LATEST ARTICLES

Banking hub to launch in Ashby-de-la-Zouch

April Lara
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Banking hub to launch in Ashby-de-la-Zouch

Ashby-de-la-Zouch is set to gain a new banking hub following the planned closure of the town’s NatWest branch this September. The hub will be delivered by Cash Access UK and is scheduled to open in June 2026.

Designed to serve customers of any bank, the facility will provide counter services operated by Post Office staff, enabling cash withdrawals, deposits, bill payments, and other basic banking functions. It will also feature a rotating schedule of bank representatives from various institutions, offering face-to-face services on designated days.

The initiative follows a recommendation from Link, the UK’s cash access and ATM network, and comes in response to the ongoing decline of traditional bank branches. The Ashby site will become the fourth such hub in Leicestershire, joining existing locations in Lutterworth, Syston, and Market Harborough. Nationwide, there are currently 160 operational banking hubs.

Before the hub’s launch, Cash Access UK will conduct community consultations and location scouting. The move aims to maintain cash access and in-person banking for businesses and residents despite the accelerating shift toward digital transactions.

Clegg Construction appoints new business development manager

Tess Egginton
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Clegg Construction appoints new business development manager
Contractor Clegg Construction has strengthened its team with the appointment of a new business development manager. Amy Fullaway has more than five years of business development experience in the construction sector and associated industries, plus a background in marketing and bid coordination. She joins the business development team at Clegg Construction at a time when the company has a growing order book, with exciting schemes in the pipeline and projects under way across the Midlands, East Anglia and the North. Her role will involve developing new opportunities and strengthening relationships with existing clients. Pre-construction director Christian White said: “The Clegg Construction team welcomes Amy to the business. She brings with her several years of experience in both business development and marketing, which will help us to achieve our future goals.” Amy, who is originally from Derbyshire, has a Business and Management BSc Hons degree from the University of Derby. She said: “Joining Clegg Construction is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a company with such a strong reputation in the industry. I look forward to collaborating with the team to drive innovation and explore new business avenues.”

Outbound travel growth offers £62bn boost by 2030

April Lara
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Outbound travel growth offers £62bn boost by 2030

The UK’s outbound travel sector is projected to grow 20% by 2030, reaching an annual value of £62 billion, according to new data from Abta. The report positions outbound travel as a critical contributor to the UK economy, up from its current £52 billion valuation, with significant implications for regional infrastructure and wider economic resilience.

The study highlights the role of outbound travel in sustaining regional airports, where leisure travel accounts for up to 90% of passenger volume in specific locations, such as the East Midlands, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, and Exeter. Without robust outbound demand, these airports risk financial instability, which could undermine inbound tourism and harm local economies that rely on visitor spending.

Abta also underlines the broader commercial ripple effect, including support for domestic tourism and facilitation of international trade via business travel and cargo transported on passenger flights.

However, the trade body warns that realising this potential depends on government support through targeted tax and regulatory reforms. These include advancing sustainable aviation fuel initiatives, easing UK-EU travel frictions, and avoiding compounding taxes on tourism businesses.

Abta is calling for policy acceleration and strategic backing to position the UK as a global leader in sustainable travel and strengthen the sector’s contribution to jobs, trade, and regional development.

IMA director qualifies as RIBA architect

Tess Egginton
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IMA director qualifies as RIBA architect
Following six years of study, IMA director Joe Travers has graduated from the RIBA Studio course run via Oxford Brookes School of Architecture and qualified as an ARB & RIBA architect. Joe has graduated with a Royal Institute of British Architects’ (RIBA) Diploma in Architecture, while simultaneously completing RIBA’s own Part 3 qualification – the Advanced Diploma in Professional Practice in Architecture. Already a qualified chartered architectural technologist, Joe began the RIBA course in 2019 while an associate at IMA after exploring professional development options and being recommended the RIBA course by a company peer. Over the last six years he has studied full time alongside his demanding day job through a self-directed distance learning course which combined online lectures, in person exams and production of a portfolio of work, with guidance from a range of personal tutors and Oxford Brookes University examiners. During the last six months of study, Joe also completed and passed both the RIBA Studio Diploma in Architecture and the RIBA Part 3, one of the final steps enabling individuals to qualify as an architect. Joe is now registered as a fully qualified architect with the Architect’s Registration Board (ARB) in the UK and registered as a chartered architect with the RIBA. Talking about his achievements Joe said: “It has been so full on for a long time, working full time, becoming a director at IMA, studying a full-time degree and bringing up a family, but absolutely worth it personally, professionally and ultimately for the benefit of IMA’s clients. “It’s been a really fulfilling process. I’ve worked on some different projects outside of the industrial and commercial sectors we specialise in at IMA, so all good learning to be able to contribute to the ideas and design philosophies within our practice. I’ve also met some great people who I hope to stay in touch with for a long time to come.” Joe worked on a variety of schemes as part of his portfolio. His end of certificate project centred on an Astronomy Visitor Centre in Derbyshire with the final design being informed by the constellations of the night sky. It involved reclaiming a quarry and the building forms cascade into the quarry to reveal views of the various constellations and celestial bodies on the journey through the building. Another project of note included a community cultural building that aimed to bring together popular activities relating to food, dance, arts and craft to connect three neighbouring but socially isolated communities. Its intention was to create cohesion, empathy and understanding between these traditionally disparate communities in Leicester. Its modular design, with open plan layout and extensive glazing, made it flexible to host multiple activities, enabling people to participate together, be curious and learn from each other to encourage integration. His final dissertation project focussed on the use of Brutalist Architecture in Science Fiction films to denote dystopic themes. It explored whether this resulted in the viewer being negatively persuaded against Brutalist architecture in the real world, due to the association with dystopian settings in films. As a result, Joe was invited to present at the launch night of 2024 film ‘The Brutalist’ featuring Adrien Brody at the Phoenix Arts Cinema. IMA’s co-founder Ian McCann said: “This is a fantastic personal achievement for Joe and a great outcome for the business. We’re pleased to have been able to support Joe with his professional development ambitions and look forward to taking projects from design concept through to completion with him.” Now that Joe has completed a seven-year stint studying he is looking forward to having some more free time with his family without stressing about deadlines and applying what he has learnt to IMA’s clients to be involved in the wider design process from an earlier stage.

Student flats proposed for empty Leicester office

April Lara
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Student flats proposed for empty Leicester office

A vacant office block in Leicester may soon be repurposed into purpose-built student accommodation under a new planning application submitted to Leicester City Council.

St John’s House, located on South Albion Street and formerly occupied by NHS staff, could be redeveloped into housing for 142 students. The proposed scheme comprises 114 studio apartments, alongside communal facilities including lounges, study spaces, and a ground-floor gym.

The original 1976 building is expected to undergo structural modifications to enhance accessibility and livability. Revised plans include the infill of an undercroft area to create a new main entrance, addressing concerns previously raised about the impact on the adjacent Grade II-listed former St John’s Church.

If approved, the project could help address the growing demand for student accommodation in the city while repurposing underused commercial property. The shift reflects a broader trend in urban redevelopment, particularly in city centres where office vacancy rates remain high.

Majority of UK organisations remain committed to sustainability and ESG, says new research

Tess Egginton
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Majority of UK organisations remain committed to sustainability and ESG, says new research
More than 80% of organisations say that sustainability is important to them, according to new research from the University of Nottingham, supported by law firm Browne Jacobson. The research, completed in spring 2025, captures the views of organisations following the US presidential election and the recent gains of Reform in UK local government elections. The findings reveal that issues associated with ESG, DEI or sustainability are not being sidelined, despite global political rhetoric. The research project, ‘ESG and Sustainability: Rethinking Communications and Credibility’, has revealed the growing importance of environmental, social and governance responsibility to an overwhelming majority of private and public sector bodies in the UK. The detailed research findings taken from almost 250 UK organisations identified how private and public sector companies can improve communications to enhance their credibility and effectiveness in ESG and sustainability. More than 80% of respondents advocated that sustainability was important to them, with nearly three-quarters willing to risk income or profits to meet their ESG goals. There is significant impetus to reassess supply chain contracts, and even customer relationships. Whilst some organisations are careful to take legal advice on DEI and related HR issues, organisations are currently less alive to legal risks in addressing other ESG issues. Key recommendations include more robust use of terminology that reflects the understanding and intentions of relevant audiences, including employees, customers, investors and regulators. The research demonstrates how more effective language use around sustainability makes for greater credibility in discussing ESG objectives, methodologies and outcomes. Ben Standing, partner and head of Browne Jacobson’s sustainability strategy, said “ESG is fundamentally about sustainable organisations. Attracting the best talent, reducing costs and driving growth. The report identifies the variety of approaches taken in different sectors, and how much organisations can learn from each other.” Jeremy Irving, partner and head of the financial services regulatory team at Browne Jacobson, said: “The findings on appropriate language make for more effective management of the reputational, legal, and other risks associated with sustainability strategies. “These risks are increasing as regulators, investors and third parties take a more active approach to their own ESG-related priorities, such as a greater willingness to pursue allegations of ‘greenwashing’.” Professor Louise Mullany, director of Linguistic Profiling for Professionals at the University of Nottingham, added: “If organisations want to succeed in bringing about serious, long-term change in sustainability and ESG, then ensuring they use language that genuinely reflects their commitments and organisational cultures is a crucial step. “Vague language, or strategies that over-exaggerate, run the risk of becoming meaningless in an ever-changing landscape, where accountability and governance are becoming increasingly important components to organisational success.” Dr Victoria Howard, project lead at Browne Jacobson and the University of Nottingham, said: “Our research shows how UK organisations are standing firm in their drive to operate responsibly. “However, there are so many terms, with inconsistent meanings, used to talk about ESG, sustainability, DEI and ‘green’ initiatives, that key messages get lost or misinterpreted. “Our recommendations support organisations to communicate more effectively about their current social and environmental impact, as well as the steps they are taking to achieve future sustainability goals. The steps we propose will ensure that accurate messaging reflects organisational values and demonstrates credibility.”

IM Properties selected for prestigious Net Zero pilot test

Tess Egginton
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IM Properties selected for prestigious Net Zero pilot test
IM Properties has been selected to take part in the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard (UK NZCBS) Pilot Test Programme – placing the developer at the forefront of shaping national sustainability benchmarks for industrial space. Hinckley 340, a 340,853 sq ft unit at IM Properties’ Hinckley Park scheme, is one of only 22 buildings selected to represent the storage and distribution sector in the pilot. The initiative forms part of a collaboration of experts from across the built environment to develop a measurable, science-aligned definition of what it genuinely means for a building, from homes to the industrial sector, to be net zero carbon. Simon Seaton Smith, sustainability director at IM Properties, described the selection as both “a real honour and a real responsibility” and said it marked a critical moment for the industry to align ahead of inevitable regulatory change. “This is about doing the hard work now and making sure we’re properly prepared for where the industry is going,” said Seaton Smith. “We’ve been working for a long time to make sure we’re not only aware of the expectations around net zero but actively responding and often going beyond to deliver best practice as part of our Sustainable Futures framework focusing on People, Place and Planet. To be selected for the pilot test shows that our commitment is being recognised.” A full member of CIBSE, one of the founding partners behind the new Standard, Seaton Smith has led IM Properties’ efforts to align with sustainability standards and plan for the future. For the pilot testing phase, IM Properties are working with Birmingham-based advisors, Turley, and their sustainability and ESG team, to help interpret and apply the new Standard. Snigdha Jain, head of ESG at Turley, said: “Having contributed to the development of the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard as part of the task force, it’s exciting to now apply this industry-leading methodology to a live logistics project. “The insights gained through this real-world application will inform the final version of the standard due to be released at the end of the year. It’s incredibly inspiring to work alongside IM Properties and collaborate with industry peers on a performance-based standard that will set an unambiguous definition of Net Zero for decades to come.” The selected project, Hinckley 340 is built to an industry leading specification, adhering to the UK Green Building Council (UKBC)’s standards which laid the foundations for UK NZCBS’s pilot. It has achieved EPC A and BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and the unit has also been delivered as Net Zero in Construction and is designed to be Net Zero Ready. Seaton Smith said the real value of the pilot would be in creating a level playing field for all: “No one benefits from green washing and this new Standard can provide more clarity and transparency about who is really delivering best practice and who isn’t. “The level of understanding and technical detail and knowledge required should not be underestimated and waiting for regulation before doing the right thing is a risky strategy,” he said. The pilot study covers the full life cycle and performance of the building from embodied carbon and operational energy to water use and refrigerants. “Investors are already looking at future resilience and net zero readiness, and if assets can’t meet the new Standard, they’ll likely struggle to retain their value,” Seaton Smith added. “I look forward to sharing what we learn from this process — transparently and constructively. Because as professional in this field, this is about more than carbon calculations. It’s about leading with purpose, doing the hard work now, and making sure that we — and our industry — are part of the solution and we all work fairly to deliver this as a sector.”

Rushton Hickman director to pedal 225 miles from Derby to Brighton for Mind

Tess Egginton
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0
Rushton Hickman director to pedal 225 miles from Derby to Brighton for Mind
Rushton Hickman director, Mark Richardson, is embarking on a remarkable cycling journey to champion mental health. Mark will undertake a gruelling 225-mile ride from Derby to Brighton over two days to raise vital funds and awareness for the charity Mind. Scheduled for 14th and 15th June, this challenging endurance event is more than a personal mission, it is a movement to support mental wellbeing and break down the stigma surrounding mental health issues. Mark said: “Mental health is something we all need to prioritise. Life can be tough and sometimes it is hard to deal with. Mind is doing incredible work to change that, providing help and understanding to those who need it most!” Mind is a leading mental health charity that offers advice, support and advocacy for individuals facing mental health challenges. They work tirelessly to improve services, increase awareness and foster a more open dialogue about mental wellbeing. Every contribution, no matter the size, enables them to continue their incredible work. Mark aims to raise as much as possible and you can contribute by visiting his JustGiving page: Mark Richardson is fundraising for Mind

Management buyout for Nottingham provider of specialist contracting services

Tess Egginton
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0
Management buyout for Nottingham provider of specialist contracting services
A management buyout (MBO) has been completed at Churchills Specialist Contracting Ltd, a provider of specialist contracting services, funded by Virgin Money. Nottingham-based Churchills Specialist Contracting Ltd celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2024. From its humble beginnings in the Steeplejack industry, where craftsmen scale buildings and chimneys to carry out repairs, maintenance, demolition or new installations, today Churchills offers an array of additional professional services, including specialist access, structural maintenance, concrete repair, industrial leak sealing, lightning protection, and specialist earthing. The company has been involved in significant long-term projects such as the refurbishment and maintenance of cooling towers and chimneys at Ratcliffe-on-Soar Power Station, the installation of specialist isolated lightning protection and main earthing systems for major research establishments and power plants, together with the structural maintenance of long-term social housing projects and water storage facilities nationwide. Additionally, Churchills has contributed to the London Power Tunnels project, providing specialist earthing, access and leak sealing services for the National Grid’s extensive underground distribution network. They also played a key role in the renovation of 80 The Strand, and more locally, the Derby Market Hall’s multimillion-pound refurbishment. The MBO milestone marks a new chapter in the company’s journey, setting the stage for continued growth. Virgin Money’s support will enable the management team to purchase the business, ensuring a smooth transition and continuity of operations. The MBO was led by Richard Rowson (managing director), Aimee Riddell (operations director – Steeplejack Division), Will Burnside (operations director – Structural Maintenance and Waterproofing Division), and Dan White (operations director – Lightning Protection and Earthing Division), who will now take ownership of the business. This move is set to incentivise the management team to continue to build and grow the business, with plans to expand employee numbers and enhance service offerings. Richard Rowson, managing director of Churchills Specialist Contracting Ltd, said: “Huge thanks to the Virgin Money team and of course to the previous owners, Wayne Murry and family, on behalf of myself and fellow directors for making the MBO a reality for us. “The overriding message to all our valued customers and suppliers is very much ‘business as usual’! The Company remains very firmly in the safe hands of the existing, well established and capable team of directors, staff and loyal workforce”. David Burgess, director, Strategic Finance at Virgin Money, said: “Churchill’s is a long-standing, well-respected business, and this management buyout marks the start of the next chapter in the company’s history. “It has been a pleasure to work with Richard and the entire team and we’re pleased that they chose Virgin Money as their funding partner. Providing cashflow finance packages to help ambitious, growing SMEs achieve their goals is what we do well, and we are proud to support the team.” Deniss Sipovics, at PKF Smith Cooper, who supported the transaction, said: “It was a pleasure to support the management team at Churchills and to work with Virgin Money on this significant transaction. “We were pleased to provide financial due diligence to support the deal, which represents an exciting opportunity for the new owners to build on the company’s strong legacy and drive it forward into its next phase of growth. We wish them every success as they continue to deliver exceptional specialist services across the UK.”

The East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025: “It’s a fantastic awards event that we enjoy being part of,” says past winner

Tess Egginton
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0
The East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025: “It’s a fantastic awards event that we enjoy being part of,” says past winner
With nominations now being welcomed for Business Link Magazine’s East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025, last year’s ‘Commercial Development of the Year’ winner has reflected on the prestigious event. Adrian Grocock, Group Managing Director at G F Tomlinson, said: “It’s a fantastic awards event that we enjoy being part of and have had previous success, including winning the Commercial Development of the Year for the Air and Space Institute in Newark last year and receiving the accolade of Overall Winner from all the categories a few years previous. “The East Midlands Bricks Awards brings together hard-working individuals and colleagues to celebrate all that is good in the local construction industry, and we are proud to have been recognised amongst our peers for our work in the region. We congratulate the Bricks team on the 10th year anniversary of the awards.” The East Midlands Bricks Awards celebrates the successes of property and construction companies in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, and Northamptonshire. This year’s eagerly anticipated awards ceremony, marking 10 years of the event, will take place on Thursday 2nd October at Nottingham’s famous Trent Bridge Cricket Ground. Recognising those behind the changing landscape of the East Midlands, the occasion highlights development projects, businesses, and people in commercial and public building across the region – from office, industrial and residential schemes, through to community projects such as leisure schemes and schools. It also toasts the work of architects, agencies, and those behind large schemes. Welcoming almost 150 professionals, nominating a company or project for the awards is a great way to showcase your successes, recognise your team’s efforts, and reach our audience of over 60,000 business readers, while also offering a chance to connect with respected professionals. And better yet, it’s completely free to enter! Making the top three finalists in your category also wins you free tickets to the event, where you’ll be in the running for one of our coveted awards.

To make a nomination for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025, please click here.

Supporting imagery, video, documents, or links to these, can be sent to bricks@blmgroup.co.uk. Video nomination pitches are also welcome as an alternative or companion to written entries. Categories include: All finalists will have the chance to take home the Overall Winner award, which this year comes with a grand prize of a year of marketing/publicity worth £20,000, with the opportunity to split or gift the marketing to a charity of your choice.

Nominations will close on Friday 15th August.

New for this year, all entrants will also have the opportunity to be featured on our dedicated nominee showcase on the East Midlands Business Link website, providing space for marketing your achievements. Upon submitting a nomination, we will get in touch for any information, imagery, and video nominees would like to be featured on their showcase page.

The East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025

What: The East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025 When: Thursday 2nd October (4.30pm – 7.30pm) Where: Derek Randall Suite, Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, Nottingham Keynote speaker: Councillor Nadine Peatfield – Leader of Derby City Council, Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Strategy and Policy, and Deputy Mayor of the East Midlands Tickets: Available here Dress code: Standard business attire Thanks to our sponsors:                                                          

To be held at:

With a limited number of sponsorship opportunities remaining, please contact Angie Cooper at a.cooper@blmgroup.co.uk to learn more if you are interested in becoming an East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025 sponsor.
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