On Thursday 2nd October, East Midlands Business Link’s prestigious Bricks Awards will take place at the famous Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, celebrating the region’s property and construction industry. The annual event recognises 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. With nominations closing on Friday 15th August, 10 categories are available to enter. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to showcase your projects and team, reward their hard work, and boost morale. Amongst this year’s categories is Responsible Business of the Year, which can be entered here. The winner of this award will have demonstrated corporate responsibility in their field, working in harmony and for the betterment of the local community in which it operates and setting a shining example for the rest of the supply chain. It’s completely free to submit a nomination and making the top three finalists in your category also wins you free tickets to the awards ceremony. Last year the award was won by Stepnell Ltd, with Cawarden and Cora runners up. Tom Sewell, regional director at Stepnell, said: “Winning the Responsible Business Award at the 2024 East Midlands Bricks Awards was an incredibly proud moment for the Nottingham team at Stepnell, recognising our dedication to responsible practices and commitment to sustainable development in the region. “The awards are a fantastic opportunity to connect with others in the industry and celebrate regional excellence. I would wholeheartedly encourage business from across the East Midlands property and construction landscape to get involved.” With this year’s Responsible Business of the Year award sponsored by Wright Vigar, Tom Maxwell, marketing manager at Wright Vigar, said: “We’re proud to be sponsoring the Responsible Business category at this year’s Bricks Awards. Supporting this initiative reflects our belief that long-term success in business goes hand-in-hand with integrity, sustainability, and community impact. “We’re looking forward to celebrating the outstanding achievements of property and construction professionals across the region and encourage businesses of all sizes to put themselves forward.” Submit your nominations for Responsible Business of the Year here, before entries close on Friday 15th August. Winners will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony on Thursday 2nd October, at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground (4:30pm – 7:30pm) – an evening also offering an opportunity to establish new connections with property and construction professionals from across the region, and hear from 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. Other award categories open for entry include: Most Active Agent, Developer of the Year, Sustainable Development of the Year, Commercial Development of the Year, Contractor of the Year, Deal of the Year, Architects of the Year, Excellence in Design, and Residential Development of the Year. All entry forms can be accessed here. The Overall Winner award will also be presented at the event. This award cannot be entered, with the winner selected from those nominated for the event’s other awards. The Overall Winner of the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025 will also receive 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.  

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:

A total of 4,790 businesses across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, and Leicester have received support from an initiative designed to foster innovation, growth, and sustainability. The programme, launched in 2023 by East Midlands Chamber and funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), aims to help firms scale and navigate the challenges of modern business environments.

The initiative, which operates on behalf of local authorities in Derby, Leicester, and Nottinghamshire, has already led to the creation of 143 new businesses, the safeguarding of 505 jobs, and the creation of 598 new roles. Additionally, 401 companies have introduced new products, technologies, and processes, significantly improving their competitive edge. Several firms have also increased their export capability as part of the programme.

The Accelerator Programme, which offers expert business advice, grants, growth vouchers for technology investment, decarbonisation support, and sustainability workshops, has been extended until March 2025. Erewash businesses will also be included after joining the initiative.

For businesses looking to scale, the High Growth Accelerator provides tailored support, while those with international trade ambitions can benefit from the Export Accelerator. Businesses interested in the programme can register online to access one-on-one advice and explore the various support services available.

Chesterfield’s visitor economy continues to grow, but business leaders are calling for further investment in skills and innovation to ensure its long-term success.

At a recent roundtable event hosted by Destination Chesterfield, local business, tourism, and heritage leaders met to address challenges and explore how the region can nurture the next generation of hospitality and cultural professionals.

A key issue discussed was the shortage of skilled workers in certain areas of the sector, particularly in technical roles like chefs and kitchen staff. Industry leaders emphasized the importance of encouraging more young people to pursue these roles as a rewarding career path.

Regional efforts are being made to support local businesses through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which provides mentoring, coaching, and practical support. Over 100 Chesterfield businesses have benefited from this initiative, with significant results including the creation of new jobs and the adoption of new technologies.

The roundtable participants also highlighted the importance of early work experience opportunities for young people, which can serve as a powerful recruitment tool. Many agreed that connecting businesses with schools before students make career choices could help build a pipeline of talent for the industry.

Additionally, the conversation turned to the role of digital tools and AI in supporting business growth. While AI holds potential for marketing, customer insights, and data-driven decision-making, industry leaders noted that human connection remains irreplaceable in hospitality and tourism.

The event concluded with a consensus on the importance of collaboration and continuous support for training and development to help businesses thrive in an increasingly competitive environment.

A new social venture has been launched by the University of Nottingham and the University of Bristol aimed at reducing food waste and addressing food insecurity. Circular Agriculture Hub connects small-scale farmers with community buyers, including food banks, social supermarkets, and small food producers, to sell surplus produce.

The venture was established with £40,000 in seed funding from ImpactU and is the outcome of a long-term academic collaboration between Dr Lucy McCarthy of Bristol and Professor Anne Touboulic of Nottingham. Research shows that seven per cent of food intended for consumption is wasted on UK farms each year. Meanwhile, millions of people face food insecurity. Circular Agriculture Hub aims to mitigate this issue by facilitating the redistribution of surplus or imperfect produce, such as misshapen vegetables or cosmetically damaged fruit, to those in need.

Initially operating offline in a brokerage-style model, the platform will evolve into a digital tool to enhance its national, and potentially international, reach. This social venture reflects the universities’ dedication to impactful research, social good, and sustainable food practices. The launch and initial investment funding align with the universities’ broader goals of addressing key societal and environmental challenges.

Huxloe Group, a third-party logistics provider from Kettering, has teamed up with Shipster, a provider of advanced shipping integration software, to create a smarter parcel management system tailored for eCommerce retailers. This new collaboration integrates Shipster’s sophisticated shipping rules engine with Huxloe’s delivery and multi-carrier management systems, providing a comprehensive solution for retailers seeking to enhance their logistics operations.

Retailers using Shipster’s platform can now access Huxloe’s expansive network of fulfilment and carrier management services, while maintaining the flexibility of Shipster’s customisable shipping rules.

Huxloe handles over 50 million parcels annually for major clients, including eBay and Amazon, and the partnership enhances its offering with greater shipping customisation for complex needs.

This alliance also gives retailers access to a broader range of couriers, including Evri, Yodel, Royal Mail, and FedEx, without being tied to a single provider. As the delivery sector evolves, the collaboration ensures that retailers can remain responsive to market shifts and optimise their logistics operations.

East Midlands business leaders are channelling their inner Doc Brown – and they’ve got a message for their past selves: “Great Scott! Train your team!” In a nod to Back to the Future’s 40^th birthday, Lloyds’ Business Barometer shows nearly half (45%) of East Midlands bosses would go back in time to boost skills in their workforce. A similar proportion would invest more in marketing or communications (47%), while two in five (40%) would launch new products or services. Look ahead to the future and the skills race is still on. Nearly half (47%) say upskilling is key to growth, with skills relating to sustainability (62%), AI (51%), cybersecurity (48%) and leadership (45%) top of their priority lists. Dave Atkinson, regional director for the East Midlands, said: “Across the East Midlands, businesses are taking cues from past experience as they plan ahead and prioritise the skills that will help them grow. “Alongside know-how in areas like sustainability or AI, leadership skills are seen as a vital ingredient to long-term success – something that will help companies not only achieve their ambitions, but also build even stronger resilience.”

Agilio Software, a Sheffield-based provider of healthcare software solutions, has acquired Blue Stream Academy, a Derbyshire healthcare e-learning solutions firm. This strategic acquisition brings together two well-recognised providers in Primary Care to create a comprehensive and complementary healthcare learning platform. The combined platform will integrate content from Blue Stream Academy, which covers the wider healthcare practice team, with Agilio’s GP-aligned courses. The acquisition significantly expands Agilio’s sector reach, taking the company into new healthcare sectors including Social Care, Urgent Care, and Hospice & Palliative Care. “We are excited to join forces with Agilio Software,” said Casey Braddock, Blue Stream Academy CEO. “Our combined expertise and resources will enable us to deliver even greater value to our customers, providing them a broader range of content and access to Agilio’s platform of market-leading HR tools.” Ben Betts, CEO of Agilio Software, added: “We are delighted to welcome Blue Stream Academy and all their customers to the Agilio family. “This acquisition aligns with our vision of providing comprehensive and innovative healthcare learning solutions as part of making our frontline healthcare services operationally excellent. Together, we will continue to support and empower healthcare professionals with the best tools and resources available.”

Midlands mid-sized businesses are optimistic about plans to export overseas in the next year, despite recent turmoil in global trade and tough economic challenges. This is according to the latest research from accounting and business advisory firm, BDO. BDO’s survey of over 500 mid-sized businesses reveals that more than a third (35%) of regional companies are confident about their growth prospects over the next 12 months. Expansion plans also include opening new premises, recruiting new staff and investing in new technologies and R&D. Midlands businesses see exports as an important part of their growth strategy over the next year – with nearly two in five (39%) citing strong or growing demand as their main motivation. More than half (51%) said favourable trade agreements or government support in receiving markets makes them more attractive. Asked which regions would be the most appealing, 41% said Eastern Europe and Central Asia as businesses work to forge new trade corridors amid ongoing negotiations between the UK and other territories. Similarly, more than a third (34%) were most interested in Asia-Pacific. For nearly one in three (30%), the opportunity to diversify away from dependence on other markets, such as the European Union, was a deciding factor. As the Government continues to discuss favourable terms on trade with the United States, North America ranked as the most attractive export region for more than a third (35%). Despite optimism amongst Midlands businesses, major challenges could still stifle growth prospects. Nearly two thirds (60%) consider the combination of overseas trade complications and supply chain pressures, including changing tariffs and delays or shortages in distribution networks, as a top challenge. This follows continued uncertainty around trade tariffs for the US market. Kyla Bellingall, regional managing partner at BDO in the Midlands, said: “These findings show the resilience of the Midlands mid-market in the face of significant challenges and their potential to be a major international force for UK economic growth. “Mid-sized businesses in the region generate significant revenues and support hundreds of thousands of private sector jobs. Frictionless trade is crucial to help these companies power the UK economy forward. “Although the Trade Strategy published last week is welcome, targeted support for mid-sized businesses – whether that’s new hubs to support them to export or trade deals enabling their access to international markets – must build on this and create the right conditions to help them deliver their plans for growth and thrive.”

With the nomination deadline looming for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025, there are 10 categories open for entry, providing a perfect opportunity to shine a light on outstanding businesses, teams and projects at the annual event celebrating the region’s property and construction industry. One such category is Sustainable Development of the Year, which can be entered here. The winner of this category will be the scheme that has displayed a true commitment to sustainable development in the East Midlands, whether this be in an environmental development, social enterprise or a scheme which will benefit the region in other ways, so long as it benefits the future generation. It’s completely free to submit a nomination and making the top three finalists in your category also wins you free tickets to the awards ceremony. Last year, Henry Brothers Construction Ltd scooped the award for Alfreton Park School, beating out stiff competition from CPMG (for the Sir Peter Rubin Centre for Veterinary Education) and Keepmoat (for Gedling Green). Upon winning, Henry Brothers Construction said: “We were absolutely thrilled to pick up the award for Sustainable Development at the East Midlands Bricks. Alfreton Park School was a very special project to us, we really enjoyed our engagement with the pupils and fundraising activities and hopefully this will have a lasting impact on the local communities. We are so pleased that this was recognised by the judges. It was great to attend such an informal and relaxed networking & awards evening hosted by East Midlands Business Link.” With this year’s Sustainable Development of the Year award once again sponsored by Viridis Building Services, a spokesperson for the company said: “We’re proud to once again sponsor the Sustainable Development of the Year award at the Bricks Awards. At Viridis Building Services, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword – it’s the foundation of everything we do, which is why we are so passionate about sponsoring this particular award. “Last year’s event was a fantastic showcase of innovation, collaboration and local talent, and it was inspiring to see so many projects delivering real, measurable impacts, having positive impacts on local social aspects, the environment and the local economy. We believe that building sustainably should also mean building smart, achieving environmental excellence without excessive cost, and this is what we saw last year. “This year, we’re especially looking forward to reviewing and understanding the amazing projects completed and in the pipeline, which promote sustainability in its greatest form. It allows opportunity for connecting with like-minded professionals, celebrating the power of local collaboration, and shining a spotlight on those who are pushing boundaries in sustainable design and construction. “We strongly encourage everyone in the industry to nominate the projects that are helping to shape a greener, more responsible future.” Submit your nominations for Sustainable Development of the Year here before entries close on Friday 15th August. Winners will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony on Thursday 2nd October, at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground (4:30pm – 7:30pm) – an evening also offering an opportunity to establish new connections with property and construction professionals from across the region, and hear from 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. Other award categories open for entry include: Most Active Agent, Developer of the Year, Responsible Business of the Year, Commercial Development of the Year, Contractor of the Year, Deal of the Year, Architects of the Year, Excellence in Design, and Residential Development of the Year. All entry forms can be accessed here. The Overall Winner award will also be presented at the event. This award cannot be entered, with the winner selected from those nominated for the event’s other awards. The Overall Winner of the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025 will also receive 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.  

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:

Derby County Football Club has confirmed the continuation of its partnership with HSG UK for the 2025/26 season. The family-run business, based in Pride Park, will maintain its presence on the back of the Men’s and Women’s First Team shirts and shorts, as well as the Men’s B Team and Under-21s.

This marks the third consecutive season of the collaboration, which began in the promotion-winning 2023/24 campaign and was renewed for Derby’s return to the Sky Bet Championship in 2024/25.

HSG UK, recognised for its innovative and award-winning washroom services and water-saving solutions, has earned a solid reputation in the industry. The company was honoured with the prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise in May 2024, alongside recognition at the Family Business Awards and East Midlands Chamber Business Awards.

The renewed agreement underscores HSG UK’s dedication to supporting local businesses and the community, reflecting both its deep ties to Derby and its mission to assist companies nationwide in reducing their environmental impact.