LATEST ARTICLES
Studio sound without leaving the office: LikeMind Media launches Podcast Studio To You
Businesses looking to start a podcast can now avoid the cost and hassle of hiring a studio thanks to a new on-site service from Loughborough-based content marketing consultancy LikeMind Media.
The consultancy’s new ‘Podcast Studio To You’ service provides everything needed to record a professional-quality podcast — right at the client’s workplace. The package includes Shure microphones, headphones, a RODEcaster Pro II mixing desk, all cables and equipment, and a dedicated podcast producer to coach participants and ensure a smooth session.
By setting up and packing away the kit on site, LikeMind Media eliminates the need for travel, minimises disruption, and allows clients to return quickly to their working day. Audio is professionally edited afterwards, and detailed show notes are taken live during the recording.
“Podcasts are one of the most powerful ways for businesses to showcase their expertise and build a real human connection with their audience,” said Paul Ince, founder of LikeMind Media.
“But for many, the barriers of cost, time and equipment can feel overwhelming. With Podcast Studio To You, we remove all of that — we bring the studio to you, so you just focus on sharing your story.”
The service has already been put into action with Timms Solicitors in Derby, who use Podcast Studio To You to record their own show, The Legal Rabbit Hole. Each season of the podcast explores a different area of law, aiming to demystify legal issues and make them approachable for people seeking advice.
Sharon Jeffrey, senior associate & marketing manager at Timms, said: “Recording on our own premises made the whole process effortless and helped our team feel comfortable in familiar surroundings. LikeMind Media made it easy to focus on our content while they handled the rest. By being at our premises, our team was able to minimise disruption to our working day, which in turn has huge benefits for our clients.”
LikeMind Media has already helped dozens of brands create podcasts and audiobooks, but this new portable approach is designed to make podcasting more accessible for businesses of all sizes.
Ince added: “We wanted to take away every possible excuse not to start. If you’ve got something worth saying — and we think you do — we’ll make sure the world hears it.”
The Podcast To You service is available now. For more details or to book a session, visit www.likemind.media/podcast-and-audiobook.
Northamptonshire businesses urged to Go Green to help raise vital funds for hospice care
Big-hearted businesses across Northamptonshire are being urged to Go Green to help raise vital funds for hospice care and supporting services in the county.
Cransley Hospice Trust’s Go Green campaign aims to raise thousands of pounds with the help of county charity champions who are invited to pledge their support staging fun-filled fundraising events.
The charity’s target is to raise £15,000 this October to help fund a better end of life experience for people with life-limiting illness in the community. Caring companies can all help make a difference by going green during Hospice Care Week between the 6th and 12th October 2025.
Whether wearing green, eating green or using pedal power to go green and cycle to work, there are multiple ways everyone can play their part in helping to boost funds for this year’s initiative.
Jenine Rees, head of fundraising and marketing, said: “We are encouraging as many businesses as possible, schools and individuals to all get involved, to go green in whichever shape or form that’s relevant to them.
“Whether it’s dressing green, dying their hair green, eating green or holding cake sales, whatever they choose will help raise funds to support end of life care for patients and support their families in North Northamptonshire.
“The work that the hospice team do is phenomenal, and as a charity we want to be able to support more people and their families when they need it most.”
A free fundraising pack can be found here.
Nottingham £150m student housing plans face refusal
Nottingham City Council is set to recommend refusal of the £150m Victoria Works development, which would have delivered the city’s tallest buildings in half a century. The scheme, led by Code Students, had been revised from an initial 40-storey proposal to 19 and 27 floors following public consultation in 2023.
If approved, Victoria Works would have provided approximately 1,260 student units, created around 2,000 construction jobs, and included indoor and outdoor communal areas alongside 5,400 sq ft of ground-level commercial space for community use. The site is located on Glasshouse Street, adjacent to the Victoria Shopping Centre.
Council planning officers have highlighted a lack of evidence to demonstrate demand for purpose-built student accommodation of this type and scale. The report states the project does not align with the local context, fails to contribute positively to the public realm, and would not create an attractive environment.
Code Students has indicated it will challenge the council’s decision if the plans are rejected. An appeal could result in significant costs for the local authority. The planning committee will formally consider the application on 17 September.
British Steel welcomes 56 new apprentices across UK sites
British Steel has onboarded 56 new apprentices this month, marking the first intake in three years for the UK’s only primary steelmaker.
Thirty of the apprentices have joined the company’s Scunthorpe headquarters in electrical, mechanical, and fabrication and welding roles. Fourteen others will train at British Steel’s operations in Teesside and Skinningrove, with an additional 12 Technical and Functional apprentices set to start soon.
Training at Scunthorpe is delivered through a partnership with CATCH, combining on-site instruction with sessions at CATCH’s Stallingborough facility. Apprentices in Teesside and Skinningrove will study at Middlesbrough College while gaining practical experience at the company’s northern mills.
All apprentices will work towards a National Apprenticeship qualification while receiving a competitive salary. The intake reflects British Steel’s ongoing commitment to developing skilled engineers, technical specialists, and functional experts to support its operations and future growth.
The new programme aims to strengthen talent pipelines and ensure continuity in key operational roles across British Steel’s sites.
Council partners with contractor to deliver energy upgrades at scale
North East Derbyshire District Council has engaged Sustainable Building Services (UK) Ltd to implement fully funded energy efficiency upgrades for eligible households across the district. The programme operates under the UK Government’s Warm Homes: Local Grant initiative, providing a structured framework for targeted interventions in residential properties.
The scheme offers insulation, solar panels, and battery storage to qualifying homeowners and private landlords. These interventions are designed to reduce energy consumption, improve indoor comfort, enhance property energy ratings, and lower carbon emissions. For contractors and supply chain partners, the programme presents an opportunity to engage with an established local delivery network while scaling impact across multiple property types.
Applications are managed through a centralised digital portal, allowing the council and delivery partner to coordinate approvals, scheduling, and installation logistics efficiently. The collaboration leverages Sustainable Building Services’ knowledge of local housing stock and operational capacity, aiming for consistent quality, cost control, and measurable outcomes.
Pharmacist couple take on second Nottingham location
Cox Pharmacy in Nottingham, a standard hours community pharmacy that dispenses an average of 7,000 items per month, has been sold.
Located on Oakdale Road in the residential area of Bakersfield, a suburb east of Nottingham city centre, the business has been owned by Harts Chemist Limited for over a decade. It was brought to market to allow the owner, Jackie Hart, to reduce her workload whilst retaining two other pharmacies.
Following a confidential sales process with Carl Steer at Christie & Co, and with funding sourced through Raj Patel at Christie Finance, the pharmacy has been purchased by husband-and-wife pharmacists, Nathaniel and Angarju Amoah, who also own Jayplex Chemist nearby.
Carl Steer, director – pharmacy at Christie & Co, said: “We were originally instructed by Jackie Hart to sell Cox pharmacy back in Spring of 2022, when a sale was swiftly agreed for the goodwill and freehold; however, due to personal reasons, the sale could not continue.
“Fast forward to July 2024, and we were instructed to revisit the marketing. Within 12 weeks, a sale was agreed leasehold to Amoah and Angarju, who had bought Jayplex Chemist just a few miles from Cox Pharmacy from me in October 2022. I wish them all the best with their new venture.”
Raj Patel, finance consultant at Christie Finance, said: “Our clients, Nathaniel and Angarju, feel that this second acquisition gives them the ability to grow their business – they have consolidated on the first one, and now the second acquisition is a good strategic fit as both are in Nottingham.
“Their vision is to again consolidate the new pharmacy business post-acquisition and grow it. They have plans to acquire more in the future, and the banks are supportive of their vision.”
Chameleon School of Construction’s Teresa Swift named one of the most influential women in construction
Chameleon School of Construction’s centre manager, Teresa Swift, has been named as one of the most influential women in construction, having reached the final of the CITB Top 100 Most Influential Women in Construction Awards.
Teresa has been shortlisted in the Most Influential Educator in Construction category, recognising her outstanding commitment to supporting learners and creating opportunities for people from all backgrounds to build a future in the industry.
With a family history rooted in construction and more than two decades of experience in education, Teresa has combined her skills and passion to lead Chameleon’s training centres across Derbyshire.
She is known for going above and beyond for learners, many of whom have faced difficult starts in life. From equipping young people with practical skills in trades such as bricklaying and motor vehicle repair, to providing life skills, mentoring and emotional support, Teresa ensures that every learner feels valued and able to succeed.
Commenting on making the final, Teresa said: “I was shocked but delighted to be shortlisted. To me, it is not just about construction training, it is about giving young people stability, skills and the confidence to believe in themselves. The staff and learners at Chameleon are like a family, and I am proud that the work we do together has been recognised in this way.”
The awards, organised by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), celebrate the achievements of women who are making a significant impact across the sector. Winners will be announced at a ceremony later this year.
Detailed plans revealed for new Leicestershire logistics complex
Detailed plans have been unveiled for a new logistics complex at St Johns, Enderby.
Blaby District Council has received a reserved matters application for the 33.3 ha site, which follows approval of an outline application in July last year.
The proposal centres on delivering five warehouses with offices and gatehouses, constructed in two phases with access off Leicester Lane.
In a design statement, applicant Royal London Mutual Insurance Ltd said the site “is a flagship project” with high sustainability credentials which will generate local jobs for local people.
They anticipate 2,479 jobs could be created – 1,811 direct, 125 construction related jobs and a further potential 543 indirect jobs.
The first phase involves site wide earthworks, main spine roads and footpath as well as Unit 1 and 2, gatehouses, car parking, EV charging, cycle parking, landscaping, yards and internal access roads.
The second phase delivers Units 3, 4 and 5 plus a gatehouse for Unit 5 and associated infrastructure.
There will also be wildflower and woodland planting which will help screen the complex as well as increase biodiversity on the site.
Councillor Mike Shirley, Blaby District Council portfolio holder for planning and strategic growth, said: “This application sets out the development of the Enderby Hub, proposing high quality warehousing in an area allocated for employment use in our current Local Plan.
“While we recognise there has been public concern about the development the location, close to existing successful business parks and near to the motorway network, make it an important strategic site. It will help meet our need to provide employment sites and create a wealth of jobs.”
Time Out: Tammy Pell, marketing & events coordinator, Bell of Northampton
It’s Friday, and the weekend is just around the corner. That means it is time to kick up your feet and relax with some quick fire questions. This ‘Time Out’ features Tammy Pell, marketing & events coordinator at Bell of Northampton, who it turns out has a secret talent for beekeeping!
What is the first thing you do to get the weekend started?
I’m up early, have some breakfast, and head to the gym for an 8:15 weightlifting class! It sets me up for the day and makes me feel ready for anything… including a nap in the afternoon if I’m lucky!
What is your hobby?
I’ve got a few, but my top two are cooking and dancing. Often at the same time! I’m usually found dancing around the kitchen while I cook.
What is your favourite movie?
That’s a tough one but The Shawshank Redemption has to be number one.
If you hadn’t been successful at what you do, what would you be doing instead as a career?
Something to do with baking or cooking, I think. Maybe running a series of workshops. When I was younger, I used to pretend I was Delia Smith on TV (my mum adored her).
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
I’d love to be invisible! Imagine the fun you could have with that.
What is your secret talent?
I’m a beekeeper. I love everything about bees, especially their honey! I’ve only been doing it for 18 months, but I really enjoy playing a part in the natural cycle of the bee and the positive impact they have on the environment.
What is your favourite genre of music?
It depends on my mood! I love everything from rock ’n’ roll to Erasure.
If you could travel to any moment in time, where would you go?
I’d go back to my mum’s 70th birthday party. We organised a surprise afternoon tea for around 50 of her closest friends and family in our local church hall, completely transforming the space. It was such a happy, joyous day, and seeing how thrilled she was made it so special.
New networking grant for Nottinghamshire’s creative and digital sector
Create Growth N2 (CGN2) has launched a new Nottingham & Nottinghamshire Networking Grant Scheme to strengthen the region’s creative, digital and creative technology (CDI) sector.
The scheme provides one-off funding for small-scale events and activities that foster collaboration, knowledge-sharing and growth. Two funding options are available: the Small Grant – up to £500 per project application, and the Large Grant – up to £1,000 per project application.
Eligible organisations include local businesses, social enterprises, local authorities, nonprofits and business network groups based in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire that have been operating for at least six months.
It forms part of CGN2’s ambition to leave a lasting legacy for the CDI sector, building a thriving ecosystem and helping attract future regional and national support and investment beyond the programme’s end in March 2026.
Councillor Linda Woodings, executive member for regional development, growth and transport, said: “Nottingham and Nottinghamshire has always enjoyed a rich history of creativity and innovation, and we recognise that success often comes from people interacting and sharing ideas.
“The scheme will help us build a stronger community of creatives across the city and county which will no doubt lead to future recognition, investment and success.”
Applications are open until Friday 30 January 2026, with all supported activity to be completed by Friday 27 February 2026. A full summary of the grant criteria, application guidance and the application form can be found on the dedicated CGN2 website.
Alongside the grant, CGN2 continues to offer free business support and events across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire – including expert-led workshops, one-to-one advice, innovation programmes and investment readiness support.
Funded by the Department for Culture, Media & Sport, CGN2 is delivered in partnership with the University of Nottingham, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham City Council, Nottinghamshire County Council, NBV Enterprise Solutions, Invest in Nottingham and Innovate UK.
