Council drops opposition to Littlethorpe housing development

April Lara
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Council drops opposition to Littlethorpe housing development

Blaby District Council has withdrawn its opposition to an outline planning application for 155 homes on farmland off Oak Road in Littlethorpe, Leicestershire.

The scheme, submitted by Gladman Developments Ltd, had previously been refused by the council due to concerns over its impact on the village. Gladman appealed the decision, presenting evidence on the quality and use of the farmland.

Following a four-day appeal hearing, the council decided to discontinue its objection ahead of the Planning Inspectorate’s ruling. The council cited the strength of the developer’s evidence and the potential costs of continuing the defence as factors in its decision.

The outcome clears the way for approval, subject to the Planning Inspectorate’s formal determination.

Coactivation

Tess Egginton
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Coactivation

Coactivation Ltd. – Leading Retrofit Delivery Across the UK

Coactivation Ltd. partners with housing providers across the UK to deliver high-quality, compliant retrofit programmes that cut carbon emissions, improve energy efficiency, and transform residents’ quality of life. Specialists in PAS 2035 wrap-around services, Coactivation supports clients from funding bids and pre-retrofit assessments, through to in-house design, lodgement, and full coordination. This integrated approach reduces risk, ensures compliance, and delivers measurable outcomes at every stage. A standout achievement this year has been playing key roles in the delivery of the Rykneld Homes SHDF Wave 2.1 retrofit programme, where Coactivation provided Retrofit Coordinator, Retrofit Assessor, and Designer services across 660 homes in North-East Derbyshire. The results speak for themselves:
  • CO₂ savings: 1,511 kg/year per property (total 966,790 kg/year)
  • Energy savings: 6,994 kWh/year per property (total 4,475,883 kWh/year)
  • Space-heating demand reduction: 79.7 kWh/m²/year per property
Beyond the numbers, residents are already benefiting from warmer, healthier homes and lower energy bills — while landlords are achieving compliance, tackling fuel poverty, and progressing towards net zero carbon targets. “We give clients complete confidence in compliance and delivery, ensuring every property receives the right solution for long-term performance and measurable impact.” – Coactivation Ltd. With a growing track record of successful large-scale retrofit schemes, Coactivation is setting the benchmark for sustainable retrofit delivery in the UK. 👉 Learn more at www.coactivation.co.uk

Phase 2 completes at major industrial and logistics development in Derbyshire

Tess Egginton
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Phase 2 completes at major industrial and logistics development in Derbyshire
McLaren Construction (Midlands and North) has completed the £41m Phase 2 of the major industrial and logistics development at Horizon 29 in Bolsover, Derbyshire. Delivered on behalf client, Equation Properties, Phase 2 comprises two single-storey distribution warehouses, Units 7 and 8, each spanning approximately 250,000 sq ft, including two-storey office accommodation, 23 loading docks and dedicated transport offices. The completion marks a significant milestone in the continued transformation of the 1.15 million sq ft site. McLaren Construction also completed Phase 1A and 1B of Horizon 29 in February last year, which comprised four warehouse units (Units 1, 2, 4 and 5) alongside earthworks, CMC and VSC piling, concrete foundations, steel framing, lift shaft and stair installations, nets for roofing works and office elevation cladding. Luke Arnold, regional director of McLaren Construction (Midlands and North), said: “Completing Phase 2 at Horizon 29 is the next major milestone for the expanding hub for large-scale logistics, which we have been an integral part of since starting construction on Phase 1A and 1B in 2022. “We’ve delivered two more energy-efficient units to the same high standard as earlier phases, using sustainable materials and the latest low-carbon technologies. “We’re proud to continue our work with our valued client Equation Properties to realise the vision for Horizon 29, a landmark destination for the East Midlands distribution and logistics sector.”

Yü Group delivers H1 growth and names new CFO

April Lara
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Yü Group delivers H1 growth and names new CFO

Nottingham energy supplier Yü Group reported higher revenues and profits for the first half of the year, reflecting continued meter growth despite a stabilising commodity market.

Revenue reached £341 million, up 9%, while profit before tax climbed 14% to £22.6 million. The company maintained strong cash flow, supporting dividend increases and sustaining earnings coverage. Forward contract positions expanded, providing financial stability for the remainder of the year.

The firm also appointed Andy Simpson as chief financial officer, succeeding Paul Rawson, signalling a refreshed leadership structure as Yü continues its market expansion.

Rowleys strengthens team with 16 new appointments

Tess Egginton
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Rowleys strengthens team with 16 new appointments
Leicester-based accountants Rowleys has welcomed 16 new recruits across its audit and accounts, tax, payroll, and medical teams. The firm’s tax team has been boosted by the appointment of Kirsty Horobin as senior tax manager. Kirsty brings significant experience in advising private clients and adds further strength to Rowleys’ private client tax offering. She is joined by Oleg Luca as tax associate and Yaasmeen Chothia as a tax associate trainee, supporting the continued expansion of the team. Rowleys’ medical team has welcomed Katherine Spiers as a medical accountant. Katherine will be working with the firm’s extensive portfolio of GP clients, enhancing Rowleys’ specialist expertise in this sector. The audit and accounts team continues to expand with the arrival of Gabrielle D’Souza, Kayleigh York, Parneet Pal, Tegan Schouten, and Wisdom Chibanda. In addition, the firm has welcomed a new cohort of trainees – Dan Van Amersfoort, Jack Radford, Jay Speake, Mahesh Morjaria, and Maryam Rashid. Elsewhere in the business, Wendy Gerrard has joined the payroll team as payroll adviser, and Laura Beasley has taken up the role of receptionist. Tom Copson, managing partner at Rowleys, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome such a wide range of talented people to Rowleys. From senior hires like Kirsty, who brings a wealth of private client tax experience, to new trainees starting their careers in the profession, each appointment plays an important role in strengthening our firm. “One of the things I’m most proud of is our continued commitment to developing the next generation of accountants and advisers. With six new trainees joining this year, we’re investing not just in the future of Rowleys, but in the future of our profession. Combined with specialists like Katherine joining our Medical team, these appointments ensure we can continue to deliver the expertise and personal service our clients value.”

Derbyshire brand consultancy to expand team after strong first 18 months

Tess Egginton
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Derbyshire brand consultancy to expand team after strong first 18 months
Founders of a Derbyshire brand strategy consultancy are growing their team after a solid first 18 months. Matt Clutterham and Jenny Jarvis, founders of Q Branch Consulting, have seen growth of more than 40 per cent in their first 18 months, defying the UK business consultancy market which contracted by 3.4 per cent in 2024. The company is now expanding into new offices in Melbourne and hiring an additional consultant. This growth comes after winning their first award, securing a contract with the NHS, and attracting their first international clients from the USA. “Jenny and I are incredibly proud of the success we’ve seen at Q Branch Consulting in our first 18 months,” said Matt Clutterham. “This kind of growth comes from a lot of hard work combined with an absolute clarity of vision. “We attribute our success to focusing on both brand and people development. Our goal is to help brands achieve a bold new outlook by thinking like the world’s biggest businesses. Big, successful brands know exactly who they are, and that’s the mindset we want to instil in our clients.” Jenny Jarvis added: “With our expanded team, we’ll be able to offer businesses everything they need to achieve success. We can now transform their people, brand, and operations, providing them with all the tools they need to step into the future with clarity and confidence.”

102-bedroom student development opportunity hits the market in Derby

Tess Egginton
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102-bedroom student development opportunity hits the market in Derby
A prime, 102-bedroom student development opportunity has hit the market in Derby for offers in excess of £1m. Set for the 0.203-acre site of a former car showroom at 73 Monk Street, fronting the A601 Mercian Way, the scheme is set to benefit from excellent proximity to the University of Derby’s main campus, providing a real opportunity for a developer to deliver the project as a direct let PBSA block to the University. The site is subject to a live planning application for the demolition of the existing structures and new development of a three to six storey block for use as student accommodation. The scheme proposes providing 102 rooms in 16 cluster flats. The flats would offer between 3-10 bedrooms, all with en-suites and the high majority also having kitchenettes within the bedroom space. Unconditional offers in excess of £1m are invited for the freehold interests, subject to contract. It is anticipated that the transaction will be completed by way of a sale of the shares of the SPV. Interested parties are advised to contact the agents, Wood Moore & Co at enquiries@woodmoore.co.uk for further information.

Lincolnshire Co‑op invests £4m in outlet upgrades

April Lara
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Lincolnshire Co‑op invests £4m in outlet upgrades

Lincolnshire Co‑op has invested over £4 million in upgrading 31 of its outlets across food, funeral, pharmacy, and post office operations since launching its cyclical refresh programme one year ago.

The programme aims to modernise around 40 trading outlets each year with an annual investment of approximately £5 million. Each site undergoes a major refit every 12 years, including the replacement of equipment such as fridges and shelving. Cosmetic mid‑cycle updates take place every six years to maintain a refreshed look.

The Carlton Centre Food Store and Post Office in Lincoln received a full cyclical refresh alongside 14 other food stores and seven additional post offices, with £524,000 allocated to the upgrades. Refits also included five pharmacies, two funeral homes, and Lincolnshire Co‑op’s Louth Travel branch, the first of 13 travel agencies to be revitalised under the programme.

Upgrades reflect local community needs, with new product ranges and services added based on outlet location. Examples include frozen meals, premium coffee machines, gifting ranges, and interactive beverage offerings.

The programme is designed to strengthen customer satisfaction and loyalty while delivering operational improvements. Feedback from colleagues and customers has been incorporated to refine each refresh and support continuous enhancement across the Co‑op’s network.

Norton Nurses acquired by seasoned care provider

April Lara
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Norton Nurses acquired by seasoned care provider

Norton Nurses, a domiciliary care provider in Northampton, has been sold to an established operator with extensive experience in home and residential care. The business delivers around 500 hours of care each week to 32 private clients and holds a ‘Good’ rating from the Care Quality Commission. Known locally for reliable, high-quality support, Norton Nurses has maintained consistent performance and a loyal client base.

The sale was facilitated by Redwoods Dowling Kerr, who brought the business to market as the outgoing owner retired. The transaction aimed to match the business with a buyer capable of maintaining its standards and ensuring continuity of care. The new owner assumes responsibility for upholding the service’s reputation and delivering consistent support to existing clients.

This acquisition demonstrates continued interest in well-established domiciliary care providers, particularly those with strong local reputations and stable operations. Redwoods Dowling Kerr continues to support business owners in planning exits and securing buyers aligned with the long-term success of their services.

WBR Group expands property management panel with addition of EPC Choice and Commercial Property Network

Tess Egginton
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WBR Group expands property management panel with addition of EPC Choice and Commercial Property Network
WBR Group (WBR), the independent provider of SSAS administration and integrated professional services, has added EPC Choice and Commercial Property Network (CPN) to its panel of professional firms, further enhancing the expert support available to clients investing in commercial property within their pension. EPC Choice offers a wide range of property related services, including energy performance certificates (EPCs) for properties, commercial energy compliance assessments under MEES regulations, and ancillary services such as floor plans, lease layouts, and property photography. Their expertise also extends to solar surveys, insurance and valuation reports, and gas and electrical certification. Their appointment will help trustees meet evolving energy efficiency standards and ensure compliance with the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES). The Commercial Property Network (CPN) is a national collective of respected commercial property agents, with over 3,000 live instructions at any time. Their members provide expert support for sales, lettings, and acquisitions across sectors including industrial, office, retail, leisure, and healthcare. With deep local knowledge and national reach, CPN is well-positioned to support both individual and portfolio-level property strategies. Chris Grant, founder and CEO of EPC Choice, said: “We are proud to be appointed as the commercial EPC provider for WBR Group’s SSAS property solution. As property investment continues to play a critical role in the SSAS environment, energy compliance is now more important than ever. “This partnership ensures that WBR’s clients benefit from industry leading accurate and compliant Energy Performance Certificates, delivered by experienced assessors who understand the SSAS investment landscape.” Samantha Johnson, director at Commercial Property Network, said: “We are delighted to be working with WBR Group to deliver high quality commercial property valuation and property advice to their clients. “Through the Commercial Property Network, we offer trusted local expertise backed by national coverage, a combination that ensures our valuations are both accurate and market responsive. We look forward to supporting WBR Group with advice across their property-related matters.” Caitlin Southall, director of SSAS transformation and proposition at WBR Group, added: “We’re pleased to welcome EPC Choice and Commercial Property Network to our panel of professional services firms. “Their specialist expertise in energy performance and commercial property valuation will significantly enhance the support we offer to our SSAS clients investing in commercial property. At WBR Group, we’re committed to making property transactions smoother, smarter, and more secure and these new partnerships reflect that commitment.”
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