Bank of England holds interest rates at 4%
The Bank of England has held interest rates at 4%, in line with expectations.
The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), which sets monetary policy to meet the 2% inflation target, has voted by a majority of 7–2 to maintain Bank Rate at 4%.
Two members voted to reduce Bank Rate by 0.25 percentage points, to 3.75%.
Alpesh Paleja, deputy chief economist, CBI, said: “Today’s decision to hold interest rates came as no surprise. The bigger question is how the Monetary Policy Committee will move in the months ahead. While there is broad agreement that rates should fall further, opinions differ on how quickly and by how much.
“Further cuts are supported by a weakening jobs market and signs of slower wage growth. But the MPC remains wary of stubborn price pressures. The risk is that the expected inflation ‘hump’ this Autumn feeds into wages and price setting, at a time when households’ inflation expectations are rising.
“In the run-up to their November meeting, the Committee will be watching data closely for these signals. They will also keep a close eye on bond market stability after recent volatility, which likely played into today’s decision to slow the pace of ‘quantitative tightening’.”
Kindeva opens new UK HQ in Loughborough
Kindeva, a global CDMO (Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization) and drug delivery expert, has opened its new UK headquarters at Charnwood Campus Science Innovation and Technology Park, Loughborough.
The facility represents a significant expansion in Kindeva’s metered-dose inhaler services and will develop and test next-generation propellants (NGP) as the industry prepares to move to more environmentally friendly products.
The 150,000 sq ft site offers a range of services across drug development, from early-stage viability, analytical method development, to commercial analysis.
Commenting on the new site, Milton Boyer, CEO of Kindeva, said: “The opening of our Loughborough Headquarters marks a significant milestone in Kindeva’s growth strategy as we continue to innovate, scale, and expand our global footprint.”
The Loughborough HQ will be responsible for developing and analysing NGPs as the industry faces significant legislation aimed at reducing the environmental impact of the propellants currently used in pressurized metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs).
Boyer continued: “Research estimates that inhalers contribute to 0.03% of total global greenhouse gas emissions, and represent 3% of the U.K. National Health Service (NHS) carbon footprint.
“Investment in our Loughborough site, new technologies and people, will allow Kindeva to become the leading force in the industry for sustainability and assuring supply continuity as the industry transitions to low Global Warming Potential (GWP) propellents.”
Leicester care service acquired by Cygnet Social Care
Cygnet Social Care has acquired Woodrowe Healthcare, a provider of specialist care and rehabilitation for adults with Acquired Brain Injury, neurological, and complex needs in a residential setting.
The acquisition means Cygnet Social Care now operate Woodrowe Healthcare, in Markfield, Leicestershire, a service currently rated ‘Good’ by the Care Quality Commission.
The purchase marks another significant step in Cygnet’s ongoing expansion of its social care services, following the acquisition of specialist care homes previously operated by Oakview Care Services in March 2025.
Gareth Williams, CEO of Cygnet Social Care, said: “We are delighted to welcome Woodrowe Healthcare into the Cygnet Social Care family. This acquisition reflects our continued commitment to investing in high-quality services that make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
“Woodrowe Healthcare has built an excellent reputation for delivering compassionate and highly specialised care for individuals with neurological and brain injury-related needs.
“We look forward to working alongside the dedicated Woodrowe team to build on their successes and ensure continuity of the outstanding care already being delivered. We will continue to support some of the most vulnerable members of our communities in safe, nurturing and life-enriching environments, helping them to achieve greater independence and quality of life.”
‘Seismic’ tax changes set to impact Midlands family businesses
Family-owned businesses in the Midlands face increased challenges in the coming months, as the clock ticks down to ‘seismic’ tax changes in April 2026.
According to figures from accountancy and business advisory firm BDO LLP, more than three-fifths of Midlands businesses (63%) say they will be impacted by changes to Business Relief for Inheritance Tax (IHT).
The UK government announced changes in the Autumn 2024 Budget to the IHT relief available for assets qualifying for Business Relief (BR) and Agricultural Relief (AR). These are expected to come into force from 6 April 2026, but have been met with widespread criticism.
Under the changes, the amount of relief will be capped, with the first £1 million of qualifying assets exempt from IHT. The excess will attract 50% relief, in effect producing a 20% tax rate.
Draft legislation published in July also confirmed that the £1 million allowance won’t be transferable (although there was speculation this could change), unlike the unused nil-rate band and residential nil-rate band IHT allowances which can be transferred to a spouse or civil partner’s estate when they die.
Many family-owned businesses are already making plans to mitigate the impact where possible.
A separate survey of wealth advisers conducted by BDO earlier this year found that almost three in five (58%) said their business owner clients were considering gifting shares directly to family members in response to the proposed changes, while just over half (51%) said that settling shares into a family trust was also being considered.
Just over 20% of respondents to the multiple choice question said their business owner clients were looking at selling up and gifting the proceeds. If speculation over changes to IHT gift reliefs in the Budget prove correct, business owners may only have a short window of opportunity to put gifting plans into effect.
Paul Townson, tax partner at BDO in the Midlands, said: “These IHT changes have received significant press coverage since October 2024, particularly in relation to the potential impact for business owners.
“There’s no doubt these are seismic changes and business owners should review their succession and ownership strategies now, so they’re prepared to act ahead of the new rules coming into force in April next year and, where possible, in advance of the 26 November Budget.”
The impending tax changes add to a growing list of challenges facing Midlands businesses, with skills shortages, overseas trade issues, supply chain challenges, falling demand from customers and tax increases topping their list.
Townson added: “Pressure is mounting on Midlands businesses, with news of rising inflation last month also likely to trigger increased costs, impact customer spending and add to economic uncertainty.
“Our survey shows that a significant number of Midlands businesses (72%) feel their voices are not being heard by the government on important policy measures, with more targeted support needed. The next couple of months will test that theory as we move towards another Autumn Budget from the UK Chancellor. Businesses should prepare for tax changes and look to reduce the potential impact.”
Former bank site in Daventry approved for 24-hour casino
West Northamptonshire Council has approved plans to convert the former NatWest branch on Daventry’s High Street into a 24-hour casino. The two-storey listed building, originally opened as Hall and Co in 1809, later became part of National Westminster Bank before closing in 2017.
The development will create around 25 full-time and 20 part-time positions. Plans include a ground-floor gaming area focused on poker, with slot machines and lower-stakes roulette, alongside a bar, dining space, lounge, and seating for live sports.
Daventry Town Council opposed the proposal, citing potential effects on vulnerable residents, and more than 60 objections were submitted before the council meeting on 9 September. Some concerns highlighted the close proximity of another 24-hour gambling venue in Bowen Square.
West Northamptonshire is among councils requesting greater authority over the location of adult gaming centres. The UK government is considering allowing councils to conduct cumulative impact assessments for gambling venues, similar to existing regulations for alcohol licensing.
Leicester pharmacy sold to first-time buyer
St Stephens Chemist (St Stephens Road) in Leicester has been sold to a first-time buyer.
St Stephens Chemist is an established community pharmacy that dispenses an average of 5,150 items per month. It occupies the ground floor of a two-storey property in a densely populated residential area in Leicester.
The pharmacy has been owned by Mahesh Patel of Meritplan Ltd for over 20 years and was brought to market to allow him to retire.
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 first-time buyers, Frank and Dorothy Hemans.
Carl Steer, director – pharmacy at Christie & Co, said: “Proving, yet again, the strength of the market in Leicester and the county as a whole, this sale was agreed to first-time buyers for the guide price after just five weeks of marketing.
“A further two sales will complete in the county in the coming weeks, which are hot on the heels of two sales that completed in the North of the county in March and April. Sales prices typically range from £460,000 through to £1,250,000, with the majority selling to first-time buyers.”
Raj Patel, finance consultant at Christie Finance, said: “There is good lending appetite from banks, especially for first-time buyers. We were able to secure very competitive terms for Frank and Dorothy Hemans on their first acquisition.”
Alphageek Digital appoints new MD to drive growth
A digital marketing agency has appointed leadership expert Tim Brogan as its new managing director, marking the start of a new chapter for the business.
Alphageek Digital, based on Friar Gate, has made the appointment to sharpen the company’s strategic focus, strengthen client partnerships and accelerate growth.
Formerly a headteacher and inspector, Tim has held various leadership, executive coaching and mentoring roles and is passionate about turning big ideas into tangible action and helping to develop individuals to the highest level.
The 41-year-old has been in talks with the agency for several years and earlier this month took over the MD role from co-founder Art Lindop.
While Tim will focus on business development, Art will transition into the role of technical director.
Tim said: “Having spent the last two years really getting to know Alphageek – from their clients to their internal opportunities – I feel well-placed to lead with insight and intent, building on what already makes the company strong.
“Art’s technical expertise and unwavering commitment to client outcomes remain central to our business. My focus will be on strengthening our strategic direction, expanding our capabilities and fostering an environment where our team and clients can thrive.
“I joke that I had the world’s longest interview with Alphageek – because I was actually in talks with them for several years. But we waited until the time was right for me personally and for the company.
“Now is that time; we’re perfectly placed for sustainable and manageable growth, while continuing to achieve industry-leading results for our clients.”
Nottingham companies stage event to raise money for men’s mental health charity
Recruitment agency Atkins Search and contractor Clegg Construction have teamed up to raise thousands of pounds for Tough to Talk by completing a challenge in the Lake District.
More than 20 people – a mix of staff, family and friends – walked up England’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike.
Opting for the Corridor Route from Seathwaite, the challenge took them seven hours covering around 12 miles, with a 3,000 ft ascent.
Atkins Search has chosen Tough to Talk – a pioneering charity dedicated to breaking the silence around male suicide and promoting mental health awareness – as the company’s charity of 2025/2026 and the Lake District Challenge event raised £2,658.
Clegg Construction representatives joined the event to support the fundraising effort.
It was the third time that the two companies had got together for a walking challenge – undertaking the Yorkshire Three Peaks two years ago and a different Lake District Challenge last year as the weather prevented the team from walking up Scafell Pike at the time.
Operations director at Atkins Search, Laura Belcher said: “This was a serious mountain walk with steep sections and some scrambling, so hats off to all those who took part in the event and helped us to raise vital funds for Tough to Talk, our charity of the year.”
Tough to Talk is a charity close to Atkins Search, and is dedicated to breaking down barriers that prevent men from seeking mental health support. In the construction industry, male suicide rates are almost four times the national average, with over 700 construction-related suicides annually. The construction industry loses four men every day to suicide.
Operations director at Clegg Construction, Darren Chapman, who took part in the challenge along with five colleagues, plus family members, said: “Tough to Talk offers crucial mental health and well-being support to men.
“As a leading construction company, Clegg Construction was pleased to join members of the Atkins Search team to take part in the Lake District Challenge and raise such a large amount for this very worthwhile charity.
“This was the third year we had joined Atkins Search for a walking challenge to raise money for charity. It was particularly pleasing that we managed to conquer Scafell Pike this year, as we had to abandon it last year due to the weather and walk a different route in the Lake District instead. It was quite a tough challenge, given the conditions which included showers, sunshine, fog and wind.”
Atkins Search MD Antony Rowe added: “We’ve worked with Steve Whittle, who’s the founder of Tough to Talk, for the past two years and is very committed to breaking the stigma and re-educate organisations on the issues that are pushing men beyond the brink.
“We’re very grateful to everyone who supported us in the Lake District Challenge – either by taking part or by sponsoring us.”
To support the Lake District Challenge, please donate here via Atkins Search’s Go Fund Me page: https://gofund.me/00e79cde
Just two weeks to go until property professionals gather for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025
With the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025 taking place in just two weeks’ time (on Thursday 2nd October), there’s not long left to secure your seat at the prestigious event.
The awards recognise and celebrate those behind the changing landscape of our region – the very best companies, teams, individuals and projects.
They also present a prime opportunity to network with property and construction leaders from across the East Midlands over nibbles and complimentary drinks, sponsored by Wood Moore & Co.
Attend the glittering awards ceremony at Trent Bridge Cricket Ground to see who takes home the title of Contractor of the Year, Developer of the Year, Commercial Development of the Year, Residential Development of the Year, Sustainable Development of the Year, Deal of the Year, Most Active Agent, Architects of the Year, Excellence in Design, Responsible Business and of course Overall Winner.
Book your place at the 10th annual awards now to avoid disappointment!
The event, which will begin at 4:30pm and continue until 7:30pm, will also feature Councillor Nadine Peatfield – Leader of Derby City Council, Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Strategy and Policy, and Deputy Mayor of the East Midlands, as keynote speaker.Shortlist for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025
Architects of the Year – sponsored by Roy Geddes Bricks Church Lukas Morrison Design Pelham Architects Contractor of the Year – sponsored by EMEC Ecology Goodward Construction Miller Knight Winvic Construction Developer of the Year – sponsored by Devello Clowes Developments St James Securities Vistry East Midlands Most Active Agent – sponsored by Knapton Wright Salloway Property Consultants OMEETO Rigby & Co Deal of the Year – sponsored by Frank Key Built-to-rent deal at next phase of Derby Castleward regeneration – Lovell, Placefirst Vaillant Live deal – St James Securities Top Wighay deal – Vistry East Midlands Residential Development of the Year – sponsored by Build Manager Abbey Central – Stagfield Group & Peveril Homes Riber Castle – StudioTwenty Prospect Place – TUNE Commercial Development of the Year – sponsored by Global HSE Group Sherwood Observatory – G F Tomlinson Canopy, Leicester – Henry Brothers Homefield College SEND Building – Scope Construction Vaillant Live – St James Securities Sustainable Development of the Year – sponsored by Viridis Evo Corby – PBBE Corby BV, PineBridge Rykneld Homes North East Derbyshire retrofit – Coactivation Nottingham College Construction Skills Centre (CSC) and The Gateway – G F Tomlinson Abbey Central – Stagfield Group & Peveril Homes Excellence in Design – sponsored by Konsileo Loughborough University DigiLabs Teaching Space – APSS Sutton on Sea Colonnade and Pleasure Gardens – G F Tomlinson Vaillant Live – St James Securities Responsible Business – sponsored by Wright Vigar Scope Construction G F Tomlinson Morrison Design The Overall Winner, sponsored by SEV, will also be announced at the ceremony, the winner of which will be awarded a grand prize – a year of marketing/publicity with Business Link worth £20,000, with the opportunity to split or gift the marketing to a charity of their choice.The East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025
What: The East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025 When: Thursday 2nd October (4.30pm – 7.30pm) Where: Derek Randall Suite, Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, Nottingham. Limited parking available onsite with additional free parking at Notts Sports Ground. Keynote speaker: Councillor Nadine Peatfield – Leader of Derby City Council, Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Strategy and Policy, and Deputy Mayor of the East Midlands Tickets: Available here Dress code: Standard business attire Thanks to our sponsors:
To be held at:
East Midlands firms still facing price pressures as inflation persists
Businesses across the East Midlands are continuing to feel the squeeze as inflation holds steady at 3.8%, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics for the 12 months to August 2025.
The persistence of inflation is influencing operational decisions for local companies, with many considering increases to prices in response to rising costs. Research from the East Midlands Chamber shows that around four in ten firms are already weighing price adjustments to maintain margins.
Companies in the region are navigating multiple financial pressures beyond inflation. Rising employment costs, including higher National Insurance contributions and a growing national living wage, are adding to operational challenges.
The combination of steady inflation and elevated costs underlines ongoing uncertainty for businesses, highlighting the importance of clear fiscal policy and predictable government support. Firms continue to seek assurance that further tax increases or policy changes will not add to financial pressures in the near term.
