Council approves sale of Broad Marsh site

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Council approves sale of Broad Marsh site
Nottingham City Council has approved the sale of the Broad Marsh site. The authority’s Executive Board has agreed to sell the land to a proposed buyer with a considerable track record of major development, which will now take on this key city-centre location. Due to commercial sensitivities, the proposed buyer will be announced once the deal has been finalised. The sale will provide a significant capital receipt for the council and help accelerate ambitious plans for the area, which include:
  • More than 1,000 homes
  • Up to 20,000 square metres of retail, office and community spaces
  • Creation of around 2,000 full-time jobs
The land included in the sale comprises the former Broad Marsh shopping centre, the cleared site to the west of the Green Heart, the NCP multi-storey car park, Severns House and former college site in Maid Marian Way. The council took back control of the wider site in July 2020 following the sudden collapse of the Intu group of companies. Over the past four-and-a-half years, the authority has:
  • Put full site management in place
  • Carried out grant-funded demolition of part of the former shopping centre
  • Assisted with a new Nottingham College hub and repurposed Sussex Street with seating, basketball and skating areas
  • Consulted with the public and partners to establish what people wanted to see in this space
  • Implemented major road network changes, including the pedestrianisation of Collin Street
  • Opened new Central Library, Broad Marsh bus station and car park, new play area on Collin Street and Green Heart
  • Worked to secure a £3.4m grant from the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) to allow further demolition of the old shopping centre frame
  • Begun working with NHS on new Community Diagnostic Centre at foot of Lister Gate
It is widely recognised that the Broad Marsh site is one of the largest and most important city-centre development opportunities in the UK at present, but the council was aware that it would not be able to deliver its redevelopment alone. The proposed buyer intends to work with partners, including the council, to drive forward this regeneration. The council will continue to be actively involved in the site as it develops over the coming years, with the proposed buyer due to consult over the delivery of the project through the planning process. Councillor Neghat Khan, Leader of Nottingham City Council, said: “This is really positive news for Nottingham and marks the start of a major redevelopment for this key part of our city. “We know that people have wanted to see progress here for a long time and we understand that it has been a frustration for some that this hasn’t happened. “However, it’s important to be clear just how much work has been undertaken by the council since the site was suddenly handed back to us in 2020 – in the middle of a global pandemic – when Intu went into administration. “We developed the Green Heart as a direct result of feedback from residents and businesses, who shared what they wanted to see here. We now have a fantastic new green space, right in the heart of the city. The council has also successfully applied for grants to facilitate the demolition of the former shopping centre frame to prepare the ground for development. “We’re excited by the plans that the proposed buyers have and we look forward to working closely with them on bringing these to fruition.” EMCCA recently confirmed it was investing £3.4m to fund demolition of part of the frame on the land near to the Green Heart. The Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, said: “It is great news that the Broad Marsh is to be sold for redevelopment. It is a key regeneration site in the East Midlands and this sale will help make the plans for the site come to life. “Myself and the Combined Authority are really keen to partner and support wherever we can, and we want to work with the new owners as they transform the area. “The opening of the Green Heart and the pedestrianised area along Collin Street have both been recent positive steps forward for Broad Marsh and this sale shows the further ambition and intent to really invest and transform that part of the city.”

Warning for East Midlands businesses as public sector toughens up on debts

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Warning for East Midlands businesses as public sector toughens up on debts
A monthly increase in compulsory liquidations – to their highest level in more than ten years – is indicating a toughening of the position towards debts owed by companies to the public sector, and the ongoing efforts of government to help balance their books. This is according to the Midlands branch of the UK’s insolvency and restructuring trade body R3 and comes on the back of figures published this week [18/3/25] by the Insolvency Service which show that corporate insolvencies increased by 2.95% last month to a total of 2,035 compared to January’s total of 1,978. The February figures include 393 compulsory liquidations, which is the highest monthly number since September 2014. R3 Midlands Chair Stephen Rome, a partner at law firm Penningtons Manches Cooper in the region, said: “Compulsory liquidations are often initiated by HM Revenue and Customs or local authorities as a measure of last resort, and the increase indicates that the public sector is now becoming much stricter with its debtors. “This pattern of debt recovery is also being reflected more broadly across our region. High costs and cautious consumer and client spending mean creditors are being more aggressive about pursuing the money they are owed and aren’t afraid to turn to the courts to recover outstanding debts. “At the same time, a large proportion of directors of insolvent businesses feel closure is the only option open to them after years of trading through tough conditions and with little hope of these improving in the short-term. “With firms facing further hikes in expenses when National Insurance and National Minimum Wage rises are introduced in April, enquiries for restructuring and insolvency support are increasing as directors look to take specialist advice about their business finances. “From a sectoral perspective, the region’s retail and hospitality firms are continuing to suffer as consumers cut back on their discretionary spending, while construction output has been affected by a fall in new work and poor weather, and manufacturing has continued to be impacted by cost and trade issues, which have hit demand and output levels. “For any business owner worried about finances, R3’s message is to seek advice as soon as possible. Most R3 members will give prospective clients a free initial consultation to learn more about their situation and outline the potential options open to them to improve it.”

Housebuilder breaks ground on Ruddington development

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Housebuilder breaks ground on Ruddington development
Work is now underway at Cameron Homes’ new development in Ruddington, Nottinghamshire. When complete, the 36-home development will offer a mix of three, four and five-bedroom homes. Ruddington will consist of 25 private homes and 11 affordable homes. The development will also provide outdoor spaces for new residents, including a pond area and community orchard. Lewis Brazier, head of production at Cameron Homes, said: “We’re delighted to share that work has now started on our new site in Ruddington. The development offers a contemporary build style and modern internal specifications across all homes. “Our Ruddington development enables us to work with local contractors and businesses from across the region, while also addressing the demand for housing in this sought-after area.”

Toyota launches Derbyshire-based circular factory for vehicle recycling

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Toyota launches Derbyshire-based circular factory for vehicle recycling

Toyota Motor Europe (TME) has announced the launch of its first Toyota Circular Factory (TCF) at its Burnaston plant in Derbyshire. The facility aims to maximise recycling, repurposing, and remanufacturing of end-of-life vehicles. It will begin operations in the third quarter of this year and serve as a model for future sites across Europe.

The TCF will focus on three areas: reintroducing reusable parts into the market, remanufacturing commodity items such as batteries and wheels, and recycling raw materials like copper, aluminium, steel, and plastic for use in new vehicle production.

TME expects the UK facility to process 10,000 vehicles annually, recovering 120,000 parts, 300 tonnes of high-purity plastic, and 8,200 tonnes of steel. The company plans to expand similar operations across Europe and collaborate with other organisations on circular economy initiatives.

Toyota aims to achieve complete carbon neutrality by 2040 and reduce CO2 emissions across its European product line-up by 100% by 2035. The TCF initiative supports these goals by cutting vehicle manufacturing and material use emissions.

Lagan Homes acquires land for 112-home project in Nottinghamshire

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Lagan Homes acquires land for 112-home project in Nottinghamshire

Lagan Homes has purchased eight acres at Fairham, a mixed-use development in Nottinghamshire by Clowes Developments. The developer has submitted a reserved matters planning application to Rushcliffe Borough Council for 112 homes, with 10% designated as affordable housing.

Founded in 1985, Lagan Homes operates across England, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland. The Fairham project is part of the broader development to create a sustainable new community.

Angus Johnson, Senior Land Manager at Lagan Homes, said: “We are excited to be part of the transformative development in Fairham, contributing to the creation of a vibrant and sustainable new community. “Our vision is to build thoughtfully designed homes that meet the diverse needs of the community, ensuring a mix of properties that offer style, comfort, and functionality. With 10% of our homes designated as affordable housing, we remain dedicated to providing opportunities for people to access high-quality housing in the area.”

InstaVolt expands UK EV charging network with new hubs

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InstaVolt expands UK EV charging network with new hubs

As part of its nationwide expansion, InstaVolt has added new ultra-rapid EV charging hubs in Skegness, Liverpool, and Kettering.

The Skegness site on Parade Street features six 160kW chargers near Skegness Beach, Starbucks, and Travelodge. In Liverpool, two 160kW chargers have been installed at McDonald’s Ellesmere Port. Kettering now hosts a 12-charger ultra-rapid hub, with an on-site Costa Coffee planned.

With over 1,900 chargers already in operation, InstaVolt aims to reach 11,000 by 2030.

Government re-confirms £20m funding for Kirkby regeneration

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Government re-confirms £20m funding for Kirkby regeneration

The UK government has re-confirmed £20 million in funding for Kirkby as part of a national investment programme supporting 75 areas. The funding will contribute to the Kirkby Neighbourhood Plan, guiding local improvements over the next decade.

The Kirkby Town Board previously drafted an investment plan after consulting businesses and residents. However, submission was delayed due to a government review of the funding programme. Updates to funding criteria now allow for a broader range of projects, and the Board will reassess the plan before submitting it later this year.

Capacity funding has been provided to support planning and project development, with implementation scheduled to begin in April 2026. Recent regeneration efforts in the area include the new Planetarium and Science Discovery Centre at Sherwood Observatory and expanded leisure facilities at Kings Mill Reservoir.

Local officials welcomed the funding confirmation, highlighting its role in supporting long-term economic growth and infrastructure improvements for businesses and residents.

North Northamptonshire Council clears nearly £600,000 in unrecoverable debts

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North Northamptonshire Council clears nearly £600,000 in unrecoverable debts

North Northamptonshire Council (NNC) has approved the write-off of £589,959.61 in unpaid business rates and council tax, citing the debts as irrecoverable. The decision, made by the council’s executive panel, covers nine accounts linked to businesses that have gone into administration, liquidation, or been dissolved.

The largest single debt, £233,300.13, was from a business that entered liquidation. Confidential council documents indicate further recovery efforts would not be cost-effective.

Claire Edwards, NNC’s Executive Director of Finance, stated that while the council aims to maximise revenue collection, some debts must be written off when recovery is no longer feasible. The Conservative-led administration approved the measure at its latest committee meeting.

North Lincolnshire mandates solar panels for all new buildings

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North Lincolnshire mandates solar panels for all new buildings

North Lincolnshire Council has announced that all new homes and industrial units must be built with solar panels under a new local plan. The policy, included in the council’s draft local plan, was approved at a Cabinet meeting on 17 March.

The measure aims to increase renewable energy generation while reducing reliance on large-scale solar farms, which the council says take up valuable farmland.

Once implemented, developers must integrate solar panels into all new construction projects to secure planning permission. The council has installed solar panels on schools and public buildings as part of its sustainability efforts.

UK government plans regulatory overhaul to cut business costs

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UK government plans regulatory overhaul to cut business costs

According to a statement from His Majesty’s Treasury, the UK government is preparing to streamline regulations in an effort to reduce administrative costs for businesses by 25%. Chancellor Rachel Reeves will meet with regulators on Monday to outline the plan, which includes consolidating regulatory bodies, simplifying environmental rules for major projects, and cutting down on extensive guidance, such as requirements for bat habitat protection.

The reforms align with 60 agreed measures to improve the business environment, including accelerating the approval of new medicines and easing mortgage lending rules. The initiative follows Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s commitment to reform what he described as the UK’s “overcautious, flabby state,” including plans to dissolve certain regulatory bodies.

Labour’s strategy aims to stimulate economic growth after years of stagnation. However, recent polls indicate public scepticism, with 48% of Britons expressing dissatisfaction with the government’s performance and 49% believing its economic policies will have a negative impact. The UK economy shrank by 0.1% in early 2024, following slight growth in the preceding months.

Mortgage Advice Bureau achieves “strong financial growth”

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Mortgage Advice Bureau achieves “strong financial growth”

Mortgage Advice Bureau (MAB), a mortgage network and broker, “achieved strong financial growth in 2024,“ as revenue and profit rose.

According to the Derby firm’s final results for the year ended 31 December 2024, revenue reached £266.5m – up 11.3% from £239.5m in 2023.

Adjusted profit before tax, meanwhile, was up 38% to £32m, from £23.2m in 2023.

The business also saw gross mortgage completions grow 3.9% to £26.1bn.

Following the strong results, MAB is now evaluating a potential transition to the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange. 

Peter Brodnicki, founder and Chief Executive, said: “MAB achieved strong financial growth in 2024 and, by doing so, maintained its long track record of outperformance and market share growth in all market conditions.

“Strategic spend on technology and digital marketing continued to increase, supporting our plans to deliver a higher level of sustainable growth and futureproof our operations. Aligning our business model to evolving customer preferences for research, advice and seamless transactions will enable advisers to access more potential customers and retain an increasing number of existing ones.

“In February, we hosted a Capital Markets Day, during which my team and I set out MAB’s vision to become our customers’ leading financial partner through life’s key moments and demonstrated the significant progress we have made in adapting and evolving our business model to achieve a far wider consumer reach, drive greater lead flows, and increase productivity, efficiency, and margins. 

“MAB has been listed on AIM for just over a decade. During that time, we have built a market-leading, specialist network for mortgage advisers while returning over £125m in dividends to shareholders – greater than our market capitalisation at IPO. The Board is now evaluating the potential transition to the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange, which should provide access to a broader investor base and further enhance the Group’s market profile. 

“2025 has begun strongly and in line with expectations, with many AR firms anticipating growth in adviser numbers this year while maintaining a focus on increasing profitability through higher productivity. We also have the opportunity to scale our invested businesses and build upon the impressive adviser productivity levels they are already achieving to deliver strong and sustainable shareholder returns over the long term.”

Revenue and profit rise at Yü Group

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Revenue and profit rise at Yü Group

Yü Group, the independent supplier of gas and electricity, and meter asset owner and installer of smart meters, to the UK corporate sector, has seen revenue and profit rise in its final audited results for the year to 31 December 2024.

Revenue reached £645.5m, up from £460m in 2023, as a result of strong organic growth in delivered volume of energy. Profit before tax, meanwhile, increased to £44.5m, from £39.7m.

Bobby Kalar, Chief Executive Officer, said: “The team and I continue to focus on delivering our strategy, which has delivered another new set of record results, with further strong growth in revenue, profit and cash terms.

“I’m particularly pleased that this is our 6th year of profit growth, and we have taken revenue from £81m in 2018 to £646m in 2024. This growth is set to continue, although at a slower pace in percentage terms due to the larger base.

The business has made a strong start to 2025, with new record monthly revenue achieved in January.

Record revenues for Light Science Technologies

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Record revenues for Light Science Technologies

Light Science Technologies Holdings plc, which operates through its AgTech, contract electronics manufacturing, and passive fire protection divisions, has reported record revenues in audited results for the year ended 30 November 2024.

The Derbyshire-based business hailed strong trading across all divisions, with the performance underpinned by increasing high margin contributions from the company’s AgTech and passive fire protection divisions.

Revenue at the firm reached £12.04m, up 29.5% on the prior year (£9.30m). Meanwhile, Light Science Technologies reduced its losses with a loss before tax of £30,000 (loss of £1.14m in 2023). This was helped by a strong second half of the year, which saw pre-tax profits of £300,000.

Simon Deacon, CEO, said: “I am delighted with the strong performance during the period. We have established a portfolio of businesses with a demonstratable track record targeting a diverse and growing range of end markets. Importantly, we are generating significantly increasing levels of revenue, growing Group margins and are delivering increasing levels of cash generation as we move towards our goal of achieving sustained profitability.

“We have further developed our product suite and routes to market and are extremely excited by the opportunity afforded to us across the business. The combination of global pressures and trends as well as legislation all point to an increasingly healthy orderbook and pipeline conversion, as we build on the record period we are reporting on today.”

Upcoming changes to UK audit thresholds – what businesses need to know: By Robert Anderson, audit partner at Streets Chartered Accountants

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Upcoming changes to UK audit thresholds – what businesses need to know: By Robert Anderson, audit partner at Streets Chartered Accountants
Robert Anderson, audit partner at Streets Chartered Accountants, helps businesses plan for upcoming changes to UK audit thresholds. From 6 April 2025, the thresholds determining whether a company requires a statutory audit in the UK are set to increase. This change, introduced by the Government, is aimed at reducing regulatory burdens on small and medium-sized businesses. While this will exempt more companies from mandatory audits, it is essential for business owners and finance leads to understand the implications and plan accordingly. Why are the changes being introduced? The Government has decided to increase the audit thresholds as part of broader efforts to support business growth and ease financial and administrative obligations. By raising the thresholds, the government aims to reduce costs for SMEs, allowing them to focus on expansion and investment. What are the new audit thresholds? Currently, companies must undergo a statutory audit if they meet two of the following three criteria:
  • Annual turnover of more than £10.2 million
  • Gross assets exceeding £5.1 million
  • More than 50 employees
From 6 April 2025, these thresholds will increase to:
  • Annual turnover of £15 million
  • Gross assets exceeding £7.5 million
  • More than 50 employees
Companies exceeding two of these new criteria will still require an audit, but many that previously needed one will no longer be obligated. Who will be affected? The new thresholds will impact businesses that are currently just above the existing audit criteria. Those that now fall below the new limits may no longer need an audit. However, some businesses, including regulated entities such as those authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), will not be affected by the changes and must still comply with existing audit requirements. This includes insurance brokers, which may require a client money audit rather than a full statutory audit. Additionally, charities have separate audit thresholds, and these changes do not apply to them. Trustees and finance teams in charities should ensure they continue to meet their specific audit requirements. What do businesses and their auditors need to consider? For businesses close to the current thresholds, it is possible that an audit may be required for just one year before falling below the new limits. This is because the changes apply to accounting periods starting on or after 6 April 2025. If a company is growing and expects to exceed the current limits before the new ones take effect, they may need to consider whether changing their financial year-end could help them manage this transition. Furthermore, businesses below the new thresholds should still assess whether an audit is beneficial. Many lenders, investors, and stakeholders require audited financial statements, even when not legally mandated. External assurance can enhance credibility, strengthen governance, and improve financial oversight. Alternatives to a full audit If a company is no longer required to have a statutory audit, other financial assurance options can provide value, such as:
  • Assurance reviews – A lighter-touch review that offers a level of credibility without the full scope of an audit.
  • Agreed-upon procedures – Specific financial checks tailored to stakeholder requirements.
  • Internal audits – Providing governance and operational insights beyond financial reporting.
Planning ahead With the threshold increase approaching, business owners and finance leaders should review their audit obligations now. Engaging with an auditor early will help assess whether an audit is still needed, what alternative services may be beneficial, and how to manage the transition.  
See this column in the March issue of East Midlands Business Link Magazine here.

New milestone as Airfield Business Park expansion flies ahead

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New milestone as Airfield Business Park expansion flies ahead
Work on the superstructure of Airfield Business Park has begun – with a steel signing ceremony to mark the milestone. First opened in 2019, Airfield Business Park in Market Harborough is owned by Leicestershire County Council and has been fully let at every stage, with every unit currently occupied and 11 tenants trading from the site. The newest phase is being constructed by Britcon and the expansion will see ten new units and a Costa Coffee drive-thru unit built. It will also be capable of hosting a second drive-thru unit. To mark the milestone of steelworks beginning on site Councillor Lee Breckon, cabinet member for resources, joined Britcon in signing steel beams and got to see first hand the progress being made. Councillor Lee Breckon, cabinet member for resources, said: “As a Council, we are proud to be able to support local businesses to expand where we’re able to. “We’re really excited to extend this popular business park and today was a great chance to mark the progress Britcon have made in just three months. “Once completed the expansion of Airfield Business Park will boost the local economy and help to keep businesses in the county.” Nick Shepherd, Britcon managing director, said: “Thank you to the project team and all stakeholders for the progress made to date. This is another significant investment for the region and our delivery strategy has focused on job creation and local supplier use to support economic growth. “We have created two new full-time jobs to date and placed over £4m of orders with regional subcontractors to deliver high impact social value outcomes.” A wide range of businesses currently on Airfield range from a publisher, pre-loved clothing reseller and campervan conversions company. Tenants on the expansion will include fine foods manufacturer and distributor Bramble Foods, who already employ more than 150 people in Market Harborough. Bramble are expanding to a larger unit to expand their growing business when work is completed, which will keep the business in Leicestershire.

Businesses support YMCA Derbyshire in another successful Sleep Easy event

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Businesses support YMCA Derbyshire in another successful Sleep Easy event
YMCA Derbyshire has successfully hosted its fifteenth annual Sleep Easy event at Derbyshire County Cricket Ground. To date the event has raised just under £30,000, with donations still being received. Over 80 brave participants, from all walks of life, took up the challenge and spent the night in makeshift shelters, cardboard boxes and sleeping bags. Businesses and individuals generously donated food, drinks and other essential supplies throughout the night. Grace Harrison, Development Director at YMCA Derbyshire, expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support and said: “We are deeply moved by the outpouring of support for our Sleep Easy event, and extremely grateful that year after year people are willing to spend the night outside for our cause. “The money raised will go towards counselling, diversionary activities including sports, arts and crafts, providing a range of horticulture opportunities at our Community Gardens, wellbeing support, volunteer opportunities and work placement programmes. All with the aim of supporting those we serve to move along their positive pathways, enabling them to belong, contribute and thrive.” YMCA Derbyshire thanked everyone that took part, including the many business partners and organisations that once again stepped up to the plate to sleep out, so that others won’t have to, including Lubrizol, Griffiths Food, X-Press Legal Services, Vaillant, Yellow Rail, McAndrew Industries, SPL Powerlines, Icons Talent Agency, Hardy Signs, Derby Cathedral, The Alternative Board and Repton School. Lucy Armstrong from Lubrizol said:” Such a fantastic night last night, and a big reminder of how fortunate I am to have somewhere safe, secure, and comfortable to live. The work YMCA Derbyshire does in the community makes such an impact, and I’m really looking forward to working with them on more projects in the future.” Lucy’s comments were echoed by Alice Woolley from Vaillant who added: “Credit to all those at the YMCA organisation and fundraising for such an important and worthy cause. We will certainly support the Sleep Easy in the future, such a unique event creating strong relationships both within our teams and with other local supporters.” Ben Wheeler from X-Press Legal Services said it was a “helluva night” and added: “It was only one night, but a significant eye opener. Once again, many thanks to those who supported me. Much appreciated. And a huge thanks to YMCA Derbyshire for all that they did to make the event a success.”

Fold Hill Foods acquires Brambles Pet and Wildlife

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Fold Hill Foods acquires Brambles Pet and Wildlife

Fold Hill Foods, a Lincolnshire-based pet food manufacturer, has acquired Macclesfield-based Brambles Pet and Wildlife from founders David and Gail Tracey.

Brambles will join Fold Hill’s existing portfolio, which includes Ruffingtons, Pointer Pet Foods, Laughing Dog Food, and Superior. The two companies have previously worked together, with Fold Hill producing some of Brambles’ range.

Managing director Ben Mankertz stated that Brambles’ strong market position and expertise in wildlife nutrition made it a strategic fit. David Tracey will continue supporting the brand following the acquisition.

Midlands Engine to close as government funding ends

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Midlands Engine to close as government funding ends

The Midlands Engine, an initiative established in 2015 to promote investment and economic growth across the region, will be wound down as its government funding ends in March.

The organisation, which worked with local government, business leaders, and universities, stated that its focus in the coming months will be on concluding key programmes and ensuring a smooth transition. Elected mayors in the East and West Midlands have already taken over many of its functions.

The Midlands Engine highlighted its achievements in attracting investment and strengthening regional collaboration but confirmed that its operations will cease due to the funding cut.

GE Aerospace invests $32m in Rutland for advanced manufacturing upgrades

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GE Aerospace invests $32m in Rutland for advanced manufacturing upgrades

GE Aerospace is allocating nearly $32 million to upgrade its Rutland, Vermont facility as part of a $1 billion investment in U.S. manufacturing and suppliers in 2025. The Rutland funding will be used for new machines, upgrades to existing equipment, precision tools, and infrastructure improvements to support the production of components for commercial and military aircraft engines.

The investment aims to enhance manufacturing capabilities for narrowbody and widebody aircraft, military helicopters, and fighter jets. Additionally, part of the funding will go towards utility upgrades in the main building.

Last year, the GE Aerospace Foundation contributed $200,000 to Stafford Technical Center in Rutland to purchase advanced manufacturing equipment for student training. The company has also announced plans to hire approximately 5,000 workers nationwide in manufacturing and engineering roles this year.

GE Aerospace CEO H. Lawrence Culp, Jr. emphasised the importance of investing in manufacturing to modernise aircraft fleets and maintain U.S. leadership in aerospace innovation.

Alford Windmill restoration plans move forward

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Alford Windmill restoration plans move forward

Lincolnshire County Council, East Lindsey District Council, and the Alford Windmill Trust have reaffirmed their commitment to restoring and reopening the historic Alford Windmill as a visitor attraction.

Lincolnshire County Council owns the site and has set aside £450,000 for repairs, including restoring the windmill’s cap and sails. The council is also considering transferring ownership to the local community through the Alford Windmill Trust.

East Lindsey District Council had previously reallocated government funding to Alford Manor House but remains engaged in discussions on how best to support the windmill’s conservation.

The Alford Windmill Trust emphasised the importance of community involvement in the restoration process and future business opportunities linked to the site. Talks between stakeholders will continue as they work towards a viable long-term plan for the windmill.

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