LATEST ARTICLES

Private equity investor backs Leicester financial advisory group

August Equity has invested in Superbia, a financial advisory group headquartered in Leicester. The investment, made alongside the existing management team, marks the first institutional equity capital into the business since its formation. Founded in 2019 and led by CEO Stefan Fura, Superbia provides independent financial advice to over 2,500 clients across the UK. The business brings together financial advice, discretionary fund management (DFM), and in-house investment solutions under one group. The investment will support Superbia’s growth strategy, accelerating both organic expansion and targeted acquisitions to broaden its national footprint and enhance its client proposition. Stefan Fura, CEO of Superbia Group, said: “We’ve built Superbia with a clear mission: to provide expert financial advice that empowers clients to live the lives they want – while also doing the right thing by our people and communities. “Partnering with August Equity marks a pivotal step in our journey. Their experience, network and cultural alignment make them the ideal partner to help us accelerate our growth, expand our national presence, and continue delivering first-class outcomes for our clients. We are excited about what the future holds.” Kishan Chotai, partner at August Equity, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Superbia. We have been searching for the right platform in the IFA space for the last two years and were incredibly impressed from our first meeting with Stefan with the vertically integrated business that he and the team have created – providing high quality financial advice to clients through alongside their own investment proposition and platform. “At August, we have a long-standing history of investing in businesses that provide regulated services to clients and our investment will allow Superbia to expand its impressive financial advisory model into new geographies throughout the UK.”

Derby healthcare services provider enters administration

Totally, the Derby-based provider of healthcare and wellbeing services, has entered administration after a strategic review failed to produce any solvent offers for the business.

Tim Vance and Sam Woodward of EY have been appointed as joint administrators of the company, following which each of the company’s directors have resigned.

Following the appointment, the company has completed the disposal of its Elective Care and Corporate Wellbeing subsidiaries, and the business and assets of the Urgent Care division to PHL Group. This transaction will see the continued and uninterrupted provision of all services previously delivered by Totally.

PHL Group operates a wide range of services across the UK and internationally, including Integrated Urgent Care, Urgent Treatment Centres, Surgical Insourcing, Custody Healthcare, ADHD services and General Practice.

Derby Market Hall opens doors to short-term and permanent trading opportunities

Derby Market Hall, recently reopened following a £35.1 million refurbishment, is now accepting applications from short-term pop-up and permanent traders looking to establish a presence in the city centre. The Grade II-listed venue, which attracted over 34,500 visitors during its first three days, has positioned itself as a high-footfall retail and cultural destination.

A new booking platform has been launched for pop-up stallholders. These short-term pitches, centrally located and targeted at local creatives and independents, are designed to offer flexible access to a growing customer base.

Alongside the pop-up initiative, Derby Market Hall is actively recruiting permanent traders to build a diverse and dynamic marketplace. Since reopening, the venue has received 46 expressions of interest for long-term occupancy, underlining renewed commercial interest in the site.

The relaunch of the Market Hall forms part of Derby’s broader strategy to revitalise the city centre economy through heritage-led regeneration and support for local enterprise. Interested businesses can apply via the Market Hall’s dedicated platforms for either pop-up or permanent spaces.

Business decision-makers ‘paralysed’ by volatile risk landscape warns report

Business decision-makers are becoming ‘paralysed’ by constant crisis and their excessive caution is limiting growth opportunities, a new report from accountancy and business advisory firm BDO has warned. In total, 84% of international business leaders surveyed as part of BDO’s annual Global Risk Landscape Report 2025 said the global risk landscape is now, more than ever, defined by crisis. In response, executives are taking a much more defensive approach, with more than two thirds (69%) saying their companies are either ‘risk averse’ or ‘risk minimising’, a rise from 61% last year. Only 7% of executives said their risk management was ‘very proactive’, down from 19% in 2024 and 29% 2023. The report found that top six risks keeping business leaders up at night were regulatory risk, concerns over supply chains, recruiting and retaining talent, geopolitical tensions, environmental issues and cybercrime. While regulators are demanding ever-more information about risks, some executives (39%) agreed that this had a positive impact in helping to make companies safer, but a larger proportion (57%) said regulatory demands were only ‘somewhat’ helpful in reducing company risk profiles. However, CEOs surveyed were critical of compliance overspend, suggesting that current risk management strategies are failing to deliver value. Alisa Voznaya, partner and head of risk consulting at BDO, said: “The risk landscape for businesses has been in flux for more than a decade and shows no sign of stabilising. “Faced with this relentless volatility, some business leaders are being too hesitant to take decisions and paralysed by the fear of what could go wrong. But this safety-first approach means businesses are missing out on opportunities and limiting their growth prospects. “Part of the problem is that businesses are increasingly taking a compliance-led approach to risk, with a box-ticking mentality distracting from the management of actual risks. “Many would do well to adopt a more proactive approach, engaging in regular scenario planning and anticipating the things that could go wrong so they can start to identify opportunities. Businesses shouldn’t lose sight of the fact that there can be competitive gains to be made from responding positively to challenging circumstances.”

Trainline joins government-backed rail tech trials

Trainline has been named as a technology provider for upcoming UK trials of digital pay-as-you-go (PAYG) rail systems, overseen by the Rail Delivery Group. The nine-month pilot projects will roll out between September and November across the Northern Rail and East Midlands Railway networks.

As part of the trials, Trainline will implement a geolocation-based, real-time fare system through its mobile app, showcasing its capability to support seamless PAYG travel. The initiative aligns with the government’s broader rail reform agenda and is viewed as a testbed for scalable national deployment.

For stakeholders in transport and mobility, the trials represent a notable shift towards digital ticketing infrastructure with potential procurement and integration opportunities for private-sector tech partners. This pilot also reinforces Trainline’s low-capex model in a live operational setting.

Following the announcement, Trainline shares rose nearly 1%, reflecting positive investor sentiment on its strategic positioning in the evolving UK rail ecosystem.

Wavensmere sells £11.6m of off-plan houses in Derby – over two years before completion

Wavensmere Homes has sold 40 off-plan houses to a club of existing customers who have already purchased two or more of its homes. With a total value of £11.6m, the two- and three-bedroom homes located in Derby will be build complete from Q3 2027. James Dickens, managing director of Wavensmere Homes, said: “Our inaugural Clique event has exceeded all our expectations. “We invited our loyal customers to socialise with the team and each other at an information evening, where they had preferential access to a limited release of 40 plots. Before the event ended, these two- and three-bedroom houses were assigned to purchasers – over two years before they will be build complete. “While the buy to let market is not without its challenges, investing in quality homes off-plan in well-located developments that offer a range of amenities can reap significant dividends. “Clique members have already been through the investment journey on other Wavensmere developments. They are benefitting from attractive yields and the pick of a pool of aspirational tenants. “These people keep in touch with us, follow planning updates, share our excitement for upcoming development launches, and enthusiastically ask for first dibs. The Clique concept was inspired by them as a way of formalising the gratitude we have for our repeat customers.” Wavensmere provides Clique members with a dedicated sales relationship manager, access to exclusive mortgage products, and tenant benefits from the point of completion. Wavensmere Homes is highly active across Derby, with its £175m Nightingale Quarter development in the final phase of being transformed into a new community, including over 900 houses and apartments. In autumn 2024, Wavensmere commenced work on site to regenerate and redevelop Friar Gate Goods Yard in Derby city centre, with 276 houses and apartments to be available for occupation from 2026, together with commercial opportunities. At the start of this year, the housebuilder also commenced construction work at the £22m redevelopment of Milford Mills, which overlooks the River Derwent, located between Belper and Duffield in north Derbyshire. 69 new homes are being delivered on the historic site, which is within the Derwent Valley Mills UNESCO World Heritage Site. Additionally, pre-construction work is well underway at Cathedral One, within Derby’s newly revitalised Cathedral Quarter, where 195 studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments will be delivered.

East Midlands business confidence hits 2025 high

Steadying economic conditions and softening inflationary pressures are giving East Midlands firms reasons for confidence, according to the latest NatWest Regional Growth Tracker. The headline NatWest East Midlands Business Activity Index rose to 49.3 in May from 47.5 in April. Although the reading represented a fifth successive monthly fall in output, the latest reduction was only slight and the weakest since January. Where output decreased, panellists generally linked this to subdued demand conditions and falling new orders. Although companies in the East Midlands continued to scale back their workforce numbers solidly during May, the latest reduction was the least pronounced since last November. A number of respondents indicated that they had been reluctant to replace departing staff, in some cases due to cost considerations. That said, other firms had opted to hire additional workers during the month, limiting the overall pace of job cuts. After dropping to a 28-month low in April, business confidence rebounded in May and was the strongest in the year-to-date. In fact, sentiment in the East Midlands was the third-highest of the 12 monitored regions and nations, behind only the West Midlands and North West. The pace of input cost inflation eased in May, but remained sharp and was above the series average. Respondents again mainly linked higher input prices to rises in the National Minimum Wage and employer National Insurance contributions. Sebastian Burnside, NatWest chief economist, said: “While companies in the East Midlands continued to face a challenging demand environment in May, there were some signs in the latest Growth Tracker of light at the end of the tunnel. “Business activity moved closer to stabilisation and confidence in the future rebounded. Companies subsequently moderated the pace at which they scaled back their workforce numbers. “While firms again reported the inflationary impact of recent labour market policy changes, rates of inflation of both input costs and output prices both softened in May, providing some respite for companies and customers alike and adding to signs that the worst of the recent soft-patch may have passed.”

Phase one completes at Castle Donington business park

All units in phase one at Stud Brook Business Park have now achieved practical completion, and have been officially handed over to their new occupiers. Industry leaders including Argon Medical, Bucher Municipal, Unilode, and Shawpak are either fully operational or finalising their fit outs, with plans to be fully operational by summer 2025. Phase one features a range of industrial and distribution units from 8,500 to 30,000 sq ft. Delivered on time and in line with a tight construction programme, the development overcame several challenges. Duncan Paterson, contracts manager at TanRo, said: “Stud Brook was a logistically and technically complex scheme, located adjacent to an ongoing residential development and East Midlands Airport. Working under strict working-at-height restrictions presented significant challenges, but our team rose to the challenge. “None of this would have been possible without the dedication and expertise of our on-site team. We also extend our gratitude to our subcontractors, who overcame every challenge with professionalism and delivered excellent results throughout. “We are proud to have successfully delivered another major project for our client, Clowes Developments, on programme and to the exceptional standards they rightly expect.” The project delivery was supported by IMA Architects, Millward Consulting Engineers, Geldards LLP, and Postins Project Services. Meanwhile, Roe Developments has commenced construction of Units 1B to 1F, which will comprise five new trade counter units, ranging from 3,229 to 4,606 sq ft. The units will wrap around the now fully operational Starbucks Drive-Thru, located prominently at the front of the park. Plot 1 also neighbours the newly opened Sainsbury’s Local, offering added convenience and footfall for future occupiers. Several tenants are already lined up, with announcements expected soon. James Richards, director, Clowes Developments, said: “With household names like Starbucks and Sainsbury’s on site and prominent industrial occupiers such as Unilode, Argon Medical, Bucher Municipal, and Shawpak, Stud Brook is quickly becoming a vibrant commercial destination. We’re proud of what’s been achieved and excited about what’s still to come.” Richard Sutton, director at NG Chartered Surveyors, said: “Stud Brook Business Park is another great example of what Clowes Developments does best. Its success comes down to a prime location, high-quality sustainable buildings, and a well-thought-out mix of amenities. With only three units remaining at completion, it’s clear the market has responded strongly. “The addition of Sainsbury’s Local and Starbucks has been a real plus, making the park even more attractive for businesses and their staff. Future phases will build on this, adding more retail and trade counter units to serve the growing community. “Quite simply, the quality of what Clowes delivers, and the way they support their occupiers, is second to none.”

Nadine Peatfield, Leader of Derby City Council, revealed as keynote speaker for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025

The keynote speaker for this year’s East Midlands Bricks Awards, taking place on Thursday 2nd October at Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, can now be revealed. Councillor Nadine Peatfield is the Leader of Derby City Council and Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Strategy and Policy, as well as Deputy Mayor of the East Midlands. Speaking with Business Link, Councillor Nadine Peatfield said: “2025 is a landmark year for Derby. We’re not just planning, we’re actively building a vibrant and welcoming city for everyone to enjoy. This vision has been brought to life thanks to the crucial partnerships with our talented development partners. “The East Midlands Bricks Awards is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the exceptional skills and expertise within our region’s property and construction sector, and I’m very excited to see their achievements recognised.” Celebrating the property and construction industry, the East Midlands Bricks Awards showcase the outstanding work of those shaping the landscape of our region, recognising development projects and people in commercial and public building – from offices, industrial and residential, through to community projects such as leisure schemes, schools and public spaces. We also highlight the work of architects, agencies and those behind large schemes. Nominations are now OPEN for East Midlands Business Link’s 10th annual Bricks Awards. Entering the awards is completely free and 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 nominate your (or another) business/development for one of our awards, please click on a category link below or visit this page. 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.

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. Tickets can now be booked for the 2025 awards event, click here to secure yours. Taking place in the Derek Randall Suite at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground on Thursday 2nd October from 4:30pm – 7:30pm, connect with local decision makers over nibbles and complimentary drinks while applauding the outstanding companies and projects in our region. Dress code is 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.

Nottinghamshire NHS lands £2.6m to upgrade hospital infrastructure

Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has secured £2.6 million in government funding to address high-risk maintenance issues and modernise critical hospital infrastructure across five of its sites.

The funding, drawn from the Government’s Critical Infrastructure Risk (CIR) capital programme, will go towards essential upgrades at Rampton Hospital, Wathwood Hospital, Arnold Lodge Hospital, The Wells Road Centre, and Thorneywood Mount. All five facilities are specialist mental health hospitals, providing varying levels of secure care to patients across the Midlands and South Yorkshire.

Work will focus on replacing or upgrading ageing systems tied to fire safety, water and energy infrastructure, and electrical networks. At Rampton, a full-scale overhaul of fire alarms and suppression systems is planned. At The Wells Road Centre, the outdated mechanical plant will be replaced to improve reliability and energy performance. Arnold Lodge will see major improvements to its electrical and energy systems, contributing to the Trust’s wider Net Zero targets.

The projects are part of the Trust’s long-term Estates Strategy and Green Plan, which aims to create safer, greener, and more resilient healthcare environments. Works begin this summer and will be phased through to spring 2026 to minimise disruption to services.