East Midlands offers most efficient conditions for UK tradespeople

April Lara
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East Midlands offers most efficient conditions for UK tradespeople

New data highlights the East Midlands as the most favourable UK region for tradespeople regarding working hours, commute lengths, and mental health outcomes. The findings come from a report by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles that analysed regional variations in working life for trades professionals.

Tradespeople in the East Midlands work fewer hours on average, 9.03 per day, compared to the national average of 9.25 hours. In contrast, those in the West Midlands work 9.81 hours daily. This adds up to a significant difference over a working week, giving East Midlands professionals more personal time or increased availability for additional jobs.

Commute distances also varied sharply. The East Midlands reported the lowest average daily mileage at 67.95 miles, well below the UK average of 88.37 miles. Tradespeople in London and the North West drove more than 100 miles a day, meaning East Midlands workers potentially save over 20 miles daily, equivalent to 82 hours annually.

This efficiency appears to have mental health benefits. Workers in the East Midlands lost just 2.84 days due to mental health challenges in 2024, undercutting the national average of 3.58 days. Wales recorded the highest at 5.75 days lost.

Key stress factors across the UK included long hours, poor work-life balance, and the job’s physical toll. The data suggests that even incremental schedule or travel time improvements can reduce these pressures.

The study also underscores the potential for electric vans to support productivity and well-being across the trades sector. Most electric vans on the market now cover over 150 miles per charge, well above the average daily requirement, making them a practical option for reducing driver fatigue and enhancing comfort with quieter, tech-enabled cabins.

Autonomous vehicle demand lifts Aurrigo revenue by 34%

April Lara
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Autonomous vehicle demand lifts Aurrigo revenue by 34%

Aurrigo International has reported annual revenue of £8.9 million, up 34% year-on-year, driven by strong growth in its autonomous airport operations division.

Based in Coventry with offices in North America and Asia, the company now has ten autonomous vehicles deployed globally. Commercial deals with airports have boosted adoption of its Auto-Sim® digital simulation platform and Auto-DollyTug® electric baggage and cargo tugs.

Following successful trials at Amsterdam Schiphol, Aurrigo’s autonomous equipment has been approved for recommended deployment across a 60+ airport network operated by Aviation Solutions.

In April, the company launched the Auto-Cargo®, its largest vehicle to date, capable of transporting up to 16,500kg. Backed by Innovate UK and the Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles, it will next be trialled by UPS at East Midlands Airport, the UK’s second-largest freight terminal.

Revenue in Aurrigo’s autonomous division rose by 433%, supported by continued business from automotive clients for precision components and wiring harnesses.

The company employs over 110 people and is positioning itself as a first-mover in intelligent Ground Support Equipment (iGSE), targeting wider airport automation opportunities.

Broxtowe Borough Council signs new contract for housing scheme with Peter James Homes

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Broxtowe Borough Council signs new contract for housing scheme with Peter James Homes
Broxtowe Borough Council has signed a new contract for a housing scheme on Coventry Lane, Bramcote that will be developed by Peter James Homes, on a site assembled on land previously owned by McCann and by Bramcote Crematorium. Broxtowe Borough Council is buying 51 homes from Peter James Homes under a Section 106 planning agreement. 34 of the homes will be for social rent and 17 for shared ownership made up of: 14 one bed houses, 9 two bed houses, 10 three bed houses, 1 four bed house, 9 two bed shared ownership houses and 8 three bed shared ownership houses. The new homes will be delivered in phases between 2025 and 2028, with all properties benefitting from Air Source heating and photovoltaic panels to generate electricity. Vanessa Smith, portfolio holder for housing, said: “We’re delighted to be able to sign this contract with Peter James Homes to allow us to continue to push forward with our Housing Delivery Programme, offering more good quality homes to meet the Borough’s local housing need. It’s great that in the future our tenants will be able to move in to brand new homes powered by green energy.”
Simon Gardiner, MD of Peter James Homes, said: “We are delighted to work again with Broxtowe Borough Council. This will be a high quality scheme providing a total of 169 homes, we have taken a lot of care in working on the layout, the street scenes and pallet of materials that will see some great houses released to the community.”

Lincolnshire’s official tourism body folds amid ongoing financial pressures

April Lara
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Lincolnshire’s official tourism body folds amid ongoing financial pressures

Destination Lincolnshire, the designated local visitor economy partnership (LVEP) for Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland, has ceased operations due to prolonged financial challenges.

The organisation was unable to generate sufficient income to meet its operational costs, leading to the immediate termination of all staff positions. While the operational team has been disbanded, the board of directors will remain in place to oversee the insolvency proceedings.

Destination Lincolnshire had served as a central hub for coordinating tourism strategy across the region, facilitating collaboration between local businesses, councils, and tourism operators. Its closure now creates a gap in the delivery and oversight of regional visitor economy planning.

The future of tourism development in the area will depend on fresh public-private partnerships and establishing a more sustainable funding model to support strategic projects and tourism infrastructure. The organisation’s legacy includes a framework for regional coordination, which stakeholders may need to rebuild or integrate into other structures.

The closure comes as other destination management organisations across the UK also face financial strain. The industry is increasingly dependent on mixed revenue models and government backing.

APSS Group raises £650 for Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance at annual charity golf day

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APSS Group raises £650 for Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance at annual charity golf day
The APSS Group, incorporating both APSS and TPS Office Furniture, has raised £650 for the Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance during its annual Mini Ryder Cup Golf Day, held at Lincoln Golf Club in Torksey. Now in its fourth year, the much-anticipated event brought together APSS staff, suppliers, and customers for a fantastic day of golf, networking and fundraising. The day was not only a celebration of friendly competition, but also a meaningful way to give back to a local lifesaving service. The fundraising came through a charity raffle, with prizes kindly donated by Elite Office Furniture, Galaxy Insulation and Dry Lining Limited, Troax Group, Howdens, Shaw Contract, Nash Glass Ltd, 360 Recruitment Limited, and Lincoln Golf Club. Among the standout prizes were a supercar driving experience, a five-hob induction burner, and a helicopter ride – a fitting tribute to the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance. Richard Mycroft, Managing Director at APSS, said: “It was a brilliant day all round – great company, great golf, and all for a fantastic cause. “The Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance is a charity that means a lot to us. You never know when you or someone you love might need them. They provide critical care in the most urgent of situations, and we’re proud to support the incredible work they do.” The APSS Group extends a heartfelt thank you to everyone who took part and contributed to the day’s success. The event continues to grow each year, uniting the APSS community while supporting a cause that truly makes a difference.

County Hall redevelopment in doubt as council leadership shifts

April Lara
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County Hall redevelopment in doubt as council leadership shifts

The future of a £132 million redevelopment of Derbyshire County Council’s historic County Hall site in Matlock is uncertain following the change in political leadership. The new Reform UK-led administration has signalled a review of all major projects initiated under the previous Conservative council.

The redevelopment proposal includes converting the existing County Hall into a 100-bed hotel, redeveloping the adjacent north block into 45 flats and eight retail units, constructing 50 new homes within the grounds, and establishing a smaller, modern headquarters elsewhere. All development would be privately funded.

Planning applications for the hotel conversion, north block redevelopment, and demolition of link bridges over Smedley Street have now been validated and entered into public consultation. The housing and new HQ components were submitted earlier in the year, with consultation already closed.

Profits surge at United Utilities ahead of 32% bill rise

April Lara
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Profits surge at United Utilities ahead of 32% bill rise

United Utilities has reported a sharp rise in pre-tax profits, more than doubling to £355 million for the financial year ending 31 March 2025. The profit boost comes as the company begins implementing a 32% increase in customer bills over the next five years, intended to fund £13.7 billion in infrastructure upgrades.

The firm, which serves over seven million customers across North West England, including Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Lancashire, Cumbria, Cheshire, and parts of Derbyshire, introduced its most significant annual price rise in April. The average household saw an £86 increase in their annual bill.

Following the strong financial performance, the company plans to raise its dividend payout by 4.2%.

Operationally, United Utilities reported a 25% reduction in sewage spills from storm overflows last year. However, the company remains under scrutiny for past environmental breaches, including allegations of illegally discharging more than 100 million litres of untreated sewage into Lake Windermere over three years.

The company’s financial results come amid declining public trust in the water sector. According to the latest Water Matters survey by the Consumer Council for Water, only 53% of households believe current water charges are fair, a record low.

United Utilities is among several UK water firms facing pressure from regulators, the public, and investors over environmental compliance, rising costs, and executive pay.

Scope Construction starts work on sustainable bungalow development in Chellaston

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Scope Construction starts work on sustainable bungalow development in Chellaston
Work has begun on eight new, sustainable bungalows in Chellaston. The scheme, which is being designed and built by Loughborough-based Scope Construction Ltd in partnership with Pelham Architects and KSA Engineers for Nottingham Community Housing Association (NCHA), will offer affordable housing for local people. The development will include eight EPC A rated bungalows built to M4 (2) Building Regulations for accessibility. Four homes will be available for shared ownership and the remaining four will be let at a social rent by South Derbyshire District Council. The homes are expected to be complete early 2026. The focus of the design is to make these new homes energy efficient. The homes will be super insulated, gas-free, and fitted with air-source heat pumps, PV solar panels and EV charging points, as well as sustainable drainage systems. It will bring an area of brownfield land into positive use for affordable housing and has been designed to blend sensitively with the local community. Works are already progressing at pace and Scope and NCHA recently met with South Derbyshire District Council for a tour of the site. Cllr Gordon Rhind, chair of the housing and community services committee at South Derbyshire District Council, said: “These new bungalows will be a huge benefit to our local community, providing affordable living, as well high quality, sustainable properties, that by their building standards alone, ensure residents can live in a warm, secure home.” Claudine Edwards, new business and development manager at NCHA, said: “This development reflects our commitment to building homes that are both affordable and environmentally friendly, in line with our sustainability targets. We’re proud to bring this new housing scheme to Chellaston, addressing local housing needs while paving the way for a sustainable future.” Maz Patel, managing director, Scope Construction, said: “It is great to be on site today to officially break ground on our first project for NCHA and fantastic to see the rapid progress we have already made in the ground. “Scope is committed to helping housing associations and local authorities to deliver affordable and sustainable housing across the East Midlands. We look forward to working with NCHA and Pelham to deliver these bungalows, which will be highly energy efficient and accessible homes. We hope it will be the first of many projects we deliver together.”

Road opening marks key milestone at Fairham

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Road opening marks key milestone at Fairham
A major milestone has been marked for Fairham, Nottingham, as key stakeholders gathered to celebrate the official opening of Fairham Way – the primary road running through Rushcliffe’s 606-acre mixed-use neighbourhood. Councillors and delivery partners came together for a ribbon-cutting ceremony held at Redrow’s Dovecote Grange show home and sales office on Fairham Way. Attendees included representatives from Rushcliffe Borough Council, Nottingham City Council, Homes England, and Clowes Developments, as well as infrastructure contractors O’Brien Contractors Ltd and project managers Bentley Project Management. Rushcliffe Borough Council’s deputy leader cllr Abby Brennan said: “We’re delighted to mark the opening of Fairham Way, a major milestone in the exciting development of Fairham. “This new primary road is vital for connecting residents and businesses across the 606-acre site. “With strong progress already underway, we’re looking forward to welcoming a thriving new neighbourhood that brings new homes, jobs, green spaces and a real sense of community here in the Borough. “The development forms a key part of our Local Plan and will help meet the Borough’s housing needs and central government’s aim for 13,500 new homes by 2030.” Although Fairham Way has been open to traffic for several weeks, the event marked the formal handover of this major infrastructure element. The 2km route now provides direct access through the centre of Fairham, improving traffic flow and connectivity for residents and businesses alike, signalling a significant leap forward in the area’s transformation. Tom O’Brien, director at O’Brien Contractors Ltd, said: “As a key part of our infrastructure works package at Fairham, O’Brien is proud to mark the much-anticipated opening of Fairham Way. It’s a vital piece of infrastructure and a major milestone in the development of Nottingham’s newest neighbourhood. “This newly opened route spans 2km through the Fairham community, improving connectivity and supporting long-term growth. We are delighted to play our part in the construction of Fairham and look forward to further opportunities to contribute to this exciting project.” With over £58 million invested in infrastructure to date, the opening of Fairham Way plays a pivotal role in unlocking the full potential of the development—accelerating the delivery of homes, jobs, and local amenities. The road creates a continuous connection from the Northern Gateway at Mill Hill Island (off the A453), through the residential area of the development, and onward to the Southern Gateway at Nottingham Road. Fairham is being delivered through a long-term public-private partnership between Homes England and Clowes Developments. Once complete, the development will bring thousands of new homes, jobs, and investment to Nottingham, positioning Fairham as one of the East Midlands’ most significant mixed-use developments. Rob Hopkinson, technical associate director at Clowes Developments, added: “The opening of Fairham Way marks a significant milestone in the delivery of our flagship development. “We are proud to have delivered this key piece of infrastructure, which not only unlocks residential land for much-needed new homes, but also enhances connectivity between the site and the wider Nottinghamshire area. “This is an important step toward realising our vision for a well-integrated, sustainable community. We look forward to seeing continued progress across the development, supported by the delivery of this vital new route.”

Popular Nottingham bar to be sold

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Popular Nottingham bar to be sold
Copper City, an established all-day bar in Nottingham city centre, is to be sold. Christie & Co has been instructed to market the property on behalf of RedCat Pub Company.
Situated in a prominent corner position, opposite Nottingham’s Theatre Royal and Royal Concert Hall, Copper City is well-known for serving brunch, lunch and dinner alongside a wide range of drinks, from coffees to cocktails. Founded in 2015 and housed within a former bank building, Copper City is a multi-level bar which seats around 150 patrons. The “Copper” name is widely known in the local community, attracting a variety of clientele and benefitting from the area’s high footfall. Jonty Green, business agent at Christie & Co who is managing the sale, said: “Copper City has just launched to the open market and represents a rare opportunity to secure a fantastic freehold site in a prime trading location. “The venue is one of the most high-profile hospitality sites in the city, with a strong history and significant potential for a new operator.” Copper City is on the market with a freehold asking price of £900,000.

Derby County Football Club and Pride Park Stadium unified

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Derby County Football Club and Pride Park Stadium unified
Derby County Football Club and Pride Park Stadium will be unified once again within a new holding company. The club and stadium have both been owned by Clowes Developments since the summer of 2022, held in separate legal entities – the club in Derby County (The Rams) Limited and Pride Park in Gellaw Newco 202 Limited. The stadium company Gellaw Newco 202 Limited has been re-named Derby County (The Rams) Stadium Limited and will sit alongside the club company Derby County (The Rams) Limited, in a new holding company, Derby County (The Rams) Holdings Limited. Derby County (The Rams) Holdings Limited is to be 100% owned by Clowes Developments (UK) Limited. Although there is no change of ownership, the move reflects a desire to address concerns from fans regarding the separation of club and stadium. David Clowes said: “Having secured our goal of maintaining our Championship status after promotion from League One, we felt it was the right time to make this change.”

“Winning a Bricks award was a real highlight for our team” – past winner encourages firms to enter the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025

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“Winning a Bricks award was a real highlight for our team” – past winner encourages firms to enter the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025
With nominations now being welcomed for Business Link Magazine’s East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025, taking place on Thursday 2nd October, last year’s winner of ‘Architects of the Year’ is reflecting on the prestigious event and encouraging other firms to enter. Matthew Montague Architects said: “Winning a Bricks Award was a real highlight for our team. It’s a great feeling to have your work recognised by others in the industry — and the event itself is such a positive celebration of what’s being achieved across the region. We’d absolutely encourage others to put themselves forward.” Marking 10 years of the event, this year’s eagerly anticipated awards ceremony will take place on Thursday 2nd October at Nottingham’s famous Trent Bridge Cricket Ground. The East Midlands Bricks Awards 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, and reach our audience of over 60,000 business readers, while also offering a chance to connect with respected professionals. And better yet, it’s completely free to enter! Making the top three finalists in your category also wins you free tickets to the event, where you’ll be in the running for one of our coveted awards.

To make a nomination for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025, please click here.

Supporting imagery, video, documents, or links to these, can be sent to bricks@blmgroup.co.uk. Video nomination pitches are also welcome as an alternative or companion to written entries. Categories include: All finalists will have the chance to take home the Overall Winner award, which this year comes with a grand prize of a year of marketing/publicity worth £20,000, with the opportunity to split or gift the marketing to a charity of your choice.

Nominations will close on Friday 15th August.

New for this year, all entrants will also have the opportunity to be featured on our dedicated nominee showcase on the East Midlands Business Link website, providing space for marketing your achievements. Upon submitting a nomination, we will get in touch for any information, imagery, and video nominees would like to be featured on their showcase page.

The East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025

What: The East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025 When: Thursday 2nd October (4.30pm – 7.30pm) Where: Derek Randall Suite, Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, Nottingham Keynote speaker: Councillor Nadine Peatfield – Leader of Derby City Council, Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Strategy and Policy, and Deputy Mayor of the East Midlands Tickets: Available here Dress code: Standard business attire Thanks to our sponsors:                                                                

To be held at:

With a limited number of sponsorship opportunities remaining, please contact Angie Cooper at a.cooper@blmgroup.co.uk to learn more if you are interested in becoming an East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025 sponsor.

Construction starts on 50-home scheme in Leicestershire with £600K in local investment

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Construction starts on 50-home scheme in Leicestershire with £600K in local investment

Construction has commenced on a 50-home residential development in Stanton-under-Bardon, Leicestershire. The scheme, called St Mary’s Chase, represents the first project under Allison Homes’ newly launched East Midlands division.

The development will include a mix of two, three, and four-bedroom houses, eight of which are designated as affordable housing. It will feature established house designs and new models added to the developer’s range.

Outline planning permission was granted in June 2024, with full approval in February 2025. A show home is expected by autumn 2025, and full build completion is targeted for December 2026.

As part of the development, the site will include green space, a children’s play area, and new tree planting aligned with the nearby National Forest. Public footpaths running through the land will be preserved.

Through a Section 106 agreement, Allison Homes will contribute £600,000 to local infrastructure and services, including education, healthcare, recreation, and public transport. The investment underscores the development’s aim to integrate with and support the surrounding community while delivering new housing stock to the region.

East Midlands firms still cautious despite stronger UK growth

April Lara
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East Midlands firms still cautious despite stronger UK growth

Despite a stronger-than-expected rise in UK GDP, business sentiment in the East Midlands remains subdued, with firms facing persistent cost pressures.

According to the latest Office for National Statistics data, the UK economy grew by 0.7% in the first quarter of the year. While this uptick signals the end of the technical recession seen in 2023, businesses in the East Midlands continue to report low confidence levels.

The East Midlands Chamber’s recent Quarterly Economic Survey data indicates a decline in local business confidence. Key concerns among B2B operators include increased employer National Insurance contributions, the higher national living wage, and corporate tax pressures.

Inflation remains a significant factor, with nearly half of businesses in the region expecting to raise prices. These margin pressures are contributing to cautious outlooks on investment and hiring.

Business leaders in the region are now looking to upcoming policy decisions, including the UK Government’s Comprehensive Spending Review and international trade discussions, for clearer support and incentives to stabilise operating conditions and boost competitiveness.

XR8 Technology expands services to support AI adoption and cyber resilience

April Lara
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XR8 Technology expands services to support AI adoption and cyber resilience

IT solutions provider XR8 Technology Services is scaling operations to meet growing business demand for cyber security support, AI integration, and robust IT infrastructure.

Operating nationally from its Northampton base, XR8 has recently joined the Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce and moved into larger premises to support its expansion. With a team bringing over five decades of combined experience, the firm delivers managed IT services, infrastructure procurement, and cyber strategy guidance for B2B clients across various sectors.

As businesses explore Microsoft Copilot for productivity gains, XR8 has responded by offering tailored advice, often at no cost, to help organisations deploy the AI tool safely while maintaining data control and compliance.

The company has also seen rising demand for support with Cyber Essentials certification. With recent high-profile cyber incidents in the national spotlight, many firms are prioritising the government-backed standard to strengthen their resilience and satisfy procurement requirements.

XR8 partners with major vendors, including Microsoft, Cisco, Lenovo, Dell, HP, Fortinet, and Ninjio, offering clients access to competitive pricing and deep product knowledge. It also provides rugged device solutions, such as Zebra products, for clients operating in warehousing and logistics where durability and reliability are critical.

The company’s recent investment in facilities and staffing reflects a strategic push to grow its capacity and broaden its footprint in the UK’s business IT sector.

£10m mixed-use farming estate with commercial income potential up for sale

April Lara
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£10m mixed-use farming estate with commercial income potential up for sale

A 878-acre mixed-use agricultural estate straddling Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire has been listed for sale at nearly £10 million, presenting an investment opportunity for commercial and agricultural buyers.

The property includes Cowsland Farm and Lea Marsh Farm and is being marketed by Bidwells. It is available as a whole or split into four lots, offering flexibility for various acquisition strategies.

The estate features a combination of arable land, pasture, a residential farmhouse, and commercial buildings currently generating income. It has been under long-term ownership and professionally managed through local farming agreements.

The land is arranged in two main blocks: one near South Leverton in Nottinghamshire, and the other south of Gainsborough in Lincolnshire, alongside the River Trent.

Lot 1 spans 12.5 acres and includes a large farmhouse now tenanted, along with commercial buildings currently leased to Cranswick Pet Products, providing ongoing rental income.

Lot 2 consists of nearly 290 acres of arable land used for typical crop rotations such as wheat, barley, maize, peas, and oilseed rape. Fields are configured to suit modern machinery.

Lot 3, Forwood Farmland, is a standalone 92.5-acre arable block located near Treswell Wood. It offers scope for further agricultural or environmental use.

Lot 4, Lea Marsh Farm, is the largest portion with 484 acres primarily of pastureland and one arable field. Its riverside location and environmental characteristics may appeal to buyers pursuing biodiversity or natural capital projects.

The estate combines commercial, residential, and environmental value streams, making it suitable for diversified rural investment portfolios or strategic land acquisition.

Derelict Long Eaton cinema to be demolished

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Derelict Long Eaton cinema to be demolished
A derelict cinema in Long Eaton will soon be gone, as demolition crews move in to clear the way for the site’s new future. The old Galaxy picture house, which closed more than a decade ago, will be replaced by a new development of commercial units, townhouses and flats. Richard Ledger, chairman of the Long Eaton Town Deal Board, said: “The former Stage One nightclub next to the cinema is also being levelled – along with a garage at the back of the buildings. “After considerable effort to secure these properties, we’re thrilled to see demolition begin. This is the first step in transforming Galaxy Row into a vibrant hub of homes and businesses, and we’re committed to keeping the community informed every step of the way. “We eagerly anticipate the positive impact this redevelopment will have on Long Eaton.” The cinema originally opened as a theatre in 1907. The demolition work is expected to take four months. Builders will then begin constructing the 16 flats, four town houses and three business units. There will be 28 parking spaces. Erewash Borough Council has partnered with developer MyPad and affordable housing association Tuntum for the construction project, which is expected to be completed in August next year.

Nottingham talent and innovation grants become available for local businesses

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Nottingham talent and innovation grants become available for local businesses
A programme of grants and support for local businesses is being rolled out by Nottingham’s two universities that provide access to talent and expertise to help drive innovation, productivity and skills in the city.
The Talent and Innovation Grants project has received £124,441 from the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The scheme was run for the first time last year and saw 60 businesses receiving financial support through a mixture of Talent Grants and Innovation Vouchers. Under the Universities for Nottingham Civic Agreement, The University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University are again working with Nottingham City Council to offer Talent Grants of up to £2,000 which can be used to subsidise the recruitment of a university graduate or student for a minimum of eight weeks. In addition, Innovation Vouchers of up to £5,000 will be offered to city businesses through the Universities for Nottingham Innovation Centres of Excellence, enabling them to access a range of technically-focussed support and consultancy leveraging research facilities and expertise from across the two universities. To qualify for either grants, businesses need to demonstrate that the graduate/student project/role would be used to implement or improve technology or processes, enable the business to enter new markets, improve or implement new products or services, improve productivity or increase business sustainability.

Construction starts on 1.46 million sq ft Golden Triangle logistics park

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Construction starts on 1.46 million sq ft Golden Triangle logistics park
Mountpark has started construction on a 1.46 million sq ft logistics park, Mountpark Hinckley, in the heart of the UK’s Golden Triangle. It follows Mountpark securing approval of a complex hybrid planning application by Rugby Borough Council, Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council and Nuneaton & Bedworth Borough Council. Detailed consent has been granted for the development of a 491,926 sq ft unit, which has been pre-let to a major supermarket retailer. Mountpark has appointed Winvic Construction to deliver the infrastructure and enabling works, as well as the vertical build of Unit 1, which is scheduled for practical completion in spring 2026. Mountpark has also submitted Reserved Matters Applications for the two remaining plots, which will offer 514,100 sq ft and 258,000 sq ft of logistics space. “This marks an exciting step forward with construction now underway on site at Mountpark Hinckley, following over five years of dedicated work by our planning team to bring the development to fruition,” said Tom Kilmister, senior development director at Mountpark. “This project reflects our commitment to unlocking new sites, our continued investment in the East Midlands’ logistics infrastructure and our ability to deliver high-quality space that supports market demand for our customers. “The pre-letting of Unit 1 is a testament to our customer-focused approach, working closely with occupiers to deliver tailored solutions that align with their operational needs and long-term growth ambitions.”

Office block to be converted into shared housing for 23 people in Northampton

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Office block to be converted into shared housing for 23 people in Northampton

West Northamptonshire Council has approved the conversion of a commercial property in Northampton into shared residential accommodation.

Kingswood House, located in Cliftonville, will be transformed from its former use as offices into a house in multiple occupations (HMO) that accommodates up to 23 residents. The building previously housed an insurance firm, a fertility clinic, and a laser eye surgery business.

The development will reconfigure the property into five shared flats. These will include a four-bedroom unit on the lower ground floor, two three-bedroom units on the ground floor, an eight-bedroom unit on the first floor, and a five-bedroom unit on the second floor. All bedrooms will be en suite, and each flat will have shared kitchen and living areas. Two communal laundry rooms will be available to all residents.

The conversion is mainly internal, with only minor alterations planned for the building’s exterior. The property will retain 15 on-site parking spaces. The first floor has already been stripped of its internal services in preparation for redevelopment.

The council considers HMOs a critical part of the local housing strategy, particularly for students, young professionals, and others requiring short- to medium-term accommodation. This project is expected to support demand in the area’s pressured rental market.

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