Keys Group, a provider of specialist education and care services, has acquired ADHD 360, a Lincolnshire-based private healthcare provider specialising in neurodiversity assessments, diagnosis and treatment.

The acquisition enables Halesowen-based Keys Group to expand and diversify the specialist support it offers to children and adults across the UK. ADHD 360 delivers services for both privately and NHS-funded clients, supporting individuals with ADHD, autism and other neurodiverse conditions.

David Manson, CEO of Keys Group, said: “As waiting times for ADHD and neurodiversity diagnoses continue to grow, ADHD 360 offers an invaluable and timely service.

“Many of the individuals we support – both children and adults – are neurodiverse, and we understand the transformative impact of receiving the right diagnosis and treatment at the right time. ADHD 360’s expertise will not only strengthen our service offering, but also help us to improve outcomes for even more people across the UK.”

Journeo, an Ashby-de-la-Zouch-based provider of information systems and technical services to transport operators and local authorities, has secured a £4.2m purchase order from Alstom.

It will see Journeo design and supply CCTV and Automatic Passenger Counting (APC) systems to enhance safety, security and operational efficiency on Alstom’s CrossCountry Voyager fleets.

The purchase order forms part of a major refurbishment programme being carried out by Alstom for 70 Voyager trains and encompasses 312 cars, comprising 136 Voyager (Class 220) and 176 Super Voyager (Class 221) vehicles respectively.

Journeo have already commenced design and initial equipment supply and will support Alstom during the installation phase being carried out at their Derby Litchurch Lane facility which is due for completion in 2027.

Russ Singleton, Chief Executive, Journeo, said: “We are delighted to be working with Alstom at their historic Litchurch Lane facility in Derby as an integral part of this important refurbishment programme of the CrossCountry Voyager fleet.

“The application of Journeo’s technology to help prolong the life of existing rolling stock, alongside its implementation on new trains, demonstrates the flexibility of our solutions and how their use can support sustainable rejuvenation of fleets.

“The installations are underpinned by Journeo’s core IP, enabling the operator to manage operation-critical data, such as occupancy data and securely captured and stored high-definition CCTV evidence through the SaaS Journeo Portal.”

University Hospitals of Northamptonshire (UHN) has launched a dedicated data academy in partnership with UK tech training provider Multiverse, designed to upskill staff in clinical, administrative, and operational roles.

The initiative is designed to strengthen the trust’s ability to use data effectively across departments and maximise returns on its digital investments. Programmes offered through the academy include Level 3 and Level 4 apprenticeships in data and business transformation, as well as Multiverse’s advanced data fellowship programme, which is equivalent to a degree.

Funded through the Apprenticeship Levy, the academy supports a broader drive within the NHS to build internal digital capacity and reduce reliance on external data expertise.

Multiverse has recently rolled out similar data training programmes for other public sector bodies, including Sheffield City Council, Essex County Council, and the London Borough of Hillingdon, as part of a broader trend of UK institutions investing in workforce data literacy.

The UHN project highlights growing demand for integrated, in-house data skills in healthcare environments, where frontline teams increasingly require real-time insight to support clinical decisions and improve operational efficiency.

The UK government has reclassified two major reservoir projects in Cambridgeshire and Lincolnshire as “nationally significant infrastructure,” fast-tracking them through the planning system to secure long-term water resilience.

The move shifts approval authority from local planning bodies to the Environment Secretary, aiming to streamline a process that typically faces delays from local objections and regulatory bottlenecks. The Fens Reservoir is scheduled for completion by 2036, while the Lincolnshire Reservoir is set for completion by 2040.

These projects are part of a broader strategy to address rising water demand driven by climate change, population growth, housing developments, and increased industrial use, including pressure from sectors like data centres. The fast-track announcement follows a dry spring and growing concerns over the frequency of droughts, particularly in eastern England, one of the driest and most water-stressed parts of the UK.

The government also confirmed plans to classify seven additional reservoir proposals as nationally significant, supporting a wider initiative announced in 2023 to develop nine new reservoirs by 2050. Together, these projects aim to supply an extra 670 million litres of water per day.

While welcomed by infrastructure and water industry leaders, the announcement has raised concerns over costs, public opposition, and the timeline, none of the new reservoirs are expected to be operational this decade.

East Midlands Chamber has cautiously welcomed a government pledge to increase investment into lower-level apprenticeships but warned measures must not cut off ways to upskill without requiring traditional education. Measures the Department for Education says will create 120,000 opportunities for training from a £3bn budget include a ‘refocusing’ of funding from Level 7 apprenticeships to lower-level schemes from January 2026. East Midlands Chamber director of resources Lucy Robinson said: “With the skills shortage a persistent challenge to businesses, and 7 out of 10 firms having reported in our Quarterly Economic Survey that they’ve struggled to find suitable candidates, apprenticeships can be a brilliant solution, giving employers a talent pool that has relevant industry skill. “While increased investment into apprenticeships will be music to the ears of many firms looking to recruit, tilting the spend in favour of lower-level schemes must be responsive to what businesses need – not give with one hand, take from the other. A candidate should have the option to take on a Level 7 apprenticeship, instead of only having the option of taking an academic route to get into some higher-level professions. “A classroom can go so far in preparing candidates for employment, but the social interaction of being alongside workers from a specific industry and the real-world learning that can be gained from an apprenticeship is priceless. Listening to what firms say they need and striking the right balance to prioritise that is crucial.”

Nottingham City Council has launched an AI Academy to train 40 employees across various departments in data and artificial intelligence, aiming to enhance digital capabilities within public services.

The programme is being delivered in partnership with edtech provider Multiverse and is primarily funded through an apprenticeship levy transfer from Capital One. Enterprise Rent-A-Car has also provided financial support. Both companies have a local presence near the council’s headquarters.

Staff enrolled in the academy span key areas, including public health, transportation, children’s services, and community safety. The training is designed to integrate AI skills into frontline and operational roles, as part of the council’s wider improvement plan.

Multiverse, which has trained over 20,000 apprentices in digital skills since 2016, has worked with Nottingham City Council for several years. The new training cohort will focus specifically on AI literacy and practical applications within local government.

This move comes as local authorities across the UK explore ways to modernise service delivery and reduce inefficiencies through digital transformation.

Chesterfield is moving ahead with plans to allocate £19.5 million in government-backed funding over the next decade, targeting town centre regeneration, community infrastructure, and public safety initiatives. The funding, part of the UK Government’s Plan for Neighbourhoods programme, is now confirmed for release beginning April 2026.

The Chesterfield Town Board, established in May 2024, is leading the investment strategy. The board includes representatives from local businesses, the public sector, and community groups. Its proposals are informed by public consultations conducted in 2024 and will undergo further community engagement before finalisation.

Priority areas include enhancing the town centre’s appeal and economic resilience, addressing vacant retail units, expanding community spaces, and improving key access points. Plans also focus on leveraging Chesterfield’s Crooked Spire as a visitor attraction, developing creative and maker spaces, and supporting events that utilize regenerated town centre zones.

The board is also reviewing initiatives to address anti-social behaviour and improve safety across Chesterfield, alongside exploring transport and regeneration opportunities.

Funding decisions will be made locally by the Chesterfield Town Board, based on continued input from residents and stakeholders. Early-stage planning and development work are already underway to ensure readiness for the funding release in 2026.

Aldi has launched a nationwide virtual work experience programme targeting students aged 13 and above, including those in Leicestershire, as part of its long-term talent pipeline strategy. The online course introduces participants to the diverse range of careers in retail, encompassing logistics, store operations, and head office functions.

Developed in collaboration with youth career platform Springpod, the initiative blends video content with interactive learning modules. Students who complete the programme receive a certificate to support future job or apprenticeship applications.

This move aligns with Aldi’s broader efforts in workforce development. The retailer recently announced plans to hire over 500 apprentices across the UK in 2025, with roles available in stores and distribution centres. These efforts aim to strengthen its entry-level recruitment and offer pathways to long-term employment in the retail sector.

With more than 2,000 participants already enrolled, the programme reflects the growing trend among major employers to offer scalable, flexible training solutions to build early engagement with younger demographics.

With nominations now being welcomed for Business Link Magazine’s East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025, last year’s ‘Responsible Business of the Year’ winner has reflected on the prestigious event and is encouraging firms to enter. Tom Sewell, regional director at Stepnell, said: “Winning the Responsible Business award at the 2024 East Midlands Bricks Awards was an incredibly proud moment for the Nottingham team at Stepnell, recognising our dedication to responsible practices and commitment to sustainable development in the region. “The awards are a fantastic opportunity to connect with others in the industry and celebrate regional excellence. I would wholeheartedly encourage businesses from across the East Midlands property and construction landscape to get involved.” The East Midlands Bricks Awards celebrates the successes of property and construction companies in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, and Northamptonshire. This year’s eagerly anticipated awards ceremony, marking 10 years of the event, will take place on Thursday 2nd October at Nottingham’s famous Trent Bridge Cricket Ground. 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, and reach our audience of over 60,000 business readers, while also offering a chance to connect with respected professionals. And better yet, it’s completely free to enter! Making the top three finalists in your category also wins you free tickets to the event, where you’ll be in the running for one of our coveted awards.

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

All finalists will have the chance to take home the Overall Winner award, which this year comes with a grand prize of a year of marketing/publicity worth £20,000, with the opportunity to split or gift the marketing to a charity of your choice.

Nominations will close on Friday 15th August.

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.

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.