Developer allowed to cut affordable housing in Langley Mill project

April Lara
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Developer allowed to cut affordable housing in Langley Mill project

Amber Valley Borough Council has approved Wheeldon Brothers’ request to reduce the number of affordable homes in its Hall Road development in Langley Mill. Originally approved for 93 homes with 27 affordable units in 2021, the commitment was later lowered to 14 and has now been further reduced to eight.

The developer argued that it is delivering 109 affordable homes at a separate site on Bridge Street, Langley Mill, including 43 shared ownership units and 66 for affordable rent in partnership with Places for People. Councillors debated the decision, with some arguing that each development should be assessed independently and that developers must uphold their contributions.

Council officers stated that the Hall Road project was not financially viable under the original Section 106 agreement, and the developer rejected alternative proposals. The East Midlands Combined County Authority has allocated funding to kick-start work on the Bridge Street site, bringing the total proportion of affordable housing across both sites to 50%.

Rolls-Royce considers US expansion to counter trade tariffs

April Lara
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Rolls-Royce considers US expansion to counter trade tariffs

Rolls-Royce is evaluating a shift in engine production to the US as a strategic response to potential trade tariffs under Donald Trump’s policies. The company, headquartered in Derby, is increasing US production capacity to safeguard its supply chain and maintain competitiveness in key markets.

While no immediate impact on UK operations is expected, Rolls-Royce is reviewing its global production footprint. A company spokesperson confirmed that it is exploring ways to optimise its supply chain for US customers. The firm has not ruled out further changes to its UK manufacturing base.

The review follows strong financial performance, with underlying profit rising from £1.26 billion to £2.29 billion last year. Rolls-Royce forecasts adjusted operating profit of £2.7 billion to £2.9 billion in 2025 and has raised its mid-term targets to between £3.6 billion and £3.9 billion. CEO Tufan Erginbilgic emphasised the company’s focus on accelerating growth and efficiency.

Nottinghamshire procurement strategy injects millions into local economy

April Lara
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Nottinghamshire procurement strategy injects millions into local economy

Nottinghamshire County Council has awarded more than 70% of its procurement contracts to local suppliers, injecting millions into the regional economy. In the third quarter of the 2024/25 financial year, 19 new contracts worth an estimated £113 million have been issued, with 113 more projects in progress.

Currently, 74% of the council’s contracts are awarded to Nottinghamshire-based suppliers, while 56% go to the county’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The council holds contracts with 604 local suppliers, collectively valued at over £3.6 billion.

Councillor Andre Camilleri, Deputy Cabinet Member for Finance and Resource, highlighted the economic and environmental benefits of working with local businesses, citing job creation, faster response times, reduced transport costs, and lower carbon emissions.

One business benefitting from the strategy is Nottinghamshire Fire Safety Ltd, a Mansfield-based company providing fire safety services under a three-year contract with the council’s partner, Arc Partnership. The company supplies and services fire extinguishers in council buildings, including schools, libraries, and care homes, and delivers fire safety training.

Managing Director Phil Kennell emphasised that the contract has strengthened the company’s relationship with the council, allowing it to keep work local and reduce travel-related costs. The firm recently installed fire safety equipment at Yeoman Park School in Mansfield and has upcoming projects at other new schools.

The council’s procurement strategy continues to prioritise local partnerships, aiming to drive economic resilience and sustainability while maximising the impact of public spending.

Five years on: Start Up Loans data shows surge in loans taken out in the post pandemic era in the East Midlands

Michael Fisher
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Five years on: Start Up Loans data shows surge in loans taken out in the post pandemic era in the East Midlands

Five years since the first Covid 19 lockdown, data from Start Up Loans shows a surge in aspiring entrepreneurs taking out finance to bring business plans to life. 

In that time, there has been a 31% increase in the number of first loans in the East Midlands, compared to the five-year period prior, delivered by the Start Up Loans programme, which is part of the British Business Bank.

This amounts to a 70% increase in the total value of first loans between the two periods. The average loan value to entrepreneurs also increased by £3,139, or 29% in the East Midlands.

The five year period since the first lockdown has also seen a significant increase in Start Up Loans finance provided to business owners from a Black, Asian and Other Ethnic Minority background and early-stage business owners. Across the UK, the proportion of loans to ethnic minorities increased 5.39% to 19.8%.

The pandemic lockdowns forced many businesses to adapt, and for some entrepreneurs, it was a defining moment. Sam Whetton, founder of Reika, launched his business in the middle of this uncertainty after securing a Start Up Loan from the British Business Bank.

Since launching, Reika has significantly elevated its production and product range, now offering full material traceability to further its impact.

Reika, based in Nottinghamshire is committed to sharing insights into its production processes, material sourcing, and supply chain decisions, the brand is educating consumers on the true cost of sustainable manufacturing while demonstrating that well-designed, responsibly made products don’t have to have a negative sustainable approach in the process. Sam Whetton, founder of Reika, said: “Launching a product-based business is challenging at the best of times, but launching a travel brand at the height of a global lockdown was a leap into the unknown. At a time when travel was restricted, we had to rethink how we positioned ourselves and focus on building a strong foundation that would stand the test of time.

“The Start Up Loan gave us the initial funding to bring our first product to life, allowing us to iron out the teething issues every new business faces and giving us the time to refine our approach. Since then, we’ve enhanced our supply chain, moved production to the world’s most sustainable factories, optimised our unit economics to align with the global economy and the realities of digital marketing, and built a brand with strong future ambitions.

“Our goal now is to become a market leader within the UK bag and luggage industry, continuously pushing boundaries in design, sustainability, and customer experience. What started as an idea during uncertain times has now evolved into a brand with big plans for the future.”

Start Up Loans is a government-backed programme that offers fixed-interest loans and mentoring to entrepreneurs in the UK. Since its inception in 2012 the programme has delivered over £1.2 billion in funding to more than 120,000 entrepreneurs nationwide, and £67m to over 7,000 businesses in the East Midlands.

Richard Bearman, Co-Chief Banking Officer, British Business Bank, British Business Bank: “When I think about the Start Up Loans programme, the pandemic was a real pivotal moment. So often I meet business owners and their stories start with how lockdown was the chance to stop and really think about what they wanted to do and achieve.

“We saw a huge increase in the number of loans during 2020 and into the early part of 2021. Although some of that demand for finance has understandably cooled off, we still see a lot more people seeking Start Up Loans finance for a business. In that respect, the shock of lockdowns could well have contributed to a change in how potential business owners thought about the opportunities of entrepreneurship.”

Start Up Loans data on loan volume applications shows 2020 was a potentially ‘transformational’ year for UK startups. In the financial year that ended just around the time lockdown was first introduced, 8,652 Start Up Loans supported UK start up businesses. The following year this rose to 11,322, a 31% increase, and numbers have remained higher than pre-pandemic levels ever since.

Nottingham planning consultancy Nineteen47 secures go ahead for new 350,000 sq ft aluminium extrusion factory in Ashfield

Michael Fisher
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Nottingham planning consultancy Nineteen47 secures go ahead for new 350,000 sq ft aluminium extrusion factory in Ashfield

Nottingham planning consultancy Nineteen47 has advised aluminium trade extruder Garnalex on securing permission to build a new 350,000 sq ft multi-million-pound manufacturing facility in Ashfield.

Nineteen47, which has offices in Nottingham, Sheffield and York, supported Garnalex with the preparation of a hybrid planning application. This included co-ordination of a full environmental impact assessment together with 3D visualisation services.

The planning permission secured by Nineteen47 totals 1,000,500 sq ft on a 23.75-hectare site. Phase one is dedicated to the new factory with the remaining space for phase two which will comprise additional Garnalex facilities. Once both phases are complete, it is anticipated they will deliver more than 1,000 jobs.

Located south-east of junction 27 of the M1, the proposals, which are located within the green belt, have been carefully designed to assimilate into the landscape.

This includes significant tree planting and bunding providing screening which, together with a detailed landscape scheme, will deliver an 11 per cent increase in biodiversity net gain including a 68 per cent increase in hedgerow units.

Roger Hartshorn, who founded Garnalex in 2018, said: “We’re thrilled to bring this development to Ashfield. Garnalex is ambitious and we have plans to expand further and create hundreds of more jobs in the coming years.

“The team at Nineteen47 has excelled in providing us with expert planning consultancy advice, understanding the requirements of our new factory and the complexities of the planning situation to ensure the desired outcomes were achieved. We now look forward to work starting on the new site.”

Established in 2016, Nineteen47 advises private and public sector clients nationwide across a range of sectors. These include residential and commercial development, healthcare, hospitality, education and manufacturing.

Jamie Pyper, co-founder and director at Nineteen47, added: “Garnalex’s new manufacturing facility showcases the company’s commitment to delivering not only high-quality products, but also economic growth within the local area.

“It was fantastic to work with Roger and the team to secure planning for both phases of the development, and we now looking forward seeing them come to life.”

Work starts on 169-home Nottinghamshire development

Tess Egginton
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Work starts on 169-home Nottinghamshire development
Peter James Homes has started work on a new development in Bramcote, just a few miles away from its headquarters. The 169-home Hemlock Gate development, on Coventry Lane, will become Peter James Homes’ most eco-friendly site, with every home holding an A-rated Energy Performance Certificate on completion. The 22-acre site will provide a mixture of two- to five-bedroom homes, including bungalows, with a provision for around 30 per cent (51 properties) allocated to the affordable housing scheme. Simon Gardiner, managing director of Peter James Homes, said: “Situated in our home patch, Hemlock Gate is one of our most important projects. We always strive to create environments that reflect their surroundings and engage the local community, but this development is particularly close to our hearts here at Peter James Homes.” A total of £1.05m has been allocated to the local community for investment in public transport, improvements to roads, education, and wildlife habitats. The first phase of the development, which over its lifecycle will create around 100 East Midlands construction jobs, will be released for reservation in phases from early Summer this year. Simon added: “This is an exciting project for us. The sloping L-shaped site, which is partly sheltered by mature trees, giving it privacy and instant maturity, alongside the popularity of Bramcote and its proximity to Nottingham, and the broad selection of property types will appeal to both families and professionals.”

Bucher Municipal secures 30,000 sq ft facility at Stud Brook Business Park

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Bucher Municipal secures 30,000 sq ft facility at Stud Brook Business Park
A 30,000 sq ft facility at Clowes Developments’ Stud Brook Business Park has been let to Bucher Municipal. Bucher Municipal, the suppliers of municipal vehicles, have secured the brand-new Unit 4 as they expand their nationwide portfolio of bases. The deal sees Bucher Municipal take a 10-year leasehold agreement for the unit, which has been built and designed to meet their exact requirements and specifications to provide them with a best-in-class facility. The unit will be available for them to move in from May 2025. Terry Flannery, UK After-Sales Manager of Bucher Municipal, said: “The expansion in the range of Bucher Municipal products offered to the UK market demands larger and more flexible service centres. Stud Brook Business Park with its efficient connections make it an ideal location. “Clowes and their development team have been excellent partners, helping us adapt the building to our specific business needs. The Stud Brook facility with its modern sustainable design and high-quality construction will be a flagship service centre in our national network.” James Richards, Development Director of Clowes Developments, added: “Stud Brook Business Park is witnessing a sustained high volume of interest. Welcoming a leading company like Bucher Municipal to the business park is testament to it’s quality, location and benefits to businesses looking to make the move to the East Midlands. “You’re literally a stone’s throw away from the M1, A50, East Midlands Airport and East Midlands Gateway Train Station. It really is a great location for business.” The deal was put together by Tim Gilbertson, Director of FHP Property Consultants, who added: “It’s great to welcome Bucher Municipal to Stud Brook Business Park and to provide them with a best-in-class facility in such a prime location. “Due to us being able to agree terms early with Bucher Municipal, our clients were able to create a bespoke build for them on this fabulous site meeting all their requirements and exacting criteria. “Of the nine units being speculatively built at Stud Brook Business Park in the first phase, only two now remain and there are early discussions on those which hopefully will result in the park being full at or shortly after completion of the first phase of development.”

£650k surfacing contract set to transform former Derbyshire railway

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£650k surfacing contract set to transform former Derbyshire railway
A Leicestershire-based surfacing company has been awarded a £650k contract to help convert a former Derbyshire railway line running from Little Eaton to Rawson Green into a Greenway for the local community. HMS Decorative Surfacing has been selected by construction firm Pugh-Lewis as part of its contract with Derbyshire County Council to transform the 5.6km former Midland Railway Ripley Branch Line into an accessible, eco-friendly path for walkers, cyclists and horse riders. The new, durable path will provide a popular travel route between Derby City and Ripley. Once completed, it will create an environmentally friendly greenway, which has been a long ambition for Derbyshire County Council to promote greener community space and eco-friendly travel whilst increasing tourism to the area. HMS, a resin surfacing specialist, is installing a long-lasting and flexible Decra®Flex path. This eco-friendly solution combines the flexibility of recycled rubber with the strength and durability of aggregates and resin. The path will be installed along the greenway within the natural wildlife corridors of Derbyshire. Phase 1 is set to begin at the end of March and is expected to take 4-5 weeks to complete. Laura Wilson, Director at HMS, commented on the contract win. She said: “Providing safe, attractive and environmentally friendly spaces for the public has always been one of our top priorities as a company, so when we were awarded this contract for the Little Eaton Greenway, we were delighted. “The material we are using on the path is cutting-edge. It’s porous and most importantly, flexible, to absorb any impact from the public and reduce the risk of injuries from falls whilst jogging, walking, wheeling, cycling or horse riding. “Weather dependent, we’re hoping to complete Phase 1 by early May and then begin Phase 2 later in the year. This is a huge turning point for HMS and will be one of our biggest jobs to date, helping to create brilliant future growth for our company.” Tim Pugh-Lewis, Director and Owner of Pugh-Lewis, said: “This project will provide Derbyshire’s community with greener infrastructure, to reduce carbon emissions and boost biodiversity, whilst protecting the natural environment. “HMS Decorative Surfacing will be using the very best in eco-friendly surfacing to create a durable, sustainable and safe way for the local community to travel and spend more time outdoors. We look forward to working with them and seeing the much-anticipated finished result.” The redevelopment of the greenway on the former railway line is set to transform the area by connecting surrounding towns and villages with greener commuter routes and further strengthen Derbyshire’s green infrastructure by forming part of its Key Cycle Network.

Manufacturing output contracts in the quarter to March

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Manufacturing output contracts in the quarter to March
Manufacturing output volumes fell in the three months to March, at a slightly steeper pace than in the three months to February, according to the CBI’s latest monthly Industrial Trends Survey (ITS). Looking ahead, manufacturers expect output volumes to be broadly unchanged in the quarter to June. The volume of total order books in March was stable relative to last month, while export order books improved slightly. Both total and export order books are still well below their long-run averages. Firms reported that stock adequacy picked up compared with February, with the balance returning above the long-run average. Expectations for selling price inflation over the quarter ahead were largely unchanged relative to February, remaining above the long-run average. The survey, based on the responses of 344 manufacturers, found:
  • Output volumes fell in the three months to March at a steeper pace than last month (weighted balance of -18%, from -12% in the quarter to February). Manufacturers expect output volumes will be broadly unchanged in the three months to June (-2%).
    • Output decreased in 14 out of 17 sub-sectors in the three months to March, with the decline driven by the glass & ceramics, building materials and electrical goods sub-sectors.
  • Total order books were reported as below “normal” in March (-29% from -28%). The level of order books remained far below the long-run average (-13%).
  • Export order books were reported as below “normal” but improved relative to last month (-29% from -36%). This was still below the long-run average (-18%).
  • Expectations for average selling price inflation were broadly unchanged in March (+22% from +19% in February). Expectations remain above the long-run average (+7%)
  • Stocks of finished goods were reported as more than “adequate” in March (+16% from +4% in February), with stock adequacy now standing above the long-run average (+12%).
Ben Jones, CBI Lead Economist, said: “Conditions in the UK’s manufacturing sector remain subdued. Although there are some pockets of strength, notably in the aerospace and defence sectors, many firms continue to report that their order books remain weak. “Manufacturers responding to the survey reported that customers are generally nervous about proceeding with capital investments and are conserving funds ahead of upcoming increases to National Insurance and minimum wages, leading orders to be cancelled or at least delayed until later in the year. “While output expectations are not as gloomy as at the turn of the year, the sector looks set to remain in a holding pattern in the short-term. “Next week’s Spring Statement and continuing challenges to the public finances means a lot of the growth the country needs will have to come from the private sector. But businesses need a reason to grow and invest in uncertain times. “A number of measures could help boost confidence – setting an ambitious R&D spending target so the government can position the UK as a world leader for innovation or ensuring that the Apprenticeships Levy is fully flexible to allow companies to invest in a range of employee training, will go some way to delivering the sustainable growth the country needs.”

Conygar secures extended loan terms for Nottingham development

April Lara
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Conygar secures extended loan terms for Nottingham development

Property investment firm Conygar has restructured its development loan with Barclays Bank, extending the repayment deadline from March to December 2025. The revised agreement lowers the loan facility from £47.5 million to £46.6 million and reduces the interest margin from 3.25% to 2%, offset by a £500,000 exit fee.

The extension aims to support further lettings and stabilisation of Winfield Court, the student accommodation project within Nottingham’s Island Quarter development, which serves as security for the loan. As of December, Winfield Court was 54% occupied, generating £1.5 million in net income before financing costs.

The restructuring provides Conygar additional time to improve occupancy levels ahead of the 2025-2026 academic year.

Nottinghamshire secures £50m in external funding for infrastructure projects

April Lara
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Nottinghamshire secures £50m in external funding for infrastructure projects

Nottinghamshire County Council has secured over £50 million in external funding for transport, flood resilience, electric vehicle charging, and active travel initiatives as part of its 2025/26 capital programme. The funding forms part of a wider £149 million capital and revenue investment for the year.

The East Midlands Combined County Authority is contributing £7.5 million towards the A614/A6097 Major Road Network Scheme, subject to final approval from the Department for Transport. The council has resubmitted its business case with updated costs and a revised timeline to secure the remaining funding.

Active travel improvements will receive £5.6 million, with projects including pedestrian crossing schemes. The county’s bus network will also benefit, with £9.3 million from the Bus Service Improvement Plan funding new bus priority measures, a park-and-ride site, and better access to bus stops. A further £5.7 million from the same programme will support 60 local bus routes, including Nottsbus on Demand zones.

Flood mitigation efforts will be reinforced with £500,000 allocated to the Potwell Dyke flooding scheme in Southwell, which is part of a larger £4.4 million project designed to protect 240 homes from flooding.

The rollout of electric vehicle charging infrastructure will continue with £5.5 million from the Department for Transport’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure project, with installations expected to begin in spring 2026. An additional £500,000 will support a pilot programme integrating charging infrastructure into footways through electric vehicle cable channels.

Other projects benefiting from external funding include tree planting under the Local Authority Treescape Fund, road safety education through the Bikeability scheme, sustainable transport initiatives funded by Nottingham City Council’s Transforming Cities Fund, and the expansion of zero-emission buses under the Zero Emission Bus Regional Area programme.

The council says the investment will enhance connectivity, improve sustainability, and support businesses and communities across the county.

Nottingham firm among UK recipients of smart airport tech funding

April Lara
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Nottingham firm among UK recipients of smart airport tech funding

The UK government has allocated £450,000 to six British technology firms, including one in Nottingham, to develop advanced airport screening equipment aimed at improving security and reducing delays. The funding, announced by the Department for Transport (DfT), supports innovations designed to enhance threat detection, reduce false alarms, and speed up passenger screening.

Companies based in Tewkesbury and Cambridge are also among the recipients. In addition to funding, businesses will receive tailored guidance on technical development, regulation, and corporate finance through workshops led by the Connected Places Catapult.

Airlines UK and AirportsUK have welcomed the investment, highlighting its potential to improve airport operations and support the aviation sector’s goal of achieving net zero. Industry leaders are also calling for reforms to the UK’s airspace design process to reduce delays further and enhance resilience.

Aviation Minister Mike Kane stated that the funding aligns with the government’s broader strategy to strengthen security, boost international competitiveness, and drive economic growth in the aviation sector.

Foreign visitor spending in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire up 25% since pandemic

April Lara
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Foreign visitor spending in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire up 25% since pandemic

Spending by international tourists in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire reached £437 million in 2022, a 25% increase from £350 million in 2019, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics. A decade earlier, the figure stood at £264 million.

Nationally, foreign tourism spending hit a record £50 billion in 2022, up 7% from 2019 and 63% higher than in 2012. In Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, £142 million was spent on hotels and restaurants, while £21 million went towards recreation and cultural activities.

Despite the rise in spending, industry leaders warn of ongoing challenges. The Tourism Alliance cautioned that many businesses in the sector continue to struggle and said recent changes to National Insurance contributions could further impact hospitality and tourism.

Kate Nicholls, CEO of UKHospitality, urged the Government to reduce VAT for the sector, arguing that the UK’s 20% rate is among the highest in Europe and hinders competitiveness. She also called for a review of planned business rate reforms and a delay to National Insurance changes, warning that rising costs are becoming unsustainable for many hospitality businesses.

The Government has targeted 50 million inbound visitors by 2030 and plans to release a tourism growth strategy later this year.

Free support programme returns to help UK microbusinesses grow

April Lara
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Free support programme returns to help UK microbusinesses grow

Small Business Britain has reopened applications for its Small and Mighty Enterprise Programme, a free six-week initiative designed to help microbusinesses and sole traders scale up. The April 2025 intake will offer over 500 places, providing expert-led guidance, mentorship, and peer support.

Research by Small Business Britain found that more than two-thirds of UK microbusinesses expect to grow by 50% over the next five years, despite economic challenges. The programme, delivered online in partnership with Xero and ARU Peterborough, aims to equip participants with business strategy, marketing, finance, and resilience training.

Since launching in 2022, the programme has trained over 3,500 small businesses. Participants receive two hours of free mentoring and access to a network of entrepreneurs. Experts from ARU Peterborough and Xero will lead sessions, offering flexible learning to fit around work commitments.

Industry leaders emphasise the need for tailored support, with Xero’s UK Managing Director, Alex von Schirmeister, calling for greater differentiation between small and microbusinesses. ARU Peterborough’s Professor Tom Williamson highlighted the programme’s success in helping businesses think strategically and grow with confidence.

Tradestech Recruitment secures £1.5m funding to drive expansion

April Lara
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Tradestech Recruitment secures £1.5m funding to drive expansion

Staffordshire-based Tradestech Recruitment plans to double its workforce and turnover within a year after securing £1.5 million in funding from Lloyds Bank.

Founded in early 2023, Tradestech specialises in recruitment for the construction sector, working with tier-one firms and SMEs. It focuses on key industries, including rail, HS2, renewables, vegetation management, residential housing, and mechanical & electrical (M&E).

The funding package will provide working capital to expand the team, invest in accreditations, and strengthen compliance, quality, and safety standards. Based in Lichfield, the company aims to grow its workforce from seven to 12 employees, adding senior and junior recruiters.

As part of its expansion, Tradestech has appointed Bobby Sproston as operations director, bringing nearly 20 years of experience in construction recruitment. The firm achieved a turnover of over £5 million in its first full year and projects revenues to exceed £10 million in the next financial year.

Lloyds Bank described Tradestech as an ambitious SME with strong growth potential, citing the company’s rapid success and industry demand for its specialised recruitment services.

Derbyshire to convert disused railway into £2.7m active travel route

April Lara
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Derbyshire to convert disused railway into £2.7m active travel route

Derbyshire County Council has secured £2.7 million from Active Travel England to convert the former Little Eaton branch railway line into a multi-use pathway for walking, cycling, wheeling, and horse riding.

The 3.5-mile (5.6km) route will connect Little Eaton and Rawson Green, improving access to local employment and providing an active travel option for parents and children heading to Little Eaton Primary School.

The railway line, originally built in 1855 as part of the Midland Railway, saw its last train run in 1999, with tracks removed in 2011. The council acquired the disused line from Network Rail in 2014.

The project is expected to be completed by spring 2026. Officials say the new pathway will support local connectivity while reducing transport emissions.

Severn Trent retains Ashby consultancy for land and planning advice over next five years

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Severn Trent retains Ashby consultancy for land and planning advice over next five years
A property consultancy’s Ashby team is set to work alongside a major water company to fulfil its ambitions of providing an affordable, sustainable service to customers over the next five years. Fisher German has been selected for the Severn Trent Water Land and Planning framework for its AMP8 five-year plan from 2025 to 2030, following a successful retender. Severn Trent’s plan focuses on developing new sustainable water sources, reducing network leaks, reducing pollution and saving customers money across its extensive area into Wales with Hafren Dyfrdwy. Fisher German’s utilities and infrastructure team, along with its planning team, will support Severn Trent Water by securing the necessary land for projects, advising on planning policies and applications, liaising with landowners, and providing guidance on net-zero initiatives. The work will be led by staff in its Ashby office alongside those in Stafford, Market Harborough, Worcester, Banbury and Newark, with additional support from teams in Chester, Knutsford and Doncaster as needed. This contract means Fisher German will have worked for Severn Trent Water for 21 years by the end of the contract, having first worked for the company in 2009. James Pegrum, Partner at Fisher German, said: “We are delighted to have successfully retendered to work with Severn Trent Water throughout its AMP8 cycle until 2030. “Having collaborated with Severn Trent for several years, our expert teams have already contributed to some crucial projects, including tailored planning advice to secure the construction of Hanchurch Reservoir near Stoke-on-Trent, and advice on pipeline diversions for HS2. “We aim to work closely with landowners and occupiers to minimise the impact of these works where they affect private land. “As we enter AMP8, Severn Trent and the water industry face significant pressure to deliver lasting value for customers while minimising environmental impact. “We look forward to helping Severn Trent achieve these goals over the next five years and are confident this will continue our excellent working relationship.” Leo Conway, Land and Planning Business Lead at Severn Trent, said: “We’re happy to welcome Fisher German back on to our framework for AMP8, which will include some complex and large-scale projects. “Fisher German has represented us well in the past and provided good advice across a range of different schemes and we’re pleased that they were successful in tendering to become a part of our Land and Planning Framework.” Fisher German will work on Severn Trent Water’s Land and Planning Framework for AMP8 alongside one existing supplier and two new suppliers.

Spring golf day swings into corporate calendar

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Spring golf day swings into corporate calendar
A new springtime golf day has been launched by Cynthia Spencer Hospice for businesses across Northamptonshire. This inaugural event takes place on Thursday 8th May at Staverton Park Hotel and Golf Club and is open to all. The hospice already runs an annual golf corporate fundraiser in Northampton, which last year raised more than £27,700 for the invaluable palliative care that the hospice provides across the county. The addition of another round in the spring allows more businesses from other parts of the county to have the chance to join a golf game, whilst raising money to support patient care. The day, headline sponsored by Franklins Solicitors, starts with a breakfast roll, tea and coffee on arrival, and a 12pm shotgun start. The event also includes a two-course evening meal, a raffle and a presentation, at a cost of £440 per four ball. Corporate Partnerships Fundraiser Lead at Cynthia Spencer Hospice, Nina Gandy said: “Whether you are someone who plays golf on a regular basis or, you haven’t picked up your clubs for a while, we welcome everyone. “As the spring golf day is a brand-new event in the corporate calendar, we aim to attract new businesses from the across the county, particularly from the Daventry and Towcester area. “Golf days prove a perfect opportunity for networking whilst catching up with familiar faces and making new connections too. This one has the added bonus of raising money for our wholly worthwhile cause.”

Leicester plastic moulding and product design specialist falls into administration

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Leicester plastic moulding and product design specialist falls into administration
Ledwell Plastics, a plastic moulding and product design specialist based in Leicester, has entered administration. The company had fallen into financial difficulty in a challenging operating environment, with uncertainty around taxation on plastics and packaging affecting demand in the sector. Despite a pipeline of future work, cash flow issues meant the company was unable to stay solvent and had no option but to enter administration. Nathan Jones and John Lowe, partners at FRP Advisory, were appointed joint administrators of Ledwell Plastics Ltd on 17th March 2025. In a statement FRP said: “FRP is speaking to interested parties about the business’s assets and is supporting 17 employees with applications to the redundancy payments service. A further 14 staff members remain employed by the company and are assisting with winding down operations.”

Childcare organisation secures Burton office space

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Childcare organisation secures Burton office space
Commercial property agents Rushton Hickman have let the ground floor suite at 82 High Street to Bay Leaf Care Limited. The office/retail space is located in the centre of Burton upon Trent, and since occupation the tenant has completed internal and external decorative works to create a more welcoming head office. The new tenant, Bay Leaf Care Limited, is a non-government-maintained childcare organisation who provide crucial and essential therapeutic residential care, for vulnerable children and young people aged 5-17 years old all over the United Kingdom. Taylor Millington, Senior Surveyor, said: “The work that Bay Leaf Care do is absolutely vital to help young children and so we were delighted to be able to help find them their new premises. The whole team at Rushton Hickman wish them the best with their new space.”
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