Experts at the University of Nottingham will be part of a new research network that will focus on making the design and manufacturing of digital technologies more sustainable, thanks to £2m in funding from the EPSRC.
The Digital Innovation and Circular Economy (DICE) Network+ is a three-year programme that seeks to leverage the digitalisation of industry to foster a circular economy across sectors and value chains for digital and communication technologies.
Through interdisciplinary collaboration, research and technological innovation, the network will aim to develop circular solutions for issues such as the lack of circular economy (CE) principles in digital technology design and manufacture, and the poor understanding and coordination of digital advancements in supporting the CE transition.
Circular approaches design out waste and pollution and keep materials and products in circulation at their highest value for as long as possible.
The DICE network comprises 11 investigators from nine UK universities: Exeter (ECCE and INDEX), Swansea, Salford, Surrey, Open University, Southampton, Sheffield, Queens University Belfast and Nottingham.
They bring expertise from engineering, materials science and social sciences, plus a wide range of partners, including universities, industry stakeholders and public bodies.
Experts from the University of Nottingham will develop digital solutions for a circular economy transition that are not only innovative but also inclusive and accessible to all. This ensures that the benefits of a circular economy extend across diverse communities, addressing societal challenges while fostering equitable and sustainable progress.
University of Nottingham to help make design and manufacturing of digital technologies more sustainable
Severn Trent Water gives £600k to Trent Rivers Trust after pollution incident
Severn Trent Water is to give £600k to the Trent Rivers Trust for polluting a kilometre of West Meadow Brook near Whitwick in Leicestershire after it failed to operate a pumping station properly.
An investigation by the Environment Agency revealed that the issue was not corrected for a few weeks in September 2022, and there was an overwhelming odour and a thick coating of sewage fungus covering the bed. Human faecal matter was also visible.
An Environment Agency investigation revealed that the discharge had been on-going for some weeks before, and Severn Trent admitted not only that their teams had failed to see that pumps were not activated, but that they had failed to monitor the site when the telemetry system had failed.
Emma Hardy, Minister for Water and Flooding, said: “Pollution incidents like this are completely unacceptable and should never have been allowed to occur. It is only right that Seven Trent pays for its failings, and I’m pleased local environmental charities will benefit.”
After years of failure, this Government is strengthening regulation further through the Water (Special Measures) Bill so that water companies are held to account, benefiting customers and the environment.
Matt Easter, chief executive officer for Trent Rivers Trust, said: “Whilst we would rather such incidents did not take place, Enforcement Undertakings are an effective tool to support the recovery of our rivers and catchments following severe pollution events. “The funds will be used to restore and improve vital habitats and introduce or enhance natural processes that will cope better during any future pollution incident.“With the funding, Trent Rivers Trust will create a more natural catchment to better support the communities and wildlife that depend on its health and resilience.”
University of Leicester collaborates with two companies to foster innovation and drive business growth
The University of Leicester has collaborated with two local companies in partnerships designed to foster innovation and drive business growth.
The University has announced Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) with Structural Adhesives Ltd, a research-driven developer of advanced adhesive solutions, and rradar, a legal services and technology company.
A KTP is a three-way partnership between an academic institution, a business and a suitably qualified graduate, aimed at helping companies innovate for growth.
The partnership with Structural Adhesives is valued at £200,000 for two years and will allow the company to commercialise reversible adhesive products, enabling easier disassembly and recycling of electronic, battery and renewable products.
The University of Leicester has a strong track record of working with Structural Adhesives, a family-owned manufacturing business based in Leicester. The company has been developing adhesive technology for over three decades, servicing markets in the UK, Europe and beyond.
Each project is supported by one of Innovate UK’s Knowledge Transfer Advisers, who provide expert guidance at every stage, and is managed by a KTP Associate – a talented graduate or postgraduate.
Chemistry graduate, Morgan Bates, has been recruited as the KTP Associate for Structural Adhesives. She will be supported by Dr Sandy Kilpatrick and Professor Andy Abbott from the University’s School of Chemistry.
The double KTP with rradar, valued at £400,000 for three years, will enable the development of a cutting-edge system that will transform the way businesses identify, quantify and manage risk. It will integrate data science, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to create a platform capable of automatically identifying and assessing risk scenarios.
rradar is a top 250 legal services and technology company that employs over 250 people across seven UK sites, including Leicester.
Leading the academic side of the project are Dr Yi Hong and Dr Paul King from the School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences. Data scientist, Dr Adinath Ghadage, has been employed as one of two KTP Associates, with the second position expected to be filled in the coming months.
Commenting on the Structural Adhesives partnership, Dr Sandy Kilpatrick from the University of Leicester, said: “Structural Adhesives and the School of Chemistry have been collaborating on projects for some time, so this KTP feels like a natural progression.
“The project will deliver a sustainable product that will greatly enhance the circular economy in used electronics, enabling the company to bring their innovative idea to market. It’s really encouraging to see the local economy being supported by the University to launch sustainable products.”
Angela Orton, Director of Structural Adhesives, said: “Our relationship with the University of Leicester began with a smaller project that built trust and proved the value of working together, which has now grown into this impactful partnership.
“Collaborating with the University brings fresh insight and expertise that is helping us move our reversible adhesive concept closer to market.
“For small businesses like ours, strong and trusted relationships with academic institutions are essential for driving innovation and growth, and this partnership is a perfect example of how business and university collaboration can support this. We’re excited to see the positive impact that this sustainability-led project will have on current markets.”
Commenting on the KTP with rradar, Dr Yi Hong from the University of Leicester, said: “This KTP is a fantastic opportunity to apply our expertise in data science and machine learning to real-world challenges. The partnership with rradar will not only advance our research but also provide tangible benefits to businesses, empowering them to proactively manage and mitigate risks.”
Davina Gillyon, Chief Commercial Officer at rradar, said: “Working with the University of Leicester on this double KTP, funded by Innovate UK, has undoubtedly enabled our business and our teams to accelerate the distinctively unique proposition that rradar was built on, and continues to be recognised for in the innovation rankings.
“I would also add that we are incredibly proud to have been awarded the double KTP in recognition of not only the strength of rradar’s cutting-edge risk innovation, but also of its future promise and potential – which we believe to be very much uncapped, given the increasingly fluid and fast-paced environment of risk that we all live and work in today.”
New hope for future of Allestree Hall following renewed market interest
There is new hope for the future of the historic Allestree Hall following renewed market interest.
The Grade II listed country house, which sits at the heart of Allestree Park, is owned by Derby City Council. A previous sale fell through in 2022 as a result of the Covid pandemic, but recently property agents Salloways have been marketing the hall on the Council’s behalf.
Cabinet Members will be updated on the latest position at their next meeting on Wednesday 4 December, where they will be asked to give the go-ahead for Council officers to identify a preferred bidder.
As the Council doesn’t have the resources to bring the building back into use, disposal of the building by a long lease would set the scene for its renovation, safeguarding its future and preventing it from falling into further disrepair.
A number of outbuildings are included in the sale. The preferred bidder would be expected to take immediate action to prevent further deterioration of the hall, and to maintain access to public toilets at Allestree Park.
They would also need to confirm that they will work collaboratively with the Council and Derbyshire Wildlife Trust to ensure future use of the hall aligns with the ongoing community rewilding project at Allestree Park.
Councillor Kathy Kozlowski, Cabinet Member for Governance and Finance, said: “We have searched for a buyer for a number of years for Allestree Hall, and it’s exciting to see the renewed interest in this historic building, which could lend itself to a variety of uses. With sympathetic restoration, this country house could once again become a jewel.
“Disposing of long leasehold interest means the Council can make the best use of this property by handing it over to a developer who can bring it back into use. It will also generate some much-needed income at a critical time for local government finances.”
Council considers sale of Derby’s register office
Derby’s register office could move to new premises, if proposals to sell the city centre building are approved.
Cabinet members will be asked to allow plans to dispose of Royal Oak House and adjacent buildings at 30 and 31a Market Place when they meet in December.
The city’s births, marriages and deaths are currently registered at Royal Oak House on the corner of the Market Place. The building, which dates back to 1890, needs significant investment if it is to remain suitable as a location for the Council’s registration services.
If plans to sell the building are approved, registration services could relocate to an empty suite of rooms on the ground floor of Riverside Chambers. Riverside Chambers is currently home to the Council’s Local Studies Library and managed office space, operated under the Council’s Connect brand.
Some refurbishments would be required to the space to create two ceremony rooms and waiting areas. Relocation to Riverside Chambers will allow the launch of a new wedding offer by the Council with an improved setting for wedding ceremonies and photo opportunities by the River Derwent.
Recent Transforming Cities roadworks on the corner of Full Street and Derwent Street, have created a pull in space for wedding cars immediately outside the building, as well as improvements in the local streetscape area.
Councillor Kathy Kozlowski, Cabinet Member for Governance and Finance, said: “Registration services play a crucial role in marking significant life events for citizens. It’s important that we continue to provide high-quality services that allow residents to register deaths in a dignified and respectful environment and to celebrate births and marriages in buildings that are accessible to everyone.
“In a challenging financial environment, we need also to explore the most effective and cost-efficient methods to deliver services and make the best use of our buildings.”
The buildings at 30/31a Market Place have been empty for a number of years and the Council has no plans for them. They will be separated from the adjoining Guildhall during its refurbishment to allow for their eventual disposal.
Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Leader of Derby City Council and Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Strategy and Policy, added: “The sale of Royal Oak House and 30/31a Market Place could provide a great opportunity for buyers to bring them back into use as hospitality venues, complementing the restoration of the historic Guildhall Theatre and the wider Market Place regeneration work.”
Family business finds new home in Melton Mowbray Commercial Park
A Leicestershire family business has taken up 13,000 sq ft of warehouse space in Melton Mowbray Commercial Park.
The space is comprised of two warehouses, Unit C and D of Melton Mowbray Commercial Park, which combine to a total 13,371 sq ft (10,929 sq ft and 2,442 sq ft respectively). The units have stood vacant since May 2024 due to the previous tenant’s liquidation.
In a quick turnaround of just five months, Innes England has managed to secure a local family-owned business, Digital Deadline, as new tenants of behalf of the landlord, Almcor.
Following the units being vacated, Almcor has made a series of refurbishments and renovations to the spaces including new kitchenettes and facilities, recarpeting, and repainting. The smaller 2,442 sq ft unit also comprises of three separated shuttered storage spaces with its own office space.
Nell Balfour-Farnon, surveyor at Innes England who managed the transaction, said: “This was a great deal to be involved in with all parties coming away satisfied. We were able to minimise our clients’ time between tenants, and have found a new home for a local family business to continue to grow and expand in a great new location.
“The quick turnaround of this deal shows the vibrancy of Leicestershire’s market at the moment, with plenty of opportunities and interest.”
Moving into the space is Digital Deadline, a family-owned Leicestershire-based business specialising in premier signage, displays and wall wraps. Digital Deadline has agreed to a five-year lease in which time it will be utilising the space for building signage as well as storage.
Mark Brooks, director at Digital Deadline, said: “This is a great new space that will help us continue to expand our operations.”
BGF invests £6m into Northampton-based playground design and installation business
BGF has made a £6 million investment into Miracle Design & Play, a Northampton-based business specialising in the design and installation of children’s playgrounds, basketball and tennis courts, fitness trails, and skateparks for the housebuilding sector.
The investment marks a pivotal step in Miracle’s growth strategy, enabling the business to enhance its market presence and further expand across the UK.
Founded in 2000, by husband-and-wife team Richard and Julie Howard, Miracle has established a strong market position by focusing on the unique needs of UK housebuilders, providing bespoke playground solutions that comply with planning regulations.
Richard Howard, Non-Executive Founder of Miracle Design & Play, said: “Over the past 20 years, Miracle has grown into a market-leading design and installation business with embedded and strategic relationships with our customers. Building on this, partnering with BGF was an important decision, driven by their proven track record in helping companies grow and flourish.”
Miracle has completed more than 3,000 projects since inception, and has experienced strong growth, with sales almost tripling between 2021 to 2023.
The investment from BGF will enable Miracle to further capitalise on the demand for high-quality, regulatory-compliant playgrounds in new housing developments.
The funding will support a range of strategic initiatives, including the expansion of the business development team, enhancements to operational capabilities, and the implementation of advanced digital solutions (such as project management software and CRM systems) to streamline processes and improve efficiency.
BGF’s Central and East team, which included Mark Nunny, Nathan Heath, Elena Kovalikhina and Tom Gilchrist, led the deal.
Mark Nunny, Investor at BGF, said: “Miracle’s commitment to quality and innovation aligns perfectly with our investment philosophy. We are confident that this partnership will enable Miracle to reach new heights and continue to lead the market in designing safe and engaging play environments for children across the UK.”
This investment will bring significant growth opportunities for Miracle, allowing the company to leverage BGF’s extensive network and expertise in scaling businesses. The partnership is also poised to create more jobs and contribute positively to the UK’s housebuilding industry.
Following an introduction from BGF’s Talent Network, Haydn Mursell has joined the company’s board as Non-Executive Chair. Mursell has extensive experience in the construction and housebuilding markets, having been CFO and CEO of Kier Group from 2010 to 2019, and will play a key role in driving Miracle’s growth.
Post-investment, Daniel Buckley will also assume the role of Managing Director, with Richard Howard moving to Non-Executive Founder. Daniel has been with Miracle since 2007, initially starting as a designer before moving into roles including Design Manager, Project Manager, Commercial and Operations Manager, and most recently, Operations Director.
Daniel Buckley, MD of Miracle Design & Play, said: “We are excited about the future and the opportunities this partnership will bring to our business. This investment will not only enable us to enhance our operations and expand our reach, but also strengthen our ability to innovate and deliver exceptional value to our clients.”
Amanda Hall, Partner at Quercus Corporate Finance, who advised Miracle throughout the process, added: “Miracle is a high-quality business, and the Quercus team is delighted to have helped Richard and Julie to forge a partnership with BGF to drive the next phase of growth.”
Double-digit revenue and profit growth for Lutterworth cybersecurity software company
Double-digit revenue growth, with an expanding and geo-diversified pipeline, has put Intercede, the cybersecurity software company, on track to meet market expectations for the year.
The Lutterworth business is “pleased” with its interim results for the six months ended 30 September 2024, in which revenue grew to £8.54m, up from £7m in the same period of the year prior.
Profit before tax, meanwhile, ticked up to £1.7m from £1.1m.Royston Hoggarth, Chairman, said: “I am pleased to state that the Group is achieving its key objectives of delivering double digit growth both in revenue (adjusting for the exceptional licence order in December 23) and profit before tax.
“Furthermore, today we announce our new standalone product MyID SecureVault which already has significant client and prospect interest, emphasising not only the capabilities of the Group but also its ability to seek and nurture new market opportunities.
“With strategic investment in products and colleagues being maintained, I am also pleased at the level of commitment and talent our colleagues give in helping to deliver and achieve the Group’s growth ambitions.
“The momentum we had in FY24 has, on a like for like basis, further grown in FY25 and our results illustrate that. As the pipeline diversifies and expands, we are in a strong position to achieve our financial performance goals for FY25.
“Following on from the UK Budget and conclusion of the American elections, we hope there is now more stability in the macro-economic environment in the coming years.”
Revenue and profit on the rise at Gateley
Revenue and profit are on the rise at Gateley, the professional services group, according to a trading update ahead of half year results for the six months ended 31 October 2024.
The firm says its “increasingly diverse business lines combined to deliver a strong performance in the Period,” in which group revenue grew by 5% and is expected to be not less than £86m.
Underlying profit before tax, meanwhile, is expected to be not less than £10.5m, representing growth of 5%.
Rod Waldie, Chief Executive Officer of Gateley, said: “I am pleased with the Group’s performance in H1 25 and the ongoing improvement in activity levels as the financial year progresses, which means that we have good momentum into H2.
“The Group continues to benefit from the resilience created by our strategy of investing in a diverse and complementary range of professional services.
“We are pleased that our more recent organic investments are beginning to generate positive returns alongside the strong performance from our recently acquired businesses. Our balance sheet provides a strong foundation from which to take a long-term view of potential opportunities to further invest in both legal and consultancy services.
“Finally, as always, I would like to thank our clients for their support and our dedicated people for their ongoing hard work, commitment and can-do attitude.”
83-acre strategic logistics hub to be sold
A prime parcel of land, located on one of the UK’s major logistics corridors, is now on the market for sale with outline planning permission for a new logistics and industrial park.
The 83-acre Enderby Logistics Hub is positioned within the UK’s logistics ‘Golden Triangle.’
Blaby District Council has granted outline planning permission for over 1.1 million square feet of commercial development consisting of warehousing with ancillary offices and gatehouses (B8) and general Industrial buildings (B2).
Currently owned by two landowners, the Drummond Trust and Inverock, the land is being marketed by land development and property consultancy Mather Jamie, in conjunction with Cushman & Wakefield, Northampton office.
Martin Ward, Director at Mather Jamie, said: “This is a unique opportunity to acquire a significant landholding on the edge of Leicestershire. The Enderby Logistics Hub is projected to generate £200 million for the local economy, creating approximately 2,000 permanent jobs.”
James Harrison from Cushman & Wakefield added: “The logistics sector contributes £232 billion annually to the UK economy and directly employs 2.7 million people. Developments like the Enderby Hub play a crucial role in driving economic growth across the UK.”
East Midlands businesses expect a decrease in employment, profitability and investment following Autumn Budget
Half of East Midlands businesses plan to revise their recruitment intentions, 6 out of 10 anticipate a drop in profit and just under half are likely to lower investment plans – these are key findings from a snap survey carried out by East Midlands Chamber into the impact of measures announced in the Chancellor’s Autumn Budget on 30th October.
Most respondents – 8 out 10 – expressed a negative overall impression of the Autumn Budget, citing significant concerns over increased costs and a lack of targeted support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
239 businesses across Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire participated in the research, which sought to discover sentiment, growth projections and overall confidence level among firms across the East Midlands following the Budget.
Sectors that participated in the survey included manufacturing, construction, retail, hospitality, transport & logistics, professional services, and the public sector through health and education.
The findings have been presented to political leaders at both regional and national level.
Summary of findings from the Chamber’s snap survey on the impact of the Autumn Budget in the East Midlands:
- 8 out of 10 have a negative impression of the Budget
- Half plan to reduce recruitment
- 4 out of 10 expect to reduce their staff number
- 6 out of 10 expect profitability to decrease
- 44% plan to reduce investment plans over the next 12 months
- 4 out of 10 expect sales to increase. 2 out of 10 expect sales to fall
Local hero Mo Walker brings Mo-mentum to Leicester schools
Leicester’s very own basketball legend, Mo Walker, has been inspiring the next generation through the Mo-mentum initiative, a program proudly supported by local firm WBR Group.
As a former star of the Leicester Riders, Mo has made an impact by visiting local schools to share his journey from the courts to the community, and motivating students to chase their dreams and engage in positive behaviours.
The Mo-mentum program was more than just a series of talks; it was an interactive experience where Mo Walker used his personal story of perseverance and success to connect with students on a deeper level.
Through dynamic presentations and engaging activities, Mo aimed to ignite a spark in young minds, showing them that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.
He was at South Wigston High School one day a week for 5 weeks, spending an hour with the pupils.
Mo Walker, Ambassador and Community Liaison at WBR Group, said: “Living and playing in Leicester for the past 5 seasons, I know the challenges these kids face. I want to give them the momentum to push forward, make positive choices, and realise their full potential.”
Hussein Khan, the Partnership Development Manager at Learning South Leicestershire Schools Sports Partnership, said: “Mo delivered sessions that engage children who struggle to make the right choices in school. His messages and the journey he shared were inspiring to both staff and pupils.
“Mo is a brilliant role model and his programme has had a meaningful impact on the young people who participate in South Leicestershire. We would like to say a huge thank you to Mo and the WBR Group for their support. We look forward to working with Mo to inspire more young people to make positive lifestyle choices.”
WBR Group was thrilled to support Mo in this endeavour, believing that the Mo-mentum program can make a lasting impact on the community. Plans are underway to expand the initiative to more schools across Leicester, with hopes of involving other local athletes and community leaders.
This initiative follows Mo’s appointment as WBR Group’s Ambassador and Community Liaison earlier this year, where he actively engages with the Leicester community and collaborates with charitable organisations.
Derby vehicle retailer returns to profitability
Motorpoint Group, the independent omnichannel vehicle retailer, has hailed a return to profitability in unaudited interim results for the six months ended 30 September 2024 (H1 FY25).
The Derby-based business saw pre-tax profit rise to £2m in comparison to a £3.7m loss in the same period of the year prior, which the firm says was driven by strong growth in retail volumes in the period of 17.4% with 30.3k retail vehicles sold (up from 25.8k). Revenue, however, decreased to £563.1m from £607.2m, reflecting a more affordable vehicle mix and price deflation.Mark Carpenter, Chief Executive Officer of Motorpoint Group PLC, said: “I am pleased with our solid performance in the first half of FY25, which was marked by a return to profitability following several years of considerable headwinds that have impacted our industry.
“Brilliant Basics, our right sizing and margin improvement programme, delivered what it needed to in FY24, ensuring foundations for future growth. As well as strong year on year volume growth and market outperformance, margins strengthened, and stock turn improved to an industry-leading 41 days in stock.
“Following the challenges faced in recent times, we remain cautious as supply slowly improves and macroeconomic pressures continue to ease, while demonstrating our return to profitability, as we plan courses of action to accelerate this growth.
“In response to higher demand for Motorpoint cars, we have bolstered our team and have the firepower to restart investment in our estate, including the opening of new stores. I am very excited by our plans to unlock further profitable growth, and we are in a strong position to continue increasing our share of the used car market.”
Results slump at tile specialist
Revenue has declined and profits have slumped at Topps Tiles, the tile specialist, with 2024 a challenging year for RMI (repairs, maintenance and improvement).
According to unaudited consolidated annual financial results for the 52 weeks ended 28 September 2024, group revenue decreased to £251.8 million at Topps Tiles, down from £262.7 million.
Meanwhile, the Leicester business posted a loss before tax of £16.2 million, in comparison to a £6.8 million profit in the year prior. Topps Tiles noted this to be a result of a £19.4 million non-cash impairment, primarily of right-of-use assets, and a £3.1 million expense relating to the purchase of remaining Pro Tiler shares. Rob Parker, Chief Executive, said: “2024 has been a challenging year for RMI (repairs, maintenance and improvement) and especially bigger ticket spend.“In the tile market, volumes remain well below pre-pandemic levels. Whilst Topps Group is not immune to these pressures, our growth strategy has served us well and we have continued to outperform the wider tile market.
“The start of the new financial year has seen a return to modest sales growth for the Group, helped by weaker prior year comparatives and the continued strength of our trade offer.
“Whilst pleasing, the forward macro indicators for our market remain mixed, in particular weaker consumer confidence, and we need to see a sustained improvement in these metrics before we can be confident of a consumer recovery.
“‘Mission 365’, which sets ambitious revenue and profit medium-term goals, has focused the business around key areas of growth and we have delivered good progress against these over the second half – notably our trade digital offer, our plans to significantly expand our addressable market into hard surface coverings, trade business to business opportunities with the acquisition of CTD Tiles and the strong growth in online pureplay.
“The robust strategic progress being made now to position the business for the future leaves us well-placed for a recovery in market volumes and underpins our confidence in the medium term outlook.”
Salloway Property Consultants makes director promotion
Salloway Property Consultants has appointed Chris Keogh as a director of the firm.
Chris, a Chartered Surveyor, is in his second spell at Salloways having rejoined the firm in 2020.
Stephen Salloway, managing director of Salloways, said of Chris: “He has demonstrated an extraordinary work ethic, consistently achieving outstanding results.
“He actively fosters a spirit of teamwork both with colleagues in the office and in the development of business relationships. This approach results in a high standard of service delivery to our clients which fully reflects the core values of our organisation.
“What stands out the most is his exceptional ability to manage both people and projects while at the same time grasping the broader corporate perspective which contributes to the company’s overall success.
“He is an outstanding ambassador for the company and genuinely deserves his promotion.”
East Midlands construction consultancy appointed to national framework
Construction consultancy Bentley has been appointed to Procure Partnerships’ Professional Services Framework, covering six regions throughout the country.
The public sector specialist has been placed on two separate national frameworks, Project Management and Quantity Surveying, covering the North West, Yorkshire, West Midlands, East Midlands, East of England and South East.
Mark Collins, executive director and framework lead for Bentley, said: “Our appointment to the Procure Partnerships Professional Services Framework is a reflection of our substantial recent growth and our expertise within the public sector.
“Here at Bentley we specialise in the delivery of complex, strategic infrastructure and regeneration projects, and also have an extensive cost management team who are well versed with managing public spend. This framework will allow us to access projects where we can really make a difference and help the UK meet its crucial deadlines for housing and infrastructure.
“The last few years have seen us expand our service offering across the UK and as such we have experience within the regions this framework covers. This experience and understanding will allow us to provide an industry-leading service to public sector organisations utilising the framework.”
Faye Dolan, framework director at Procure Partnerships, said: “Procure Partnerships Framework is delighted to have Bentley join as a new consultant partner on the second iteration of the Procure Partnerships Professional Services Framework.
“Bentley has an impressive portfolio of public sector experience and we are really looking forward to working with the Bentley team over the next four years.”
Work starts to bring 393 new homes to Sleaford
Bellway East Midlands has started construction work on two new developments at Handley Chase in Sleaford.
Detailed plans for 393 homes within the new neighbourhood taking shape on the southern edge of the town were approved by North Kesteven District Council earlier this year.
Bellway is building 204 homes at Quarrington Edge at Handley Chase, while Ashberry Homes – part of the Bellway Group – is building 189 homes at neighbouring Daedalus Park at Handley Chase. 31 of the homes will be provided as affordable homes for local people, available through low-cost rent or shared ownership.
Steve Smith, Sales Director for Bellway East Midlands, said: “With work now underway on these two developments, which will bring nearly 400 much-needed new homes to Sleaford, we are looking forward to releasing the first homes for sale in March.
“The mix of two, three and four-bedroom homes across the two developments has been carefully designed to provide the types of properties needed within the local area, while the affordable housing will give local people the opportunity to secure a high-quality place to live within the local community.
“The new homes will be energy-efficient and feature solar PV panels and electric vehicle charging points. The properties will also benefit from Google Nest technology, with a smart thermostat to help people reduce their energy bills.”
The two developments are part of the wider Handley Chase neighbourhood. Outline plans for 1,450 homes, a primary school, care home, local centre, public open space, sports pitches and allotments were approved in 2015, with work already underway on other land parcels within the scheme.
Steve said: “We are proud to be part of the wider Handley Chase project which will not only deliver new homes to Sleaford but will also bring with it a host of new community facilities which will benefit the town as whole.
“Our two developments – which lie to the east of Stumps Cross Hill and comprise the southernmost parcels of the Handley Chase scheme – will also feature green landscaping designed to ensure they will blend in with the surrounding natural environment.
“We will retain existing trees and hedgerows wherever possible and carry out a new planting programme, creating ponds within the public open space and new habitats for local wildlife.”
Midlands Engine Investment Fund II invests over £17m into region’s businesses
The Midlands Engine Investment Fund II has committed over £17m in the Midlands in its first nine months, leveraging a further £10m from the private sector to help the region’s small and medium-sized businesses to start up, scale up or stay ahead.
A total of 70 businesses have received support through the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II since its launch in February 2024. The £400m Midlands Engine Investment Fund II covers the whole of the Midlands and provides debt finance from £25,000 to £2m and equity investment up to £5m to help small and medium sized businesses.
Five dedicated fund managers – First Enterprise – Enterprise Loans, BCRS Business Loans, Mercia Ventures, Frontier Development Capital (FDC), and Maven Capital Partners – manage separate parts of the £400m fund.
High street knitting and crafting retailer Knit Nottingham, and specialist tapes and adhesives manufacturer Advance Tapes, based in Leicestershire, are among those who have been supported by the fund.
Jody Tableporter, Director UK & Regional Funds, British Business Bank, said: “This funding milestone of £17m to 70 businesses, achieved in only nine months, indicates that Midlands businesses are ready to take on capital to help them achieve their ambitious growth plans.
“This demand from businesses across very different sectors, from manufacturing and technology to retail, logistics and renewable energy, showing the incredible diversity of the business base we have here in the Midlands.
“The Midlands Engine Investment Fund has also acted as a catalyst for private sector investment – helping to secure a further £10m, bringing the total investment into Midlands businesses to £27m. It is clear that this is just the beginning for the fund and the ambitious firms that access it.”
University of Nottingham spin-out Neupulse secured £500,000 in funding from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II earlier this year, through appointed fund manager Mercia Ventures.
Neupulse has developed a Tourette’s therapy wristband, an innovative, non-invasive and non-medical treatment which has proved highly effective in trials. The funding is enabling Neupulse to finalise product trials and prepare it for market launch in the coming months.
Paul Cable, CEO of Neupulse, said: “The funding from Midlands Engine Investment Fund II has allowed us to take one step further towards our mission to roll out our device and give new hope to people with Tourette’s.
“Working with our fund manager partner over the past few months, they’ve supported us with expertise in product development and paths to new markets and helped us to deploy the funding effectively with great results.”
Jody Tableporter added: “Neupulse is an exceptional business that has secured funding to bring its vision and purpose to life. It is just one example of the incredible drive we’ve seen from entrepreneurs across the Midlands – and I look forward to seeing how we can support even more of them in the months to come.”
Leicestershire point of sale company celebrates double awards win
Melita POS, a family-run business based in Leicestershire, has been crowned winners across two of the four categories they were finalists in, after entering the East Midlands Chamber Awards for the first time.
The achievement marks a significant milestone for the company, further highlighting its dedication to excellence and innovation within the industry.
Melita POS is a winner in the Outstanding Growth and Small Business of the Year categories. They were also finalists in the International Trade category, and MD Dan Jacques was a finalist for Leicestershire Entrepreneur of the Year.
Dan Jacques, Managing Director at Melita POS, said: “We are incredibly proud, and a little overwhelmed, to have won these awards. To be finalists in four categories in our first year of entering is an honour in itself, but to win and take home two awards is something else entirely.
“This recognition is a testament to our business, our values, and most importantly, the dedication and hard work of our amazing team. We could not have achieved any of this without them.”
Melita POS, headquartered at Leicester’s Meridian Business Park, has been a leader in end-to-end Point of Sale (POS) and merchandising solutions for over 25 years. The company, which unites the diverse services of design, manufacturing, warehousing, merchandising and installation under one brand, is the result of the amalgamation of Display Logistics, DL Manufacturing, and KK Installations.
Despite these changes, Melita POS remains a family-owned and operated business. This strategic move marks the beginning of a new chapter for Melita POS, with an ambitious program of investment and growth being spearheaded by new Managing Director, Dan Jacques, alongside Company Director, Emily Havard, Operations Director, Rich Metcalf, Production Director, Glynn Parker, and Warehouse Director, Mark Jacques.
Originally established as Display Logistics in 1997 by Shivena and Steve Jacques, today Melita POS employs 35 workers with a turnover of over £6 million and has ambitious plans for international growth, while maintaining a strong commitment to supporting the economic success of its hometown of Leicester.
East Midlands Green Growth triples in 9 years
Green Growth activity – environmentally sustainable economic growth – from businesses in the East Midlands is three times higher than it was in 2015, according to joint research published by East Midlands Chamber and the University of Derby.
Green Growth Trends research published this week by the two organisations tracks and analyses awareness and engagement with green growth, decarbonisation, and the uptake of nature-based solutions (NBS), based on responses from businesses in the Chamber’s Quarterly Economic Survey.
Findings for 2024 reveal a 7% increase from 2023 in East Midlands businesses achieving turnover from the supply of green goods and services, while more than 45% businesses in the region invested in decarbonisation initiatives over the past 12 months, an increase of 6% since 2023.
The research highlights significant difference in Green Growth activity based on the size of a business. Three quarters of large businesses in the East Midlands pursue Green Growth activities but only half of small businesses do, while for micro businesses the figure drops to four out of ten.
Key findings from Green Growth Trends in the East Midlands 2024
- 7% more businesses derive turnover from the supply of Green Growth goods and services than in 2023
- 43% of businesses trade in environmentally friendly goods and services
- Three quarters of large businesses pursue Green Growth, half of small and four out of ten (39%) micro businesses
- More than 45% businesses invested in decarbonisation initiatives over the past 12 months, up 6% since 2023
- Seven out of ten large companies invest in decarbonisation
- Just over 30% of businesses have never engaged in nature-based solutions over the last 12 months
- Three in ten businesses have no turnover for green goods and services, 10% lower than in 2023
