A contractor has been appointed for the dramatic makeover of St John’s Church – one of Scunthorpe’s most historic landmarks. Using Government cash from the Towns Fund, UK Restoration Services will carry out extensive repairs to the Grade II listed building, connecting it to Queen Elizabeth Gardens at Church Square. This will pave the way for the development of Discover, an exciting science and technology centre packed full of hands-on experiences for the whole family that will complement the popular arts and heritage exhibitions. Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council and Towns Fund Board Member, said: “I am delighted that the Board has been able to appoint UK Restoration Services to kickstart this transformation. It is great news that the makeover will create jobs too. “High streets up and down the country need to adapt and Scunthorpe is no exception. Retail will always form an important part of any town centre and this will not change, but we also need to drive footfall by bringing in exciting new experiences people cannot find anywhere else. “That is where Discover comes in – its hands-on activities will spark the curiosity of our young people, attracting more families into the heart of the town.” The transformation of St. John’s Church comes on top of the construction of Scunthorpe’s Enterprise and Innovation Hub, which continues at pace. Last month Towns Fund Board members visited the landmark build to see the last brick being laid to the 46-unit accommodation block. When completed, the ambitious build will provide more than 27,000 sq ft of premium office and collaborative space, a licensed café bar, as well as the accommodation. Holly Mumby-Croft, MP for Scunthorpe, and vice-chair of the Towns Fund Board, said: “These ambitious plans – backed with more than £20m of Government cash – will create a new, more vibrant future for the town centre. “With Queen Elizabeth Gardens, the new police station, the enterprise hub and more, there is so much to look forward to – I can’t wait to see it all take shape.” With the contractor now appointed, specialist repairs will take place at St. John’s Church in the coming weeks – including the rebuilding of roofs as well as the descaling, cleaning and repointing of stonework – with many of the church’s original features restored or renewed. Phil Braithwaite, Director, UK Restoration Services, said: “UK Restoration Services are delighted to have won this project on one of Scunthorpe’s most iconic churches. The project has an excellent team with a wealth of knowledge to deliver this project to the highest standard. There will also be opportunities for local employment.” Cllr John Davison, cabinet member for safer, stronger communities, Scunthorpe, Ashby and Bottesford, said: “St. John’s Church has been at the heart of the community for more than 130 years – many residents celebrated their marriage here – so it is only right we protect this historic asset for many more years. “We are not just preserving the building though; we want to go further and bring it a new lease of life. We hope the new Discover centre will inspire many more families to enjoy this amazing place.”

As the concept of hybrid working becomes more prevalent, it becomes essential to optimise commercial office spaces for flexibility and productivity. While nobody wants to work in a completely sterile environment, it’s important to support ways to keep things professional and focused. Maintaining a clutter-free and organised workspace is a significant challenge, especially when employees share desks or work in adaptable areas.  By implementing bespoke storage solutions, you can overcome these challenges to keep your office space tidy and efficient. Individual Storage Solutions for Shared Desks: In offices where employees share desks, individual storage solutions are crucial. Provide each employee with a dedicated locker or personal drawer, where they can keep their belongings when not in use.  This way, each person can maintain their workspace clutter-free. It also enhances security, as they can safely store valuable items like laptops and personal belongings. Mobile Storage Units: In adaptable workspaces, where the arrangement of desks and furniture changes frequently, mobile storage units are a game-changer.  These units come with wheels, making them easy to move around, allowing employees to adjust their storage according to their current location. Mobile storage units can contain office supplies, personal items, and documents, reducing the risk of clutter building up around the workspace. Utilise Vertical Space: In modern office design, maximising vertical space has become essential. Custom shelving and wall-mounted storage solutions help keep office supplies, books, and files off desks and the floor.  By going vertical, you create a cleaner, more organised environment that fosters productivity and creativity. Cloud-Based Storage Solutions: In the age of digitalisation, cloud-based storage solutions are indispensable. Encourage employees to store their documents and files on secure cloud platforms instead of keeping physical copies on their desks. This reduces paper clutter and makes information accessible from any location, promoting a paperless and tidy office environment. Multi-functional Furniture: Investing in multi-functional furniture pieces that serve both as storage units and workstations can be beneficial to your workspace.  For example, consider desks with built-in drawers or cabinets, providing ample storage space while keeping the work area clear. By combining functionality and storage, you streamline the workspace and enhance efficiency. Schedule Regular Decluttering Sessions: Organise regular decluttering sessions for employees to go through their belongings and decide what they need to keep, what can be stored, and what can be discarded.  Consider implementing a “one in, one out” policy, where employees exchange old or unused items with new ones. These sessions promote a culture of tidiness and minimalism in the workplace as well as ensuring staff really review what they have around them in the office and what they consider essential. Encourage Employee Responsibility: Create awareness among employees about the importance of maintaining a tidy workspace and how it contributes to a more productive and pleasant working environment. Encourage them to take ownership of their space, clean up after themselves, and use the provided storage solutions effectively. Utilise Office Design to Your Advantage: Consider investing in a thoughtful office design that incorporates ample storage solutions seamlessly into the workspace.  Choose desks with integrated cable management systems to keep cables and wires hidden and organised. Incorporate attractive storage solutions like shelves, cabinets, and bins that align with your office’s aesthetics while serving their functional purpose. Implement A Clean Desk Policy: Introduce a clean desk policy where employees are encouraged to clear their desks at the end of each day.  Any personal items or documents should be stored away in designated lockers or drawers. A clean desk policy not only maintains tidiness but also enhances data security and reduces the risk of misplaced or lost items. It may seem a tiny bit more effort to implement, but staff usually get used to it quickly.  Regular Cleaning and Maintenance: Last but not least, schedule regular cleaning and maintenance sessions for the entire office, including public areas.  A well-maintained office not only looks more professional but also contributes to employee well-being and productivity. Think about maybe hiring professional cleaners or creating a cleaning schedule to ensure all areas are kept clean and organised. By utilising these tips, your office can remain as fresh as the day it was finished and minimal effort is really needed to maintain some semblance of order. A ruthless approach isn’t needed, rather more one that can support and nurture what should already be a relaxed and welcoming environment for your staff to work within.  For more information on all things bespoke storage solutions and office refits contact the team at APSS on 01522 688 771. 

Wellie brand Evercreatures has been bought by French footwear company Rouchette as part of a deal for its parent company Astbury Collections. It is a first overseas purchase for the French company, which had previously been a supplier to Evercreatures. The purchase of the Lincolnshire-based business will bring significant inward investment of up to £500,000 from Rouchette as it looks to bolster its presence in the UK. Tony Bailey, a co-director of Astbury Collections, will join Rouchette as its sales and marketing director in the UK. He said: “This is a great deal for both brands. Rouchette want to expand faster into the UK and approached us last year about a sale to use the infrastructure already in place. “Now the deal has been completed, it will see considerable investment in new products, innovation, infrastructure and staff. For current UK customers, they will see the benefit with a new range of stock and new designs for Evercreatures. “I am already engaged in talks with major retailers, predominantly garden centre chains, who are looking to secure stock in 2024.” Evercreatures was founded in 2004 and has consistently produced eye-catching fashionable wellies for men, women and children as well as a range of accessories. Rouchette, which is known for its robust rubber footwear in a range of designs for the garden, maritime and lifestyle sectors, was established in 1990 by Jean-Louis Rouchette. Sébastien Rouchette, managing director and son of the founder, said: “I’m proud to announce our first overseas acquisition with the purchase of Astbury Collections and its flagship rain boot brand Evercreatures. “It was quite natural for us to buy a well-known brand in the world of footwear. This is a new stage in the company’s life, which promises to be an exciting and extremely rewarding project.”   Picture shows Tony Bailey.