Derbyshire County Council has partially reversed its decision to shut down seven adult education centres across the county, following criticism over the lack of transparency and consultation.

The initial plan would have seen the closure of centres in Wirksworth, Alfreton, Ashbourne, Matlock, Shirebrook, Long Eaton, and Glossop by the end of July. Course providers had already been instructed to vacate the premises before the announcement became public.

The move, which the council attributed to shifts in funding priorities from external education bodies, was not listed on the authority’s website and had not gone through any formal council committee process. The administration had originally framed the closures as building shutdowns rather than service cuts, yet offered no details on alternative locations or continuity of services.

This reversal comes amid mounting pressure to preserve community-based adult education offerings, which are widely regarded as a crucial component in upskilling local workforces and promoting economic participation. Questions remain about the future use of the affected buildings and whether services will be redistributed or centralised, with no official redevelopment plans currently disclosed. The situation continues to raise governance concerns for stakeholders monitoring the council’s decision-making regarding public education infrastructure.

Derby’s Sadler Gate is set to host its fourth annual street party on Saturday, 28 June, offering a day of free performances and pop-up activity aimed at driving footfall and local engagement. The event, scheduled from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., is being organised by the Cathedral Quarter Business Improvement District (BID) in partnership with the Love Sadler Gate business group.

The initiative forms part of the BID’s wider summer activation strategy, highlighting the value of collaborative placemaking for city centre regeneration. It provides a platform for independent traders along Sadler Gate to showcase their offerings, with some shops planning flash sales and pop-up food stalls available on the day. Entertainment will include live music, street performers, and heritage talks, aiming to attract a broad cross-section of visitors.

The Celebrate Sadler Gate event, following a strong turnout in previous years, is positioned as a demonstration of the BID’s commitment to supporting local businesses and strengthening Derby’s high street resilience. It’s one of three summer activations announced by the Cathedral Quarter BID, alongside a Jurassic-themed family event in July and a street circus scheduled for August. The broader programme aims to enhance Derby’s appeal as a destination and promote ongoing investment in the city centre.

A new £340,000 grant programme is set to open for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across West Northamptonshire, aimed at supporting innovation and growth.

Funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the Driving Innovation Grant will offer financial support for projects that boost productivity, address global challenges, and help businesses remain competitive. Both capital and revenue funding will be available, with grants ranging from £1,000 to £25,000. Up to 50% of eligible project costs can be covered, with a significant portion of the overall fund prioritised for capital expenditure.

The scheme is designed to align with the four business priorities set out in the West Northamptonshire Economic Growth Strategy. Applications must demonstrate how proposed projects support these strategic goals.

The grant will formally launch on June 25 during an event at the University of Northampton, focusing on the region’s innovation ecosystem. Further information and application details will be published on the West Northamptonshire Council website for those unable to attend.

The initiative complements a broader local support network that includes the South Midlands Growth Hub, Vulcan Works, and the Northamptonshire Business & IP Centre. It also reflects growing efforts to scale up the region’s high-performing industries by fostering long-term resilience and economic contribution.

The UK Government’s newly published Infrastructure Strategy outlines £70 billion of planned investment across various sectors, including transport, housing, clean energy, and public services. East Midlands Chamber has responded with cautious optimism, calling for clarity, fairness, and execution that supports all parts of the region.

For the East Midlands, key projects identified include funding for the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) to support initiatives in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, such as the Trent Arc programme, the Chesterfield-Staveley Regeneration Route, and road upgrades along the A614/A6097. Additional investments target Leicester Royal Infirmary, the Derby and Ilkeston flood defence schemes, and nuclear energy development at West Burton through the STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production) programme.

While these allocations are welcomed, the Chamber has flagged concerns about uneven regional support, particularly the need for Leicestershire to receive proportional investment. Businesses also remain wary of the potential financial burden, particularly as they already face elevated National Insurance contributions and minimum wage increases. With the Autumn Budget on the horizon, the business community is urging the government to ensure infrastructure funding does not translate into higher taxes or costs for employers. The call is clear: implementation must be regionally balanced, transparent, and business-sensitive.