Commuters travelling between Nottingham, Newark and Lincoln have given their support for proposed upgrades to the Castle Line that would see faster trains along the route.
The route is a critical east-west link between Nottingham and Lincoln, serving a number of urban and rural areas. The line plays a critical role in connecting suburban and rural communities with the cities on either end of the line. But currently, only 10% of trips between these two cities are made by train.
The proposed upgrades, put forward to the Department for Transport by Midlands Connect, aim to increase train speeds along the route from a typical 50mph to 75mph, improving journey times, making rail travel more attractive and reducing reliance on cars.
Midlands Connect say that by improving connectivity along the route, the Castle Line could drive economic development, promote more sustainable travel and foster social mobility along the route, helping to address areas of deprivation. It is estimated that the project would cost £18 million and deliver a £2 return in regional benefits for every £1 invested.
Midlands Connect recently visited platforms on the route and spoke with commuters at rush hour about the proposed upgrades and how they would be impacted.
James Naish, MP for Rushcliffe and chair of the East Midlands All Party Political Group, said: “I strongly support Midlands Connect’s outline business case for funding to improve the Castle Line between Nottingham and Lincoln, allowing for faster and more frequent trains along the route. The Castle Line is a critical local line, connecting many suburban and rural communities to jobs, services, and opportunities in both major cities.
“Nottingham and Lincoln are fantastic cities, homes to a diverse range of businesses and excellent universities. By better connecting them to the local communities in between, we can help to improve social mobility and drive forwards economic growth while promoting more sustainable transport choices.
“I fully back this proposal.”
Maria Machancoses, CEO of Midlands Connect, said: “Improvements to this corridor between Nottingham and Lincoln will make life easier for businesses, communities, and visitors to this area. The scheme will tackle the slow and infrequent rail services which have resulted in relatively few journeys being made by train.
“The need for sustainable transport solutions is greater than ever before. This project represents the first step in attracting more passengers to use the trains, to allow further improvements in the future.
“Midlands Connect is committed to making the case for this strategic investment to boost the economy in the Midlands and improve links between these two great cities.”
Commuters raised concerns that the current rail provision between Lincoln and Nottingham is presenting a challenge to accessing employment across both cities. Midlands Connect has said that the improvements would help to increase access to jobs and address social mobility in the rural and suburban locations along the route.
Midlands Connect continue to champion the upgrades to the line, with commuters along the route echoing the sentiment of the local tourism industry who also backed the proposals in October 2024.
An independent Nottingham estate agency is relocating as part of its continued growth plans.
Walton & Allen has secured new premises at 35-37 St Mary’s Gate, in the heart of Nottingham’s historic Lace Market district. The move sees the agency take on 1,820 sq ft of open-plan first-floor office space in a prominent character building.
The deal was brokered by Thomas Szymkiw, head of agency at NG Chartered Surveyors, who represented the landlord in the transaction.
Thomas said: “Walton & Allen’s relocation not only gives the team room to grow but places them in a location steeped in history, close to key amenities and within walking distance of Nottingham’s business community.
“This is a fantastic letting for both parties. Walton & Allen is an ambitious and growing estate agency, and 35-37 St Mary’s Gate provides the perfect platform for their next chapter. We’re delighted to have helped facilitate this move and wish Walton & Allen every success in their new home.
“Walton & Allen’s move is further evidence of the continued demand for high-quality, flexible office space in Nottingham’s core districts.”
Philip Westin-Hardy of New West Chartered Surveyors acted for Walton & Allen in securing the new lease. He said: “We were pleased to advise long-standing clients in securing a new city centre base in the heart of the Lace Market.
“The building has the character and blend of amenities we were looking for with open plan space and decent natural light. We wish the clients well in the building and it was also close to their former home so helping in staff and client retention.”
The Business Gateway Growth Hub has welcomed a new partnership with the Government as part of its Business Growth Service.
The Growth Hub, operating across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, is part of the new service – which is led by the Department for Business and Trade (DBT).
The national service is designed to make it easier for businesses across the UK to locate and access the support they need to start, grow and succeed. It links businesses with free, expert and impartial advice – including local support through regional growth hubs across England.
The new Business Growth Service addresses feedback from businesses that support has previously been difficult to navigate, by connecting support from the UK Government with the vital services also delivered through local partners.
Phoebe Dawson, director of business skills, Leicester and Leicestershire Business and Skills Partnership, is responsible for the Business Gateway Growth Hub.
She said: “The Business Growth Service will offer businesses in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland seamless access to both local and national support.
“This new collaboration will ensure businesses in our region can easily find the right help to start up, grow, and also consider routes to international trade – as and when they need it.”
The Business Gateway Growth Hub will continue to provide personalised support to businesses in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. But it will also be able to connect users with wider government resources through the new, integrated system provided by the Business Growth Service.
Dr Yasin El Ashrafi BEM, managing director of Leicester-based HQ Recording and HQ CAN CIC, said: “Our area has some of the most talented and diverse entrepreneurs in the country and accessing the right support can help them to thrive.
“This new service makes it easier for local businesses to get that support, unlock their full potential, and help to grow our local economy.”
Lincolnshire-based construction firm Build Manager is nearing handover on a bespoke, 4,000 sq ft, two-storey office development for a specialist fire safety, risk management consultancy and training provider.
With completion around four weeks away, the project in Saxilby is starting to take shape, with IFI Group’s new signage now installed and landscaping starting to bring the building to life.
Inside, M&E, plastering, and other finishing trades are working hard, keeping up momentum and quality.
Matthew Jones, co-founder at Build Manager, gave thanks to subcontractors and supply chain partners for their hard work and attention to detail. He shared: “Together we are making this a project we can be proud of. Another few weeks and we’ll be handing over a fantastic new space for a growing local business.”
Working alongside Build Manager are AMS Build Group Ltd, Allen Signs Ltd, West Lindsey Landscapes Limited, NAVE Plumbing & Heating LTD, GRS Electrical Services Ltd, SBR Plastering and Drylining Limited, LK2, William Saunders, UDCS Ltd, B C Roofing and Kole Architectural.
Build Manager was launched just over a year ago with a focus on upfront commercial viability advice and streamlined, transparent project delivery. Founded by Lincolnshire-based construction professionals Matthew Jones and Ben Taylor, the pair have worked in management for a number of local main-contractors, setting up on their own after spotting a gap in the market for their services.
Matthew and Ben have been involved in many notable projects in and around the county, including £2.2m new build commercial units (60,000 sq ft) at Discovery Park on Whisby Road – North Hykeham, the £3m renovation of Lawress Hall for the University of Lincoln, and the new £4.5m Community Ward at John Coupland Hospital in Gainsborough.
Winning the IFI Group contract marked the company’s first large-scale commercial development and a strong close to year one.
As the office build nears completion, Build Manager is inviting other local businesses considering new developments or construction work to reach out for some free upfront advice and viability studies.
Matthew added: “Now we are around four weeks away from completion on this project, we are keen to support other local businesses with growth either via new build or refurbishment.”
Local businesses can contact Build Manager at info@build-manager.co.uk or find out more at www.build-manager.co.uk.
The UK’s cybersecurity workforce is dangerously under-resourced, leaving businesses vulnerable to increasing cyber threats. As the digital economy grows, a mismatch between the country’s training systems and the demands of modern cybersecurity is becoming more evident. Industry experts are warning that outdated education frameworks are ill-equipped to prepare professionals for the sophisticated challenges posed by today’s cyber risks.
A new white paper calls for urgent reform to address the severe shortage of skilled professionals in the sector. It highlights that the UK’s fragmented training systems and lack of coordinated approach are major barriers to securing a robust cybersecurity workforce. As cyber threats escalate, particularly among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the country faces a growing gap in the talent required to protect its digital infrastructure.
The government is being urged to take immediate action to overhaul the cybersecurity skills pipeline. Key recommendations include the establishment of a comprehensive cybersecurity skills taxonomy, which would offer clarity around role definitions and career pathways. This would not only provide a consistent approach to recruitment and training but also ensure a better alignment between the skills required by businesses and the qualifications offered by educational institutions.
Experts stress that a cohesive national strategy is needed to create a sustainable, inclusive workforce. Without such a framework, the UK risks compromising its position as a leader in the global digital economy, with businesses left exposed to more frequent and severe cyber attacks.
The government’s new Small Business Strategy introduces several initiatives aimed at alleviating the challenges faced by small businesses, though further support is needed to address rising costs.
The strategy focuses on addressing late payments by introducing stricter payment terms, mandatory interest on overdue invoices, and penalties for companies with chronic late payment issues. It also promises to boost access to finance with a £3bn increase to the British Business Bank and the provision of 69,000 start-up loans. There is an emphasis on supporting exports with an additional £20bn capacity for UK Export Finance.
A new Business Growth Service is being introduced to help companies access essential support and advice, while regulatory burdens will be reduced with a 25% cut in administrative costs. Further investment in skills development has been allocated, including £1.2bn annually to fund digital skills development and “digital adoption pilots” for businesses. The strategy also outlines the modernisation of tax and customs processes through the use of AI tools to reduce errors. Planning rules for smaller sites will also be simplified to assist business growth.
The East Midlands Chamber has welcomed these measures but urged the government to tackle ongoing challenges, including inflation and staffing costs, which continue to affect small businesses. A recent Chamber survey found that nearly a third of East Midlands firms have faced worsened cash flow, highlighting the importance of the new focus on late payments.
However, ongoing issues like a skills shortage and high inflation need addressing to fully unlock business growth potential. Many businesses are also concerned about the impact of corporate taxes and rising costs. As part of their call to action, the Chamber urged that the government listen to the sector’s needs and ensure that policies do not inadvertently hinder growth.
Stagfield Group is an award-winning property development company committed to providing high-quality housing that is both sustainable and affordable. The experienced team provides exceptional service to tenants, homeowners, investors, and communities.
Over the last 10 years, the Stagfield team has developed over £150 million of property and over 2 million sq ft of land with over 250 new homes and mixed-use schemes planned for completion in the coming years.
Abbey Central
The Group also works with landowners to identify strategic opportunities for land development, with the specialist team taking clients from initial planning application through to sale, facilitating new residential developments and creating value from unused land.
Stagfield Group is further experienced in redeveloping hotels and inner-city properties, helping property owners achieve the full potential of their investments. Work includes building new commercial developments and converting existing buildings, new greenfield and brownfield sites.
The team is targeting £250 million of development across sectors, imbued with its passion for delivering low energy and design-led developments that are creative, sustainable, high quality and have a positive impact.
Abbey Central
A responsible developer, Stagfield Group understands it is its duty to act responsibly as both a business and neighbour in the communities it builds. The business endeavours to conduct itself with integrity and honesty in all aspects of the delivery of developments whether working with a landowner, a prospective buyer or an interested member of the community.
Innovating in finance, modern construction methods and clean energy solutions, the group provides ethical and sustainable returns to its stakeholders.
Stagfield Group’s flagship joint development with Peveril Homes, Abbey Central, was recently named ‘Residential Development of the Year, under 100 plots’ at the Midlands Residential Property Awards.
Located on the former Rushcliffe Borough Council Recycling Depot in West Bridgford, Nottingham, Abbey Central is a transformational development that has turned brownfield land into a vibrant, sustainable community. This visionary scheme delivers 71 high-quality new homes – including 21 affordable homes – and sets a new benchmark for low-carbon, family-friendly urban living.
Abbey Central
As one of the largest No-Gas developments in the region, Abbey Central features Air Source Heat Pumps, Solar PV panels and EV charging points throughout. Recognised as a blueprint for Net Zero development within the region, Abbey Central has been highlighted in Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Low Carbon and Sustainable Design Planning Document and is setting the standard for the future of sustainable housebuilding in the Midlands.
To find out more about Stagfield Group, please visit https://www.stagfield.co.uk/
Investment firm RDCP has acquired DJL Petfoods Ingredients, a supplier of premium pet food ingredients and raw materials based in Nottingham. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Founded in 2017 by Duncan Lancaster, DJL is positioned for growth under the new ownership, with plans to expand its product offerings and strengthen its sales capabilities. The company operates from a 40,000 sq ft facility and aims to enter new markets by diversifying its ingredients and products.
RDCP’s acquisition marks an increase in its enterprise value to £520m. The investment group intends to leverage DJL’s strong market position and long-standing customer relationships to support its next growth phase. Lancaster will continue as CEO, maintaining a shareholding in the business.
This acquisition is part of RDCP’s broader strategy to expand its consumer-facing investments and establish itself as one of the largest privately-owned investment groups in the UK.
Chocoberry, the Leicester-based dessert café chain, has reported a 53% increase in revenue for the first half of 2025. The company is actively pursuing rapid expansion, aiming to reach 50 locations across the UK by the end of 2026.
Founded in 2018, Chocoberry now operates 18 cafés in the UK and additional outlets in the UAE, Turkey, and Canada. Known for its innovative desserts and all-day brunch menu, the brand has attracted strong interest from franchisees, securing eight new franchise agreements this year alone.
The company’s recent growth includes new openings in Manchester, Peterborough, and Leytonstone, and the chain is focused on accelerating its presence across the UK. Chocoberry is also eyeing international expansion, with plans to scale to 100 global locations by 2028, targeting North America, Asia, and the GCC regions.
At the heart of its UK operations is a 5,000 sq ft bakery in Leicester, which supports the production of thousands of baked goods each week, underpinning the company’s growth strategy. As the brand builds momentum, it is actively seeking multi-site franchise partners to facilitate its ambitious growth plans.
Rolls-Royce has seen “strong” first half results, driven by continued progress in its multi-year transformation, despite challenges from the supply chain and tariffs.
Revenue passed £9bn, growing from an underlying revenue of £8.2bn in the same period last year.
Underlying operating profit rose by 50% to £1.7bn, reflecting the impact of strategic initiatives, operational effectiveness, and performance management. Meanwhile, underlying pre-tax profits increased to £1.7bn from £1bn.
The results have seen Rolls-Royce raise its full year 2025 guidance, now expecting £3.1bn-£3.2bn underlying operating profit and £3.0bn-£3.1bn free cash flow (previously £2.7bn-£2.9bn underlying operating profit and £2.7bn-£2.9bn free cash flow).
Tufan Erginbilgic, CEO, said: “Our multi-year transformation continues to deliver. Our actions led to strong first half year results, despite the challenges of the supply chain and tariffs. We are continuing to expand the earnings and cash potential of Rolls-Royce.
“We delivered continued strong operational and strategic progress in the first half of 2025. In Civil Aerospace, we achieved significant time on wing milestones and delivered improved aftermarket profitability. In Power Systems, where we now see further growth potential, we continued to capture profitable growth across data centres and governmental. In addition, Rolls-Royce SMR was selected as the sole provider of the UK’s first small modular reactor programme. We expect Rolls-Royce SMR to be profitable and free cash flow positive by 2030.
“A strong start to the year gives us confidence to raise our guidance for 2025. We now expect to deliver underlying operating profit of £3.1bn-£3.2bn and free cash flow of £3.0bn-£3.1bn. This builds further conviction in our mid-term targets, which include underlying operating profit of £3.6bn-£3.9bn and free cash flow of £4.2bn-£4.5bn. We see these targets as a milestone, not a destination, with substantial growth prospects beyond the mid-term.”
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