Van Elle, the Nottinghamshire ground engineering contractor, has unveiled a strategic partnership with VolkerWessels UK, a multidisciplinary contractor delivering engineering and construction solutions across the rail, highways, aviation, ports, defence, energy, water, and environment sectors.

The partnership includes the acquisition of the concrete piling assets of VolkerGround Engineering. 

Van Elle and the businesses within VolkerWessels UK will work together closely, with the capacity and technical expertise to deliver solutions across major investment programmes in the water, energy, defence, industrial and rail sectors.

Van Elle chief executive, Mark Cutler said: “We have a long trading relationship with VolkerWessels UK and this agreement brings us closer together as strategic partners, providing mutual benefits to both parties.”

PuK Gaming, a precision-engineered mobile gaming accessories firm, has welcomed influential gaming content creator Alastair “Ali-A” Aiken as a co-owner and strategic partner. It marks a major milestone in PuK’s mission to transform the mobile gaming landscape.

Ali-A is followed by over 20 million fans worldwide, but is bringing more than just his name to the table, investing time, expertise, and capital into PuK.

As co-owner, Ali-A will play an active role in product development, marketing strategy, and creative campaigns. He joins fellow creator iFerg, who came aboard as a co-owner and strategic investor in June.

“Their modular accessories are next-level, and I’m eager to collaborate on products that give players a real edge,” said Ali-A. “This partnership is about shaping the future of mobile gaming, and I’m all in.”

Simon Burgess, PuK Gaming co-founder and creator of the SCUF® controller, said: “Ali-A joining our growing team of mobile gaming innovators is exciting news for our team. His long-term experience within the gaming sphere is exactly what we need to push PuK to the next level and beyond.”

Egg and poultry supplier Noble Foods has acquired Leicestershire firm Just Egg from Pankaj Pancholi and his family. Over the past 20 years, Just Egg has become a valued name in the egg industry, manufacturing hard-boiled eggs, poached eggs and egg mayonnaise. This acquisition supports Noble Foods’ long-term strategy to grow and diversify. Pankaj Pancholi, founder of Just Egg, said: “This business has been my life’s work, and I’m incredibly proud of what our team has achieved. As I step back, I do so with confidence knowing Just Egg is joining Noble Foods – a company that shares our values and passion for quality. I know the business is in capable hands for the future.” Duncan Everett, CEO, Noble Foods, said: “We feel honoured to be taking forward the Just Egg legacy. The business Pankaj and his team have built is one we deeply respect, and we’re committed to preserving the quality, service and care their customers value so highly.”

Businesses across the Midlands are showing resilience and optimism, with the vast majority reporting strong performance and a positive outlook for the future, according to new insights from Barclays UK Corporate Bank. More than four in five (83%) businesses in the Midlands have seen revenue growth compared to the same quarter last year, underlining the region’s economic momentum. Confidence is equally robust, with 81% of firms expressing optimism about their prospects over the next five years – more than five times the number who feel uncertain (15%). Trade remains a key driver of this confidence. Two in five (43%) Midlands businesses believe the current ease of importing and exporting will positively influence their long-term growth. Notably, businesses in the West Midlands are significantly more likely to see this as “extremely positive” (15%) compared to just 5% in the East Midlands and 9% across the wider UK. However, global trade tensions are not without impact. A substantial 77% of Midlands firms express concern over US tariffs and broader trade uncertainty – with this unease more common in West Midlands businesses (81%) than those in the East Midlands (72%). Nearly half of companies across the region (47%) are already planning changes to their operations or supply chains in the US in response to the tariffs. Despite these challenges, many businesses are finding opportunity in adversity. A notable proportion expect US tariffs to positively affect their profits (36%), supply chain stability (34%) and competitive positioning (29%) – with West Midlands businesses more positive on this issue across every metric examined, than those in the East Midlands. In fact, more than a quarter of Midlands companies (28%) see the tariffs as likely to improve their overall business prospects. Beyond tariffs, the top issues currently facing Midlands businesses include economic uncertainty (39%), rising operational costs (38%), market competition (32%), and cybersecurity threats (31%). East Midlands businesses are particularly impacted by operational costs (46%), compared to their peers in the West Midlands (31%). Barclays revealed this data and insight as part of their inaugural ‘Building Confidence in the Midlands’ event, held at the bank’s regional headquarters in Snow Hill. This event offered clients in the area an opportunity to discuss trade, business prosperity and opportunities for Midlands-based businesses to grow – as well as to hear insights from both the Rt Hon Liam Byrne MP and senior leaders at the bank. Rt Hon Liam Byrne MP, Chair Business and Trade Committee, said: “As a former entrepreneur, I know that growing a business is never easy – especially when global trade headwinds are blowing strong. So, these figures are a remarkable testament to the resilience, ingenuity and ambition of Midlands firms. “But we can’t take this success for granted. As Chair of Parliament’s Business and Trade Committee, I’m leading an inquiry into how we can better back our small businesses – especially in the face of growing global risks. If we get this right, we won’t just unlock growth. We’ll unleash a new era of Midlands-made prosperity.” David Farrow, Head of Barclays UK Corporate and Payments Coverage, said: “These findings paint a picture of a region that is not only weathering global challenges but actively adapting and thriving. “The Midlands continues to be a powerhouse of UK enterprise, driven by innovation, trade, and a confident outlook for the future. We look forward to working with all of our clients across the region to support them as they navigate and succeed in this dynamic landscape.”

Nottingham businesses now have access to a new support initiative designed to help them transition to digital, AI, and sustainable practices. The Nottingham Accelerator project, funded by a £124,982 grant from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, is aimed at assisting local firms in adopting new technologies, reducing their carbon footprint, and improving overall efficiency.

Delivered by East Midlands Chamber on behalf of Nottingham City Council, the project offers businesses training, expert consultancy, and a range of resources focused on digital transformation and decarbonisation. Companies can benefit from energy audits, which are funded as part of the initiative, and receive help in implementing greener practices to lower energy costs and carbon emissions. Additionally, growth vouchers of up to £2,000 are available to support the adoption of new technologies or process improvements.

The project, which runs until March 2026, is already helping numerous local businesses. With a focus on automation, productivity tools, and cyber security, the programme provides businesses with the expertise needed to enhance their operations in line with the latest technological advancements. The support is designed to assist businesses across Nottingham with practical, tailored advice and resources to fuel growth and innovation.

If you are yet to make your entries for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025, now is the perfect time to do so before nominations close on Friday 15th August! Here we go through each category’s criteria – which can also be found with nomination forms here. A highlight in the business calendar, winners will be announced at a glittering awards ceremony and networking event on Thursday 2nd October, at the famous Trent Bridge Cricket Ground. The 10th annual celebration of the property and construction industry will run from 4:30pm – 7:30pm. Take this chance to showcase exceptional new commercial and residential developments, those demonstrating a leading position in sustainability and design excellence; gain recognition as outstanding developers, architects, contractors, and agents, as well as for significant deals; and ensure efforts in corporate social responsibility are rewarded, from eco initiatives to charity work, to social value schemes. Contractor of the Year Celebrating the contractors who work on the project, this award celebrates builders, construction companies and the contractors themselves, and nominees should be those who have gone above and beyond the word of the contract to deliver a truly exceptional service. Contracts must have been within the last 12 months. Developer of the Year The winner of this category will be the developer that has truly pushed the limit over the last 12 months. Their scheme(s) will have shown to not only be a success, but that there was true demand for them. The winning developer will have displayed courage in a tough market to deliver award winning results. There is no size limit, but schemes must have been completed over the last 12 months. Architects of the Year The winner of this award will be the architects who have had the greatest impact on the region, be it in a single development or a series of them. Originality, the ability to rise to a challenge or initiative shown in accomplishing a difficult brief, this award celebrates our architects. Schemes must have been completed over the last 12 months. Most Active Agent The winner of this category will be the estate agents / property consultants who have had the biggest impact on the commercial property sector over the last 12 months, whether that be in deals done, quality of any given deal, or excellent customer service. Deal of the Year The winner of this category will be the deal that has truly pushed the boundaries over the last 12 months – from jobs created to complexity, size and scale. However, that’s not to say the biggest deal will automatically win; the deal which has had most impact in the East Midlands is what we’re looking for. The winning deal will have displayed courage in a tough market to deliver a great outcome for all concerned. Deal must have been completed over the last 12 months. Residential Development of the Year The winner of this category will be the scheme that has displayed a true commitment to providing much-needed housing in the East Midlands. There is no size limit, but schemes must have been completed over the last 12 months. Sustainable Development of the Year The winner of this category will be the scheme that has displayed a true commitment to sustainable development in the East Midlands, whether this be in an environmental development, social enterprise or a scheme which will benefit the region in other ways, so long as it benefits the future generation. Schemes must have been completed over the last 12 months. Commercial Development of the Year 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. Developments must have been completed within the last 12 months. Excellence in Design The winner of this category will have shown true originality in design excellence across a scheme or schemes over the last 12 months, whether this be aesthetically, functionally or in any other manner. Responsible Business of the Year The winner of this award will have demonstrated corporate responsibility in their field, working in harmony and for the betterment of the local community in which it operates and setting a shining example for the rest of the supply chain. Overall Winner This award cannot be entered, with the Overall Winner selected from those nominated for the occasion’s 10 other categories and receiving 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.   Submitting a nomination couldn’t be easier – simply click here and click on a category’s heading to access its form. Nominations end Friday 15th August. Entry is free – with finalists also winning free tickets to the awards ceremony.

Book your tickets now

Tickets can now be booked for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025, click here to secure yours.

The special awards evening and networking event will be held on Thursday 2nd October in the Derek Randall Suite at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground from 4:30pm – 7:30pm.

Connect with local decision makers over nibbles and complimentary drinks while applauding the outstanding companies and projects in our region. Attendees will also 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. 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.

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: