Expanding or exporting overseas is a top priority for more than half (53%) of Midlands mid-sized businesses over the next year, despite complex international trade conditions. BDO’s Economic Engine survey of 500 mid-sized businesses shows that companies plan to target territories such as Australia (43%), Africa (31%) and Asia (28%). Europe also remains a healthy market, with 53% focusing on the EU in 2025. Mid-sized businesses, which generated £1.6 trillion in turnover last year, are continuing to push for growth through international trade despite grappling with supply chain pressures. This includes uncertainty around tariffs in receiving countries, delayed deliveries or a shortage of the skills needed to support overseas exports. According to the BDO survey, more than two-fifths (41%) of Midlands businesses face skills shortages in export operations or supply chain management teams at a time when they hope to grow overseas trade. Mounting pressures come as demand from end consumers slows for products and services. Nearly half (44%) say lower demand from consumers, which could include from businesses with elevated operating costs or consumers with high living expenses, is one of the challenges they face over the next six months. Despite these headwinds, Midlands mid-sized businesses are working to tackle the challenges they face and remain optimistic. Ahead of the Government’s plans to publish a Small Business Strategy later this year, the majority (97%) expect the strategy’s focus on growing smaller firms to benefit them. Of this number, more than a quarter (26%) are calling for measures to reduce red tape, including reforms to streamline customs procedures, which impact the export of products and services overseas, or offer stronger support for exports and trade, including more dedicated UK Export Finance funding. These businesses may be buoyed by the Government increasing the amount some companies can borrow from the British Business Bank’s Growth Guarantee Scheme or UK Export Finance’s Export Development Guarantee, as they grapple with the prospect of new tariffs in some receiving countries. Kyla Bellingall, regional managing partner at BDO in the Midlands, said: “Although economic conditions remain challenging, mid-sized businesses in the Midlands are highly ambitious and have their sights firmly set on driving growth, with overseas trade playing a central part in helping to realise those ambitions. “The forthcoming Small Business Strategy is one of many major opportunities for the Government to provide targeted support for the mid-market – support that will complement regional efforts being driven collectively by the West and East Midlands Combined Authorities that are aimed at reinforcing the Midlands’ role in the UK’s economic landscape.”

Derbyshire Dales District Council has received an additional £1.02 million in Government funding to support local businesses and community groups over the next year. The funding comes from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Rural England Prosperity Fund, building on a previous £2.7 million allocation.

The new funding will be distributed through grants aimed at supporting business diversification, growth, digital adoption, and workforce training. Capital and revenue grants will be available across all sectors, with priority given to manufacturing and engineering firms. Businesses may also access free energy audits and apply for additional funding to implement sustainability measures and reduce operational costs.

Previous rounds of investment in the area have funded a range of projects, including technology upgrades for a motor racing simulator business, energy audits for historic sites, and solar panel installations for engineering firms. Community organisations, charities, and local councils will also be able to apply for support through an expanded Community Resilience Grants programme.

Funding is available until March 2026, with a focus on strengthening business resilience and addressing skills shortages in the district.

Botham Accounting, together with its sister company Botham Capital, has expanded into the heart of London’s financial district, marking a significant milestone in its continued growth. The business has taken office space at 99 Bishopsgate, a stone’s throw away from Liverpool Street station. The boutique firm which specialises in the real estate and healthcare sectors was set up by managing director Andrew Botham in 2008 and has undergone rapid growth in recent years with turnover and staffing numbers increasing year on year by over 20%. In 2023, the firm established a debt advisory and finance brokerage; Botham Capital, with Wes Hodelin at the helm. The new office will initially be led by Botham Accounting director Tom Gregory, who heads up the firm’s healthcare offering; and Wes Hodelin, managing director of Botham Capital. Both will divide their time between the new office in London and the company’s headquarters in Nottingham city centre. Gregory said: “The London office is a natural next step for us. We advise clients all over the UK but there is a concentration of clients in London so for us to have a base down has always been on the agenda. With the office at Bishopsgate, we’re in a great location for transport links as well as being close to funders and lawyers that we work with.” The news of the London office comes just a few weeks after the firm returned to their main office on College Street, in Nottingham’s professional quarter following a three-month refurbishment project.

Multi-disciplinary technical consultancy, MEC Consulting Group has achieved ISO certification for Psychological Health & Safety at Work. The firm, which has offices in Leicester, Birmingham and Brighton, has passed ISO45003, which focuses on managing psychological health and safety in the workplace. Recognised as the first global standard for guiding employers on mental health and wellbeing, ISO45003 provides a framework for identifying workplace conditions and demands with the potential to create psychosocial risks, and how to address these to ensure a supportive environment for employees. “ISO45003 is a ‘bolt on’ to our existing 45001 accreditation for Occupational Health and Safety,” explains MEC’s managing director, Alex Bennett. “The team’s wellbeing and safety is our highest priority and we wanted to be proactive about monitoring this. ISO45003 ensures we not only have the correct procedures in place but are also being guided by a recognised process. “I was particularly pleased to discover that many of the criteria needed to pass this accreditation were already inherent in our working practices, meaning we have a robust process that prioritises wellbeing and ensures any workplace risks are managed effectively,” adds Alex. MEC’s new ISO certification follows on from the firm’s associate environmental consultant, Nathan Allen becoming an accredited counsellor and mental health first aider. Nathan said: “Sometimes people spend more time with work colleagues than family members so it’s important to know what support is available. “As a trained workplace first aider, I provide stress and mental health awareness training to all line managers, helping them to identify potential triggers and warning signs, and also promote our Employee Assistance programme, which offers individual help and guidance.” Alex continues: “It’s reassuring to know that our ‘wellbeing first’ approach pairs with ISO guidance and that we have the right people and policies in place to properly support our team. It’s also especially pertinent to have secured this certification during Stress Awareness Month, which runs throughout April and is an initiative we support annually. “To mark this, Nathan is hosting specific training sessions on the causes and effects of stress, along with sharing a range of effective stress management tips, how to spot signs of those experiencing poor mental health, and where to find appropriate help. “Following this year’s ‘Lead With Love’ theme, we are encouraging all staff to share hints and tips about what works best for them in terms of good mental health practice but also extending their kindness and gratitude for each other through email tokens of appreciation, that are being shared companywide. “Throughout the year, we will then continue this alongside monthly coffee mornings to inspire conversation, lunchtime walks, wellbeing meals, and walking meetings wherever possible,” concludes Alex.