£9m awarded for Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre in Derby
The D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has awarded Derby City Council over £9m in funding – £6.875m from its Getting Building Fund and £2.2m from its Growing Places Fund – to support the development of a Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (Nuclear AMRC) at Infinity Park in Derby.
The Nuclear AMRC Midlands research and development facility will provide c.4,300m2 of new floorspace dedicated to research and development, which will support productivity growth and sustainable practises within the manufacturing sector and help to position Derby and the wider D2N2 region as a key advanced manufacturing and innovation hub for the UK nuclear centre and beyond.
Bringing together the University of Sheffield’s Nuclear AMRC and the University of Derby’s Institute for Innovation in Sustainable Manufacturing (IISE), the facility will carry out research, innovation, supply chain development and teaching with the purpose of developing the skills and capability of businesses in the region and nationally, to support the UK Government objectives for Net Zero by 2050 and growth in manufacturing from 11% GDP to 20% GDP by 2030.
Locally, the facility will support local SMEs to improve their productivity by providing access to high quality research and development opportunities, tailored business support and opportunities to upskill their workforce, creating a broader and more resilient economic base. Workers will have access to specialist training and development to equip them for more productive and higher paid roles.
The Nuclear AMRC Midlands will deliver 70 direct jobs, support 35 collaborative R&D projects and support 100 businesses through the Fit For Nuclear supply chain development programme in its first five years of operation. Fifty learners will be supported, with a further 50 employees upskilled.
Elizabeth Fagan, chair of the D2N2 LEP Board, said: “Our recovery and growth strategy highlights the importance of low carbon growth and raising productivity levels across our region. Our investments into Infinity Park and the Nuclear AMRC will play a critical role to in developing clusters of highly productive and sustainable businesses across D2N2 and supporting local economic development.”
Andrew Storer, Chief Executive Officer of the Nuclear AMRC, said: “We’re delighted to secure funding for the new facility at Infinity Park, and will continue to work with D2N2, the University of Derby and other local partners to deliver high-value jobs and support the region’s economic recovery.
“With the transition to net-zero emissions at the top of the national and international agenda, there will be huge long-term opportunities for manufacturers of all sizes in nuclear and other low-carbon sectors such as offshore renewables, hydrogen and carbon capture. It’s part of our job to help the supply chain in and around Derby to win that work.”
Former Methodist church with luxury apartments plans sold
A former Methodist church in a Derbyshire town could soon be converted into eight luxury apartments after it was sold for £177,500 in an auction.
The vacant building with an attractive frontage on West Street, Swadlincote, had a guide price of £140,000+ but attracted much higher bids, reflecting interest in the existing planning permission for the conversion from South Derbyshire District Council.
The original chapel in the Swadlincote Conservation Area was built by Wesleyan Methodists in 1816, was enlarged around 1823, then further extended in 1837, and subsequently rebuilt in 1863. It ceased being a place of worship in 2017.
Colin Totney, a land and development surveyor at Bond Wolfe, said: “We’re delighted with the price we gained for this stylish building, which is centrally located fronting onto West Street in the town centre.
“Assuming the new owners go ahead with the conversion into eight apartments, it is estimated they would have a gross internal area approaching 8,000 sq ft.
“The attractiveness of apartments in such a grand old building would be immense, with its lofty frontage, three ornate, pillar-flanked entrance doors and five arched windows above, and striking polygonal brickwork corners.”
Mr Totney added: “While this approved conversion is now likely, the property could also be suitable for other uses, although the new owners would need further permission for any such reconfiguration.”
Financial Reporting Council commences investigation over nmcn audit
The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) has commenced an investigation into BDO in relation to its audit of Nottinghamshire construction and engineering company, nmcn.
The FRC is looking into the accountancy firm’s audit of the consolidated financial statements of nmcn for the year ended 31 December 2019.
The decision was made at a meeting of the FRC’s Conduct Committee on 14 September 2021.
The investigation will be conducted by the FRC’s Enforcement Division under the Audit Enforcement Procedure.
nmcn entered administration earlier this month, with the majority of the business now sold, safeguarding the jobs of most of its employees. Approximately 80 people however have been made redundant.
Following significant cashflow pressures experienced in 2020 and subsequent losses incurred by the business, the group and its advisors worked throughout much of 2021 to deliver a successful refinancing and secure the future of the business.
However, the legacy issues faced by the group and ongoing losses in 2021 were simply too great to enable the refinance to succeed in an acceptable timescale.
Manufacturing activity remains firm, but supply pressures mount
UK manufacturing output volumes in the quarter to October grew at a similarly firm pace to September, according to the latest quarterly CBI Industrial Trends Survey.
The survey of 263 manufacturers reported output increasing in 11 out of 17 sub-sectors, with growth driven by the chemicals, aerospace, and food, drink & tobacco sub-sectors. Firms expect output growth to pick up substantially in the next quarter.
Total new orders grew at a slower, but still strong, pace compared to July, with the deceleration driven by an easing in domestic orders growth. Meanwhile, export orders increased at a broadly similar pace to last quarter. Manufacturers expect total new orders growth to pick up next quarter, led by an acceleration in domestic and export orders.
Concerns about supply shortages in the next three months escalated further in October. Almost two-thirds of firms cited availability of materials/components as a factor likely to limit output next quarter (highest share since January 1975).
Manufacturers also expressed heightened concerns about labour shortages affecting future output, with two-in-five firms worried about a lack of skilled labour (highest since July 1974) and nearly a third concerned about availability of other labour (a survey-record high).
The manufacturing sector continues to face acute cost and price pressures. Firms reported that average costs growth in the quarter to October remained broadly in line with July, which saw the fastest growth since 1980. Rapid cost growth has continued to feed into price pressures, with average domestic and export prices growing at their fastest rate since April 1980 and April 2011, respectively.
Looking ahead to the next three months, costs growth is set to speed up further, with both domestic and export price inflation expected to accelerate.
Anna Leach, CBI Deputy Chief Economist, said: “From higher material costs to labour shortages, manufacturers continue to face a number of serious global supply challenges hampering their ability to meet strong demand.
“Manufacturers are using key levers, such as hiring new workers and planning further investment in plant & machinery and training, to expand production. But with both orders and costs growth expected to climb over the next quarter, we’re not out of the woods yet.
“While the supply chain advisory group is set to help unblock short-term challenges facing production, strengthening the sector over the long-term demands bold action in the Budget.
“By reforming the outdated business rates system and frontloading investment into new industries, the Government can turn the manufacturing industry into an engine for a more innovative and sustainable economy.”
Tom Crotty, Group Director at INEOS and Chair of the CBI Manufacturing Council, said: “It is reassuring to see output and orders continue to grow as we enter the autumn.
“However, the last quarter has been undoubtedly overshadowed by firms facing shortages of materials or components, struggling to fill roles, and grappling with increased energy cost pressures. It is essential that the government continues to work constructively with businesses to identify ways to alleviate this difficult situation.
“On a more positive note, the upcoming COP26 climate summit presents an excellent opportunity for the manufacturing sector to showcase its achievements and highlight its critical role in the UK’s decarbonisation journey.”
Numbers employed in the sector continued to rise at a similarly fast pace to July (which saw the quickest growth since 1973). Headcount growth is expected to pick up further in the next three months.
Business optimism was flat in the three months to October, softening from the strong improvements seen over the last two quarters. Export optimism, meanwhile, grew at a similarly modest pace to July.
Overall investment intentions remain strong, despite softening somewhat on last quarter. Firms expect capital expenditure to increase for plant & machinery, training & retraining, and product & process innovation in the next 12 months (compared to the last 12). Investment in buildings is expected to decrease.
Devolution vision revealed for Nottinghamshire
Leaders from the nine councils in Nottinghamshire have set out their ambitious joint vision for devolved powers to improve investment in the economy, the environment and health.
In a paper to the joint City of Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Economic Prosperity Committee, councils have outlined how they would work in partnership to help boost economic investment, improve the environment, and tackle health and educational inequalities across the city and county.
Nottingham and Nottinghamshire are aiming to be one of the government’s pathfinder sites for devolution deals, the details of which will be outlined in the much anticipated ‘levelling-up’ white paper expected this autumn.
If a deal was to be agreed, powers would be handed equally to Nottingham City Council and Nottinghamshire County Council to work in partnership with district councils to take responsibility from the government over major decisions and services that affect people in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.
If successful, a devolution deal could result in extra powers and money from government to deliver a county and city-wide approach to improve investment in education and skills, transport and the environment, the economy and infrastructure, land and housing, health and social care, youth services and support to vulnerable young people and potentially much more. Extra powers could also be gained to deliver community safety, tourism, and heritage, as well as better control over regulatory powers.
Any devolution deal would not affect the status of the local councils who would continue to provide local services to their residents.
Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, Councillor Ben Bradley, MP, said: “Councils in Nottinghamshire serve 1.1 million people. So many decisions that impact on their lives are decided in Westminster. This is our opportunity to bring those decisions closer to home, so they reflect the needs and ambitions of local businesses and communities here in the city and county, rather than 130 miles away.
“The right devolution deal would enable us to deliver economic and social prosperity across our city and county. We would use any powers to grow the private sector by attracting investment in jobs and make sure the skills needed match the sectors that invest in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. The long-term result would be to create jobs, raise living standards and to restore local pride. Devolution is also an opportunity to improve public services.
“Levelling up is not just about concrete infrastructure projects such as roads and rail. It needs to go hand in hand with improvements in the conditions for good quality health and education to improve the life chances of people in areas previously underfunded. This could transform the lives of people across Nottinghamshire.”
The government has invited council leaders from areas across the country to show how they can work jointly on the new ‘levelling-up’ agenda, its initiative to make sure every area of the country has the powers and resources needed to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and achieve economic growth and prosperity.
Councillor David Mellen, leader of Nottingham City Council, said: “It’s important that councils across Nottinghamshire work together to make the most of the possible opportunities that a devolution deal would represent to bring more investment, jobs and prosperity to the region and address the significant underfunding we have seen over many years.
“Local leaders want what’s best for local people and we share common ground on a number of key issues. It’s still really early days but the themes and priorities are emerging with a focus on transport and infrastructure, skills and employment, and climate change.
“The challenges we face are immense and partnership and collaboration is critical to improving both the long-term future of communities, and the day to day lives and prospects of local people.”
60-bed student scheme gets go-ahead in Nottingham
Plans for a new student accommodation scheme in Nottingham have been approved by the City Council.
The 60-bed scheme would replace a disused play centre – a two storey red brick terrace style property.
Thorpe and Fletcher Developments Ltd are behind the proposals which would see the existing building at 34 Tennyson Street demolished and ten, 6-bed student accommodation dwellings constructed.
Two short terraces of identical three storey buildings would be built.
Each student accommodation dwelling would have a shared kitchen/living space on the ground floor and three bedrooms on both the first and second floors.
National recruitment company lets Lace Market offices
A national recruitment company has let the second floor at 39 Stoney Street in Nottingham’s historic Lace Market.
The office suite provides just under 2,700 square foot of high quality, recently refurbished space, benefitting from period features and modern fit out including heating/cooling system and attractive glazed partition meeting spaces with herringbone effect flooring finishes.
Thomas Szymkiw of FHP’s Office Agency Department, who agreed the letting, acting on behalf of a retained client, said: “The Lace Market is one of Nottingham’s premier office locations with the former lace mills providing beautiful period buildings benefitting from modern open plan layouts that offer the perfect opportunity for forward thinking occupiers.
“I have been in touch with the agent who acts on this company’s behalf for a number of months regards their city centre requirement and after several viewings at other properties, it was clear that the second floor at 39 Stoney Street ticked all the boxes in terms of size, quality of fit out and also location.
“I am pleased that this deal has finally completed and wish them the best of luck in their new Nottingham home.”
RIBA recognises The Curve as an exemplar housing project
The Rayner Davies designed scheme on the corner of Gregory Street and Abbey Bridge, Nottingham has been recognised as an exemplar housing project by the RIBA East Midlands.
The recognition is part of the RIBAs commitment to identifying and promoting good design and takes into consideration durability, functionality, interiors, location, and the aesthetics of each development. As part of the judging process representatives from the RIBA, led by Mike Baulcombe, director at RIBA East Midlands, conducted a tour of The Curve.
As part of its RIBA recognition, The Curve’s exemplar housing design will be showcased to an audience of property professionals on 18 November 2021.
23 one and two bed apartments were built in a single block over two and four storeys. The external envelope curves around the site, enveloping a private central courtyard garden and residents parking.
The project was complex as it is within an area at risk of flooding and also within an area of archaeological constraints. Opposite the site, to the south, is The Priory Church of St Anthony which is a Grade II Listed Building and is bounded by a Grade II listed boundary wall. The site stands within the Lenton Priory Scheduled Monument Area. Archaeological investigation works took place prior to work starting on site.
Steve Rayner, partner at Rayner Davies, said: “This recognition by our peers is a testament to the quality of the work the team undertook here. We are proud that we were able to help make this project a reality.”
Major Newark employer creates 40 jobs
Nottinghamshire firm Rototek is looking to fill 40 new positions at its Newark factory due to a significant increase in demand for its plastic manufacturing services.
Rototek, which has a second factory in Worksop and employs over 140 people, is one of the UKs biggest technical rotational moulding plastics businesses and creates over 100 different products ranging from sailing boats to water tanks.
With a surge of orders, the business is undertaking significant recruitment in Newark and the surrounding areas and is looking for new team members to help fulfil its order book.
The factory, on Sylvan Way off Great North Road (A1), runs three existing shift patterns throughout the week, but following a change in lifestyles for some families post the pandemic, the business has decided to introduce a new shift pattern which includes the option to work on Saturday and Sunday only – something that was not previously available.
Sean Conway, Managing Director at Rototek, said: “This expansion will significantly increase our manufacturing capacity, enabling us to broaden our portfolio of clients and products and to provide more jobs in Newark.
“We pride ourselves on being one of Europe’s leading technical rotational moulding companies and continuing to hire passionate, hard-working people who are eager to grow with the business is key to our success.
“Making the decision to open the manufacturing facility seven days a week means that we will be able to offer more shift patterns that will in turn mean more flexibility for our team members, something that has become a priority for many people post-lockdown.
“We also hope that the new shift patterns will appeal to a wider demographic of workers – attracting people who had not previously considered this type of work before to apply.
“For those who are new to the industry, we have training in place and all employees are supported in their new role. We are a friendly bunch and it’s a great place to work – we have staff that have been with us for over 20 years which is incredible!”
The company was founded in 1993 and has continued to expand since its inception and the creation of these new jobs is a significant step in the business’s growth plan.
Work to commence on new landmark £35m Art & Design building
Planning permission has been granted for a new state-of-the-art building to house the Nottingham School of Art & Design at Nottingham Trent University (NTU).
The building, designed by architects Hawkins\Brown, will create a signature presence on the university’s city campus, and is part of an ambitious plan to build on NTU’s reputation as one of the world’s leading art and design schools.
The new development will replace redundant buildings on the corner of Shakespeare Street and North Sherwood Street, exploiting views to and from the city whilst respecting the neighbouring heritage buildings.
It will enable NTU to develop its creative industries offering by bringing new technologies for film, animation, UX design, gaming and graphic design and illustration together with traditional design practice.
The building – which is 5,300 square metres – will feature a glazed ground floor entrance which will be used as an exhibition space, providing visitors with an exciting sense of arrival and offering opportunity for collaboration within the university, industry and the local community, through social open learning spaces.
There will be dedicated spaces for visual communication, moving image and digital screen disciplines as well as a cafe, Digital Innovation Lab and Black Box Studio.
The building will support NTU’s zero carbon commitment and has been designed with the aim of achieving BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and DEC ‘A’ ratings.
A future aspiration, alongside the development, is to create a nearby green space for students, colleagues and the local community to enjoy as part of NTU’s commitment to greening the city and enhancing the biodiversity of the university environment.
Professor Edward Peck, Vice-Chancellor of Nottingham Trent University, said: “This building will enable the Nottingham School of Art & Design to become the leading art and design school in the UK, positioning us at the heart of one of the UK’s most innovative cities, creating the best talent in one of the fastest growing sectors in the UK economy.
“It will expand our contribution to the creative industries and be a major driver of innovation and technology in art and design, allowing us to be at the forefront of the creative industries and building upon our heritage of the past 175 years.”
Michael Marsden, Executive Dean of the Nottingham School of Art & Design, said: “This new building pushes the boundaries, not only through the architecture and technologies used to create it, but through the courses on offer, the opportunity for collaboration, and the graduates it will produce.”
Work on the building will commence soon and is expected to be completed by Autumn 2023. This significant investment is expected to create more than 350 jobs and over an additional £1 million in student expenditure in the local economy.
