Major Boost for a joined up visitor economy strategy for the East Midlands

Michael Fisher
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Major Boost for a joined up visitor economy strategy for the East Midlands

In a first of its kind, at its meeting on Monday 4 November, the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) Board agreed to develop a regional approach to delivering a thriving visitor economy for the East Midlands. The Board agreed funding of up to £60k to support the joint work of the region’s two Local Visitor Economy Partnerships (LVEPs) to develop a Destination Management Plan for the EMCCA region to add value, strengthen collaboration and avoid duplication.

The approach agreed by the Board focuses on three core elements to boost the visitor economy:

  • By promoting our place and products to deliver enhanced profile, greater reach and more visitors.
  • By developing the offer, working with our stakeholders to improve and increase, for example, hotel accommodation and live venue, conference facilities etc
  • By realising the value of the sector, showing the wider benefits to our region over and above the contribution to our economy.

Promoting our place and products

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, has begun a series of engagement events in order to hear directly from key organisations across the sector. This has included a Derby and Derbyshire-focused meeting hosted by the Devonshire Group at Chatsworth House, an Arts Council-led event in Chesterfield, bringing together representatives from across the culture and heritage sectors, and a Nottingham and Nottinghamshire-focused event hosted at the National Civil War Centre in Newark. These events provided valuable feedback regarding the challenges and opportunities for organisations in the sector.

Developing the offer

There are now two Local Visitor Economy Partnerships (LVEPs) that cover the whole of the EMCCA area, Visit Nottinghamshire and Visit Peak District, Derbyshire and Derby and they are both formally accredited by Visit England. They will work with us to develop a strategic vision for the region, highlighting all the fundamentals of making our destinations thrive, while supporting local businesses.

Realising the value of the sector

The tourism/visitor economy makes a significant contribution to our economy, worth around £5.25bn in 2023 and supporting around 52,000 jobs. The aim is to take up numerous opportunities to grow the value of the sector, both in terms of direct economic impact and wider benefits that support EMCCA’s inclusive growth objectives.

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, said: “The Visitor Economy is one of my key priorities because it matters everywhere: to our cities, our market towns, and our rural areas alike.

This is a vital agenda for the whole region and I’m delighted to lead and strengthen collaboration with our regional partners. Our joined up Destination Management Plan means that we can have more impact, and improve our offer for visitors, residents and grow our economy.”

Megan Powell Vreeswijk, CEO of Marketing Nottingham & Nottinghamshire including Visit Nottinghamshire, said: “Collaboration across the East Midlands is key to driving a vibrant and sustainable visitor economy, and we are delighted to work in partnership with East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) and Visit Peak District Derbyshire and Derby to make this vision a reality. EMCCA’s commitment to the Destination Management Plans marks a major milestone in building a unified approach that enhances the unique offer of our regions, while providing a strategic framework for growth.

Together as the two LVEPs with our regional partners, we will elevate the profile of the East Midlands, to attract more visitors, and create new opportunities for local businesses, visitors, and residents.”

Apertus Group apprentice wins prestigious award

Michael Fisher
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Apertus Group apprentice wins prestigious award
An apprentice at the local procurement company Apertus Group has won the prestigious Apprentice of the Year Award at the Northamptonshire Business Excellence Awards, hosted by comedian Alex Horne. Maddie Humphrey, who is undertaking her Level 3 Apprenticeship in Business Administration with Apertus Group, won the award for being ‘highly dedicated, very knowledgeable and having a huge impact on not only the business but within [her] industry’ according to the judging panel, which included former Apprentice star Nick Hewer. Maddie said of her win: “The award win has given me a huge confidence boost! It can be hard to realise when you’re doing well at something, especially when you’re caught up in the day-today, and I don’t always give myself enough credit, so it has given me an opportunity to celebrate my achievements. All Things Business did an amazing job producing the event and I had a wonderful time, winning was a bonus!” Maddie also hosts a YouTube series produced by Apertus Group, ‘In the Driver’s Seat with Maddie’, which sees her in conversation with businesspeople about cars and driving. Another part of her apprenticeship has seen her working on a long-term project for Apertus Group. She has been developing a new way for the business to manage damage on vehicles it has leased, which has already reduced liability for Apertus Group by 45%. Apertus Group Managing Director Grant McKenna said: “Seeing someone who you saw huge potential in be recognised by others is a beautiful thing. Maddie, enjoy every message, moment and memory, you deserve every single one of them!” Maddie joined Apertus Group in September 2023 after completing her A-Levels at Wootton Park School, studying Business, Psychology and Geography. The NBEAs were attended by over 500 people, who came together to celebrate the county’s business community and their achievements.

Freeths bolsters Private Client Services presence across East Midlands

Michael Fisher
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Freeths bolsters Private Client Services presence across East Midlands
National law firm Freeths has expanded its Trusts, Estates and Tax (TeT) talent in the East Midlands by a third over the past 12 months as it continues to bolster its offering for clients. In welcoming five new starters over the last year amongst a number of senior promotions, the team has strengthened services in the region as the firm continues to invest in private client work across the UK. As part of the growth, Director Rahul Kotecha was appointed to lead the East Midlands service line with Marie Cooper being promoted to Director. It comes amongst a year of success for Freeths having been named Law Firm of the Year at the prestigious Legal Business Awards 2024 after achieving significant strategic growth. Rahul Kotecha said: “As we reflect on our expansion over the last 12 months, it creates a real sense of excitement as we plan ahead – not only have we broadened our performance across the region, but we have also been very much a part of the noise of a new economy. We are looking forward to continuing to expand our offering as we settle into the changes of a new Government.” Freeths TeT team comprises of experts who are available to assist with advice on business and succession planning, Inheritance Tax planning, wills, setting up and administering trusts and handling estate administration.

Nottingham student development sees industry-first safety standard

Michael Fisher
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Nottingham student development sees industry-first safety standard
Developer Cassidy Group Ltd has announced it has successfully achieved an industry –first safety standard under the Building Safety Act (BSA) for its latest new-build student PBSA project. In October 2024, the company gained the vital Gateway 2 approval for its development The Square, a 419-studio building in Beeston, Nottinghamshire. It will be delivered for the 2026/27 academic year, serving University of Nottingham students, after planning permission was granted in May 2023. Gateway 2 is part of a series of critical gateways introduced under the 2022 Building Safety Act to enhance safety standards for higher-risk buildings, introduced in the aftermath of the Grenfell Tower tragedy. It involves rigorous inspections during construction to verify the work adheres to approved plans. Peter Cavendish at Cassidy Group Ltd, said: “This achievement is a unique milestone for Cassidy and reaffirms our commitment to delivering safe, sustainable, and high-quality developments. As we move forward, we remain focused on setting the highest industry standards. “Our team has worked tirelessly to ensure we meet every requirement, and this approval from the Building Safety Regulator is a testament to their dedication and expertise.” The Beeston development adds to Cassidy’s purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) portfolio in Arkwright Street and London Road in Nottingham, creating a total of 1,084 student beds and 319 private rented sector (PRS) apartments. With a gross development value of circa £200 million, the projects are to be delivered over the next two years. Peter Cavendish added: “The Square, along with our other PBSA schemes, provides a welcome relief to some of the 19,000-student bed shortage in Nottingham, and the 2,000-student bed shortage in the micro-location of Beeston, according to StuRents data.” Cassidy Group Ltd is actively looking for investment partners for current and future developments, including 3,000 student beds and 1,000 PRS apartments across England over the next two to three years. With nearly four decades of experience, Cassidy Group Ltd specialises in the UK student accommodation and multi-family build to rent (BTR) and PRS sectors, delivering thousands of beds for clients such as Edmond de Rothschild, Franklin Templeton, and Student Roost/Brookfield, providing secure income-generating investments.

NG craft a move for Debbie Bryan

Michael Fisher
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NG craft a move for Debbie Bryan
A celebrated gallery and tea room has relocated in Nottingham city centre in a deal crafted by NG Chartered Surveyors, the Property People. Debbie Bryan, which has been crowned TripAdvisors number one shopping destination for six years running, has moved to 4-6 St Peter’s Gate, in the heart of Nottingham’s retail quarter. Debbie Bryan has grown to become a destination where creativity meets individuality. Its galleries, both in Nottingham city centre and in Ruddington, showcase hand-crafted collections, while its tea rooms serve up lovingly-prepared, own-recipe menus. The gallery also hosts crafting sessions for makers of all ages. Debbie said: “St Peters was recommended to us by Alicia, initially feeling the space was maybe too large for us. Alicia was a fantastic sounding board to help us explore how we could utilise this new larger space, always available as we navigated our relocation.” Alicia Lewis, Surveyor at NG Chartered Surveyors, said: “Debbie Bryan is one of Nottingham’s true homegrown success stories and I’m sure this move to larger premises on St Peter’s Gate will only drive Debbie and her team on to greater successes. “Debbie has used all her talent to transform this first floor space; she’s turned what was a blank canvas into a colourful crafting wonderland – and the tearoom is just as impressive! “We’re delighted to have played a part in Debbie’s expansion and look forward to watching her company grow even further.”

Work nears completion on cutting-edge planetarium

Michael Fisher
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Work nears completion on cutting-edge planetarium

Enhancing science education, work on the UK’s newest planetarium for more than a decade is progressing rapidly at its Nottinghamshire site, with the £6.8 million project set to complete by the end of November.

Funded by the UK Government, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Garfield Weston Foundation, Wolfson Foundation, the Foyle Foundation and numerous other donors, the new planetarium forms part of the Sherwood Observatory, which is being transformed into a leading regional education and exhibition space off Coxmoor Road in Sutton-in-Ashfield.

The internal fit-out is now well underway, with equipment including a ten-metre diameter hemispherical screen and projectors being installed that will show tours of the solar system and beyond. The planetarium will feature 59 seats and will be disability accessible.

Multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard is behind the scheme, delivering project and cost management services.

Nick Hanson, associate cost manager at Pick Everard, said: “This is an exciting project that is contributing positively to the local area with a world leading science and education facility.

“The Sherwood Observatory is of huge historical significance and draws on our expertise of delivering high quality visitor attractions, with protected elements sensitively treated and managed through robust stakeholder management plans.

“Our team is fully invested in helping deliver this unique undertaking, which will have a transformative impact on regional tourism and economy drives.”

Midlands contractor G F Tomlinson delivered the construction works for the multi-million pound planetarium – completing pre-construction design and planning through SCAPE’s Beyond the Public Sector Framework.

Jason Ainsworth, framework construction manager at G F Tomlinson, said: “We feel very privileged to be part of such an exciting and unique project in the region, and once finished, the state-of-the-art centre promises to be a pivotal tourism and educational hub.

“Alongside attracting thousands of visitors to the region and raising awareness of the local area and history of the site, it also provides opportunities for STEM careers for future generations to come. This was made possible due to our early involvement and collaborative working with the client team and consultants, facilitated through the SCAPE Beyond the Public sector Framework”.

The new planetarium design incorporates the existing Victorian subterranean reservoir, which will see its original features, such as the intricate brick arches, kept to preserve the history of the building.

The ambitious plans for the site aim to create a unique, world-class facility that will rival those elsewhere in the UK.

Councillor Matthew Relf, executive lead member for regeneration, growth and local planning at Ashfield District Council, said: “It is wonderful to see construction of the new planetarium and science centre nearing completion. It has been a monumental effort by all involved.

“It will be a fantastic place for schools and youth groups as well as individuals and families to come and see shows about space and science. We know this will light the fire and passion for future scientists and engineers in the area.

“It has been a privilege to be part of the journey of seeing this move from an initial pitched idea while walking around the dark Victoria water tank, to securing the funding and now seeing the space transformed into a modern and exciting facility. I could not be more excited to see my first show in the finished planetarium.

“This really will be an incredible asset for the district and broader region and will inspire so many people with the wonders of space and inspire many onto new and exciting careers.”

Steve Wallace, planetarium project manager and chairman at Sherwood Observatory, said: “This is going to be a cutting-edge facility and it has been fascinating to work on. We are now moving to the next stage where a specialist planetarium creator is on site transforming the dome.

“It is a very unique bit of software that offers theatrical shows and give visitors an immersive tour of the solar system where they can go from planet to planet and then out into the wider Milky Way and Universe.”

The planetarium at Sherwood Observatory is the latest development Pick Everard has worked on in the region, following the recent opening of a new ‘Green Heart’ space as part of the £2 billion Broad Marsh regeneration project in Nottingham city centre.

Irwin Mitchell to open new office in Nottingham

Michael Fisher
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Irwin Mitchell to open new office in Nottingham

Irwin Mitchell is opening a new office in Nottingham as it continues to invest in growth across the UK.

Earlier this year the firm opened a Brighton office and confirmed deals to invest in Scottish law firm Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie and to acquire Silk Family Law in the Northeast of England. The firm also posted record revenue of more than £300m for the first time for FY24.

The law firm is building on the success of its recent regional consulting office expansion following similar openings in Brighton, Cardiff and Liverpool in recent years.

The new Nottingham office on City Gate East in the city centre provides Irwin Mitchell colleagues with a base to work with existing clients in the East Midlands region as well as grow the firms network to become part of the local community.

The new office presents a strong growth opportunity for a full-service firm like Irwin Mitchell with more than 1.5m people living in the broader East Midlands region.

Craig Marshall, Group Chief Executive at Irwin Mitchell, said: “Our new Nottingham office allows us to build on our presence in the region to meet the needs of our existing and future clients. Colleagues from all of our business units are already active in the East Midlands from personal injury and medical negligence, to private client, family and business services and we expect to see growth in all areas from the region.”

WBR Group announces acquisition of Brunel Trustees

Michael Fisher
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WBR Group announces acquisition of Brunel Trustees
WBR Group, the UK’s largest independent provider of SSAS services and tax experts announces the acquisition of NM Perris & Co Ltd, which trades as Brunel Trustees along with associated companies Brunel Trustees Limited, and Omniphi Systems Limited, for an undisclosed sum. All three businesses will continue to trade under their current names. The businesses are based in Bristol, well-established, with a strong reputation in the SSAS administration sector and software development.
  • Brunel Trustees focuses on SSAS administration, providing comprehensive services to manage and administer SSAS pensions, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations.
  • Brunel Trustees Limited: as a SSAS practitioner and trustee company, Brunel Trustees Limited offers trustee services and expertise in managing SSAS schemes. They play a crucial role in ensuring the proper governance and administration of these pension schemes.
  • Omniphi Systems Limited: specialises in developing software solutions for SSAS and SIPP administration. Their Omni software is a key tool used by many SSAS and SIPP administrators to streamline and enhance their service offerings.
The acquisition includes 200 SSAS schemes with assets under administration totalling £300 million. All six SSAS employees, including the Directors, will join WBR Group, while five SIPP employees will transition to Cabot. This strategic acquisition will enhance WBR Group’s service proposition and further expand its presence in the UK market. WBR Group is head quartered in Leicester, and following completion has 5 additional offices in Bolton, Bristol, London, Salisbury and Wimbledon, providing support to clients across the UK. The Group now has over 4,500 SSAS with assets of over £4.5bn and nearly 200 employees. Established in 2016, the firm boasts an executive team that has over 150 years’ experience providing advice to business owners and other professionals seeking guidance on tax planning opportunities and the benefits of using a SSAS pension. Martin Tilley , Director of WBR Group, added: “Since we launched in 2016, we have been creating a hub of SSAS excellence, with a dedicated account manager model that is hard to beat.  Over the past 6 years we have grown both organically and through acquisitions such as the James Hay and Rowanmoor SSAS books. “We continue to provide service excellence, high levels of technical support and specialist assistance to clients and the acquisition of NM Perris reflects the synergy of values and service ethos between our firms. “We are excited to welcome the three NM Perris businesses to the WBR Group and look forward to enhancing our service offerings. Omniphi Systems have been providing innovative software solutions for the SIPP and SSAS sector for over 20 years and will continue to run as an independent business, and having this expertise will help us continue to innovate.” Nick Perris, CEO of NM Perris & Co, commented on the acquisition: “Having spent 40 years in the profession, it has been a privilege to work with our clients and staff. I am confident that this acquisition will result in minimal disruption to our clients, as the trustee company will remain unchanged, and the Bristol office will continue to operate as usual. I will be transitioning to WBR Group for at least the next 12 months to ensure a smooth handover and maintain client contact. Everyone is excited for the opportunity ahead as we become part of the WBR Group but retaining our brand identities.”

A mixed view for the economy

Michael Fisher
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A mixed view for the economy
With unemployment rising to 4.3%, up from 4.0% in August, there is room for some nervousness in Westminster and further afield in our region. However, increases in wage growth (from 3.9% to 4.3% over the same period) may indicate a healthier outlook for those able to stay in business. It’s thought this may have led to the BoE’s somewhat tame take on interest rates, as raising or lowering them too much in either direction could have led to accelerating inflation reminiscent of earlier in the year. Isaac Stell, Investment Manager at Wealth Club, had the following to say. “A pickup in the unemployment rate may start to ring alarm bells in the halls of Westminster as the rate for September exceeded expectations by some margin. This increase serves as a warning sign to the Government following on from the Budget where businesses saw a large increase in the level of national insurance contributions they will have to pay. If these additional costs restrict hiring and cause jobs to be lost, its so-called growth agenda will be further scrutinised.”

Azets in Nottingham partners with the Friary

Michael Fisher
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Azets in Nottingham partners with the Friary
The team at Azets in Nottingham have volunteered their time to the Friary, a charity with a mission to empower homeless and vulnerable adults to rebuild their lives by offering practical services, advice and emotional support. Explaining the partnership, Sue Maltby, Senior Manager at Azets in Nottingham said: “A group of 11 of us from our Nottingham office volunteered at the Friary to support with sorting the generous food donations following harvest festivals held locally. Seeing and talking to those running the charity gave us a great insight into how much goes on behind the scenes and how reliant they are on donations and volunteer hours. Across the year, groups of colleagues from our Nottingham office are sharing their time to help the Friary, with a separate team helping with the maintenance of the allotments in May. The allotments not only provide some of the produce that goes into the food provision but also act as a type of therapy for those needing a break from their normal routine, with outdoor craft sessions being added to the Friary’s offering for those in need. It’s a great charity doing incredible things, and we look forward to continuing our support in the coming months.” Ben Talbot, CEO at the Friary added: “The Friary team spend time working to support people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and we don’t always have the time to sort through the harvest donations we receive. We were genuinely blown away by how proactive and efficient the Azets team were. We look forward to welcoming them back again in the future.” Every employee at Azets’ is entitled to one day a year of volunteering time as part of the firm’s commitment to social causes. The Friary was chosen by the team in Nottingham to be the office’s charity of the year. Azets in Nottingham offers a full-service capability, including commercial audit, public sector audit, corporate tax compliance and advisory, private client tax, global mobility, technical accounting, outsourced statutory reporting, corporate finance, forensics, and restructuring. The office currently employs 47 people at Chetwynd Business Park.

MRP invests in cutting-edge laminator technology

Michael Fisher
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MRP invests in cutting-edge laminator technology
As part of ongoing commitment to enhancing their capabilities, MRP have announced announce the installation of a new Lamina Fasline Edge 1116 FLE Mounter/Laminator. This advanced machine offers increased versatility, productivity with up to 8,000 sheets per hour, sheet-to-sheet mounting of paper to board and board to board, whether solid or corrugated and with full servo control, it ensures edge-to-edge registration accuracy of less than 1mm and automatic feeding. It can seamlessly mount two sheets of board of varying thicknesses or paper to board. It is also capable of mounting various substrates to both open and closed-faced corrugated board. Equipped with an in-line ‘Flip Flop Stacker’ system, it automatically flips sheets to prevent curling without compromising speed—a task that was previously done manually, impacting output. Stephen Bates Managing Director said “We believe this new addition will offer better options to our clients, reduce turnaround times, and open doors to new markets. With the growing demand for subscription boxes, our clients are increasingly seeking environmentally friendly alternatives to plastic packaging.”  

Allison Homes invests in future talent with successful apprenticeship scheme

Michael Fisher
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Allison Homes invests in future talent with successful apprenticeship scheme
Regional housebuilder Allison Homes is celebrating the success of its apprenticeship scheme, after seeing four apprentices complete their courses early. Currently, the housebuilder has 11 apprentices working across various trades, including five first-year apprentices and six who are in their second year. This latest group takes the number of apprentices that Allison Homes has trained since 2021 to over 30. As part of the scheme, Allison Homes welcomes students from colleges across the East region. In particular, the housebuilder is in partnership with Stamford College and is a proud sponsor of its innovative Modern Methods of Construction Centre (MMC). In the last academic year, two carpentry apprentices, Leland Moore and Poppy Ludgate, and two bricklaying apprentices, Charlie Ransome and Jacob Kelk, graduated from the scheme well ahead of schedule. Prior to graduating, both Leland and Jacob, who worked at Allison Homes’ Harriers Rest and Abbey Park developments respectively, were recognised as some of the best apprentices in Cambridgeshire at the Peterborough Telegraph Apprenticeship Awards. In 2023 Leland was shortlisted for Construction Apprentice of the Year, and in September 2024 Jacob won the award in the same category. All four former apprentices are now in full-time employment for the contractors they worked with during their time at Allison Homes. Speaking about her experience on the scheme earlier this year, Poppy, who worked on Allison Partnerships’ Manning Road development in Bourne, said: “It has been great to learn whilst also being ‘hands-on’ and putting into practice what I’ve been shown, as well as mixing with all the people on site and understanding how the different trades rely on each other.” Andy Richards, Construction Director at Allison Homes East, said: “With the UK construction sector facing a significant skills shortage, Allison Homes is committed to playing our part in addressing this challenge. We’re passionate about investing in future talent, equipping young people with the skills and experience they need to build successful careers in the industry. “Our apprenticeship scheme is a huge benefit both to the students and to us, helping diversify our workforce and inspire not only the next generation, but our established site teams too. Our long-term goal at Allison Homes is that each of our apprentices will go on to work for our contractors and supply chain, and one day come back to us as site managers. “We look forward to seeing what all our apprentices, past and present, achieve and to continuing our successful scheme long into the future.”

Nottinghamshire Shared Ownership provider donates nearly £160,000

Michael Fisher
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Nottinghamshire Shared Ownership provider donates nearly £160,000
Platform, which provides Shared Ownership homes in Nottinghamshire has donated over £160,000 to charities and communities in the last year. Platform has reported that throughout the financial year 2023-2024, it gave £160,000 to 107 community projects.
This figure represents a number of separate contributions to charity, clubs and societies across the UK as part of its Community Fund, which both the home ownership and the housing association parts of the organisation has supported.
Examples of the projects supported include a baby, toddler and carers club, an organisation that promotes emerging local artists, a community pantry, and a retirement living complex that provides exercise classes to its residents.
As well as this, Platform donated a further £10,000 to its Community Kindness Campaign, which aims to support vulnerable and isolated people, as well as those on lower incomes, at a time when the cost of living continues to be a daily challenge.
In April, representatives of Platform handed midlands-based children’s charity Newlife a, a cheque for £43,533.48 after employees took part in a variety of fundraising activities, such as a 200 mile/2-day bicycle ride, the London Landmarks Half Marathon, bake sales, plant sales, clothing sales, and raffles.
Laura Osborne, Regional Director of Sales and Marketing at Platform, said: “It’s been an incredible experience being able to contribute to so many worthwhile causes throughout the year, and being able to make real and lasting change in the lives of so many how live in the communities that we’re a part of.
“Looking after and actively contributing to those communities that we operate in will always be important to us, and we’ll always do what we can to help support the most vulnerable in those communities. To know that we’re impacting people positively in these areas is as rewarding as it is important.”

All systems go at high profile summit on the East Midlands energy revolution

Michael Fisher
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All systems go at high profile summit on the East Midlands energy revolution
Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, shared her vision for decarbonising the region and stimulating inclusive growth at the East Midlands Hydrogen Summit, which took place last week on Friday 8th November at Loughborough University. The Summit showcased the East Midlands’ leading role in the future of clean energy and was brought together by East Midlands Hydrogen, an industry-led initiative supporting the region’s energy revolution by growing the UK’s largest inland hydrogen cluster. Dr Jeevun Sandher MP, Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Hydrogen and MP for Loughborough, also spoke at the summit. The APPG for Hydrogen focuses on raising awareness of, and building support for, large scale hydrogen projects to help the country meet decarbonisation targets.

Hundreds flock to LEP conference

Michael Fisher
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Hundreds flock to LEP conference
Over 400 people attended this year’s Greater Lincolnshire LEP Conference, where artificial intelligence (AI) and innovation were at the top of the agenda. An inspiring keynote by rebel technologist Brett StClair set the tone for the event, which took place at the EPIC Centre on the Lincolnshire Showground. A Demonstration Arena showcasing the latest technology and innovation from Greater Lincolnshire businesses and academics proved a popular attraction with delegates, and two In Conversation discussions on innovation provided much food for thought. On top of all that, the three past and present Chairs of the LEP – Professor Neal Juster, Pat Doody and Ursula Lidbetter – shared their reflections on the achievements of the LEP and looked forward to the future. And James Pinchbeck, Chief Marketing Officer at Streets and Chair of the Greater Lincolnshire Innovation Commission, launched the Greater Lincolnshire LEP’s Innovation Routemap. Developed by the LEP and the University of Lincoln, the routemap sets out a new approach to accelerating innovation-led growth across Greater Lincolnshire. “The LEP Conference is a chance for us to bring our supporters together, share ideas and see how technology is shaping the future of our economy,” said Professor Neal Juster, Chair of the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership. “One of the great things about the LEP is the collaboration that goes on between businesses. The conference is a great networking opportunity because you never know where your new business friends, supporters and collaborators are going to be. “Today our theme is innovation for growth, and it’s clear that if businesses are going to survive in a competitive market they need to either do new things or do what they’re currently doing differently. Today is an opportunity to see how other companies are doing things and share knowledge and experiences. “The feedback from our annual conference has always been extremely positive, and every year we’ve always had more people coming along. What they get out of it is an understanding of how others are operating in Lincolnshire, the challenges they have, the opportunities they’re grasping and how best they can capitalise on new technologies.”

McLaren Construction Midlands and North expands with trio of senior hires

Michael Fisher
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McLaren Construction Midlands and North expands with trio of senior hires

Three new senior roles have been announced within McLaren Construction’s Midlands and North division.

Operations Director – Luke Arnold, Divisional Director – Darren Harding, and Regional Commercial Director – Adam Craven, have been appointed to positions within the Midlands and North team as part of its continued growth strategy.

Luke Arnold will be working alongside managing director, Gary Cramp, to expand the Midlands and North business – developing into new sectors through public sector frameworks, alongside building the current teams to deliver success.

He brings 25 years of experience to the role and will be concentrating on building and motivating high performing teams alongside maximising both operational and commercial performance within the region.

On his new role, Luke said: “I am extremely proud of my client relationships and my ability to develop long standing relationships with supply chain and customers. With a wealth of experience across many different sectors of the industry, along with strong regional knowledge and long-standing customer and supply chain relationships – it’s exciting to have the opportunity to work with Gary and develop the Midlands and North region and I look forward to bringing new opportunities to the business.”

Darren Harding will be responsible for the full day-to-day responsibility of all PBSA (Purpose Built Student Accommodation) schemes across the Midlands and North regions, continuing to build on the success of the contractor’s completed schemes, whilst building new high-performing site teams for opportunities in the pipeline.

With over 40 years’ experience in the industry – relationship building will be a key focus of Darren’s new role – allowing him to build strong, professional connections to fortify teams and create new streams of work.

On his new position, Darren Harding, said: “In my new role I will continue to reinforce my client relationships across the Midlands and North region, whilst pursuing a variety of varied workload opportunities. I thrive on the ‘team building’ aspect of my role by means of listening, nurturing, and encouraging all team members to take full ownership for their roles, which ultimately allows them to grow and develop, whilst allowing me to build professional and high performing teams. The future is looking very positive for the business with a full pipeline of new opportunities.”

Business leaders gather for Chesterfield Investment Summit

Stuart Pearcey
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Business leaders gather for Chesterfield Investment Summit
Business leaders have outlined details on how Chesterfield’s collaborative approach towards regeneration is creating a perfect environment for business growth. Writing on the Chesterfield web site, Josh Marsh said the Chesterfield Investment Summit had provided an extensive update on projects that will dramatically increase jobs and prosperity across the borough’s communities. Destination Chesterfield organised the event, which was supported by Markham Vale, We Are Spaces, and East Midlands Chamber. The summit showcased a range of transformative projects taking place across the Borough, many of which have been made possible thanks to collaborative partnerships created across the public and private sectors. Delegates heard an update from the East Midlands Combined County Authority on the East Midlands Investment Zone, which is set to bring hundreds of high-quality jobs in advanced manufacturing and green industries to the former Staveley Chemical Works site and former Hartington Colliery site. Cllr Nadine Peatfield, Deputy Mayor of the East Midlands, commented: “The East Midlands Investment Zone is a game changer for our region. Under the leadership of Mayor Claire Ward, EMCCA will help create 4,300 jobs and leverage £383m of private investment. “Investing in the right places at the right times is going to be crucial to deliver the change needed to make this region the best place in the country to live, work and learn.”

Vistry Group to deliver 475 mixed-tenure homes in Hinckley, Leicestershire

Michael Fisher
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Vistry Group to deliver 475 mixed-tenure homes in Hinckley, Leicestershire
Vistry Group, the UK’s leading provider of affordable mixed-tenure homes, has acquired a major site in Hinckley, Leicestershire, with outline planning permission to deliver 475 new homes for the area. The site, to the east of Stoke Road and north of Normandy Way, in the north of the town, has a development value of £140m. Of the new homes being delivered, approximately 30% will be affordable, 25% will be developed for the private rented sector, and 45% will be for sale on the open market through a combination of its retail brands Bovis Homes, Linden Homes and Countryside Homes. All the houses will be constructed using modern methods of construction, with timber frame panels produced at the local Vistry Works factory in Bardon, Leicestershire. This will improve the sustainability and speed of the construction process, as well as reducing disruption for the local community. Each home built using these panels emits 14,460kg CO2e less than a traditional brick-and-block house. Andy Reynolds, Managing Director of Vistry South East Midlands, said: “This latest deal adds another high-quality site to our pipeline of projects in Leicestershire. With a significant shortage of supply in the area, the acquisition of this site is a major milestone in bringing forward a new mixed-tenure development that will provide modern, well-connected homes catering to people with a wide range of requirements and at various stages of life.” Richborough, one of the UK’s largest, best-in-class land promoters, was granted planning permission for the site in January 2024 and was instrumental in brokering the deal with Vistry. Jordan Gresham, Group Disposals Director at Richborough, said, “Congratulations to Vistry on securing this site. We’re excited to see it come to life and deliver the much-needed new homes. “I want to extend a huge thanks to our in-house team, and our consultants. Securing permission for 475 dwellings via planning appeal demonstrates our tenacity combined with a well-considered planning strategy. “A special mention must also go to Steve Louth, our honorary director who passed away in 2022.  This site was Steve’s vision, and it has been an honour to be involved in helping deliver this project as part of Steve’s Richborough legacy’’.  

Coalville company introduces UK’s first carbon capture to concrete production

Stuart Pearcey
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Coalville company introduces UK’s first carbon capture to concrete production
Groundbreaking technology that can capture carbon from the atmosphere and lock it into recycled concrete has been brought to the UK by Aggregate Industries. The Coalville-based building materials supplier, part of the global Holcim Group, nd Swiss company neustark have set up a mineralisation plant in London – the first venture into the UK market for the Swiss cleantech start-up which has 19 other sites in Europe. Neustark technology helps turn waste from demolished concrete – the world’s largest waste stream – into a carbon sink, permanently locking carbon removed from the atmosphere into processed concrete. The technology works by taking concrete from demolished buildings which is crushed and screened at an AIUK recycling site. It then undergoes a procedure in which CO2, captured from biogas plants, is liquified and injected into the concrete granules. This triggers a mineralisation process which permanently locks the captured carbon into the granules and can then be used to make new concrete or other building materials. So far neustark has permanently removed more than 2,500 tonnes of carbon since it launched commercially in 2023, with an aim of removing a million tonnes by 2030. Holcim invested in neustark last year, and is collaborating with it to deploy the solution at its sites worldwide, scaling up low-carbon and circular construction to multiple sites. The partnership won the 2023 Deloitte “Technology Fast 50” Venture Client Award for outstanding collaborations between startups and large companies. Lee Sleight, CEO of Aggregate Industries UK, said: “We are really excited to be introducing neustark into the UK as part of our aim to decarbonise our own operations and the wider industry. “This takes the battle to reduce carbon emissions to the next level through carbonation. The technology is available now and works – it can make a difference now not in five years time. “We have London – as one of the world’s largest urban mines – with direct access to demolished concrete from building projects and we have the neustark technology. Together we can remove carbon from the atmosphere and permanently lock it into recycled concrete which can then go on to be used again in new building projects. “This isn’t just a great carbon removal innovation but a great circular economy innovation where we are taking what was once a waste stream and reusing it, saving us from digging up virgin materials in the first place. “Once fully operational, we are sure that there will be plenty of like minded contractors and specifiers out there who want to further their own decarbonisation journey with us and we see this technology scaling up and delivering results very quickly. Together we can really drive towards our net zero ambitions.”  

Rutland Hall Hotel welcomes Sunil Kanjanghat SJS as new Director GM

Michael Fisher
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Rutland Hall Hotel welcomes Sunil Kanjanghat SJS as new Director GM
Rutland Hall Hotel is delighted to announce the appointment of Sunil Kanjanghat as the resort’s new Director General Manager. With over 20 years of global experience in the luxury hospitality sector, Sunil is set to bring his strategic expertise and focus on first class experiences to Rutland Hall after an exceptional tenure at Fawsley Hall Hotel & Spa, part of the Hand Picked Hotels portfolio. Known for his impactful leadership, Sunil is eager to contribute his vast expertise to the resort’s development and to build on Rutland Hall’s growing reputation as a premier luxury destination in the UK. “I am thrilled to be joining Rutland Hall Hotel at this time of change and growth,” explains Sunil. “I look forward to working with the existing team and I am also eager to collaborate with the owners, Priyesh Patel MBE DL and Minesh Patel, on the exciting and innovative projects to come. I am looking forward to what the future holds.” Sunil’s arrival coincides with several new developments at Rutland Hall which include the refurbishment of the leisure facilities and the opening of Four Roots Wellbeing which will offer guests a unique, four-hour curated journey which includes bathing, treatment, relaxation and dining. Sunil’s career spans senior leadership roles across many luxury five star and four red star experiences in Asia and England, where he has developed a reputation for driving operational excellence. Throughout his 8 years with the Montagu Arms in Hampshire, the Terrace restaurant held a One Michelin star. His portfolio of 5-star hotel successes includes Lainston House, part of the Exclusive collections, Le Meridien luxury hotels and the Sheraton, a 5-star deluxe hotel in Asia. Sunil is a St Julian’s Scholar and a graduate of the prestigious Innholders Scholarship from Cranfield University. His outstanding success in delivering luxury experiences stems from his exceptional management style, which is characterised by a focus on leading, supporting, and inspiring. This makes him the perfect fit to guide Rutland Hall through this exciting period of investment and development. Sunil’s vision and experience in managing large-scale projects and historical properties will be instrumental in furthering the hotel’s commitment to excellence. Priyesh Patel MBE DL, co-owner of Rutland Hall Hotel, expressed his enthusiasm for Sunil’s appointment: “We are excited to have Sunil on board at such an important time for our hotel. His leadership style is nothing short of remarkable, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact he will have on our operations, our team, and, of course, our guests.”
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