Tag Archives: nottingham

Leading Nottinghamshire housebuilder invests in the East Midlands

Leading housebuilders Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes North Midlands, based in Nottingham, has built 749 new homes in the region during the past year and has contributed over £92 million to the UK’s economic housing output.

The achievements are highlighted in a new report which measures the housebuilder’s social and economic contribution to the Midlands region over the past financial year (1st July 2020 to 30th June 2021).

During this time, the housebuilder has built properties across its developments in Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire and Warwickshire.

Included within the company’s socio-economic footprint are key figures relating to the company’s support for the housebuilding supply chain, local communities, environment, public services and employment. The figures show that the housebuilder:

  • Supported 1,377 jobs directly and through its contractors and suppliers.
  • Supported 466 subcontractor companies and 318 supplier companies.
  • Hired 20 apprentices, graduates and trainees on its programmes.
  • Created 15.01 acres of green space in the area for residents and the public to use.
  • Contributed £2.5 million locally including its Community Infrastructure Levy and S106 contributions.
  • Spent £9.5 million on physical works benefitting local communities including highway and environmental improvements and community facilities.

Mark Cotes, Managing Director at Barratt and David Wilson Homes North Midlands, said: “As a leading housebuilder, we are very aware of the pivotal role we play in helping to boost the local economy.

“We are committed to a strategy that includes leaving a positive and lasting legacy in the communities in which we build homes, be that through job creation, bolstering surrounding businesses or enhancing and protecting the local environment.

“We are proud to be a major force in the growth and prosperity of our region, and look forward to continuing our work in 2022.”

The report on Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes’ Socio-Economic Footprint in 2021 was carried out by Lichfields planning and development consultancy.

For more information on Barratt and David Wilson Homes and the properties it has available, call 033 3355 8472 for Barratt Homes or 033 3355 8473 for David Wilson Homes. Alternatively, visit www.barratthomes.co.uk or www.dwh.co.uk.

Elevate appoints a trio of contractors to deliver £32m+ builds across the Midlands

Construction deals worth more than £32m have been signed in the Midlands after a trio of contractors were selected on behalf of Elevate Property Group.

The Midlands’ leading independent developer, led by property entrepreneur Steve Dodd, has selected Kings Heath-based Kavanagh Construction to start work on the transformation of Imperial House in Solihull next month.

It marks the start of construction on the final phase of Princes Gate project, with the development of ‘Imperial House’ comprising 60 luxury apartments on the site of a former multi-storey car park in the town.

Also due to start in June is a multi-million pound scheme for a mixed-use retail and residential development on the riverside Muller Yard location in Nottingham, an extension to the Trent Bridge Quays scheme.

Construction of 44 apartments and 14 town houses, along with 5,000 sq ft of commercial space, will be delivered by Leicester-based Bode Contracting.

The final appointment will see Telford-based Bespoke Construction Services Ltd take on a landmark project to bring an historic site in Birmingham’s Gun Quarter back to life.

Gunsmith House, in Price Street, will be restored as part of the overall development that will deliver 85 new homes to the area.

Steve Dodd, of Elevate Property Group, said all three contractor appointments reflected the company’s commitment to working with regional partners on developments which revitalise communities. The build cost for the three projects is in excess of £32 million.

James Costello, Elevate’s Development Director added “We’re proud to be leading the way in the redevelopment of several sites across the Midlands, including investing in high-profile locations in Birmingham, supporting the UK’s heartland to recover post-pandemic.

“We want to partner with contractors who share our values and our vision for delivering exceptional projects of outstanding quality. The appointment of Kavanagh Construction, Bespoke Construction Services and Bode Contracting reflects this commitment and will give confidence to investors, buyers and ultimately the communities where our developments come to life.”

Aiden O’Gara, of Kavanagh Construction, said: “We’re currently working with Elevate on its prestigious Heaton House development in Birmingham, so we are delighted to be continuing this working partnership with a new contract to develop Imperial House at Princes Gate.”

Bode Contracting, which is currently delivering Elevate’ Priory House development, will develop the Muller Yard phase of the Nottingham Trent Bridge scheme, due for completion Q3/Q4 2023. Dan Bodell said: “We have a great working relationship with Elevate and are looking forward to this continuing with the delivery of the upcoming Muller Yard scheme”.

Arran Summerfield, of Bespoke Construction, said: “It’s fantastic to be involved in delivering this landmark project for Elevate in the heart of Birmingham’s gun-making industry”. The project is expected to be completed in late 2023.”

Funding for all these developments has been provided by Paragon and Pluto Development Finance.

Design for success – Nottingham architectural firm in running for Britain’s best business start-up award

The Practical Planning Company has been shortlisted in the 2021 Small Awards

A Nottingham-based architectural design start-up has been shortlisted for the New Kid on the Block award at this year’s Small Awards.

The Practical Planning Company was launched in 2019 by Benjamin and Jodie Heginbotham in a bid to provide homeowners with the whole design and planning package for all home improvement projects, from extensions to new builds.

The company has been chosen as one of five finalists for the award that recognises businesses that started in the last eighteen months and have demonstrated considerable progress to grow and develop.

“We’re incredibly proud to have been chosen as a finalist for Britain’s best business start-up,” says Jodie. “The last 12 months have been so tough for many small businesses and when the pandemic first hit, we were so worried about where we would end up, especially being such a new company at the time but we’re so happy to now be busier than ever and to be celebrating news such as this.”

In its fifth year, The Small Awards is a nationwide search for the smallest and greatest firms in the UK, across all sectors. It is organised annually by Small Business Britain, which champions, inspires and accelerates small businesses in the UK.

“After what has been a difficult year for the whole small business community, it has been inspirational to hear about phenomenal small businesses across the UK, and the determination and resilience they have shown throughout the pandemic,” said Michelle Ovens CBE, Founder of Small Business Britain.

“The Small Awards exist to celebrate and champion the amazing contribution of fantastic small firms like The Practical Planning Company. We received a record number of applications this year, with an incredibly high standard of entry, so all of the small businesses shortlisted should be rightly proud of this achievement.”

Judged by a panel of leading enterprise experts, the winners of all categories, along with the overall winner of Small Business of the Year, will be announced on 13 May 2021 in a virtual event.

The Practical Planning Company offers architectural design services across Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. To find out more information about the firm and its services, visit www.practicalplanningco.co.uk

New year, new name: award-winning communications agency undergoes rebrand to Sorted Communications

The Effective English Company has started the year on a high after completing a full rebrand to become Sorted Communications and launching a brand-new website.

The Nottingham agency, founded by Ali Marsland, has been providing an extra pair of hands to busy in-house communications teams around the UK since 2013. After a year of growth, development and reflection, the company has undergone a major makeover to better communicate its value proposition. While the rebrand has seen a name change, a new visual identity and a newly launched website, the team have not changed their ethos and will continue to operate the way they always have.

“We’re looking forward to a positive and productive 2021 as Sorted Communications,” says Ali. “After spending the last year working on our marketing strategy and evaluating the value we add to our clients, we knew we needed a more dynamic and distinctive name. A full rebrand to Sorted was a big decision to make, but definitely the right one.

“Our new identity better represents our no-fuss attitude and what we have always done best – efficiently and reliably making communications plans a reality. We’ve already had positive feedback from many of our clients, and we’re excited to see what this makeover will lead to over the coming months.”

Sorted Communications works predominantly with the NHS and other health sector organisations providing extra capacity and support on a flexible basis – with no commitment, no obligation and no catch. The service has been well received over the last seven years and the team has provided invaluable support to clients including several NHS trusts, private sector health companies, charities and other public sector organisations.

Having worked remotely since its inception, the team has been able to continue to support organisations across the UK throughout the restrictions imposed during the pandemic without changing its normal working practices.

The agency was recently recognised for its innovation in the 2020 Midlands Enterprise Awards. Named ‘Most Innovative Business Communications Agency’ by the SME News-run programme, Ali and the team were applauded for their ingenuity and hard work.

Ali continues: “This is our second award win in the last few months and is a real testament to the efforts of our entire team over this difficult year. I’m really happy to be going into 2021 with a brand-new name and look – and a celebration.”

Now in its fourth year, the SME Midlands Enterprise Awards programme continues to recognise small and medium sized enterprises across the UK. The awards are given solely on merit and are awarded to commend those most deserving and to recognise the very best of British business.

For more information about Sorted Communications visit www.sortedcomms.co.uk

Nottingham couple celebrates as their architectural firm marks its 1st birthday

An architectural design firm based in Nottingham is marking its first birthday this month after helping more than 100 homeowners across the East Midlands design and build their dream home.

Founded by designer Benjamin Heginbotham in 2019 and bridged on the border between Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, The Practical Planning Company provides the whole design package for homeowners looking to extend, convert or alter their homes, or even build new ones altogether.

Thanks to its success early on, the firm has recently made it a family affair with Benjamin’s wife, and PR and business consultant, Jodie joining the in-house team full time to work on the company’s marketing and development efforts as well as its finances and business operations.

“We’re thrilled with how our first year has gone,” says Benjamin. “We’ve been incredibly busy since we started, and it doesn’t look like we’ll be stopping anytime soon but it’s great to now have Jodie fully on board as we enter our second year. Our main motivation, apart from providing security for our family, is client satisfaction and we’re pleased to have received so many positive reviews from happy customers.”

Having experienced the same hardships as many other small businesses during the initial stages of lockdown this year, the firm has since seen an increase in sales thanks to a growing need for home extensions.

“Our homes have taken on new meaning in recent months,” says Jodie. “They’re not just somewhere for us to sleep, eat and spend time together as a family in. They’re now our workplace, meeting venue, gym – the list goes on! And because of that, more and more people are needing more space to cater to this ‘new normal’.”

The Practical Planning Company has partnered with several local builders and industry professionals since its launch and is hoping to continue to build a network of local tradespeople and businesses, all in a bid to help everyday homeowners across the region.

Benjamin continues: “Our aim is to provide families with access to high quality services across the board, so more people can achieve the space they deserve, within budget and without any stress, difficulty or nasty surprises.”

Jodie adds: “I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved so far, and we’re excited to see what the next 12 months bring for both our business and our family.”

The Practical Planning Company offers architectural design services across Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. To find out more information about the firm and its services, visit www.practicalplanningco.co.uk.

All homes now sold at premier Nottingham development

Homebuyers have snapped up all properties at a new premium residential development in Nottinghamshire.

Situated in the desirable town of Beeston, Mulberry Close is a high-end scheme, developed by North Sands Developments and completed last year, comprising seven five-bedroom detached homes ranging from 1,850 – 2,200 sq. ft.

The development offers a tranquil location on a secluded cul-de-sac with convenient transport links to Nottingham city centre and major road routes, the three-storey properties each offer a modern twist on classic Victorian architecture.

As well as high-spec fixtures and fittings including Neff appliances, Duravit bathrooms, Porcelanosa tiles and oak internal doors, the properties also have sliding powder-coated bi-fold doors across the width of the rear of the property, and underfloor heating.

Four of the homes were sold prior to the site’s completion and an open day was held to showcase the remaining properties, attracting a flurry of interest and offers. The sale of the final property, 4 Mulberry Close, was agreed in 2019 and has now completed.

The largest house in the development, 1 Mulberry Close, attracted a high-level of interest – it occupies a prominent position on the street and boasts a large ground floor kitchen diner, open-plan living space and a detached garage, as well as front, side and rear gardens.

James Hartley, director at North Sands Developments, said:

“At North Sands Developments we strive to deliver luxury homes and prime locations. Mulberry Close has been designed with young professionals, families and downsizers in mind, the need for plenty of open living space and a stylish, premium finish.

“We are pleased to have now sold all seven of these luxury homes and I believe this success is testament to the development’s fantastic kerb appeal, the quality finish to each property and of course the excellent location in one of the most sought-after neighbourhoods in Nottingham.

“From the very beginning this development attracted a great deal of interest and we’re delighted to welcome the happy buyers into their new homes.”

Award-winning North Sands Developments, which has delivered high-spec schemes in Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire and Salcombe in Devon, worked with local contractors JRD Construction, Greenwood Architects and Grace Machin planners to complete Mulberry Close.