Trio of promotions at BSP Consulting

BSP Consulting promotes three members of the team.

Three members of the team at civil and structural engineering firm BSP Consulting have been promoted to new positions.

Chartered civil engineer Carol Ell and chartered structural engineer Monika Anszperger have become associates, while associate Tim Wilson has stepped up to associate director.

Carol, who works in BSP’s Leicester office in De Montfort Street, joined the company in July 2004, while Monika, who is based in the Derby office at Pride Park, joined in January 2014.

Tim, who has been with BSP since 2005, heads up the civil engineering team in Leicester.

BSP MD David Sumner said: “These changes reflect the much-increased responsibility levels that Tim, Carol and Monika now embrace and perform for the company. I and the BSP team congratulate them on their achievement.”

BSP, which is based at Oxford Street, Nottingham, provides a comprehensive range of consultancy services in civil, structural, geotechnical, transportation and environmental engineering to all sectors of the construction community, from architects, project managers and contractors to developers and estate agents. It was founded in 1999 and operates across the East Midlands and the UK.

For more information, visit www.bsp-consulting.co.uk

Press release issued by Nottingham based PR company Perfect 10 PR www.perfect10pr.co.uk

BSP Consulting celebrates ten years in Leicester

BSP Leicester office celebrating
the 10th anniversary

East Midlands-based civil and structural engineering company BSP Consulting is celebrating a decade in Leicester.

It is ten years since the firm opened a Leicester office in De Montfort Street – the third office in the group.

Since then, the award-winning company has moved to larger premises, double the size of the original, to cater for increasing demand for its services in the area.

“We opened our Leicester office in December 2007 with three staff and since then have gradually grown as we established ourselves as a key civil and structural engineering company in the city,” said Paul Elphick, BSP Consulting director, who manages the Leicester office and has been based at the De Montfort Street branch since it was launched.

“During our decade in Leicester we have increased the range of services we offer from this office to include pre-planning support and traffic and transportation engineering, and this has been one of the reasons behind the expansion of the team.

“However, as our reputation has grown, so has the number of engineers and technicians we have employed in Leicester and we currently have a team of 15 based in our city office, working across the city, county and beyond.”

During the past decade, BSP has provided civil and structural engineering services for a number of key projects in Leicester and Leicestershire, including Makers’ Yard in Leicester’s Creative Quarter, buildings at Brooksby Melton College, refurbishment schemes at Loughborough University, the new Birkett House SEN School in Wigston, and the HQ for Dunelm at Syston.

It has also recently supported the development of the Get Busy Living Centre near Melton Mowbray – the rehabilitation centre for those with life-changing sporting injuries, which is being spearheaded by the Matt Hampson Foundation, the charity set up by the former England Under-21 and Leicester Tigers player, Matt Hampson who was paralysed in a rugby accident.

In addition, members of staff from the Leicester office have been involved in numerous developments further afield and are currently working on projects as far away as South Wales, where the firm has been appointed to work on the spectacular new multi-million-pound Afan Valley Adventure Resort, which is set over 500 acres of forests and hills and will be the first development of its kind in the UK, and home to a wealth of adrenaline-fuelled indoor and outdoor activities.

BSP Consulting managing director David Sumner said: “On behalf of BSP Consulting, I’d like to congratulate Paul Elphick and his team on the way they have built up the Leicester office of the company to become a well-established and highly regarded business in Leicestershire, and to also thank them for their hard work and commitment over the past decade.”

The Leicester BSP team headed to Warwick Castle for an away day to mark the tenth anniversary of the office.

BSP Consulting was founded in 1999 in Nottingham, and later opened a Derby office before also expanding into Leicester. It offers civil, structural, transportation, environmental and geotechnical engineering services and provides a complete range of consultancy services to all sectors of the construction community, from architects, project managers and contractors to developers and estate agents.

For more information, visit www.bsp-consulting.co.uk

Press released issued by Nottingham based PR company Perfect 10 PR www.perfect10pr.co.uk

Winners of the East Midlands fbe Awards 2017 announced

Overall winner of the East Midlands fbe Awards 2017

The refurbishment of the Engineering Building at the University of Leicester has been crowned the overall winner at the East Midlands fbe Awards 2017.

Nominated by Pulse Associates, who provided project management for the scheme, the work involved replacing 2,500 pieces of glass to the roof and façade of the Grade II listed, architecturally significant building and the creation of an internal environment fit for modern-day teaching needs.

Sponsored by building company DW Hicks, the award was the top accolade presented at the East Midlands fbe Chairman’s Dinner & Awards night, held at the City Rooms in Leicester, with the judges saying: “This was a truly deserving winner, based on the high status and complexity of the project, and the overall effort, costs and risks involved in securing the retention of a highly valued building for future generations.”

The scheme had earlier won the Regeneration Award sponsored by insurance expert Arthur J Gallagher. The judges said: “This was a highly complex retention and renovation of a listed, iconic and well-loved building. The intensive consultation and collaboration was to deliver improved performance and increased flexibility. 

“Considering the building’s unique detailing and considerable works, the judges were impressive that the building remained in use throughout the works.

“Architecturally significant in its originality, aesthetics and structural engineering solution, the judges had to acknowledge the time and commitment to restoring the structure and retaining the celebrated design.”

The winner of the Residential Award, sponsored by building solutions firm J Tomlinson, was a Rural Housing Exception scheme at High Street, Brant Broughton in Lincolnshire, nominated by architects Halsall Lloyd Partnership.

Judges said of the housing scheme: “This development managed to achieve a high level of sustainability whilst not losing aesthetic appeal. The retention of existing site features and characteristics is admirable and shows a good understanding of its sense of place. The judges also noted its collaboration with the local community.”

The winner of the Non-Residential Award, sponsored by consultant development engineer M-EC, was Birkett House School, Wigston, Leicestershire, nominated by civil and structural engineer BSP Consulting and contractor Willmott Dixon Construction.

The judges said: “With its range of bespoke learning facilities that challenge previous norms, Birkett House offers well-designed and executed specialist facilities that were not currently met in the area.

“The integration of sustainable design into the teaching and learning process gives a strong and comfortable sense of place. Birkett House has been further recognised for its extensive level of collaboration and involvement outside of the construction team, the build being carbon neutral as well as its use of local labour.”

The Rising Star Award – presented to a young person under the age of 30 working within the construction sector in Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire or Nottinghamshire who has shown outstanding achievements in their field and which was sponsored by business and tax advisor Duncan & Toplis – was presented to Joe Gent, a trainee M&E quantity surveyor at Nottingham-based J Tomlinson.

The judges said of Joe: “The Rising Star category is always the hardest to judge and this year the competition seemed to be particularly stiff. It’s fantastic to see there are so many young people in the region achieving great things.

“Joe Gent secured the accolade because of the level of his accomplishments in such a short period of time. His achievements are commendable and it is clear that he is both a highly valued and well-liked member of the J Tomlinson team. In both his practical and academic work, Joe has shown hard work and dedication and has excelled in both areas. With his ambition and can-do attitude as well as the ability to build professional relationships and secure contracts at a relatively young age, Joe has been awarded the FBE Rising Star 2017 award. He has an incredibly bright future ahead of him.”

Around 130 professionals from the construction, property and development sector in the East Midlands attended the annual ceremony, which included a welcoming drinks reception sponsored by consulting engineer BSD.

Compèred by former England international rugby player and ex-Leicester Tiger player Peter Wheeler, the evening also raised £1,378 for the Wooden Spoon charity, an organisation dedicated to providing rugby coaching for disabled, or disadvantaged, children. The charity aims to positively transform the lives of young people across the UK and Ireland.

Eddie Mewies, regional chairman of the East Midlands fbe and MD of M-EC Consulting Development Engineers, said: “A huge congratulations to all the finalists and especially the winners of these awards, which highlight and reward the teams behind some of the best construction projects in the East Midlands and also shine a light on the young people who are showing outstanding achievements in their areas of work.

“The East Midlands fbe Awards give us the opportunity to recognise and highlight the great projects that are undertaken in this region, and I’d like to thank all the companies that nominated and took part this year.”

The fbe is a national organisation, with branches across the UK and is the longest established networking group for the property, development and construction industries. As well as running the annual awards scheme, the East Midlands branch also organises a number of social and other events. The East Midlands branch covers Leicestershire, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire.

Photo caption left to right, Eddie Mewies, regional chairman of the East Midlands fbe, Nick Emmett from the University of Leicester, Ian Carey from Pulse Associates, Samuel Hicks, director at award sponsor DW Hicks, and Peter Wheeler, former England international rugby player and ex-Leicester Tiger player.

Press release issued by Nottingham based PR company Perfect 10 PR www.perfect10pr.co.uk

Deadline extended for East Midlands fbe Awards 2017

Overall winner of the East Midlands fbe awards 2016

Organisers of the East Midlands fbe Awards have extended the deadline for nominations by one week.

Companies now have until Friday 8^th September to put forward construction projects and nominate rising stars in the industry from across the region.

“We’ve had some exciting nominations for the East Midlands fbe Awards already and know that others are on their way, so we’re extending the deadline by one week to give applicants a little extra time in which to submit their entries,” said Eddie Mewies, regional chairman of the East Midlands fbe and MD of M-EC Consulting Development Engineers.

“In previous years, we’ve had a wide range of projects nominated, showcasing some of the very best development schemes that have been undertaken in the region. We are looking forward to highlighting some of the latest projects and also putting some of our brightest young professionals under the spotlight in our rising stars award category.”

The East Midlands fbe Awards recognise and reward the teams behind some of the best development projects across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire and Lincolnshire.

Free to enter, the awards feature the following categories: Regeneration, Residential, and Non-Residential developments, along with Rising Star of the Year. The winners of the first three categories will automatically form the shortlist for the Overall East Midlands Scheme & Team Award.

Tickets are also on sale for the East Midlands fbe Chairman’s Dinner & Awards night, held at the City Rooms in Leicester on 12^th October 2017, when the awards will be presented.

Around 150 professionals from the construction, development and property sector in the region are expected to attend the ceremony, which will raise money for Wooden Spoon - the children's charity of rugby, which aims to positively transform the lives of children and young people with a disability or facing disadvantage across the UK and Ireland through the power of rugby.

As well as award entries now being open and tickets on sale for the ceremony, two sponsorship opportunities are also still available for the event. Sponsors already on board include main sponsor DW Hicks, BSD who is sponsoring the drinks reception, M-EC, who is sponsoring the Non-Residential Award and Arthur J Gallagher, who is sponsoring the Regeneration Award.

Details and nomination forms are available from http://www.fbeonline.co.uk/east-midlands/events/fbe-east-midlands-chairmans-dinner-and-awards-2017.htm or by contacting Mary Daw on 07883 033552.

The deadline for award nominations is now Friday 8^st September 2017.

The fbe is a national organisation, with branches across the UK and is the longest established networking group for the property, development and construction industries. As well as running the annual awards scheme, the East Midlands branch also organises a number of social and other events. The East Midlands branch covers Leicestershire, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire.

Press release issued by Nottingham based PR company Perfect 10 PR www.perfect10pr.co.uk

Focus Consultants on board with replica 17th century sailing ship scheme

Launch of the Lennox in 1678 by Richard Endsor

Funding and business planning experts, Focus Consultants, have been appointed to work on an exciting project which will result in the building and launching of a full-size replica of the Lenox, a 17^th century sailing ship and which will be a major new tourist attraction based at Convoys Wharf, Lewisham, London. 

Convoys Wharf, originally known as the Deptford Dockyard, opened in 1513 and was first used by Henry VIII to build his naval fleet. The HMS Lenox was commissioned under Charles II in 1678 as the first of 30 ships built during his reign to expand the Royal Navy into a leading force in Europe. 

Convoys Wharf, which lies within walking distance of other popular maritime attractions, such as the Cutty Sark, The National Maritime Museum and the Old Royal Naval College at Greenwich, has remained derelict for years. Now, planning consent has been granted for a major mixed-use waterfront development, encompassing both residential and commercial facilities. The Lenox project complements this development by highlighting the area’s unique maritime history.

As well as a replica of the Lenox, a new purpose-built visitor centre is planned which will display exhibits showcasing the history of the Royal Dockyard. It will also enable the public to see the ship’s construction, which is intended to be a mix of modern and traditional skills - the modern involving digitisation of the ship’s model and use of CNC routers to cut some of the timbers – and the traditional skills from the 17^th century, mirroring the Lenox’s original creation. The plans aim to create jobs for specialists in traditional wooden boatbuilding and will also include apprenticeship opportunities to ensure these skills will not be lost to future generations, whilst the use of modern skills is transferable into a wider range of industries. 

Nottingham-based Focus has been appointed by The Lenox Project, a registered charity, to develop a business plan for the project and to prepare funding bids to move the project onto the next stage of development.

Heather Frecklington, Partner at Focus Consultants, said: “This is a unique and extremely exciting project to be involved in. We are working closely with the Charity to set the project up to be a success and look forward to seeing this major London regeneration project come to fruition.”

Focus, which also has offices in London, Leicester and Boston in Lincolnshire, specialises in creative approaches to securing funding packages and delivering high quality projects across the UK. Since its creation in 1994, Focus has helped to secure more than £953 million of grant assistance for a range of projects and businesses across the UK and delivered more than £1.3 billion of projects and programmes – making it one of the most successful companies of its kind.

It also offers a range of services to the property and construction industry, including building surveying, quantity surveying, project management, and sustainable development support.

For more information, visit www.focus-consultants.co.uk

Press release issued by Nottingham based PR company Perfect 10 PR www.perfect10pr.co.uk

Focus Consultants hosts work experience student in Lincolnshire office

Andrew Sharp and Callum Hunt

Focus Consultants once again showed a willingness to help the next generation progress by hosting a student for two weeks’ work experience.

Callum Hunt, 15, a pupil at the William Lovell Church of England Academy in Stickney, spent a fortnight at Focus’ Boston office this summer.

The Boston office, which is based at Endeavour Park in the town, has won two Investors in Education Awards for its commitment to providing top quality work experience for young people and Callum was the latest student to join the team to find out more about the industry.

Partner at Focus Consultants, Trevor Newton, said: “At Focus Consultants we strive to provide young people with work experience that is valuable and helps their development, and we were happy to have hosted Callum for a two weeks and hope that he enjoyed his time in our Boston office.”

Focus, which has its head office in Nottingham, and other branches in London and Leicester, specialises in creative approaches to securing funding packages and delivering high quality projects across the UK. Since its creation in 1994, Focus has helped to secure more than £953 million of grant assistance for a range of projects and businesses across the UK and delivered more than £1.3 billion of projects and programmes – making it one of the most successful companies of its kind.

It also offers a range of services to the property and construction industry, including building surveying, quantity surveying, project management, and sustainable development support.

Pictured with Callum Hunt is Andrew Sharp, senior consultant at the Focus Boston office.

For more information, visit www.focus-consultants.co.uk

Press release issued by Nottingham based PR company Perfect 10 PR www.perfect10pr.co.uk

Appointment at BSP Consulting as firm launches new project information management system

James Payne

East Midlands civil and structural engineering firm BSP Consulting has promoted James Payne to the position of finance and IT manager.

He has been with the company for exactly 16 years, having joined BSP straight from school in August 2001.

James has recently been instrumental in introducing a new project information management system at BSP’s headquarters in Nottingham and across its offices in Derby, Leicester and Sheffield.

The Union Square software is used worldwide by organisations in the construction sector to help them work smarter and collaborate more effectively, and it has already begun showing positive results for BSP.

BSP managing director David Sumner said: “James has been a loyal and valued BSP employee since joining us in 2001. He has recently spearheaded the introduction of Union Square across the business after putting forward the case to the senior team of the benefits of integrating and streamlining our management of information – something which has become increasingly important to the efficiency of the business as we continue to expand.

“We have a commitment to staff development and are delighted to have promoted James to this newly created position at BSP Consulting, which reflects his new role.”

The Union Square system is being used throughout the business, primarily for project accounting but also for internal processes such as HR.  

“Union Square has only been in place for a short while but already it is bringing benefits to BSP in making our project accounting more efficient,” said James. “The prediction is that it will help us with our long-term forecasting and planning, and become an increasingly valuable tool in the future.”

James joined BSP as a civil engineering technician at the age of 16, before becoming civil engineering technician and IT manager in 2004 and subsequently IT manager. He is based in BSP’s Nottingham HQ in Oxford Street but works across the group.

BSP, which also has offices at Pride Park, Derby, De Montfort Street, Leicester, and Solly Street, Sheffield, provides a comprehensive range of consultancy services in civil, structural, geotechnical, transportation and environmental engineering to all sectors of the construction community, from architects, project managers and contractors to developers and estate agents. It was founded in 1999 and operates across the UK, working in sectors including education, industrial, commercial, retail, affordable housing, older persons living, leisure, private housing, heritage, and pre-planning.

For more information, visit www.bsp-consulting.co.uk

Press release issued by Nottingham based PR company Perfect 10 PR www.perfect10pr.co.uk

Focus Consultants’ role with Waterloo Housing Group continues

Old Leake project. Photo courtesy HWD Architecture 

Work has begun on site to build 22 new affordable homes in Lincolnshire – the latest project that Focus Consultants has undertaken for Waterloo Housing Group.

The team in the Boston office of Focus Consultants has been appointed to carry out a multi-disciplinary construction consultancy role on the development in Church Road in Old Leake.

It follows the completion ahead of schedule earlier this year of Phase Two of Broadfield Lane, Boston, when Focus Consultants acted as employer’s agent, principal designer, client CDM advisor and party wall surveyor on a scheme to build 123 houses for Waterloo Housing Group.

Also completed recently was a scheme for Waterloo Housing to provide 26 houses and apartments at Tytton Lane, Boston. Meanwhile, work is continuing on a project that Focus is also involved in to build 32 homes off Toot Lane, Boston, for the housing association.

“This latest appointment at Old Leake continues our ongoing relationship with Waterloo Housing Group and ESHA, helping to deliver a range of housing projects in the Lincolnshire area over a number of years,” said Trevor Newton, Partner in the Boston office of Focus.

“We were delighted with the completion ahead of schedule earlier this year of the second phase of a Waterloo Housing Group development, in Broadfield Lane, Boston, where Focus also had a multi-disciplinary role.

“As a company, Focus offers a range of building consultancy services from design, building surveying and quantity surveying through to project management, and we are very pleased that we have been able to support Waterloo Housing Group on so many projects.”

The Old Leake scheme, led by Waterloo Housing Group and ESHA Developments, will create a range of one, two, three and four bedroom houses, all available for rent or shared ownership. The project is being funded by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) and the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise partnership.

The village of Old Leake is situated approximately eight miles from the market town of Boston in Lincolnshire. The site was formerly occupied by a caravan and car park for the adjacent White Hart public house. The development includes the demolition of part of the pub which was remodelled to facilitate access for the new road.

The new homes have been designed to provide spacious modern accommodation and a range of parking options. In keeping with the area’s aesthetics, including a Grade I Listed church, the homes have been carefully designed to blend into the central village location. The housing development is due to be completed in March 2018. 

Nottingham-based Focus, which, as well as an office in Boston, also has branches in London and Leicester, offers a range of services in funding and economic development, project management, sustainable development and building surveying.

Since 1994 Focus has also secured for clients more than £953 million of grants for projects and businesses across the UK and delivered more than £1.3 billion worth of projects and programmes – making it one of the most successful businesses of its kind in the country.

For more information, visit www.focus-consultants.co.uk

Press release issued by Nottingham based PR company Perfect 10 PR www.perfect10pr.co.uk 

Focus Consultants awarded position on key national framework

Heather Frecklington at Focus Consultants

Focus Consultants has been appointed on a major national framework to supply consultancy services in leisure, culture and tourism, as well as asset management and delivery.

The position on the ESPO 664-17 framework will run until April 2019 with an option to extend for a further two years until April 2021.

It means that public-sector clients, registered charities and social housing providers in the UK can procure services from Focus in the knowledge that the procurement process has already been carried out in a professional manner, avoiding the need for a full tender process when searching for suppliers - saving them time and money.

The ESPO 664-17 framework is the eighth framework that Focus is currently appointed on.

“As well as working in the private sector, the teams at Focus Consultants work extensively across the public sector – providing specialist services to councils, charities and other organisations,” said Focus partner Heather Frecklington.

“Our services are unique – ranging from funding support, feasibility studies, commercial reviews and economic development through to evaluations, maintenance, management and delivery, and rationalisation and remodelling – and we have worked with a huge range of clients from internationally known museums and high-profile UK arts organisations through to local councils and small heritage projects.

“The appointment on the ESPO framework means that it is easier for clients to procure our services in the field of leisure, culture and tourism, as well as in asset management and delivery, and allows Focus, as a company, to potentially reach out to a wider client base.

“We are delighted to have been appointed to this framework – the eighth that we are now on – as it recognises and confirms our skills and professional services in these areas, and is an endorsement of our expertise.”

Focus Consultants is based at Phoenix Business Park, Nottingham, and has offices in London, Leicester and Boston in Lincolnshire.

It specialises in creative approaches to securing funding packages and delivering high quality projects across the UK. Since its creation in 1994, Focus has helped to secure more than £953 million of grant assistance for a range of projects and businesses across the UK and delivered more than £1.3 billion of projects and programmes – making it one of the most successful companies of its kind.

The firm has worked with many well-known organisations including the V&A Museum, the Science Museum and the National Army Museum. It is currently project managing the £44million Devonshire Quarter redevelopment scheme in Eastbourne.

In the East Midlands, the company has played a role in a number of high-profile projects such as the Sky Mirror in Nottingham and the Curve in Leicester, and is involved currently in the refurbishment of the Theatre Royal and Royal Concert Hall in Nottingham and was a member of the team redeveloping the newly re-opened Bridgford Hall near Nottingham- the first completed project in the East Midlands to benefit from a Heritage Enterprise Grant.

ESPO (Eastern Shires Purchasing Organisation), based in Leicestershire, is a public sector owned organisation committed to helping customers achieve the best results by practice in procurement, sourcing, supply chain partner support and management and contract management. The 664-17 framework is fully compliant with UK/OJEU procurement legislation, where all providers listed are assessed prior to being accepted onto the framework.

For more information, please visit www.focus-consultants.com

Press release issued by Nottingham PR company Perfect 10 PR www.perfect10pr.co.uk

Focus Consultants research economic benefit of Leicester Textiles Hub

Leicester Textiles

Economic development experts at Focus Consultants have been researching the benefits of creating a textiles hub and training centre in Leicester.

The company has been working with Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) and Leicester City Council with support from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) to explore the creation of a hub and training centre in the city to help Leicester boost its textiles industry. 

The textiles manufacturing sector in the Leicester and Leicestershire LEP area has been identified as a priority growth sector, due to it contributing over £0.5 billion to the LLEP economy, as well as it being the second largest textiles employment area in the UK.  Within Leicester and Leicestershire, the sector employs 9,480 people in 1,480 firms.

With the demand for ‘fast fashion’ ever increasing in the UK’s retail sector, an advantage of producing apparel in the UK is that retailers can expect the production of their goods to have a faster turnaround than if they were using overseas suppliers. This offers significant opportunities to bring more textiles manufacturing back to the UK, and with its diverse history in the textiles industry, Leicester plans to be at the heart of this. 

The Funding, Research and Economic Development team at Focus, which has an office at Meridian Business Park, Leicester, has been appointed by the LLEP to investigate the need for a new textiles hub and the benefits it could bring to the city’s economy. Led by Focus partners, Heather Frecklington and Karl Marriott, their role includes working with manufacturers and suppliers of technical machinery to evaluate costs, in addition to consultation with leading high street retailers and e-tailers, such as New Look and Asos, to understand the demand for fast fashion, the opportunity for increased UK production and how Leicester can be best placed to benefit from this growth.

Heather Frecklington, the partner responsible for Focus’ FRED Team, said: “We are delighted to have been appointed to undertake this exciting study. Global factors are influencing reshoring of manufacturing back to the UK and the aim of the proposed hub is to understand how to meet the needs of both retailers and manufacturers in order to support and grow the fashion and textiles sector in Leicester.

“We have worked on economic impact assessments for the Leicester area previously, including a report undertaken by our team which found that the discovery of King Richard lll brought in more than £59 million to Leicester’s economy, from the time of the discovery to the reinternment, and we are pleased to be continuing our links with the city and its development.”

The study has explored the need for a sector specific hub and training centre to provide relevant services to the local small and medium enterprise community, as well as accommodate the needs of large retailers and online brands. It has included in-depth consultation with manufacturers and retailers in the sector, as well as industry experts, stakeholders and potential partners to gauge their opinion on the need, and potential shape of a Leicester Hub, and the demand for services within it. 

Sue Tilley, economic strategy manager for the Leicester & Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) said: “There is a need for a different kind of Leicester textiles industry and the Hub would have an important part to play in changing this perception. It would also work to help manufacturers to recognise the need to adopt a different approach to trading and costing.

“We know that Leicester is one of only five UK centres for mass, fast fashion textile production and there is profound support for Leicester from many of Britain’s leading fashion retailers and e-tailers. So this is a fantastic opportunity for the local industry to pull together to maximise positive commercial developments such as re-shoring of UK based production to improve the fashion and textile sector in Leicester.”

The FRED team at Nottingham-based Focus, which also has branches in London, Leicester, Boston and Aubourn in Lincolnshire, specialises in securing funding for projects, economic impact assessments, regeneration strategies, research and feasibility strategies.

Since 1994 Focus has also secured for clients more than £953 million of grants for projects and businesses across the UK and delivered more than £1.3 billion worth of projects and programmes – making it one of the most successful businesses of its kind in the country.

It also offers a range of services to the property and construction industry, including building surveying, quantity surveying, project management, and sustainable development support.

For more information, visit www.focus-consultants.co.uk

Press release issued by Nottingham based PR company Perfect 10 PR www.perfect10pr.co.uk

Focus Consultants appointed project manager on Tatton Park scheme

Tatton Park farm entrance

Heritage experts at Focus Consultants have been appointed to help drive forward a project to showcase the history of farming and its relevance to healthy eating today at one of the UK’s most well-known country estates.

Tatton Dale Farm in Tatton Park, Knutsford, Cheshire, has received £1 million Heritage Lottery funding to develop a scheme to tell the story of food production for a large country estate from the late 18^th century to the 1950s. 

The project aims to bring alive the agricultural, architectural, technological, social and cultural heritage of Tatton Dale Farm through the ‘field to fork’ story - told through the mouths of former workers, its buildings, machinery, livestock and traditional agricultural skills.

It includes a new visitor hub at the farm’s agricultural mill building, as well as a number of site-wide hands-on experiences.

Focus Consultants, which has worked on a wide range of heritage and museum-related schemes across the UK, has been appointed to project manage the overall development alongside Cheshire East Council, which manages and finances Tatton Park on behalf of the National Trust.

Focus partner Steven Fletcher said: “Tatton Park is one of the UK’s most complete historic estates, and the team at Focus Consultants is very pleased to have been appointed to help develop the ‘field to fork’ story of the estate’s farm so that its story can be shared with future generations.

“We have extensive expertise in developing heritage attractions and are proud to be a part of the team providing a fascinating and enjoyable exploration of this uniquely well-preserved window into farming and food production at Tatton Park over two centuries.”

Focus, which is based in Nottingham and also has branches in London, Leicester, Boston and Aubourn in Lincolnshire, has been involved in numerous heritage schemes, including at many London museums, as well as at the National Museum Wales, MShed in Bristol, SeaCity in Southampton, and Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. 

Carole Mullineux, Tatton Park business development manager, said: “We’re delighted that Focus Consultants is part of our team. The ‘field to fork’ project is an exciting new initiative for us which will give us the opportunity to attract new visitors, protect Tatton’s heritage assets and ultimately realise the farm’s potential.”

Meanwhile, Cllr George Walton, chairman of the Tatton Park board, said: “This is an extremely important educational addition to the park and we look forward to working with Focus Consultants who will drive this forward.

“They have considerable experience in heritage projects of this nature and the ‘field to fork’ story will complement the many other attractions that combine to make Tatton Park one of the best visitor attractions in Britain.”

As well as providing skills in heritage development, Focus also specialises in funding and economic development including area regeneration strategies, funding applications, economic impact appraisals, business plans, and research and evaluation. Since 1994 Focus has also secured for clients more than £953 million of grants for projects and businesses across the UK and delivered more than £1.3 billion worth of projects and programmes – making it one of the most successful businesses of its kind in the country.

It also offers a range of services to the property and construction industry, including building surveying, quantity surveying, project management, and sustainable development support.

For more information, visit www.focus-consultants.co.uk

Press release issued by Nottingham based Perfect 10 PR www.perfect10pr.co.uk

Focus Consultants gains key environmental accreditation

Focus partner Jason Redfearn

The teams at Focus Consultants have cemented their commitment to high environmental standards by achieving an internationally recognised environmental management accreditation.

The Leicester office of Focus has become the latest of the Focus offices to be awarded ISO 14001 Environmental Management System and follows the Nottingham and Boston offices, which also recently gained the standard.

The firm’s ECS Team, which provides energy and sustainability services, operates out of the Focus office in Leicester, based at Meridian Business Park.  

Focus Partner Jason Redfearn, who leads the ECS team, said: “We are pleased to add Leicester to the offices which operate ISO 14001; this continues our drive to minimise the impact of Focus’s business operation on the environment.”

ISO 14001 is an internationally recognised environmental management standard to manage the immediate and long-term environmental impacts of an organisation’s operation and services. 

The cornerstone behind the standard is the minimisation of a company’s environmental footprint.

Focus has always promoted sustainable development through its commissions, using its team of qualified professionals to provide cost-effective solutions for regulation compliance, energy reduction or to meet carbon objectives.  

The ECS team provides regulation compliance services such as SAP and SBEM, and assessor services for HQM, CODE, BREEAM. Its air testing services continue to expand.

Focus Consultants, which has its headquarters at Phoenix Business Park in Nottingham, offers a range of support on all aspects of sustainable development, as well as services in funding and economic development, project management and building surveying.

For more information visit www.focus-consultants.co.uk

Press release issued by Nottingham based PR company Perfect 10 PR www.perfect10pr.co.uk

J Tomlinson helps army reserve centre light up in red

J Tomlinson joins EMRFCA to light up Army reserve centre

An army reserve centre in Leicester is being illuminated in red to mark the centenary of World War One, thanks to help from contractor J Tomlinson. 

The centre on Ulverscroft Road is taking part in the Leicestershire commemorates initiative in which organisations are invited to light up their buildings in red. 

The red lighting is in place for the duration of the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal, which is running until Remembrance Sunday on 13 November.  

Steve Kirkland, Managing Director – Repairs and Maintenance and Facilities Management, at J Tomlinson, said: “Lighting up a building in red is an eye-catching and effective way to promote the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal. 

“We are proud to have helped our client East Midlands Reserve Forces and Cadets Association (RFCA) to take part in this initiative by carrying out the necessary work to the lights so that Ulverscroft Road Army Reserve Centre is illuminated in red at night, in support of this commemoration.” 

J Tomlinson, which is based at Beeston near Nottingham, currently provides planned, preventative and reactive maintenance for sites managed by RFCA. 

Martin Capewell, Head of Estates at RFCA, said: “East Midlands RFCA manage the maintenance of Army Reserve Centres in the region, so we were delighted to be asked to take part in the ‘light up your building’ project this year. 

“LED flood lights with red filters have been installed across the length of the building adjacent to the road at Ulverscroft Road Army Reserve Centre. We wanted to commemorate the centenary of the First World War and show our support for the Royal British Legion’s (RBL) Poppy Appeal, so believe lighting up the training facility is a great way of doing this.”   

The Light Up Your Building project is a local initiative organised by Leicestershire’s World War One Reference Group with the support of the Leicestershire and Rutland branch of the RBL. 

J Tomlinson provides a range of integrated building solutions including construction, refurbishment, repairs and maintenance, mechanical and electrical services (M&E), and facilities management, operating across the East Midlands, West Midlands and Yorkshire.

Press release issued by Nottingham based Perfect 10 PR www.perfect10pr.co.uk 

Winners of the East Midlands fbe Awards 2016 revealed

Overall winner of the fbe Awards 2016

A university’s carbon neutral laboratory building which is a centre of excellence for green chemistry has been crowned the overall winner of the East Midlands fbe Awards 2016.

The GlaxoSmithKline Carbon Neutral Laboratory for Sustainable Chemistry at the University of Nottingham’s Innovation Park on the Jubilee Campus had earlier also taken the top prize in the Non-residential category at the annual awards ceremony held at the City Rooms in Leicester.

The building has been constructed by the university in partnership with the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) and Impact: The Nottingham Campaign, the university’s largest ever fundraising appeal to change lives, tackle global issues and shape the future. 

Nominated by main contractor Morgan Sindall Construction & Infrastructure Ltd, the project team also included architects Fairhursts Design Group (FDG), structural engineer Curtins Consulting and AECOM (BREEAM and LEED assessors, concept structural engineer, M&E consultant), KLH Sustainability (Embodied Carbon Consultant), and Anthesis (Embodied Carbon Auditor).

The judges said: “Superb collaboration between stakeholders sits behind many of the award-winning attributes of this project. From striking design, to high-levels of sustainability, this scheme showcases world-class design using natural materials. The judging panel felt this scheme far surpasses any other submission in terms of its contribution to the creation of new employment which should be acknowledged.  An exceptional building that will become a world hub for new science while simultaneously delivering an architectural landmark for generations of students to enjoy.”

The winner of the Residential category was a short-stay accommodation scheme for nationwide charity Canine Partners at Osgathorpe in north west Leicestershire. The £750,000 project is part of a three-phase £4 million investment to create a new Midlands centre for the charity, which trains assistance dogs for people with disabilities. It was nominated by North Midland Construction PLC. Other members of the team were architects PWP, structural engineer ASP Consulting and project manager/employer’s agent Baqus Ltd.

The judges said: “This scheme expertly showcases the use of low carbon materials resulting in accommodation that meets the precise needs of the brief. Using a variety of materials and finishes, the building is both aesthetically pleasing yet delivers a strong visual identity. The judging panel was particularly impressed by the way the design reflected the practical needs of its residents.”

Nottingham’s new £3.7 million London Road Fire Station, built by J Tomlinson Ltd for Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, took the honours in the Regeneration category. The architect was CPMG, structural engineer Curtins, project manager was CPMG’s client Turner & Townsend, and mechanical and electrical consultants was Couch Perry Wilkes.

The judges said: “Demonstrating excellent use of technology and natural elements, this is a complex project needing to take into account the practical needs of the fire station and blend with the city’s existing south side regeneration plans. This scheme should be highly commended for showcasing our industry to the local community and indeed showcasing construction as a profession.”

A new category at this year’s awards ceremony, which attracted around 150 professionals from across the East Midlands construction, property and development sector, was Best Rising Star – an award for the younger generation of professionals who are making a significant contribution to the built environment.

Part II Architectural Assistant at RG+P in Leicester, Sarah Grocock, was named the inaugural winner after impressing the judges with her academic and practical experience and abilities.

The judges said: “Sarah’s contribution to the construction industry is already impressive. She is a true rising star and will undoubtedly go on to influence other young construction professionals throughout her career. The judging panel were impressed by her boundless energy and commitment to learning and developing her skills. Without question Sarah has already made a significant contribution to our industry through her work on a range of housing schemes and will no doubt become an influential architect.” 

Her nominators William Smedley and James Badley said: “Sarah already has a host of achievements and a wealth of talent. As her passion for the industry grows, so does her knowledge and ability. Sarah will undoubtedly go on to lead and influence the construction industry.”

Jef Todd, regional chairman of the East Midlands fbe and business development director at civil and structural engineering company BSP Consulting, was delighted by the success of the awards ceremony and praised the diversity and strength of the nominations.

“We had an excellent array of nominations from across the region and across a range of sectors, illustrating the high standard of developments that are being completed in the East Midlands built environment,” he said. “I’d like to congratulate all those who were shortlisted, as well as the winners, and thank the construction, property and development sector in the region for their support of these awards, which focus on sustainability, good design, and interaction and engagement with the local community.”

The awards, hosted once again by former BBC East Midlands political editor John Hess, were sponsored by D W Hicks Building Co Ltd, integrated building solutions company J Tomlinson Ltd, civil engineering, mechanical and electrical (M&E) engineers BSD, engineering and environmental consultants M-EC Consulting Development Engineers and chartered accountants and business advisers Duncan & Toplis. Civil and structural engineering company BSP Consulting sponsored the drinks reception. 

During the evening, £1,800 was raised for the NSPCC.

The fbe is a national organisation, with branches across the UK and is the longest established networking group for the property, development and construction industries. As well as running the annual awards scheme, the organisation also organises a number of social and other events. The East Midlands branch covers Leicestershire, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire.

Press release issued by Nottingham based pr company Perfect 10 PR www.perfect10pr.co.uk