Work gets underway on Gedling’s largest modular housing scheme
A new development of 131 factory-built affordable homes – one of the largest of its kind in Nottinghamshire – is now underway following planning permission being granted by Gedling Borough Council.
ilke Homes, a modular housing firm who recently raised £60 million in a fundraise from a mix of public and private sector investors, is manufacturing the homes offsite for Jigsaw Homes, who will eventually own and operate the scheme.
The homes will be manufactured at ilke Homes’ 250,000 sq ft factory in Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, before being delivered to Rolleston Drive.
The latest milestone follows news that in October 2020, ilke Homes was chosen by Nottinghamshire County Council to regenerate the nine-acre brownfield site following a competitive tender process.
The Homes England-backed scheme will deliver 45 two-bedroom homes, 73 three-bedroom homes and 13 four-bedroom homes – all of which will made available for either shared ownership or affordable rent.
The new development is one of the largest modular schemes to be funded through the Affordable Homes Programme by the Government’s housing agency.
It is Jigsaw’s first foray into delivering factory-built houses as part of its sustainability strategy and plans to reach net zero carbon by 2050. A number of the homes could also be fitted with a mix of photovoltaic (PV) panels and Air Source Heat Pumps to maximise energy efficiency.
The homes will be constructed in phases consisting of 15 properties at a time and transported to site. The first homes are expected to be in place, tested and handed over in May 2022 with all 131 homes ready by summer 2023.
Garnet Fazackerley, operations director of development at Jigsaw Homes Group, said: “This is an incredibly exciting project and one that will potentially change the way we look at development in the future.
“Not only will these homes be affordable and meet the local housing need but are beautifully built as well as being sustainable. We are proud to be working with ilke Homes and Homes England to bring innovative housing to Gedling.”
Tom Heathcote, executive director of development at ilke Homes, said: “This new scheme is breathing life into a brownfield site that has laid derelict for over six years, so it’s really great to see work beginning on site.
“As one of the country’s most forward-thinking housing associations, Jigsaw Homes Group shares our ambition of ensuring that the homes delivered are some of the country’s most sustainable and energy efficient.
“Since securing the site just over a year ago, our Midlands team have worked closely with both Nottinghamshire County Council and Gedling Borough Council to ensure the development will deliver not only best value, but also a well-designed sustainable development all stakeholders will be proud of.”
Dilys Jones, assistant director of affordable housing growth at Homes England, said: “This is one of the largest fully volumetric sites we’ve funded through the government’s Affordable Homes Programme via Continuous Market Engagement. It’s an excellent example of how this funding can be accessed and used to facilitate ambitious MMC led schemes that deliver affordable housing at scale.”
Deputy leader for Gedling Borough Council, Councillor Michael Payne, said: “I’m very pleased to see work beginning at the Rolleston Drive site. This development will breathe much needed new life to this unused brownfield site, a site which had been an eyesore for local residents for a very long time.
“One of our main priorities is to redevelop vacant or underused sites to create affordable homes and provide much needed new homes to boost the local economy. We will work together with our local housing providers to bring this development together to offer high quality, energy efficient and affordable housing for our residents and I look forward to seeing the works as they progress.”
Green light for new creative workspace on Grimsby docks
Plans have been approved for a brand-new workspace which will be created on Grimsby docks for a mixture of artists and creative entrepreneurs.
World renowned conservation architects and historic buildings consultants, Donald Insall Associates, were appointed last year to develop plans to create the new workspace, and a planning application was submitted earlier this year to redevelop a number of buildings in the Fish Dock area of Grimsby as part of the Grimsby Creates programme.
Work will now move forward on the first phase of the project – initially to regenerate three central buildings back into use, and create a new space for creative individuals and businesses, which will incorporate studio space as well as a communal space for collaboration, networking, and art installations.
The first stage of this development will be to do some initial works ahead of the winter period to secure the buildings from water ingress. Following this, a tender for the redevelopment will be released and it’s expected that the main construction work will take place from mid-2022 onwards. The Council will also be seeking an organisation to take on the day-to-day operation of the workspace once it has been completed.
Should further funding be secured, additional buildings already identified in the planning application may be developed in the future.
Cllr Callum Procter, Cabinet member for economic growth, said: “This is a really important project for Grimsby, bringing together the creative activity that’s been happening along with development of a unique affordable space for businesses and creatives to grow. I look forward to watching the space develop in the coming year.”
The buildings in question have had a long history associated with the port – from being occupied by a bank to being home to carpenters, sail printers, basket makers, engineers and boiler makers and of course fish handling companies. Some of the buildings also had to be re-built after suffering bomb damage in the Second World War.
Other buildings have associations with long-standing Grimsby employers, including Edwin Bacon, Ross and Youngs. And many sailors will have heard “Sailor Radio” on their travels, transmitted from one of the buildings in years past.
The project aims to provide a culture-led regeneration project in the historic ‘Kasbah’ area of the Port of Grimsby as part of the wider Great Grimsby Heritage Action Zone.
The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport funds the Cultural Development Fund which is administered by Arts Council England.
Leicestershire sustainable cycling apparel business to create 7 jobs following £500,000 funding package
A Hinckley-headquartered cycling apparel manufacturer has secured a £500,000 investment to fuel expansion and strengthen its position in global markets.
Velobici Ltd secured the funding from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund (MEIF) – managed by The FSE Group Debt Finance Fund and backed by the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS).
The company will use the funds to bolster its workforce over the next three years, creating seven full time jobs, six dedicated to the manufacturing side of the business and a new finance employee.
Velobici manufactures and distributes high-end cycling apparel and accessories. It uses sustainably sourced fabrics and has an adaptable manufacturing strategy that helps limit excess production. The funding will also enable the company to increase stock levels to help meet demand from both UK and export markets.
Velobici is also planning to move to larger premises, which will increase production capacity and allow the company to grow its distribution channels overseas. Alongside the larger premises, a new range of cycling apparel is being developed for Spring 2022.
Chris Puttnam, founder and director of Velobici, said: “Being a keen amateur cyclist myself, I understand the importance of having the correct, high-performance cycling apparel. COVID-19 affected supply chains across the manufacturing sector, but with lockdown restrictions easing, the situation is greatly improving, enabling us to get back to ‘business as usual’, albeit with the correct safety measures in place.
“This funding has not only enabled us to maintain our workforce, but we are now back to full manufacturing strength, fulfilling current orders and scheduling new ones. We take great pride in attention to detail and all our roadwear garments are manufactured by our own master craftspeople from start to finish. The imminent move to our new premises will see capacity increased to deliver a growth in sales.”
Ann Marie McFadyen, investment manager at The FSE Group, which manages the MEIF Debt Finance Fund, added: “Velobici has a highly experienced leadership team, all committed to ensuring the business becomes carbon-neutral by 2025. Its respected high-quality ‘Made In England’ brand, being 100 per cent UK manufactured, is well respected and sought after, both overseas and in the UK by both current and new customers.
“The sector is set to continue to expand, and it is great to see the business getting ready to move to a larger production site to fulfil the increase in orders. We look forward to joining Chris and his team at Velobici on the next stage of their journey.”
Kevin Harris, chair of the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership, said: “Velobici is an innovative textile manufacturer whose products and designs are made right here in Leicestershire, keeping our historic heart of the UK textile industry very much alive.
“I’m very pleased that they have secured this funding to enable them to expand their team and invest in the future of their business. It is essential that our local innovative and sustainable manufacturers get the support and funding they need to expand, so they can offer future jobs and opportunities for local people. This is exactly what the Midlands Engine Investment Fund was set up to do.”
Green light for 71 new energy-efficient West Bridgford homes
Plans for 71 new homes on Abbey Road in West Bridgford have secured a unanimous Reserved Matters Approval from Rushcliffe Borough Council.
The no-gas housing development will sit on the Central Works Depot site, which was previously used primarily as the Borough Council’s depot for the storage of refuse freighters, vehicle maintenance and the storage of some recyclables.
Stagfield Group and Peveril Homes are behind the new scheme, which will include 21 affordable homes for Futures Housing Group.
The development, which is to feature energy systems and Smart living technology to assist homeowners to control their lifestyle and energy consumption, is estimated to deliver in excess of 50% CO2 reduction compared to building regulations, which is significantly higher than the enhanced standard target of 19% CO2 reduction for the scheme.
A supporting statement accompanying the submission said: “The design and layout is sympathetic to the existing locality yet creates a contemporary and high-quality new urban environment which encourages walking and cycling to local facilities.”
Miller Knight acquires headquarter building at Mansfield business park
FHP Property Consultants, on behalf of retained clients, have completed on the sale of 2A Sherwood Oaks Business Park in Mansfield to Miller Knight Resource Management Ltd.
The company, who also acquired the adjacent 2B property through FHP, have now secured a substantial 6,200 sq ft headquarter office building to expand their operations.
The property provides quality office accommodation over two floors, with the benefit of air conditioning and good levels of on-site car parking and several amenities in walking distance including the Golden Eagle public house, an ALDI supermarket and McDonald’s restaurant.
Thomas Szymkiw, of FHP’s Office Agency Department, said: “Miller Knight were keen to acquire this building for obvious reasons having already purchased the building next door previously through myself.
“I am therefore pleased that they have managed to secure the space required to expand their office operations on the same site – and wish them the very best of luck for the future.”
Derby manufacturer expands into neighbouring property
Tidyco, a producer of hose assemblies for the rail industry, has acquired an adjacent unit to house the expansion of its overhaul and refurbishment department.
In order to make the building fit for purpose, renovations have started with an official opening scheduled in November.
At the beginning of the year, the decision was made to acquire the adjacent space (Unit 6) of Tidyco’s existing location once the rental lease of the previous business was due to come to an end.
The purpose of this is to house the firm’s expansion of its overhaul and refurbishment of rolling stock components, which is managed and operated by the Tidyco Rail Division.
Rail Division Director, Paul Jacks, said: “Over the past few years we have worked tirelessly towards establishing an overhaul and refurb department within the rail division. We are starting to see our efforts pay off, which is why we needed to consider extending our premises. When we found out about the lease for the adjoining unit, it made perfect sense to move into there.”
James Tidy, Managing Director, said: “This really is a testament to the relentless determination of the rail division despite the incredibly difficult times brought about by the pandemic. I am immensely proud and optimistic of what they’ve achieved. This is a really exciting time for Tidyco.”
Smaller firms responsible for half of all UK greenhouse gas emissions from businesses
The British Business Bank has revealed that, based on its estimates, smaller businesses account for almost a third (30%) of all current UK greenhouse gas emissions (including emissions from households, industry and government) and around half (50%) of total emissions from UK businesses.
Its latest research report, Smaller businesses and the transition to net zero, highlights the potential collective influence of UK smaller businesses and the considerable contribution they could make to wider net zero objectives if they all made changes to reduce their carbon footprint.
The report, one of the most in-depth so far in this under-explored part of the market, incorporates results from fresh data via a bespoke, nationally representative survey of 1,200 smaller businesses, and analysis of public data sources.
Over three in four businesses (76%) are yet to implement comprehensive decarbonisation strategies, capabilities and actions, according to Bank estimates. One example of this is that just 3% of smaller businesses surveyed say they have measured their carbon footprint in the past five years and subsequently set an emissions reduction target.
The early stages of transition
There is limited proactivity from businesses to improve their own knowledge and capability, for example, with more than half (56%) in the survey saying they have taken no actions to change this.
However, when asked about physical actions, it is encouraging to see that the vast majority (94%) say they have taken at least one action to reduce their emissions, though they tended to be low-effort ones, such as installing a smart meter.
Overall, the most common motive for taking action, mentioned by just over half (51%) of businesses, was that it ‘made financial sense’, speaking to the need to align net zero and financial objectives for businesses in the transition.
The data reveals around half (52%) of smaller UK businesses fall within the ‘Carbon Complacent’ or ‘Carbon Exposed’ personas established by the Bank based on business characteristics, emissions intensity, actions and attitudes. Businesses falling under these personas are reactive or simply disengaged in their attitudes to cutting emissions and have ‘low carbon transition maturity’.
Awareness is mixed and attitudes split
More than half (57%) of smaller businesses have heard a lot, or a fair amount, about the government’s commitment to reach ‘net zero’ emissions by 2050, and the implications of climate change for their businesses (56%), establishing a strong base for further transition.
However, while nearly half (47%) of smaller businesses state reducing carbon emissions or environmental impacts is a high or very high priority over the next two years, 53% indicate they are not yet ready to prioritise decarbonisation. This split in attitudes demonstrates the need to raise awareness, balance the knowledge gap and ultimately help facilitate change.
Barriers are multiple, complex and business specific
The research found that smaller businesses identified more than twenty barriers preventing action on net zero, demonstrating the complexity in addressing the issues on a wide scale and the need for tailored approaches.
Some common themes have emerged, however – more than a third (35%) of smaller businesses cited costs as a barrier for reducing carbon emissions, particularly upfront capital costs (21%), followed by feasibility (32%), such as lack of control due to tenancy agreements or lack of an appropriate technology. Over one in ten (12%) said that lack of information was preventing them from action.
Finance as an enabler to net zero transition
So far, 11% of the smaller business population – equating to around 700,000 businesses in the UK – have accessed external finance, in the form of loans or equity, to support net zero actions. Looking forward, 22% of the UK smaller business population (equivalent to around 1.3 million businesses) – say they are prepared to access external finance to support net zero actions in the next five years.
Catherine Lewis La Torre, CEO, British Business Bank, said: “Smaller businesses will generally have lower individual carbon footprints than their larger counterparts, but by broadening their vision and committing to action they can collectively produce a significant overall impact.
“Action to mitigate the impacts of climate change is at tipping point, and it is crucial for smaller business owners to feel empowered, informed and supported in making the relevant steps to decarbonising their business if the UK is going to meet its wider net zero objectives by 2050.
“More than half of smaller businesses say they’re not ready to prioritise decarbonisation, so clearly more needs to be done.
“The Bank continues to strive to bridge the knowledge gap and work with its partners to improve smaller businesses’ access to the right finance to help them transition to net zero. We hope this report encourages business owners to review their business model, consider where changes can be made and to make the necessary investments to secure a sustainable future for their businesses.”
East Midlands commercial vehicle company secures £7.5m for fleet expansion
An East Midlands commercial vehicle rental company has secured a £7.5m asset finance loan from HSBC UK to help purchase a new fleet of 200 trucks, as demand for vehicles in the supply chain soars. The investment will create 20 full-time jobs across the East Midlands.
With operating depots in Leicester, Loughborough and Nottingham, Alltruck provides contract hire and rental vehicle services to over 250 SMEs across the UK. The company has used the funding to increase its fleet of commercial vehicles – which ranges from 3.5 tonne vans to 44 tonne tractor units – from 2,000 to 2,200 to help meet an increase in demand from its customers.
As part of the company’s ‘Journey to Zero’ initiative, the new investment includes 10 fully-electric vans which will enable Alltruck and its customers to become more eco-friendly. As well as creating 20 new jobs, the company hopes its expanded vehicle capacity will increase annual turnover by 10 per cent.
Paul Robinson, Managing Director of Alltruck, said: “We pride ourselves on having the trucks our customers need, when they need it – and it’s crucial we continue to support customers during this period of sustained pressure facing UK supply chains.”
Simon Woods, relationship director East Midlands corporate banking, HSBC UK, said: “This deal gives Alltruck the funding to realise its own growth ambitions, which include becoming more eco-friendly as well as playing an important role in boosting supply chain capacity. We were pleased to support Paul and the team and look forward to working with them closely as they continue to grow the business.”
Capital One submits plans for roof terrace at Nottingham HQ
Plans from Capital One to convert the existing flat roof areas of its HQ at Trent House, on Station Street, have been submitted to Nottingham City Council.
The credit card provider wants to create a new roof terrace space for employees as it looks to “introduce high quality external areas to supplement the internal spaces, bringing the benefits of wellbeing associated with landscaping and the outdoors,” according to a design statement.
A green wall would also be incorporated and the firm is looking to complete remodelling internally to provide conference space.
The project aims to provide:
• New open air hospitality/events areas on existing rooftop areas
• Covered events terrace area at main roof level, with extension of terrace areas to high-level plant deck roof
• Maximisation of green walls and planting
• Provision of new vertical access through the existing building, via new stair and platform lift from Level 02 accommodation
• A dedicated conference suite at the existing Level 02 Mezzanine level, with improved
vertical access
Business insolvencies at highest level since January 2020
The economic effects of the pandemic continue to impact heavily on local businesses as latest Government insolvency statistics highlight an increase in corporate insolvencies to their highest level since January 2020.
Monthly research by the Insolvency Service shows that the number of insolvent businesses in England and Wales increased by 7.2% in September to a total of 1,446, which is 55.8% higher than September 2020’s figure of 928 and approaching the pre-pandemic statistic of 1,515 for January of last year.
According to the Midlands branch of insolvency and restructuring body R3, the dramatic increase in corporate insolvencies compared to this time last year illustrates just how crucial the Government’s support has been in keeping businesses afloat and suggests that there may be a rocky road ahead for many now it has ended.
R3 Midlands Chair Eddie Williams, a partner at PwC in the East Midlands, said: “The monthly rise in corporate insolvencies was driven by Creditors’ Voluntary Liquidations, which have increased for the third consecutive month. Directors may be closing their businesses after deeming financial survival unlikely after 18 months of struggling through a pandemic.
“Despite the fact that businesses have benefitted from two months of restriction-free trading and the economic boost over the summer, conditions are still not back to where they were before Covid-19.
“Consumers are now more cautious about the state of the economy and the growing cost of living and are more wary about spending their money. With widespread supply chain disruption and significant wholesale energy price increases building up between September and October, there is likely to be little slack for vulnerable businesses.
“For those companies continuing to struggle, the sooner advice is sought from a qualified and reputable source, the more potential there is for a solution.”
