Optimised, a provider of net-zero advisory, building optimisation, and utility management services with offices in Ashby de la Zouch, has acquired Redhill-based Control Energy Costs (CEC).
Phil Ager, managing director of Control Energy Costs will be appointed managing director of Optimised’s combined Utility Management division and lead the integration of CEC within Optimised’s structure.
The combined Utility Management division, now over 70-strong, will provide energy and water procurement, bureau services, and cost recovery to more than 700 clients. The overall combined Optimised and CEC team size will be 170 people.
“We are thrilled to welcome the CEC team to Optimised,” said James Wood, CEO of Optimised. “This acquisition enables us to enhance the value and depth of our service offerings to clients. Together, we’re well-equipped to support our clients’ net-zero journeys with a more integrated approach.”
Phil Ager, managing director of Control Energy Costs, added: “Joining Optimised represents a wonderful opportunity to expand our services and impact for clients. Together, we will work to support organisations across the UK in their journey towards sustainability and cost efficiency.”
Derbyshire site among DS Smith closures confirmed after International Paper takeover
DS Smith has confirmed the closure of five UK packaging sites, with its Clay Cross box plant in Derbyshire among them. The move is part of a broader restructuring following the company’s acquisition by International Paper earlier this year.
The Derbyshire site, which employs approximately 140 people and has been in operation for over five decades, is the only box plant affected. The remaining closures include sheet plants in Plymouth, Newcastle, Sheerness, and Wellingborough. In addition to the shutdowns, the company plans to relocate its Milton Keynes business, reduce operations from 24-7 to 24-5 at Burscough, and implement small headcount cuts at Redditch and Launceston.
The US-based packaging giant has said the changes aim to streamline operations amid difficult market conditions. Consultations are underway, with total job losses potentially reaching 300 across the affected locations.
The proposed closure of Clay Cross has sparked local concern, given its longstanding role in the community. Despite recent investments in machinery at the site, trade unions fear the decision is final, with limited options for redeployment due to the scarcity of nearby DS Smith facilities. The nearest alternative site is in Belper, roughly 10 miles away.
Regional contractor crafts new HQ for brewing giant
Construction has completed at Molson Coors Brewing Company’s new UK headquarters in Burton.
Delivered by main contractor Clegg Food Projects, the project transformed the former historic site, which included the construction of a modern atrium link building and a new office block, into a state-of-the-art 10,300m² facility to support Molson Coors’ growing operations across the UK and Ireland.
Works got underway in the summer of 2023, with the project team working closely with Molson Coors and BHB Architects.
The conservation of the historic structure while integrating contemporary building services to meet 21st-century regulations required careful planning. The team also ensured that the new additions complemented the character of the area, reflecting Burton-upon-Trent’s deep brewing heritage.
“We’re extremely proud to have been involved in this project,” said Oliver Jenkins, business development manager at Clegg Food Projects. “Our team worked closely with the entire project team to preserve the building’s heritage while delivering a modern, sustainable workplace.
“The new HQ not only cements Molson Coors’ rich legacy in the brewing industry but also reflects the company’s commitment to the future.”
The new HQ will provide office and amenity spaces for more than 500 staff members. Key features include a striking double-height entrance and reception area, alongside a contemporary glazed atrium with social breakout spaces.
The design incorporates formal and informal meeting rooms cantered around a tap bar, reflecting the company’s branding and product lines. A large staff food and drink facility has also been added, along with improved car parking, EV charging and cycle storage.
Generous landscaping enhancements will further enrich the external environment, providing a welcoming and functional space for all employees.
“We’re extremely proud to have been involved in this project,” said Oliver Jenkins, business development manager at Clegg Food Projects. “Our team worked closely with the entire project team to preserve the building’s heritage while delivering a modern, sustainable workplace.
“The new HQ not only cements Molson Coors’ rich legacy in the brewing industry but also reflects the company’s commitment to the future.”
The new HQ will provide office and amenity spaces for more than 500 staff members. Key features include a striking double-height entrance and reception area, alongside a contemporary glazed atrium with social breakout spaces.
The design incorporates formal and informal meeting rooms cantered around a tap bar, reflecting the company’s branding and product lines. A large staff food and drink facility has also been added, along with improved car parking, EV charging and cycle storage.
Generous landscaping enhancements will further enrich the external environment, providing a welcoming and functional space for all employees.
Former Nottinghamshire nursery sold in off-market deal
Acting on behalf of private clients, heb Chartered Surveyors have completed the sale of the former Applegarth Day Nursery at Robey Close in Linby. The nursery made headlines when it closed unexpectedly in December 2024.
“We were delighted to quickly identify a purchaser and secure a sale prior to any marketing,” said Robert Maxey, partner at heb Chartered Surveyors. “I am delighted to be able to now confirm that the property will continue providing childcare locally, having been acquired by the Leicester based St. George’s Nursery Group.”
St. George’s Nursery Group is family-run childcare provider established in 1994. This 7th site for the group will see the former Applegarth Nursery reimagined as a flagship
centre. The building is set to be transformed into a state-of-the-art, 218-place premium childcare centre.
Shalin Ghelani, director of St. George’s Nursery, said: “Leveraging over 30 years of experience, the group’s proven operational model and financial stability will ensure the new facility meets the highest standards, addressing past shortcomings and fulfilling the growing demand for premium childcare in Hucknall.
“Hucknall’s expanding population, new housing developments, high employment rates, and proximity to Nottingham – a key commuter hub – create an ideal environment for this large-scale childcare centre.
“The new St. George’s Nursery will cater to the needs of all parents, offering a nurturing, innovative, and inclusive space for children to thrive. The Group remains committed to enriching communities through exceptional early years education, and this new venture marks a significant step in expanding its trusted services across the Midlands.”
The facility is expected to open for business in August and employ 30 local staff, once fully operational.
St. George’s were represented by Bristol-based JEM PROPERTY.
“JEM PROPERTY have been incredibly proactive in seeking further premises for St. George’s in the region, and were an obvious first call when we became aware of Robey Close’s availability,” added Robert Maxey at heb Chartered Surveyors.
James Morgan at JEM PROPERTY said: “This property acquisition reflects the strength of collaboration between St. George’s, heb Chartered Surveyors and JEM Property.
“Identifying and giving a new lease of life to a site that supports St George’s continued expansion and long-term vision has been a rewarding process, and it’s a pleasure to work alongside partners who share a commitment to delivering positive outcomes.”
West Midlands among Europe’s top regions for foreign direct investment while East Midlands saw projects increase in 2024
The West Midlands was among Europe and the UK’s best performing regions for attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) projects in 2024, while the East Midlands recorded a higher number of projects than the year before.
The EY 2025 UK Attractiveness Survey ranked 259 regions across Europe according to the number of FDI projects each attracted in 2024. The West Midlands attracted 86 FDI projects in 2024, making it Europe’s joint fourteenth best performing region for investment, alongside North West England.
Alongside the North West, the West Midlands was the UK’s joint-third best performing region for attracting inward investment, behind Greater London (265) and Scotland (135).
While the majority of UK regions saw FDI totals decline in 2024, the East Midlands was one of the few parts of the country – alongside Northern England and Wales – to attract more inward investment projects last year than in 2023.
The East Midlands recorded 36 FDI projects in 2024, representing a 16% increase compared to the previous year. Northampton was the region’s leading investment destination, recording six projects in 2024, double the number reported in 2023.
The East Midlands recorded a significant increase in employment associated with FDI projects, rising 23% to 3,513 jobs, the highest total since 2021. The region ranked fifth in the UK for employment generated by FDI.
The leading sectors for FDI in the East Midlands were agri-food (6) and transportation and logistics (5). The agri-food sector, which encompasses food supply chain operations such as farms, food storage and processing, saw its number of FDI projects in the East Midlands triple in 2024 compared to 2023, underscoring the sector’s growing prominence in the region.
Examining FDI by activity also reveals that manufacturing remains a key focus for inward investment in the East Midlands, with the region securing 14 manufacturing projects in 2024 —doubling the number recorded in 2023. Logistics activity projects also played a significant role, with the East Midlands securing 10 logistics projects
Year-on-year FDI decline in West Midlands mirrors national picture
While the West Midlands maintained its position as a leading European destination for investment, the region also encountered challenges last year. The 86 FDI projects recorded in 2024 represented a 32% decrease from the 126 projects attracted in 2023.
Additionally, the West Midlands experienced a decline in the number of jobs associated with FDI projects, totalling 4,926 jobs in 2024, a 27% decrease compared to the previous year.
This decline mirrors the broader national and European picture, with the UK recording a 14% decline in FDI projects and Europe overall recording a 5% decline.
France, the UK and Germany, which have historically attracted around 50% of Europe’s annual FDI project total, saw a more pronounced decline in project numbers in 2024 as low economic growth, high energy prices and competition from other markets, such as Asia and the United States, impacted investment.
The West Midlands’ leading sectors for FDI projects in 2024 were transportation manufacturers and suppliers (15), followed by the agri-food sector (11) and the machinery and equipment sector (9).
When assessing investment by activity, the West Midlands attracted 30 manufacturing-focused FDI projects, 16 business services projects and 11 logistics projects in 2024. No other region in the UK recorded a higher share of logistics-focused FDI projects last year.
The United States has been the largest source of investment projects in the West Midlands over the last decade, contributing one in five (20%) of inward investment projects in the region last year.
Birmingham was the UK’s joint-third most successful city outside London for attracting FDI investment last year, tied with Edinburgh at 24 projects. This followed Manchester (44 projects) and Glasgow (27 projects).
Birmingham remained the West Midlands’ leading destination for investment, however its project total in 2024 was 66% lower than the number it had recorded in 2023. Coventry (9), Telford (7), Warwick (6), and Nuneaton (6) were among the West Midlands’ other key local destinations for investment.
Simon O’Neill, office managing partner for EY in the Midlands, said: “The overall investment picture across the Midlands remained compelling last year as the West Midlands maintained its position as a key European region for FDI and the East Midlands became one of the few UK regions to increase its project total year-on-year.
“The region as a whole continues to be a key hub for logistics and manufacturing activity and that’s a signal to investors that we have the local skills and infrastructure required to excel in these operations and offer strong returns.
“Following a particularly strong FDI performance for the West Midlands in 2023, a subsequent drop-off in 2024 was not unexpected and mirrors the broader national and European picture.
“Looking ahead, it’s important that local policymakers continue to work closely with businesses and the government to develop a coordinated inward invest strategy for the Midlands that plays to region’s strengths and ensures a future recovery in inward investment is felt across the UK, rather than in a few concentrated areas.”
Majority of UK regions saw investment fall last year
Most UK regions attracted fewer FDI projects in 2024 than they had in 2023. Greater London (-26%), Scotland (-5%), the West Midlands (-32%), the South East (-9%), the South West (-32%), the East of England (-36%) and Northern Ireland (-6%) all saw project totals decline year-on-year.
In contrast, regions across the North of England saw their combined FDI total in 2024 rise by over a quarter (29%) compared to 2023. The North West (86 projects) became the UK’s third best performing region for FDI, recording a 27% increase, while Yorkshire and the Humber (52 projects) and the North East (42 projects) saw projects rise by 53% and 11% respectively.
The East Midlands (36 projects) and Wales (16 projects) were the only other two regions to attract a greater number of FDI projects in 2024 than they had in 2023.
Wright Vigar joins the sponsor line up for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025: “We’re proud to be sponsoring the Responsible Business category”
Wright Vigar has joined the sponsor line up for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025, backing the Responsible Business category.
Wright Vigar is a forward-thinking independent firm of chartered accountants and business advisers, offering a full range of services to support clients at every stage of their journey. With a growing presence in Nottingham, they combine the depth of expertise found in larger firms with the personal, friendly approach of a local practice.
What sets Wright Vigar apart is their commitment to building genuine relationships with clients, taking the time to understand their goals and helping them thrive with tailored, proactive advice.
Speaking with Business Link, Tom Maxwell, Marketing Manager at Wright Vigar, said: “We’re proud to be sponsoring the Responsible Business category at this year’s Bricks Awards. Supporting this initiative reflects our belief that long-term success in business goes hand-in-hand with integrity, sustainability, and community impact.
“We’re looking forward to celebrating the outstanding achievements of property and construction professionals across the region and encourage businesses of all sizes to put themselves forward.”
The East Midlands Bricks Awards, which will take place on Thursday 2nd October at Nottingham’s famous Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, celebrates the successes of property and construction companies in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, and Northamptonshire.
Recognising those behind the changing landscape of the East Midlands, the occasion highlights development projects, businesses, 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. It also toasts the work of architects, agencies, and those behind large schemes.
Welcoming almost 150 professionals, nominating a company or project for the awards is a great way to showcase your successes, recognise your team’s efforts, bolster morale, and reach our audience of over 60,000 business readers, while also offering a chance to connect with respected professionals. It’s completely free to enter and making the top three finalists in your category also wins you free tickets to the event.
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. Upon submitting a nomination, we will get in touch for any information, imagery, and video nominees would like to be featured on their showcase page.
With a limited number of sponsorship opportunities remaining, please contact Angie Cooper at a.cooper@blmgroup.co.uk to learn more if you are interested in becoming an East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025 sponsor.
What sets Wright Vigar apart is their commitment to building genuine relationships with clients, taking the time to understand their goals and helping them thrive with tailored, proactive advice.
Speaking with Business Link, Tom Maxwell, Marketing Manager at Wright Vigar, said: “We’re proud to be sponsoring the Responsible Business category at this year’s Bricks Awards. Supporting this initiative reflects our belief that long-term success in business goes hand-in-hand with integrity, sustainability, and community impact.
“We’re looking forward to celebrating the outstanding achievements of property and construction professionals across the region and encourage businesses of all sizes to put themselves forward.”
The East Midlands Bricks Awards, which will take place on Thursday 2nd October at Nottingham’s famous Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, celebrates the successes of property and construction companies in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, and Northamptonshire.
Recognising those behind the changing landscape of the East Midlands, the occasion highlights development projects, businesses, 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. It also toasts the work of architects, agencies, and those behind large schemes.
Welcoming almost 150 professionals, nominating a company or project for the awards is a great way to showcase your successes, recognise your team’s efforts, bolster morale, and reach our audience of over 60,000 business readers, while also offering a chance to connect with respected professionals. It’s completely free to enter and making the top three finalists in your category also wins you free tickets to the event.
To make a nomination for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025, please click here.
Supporting imagery, video, documents, or links to these, can be sent to bricks@blmgroup.co.uk. Video nomination pitches are also welcome as an alternative or companion to written entries. Categories include:- Contractor of the Year
- Developer of the Year
- Architects of the Year
- Most Active Agent
- Deal of the Year
- Residential Development of the Year
- Sustainable Development of the Year
- Commercial Development of the Year
- Excellence in Design
- Responsible Business of the Year
- Overall Winner
Nominations will close on Friday 15th August.
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:
With a limited number of sponsorship opportunities remaining, please contact Angie Cooper at a.cooper@blmgroup.co.uk to learn more if you are interested in becoming an East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025 sponsor. Why I wouldn’t let one of the UK’s biggest business gurus send out ANYTHING to the press…until he’d done his homework: by Greg Simpson, founder of Press For Attention PR
Greg Simpson, founder of Press For Attention PR, shares the importance of doing your homework before going to the press.
Before we talk about PR, I need to discuss the laundry. Or at least a little light housework. You see, when I started working with Nigel Botterill on the PR for Entrepreneurs Circle (last month), the first thing I did was hit the brakes.
You see, Entrepreneurs Circle is a big deal. There’s well over 3,000 members and Nigel is a major figure in the business world. He’s created 10+ £1m businesses for a start and written 3 best-selling business books.
So, after a merry dance in the office and BELLOWING upstairs to Mrs S that I’d won the account, I immediately STOPPED EVERYTHING. No press release. No announcement. No shouting from the rooftops. I didn’t even mention I’d won it. Why did I do this? Why pause? Well, because PR isn’t something you do once, when you’ve “got news.” It’s a process. A system. A cycle. And like any good cycle, it starts with a rinse. A Pre-Rinse, in fact.
That’s the first step in my SpinCycle™ methodology — and before we went public with anything, we had to get EC’s house in order. I audited every media asset they had. Nigel’s showreel? Needed sharpening. The bio page? Tweaked. Random bits scattered across the site? Pulled together with purpose. Then we got to work building a fully loaded Press Page — the kind that makes journalists go “Ah, these guys get it.”
It’s now home to:
- 15+ beautifully backdated stories (2024’s EC Awards, Events, Budget reactions, EC highlights… all rewritten through a media lens)
- Proper images that show energy, not just headshots on a beige wall. Pictures of the members that made the news and the guests on stage and screen
- A downloadable Press Pack packed with stats, bios, and tasty soundbites
Council backs large-scale HMO despite local objections
A former accountancy office in central Grimsby is set to be converted into an 18-bed house in multiple occupation (HMO) following planning approval from North East Lincolnshire Council. The development, located on Dudley Street, was passed by a narrow margin of five votes to three.
The property will require only six parking spaces, according to the applicant’s agent, due to its central location and access to public transport. However, the project drew criticism from local councillors, who cited concerns over overdevelopment, limited parking on surrounding roads, and the growing concentration of HMOs in the area.
This marks the third HMO on the street, raising further questions around infrastructure strain and long-term impact on community dynamics. Despite opposition, the application was supported because it would meet the growing demand for single-person housing, particularly near town centres.
The decision highlights ongoing tensions between the intensification of urban housing stock and local quality-of-life considerations, particularly in areas already home to similar developments.
Private equity firm acquires UK clay pipe manufacturer
4D Capital Partners has acquired Hepworth Clay, the UK’s last remaining producer of vitrified clay drainage systems, in a move that signals renewed investor interest in vertically integrated manufacturing assets.
The firm, formerly part of Orbia subsidiary Wavin, operates across two production sites at Hazlehead (Yorkshire) and Forest Works (East Midlands) totalling over half a million square feet.
Its operations span the full value chain, drawing raw materials from its own 18-million-tonne clay reserves, an increasingly rare advantage in UK industry. Alongside its core drainage systems, Hepworth also produces terracotta components for flue and chimney ventilation.
The acquisition positions Hepworth as a standalone business under private equity ownership, with 4D Capital expected to focus on expanding its capacity, modernising operations, and driving long-term value through operational independence.
The deal was supported by advisers including Quantuma, Shoosmiths, Dickson Minto, K3, and Ford Campbell Freedman.
Alex Silk, founder of 4D, said: “We are delighted to have invested in Hepworth Clay and very proud to become the custodians of this heritage brand. There is an excellent team in place with some exceptionally talented people who share our passion for high-quality manufacturing. We look forward to working with them to realise the full potential of Hepworth Clay.”Workplaces under pressure to prepare for Gen Alpha and neurodivergent talent
UK employers are being urged to make practical workplace changes to better support emerging generations, particularly neurodivergent individuals expected to make up a significant share of the future workforce.
According to new findings from Benenden Health and Neurodiversity in Business, 77% of surveyed HR professionals are already taking steps to adapt office environments and policies with neurodiversity in mind. Recommendations include integrating flexible working patterns, quiet zones, mental health days, and mentorship programmes to foster inclusion and psychological safety.
The report frames these adjustments as essential, not optional, as diagnoses for conditions such as autism continue to rise rapidly. Businesses that fail to evolve their workspaces and culture may struggle to attract and retain the next generation of skilled workers, particularly as expectations for inclusivity and support increase.
While many organisations have made progress, the study highlights the need for ongoing structural and cultural improvements to accommodate a workforce that is not only more diverse but also more vocal about their needs.
