Nine startups selected to drive NHS digital innovation in Midlands

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Nine startups selected to drive NHS digital innovation in Midlands

Health Innovation East Midlands and Health Innovation West Midlands have jointly launched the first cohort of Grow Digital Health Midlands, a programme aimed at scaling digital innovation across the NHS. Nine early-stage health tech companies have been selected from a pool of 51 applicants to receive targeted support to speed up digital tool adoption within healthcare settings.

The selected companies will gain access to coaching, product development advice, and introductions to NHS and care system leaders across the Midlands. The region’s 11 Integrated Care Systems cover nearly 12 million people, making it the largest NHS region in England. The initiative is expected to provide startups with a unique opportunity to engage directly with health service providers and demonstrate value at scale.

The chosen firms are tackling a range of NHS priorities. One company is developing a platform to automate care coordination for patients with multiple long-term conditions, aiming to reduce administrative burden and increase appointment efficiency. Another offers a digital self-management programme designed to improve health literacy and reduce demand on clinicians.

Other innovations include an email triage tool that helps clinicians identify urgent messages, a platform that connects GPs with community pharmacies to streamline referrals and appointments, and a system for remote pre-operative assessment that supports clinical decision-making and reduces waiting lists.

Further selected solutions involve real-time transcription of medical consultations to cut down clinician admin, a virtual clinic platform to support long-term condition management, and a tool that gathers personalised data from hypertensive patients to inform prescribing decisions in line with NICE guidelines.

The programme reflects a broader NHS priority to reduce hospital dependency and boost productivity through proven, scalable digital solutions. The first Grow Digital Health Midlands cohort will run through 2025.

New cargo carriers expand East Midlands Airport’s role in UK freight logistics

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New cargo carriers expand East Midlands Airport’s role in UK freight logistics

East Midlands Airport (EMA) is expanding its position as a key UK freight hub. Several international cargo carriers have arrived, and new direct routes to China and the United States have been established.

US-based Atlas Air has launched scheduled cargo flights into EMA, operating five times weekly during the summer using Boeing 747 aircraft. These flights support trans-Pacific trade by linking the UK with China via the US.

In addition, Ethiopian Cargo has introduced a twice-weekly service to China from EMA, while Chinese carrier Central Airlines has commenced operations on behalf of cross-border logistics provider YunExpress. YunExpress has indicated plans to establish long-term UK operations outside the airport.

These developments follow a broader trend of logistics providers seeking alternatives to congested southern UK airports. EMA’s central location, strong road connectivity, and permissive night flying policies attract operators aiming to streamline supply chains and ensure faster turnaround times.

£10m regeneration scheme to breathe new life into Derby’s St James Street

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£10m regeneration scheme to breathe new life into Derby’s St James Street
A £10 million regeneration project has been unveiled, breathing new life into the heart of Derby city centre. Developer St James Street (Derby) Ltd, working in partnership with Derby City Council, has launched ambitious plans to restore, regenerate and revitalise more than a dozen properties on St James Street, one of the city’s most historically significant but underused areas. The developer acquired the properties from Clowes Developments in summer 2024, supported by Derby City Council and the Government’s Future High Streets Fund (FHSF). The properties comprise a mix of long-term vacant ground floor shops and extensive redundant upper floor spaces. Marc and Rebecca Brough, owners of the development company, recently acquired Allestree Hall from Derby City Council and are also founders of Cubo, the flex office company. St James Street has long been considered an ‘at risk’ street, with vacancy rates consistently exceeding 50%. However, with the opening of the city’s brand-new live entertainment venue, Vaillant Live, and the restored Derby Market Hall, the street is set to gain enhanced visibility and footfall. Beginning with the transformation of The Tramshed, a disused historic warehouse space, into Grade A office space, the scheme aims to completely overhaul ground-floor retail units and repurpose extensive, unused upper floors. A planning application is now ready to be submitted to create 29 apartments on the upper floors of the properties, stretching from The Strand to the end of St James Street, as well as new shopfronts on the vacant ground floor units. Future phases include plans to rejuvenate St James’s Yard and reinstate the pedestrian link from Sadler Gate through to St James Street. Rigby & Co acted on behalf of St James Street (Derby) Ltd to acquire the site from Clowes Developments. Marc Brough said: “We opened the first Cubo flexible office space at the corner of St James Street in 2020 and it has saddened me to see how this once-thriving street has become so run down and neglected since then. “As a company we are committed to breathing new life into these buildings – bringing long term vacant buildings back into economic use, driving higher footfall and vibrancy and creating a vibrant environment that will benefit businesses, residents and visitors. “We could not have embarked on this journey without the unwavering support from Derby City Council and their extended team and partners who have played a key role in helping bring our vision to life through the Future High Streets Fund.” Councillor Nadine Peatfield, leader of Derby City Council and cabinet member for city centre, regeneration, strategy and policy, said: “We were thrilled to partner with St James Street (Derby) Ltd on this project to revitalise this key area of our city centre. The team have made rapid progress and we’re looking forward to seeing the first phase of the scheme come to life. “Working closely with our partners, we’ve been able to make great progress in revitalising areas of our city centre. St James Street is a prime example of how, by collaborating with private sector partners, we can bring our vision for a vibrant city centre to life.” Commercial property and regeneration specialists Rigby & Co acted for St James Street (Derby) Ltd in acquiring the properties from Clowes Developments. Russell Rigby, managing director of Rigby & Co, said: “This is a massive shot in the arm for Derby city centre – the scheme needs vision, pace, experience and a ‘can-do’ attitude to overcome a number of barriers which have previously held this street back from releasing its full potential.” A grant of £2m has been made to the scheme by Derby City Council with funding from the Government’s Future High Streets Fund (FHSF).

Building materials sector mobilises to support UK housing targets

April Lara
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Building materials sector mobilises to support UK housing targets

The building materials industry, with a focus on regions like Northampton, is advancing a national recruitment campaign to tackle skills shortages and support the UK Government’s housing ambitions.

The Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) is spearheading the Building Materials Careers initiative (bmcareers.com), which seeks to attract new talent, including career changers and military veterans, into a sector valued at £51 billion. The campaign, launched earlier this year, is part of a broader workforce development strategy tied to the government’s goal of delivering 1.5 million new homes.

The programme builds on the success of the BMF’s Apprenticeship Pledge, which met its target of 15,000 apprenticeships five years ahead of the original 2030 deadline. It now shifts focus to increasing awareness of career opportunities across manufacturing, supply, and merchant operations, areas critical to construction site productivity and innovation.

The online platform features job listings and personal accounts from professionals already in the sector. Participating businesses, including major suppliers and distributors like STARK Building Materials UK Ltd, have aligned their hiring efforts with the campaign to future-proof their workforces.

This industry-led effort is viewed as vital to the infrastructure needed to scale up materials production and distribution, essential for meeting rising demand from housebuilding projects across the UK. The initiative also complements broader government and private sector moves to build a more resilient and inclusive construction supply chain.

Plans for two new housing estates under review in Fleckney

April Lara
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Plans for two new housing estates under review in Fleckney

Harborough District Council is reviewing proposals for two large-scale residential developments on the northern edge of Fleckney, which could bring 340 new homes to the village.

One application, submitted by David Wilson Homes, outlines a plan to build 170 residential units on a 7.5-hectare site currently used as farmland. The land lies off Long Grey and Garner Way. According to the submitted documentation, 40% of the homes would be designated affordable housing. The proposal also includes green space and allotments.

A separate application has been lodged for 170 homes on an adjacent field off Leicester Road. Planning officers are currently considering both developments, and decisions are expected later in the year.

Leicestershire aerial survey firm, Bluesky International snapped up

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Leicestershire aerial survey firm, Bluesky International snapped up
Woolpert has acquired Leicestershire-based Bluesky International, the aerial survey firm.
Bluesky is headquartered in Ashby-de-la-Zouch and has over 130 staff across the UK, Ireland, the United States, and India. The private, multidisciplinary geospatial solutions firm specialises in aerial imaging, lidar, 3D modeling, vegetation, and renewables mapping.
Woolpert is a global provider of geospatial services, collecting and processing imagery and lidar data from mountaintops to the seafloor. With the addition of Bluesky’s fleet of aircraft and sensors, capabilities, and innovative data products, Woolpert further expands its position across North America, Europe, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific.
“Bluesky was an obvious choice to join the Woolpert family of companies, not just for its dedication to geospatial excellence, but also for its commitment to client satisfaction and workplace culture,” Woolpert president and CEO Neil Churman said. “With the addition of Bluesky to Woolpert’s trans-Atlantic team, together, we’ll be able to offer clients across Europe and North America a truly comprehensive set of geospatial services and products. We are beyond thrilled to embark upon the new opportunities that Bluesky and Woolpert will bring to each other and to our clients.”
Bluesky CEO Rachel Tidmarsh said: “We’re looking forward to being part of a firm that shares our passion and excitement about geospatial data and analysis, and creating an impact for our clients and communities. “Woolpert’s extensive expertise in all things geospatial, as well as the addition of their architecture and engineering services, opens up a new realm of possibilities for our clients. We couldn’t be more excited about the ability to service our clients as a truly one-stop shop with this world-leading geospatial team.” Howes Percival advised Bluesky International and its shareholders on all aspects of the deal. Corporate partner Gareth John said: “This was a fantastic transaction to be involved with. It highlights the quality of the businesses we have in this region and demonstrates our growing credentials on complex deals. We wish everyone at Bluesky the very best for the future.”

Duo of Nottingham brownfield sites sold for residential development

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Duo of Nottingham brownfield sites sold for residential development
Godwin Developments has sold two brownfield sites in North Nottingham to Nottingham Community Housing Association (NCHA), working in conjunction with Owl Partnerships as contractor. The deal allows for the imminent start of construction on 102 affordable homes in the city. Set in the Bulwell area, the combined five-acre sites have been vacant for 15 years and hold detailed residential planning consent secured by Godwin. The developments will deliver two- and three-bedroom homes, including shared ownership and social rent affordable tenures, across the two adjacent locations. The Maple Fields scheme, on the grounds of the former Henry Mellish School on Kersall Drive, will provide 45 new homes, while the Crescent, on the former Piccadilly Playing Field, will deliver 57 homes. Godwin’s director of partnerships, Tim Hart said: “We are pleased to have completed the sale of these well-located sites to NCHA and would like to thank them for their commitment and professionalism throughout the process. “This development will deliver 102 high-quality affordable homes at a time of acute housing need in Nottingham and across the UK. We look forward to seeing these much-needed properties built and occupied.” Fran Cropper, new business and development manager at NCHA, said: “We’re really pleased to be working with Nottingham City Council again on this important scheme with social value. This development reflects our commitment to building homes that are both affordable and environmentally friendly, in line with our sustainability targets. “With rising energy costs, these homes will provide residents with lower living expenses and a reduced carbon footprint. We’re proud to bring this new housing scheme to Nottingham, addressing local housing needs while paving the way for a sustainable future.” Warren Bolton, managing director at Owl Partnerships, said: “It’s been a fantastic experience to work alongside Godwin and NCHA to bring these developments to life. “Partnerships are built off the back of hard work, dedication and collaboration and that’s exactly what this venture needed and that’s exactly what it got. Development can be made difficult but with good people and a partners mentality, we can do anything.  Congratulations and well done to the whole team involved.” Advisors on the transaction included solicitors Field Fisher and Browne Jacobson and affordable housing specialists Redbrick Housing Consultancy.

Cronofy secures £15m investment to supercharge growth

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Cronofy secures £15m investment to supercharge growth
Cronofy, a Nottingham-based provider of embedded scheduling infrastructure, has secured a £15 million investment from BGF, one of the UK and Ireland’s most active growth capital investors. The funding will support Cronofy’s ongoing expansion and product development as it continues to streamline complex scheduling processes for businesses globally. Founded in Nottingham, Cronofy enables real-time, secure scheduling through its integrated platform, which is used by over 180,000 organisations worldwide. The company’s technology is embedded into business workflows and applications, powering scheduling functionality across sectors including recruitment, healthcare, and professional services. The platform was created by experienced engineers, Adam Bird and Garry Shutler, who recognised that a new architectural approach was needed to unlock embedded scheduling at scale whilst natively respecting security and privacy. Cronofy’s technology has been adopted by major brands such as Indeed, Houzz and Docplanner. Among its global customer base, fintech business Wise has reduced its interview scheduling time from six days to 90 minutes using Cronofy’s platform integrations. The fast growth business will use the funding to enhance its core product offering, expand into new use cases, and accelerate its growth in international markets, particularly in the US where it currently generates over 60% of its revenue. The investment also provides a partial exit for Cronofy’s seed-stage investors, who have supported the company since its inception in 2016. Adam Bird, CEO and co-founder of Cronofy, said: “We were seeking a partner to support the next stage of our growth journey, and BGF offers the experience, flexibility and scale to help us achieve our goals. “Scheduling is a critical but often overlooked business function, and our mission is to simplify it in a secure and privacy-first way for organisations worldwide. We’ve spent the last decade building a platform that integrates seamlessly into the systems our customers already use, saving them time and improving efficiency. “With this investment, we’re poised to accelerate our impact across even more industries and geographies.” Seb Saywood, partner at BGF, added: “Cronofy is a stand-out tech success story that has achieved global recognition in its vertical for having the most reliable embedded scheduling infrastructure. “Its ROI for a range of different customer types and size, including enterprise, is compelling. It has a customer centric, product first growth strategy that has already generated 60% of its sales from the more mature US market. “We look forward to partnering with this impressive management team who have a proven track record in solving problems for customers and scaling tech businesses.” Advisers to Cronofy on the transaction included Shakespeare Martineau (Duncan James, Renee Freeman, Roger Harcourt) and RSM (Martin Brown). Advisers to BGF on the transaction included Browne Jacobson (Mark Hughes, Matt Bolton, Ka Man Shing), Cooper Parry (Sara Thompson, Jack Mcfarlane, Lauren Nutty), Alvarez & Marsal (Ian Birch, Joe Stevenson), RP Advisory (Suzy Smith, Aries Shomalistos) and Scalewise (Tom Glason, Munya Hoto).

Nottingham CEO gets ready to raise £10,000 for Duchenne Dash 2025

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Nottingham CEO gets ready to raise £10,000 for Duchenne Dash 2025
The CEO at Nottingham-headquartered Blinds 2go is cycling 300km in 24-hours in a bid to raise an impressive £10,000 for charity. Nick Thomas will be among 160 riders participating in Duchenne UK’s challenging annual cycling event, the Duchenne Dash, covering the 300km distance from London to Paris in under 24-hours to raise a collective £1 million. Duchenne UK is at the forefront of funding world-class research and care for those affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a progressive condition primarily affecting young boys which causes progressive muscle degeneration and weakness. Nick said: “DMD is a devastating condition which around 100 boys are born with each year. There is currently no cure, but the research Duchenne UK invest in is dramatically helping to advance treatments for those living with the disease – there are currently more than 500 boys participating in clinical trials which simply didn’t exist a decade ago.” This is Nick’s seventh time competing in the Duchenne Dash, and his colleagues at Blinds 2go are supporting Nick to achieve his fundraising target by 17th May through completing an in-house cycling challenge, in which Blinds 2go will donate £1 for each kilometre the team complete, donating £500 if they achieve the full 300km. Blinds 2go are also a lead sponsor for the event. Nick continued: “I’m honoured to be taking part in such a meaningful event. Last year was a challenge, starting with a 100km ride down to the south coast, then an uncomfortable overnight ferry crossing to the final 200km to Paris, but it was also an incredibly rewarding day and an emotional experience to ride alongside the loved ones of those coping with the challenges of DMD on a daily basis. “This is my 7th Duchenne Dash, so I can talk from some experience – and I’m doing it because, in my view, Duchenne UK is a hugely deserving charity. The money we help raise will make such a difference and I’m grateful to everyone for their support!” To support Nick, visit www.justgiving.com/team/nick-and-barts-duchenne-dash-2025

Nissan to slash 11,000 more jobs and shut seven plants amid global reset

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Nissan to slash 11,000 more jobs and shut seven plants amid global reset

Nissan has announced plans to cut 11,000 more jobs and close seven factories worldwide, intensifying a cost-cutting programme driven by falling global demand, rising competition, and weak performance in key markets, including China and the US. The move brings total layoffs over the past year to around 20,000, roughly 15% of the company’s workforce.

The Japanese carmaker has faced sustained pressure from sliding sales in China, where local electric vehicle brands like BYD have surged, and from margin-eroding discounting in the US. Last year’s failed merger talks with Honda and Mitsubishi, which aimed to create a $60 billion global automotive player, further stalled recovery efforts.

Roughly two-thirds of the new redundancies will affect manufacturing roles, with the rest spread across admin, sales, R&D, and contracted staff. Details on which locations will be impacted, including Nissan’s Sunderland facility, which is home to around 6,000 jobs, have not yet been disclosed.

These cuts follow a previous round of 9,000 layoffs announced in November as part of a broader initiative to reduce production capacity by 20% globally. Nissan has also cancelled plans to build a new EV and battery plant in Japan, signalling a pullback on capital investment.

Nissan’s annual financials revealed a loss of ¥ $670 billion ($4.5 billion), with the company citing ongoing uncertainty around US tariffs and rising operational costs. No income forecast was issued for the current year. Despite a slight increase in US retail sales, global demand remains soft. Sales dropped 12% in China and declined across Japan and Europe.

Growth for Wells McFarlane as new asset manager appointed

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Growth for Wells McFarlane as new asset manager appointed
The commercial property team at consultancy, Wells McFarlane has grown following the appointment of a new asset manager. Bobby Brown joins the Lutterworth-based firm, bringing almost five years’ commercial agency experience, particularly in retail and leisure properties. As asset manager, Bobby’s responsibilities include agency, rent reviews, lease renewals, dilapidations, property & estate management. “I’m excited to take this next step in my career and learn from the team at Wells McFarlane,” explains Bobby. “The firm has a diverse property portfolio, including a strong reputation in the office and industrial markets. I was keen to develop my knowledge in these sectors so when the role became available, it seemed the right opportunity to explore. “My initial meeting with the Directors was really positive and confirmed my decision that this would be the right role for me. I’m pleased they agreed!” Bobby joins Wells McFarlane on a Degree Apprenticeship, following the completion of his Certificate of Higher Education in Construction Technology from the University College of Estate Management (UCEM). Bobby is now studying for a Real Estate Management degree so part of his role includes day release training at UCEM, with his ultimate aim to achieve MRICS status in 2027. Wells McFarlane’s director, Jason Hercock is mentoring Bobby. Jason said: “Bobby has good knowledge of the Leicestershire commercial property sector but was looking to broaden this to support his studies and ongoing professional development. With the right balance of experience and enthusiasm, he was certainly the standout candidate and has really blended in well with the team. “Bobby’s appointment follows a sustained period of growth for our commercial property division, including new instructions in Solihull, Shrewsbury and Market Harborough, as well adding to our management portfolio with business parks in Walsall and Blaby. We’re confident we now have the right team in place to ensure future success.” A Leicestershire local, Bobby’s interests outside of work include sports, films, playing guitar and travelling. Prior to beginning his role as asset manager, Bobby spent a year visiting South East Asia, New Zealand and South America.

Arc Partnership expands with new professional services and expanded team

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Arc Partnership expands with new professional services and expanded team
Arc Partnership has expanded its professional services portfolio, by introducing estates service and development service provision, and appointing a new director to lead the new teams. The strategic move means Arc Partnership, a joint venture between Nottinghamshire County Council and SCAPE, can now provide the council with end-to-end property lifecycle management, covering everything from pre-construction and design to maintenance, estate management, valuations, development consultancy services and risk management. As part of the expansion, six new team members have joined Arc Partnership, including two new senior development managers, two principal surveyors and two estate surveyors. They will be led by Andrea Hopkins who has also been newly appointed as director of the estates practice. Andrea brings a wealth of experience from Leicestershire County Council, where she led key construction projects and managed the council’s disposal programme as well as overseeing the valuation function. In her new role, Andrea will oversee and develop both service areas.  Commenting on her appointment, Andrea said: “It is a fantastic time to be joining Arc Partnership as they continue to bolster their expertise and offering across the board. “This is an exciting opportunity to lead and develop three key services – Estates Practice, Risk Management Services and Development and Disposals through Arc Partnership on behalf of Nottinghamshire County Council. “The Estates Practice and Development Services Teams have responsibility for management of Nottinghamshire County Council’s property portfolio, advising on and implementing good estate management practices, risk compliance and adding real value by identifying and implementing development and disposal projects. “Through close collaboration with the council and internal teams, we will drive efficiencies, ensure standards are maintained and identify cost-saving opportunities for Nottinghamshire County Council.” Dan Maher, managing director at Arc Partnership, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Andrea and our two new teams to Arc Partnership. “This expansion allows us to offer a full suite of services across the entire property lifecycle, enhancing the expert support we provide on behalf of Nottinghamshire County Council, delivering value for money, quality of output and customer excellence, and this latest development further strengthens our ability to do so.”

East Midlands sole traders unaware of looming tax reporting changes

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East Midlands sole traders unaware of looming tax reporting changes
Seven in ten (71%) sole traders in the East Midlands may be unaware of major changes to how they report their income tax, according to new research by IRIS Software Group. With new Making Tax Digital (MTD) requirements becoming mandatory from April 2026, many sole traders in the region could be unprepared. MTD for Income Tax Self-Assessment (ITSA) will require those earning over £50,000 to maintain digital records and submit quarterly updates using compatible software. This threshold will drop to £30,000 in 2027 and to £20,000 in 2028. The study revealed that a quarter (26%) of sole traders in the region had never heard of MTD, and 16% of those who had heard of it were unaware of what the April 2026 changes entail. Many sole traders in the region admitted they wished they were more informed. The majority raised concerns about a lack of communication from HMRC, while others expected to hear about the changes from their accountants. Only a quarter (24%) of respondents in the region said they felt “very prepared” for the forthcoming requirements. The findings are part of a study of 1,000 sole traders across the UK from IRIS, with 102 panelled in the East Midlands. Mark Chambers, managing director at IRIS Accountancy, said: “These findings highlight an important moment of opportunity for sole traders in the East Midlands. With MTD on the horizon, there’s a chance to modernise financial processes, unlock efficiencies, and gain clearer visibility of income and expenses. “It’s encouraging that some already feel prepared, but many more are yet to realise the benefits that digital tax reporting will bring. “This also presents an opportunity for accountants. The findings point to hundreds of sole traders across the region waiting for a phone call from their accountants on how they can be better prepared. Accountants also have a key role to play in educating their local business community, which can open the door to new business.”

National Grid expands Lincolnshire transmission plans to boost energy capacity

April Lara
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National Grid expands Lincolnshire transmission plans to boost energy capacity

National Grid has outlined new proposals to upgrade electricity transmission infrastructure in Lincolnshire and neighbouring regions. The aim is to support growing energy demands and facilitate the transition to renewable power sources.

The latest proposal involves a 37-mile overhead power line connecting a planned substation at Weston Marsh near Spalding to a grid connection point in eastern Leicestershire. The project is in early development, and some routes would use existing transmission corridors.

This follows an earlier controversial proposal for a separate 87-mile pylon route between Grimsby and Walpole, which has met resistance from local authorities, including Lincolnshire County Council.

In parallel, National Grid is advancing its Eastern Greenlink project series (EGL3, EGL4, and EGL5), designed to bring offshore wind-generated electricity from Scotland to England. These primarily undersea cables would land at Anderby Creek near Skegness, with underground connections extending inland.

EGL5 is planned to terminate at a new converter station near Alford, with two potential sites under consideration: Bilsby or Huttoft. Previous plans for converter and switching stations in Bilsby and a separate underground line have been scrapped.

Each Greenlink cable is expected to transmit enough power to supply approximately two million homes, reflecting a strategic shift from imported fossil fuels to domestic renewable energy.

Public consultations for EGL3–5 are underway, with meetings scheduled this month, and separate consultations for the Weston Marsh pylon line set for June.

Devello Group backs the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025

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Devello Group backs the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025
Law firm Devello Group has joined the lineup of businesses backing the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025, sponsoring the event for a second year. This year supporting the ‘Developer of the Year’ category, Devello Group is a specialist planning and property development practice with offices in Nottingham and Lincoln, founded by experienced lawyers Shruti Trivedi and Iain Hibbert. Their niche law firm helps clients with a wide range of services in the sector, operating with a bespoke, value-led approach that does not use a traditional hourly fee-paying model. Speaking with Business Link, Shruti Trivedi said: “We are delighted to again be supporting the Bricks Awards with other notable local businesses. Last year’s event was invaluable in helping to establish our new company amongst our peers who share our vision of providing outstanding client service in a forward-thinking, innovative manner. “We are looking forward to catching up with our co-sponsors, last year’s winners and this year’s nominees at the 2025 Bricks Awards, to celebrate those within the industry who are making a notable contribution and delivering exceptional results. “We know last year’s winners were delighted to receive this recognition and encourage anyone who has an exceptional project worthy of recognition to apply!” The East Midlands Bricks Awards, which will take place on Thursday 2nd October at Nottingham’s famous Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, celebrates the successes of property and construction companies in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, and Northamptonshire.
Iain Hibbert from Devello (second from right) handing over the award for Residential Development of the Year at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024 to Distinctive Developments
Recognising those behind the changing landscape of the East Midlands, the occasion highlights development projects, businesses, and people in commercial and public building across the region – from office, industrial and residential schemes, through to community projects such as leisure schemes and schools. It also toasts the work of architects, agencies, and those behind large schemes. Welcoming almost 150 professionals, nominating a company or project for the awards is a great way to showcase your successes, recognise your team’s efforts, bolster morale, and reach our audience of over 60,000 business readers, while also offering a chance to connect with respected professionals. It’s completely free to enter and making the top three finalists in your category also wins you free tickets to the event.

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

Supporting imagery, video, documents, or links to these, can be sent to bricks@blmgroup.co.uk. Video nomination pitches are also welcome as an alternative or companion to written entries. Categories include: 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.

Doctor Spin will see you now – Marvel’s PR headache dissected: by Greg Simpson, founder of Press For Attention PR

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Doctor Spin will see you now – Marvel’s PR headache dissected: by Greg Simpson, founder of Press For Attention PR
Greg Simpson, founder of Press For Attention PR, dissects a PR blunder. They say PR is full of egos. Well…how about an alter-ego?! Meet mine, Doctor Spin! This month, we head to the MCU — not the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but the Media Crisis Universe, where billion-dollar brands and Hollywood egos are currently engaging in the most unheroic of smackdowns. Here’s the plot: Justin Baldoni is countersuing Blake Lively (who accused him of sexual harassment), claiming defamation and civil extortion. Then, in a move that can only be described as Deadpool-adjacent, a character called Nicepool appears in Deadpool & Wolverine, allegedly mocking Baldoni. Marvel’s now being subpoenaed to reveal internal communications, and they’re not having it. Ryan Reynolds, of course, plays Deadpool and is married to Lively. Swifties are nervously hovering in the background. Hugh Jackman may get dragged into it too. Doctor Spin’s diagnosis: This is a textbook case of Brand Collateral Damage — when personal legal battles start bleeding into creative IP, blurring the lines between character and creator. Marvel’s plea to the court? “Leave us out of it.” But by the time the character’s on-screen and the internet’s doing side-by-sides, it’s too late. The narrative has mutated. Doctor Spin’s prescription: 1. Don’t let characters speak for you If you’re involved in legal proceedings, anything you release — a film, a tweet, a passive-aggressive cocktail napkin — will be scrutinised. Let your lawyers talk, not your fictional alter egos. 2. Pre-mortem your PR Marvel should’ve run a pre-release risk assessment on that character. If someone in legal or PR had said, “Is this a bad idea given the ongoing lawsuit?” we might not be here. Always assume someone will connect the dots — especially if the dots are married. 3. Third parties? Third rail. Dragging in Taylor Swift? Subpoenaing Hugh Jackman? These side plots only inflate the media oxygen. Every new name becomes a headline. That’s not “narrative control.” That’s a sequel no one greenlit. 4. Own it or ghost it Marvel’s current move — trying to stay quiet and legally separate — may work, if the courts agree. But silence can also look like evasion. If you’re staying out of it, say so early and clearly, before the speculation spreads faster than a mutant gene. Until next time, stay super. Stay strategic. Doctor Spin, signing off. P.S. Think you spotted a PR blunder worth dissecting? Email me, Doctor Spin might make another house call.   A former business journalist, Greg Simpson is the author of The Small Business Guide to PR and has been recognised as one of the UK’s top 5 PR consultants, having set up Press For Attention PR in 2008. He has worked for FTSE 100 firms, charities and start-ups and conducted press conferences with Sir Richard Branson and James Caan. His background ensures a deep understanding of every facet of a successful PR campaign – from a journalist’s, client’s, and consultant’s perspective. See this column in the May issue of East Midlands Business Link Magazine here.

Pension funds commit billions to private UK assets in industry-backed push

April Lara
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Pension funds commit billions to private UK assets in industry-backed push

Seventeen major UK pension schemes and providers have pledged to allocate at least 10% of their defined contribution (DC) default funds to private markets by 2030, half of which will be earmarked for investments in UK-based assets. This initiative, the Mansion House Accord, is a collaboration between the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association (PLSA), the Association of British Insurers (ABI), and the City of London Corporation.

The move is expected to mobilise over £50 billion in capital across the next five years, with £25 billion directly targeted at UK investments. This represents a significant potential capital boost for British businesses, particularly those seeking venture capital or growth equity.

The agreement follows an earlier 2024 pledge, the Mansion House Compact, which revealed UK pension funds held just £800 million in unlisted equity, equating to around 0.36% of their total DC default fund holdings. The new targets aim to substantially improve that figure and bring the UK more in line with international peers regarding private market exposure.

The British Private Equity and Venture Capital Association (BVCA) is using this momentum to lobby for greater inclusion of venture capital in pension fund portfolios, positioning the asset class as capable of delivering strong long-term returns. The group emphasises that much of the benefit from UK innovation is currently being captured by overseas investors and calls for domestic funds to take a more active role in supporting UK growth sectors, including life sciences, AI, and net-zero technologies.

The government has also signalled continued support for reforming pension regulations to help unlock greater capital flows into British scale-ups.

Marston’s begins £5.4m solar rollout across pub estate

April Lara
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Marston’s begins £5.4m solar rollout across pub estate

Marston’s has begun installing solar panels at 120 of its UK pubs as part of a £5.4 million renewable energy programme to cut operational costs and carbon emissions.

Two Blues Solar is leading the year-long rollout, with Nuvolt handling installation and technical execution. Atrato Onsite Energy is financing the entire initiative, which will retain ownership of the systems and manage performance over a 25-year contract period.

The energy solution is structured as a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), allowing Marston’s to buy all on-site generated electricity without owning the solar assets. This setup eliminates upfront costs and gives the business long-term energy price certainty, shielding it from market volatility.

Each site is expected to produce roughly 30,000 kWh of electricity annually, meeting around 15–20% of a typical pub’s energy needs. The project will reduce carbon emissions by 600 tonnes in its first year, aligning with Marston’s Net Zero goals for 2040.

The agreement is among the first large-scale PPAs in the UK pub sector. It offers a blueprint for other multi-site operators looking to decentralise energy procurement while accelerating sustainability targets.

£5m award to help commercialise Lincoln-led agri-tech research

Tess Egginton
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£5m award to help commercialise Lincoln-led agri-tech research

A new partnership led by the University of Lincoln, to develop a globally recognised agri-tech innovation cluster in the East of England, has received a major national funding award from Research England to advance commercialisation of research through new spin-out companies.

Agri-tech Commercialisation Ecosystems (ACE), a partnership project from the universities of Lincoln, Cambridge and East Anglia, has been awarded £5 million by the UKRI-Research England CCF-RED Fund. This will enable the creation of a national agri-tech ‘Technology Transfer Office’ and the new company Ceres Agri-Tech Ltd that will support the commercialisation of early-stage agricultural innovations. Ceres Agri-Tech is a collaborative initiative founded by and located at Cambridge Enterprise, the innovation arm of the University of Cambridge. The project targets key regional challenges, including low wages, workforce skills gaps, and climate resilience by supporting high-quality, inclusive employment and environmentally focused agri-tech innovation. Professor Simon Pearson, founding director of the Lincoln Institute for Agri-Food Technology (LIAT) at the University of Lincoln, said: “We are thrilled that the ACE project has received a vital £5 million award from Research England, which will enable incredible growth within agri-tech and the creation of many new ‘spin-out’ businesses over the next decade and beyond. “Within the next 10 years, ACE aims to fund 95 research projects, create over 1,300 new jobs within the sector and bring a projected £506 million into the UK economy. “In a world where geopolitical instability, climate change and resource scarcity seem to be threatening food security, we now have a great opportunity to create an innovation cluster for the UK that will deliver positive economic, societal and environmental impacts for many years to come.” The ACE project will harness the agricultural and research strengths of Greater Lincolnshire, East Anglia, and Cambridgeshire, turning them into a globally competitive innovation cluster. The region’s dense concentration of crop production, agri-tech infrastructure, and civic support creates a unique platform for high-impact investment and sustainable food system development.

Shoosmiths exits Nottingham office in shift to flexible work hubs

April Lara
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Shoosmiths exits Nottingham office in shift to flexible work hubs

UK law firm Shoosmiths is shutting down its Nottingham office and transitioning the team to a flexible workspace model, as part of a broader rethink of its national office footprint.

The move is aligned with the firm’s 2030 strategy, which emphasises a hybrid work structure. Shoosmiths is phasing out underutilised offices in favour of three types of space: core offices in key cities, flexible hubs, and community spaces. The Nottingham office, currently based at Waterfront House, will be replaced with a flexible workspace later this summer.

Shoosmiths’ central offices will remain in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, and Edinburgh. Community-style locations will initially launch in Milton Keynes and Nottingham, offering a more adaptable setting to support client engagement and staff flexibility.

Long-term changes in employee work habits and client interaction preferences drive the strategy. Shoosmiths expects the shift to generate £2 million in annual savings by streamlining its real estate commitments.

The Nottingham office had been home to departments covering real estate, corporate, business advisory, and personal legal services. The new model is intended to maintain this capability while reducing physical infrastructure and operational overhead.

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