An expansion scheme that would double the size of a Nottinghamshire primary school has been approved.
Nottinghamshire County Council’s Planning and Rights of Way Committee have given the green light for a single-storey extension to be built at Chuter Ede Fernwood Primary School in the Fernwood area of Newark.
The expansion project will see pupil numbers increase from 210 to 420 and will help meet growing demand for school places in an area where new housing continues to be built.
Eight classrooms will be built as part of the application at the Hunters Road school, which also includes additional sports pitches for rounders and football, a running track and two hard PE courts.
The development would include extending the existing staff car park from 16 to 39 spaces, while there will be provision for EV charging points. Solar panels are also proposed on the extension’s roof.
The project will be led by the county council with its partner Arc Partnership, a joint venture between the council and SCAPE, which will design, deliver and cost manage the improvement scheme.
Chuter Ede Fernwood, which is an annex of Chuter Ede Primary School at Balderton, was built in 2012 to service the growing number of children from the new Fernwood estate and is being developed in three phases – with the application for this extension the third phase.
The first two phases have been implemented and, in addition to the original school building in phase one, have seen the creation of a sports field, outdoor play area, car parking and landscaping.
Councillor Keith Girling, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Asset Management, said: “There is no better investment in our children’s future than ensuring they get a good education.
“We have a proven track record in delivering projects which has seen millions of pounds invested in building and expanding schools to provide pupils with the best facilities to allow them to learn in modern, well-equipped buildings.
“This is yet another development I’m fully supportive of and the approval of this expansion scheme will provide the best environment for education and help to bring more school places to Nottinghamshire.”
Cleaning products supplier expands with new Chesterfield facility
Paragon, a supplier of advanced cleaning products and solutions, has expanded with a new facility in Chesterfield.
The warehouse provides a 300% increase in pallet storage capacity, to support the company’s growing operations. This sits alongside a modern office space for the team as well as a dedicated zone for Paragon Labs, the company’s innovation hub encompassing product development, online and on-demand training, a cleaning manual builder and comprehensive data platform.
Paul Urquhart, Managing Director at Paragon, said: “This is a pivotal moment for Paragon. The Chesterfield location not only underscores our commitment to growth and innovation but also strengthens our position as a trusted partner to customers across the UK.
“We have an ambitious long-term sustainability plan, and this expansion is a key step in delivering it. We estimate that this centrally located distribution hub will reduce CO2e emissions by 50% to 60%, primarily through fewer delivery miles, significantly lowering our carbon footprint.
“The facility has been designed with sustainability at its core, enabling us to operate more efficiently while expanding our capacity to better support our customers’ needs.”
Widespread project delays to impact profits at Van Elle
Widespread project delays are hitting profits at Van Elle, the Nottinghamshire-based ground engineering contractor has revealed in a new trading update for the year ending 30 April 2025.
In interim results the company shared that market conditions had proved challenging. Despite benefitting from a strong order book, the trading environment and volumes remained supressed throughout January and February.
The business has seen widespread project delays, including the ongoing impact of delays to Building Safety Act approvals. These have primarily impacted trading for Rock & Alluvium, which is focused on taller residential schemes in London and the Southeast.
With over 40 projects currently in the approvals process, the majority of these are now expected to commence in FY26 and will result in a FY25 performance for Van Elle’s UK operations slightly below expectations.
At Van Elle Canada, meanwhile, further delays have been experienced as a strategic supply partner to the major infrastructure upgrade programme for the Toronto rail network. The division’s trading performance will now be weaker than anticipated.
While Van Elle has secured several key frameworks throughout FY24 and FY25 in Canada, with near-term uncertainty around the timing of key investment programmes, the business is reviewing its strategic options with its Canada operations.
As a result of the impact of the Rock & Alluvium and Canada trading performance, Van Elle now expects underlying profit before tax for the second half of FY25 to be similar to the first half.
Digital innovation company finds oasis at new Chesterfield office
Digital innovation company, Oasis Studio has expanded into a new office at Tapton Innovation Centre in Chesterfield following significant growth in 2024.
Specialising in digital property marketing, Oasis Studio has gained recognition for its EyeSiteView platform, which enhances the home-buying experience through digital strategies.
Jade Chinn, Business Development Manager at Oasis Studio, said 2024 had been a fantastic year: “We’ve had the privilege of working with more housebuilders, helping them bring new homes to market faster and more effectively. Our expansion into Tapton Innovation Centre is a key step forward, providing us with the space and facilities to continue delivering top-tier digital marketing solutions.”
The relocation to Tapton Innovation Centre was driven by the need for a scalable workspace that encourages collaboration and creativity.
“What stands out about Chesterfield is how much the town invests in its businesses,” added Jade Chinn. “It creates real opportunities for networking and collaboration, helping companies connect and grow together. It’s a place where you can truly thrive, supported by a community that values innovation and partnership.”
EY boosts Midlands Private team with two appointments
EY has strengthened its Private team in the Midlands with two new appointments. Olivia Prew joins as Head of Private in the Midlands and Hannah Al-Anazi joins as Associate Director for Private and Mid-market.
Olivia brings nearly two decades of experience, working extensively with private businesses, entrepreneurs and mid-market private equity clients, helping them to achieve their strategic aspirations and create long-term value. Prior to joining EY, she was Head of Origination at international corporate finance advisor, Clearwater.
Olivia Prew, EY Head of Private in the Midlands, said: “I am delighted to join EY in the Midlands – the region is home to a range of dynamic businesses, management teams and entrepreneurs.
“In this ever-changing and complex business environment, there is increasing demand from entrepreneurs and management teams to partner with advisors who understand their needs and are able to offer high quality advice and solutions.
“The strength and experience of EY’s team, understanding of the local market and international reach, means we are ideally positioned to support clients in navigating their individual challenges and growth journeys.”
Hannah Al-Anazi joins EY as Associate Director, bringing experience in Executive Search and Leadership advisory. Hannah has spent over a decade working on global mandates focusing on positions spanning across Finance, Cyber, ESG/Sustainability and Life Sciences.
Most recently, Hannah worked in a strategic leadership consultancy that provided advisory-led services for owner managed businesses, as well as private equity funds and their portfolio companies, pre-deal and post-deal.
Hannah Al-Anazi, EY Associate Director for Private and Mid-Market, said: “I am excited to contribute to the expansion of our presence in the Midlands and look forward to collaborating with our team to provide insights and strategies that drive growth and enhance operational effectiveness for privately-owned businesses.”
Olivia and Hannah join Anisha Patel in the Private team, focusing on originating and building relationships with both new and existing clients in the mid-market.
Simon O’Neill, EY’s Managing Partner for the Midlands, said: “Olivia and Hannah’s appointments come at a pivotal time as EY continues to strengthen its Private team in the Midlands.
“Their extensive experience and strong networks in the Midlands will be invaluable as we continue to support our clients in executing their strategies in an ever-evolving market. We are thrilled to welcome them to the team.”
Lincolnshire estate planning firm secures funding to expand outreach
Westwood Estate Planning, a Lincolnshire-based estate planning business, has received £8,000 in funding from First Enterprise through the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme. The funds will support marketing efforts to raise awareness of estate planning and financial wellbeing.
The business provides legal services including will writing, lasting power of attorney, probate, and estate administration. Founder Gary Tonsley established the company after experiencing firsthand the challenges of inadequate financial planning when his mother passed away without arrangements in place.
The funding will enable Westwood Estate Planning to expand its client education initiatives, including seminars, newsletters, and partnerships with financial advisers. First Enterprise – Enterprise Loans, a not-for-profit lender, provides loans between £500 and £150,000 to start-ups and SMEs unable to access traditional bank financing.
Representatives from First Enterprise and the British Business Bank praised the company’s efforts to improve financial literacy and support local families in securing their futures.
Lincoln footbridge to be demolished for hotel development
A pedestrian bridge over Melville Street in Lincoln is set to be demolished in May as part of a multi-million-pound hotel project by Lincolnshire Co-op. The bridge, previously part of the former City Square shopping centre, has been deemed an obstacle to development both logistically and visually.
Lincolnshire Co-op, which has outline planning permission for the hotel, is working with the Department for Transport and other stakeholders to finalise the demolition timeline and road closures. Notices have been issued under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, confirming the planned removal.
The demolition is expected to take place over a weekend to reduce disruption. The bridge, a popular location for city and cathedral views, will be permanently removed as part of the site’s redevelopment.
Compleat Food Group acquires The Real Yorkshire Pudding Co amid job cuts
The Compleat Food Group has acquired The Real Yorkshire Pudding Co for an undisclosed amount, shortly after announcing plans to cut nearly 200 jobs across its Nottingham and Crewe sites.
The Yorkshire-based Real Yorkshire Pudding Co, which generates £33 million in revenue, supplies both own-label and branded chilled Yorkshire puddings.
This acquisition follows Compleat’s 2024 purchases of SK Foods and Zorba Foods, which specialise in private-label party foods, dips, and deli fillings, and Harvey & Brockless, a specialty food producer and distributor.
Backed by private equity firm PAI Partners, The Compleat Food Group was formed in 2021 and employs over 5,000 staff across 15 locations. Its portfolio includes brands such as Pork Farms, Wall’s Pastry, unearthed, Vadasz, Squeaky Bean, Wrights, and Palace Culture.
ATS Euromaster closes Kettering branch as part of UK-wide restructuring
ATS Euromaster has permanently closed its Kettering service centre, one of 86 locations shutting down as parent company Michelin shifts to a mobile servicing model. The nearest remaining branch is in Northampton, with 235 centres operating across the UK.
Employees affected by the Kettering closure have been offered interviews at Halfords, which has also committed to prioritising MOT and service bookings originally made with ATS to minimise customer disruptions.
An ATS Euromaster spokesperson previously cited overcapacity, rising costs, and sluggish market growth as reasons for the restructuring. The closures are expected to impact up to 400 employees across the UK.
Humber businesses urge mayoral candidates to unify for regional growth
Business leaders across the Humber call on mayoral candidates in Hull, East Yorkshire, and Greater Lincolnshire to adopt a coordinated economic strategy to maximise the region’s potential. A joint letter, signed by major companies including ABP, Drax, Reckitt, Arcadis, Able, and Smith-Nephew, as well as organisations like the Humber Energy Board and Hull University, highlights challenges and opportunities for the area.
Concerns include the uncertainty surrounding the Scunthorpe steel plant and the Humber’s absence from the Chancellor’s recent growth speech. Business leaders argue that a unified approach is essential to securing investment and maintaining the region’s economic competitiveness.
The letter emphasises the Humber’s strengths in renewable energy and advanced manufacturing, citing the potential for 28GW of offshore wind energy and £15 billion in private investment for carbon capture and hydrogen projects. It calls for a Humber Estuary Growth Zone to align Freeport development with other key infrastructure projects, ensuring a streamlined approach to attracting investors.
