Land secured to deliver new Daventry neighbourhood with more than 1,000 homes

Tess Egginton
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Land secured to deliver new Daventry neighbourhood with more than 1,000 homes
A major new neighbourhood of up to 1,100 homes, a primary school and community & retail space is coming to Daventry, after the site was acquired by Spitfire Homes in partnership with Crest Nicholson. Located on the western edge of Daventry, the 50-hectare development already has outline planning permission for up to 1,100 new homes, a quarter of which will be affordable. The scheme will also incorporate more than 20 hectares of public open space, a new primary school, nursery and community centre, alongside food and retail units. Spitfire Homes will partner with Crest Nicholson to deliver these new homes and bring the vision of this new community to life once detailed planning permission has been secured.
Ben Leather, Managing Director at Spitfire Homes, said: “This is a significant acquisition for Spitfire Homes, one that further supports our vision for expansion into new markets across the Midlands. “Daventry is a growing market with high demand for new homes as strong transport links and employment opportunities make the area particularly attractive to new home buyers. Our vision for this scheme is to create a new address of choice within Daventry – a varied and vibrant community that people will be proud to call home. “Partnering with Crest Nicholson will enable us to realise this vision and we look forward to working together to develop this exciting new community.” Mike Little, Director in Charge at Crest Nicholson, Midlands, said: “This latest acquisition builds upon our already strong portfolio of homes in Daventry and our continued growth within the Midlands division. “We are proud to be working alongside Spitfire Homes to deliver this brand-new community, which will provide high quality homes and a host of local amenities on the doorstep. The new partnership reinforces our commitment to create future-proof, sustainable communities that will benefit residents and the local area for decades to come.”

Notts PR firm boosts digital credentials

Eleonora Gallina
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Notts PR firm boosts digital credentials
Former journalist Simon Ford has joined Nottinghamshire public relations agency Arch Communications – becoming the third ex-BBC man at the award-winning company. Simon’s arrival signals a further strengthening of the Arch team – raising its combined experienced across journalism and PR to more than 120 years. Based in the Rushcliffe village of East Leake, the company was set up in 2011 by Matt Youdale, himself a former BBC correspondent. Matt said: “Simon has a fantastic track record in journalism, digital technology and training. We’re excited about seeing those skills benefit both our clients and Arch Communications.” Simon Ford is a specialist in creating text, video and audio for the web and social media. After working for BBC local radio news in Leeds, Nottingham and Leicester, he helped to train a new generation of digital journalists at the BBC College of Journalism and BBC Academy. His expertise in bitesize learning then led to roles at BP, NHS England, and National Geographic. Simon also lectures part-time in digital media and journalism and writes and presents a series of true-crime podcasts. Simon said: “Words and pictures are my passion. I’ve been fascinated by wordcraft and storytelling for as long as I can remember. “Arch Communications has a powerful reputation for quality, creativity and integrity. I know I’m joining a great team and I look forward to playing my part in the company’s continuing success.” Simon and Matt both worked for the BBC in Nottingham alongside Marcus Alton, who joined Arch as Head of PR last year. Arch, which works across the public, private and charitable sectors, has won a number of top awards – most recently for delivering the best education PR campaign in the Midlands over the past two years. The business operates on social enterprise principles, investing profit for community benefit. In a decade of trading, the agency has contributed more than £150,000 to local good causes through donations and pro bono work. Services include publicity, copywriting, communications strategy, social media activity, crisis handling, media training and marketing support.

Mather Jamie strengthens commercial property and rural estates team

Tess Egginton
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Mather Jamie strengthens commercial property and rural estates team
Loughborough-based specialist land development and property consultancy Mather Jamie has strengthened its commercial property and rural estates team following the appointment of Amber Forster as a rural estates assistant and Oriel Sufrini as a commercial management surveyor. Amber, who lives in Shepshed, Leicestershire has a BA(Hons) History from Manchester Metropolitan University and previously worked as an office/accommodation manager in student accommodation in Loughborough. Prior to this she was a pensions administrator.  In her new role she will be helping with the day-to-day management of residential and agricultural properties across a number of rural estates in the East Midlands. Oriel Sufrini, who lives in Ruddington, Nottingham previously worked as a facilities and health and safety manager for a global aerospace company. She holds a LLB (Hons) law degree from Nottingham Trent University and Diploma in Occupational Safety, Health (DipOSH). In her new role, Oriel will assist with the day-to-day management of Mather Jamie’s commercial management portfolio. She said: “The commercial management role at MJ really appealed to me as I really enjoy facilities management and liaising with clients, tenants and contractors.” Commenting on her new role, Amber said: “Working in the rural estates team looked really interesting as I grew up locally so I am familiar with the area and some of the estates already. I really enjoy face to face interactions with customers and I am looking forward to building relationships with landlords and tenants. I also enjoy constantly learning new things and the role offers lots of variety.”

MHA MacIntyre Hudson becomes new patron of East Midlands Chamber

Eleonora Gallina
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MHA MacIntyre Hudson becomes new patron of East Midlands Chamber
MHA MacIntyre Hudson has strengthened its relationship with East Midlands Chamber by becoming a new patron. As well as its patronage, MHA MacIntyre Hudson becomes the latest partner of Generation Next, the Chamber’s network for young professionals and future business leaders in the East Midlands. Neil Berry¸ Tax Partner at MHA MacIntyre Hudson’s Leicester office said: “East Midlands Chamber works actively in our region to support the wide range of growing businesses and entrepreneurs, representing members and the wider business community on local, regional, national and international issues. “MHA MacIntyre Hudson echoes this throughout its own organisation. We recognise the value this brings in truly connecting with our clients and influencing their business growth. “We became a patron of the Chamber to increase the contribution we are able to make to other Chamber members and the East Midlands business community by providing greater access to our business services.” MHA MacIntyre Hudson prides itself in working in partnership with clients ranging from solo entrepreneurs to multinational corporations. The pandemic has created new opportunities for it to work with clients virtually, which the firm says has enabled it to devote care and attention to their needs while saving time and resources. Neil added: “Our primary concern is our clients’ satisfaction. To achieve this, our culture is one of listening and responding to their needs, and seeking to exceed expectations. Looking after their interests involves combining our knowledge of your business with our professional skills and abilities.” MHA MacIntyre Hudson has also supported its employees over the past couple of years while working from home by deploying a team of mental health first aiders, who aim to spot the signs of mental ill-health. Staff are offered free counselling and virtual GP services via an app. All new employees to the firm can take part in a unique tree-planting programme that acts as a symbol of growth for their wellbeing and development. East Midlands Chamber Chief Executive Scott Knowles said: “Bringing on board a firm with the heritage and stature of MHA MacIntyre Hudson as a patron is a fantastic coup for the Chamber. We believe members of both the Chamber and our Generation Next network, which continues to go from strength to strength, will greatly benefit from the accountancy and business advisory expertise it has to offer.”

2022 Business Predictions: Ann Bhatti, head of Connect Derby

Tess Egginton
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2022 Business Predictions: Ann Bhatti, head of Connect Derby
It’s that time of year, when Business Link Magazine invites the region’s business leaders to offer up their predictions for the year ahead.  It has become something of a tradition, given that we’ve been doing this now for over 30 years. Here we speak to Ann Bhatti, head of the Connect Derby managed workspace scheme. 2021 was another challenging year for businesses, with the pandemic still having a significant impact on employers and employees. After the two lockdowns earlier in the year, many businesses returned to their workplaces in some form, which brought back a sense of normality. I believe the managed workspace sector will continue to thrive and expect many businesses to maintain a hybrid working model throughout 2022. Hybrid working offers people more balance and control over the quality of their personal and professional life, which I hope will result in a happier and potentially more productive staff. We are about to launch a new hybrid office offer at Connect Derby workspaces, which will enable business to have an office base for up to three days a week. Although hybrid working is definitely here to stay, I believe the need for traditional offices will always exist and we have seen a continued demand for these spaces during the pandemic. For the period from April – December 2021 Connect Derby let 24 offices to new businesses and a further 12 offices are under negotiation. Six existing tenants have relocated to larger offices. The pandemic has been a catalyst for new innovations, forcing businesses to think and work smarter and develop new products and services to meet the changing needs of their customers. Businesses are starting to realise the reason they had offices in the first place was to have their team all physically in one place to bounce ideas off each other, meet other likeminded businesses, improve communication and productivity. It is only a matter of time before they start to miss this and venture back out. In the coming year, businesses will need to increase their efforts to monitor the health and welling of staff, especially those who have worked remotely for a significant period.

2022 Business Predictions: Chris Lowe, Managing Director at Kimberley – The Caravan and Motorhome People

Tess Egginton
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2022 Business Predictions: Chris Lowe, Managing Director at Kimberley – The Caravan and Motorhome People
It’s that time of year, when Business Link Magazine invites the region’s business leaders to offer up their predictions for the year ahead.  It has become something of a tradition, given that we’ve been doing this now for over 30 years. Here we speak to Chris Lowe, Managing Director at Kimberley – The Caravan and Motorhome People. During the past 12 months the pandemic has definitely brought to light the holiday opportunities and escapism offered by caravans and motorhomes. The alternatives to foreign travel has amplified the necessity for the holiday industry to offer up extra camping and caravanning opportunities in and around the UK, with pop-up campsites in particular becoming a go to for young families needing an affordable getaway. With the ability to explore the outdoors and get back to leisure activities, bookings for outdoor holidays have increased by as much as 273 per cent compared to two years ago. The new market size for leisure vehicles has grown significantly since the UK lockdown ended. The current prediction is around 16,000 new units produced, up from 14,000 18 months ago, which is a 15 per cent increase. However, without the current supply chain issues and manufacturer production capabilities, it is expected that this figure would have been even higher. With a new variant of the coronavirus at the fore, many consumers will be considering what this means for spring-time pursuits, whether they are retirees looking to travel, or parents hoping to entertain the kids during half-term and Easter. Therefore, my first prediction is that the ability ‘self-contained’ caravanning units bring will continue to be ever pertinent in 2022 for both the older generation (who have been especially cautious due to the increased risk that the virus poses to them) and for families hesitant that they no longer wish to travel overseas and potentially lose money if more restrictions could be enforced early on in the year. Likewise, a motorhome symbolises retirement with the freedom to go wherever you like, whenever you like. The coronavirus has pushed forward many people’s desire to retire, and we expect an increase in the desire for one vehicle such as a motorhome or campervan rather than a car and caravan combination because they are easier to drive and quicker to move from a pitch. With a planned retirement pot of 25 per cent allowed to be taken tax-free once you’re 55 years old and current interest rates being so low, this has provided a good sum for people to consider investing into a vehicle that will provide years freedom to explore areas of the UK and Europe that may previously have been out of reach. Social media is amplifying the freedom and cost savings that DIY van conversions are bringing, while younger generations and couples have been attracted to compact vehicles that bring a community feel. A smaller vehicle also means these are most financially viable as they can be used as commuters for the everyday trips we make. You only need to look at Instagram to see the small camping communities forming. There are over 286,000 posts tagged with #camperconversion alone, and I predict this will continue to rise in 2022. Finally, there is no question that relaxation through hobbies and vacation will better support our mental health. Google’s ‘A Year in Trends’ recently reported that ‘how to maintain mental health’ was searched more globally than ever before and often a van conversion or any compact motorhome can facilitate the ability to getaway for our own mental wellbeing. With this in mind, it is predicted that more buyers will choose these types of vacations moving during 2022 as it will benefit their agenda to explore new surroundings and presents the opportunity to experience new lifestyles, such as rambling, golf, fishing and cycling much more easily.

Student accommodation manager acquires Nottingham development site

Tess Egginton
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Student accommodation manager acquires Nottingham development site
Unite Students, the owner, manager and developer of student accommodation, has acquired a consented 270-bed development site in Nottingham city centre. Total development costs for the scheme, which will open for the 2024/25 academic year, are estimated to be £34 million. Unite already owns and manages c.1,900 student accommodation beds in Nottingham with a further 970 beds to be added in the city across the new city centre site and the company’s 700-bed consented development at Derby Road, due for delivery in 2023. The development will increase Unite’s presence in Nottingham city centre, adding to Curzon House, which was acquired as part of the Liberty Living portfolio in 2019. The newly acquired site is on Lower Parliament Street in the heart of the city centre, close to Nottingham Trent University’s campus as well as the University of Nottingham’s planned city centre campus development for final-year and postgraduate students. Nick Hayes, group property director of Unite Students, said: “Through this opportunity we are able to cater for the increased number of students wanting to attend the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University, both located in a growing regional city. “This commitment increases our secured pipeline to over £800 million, its highest ever level, and we continue to see opportunities to add further schemes in London and prime regional markets at attractive returns.”

Record number of listed companies cite supply chain and rising costs in profit warnings in 2021

Tess Egginton
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Record number of listed companies cite supply chain and rising costs in profit warnings in 2021
The number of profit warnings issued by East Midlands-based listed companies decreased by 45% in 2021 compared to 2020, although supply chain disruptions and rising costs are set to continue to challenge businesses in the region, according to EY-Parthenon’s latest Profit Warnings report. In total, East Midlands listed businesses issued 17 profit warnings in 2021, compared to 31 in 2020, with a 40% decrease in warnings issued in Q4 2021, compared to Q3. Nationally, however, profit warnings issued by UK listed companies increased by 19% year-on-year in Q4 2021. In the final quarter of 2021, UK listed companies issued 70 warnings, up 19 from the 51 issued in Q3, with a record 44% blaming supply chain disruption (compared to just 2% between 2009 and 2019), and a further 27% citing rising cost pressures. In total, 203 profit warnings were issued in 2021, down from the record-breaking 583 warnings witnessed in 2020 and the second lowest by number since EY began tracking warnings in 1999. The low total is due to the strong post-lockdown rebound and exceptionally low levels of profit warnings in the first half of the year, which gave way to extensive supply chain disruption and rising costs in the second. Dan Hurd, EY Parthenon UK&I Turnaround and Restructuring in the Midlands, said: “Sporadic growth made it a difficult year for many companies to navigate, despite healthy headline figures. By the second half of the year, an increasing number of companies nationwide were issuing profit warnings as forecasting and earnings challenges evolved and multiplied. “After a challenging time in 2020, listed businesses located in the East Midlands saw a reduction in the number of profit warnings issued. The retail, construction and materials, and industrial support services sectors continued to be among the most severely affected by the global pandemic and Brexit uncertainty. “Regional business faced new challenges, including supply chain disruptions and changes to labour market conditions. These affected business resilience and investor decision-making throughout the year, albeit at a lesser rate than 2020’s challenges. “In the next 12 months, businesses may choose to continue to delay and alter their investment decisions and preserve cash. They could also look again at internal structures and further business transformation projects.” EY-Parthenon’s report found that one-in-five listed consumer-facing companies issued a warning over the last year. The most affected sectors were FTSE Aerospace & Defense with 57% of companies issuing a warning in 2021, followed by FTSE Personal Care, Drug & Grocery Stores (39%) and FTSE Retailers (34%), all of which were all affected by supply chain headwinds in the second half of the year. However, not all profit warnings were due to supply chain issues. The FTSE Software & Computer Services sector issued 11 warnings in H2, the joint highest for any sector along with FTSE Retailers. Dan Hurd continued: “Nationally, the biggest driver of warnings in 2022 is likely to be the rise in inflationary pressures and its impact on disposable incomes and margins. We have already recorded profit warnings relating to rising energy prices. Labour shortages and wage increases are also beginning to feature more in company concerns, especially in logistics, hospitality and healthcare – including care homes.” He added: “We expect to see more restructuring activity in 2022 as the last government support measures fall away and businesses feel the full force of, not only economic and structural pressures, but the increasing focus on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) metrics, as funders increase their focus on supporting ‘sustainable’ businesses. The ability to demonstrate purpose and long-term value has never been so vital.” Retail sales rebound but challenges ahead The reopening of the economy post-lockdown led to a rebound in sales for FTSE Retailers but also created significant cost and supply chain issues in the run up to Christmas. In what is traditionally known as the ‘golden quarter’, all seven FTSE Retailers’ warnings cited these pressures. In total, 34% of FTSE Retailers issued a warning in 2021 (21 warnings in total) with over 70% of sector warnings in H2 2021 coming from online retailers. Despite this, most retailers still experienced a successful Christmas trading period – data from the British Retail Consortium shows that non-food sales in December 2021 were 2.2% higher than 2019. However, the predicted consumer income squeeze in 2022, the rebalancing of spending from goods back to services, and the constant need to adapt to changing consumer behaviour will pose new challenges. Silvia Rindone, EY UK&I Retail Lead, said: “Whilst supply chain issues are likely to continue this year, the biggest unknown for the retail sector in 2022 is how much consumers will spend and what they’ll spend it on. EY’s latest Future Consumer Index, which has been tracking consumer behaviour since the start of the pandemic, revealed the increasing desire of consumers to find a balance between sustainability and affordability. Consumers now rank planet and cost equally in terms of priority. These factors combined will make 2022 a tough year to navigate. To be successful, retailers will need clear strategic direction paired with strong operational and financial agility.” Silvia added: “We have yet to see any major wave of retail restructurings, but there are certainly retailers that would have failed in the last two years without government assistance – even in the absence of COVID-19. The end of the rent moratorium in March removes the final layer of government support and it will be interesting to see how the arbitration process plays out – and how other stakeholders react to any increase in sector distress.” Elsewhere, travel and hospitality sectors faced another challenging year, starting with a lockdown and ending with the Covid-19 Omicron variant. The hospitality sector also faced continued staffing problems, compounded by Brexit’s impact on the labour market. However, despite these challenges, just 16% of FTSE Travel & Leisure companies issued a warning in 2021 reflecting the positive impact of government support, as well as the sector’s management of its operations and investor expectations. Looking ahead, pent-up demand for summer holidays together with record levels of personal savings make for a positive outlook for the sector. However, pressure on consumer incomes, the slower return of international business travel and the impact of cost rises could hinder the sector’s recovery in 2022.

North Notts site back in the running to host ‘world’s first’ fusion power station

Tess Egginton
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North Notts site back in the running to host ‘world’s first’ fusion power station
An existing coal-fired power station has been brought off a reserve list to make it into the final five sites in the running to host what is hoped to be the world’s first commercial fusion power station. The ambitious project – Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production – known as STEP, is being led by the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA). Reacting to today’s government decision that West Burton A, near Retford will now replace Ratcliffe-on-Soar power station on UKAEA’s shortlist of potential sites to host STEP, Nottinghamshire County Council leader Ben Bradley MP said: “While we would have loved to have two local sites on the shortlist, the future of the Ratcliffe-on-Soar site as a whole is still looking very bright. “It is earmarked as one of the three main sites for attracting investment and growth under ambitious plans led by the East Midlands Development Company. The vision is for it to become a hub for technology, advanced manufacturing and energy. “So all-in-all this is still a positive result for Nottinghamshire having West Burton A now included in the final five. “We have a proud heritage of producing energy – especially in the north of the county – which helped power the industrial revolution, but looking to the future, we want to be at the heart of the UK green energy revolution. “As global energy demand continues to grow, this technology is expected to play a crucial role in helping to achieve net zero emissions – in a safe and sustainable way.” Councillor Keith Girling, chairman of the county council’s Economic Development and Asset Management Committee, added: “Achieving STEP would be a massive achievement and bring more growth and investment, particularly to the north of the county. “It would create thousands of new skilled jobs and lucrative opportunities for local suppliers.” Nottinghamshire County Council coordinated this nomination process for the county working with several partners, including the landowners of these sites as well as Rushcliffe Borough Council and Bassetlaw District Council.

Henry Brothers hands over new police and fire service headquarters

Tess Egginton
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Henry Brothers hands over new police and fire service headquarters
Contractor Henry Brothers has delivered a new joint headquarters for Nottinghamshire Police and Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service. The three-storey building at Sherwood Lodge in Arnold, Nottingham, contains shared office space, conference rooms, a new multi-agency strategic and tactical control room, a new police control room, new training classrooms, a sports hall, gymnasium and canteen. Other key features include the completion of a new circular access road, the installation of an outdoor exercise trail for staff and a joint memorial garden dedicated to the memory of staff from both organisations who have died in service. The building was constructed on time and on budget by lead contractor Henry Brothers Limited – despite all the work taking place during the pandemic. Senior officers from both services welcomed a small number of guests to the site to mark the key handover of the new build and the formal adoption of the wider site. Managing Director of contractor Henry Brothers Midlands, Ian Taylor, said: “We are very pleased to have handed over this new joint headquarters building for Nottinghamshire Police and Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service. “The Henry Brothers’ team was incredibly proud to have been selected to build this facility for our emergency services – supporting many local jobs on the site and in the wider local supply chain. We are delighted to have completed a project which will play such an important role in supporting the Nottinghamshire community in the future.” Guests were given a tour of the new complex and treated to refreshments from Pulp Friction, a Nottinghamshire-based social enterprise which will run the site’s new purpose-built café. Chief Constable Craig Guildford, speaking from the newly completed parade square at the front of the new building, said: “This is a really significant day in the history of both organisations, and I am delighted with what has been achieved. “This collaborative project represents a long-term commitment to partnership and joint working between two organisations with proud histories of public service. This is very good news for the public purse, all of our staff and the communities we serve across Nottinghamshire.” Headquarters staff from Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service will be moving over to the new site gradually until summer 2022. Chief Fire Officer John Buckley said: “I am thrilled to see the completion of our joint headquarters, after many months of hard work from both organisations. “We already work closely with Nottinghamshire Police in a number of ways, so this is a fantastic opportunity to share knowledge and resources, and to become more efficient as Services in creating safer communities.” Toby Neal, Vice Chair of Nottinghamshire and City of Nottingham Fire and Rescue Authority, said: “It’s an impressive building with impressive working space, that is going to bring closer working between Nottinghamshire Police and Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service. “The benefits will be closer working, but also better use of finances and resources. The organisations work closely to protect the public, and that’s the most important thing. Anything that improves their working together is good.” Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Caroline Henry said: “Our HQ is the newest tool in our arsenal as we combat crime across the county and will enable us to deliver 21st Century policing in Nottinghamshire. The unveiling of our new headquarters is also a testament to our partnership working with the fire service, enabling us to better serve the public and save money.” Nottingham-based Henry Brothers Midlands began work on site during summer 2020. Other members of the construction team on the joint headquarters project for the emergency services included Gleeds for project management, cost consultancy and M&E services, YMD Boon as architect, and civil and structural engineering firm HWA. Henry Brothers Midlands, based at Priory Court, Derby Road, Beeston, is part of The Henry Group, which comprises a number of manufacturing and construction sector companies, ranging from external construction through to interiors fit-out.
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