Mortgage Advice Bureau invests in Heron

Tess Egginton
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Mortgage Advice Bureau invests in Heron
Mortgage Advice Bureau (MAB) has completed an investment in a tech-savvy brokerage.

As a result of the deal, Derby-based MAB has formed a strategic partnership with Heron Financial, which develops bespoke software to enhance customer outcomes and adviser performance.

According to MAB, Heron’s technical expertise will empower future customers to better understand financial products and solutions and equip both businesses with customer insights to inform future proposition development.
The new partnership also forms part of MAB’s strategy to further strengthen its position in the new build sector. The deal follows other key investments in new build specialist broker firms, Meridian, Metro, and Evolve this year. Peter Brodnicki, Chief Executive at MAB, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Heron Financial into our ever-growing network – a decision made easy by the synergies between the two businesses. Securing long-term business success is achieved by understanding the threats and opportunities that advances in technology will bring. “Heron Financial puts technology at the forefront of everything it does, paying close attention to how it can enhance both the client and adviser experience. The broker’s systems, processes and approach to lead generation is superb, with exceptional adviser productivity. “The business is headed up by an inspirational management team with a clear vision that adapts to meet changing customer needs – and with major growth plans on the horizon, we’re excited about what the partnership can bring.”

Study Inn adds second Nottingham property to growing portfolio

Tess Egginton
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Study Inn adds second Nottingham property to growing portfolio
Study Inn Group, the student accommodation owner, developer, and operator, is set to deliver a 270-bed purpose-built Study Inn in Nottingham, its second property in the city. Triumph House is located adjacent to the University of Nottingham’s Jubilee campus. The £35 million brand-new scheme will offer a mixture of studios and en-suite serviced apartment rooms. Construction of the 5-storey ground up new build is in progress with opening scheduled for the next academic year. Facilities will include 24×7 onsite management, room cleaning and linen services, superfast Wi-Fi, and state-of-the-art communal facilities such as study space, wellness spa, sauna, steam room, hot beds, gym, yoga studio, games room, lounge, big screen cinema room, bicycle parking, and private landscaped gardens. Commenting on the new development, Jack Jefferson, acquisitions director at Study Inn Group, said: “Having opened 288 rooms in Talbot St, adjacent to Nottingham Trent University in 2020, this new development offers the opportunity to open a similar number of rooms adjacent to the University of Nottingham and so we are very pleased with the acquisition and the potential to continue to work with both universities in these excellent locations. “This will be the seventh property in our second portfolio of luxury Study Inns. We had the ability and resources to close the acquisition quickly and have appetite for further acquisitions in good locations in UK cities.”

Azets strengthens tax practice in the Midlands

Tess Egginton
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Azets strengthens tax practice in the Midlands
Azets, the accountancy firm and business advisor to SMEs, with 14 offices across the Midlands, Shropshire, and Welsh Borders, has strengthened its tax practice in the region with three senior appointments. Gurj Sandhu, Stuart Bentley and Jay Mistry have all joined Azets in specialist tax roles as the firm continues to broaden and grow its expertise both in the region and nationally. Gurj Sandhu, Partner and National Head of Capital Allowances with Azets, is dual qualified as a chartered surveyor and accountant, specialising in capital allowances and land remediation relief. Gurj qualified at a Big 4 firm and later moved on to establish the central region capital allowances team at RSM. Gurj advises across a broad range of clients and sectors and his experience includes discussions with HMRC to agree capital allowances claims, as well as specialist consultancy reviews of internal capital allowances systems and processes. Stuart Bentley, Research & Development (R&D) Tax Director with Azets, joins from Fortus Business Advisors & Accountants. Stuart is an experienced advisor, specialising in the optimisation of government incentives, primarily R&D Tax Credits. He has a in degree in Materials Science, a PhD in Mechanical Engineering, and a Masters in executive coaching, helping him get a deeper understanding of clients’ businesses. Jay Mistry, R&D Tax Manager with Azets, has experience in the automotive and engineering industries before moving into financial services and working at a top 15 accounting and business advisory firm, consulting on R&D Tax. Jay was most recently Senior Consultant with BDO, working with SME clients to deliver R&D benefits by preparing accurate, technical projects for R&D relief. Clare Clifford, Head of Tax – Midlands, with Azets, said: “I’m thrilled to welcome Gurj, Stuart, and Jay into the Azets team. The rate of growth of our Midlands tax practice in the past year has reflected the urgent need for SMEs to take specialist advice and optimise their tax position against an extended period of economic uncertainty in the UK. This is apparent in our region and across the country – and our extended office network will benefit from these appointments and our enhanced specialist capability in tax allowances and R&D tax. “It’s more important now than ever before for businesses to seek professional advice to fully understand the reliefs available to them and how they can prepare for confirmed and speculated tax changes in the next 12 months. The addition of Gurj, Stuart, and Jay will help our clients to plan and structure appropriately, providing certainty and stability despite challenging economic circumstances.”

Support for covid-hit businesses reaches milestone

Eleonora Gallina
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Support for covid-hit businesses reaches milestone
The recovery of Leicestershire businesses affected by COVID continued this week with the number of SMEs receiving support hitting the 100 mark.  100 local businesses have signed up for the Start Up Business Support or SUBS programme, aimed at businesses that started in or after 2018 and were then interrupted by the pandemic. The support takes a number of different forms, depending on what each business needs.  The digital marketing expertise SMARTUP programme is provided by the agency So Very Creative; the company Incrementa is providing six weeks of mentoring, weekly workshops and 1-2-1 support; the Accelerator programme from Leicester Start-Ups CIC is six weeks of workshops, round tables and mentoring.  They have also provided weekend workshops for businesses that are unavailable during the working week. Finally, NBV are delivering the three-week programme ‘Gearing for Growth’. Each provider aims to build the confidence of the new businesses as well as providing essential skills to make sure they can grow and overcome any barriers that may arise in future. There are still a further 90 places available for any Leicestershire business that launched in or after 2018 and whose trading was interrupted by COVID. Sonia Baigent, Chair of the Business Gateway Board, commented: “COVID affected us all in different ways and it hit these businesses at a crucial time in their development.  We’re happy to support them to make up for lost time and start growing.  We would encourage any Leicestershire business in a similar situation, to get in touch to receive the support that’s available to them.” Any business interested in discussing the SUBS programme should call the Business Gateway on 0116 366 8487 and ask to speak to a Business Adviser.

Dynamic team expansion to drive ambitious growth at Newsome

Tess Egginton
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Dynamic team expansion to drive ambitious growth at Newsome
Over the last few months, temperature control and humidity experts, Newsome, has been actively recruiting key personnel to expand its experienced team – to help drive the company’s ambition to become the largest privately owned temperature control company within the UK. The latest industry specialists to join the company include Chris Flynn, as sales manager and Rob Whyte, as contracts manager, both joining the Process Temperature Control division; whilst John Askew joins as contracts manager for the expanding HVAC & Refrigeration team. The addition of these new recruits will enable Newsome to strengthen its presence across core markets as well as broadening into new sectors and service areas. Chris Flynn will help Newsome drive their business growth strategy in the Process Temperature control division. He has carved a successful career in the temperature control industry, having spent the last 16 years working for ICS Cool Energy. Chris says: “I am really excited to join Newsome. Being a smaller, privately owned company gives me the opportunity to use my skills to make a significant difference to the companies’ growth, particularly in the North & Midlands. I am looking forward to furthering my career with such a dynamic and ambitious team.” Rob Whyte brings over 40 years of industry experience to the business, having spent the last 10 years working in the confectionary sector as technical director for Hilton Process Solutions. Rob explains why he was keen to join: “I was looking for a new challenge. When I met Richard Metcalfe, I was really inspired by his passion and enthusiasm and vision for the business. I am really excited to join the team and play an integral part in the delivery of their business growth strategy, leveraging my extensive experience in project management and client services.” With over 15 years in the industry, John Askew says: “I am really excited to join Newsome in their HVAC & Refrigeration team. In my previous role at Sovereign Air Movement, I worked alongside Newsome on a number of projects and was always impressed by the competence and professionalism of their personnel. I respected the fact they always worked directly with customers, rather than via third party contractors, which always led to greater customer satisfaction. I am looking forward to helping them expand their presence in this key business sector.” Richard Metcalfe, director at Newsome, concludes: “Recruitment is a key part of our strategy to drive the business forward, to enable us to meet our ambitious growth targets. Having experienced and passionate people on our team is crucial to our continued success. “We pride ourselves on providing a personalised, tailored solution to each of our customers. We are delighted that Chris Flynn, Rob Whyte and John Askew have recently joined us. They each bring valuable industry experience to the company, plus the maturity and motivation to help us deliver exceptional customer service.” Over the coming months Newsome will continue with its expansion plans and looks forward to welcoming a number of additional personnel across the business in the new year. Richard says: “We are now on the hunt for competent, highly motivated, service technicians and rental sales managers to join our fast-growing team – we invite anyone who may be interested to get in touch.”

Ridge appoints Building Surveying Partner in Leicester

Eleonora Gallina
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Ridge appoints Building Surveying Partner in Leicester
Ridge and Partners LLP (Ridge) has appointed Andrew Jenkins as Partner to lead its Building Surveying practice in Leicester. Andrew brings over 18 years’ experience in the property industry, with expertise in dilapidations, technical due diligence, and building surveying services. Andrew joins Ridge from Uppingham School in Rutland where he spent three years as Estates Director working on a range of capital and revenue projects. Prior to this he was a Director at CS2 Chartered Surveyors, establishing its Birmingham office in 2010 and later taking over as head of its London office in 2014. Andrew will head up a new building surveying arm that enhances the existing disciplines offered by Ridge Leicester – including Architecture, Quantity Surveying, Project Management, and Mechanical and Electrical. To support the growth, Ridge is recruiting four new building surveyors in the coming months. Speaking of his appointment, Andrew said: “I’m looking forward to playing my part in the success of Ridge and developing a building consultancy team here in the East Midlands. Celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, Ridge has a strong reputation built on providing exceptional client service and I’m excited to contribute to its continued growth. “The most rewarding part of my job is working with clients to solve their property questions. Whether it is settling a dilapidations claim or delivering a refurbishment project, every day brings a new challenge. I’m lucky to have the opportunity to build a team of talented individuals who enjoy the very same challenge. “Property is ever-changing and in the coming years there will be an exciting evolution of property types and sectors. As a successful multidiscipline property and construction consultancy, Ridge can continue to deliver savings, increase efficiencies, and provide property solutions to a range of blue-chip clients.” Matthew Francis, Partner and head of the Leicester office at Ridge, said: “We’re delighted that Andrew has joined us to lead the building surveying team in Leicester. He has a wide range of sector experience and technical knowledge that will benefit both new and existing clients. He is experienced in building teams, and I am confident we can deliver a market-leading building surveying arm in the East Midlands.”

Duo of deals at SEGRO Logistics Park East Midlands Gateway see 860,000 sq ft of warehousing snapped up

Tess Egginton
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Duo of deals at SEGRO Logistics Park East Midlands Gateway see 860,000 sq ft of warehousing snapped up
SEGRO has signed two deals for more than 862,000 sq ft of warehousing at its flagship UK big box development, SEGRO Logistics Park East Midlands Gateway, leaving just one big box plot available. Global logistics company, Arvato, agreed a lease for a 220,000 sq ft unit, which is the first speculatively developed warehouse at SEGRO Logistics Park East Midlands Gateway. Arvato secured the BREEAM Excellent rated building in September 2021, whilst it was still under construction. SEGRO has also signed a pre-let agreement with a leading supply chain management company to occupy a new 640,000 sq ft, BREEAM Excellent warehouse on a 10-year term. Construction is scheduled to start in January and complete in Autumn 2022. The customer is expected to create up to 400 new jobs at the 30-acre site. SEGRO Logistics Park East Midlands Gateway started construction in 2017. It was initially anticipated to be a 10-year programme, however strong uptake means there is only one big box plot remaining, which can accommodate up to 700,000 sq ft, with all other plots being either operational, under development or committed. Andrew Pilsworth, Managing Director, National Logistics at SEGRO, said: “We are seeing sustained warehouse demand in the East Midlands logistics market, with ongoing supply chain challenges driving companies to build operational resilience and occupy high-quality space in the best locations. “We’re proud that we have been able to develop SEGRO Logistics Park East Midlands Gateway more quickly than originally anticipated to meet these customer requirements and thrilled that our first speculative unit at the park has let so quickly. “It’s fantastic that Arvato, which is also a customer of ours in Poland, has selected SEGRO Logistics Park East Midlands Gateway for its new state-of-the-art distribution hub. The building is being developed to the highest design and sustainability standards. It is a great name to add to the logistics park community and will bring valuable employment opportunities to the local area.” Tobias Uthmann, Managing Director UK at Arvato Supply Chain Solutions, said: “With the new site, we aim to meet the high demands of our existing as well as potential new customers and are very pleased that the capacity at East Midlands Gateway will allow us to plan for the long term with a distribution centre that fits perfectly into our growth strategy. By 2023, we will be able to excellently implement our growth plan.” The new customers will join Kuehne + Nagel, Amazon, ShopDirect, Games Workshop and DHL at the 700-acre logistics park, which is located adjacent to East Midlands Airport and close to Junction 24 of the M1. The on-site rail terminal, operated by Maritime, is fully operational with trains transporting goods across the UK linking other strategic rail freight interchanges and major UK ports such as Southampton, Felixstowe, London Gateway and the Channel Tunnel. Once complete, SLPEMG is expected to support over 9,000 jobs.

University of Nottingham collaborates on new research centre to accelerate the UK’s electrified future

Tess Egginton
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University of Nottingham collaborates on new research centre to accelerate the UK’s electrified future
GKN Automotive, a global leader in drive systems, has announced its new Advanced Research Centre – created to develop next-generation eDrive systems powering future electrified vehicles and increase engineering capability in the UK to meet Net Zero commitment. GKN Automotive is partnering with the University of Nottingham and Newcastle University to push the boundaries of eDrive technology and accelerate modular innovation. The collaboration will focus on the development of ultra-high efficiency EDUs for future electric vehicles. The Advanced Research Centre is being supported through £3.5m in funding from the Melrose Skills Fund, to increase the automotive electrification knowledge capability and strengthen research and development in the UK. The project will be virtually shared between the engineering departments at the University of Nottingham and Newcastle University, with research teams at each university operating collaboratively with engineers at the GKN Automotive Innovation Centre. Gordon Day, Managing Director, GKN Automotive Innovation Centre, said: “GKN Automotive is a pioneer of advanced eDrive development and this new research partnership will play a key role in strengthening the innovation of electrification technologies for future advanced propulsion systems. “We are extremely proud that this research will be in partnership with Newcastle University and the University of Nottingham, two renowned and respected global leaders in automotive electrification engineering research. Both institutions will also play a leading role in helping us develop a supply of high-calibre engineering talent, which is essential to enable us to put the UK at the forefront of global automotive industry innovation.” This collaborative research not only spearheads the development of disruptive technology innovations in eDrive but supports the UK’s technology roadmap set out by the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC). It also further strengthens GKN Automotive’s collaborative links within the UK Innovation Network. Both partner universities are part of the Advanced Propulsion Centre’s ‘spoke’ community. The initiative brings together specialist academic, technological, and commercial expertise from across the UK to share best practice for the development of low emission propulsion technologies. The University of Nottingham is the APC’s spoke for power electronics, and home to the Driving the Electric Revolution (DER) Industrialisation Centre – Midlands; while Newcastle University is the spoke for electric motors, and leads the national network of four DER Industrialisation Centres including the Driving the Electric Revolution Industrialisation Centre – North East. The Centres are backed by £33m UK Government funding (UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)), providing open access facilities with state-of-the-art equipment. They bring together the UK’s technology and manufacturing expertise in electrification research and development. The network will help propel UK manufacturing to the forefront of global efforts to tackle climate change and ensure the UK can reach net zero emissions by 2050. The Melrose Skills Fund is a £10m fund, allocated over five years across GKN Aerospace and GKN Automotive, developing and promoting engineering skills in the UK. The first phase of investment saw the launch of the Skills Development Programme at the Abingdon Innovation Centre, supporting the development of engineering skills through STEM engagement, apprenticeships, training opportunities and internal staff upskilling. This next phase now focuses on Research.

CEO to step down at Image Scan as second profitable year delivered

Tess Egginton
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CEO to step down at Image Scan as second profitable year delivered
Image Scan, the Leicestershire-based supplier of X-ray screening systems to the security and industrial inspection markets, has reported a second profitable year, despite the continuing impact of COVID-19. In preliminary results for the year ended 30 September 2021 the company posted a pre-tax trading profit of £189k, up from £112k in the year prior. Sales however dipped from £3.5m to £2.9m, following a “subdued first half.” Meanwhile Image Scan’s chairman has announced a role change as part of the firm’s succession plan. Bill Mawer, chairman and Chief Executive of Image Scan, said: “It is gratifying to be able to report that a second profitable year has been delivered, despite the continuing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our customers, our supply chains and our staff. “Important ‘firsts’ in the year included: first sales of the AXIS-CXi cabinet X-ray machine, first portable X-ray sales in North America and key new customers in the UK. The product development programme continues to move forward, and I look forward to launching more new products in FY22. “As part of the Board’s succession plan, I will relinquish the CEO role in January and we will appoint Vincent Deery, currently Sales Director, as Interim CEO. Vince and I have worked closely on the development of the organic growth plan for the business, and I have every confidence in his ability to play a larger part in implementing that plan. “I will continue to drive strategy and product development, allowing Vince to focus on sales and operations. All the board remain optimistic for the future of Image Scan.”

Metalfacture named Leicestershire Business of the Year

Tess Egginton
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Metalfacture named Leicestershire Business of the Year
Metalfacture, a manufacturer that has transformed its business from being a solely domestic trader to an exporting success story, has been crowned the Leicestershire Business of the Year by East Midlands Chamber. The Wigston-based company – which now sends deliveries to more than 54 countries worldwide, with exports accounting for about half of sales – also won the Excellence in International Trade category and Outstanding Growth Award at the Leicestershire Business Awards, which was held on Friday (3 December) in conjunction with the Chamber’s annual Christmas Lunch. Founder Ben Jones-Fenleigh started the company as a sheet metal work sub-contractor but diversified over the past few years to make its own products. It has used its wealth of manufacturing knowledge to create innovative displays used in shops that increase brand awareness and impulse sales, with a specialism in beverages, small convenience stores and petrol forecourts. Customers include Heineken, Molston Coors, Asda and Sainsbury’s. 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 Collaboration Project of the Year 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 East Midlands 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. “While last year offered us a different kind of experience in a virtual awards ceremony, it was great to be back holding such a landmark event for the business calendar in person once more. Once again, we are so thankful to our sponsors for making this event so successful.” The Leicestershire Business Awards – one of three awards hosted by the Chamber, along with Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire – were hosted by comedian Dom Woodward. A raffle and auction was held to raise more than £3,000 for East Midlands Chamber president Eileen Richards MBE’s three chosen charities this year – Chesterfield Samaritans, Help the Homeless Leicester and Nottinghamshire Hospice. Eileen, who owns Leicester-based ER Recruitment, gave a speech in which she explained how much the city where she has always lived means to her, as well as its strong entrepreneurial community – with four and a half businesses for every 100 residents, and 85% of those companies having fewer than nine employees. She also referenced the economic opportunities on the horizon, with Leicestershire securing £54m from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund to back projects including Pioneer Park, Pilot House and the remodelling of the city’s railway station. Commenting on the awards, she added: “During my year as president, I’ve been privileged to witness some of the amazing success stories that don’t always receive the wider recognition they ought to, so I’m thrilled to see some of these come to the fore at East Midlands Chamber’s Business Awards. “The Leicestershire Business Awards has shone the spotlight on some well-deserving winners from my hometown’s thriving entrepreneurial community, but I’d also like to congratulate the finalists for their outstanding entries too as we had some really strong competition across many categories this year. “Metalfacture is a very worthy winner of the Leicestershire Business of the Year and shows just what can be achieved by having the boldness of ambition to diversify into new products and markets. “British manufacturing’s badge of quality will be at the heart of our economic recovery and post-Brexit global trading relationships, so it’s really encouraging to see one of Leicestershire’s own flying the flag across the world, from Japan to the USA.”

Winners of Leicestershire Business Awards

Business Improvement Through Technology Winner Due Diligence Checking   Finalists Kitking North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College Steps Conductive Education Centre   Community Impact Award Winner Zinthiya Trust   Finalists Alex’s Wish Charity Link Hope Against Cancer Shama Women’s Centre   Outstanding Growth Award Winner Metalfacture   Finalists Loughborough Finance for Sport Jake & Nayns Myonex Pattersons Commercial Law   Environmental Impact Award Winner Abacus Flooring Solutions   Finalists Go Travel Solutions Michael Smith Switchgear PacWolf   Commitment to People Development Award Winner Precision Facilities Management   Finalists Alex’s Wish Noble Events Pick Everard REAL Education   Apprentice of the Year Winner James Cook – C S Ellis Group   Finalists Millie Clayton – Almac Group Emily-Rose Moore – Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council Chloe Grantham – Paragon Sales Solutions Alice Deeping – Unsworth Sugden Group   Entrepreneur of the Year Winner Brij Thankey – Precision Facilities Management   Finalists Jaz Kaur and Narinder Nijjar – Fraser Stretton Estate Agents Satwinder Sidhu – Paradigm Wills and Legal Services Navroop Kaur – Prime Casual Alex Slack – The House of LM   Education and Business Partnership Award Winner MIRA Technology Institute   Finalists De Montfort University – Small Business Leadership Programme Loughborough College North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College REAL Education   Excellence in Customer Service Winner Furnley House   Finalists Glenfield Electrical Growth Partners Kazzoo Paradigm Wills and Legal Services   Excellence in International Trade Winner Metalfacture   Finalists A Mistry Worldwide Express (UK)   Small Business of the Year Winner Your Tender Team   Finalists Arthur Civil Engineering Charnwood Regency Guest House Precision Facilities Management We Love Surveys   Excellence in Innovation Winner Structural Adhesives   Finalists Access Rating Penny Price Aromatherapy Printvision (UK)   Excellence in Collaboration Winner De Montfort University – Round-tip Knives   Finalists Alex’s Wish Creative62 Joined-Up Working Associates Leicestershire Cares   Business of the Year Winner Metalfacture
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