The UK Knack Group Reviews Today’s Events ……

50 new jobs at Moneypenny Moneypenny, the Wrexham-based phone-answering firm, has seen rapid growth since 2012, creating 50 new jobs to handle 30,000 calls a day. The company now employs over 300.

Carlisle bar to close for £500,000 facelift An Australian themed bar in Carlisle is to undergo a 500,000 refurbishment ' and create new jobs.

Private Equity / Bank Funding: £4.6m investment in new technology at Burtons Biscuit maker Burtons is investing an extra £4.6m at its site in Llantarnam, south Wales, bringing investment at the site to £7m since 2012. The factory, which employs 800 people, is to pilot new control room baking systems. The company is investing £13.5m throughout 2013 at its Welsh site, and factories in Edinburgh, Lancashire and Merseyside.

Private Equity / Bank Funding: £3.1m from Regional Growth Fund for Bladon Jets Bladon Jets, the Coventry-based micro gas turbine innovator, has been awarded 3.1m by the Regional Growth Fund. The money will be used for research and development and enabling company growth.

50 new Dublin jobs at Citrix Citrix, the cloud-computing business based in Buckinghamshire, is to create 50 new sales, technical support and I.T operations roles at its site in Dublin to deal with increased demand. The company has a turnover of £49.9m.

New apprenticeship posts at Derby based Sanctuary Group Derby based Sanctuary Group are investing £11m in part of a building project which will see 86 extra care apartments for over 55s and 12 apartments for people with learning difficulties. A 500 strong workforce has begun work on a £60m partnership with contractor Seddon is to build more than 700 new homes in the Midlands. 6 new apprenticeships posts will be created and training will be provided at the Sanctuary site.

Private Equity / Bank Funding: £4.1m Eritrea Training Contract for Eduteq Eduteq, the Leicestershire-based engineering training company, has secured a £4.1m contract with the government of Eritrea to supply vocational training and equipment to local people. 2 similar contracts have been signed in Ghana. The contract is supported by a £2.4m finance package with HSBC.

Management Moves: Office merges at Envestors Envestors, the private investor network, has merged its North West and Yorkshire offices.  The company announced in April 2013 that it was taking over operations for the Yorkshire Association of Business Angels, believe the move to one central location and the expansion of its services will enable it to match an extended geographical network of private investor members to growth companies across the country

Acquisition of Evergreen Doors means 20 new jobs at Distinction Doors External door specialist Distinction Doors has announced an increased turnover of 29m and has created 20 new jobs following the acquisition of rival Evergreen Doors.

Bank funding secured by Autoparts and Diagnostics with potential new jobs Following several years of growth, car spares firm Autoparts and Diagnostics has opened new headquarters and warehouse in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, and a new branch in Yate, with support from NatWest. The company has worked to align itself with a European buying group to gain access to major manufacturer brands. Its on-going expansion could create new jobs.

Management Moves: New NED at Fourteen IP Fourteen IP, a Manchester-based provider of hotel communication services, has received £500k from the North West Fund for Venture Capital. The investment also includes the appointment of David Ashmore as non-executive director. Turnover £1.6m.

Management Moves: international head appointed by Iceland Frozen foods retailer Iceland is to expand its online service, following successful trials of the service in selected stores.  Iceland has appointed a senior executive as part of a strategy to increase exports and further develop the brand internationally. It also plans to open 40 UK stores in 2014, creating employment opportunities. £2.6bn sales.

Greene King opening new Hungry Horse pub in Longbridge with 40 new jobs Greene King, the pub retailer and brewer, is opening a 6,000 sq. ft. Hungry Horse branded pub in Longbridge, West Midlands, in summer 2013, creating 40 jobs.  Turnover £1.14bn, 22,080 employees.

20 new Dublin jobs at Groupon Groupon, the London-based online couponing firm, is to create 20 new I.T jobs in Dublin.

Online global director appointed at Hunter Boot Hunter Boot, the Edinburgh-based footwear, has appointed Dan Lumb as online global director.  Mr Lumb will be working under the recently appointed chief executive James Seuss. The company is planning to diversify into new categories, including outerwear, and is developing a retail presence. The expansion could create employment opportunities. Turnover £77.9m, 70 employees.

300 new jobs as International law firm Ashurst opens Glasgow Office International law firm Ashurst is to create up to 300 jobs by opening an office in Glasgow after being given a £2.4 million regional selective assistance grant to move to the city.  The practice will initially recruit 30 legal analysts law graduates who will carry out tasks normally undertaken in London by trainees, junior lawyers and paralegals and will add a further 120 support staff by the end of the year, covering areas such as finance and IT.  Consultations are under way with 350 support staff based in London, with some roles expected to transfer to Glasgow.

Management Moves: Country heads of M&A appointed - EMEA role based in London JP Morgan has appointed Severin Brizay as head of Mergers & Acquisitions for diversified industrials in Europe, Middle East and Africa.  He has moved from Paris to London to take up his new role.  Xavier Bindel is to run the M&A business in France, succeeding Mr Brizay. Turnover £1.4bn, 770 employees.

Private Equity / Bank Funding: Equity investment secured by Liquid Bronze Liquid Bronze, the Manchester-based domiciliary care software developer, has secured an undisclosed equity investment, which will enable it to develop the new SaaS management suite.

Management Moves: Further management change at Meggitt as CFO appointed Meggitt, the Dorset-based defence technology company, has appointed Doug Webb as Chief Financial Officer with immediate effect. Mr Webb replaces Stephen Young, who was appointed Chief Executive on 1 May 2013 following the retirement of Terry Twigger from the role.  Turnover £1.45bn, 9,360 employees.

New Cheese Plant and New Jobs at Carmarthen New jobs could be on their way to Carmarthen with a family business hoping to build a new cheese plant on the outskirts of the town. Carmarthenshire Cheese will relocate from its manufacturing plant at the Food Centre Wales, if plans for the new facility at Nantyci are approved.

Leeds Trolleybus Network brings 4000 new jobs NGT Metro, operators of the new eco-friendly trolleybus transport system in Leeds, has published revised plans for its £250m network after public consultation. The project will create around 4,000 jobs and boost the local economy by £176m a year.

£5.5m funding from Government for Peel Land & Property means potential new jobs Peel Land & Property has secured Government funding of 5.5m for its Wirral Waters Enterprise Zone project in Liverpool.  The funding will be used to help prepare the land for buildings and roads leading up to them. Peel is working with Wirral Council on the development, which is expected to attract new investment and jobs.

Retail and leisure development opening means 1,000 jobs expected St Modwens Longbridge town centre development will launch in summer 2013.  The retail and leisure development is part of the £1bn transformation of the former MG Rover site.  It will include 24 shops and restaurants and two new office buildings, and is expected to create 1,000 jobs.

Management Moves: Executive appointments at Hugo Technology West Midlands-based Hugo Technology, which repairs, maintains and services medical equipment, has appointed Steve Bertuzzi and Bill Passmore as executive directors as it commences a five-year strategic growth plan. The new directors will take responsibility for marketing, business strategy and sales growth, and help develop international partnerships with original equipment manufacturers. 50 employees. Penny Winter – The UK Knack Group www.theukknackgroup.co.uk

The UK Knack Group Reviews Today’s Events ……

Potential new jobs at Doncaster-headquartered John Mee Construction Doncaster-headquartered John Mee Construction, which manufactures vacuum excavation equipment, secured six-figure funding from The Royal Bank of Scotland to move to a new 10,000 sq. ft. property in Doncaster, allowing operations to be brought under one roof. A new office will now be built at the facility.  The on-going expansion could create jobs.

New American Golf Hampshire store brings new jobs American Golf, Europe’s largest golf equipment retailer with 103 stores, is to create new jobs with the opening of a 5,500 sq. ft. store in Hampshire, replacing its old local outlet. The store has a design based on customer feedback and will be a model for future openings. Annual sales £133m

New jobs at Axiom Engineering Associates Axiom Engineering Associates, based in Stockton, are to create new jobs in the Northeast as they see company growth. The company, director Rene Hoyle, currently employs 32 people and has been supporting local schools with science and technology equipment.

Private Equity / Bank Funding: £635,000 funding secured by Cardiff-based Faultcurrent Cardiff-based Faultcurrent, a Fusion IP portfolio company, has been awarded a £635,000 grant from the Department of Energy and Climate Change. The grant will enable Faultcurrent to develop and test its fault current limiter products for sale to distribution network operators and renewable energy generators.

HCL expand on IT outsourcing with 600 new jobs Ceva Logistics made a quick decision to outsource IT to India in 2008, the company has now moved its IT operations, global infrastructure and its application management and development, HCL also now provide a global helpdesk. Ceva now has 600 HCL staff working for its IT department and 750 in-house workers. It will soon add another 600 HCL staff.

New partner appointed at Clarion, the Leeds-based law firm Clarion, the Leeds-based law firm, has promoted dealmaker Jonathan Simms to partner within its corporate team.  The corporate practice has created a full service offering.  It has increased its transactional work and is running larger corporate mandates. Richard Moran heads the eight-strong corporate practice. Turnover £6.7m, 100 employees.

229 new jobs at Co Armagh pharmaceutical firm Almac Co Armagh pharmaceutical firm Almac is to invest £13.7 million across two core areas of the business at the Craigavon plant creating 229 new jobs.  Government jobs creation agency Invest Northern Ireland has offered £2 million of support.

New jobs at Coalville based Euro-Projects Recruitment Coalville based Euro-Projects Recruitment, have 5 new graduate jobs due to accelerating growth plans to meet increased demand for their specialist technical, engineering and management recruitment skills.

Management appointment  - Head of Building Surveying at Rider Levett Bucknall Cost and property consultant Rider Levett Bucknall has promoted Matthew Bromley to head of building surveying in the Midlands.  Mr Bromley will be based at the Birmingham headquarters of the firm.

80 apprenticeships available at Derbyshire County Council Derbyshire County Council is offering 80 apprenticeships in their move to boost job opportunities for local young people.  The latest apprenticeships within the council offer opportunities in 13 areas including Business Administration, Children & Young Peoples Workforce, Creative Digital Media and Customer Services.

New Multi million pound research centre brings 12 new jobs at Hampshire based Agform Hampshire based Agform are to open a new multi million pound research centre later in June 2013 which will create 12 new jobs over the next 12 months.  Agform hopes the centre, which is the culmination of three years of research and development, will lead to new product sales of more than £15m a year.

Private Equity / Bank Funding: £10m funding for Harworth Estates Harworth Estates has been awarded more than £10m in funding from the Homes and Communities Agency, in order to accelerate their 740-acre former coal-site development in Sheffield.

Private Equity / Bank Funding: Partnership launches virtual engineering research programme with universities Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) is partnering with the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and four UK universities to launch a £10m virtual engineering research programme, as part of a 20-year strategic project to establish the UK as a leader in virtual simulation globally. JLR is providing £4m of funding for the project.

New Nuneaton facility brings new jobs Lockheed Martin UK Ampthill, the defence supplier, is to create jobs with a new satellite facility at the MIRA Technology Park near Nuneaton. The company has secured 2 Armoured Fighting Vehicles programmes, and the new premises will bring it closer to specialists in the area.

32 new jobs offered to Coventry based taxi makers  London Taxi Company who have a low level production due to start in August 2013, have created 32 new jobs after being taken over by Geely in February 2013.  The company has sold over 200 new cabs in the UK in last couple of weeks, currently has a 5-week waiting list.

Private Equity / Bank Funding: Montagu Private Equity sells Hansen Protection London-based Montagu Private Equity has exited its interest in Hansen Protection, a Norway-headquartered business, which manufactures specialist survival and personal protection, suits. Montagu Private Equity led a management buy-out of the firm in February 2011.  Hansen Protection has expanded significantly since the MBO. It is now controlled by IK Investment Partners.

700 new jobs at Marks and Spencer Marks and Spencer is to invest £200m at Stanford le Hopes DP World super port creating 700 new jobs. Moving its new distribution centre at Britain’s new global shipping gateway means the company will move millions of products directly from ships to the company’s hi-tech warehousing facility at the adjacent London Gateway Logistics Park.

Venture Capital: Full Blown Metals secures Manufacturing Advisory Service funding Newcastle-based Full Blown Metals has developed an innovative inflated metal radiator after securing strategic and financial support from the Manufacturing Advisory Service. The radiator, known as Squeeze, will be commercially launched in the UK shortly. £200,000 turnover, 2 employees.

Major marketing campaign means potential new jobs at Nicolites Nicolites, the electronic cigarette manufacturer, is launching a nationwide billboard advertising campaign to promote further sales growth. The company, which has grown to a turnover of £30m in just four years, has relocated its 65-strong workforce to a 10,000 sq. ft. headquarters and distribution centre in Birmingham. The expansion could create employment opportunities.

200-acre Tamworth site development spells new jobs St Modwen, the Birmingham-based construction company, has secured a development agreement to redevelop a 200-acre site near Tamworth into a mixed-use scheme, with jobs potentially being created. The company has a turnover of £28.3m.

New St Austell Tesco Express store brings 15 new jobs The new Tesco Express store in St Austell has received over 200 applications for 15 jobs.  However Tesco will only interview and recruit staff from the local area, to bring a community feel to the store.  The store is due to open on the 25th June 2013.

45 new jobs at new Watford HomeSense store Watford based homeware retailer, HomeSense is opening a new store in Watford, creating 45 new jobs.  The new store at Century Park will open 20th June 2013 and the first 200 shoppers will each get a £10 gift card to spend in store.

Merger with Heaton Lumb Lisle could mean jobs West Yorkshire accountancy firms, Broadhead Peel Rhodes and Heaton Lumb Lisle have merged and will now trade as BPR Heaton. The firm has plans to expand following the merger, which will allow it to compete with mid-sized competitors in nearby Leeds and Bradford. The expansion could create employment opportunities.

New Wings Training Sunderland offices bring new jobs Wings Training, based in the North-East, is to double its workforce from 4 to 8 and relocate to new premises in Sunderland, after securing a 100k contract with training specialist Step Direct. Additional support has come from the Cash Tap scheme. Penny Winter – The UK Knack Group www.theukknackgroup.co.uk

The UK Knack Group Reviews Today’s Events …… Management Moves

Management Moves

New Chief Executive - The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, based in London, has appointed Michael Hawes as chief executive from autumn 2013. He will replace interim chief executive Mike Baunton. Mr Hawes will help the organisation to grow the value and range of services it provides to members. Turnover £15m | 132 Employees | 2 Locations

Marketing Director Appointed – Ageas

Dorset-based insurer Ageas 50 has appointed Mark Hanson as marketing director for its two over-50s insurance brands, RIAS and Castle Cover. The brands are being repositioned in order to attract different customers within the growing over-50s insurance market. Turnover £88m | 1,058 Employees | 2 Locations

New Chief Executive - The Humber Local Enterprise Partnership

The Humber Local Enterprise Partnership has appointed Kishor Tailor as its new chief executive, replacing Pauline Davis who has been acting as interim director of the Humber LEP. Mr Tailor joins Humber LEP at a critical time in the growth of the organisation.

Penny Winter – The UK Knack Group
www.theukknackgroup.co.uk

The UK Knack Group Reviews Today’s Events …… 12th June 2013

Management Moves

Operations Director Appointed - Intelecom Group

Intelecom Group, a provider of cloud contact management technology, has appointed David Whitgift as UK Operations Director. Turnover £1.7m

People and Roles

Potential New Roles - J & B Recycling

J & B Recycling, a Cleveland-based waste recycling business, is to expand into new markets, following a new £1.9m refinancing agreement with Santander. It will expand one of its Hartlepool sites to increase waste handling efficiency and further develop its specialist hazardous and liquid waste expertise. The expansion could create new roles. Turnover £9.9m | 138 Employees | 1 Location

Potential New Roles - Citizens Advice Bureau

Rural Cambs Citizens Advice Bureau has successfully led a bid for £345,000 of funding from the Big Lottery Advice Services Transition Fund, to provide a new advice service, based in Huntingdon. The service will provide a central advice point on issues such as benefits, housing, debt and employment. The initiative could create new roles.

Penny Winter – The UK Knack Group
www.theukknackgroup.co.uk

The UK Knack Group Reviews Today’s Events …… 11th June 2013

Management Moves

Head of Marketing Appointed - Lego

Rebecca Snell has been appointed as head of marketing for Lego in the UK, responsible for overseeing the marketing function in the UK and Ireland. Lego has promoted Matthew Ott to head of sales for the UK to drive growth in the region. Turnover £148m | 222 Employees | 2 Locations

Recruiting Senior Roles – Kingston and Sutton Councils

Kingston and Sutton Councils have merged their IT services. The scheme, which came into effect in June 2013, is expected to create jobs. Kingston council is recruiting to fill a number of senior roles, including project manager, service improvement analyst and business partner.

Contracts Manager Appointed – RE Brown

Shropshire building company RE Brown has appointed Paul Lawrence as contracts manager due to expansion. Lawrence will have the responsibility to oversee major projects currently under way.

People and Roles

10 New Roles Expected – Eco Sustainable Solutions

Eco Sustainable Solutions is to build a £7m biogas plant at its site in Parley, Dorset. Completion is expected in 2015. The plant forms part of a £36m renewable energy park covering 25 acres which will also include a £14m biomass generating station and solar energy farm. 10 new roles expected. Turnover £8.2m | 44 Employees | 2 Locations.

Potential Employment Opportunities – Howard Tenens

Howard Tenens, the Gloucestershire-based logistics company, received an award at the Freight Transport Association Logistics Carbon Reduction Scheme Awards, in recognition of its dual fuel programme for vehicles. Howard Tenens plans to expand the programme with 30 new vehicles and a new refuelling station at Swindon, potentially creating employment opportunities. Turnover £48m | 415 Employees | 2 Locations | 1 Subsidiary

Further Manchester Growth – Worldpay

Payment processing company WorldPay could expand its presence in Manchester even further. The company is finalising its relocation of two departments and a 200-strong team from London to Manchester. Employee numbers could reach the 250 mark in due course. Turnover £1,512m | 1,144 Employees | 1 Location

23 New Roles - The Communicator Corporation

The Communicator Corporation, an I.T and software consultancy based in the North-East, is relocating from Sunderland to new premises at Newcastle’s NCJ Media Complex. A further 23 Roles will be created to add to the 53 people already employed. Turnover £2.9m | 43 Employees | 2 Locations

Potential New Roles - Interserve

Interserve, the support services and construction group, has completed construction on the first of two new facilities at the HMS Drake Naval Service Recovery Centre in Plymouth. Interserve has completed Parker VC, a specialist adaptive accommodation facility, which will be run and staffed by the Navy/MoD, potentially creating jobs.

Potential new Roles / Business Opportunities - The Kingsbarns Company of Distillers

The Kingsbarns Company of Distillers is to start work on a new single malt whisky distillery and visitor centre in Fife. The company secured £670,000 from the Food Processing, Marketing and Co-operation Scheme in 2012, to help fund the project. Distilling will start in summer 2014, potentially creating employment and business opportunities.

10 New Roles - Clothes2Order

Corporate uniforms supplier Clothes2Order is expanding its operations after investing £250,000 in new equipment and an overhaul of its branding. The company has spent £150,000 on additional printing and embroidery machinery to meet growing demand for its clothing and a further £100,000 to refresh its website and brand identity. The equipment will enable Clothes2Order to double capacity over the next six months and create ten jobs, taking its workforce to 38.

Potential Employment Opportunities – Major House Building programme

Essential Living, a London-based build-to-let specialist backed by 200m dollars in equity funding from M3 Capital Partners, has acquired two warehouses in Bethnal Green from Albany Homes for £14m. Essential Living plans to design, build and manage 5,000 private rented homes across London and the South-East, potentially creating employment opportunities.

Penny Winter – The UK Knack Group
www.theukknackgroup.co.uk

The UK Knack Group Reviews Today’s Events …… 10th June 2013

Management Moves

Creative Director Appointed – P&MM

P&MM has appointed Dave Jones as Creative director for its events and communications division following the companies continued growth in experiential, conference and communications-led business. Turnover £67m | 173 Employees | 1 Location

General Manager Appointed - Cocosa

Cocosa, the expanding off-price luxury goods retailer, has appointed Stephen Lewis as general manager. He replaces David Llamas who exited the business in January 2013. Cocosa recorded a 31% increase in 2013 first quarter sales, compared with the 2012 same period. Turnover £3.6m | 44 Employees | 2 Locations

Operations Director Appointed – Intelcom Group

Intelecom Group, a provider of cloud contact management technology, has appointed David Whitgift as UK Operations Director. Turnover £1.7m | 4 Employees | 1 Location

People and Roles

50 New R&D Positions / 60 New Production positions – Xaar PLC

Xaar PLC, the industrial inkjet firm, are to create 60 new production jobs at their Huntingdon base, with a further 50 roles panned in research and development. The firm will also invest 10m on increasing capacity to deal with demand. Turnover £69m | 461 Employees | 2 Locations | 4 Subsidiaries

20 New Roles - Relaymed

Edinburgh based technology start-up RelayMed is to create 20 jobs after it secured 300,000 in Scottish Government funding to develop its healthcare diagnostic software for GP offices. The company raised 200,000 in regional selective assistance grant and a further 100,000 Smart Scotland grant.

100’s New Roles - BioQuater

HUNDREDS of roles and more than 1000 new homes are expected to pour into the city following the completion of the 11 million Niddrie Burn Restoration Project. This complex engineering project, delivered on budget, has created a wealth of opportunities for new homes and development in the BioQuarter.

2000 New Roles – 2 New Warehouses

London-based Diageo Pension Trust Ltd, part of Diageo PLC, have plans for the distribution and logistics buildings on land west of Didcot Power Station, off Sutton Courtenay Lane. The state of the art development will feature 2 separate buildings on a 62 acre site, creating 2000 new jobs. Turnover £10,762m | 25,698 Employees | 1 Location | 9 Subsidiaries

3000 New Roles - Airbus

The new jobs are being created in response to demand for the A320 and A350 aircraft Turnover £2,734m | 10,000 Employees | 2 Locations | 2 Subsidiaries

Penny Winter – The UK Knack Group
www.theukknackgroup.co.uk