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£1bn investment for Northamptonshire’s AI industry

Tess Egginton
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£1bn investment for Northamptonshire’s AI industry
A £1bn investment in Northamptonshire has been welcomed by Professor Anne-Marie Kilday, Vice Chancellor of University of Northampton (UON), as she calls on local businesses and partners to be prepared to capitalise on the investment. As part of the overall £31bn investment in Artificial Intelligence (AI) from major US firms, £1bn will be invested in Northamptonshire to boost the county’s AI capacity. The investment is from the UK-based company AI Pathfinder. Their mission is to ramp up sovereign AI through super-computing capacity at factories in the UK, with the company’s first operations coming to their Northamptonshire site in 2025. UON’s Professor Anne Marie Kilday said: “This investment will be one of the largest the county has ever seen and we need to be ready to capture and harness the money and innovation coming into Northamptonshire. “Working alongside our local businesses and partners we want to seize these opportunities and build on the contributions of the University to our local economy and community. “There is no reason that Northamptonshire cannot be at the forefront of the AI and quantum computing revolutions and with the University’s strategic initiatives around automation/AI, research and degrees on offer, we are ready to play our part.” The Government has said the Tech Prosperity Deal announced on 17 September is focused on developing the fastest growing technologies like AI, quantum computing, and nuclear energy. In addition to generating high quality jobs in UK and US communities, the aims of the investment are to nurture new healthcare breakthroughs, boost clean homegrown energy and put the UK at the forefront of the current industrial revolution.

Northampton Town partners with NexGen Business Finance

April Lara
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Northampton Town partners with NexGen Business Finance

Northampton Town Football Club has entered a partnership with NexGen Business Finance, making the finance company an official club partner.

NexGen provides tailored business finance solutions, including asset finance, commercial loans, and asset refinancing, drawing on a network of more than 95 lenders. The company supports businesses ranging from early-stage ventures to established organisations, aiming to simplify access to funding.

The collaboration will focus on connecting with local businesses and promoting growth within the community. Northampton Town intends to leverage the partnership to strengthen ties with regional enterprises while aligning with the club’s wider commercial and community objectives.

The agreement highlights shared priorities around business development, community engagement, and fostering long-term relationships, with both parties anticipating benefits that extend beyond football. The partnership will be active throughout the upcoming season, supporting initiatives both on and off the pitch.

AI data centre to handle advanced healthcare workloads

April Lara
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AI data centre to handle advanced healthcare workloads

A new AI data centre is set to open in Chelveston, Northamptonshire, focusing on complex healthcare and logistics applications. Work on the facility is scheduled to start in December. The project is part of a wider plan to develop 2GW of supercomputing capacity across the UK.

The development aligns with recent government initiatives to strengthen AI research and drug discovery, including a £31bn agreement with US technology firms. AI Pathfinder, the company behind the project, operates multiple sites in the UK and has experience managing complex technology projects.

Separately, US logistics firm Prologis will invest over £900m to expand the Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal. The expansion aims to increase national rail freight capacity, reduce road transport reliance, and support job creation.

Skills investment key to Lincolnshire food sector growth

April Lara
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Skills investment key to Lincolnshire food sector growth

Leaders in Lincolnshire’s agrifood industry have called for targeted skills development to support the sector’s long-term growth. The region’s farming and food industry employs more than 75,000 people and remains a significant contributor to the local economy.

At the latest meeting of the Greater Lincolnshire Forum for Agriculture and Horticulture, attendees reviewed workforce, skills, and productivity needs. The discussion highlighted Lincolnshire’s relatively high productivity compared with other areas, alongside challenges including an ageing workforce, recruitment difficulties in specialised roles, and gaps in emerging skills areas.

Forum members stressed the importance of upskilling existing employees to adopt new technologies and modern business practices. Attracting younger workers through clearer career pathways, strengthening business, financial, and IT skills, and expanding farmer-led mentoring and knowledge exchange initiatives were identified as priorities.

The meeting also examined the potential of technology adoption, including AI and robotics, noting that a lack of confidence, training, and knowledge limits progress. Collaborative learning and sector knowledge clusters were highlighted as effective tools to boost productivity and retain talent, with evidence suggesting collaboration can increase farm productivity by up to 13 per cent.

The Greater Lincolnshire Forum for Agriculture and Horticulture meets quarterly and brings together representatives from farms, sector bodies, training providers, and support services. Lincolnshire County Council supports its operations, and it continues to advocate for local funding to strengthen the region’s agrifood workforce.

Chesterfield Market traders welcome completion of major regeneration work

Tess Egginton
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0
Chesterfield Market traders welcome completion of major regeneration work
Chesterfield Market traders are celebrating the completion of major regeneration work to revitalise the main square. The transformation has delivered a welcoming space, featuring new feature paving, restored historic cobbles, bespoke market stalls with traditional coverings, upgraded facilities, and stylish street furniture. These improvements create an inviting environment where visitors can shop, relax, and enjoy the heart of Chesterfield. The redesigned layout offers wider, more open avenues for shoppers to explore, along with a new central flexible space designed to host a variety of events throughout the year. It is the first major area to be completed as part of Chesterfield Borough Council’s multi-million pound Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project. The first full day of trading in Market Place took place on Thursday (18 September). Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “This is the start of a new chapter for our town centre, with the historic market at its heart. The improvements we’ve made will ensure we can attract great traders and more customers to Chesterfield for many years to come. “We have one of the finest and oldest markets in the country and some of the most reasonable stall prices too. This coupled with a range of town centre events and activities will help draw to crowds in. “There is still more work to be done across the town centre and the next phase of works in New Square will see that area completely transformed to create a flexible events space that can support markets on busy days like during our flea market but can also be used to support community events, festivals and much more.” The works have been carried out on behalf of the council by Thomas Bow. John Allen, construction director at Thomas Bow, said: “We are delighted to have completed phase two of this important project for Chesterfield. It has been a privilege to work collaboratively alongside the council and local traders to help create a space that the whole community can be proud of whilst maintaining access to the key area of the town. “In addition to our work in the market place we have made a positive impact in the local communities through our social value programme alongside this scheme. We look forward to continuing this successful project into phase three.” The next major phase of the market squares transformation is now underway, with the contractor working on the lower half of New Square behind the Market Hall. This will see New Square transformed into a flexible events space that can support traditional markets on busy trading days but also host community events, festivals and more. Work in New Square is set to fully completed in Spring 2026. Regeneration work is also ongoing in Rykneld Square where a greener space is being created that will provide views of the iconic Crooked Spire. A future phase of the town centre regeneration project will focus on the transformation of Corporation Street to provide an enhanced welcome to the town centre for visitors and complement the ongoing refurbishment of Stephenson Memorial Hall, home to the Pomegranate Theatre and Chesterfield Museum. This work is expected to be completed in time for the building reopening in 2026.

Time Out: Scott Norville, Managing Director, Silverstone Leasing

Tess Egginton
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Time Out: Scott Norville, Managing Director, Silverstone Leasing
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 Scott Norville, Managing Director at Silverstone Leasing, who it turns out is quite the drummer! What is the first thing you do to get the weekend started? Take my two sons to football & Taekwondo. What is your hobby? Taekwondo. What is your favourite movie? Top Gun. If you hadn’t been successful at what you do, what would you be doing instead as a career? If I hadn’t been doing this, I’d probably be sat in a studio somewhere pretending to be a graphic designer – that’s what I’m technically qualified in! But fell into car sales at 17. I don’t really see what I do now as success, just a lot of hard graft, late nights, and figuring it out as I go. If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Time travel. What is your secret talent? Playing the drums; I’m no Ringo Star, but I can bash out some Guns N’ Roses. What is your favourite genre of music? This may surprise many, but I love anything from UK rap (Central Cee, in particular) to country music (Darius Rucker, whom I am seeing in Birmingham next month) and anything in between. Depends on the mood. If you could travel to any moment in time, where would you go? To spend a day with my Grandad, who passed away some years ago.

Major investment approved for north Nottinghamshire roads

April Lara
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Major investment approved for north Nottinghamshire roads

A £41.5m scheme to upgrade the A614 and A6097 in north Nottinghamshire has secured government and local backing, clearing the way for work to begin in January next year.

The Department for Transport (DfT) will contribute £31.5m through its Major Road Network Programme. The East Midlands Combined County Authority will provide £7.5m from Transport to City Regions funding, while Nottinghamshire County Council will invest the remaining £10m.

The project targets congestion at key junctions in Lowdham, Ollerton, Blidworth, Edwinstowe, and surrounding areas. Planned improvements include widening the approach to Ollerton Roundabout, adding a third lane on the A612 at Lowdham Roundabout, relining White Post Roundabout, and simplifying the Warren Hill junction by extending the merge lane.

Officials highlight the upgrades as a catalyst for faster journeys, better bus reliability, and wider economic benefits. The scheme is being coordinated alongside new housing and regional growth plans, aiming to support local communities and businesses by improving transport efficiency and connectivity.

Midlands to benefit from over £900m of US investment

Tess Egginton
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0
Midlands to benefit from over £900m of US investment
Businesses across the Midlands are set to benefit from over £900 million of US investment announced during the President’s State Visit, reinforcing the region’s role in advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and logistics. Prologis has announced ambitions to invest more than £900 million to expand Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal, the UK’s largest inland freight hub. This major investment will boost national rail freight capability, cut reliance on road haulage, and create long-term jobs in logistics and advanced manufacturing across the Midlands. Boeing will modify two US Air Force E-7A Wedgetail aircraft in the UK, marking the UK’s first significant role in aircraft manufacturing for the U.S. Air Force in over 50 years. This collaboration will create more than 150 jobs in Birmingham and enhance economic ties and defence cooperation between the UK and US. Amentum, is investing £150 million in the UK to create over 3,000 new jobs—boosting its workforce by more than 50% over the next four years. The company have highlighted that this will include roles based in the Midlands, supporting regional growth in advanced engineering and clean energy. Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle said: “This record-breaking investment sends a clear signal that the Midlands’ engineering and manufacturing expertise continues to attract international attention.” Paul Weston, regional head for Prologis in the UK, said: “Our investment ambitions for the expansion of Cambridge Biomedical Campus and Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal are backing two of the UK’s most critical sectors: life sciences and logistics. “This demonstrates our commitment to fostering innovation and delivering the sustainable infrastructure that underpins the UK’s long-term economic growth.” Steve Parker, president and CEO of Boeing Defense, Space & Security, said: “Boeing is honored to deliver the world’s leading Airborne Early Warning & Control platform to allied global forces. “This partnership combines the talent of our U.S. and UK workforces to further strengthen the nations’ capability and interoperability.”

Taylor Woodrow appointed for A511 improvement scheme

April Lara
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Taylor Woodrow appointed for A511 improvement scheme

Leicestershire County Council has appointed Taylor Woodrow to deliver early contractor involvement for the A511 upgrade between Coalville and Ashby-de-la-Zouch. The £65 million scheme targets congestion reduction, improved journey times, and enhanced safety along the corridor.

Pre-construction planning will be undertaken by Taylor Woodrow before the commencement of the main construction phase, which is scheduled to begin in 2026. The project forms part of the Major Road Network growth corridor and covers multiple locations between the A42 junction 13 near Ashby-de-la-Zouch and the A50 Field Head roundabout near Markfield.

Planned works include converting a section of Stephenson Way from single to dual carriageway and building a new link road from the A511 Bardon Road roundabout to the Grange Road housing development. Funding comprises a provisional £41.7 million from the Department for Transport, with the remainder provided through Section 106 contributions from the private sector. Government support was reconfirmed in July 2025, pending approval of the final business case.

Taylor Woodrow has experience delivering high-profile infrastructure projects, which will be leveraged to refine the scheme and minimise disruption ahead of full construction. The appointment represents a key step in progressing regional connectivity and supporting planned growth in Leicestershire.

Rykneld Homes managing director to retire

Tess Egginton
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0
Rykneld Homes managing director to retire
Rykneld Homes’ managing director Lorraine Shaw will retire in October. Lorraine has been with Rykneld Homes since it was first established in 2007 and has overseen a period of considerable transformation. After arriving as director of corporate resources 18 years ago, Lorraine was appointed MD in 2011 and has been instrumental in ensuring Rykneld’s stability and success. She leaves the organisation after securing another five year contract to continue the management of North East Derbyshire District Council’s housing function. Lorraine said: “While it’s not been an easy decision I know that this is the right time for me to step away and I am confident that the organisation is well placed for the future. Key to our success has been the team, over the years we have built a strong team moving in the same direction and I thank them all for their efforts. “Our relationship with the council, building trust and adopting a partnership approach has also been integral to our progress. The thing I’m proudest of is being able to provide safe and decent homes for our customers that they themselves are proud of.” She added: “I’m looking forward to spending more time with family, traveling and have some other plans I hope to pursue.” Deputy managing director Niall Clark has been appointed as Lorraine’s successor. He said: “Under Lorraine’s leadership we have become a respected and successful organisation delivering good services for the council and our customers. “That is testament to her hard work and dedication and years of determination to provide safe and decent homes for customers and communities.” Niall has worked closely with Lorraine throughout her tenure and was appointed deputy managing director in 2023, as part of business continuity planning. He added: “I am honoured to be taking on the role of Managing Director. I’m looking forward to building on Lorraine’s legacy and working across the whole organisation to ensure we continue to be successful, grow and thrive in challenging times for the social housing sector.”
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