Conygar looks to raise £10m for Nottingham Island Quarter scheme

Tess Egginton
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Conygar looks to raise £10m for Nottingham Island Quarter scheme
Conygar has announced a share placing to fund part of the next phase of the 36-acre Island Quarter site in Nottingham. The company has revealed its intention to conduct a placing of 6.7 million new Ordinary Shares (Placing Shares) at a price of 150 pence per share, raising gross proceeds of £10 million. Potential uses for the proceeds, all of which will assist with progressing The Island Quarter, include funding the completion of the construction for the first phase of the scheme, bringing a new electricity substation to the site, funding the equity component of the student accommodation scheme and potentially progressing the design and planning for an office scheme. The company has said it is in discussions with a number of businesses for office space totalling 250,000 sq ft.

Robert Ware, CEO of Conygar, said: “The Placing we are announcing today is to fund part of the next phase of the exciting 36 acre Island Quarter site in Nottingham. There are a number of potential uses for the proceeds, including bringing a new electricity substation to the site, funding the equity component of the student accommodation scheme and potentially progressing the design and planning for an office scheme.

“Significant progress has already been made on The Island Quarter, with planning permission granted for over two million square feet to include new homes, grade A office space, a creative market, a lifestyle hotel, retail units, student accommodation and associated public realm.”

Since acquiring The Island Quarter in 2016, Conygar has submitted three detailed planning applications for the early phase developments. Two of these have subsequently been granted with the third, which includes two hotels, residential apartments and co-working space, expected to be considered by the planning committee in early 2022.

The detailed applications granted to date have enabled the company to commence the construction of the first phase, which includes a 21,500 sq ft food and beverage-led building, planned for completion by late spring 2022, and to initiate the on-site preliminary groundworks for a 700-bed student accommodation scheme.

Bank of England raises interest rates to 0.25%

Tess Egginton
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Bank of England raises interest rates to 0.25%
The Bank of England has raised interest rates for the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic despite growing concern over Omicron. Threadneedle Street’s monetary policy committee (MPC) voted to raise rates from the historic low of 0.1% to 0.25%, with pressure from surging inflation outweighing the risks to the economy from the new strain. Figures show inflation hit 5.1% in November as energy prices skyrocketed and supply chains saw significant disruption. The MPC has an official inflation target of 2%. The rate rise comes during deterioration in the economic outlook as the new variant hits consumer confidence. Suren Thiru, Head of Economics at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said: “The Bank of England’s decision to raise interest rates was surprising given mounting uncertainty over the economic impact of the Omicron variant. While today’s rate increase may have little effect on most firms, many will view this as the first step in a longer policy movement – not as a partial reversal of last year’s cut. “While policymakers are facing a tricky trade-off between surging inflation and a stalling recovery, with the current inflationary spike mostly driven by global factors, higher interest rates will do little to curb further increases in inflation. Instead, it is vital more than ever that the Government’s Supply Chain Advisory Group and Industry Taskforce start to provide some practical solutions to the supply and labour shortages that are continuing to stoke inflationary pressures. “Without real improvement to the situation supply chains are currently facing rising prices are likely to continue to be an issue even with monetary policy responses.”

Derbyshire creative agency proves it has all the right ideas by doubling in size in time for 2022

Eleonora Gallina
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Derbyshire creative agency proves it has all the right ideas by doubling in size in time for 2022

An award-winning Derbyshire creative agency has proved a strong digital presence is vital for growth in pandemic times, as it prepares to double in size for 2022.

MacMartin, a full-service marketing agency based in Church Broughton, is taking on new office space which will double its square footage, as well as employing two more members of staff who start their roles in the New Year.

The move comes during a successful growth period – despite the pandemic – for the business set up by sisters Claire MacDonald and Anna Hutton back in 2017.

Claire said: “When the pandemic came in 2020 like all businesses we worried for the future, but what we’ve actually found is that our digital services were a lifeline to clients which really needed a strong online presence during those times.

“Clients such as food businesses needed to pivot their offering to be able to offer home delivery or takeaway services, which meant they needed a robust web-based shopfront that we were able to provide for them.

“We’ve also found that many businesses which have managed to survive the pandemic have in fact done more than survive – they have thrived, perhaps by having a greater market share than they previously did.”

Born and bred in Derbyshire, MacMartin founders Claire and Anna are feeling highly optimistic about the year ahead as they take on two new members of staff, Jess Henty and Daria Blok. Jess joins MacMartin from a previous job as an account coordinator for a national sporting body, while Daria is an experienced graphic designer with a background in print.

They join the now 10-strong all female MacMartin team who work in beautiful converted farm building offices at the Bartonfields Centre in the heart of glorious Derbyshire countryside. So strong is the business’s growth that they have recently taken on the lease for the next door office which doubles their total space.

The company’s commitment to its stunning countryside location recently saw it win a regional Amazon-backed Rural Business Award for best small rural business in the Midlands, and it will go on to represent the region at the awards’ national ceremony in February.

Anna said: “It’s an exciting time for us at MacMartin and we hope to do the Midlands proud at the national Rural Business Awards final in 2022.

“Next year we celebrate our fifth birthday and we can’t believe the journey we have come on so far. We’re so proud of our business and of the talent we have nurtured amongst our staff, and we look forward to continuing to flourish in 2022.”

Anglian Water appoints M-EC to landmark pipeline infrastructure programme

Tess Egginton
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Anglian Water appoints M-EC to landmark pipeline infrastructure programme
M-EC has been appointed by Anglian Water to work on one of the largest strategic infrastructure programmes currently taking place in the UK. The firm of technical development consultants, which is headquartered in Leicestershire,  are working with Anglian Water on various sections of its 500km long stretch of new, interconnecting pipelines that run from Elsham in North Lincolnshire, to Ipswich in Suffolk. M-EC’s Geomatics Team has been commissioned to undertake topographical survey work and utility tracing on the sections between Grantham and Peterborough and Elsham to Lincoln, some 140 km of pipeline. M-EC will also carry out survey work on associated infrastructure which includes several reservoirs, pumping stations and river crossings. Anglian Water has invested approximately £400 million into the new infrastructure programme and, once completed, the network will be longer than any UK motorway. The new pipelines will help Anglian move water more freely around the region so it can divert it from areas of water surplus in north Lincolnshire to the south and east of the region, where it isn’t as readily available. The network will also help combat the impact of climate change as James Crompton, Strategic Pipeline Alliance Director at Anglian Water comments: “The programme will make it possible to reduce the amount of water taken from the environment, as well as strengthening local resilience by reducing the number of homes and businesses which rely on a single water source.” Alex Bennett, Director at M-EC, says: “This is an exciting project for M-EC and our Geomatics team, and we are proud to be working alongside Anglian Water and specialist partners to deliver this critical piece of UK infrastructure. Our team is already on the ground and our surveys will help inform other engineers at critical stages in the design and development of this programme.” James Crompton adds: “Each of our partners who have joined our new Strategic Pipeline Alliance, delivering this programme bring not only a wealth of experience but new mindsets, thinking and innovation for what is an incredibly exciting project, but also collectively, one of the largest investments in our water infrastructure we’ve made in recent years.” The entire infrastructure programme is due to be completed by 2025.

Derby healthcare services firm acquires corporate fitness provider

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Derby healthcare services firm acquires corporate fitness provider
Derby-based Totally, the provider of a range of healthcare services, has acquired Energy Fitness Professionals Limited (Energy Fit-Pro or EFP) in an up to £1.3 million deal. EFP is a corporate fitness provider established in 1990 to address a gap in the market for workplace fitness, which has grown to offer a range of services covering workplace wellbeing. Energy Fit-Pro is owned equally by the two founders, Robert Radford and Alan Gallacher, who will continue to work in the business following the acquisition. For the year ended 31 March 2021, unaudited management accounts for EFP recorded revenue of £983,708 and a profit before tax of £444,691 (which includes the impact of both government support and the COVID-19 pandemic). Unaudited management accounts for EFP showed gross assets as at 31 March 2021 of £987,000. Wendy Lawrence, Chief Executive Officer of Totally, said: “We are thrilled to announce a new acquisition for Totally as we continue to deliver on our strategy and expand the Group. “This acquisition creates exciting opportunities to transform the Group further by providing a new digital solution for many of our existing and planned new services. Totally will now be able to offer existing clinical, and physical and wellbeing services as part of a new digital offering to new and existing customers. “Energy Fit-Pro is a very well-regarded business and fits well with our commitment to delivering quality services that ensure people within the UK and Ireland have access to the care and support they need. “By entering the corporate market through Energy Fit-Pro’s strong existing contract base, we can further support our traditional customers, such as the NHS, by providing solutions that keep the population physically and mentally healthy and avoid the need for in-hospital care where possible. “We are excited by the opportunities that this acquisition offers in a growing market, as large employers take greater accountability for the health and wellbeing of their employees. “We continue advanced discussions with a number of other bolt-on businesses to enhance and strengthen our proposition further. I look forward to updating the market in due course as we look to build upon Totally’s position as a leading provider of healthcare delivery across the UK and Ireland and expand further by offering workplace wellbeing solutions.”

Hilton Leicester Hotel sold

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Hilton Leicester Hotel sold
The Hilton Leicester Hotel has been sold to Valary Hotels Limited, following a year of sustained demand for quality regional hotels, with value-add opportunities. The freehold property – sold for an undisclosed sum – is the latest addition to Valary Hotels’ growing portfolio of UK hotels and is the first acquisition in Leicestershire for the group’s Leicester-born owner. The four-star, 179-bed, Hilton Leicester Hotel will benefit from investment across its facilities, which include a bar, two restaurants, eight meeting rooms, as well as a LivingWell Health Club with indoor swimming pool, gym and sauna. Following an extensive planned refurbishment, the hotel will operate under a franchise agreement with Hilton Hotels and Resorts under the DoubleTree brand and will be managed by Countrywide Hotels. Situated three miles from Leicester City Centre, The Hilton Leicester Hotel occupies a strategic location close to the M1 and Fosse Shopping Park – one of Britain’s largest out-of-town retail parks – and the Grove Park Business Centre which is home to more than 350 international firms. The deal was led by senior director Gavin Wright in JLL’s hotels and hospitality team in Birmingham. Gavin Wright, senior director (hotels and hospitality) at JLL, said: “The UK hotel sector has shown incredible resilience this year and remains an attractive asset class for investors. “This is a strategic acquisition for Valary Hotels and an excellent addition to its portfolio – which now comprises three branded hotels across central England, totalling 523 bedrooms – and underlines the appetite we’ve seen throughout 2021 for quality regional hotels that provide opportunities to add value.” Rajiv Nathwani, owner of Valary Hotels, said: “We are delighted to have acquired this hotel; being born in Leicester it is very close to my heart. We plan to significantly invest in the hotel and refurbish the property throughout. The hotel will operate under a franchise agreement with Hilton Hotels & Resorts with their successful DoubleTree brand and be managed by our operating partner Countrywide Hotels.”

Agri-feed manufacturer secures refinance package to support growth and sustainability plans

Tess Egginton
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Agri-feed manufacturer secures refinance package to support growth and sustainability plans
Agri-feed company, GLW Feeds, has sealed a refinancing deal with HSBC UK to support the company’s future growth and to enhance its sustainability credentials. Founded in 1873, Charnwood-based GLW Feeds is one of the largest independent, family-run livestock and speciality feed manufacturers in the UK. The deal with HSBC UK will provide the company with additional working capital and allow the business to expand its facilities and invest in new machinery. The support from HSBC UK will ensure the longevity and sustainable growth of the 150-year-old company. It will enable GLW Feeds to invest in state-of-the-art milling equipment and technology which will allow the company to meet increasing market demand and further its commitment to British Agriculture and the Environment. GLW Feeds have been actively working towards reducing their carbon footprint and maximizing their environmental sustainability through increased capacity coupled with more energy efficient production processes. The company now sources c.70% of major raw materials locally to the mill and has already enrolled in global sustainability schemes with other raw materials. Furthermore, a new CHP plant will allow GLW Feeds to continue to reduce their carbon footprint through energy consumption and increase their overall energy efficiency per tonne of feed produced. Jamie McDonagh, finance director at GLW Feeds, said: “From the initial meeting with relationship director Phillip Carr and the wider team from HSBC UK, the enthusiasm, sector knowledge and support they had for GLW Feeds was clear and we instantly knew they were the banking partner we needed. We now look forward to working closely together as we implement our growth strategy.” Debbie Harper, HSBC UK area director for East Midlands corporate, added: “By working collaboratively with HSBC UK’s head of agrifoods Allan Wilkinson, we are delighted to welcome GLW Feeds as a new client. The banking facilities provided give increased liquidity and flexibility for the business in support of the exciting, and sustainable, future growth plans.” In the past five years, GLW Feeds has completed mill renovations to facilitate growth and meet increasing customer demand, which has seen turnover grow by 30 per cent.

New senior associate for Geldards’ Derby commercial property team

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New senior associate for Geldards’ Derby commercial property team
Law firm Geldards is strengthening its Commercial Property team in Derby with the appointment of senior associate Chloe Buxton. Joining the team from Flint Bishop, where she practised for the past four years, Chloe brings to the team specialist experience in commercial and residential property development and finance. Chloe completed her law degree at the University of Nottingham and qualified as a solicitor in 2016. She honed her specialism in Commercial Property gaining experience with a number of law firms in the East Midlands before joining Geldards. On joining the team Chloe says: “I am thrilled to be joining the Commercial Property team at Geldards. It’s a great opportunity for me to work with such a respected team and I am looking forward to getting to know the clients.” Graham Banks, partner & head of Derby Property team says: “It’s been a really busy year for the team, and we have completed some landmark deals, so it is a great time for Chloe to be joining. We look forward to her skills complementing and enhancing our talented team and are looking forward to what next year brings.”

Top 3 features of a successful entrepreneur

Tess Egginton
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Top 3 features of a successful entrepreneur
If you’re an entrepreneur, you already know how difficult this role can be at times. Not everyone is cut out to succeed in this profession, some people just don’t have what it takes. It’s a harsh truth, but a truth nonetheless. So what are the characteristics and personality traits of an entrepreneur exactly? Let’s find out!

Not Being Afraid of Asking for Help

An entrepreneur is always looking for solutions. To be successful, you can’t give up easily. That’s why, if faced with a task they can’t deal with, a good entrepreneur asks for support. A great option, in this case, is reaching out to a business coach for entrepreneurs like Jake Smolarek. A professional like that will be able to help you get a fresh perspective. Often, advice from someone else is exactly what you need to move on to a new project. That’s why it’s such a great way of dealing with slumps and any type of issues. A coach with experience will know what you need, so the collaboration will surely be beneficial for you.

Knowing That Failure Is a Part of the Process

As an entrepreneur, you’re someone who has their own ideas and is not afraid to make them a  reality. But along the way, there are always some problems and matters that require a certain amount of time to get sorted out. Nothing’s ever only easy. That’s why a successful entrepreneur, that’s on their way to a great career, is well aware of that. More so, an entrepreneur is not afraid of challenges, treats them as just another step on their way. Failure is an integral part of everything, it’s how you deal with it that decides your fate.

Taking Risks and Having Bold Ideas

Successful entrepreneurs can’t be just like everyone else, they have to be willing to implement change. Their ideas can’t be something boring or already well known – they have to be innovative and one of a kind. Being an entrepreneur means being creative and brave, as you have to constantly be coming up with new ideas and overcome hurdles. You can’t be too cautious, taking risks is what’s ultimately going to bring you success, even if it may bring some trouble too. Nothing is certain, when you’re an entrepreneur, a lot of things have to be decided by you. That’s why you have to be confident but also smart and always on your toes. Think outside the box. Only by considering even the most unconventional options will you be able to truly choose the best one.

Final Tips

Entrepreneurs are highly creative and bold people. To become a successful one, you have to have certain features. Not everyone could be satisfied or happy with that job, so it’s only advisable for individuals who are incredibly resilient to try their luck in this profession. As an entrepreneur, it’s all about your ideas and your actions, unlike a typical office job. You have to be prepared for the challenges and, if needed, ask for help. A good entrepreneur knows that this job isn’t easy but can be rewarding if you try hard enough and aren’t afraid of unconventional solutions.

Major improvements to Kettering’s town centre due to start in January

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Major improvements to Kettering’s town centre due to start in January
The Kettering High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) project, a £4 million partnership between North Northamptonshire Council and Historic England, is working to revitalise parts of Kettering town centre to improve the look and feel of the town’s street scene and showcase all it has to offer. Across England, the £95 million government-funded High Streets Heritage Action Zone programme, which is being delivered by Historic England with local partners, will unlock the potential of high streets, fuelling economic, social and cultural recovery and breathe new life into it for future generations. The aim is to transform and restore disused and dilapidated buildings into new homes, shops, workplaces and community spaces, restoring local historic character and improving public realm. Street scene improvements will begin in January in Kettering town centre along the southern end of the High Street, Meadow Road and parts of Lower Street and Gold Street. The works are due to be completed by summer 2022. As part of the works, new street trees will be planted to enhance the existing planting. Replacement pavement and road surfaces, new seating and bins will be designed to improve functionality for users and compliment the town’s rich heritage, encouraging visitors to look up at Kettering’s fine historic buildings. Building owners will also benefit from the HSHAZ scheme with grants available for building repairs, shopfront improvements and building conversions. Cllr David Brackenbury, NNC’s Executive Member for Growth & Regeneration, said: “This exciting programme of works will breathe new life into Kettering’s town centre and unlock its potential. It is hoped that this work will encourage people to visit and stay a while and use the businesses and services available in Kettering.” Cllr Jason Smithers, Leader of the NNC, said: “I am delighted that this phase of the project is starting, and we will all be able to enjoy the improvements by summer next year. This exciting project will see the area revitalised and I cannot wait to see the end result.” Louise Brennan, Historic England’s Midlands Regional Director, said: “Kettering has a great High Street with many fine buildings and huge potential. Historic England is excited to be funding these major improvements to the street scene. Good design, traditional and high quality materials will ensure these works complement the unique character of Kettering’s town centre.”
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