Pick Everard to design future prisons in the UK under new MoJ contract

April Lara
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Pick Everard to design future prisons in the UK under new MoJ contract

Pick Everard has been selected as the sole supplier to lead the design of future prison facilities across the UK, supporting the Ministry of Justice’s (MoJ) plans for capacity expansion. This includes work across category A to D prisons and women’s facilities. The firm will handle both new builds and improvements to existing assets, continuing its long-standing collaboration with the MoJ that spans over 20 years.

The MoJ’s new framework programme, procured through the Crown Commercial Services (CCS) framework, will see Pick Everard provide a wide range of services, including architecture, structural and civil engineering, building services, and environmental expertise. The firm’s track record in delivering prison programmes, such as the New Prisons Programme and projects like HMP Five Wells and HMP Millsike, will be key in meeting the growing demand for secure, rehabilitative facilities.

Pick Everard has also been involved in several other MoJ initiatives, including the design work at HMP Rye Hill and advisory services on fire safety and decarbonisation projects across Central England and Wales. The new appointment reflects the firm’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the UK’s prison estate with future-focused, high-quality designs.

Stannah’s charity abseil raises vital funds

Tess Egginton
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Stannah’s charity abseil raises vital funds
Last Saturday (July 19th) marked a memorable day for Stannah, as a group of employees took on the challenge of abseiling down the iconic Northampton Lift Tower, all in the name of charity. The event, blessed with clear skies and high spirits, was a resounding success, raising a significant sum for the Lift Industry Charity. Among the brave participants and their family showing up to support was a representative from the Lift Industry Charity, Jools Black, who shared: “Great day and what a result, we so appreciate the efforts and time. “From The Lift Charity, we would like to send you our heartfelt thank you. The money will help make such a difference to those who need the charity’s help.” The UK Lift Industry Charity plays a crucial role in supporting families of lift industry workers affected by work-related injuries or tragic losses. Raising over £4,325, every pound goes directly to helping those in need. Stannah has pledged to match all donations, doubling the impact of every contribution, meaning a total of £8,650 raised. Loreen Moody, talent acquisition lead, said: “I went over the edge and made it down! Abseiling down the Northampton lift test tower with my Stannah teammates was a huge personal challenge, especially as someone with a fear of heights. “It was both exhilarating and daunting, but absolutely worth it to raise money for a cause that supports families affected by injury or loss in our industry.”

Applaud the region’s property and construction industry at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025!

Tess Egginton
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Applaud the region’s property and construction industry at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025!
With less than a month remaining until nominations close for Business Link’s 10th annual East Midlands Bricks Awards, it is time to applaud businesses, teams and projects by submitting an entry for the prestigious event. Attracting leaders from across the region, the celebration of the property and construction industry is the perfect way for firms to raise their profile and promote the work they are completing. Take this opportunity to showcase exceptional new commercial and residential developments, those demonstrating a leading position in sustainability and design excellence; gain recognition as outstanding developers, architects, contractors, and agents, as well as for significant deals; and ensure efforts in corporate social responsibility are rewarded, from eco initiatives to charity work, to social value schemes. Winners will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony on Thursday 2nd October at the famous Trent Bridge Cricket Ground – an evening also offering an opportunity to establish new connections with property and construction professionals from across the region. After winning the Responsible Business award at the 2024 event, Tom Sewell, regional director at Stepnell, said: “Winning the Responsible Business award at the 2024 East Midlands Bricks Awards was an incredibly proud moment for the Nottingham team at Stepnell, recognising our dedication to responsible practices and commitment to sustainable development in the region. “The awards are a fantastic opportunity to connect with others in the industry and celebrate regional excellence. I would wholeheartedly encourage businesses from across the East Midlands property and construction landscape to get involved.” To nominate your (or another) business/development for one of our awards, please click on a category link below or visit this page. Entry is free – with finalists also winning free tickets to the awards ceremony. Categories include: All finalists will have the chance to take home the Overall Winner award, which this year comes with a grand prize of a year of marketing/publicity worth £20,000, with the opportunity to split or gift the marketing to a charity of your choice.

Nominations will close on Friday 15th August.

Tickets can now be booked for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025, click here to secure yours. Taking place in the Derek Randall Suite at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground on Thursday 2nd October from 4:30pm – 7:30pm, connect with local decision makers over nibbles and complimentary drinks while applauding the outstanding companies and projects in our region.

Attendees will also hear from 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.

New for this year, all entrants will also have the opportunity to be featured on our dedicated nominee showcase on the East Midlands Business Link website, providing space for marketing your achievements.

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 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:

 

£1.1m invested in East Midlands SMEs through Midlands Engine Investment Fund II

April Lara
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£1.1m invested in East Midlands SMEs through Midlands Engine Investment Fund II

First Enterprise has loaned over £1.1m to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the East Midlands, marking a strong start to the 2024/25 financial year. This funding is part of the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II, a British Business Bank initiative aimed at improving access to finance and driving regional economic growth.

The loans, which ranged from £25,000 to £250,000, were distributed across businesses in Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, and Lincolnshire. Sectors benefiting from this funding included healthcare, digital marketing, IT, manufacturing, retail, education, and logistics. The loans are expected to create and safeguard more than 70 jobs, supporting businesses with expansion, equipment investment, and new service launches.

Diversity and inclusion have been key focuses in the funding process, with 24% of the businesses led by women and 60% by ethnic minority leaders. The diversity of the businesses reflects the region’s entrepreneurial spirit and the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II’s goal to offer inclusive financial opportunities.

First Enterprise’s quick disbursement of funds demonstrates the region’s robust business landscape and First Enterprise’s ongoing commitment to support SMEs throughout the financial year.

Nottingham hosiery business acquired by supply chain innovator

Tess Egginton
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Nottingham hosiery business acquired by supply chain innovator

Supply chain innovator Li & Fung has made its first acquisition in over a decade, acquiring Orrsum, a Nottingham-based hosiery, underwear, and loungewear business.

Founded in 1998, Orrsum delivers over 50 million pairs of socks annually to more than 5,000 retail doors worldwide. “This acquisition marks a significant step in accelerating our growth strategy,” said Destan Bezmen, president of LF Europe. “By combining Orrsum’s category leadership and product development capabilities with Li & Fung’s digital infrastructure and global reach, we are scaling high-demand categories, broadening our customer offering, and driving faster, more flexible execution across markets.” “Joining the Li & Fung family is a milestone for Orrsum,” said William Orr, CEO of Orrsum. “With access to their global platform and advanced technology, we can expand our footprint, enhance service levels, and unlock new growth opportunities for our customers and partners.” Orrsum will operate as part of LF Europe and continue to be led by William Orr. The business will leverage Li & Fung’s AI-enabled digital infrastructure and sourcing network across 40 economies to strengthen supply chain agility, improve speed-to-market, and expand into new geographies and channels.

Jobs secured as Chesterfield’s CBE+ sold

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Jobs secured as Chesterfield’s CBE+ sold
Chesterfield-based CBE+, specialists in nickel plating, CNC machining, surface treatment and assembly services for the aerospace, defence, energy and automotive industries, has been sold after falling into administration. Over the past few years, market conditions have been challenging which has impacted the company’s profitability. As a result of these mounting pressures, the directors sought to undertake an exploration of their refinance, investment and sale options. However, when it became clear that a solvent solution could not be found, they took the decision to seek the appointment of administrators. Immediately following the appointment of Tim Bateson and Howard Smith from Interpath as joint administrators on 21 July 2025, the business and assets of the firm were sold to two companies that are funded by Baaj Capital LLP. All 87 members of staff have transferred to the purchaser as part of the transaction. Tim Bateson, director at Interpath and joint administrator, said: “These have been testing times for many businesses across the manufacturing sector as a result of high cost inflation and fragile business confidence. We are pleased to have secured this transaction which safeguards the future of CBE Plus Limited and which, importantly, safeguards the jobs of all employees.” The joint administrators were assisted by legal advisors at HCR Law led by Stuart Taylor.

Van Elle unveils strategic partnership with VolkerWessels UK

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Van Elle unveils strategic partnership with VolkerWessels UK

Van Elle, the Nottinghamshire ground engineering contractor, has unveiled a strategic partnership with VolkerWessels UK, a multidisciplinary contractor delivering engineering and construction solutions across the rail, highways, aviation, ports, defence, energy, water, and environment sectors.

The partnership includes the acquisition of the concrete piling assets of VolkerGround Engineering. 

Van Elle and the businesses within VolkerWessels UK will work together closely, with the capacity and technical expertise to deliver solutions across major investment programmes in the water, energy, defence, industrial and rail sectors.

Van Elle chief executive, Mark Cutler said: “We have a long trading relationship with VolkerWessels UK and this agreement brings us closer together as strategic partners, providing mutual benefits to both parties.”

Strategy approved to unlock investment, innovation, and inclusive growth in the East Midlands

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Strategy approved to unlock investment, innovation, and inclusive growth in the East Midlands
The East Midlands Investment Zone Strategy and Investment Plan has been approved by the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) Board. The strategy for the £160m, ten-year programme will unlock inclusive growth and innovation in priority sectors of advanced manufacturing and clean energy industries. The key activities in the strategy include developing the skills, innovation, businesses, and infrastructure to build on local strengths, championing the East Midlands Investment Zone for global investment for nuclear, vehicle propulsion, and advanced construction industries, and providing business support services for SMEs. It also includes supporting the planning, coordination, and delivery of skills opportunities to open up pathways to high-quality jobs, creating spaces for organisations to come together to collaborate on new technologies, and accelerating delivery across the designated East Midlands Investment Zone sites. The East Midlands Investment Zone is set to bring at least £383 million of investment into the region and 4,000 high-quality jobs. Three designated strategic sites – Infinity Park in Derby, Explore Park in Worksop, and Hartington Staveley in Chesterfield – serve as focal areas for delivery and benefit from targeted tax and business rate retention incentives. However, the programme will offer a range of interventions and opportunities throughout the region. Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, said: “The East Midlands Investment Zone represents a powerful statement of intent: that the East Midlands is ready to lead Britain’s journey into a cleaner, smarter industrial future. By nurturing local talent, championing global investment, and accelerating progress across our priority sectors, we are building a region that can thrive. “Our vision for the East Midlands Investment Zone is rooted in inclusive growth. As Mayor, I’m ensuring that everyone, from school leavers to seasoned professionals and people who are not currently in work, can share in the success of a region that’s set to lead the world in clean energy industries and advanced manufacturing.”

Stagecoach leads UK transport sector in climate engagement

April Lara
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Stagecoach leads UK transport sector in climate engagement

Stagecoach has set a new standard in climate action within the transport sector. It is the only UK and European operator to achieve the prestigious ‘A’ grade on the CDP Supplier Engagement Assessment (SEA) for 2024, marking a significant milestone in the company’s sustainability journey. The achievement highlights Stagecoach’s leadership in addressing climate change through comprehensive supply chain engagement and environmental strategy.

The CDP A-List recognition was granted for the company’s robust governance practices, commitment to emissions reductions, transparent Scope 3 emissions reporting, and active engagement with its suppliers on climate issues. Stagecoach’s approach is in line with global climate goals, positioning the company as a climate leader in the road transport industry. It remains one of only two companies worldwide to receive this accolade in the sector.

Additionally, Stagecoach secured an ‘A-‘ climate disclosure rating, placing it in the top 1% of companies globally. The company also maintained a ‘B’ rating in water-related disclosures, underlining its efforts to manage water risks and safeguard natural resources across its operations.

Stagecoach’s continued dedication to sustainability is setting a high bar for climate action in the transport sector.

Vulcan Creatives opens applications for third business incubation cohort

April Lara
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Vulcan Creatives opens applications for third business incubation cohort

Vulcan Creatives has launched its third cohort of the Vulcan Works business incubation programme, inviting aspiring entrepreneurs from Northamptonshire to apply. The six-month programme, designed to support individuals in developing business plans and refining their entrepreneurial skills, is open to applicants aged 18 or over who are committed to dedicating at least two days a week to business coaching and support.

Since its inception in 2024, the programme has successfully helped 20 entrepreneurs turn their business ideas into fully operational businesses. The third cohort will select 10 new participants, who will benefit from tailored mentorship, including one-on-one sessions with business growth experts, access to free coworking spaces, and opportunities to attend masterclasses and networking events.

Graduates of the programme will also gain discounted access to office, coworking, or workshop spaces at Vulcan Works for the following six months. This initiative aims to help entrepreneurs sustain the momentum gained during the programme and continue their business growth.

Applications are open until 12th September, with the third cohort set to begin in October.

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