Founded in 1934, international paper-based packaging specialists Smurfit Kappa is set to create up to 20 new jobs with their expansion to another unit on the site where they have been based for 6 years.
The eco-friendly company sources almost all their raw materials from their own paper mills and their products are 100% renewable and produced sustainably helping customers reduce their environmental footprint.
The firm’s new base will be used for warehouse and distribution across the UK.
Mark Hawkins, general manager at Smurfit Kappa, said: “We moved into a new state of the art purpose-built site back in 2015 as one of the first occupants on the Markham Vale development.
“Since then the site has grown to a turnover of over £40 million and recruited over 65 people locally. Due to the growth of the site and Smurfit Kappa’s own expansion in the UK we now require a purpose built distribution centre which the new building gives us, being perfectly located next to junction 29A of the M1.
“This new venture will create further jobs for the area and give people a great career opportunity working within Smurfit Kappa.”
Craig Handley, customer service and logistics director at Smurfit Kappa, said: “With over 12,500 pallet spaces, the new Markham Vale North distribution facility will complement our existing production units in both Markham Vale and Chesterfield offering both excellent just in time customer deliveries.
“The unit is positioned ideally near the motorway access allowing the distribution of goods for our customers in the far north and south. We are undertaking an employment drive from within the local community for warehouse FLT drivers who will be using state of the art new VNA trucks.”
Established in 1973, family-run business, Gallery Direct is a leading British based designer, manufacturer and worldwide distributor of furniture, home decor and accessories.
The company’s new northern base is set to create up to 90 new jobs and will be used for packing, warehousing, and a distribution hub with space to expand further for a new state-of-the-art showroom.
Peter Delaney, Managing Director at The Gallery Direct Group, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have secured this prestigious facility in an amazing northern location. The fact is that this new property, combined with our southern warehouse and head office, improves further our distribution and operational capacity.
“We will be able to serve 96% of our clients’ requirements with one day delivery times, utilising our own home distribution fleet.”
Derbyshire County Council Cabinet Member for Clean Growth and Regeneration, Councillor Tony King, said: “We are delighted to welcome Gallery Direct to Markham Vale and see the expansion of Smurfit Kappa.
“Our central location makes Markham Vale an ideal distribution base for companies looking to cut their mileage and reduce their carbon footprint as well as meet needs of their clients more quickly.
“Smurfit Kappa’s focus on sustainability and innovation aligns with our own ambitions for attracting cleaner, greener growth.
“And we’re pleased that we’ve been able to come up with the goods for Gallery Direct which will soon be serving customers in the north of the country from Derbyshire instead of down south.
“The fact that between them they bring 110 new jobs is excellent news for the local economy too.”
Richard Hinds, development surveyor at Henry Boot Developments, said: “The rapid take-up of the Orion units is testament to the quality of the buildings developed and Markham Vale’s well-established reputation as premium business location.
“As a longstanding development partner of Derbyshire County Council, HBD are delighted to have delivered the units and we look forward to developing future ‘best in class’ accommodation for businesses and employees to thrive at Markham Vale.”
Both companies will be based in units owned by private sector property developers, Aver Property Partnership Limited, a joint venture between Ergo and NFU Mutual.
Leigh Burnett, asset manager, Ergo Real Estate, said: “Smurfit Kappa joins National Lighting who took occupation of Orion One in August and it is fantastic to have 2 such high calibre tenants taking these units. The Orion development is now fully let within 6 months of practical completion and is testament to the quality specification of the buildings and strategic location.”
Over 100 new jobs on the way as two companies take space at Markham Vale
Sustainable packaging firm Smurfit Kappa and home furnishings company Gallery Direct are the latest businesses to get keys to new premises at Derbyshire County Council and HBD’s flagship regeneration site, Markham Vale.
Ideagen raises £103.5m to bolster international growth plans
The Nottinghamshire provider of information management software, Ideagen Plc, has raised £103.5 million to accelerate product investment and scale global operations through further acquisitions.
The multi-million pound investment was raised through placement of ordinary shares and follows Ideagen’s 12th consecutive year of revenue profit and growth.
Ideagen’s rapid growth trajectory in recent years has been accomplished by a combination of both organic growth and multiple acquisitions across the globe. The funds raised today will aid the company’s ambitions to support more customers around the world with an increased range of solutions.
Now with more than 1,000 staff across the globe, Ideagen’s operations are located throughout the UK, US, Australia, Europe, Middle East and South-East Asia. Its software is used by more than 7,500 highly regulated customers across multiple industries such as aviation, financial services, life-sciences, healthcare and manufacturing.
Ideagen CEO, Ben Dorks, said: “This investment marks the next stage of Ideagen’s exciting growth journey. Our mission is to surpass £200 million annual recurring revenue (ARR) by April 2025 and this significant milestone will be crucial in aiding further expansion that will help diversify our portfolio of high-quality, high-performing products in the global governance, risk and compliance space.
“The ability to raise such substantial funds shows that the markets are as confident in Ideagen’s performance as we are. The acquisitions we have made to date have brought technology or intellectual property that enhances the functionality of our core solutions, increased our credibility and market presence, or offered opportunities for new market entry.
“We’re tremendously excited to see what the future holds for Ideagen and I look forward to our bold vision to grow both our geographical and sector expertise becoming a reality.”
The company recently completed its 25th and biggest acquisition to date, that of Sydney-based CompliSpace.
Pioneering DMU collaboration wins top business award
Work to make knives safer and which could have a huge impact upon injury rates has earned a De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) academic a top business award.
Leisa Nichols-Drew was presented with the inaugural Excellence in Collaboration award at this year’s East Midlands Chamber Business Awards Leicestershire, one of just 13 winners given honours this year.
Ms Nichols-Drew, a Chartered Forensic Practitioner, has pioneered research which demonstrates the practicality and safety of using round-tip kitchen knives over those with pointed blades.
As a forensic scientist, Leisa saw first-hand the increased use of bladed weapons in crimes – the majority of which involve kitchen knives with pointed tips.
Judges at the Chamber awards were impressed with the research and its potential to make a real difference to public safety.
Leisa said she was incredibly honoured to win the award and proud to represent the research team involved at the event. She also offered congratulations to the other nominees within the award category and thanked the judging panel too.
Leisa, said: “This fantastic recognition validates our research which was conducted and published during the pandemic, and is a world first. Together we will make a difference in making our homes and communities safer, not only within Leicester, Leicestershire and the East Midlands, across the UK too, and internationally.”
The rounded-knife research team led by Leisa, consisted of DMU colleagues Dr Rachel Armitage and Dr Kevin Farrugia, Professor Rob Hillman at the University of Leicester and Dr Kelly Sheridan at Northumbria University.
As part of the research, Leisa has liaised with manufacturers, involved organisations such as the Metropolitan Police, and National Knife Crime Working Group.
“Our research suggests that there is an opportunity for crime reduction by swapping pointed-tip knives for rounded blades in the kitchen,” explained Ms Nichols-Drew. “A knife that can be used safely and effectively at home without the possibility of accidental injury minimises the risk of it being used as a potential weapon.”
DMU’s Small Business Leadership Programme, which helped more than 80 small businesses in Leicestershire to build their businesses through the pandemic, reached the finals of the Education category.
The Leicestershire Business Awards, held in partnership with headline sponsor Mazars, recognised winners across 13 categories, ranging from Business Improvement Through Technology and Environmental Impact Award within an organisation to individual honours for Entrepreneur of the Year and Apprentice of the Year.
There were new categories this year for Excellence in Collaboration and Excellence in Innovation.
Finalists, chosen by a judging panel of the Chamber’s senior leadership and board of directors, as well as sponsors, discovered their fate during a gala dinner attended by hundreds of people at Leicester Tigers’ Mattioli Woods Welford Road stadium – marking a return for face-to-face celebrations after being held virtually last year.
Scott Knowles, chief executive of the Chamber, said: “There has been so much to celebrate within our business community despite a challenging 18 months and these awards have showcased some of the incredible companies that call our region home.
“As the economic recovery continues, and new opportunities present themselves in a new era of global trade and sustainable business, these are just the kinds of organisations we should be highlighting when we’re shouting about everything the East Midlands has to offer. We know it’s a great place to do business and these are living proof.
“We received so many high-calibre applications, which demonstrated how the pandemic hasn’t been a period in which we have just stood still. Instead, the time afforded for reflection has led to many companies seeking out new opportunities, innovating and driving themselves forward.”
Logistics company lets 250,000 sq ft facility in Northampton
Panattoni, the logistics real estate developer, has signed a lease agreement with 4PX Express, the global logistics company, for a 250,000 sq ft facility at Panattoni Park Northampton.
4PX Express has signed a 15-year lease for the facility, which was built speculatively, at the 1.7 million sq ft industrial park.
The letting follows the success of the first phase of 625,000 sq ft, which was let to Eddie Stobart Logistics.
Panattoni has another 430,000 sq ft unit available to let and is expected to complete the final unit of 380,000 sq ft in February 2022, which could operate as 810,000 sq ft of space for a single occupier.
Oliver Bertram, development director for Panattoni, said: “Speculatively developing 1 million sq ft in one phase is testament to the importance of Northampton as a logistics location and the high level of occupier demand for the park. We are pleased to welcome 4PX to Panattoni Park Northampton and become our first tenant of phase 2.”
Letting agents for Panattoni are Savills and Burbage Realty. 4PX Express was advised by Altus Group.
Barwood boosts acquisitions team
Towcester-based Barwood Capital has made two major appointments as it expands its acquisitions team to meet market demand across the UK regions.
Tom Gold, investment director, will focus primarily on acquisition of new commercial property opportunities across the sectors, for the Barwood managed funds. He joins from RO Real Estate where he was investment and development director, responsible for all acquisition, disposal and development across a diverse portfolio of assets.
Nick Masters, senior investment manager, is responsible for sourcing and analysis of new commercial opportunities and making recommendations on behalf of Barwood’s managed funds. His previous role as associate partner in Cluttons’ investment and development team saw him provide UK-wide, cross-sector acquisition, disposal and development consultancy advice to leading institutional investors, private investors and developers.
Both will work with Edward Henson, director and head of transactions at Barwood Capital.
He said: “We’re delighted to welcome Tom and Nick to the transactions team as we continually expand on the various funds we have under management across the UK regions. Barwood Capital prides itself on its long-serving, dedicated professional team, for which we look forward to Tom and Nick being very much a part of. ”
The new appointments follow a year in which Barwood managed over £100m worth of acquisitions, including a B&Q unit in Sheffiled, the JLR building in Ellesmere Port, Tungsten Park, Bardon and most recently, the office acquisition, Eton House, Richmond.
£1m town centre recovery fund announced for Stapleford businesses
Following approval back in November of the six core projects from the Stapleford Town Deal programme, the Town Deal Executive Board have announced the launch of the first project – the Town Centre Recovery Fund.
A total of £1m has been made available for the Town Centre Recovery Fund.
The fund will offer grant support to high street businesses in Stapleford Town Centre, and will be split into two grants to support different aspects of business recovery.
- The Business Continuity Grant aims to support business resilience and growth over the long term, sustaining occupancy levels within Stapleford Town Centre. This grant will support existing businesses looking to expand the way they distribute their services. It is anticipated a maximum of £200,000 will be spent on this portion of the wider Town Centre.
- The Building Development Fund is to create buildings of the future; improving accessibility, energy efficiency and the look and feel of Stapleford Town Centre. It is anticipated a maximum of £800,000 will be issued through this part of the fund.
Cosworth appoints new Managing Director for Performance Electronics
Northampton-based Cosworth has continued to strengthen its executive team with the appointment of experienced automotive and consumer electronics professional Stefan Balkowiec into the position of Managing Director Performance Electronics.
Balkowiec will play a pivotal role in Cosworth’s growth strategy and vision, leading the development of UX and digital cockpit product roadmaps.
Bringing over 25 years’ experience and an enviable reputation in the connected car space, Balkowiec will help Cosworth to further develop its performance electronics division, creating unique value propositions for OEMs based on the company’s management of data analysis, control, and power.
In his most recent position, Balkowiec was automotive solutions director at Harman International, where he led a global product team focused on digital cockpit development. Prior to that he carved out a name for himself at Symphony Teleca and Nokia-owned company NAVTEQ, where – for over a decade – he helped to pioneer automotive applications and products.
Stefan Balkowiec said: “Electrification is changing everything within vehicle infrastructure, and Cosworth is becoming a major player in this area. I am delighted to join such an epic company, whose vision remains as innovative and cutting edge as when it was first established.
“Previously, the different domains on vehicles – whether powertrain or electronics – were separate, but the future of mobility hinges, essentially, around a data centre on wheels. Cosworth is going through an important business transformation, and my role is one facet of that evolution.
“We need to manage that process carefully but setting the company up for impressive and unprecedented growth. We will be retaining the DNA, the essence of what makes Cosworth great, but we’ll be pushing the boundaries like never before – and that’s exciting.”
PAGE Freight Services takes over 12,000 sq ft of industrial and office space at Colwick Industrial Estate
PAGE Freight Services have relocated to Colwick Industrial Estate due to rapid expansion.
The company has taken 11,250ft² of industrial space alongside first floor office space of 1,635ft², totalling 12,885ft² of space let.
Anthony Barrowcliffe of FHP agreed the letting on behalf of clients, Venus Estates.
PAGE Freight are a premier company for all parcel distribution needs both nationally and internationally and are specialists in providing an end to end service from storage, warehousing, pick and pack operations right the way through to delivery destination.
Anthony Barrowcliffe of FHP Property Consultants said: “This combined letting to an already established operator has almost brought Colwick Industrial Estate up to full occupation. I feel PAGE Freight are a great addition to an estate of already excellent tenants. The Colwick market is getting stronger and stronger with limited stock now being the issue.”
Trisha Gutcher of PAGE Freight Services Limited said: “A huge thank you to FHP for their help in finding us a perfect warehouse and office so quickly. Venus Estates have been very welcoming and accommodating and we anticipate spending many successful years here.”
Sales expected to rise at Games Workshop
Games Workshop is expecting sales to rise, while pre-tax profit slips, according to the board’s estimate of the results for the six months to 28 November 2021.
The Nottingham-headquartered company said that trading is in line with expectations.
The board anticipates sales of not less than £190 million, in comparison to £186.8 million in 2020, driven by growth in trade and retail channels following the reopening of the majority of its retail stores.
Meanwhile profit before tax is expected to be no less than £86 million, in comparison to £91.6 million in 2020.
In a statement to London Stock Exchange, Games Workshop said: “As always, we remain focused on our core business metrics and are working tirelessly to improve the ones that are in our control. Our operating profit-pre royalties receivable is estimated to be down c.£15 million. However, excluding foreign exchange movements, increased carriage costs and the costs of paying more to our great staff, our core business operating profit is broadly in line with last year’s exceptional performance.”
Retail Assist appoints new Chief Finance Officer
Nottingham-based IT service and software provider, Retail Assist, has appointed Andrew McManus as their new Chief Finance Officer.
Andrew joins Retail Assist from Simworx Limited, a media based attractions group based in the West Midlands where he worked as group CFO. Prior to Simworx, Andrew served as group finance director for various businesses across the Midlands.
Kevin Greathead, Managing Director, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Andrew to the team. He brings a wealth of relevant experience from across a range of industries, he is an accomplished expert and his mindset is perfectly suited to how we work. I look forward to working with him as we execute our strategy and continue to deliver award-winning services and solutions to our customers.
“I’d also like to thank Matthew Proudlove for his time at Retail Assist. Over the last seven years, Matthew has been key to delivering the success of Retail Assist, from successfully leading a private equity backed buy-out to driving our response to the pandemic. I wish him the best of luck in his new role, I know he’ll be greatly missed across the business.”
Matthew Proudlove, COO, will be leaving Retail Assist to join C3 Construction as finance director: “I’ve had the pleasure of working with and meeting some brilliant people over the years, none of what we have achieved as a business would have been possible without the support of so many talented, dedicated and hard-working people within Retail Assist, I’d like to thank everyone for their support over the years and wish every colleague, partner and customer every success for the future.”
