< Previous East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk FINANCE NEWS Rotheras to expand in Derby with JH Powell & Co acquisition Rotheras Solicitors LLP is set to expand its services into Derby with the acquisition of JH Powell & Co. The deal will see JH Powell & Co take on the Rotheras name in a partnership that will see the two historic firms combine to reinforce service offerings, whilst paving the way for growth and expansion into the Derby legal market for Rotheras. The deal consists of 15 staff including seven legal advisors, two of which will join as partners, increasing the headcount to 131 at Rotheras, with the addition of city centre premises located next to Derby Cathedral coming under the umbrella of Rotheras’ four branch locations in Nottingham. Both firms share a rich history and legacy in their neighbouring legal markets with Rotheras having been established in 1824 and JH Powell & Co in 1873. Rotheras CEO, Christina Yardley said: “We are delighted to be joining forces with JH Powell & Co and we welcome their highly skilled and experienced team into the Rotheras family. JH Powell & Co operate with similar values to our own, particularly around their ethos for developing lasting client relationships, which is something that underpins the history and longevity of both of our firms.” Leicestershire marketing agency sold in multimillion-pound deal Business owner Luke Tobin, founder of Oadby-based marketing agency Digital Ethos, is celebrating after South American-based company Cadastra has acquired the firm in a deal worth approximately £8 million. Luke founded the company in 2016 with just £100 invested and progressed his way up the ladder to be named ‘Great British Entrepreneur of the Year 2020’. Luke also joined Richard Branson’s Virgin StartUp scheme to mentor like-minded entrepreneurs starting their own businesses. Digital Ethos was also named ‘The UK’s fastest Growing Agency’ in 2019 and was recently granted B-Corporation status for its sustainability-conscious practices including pledging to plant 50,000 trees in 2022. The acquisition by Cadastra, a digital marketing, consultancy and technology company with offices across Europe and South America, will mean that Digital Ethos will establish itself further with an array of international clients and with Luke still at the helm as CEO. Speaking on the acquisition, Luke said: “It’s absolutely amazing to be in this position just a few years on from when I founded the company from nothing. We’re thrilled to have been acquired by an established company and are very excited as to what the future holds for us.” Midlands businesses raise £110m in venture capital investment amidst global economic challenges Growing businesses in the Midlands secured £110 million in venture capital investment in the third quarter of the year, according to KPMG UK’s latest Venture Pulse report. A total of 31 innovative companies, 17 in the West Midlands and 14 in the East Midlands, received investment in the third quarter of the year, highlighting that the UK scaleup ecosystem continues to appeal to investors but they are increasingly cautious about how much they are investing. Joining the Midlands Engine Investment Fund (MEIF) as a leading investor in the region, FSE Group also supported SMEs in the Midlands with growth funding. Among the companies securing investments were Onto, the all-inclusive electric car subscription, and Worn Again Technologies, the recycling firm working to rehaul the textile industry. This signals the growing investor interest in companies with genuine environmentally friendly credentials. Khush Purewal, partner and head of deals at KPMG in the Midlands, said: “Amid a growing energy crisis, economic turbulence, continued pandemic impacts and increased pressures on businesses, funds continue to flow into businesses across all sectors in the Midlands, particularly those with strong ESG roots. “Whilst some VCs will be focussed on existing portfolios, many have a commitment to investors to deploy capital so there is still dry powder and opportunities for good businesses with solid growth plans. “Competition for good businesses in strong sectors will be fierce and could lead to some deal heat as we head into the final quarter of the year. However, as the economic conditions continue to deteriorate, it is likely that VC investment will remain subdued heading into Q4 2022 and beyond.” Luke Tobin David Tomlinson, Christina Yardley, and Guy Potter. 06-15.qxp_Layout 1 30/11/2022 09:38 Page 5FINANCE NEWS www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link £3m funding package sees vehicle recovery business open new Derbyshire site National vehicle recovery operator, Richford Motor Services, is opening a new site in Derby following a £3 million funding package from HSBC UK. Established in 1990, Richford Motor Services provides 24-hour breakdown, repair, and recovery services for light and commercial vehicles, helping keep businesses on the road. The 65,000 sq ft site will be Richford Motor Service’s twelfth UK depot, enabling the company to store vehicles in a more centralised location and minimise the time it takes to change and deploy vehicles to meet customer demand. The new site will also create space for repair work and a body shop, allowing Richford Motor Services to hire up to 30 new employees in a variety of roles, such as recovery drivers, roadside tech’s, and car and commercial mechanics. Philip Richford, director at Richford Motor Services, said: “The support from HSBC UK has enabled us to invest in key areas of our business, which will allow us to offer our customers in Derbyshire a quicker and more efficient vehicle recovery service whilst promoting our company growth.” Chirag Makwana, relationship manager at HSBC UK, added: “Vehicles of all sizes play a key role in our lives. Supporting Richford Motor Services by enabling its expansion within Derbyshire will allow the business to continue offering reliable, consistent, and affordable vehicle breakdown support and repairs to customers of all sizes in the region.” Affinity on board for growth as transport solutions company lands £2m funding deal A Loughborough-based transport solutions company has made a substantial investment in new buses after landing a funding deal through Nottinghamshire’s Affinity Asset Finance. Vectare has enhanced its environmental credentials by acquiring ten Alexander Dennis Enviro E200 low carbon emission buses after securing a £2m deal arranged by Affinity, which used its expertise and broad funding panel to deliver the funding package. Neil Kimberley, director at Affinity Asset Finance, said: “It’s been a pleasure to work with Vectare on this deal – and it’s great to see such a forward-thinking transport company investing in its business in this way. “Since Affinity was set up almost 14 years ago we have been able to put together a panel of Tier 1 asset funders outside of the mainstream High Street banks who are moving away from this kind of funding. “We believe in backing progressive companies and we wish Vectare all the best for the future.” Vectare is a nationwide transport provider and will utilise its new fleet to deliver transport services for additional council contracts the company has won across the UK. With pressure and demand for council transport services, Vectare is positioned well to continue to win and deliver contracts across the UK. Dominic Kalantary from Vectare said: “We are a growing business providing high quality local bus services throughout the UK and where we can we always strive to be as climate friendly as we can be. That means upgrading and acquiring fleet stock that is as modern as possible. “The Enviro200 is Britain’s favourite single deck bus with a lightweight design that makes it highly fuel efficient and cost- effective to run. Sourcing funding for these acquisitions is notoriously challenging but Neil and the team at Affinity made the whole process as seamless and as swift as possible. This in turn will enable us to fulfil an ever-growing portfolio of contracts across the UK in as an efficient and climate friendly manner as possible.” © stock.adobe.com/ Stockfotos-MG 06-15.qxp_Layout 1 30/11/2022 09:38 Page 6Derbyshire bicycle manufacturer enters administration Derbyshire-based bicycle manufacturer and retailer Stanton Bikes Limited has entered administration. Dean Nelson and Nick Lee, PKF Smith Cooper’s business recovery and insolvency partners, were appointed joint administrators following a petition to the court by a creditor. Trading of the business is being continued, under the supervision of the joint administrators, whilst a purchaser is sought for either the shares or the business and assets. Dean Nelson, business recovery and insolvency partner at PKF Smith Cooper, said: “We will be providing creditors with relevant information regarding the administration process to allow them to participate in proceedings. We are currently dealing with all enquiries. We will strive to achieve the best outcome for everyone involved at this difficult time.” Stanton Bikes Limited has developed both a national and international reputation in the biking industry for designing, manufacturing and selling hardtail and full suspension bicycle frames. East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk MANUFACTURING NEWS Manufacturer unveils multi- million-pound heat pump production line at Belper factory Vaillant, the manufacturers of environmentally friendly heating and air-conditioning technology, has lifted the lid on a new multi-million-pound heat pump production line. At a ceremony held at its Belper factory, the firm officially opened the line, making it the first manufacturer to produce both heat pumps and high-efficiency boilers in the UK. Marking a £4 million investment in the factory’s low carbon production capabilities, Vaillant said it reinforces its commitment to ensuring that all UK homes can be heated via the most effective technology. Henrik Hansen, Managing Director of Vaillant Group UK & Ireland, said: “Vaillant has seen many ‘firsts’ in its nearly 150-year history, and I’m delighted to now be announcing the commissioning of the company’s new heat pump manufacturing line in the UK. “It’s a huge testament to our incredibly talented and dedicated team, and their vision and commitment to taking the business forward, that we are celebrating this latest milestone.” East Midlands manufacturer delivers £1.6m furniture contract in Scotland Mansfield-based Deanestor, one of the UK’s leading education furniture and fitout specialists, has delivered a £1.6m contract for one of the highest performing secondary schools in Scotland. Built by McLaughlin & Harvey for East Dunbartonshire Council, the new £40.9m Boclair Academy in Bearsden near Glasgow has created a state-of-the-art learning environment for 1,000 pupils. Deanestor fitted out 228 rooms across the new Boclair campus and provided a range of contemporary fitted and loose furniture, soft furnishings, teaching aids, lockers, and equipment for sports, crafts, design and technology, science laboratories, and food technology – from mirrors and ballet barres to a kiln and laboratory fume cupboards. Its team manufactured bespoke items of furniture, including the solid oak reception desk, storage cabinets, booth seating, benching, lockers, and teaching aids. Specially designed tiered seating in a beech finish was provided by Deanestor which doubles up as informal break-out spaces to encourage social interaction. Nearly 3,000 items of loose furniture were also supplied as part of Deanestor’s FF&E contract, such as tables and chairs, dining tables, modular soft seating, mobile storage, and over 300 sofas. © stock.adobe.com/bahadirbermekphoto © stock.adobe.com/Drobot Dean 06-15.qxp_Layout 1 30/11/2022 09:38 Page 7Construction milestone at new Derby centre for low-carbon research Initial construction has completed on a new industrial research facility to help manufacturers across the Midlands win work in growing low-carbon markets and develop new sustainable technologies. Senior figures from the Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (Nuclear AMRC) and partners visited the site at Infinity Park Derby to mark the topping out of the £20 million building. The new Nuclear AMRC Midlands facility will provide a permanent base in Derby for the University of Sheffield’s Nuclear AMRC, part of the UK’s High Value Manufacturing Catapult, and a new home for the University of Derby’s Institute for Innovation in Sustainable Engineering (IISE). Andrew Storer, CEO of the Nuclear AMRC, said: “It’s fantastic to see the progress that’s been made on our new facility… As a nation, we need to build a new generation of low-carbon power plant, and we need to move industry to more sustainable manufacturing and engineering practices. “The research that will be carried out in this facility will help tackle both of those challenges, and support manufacturers in Derby and beyond to seize the opportunities of the energy transition.” www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link MANUFACTURING NEWS Car parts manufacturer to support SMEs with apprenticeship training A car parts manufacturer with sites in Leicestershire and Derbyshire is reaching out to smaller organisations across the Midlands to help them with the cost of apprenticeship training and assessment. Plastic Omnium is a family-led independent group that operates globally and has 137 production plants in 25 countries. In the UK the company mainly produces external car parts for Jaguar Land Rover. The business engaged North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College (NWSLC) to recruit its own apprentices in engineering, business administration and lean manufacturing. As part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) objectives, Plastic Omnium made the decision to share resources from its Apprenticeship Levy fund to help smaller businesses that may struggle to afford the cost of training for their apprentices. Six SMEs across the Midlands that work in engineering, construction and materials handling are set to benefit from the Levy transfer process which enables businesses with a turnover of £3m or more to pass on 25 per cent of the value of their Apprenticeship Levy for use by other organisations. Richard Haswell, UK HR director for Plastic Omnium, said: “Since its introduction, we have used our Apprenticeship Levy funds to train apprentices and upskill team leaders and shift leaders across our business. We are delighted to be able to assist small businesses across the Midlands to build a talented workforce of their own using Apprenticeship Levy funding to help them develop new recruits or upskill existing employees. “The college has been instrumental in helping us to identify the beneficiaries of this scheme which operate in a range of industry sectors in Leicestershire, Derbyshire and elsewhere in the Midlands. Training for the apprentices will be provided by NWSLC and costs will be covered under our Levy contribution.” © David Cadzow 06-15.qxp_Layout 1 30/11/2022 09:38 Page 8PROPERTY NEWS Mobility products manufacturer secures J28 warehouse unit Commercial Property Partners (CPP) has let a 64,002 sq ft modern warehouse facility at The Nursery in South Normanton to Pride Mobility UK Limited. The US company, the designer and manufacturer of mobility products, recently acquired the Nottinghamshire-based rise/reclining chair manufacturer Sitting Pretty with a view to relocating its whole operation to accommodate future expansion plans. Unit 2, which forms part of The Nursery industrial scheme, offered Pride Mobility three times the space of the previous manufacturing site, with circa 85 staff relocating to the new base, which also enjoys easy access to Jct 28 of the M1, only one mile away. Built in 2006, Unit 2 is a detached steel portal frame unit with 10m clear working height, four dock level loading doors, two level access loading doors, a two storey open plan office with canteen and welfare facilities. Externally, the unit boasts a 40m concrete, fenced and gated yard and circa 80 parking spaces. Wincobank Way forms part of the South Normanton industrial estate, an established commercial location which has attracted numerous key occupiers including Eurocell, Alloga UK, Radius Systems and GXO Logistics. Road connectivity and access to a local skilled labour market also help to underpin the location as a sought- after manufacturing and logistical base. Newly launched roadside dining brand commits to largest unit at Rutland development UK property developer Godwin Developments has announced that Loungers, a nationwide operator of all day café-bars and restaurants, has signed a lease for the biggest unit at its new roadside retail development, Ram Jam Services. Fronting the busy northbound section of the A1 in Rutland, the restaurant will be operated under the Brightside brand, a recently announced roadside dining concept from Loungers which is being rolled out across the UK. When delivered, the 4,500 sq ft unit will be the first purpose-built Brightside restaurant which will serve c. 41,500 vehicles passing the site daily as well as residents of the local area. Ram Jam Services is positioned alongside the main arterial route from Peterborough to Grantham, next to an established petrol station, a new bakery and is only 15 minutes away from Rutland Water – one of the largest man-made lakes in Europe. The area and wider county attract nearly 1.9 million visitors every year who favour it for its attractive countryside and outdoor pursuits. A total of four units have been developed by Godwin at Ram Jam Services, of which three are currently under offer. East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk Planning application submitted for local centre and care home in Leicestershire Developer Charterpoint, in a joint venture with landowner, The Drummond Estate, has applied for planning permission to build a new local centre and a 66-bed care home on land at New Lubbesthorpe, a new community in Blaby, Leicestershire. The mixed-use scheme features a two-storey local centre which will house a Sainsbury’s Local store and four additional units for retail, including a café/bistro on the ground floor. The first floor will be occupied by Forest House Medical Centre. The plans submitted to Blaby District Council include a 66-bed modern care home to be built over two and three storeys, which would be delivered by senior living specialist Charterpoint. New Lubbesthorpe Local Centre is the first retail scheme for the new community, which will eventually feature more than 4,000 new homes. The local centre and the care home – designed by Franklin Ellis Architects – have already received outline planning permission and will complete the development of the Tay Road feature square that also includes the successful New Lubbesthorpe Primary School. Charterpoint Managing Director, Giles Nursey, said: “New Lubbesthorpe is an exciting, vibrant community set in a great countryside location just 20 minutes from Leicester city centre and ten minutes from Fosse Park Retail Centre.” 06-15.qxp_Layout 1 30/11/2022 09:38 Page 9PROPERTY NEWS £6.5m National Stone Centre takes step forward as plans submitted A detailed planning application for a £6.5m transformation of the National Stone Centre (NSC) near Wirksworth, Derbyshire that draws on influences from local rock formations for the building’s form, has been jointly submitted by the National Stone Centre and the Institute of Quarrying. The proposed new National Stone Centre will embody strong references and links to the area’s geology and industrial heritage, including the overhanging rock formations found in local gritstone outcrops, such as Black Rocks and Stanage Edge. The plans have been developed in partnership with Wirksworth-based building design and consultancy practice Babenko Associates. A cantilevered structure will allow the building to emerge from the hillside and spring out of the ground reflecting the rock formations in a dynamic way. Phase One of the project includes proposals for a 100 seater café/restaurant; four naturally lit classrooms with a combined capacity of 120 learners; 700m2 of museum/exhibition space; a souvenir shop; Changing Places facilities; a new thematic children’s playground; and a 1200m2 open-air circular piazza for community events. Work starts on new homes and office development in Leicestershire village Work has officially started on a new homes and office development in Mountsorrel, Leicestershire. The mixed-use site will bring nine properties and two commercial offices to the area, which will be marketed by Newtown Living. Chartered quantity surveyor and project management experts Addison Hunt has been appointed to provide project management and quantity surveying services and will work alongside property development and construction company GS Developments, and architects rg+p, to deliver the project. Simon Collin, director of Addison Hunt, said: “We’re delighted to have been appointed to work on this project. The development of the site will provide a much more positive outlook and sense of arrival as passers-by travel through Mountsorrel. “We look forward to work progressing and bringing a new mixed-use development to the area, which has been designed to fit in with the current surroundings.” Alpha Power Cleaners expand with new warehouse and workshop in Loughborough East Midlands-based commercial cleaning equipment specialist Alpha Power Cleaners has announced major expansion plans, with the build of a new warehouse and workshop for their current Loughborough site. The new warehouse will be critical in facilitating the company’s growth plans over the next few years. Alpha Power Cleaners sell, hire, repair and service commercial cleaning machines for customers across the UK, with a hire fleet of equipment from leading brands such as Kärcher, Tennant and Mac International. Alpha Power Cleaners has commenced construction of a new, significantly larger warehouse to replace their current warehouse and offices. Upon completion, their new warehouse will include a new workshop for repairs and servicing, and new office space to accommodate the company’s growing team. This will lay the foundation for the ongoing future growth of Alpha Power Cleaners, as its customer base expands and its contract numbers continue to increase at the same pace. For more information visit www.alphapowercleaners.co.uk www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link © rg+p Ltd 06-15.qxp_Layout 1 30/11/2022 09:39 Page 10 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk COMMERCIAL PROPERTY Bringing new life to old buildings 16-19.qxp_Layout 1 30/11/2022 09:40 Page 1www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link COMMERCIAL PROPERTY The past month has seen positive progress for the rejuvenation of a number of disused sites across the region. W ith a wealth of derelict and disused sites prime for redevelopment in the East Midlands, a plethora of projects continue to be planned and begin across the region, injecting new life into beleaguered buildings and static sites. In Northampton, planning permission was recently granted to convert a former Victorian leather workshop into starter homes, following a successful application by local entrepreneur Paresh Parmar, supported by Marrons Planning. The Dunster Street unit was constructed in 1895 but has been derelict for the past The Judge’s Lodgings, Lincoln 18 Á 16-19.qxp_Layout 1 30/11/2022 09:40 Page 2 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk COMMERCIAL PROPERTY two years and will be transformed into four one-bedroom apartments, offering additional housing in a sought-after location, while also making positive use out of a building within the historic Boot and Shoe conservation area. Respecting the local surroundings, the external works will be in keeping with the historic nature of the conservation area, while also providing excellent internal living areas, contributing to the local council’s five-year housing land supply. Sachin Parmar, associate director at Marrons Planning, said: “This was a challenging application as we needed to ensure the plans would not harm the character or appearance of the environment, but in fact enhance them. Due to a lack of investment over the past few years, the building is plagued with water leakages and damp issues. However, what’s great about this development is that it’s answering the housing need, while making viable use of a run down, unused property. We look forward to seeing the conversion take shape!” In Grimsby, meanwhile, a vital step in the transformation of St James’ Square has been completed, with local company the E-Factor purchasing St James’ House The site in Alice Street, Derby set to become new offices for The Liversage Trust 16-19.qxp_Layout 1 30/11/2022 09:40 Page 3www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link COMMERCIAL PROPERTY — a former office building. E-Factor Group has plans to bring the building back to life using a £1.5m slice of Towns Fund money along with significant private investment. The move provides a major boost for the Square and will pave the way for the building to be completely renovated and transformed into a business hub exclusively for local businesses. Mark Webb, Managing Director of E-Factor, said: “We’re absolutely delighted that we can now plough on with our plans to develop this building and provide quality business accommodation for a variety of local businesses and entrepreneurs right in the town centre. There will also be space for business events and small conferences, all aimed at supporting local business people. This is a significant investment for our company, but we are determined to continue to be part of the positive story of growth in this area. We recognise that this building has been empty for some time and with our investment, supported by the Towns Fund, we are confident we can bring it back to life.” Furthermore, a disused site in Derby is set to be transformed, with Addison Hunt having just been appointed by The Liversage Trust to provide quantity surveying services for its new office space situated in Alice Street, part of the Nottingham Road Conservation Area. The project, which has received planning permission, will see the existing building transformed into workshops and offices for the charity. Working alongside architect Matthew Montague Associates, the firm will convert the two-storey building into a brand-new premise for the Liversage Trust as well as courtyard for parking which will enhance the future viability and prosperity of the conservation area. Lastly, the Judge’s Lodgings, an iconic and historic property in the heart of the cathedral city of Lincoln, has been acquired by local businessman Andrew Long, following his recent purchase of the adjacent White Hart Hotel, together with the site of the White Hart Garages and car park in July this summer. A full refurbishment of the Judge’s Lodgings building is planned, with the ground floor to be used for high quality restaurant and other hospitality facilities, and the upper floor level made into hotel bedrooms. The Grade II ‘star’ Listed building was owned by Lincolnshire County Council (LCC) who had declared it surplus to their requirements and sought to find a suitable new owner committed to the full refurbishment of the building and its appropriate long-term use. The predominantly Georgian building was first built in 1810 and has a commanding ‘landmark’ location overlooking Castle Hill Square, immediately adjacent to the Eastern Main Gate of Lincoln Castle (built by William Conqueror in 1068). Andrew Long noted: “There is a relatively unattractive 1958 utilitarian-style flat roof extension that has no architectural merit, but there is now a significant important redevelopment opportunity.” These represent just a handful of recent projects in the East Midlands, with developments small and large all over the region transforming derelict sites, to give them a new life. St James’ House, Grimsby 16-19.qxp_Layout 1 30/11/2022 09:40 Page 4Next >