Latest news with #Nottingham-based
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Another important green space could be lost under plan for 300 new homes in Littleover
Emerging plans have been unveiled to build more than 300 new homes on green space in a Derby suburb – but an online petition against it has already collected hundreds of signatures. Ainscough Strategic Land has launched a public consultation on its plans to build approximately 335 'much-needed' houses next to Moorway Lane in Littleover. The company has launched a website detailing its plans before a formal planning application is submitted to Derby City Council. The Nottingham-based firm says the site currently consists mainly of grassland fields with no public access. Its surrounding land includes residential development to the west and the Millennium Wood nature haven to the north. READ MORE: City centre takeaway temporarily closed after prayer mat stored on food prep surface READ MORE: Trentbarton wants to demolish its Derby bus depot Join us on WhatsApp to get the latest news straight to your phone It says the application site lies within the southern part of the Littleover/Sunnyhill Green Wedge. Green wedges are spaces which separate suburbs in Derby and form an important part of the city council's planning policy – as was evidenced in the recent planning inquiry for new homes in Spondon for which the council lost. The company state the new development will involve the creation of new access points from Moorway Lane for pedestrians and cyclists, providing links to the existing footpath and cycle network. Additionally new roads from Moorway Lane are proposed to accommodate the "increased anticipated traffic movements ensuring safe and efficient access to the site'. Ainscough Strategic Land says on its website: 'The design of the proposals has carefully considered the potential impact on the Green Wedge, with built development focused on the western part of the site to preserve its overall width. A landscaped buffer is included along the southern and eastern edges of the site to further protect its character. 'This development will assist in addressing the shortfall in housing that has been identified by Derby City Council. National policy requires the council demonstrate a five-year housing land supply, however the latest published position is just 3.85 years, and as a result the policies most important for the determination of planning applications are out of date. This shortfall will need to be addressed through the provision of new residential sites across the city, such as the land east of Moorway Lane.' Residents have until Monday, July 14, to submit their views online or by post. But the pre-application plans have already caused concern. Read more - City takeaway temporarily closed after prayer mat stored on food prep surface An online petition titled 'Stop development threatening Millennium Woods Area, Littleover' has raised 355 signatures at the time of writing. The petition has been launched by community organisation Greener Littleover. There is concern building new homes will threaten the biodiversity of the "beloved" Millenium Woods area next to where the homes could be built. It says: "This tranquil area not only offers a refuge for a wide variety of wildlife, but it also serves as a green escape for community members seeking tranquillity away from urban chaos. The development will completely surround this nature haven. It adds: 'Millennium Woods is home to an array of biodiversity, playing a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. This year newts have been spotted in Millennium Pond. Such nearby developments pose a significant threat by potentially displacing numerous species that over the years have found safety within its lush expanse.' The petition can be seen here – The Local Democracy Reporting Service has approached the petition author for further comment. To take part in the public consultation or for further information visit -
The Star
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Malaysian doctor highlights Semporna's stateless kids in London photo exhibit
An avid photographer, Dr Byron Mohammad Hamzah is hoping to make a difference by holding a photo exhibition in London on the lives of stateless children in Semporna, Sabah. The Britain-based award-winning lensman says the exhibition is a celebration of the culture, spirit and determination of the displaced youth of Semporna. "I have always been intrigued by the lives of those on the margins, and stateless people in Malaysia are no exception. "The struggles faced by stateless communities have long been a concern to me, and I felt that reading about them in newspapers wasn't enough. I wanted to understand the situation on the ground. "As I have always believed in the power of photography in telling a story and its ability to encourage engagement, I decided to use it as a tool to explore their narrative and share what I learned with a wider audience," says the Nottingham-based Dr Byron, 42, in an email interview. 'I have always believed in the power of photography in telling a story and its ability to encourage engagement,' says Dr Byron. Titled Bunga dan Tembok – Pemuda-Pemuda Tanpa Warganegara Semporna (The Flower and the Wall – Stateless Youths of Semporna), the exhibition runs from June 26-28 (6pm-10pm) at the Photofusion Gallery in Brixton, London. Featuring about 40 images and a self-made photobook, the exhibition is the result of nearly two years of work. The free exhibition is part of a final graduate showcase at the University of the Arts London, where Dr Byron has been pursuing his studies in photography. There will be seven other photographers from Britain and across Europe participating in the exhibition. A powerful tool Photography has been Dr Byron's passion for decades. To him, it is a way to capture the true essence of people and communities. In 2020, he was selected as one of the winners of the British Journal of Photography's Portrait of Britain competition. In 2022, he launched his first documentary photography project, Salam Malaya (Hello Malaya), driven by a desire to reconnect with his homeland. The exhibition merges documentary storytelling, underlining the power of photography to educate and inspire. The following year (2023), his other documentary photography project Yang Tinggal Hanya Kita (All That Is Left Is Us) was selected as a finalist in the 2023 Taylor Wessing Photo Portrait Prize, one of the biggest international documentary portrait awards organised by London's National Portrait Gallery. While his earlier works focused on understanding his identity as a Malaysian, his current project shifts the focus outward - into the lives of others. "I always assumed photography to be a solitary and sometimes lonely pursuit, but this project proved it doesn't have to be. I have learned that photography can build friendships and enrich lives - especially in this case, with the children and youth," says Dr Byron, who has been living in Britain for 20 years. Dr Byron collaborated with stateless youth from Semporna for the project, encouraging their participation in shaping how they were portrayed. "As a result, the experience involved working with people, negotiating and a whole lot more planning. I truly enjoyed the collaborative aspect and the new connections it brought," says the KL-born medical practitioner, who worked closely with students from a free school run by Borneo Komrad – a grassroots non-governmental organisation that provides education for stateless communities – through four extended trips to Semporna. Survival and resilienceBunga dan Tembok carries the theme of civil rights and injustice. Dr Byron explains that the project title comes from a poem by Indonesian poet, Wiji Thukul. "In class, the marginalised youth are also taught literature and I remember sitting in on a class discussion on the poem. I had never heard of that poem, let alone of Wiji Thukul, and I went on to research his work. "It was a beautiful poem and a great allegory for the lives of the children there. Hence, I thought it was a fitting name for the project," shares Dr Byron, who will be discussing his project on June 28 (8pm, local time) as part of the the project, he chose to focus on the positive aspects of Semporna's stateless youth, and involved the marginalised kids in the creative process. "Many photographers, especially from the West, have documented this community, but often with a focus on deprivation and hardship. While relevant, the images tend to lean towards misery and exploit poverty. Dr Byron's aim through the exhibition is to shed light on the resilience of marginalised communities. "I wanted to shift the narrative. I focused on the students' lives at a more personal level. "As an outsider, I was initially unsure about gaining their trust, so I took a collaborative approach. I invited them to participate in how they wanted to be represented. Over time, that involvement helped build trust, and allowed their personalities to shine," says Dr Byron, who shares his photos on his Instagram. Working with these children for two years was indeed an eye-opener for Dr Byron. Over the years, he has forged close relationships with many of them. He also praises the amazing teachers who continue to guide these displaced youth. Above all, he has also learned the true meaning of resilience and survival. " These two words have resonated a lot with me throughout this experience and I have observed this so much in the children I have worked with, which has really inspired me. "It has also given me a new perspective on life, helped me readjust my priorities, and changed how I manage my own tribulations. "In the end, all I see are little children living in crisis, so it is hard not to be affected by it, or to keep it from becoming a matter that is close to your heart."In an ideal world, I want them to achieve the justice and equality they truly deserve. I will always support their fight. "With the knowledge and skills they've gained from the free school, I hope they'll continue to support themselves and advocate for their rights," he says.
The National
19-06-2025
- Business
- The National
Alpkit saves Scottish bag manufacturer Trakke from closure
Trakke, which was founded by Alec Farmer in 2010 and is based in Glasgow, announced its closure in February, saying that rising costs and tax increases made operating 'untenable'. Now, Alpkit — a multi-award-winning certified B Corp and outdoor equipment brand — has taken over the company. Production is expanding with the creation of seven new jobs at Alpkit's Nottingham-based factory, while select Trakke styles will still be made in Glasgow. READ MORE: Deacon Blue founding member James Prime dies aged 64 All Trakke bags will continue to use premium Scottish fabrics, maintaining the quality customers have come to expect. The original Trakke team, including founder Farmer, has been closely involved in the transition to ensure continuity in design, values, and product integrity. 'We've long admired Trakke's commitment to heritage materials, timeless design, and sustainable production,' said David Hanney, CEO of Alpkit. 'Bringing Trakke into the Alpkit family is a natural step, as both companies are driven by purpose, not just product.' With this transition, Trakke becomes a certified B Corporation, a 1% for the Planet member, and a Living Wage Foundation employer. Since 2010, the company has manufactured all its products in Scotland. Trakke's products have also proven to resonate globally, with 50% of previous revenue generated from the US. Alpkit currently sells to 69 countries. The company said the new structure will strengthen Trakke's international presence while "maintaining its unique identity". 'As we scale production and reach, we're excited to serve customers worldwide with the same passion and quality Trakke is known for,' added Hanney.
Fashion Network
19-06-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Barnfield Customs: slowing down menswear in a fast fashion world
There's fast fashion and slow fashion. And then there's really slow fashion, which is where Barnfield Customs comes in. The British menswear brand makes high-end outerwear and knitwear 'for those who value patience, provenance and purpose'. Each year, the Nottingham-based firm launches a selection of 'unique and limited edition' jackets. And with a 12-week wait for orders to arrive (every piece is handmade in England), this is about as far from the idea of instant gratification as it's possible to get. Once a style is sold out, it's gone. But that doesn't seem to be deterring customers. Its Lawrence Jacket, for instance ('developed and perfected' over four years), sold out within 36 hours of going on sale. The current Hampden peacoat is 'in progress' with the company inviting those interested to sign up. Those coats cost around £1,595. Founded by designer Mark Warman in 2020, Barnfield says it 'exists as a quiet defiance against disposability, offering garments that are made to last, worth the wait and rich with story'. So who's actually buying? Warman told that his customers are 'aged between 35 and 55, they're established in their careers. They're deliberate and look for genuine meaning in the products they invest in. With an annual household income that sits comfortably in the £120k–£180k range, they have significant discretionary spending power. They don't chase novelty, have no interest in trends and prefer values-led brands that reflect their own [values], typically buying one or two high-end clothing items per season'. And do they mind the long wait? Apparently not. He added that 'for them, the 12-week wait is a demonstration of quality and authenticity. The anticipation is all part of the joy of ownership'. While he hasn't shared its results (and the last set of micro company accounts available at Companies House give little clue), we have to assume that the business model is economically viable, although perhaps not at scale. Warman told us that 'I'm not chasing scale. In fact, I'm actively avoiding it. I'm building for slow, sustained growth. I fully expect Barnfield to offer repairs to the children of today's customers when they inherit their dad's favourite coat. The business is sustained by genuine connection. I run one-on-one virtual fittings, share behind-the-scenes updates including the missteps, and involve customers in key decisions'. And while scale isn't an objective, he does have over 3,600 people signed up to the email list. 'Around 60% open every message and many reply,' he explained, 'whether they've bought or not, because they feel part of what we're building'. Of course, even such a business as this needs something a little faster and with knitwear (retailing for around £295) held in stock, it 'balances the slower rhythm of our made-to-order coats and supports steady cash flow,' Warman said, while stressing that 'this isn't a trend-led model. It's a deliberate one, designed for longevity. We're not trying to be everything to everyone. We're building for those who get it, and clearly, they do'. But the 12-week wait is the key and is promoted as a virtue rather than a reason for frustration. Warman previously said the wait 'is core to what Barnfield stands for. It's not a gimmick or a marketing tactic – it's a true reflection of the time it takes to produce something of lasting quality. We're not sitting on stock or rushing to meet arbitrary deadlines. The wait is part of the experience – it's an investment in something genuinely meaningful. There's always an element of tension in waiting – especially when we've been conditioned to expect next-day delivery. But for the right customer, that anticipation becomes part of the joy. The people who buy from Barnfield aren't looking for instant gratification'. And in order to keep customers engaged, while each coat is being made, they're kept 'in the loop, showing them what's happening behind the scenes. That sense of anticipation deepens the emotional connection'. Warman said that 'slowing down forces us to ask better questions: why am I buying this? Will I still love it in 10 years? Who made it – and how? That kind of consideration is what makes a product valuable. To me, it's also part of what makes it sustainable. We don't need more things. We need better things'.
Fashion Network
19-06-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Barnfield Customs: slowing down menswear in a fast fashion world
There's fast fashion and slow fashion. And then there's really slow fashion, which is where Barnfield Customs comes in. The British menswear brand makes high-end outerwear and knitwear 'for those who value patience, provenance and purpose'. Each year, the Nottingham-based firm launches a selection of 'unique and limited edition' jackets. And with a 12-week wait for orders to arrive (every piece is handmade in England), this is about as far from the idea of instant gratification as it's possible to get. Once a style is sold out, it's gone. But that doesn't seem to be deterring customers. Its Lawrence Jacket, for instance ('developed and perfected' over four years), sold out within 36 hours of going on sale. The current Hampden peacoat is 'in progress' with the company inviting those interested to sign up. Those coats cost around £1,595. Founded by designer Mark Warman in 2020, Barnfield says it 'exists as a quiet defiance against disposability, offering garments that are made to last, worth the wait and rich with story'. So who's actually buying? Warman told that his customers are 'aged between 35 and 55, they're established in their careers. They're deliberate and look for genuine meaning in the products they invest in. With an annual household income that sits comfortably in the £120k–£180k range, they have significant discretionary spending power. They don't chase novelty, have no interest in trends and prefer values-led brands that reflect their own [values], typically buying one or two high-end clothing items per season'. And do they mind the long wait? Apparently not. He added that 'for them, the 12-week wait is a demonstration of quality and authenticity. The anticipation is all part of the joy of ownership'. While he hasn't shared its results (and the last set of micro company accounts available at Companies House give little clue), we have to assume that the business model is economically viable, although perhaps not at scale. Warman told us that 'I'm not chasing scale. In fact, I'm actively avoiding it. I'm building for slow, sustained growth. I fully expect Barnfield to offer repairs to the children of today's customers when they inherit their dad's favourite coat. The business is sustained by genuine connection. I run one-on-one virtual fittings, share behind-the-scenes updates including the missteps, and involve customers in key decisions'. And while scale isn't an objective, he does have over 3,600 people signed up to the email list. 'Around 60% open every message and many reply,' he explained, 'whether they've bought or not, because they feel part of what we're building'. Of course, even such a business as this needs something a little faster and with knitwear (retailing for around £295) held in stock, it 'balances the slower rhythm of our made-to-order coats and supports steady cash flow,' Warman said, while stressing that 'this isn't a trend-led model. It's a deliberate one, designed for longevity. We're not trying to be everything to everyone. We're building for those who get it, and clearly, they do'. But the 12-week wait is the key and is promoted as a virtue rather than a reason for frustration. Warman previously said the wait 'is core to what Barnfield stands for. It's not a gimmick or a marketing tactic – it's a true reflection of the time it takes to produce something of lasting quality. We're not sitting on stock or rushing to meet arbitrary deadlines. The wait is part of the experience – it's an investment in something genuinely meaningful. There's always an element of tension in waiting – especially when we've been conditioned to expect next-day delivery. But for the right customer, that anticipation becomes part of the joy. The people who buy from Barnfield aren't looking for instant gratification'. And in order to keep customers engaged, while each coat is being made, they're kept 'in the loop, showing them what's happening behind the scenes. That sense of anticipation deepens the emotional connection'. Warman said that 'slowing down forces us to ask better questions: why am I buying this? Will I still love it in 10 years? Who made it – and how? That kind of consideration is what makes a product valuable. To me, it's also part of what makes it sustainable. We don't need more things. We need better things'.
