The final countdown – our best-read stories of the year: 50-41
As the year draws to a close and we all look forward to a week or so of eating and drinking too much, it’s time to take a look back at our best-read stories of the year.
2023 has been a fantastic year for TheBusinessDesk.com, with over two million people reading our stories, a series of a outstanding events – and a host of exclusive stories
In the first part of our top 50 best-read tales of the year, let’s find out what came in from numbers 50 to 41.
50. Golf retailer in the rough as administrators set to be called in
A family business which claims to be a one-stop shop for golfing requirements was facing an uncertain future in August.
GolfSupport, which has its flagship showroom and a 70,000 sq ft warehouse in Mansfield, was set to fall into administration, according to documents seen by TheBusinessDesk.com.
GolfSupport was established in April 2005 at the Buxton and High Peak Golf Club in Derbyshire. As the firm grew, its founder, John Lines, moved it to his hometown of Mansfield.
The firm was eventually sold out of administration later in August to Gloucestershire-based Austen Group for £380,000 in a pre-pack deal.
49. Architect appointed to £150m Peak District resort
At the beginning of August, we’re reported that Stanton Williams were been appointed to design The Gateway, a visitor destination on 300 acres of reclaimed land on the eastern boundary of the Peak District National Park, near Chesterfield.
The Gateway at PEAK will be an international-standard tourist destination providing a basecamp and a gateway into the 550 sq m Peak District National Park.
The Gateway, phase one of the PEAK Gateway Resort, represents a £150m capital investment and over 1,000 jobs, secured through a “green economy” skills academy.
Roman Bank Skegness / Majestic Bingo
48. 143 jobs at risk as bingo operator calls in administrators
In July, one of the largest independent bingo operators in the UK called in administrators from Interpath Advisory.
On June 27, TheBusinessDesk.com exclusively revealed that Majestic Bingo Limited had posted a notice of intention to appoint administrators via Irwin Mitchell solicitors.
Just days later, Tim Bateson and Chris Pole from Interpath Advisory were appointed joint administrators to the firm.
47. Middle Eastern sports academy to serve up £10m investment – starting in Mansfield
At the end of November, TheBusinessDesk.com revealed that Mansfield Town’s One Call Stadium could be home to a new padel complex, if plans are approved.
UAE-based World Padel Academy (WPA) wants to develop and operate the facilities at the League Two club’s ground in Nottinghamshire as part of a £10m investment to promote the game in the UK.
The WPA wants to build and operate four indoor padel courts at the One Call Stadium, along with the associated amenities such as a reception, food and beverage outlet with sitting areas and a retail store. The new complex would be on an area of unused wasteland next to 3G pitches linked to the wider One Call Stadium.
Simon Hill
46. Well-known Leicester businessman and son killed in car crash
There was tragic news in April when a renowned Leicester businessman and his son who died in a car accident at the weekend.
Simon Hill, the managing director of fleet management firm Total Motion, the firm he founded in 1999, and his son, Harry Hill, perished in the tragic incident.
A family statement said: “This is a very shocking and painful moment for everyone that had the privilege of knowing them. There are no words that can describe how much they mean to us, please keep them in your hearts.”
45. Raleigh to make job cuts and move Notts HQ
In November, iconic bike manufacturer Raleigh revealed plans to restructure the business in a move which will mean some workers losing their jobs and its current Nottinghamshire headquarters being relocated.
Raleigh’s plans would see its parts and accessories business shut down and its warehousing and logistics arm contracted out.
The company’s owner stressed that Raleigh’s HQ will still be based in Nottinghamshire.
Stadium 974 in Doha
44. Forest ship in idea to boost City Ground crowds
In November, The Athletic revealed that Nottingham Forest could increase the capacity of its City Ground home by building temporary seating on top of shipping containers.
The plans had been provisionally drawn up to take the capacity at Forest’s home ground past the 30,000 mark in a move that will mirror the design of Stadium 974 in Qatar at the last World Cup.
43. Frasers Group reveals plans to move HQ away from East Midlands
In October, Frasers Group submitted a planning application for a global headquarters campus at Ansty in Rugby, Warwickshire.
If approved, the campus is expected to create 7,500 jobs and create £300m in GVA for the region.
Frasers Group includes Sports Direct, FLANNELS, Frasers, USC, and Everlast. Its current headquarters are in Shirebrook, Derbyshire.
When asked what the move would mean for jobs in Shirebrook, a spokesperson told us: “The proposals for a global headquarters campus will support the growth of the business. No decisions have been made.”
42. Family owners of Wilko mull sale of business
Immediately before all hell broke loose over the summer and over 10,000 people lost their jobs, the family owners of Nottinghamshire retail giant Wilko considered selling the firm in order to raise funds to secure its future.
Any deal would’ve seen the now under-fire Wilkinson family lose their majority stake in the business.
Before it collapsed so spectacularly, Wilko had been in family hands since 1930 when it opened its first outlet in Leicester.
41. ‘Immediate success’ as new law firm hits £130m deal mark
A new law firm was reporting a stellar start to life after its well-known legal professional owner reported “immediate success” in August.
Adam Gilbert, who previously worked at Chattertons and Else Solicitors, established AG Corporate Law in April.
He said the firm had already been involved in a series of “significant” transactions, with notable deals including the sales of Avis Consulting, Direct Line Communications, Zenith Doors, Clearcall, Eurotek Foundry Products, Marcol Plastics, Precision Card Services, Prigmore Haulage and Proactive Mobility.
