Derby’s new taxi licensing rules could disrupt local business

April Lara
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Derby’s new taxi licensing rules could disrupt local business

Derby City Council’s proposed changes to taxi licensing could severely impact private hire taxi owners, with the GMB Union warning that hundreds of drivers may lose their livelihoods.

The council’s plan aims to reduce the maximum age for licensable vehicles from 15 to just 5 years, potentially forcing many drivers to use older vehicles out of business. This move would set Derby apart from neighbouring cities like Nottingham, which allows taxis up to 10 years old.

GMB Regional Organiser Craig Thomson voiced concerns that the council’s approach, focused on reaching green city targets, unfairly burdens local taxi drivers without sufficient consultation. He called for the council to work with drivers and unions to develop a more balanced plan. This shift in policy could disrupt the daily operations of a vital service for the local community, putting many businesses at risk.

Conversion of farm buildings into holiday lets approved in Northamptonshire

April Lara
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Conversion of farm buildings into holiday lets approved in Northamptonshire

Local authorities have approved plans to convert a set of rural farm buildings in Northamptonshire into a holiday accommodation site. The site, situated near Blatherwycke, northeast of Corby, will transform five mid-19th-century barns and stables into six holiday homes. The development also includes plans for a café and retail space.

The proposed holiday homes will vary in size from one to three bedrooms and will feature fully equipped living spaces, kitchens, bathrooms, and terraces. A café offering food and drinks and a bicycle rental service in one of the larger units will be included.

The applicant, F & A George Ltd noted the local demand for tourist accommodation, citing nearby attractions such as Fineshade Woods and Rutland Water, as well as the market towns of Stamford and Oundle.

The site will retain existing access from Blatherwycke Road, with a new car park to be constructed to accommodate guests.

Work gets underway to find new members for Leicester and Leicestershire’s Innovation Board

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Work gets underway to find new members for Leicester and Leicestershire’s Innovation Board
Work is underway to recruit new members for Leicester and Leicestershire’s Innovation Board. The announcement came as Leicestershire Innovation Festival 2025 launched with a packed day of events covering industrial strategy, artificial intelligence for SMEs, and routes to finance. The first day of the seventh annual festival included a review of the region’s innovation opportunity from Dr Nik Kotecha OBE DL, founder of RandalSun Capital and a former LLEP Innovation Chair. There was also a deep look into the strategic opportunity of AI for small businesses, and a funding support session led by Innovate UK and the British Business Bank. Delegates started the day at the National Space Centre, where they were welcomed by Andy Reed OBE, Chair of the Leicester and Leicestershire Business Board. He said: “This festival started in 2018 with three events and has become an annual part of the regional business calendar. It brings together partners with a shared interest in encouraging small business productivity and growth in Leicester and Leicestershire.” Mr Reed also informed guests at the National Space Centre that work had recently commenced to populate an Innovation Board. It will sit under the Business Board of the Leicester and Leicestershire Business and Skills Partnership (LLBSP). The Innovation Board’s purpose will be to bring together leaders from business, research, education and finance, seizing on opportunities as they emerge in the innovation space. Previously, the Innovation Board was part of the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP). LLEP functions were taken under the control of upper tier local authorities last year. Dr Kotecha followed Mr Reed’s welcome with a look at Leicester and Leicestershire’s innovation landscape and the origins of the regional R&D agenda. He then assessed the emerging opportunity around the Government’s Industrial Strategy. Dr Kotecha said: “The Government’s Invest 2035 programme suggests that innovation is again returning to the forefront of strategic thinking. “This is to be welcomed and we must make sure we are poised to advocate for our economy and our business community and seize – for Leicester and Leicestershire – the opportunities that the Government is trailing.” Steve Barradell and Guy Boyle, directors of Loughborough-based Institute, gave a 45-minute critical discussion of AI and its strategic opportunity for local small businesses. They followed up by confirming that their funded 12-week AI+ programme for small businesses – supported by Loughborough College and Innovate UK – would return in the autumn. A further 60 places have been made available for 2025-26 after the sell-out success of the first programme last year. Guy, Institute’s Creative Director, said: “We’re interested in increasing knowledge among SMEs so they can ask better questions of those selling them current digital solutions.” Guests then made the short walk to nearby Space Park, where an afternoon session, led by Innovate UK and the British Business Bank, provided detailed insights into current funding opportunities. As well as practical guidance on preparing winning funding applications, the session included networking time for small businesses to meet with funding experts and fellow innovators. Leicestershire Innovation Festival 2025 runs until Friday. It is led by the Business Gateway Growth Hub. Events take place online and at venues across the city and county. Subjects covered include finance, life sciences, innovative manufacturing, and digital skills.

Fairham Way to become main arterial route through Nottingham’s new neighbourhood

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Fairham Way to become main arterial route through Nottingham’s new neighbourhood
From Monday 14th April 2025, Fairham Way will open and become the main arterial road through Nottingham’s new neighbourhood – Fairham. Fairham Way will allow traffic to flow through the centre of Fairham for the first time since the development of the 606-acre brand new neighbourhood commenced in 2018. With over £58m spent on infrastructure, the road opening marks a significant shift change in the delivery of homes, employment and conveniences at Fairham, providing easier access to all the residential area and business park. The new road will also allow direct access to the centre of the neighbourhood from the Northern Gateway located off Mill Hill Island from the A453 past all residential plots until the road rejoins Nottingham Road at the Southern Gateway. Clowes Developments and Homes England are responsible for delivering Nottingham’s new neighbourhood, Fairham. The partnership is set to bring thousands of new homes, jobs and opportunities to Nottingham. The 606-acre site on the southern edge of the city will become a prime commercial and residential destination. It is anticipated that the new Fairham Way road will see as many as 8,000 cars travelling through the neighbourhood every day. In light of this and at the request of Nottinghamshire County Council, the decision has been made to close a section of Nottingham Road, connecting Clifton to Gotham, between the stagger junction and the Southern Gateway. By closing this section, traffic will be channelled through Fairham Way in both directions which will assist in changing public behaviour to utilise Fairham Way. This will also allow improvement works including traffic calming features to be undertaken to Nottingham Road. It is expected to remain closed for up to 18 months. All road traffic, cycle routes, pedestrian paths and public transport routes, including bus service numbers 1/1A and 4/N4 will be diverted to follow Fairham Way with a new bus stop added to the route. Thanks to infrastructure specialists, O’Brien Contractors Ltd, works around the stagger junction have also been completed on time and according to schedule.

BWB sets out plans to double in size as built environment industry confronts new challenges

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BWB sets out plans to double in size as built environment industry confronts new challenges
Integrated engineering and environmental consultancy BWB is aiming to double the size of the business over the next five years. The Nottingham-headquartered company has delivered a series of landmark projects during the past year, including continuing work at East Midlands Gateway and the 800-bed build-to-rent Barnum development near Nottingham Railway Station. Led by CEO Graham Sant, BWB now employs more than 370 people, with offices in Birmingham, Leeds, London and Manchester alongside its headquarters at Waterfront House, Nottingham. It has just embarked on a five-year growth strategy driven by a series of major changes affecting every aspect of the bult environment. Graham explained: “We enjoyed another strong year of performance in 2024, and this has given us a springboard to focus on long-term horizons so that the business is well positioned to take continuing advantage of its strengths in the strategic trends driving change. “The whole of the built environment industry is confronting challenges related to climate change and scarce resources, increasing urbanisation, technology advances, and the shifting dynamics of globalisation and demographic change. “As a business that is focused relentlessly on client needs, we continue to invest heavily in the skills, insights and solutions which meet those needs so that we can remain agile, innovative and responsive.” Graham added: “The critical component is people and our commitment to supporting and developing the next generation of expert professionals is why we are the only business in our sector that has achieved the Investors in People Platinum standard.” BWB’s expertise spans urban development, public infrastructure and future mobility, with its sustainable growth solutions applied to city centre regeneration, shaping transport hubs and driving the transition to low carbon energy. Recent projects include the Tea Factory – the BBC’s new headquarters in Birmingham – the Broadmarsh Bus Station and upcoming works at the Guildhall redevelopment. BWB has also developed its annual Healthy Places Snapshot, based on insights from 50 industry leaders in local government, development, architecture, urban design and planning. Anthony Hart, BWB’s Regional Director for the East Midlands, said: “What these insights tell us is that healthy placemaking has got to play a part in unlocking the growth that we’re all looking for, particularly here in the East Midlands. “We’re really encouraged to see the new East Midlands Combined County Authority and Mayor Claire Ward launch an Inclusive Growth Commission. That tells us that the approach to unlocking the region’s potential is going to be informed by concepts like healthy placemaking – which we’re passionate about – and an understanding of the role this plays in inclusive and sustainable progress. “There are numerous opportunities to fire-up the East Midlands economy – we have global leaders in advanced manufacturing, expertise in clean energy, one of the biggest trade gateways in the UK at East Midlands Airport, incentivised sites at the Freeport and EMCCA’s own Investment Zones. “There are also landmark opportunities such as the South Derby Growth Zone, where we have supported Infinity Park. With the right approach and a more progressive planning system there’s no reason why we can’t shift the dial of regional growth.”

Long Sutton dental practice sold to expanding group

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Long Sutton dental practice sold to expanding group
Long Sutton Dentistry in Lincolnshire has been sold to an expanding group. Set up by the previous owners, Kenny Doig, Jez Hyland, and Sam Wright, in 2013, it is located in the market town of Long Sutton, near Boston and Spalding in South Lincolnshire. Over the last 12 years, it has grown into a four-surgery practice and become a mainstay for the local community. The practice was brought to market to allow the sellers to concentrate on their other business interests. Following a confidential sales process with Tom Morley at Christie & Co, it has been sold to The Dental Design Studio. Dr Kenny Doig, former owner of Long Sutton Dentistry, said: “It’s reassuring to know that our staff and patients are in excellent hands, thanks to DDS’s outstanding track record of professionalism and expertise. The trust and confidence we feel stems directly from their proven capabilities. “We would like to express our appreciation for Jeff and Larry, who made every interaction a pleasure. Their approachability and professionalism ensured the process was not just straightforward but truly instilled confidence that we had made the correct decision to sell to a group rather than a large corporate.” Dr Jeffrey Sherer, Clinical Director at The Dental Design Studio, said: “We’re very happy to have acquired Long Sutton – our twenty-second dental practice. It is a fantastic practice with a great team, and we are so pleased to have it as part of our group.” Tom Morley, Associate Director – Dental at Christie & Co, said: “It was a pleasure to represent, Jez, Kenny, and Sam in the sale of Long Sutton, and I wish Larry and Jeff all the best with their new acquisition. Another successful sale in the East Midlands demonstrates to the market that quality private practices are continually acquired by aspirational groups.” Long Sutton Dentistry was sold for an undisclosed price.

Labour’s £600m investment to strengthen construction workforce in the East Midlands

April Lara
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Labour’s £600m investment to strengthen construction workforce in the East Midlands

The UK government has committed £600 million to address the growing shortage of skilled construction workers, focusing on increasing workforce numbers nationwide by 2029.

This initiative forms part of Labour’s Plan for Change, which aims to boost the industry by training 60,000 workers and expanding access to construction jobs for young people. Key elements of the plan include creating new training opportunities, expanding apprenticeship programmes, and introducing technical colleges focused on construction skills.

For businesses in the East Midlands, this investment is a significant step toward addressing the long-standing labour gaps in the construction sector. The region, already home to 130,000 construction workers, stands to benefit from these measures, which are expected to provide a sustainable talent pipeline for major housing and infrastructure projects.

These moves come after a significant contraction in the workforce, with approximately 320,000 construction roles lost nationally between 2019 and 2024. The new funding is seen as crucial in revitalising the sector, ensuring that it can meet the UK’s housing and infrastructure demands moving forward.

Training group diversifies with acquisition of Derbyshire firm

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Training group diversifies with acquisition of Derbyshire firm
Sheffield-based Realise Training Group, backed by Endless’ Enact fund, has taken a step forward in its buy-and-build strategy with its acquisition of Smart Gas Training and Assessment Centre, based in Derbyshire. The announcement marks the next phase of its journey, as Realise formalises a new group structure and strategy, broadens its commercial offerings and diversifies into another regulated employment sector. The move comes at a time when regulatory and policy changes, brought in by the government, are driving demand for upskilling in key sectors, including more heavily regulated apprenticeship sectors linked to unlocking UK economic growth. It also aligns with the £600 million investment into the training of up to 60,000 skilled construction workers, announced in the Chancellor’s Spring Statement. Gregg Scott, CEO of Realise Training Group, said: “We are committed to not just off-the-shelf products such as apprenticeships, skills bootcamps or adult skills, but to being a fully integrated training solutions business. We listen to the training problems of organisations and our teams create a bespoke solution. “As well as supporting investment in green energy and the push for net zero through our Smart Gas acquisition, we are continuing to focus on reducing economic inactivity and promoting social mobility throughout the UK.” Paul Denvers, partner at Endless, said: “We are delighted to see how Realise is going from strength to strength and entering new markets within the apprenticeship and adult education sector. “Expanding into additional regulated employment markets will help bring more learners into the high demand sectors, as well as continuing to support quality delivery in the critical infrastructure sectors we are well established in.” The Smart Gas acquisition was supported with advice from James Cook from Womble Bond Dickinson, Russ Cahill from Tax Advisory Partnership and Paul Fox from Fox Lloyd Jones. Realise recently secured a multi-million-pound facility from OakNorth.

Leicestershire care farm for autistic children and vulnerable learners approved

April Lara
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Leicestershire care farm for autistic children and vulnerable learners approved

Blaby District Council has approved plans for Peaceful Paddocks, a nature-based care farm at Fossefield Farm in Stoney Stanton, Leicestershire. The facility will provide therapeutic and educational activities for autistic children and those at risk of school exclusion.

Designed to support up to 10 children aged five to 18 at a time, the project includes a log cabin for educational and welfare needs and a stable and tack building. The farm may also offer short sessions for adults with learning difficulties and dementia.

The initiative, led by Brian and Hazel Sutton, aims to assist children struggling with traditional classroom environments, including those with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

Quickline expands full fibre broadband to 6,000 more premises in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire

April Lara
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Quickline expands full fibre broadband to 6,000 more premises in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire

Quickline is expanding its Project Gigabit rollout, bringing full-fibre broadband to an additional 6,000 homes and businesses across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. The expansion, backed by £11 million in public funding, will ensure improved connectivity in underserved areas.

The move increased the total government investment in Quickline’s fibre network to over £300 million, covering more than 170,000 premises. The rollout targets rural communities across West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire, East Riding of Yorkshire, and Lincolnshire, aiming to provide fast, reliable internet to businesses and residents in hard-to-reach locations.

Project Gigabit, funded by the UK Government, focuses on delivering gigabit-capable broadband to areas lacking access to next-generation speeds. The latest expansion is based on updated data to prioritise locations with the highest need.

The East Midlands Bricks Awards are back for 2025!

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The East Midlands Bricks Awards are back for 2025!
Following another successful event in 2024, Business Link Magazine is gearing up for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025, which will mark 10 years of the prestigious event! Shining a light on the region’s property and construction industry, and offering an opportunity to network and celebrate with respected business leaders, this year’s eagerly anticipated ceremony will take place on Thursday 2nd October at the famous Trent Bridge Cricket Ground in Nottingham. A perfect occasion to recognise those behind the changing landscape of our region, the East Midlands Bricks Awards showcase development projects 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. We also toast the work of architects, agencies and those behind large schemes. For those interested in entering the awards, which have been a highlight in the business calendar since 2015, further information will be released soon, upon the opening of nominations.

New charity partnership for asbestos management consultancy

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New charity partnership for asbestos management consultancy
A Northampton-based asbestos management consultancy has pledged to complete 10 charity events during 2025 to support its new charity partner Cynthia Spencer Hospice. Starting in April, the Acorn Analytical Services team will take part in numerous fundraising feats to raise much-needed cash for the local hospice. Head of commercial Sian Stone will team up with Ben Simpson and Lewis Dawes to kick off the activities with a parachute jump, swiftly followed by Liam Wood and Noah Woodward in an Ultra White Collar Boxing event in April. In May, Lois Ashby, Holly Singleton and Sarah Seal will take on the London Moonwalk and the company will also enter a team in the Northampton Dragon Boat Festival. June sees Danielle and Gen from Acorn Analytical’s lab team take on Cynthia Spencer’s annual Northampton Colour Run and Viviana Pista and Abbie Bruce will be abseiling down the Northampton Lift Tower. In July Dan Crask, Richard Crockett, Joseph Bell and Alex will brave the Pretty Muddy and August boasts the first ever Acorn coffee morning, in which the keen bakers and cooks will be knocking up some delicious treats to sell. Finally, in September, Joshua Cannell and Alex will complete the Northampton Half Marathon before Dan takes on a gruelling 100 miles in 24 hours attempt. Acorn Analytical Services managing director Sam Savage said: “Cynthia Spencer are not new to us, we’ve joined hands on numerous occasions, most notably the Three Peaks challenge back in September. Their dedication and commitment inspire us and we are all eager to scale new peaks together. “Starting in April, we are embarking on an audacious journey, participating in 10 fundraising events spanning over six months, including the famous Colour Run organised by Cynthia Spencer themselves. “As we look forward to the upcoming year, we are thrilled to be walking side by side with Cynthia Spencer, giving back to the community and making a difference.” The Acorn team hope to raise £6,000 in total, to be split across their three partner charities – Cynthia Spencer Hospice, Mesothelioma UK and Muscular Dystrophy UK. A Go Fund Me page has been set up to cover all events. All proceeds from the page will go to the three partner charities. Anyone can donate by visiting: https://gofund.me/0ee714e7

Small business group appoints new chair for the East Midlands

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Small business group appoints new chair for the East Midlands
Britain’s biggest business group has chosen Dawn Edwards to lead volunteer local activity in the East Midlands. Dawn, from Nottinghamshire, has become FSB (Federation of Small Businesses)’s new Regional Chair for the whole of the East Midlands region which covers areas including the counties of Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, Rutland, Leicestershire and Northamptonshire. FSB has just celebrated it’s 50th year of supporting and representing small businesses and the self-employed, and Dawn sees her role as being a vital one to ensure FSB continues to grow its business community, with volunteering remaining essential to local business support. Dawn Edwards is the founder and Managing Director of Challenge Consulting, an award-winning management and leadership training company based in Nottinghamshire. She said: “I’m delighted to have been appointed to this key role and want to ensure that the voice of small businesses across the East Midlands region is clearly heard. “Building a business community where we can share experiences and support each other is key to my volunteer role and I look forward to meeting businesses across East Midlands whether virtually or in person. “I’m also looking forward to working with the local staff team who have many years’ experience of business support across the region.” In her new role, Dawn will be looking to help champion and represent FSB locally and be a key part of the new English Policy Unit team who discuss local and national issues from across England, to ensure FSB continue to be the leading business organisation representing the needs of small businesses and self-employed to national and local government.

UK’s largest cold store facility reaches completion near Grantham

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UK’s largest cold store facility reaches completion near Grantham
McLaren Construction Midlands and North has completed the UK’s largest cold store facility, developed for Magnavale Ltd, the temperature controlled warehouse and value added service providers. The fully automated facility stands at 47 metres tall with a capacity for 101,000 pallets and represents a significant milestone in logistics and sustainable storage solutions. Located near Grantham, the purpose-built, rack-clad automated cold store has been designed to support Magnavale’s goal of creating Europe’s most efficient cold storage facility, operating at a standard temperature of -200C. The 474,283 sq ft development can function at temperatures as low as -28°C and is powered entirely by renewable energy. The facility features a five-storey office space, extensive external yards, an HGV marshalling area, and a large staff car park. Additionally, cutting-edge refrigeration plant ensures that the storage chamber maintains optimal conditions for frozen food products from retailers. The construction of the project presented a range of unique challenges. The facility was delivered while maintaining 24/7 access to the adjacent McCain food production facility, alongside another existing cold storage unit and water treatment processing works, while ensuring minimal disruption to operations and a water treatment facility. Extensive demolition and controlled waste removal was required to clear the site, which was previously home to an iron ore drift mine. The project team also had to divert and relay multiple services and utilities across the site. An external gantry system was used to accommodate certain services instead of traditional underground installations due to space constraints. The construction incorporated a contractor-designed steel fibre slab, eliminating the need for more than 20 steel fixers on-site, while an on-site gas generator was refurbished to provide 1.45MW of power. Due to the size of concrete pours, an on-site concrete batching plant was incorporated into the build, to eliminate issues with delivery delays. The project also required precise coordination to accommodate 90 shipping containers of conveyor systems, and McLaren successfully managed an international workforce, including a specialised team from Bosnia. With the building now operational, Magnavale has achieved a major advancement in the cold storage sector, setting new standards in automation, energy efficiency, and logistics. The facility’s scale and technological sophistication position it as one of the most advanced cold storage hubs in Europe, supporting the growing demand for high-efficiency food storage solutions. Gary Cramp, Managing Director of McLaren Construction Midlands and North, said: “Delivering this project has been a remarkable achievement, showcasing McLaren’s expertise in managing large-scale, complex construction projects. This facility not only advances the UK’s cold storage infrastructure but also exemplifies our focus on sustainable and innovative building practices.”

Homes England revealed as Broad Marsh site buyer

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Homes England revealed as Broad Marsh site buyer
Homes England has been revealed as the purchaser of Nottingham’s Broad Marsh site, pushing forward the regeneration of the city centre. The Government’s housing and regeneration agency will acquire the council’s land ownership of the former shopping centre, land to the west of the Green Heart, a multi-storey car park, Severns House and a former college site. The next stage of development will include de-risking of the site, such as demolition and enabling works, to attract private sector developers with the necessary credentials and proven track record to deliver transformational city centre projects. The development of the site will bring forward around 1,000 homes, up to 20,000 square metres of retail, office and community spaces and create around 2,000 full-time jobs. Councillor Neghat Khan, Leader of Nottingham City Council, said: “It’s great to finally reveal the name of the buyer for such an important site. I have confidence in Homes England and the work they have already delivered across the country. “This is really positive news for Nottingham and marks the start of a major redevelopment for this key part of our city. “We know that people have wanted to see progress here for a long time and we understand that it has been a frustration for some that this hasn’t happened. “We’re excited by the plans that Homes England has, and we look forward to working closely with them to bring these to fruition.” Eamonn Boylan, Chief Executive of Homes England, said: “The acquisition of Broad Marsh is a major milestone in the city council’s vision of regeneration for this area of Nottingham. “We have worked closely with the council since 2022 to provide professional advice and support. Now that we have acquired the site, our teams will be working with partners to attract the right developer to deliver the new homes, employment spaces and leisure facilities necessary to create a vibrant city centre neighbourhood that the people of Nottingham can be proud of.” Broad Marsh is Nottingham’s top priority regeneration project, with significant progress already made by Nottingham City Council in advancing its vision. Key achievements include the establishment of a new Nottingham College hub, the opening of the Central Library, Broad Marsh bus station, car park, and, most recently, the completion of the Green Heart public realm. The project will also benefit from investment by the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), underlining Broad Marsh’s strategic significance to the region and showcasing the collaboration of organisations skilled in delivering complex regeneration projects, in line with the Government’s new Devolution arrangements. The Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, said: “Homes England’s purchase of Broad Marsh is an investment into the future of Nottingham – a future that the people of Nottingham have been asking for and the city council has been pushing for, which can now be realised. “As the Mayor of the East Midlands, I have been pleased to lead EMCCA into investing its resources so that this purchase could occur. This is exactly what the region expected when it chose to have a directly elected Mayor, and EMCCA will continue to work closely with Homes England as they transform the area.” Homes England will maintain close collaboration with the council, ensuring the strategic vision for Broad Marsh is successfully realised. The Agency will also commit to continue the work undertaken so far by the council, to engage residents, partners and stakeholders in shaping the delivery of this important project.

NatPower plans 1GW energy storage project in Leicestershire

April Lara
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NatPower plans 1GW energy storage project in Leicestershire

NatPower UK has submitted an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) screening request to Harborough District Council for a proposed 1GW battery energy storage system (BESS) in Leicestershire. The Swinford Energy Park, planned for a 197-acre site at Lambcote Hill Farm in Walcote, would be co-located with a 400kV transmission substation, connecting to existing overhead power lines.

The site, currently arable land, already hosts two wind turbines from the Swinford Wind Farm. The project aims to store excess electricity during low-demand periods and release it when demand peaks. NatPower has indicated that integrating the facility with the existing wind farm and a consented solar farm could create a combined generation and storage hub, supporting the UK’s net-zero targets.

Realise Training Group expands with Smart Gas acquisition

April Lara
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Realise Training Group expands with Smart Gas acquisition

Realise Training Group, backed by private equity firm Endless’ Enact fund, has acquired Smart Gas Training and Assessment Centre for a seven-figure sum. The move strengthens Realise’s position in regulated training sectors, particularly in gas, plumbing, and renewable energy.

Based in Ashbourne, Derbyshire, Smart Gas offers training in air source heat pumps, gas engineering, plumbing, and heating. This acquisition marks Realise’s third in three years and aligns with its strategy to diversify into high-demand, regulated industries.

Since securing Enact Fund investment in 2020, Sheffield-based Realise has grown to over 500 staff supporting 16,500 learners. The company is formalising a new group structure to broaden its commercial offering and enhance its training solutions beyond apprenticeships and skills bootcamps.

The acquisition comes as the UK government invests £600 million to train 60,000 skilled construction workers, positioning Realise to support workforce development in critical infrastructure and green energy sectors.

Legal and financial advisors on the deal included Womble Bond Dickinson, Tax Advisory Partnership, and Fox Lloyd Jones. Realise recently secured a multi-million-pound facility from OakNorth to support further expansion and innovation.

UK gig economy employers face jail for failing worker checks

April Lara
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UK gig economy employers face jail for failing worker checks

The Home Office has announced that the UK government will require all employers in the gig economy and zero-hour contract sectors to verify that workers have legal employment status. Company directors who fail to comply could face up to five years in prison, business closures, bans from directorship, and fines of up to £60,000 per worker.

The policy change, part of amendments to the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill, aims to curb illegal working and disrupt people-smuggling networks. The Home Office says the checks, which take minutes to complete, will be provided free of charge.

Major gig economy firms like Deliveroo, Just Eat, and Uber Eats already conduct voluntary worker eligibility checks, but thousands of other businesses currently have no legal obligation to do so. The government argues the new rules will create a level playing field for compliant companies.

The announcement comes ahead of an international summit in London, where ministers from 40 countries will discuss strategies to combat human trafficking and illegal migration routes. The UK government also plans to expand enforcement powers against people-smuggling networks.

Loughborough Building Society upgrades digital strategy with Finastra partnership

April Lara
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Loughborough Building Society upgrades digital strategy with Finastra partnership

Loughborough Building Society is implementing Finastra’s Essence platform to enhance digital banking operations and speed up product launches. The system will support both retail and commercial banking services while improving operational efficiency.

The society will also integrate Finastra’s Retail Analytics module, which will enable data-driven decision-making through real-time performance tracking. Loughborough brought Fairmort, a financial software provider, to manage data migration and regulatory compliance.

The initiative is part of the society’s strategy to modernise its services, adapt to changing customer expectations, and ensure long-term growth.

Archimedia builds momentum with new hire

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Archimedia builds momentum with new hire

A Nottingham accountancy firm is continuing its growth journey with another key appointment. Archimedia Accounts, based at Nottingham Science & Technology Park, has welcomed skilled finance professional Chloe Hooton to the team as an accountant. Chris Demetriou, co-owner and finance director, says Chloe is the ideal next hire as the firm continues to grow. He said: “Chloe has a great character, she’s a very capable accountant and incredibly hard working. But more than that — she truly cares about our clients and their success. That’s what matters most at Archimedia.” The appointment follows the hiring of well-known city finance professional Jill Fox as client manager just a few months ago — a move that marked the start of an ambitious growth phase for the business. Chris added: “We’re growing and needed another team member who shares our values. Someone we can rely on to put clients first — and Chloe fits the bill perfectly. She’s a fantastic addition to our expanding team.” Speaking about her new role, Chloe said: “Archimedia has a brilliant reputation for building strong relationships with clients and genuinely caring about their goals. That really stood out to me. I’m excited to be joining a team that’s growing with purpose and staying true to its values.” Chloe joins Archimedia during a period of positive momentum, with further growth and recruitment planned for later in the year.

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