Despite recent proposals from the Chancellor to stimulate growth, businesses in the East Midlands are sceptical. The region’s inflation rate surged to 3.6% in June, exacerbating already fragile business confidence, as reflected in the latest Quarterly Economic Survey.

In the Mansion House speech, the Chancellor outlined measures intended to ease business operations, including reducing regulatory barriers to encourage risk-taking, streamlining recruitment processes for senior leaders, and offering a concierge service to assist companies wishing to set up in the UK. However, local businesses remain unconvinced.

East Midlands Chamber has pointed out that while the measures may benefit certain sectors, they fall short of addressing the underlying challenges faced by businesses. The rising inflation, alongside increased operational costs such as higher National Insurance contributions and the national living wage, continues to put pressure on firms.

In a climate where many businesses are anticipating no growth, the Chancellor’s plans may not be enough to restore confidence or encourage the much-needed investment. As the economic outlook remains uncertain, business leaders are calling for stronger, more immediate support, including assurances that future tax hikes will not further hinder their operations.

A Nottingham-based fire safety company is experiencing a sharp rise in demand from the leisure sector, particularly from boat and caravan owners, who are seeking more effective ways to protect their vessels from fire risks. Aerocom (UK) Ltd, the sole UK distributor of MAUS fire suppression products, has reported an increase in enquiries, driven by the growing awareness of the hazards posed by onboard electrical systems.

The company’s MAUS units, including the MAUS Stixx Pro V1 and MAUS Xtin Klein, are particularly popular due to their compact design and zero-damage capabilities.

Government statistics have highlighted that electrical fires are the second most frequent cause of household fires in the UK, reinforcing the need for reliable fire safety solutions. The MAUS systems, which are also used by high-profile automotive brands such as Toyota and Audi, are proving valuable in protecting both property and people.

In addition to the UK, demand is rising in international markets, with notable installations such as the superyacht Mirage in Spain, which recently outfitted 15 units. Boat owners are increasingly adopting this innovative technology, appreciating its efficiency and minimal footprint for fire protection.

Frank Key has joined the sponsor line up for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025, backing the Deal of the Year category. Since 1907 Frank Key has been renowned for supplying market-leading building, plumbing and timber materials. Built on family values, the business has grown to stock interiors, landscaping, civils and drainage products, as well as providing high-quality plant and tool hire equipment, making Frank Key a true one-stop shop for all your project requirements. Frank Key’s reputation is not only built on the wide range of products sold, but how it does business. Given its experience within the industry and with many of the Frank Key team being long-standing members of staff, the firm is in the best position to provide you with the expert advice and service you need. Frank Key will order non-stocked items, stick to delivery dates and honour agreements. Speaking with Business Link, Ben Sansom, Group Sales & Marketing Director at Frank Key, said: “Frank Key is delighted to sponsor the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025. “With over 110 years of experience supplying the building trade, we are proud to support an event that celebrates the incredible achievements in the property and construction sectors across our region. We wish all the nominees the very best of luck and look forward to seeing the innovative projects shaping the East Midlands.” 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

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.

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:

East Midlands Chamber has reinforced calls for parts of the Employment Rights Bill to be reconsidered after UK-wide research revealed significant concerns from businesses across a number of areas, such as the speed at which the Bill is travelling through Parliament and the impact of policies on tax, employment and regulation seen as a ‘barrier to growth’. Nearly 8 out of 10 businesses that took part in the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) study felt the impact of policies is not being adequately assessed, while a third said trade union proposals would have a negative impact. Measures outlined in the Bill, currently going through the report stage in the House of Lords, include removing the lower earnings limit from statutory sick pay; requiring employers to take ‘reasonable steps’ to prevent sexual harassment of employees; ‘day one’ rights given to employees for parental or paternity leave and protection against unfair dismissal. Findings from the British Chambers of Commerce research on business views on the Employment Rights Bill:

• One third (33%) said trade union proposals would have a negative impact
• Only 2% of firms believe the proposals would be positive
• Nearly 8 out of 10 (79%) of firms don’t feel the impact of new government policies is being properly assessed
• 77% don’t think policy change is moving at the right pace
• Nearly 7 out of 10 (69%) think government policies such as tax, employment and regulation are barriers to growth

East Midlands Chamber director of resources, Lucy Robinson said: “Parts of this Bill, including requirements like statutory sick pay and day one paternity leave are due to kick in as soon as April next year – that doesn’t give much time for businesses to prepare – and then they’ll be followed not long after with a number of other measures, like the end of ‘fire and rehire’ and day one unfair dismissal protection, according to the timeline the government recently published. “The proposed measures are going to impact the way most firms operate and are likely to add to their pile of paperwork and associated costs, as well as limit the scope of those looking to restructure. While I appreciate there’s been some consultation from the government, for 8 out of 10 businesses across the country that took part in the British Chambers of Commerce research to have said the impact has not been properly assessed underlines the need to get a better steer from the business community and how they’ll be affected. “7 out of 10 UK businesses in this research said policies around things like tax, regulation and employment would be a barrier to growth – I’d say that’s a clear red flag and shows a need for more consultation to get this right. With the speed this Bill is moving through Parliament, also highlighted as a concern in this study, the government should be open to making changes before these policies are set in stone. “When you consider the barrage of challenges firms have had to contend with recently, whether increased staffing costs from higher National Insurance contributions or inflation, it’s essential their needs are prioritised before this Bill is passed. “For East Midlands businesses, I’d urge taking advantage of the Chamber’s HR Forums as a really useful resource around what the proposed changes might mean for them.” British Chambers of Commerce deputy director of public policy, Jane Gratton said: “The opportunity to make any significant changes to the Employment Rights Bill to ease the cost and disruption to business is fast disappearing over the horizon. While the government has consulted on several aspects, and listened to some concerns, the legislation still does not strike the right balance. “A number of the proposals are deeply worrying for employers. They will increase employment costs, complexity and risk for firms, particularly SMEs who will be disproportionately affected. We are likely to see unintended consequences that could limit people’s employment opportunities and the UK’s economic growth. “To grow our economy, firms must have the flexibility and agility to deal with challenges and opportunities. Government needs to help not hinder businesses – to innovate, adopt new technologies and be more productive and competitive. By adding more restrictions and building in further delays before change can happen, the Bill jeopardises all of this. It is creating a lose-lose scenario for everyone in the workplace. “While there many are things in the legislation that reflect what good businesses are already doing, there are some specific proposals that need amending. Planned changes to dismissal rules, trade union ballot thresholds and zero hours contracts, for example, are some of the critical areas that need to be revisited. “The government must continue its positive approach to engagement with business and remain open to changes. Only then can it ensure this legislation is proportionate, affordable and right for both firms and their employees.”

The government has outlined a timeline for implementing its Employment Rights Bill, which will bring several significant changes to employment law, affecting businesses in the East Midlands. Companies will need to prepare for increased administrative tasks, including updating staff contracts, managing higher costs, and addressing new paperwork requirements.

Starting in April 2026, the Bill will grant workers “day one” rights for paternity and unpaid parental leave. Statutory sick pay will be extended, with the removal of the lower earnings limit. By October 2026, businesses will no longer be able to use “fire and rehire” practices, and employers will be required to take all reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace.

By 2027, additional protections will be introduced for pregnant women and new mothers, including enhanced dismissal protections. Employers will also face new measures to prevent unfair dismissal from the very first day of employment. These changes will require businesses to adjust their practices and ensure compliance with the new legal landscape.

West Northamptonshire Council is inviting local residents, businesses, and community groups to help shape the future of Northampton town centre through the draft Northampton Town Centre Masterplan. This initiative aims to provide a long-term vision for the area, focusing on enhancing streets, public spaces, housing, and supporting local businesses.

Building on significant ongoing projects such as the revitalisation of Market Square and plans to redevelop former M&S and BHS stores, the masterplan offers a cohesive approach to guide future investments. The goal is to ensure these developments meet the needs of the community and align with their aspirations.

Key to the plan is a focus on making the town more walkable and better connected, improving the riverside to boost leisure and nature spaces, and restoring heritage buildings to their former glory. The vision also includes creating more housing options in the town centre to foster a vibrant, mixed-use community that supports local shops, promotes pedestrian and cycling access, and increases the area’s overall vibrancy.

To gather community input, the council has launched a dedicated website, northamptonforward.com, where people can review the proposals, explore different ideas, and share their feedback through a brief survey. This initial round of engagement will inform the final version of the masterplan, which will be published later this year, ensuring that future changes reflect the priorities of those who live and work in Northampton.

The acquisition significantly expands SOCOTEC’s capabilities in fire safety and compliance, while reinforcing the company’s growing presence in Scotland, with its second acquisition in the country, following the purchase of Aspect Land & Hydrographic Surveys. Matthew Marriott, CEO of SOCOTEC UK and Ireland, said: “The acquisition of UKTC represents a significant milestone in our growth strategy and commitment to enhancing building safety across the UK. “This marks our second acquisition in Scotland within the last 12 months, demonstrating our intention to continue investing in this important region, as well as developing our capabilities to serve clients throughout the UK and Ireland.” David Brown, director at UKTC, will continue to lead the laboratory operations under SOCOTEC ownership, and added: “Joining forces with SOCOTEC UK and Ireland provides an exciting opportunity to invest and expand our testing provisions and deliver enhanced services to our clients. “Our East Kilbride facility has become the centre of excellence for fire testing in UK, and as part of SOCOTEC, we look forward to building on that legacy while accessing wider resources and expertise.”

The shareholders of Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA), parent company of Nottingham health and beauty retailer Boots, have approved the takeover of WBA by private equity firm Sycamore Partners. According to preliminary results, approximately 96% of votes cast at a Special Meeting by all shareholders were voted in favour of the merger agreement proposal. In addition, approximately 95% of the votes cast at the Special Meeting by unaffiliated shareholders were voted in favor of the merger agreement proposal. “We appreciate the consideration and overwhelming support from our shareholders in our value-maximizing transaction with Sycamore,” said Tim Wentworth, CEO of Walgreens Boots Alliance. “With Sycamore’s partnership, we will be better positioned to accelerate our turnaround strategy, further enhance the customer, patient and team member experience and become the first choice for pharmacy, retail and health services. We look forward to closing the transaction and entering this next chapter.” WBA expects to close the transaction in the third or fourth quarter of 2025. The $10bn deal comes after Walgreens had a market value of over $100bn a decade ago. The fate of highstreet staple Boots remains in question, with the Sycamore transaction expected to pave way for considertation of a sale, following WBA’s two previous attempts to offload the business.

Leicestershire Business Voice recently hosted an insightful event focused on diversity and inclusion, highlighting its importance for modern businesses. The event, held in collaboration with De Montfort University Leicester (DMU), aimed to demonstrate how creating inclusive workplaces is no longer just a moral choice but a key business strategy.

Business leaders from industries like recruitment, manufacturing, and technology shared their experiences and strategies for fostering diverse and inclusive work environments. The session explored the broader definition of diversity, the obstacles in creating open workplaces, and how language barriers can sometimes hinder progress.

A major takeaway was the importance of organisational culture in driving success. Speakers stressed that business culture should be a priority for leaders, as it shapes company values, employee behaviour, and relationships within the workforce. The event also addressed how diverse teams contribute to innovation, talent attraction, and overall business resilience.

The discussions underscored the value of honest conversations in effecting change and improving business practices. Organisations that prioritise culture and inclusivity are more likely to thrive in the long term, with diversity naturally emerging as a result.

Low-carbon city heat network developer, 1Energy, has pledged £100m of private capital for a city-wide heat network for Derby at an event for the city’s leaders. This move follows the company securing £23m of investment into the project from the UK Government. Developed at no cost to the local community or council, the Derby Energy Network will cut city wide gas demand by around 7 per cent. It will supply the city with low-carbon heating via underground hot water pipes, using water source heat pumps to repurpose surplus heat from local businesses. 1Energy could invest over £140m into the network as it grows. 1Energy pledged its initial investment to the project at an event attended by Derby’s leaders, including Baggy Shanker MP, on the site of the world’s first factory late last week. The event saw the public and private sectors come together to further plans to deliver a more secure future for the city – to bolster energy security and innovation, create skilled jobs and apprenticeships, and future-proof essential infrastructure. Major organisations in the city, including Derby City Council, the Royal Derby and Florence Nightingale Hospitals, the University of Derby and Derby College, are working with 1Energy to advance the network, with plans to begin construction in 2026. The Derby Energy Network will enable the city to bolster energy security, cut costs for businesses and protect against sudden gas-related energy price hikes, with buildings being warmed by low-carbon heat rather than gas boilers. Additionally, some of Britain’s most innovative businesses, such as Rolls-Royce and SmartParc could soon be linked up via the project, extending the city’s leadership in the circular economy. Andrew Wettern, CEO of 1Energy, said: “Derby has long led the world in terms of innovation, from water networks to defence. We are delighted to bring long-term investment to the city and build on its rich industrial heritage, enabling leading businesses to play a key role in delivering a new utility model. “Home to world-renowned innovators, Derby is uniquely placed to lead the transition to a more secure energy future. Alongside transforming the city’s energy infrastructure, the Derby Energy Network will give businesses greater choice and long-term price certainty. All while unlocking economic, health and environmental benefits for the city, the region and the country. We are exciting to continue working with Derby’s trailblazers to develop the network.” As well as helping the UK achieve its energy security goals, the network will play a vital role in reducing air pollution, improving public health. It is projected to save around 20 tonnes of air pollutants that can cause respiratory problems – equivalent to taking 16,000 cars off the road for a year – by cutting pollutants from connected buildings by around 86 per cent. The network also expects to reduce carbon emissions by 19,200 tonnes through slashing emissions from buildings by up to 77 per cent. Baggy Shanker, Member of Parliament for Derby South, said: “The Derby Energy Network represents a huge opportunity for our city to deliver another cutting-edge project, continuing our long-standing leadership on innovation. By combining private capital and public investment, it will bring hundreds of millions of pounds into Derby. I see it playing a key role in boosting economic growth. “It is great to hear the project will also create hundreds of skilled local jobs, including apprenticeships. As a former apprentice myself, I know first-hand how transformative they can be.” Councilor Carmel Swan, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Transport and Sustainability at Derby City Council, said: “This is brilliant news for our city. 1Energy’s £100m investment in low-carbon heating will mark a transformative step forward for Derby – not only in our mission to tackle climate change by cutting carbon emissions, but also in fostering healthier, more resilient communities. “This initiative will help to keep homes and buildings across Derby warm in a more sustainable way whilst delivering wider benefits, from improving air quality and reducing fuel poverty, to enhancing public health and wellbeing. “This initiative will be a game changer for communities across Derby, and I look forward to working closely with 1Energy to deliver lasting benefits for Derby.” Phil Lovell, COO at SmartParc, said: “At SmartParc, we are pleased to be working with 1Energy Group, to jointly explore opportunities to provide low carbon heat to the Derby Energy Network. Collaboration opportunities offer greater scope to harness the work we’re already doing at SmartParc for the benefit of the wider city. “By harnessing innovative technologies and shared values, we’re contributing to a cleaner, greener Derby while supporting businesses and organisations across the city in their transition to net zero.”