Alternative therapy centre launched in Radcliffe-on-Trent

A new alternative therapy centre based on a treatment pioneered in Nottinghamshire has opened in Radcliffe-on-Trent.


The clinic specialises in the Full Movement Method – a unique way of resolving muscle and joint pains, immobility and malfunction developed by West Bridgford therapist Andy Thomas.

Andy has trained therapists locally, nationally and abroad to practise the Full Movement Method, and students have gone on to open FMM clinics in Bournemouth, Sheffield and elsewhere.

But the clinic in Radcliffe-on-Trent is the first to be set up jointly in Nottinghamshire by the next generation of FMM practitioners.

It is based at The Beauty Spot, Main Road, Radcliffe-on-Trent, and will be run by practitioners Maria Bilous, from Radcliffe-on-Trent, and husband and wife Kevin and Karen Green, from Newton.

All three learnt to become FMM practitioners after suffering injuries and finding that other treatments didn’t cure their problems.

Kevin, 51, a policeman with Nottinghamshire Police for 25 years before leaving two years ago to become a full-time FMM practitioner and yoga teacher, injured his back in a motorbike accident. Wife Karen suffered a neck injury in a car crash, while Maria had severe tennis elbow.

“All of us discovered the Full Movement Method as a result of having treatment, so we know it works,” said Karen, 54, who is also a sports injury therapist, a clinical hypnotherapist and a yoga teacher. “Our experiences inspired us to train in the method and to become practitioners. We have all been practising independently for some time but now we are delighted to be opening a clinic together based on the Full Movement Method at The Beauty Spot in Radcliffe.”

Maria, 48, who is also a yoga teacher, said; “We really feel we can help people get rid of certain pain that they may have had for years. It works wonders.”

The launch of the alternative therapy clinic marks an expansion in the treatments offered at The Beauty Spot, which has been run by beautician Michelle Revill for the past 20 years and opened on its current site four years ago.

“I am absolutely delighted that Kevin, Karen and Maria have opened a clinic to practise the Full Movement Method at The Beauty Spot,” she said. “Their services will complement the beauty and chiropody treatments we already offer, and I hope that additional alternative therapists may come on board as the clinic grows.”

The Full Movement Method centres on a unique blend of ancient art, modern mobilisation techniques and deep bodywork, explained Andy Thomas, who has a patent on the treatment.

“Each sufferer is unique and requires a solution particular to him or her,” said Andy. “FMM does not provide a formula or a prescription – each solution is tailor-made to suit not just the condition but the circumstances and capabilities of the individual.”

Patients suffering pain as a result of sports injuries or road accidents are those most frequently treated by the FMM. Andy has treated thousands of people over more than 25 years, and claims a 95% success rate.

“I am very pleased that Kevin, Karen and Maria have launched their clinic at The Beauty Spot,” said Andy. “Their venture marks the start of what I believe will be a new generation of FMM clinics in Nottinghamshire.”

For more information about the clinic at The Beauty Spot call Andy Thomas on 0115

9141422 or Maria Bilous on 07773 780903.

Food and Drink Forum annual general meeting and networking supper

Representatives from food and drink firms across the East Midlands came together for the annual general meeting and networking supper of business support organisation The Food and Drink Forum.


Held at Kelham Hall, near Newark, the event attracted more than 150 delegates, including food and drink business owners, employees of companies associated with the sector, as well as others linked to the industry in the region.

The AGM was followed by presentations from two Food and Drink Forum members – Jeeva Sanmugam, who runs Northampton ready meals firm Classic Cuisine, and who talked about increasing profitability in a recession, and Kevin Rushton, of Nottingham-based Cakes and Biscuits LLP, who focused on supplying UK retailers as a small business.

Delegates then spent two hours enjoying a networking event, sponsored by graduate recruitment organisation HotProspects, and a regional buffet that featured food provided by Food and Drink Forum members from across Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire.

“Our AGM and networking supper is always a highlight of the year, and this year’s was the biggest, and probably the best, yet,” said Food and Drink Forum managing director Fiona Anderson. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for food and drink firms in the region to come together, share knowledge, make new contacts and discover the opportunities for business support, as well as taste some of the amazing food and drink that our Food and Drink Forum members produce.”

The Food and Drink Forum, which is based in the Business Centre at Southglade Food Park, Nottingham, was launched in 1998 as a not-for-profit membership-led organisation to stimulate and support the sustainable growth and development of the food and drink industry in the East Midlands.

For more information visit www.foodanddrinkforum.co.uk or call 0115 9758810.

Successful 55th birthday reunion for Bunny Hill Riding Centre

Around 300 former pupils, staff and associates of Bunny Hill Riding Centre came from near and far to celebrate the equestrian centre’s 55th birthday.


They travelled from all over the East Midlands and UK to attend the event at the riding stables on the Nottinghamshire/Leicestershire border.

Travelling furthest was Clive Broadbent, who came more than 1,500 miles from Pennsylvania, USA, to join in the celebrations.

Clive was one of the original performers with The Knights of Nottingham jousting troupe based at Bunny Hill Riding Centre, which is also marking a special anniversary this year by celebrating its 40th birthday.

Another guest was Bill Hammond, from the Vale of Belvoir, who appeared in several films and TV shows riding on behalf of Bunny Hill Riding Centre. He was Michael Elphick’s double for stunts during the filming of Boon and took part in the film Lady Jane Grey.

“We were absolutely overwhelmed to see so many people at our 55th birthday reunion,” said Sam Humphrey, who runs the riding stables with wife Lou. “It was great to catch up with old friends who we’d not seen for years, and we’d like to thank everyone for helping us to share the special occasion.”

A raffle at the event raised £495 for the Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance Trust.

The reunion included a lively display by The Knights of Nottingham jousting troupe and music by folk band Growling at the Badger, who are also members of The Knights of Nottingham.

Bunny Hill Riding Centre was launched by Sam’s parents Freda and the late Bob Humphrey in 1955. It has taught thousands of people to ride since opening.

Among those who have taken to the saddle at Bunny Hill Riding Centre are mayors and sheriffs of Nottingham who needed to be able to ride a horse for official parades, Nottinghamshire-born actress Sherrie Hewson, who played Maureen in Coronation Street and currently appears on ITV’s Loose Women, several Nottingham Forest football players, and singer Micky Dolenz, who is best known for his role in the band The Monkees.

The centre’s horses have been used in many films, such as Gladiator, Lady Jane Grey, and First Night, which starred Richard Gere. They’ve also featured in TV programmes as diverse as Boon and Rosie & Jim, and have appeared in several adverts for the likes of Carling Black Label and Mars.

“We have taught thousands of people to ride here since 1955, from very young children to older adults, and it’s wonderful that we are still doing so as a family operation 55 years later,” added Sam. “I would like to pay tribute to my parents for buying this fantastic spot all those years ago.”

Freda and many other members of the Humphrey family were at the reunion to celebrate the milestone.

More information about the riding centre can be found at www.bunnyhill.co.uk or on its Facebook page.

* Photo courtesty of Shaw Pictures.

Croots Farm Shop & Kitchen in Derbyshire celebrates its second birthday

Derbyshire farm shop Croots will be celebrating its second birthday on Saturday June 19th with a BBQ, bouncy castle and face painting.

The fun-filled entertainment has been organised by Croots Farm Shop & Kitchen owner Steve Croot, who said: “We hope as many of our customers as possible will be able to join us to help us celebrate our 2nd anniversary.”

Croots stocks products from across the region and beyond, selling items from more than 30 producers who are within a 50-mile radius of the shop at Farnah House Farm, Wirksworth Road, near Duffield.

The BBQ runs from 11am to 3pm, and there are free face painting and bouncy castle sessions for children throughout the day.

For more information visit www.croots.co.uk

Grants available to help East Midlands food and drink firms recruit graduates

East Midlands food and drink firms planning to recruit graduates for permanent positions or placements are being urged to take advantage of grants available to help with their search for the right person.

The Food and Drink Forum has teamed up with East Midlands graduate recruitment organisation HotProspects on a two-year project to offer small and medium-sized food and drink companies grants towards the cost of recruiting a graduate, either for specific projects or for permanent placements.

Now it has been announced that grant funding for recruitment has been increased – making it the ideal time to get involved with the scheme.

Businesses signing up to the programme delivered by HotProspects will receive £1,000 towards the standard recruitment fees instead of the £500 that was previously offered, thanks to grant funding that has been made available in partnership from East Midlands Development Agency (emda) and from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

“The programme provides support in the form of niche and technical search, graduate assessment centres and full service graduate recruitment to help businesses manage the recruitment process and find the best talent,” said Food and Drink Forum managing director Fiona Anderson.

“The food and drink sector is facing a skills shortage, but hiring a graduate can bring a number of benefits for a firm, such as introducing new skills to the business or giving a fresh perspective on something. Finding the right candidate can be time-consuming or difficult for a small or medium-sized business, so this project represents the perfect way for food and drink firms in the East Midlands to discover the pool of graduate talent that’s available.”

Graduates are available with a wide range of food and drink industry-relevant qualifications. One current example includes a graduate with an MSc in food technology and quality assurance from the University of Reading, who previously gained a first class Bachelor of Technology in bio-technology from a top engineering university. Fluent in three languages and with expertise in a range of techniques, including using nutritional software, conducting taste panels and sensory analysis, the graduate has good understanding of British Retail Consortium and EU/UK food regulations.

HotProspects programme director Iain McCracken said: “This grant-funded programme aims to support businesses and graduates in the region at a very challenging time in the employment landscape.

“The programme operates to help businesses and graduates connect on terms beneficial to each – brokering contracts that place graduates within organisations with schemes agreed from 2 weeks to 12 months and longer. The benefits of such a programme are clear – graduates gain valuable work experience that helps them connect with the market and businesses can access a skills resource that can make them better placed to emerge from the recession in a competitive position.

“We are finding that most strategically minded organisations view the current economic situation as an opportunity ... to acquire the most talented individuals in their field. Forecasts indicate that many sectors still and will face a substantial shortfall in skill sets.

“Organisations that are far sighted will use this time, when many are not operating at full capacity, to invest in their staff and development programmes so that they are in the strongest position possible when we emerge from recession.

“The programme offers a low risk, low cost, option for businesses to trial the benefits of employing graduates and the initial response has been wholly positive. Companies see the advantages of a scheme that operates with such flexibility and that allows them to engage with the graduate pool in a time and cost efficient way.”

The Food and Drink Forum is based at Southglade Food Park, Nottingham, and is a membership organisation that offers support to businesses working in the food and drink sector in Derbyshire, Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Northamptonshire and Rutland.

East Midlands food and drink businesses interested in finding out more about the graduate recruitment scheme should contact The Food and Drink Forum on 0115 9758810.

National award win for medical centre linked to BSP Consulting

BSP Consulting is celebrating the news that a new medical centre which benefited from the firm’s civil, structural and geotechnical engineering expertise has been named the best health property in the UK.


Freshney Green Primary Care Centre in Grimsby scooped the HealthInvestor Property of the Year Award.

BSP’s Derby office provided civil, structural and geotechnical engineering services for the project from conception through to completion in association with Ashby de la Zouch developer LSP Developments and Tamworth architects West Hart Partnership Ltd.

“It is great news to hear that the Freshney Green Primary Care Centre scheme has won the HealthInvestor Property of the Year Award. BSP Consulting is delighted and proud to have been part of the team that helped win this award,” said BSP managing director David Sumner.

The panel of judges commented that “the winning development provided excellent value for money and provided innovative ways to provide for future flexibility. It has a strong, simple design that successfully reconciles the needs of multiple users. “

BSP carried out the ground investigation, flood risk assessment, and were responsible for all the structural and civil engineering for the three-storey medical centre, which now houses three GP practices with more than 32,000 patients, as well as a range of associated health services such as a pharmacy, podiatry clinic and dentistry.

Freshney Green Primary Care Centre was the third medical centre of this type that BSP Consulting has worked on. The firm is currently involved with a similar, but larger, scheme in Blackpool that’s due for completion in 2011.

The 7012 sqm Freshney Green Primary Care Centre was up against strong competition from a short-listed group of seven healthcare premises across the UK that were completed in 2009. The scheme was praised by the judges for its high-quality design, affordability and strong stakeholder relationship.

BSP Consulting, which has offices at Pride Park, Derby, Oxford Street, Nottingham, and De Montfort Street, Leicester, was named Consultant of the Year 2009 at the East Midlands Property Dinner. The firm provides a comprehensive range of consultancy services to all sectors of the construction community, from architects, project managers and contractors to developers and estate agents.

Former riding school pupils coming from near and far for 55th birthday reunion of Bunny Hill Riding Centre

Past pupils of a riding school celebrating its 55th birthday are expected to come from as far away as America and Portugal to take part in a reunion in June.

Bunny Hill Riding Centre, on the Nottinghamshire/Leicestershire border at Bunny Hill Top, near Costock, is staging a series of events to mark its 55th birthday this year.

The highlight is a reunion on June 20th which will provide the chance for some of the thousands of people who have learnt to ride at the stables to get together again.

“At the start of the year we announced we wanted to stage a reunion in June to celebrate the 55th birthday of Bunny Hill Riding Centre,” said Sam Humphrey, whose parents Freda and the late Bob Humphrey launched the equestrian centre in 1955. “We began putting the word out, and we’ve been amazed at how many people have got in touch to say they’d like to come.

“We’re expecting guests from as far away as America and Portugal. Most of them are former pupils who learnt to ride here, but we’ve also heard from past teachers who worked here too. It will be great to see some old friends again, as well as some of our current clients, at the reunion.”

The get together will also feature short demonstrations from The Knights of Nottingham Jousting Troop, which is based at Bunny Hill Riding Centre, and which is also celebrating a special anniversary this year - its 40th birthday.

Bunny Hill Riding Centre, which is run by Sam and his wife Lou, offers riding lessons to people of all ages and at all stages. Thousands of people are estimated to have learnt to ride there over the 55 years since the centre opened.

Among those who have taken to the saddle at Bunny Hill Riding Centre are mayors and sheriffs of Nottingham who needed to be able to ride a horse for official parades, Nottinghamshire-born actress Sherrie Hewson, who played Maureen in Coronation Street and currently appears on ITV’s Loose Women, several Nottingham Forest football players, and singer Micky Dolenz, who is best known for his role in the band The Monkees.

“We have taught thousands of people to ride here, and we are really looking forward to our reunion in June,” added Sam.

The reunion runs from noon to 3pm, and will include music. Refreshments will be available.

Any former pupils who’d like to attend the reunion in June should get in touch by emailing lou@bunnyhill.co.uk or calling 01509 852366 so that they can be added to the mailing list for information.

More information can be found on the riding centre’s website www.bunnyhill.co.uk or on the riding centre’s Facebook page.

New director joins Food and Drink iNet

Andrew Butterwick has been appointed the new director of the Food and Drink iNet as the East Midlands-wide project launches phase two of its support for the food and drink sector in the region.


Andrew has wide experience of both the food and drink industry, and business support.

He joins the Food and Drink iNet team from Business Link Yorkshire, where he was a business advisor. Before that he was managing director of ATB Associates Ltd, providing consultancy, advice and resource management, operational management, process mapping and technical training to the food sector.

“I am very pleased to be joining the Food and Drink iNet at such an exciting time when we are moving into phase two of the project, and I am relishing the opportunity to have such a key role in encouraging innovation in the food and drink sector in the East Midlands,” said Andrew.

“Along with the rest of the Food and Drink iNet team, I am looking forward to building on the success of the first two years of the project.”

Funded by the East Midlands Development Agency (emda) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the Food and Drink iNet co-ordinates innovation support for businesses, universities and individuals working in the food and drink sector in the East Midlands. The iNet strives to develop an effective network to encourage the collaboration of academic expertise and knowledge, and local food and drink business innovation needs.

It aims to build on the tradition of innovation in the food and drink industry in the region by helping to create opportunities to develop knowledge and skills, and to help research, develop and implement new products, markets, services and processes.

During the initial two-year phase of the Food and Drink iNet, more than 300 businesses in the region were supported, Innovation Support Grants were given to 57 firms, and funding was provided for nine university collaboration projects. It also ran a successful series of events that attracted more than 650 delegates from 150 businesses to look at some of the key industry issues, as well as staging three best practice factory visits.

Now the second phase of the Food and Drink iNet has begun and there are plans to build on the work that’s already been achieved in supporting food and drink manufacturers in the East Midlands, as well as increase the number of advisors at the iNet.

“Phase one of the Food and Drink iNet was welcomed by food and drink manufacturers in the region as an original way of supporting and encouraging innovation in the sector in the East Midlands,” said Food and Drink iNet director Andrew Butterwick.

“We are very pleased to have started a second phase of the Food and Drink iNet, and intend to continue supporting food and drink firms in the region via a number of different channels. This will include a ‘collaborate to innovate’ programme that brings together academia with groups of individual businesses looking to resolve common problems through innovation.

“We also plan to run a project to bring the engineering and food and drink sectors together, by helping engineering firms to diversify into the food and drink sector and by helping the food and drink sector to find innovative solutions to improve their process and efficiency.”

Andrew, who is based in the Business Centre at Southglade Food Park, Gala Way, Nottingham, has gained his experience through a number of roles during his career, including factory manager and then operations director at ethnic foods company Westmill Foods and operations manager at Bowmans Milling.

The Food and Drink iNet is managed by a consortium, led by the Food & Drink Forum and including Food Processing Faraday, Nottingham Trent University, the University of Lincoln, and the University of Nottingham. It is based at Southglade Food Park, Nottingham, with advisors covering the East Midlands region.

For more information visit www.eminnovation.org.uk