materials to a broad range of trade and commercial customers, including joiners and manufacturers, from three branches. SV Timber recently supplied the timber for the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. The former directors of SV Timber will remain in the business, working closely with Patrick Guest, Managing Director of NTG England, to ensure a smooth integration into the Group and to realise the full potential of the opportunities that this partnership offers for future growth. By joining the Group, the customers of SV Timber will also have access to a broader range of products and services, including national delivery capability, bespoke timber production, door-set manufacturing, and engineered roofing systems. Ed Holder, Managing Director of SV Timber, said: “When the opportunity arose to join the National Timber Group, we were really pleased to find we share the same passion and vision to drive the business forward. The scale and capability of the Group will help us to strengthen what we do and allow us to further improve the value we can deliver to our customers.” Patrick Guest, National Timber Group Managing Director for England, added: “As a specialist added-value timber distributer, we are absolutely delighted to welcome SV Timber to the Group – our shared expertise and commitment to our customers makes this a great partnership. Together, we will extend our range of services and capability in the region, further improving our customers’ experience.”

Mike Ashley to stand down from Frasers Group board

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Mike Ashley to stand down from Frasers Group board
Frasers Group has announced that Mike Ashley will not be standing for re-election as a director at this year’s annual general meeting and will therefore step down from the board following the AGM on 19 October 2022. The firm said Mike Ashley will continue to be available to the board and senior management in an advisory capacity when called upon. As part of Mike Ashley’s continuing support for the business and its elevation strategy, he will provide the group with £100m of additional funding alongside and on the same commercial terms as the group’s existing unsecured borrowing facilities. Mike Ashley said: “Since Michael Murray took over the leadership of Frasers Group earlier this year, the business has gone from strength to strength. It is clear that the group has the right leadership and strategy in place and I feel very confident passing the baton to Michael and his team. “Although I am stepping down from the board, I remain 100% committed to supporting Frasers and Michael’s plans and ambitions, and I look forward to helping the team as and when they require me. My commitment and support as a Frasers’ shareholder is as strong as ever.” Michael Murray, CEO, added: “Mike has built an incredible business over the past 40 years and, on behalf of the board and the group, I want to thank him for all he has done. With our new strategy and leadership team, we are driving this business forward at pace and we are all excited for the future. “We are grateful to have Mike’s support and expertise available to us as we continue the next stage of Frasers Group’s journey.”

Fashion marketplace’s directors reject Frasers Group’s takeover offer

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Fashion marketplace’s directors reject Frasers Group’s takeover offer
The directors of Australian-based fashion marketplace MySale have recommended that shareholders do not accept Frasers Group’s offer to snap up the business. In August Shirebrook-based retailer Frasers Group revealed a cash offer to acquire the entire issued and to be issued ordinary share capital of MySale not already held by the business for 2 pence per share. It came after Frasers Group acquired a 28.7% stake in MySale earlier this year. The offer valued the rest of the company at approximately £13.6 million. At the time Frasers Group said that it had “extensive ambitions to grow its business outside of the UK and is exploring the potential for further international expansion through acquisitions, joint ventures and organic openings.” The company noted it had not made an approach to, or had any discussions with, MySale management in relation to the offer. Frasers Group added that it intends to invest in MySale and use MySale as a vehicle for making other investments in the region. Now, however, the MySale directors have said they “are of the view that a price of 2 pence per MySale Share does not reflect an adequate value or premium for control of MySale and therefore undervalues MySale and its prospects.” A statement continued: “Accordingly, the MySale directors, who have been so advised by Singer Capital Markets as to the financial terms of the offer, do not consider the terms of the offer to be fair and reasonable AND THEREFORE RECOMMEND THAT MYSALE SHAREHOLDERS DO NOT ACCEPT THE OFFER, just as they will not accept the offer in respect of their own shareholdings in MySale.”

Rolls-Royce completes sale of ITP Aero

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Rolls-Royce completes sale of ITP Aero
Rolls-Royce has completed its sale of ITP Aero to a consortium of investors led by Bain Capital Private Equity, at an enterprise value of approximately €1.8 billion. The completion of the transaction, which was announced on 27 September 2021, follows the announcement on 3 August 2022 of approval of the transaction from the Spanish government. Sale proceeds were €1.6 billion. In addition a dividend of €0.1bn was paid shortly prior to completion. The proceeds will be used to reduce debt with the immediate repayment of Rolls-Royce’s £2 billion loan, which is supported by an 80% guarantee from UK Export Finance, helping to rebuild the Rolls-Royce balance sheet in support of its ambition to return to an investment grade credit profile in the medium term. The sale of ITP Aero completes the disposal programme Rolls-Royce announced on 27 August 2020. ITP Aero will remain a key strategic supplier and partner for Rolls-Royce across both Civil Aerospace and Defence programmes.
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