Category Archives: Midlands News

Appointments, Law, Midlands News, News, North of England

Promotions announced at top law firm

Leading law firm Aaron and Partners has announced a series of promotions across the firm after a year of continued growth.

The firm, which has offices in Manchester, Chester and Shrewsbury, has announced five promotions with a new Partner, a Senior Associate and three new Associates appointed.

Joseph Fletcher-Hunt has been made a partner in the Real Estate team having joined the firm in 2019. His work has seen him noted in the Legal 500 directory, a leading industry guide to the top professionals working in the UK’s legal market.

Paul Hennity, also a legal 500 listed lawyer, has been promoted to Senior Associate in the firm’s renowned Employment team. Paul is highly experienced in both contentious and non-contentious employment matters.

The Chester office also welcomes two new Associate Solicitors with Joshua Simpson promoted in the firm’s Real Estate department and Paul Caslin, taking on the role in the highly regarded Wills, Trusts and Tax team.

Zoe Lloyd’s development has also been recognised with promotion to Associate in the firm’s Corporate and Commercial team.

Nick Clarke, Senior Partner at Aaron & Partners, said: “I’m delighted that again this year we have been able to recognise the development of our people through these promotions. They have all demonstrated great commitment and excellence in their work for clients and their promotions are well deserved.

“We recognise that our people are the key to continued success and so we aim to create an environment where staff can develop and progress with us. It’s been a challenging year so it’s important that we celebrate achievement when we get the chance and there’s no better example of this than through promotions.

“I’d like to congratulate everyone who has been promoted, and I’m looking forward to seeing the next stages of their development”.

Midlands News, News

Interior accessories manufacturer Rothley doubles their warehouse space with investment in new premises at Discovery Park

Interior accessories manufacturer Rothley has moved to new, bigger premises as a further demonstration of its position as market leader in the hardware sector.

Following a period of continued growth, the Rothley team have taken new warehouse and office space in Wolverhampton, spreading over 56,000 sq feet, which will allow them to double the stock they can hold.

The new Central Midlands location is in the heart of the historical Black Country, recognised for its industry and ingenuity.

And with 195 years of history behind them, Rothley is now a business offering a uniquely innovative selection in 12 product categories that they supply to the DIY, building and hardware market sectors.

Rothley’s core product ranges include tube and fittings, profiles and metal sheets, curtain pole systems, sliding door and handrail systems and bathroom accessories, which they supply to retailers and merchants across the country.

The team is led by Managing Director Stuart Hobbs, who joined Rothley from LG Harris in 2019, with over 30 years’ experience in the industry.

Since taking over the reins he has changed the direction and fortunes of the company, bringing a commitment to sustainable and ethical processes, focusing on industry changing innovation and building a team around him who are equally committed to the cause.

Stuart said: “Transforming a company with a 200-year history is no mean feat, but the team here at Rothley are committed to building a business that is likely to see at least the next 200 years.

“This move is testament to that commitment and our success in pioneering new innovative and modern solutions to ironmongery products like curtain poles, utensil rails, hairpin legs and shelving brackets.

“In line with the growth of the business, we are looking to further bolster our team, including the new Insight and Innovation department, by hiring local talent over the coming months.

“All enquiries can be sent to personnel@rothley.com,” adds Stuart.

Rothley will mark the move into their new home at 2 Discovery Park, Wobaston Road with an official opening on Wednesday, October 6.

 

Midlands News, News

Electronic Point of Sale [EPoS] solutions firm celebrates 62% increase in profit thanks to business support provider, BizSmart

Leading Electronic Point of Sales [EPoS] specialist, Langley Business Systems, has reported significant growth since working with Worcestershire-based business support provider, BizSmart®.

The business, headquartered in West Bromwich, has seen a 62% increase in profit, 67% rise in recurring revenue and 25% growth in overall turnover since enlisting BizSmart®’s help in 2018.

Langley Business Systems services thousands of businesses in the hospitality, food & beverage, retail, garden & leisure, and sporting industries across the West Midlands and wider areas of the UK.

With a clear objective to drive sustained business growth, managing director, Richard Cox, has benefitted significantly from BizSmart®’s support, primarily its Smart90 quarterly planning sessions and ‘Smart Boards’ – a co-ordinated peer-to-peer group of like-minded business owners who meet monthly to help one another overcome challenges and achieve their growth objectives.

As a result, Langley Business Systems has seen a drastic improvement in the overall organisation and direction of the business, increasing monthly recurring revenue from 40% to 70% of its annual turnover.

Richard Cox explained: “For years we tried to grow the business, and though we experienced some organic growth, the laser-focused approach generated by BizSmart® ensured we were able to reach our objectives far more quickly.

“For me, the Smart 90 Planning sessions were a huge game changer that allowed us to focus on recurring revenue and take it from 40% to 70% of our turnover. This gave us structure and strength, ensuring that all our costs were covered at the start of each month.

“I can honestly say we are a completely different business as a result, and I have recommended BizSmart® to many fellow business owners. The ability to work with peers and understand the challenges they face in their own businesses day-to-day is incredibly powerful.”

BizSmart® has successfully established itself as a leading business support provider by developing a series of proven support programmes with a key focus on bringing like-minded business leaders together via peer-to-peer learning and engagement.

The firm has recently launched a new franchise model, which provides proven professionals with the opportunity to build and establish their own business support offering under the BizSmart® umbrella.

Kevin Brent, director of BizSmart®, confirmed: “We have thoroughly enjoyed supporting Richard through his growth journey and are looking forward to seeing Langley Business Systems go from strength to strength in the coming years.

“Research shows that business owners who join peer-to-peer support programmes will typically experience 2-3 times[1] the growth rate of those that don’t, proving its value. Therefore, in launching the BizSmart® Franchise, we are not only excited to expand our brand and innovative support programmes but are also looking forward to helping thousands of business owners achieve incredible growth, just as we have seen with Langley Business Systems.”

Launched in November 2020, BizSmart® Franchises are available in key regions across the UK.

Midlands News, News

Bromwich Hardy expands as success continues

Award-winning Coventry commercial property specialist Bromwich Hardy has doubled in size after a big office expansion.

The flourishing agency has extended into an adjoining office at its base at the Cobalt Centre on Middlemarch Business Park in a move which will help it meet its ambitions for growth.

Bromwich Hardy partner Dawn Cooper said the expansion, which had been carried out throughout the summer, reflected the agency’s continued focus on long-term success.

“This move has enabled us to double our office space, improve the facilities we have here and also future-proof the office so that it can remain our home for years to come even as we continue to grow.

“We have had a hugely successful year to date – outperforming many of our bigger rivals and concluding deals all over the country – and we want to be able to continue on this trajectory in the long-term.

“The expansion means we now have an extra boardroom, dedicated space for team meetings, a more welcoming reception area and a kitchen and breakout area for staff.

“It also means we have the space to be able to take two placement students every year as part of our longstanding arrangement with Coventry University rather than just one.

“We are delighted with the extra space and look forward to be able to make the full use of it as we continue to grow in the coming years.”

The agency consistently features at the top of the rankings for most successful commercial property agencies in the region, and also further afield.

Statistics released by Estates Gazette show Bromwich Hardy clearly at the top of the leaderboard of the most active agents in Warwickshire having transacted 509,274 sq ft of space so far this year.

The figure is more than twice that of its nearest rival. The figures also show that in quarter two – from April 1 to June 30 – Bromwich Hardy topped the Warwickshire league table with 65,814 sq ft of space across the three months – nearly double that of its closest rival.

Bromwich Hardy also appears in the top ranking agents for the West Midlands and Yorkshire & Humberside regions as well as Leicestershire and West Yorkshire counties.

For more information about Bromwich Hardy visit www.bromwichhardy.com

 

Construction, Midlands News, News

Midlands fit-out and manufacturing firm begins its biggest project of the year

Staffordshire-based handrail and balustrades specialists, SMART Balustrades, has started work to deliver more than 1,000 metres of stainless-steel balustrades at a luxury waterside residential development in Nottingham.

Working alongside Leeds-based property developer KMRE Group and construction company Crown Construction, SMART Balustrades is supplying and installing all of the glass and stainless-steel balustrades for all balconies at The Yacht Club, which boasts uninterrupted views across the River Trent.

Featuring 81 one, two and three-bedroom apartments, including penthouses, The Yacht Club is situated on Trent Lane and will offer residents a luxurious waterside lifestyle in a convenient location, close to city amenities.

All of the south-facing apartments at the development feature either a large private balcony or terrace, with two installation teams now on site from SMART Balustrades to complete the construction of the balustrades quickly and efficiently.

David Hough, managing director at SMART Balustrades, said: “This is our first project working with both KMRE and Crown Construction, and in terms of size and the number of balconies involved, it’s certainly our biggest project of the year so far.

“The stunning, uninterrupted views that these new apartments will provide will be priceless, so we’re installing stainless steel balustrades with clear glass infill panels to terraces and balconies to really open them up and make the most of the vistas. We are also providing balustrades to the development’s internal staircases as well, giving a clean and modern look to the communal areas of the building.”

Set up in 2017 by David and his brother, Jonathan Hough, and with over 120 years of experience in the balustrades industry, SMART has a sustained demand for its specialist services, both in the commercial and residential sectors.

Having recently taken on two new recruits, with another installation engineer joining the team this month, the company continues to grow and is on track to achieve its 2021 targets.

David continues: “SMART has just celebrated its fourth birthday and everyone is thrilled with the company’s performance and growth in that time. Managing and fulfilling a project of this size is a testament to that success.

“After a difficult 18 months for many businesses, we are eagerly looking ahead to the future, continuing to meet and excel our goals and expanding our team of skilled craftspeople and delivering excellent customer service to our burgeoning client portfolio.

“We are delighted to be working with well-known, industry leading companies such as KMRE and Crown Construction, helping to provide unique and beautiful new homes in an idyllic waterside location.”

Midlands News, News, Property

Mental health charity able to continue renovation thanks to housebuilder’s donation

A local housebuilder is supporting a Bicester-based charity providing mental health support for young people.

Bellway South Midlands, which is building new homes across Oxfordshire and Northamptonshire, has donated £500 to Nai’s House, which will go towards the renovation of the charity’s new premises at Garth House, off Launton Road in the town.

The charity provides a blended youth and well-being service that offers a new way to access mental health support. The renovation work will include soundproofing to ensure the confidentiality of conversations between visitors and volunteers.

Gemma Barrett, founder of Nai’s House, said: “We are so grateful for Bellway’s generosity and support to Nai’s House.

“We want to be able to provide a safe and welcoming environment for our visitors and this donation will help us do that.

“I founded the charity in 2017 after I lost my daughter Dené and the charity is in her memory. I started developing the model in January 2019 and we opened the doors at Kingsmere Community Centre in September 2019.

“We have faced a lot of challenges – especially with Covid meaning we had to shut down – but we have started to gain momentum again and moved premises to Garth House.

“The main work we do is to provide one-to-one support and counselling for those struggling with mental health and suicide ideation. We are in the process of developing our relationship with local schools to start working with them to help their pupils.

“We think of creative ways of working with young people and concentrate on well-being and youth work, as our volunteers aren’t from a clinical or medical background. We offer holistic work such as massages, reiki, aromatherapy, yoga and meditation and similar activities which distract sufferers’ minds from their self-destructive thoughts.

“As well as supporting those struggling with mental health themselves, we also offer support for parents and caregivers looking after someone with mental health conditions.”

Elaine Brown, Head of Sales for Bellway South Midlands, said: “We are pleased to be able to support a charity which does such important work for young people in the local community.

“The past year has been difficult for many young people, as they’ve not been able to socialise or interact with others, and this has had a negative effect on some people’s mental health. Coupled with the lack of events allowed to go ahead due to restrictions, fundraising has been next to impossible for many charities such as this one, which is why we are glad to be able to help such a worthwhile cause.

“Gemma and her volunteers work for free, many alongside a full-time job, and the charity relies solely on fundraising and donations from the council and businesses like Bellway.”

To find out more about Nai’s House, visit the website naishouse.org.uk.

For more information about Bellway’s new homes across the region, visit bellway.co.uk.

CAPTIONS –

  • Clare Bricknell, Angela Nurse and Gemma Barrett
  • (Left to Right) Shiron McGregok, Gemma Barrett, Clare Bricknell, Angela Nurse (Bellway), Ali Allen, Amber Knewman
Midlands News, News

Birmingham Rail passengers on track to discover city’s musical roots

Rail passengers will find themselves on a route to the roots of Birmingham’s world-class musical heritage thanks to a new community project.
Musical Routes will see 30 themed maps installed at railway stations across the city, telling the story of the musical heritage of each area. They will celebrate world-class artists Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath, The Beat, Joan Armatrading, Andy Hamilton and Jamelia along with many more, as well as profiling iconic venues such as the Que Club and Rum Runner.
The project is the brainchild of Birmingham Music Archive and the rail-travelling public will benefit thanks to funding from West Midlands Railway’s Your Community, Your Fund community grant.
From left, David Wisehall from Community Project Management Ltd, Fay Easton of West Midlands Railway, Adam Carthy of SpacePlay and Jez Collins from Birmingham Music Archive at Jewellery Quarter Station
The Music Maps will be installed by the end of October and will give passengers an instant insight into the stars that were born in the city and the venues that played host to them.
Birmingham Music Archive spokesman Jez Collins said: “I’m passionate about Birmingham’s music history, heritage and culture and as a city we need to celebrate and publicise these stories of global interest.
“This project with the railways will allow us to reach hundreds of thousands of people each year, as they travel across the train network. It’s a fantastic opportunity to highlight, through truly beautiful locally-produced maps, some of Birmingham’s great musicians and venues.”
Jez said he hoped the project would be a source of pride to the communities around the stations and raise awareness about the wealth of musical talent that the city has spawned over the decades.
He added: “I want more people to know more about Birmingham and its contribution to local, national and international music history, heritage and culture. We have an incredibly diverse city and our music reflects the diversity of our communities but many of those people don’t get the recognition they should.”
The maps have been produced by designers from city-based studio SpacePlay and will feature Spotify codes to connect with the relevant music.
The Musical Routes project is part of West Midlands Railway’s Your Community, Your Fund programme, with 21 community projects receiving funding.
Fay Easton, head of stakeholder and community at West Midlands Railway, said: “The Customer & Communities Fund was designed to bring life to community projects that would benefit our customers and we are so pleased to see this world-class concept delivered in Birmingham.
“Many local people and global visitors will be unaware of the musical talent that impacted world music from Birmingham and the Midlands. This talent should be celebrated, and we are proud to have been part of this project to bring Birmingham’s musical heritage to life at our stations.”
Maps will be installed at the following stations: Sutton Coldfield, Four Oaks, Wylde Green, Chester Road, Erdington, Gravelly Hill, Perry Barr, Hamstead, Jewellery Quarter, Duddeston, Aston, Witton, Bordesley, Small Heath, Adderley Park, Lea Hall, Five Ways; Spring Road; Hall Green; Yardley Wood; Acocks Green; Stechford; Tyseley; Selly Oak; Bournville; Kings Norton; Northfield and Longbridge. University station will get two maps. University and Perry Barr stations will get their maps when redevelopment work there is completed next year.
For more information about the project, visit www.21stories.co.uk, and for details about those behind the project, visit https://www.birminghammusicarchive.com/
Food & Drink, Midlands News, News

UK’s best fine fish and chip restaurant is coming to the West Midlands

The best fine fish and chip restaurant and takeaway in the UK, The Cod’s Scallops, is opening on Harborne High Street in September.

The multi-award-winning fish and chip restaurant concept won the highly coveted ‘Best Fish and Chip shop of the Year’ at The National Fish and Chips Awards 2020 and with 11,000 fish and chip shops across the UK, it’s the highest accolade in the industry.

The new 40-cover Harborne restaurant and takeaway – which will be the brand’s fifth restaurant – will be next to Boots on the High Street and will be a welcome addition to the area’s vibrant food and drink scene.

Nottingham-based The Cod’s Scallops was developed by owner and chef John Molnar in 2011. Using his 30-year culinary expertise as a chef, John wanted to create world-class fish and chips and showcase a wide selection of fish and seafood that the UK coast has to offer.

After travelling the length and breadth of the country and spending time learning how to recreate Britain’s most treasured dish, he created his own version. The Cod’s Scallops provides world-class, fine fish and chips and seafood in a family friendly environment.

John said: “Harborne is exactly the right place for The Cod’s Scallops and my wife Helen and I couldn’t be more excited to be bringing our unique offer to the High Street and getting to know the local community.

“We have been looking for the right site in Birmingham for some time. We love the city and its surrounding areas and when my property consultant at Box Property showed me the site in Harborne, it ticked all the boxes.

“From its buzzing High Street with its strong retail and leisure offer and the great community feel, we are really looking forward to being a part of it.

“The Cod’s Scallops serve the best fish being caught around our isles in a fun and family friendly setting and we offer a huge selection of fish and shellfish which changes daily depending on what comes off the boat.

“Each of our restaurants differ in interiors but Harborne can expect something special. Aside from stylish and comfortable interiors, guests can enjoy fine shellfish with a chilled class of Picpoul de Pinet or our much-loved haddock, chips and peas, cooked to perfection with a cup of English Breakfast tea. The Cod’s Scallops really has something for everyone and for every occasion.”

Serving over 20 species of fish and shellfish daily – depending on the catch – all items are cooked to order be it baked, battered or naked. Seafood menu options include sea bass, king scallops, lobster, skate wing and of course favourites such as haddock, cod and hake.

The independent and family-run business has attracted a loyal following since its inception as well as many awards, and the Harborne restaurant is its first outside of the East Midlands, with restaurants in Sherwood, Wollaton and Long Eaton in Nottinghamshire and Market Harborough in Leicestershire.

As well as seafood, The Cod’s Scallops is also famed for its award-winning pies, light bites, salads, plenty of vegetarian and vegan options and a range of tempting puddings such as warm sticky toffee pudding.

There’s also plenty to keep the younger members of the family happy with the ‘Little Tiddlers’ menu; which includes mini cod and chips, proper fish fingers and chips, chicken nuggets and chips and sausages and chips, and for those on the move, soft serve Italian ice cream to takeaway.

Eat-in diners can also enjoy a wide range of fine wines, gins, beers and cocktails, with the team on hand to suggest pairings with their chosen order.

The Harborne restaurant will provide 15-20 full and part-time jobs and John hopes to further grow the team in the next three to six months. He and Helen are planning further expansion and are actively looking for sites within 90 minutes of its HQ in Nottingham.

The Cod’s Scallop’s cod and haddock is MSC approved, one of only 90 fish and chip shops in the UK with the certification and John and the team work closely with fish merchants to ensure the fish is fully sustainable and responsibility sourced.

Midlands News, News

Sandwell Leisure Trust dive straight into new Swim England partnership

Langley Swimming Centre in Oldbury is the first Sandwell Leisure Trust (SLT) facility to take up a new training tool as part of an exciting five year partnership with Swim England.

Forty Level 2 swim teachers from across the Trust attended the Aquatic Skills Framework Stages 8-10 Diving CPD seminar, which is part of the Swim England extended education programme and provides the technical knowledge to deliver FUNdamental diving skills from the poolside in a fun and safe environment.

It covers basic diving positions, dry land practices and key teaching points, plus can be taught as a contrasting activity in a swimming lesson, during a block of diving lessons in term, or at out of term holiday camps.

Helen Done, Assistant Leisure Manager at Langley Swimming Centre, says: “SLT is extremely passionate about delivering a high quality swimming lesson programme for our community and the new partnership with Swim England has brought us great opportunities to develop our offering even further.  We’re thrilled to be adding diving and artistic swimming to our programme to give our swimmers opportunities to try new skills as well as potentially start their journey to become elite athletes.”

Sarah Barrow, West Midlands Diving Development Officer for Swim England, adds: “This is just the start of many Swim England initiatives that will further enhance the many aquatic activities across the Sandwell borough. Diving can sometimes be seen as intimidating at first, but it’s delivered in an engaging way and gives young swimmers a different set of skills and potential taste of being out of their comfort zone.

“This first stage of training also brings excitement of a new sport coming to the Trust and in preparation for a much wider programme eventually being delivered out of the SLT managed £73 million Sandwell Aquatics Centre in Smethwick, which will be officially open for use by the public in summer 2023.”

As part of the new partnership, SLT are delivering Swim England’s four specialised and renowned frameworks, providing swimming lessons for all ages and abilities – from babies through to adults. Their ‘Learn to Swim Programme’ is the leading national teaching syllabus for delivering safe, inclusive and effective swimming lessons for all ages and forms the cornerstone of curriculum swimming lessons.

It’s based on a structured, but games-led approach to ensure children enjoy learning and can easily see and monitor their progress, whilst also developing the core skills required to ensure progress to other aquatic disciplines such as Diving, Water Polo and Artistic Swimming. It even provides a clear pathway through to competitive swimming and the development of national level athletes.

Pic shows left to right SLT Diving Course participants Erin Whaley, Katie Hiscox, Helen Done, Jake Dixon and Becky Hodgetts