April 16, 2021

Henry Brothers completes new £9m centre for enterprise at Nottingham Trent University

Contractor Henry Brothers has completed a new enterprise centre on Nottingham Trent University’s City campus, providing high-quality facilities and extensive business support to entrepreneurs, start-ups, small to medium-sized businesses and larger enterprises. The £9m Dryden Enterprise Centre (DEC) is set over four floors utilising the latest technology and modern facilities

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PLANS FOR HULL’S FORMER HSBC BUILDING ON WHITEFRIARGATE REVEALED

DETAILS have been revealed for the redevelopment of the former HSBC building on Whitefriargate in Hull city centre, which will see the site create a thriving home for creative, digital and tech businesses. An eclectic mix of heritage and creativity, the development will combine high-tech workspaces with places to connect

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Midlands Housebuilder Builds Marketing Team

Midlands Housebuilder Builds Marketing Team

Mansfield based Rippon Homes has expanded its marketing team with two new recruits to accommodate its rapidly increasing number of developments across the Midlands. With more than three decades experience in the new homes industry, Leicestershire based Julie Johnson brings plenty of expertise to Rippon in her position as Sales

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4 Garage Remodeling Mistakes You Must Avoid

A garage is one of the best multi-functional places on every property. It isn’t just a place to safely keep your car and bike. When correctly designed, it makes an excellent storage space for various things, including Christmas decorations, ski gear, fishing equipment, etc. You can even convert the garage

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Why Branded Umbrellas Are The Perfect Corporate Gift

The importance of branded merchandise as corporate gifts can’t be undermined in today’s business environment. It’s a fact that it’s not just customers who judge your company by the products it sells, but suppliers, business partners, and employees, too. A well-presented corporate gift bag with your logo imprinted on it

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Latest Issue
Issue 324 : Jan 2025

April 16, 2021

Henry Brothers completes new £9m centre for enterprise at Nottingham Trent University

Contractor Henry Brothers has completed a new enterprise centre on Nottingham Trent University’s City campus, providing high-quality facilities and extensive business support to entrepreneurs, start-ups, small to medium-sized businesses and larger enterprises. The £9m Dryden Enterprise Centre (DEC) is set over four floors utilising the latest technology and modern facilities including open-plan desk areas, private offices, meeting rooms, event space and communal areas to encourage networking. The DEC will be the new hub through which staff, students, graduates and external businesses can benefit from a range of support, mentoring, networking and training programmes delivered by NTU’s Enterprise team, business experts from Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, and associate partners. Ian Taylor, managing director of Nottingham-based Henry Brothers Midlands, main contractors for the development, said: “It has been an absolute pleasure and privilege for Henry Brothers to have worked once again with Nottingham Trent University to create another first-class development on campus. “The Dryden Enterprise Centre is an incredible building, with superb detailing. It’s been a fantastic team effort to build this high quality facility which will have a positive impact not only at the university, but also on the wider economy of Nottingham and the East Midlands. Henry Brothers is proud to have played a key role in developing the Dryden Enterprise Centre and I’d like to thank everyone on the team for their vision, skill and hard work.”  Other members of the construction team included architect Evans Vettori, engineers Mott MacDonald, Edge as project manager, Robinson Low Francis as quantity surveyor, with Couch Perry Wilkes handling the M&E elements. The building itself has been constructed to meet NTU’s sustainability credentials. It utilises features such as plants to add oxygen, remove CO² and promote wellbeing as well as the use of concrete for its thermal mass benefits.  The Dryden Enterprise Centre – the third facility built by Henry Brothers for NTU – will link industry and academics, enabling them to work together on projects and challenges, creating a community of collaboration and connectivity. Businesses will also have access to tailored support to help them achieve their business goals such as funding support, access to upskilling opportunities or recruitment help. The Dryden Enterprise Centre has been part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund, who will continue to support the work of the DEC until March 2022. Michael Carr, Executive Dean of Enterprise at Nottingham Trent University, said: “After three years in the making, I am very excited that Nottingham Trent is opening the doors on our new Dryden Enterprise Centre. “The work of the centre will build on our success in creating and supporting enterprises to grow, utilising a purpose-built building and state of the art facilities. We look forward to welcoming a range of co-locatees as we open and then see this develop into a flourishing enterprise community over the next couple of years.” Henry Brothers Midlands, based at Priory Court, Derby Road, Beeston, is part of The Henry Group, which comprises a number of manufacturing and construction sector companies, ranging from external construction through to interiors fit-out. In partnership with clients, it has a proven track record in education, defence, accommodation, commercial, industrial, transport and healthcare sectors. Its portfolio of higher education work at Nottingham Trent University includes a new £23m engineering facility and a new Medical Technologies Innovation Facility (MTIF), both built on NTU’s Clifton Campus. It has also completed work at Loughborough University and is currently building a new net zero carbon nursery and forest school at Staffordshire University. For more information, visit https://henrybrothers.co.uk/ For more information about the Dryden Enterprise Centre, including the range of membership options available, visit https://www.dec.space/about/

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PLANS FOR HULL’S FORMER HSBC BUILDING ON WHITEFRIARGATE REVEALED

DETAILS have been revealed for the redevelopment of the former HSBC building on Whitefriargate in Hull city centre, which will see the site create a thriving home for creative, digital and tech businesses. An eclectic mix of heritage and creativity, the development will combine high-tech workspaces with places to connect and socialise in the heart of Hull’s old town. The city centre location will feature individual and shared workspaces, meeting room facilities – suitable for video conference calls, podcast sound booths, a private members club and restaurant facilities. Gerard Toplass, local businessman and executive chairman of Pagabo, one of one of the businesses driving the refurbishment, said: “This building is a prime example of why you should never look down when you are in Hull. You should always look up to make sure that you don’t miss any of the city’s truly tremendous architecture – including this striking Grade II listed Victorian building.   “We’re really excited and proud to have revealed plans for Hull’s former HSBC building. Being one of the city’s oldest streets, Whitefriargate backs onto the old town and is a fundamental part of Hull’s heritage. “There has been a lot of residential development happening in Hull and the surrounding areas, which will no doubt attract new businesspeople to the city. We want to support the local community by creating opportunities for individuals and businesses to thrive, as well as further cementing Hull as a hub for local, national and international businesses to both grow and succeed.” The refurbished building will be the home to several businesses headquartered out of Hull, including national framework provider Pagabo, software management company Sypro and their partner company, Social Profit Calculator. Gerard continued: “Another fundamentally important element that we hope 55 Whitefriargate will provide for companies is a space to train and upskill their staff via ‘learning’ days. We believe that it’s important for modern-day employers to be able to offer their workforce opportunities for self-growth and personal development on their own premises, and we believe that this new facility will do just that. “It has been great working alongside local contractors and Hull City Council to bring our vision to life, and I would like to personally thank them for their ongoing support.” Lettings are being managed by Garness Jones, with high initial demand seeing the entirety of the ground floor space already fulfilled. Space and flexible terms remain available for the building’s first, second, third and fourth floors. For more information about 55 Whitefriargate or to register your interest, please visit https://bit.ly/3cTPkjg.

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Windermere Marina development makes great progress as building structures complete

Caddick Construction is making strong progress on the delivery of 25 exclusive properties at Windermere Marina Village, with the structure of the buildings now complete. The development will provide 23 luxury apartments over four-storeys and two townhouses, all offering a waterfront view. Built in locally sourced stone and slate, they surround the modern 400 berth marina with its popular Boathouse Bar and Restaurant. Derek Billows from Caddick Construction said: “We are making great progress on site and will complete this luxury development towards the end of this year. With many of the properties already sold off plan, it will bring a welcome boost to the local economy.” Windermere Marina Village is less than a mile to the south of Bowness on Windermere with easy access to the southern Lake District. A popular holiday destination, the village offers a variety of holiday lettings in apartments, townhouses and boathouses. Jason Dearden, Managing Director of Windermere Marina Ltd, said: “Windermere Marina is a vital part of the local tourism sector. Delivering more homes here will further boost the local economy and create even more vitality at this popular destination. The development is of the highest specification and has proved hugely popular, I suspect we may sell all of the properties before they complete at the end of the year.”   The project further strengthens Caddick Constructions Kendal office, which recently completed the Furness Peninsula Blue Light Hub project at Ulverston, Gateway 44 Retail Park in Carlisle and a variety of luxury car dealerships across Cumbria.

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Midlands Housebuilder Builds Marketing Team

Midlands Housebuilder Builds Marketing Team

Mansfield based Rippon Homes has expanded its marketing team with two new recruits to accommodate its rapidly increasing number of developments across the Midlands. With more than three decades experience in the new homes industry, Leicestershire based Julie Johnson brings plenty of expertise to Rippon in her position as Sales and Marketing Manager. “I really like that in my role I get to wear many different hats – I can be looking at a piece of land one day, designing show homes the next, and helping a customer the following day. Between the close-knit team and the fact that these are lovely people to work with, it feels more like a family than a job.” “Having known about Rippon Homes for many years and knowing their passion for handing over quality homes, I felt Rippon was the best place for me to bring my knowledge and skills to help grow the business. It’s been a challenge this year with the Coronavirus outbreak affecting everyone, but we’ve continued to make sure our customers are well looked after and able to move into their lovely new homes.  “My focus, along with my teams, is to ensure the customer journey is as smooth as it can be as we grow the business. I’m very much looking forward to watching the business go from strength to strength as our team grows.” Mansfield based Louise Dickenson also brings plenty of experience in the new homes sector, and agrees that a great team makes all the difference when it comes to work.  “I worked for Julie many years ago, so when I saw she was advertising for a Sales Coordinator, I jumped at the opportunity to join her at Rippon.”   Housebuilding is a change of scenery from Louise’s most recent role as a New Build Conveyancing Assistant at a law firm, but is an arena she’s familiar with having worked in various roles in the property industry since 2002.  “I have known for a long time that I wanted to get back into the new build industry so I didn’t think twice about applying. My previous role also provides me with many transferable skills which will come in very useful in helping Julie grow the business. I’m really enjoying learning something completely new, supporting the Sales Manager and it’s great being a part of the growth of the business. I look forward to progressing in my role and developing my career with Rippon.”  Ian Dyke, Managing Director of Rippon Home added, “It’s fantastic to have these highly qualified members on the marketing team. They’ve already made an impact on the business, and I expect they’ll continue to make their mark and grow within the company.”

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4 Garage Remodeling Mistakes You Must Avoid

A garage is one of the best multi-functional places on every property. It isn’t just a place to safely keep your car and bike. When correctly designed, it makes an excellent storage space for various things, including Christmas decorations, ski gear, fishing equipment, etc. You can even convert the garage into a workshop to hone your woodworking skills. Or you could use it as a place to carry out handiwork, such as repairing or redesigning household appliances and electrical equipment. Irrespective of how you use your garage, there will come a point when you’d want to remodel it. Perhaps you’d like to add more storage cabinets and upgrade your workbench. Or you might want to improve its aesthetics and better utilize the available space. As with any home improvement project, remodeling your garage isn’t a cakewalk. It requires thorough planning and tremendous hard work. Also, you’ll have to select high-quality and durable materials, including storage shelves, cabinets, and paint. In this blog, we’ve compiled a list of the most common mistakes you need to watch out for when remodeling your garage. Let’s take a look. 1. Treating It As A DIY Renovation Project Here’s the thing – remodeling a garage isn’t as simple as applying a fresh coat of paint on the walls. From installing new doors and windows to changing the electrical wiring – it involves various complex tasks. Also, depending on the extent of the project, you might have to re-construct certain sections of the garage. Unless you’ve got the combined skills of a handyman, electrician, carpenter, mason, and painter, it’s wiser to avoid the DIY route. Instead, you should recruit a professional garage remodeling company that has the necessary tools, resources, and manpower to complete the project. Make sure you recruit a reputed and trustworthy remodeling company. Check their website and ask for a few references before hiring them. Evaluate their online reviews and find out whether they’ve worked on similar projects. Also, ask them about the duration and type of warranty they provide on their services. 2. Starting Without a Plan You can’t just dive into a remodeling project without a plan. Otherwise, you’ll likely end up with mediocre results and a garage that’s far from what you’d expected to build. Worse still, you might even consider abandoning the project mid-way. That’s why it is always a good idea to devise a concrete plan before you start rebuilding the garage. If you’ve sought professional help, chances are your vendor will provide you with a timeline of the project. Make sure you coordinate with them to handle various tasks, such as making alternate storage arrangements for the equipment, tools, and other knick-knacks you’ve been keeping in the garage. Also, you need to figure out where you’re going to keep your car and other vehicles while the garage is being worked upon. The key is to ensure that not having access to your garage for a few weeks won’t disrupt routine life in your household. This is also a good time to check with your vendor and find out whether they’ve designed a floorplan for the garage. A robust floor plan will come in handy for optimizing storage space, as well as ensuring that the garage serves all purposes it’s intended for. 3. Ignoring the Floors If you’re remodeling your garage for the first time, it’s natural to focus all your attention on the walls, shelves, cabinets, and other superficial elements. However, in this process, you might be ignoring one of the most crucial aspects of your garage, i.e. the flooring. The quality of flooring in your garage plays a key role in determining its longevity and usability. That’s why you should make it a point to use high-quality garage floor paint. While you’ll find various types of garage floor paint options, epoxy floor paint is the ideal choice because of its strength and durability. It’s resistant to stains and doesn’t chip as easily. In addition to the type of floor paint, it’s also crucial to select a reliable and trusted supplier. If you’re looking for top-notch garage floor paint, you can check out the options available at Promain Paints (https://www.promain.co.uk/floor-paints-and-coatings/garage-floor-paint.html). 4. Not Optimizing Storage Space One of the main reasons you’re remodeling your garage is to create more storage space. However, if you restrict yourself to simple cabinets, you’re likely not going to utilize the entire available space. Instead, you should look for ways to install shelves in obscure corners that can’t be used for any other purpose. Also, you should explore options to utilize overhead storage. What strategy would you use to remodel your garage? Share your suggestions in the comments section below.

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Why Branded Umbrellas Are The Perfect Corporate Gift

The importance of branded merchandise as corporate gifts can’t be undermined in today’s business environment. It’s a fact that it’s not just customers who judge your company by the products it sells, but suppliers, business partners, and employees, too. A well-presented corporate gift bag with your logo imprinted on it will go far in winning over clients and stakeholders. But this doesn’t mean that you should just hand out any kind of branded merchandise as corporate giveaways – instead, you should have a plan for giving out the best corporate gifts that your company has selected. Giving out corporate gifts has many advantages for your business – the first and foremost is awareness for your brand. But you’ll want your company to look professional in the eyes of your current and prospective customers. How can branded merchandise help your company grow? It will help you win over your business partners and strengthen your ties with them, thereby significantly boosting your reputation in the industry. Branded corporate giveaways help cost-effectively promote your organization. Every business can turn to branded merchandise to increase its visibility in the market. Valuable gift items like branded umbrellas create a significant impact on your clients, boosting trust and loyalty in your business. Branded corporate giveaways are popular because they’re relatively inexpensive and can easily be customized and so that you can distribute items that align with your branding and mission. If you’re looking for the proper merchandise to give as gifts to your clients, here are some reasons why branded umbrellas should be on top of your list: 1. Functional An ideal corporate gift has not only form but also function. There’s no use in giving out fancy branded bags if the items have no practical use. Valuable products and merchandise tend to be appreciated by recipients. An example of a functional branded promotional item is an umbrella.  An umbrella is the perfect corporate gift idea for any occasion. It’s a practical and flexible item to give, which your recipients will appreciate. It’s branded merchandise that you can easily keep in stock, making it one of the most direct items to distribute amongst your clients and even your employees. 2. Unisex When it comes to giving promotional items for corporate events and meetings, an umbrella is one of the most popular options. You’ll find that an umbrella has a practical purpose and can be used by both men and women. Umbrellas are one-size-fits-all, gender-neutral corporate gifts that combine form and function. 3. Durability All you need is the right supplier of high-quality umbrellas, and you’ll be able to choose from a range of designs. Some are simplistic, while others incorporate features such as rain covers and straps for added support and versatility. If you’re looking for something a little more stylish, you simply need to get in touch with a professional giveaways company like Steel City Marketing to obtain the best products. 4. Stylish Who said umbrellas have to be boring? There are many designs and colors to choose from, you’ll be able to find one that’s durable and stylish. You’ll also discover that umbrellas can look very sleek when they have been customized in many different ways. Your customers and business partners will enjoy receiving a corporate gift that’s functional and elegant. 5. Versatile Branded umbrellas can be used for numerous purposes, such as corporate promotional gifts and general company appreciation events. These promotional items are available in different materials that can withstand rugged use. You can choose simple umbrellas with your company name and contact information or one with a bolder design with your logo strategically placed for other people to see. Your corporate gift recipients immediately become your brand ambassadors when they use the branded umbrellas. 6. Marketing Tool As you go about doing your business, you may be wondering what marketing tool can help enhance your business’s growth and profitability. Branding merchandise has been proven to work that’s why it’s popular in most companies. This is done by imprinting your name or logo on the umbrellas so that the end-user knows what product or service you’re offering. It helps you stand apart from your competition as it builds awareness about your product and services. Takeaway One of the most important things to remember when purchasing corporate gifts is that you should make sure that the items you choose will help your business succeed. At the same time, it may seem like a simple idea; deciding the wrong things could mean that your efforts fall flat. Make sure you’re selecting quality gifts that will help you promote your business and establish your brand instead of just using them as a way to impress your clients. A quality umbrella is a perfect example of a great and long-lasting business gift!

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