UK’s Energy Strategy a step in the right direction but businesses need support now, says East Midlands Chamber
Commenting on the Government’s Energy Strategy, published yesterday (7 April), East Midlands Chamber director of policy and external affairs Chris Hobson said: “The Government’s Energy Strategy is a welcome step in the right direction that will help meet our net zero targets, while reducing firms’ and households’ exposure to volatile global energy markets in the long term.
“A commitment to including small modular reactors as a key part of the nuclear project pipeline is a boost for the East Midlands given this is one of the key innovations Rolls-Royce is currently working on and, with public backing, could lead to a thriving local supply chain being developed.
“There are clear limitations, however. The first step in any energy security strategy must be to reduce demand, yet this plan fails to bring forward support for energy efficiency measures.
“More emphasis is required to support and incentivise consumers on cutting energy usage, while we must also be mindful of sending out the wrong message to businesses about the direction of travel towards net zero by developing more oil and gas reserves in the North Sea. The climate challenge is real and we need the private sector fully on board to create the innovations that will overcome it.
“We would also have hoped for more action in the short and medium terms. Although the transition to the cheaper, cleaner energy sources of tomorrow is vital, prices are soaring today and businesses need support now.
“A combination of global and local issues, headlined by the war in Ukraine, has led to significant rising costs for overheads such as energy, as well as raw materials and people. As a result, 80% of East Midlands businesses expect they will be forced to increase prices over the next three months, according to our Quarterly Economic Survey for Q1 2022.
“This strategy is a missed opportunity to provide this, which is why we are urging Government to introduce a temporary SME price cap, expansion of the energy bills rebate scheme to include SMEs, and a six-month extension to the Recovery Loan Scheme.”
East Midlands furniture manufacturer fits out new £14m primary school in Scotland
Mansfield-based Deanestor, one of the UK’s leading fitout specialists, has provided bespoke furniture and fitout services for a new £14m primary school in West Lothian.
The new Calderwood Primary was built by Morrison Construction Building Central and delivered by hub South East for West Lothian Council. It provides non-denominational primary education for up to 462 pupils and 128 nursery places – and was handed over ahead of the revised programme despite the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Deanestor manufactured and installed around 1,250 items of bespoke fitted furniture for this project, including learning walls, storage cabinets, adjustable shelving units, tilting craft tables, shoebox storage, and worktops.
Around 3,000 items of loose seating, furniture and equipment were also procured and fitted by Deanestor for this project – from sports equipment and dining benches to lockers, white goods, pinboards, soft seating, banquettes, and bespoke wooden huts to provide seating and storage in different areas around the school.
Greig Jamieson, Commercial Director at Hub South East Scotland, said, “Deanestor contributed greatly to the fantastic project that is Calderwood Primary School which was handed over early to West Lothian Council. This was a particularly impressive feat given the challenging market conditions.”
“Feedback has been incredibly positive, and it is encouraging to see how excited pupils and staff are to begin their learning journey in their new school. We look forward to building on this success with Deanestor on further projects including the new Winchburgh Schools.”
Leader of West Lothian Council, Lawrence Fitzpatrick said, “The stunning new Calderwood Primary is a flagship addition to our school estate, which is already one of the best in the country. It has been designed and built with the learning experience at its heart and will help to create a focus for the new Calderwood community. There have been many challenges to deliver such a fine school against the backdrop of a global pandemic, so huge thanks to the project team and all the other contractors for their efforts to complete it on budget and ahead of the revised schedule.”
The fitout contract at Calderwood Primary follows Deanestor’s successful delivery of a £1m project for Morrison Construction for the manufacture and installation of fixed furniture for Barony Campus in East Ayrshire – a £68m, 2,500-pupil school. Deanestor has since been awarded the £1.8m furniture and fitout contract for a new £60m multi-school campus in West Lothian – its 12th contract for Morrison.
Deanestor manufactures and installs bespoke, robust, and flexible loose and fixed furniture solutions for early years, primary, SEN, and secondary education, fitting out areas such as classrooms, science laboratories, ICT, design and technology, atria, social dining spaces, break-out areas, sports facilities and changing rooms. Its experienced designers and project managers work with architects, contractors and directly with schools and local authorities, advising on specification of furniture and equipment to help deliver inspirational learning environments.
New support scheme available for Leicester businesses affected by the pandemic
Businesses across Leicester that were not previously eligible for COVID-19 business rates relief may now be eligible for new support if they were adversely affected by the pandemic.
Leicester City Council has received £8.7m from the Government to administer the COVID-19 Additional Relief Fund. This funding will be used to support a percentage reduction on 2021/22 business rate bills, with higher reductions for the worst affected businesses.
Businesses that are eligible are those that:
- have not had their 2021/22 rates bills reduced due to the Extended Retail Discount (covering retail, hospitality and leisure sectors) or the Nursery Discount;
- are the direct ratepayer and have occupied the property for business rates purposes, and having an amount to pay during the 2021/22 financial year; and
- have been adversely affected by the pandemic and have been unable to adequately adapt to the impact.
Shoosmiths names new Nottingham head of office
Law firm Shoosmiths has revealed the new head of its Nottingham office.
Michael Briggs, a partner and employment law specialist, takes on the role from Deborah Gordon-Brown who has held the post since 2015.
Michael, who joined Shoosmiths as an associate in 2013, will lead 77 staff at the firm’s Waterfront House office on Station Street and is set to oversee plans to continue growing its presence in the city and wider region.
Shoosmiths has operated in Nottingham since 1984 and has expanded into a full-service office covering real estate, corporate, business and personal advisory. It supports major brands including Travelodge, The Open University and Mountain Warehouse.
Michael’s strategic priorities include refurbishing and re-fitting the office, with the project due to take place this summer, alongside accelerating recruitment – adding to the three new staff that have already joined the firm in Nottingham in recent months.
As well as his role as partner, Michael chairs Shoosmiths’ LGBT+ Staff Network, PROUD.
Michael Briggs, partner and head of Shoosmiths’ Nottingham office, said: “2022 is a year of opportunity for Shoosmiths in Nottingham. There’s a lot to be excited about, including the office refurbishment – transforming it into a landmark social and business destination for our colleagues and clients.
“Our success in Nottingham is testament to the work of the entire team under Deborah’s leadership. I’m committed to continuing this legacy as the new head of office. As well as expanding our team and client base, my focus will be on cultivating the existing talent in the office, which I believe is home to the next generation of Shoosmiths’ leaders.”
Deborah is set to support Michael closely in his role as head of office, while also helping to oversee the delivery of the Nottingham office refurbishment project. Deborah will also continue her role on the board of the Shoosmiths Foundation and the regional boards of Business in the Community and Confederation of British Industry.
Deborah Gordon-Brown, Shoosmiths partner and outgoing office head, said: “Shoosmiths’ Nottingham office is a real legal powerhouse. The team are representing and advising some of the biggest companies and brands in the UK across multiple industries.
“We’ve achieved significant growth and I’m confident that under Michael’s stewardship the office will continue to thrive. I’m looking forward to supporting the team as we look to deliver on the ambitious plans put in place for the firm over the next few years.”
Land acquired for 280-home development in Radcliffe-on-Trent
Housebuilder Spitfire Homes is set to provide 280 new homes in Radcliffe-on-Trent, after acquiring a site with outline planning consent.
Proposals for the new development are set to see the delivery of a range of one-to-five-bedroom homes. The proposals feature 30% affordable housing and Spitfire will deliver ecological enhancements to the area, with CIL payments and community levies paid to the local council to support the community infrastructure.
This will be Spitfire’s debut development in the Nottinghamshire area, and a reserved matters planning application is due to be submitted in the coming months.
Ben Leather, Managing Director at Spitfire Homes, said: “We are excited to be bringing this new collection of homes to Radcliffe-on-Trent, with the acquisition of this site marking Spitfire Homes’ first move into Nottinghamshire following recent acquisitions in Northamptonshire, Warwickshire and Worcestershire.
“Radcliffe on Trent is a desirable village with significant buyer demand. Spitfire’s stylish range of homes will offer considered layouts designed for modern living and will fit well into this charming and attractive village setting. We look forward to working with the relevant stakeholders through the planning process in order to bring these homes to fruition.”
Landmark building on Pride Park sold to investors in multi million pound deal
2NB Property Investments Limited, a Derby-based investment company, has acquired Prospect House, situated on Pride Park, Derby.
Prospect House was one of the first HQ office buildings built on Pride Park. The property occupies a highly visible position directly opposite Pride Park Stadium and the accommodation spans over three floors offering modern open plan space.
The property was sold on behalf of private clients by joint agents FHP Property Consultants and Andrew Butcher & Associates.
Darran Severn of FHP Property Consultants said: “I am pleased this sale has completed and I wish the new owners every future success with their investment which I understand will be occupied later this year after a comprehensive refurbishment. There is a continued demand for office premises across Derby with a significant focus on Pride Park at present.
“Occupiers are seeking to increase the quality of their working environments and to create more of a collaborative lifestyle choice to boost collaboration, mental health and wellbeing, team building and to support the upskilling of junior members of the workforce. With a general lack of stock in market particularly on Pride Park we are starting to see capital values rise.”
David Nelson from 2NB Property Investments Limited said: “We’re delighted to complete the purchase of Prospect House and wish to thank all the professionals that assisted with the transaction. We look forward to turning the building into high specification grade A office accommodation that will be occupied later this year.”
Andrew Butcher of Andrew Butcher & Associates said: “I am delighted to have concluded the sale of this property on behalf of our private clients, following a relatively short marketing period. The demand for freehold properties and the short supply saw competition for this property and it is good to see that after a refurbishment, this will be home to a growing professional occupier, further extending the occupational life of the building.”
35 jobs saved at Nottingham sportswear manufacturer
A division of a Nottingham-based sportswear manufacturer has been sold after the company entered administration, saving 35 jobs.
Philip Stephenson and Jon Roden, both of Grant Thornton UK LLP, were appointed joint administrators to Dreamsport Limited on 30 March 2022.
The company experienced a decline in trading following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and its directors elected to place the business into an insolvency process.
A spokesperson for the joint administrators at Grant Thornton UK LLP said: “Following their appointment, the administrators secured the sale of the company’s Teamwear division to an unconnected third party (Dreamsport 2022 Limited, part of the The Stevenson Group), which secured the employment of 35 people.
“However, there was no interest in acquiring the remainder of the business and unfortunately this has resulted in the redundancy of the remaining five employees.
“The administrators are continuing to carry out their statutory obligations in respect of realising remaining value from the company and ensuring an orderly wind-down. Further information will be made available in due course.”
Weetabix takes a bite out of high-protein market with Lacka Foods acquisition
Weetabix Food Company, the Northamptonshire-based breakfast brand, has acquired Lacka Foods Ltd, owners and manufacturers of ŰFIT, the ready-to-drink high-protein shake brand.
The all-cash deal, backed by Post Holdings, unites two of the UK’s market leading food and drink businesses and unlocks growth opportunities for Lacka Foods both in the UK and in international markets.
The two firms will operate separately, with the Lacka Foods management team continuing to run the business and drive growth in the fast growing high-protein RTD market.
Austin Bailey, founder and Managing Director of Lacka Foods, said: “Securing investment from a like-minded British business and family favourite such as Weetabix is a transformational step in the Lacka Foods story, and will help accelerate our pace of growth in a rapidly expanding category both here in the UK and internationally.”
Industrial market remains strong as unit let at Amber Business Centre
FHP Property Consultants have completed on the letting of Block 17.1 Amber Business Centre in Riddings, Alfreton to CST Engineering Ltd.
The property is an end terraced light industrial unit comprising 747ft2 of clear span space with some welfare facilities.
The premises is situated within a established industrial estate providing close proximity to nearby towns including Ripley, South Normanton, Belper and Kirkby in Ashfield, with main road links to the A38 and Junction 26 – 28 of the M1 motorway.
Dan Mooney of FHP Property Consultants said: “This was a smooth process having taken just 3 weeks from agreeing heads of terms to completion, so a great result for all involved.
“We received a solid level of enquiries for this unit especially from new businesses looking to get their foot in the door, so it is a pleasure to have agreed a deal with CST Engineering. We wish them all the best moving forward.”
Nottingham outdoor retailer set to scale-up with seven-figure funding package
Outdoor retailer Alpkit has received a £2.7 million funding package from HSBC UK, backed by UK Export Finance (UKEF), to support its international growth.
Alpkit will use the funding to purchase more stock to meet an increase in demand as well as for the development of a new footwear range set to launch this summer. Since the pandemic, demand in the sector has been increasing, with Alpkit seeing particular growth in its sales across cycling, outdoor swimming and technical outdoor clothing.
The company, which has eight sites in key locations across the UK, is also seeing demand increasing from international markets across Europe and the US. Alpkit plans to continue to grow its physical presence with the opening of new UK stores, as well as expanding its product ranges and digital trading capability worldwide.
The funding package from HSBC UK includes a £2 million General Export Facility (GEF) backed by UKEF, the government’s export credit agency. The scheme, which launched last December, has already provided over £275 million for businesses across the UK, and can be used by firms to help cover everyday costs linked to exporting and to scale up their business operations.
David Hanney, Chief Executive at Alpkit, said: “This deal will help accelerate our growth as we look to capitalise on a significant increase in demand domestically and internationally. It also means we can invest in innovation to create lower impact, long-lasting technical outdoor gear that is both repairable and recyclable.
“HSBC UK has stood side by side with us, providing support through the good and the challenging times. Our relationship manager at the bank, Anthony Greenfield, has been a constant source of support and reassurance which has been immensely valuable.”
Paul Armstrong, HSBC UK area director for East Midlands, added: “With the outdoor retail sector continuing to see substantial growth, Alpkit has moved swiftly to increase its offering across not only the UK but also international markets. We are delighted to work with UKEF to provide continued support as the business grows from strength to strength.”
Andy Mannix, UKEF export finance manager, added: “The accessibility, flexibility, and certainty of our GEF is a game-changer for companies like Alpkit. We have recently more than doubled the amount that HSBC can automatically administer to an exporter through its facilities to £5 million, and I am delighted our close partnership has helped make this deal happen.”
Alpkit donates one per cent of all turnover to the Alpkit Foundation, a charitable organisation set up by the Alpkit founders to support grass-roots and direct action projects to remove the barriers in getting outdoors and experiencing wild places. The charity has supported over 1,500 projects and donated over £450k to date.
