Research centre launched by universities of Sheffield, Newcastle and Nottingham to position UK as a global leader in clean technology

A major new research centre set to position the UK as a global leader in clean technology by replacing fossil petrochemicals and recycling industrial waste using sustainable chemistry, is being launched by researchers at the universities of Sheffield, Newcastle and Nottingham.

As referenced in the UK government’s recent Industrial Strategy, Great British (GB) Chemicals brings together researchers from a total of 10 universities who will work with stakeholders throughout the chemical industry to produce cleaner versions of the chemicals that we depend on in our modern lives, to reduce pollution, ensure resilience, and secure economic sustainability.

The centre is funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the Natural Environment Research Centre (NERC).

Led by Professor Peter Styring from the University of Sheffield, and Professors Libby Gibson from Newcastle University and Mike George from the University of Nottingham, GB Chemicals aims to accelerate the deployment of world-leading laboratory research through real-world demonstration and validation, and promote UK investment, job creation and potential export markets for the chemical industry.

Kedar Pandya, executive director for strategy at EPSRC, said: “This investment by EPSRC and NERC will drive a sustainable chemical industrial future, shifting the UK away from environmentally harmful processes towards circular alternatives that improves peoples’ lives and drive economic growth.

“Working closely with industry partners, this will be a systems approach that optimises the interdependencies between environmental net gain, decarbonisation, and resource efficiency.

“By embedding environmental science within manufacturing solutions, we’re enabling an environmentally sound net zero transition that has a positive impact on biodiversity, ecosystems, and natural resources – aligning with priorities in the clean energy industries sector plan.”

Professor Peter Styring, professor of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry at the University of Sheffield and co-director of GB Chemicals, said: “The award of Great British Chemicals reflects a great effort by our 10-university team to put a sustainable chemicals industry at the forefront of a long-needed transition.

“We will take emissions from foundation industries to provide the feedstocks to drive future chemicals production. One of the things that shone through during the process was the enthusiasm of the team to succeed and to help develop a world-leading new chemicals sector.

“There will be challenges: technical, economic and social, however we have the right team to deliver that to where there are currently gaps, and we have the flexibility in funding to bring in new partners and stakeholders.

“We already have combined experience in developing technologies to pre-commercial systems and we have shown that working as teams on a consolidated whole systems approach can deliver results at an accelerated pace. Co-creation with our stakeholders can drive that even more when we work together as a focused team.”

Professor Libby Gibson, professor of Energy Materials at Newcastle University, and co-director of GB Chemicals, said: “I’m delighted that we have been awarded the opportunity to lead Great British Chemicals. Carbon from the petrochemical industry is embedded in almost every manufactured product.

“If we want to cut pollution, improve health outcomes, become more resilient, grow the economy, provide jobs and keep products affordable, we need to urgently accelerate the deployment of smarter technology that keeps carbon in use rather than digging it up and then discarding it.

“This award enables us to unlock that opportunity, by driving innovation from the lab bench to the industrial backbone through our partnerships, pilots, data, and training. Ultimately, this will enable the community to secure investment, strengthen policy and create a lasting benefit for the planet.”

Professor Michael George, professor of Chemistry at the University of Nottingham, and co-director of GB Chemicals, said: “The UK chemical using industries are an under-appreciated jewel in our country’s economy. I am thrilled to be part of Great British Chemicals, helping to shift this sector towards sustainable operations. Success needs the participation of our wide range of university and industrial stakeholders focusing on the skills agenda.

“Our centre recognises the vital role of technical professionals in research across academia and industry. This includes partnership with the UK Institute for Technical Skills and Strategy, aligning with the Technician Commitment to support visibility, opportunity and the sustainability of skills.”

Great British Chemicals is funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and the Natural Environment Research Council, both part of UKRI. The centre will be funded at a full economic cost of £22.5 million for seven years.

GB Chemicals will begin officially on 1 August 2025, although work has already begun to ensure the consortium hits the ground running.

Rotherhill acquires modern Leicestershire industrial unit

Midlands-based property developer and asset manager, Rotherhill, alongside long-term funding partners DSC 452 Ltd, has completed the acquisition of a modern industrial unit on the Whiteacres Estate in Whetstone. The property comprises a detached, single-storey warehouse with integral two-storey offices, totalling approximately 13,350 sq ft, and occupies a 0.79-acre plot. It is currently let to Tyresure Ltd, with the lease set to expire on 24th August 2026. This acquisition aligns with Rotherhill’s ongoing strategy of acquiring high-quality industrial and logistics assets, whether income-producing or vacant, with potential to add value in the short to medium term through proactive asset management initiatives. Stuart Waite, associate director at Rotherhill, said: “We are pleased to have completed this acquisition which aligns perfectly with our strategy of buying well positioned assets with strong underlying fundamentals in a sector of the market which we believe will continue to experience rental and capital growth in the short to medium term. “Occupier demand remains robust and supply of similarly sized existing properties across Leicester and the wider Midlands region is extremely limited, particularly where self-contained and with large car parking and service yard provisions. This asset provides scope to secure rental and capital growth in line with market evidence upon lease expiry in 2026. “Thank you to Luke Symonds and Richard Wright of NorthCap who advised us in respect of this acquisition.”

Leicester hospital submits plans to expand cancer treatment facilities

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University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust has put forward a proposal to extend the Osborne building at Leicester Royal Infirmary, aiming to boost its cancer treatment capacity. The extension would accommodate a new aseptic pharmacy, designed to enhance the preparation of injectable medicines in sterile environments.

The existing pharmacy facilities are unable to meet the growing demand for cancer treatments and clinical trials. With cancer diagnoses rising at a rate surpassing the national average, the proposed first-floor extension will support an increase in treatment production to keep pace with both current and future demand. This expansion is considered essential for sustaining the hospital’s cancer services and enhancing patient care.

UK Government drives future of manufacturing with 3D printing investment

The UK Government is ramping up its focus on advanced manufacturing, with a new initiative aimed at enhancing productivity and positioning the country as a global leader. The Modern Industrial Strategy introduces a £4.3 billion investment, targeting a variety of sectors, including aerospace, automotive, and agricultural technology, with a strong emphasis on 3D printing.

By 2035, the UK is set to double its investment in advanced manufacturing, specifically in additive manufacturing technologies like 3D printing. This initiative aligns with the government’s broader strategy to reduce dependency on international supply chains and boost domestic production capacity.

Among the notable measures is £86 billion in funding for research and development across multiple industries, including a considerable portion allocated to digital and manufacturing innovations. Specifically, £2.8 billion will be dedicated to advancing R&D in the manufacturing sector, ensuring that businesses adopt cutting-edge solutions in automation and digital fabrication.

One significant aspect of the plan is the commitment to Made Smarter Innovation (MSI), which has already attracted £202 million in private investment, driving the development of digital technology solutions for the manufacturing industry. Public-private collaborations will continue to support efforts to expand 3D printing applications, helping to reshape industries such as aerospace and automotive.

The UK government is also addressing the skills gap with investments in STEM education and training, ensuring that the workforce is prepared for the demands of advanced manufacturing. This includes £395 million for the Henry Royce Institute, which will continue to spearhead materials research and innovation.

The strategic focus on additive manufacturing is further exemplified in defence, with the Ministry of Defence integrating 3D printing into its long-term plans to enhance supply chain resilience. The UK Government’s investment in aerospace 3D printing initiatives also promises to make significant strides in reducing costs and improving sustainability in the sector.

In response to these developments, industry leaders have highlighted the potential for these investments to reshape UK manufacturing, reduce reliance on overseas production, and lead the way in advanced manufacturing technologies. The strategy reflects a shift towards long-term planning, with the UK positioning itself for continued leadership in the global manufacturing landscape.

Recognise Bank completes £1.79m bridging loan for Lincolnshire developer

Recognise Bank has completed a gross £1.795 million bridging loan across multiple industrial sites and land in Lincolnshire for an established development and construction business. Completed in partnership with Archway Capital Partners, the facility will allow the developer to maximise sales values across the commercial units on the sites. The borrower, part of a long standing and family owned group, recently completed two industrial sites across Lincolnshire as well as two landbank sites with planning permission in place. The bespoke bridging facility structured by lending managers, Ian Fields & Heather Mitchell, provided the client with a short-term solution to allow time for asset sales and to support their strategic development pipeline in the future. Sam Monk, director at Archway Capital Partners, said: “It has been a great pleasure to work with Ian, Heather and Stephen to complete this deal and support our client. The Recognise Bank team crafted a bespoke solution, provided timely responses, and maintained great communication throughout. We look forward to working with the team again in the future.” Ian Fields, senior lending manager at Recognise Bank, said: “We are delighted to have worked with Sam and the Archway Capital team to facilitate the next phase of growth for another successful UK SME. Providing bespoke financial solutions is at the very core of what we do and this deal is a great example of what can be achieved when lender, broker and borrower work together.”

Pension reforms risk higher prices, fewer jobs and slower growth, warns FSB

Prospective pension reforms could see small firms raise prices, cut jobs or slash profits, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has warned. New research looks at how the current rules relating to auto-enrolment are already piling cost and complexity onto small employers. It also exposes how possible changes expected in the second phase of the Government’s Pensions Review – due later this year – could heap much further pressure on small firms already dealing with soaring wage bills and mounting National Insurance contributions (NICs). Most employers already say that decoding pension rules is a headache (53%), and a quarter (24%) are paying over £500 a year for advice – even before new changes are introduced. Small employers want to do right by their staff – but 79 per cent are concerned about the rising cost of employment, and reforms must reflect that pressure. FSB’s report, Backing the Future, lays bare the full impact of potential pension reforms being promoted by the Government. If employer pension contributions were to double to six per cent, 92 per cent of small employers would have to change their business negatively to cope, raising prices (52%), recruiting fewer workers (38%), cutting profits or absorbing costs (34%), and reducing the number of employees (14%). One of the proposals could see pension contributions applied from the very first pound earned, instead of the current £6,240. This would see 82 per cent of small employers affected negatively, raising prices (36%), cutting profits or limiting earnings (32%), recruiting fewer workers (28%), reducing pensions to a minimum of three per cent (19%), and cancelling/scaling down plans for investing in the business (19%). FSB is now calling for: 
  • Phase two of the Pensions Review to explicitly examine how workplace pension changes impact small employers and learn from how auto-enrolment has been rolled out until now. The review must look closely at the financial and admin burden on small businesses, including the cost of advice, running payroll, and getting to grips with the rules before bringing in any new proposals.
  • Ministers to commission a full cross-cutting economic assessment before any changes to pension rules are made, which includes the impact of recent rises in National Insurance and the National Living Wage, to ensure small firms are not hit with unaffordable costs or forced into tough choices like raising prices or cutting jobs. Last November, the Labour Government said it would only make changes to auto-enrolment if the impact on businesses was fully considered.
  • No changes be made to the earnings threshold, no increase to employer contributions and no lowering of the age limit before the economic assessment is complete.
  • The Government to convene regulators, including The Pensions Regulator and the Financial Conduct Authority, and industry stakeholders, to simplify pension rules and provide clearer guidance for small employers, reducing complexity and unnecessary admin. This would be a pro-growth, pro-employment move.
  • When considering pensions adequacy, the Government should look beyond just increasing contributions – considering scheme performance, investment returns and the real-world impact on small employers and employees. Poor fund performance leading to lower pensions later in life should not be masked by simplistic debates on contribution levels.
Tina McKenzie, policy chair of the Federation of Small Businesses, said: “Small business owners want to do the right thing. Entrepreneurs have taken on auto-enrolment, absorbed the costs, navigated the jargon, and kept paying into their staff’s pensions even when their own margins have fallen. But goodwill has limits. “The more complex and expensive the system becomes, the more we risk pushing employers from willing participants into reluctant bystanders. If the Government wants pensions policy to succeed, it must prioritise clarity over complexity and provide the right support. “This is not about resistance to pension reform, it’s about the cumulative burden of regulation and the rising cost of employment. Small firms are already feeling the pinch – NICs and wage increases are really taking their toll – and any new reforms could push many to breaking point. This is no time to add new burdens. Ministers should pause, take stock, and think carefully before stacking more costs on firms already under strain. “Now, as phase two of the Pensions Review gets underway, the Government must ensure the real pressures facing small businesses are front and centre – no further changes should go ahead without proper protections in place.”

Phenna Group makes strategic acquisition

Nottingham-headquartered Phenna Group, a global provider of testing, inspection, certification and compliance (TICC) services, has made its 11th deal in 2025, acquiring Construction Testing Services. The provider of construction materials testing services in Northern Ireland is the 22nd business within Phenna’s highly integrated Infrastructure Division. It marks another significant step in expanding the division and supports the group’s strategy of building a strong, geographically diverse network of testing, inspection, certification, and compliance (TICC) companies. Construction Testing Services will be incorporated into Simtec, one of Phenna’s specialist materials testing businesses. This move follows Simtec’s expansion, with the opening of new locations in London and East Anglia earlier this year. Roy Browne and Michael Craig, directors of Construction Testing Services, said: “We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved to date and are excited about this next chapter as we join Phenna Group and become part of Simtec. “From our first discussions, it was clear that our values were closely aligned, and we see great potential in combining our strengths to continue delivering excellent service to our clients across Ireland and beyond.” Chris Simmons, managing director of Simtec, added: “We are very pleased to welcome Roy, Michael and their team into Simtec. Their expertise and strong local presence in Northern Ireland are a perfect complement to our recent growth in London and East Anglia. “This acquisition significantly enhances our geographic reach and gives us the platform to better support clients across the region with high-quality, responsive testing services.” Stuart Abbs, divisional MD of Phenna Group’s Infrastructure Division, said: “Construction Testing Services is a strong strategic addition to our Infrastructure Division. Their technical capability, well-regarded brand, and regional strength in Northern Ireland align well with Simtec’s growth ambitions. “We’re confident that together, they will create even greater value for our customers and continue to deliver industry-leading standards of service.” Phil Marshall, CEO of Phenna Group, said: “It’s an absolute pleasure to welcome Roy and Michael, and their team to Phenna Group. We’ve been impressed by their team, culture, and quality of service. This acquisition supports our long-term growth strategy and further strengthens our Infrastructure Division’s presence across the UK and Northern Ireland. “I look forward to seeing the business thrive as part of Simtec, and I’m excited about the future opportunities this creates for our customers, colleagues, and partners.” Phenna Group were advised by Browne Jacobson and Johnston Carmicheal. Construction Testing Services was advised by Carson McDowell and the team at D.N. Mawhinney & Co. Matt Bolton, partner in the corporate team at Browne Jacobson, said: “We are very pleased to have supported Phenna Group on this strategic acquisition. Construction Testing Services has built a strong reputation as a leading provider of construction materials testing services in Northern Ireland and will augment the growth of Phenna Group’s Infrastructure Division as part of Simtec.”

Enter outstanding schemes for Commercial Development of the Year at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025

Shining a light on the region’s property and construction industry, nominations will close on Friday 15th August for East Midlands Business Link’s 10th annual Bricks Awards. With 10 categories available to enter, the independent awards and publicity programme recognises development projects and people in commercial and public building across the region – from office, industrial and residential schemes, through to community projects such as leisure schemes and schools. We also showcase the work of architects, agencies and those behind large schemes. It’s completely free to submit a nomination and making the top three finalists in your category also wins you free tickets to the awards ceremony. Amongst this year’s categories is Commercial Development of the Year, which can be entered here. The winner of this category will be the commercial development that has gone above and beyond in fulfilling the criteria of the build, in terms of design and construction. This can include special requirements, features or elements that make the commercial development stand out from the crowd. Last year the award was won by G F Tomlinson, for The Air and Space Institute, Newark, with Brackley Property Developments (for The Dock Extension, Leicester) and Pick Everard (for Nottingham Central Library) runners up. Adrian Grocock, Group Managing Director at G F Tomlinson, said: “It’s a fantastic awards event that we enjoy being part of and have had previous success, including winning the Commercial Development of the Year for the Air and Space Institute in Newark last year and receiving the accolade of overall winner from all the categories a few years previous. The East Midlands Bricks Awards brings together hard-working individuals and colleagues to celebrate all that is good in the local construction industry, and we are proud to have been recognised amongst our peers for our work in the region. We congratulate the Bricks team on the 10th year anniversary of the awards.” With this year’s Commercial Development of the Year award sponsored by Global HSE Group, Andrew Cooper, Managing Director, said: “We’re really proud to be returning as a sponsor of the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025, once again sponsoring the ‘Commercial Development of the Year’ category. Last year’s event was a brilliant celebration of the region’s property and construction talent, and it was fantastic to see so many inspiring projects and passionate people under one roof. “Sponsoring this category for the second-year running was an easy decision for us. At Global, we’re committed to supporting excellence in property and construction, and the East Midlands Bricks Awards is a perfect platform to do that. We’re especially excited to see the nominations this year, there’s no doubt the standard will be incredibly high again. “We’d encourage anyone who has delivered an exceptional project to complete a nomination form. It’s a great opportunity to shine a spotlight on the teams, collaborations and achievements within the region, and we’re looking forward to another memorable evening of celebrating success and connecting with peers across the industry.” Submit your nominations for Commercial Development of the Year here before entries close on Friday 15th August. Winners will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony on Thursday 2nd October, at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground (4:30pm – 7:30pm) – an evening also offering an opportunity to establish new connections with property and construction professionals from across the region, and 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. Other award categories open for entry include: Most Active Agent, Developer of the Year, Responsible Business of the Year, Residential Development of the Year, Contractor of the Year, Deal of the Year, Architects of the Year, Excellence in Design, and Sustainable Development of the Year. All entry forms can be accessed here. The Overall Winner award will also be presented at the event. This award cannot be entered, with the winner selected from those nominated for the event’s other awards. The Overall Winner of the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025 will also receive 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.  

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:

Midlands leads new era of clean energy growth as potential sites assessed for nuclear power stations

Midlands Nuclear has taken a significant step toward integrating nuclear power into the region’s future low-carbon energy mix by examining and assessing potential sites for new power stations. The siting study, commissioned and funded by Midlands Net Zero Hub on behalf of Midlands Nuclear, delivered by Equilibrion and supported by Portinscale Consulting, assesses where and how nuclear energy could supply low-carbon electricity, hydrogen, and sustainable fuels for industry, transport, and homes. The UK Government outlined its commitment to clean energy in the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy published on 23rd June. The strategy focuses on clean energy, industrial decarbonisation, and lowering energy costs, pledging to double investment in clean energy to over £30 billion by 2035. Alongside this, up to 24GW of new nuclear capacity is planned by 2050, backed by £20billion of investment in Sizewell C and the Rolls-Royce Small Modular Reactor development being led by Great British Energy – Nuclear. Midlands Nuclear believes the Midlands could attract similar investment, strengthening energy security, advancing net zero goals, and establishing the region as a key player in the energy transition. Forthcoming projects would support regional jobs and industrial growth enabling the Midlands to capture more of the potential 3,000 jobs at peak construction for a single Small Modular Reactor and £500-660m increase in local Gross Value Add from a two-unit deployment delivering almost 1GW of clean electricity. The Midlands is already home to nuclear facilities, including the Rolls-Royce Submarines nuclear licensed operations at its site at Raynesway, Derby, and possesses a strong and capable workforce already involved in delivering and supporting nuclear projects. The region is also rich in natural assets including the River Trent and strategic coastal and inland infrastructure. At its peak, “Megawatt Valley” generated 25% of the UK’s electricity, but with the closure of coal-fired power stations, this much needed local capacity has been lost. Restoring the Midlands’ role in energy generation could revitalise local economies, bring energy production closer to where it’s used, and help reduce energy bills nationwide. New nuclear power station proposals must meet strict regulatory and planning requirements and pass through rigorous processes including public engagement and consultation. However, the siting study demonstrates that sites in the Midlands could pass the siting criteria including on population density, proximity to military activities and access to essential cooling water. Nuclear applications could support the region by delivering consistent, reliable power for data centres, hydrogen for transport and industrial use, and heat for manufacturing and networks. Lord Ravensdale, chair of Midlands Nuclear, said: “This study represents a pivotal step toward future expansion of clean, secure energy capacity in the Midlands through consideration of siting options for nuclear power in the region. Coming alongside a more flexible siting policy for new nuclear from the government, it is an exciting opportunity for the region to capitalise on the revival of nuclear energy across the UK.” Jack Hayhoe, head of net zero programmes at Midlands Net Zero Hub, said: “The Midlands Net Zero Hub is delighted to have supported the development of this study, it marks a significant milestone in the Midlands’ journey toward becoming a key player in the UK’s clean energy future. “By exploring how nuclear energy can support low-carbon electricity, hydrogen production, and sustainable fuels, the region is stepping forward as a serious contender to host new nuclear developments. The Midlands is now well-positioned to attract investment, unlock industrial growth, and deliver long-term benefits for communities, businesses, and the environment.” Professor Martin Freer, co-director of Midlands Nuclear and CEO of the Faraday Institute, said: “Now is a fantastically good time for the development of nuclear energy sector, with government support for both small- and large-scale designs. This report puts the Midlands on the front foot regarding seizing the opportunity, creating the evidence base to build on, allowing an understanding of how nuclear energy may play into the future energy system of the region.” Dr Phil Rogers, project director at Equilibrion, said: “We are delighted our siting study has contributed to the Midlands understanding of how the region could be a participant in the UK’s nuclear renaissance. The extensive study underpins Equilibrion’s growing capability and skills in new nuclear project and programme development at what is a pivotal moment for UK nuclear and the Midlands. “We look forward to continuing our support to deliver the growth opportunities presented by new nuclear siting policy and the resurgence in demand for nuclear as a major contributor to prosperity, growth and decarbonisation.”

KPMG expands Nottingham footprint with new city centre office

Professional services firm KPMG UK has relocated its more than 200-strong Nottingham-based team to a new office in the heart of the city centre. The move, to fully refurbished 8,000 sq ft premises on the 7th floor of the EastWest building on Tollhouse Hill, forms part of KPMG’s long-term regional growth strategy. The new EastWest office brings the firm’s entire Nottingham-based operation together all on one enlarged floor, with more meeting rooms and communal space for collaborative working, as well as a newly designed area to host events. Marc Abrams, senior office partner at KPMG UK’s Nottingham office, said: “The East Midlands remains a key area of focus for KPMG UK, and this move to our new office with increased space in Nottingham’s EastWest building demonstrates our long-term commitment and drive to continue working with businesses across the region. “Having already been part of the East Midlands business community for nearly 100 years, this move is a milestone for the local team, and we are all looking forward to welcoming clients and contacts to our new home in the coming weeks.” KPMG’s history in Nottingham dates to the 1930s, when the firm’s London office needed a local team to audit several collieries and coal storage depots across the East Midlands. To resource the work, a new office was opened in Nottingham at Milton Chambers, 19 Milton Street. The building still exists to this day and can be found on the opposite corner to the main entrance of the Victoria Shopping Centre.