The demolition of the former Council Offices in Coalville has begun, starting a major regeneration project to create Stenson Gardens – a new public space and residential development.
While the older building on the site, Stenson House, will remain in civic use for weddings and council meetings, the areas around it will be redesigned to include housing and public space. The project is part of North West Leicestershire District Council’s (NWLDC) regeneration framework for Coalville, which aims to revitalise the town centre through improvements to public spaces, an expanded leisure offering, improved connectivity, and regenerated buildings. The plans show a transformation of the area into a green space with features including a fountain, terraced seating, woodland play trail, and climate-resilient planting. Members of the public have been invited to view and provide feedback on the initial plans for Stenson Gardens at a public drop-in event on Wednesday 8 October, from 3.30pm to 8pm at Stenson House. The plans are also available online. The 12-week phased demolition of the former Council Offices building will be carried out by specialist contractors Cawarden, starting with internal work before moving to controlled external dismantling and site clearance. Councillor Richard Blunt, leader of NWLDC, said: “As with everything we do in Coalville, we’re looking for quality development that will be another step on the regeneration journey. The redevelopment in this part of Coalville has long been on our agenda, so it’s exciting to finally be able to share the plans with local people and get feedback. “The move out of the Council Offices has been a success for us – our staff now work from a smaller, more efficient, building – and has unlocked this site for much needed residential. I’d encourage people to come along to the drop-in session in October or look at the plans online, give us your feedback and help us shape the future for Coalville.”Windows business sold out of administration
A Langley Mill-based windows business has been sold out of administration.
Richard Pinder and Sean Williams from Leonard Curtis were appointed joint liquidators of Frame Trade UK Limited in July (2025).
Frame Trade UK was established in 2003 and specialised in UPVC and aluminium manufacturing of double-glazed windows, doors and conservatories serving customers across the East Midlands. The firm employed 19 people.
The company ran into difficulties with loss of trade due to the pandemic, followed by the impact of having to replace a key piece of machinery and flooding at the factory in 2023, which caused extensive damage and disruption to production.
The business and assets of the company had been acquired by a third party prior to the appointment of the joint liquidators, who subsequently advised the directors on the steps to take to put the company into liquidation following completion of the sale.
The sale also included the TUPE transfer of 17 employees to the third party. Two directors were made redundant.
Richard Pinder said: “After reviewing the circumstances of the sale, and obtaining valuation advice, the Joint Liquidators confirmed that the sale of the business and assets was the best outcome for creditors as it maximised asset realisations, and minimised preferential creditor claims as a result of the TUPE transfer of employees.”
The purchaser of the business and assets is Frame Trade Windows Ltd, which is part of the Regal Group.
Jason Bamford, managing director at The Regal Group, said “We had worked with Frame Trade UK for years, and felt it would be a good fit with our existing group of companies and could add production capacity.
“Given the existing customer base, and additional demand from within the group, I am confident that the business can become profitable, and that we can secure the future of the employees for years to come.”
The winners of the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025 to be revealed this week!
Taking place on Thursday 2nd October, the highly anticipated East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025 is just days away.
The awards recognise and celebrate those behind the changing landscape of our region – the very best companies, teams, individuals and projects.
An ideal networking opportunity, the occasion also presents a chance to form new connections with property and construction professionals from across the East Midlands over nibbles and complementary 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 Agents, 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:
Derby nursing homes change hands after 50 years
NGA Care have concluded the sale of Willover Property Limited, the holding company for two Derby nursing homes, Stanley House and Abbeydale.
Owned and operated by the Shepperson family for nearly 50 years, the homes are both located on Duffield Road close to Derby city centre. Both currently hold a ‘Good’ rating from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and are registered for a total of 83 residents.
Stanley House opened in 1975, followed by Abbeydale in 1986. The transaction enables directors Mike and Nicky Shepperson to retire from the sector after decades of service to the local community.
Former director Mike Shepperson said: “It has been an honour and a privilege to care for so many wonderful residents and to work alongside a truly dedicated team. Abbeydale and Stanley House have always been about putting people first and I am confident that through the sales process with NGA Care, the homes are in excellent hands.”
The homes have been acquired by Iqbal and Perminder Sanghera, owners of the New Lodge Nursing Home in Mickleover, also acquired through NGA Care.
Iqbal Sanghera added: “It was a pleasure working with Nick on another successful transaction, the whole process from start to finish was well managed and professional. Stanley House and Abbeydale’s values, staff, and community ties will remain intact.
“The homes have been a cornerstone of Derby for five decades. My priority is to honour its heritage while ensuring seamless continuity in the exceptional care residents and families rely on.”
Nick Greaves, managing director of NGA Care, said: “Through a highly confidential and targeted marketing campaign, we generated strong interest and multiple bids on two fantastic care homes.
“It was an absolute pleasure to have acted on behalf of our clients to facilitate their well-deserved retirement from the sector.”
Derbyshire businesses swing into action to raise £5,480 for Miles for Smiles
South Normanton-based strategic marketing agency Purpose Media and Derby-headquartered S. O’Brien Heating Solutions are celebrating the success of their recent charity golf day, which raised a total of £5,480 in support of Miles for Smiles.
The event, held at Morley Hayes Golf Club, brought together local businesses for a day of competition, camaraderie, and fundraising.
Miles for Smiles provides grants and memorable experiences for families and individuals affected by disabilities, life-changing and life-limiting conditions across South Derbyshire, East Staffordshire, and North West Leicestershire.
Steve O’Brien, owner of S. O’Brien Heating Solutions, said: “We’re thrilled with the generosity of everyone involved. The golf day is a fantastic way to enjoy a day of sport while making a difference for Miles for Smiles and the families they support.”
Matt Wheatcroft, managing director of Purpose Media, added: “It’s inspiring to see businesses come together for such a positive cause. The funds raised will go a long way in helping Miles for Smiles continue their incredible work in the community.”
The organisers thanked all participating teams, sponsors, and supporters for helping make the event a success and look forward to hosting more charity initiatives in the future.
Notts County sees financial boost after owners waive £10.75m loan
Notts County’s owners have formally waived a £10.75 million loan previously extended by Football Radar. The accounting adjustment will register as a profit for the club and a corresponding loss for Football Radar, though the club has not realised actual cash profits.
The move strengthens the club’s balance sheet and improves overall financial stability, providing a firmer foundation for ongoing operations and strategic planning. Existing loans remain in place, and Football Radar may offer additional funding in the future.
The club’s board and management will continue to prioritise financial discipline, using the enhanced stability to support sustainable growth both on the field and across business operations.
Copper Swan strengthens client services team
Copper Swan has strengthened its client services team with the appointment of Hannah Harvey-Merrin as client associate.
Hannah brings a diverse background to the role, having gained experience across several industries, including retail, financial services, and technology. Her previous positions have spanned private pensions, work for an independent financial adviser (IFA), and most recently, a role in the tech sector where she was responsible for HR, recruitment, learning and development.
In her new position at Copper Swan, Hannah will play a central role in the client team, working closely with both clients and lenders to provide tailored support. She will be responsible for building strong relationships, helping businesses to navigate their commercial funding requirements, and ensuring they access the best possible solutions to achieve growth and long-term success.
Commenting on her new role, Hannah said: “From the outset, it was evident that Copper Swan prioritises genuine relationships and meaningful support for their clients. Their dedication to making a real impact inspired me, and I was eager to contribute to their continued success and development. I am excited to work alongside such a passionate team and to support clients on their business journeys.”
Ben Lavin, director at Copper Swan, added: “We are delighted to welcome Hannah to the team. Her varied experience, client-focused approach, and enthusiasm for supporting businesses make her a fantastic addition. At Copper Swan, we are committed to helping our clients achieve their ambitions, and Hannah will play a key role in strengthening the relationships that are at the heart of everything we do.”
Modella Capital acquires Claire’s UK, safeguarding 1,000 roles
Modella Capital has acquired the majority of Claire’s UK and Ireland operations, comprising 156 stores and approximately 1,000 staff members. The transaction follows Claire’s UK entering administration in August 2025, after its US parent initiated Chapter 11 proceedings.
Around 145 stores remain under administration while their future is assessed. The business employs approximately 2,100 people across 278 locations in the UK and 28 outlets in Ireland.
The acquisition adds to Modella Capital’s existing retail portfolio, which includes WH Smith, Hobbycraft, and The Original Factory Shop, reinforcing its position in the high-street sector. Administrators will continue running the remaining stores while exploring strategic options for the unsold sites.
ONYX Insight appoints Alexis Grenon as CEO
ONYX Insight, a Macquarie Capital-backed provider of condition-based monitoring (CMS) solutions for the global wind sector, has named Alexis Grenon as its new chief executive.
Grenon joins the company following nearly 20 years at Schneider Electric, where he most recently led the Digital Grid division as CEO and board member, overseeing smart grid software and energy management solutions. His experience also includes leading global divisions delivering energy efficiency software, hardware, and recurring services. Grenon began his career in software engineering at Thales Air Systems.
ONYX Insight’s CMS technology monitors over 28,000 wind turbines across 35 countries, safeguarding assets worth more than US$12 billion. The company continues to expand its suite of capabilities, including blade sensing, predictive analytics, and maintenance optimisation tools, supporting wind operators in reducing downtime and preventing blade failures.
Macquarie Capital highlighted Grenon’s engineering and energy management expertise as key to advancing ONYX Insight’s technology and supporting its international customer base.
Housebuilder submits plans to deliver 133-home development in Rainworth
Housebuilder Honey has submitted plans and exchanged contracts on a 12.4-acre site to deliver a £40m, 133 new-home development in Rainworth, near Mansfeld.
Called Melisse and located on off Nightjar Way, the proposed development will comprise a mix of two-, three-, four- and five-bed homes and feature 17 of Honey’s different house types.
The proposed development has been allocated within Newark & Sherwood District Council’s existing local plan to deliver new homes across the region.
If approved by Newark & Sherwood District Council, work at Melisse is expected to start in spring 2026 and the first residents are anticipated to move into their new homes in late 2026.
Honey chief executive officer, Mark Mitchell, said: “We are very pleased to have submitted plans for our Rainworth site, which will further expand our development footprint across the Mansfield and Nottinghamshire region.
“Our Melisse development will provide prospective buyers in the local area with high specification, thoughtfully designed homes that are unmatched at their price point.
“We now look forward to Newark & Sherwood District Council considering our proposed plans to deliver homes which combined style, substance and sustainability in Rainworth.”
