New offices for Leicestershire plastics distributor
Leicestershire-based plastics distributor, the Plastribution Group, has officially opened new offices following an extensive fit-out.
Based at Charter Point Way in Ashby de la Zouch, the location was chosen due to its convenient close proximity to previous offices. The new offices comprise 10,000 square feet over two floors.
A key objective of the fit out was to create a welcoming space for employees to return to post lockdown, and to also provide room for up to 100 additional people as the company continues its ambitious growth strategy.
Commercial office interior fit-out specialists, Blueprint Interiors, who are also based in Ashby, carried out the fit-out, which had to include space designed for different types of working – both nomadic workers and permanent office-based staff.
Mike Boswell, Plastribution Group’s Managing Director, said: “From the outset Blueprint Interiors adopted a very consultative people first approach with lots of really positive energy placed on showing us what we could achieve with our space. We now have a fantastic new office that we can be proud of which has also helped us to reunite the team after a long lockdown period and created a fantastic first impression for our many visitors.”
Chloe Sproston, creative and commercial director from Blueprint Interiors, said: “As always our approach involved workshops and conversations with users in order to fully understand Plastribution’s brand values and preferred workstyles.
“This included enabling users to experience working and holding meetings in our own offices at WorkLife Central in order to understand the benefits of the technology and tools we were proposing, such as acoustics, digital technologies for connecting with remote workers, and the use of décor or other construction materials to reflect their brand personality.”
Established in 1979, Plastribution is a plastics distribution group, comprising of 6 separate sub-brands, covering thermoplastics, elastomers, speciality chemicals, packaging & label films and furniture foils. The company currently employs 84 staff.
Work starts on new Lincoln apartments
Work has started in Lincoln in preparation for construction of 24 new apartments for people aged over-55.
Lindum Group is currently on site at Roman Gate Court, off Nettleham Road, just north of the city centre. Work to set up the site compound is underway with construction of the new homes scheduled to begin in January.
LACE Housing, which is a non-profit making association specialising in the provision of housing and support services for older and vulnerable people, appointed Lindum Group to build the new homes following a competitive tender process.
The finished scheme will provide affordable, safe and secure homes and will consist of 24 one bedroom apartments, as well as a communal lounge facility, mobility scooter store and landscaped gardens.
The scheme is located within easy reach of convenience stores, supermarkets, takeaways, doctor’s surgery and public transport with excellent access to the A46 Lincoln bypass.
Site manager Andy Foster said that, as part of the preliminary works, Lindum is constructing a bridge to allow access to the site without vehicles having to pass through the neighbouring housing estate.
“We are getting all the preliminary work completed so we can start on site fully in January,” he said. “We are building access over the stream, which is known locally as The Meg, and this will reduce construction traffic through the housing estate by about 90 per cent.
“The build will be managed by Lindum with the support of our subcontract team, which is made up of some reliable local businesses. We expect to be onsite for around 60 weeks so the homes should be ready for occupants by spring 2023.”
The scheme is one of two new housing projects by LACE. As well as Roman Gate Court, Collinson Court will provide 16 one-bedroom and two-bedroom affordable apartments with communal facilities on land off Willoughby Road in Scunthorpe.
LACE Housing’s CEO, Nick Chambers, said: “Despite the many challenges experienced over the past year, we are delighted that works have now begun on a further development of 40 much needed homes for older people in Greater Lincolnshire.
“This could not have been achieved without the support of the local authorities, the local community, local contractors and Homes England. Designed for those over the age of 55, both developments will complete during spring 2023.”
Connected Data appoints two senior directors
Recently launched East Midlands-based venture, Connected Data, has appointed Anthony Sumner and Antony Dear as director of data and analytics and director of platform and delivery.
Anthony Sumner joins the Connected Data team from Experian, the global information services company, where he held the role of managing director of analytics. He brings with him 25 years of expertise in deep analytics and success in solving the complex issues of high profile organisations across various sectors in the UK.
His new role will be to lead the further development of Connected Data’s analytical and data solutions. Anthony will also be managing and developing the relationships Connected Data has already formed with ten of the UK’s leading data providers, including Experian, to deliver true data enabled debt management.
Anthony said: “I know the powerful role that data and analytics can play in enabling organisations to make the right decisions at every turn. Connected Data is disrupting the status quo in the debt management market and bringing with it a much needed change. I’m excited about the prospect of being a part of that transformation and looking forward to playing a key role in helping the company achieve its goals.”
Antony Dear joins Connected Data from Just, the enforcement market integrator, where he held the role of chief product officer. Previous to that, Antony held senior roles at Equifax and TDX Group, where he successfully led several high profile strategic projects across the UK and international markets. He brings with him 15 years of expertise in the deployment of data and technology for debt management.
At Connected Data, Antony will play a crucial role in helping to secure its place as a market leading and disruptive technology company, by driving the ongoing developments and innovation of its platform.
He said: “The pandemic has shown us how vital it is for organisations to be able to keep up with the speed of change. Technology has played a key role for those who have managed to move quickly and efficiently to address significant challenges. And the organisations that have stayed ahead of the game are those that have kept a focus on innovation.
“Connected Data is dedicated to making this a key part of the debt management process, an area which will continue to see the impacts of the pandemic over the coming years, and benefit from the introduction of new data-led solutions and approaches. I’m pleased to be able to join Connected Data and help deliver fresh innovation that the industry needs.”
Kirk Fletcher, CEO of Connected Data, said: “Both Anthony Sumner and Antony Dear have a very clear vision of the role data, analytics and technology should be playing in debt management. They are both passionate about driving positive change in the way debt has been managed by organisations to date.
“Their experiences and achievements in their fields over the years are such that they are among the best in the industry and we are delighted that they have both decided to join our team.”
D2N2 LEP joined by careers leaders to launch new Careers Hub
The South Derbyshire Careers Hub is one of four led by D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, in partnership with the Careers and Enterprise Company.
150 people attended a special event, held yesterday (30 November), at the D2N2 funded Museum of Making, to celebrate the launch of a new Careers Hub which will help young people in the area to thrive.
The South Derbyshire Careers Hub brings together school staff, particularly those who lead on careers education, and provides them with additional support, resources and training for their schools to deliver “modern, 21st century careers education for every child, no matter their background or circumstance.”
The Careers Hub also links the region’s 43 schools with employers, Further Education colleges and apprenticeship and in-work training providers, to make sure young people in the region know about the options available to them after they leave education, and the different jobs open to them.
Research carried out by The Careers & Enterprise Company shows that schools and colleges which are part of a Careers Hub deliver more support to students, have stronger links with local employers, offer more work experience opportunities and develop innovative ways of linking the curriculum with different jobs a student could go on to do.
Over the next year, D2N2 Careers Hubs will work with member schools to ensure each has a fit-for-purpose strategic careers plan, while delivering a range of experience events and programmes for young people to access, made possible by the backing of supporting employers.
D2N2 LEP has operated a Careers Hub in North Derbyshire since 2019 and the success of this led to funding being agreed by the Careers and Enterprise company for the creation of a further three hubs in the area. The scheme now covers all of the D2N2 region and supports over 92,000 young people from 150 secondary schools and colleges.
Will Morlidge, Interim Chief Executive, said: “I’m really excited to be here today to mark the launch of this initiative.
“Bringing the worlds of work and education together is a vital part of our strategy to lead a green recovery from the impact of Covid-19. It has been a real collaborative effort to bring these Careers Hubs to our region and we look forward to working with all our partners as we look to transform the careers landscape across the D2N2 area.”
Oli de Botton, the Chief Executive of The Careers & Enterprise Company, the national body for careers education in England, said: “It’s a pleasure to help launch the new South Derbyshire Careers Hub. Modern, 21st century careers education for every child, no matter their background or circumstance couldn’t be more important.
“Over the last few years schools and colleges across the country have been improving careers education, and helping more and more of their young people to take their best next step out of education and into the wider world.
“Careers Hubs play an incredibly important role in making this happen. They are helping businesses, schools, apprenticeship providers and colleges to collaborate and work together as effectively as possible. I want to say a huge congratulations to the team in South Derbyshire for setting their Careers Hub up, so it helps to improve the lives of young people in the area.”
Commenting on the launch of the South Derbyshire Careers Hub, Minister for Skills, Alex Burghart MP, said: “Careers Hubs ensure young people can see and know about the huge range of different jobs and career pathways on offer, and make decisions that work best for them and their futures.
“Good careers education is such a valuable asset, so it’s fantastic to see that the Careers Hub in South Derbyshire is launching, meaning more young people have the information they need to make the most of their talents.”
Caring Derbyshire housing trust manager wins national award for helping people into work
Leaders of a Derby housing trust are “over the moon” to see a caring staff member win national recognition for her work helping people going through tough situations get back on their feet.
Julie Howells, head of employability services at Derventio Housing Trust, won the Frontline Manager of the Year category of the Employment Related Services Association (ERSA) awards, one of only five people shortlisted including finalists from Blackpool Council and organisations based in Sussex.
The awards, which were held virtually on November 25, celebrated the unsung heroes who work to improve the lives of jobseekers, communities and the wider workforce across the UK.
Over 200 nominations were sent in from across the private, voluntary, social enterprise and public sectors. The Frontline Manager of the Year award was sponsored by Alderwood Recruitment, and an in-person ceremony is planned for January next year – Covid permitting.
Derventio Housing Trust is a Derbyshire organisation providing housing, support and specialist projects to people going through troubled times in their lives. Many face a range of problems including poor mental health, isolation from family, and issues with substance use.
As part of her role, Julie has set up four services with the aim of helping people get economically active again. One of these, Talent Match, has supported 222 young people.
She manages a team of fourteen people across three projects, and helps everyone fulfil their potential, whether it’s their first job or they have years of experience. In this team alone, Julie’s support has led to two people going on to become social workers.
People helped by Julie over the years, along with her team, paid tribute to her calm, unflappable attitude and unwavering support in helping them during difficult times in their lives.
Jackie Carpenter, assistant director of strategy at Derventio, said: “We are absolutely over the moon to see Julie’s hard work, dedication and amazing qualities justly rewarded. We have always known that she is a special lady and it’s nice that she has now won national recognition. There were hundreds of entries to these awards, so it’s quite an accolade. The other nominees were amazing too.
“Everyone is unstinting in their praise for Julie and the employability service that she set up and runs. The best thing I ever did for Derventio was to ask Julie to come and join us. The work she does is nothing short of remarkable.”
Julie, who works from Derventio’s office in Ilkeston, said she enjoyed the satisfaction of seeing someone coming from a low ebb to being economically active again and said her nomination was all down to the hard work of her team.
One of the many people she has helped over the years is Stephen Fletcher, of Riddings. Facing homelessness because he struggled with the paperwork to get himself a new place to live, Stephen credits Julie with helping him turn his life around.
As soon as he was referred to Derventio, Julie took Stephen under her wing. Her support included getting him a bank account, hiring a removal firm, sorting housing benefit, registering him for council tax and utilities, and even helping furnish his new home.
Julie said she was “blown away” to have won the award. She said: “I’m overwhelmed, but without my team nothing would be possible. They make me proud every single day.
“Working with people in my role is brilliant. Seeing what they go on to achieve is something that hits you every single time because everybody’s story is completely different and when you’re working with people and going with them step by step through that journey, watching them going through it – there isn’t really another feeling like it. I want to say a big thank you to all the participants for their hard work.
“You know that people have got the ability, and they can do it. They just need that person behind them believing in them.”
Julie added that role had become particularly important during the Covid pandemic, which created further barriers for many people trying to get back on their feet and praised all the support she gets from senior management at Derventio.
Jackie added: “Everyone in the team says that without Julie’s support, encouraging them, problem solving, and making everyone feel part of a great team they couldn’t achieve their amazing results, like Nick who set up his own drystone walling business, Amber who did an apprenticeship, and Simon who got work for nine hours a week which was increased to a full-time job.
“Time and time again she has proven her commitment to participants by stepping in to provide hands-on support. We are immensely proud of Julie and all that she does. She richly deserves this fantastic national recognition for her great work.
“If you know anyone who would benefit from award-winning support from Julie and her team to get into – or nearer to – paid work, apprenticeships, training, you can contact Julie on 07985 555067.”
Established in Derby in 2010, Derventio Housing Trust currently manages 600 bed spaces of accommodation for single homeless people, working strategically with partners including local authorities and not-for-profit organisations.
It helps more than 1,100 people each year by offering housing, support and specialist projects in order that they improve their health and wellbeing, increase resilience and prepare for independent living, learning and employment.
For more information on Derventio Housing Trust, visit www.derventiohousing.com
Mansfield BID appoints new CEO
Former Army major Jay Rowlinson has been recruited to become the next CEO of Mansfield Business Improvement District (BID).
He will take up the post in early January next year, after leaving his current role of Team Leader within the Specialist Operations Training Team, East Midlands Police.
Paul Williams, a director at the BID said: “Jay joins at a very exciting time for the BID and for Mansfield, as significant change is coming to the town through funding being made available via the Levelling Up programme, and the Town and High Street initiatives.
“Jay will be representing the town centre businesses, retail, hospitality and leisure industries to ensure they have an input and significant voice in how that money will be spent.”
Paul added: “While, of course, we look forward to benefiting from Jay’s strategic thinking and planning, we know that it will be his positive attitude and tireless energy that will make so much difference.”
In his current very busy and demanding role, Jay is required to collaborate with three regional police forces, including Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, and Lincolnshire, as he provides operational capability to Specialist Policing teams across the region.
Prior to working for the police, Jay spent 32 years in the Armed Forces, serving on many operational deployments around the world.
As a commissioned officer in the British Army at the rank of Major, his key strengths in leadership and teamwork, and his ability to perform under pressure were duly tested.
He has been recognised on the operational honours lists for his work and dedication to duty whilst serving in Afghanistan.
Jay said: “I love being able to initiate making positive changes and being part of a team that builds and brings success.
“The position of CEO at the BID is such an interesting, challenging and very worthwhile job that will give me the opportunity to work with key partners and stakeholders to bring worthwhile and meaningful change to Mansfield town centre.
“I am very aware of the current difficulties that town centre businesses are going through at the moment with a huge increase in online shopping, day-to-day business costs and the ongoing challenges that the COVID 19 pandemic has brought.
“It will be my aim to effectively talk and actively listen to our town centre businesses and ensure I have a thorough understanding of how the BID can help them, but also how I can best represent their future needs and business interests.”
Jay is married to Tanya, his wife of 25 years, and has two teenage children. A very keen sportsman, he keeps himself fit by taking part in triathlons and running.
HS2 embraces off-site manufacturing for first three ‘pre-fab’ green tunnels
HS2 today confirmed that Derbyshire-based Stanton Precast Ltd, has been awarded a major contract to deliver three innovative ‘green tunnels’ for the high-speed rail project in a move that is set to create up to 100 local jobs.
Four miles worth of tunnel will be built in thousands of sections at the Ilkeston factory before being shipped to site and assembled at three locations in rural Buckinghamshire and Northamptonshire, to reduce disruption and improve efficiency.
The first green tunnel will stretch for one-and-a-half miles (2.5km) past the village of Chipping Warden in Northamptonshire with assembly due to begin on site early next year. Once complete, the structures will be covered with earth and landscaped to blend in with the surrounding countryside.
For the Chipping Warden tunnel more than 5,020 individual tunnel segments will be produced by Stanton as part of the contract awarded by HS2’s main works contractor, EKFB – a team made up of Eiffage, Kier, Ferrovial and BAM Nuttall. They will work with specialist engineers Matière who have been appointed to install the tunnel segments on site.
The contract win is a major boost for Stanton Precast Ltd, which employs around 180 people at their Ilkeston factory and has enabled the firm to increase their workforce by around 50%. New production sheds, casting and storage areas are also being built at the factory to accommodate the new work. In total Stanton will produce more than 13,290 tunnel segments to form the three green tunnels.
HS2 Ltd’s Project Client Rohan Perin, said:“Our green tunnels are a great example of what we’re doing to blend the new railway into the landscape and protect communities living close to the line. But it is also a major boost for Stanton Precast and their supply chain, showing how HS2 is creating jobs and opportunities across the UK right now.”
EKFB Director Peter Bimson, said:“This is an exciting opportunity for all involved to demonstrate engineering excellence and leave a legacy that improves people’s lives. The Chipping Warden ‘Green Tunnel’ is a demonstrable feat. It combines a myriad of innovative techniques, from promoting safety by taking the construction process off site to delivering an end-product that will benefit the surrounding environment.
“This off-site manufacturing is the result of the collaboration between some exceptional teams, using international engineering expertise.”
Stanton Precast Ltd’s, Managing Director, Colin Richardson, said:“We are extremely pleased to be involved in this major project and with the opportunities it delivers for both us and those in our immediate supply chain. Having targeted the HS2 project over 4 years ago as an opportunity to not only grow our business but also provide a legacy for future manufacturing in the East Midlands, this contract delivers on both and is the culmination of a lot of hard work”
Designed as a double arch, the tunnel will have two separate halves for southbound and northbound trains. Five different concrete precast segments will be slotted together to achieve the double arch – one central pier, two side walls and two roof slabs. Each one will be steel reinforced, with the largest weighing up to 43 tonnes.
The Chipping Warden tunnel will be built in sections, with construction expected to be fully complete in 2024. A relief road has also recently been completed, which will take HS2 vehicles – and other local traffic – away from the centre of the village.
The Chipping Warden tunnel will be followed by two similar structures at Wendover in Buckinghamshire and Greatworth in Northamptonshire. All of the tunnels will have specially designed ‘porous portals’ at either end to reduce the noise of trains exiting the tunnel.
New head of finance for Brady Solicitors
Property management law firm, Brady Solicitors, has appointed experienced finance professional Mark Short following a record year that saw the company grow its revenue by more than 60 percent.
“We’ve experienced an incredibly strong year despite the challenges of the pandemic and the associated impact on the court system,” Colin Hussey, director at Brady Solicitors says.
“Through the hard work and agility of our team and staying close to our property management clients throughout the pandemic, we have been able to kickstart a powerful period of growth. Mark’s appointment as head of finance reflects our ambition to further build on this recent growth.”
A chartered accountant with more than 20 years’ business experience, Mark Short joins Brady Solicitors from Dawsongroup Temperature Control Solutions where he was financial controller managing a team of 12. Mark first qualified as a chartered accountant at Nottingham firm, Lemans, before joining glass manufacturer T4 Design, with his most recent role being finance director.
At Brady Solicitors, Mark leads the finance department and is focused on business intelligence, forecasting, and automating business processes to drive the company’s five-year growth plan.
Mark says: “I am delighted to have joined the expert team at Brady Solicitors. My role at the firm is the perfect fit and provides me with the opportunity to make a real impact by applying the insights I have gained through my experience at many different types of organisations, which has equipped me with the expertise to help businesses achieve real growth. By driving efficiency and agility through delivering enhanced business information and accurate forward forecasting, I hope to play a key role in Brady Solicitors’ continued growth and success.”
Colin Hussey adds: “Mark’s appointment represents a significant addition to our senior team and he is an excellent commercial fit for the business. We have a focused growth plan for the next five years, and an experienced senior team is key to us executing this. Mark is already making a substantial impact by implementing new and innovative processes and enabling us to focus on continuously improving the experience for all our valued clients.”
Swedish environmental technology company swoops for Kettering firm
The Sweden-headquartered environmental technology company Nederman has completed a deal to acquire 100% of the shares in Kettering-based Energy Save System Ltd.
Energy Save System develops and sells unique software and hardware for monitoring and control of filter systems, that among other things reduces energy consumption, decreases environmental impact and improves filtration performance.
Energy Save System has developed technology for energy savings in industrial air filtration processes and the company’s product DESA is addressed to businesses who want to improve their air quality and decrease their environmental impact in industrial operations, for example in the wood, plastic, metalworking, food processing, pharmaceutical, welding and casting industries.
Through the acquisition, Nederman develops their offering within the environmental and climate area for both existing and new installations.
Energy Save System will be part of Nederman’s Monitoring & Control Technology Division.
“Through the acquisition we continue to develop our position as a world leading environmental technology company within industrial air filtration and further improve our product offering by meeting the market’s increased need for smart energy saving solutions,” says Sven Kristensson, CEO Nederman Group.
Director of electrical installation company banned for 5 years
The Nottingham-based director of an electrical installation company has been banned for 5 years after an over £100,000 VAT tax bill went unpaid.
Stuart Palethorpe was the sole director of On Form Electrical Ltd, which traded from early 2015 until November 2018.
HMRC petitioned to wind-up the business in 2018 due to outstanding VAT arrears, and the Official Receiver appointed as liquidator.
The subsequent investigation by the Insolvency Service found that for the last three years of trading, Palethorpe had failed to ensure that his business paid VAT returns.
At the point of liquidation in December 2018, On Form owed the public purse £102,417 in unpaid VAT.
However, because Palethorpe failed to maintain adequate accounting records, it is possible the business owed an even higher amount. The lack of records also prevented the Official Receiver from determining whether money disbursed from the business’s bank accounts was used for legitimate business expenditure.
As a result, the High Court gave Stuart Palethorpe a 5-year disqualification order, beginning on 30 November 2021.
The disqualification order prevents Palethorpe from directly or indirectly becoming involved in the promotion, formation or management of a company without the permission of the court.
Dave Elliot, chief investigator for the Insolvency Service, said: “Directors must ensure their companies pay the correct taxes but enquiries proved that Mr Palethorpe failed to do so while he ran the company.
“The electrician’s ban should serve as a warning to directors that if you fail to fulfil your obligations and seek to gain an unfair advantage over competitors, by failing to properly account and pay for your tax, you could lose the protection of limited liability.”
