Government steps in to support at-risk jobs following refinery insolvency

April Lara
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Government steps in to support at-risk jobs following refinery insolvency

The UK government is stepping in to support the continued operation of the Prax Lindsey Oil Refinery in Immingham, North East Lincolnshire, after its owner went into administration, putting 420 jobs at risk. Prax Group, which acquired the refinery from Total in 2021, filed for insolvency last Sunday, prompting concerns from union representatives that as many as 1,000 jobs, including those of contractors and supply chain workers, could be affected.

The government has allocated funding to the official receiver to ensure the refinery’s safe operation. The Department for Energy Security has confirmed the refinery suffered losses of approximately £75 million from the 2021 acquisition to February 2024. Despite reassurances from Prax that no immediate closure was imminent, the company shifted its position last week, stating that it could no longer continue as a going concern.

Energy Minister Michael Shanks criticised Prax’s lack of transparency about its financial gap and its failure to cooperate in finding a solution. The government is now looking for potential buyers for the refinery and other uses for the site if a sale cannot be secured. The government has pledged to maintain energy supplies and protect the local community while supporting affected workers.

Trade unions, including Unite, are calling for immediate action to protect jobs and ensure the refinery’s continued operation. Concerns have been raised about the long-term future of the site, which is strategically important for both fuel production and local employment.

Chesterfield businesses urged to tap into £165bn industrial strategy

April Lara
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Chesterfield businesses urged to tap into £165bn industrial strategy

The UK Government’s newly unveiled Modern Industrial Strategy offers Chesterfield businesses a wealth of opportunities across sectors like advanced manufacturing, clean energy, life sciences, and digital innovation. The £165bn investment plan sets out a ten-year vision designed to fuel long-term growth.

Key measures include large-scale investments: £39bn for advanced manufacturing, £30bn for clean energy, and £31bn for creative industries, alongside £65bn directed at professional and business services. A significant £1.2bn per year is allocated for skills development, and £99m is earmarked for SME manufacturers through the expansion of the Made Smarter programme.

The Government has also introduced a new Business Growth Service, aiming to enhance access to support and funding, as well as reforms to planning procedures for faster project delivery.

Chesterfield’s established manufacturing sector and reputation for innovation make it a prime candidate to benefit from this strategy. However, the East Midlands Chamber is calling for further clarity on how the strategy will be delivered to ensure regional businesses can capitalise on these opportunities.

Cosy CEO “honoured” as UK Chancellor pays a visit

Tess Egginton
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Cosy CEO “honoured” as UK Chancellor pays a visit
The founder of a Midlands firm has spoken of his company’s pride after it was hailed by UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves MP as a shining example of the country’s medium-sized enterprises. Peter Ellse, CEO of Cosy Direct, made the comments following a visit by the Chancellor to his company – which supplies sustainable, open-ended educational resources for schools and nurseries – to officially launch the Government’s Trade Strategy. During her morning-long visit, Ms Reeves was given a tour of Cosy’s premises, located on the Derbyshire/Staffordshire border near Tutbury, for a behind-the-scenes look at its operations. The visit included a meet-and-greet with staff, including the firm’s managing director David Hook and co-founder Amanda Ellse, as well as a tour of the warehouse, an introduction to Cosy’s product design capabilities, and demonstrations of its use of technology and AI. She also enjoyed tea with employees, including apprentices and former prisoners employed through the Jobs on Release scheme, and was presented with her very own pot of Chancellor’s Honey, harvested from the company’s own beehives. Founded in Derby in 2011, Cosy now employs 110 people and sells more than 6,000 products. It exports to 45 countries and has seen the value of its overseas business rise to £3.2 million this year. This international success earned Cosy a King’s Award for Enterprise for International Trade in 2025, adding to its Queen’s Award for Enterprise for Sustainable Development, which it received in 2022. During her tour, Ms Reeves praised the company’s success and operations and holding it up as the kind of company the new Trade Strategy is designed to benefit. Peter Ellse said: “It was an honour to be chosen to host a visit from the Chancellor for the launch of the Government’s industrial strategy, featuring a focus on our favourite subject – export. “Among the subjects we discussed during her visit was our story of export hyper-growth, of both the goods we sell overseas and the increase in the tech-led services we are using to increase that activity across North America and Europe. “At the same time, we’ve created a low-carbon network of 70 suppliers, who we care for and offer free finance in order to protect them, and us, and we have built a COSY family of incredible hard-working staff from across the social spectrum. “We strongly believe that our approach as a medium-sized business which is large enough to make an impact but remains close enough to connect with its community, is a model other companies could follow and can create export opportunities which will help the UK to pay for itself.” Ms Reeves said: “Cosy is a great success story and I want more businesses to take that plunge and to export and to grow jobs and to create investment here in Britain.”

Nottingham builder avoids jail after gas explosion leaves worker with serious burns

Tess Egginton
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Nottingham builder avoids jail after gas explosion leaves worker with serious burns
A Nottingham builder has avoided jail after his failures resulted in a gas explosion leaving a worker with burns so serious, he has been unable to work since. Barry Newman, the sole trader of Foster Brother Builders, was given a 12-month suspended sentence and told to complete 240 hours of unpaid work. Mr Newman had contracted a Nottingham man to carry out refurbishment works on a property in Bulwell. As part of those works, Newman, 58, had placed a faulty portable space heater, connected to a propane gas (LPG) cylinder, in the property’s cellar to dry out damp. However, on 22 November 2022, a gas leak from the heater resulted in a violent explosion – causing the 51-year-old man to suffer severe burn injuries to his hands, legs, face and scalp. Footage taken by a member of the public in the immediate aftermath shows the extent of the damage caused to the property, with explosion debris also being propelled onto the pavement and residential road, putting members of the public at risk. An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that Newman failed to carry out a risk assessment and provide suitable and adequately maintained equipment for the work being undertaken. The manufacturer’s instructions for the type of heater used clearly state that it is only for use in well-ventilated areas and that LPG cylinders should not be kept below ground. This is because the gas is heavier than air and will collect at the lower level if there is a leak. HSE guidance states that employers should ensure that work equipment is used only for operations for which, and under conditions for which, it is suitable. Barry Newman of The Quay, Beeston Marina, Nottingham pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 4(3) of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. At Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on 19 June 2025 he was sentenced to twelve months imprisonment, suspended for two years, was ordered to complete 240 hours of unpaid work in the community, and required to pay costs of £2,000. HSE inspector Roy Poulter said: “This gas explosion has left one man unable to work due to the seriousness of the injuries sustained and it could have easily resulted in someone losing their life. “This case should serve as a strong reminder to those in the building trade on the dangers of working with gas and the need to assess the risk, and just how serious both HSE and the courts take failures like this. “HSE will take action against those who do not do all that they can to keep people safe.” The prosecution was brought by HSE enforcement lawyer Samantha Wells.

Oberoi Consulting appoints new partnership development director

Tess Egginton
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Oberoi Consulting appoints new partnership development director
Oberoi Consulting has appointed Mark Dodd as partnership development director. In this pivotal new role, Mark will lead the development of strategic relationships across the NHS and pharmaceutical sectors, supporting the continued expansion of Oberoi Consulting’s population health tools and clinical services. With a strong background in business development and stakeholder engagement, Mark brings a wealth of experience in forging impactful partnerships that deliver measurable outcomes. Kavita Oberoi OBE, founder and managing director of Oberoi Consulting, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Mark to our leadership team at such an exciting stage of growth. “His expertise in developing NHS and pharmaceutical partnerships aligns perfectly with our mission to improve patient outcomes and support service transformation. Mark will play a key role in helping us scale our work nationally.” Vivek Patel, operations director, added: “Mark’s strategic insight and relationship-building skills will be instrumental as we deepen our engagement with NHS and industry stakeholders. His appointment strengthens our leadership capacity as we broaden our service delivery footprint across the UK.” Mark Dodd said: “I am honoured to be joining Oberoi Consulting, a company with a reputation for excellence and impact. “I’ve long admired their innovative approach to supporting the NHS and pharmaceutical industry with real-world tools and services that make a difference. I look forward to working with the team to drive meaningful partnerships that help deliver better outcomes for patients and providers alike.”

Charity cycle event raises more than £9,000 for MIND

Tess Egginton
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Charity cycle event raises more than £9,000 for MIND
Rushton Hickman partner, Mark Richardson, has completed a major cycling challenge to support mental health charity MIND. Alongside a dedicated team of cyclists, Mark embarked on a gruelling 225-mile journey from Derby to Brighton, with the collective effort raising more than £9,000 for this vital cause. Reflecting on the experience, Mark said: “The encouragement and support we received throughout this event was truly fantastic and the donations continue to come in! “It’s fair to say over the two days of cycling provided plenty of time for reflection on MIND’s incredible work and the importance of mental health support. I am deeply grateful to everyone who contributed.” Mind is a leading mental health charity that offers advice, support and advocacy for individuals facing mental health challenges. They work tirelessly to improve services, increase awareness and foster a more open dialogue about mental wellbeing. Every contribution, no matter the size, enables them to continue their incredible work. If you would like to support this important cause, please visit Mark’s JustGiving page to make a donation: Mark Richardson is fundraising for Mind

UK industrial firms to face £685m property tax increase despite energy cost cuts

April Lara
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UK industrial firms to face £685m property tax increase despite energy cost cuts

UK industrial companies are set to face a £685 million increase in property taxes, which could offset the recent reductions in energy bills aimed at improving their competitiveness. A new business rates levy, affecting approximately 4,300 large industrial properties in key sectors such as automotive, aerospace, and chemicals, will take effect in April 2026. This levy is part of the broader business rates revaluation, which aims to fund tax breaks for the high street retail, leisure, and hospitality sectors.

This move follows the government’s recent announcement of energy cost cuts for energy-intensive businesses, including the removal of green levies, which is expected to benefit over 7,000 firms. While some sectors, such as steel and chemicals, will receive additional support through reduced network charges, the new property tax increases are expected to offset these benefits.

Experts argue that the UK’s industrial strategy lacks cohesion, with one hand offering energy savings and the other imposing higher property taxes. The country already has some of the highest property taxes in the developed world, and critics warn that this could undermine the effectiveness of the government’s energy support plans.

The government maintains that its approach will create a fairer system for businesses, but industry leaders are calling for a more unified strategy that addresses the full cost burden faced by industrial firms.

UK launches global talent drive for science and tech innovation

April Lara
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UK launches global talent drive for science and tech innovation

The UK government has unveiled a new initiative aimed at attracting top-tier global researchers and innovators, supported by a £54 million fund. This move comes as part of the country’s broader strategy to enhance its competitive edge in key sectors like science, technology, and engineering.

The Global Talent Taskforce, formed as part of the government’s industrial strategy, is designed to target and attract world-class talent, including researchers, entrepreneurs, and high-calibre professionals. By fostering connections between international networks and the UK’s growing industries, the taskforce aims to strengthen the nation’s innovation capabilities. This initiative is aligned with the government’s ambition to create more skilled jobs and support economic growth.

The £54 million Global Talent Fund will be allocated over the next five years, funding relocation and research costs for researchers and their teams. Leading universities and research institutions will oversee the fund’s distribution, ensuring that the most suitable candidates are selected to contribute to strategic UK industries. In addition, new fast-track research grant routes, backed by organisations like the Royal Society and the Royal Academy of Engineering, will help attract international talent in AI and green technology.

This combined effort demonstrates the UK’s determination to remain a global leader in innovation, with over £115 million of funding dedicated to recruiting the world’s brightest minds.

Acquisition sees The Access Group bolster HR portfolio

Tess Egginton
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Acquisition sees The Access Group bolster HR portfolio
The Access Group, a Loughborough-headquartered provider of business management software to mid-market organisations, has reached an agreement to acquire Eploy. Eploy will be part of the Access People solutions portfolio. Access People serves small, growing and medium-to-large businesses with HR solutions across multiple industries. The acquisition of Eploy adds full end-to-end Applicant Tracking System capabilities, further complementing Access Group’s HR and Payroll portfolio. Founded in 1998, Eploy is a specialist talent acquisition platform that transforms recruitment processes, candidate management and hiring workflows for organisations across diverse industry sectors. Eploy has established a customer base spanning mid-market to enterprise organisations, with an average customer size of 2,900 employees.
Charles Butterworth, managing director of Access People, said: “Eploy represents an exceptional addition to our Access People ecosystem. The proven expertise and innovation demonstrated by the Eploy team, combined with their platform, create opportunities for delivering enhanced hire-to-retire solutions. We are thrilled to welcome Eploy into our Access People portfolio.” Chris Bogh, Eploy founder and CEO, said: “Joining The Access Group represents an exciting new chapter for Eploy. We have been impressed by their customer-centric approach and dedication to product excellence. We are excited to join a team where we can accelerate our vision, enhance our customer experience and contribute to a larger mission of empowering businesses through technology.”

Guilty plea for Mansfield director involved in £1m investor fraud scheme

Tess Egginton
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Guilty plea for Mansfield director involved in £1m investor fraud scheme
John Burford has pleaded guilty in a £1m investment fraud case, following a prosecution brought by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
As sole director of Financial Trading Strategies Limited, Mr Burford promoted a paid-for subscription service through its website to offer daily trade alerts with investment advice, and the opportunity to invest in three self-named ‘tramline’ funds. Mr Burford took money from over 100 investors and advised on and managed investments without FCA authorisation. He made over £1m in the process, which he used to buy a property and fund his living expenses. Mr Burford repeatedly lied to investors about how much the funds were worth and hid the full extent of the losses he had incurred while trading. Mr Burford will be sentenced at a later date at Southwark Crown Court. The FCA will also seek confiscation orders to deprive him of his ill-gotten gains and return monies to investors. Steve Smart, joint executive director of enforcement and market oversight at the FCA, said: “Mr Burford fleeced unwitting investors in order to enrich his life – not theirs. “Identifying and disrupting criminals who abuse people’s trust for their own gain, is a top priority for the FCA.”
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