Stapleford to get new £236k skatepark

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Stapleford to get new £236k skatepark

Stapleford is set to receive a £236,000 skatepark at Pasture Road Recreation Ground, following two years of consultation, community engagement and fundraising. The project has secured a £100,000 grant from the FCC Communities Foundation and is supported by the Government’s £21.1 million Stapleford Towns Fund. Additional funding came from a Crowdfunder UK campaign, match-funded by Sport England, which received donations from 202 local residents.

The skatepark has been designed with input from young people, local skateboard organisations and specialist designers to accommodate BMX and skateboarding of all skill levels. The layout incorporates street obstacles, ramps, ledges and rails, with features informed by research into female participation and accessible design. Facilities will be inclusive of differently-abled and neuro-diverse users, with dedicated programmes and equipment provided through Broxtowe Borough Council.

Broxtowe Borough Council plans to run free coached sessions, women-only sessions, arts workshops, and life-skills programmes linked to skateboarding culture. The skatepark replaces the previous Hickings Lane facility, which was removed in 2022. Construction is expected to begin following final approvals, with the facility designed for long-term use and community engagement.

The project reflects a combination of local initiative, grant funding, and strategic investment from multiple public and charitable sources to enhance recreational infrastructure in Stapleford.

East Midlands electronics firm saved through pre-pack acquisition

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East Midlands electronics firm saved through pre-pack acquisition

An East Midlands electronics manufacturer and distributor, specialising in television antennas for the caravan, motorhome and marine sectors, has been acquired following administration. Grade (UK) Limited, trading as Vision Plus, entered administration in August 2025 after several years of declining sales and challenging market conditions in the recreational vehicle sector.

The company recorded a 25 per cent drop in sales in 2024, followed by a further 25 per cent decline in the first quarter of 2025. Increasing competition and changing consumer preferences compounded the business’s difficulties, despite investment in Wi-Fi-enabled antenna technology.

Joint administrators secured a pre-pack sale of Vision Plus to an unrelated buyer, aiming to maintain business continuity, preserve jobs, and maximise returns for creditors.

Financial filings for the year ending December 31 2023, show Grade (UK) Limited held fixed assets of £1.1 million and current assets of around £1.2 million, resulting in net assets just under £2.1 million.

Pre-pack acquisitions remain a common mechanism for rescuing companies, though regulatory scrutiny has tightened, particularly for sales involving connected parties.

Peak District National Park faces funding shortfall and potential staffing changes

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Peak District National Park faces funding shortfall and potential staffing changes

The Peak District National Park Authority is preparing for reduced government funding by gauging staff interest in voluntary redundancy and shorter working hours. The authority receives £6.67 million annually from Defra, with the current three-year funding arrangement ending this financial year.

The organisation employs roughly 280 people, including rangers, ecologists, and archaeologists. Over the last decade, government support has fallen by half in real terms while operational costs have risen. Pressures include wildfire management, visitor safety, and parking enforcement.

Plans are under review to increase revenue, including proposals for visitor charges. No staffing decisions will be made until future government funding is confirmed.

Defra has committed an additional £15 million to national parks alongside up to £400 million annually for nature restoration. The department is collaborating with authorities to secure additional funding and promote innovative operational models.

The authority is undergoing a broader organisational restructure to align costs with anticipated budgets.

V Formation expands digital marketing capability

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V Formation expands digital marketing capability

V Formation has strengthened its digital marketing team with the appointment of Gabriel Crow. Crow, a Durham University graduate, brings over four years of in-house marketing experience covering SEO, paid social campaigns, analytics, conversion rate optimisation, and UX testing.

He is skilled in tools, including Semrush and Google Analytics, alongside PPC management, web development, design, and data presentation. Crow will work across client projects while contributing to internal process improvements.

The Nottingham-based agency continues to broaden its digital offering to support a diverse client portfolio across multiple sectors.

East Midlands businesses face pressure as GDP stalls

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East Midlands businesses face pressure as GDP stalls

The UK economy recorded zero growth in July, according to the Office for National Statistics, prompting concern among East Midlands businesses. The region’s firms continue to navigate rising costs, with higher employer National Insurance contributions, an increased national living wage, and inflation reaching 3.8% last month.

Data from the East Midlands Chamber’s Quarterly Economic Survey shows fragile confidence, with only three in ten businesses expecting higher profits over the next year. Inflation and corporate taxation remain the primary concerns, reflecting the challenging trading environment.

The Chamber has highlighted the potential impact of upcoming legislation, urging changes to the Employment Rights Bill to reduce administrative burdens and associated costs for companies. Firms are seeking clarity and support ahead of the Autumn Budget on 26 November, stressing the importance of avoiding additional tax pressures.

Businesses in the region are contending with sustained operational and financial strain, and the latest GDP figures underscore the need for policy measures that prioritise firm resilience and cost management.

East Midlands manufacturers see weak start to second half of the year

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East Midlands manufacturers see weak start to second half of the year
East Midlands manufacturers have seen a weak start to the second half of the year with output and orders turning negative, while recruitment intentions continue to suffer from the increase in National Insurance Contributions. According to the Make UK/BDO Q3 Manufacturing Outlook survey, output and orders in the third quarter came in at a balance of -6% and -17% while the balance on recruitment intentions was similarly negative at -6%. The one bright spot for the region was an increase in investment intentions, albeit quite weak, to a balance of +6%. The survey also showed the United States has recovered its position as the second most favoured market for growth prospects, having dropped out of the top three global blocs in Q2 for the first time in the history of the survey in response to tariff uncertainty earlier in the year. However, the survey also shows that almost three quarters of companies (70%) expect  further increases in business tax in the forthcoming Budget at a time when a similar number (68%) have said their costs have already increased more than expected in the last six months. As a result, more than half of companies (58%) have already raised prices this year, while a similar number (53%) intend to do so in the next six months highlighting that inflationary pressures for manufacturers remain in the pipeline. Looking forward, growth forecasts for the sector remain weak with output still forecast to fall by -0.1% this year and -0.6% in 2026. Chris Corkan, region director of Make UK in the Midlands, said: “Conditions remain challenging in the face of considerable uncertainty in global markets and this is translating into continued weak trading for East Midlands manufacturers. “Unfortunately, with UK and European markets in particular remaining anaemic it wouldn’t take much to knock prospects for further growth. It’s therefore essential that Government unlocks every policy in its armoury to try and boost the domestic economy at the very least.” Chris Cole, head of manufacturing at BDO in the East Midlands, added: “In what has been a relentless year these latest findings are a further concern for the manufacturing sector in the East Midlands. “The government identified the East Midlands as a region with significant manufacturing growth potential in its Industrial Strategy; as the Budget looms it’s vital the government seizes this opportunity to prove their commitment to the sector and to the promises made for regional growth.”

Studio sound without leaving the office: LikeMind Media launches Podcast Studio To You

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

Nottingham College opens new engineering and electrical centre

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Nottingham College opens new engineering and electrical centre

Nottingham College has launched a new Engineering and Electrical Centre at its Ruddington campus to address the growing demand for skilled engineers in manufacturing, electrical installation, and renewable energy. The facility is designed to strengthen apprenticeships and provide industry-aligned technical training.

The Centre complements Emtec, the college’s existing specialist automotive training facility, and features four purpose-built classrooms, a fully equipped engineering workshop with CNC machining, advanced welding bays, and a testing laboratory. Its electrical workshop includes 20 individual workstations, panel wiring stations, and sustainable energy systems to reflect current industry standards.

The Centre can accommodate up to 150 engineering apprentices and 160 electrical apprentices each year. Training is designed to provide hands-on experience with modern and traditional techniques in environments that mirror current workplace conditions. The facility was developed in collaboration with regional and national employers, including Make UK, CEMA, Charnvel, Actemium ICP, McCanns, Reckitt, and Blackburn Starling, ensuring curriculum and equipment are aligned with industry needs.

The opening on 10 September was attended by business representatives and highlighted the Centre’s role in preparing the workforce for evolving engineering and electrical sectors. The initiative positions Nottingham College as a regional hub for technical education while supporting businesses in developing a pipeline of skilled professionals for the future.

New supported housing for rough sleepers takes Framework’s investment in Lincoln to £10m

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New supported housing for rough sleepers takes Framework’s investment in Lincoln to £10m
New high quality accommodation in Lincoln for people with a history of rough sleeping has been opened by homelessness charity Framework. The purpose-built Sincil House on Lincoln High Street includes 15 self-contained flats for residents who will be able to access tailored and comprehensive support to help them rebuild their lives. Staff will be onsite 24/7 to provide support to vulnerable people with complex needs, helping them to regain stability, achieve independence, engage with the community and improve their quality of life. Cllr Naomi Tweddle, leader of the City of Lincoln Council, cut the ribbon at the official opening with Framework’s chief executive Andrew Redfern and deputy chief executive Claire McGonigle welcoming the new provision which takes the charity’s total investment in accommodation for homeless people in Lincoln to just under £10m. Cllr Naomi Tweddle said: “We are delighted with this latest investment in the City by Framework. The service will complement existing provision for homeless people and rough sleepers in Lincoln, to ease pressure on the system. It will provide tailored and comprehensive support to help its residents regain stability, improve their quality of life, regain independence and engage with the community.” Framework CEO Andrew Redfern said: “The development of Sincil House is the latest evidence of Framework’s long-term commitment to increase the quantity and improve the quality of accommodation for homeless people across Lincolnshire. Sincil House provides good quality, self-contained supported accommodation for homeless men and women from the Lincoln area. “This new accommodation service will be Framework’s fifth major capital investment in Lincoln. It brings Framework’s investment in the city to more than £9.6m and means that Framework can accommodate more than 100 homeless people across Lincoln at any one time. “We are most grateful to the City of Lincoln Council with whom we have worked productively for many years. This £2.65m project has been developed in partnership with the Council who helped us obtain the site and also to obtain funding from the national Single Homelessness Accommodation Programme (SHAP). “In addition to capital support this includes funding to run the service for the first two years. Framework itself contributed £950,000 to supplement the government’s £1.7m capital grant.” The Gelder Group was awarded the contract to carry out the purpose-built construction. Gelder Group CEO Steve Gelder said: “It has been a pleasure to deliver our first development for Framework, an organisation that makes a real difference to those in need of support. “The site was once home to the Golden Cross pub, a well-known spot for Lincoln City Football Club supporters, so it’s no surprise the project has attracted a great deal of local interest. This new development continues that tradition of serving the community, and we’re proud of the quality and care that has gone into bringing it to life.”

Papa Johns boosts UK operations with East Midlands IT upgrade

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Papa Johns boosts UK operations with East Midlands IT upgrade

Papa Johns has upgraded its IT infrastructure across more than 400 UK stores with the help of Nottingham-based Retail Assist and Derby-headquartered Barron McCann. The initiative targets system reliability and reduces operational disruption caused by technical failures.

Retail Assist manages the central helpdesk, operating daily from 9am to midnight, while Barron McCann provides on-site engineering support with a four-hour response for critical incidents. The combined model has reduced downtime and improved operational continuity across the chain.

The technology overhaul also offers enhanced data visibility, allowing Papa Johns to monitor store performance, track support trends, and identify potential issues before they escalate. This insight supports strategic decision-making, resource allocation, and maintenance scheduling.

The collaboration builds on a 15-year partnership between the two firms, which was strengthened in 2024 with the acquisition of Retail Assist by Barron McCann. The integration positions the group as a leading provider of IT and engineering solutions for the retail, hospitality, and leisure sectors.

Papa Johns plans to leverage the improved infrastructure to maintain consistency, quality, and convenience across its UK operations. At the same time, the partnership provides a scalable model for ongoing technical support and operational efficiency.

UK economy showed no growth in July

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UK economy showed no growth in July
The UK economy stood stagnant in July, according to new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). GDP (gross domestic product), a key measure of economy growth, is estimated to have shown no growth for the month, following an uptick of 0.4% in June and a fall of 0.1% in May. It reflects, across key sectors, services and construction both growing in July, by 0.1% and 0.2% respectively, while production fell by 0.9%. For the three months to July, however, GDP grew by 0.2%. Ben Jones, CBI lead economist, said: “The sunshine may have lifted consumers in July, but the broader economy stayed stuck in the shade. Growth was uneven across sectors, highlighting that underlying demand remains more fragile. “Speculation about new business taxes is casting a long shadow. Amid rising cost pressures, firms are already holding back on hiring and investment and are wary of weeks more Budget uncertainty. “The government cannot tax its way to growth and continue to raid corporate coffers. With the Autumn Budget fast approaching, the Chancellor must deliver a decisive, pro-growth package by committing to serious tax reform. It’s the structure of our system – from punitive business rates to the restrictive VAT threshold and stamp duty – that holds back economic progress, not just the rates themselves.”
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