The CEO of a Northants business has shared his personal mental health journey to mark Mental Health Awareness week, which takes place from 12^th-18^th May. Robert Thompson of See Limited, a group holding company for businesses involved in the built environment industry, is candid about his experiences and hopes that by sharing his story, others experiencing a similar situation will be inspired to seek out the help and support they need. It was during what Robert calls, ‘the dreaded Covid outbreak’ that he recalls this being the turning point of when his life changed. “I was working at 100 miles an hour and then Covid-19 came along. It was a massive disruption to a lot of businesses and families but it was also a time when my body just crashed. “Automatically I questioned whether this was a by-product of Covid and I never really got to the bottom of it. “Obviously, I went to the doctors and they did blood tests, but my body was shot. I couldn’t get out of bed and at the time, it was quite easy to put it all down to Covid. But in reality, whether it was long Covid or not, my body was pretty much shutting down and saying, ‘enough is enough’.” Robert says that this was the wake up call he needed to make positive change in his working and personal life, though he freely admits that this was a real challenge as he was impacted both mentally and physically. “I wasn’t able to do half the things I wanted to do and was trying hard to figure out how to fix myself, as my natural persona is to fix things but I felt I couldn’t do this.” Robert’s mental health struggles were also compounded by the news that his wife, Katie, was diagnosed with stage four cancer while he was away on business in the US. “The news of my wife’s cancer diagnosis was very traumatic but she was amazing in the approach she took. She embraced the diagnosis in a positive way and it was her approach that helped me significantly in terms of trying to understand what was wrong with my body – and that’s where my real journey began.” On his route to recovery, Robert recognised that he needed to prioritise his mental and physical wellbeing. He gave up alcohol and meditates alongside embarking on regular daily exercise. “To function properly, you need to look after yourself. Through my own experiences, I soon realised that I also had to be more patient in order to improve and get healthy. “I have four beautiful children and a wife and wanted to fully appreciate the simple things in life. Although it was, and continues to be, hard work I was determined to get better and as I progressed, I started to feel better mentally and physically. The one percent changes that I made to help improve my wellbeing made all the difference. For me, making those small changes helped me deal with the harder times; it’s all about being consistent.” It is from that consistency that Robert has benefitted. He now has what he calls ‘non-negotiable daily routines’ of exercise and meditation that enable him to take the time out he needs to be truly present, both at work with his colleagues and at home with his wife, children and dog Molly. Robert freely admits that his mental health journey continues, as does the challenges faced by his wife. However, he firmly believes he has been given a second chance and is determined to continue to seek out the good in every day. Consistency and a willingness to talk are, he says, vital steps in anyone’s recovery. “Everyone should have an awareness of mental health and the challenges that it can bring. I still have peaks and troughs but I think it’s important that people understand that they are not alone. “Mental health is often stigmatised but the more people talk about how they are feeling and keep in mind the importance of giving back, will only transcend itself into a greater wellbeing for all. “Hopefully sharing my story will resonate with others facing similar challenges and encourage them to seek out the support they need.” Since 2001, the Mental Health Foundation has been leading Mental Health Awareness Week. This year it takes place from 12^th-18^th May.

Nominations are now OPEN for Business Link Magazine’s East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025, taking place on Thursday 2nd October, and last year’s winners are reflecting on the prestigious event, encouraging others to enter. Lee Parry, MD for Vistry East Midlands, which won Developer of the Year in 2024, said: “It was a real honour to be given the title of Developer of the Year at the East Midlands Bricks Awards in 2024. “These awards celebrate all that is good in property and construction across our region, and I’d encourage everyone to get involved to show how your business is making a difference in the sector.” This year’s eagerly anticipated awards ceremony will mark 10 years of the event, making its return on Thursday 2nd October at Nottingham’s famous Trent Bridge Cricket Ground. The East Midlands Bricks Awards celebrates the successes of property and construction companies in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, and Northamptonshire. 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, and reach our audience of over 60,000 business readers, while also offering a chance to connect with respected professionals. And better yet, it’s completely free to enter! Making the top three finalists in your category also wins you free tickets to the event, where you’ll be in the running for one of our coveted awards. To make a nomination for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025, please click here. Or to go directly to a category’s nomination form click on the category headings below. 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:

• Contractor of the Year
• Developer of the Year
• Architects of the Year
• Most Active Agent
• Deal of the Year
• Residential Development of the Year
• Sustainable Development of the Year
• Commercial Development of the Year
• Excellence in Design
• Responsible Business of the Year
• Overall Winner

All finalists will have the chance to take home the Overall Winner award, which this year comes with a 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.

A Midlands-based IT and telecoms support company has launched a bespoke cyber security service in the wake of an avalanche of damaging cyber attacks on big businesses.

Link ICT, based at Pride Park, Derby, has partnered with Cyber Global UK to expand its services to provide bespoke high level global cyber security packages to SMEs across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire.

Mark Fryers, managing director and co-founder at Link ICT, said: “Recent high profile cyber attacks have made businesses acutely aware of the risks posed by hackers. Our new service provides penetration testing systems which will find any gaps in security – it’s ethical hacking.”

The firm said that prior to its partnership with Cyber Global UK it had been unfeasible to offer MSPs cyber security at this level due to the sheer expense and manpower needed to provide a fully comprehensive and watertight service.

However, by partnering with the specialist, which has over 100 engineers working globally, tailored packages would now be available to regional businesses.

Simulating real world cyber attacks, ethical hacking by cyber security experts identifies and fixes vulnerabilities in a system before malicious hackers find those gaps.

  Mark said: “Cyber security cannot be an ‘off the shelf’ product. Packages need to be bespoke to a particular industry or business in order to test and find very individual risks. “It is thanks to the new partnership with Cyber Global UK that we can now offer such top-level security.”

James Harvey, managing director of specialist firm Cyber Global UK, said he was delighted to be sharing the firm’s expertise with Link ICT.

He said: “To offer this level of security there has to be a high degree of trust between all partners – the client, Link ICT and us. Businesses are opening up their systems so that we can find the weak spots before hackers do.

Cyber Global UK has been working in the UK for a number of years supplying white label cyber security services to partners handling sensitive data, for organisations such as the NHS.

The firm says its mission is to “embody a unified brand in cybersecurity while maintaining a strong local presence, consistent standard of excellence and top-tier cybersecurity solutions”.

The East Midlands Chamber and the University of Derby have launched an expanded partnership to accelerate business growth in Derby and Derbyshire. The collaboration focuses on strategic areas such as decarbonisation, innovation, and workforce development, emphasising accessing public sector funding and delivering structured support programmes for local firms.

The agreement extends a long-standing relationship between the two organisations and positions the university as a core delivery partner for the Chamber’s business engagement efforts. It also strengthens links between the region’s academic and business communities, particularly around knowledge exchange, internships, and joint bids for government-backed initiatives.

The University of Derby continues to be the lead partner for Generation Next, a Chamber-led platform for developing future business leaders aged 18 to 35.

Four of the UK’s largest supermarket chains, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, and Morrisons, have suspended supplies from a Lincolnshire pig farm following the release of undercover footage alleging serious animal welfare violations.

The footage, captured by the Animal Justice Project, showed practices at Northmoor Farm—including alleged use of banned slaughter methods such as blunt force trauma on piglets and physical abuse of sows. Cranswick, one of the UK’s leading pig meat producers, operates the farm.

The farm reportedly houses approximately 6,000 pigs. According to AJP, the video evidence documents breaches of UK regulations on animal welfare during the killing. A formal complaint has been submitted to Trading Standards.

The method known as blunt force trauma was officially banned in 2022 for use on piglets under 10kg, following recommendations from the UK’s Animal Welfare Committee and the EU’s Reference Centre for Animal Welfare, both of which deemed it inhumane and unnecessary given the availability of alternatives like captive bolt guns.

Cranswick responded by suspending all facility staff and halting pig supplies from the farm while an internal investigation was underway. All four supermarket chains confirmed that supply suspensions will remain in place pending the outcome of that investigation.

This development may have implications across the retail meat supply chain, particularly regarding ethical sourcing standards and supplier compliance monitoring. Retailers, food service buyers, and procurement managers may face increased scrutiny over supply chain transparency and animal welfare protocols.

The enthusiasm of East Midlands entrepreneurs appears not to have been dampened by current economic uncertainty, as the number of new businesses in the region has continued to rise. This is according to the Midlands branch of national insolvency and restructuring trade body R3 and is based on a monthly analysis of regional start-up data from business intelligence provider Creditsafe. The figures indicate that there were 2,524 businesses set up in the East Midlands in April, which is a substantial rise of almost a half (42.2%) compared to the end of last year. The data coincides with latest Insolvency Service figures for England and Wales showing a 2% decrease in corporate insolvencies for March compared to the previous month, with numbers falling from 2,032 to 1,992. R3 Midlands chair Stephen Rome, a partner at local law firm Penningtons Manches Cooper, said: “It’s good to see some positive figures beginning to emerge for our region, but it is important to consider this data in the context of an economy buffeted by a multitude of national and global issues. “April’s rises in the National Minimum Wage and Employers National Insurance, as well as new US tariffs, are key considerations for local businesses, as are the local sector forecasts. “Construction output has been affected by mixed weather since January, while retail has seen a slowdown in spending as a result of this year’s late Easter. Conversely, hospitality income has risen in recent months, driven in part by the warmer weather and an increase in consumer willingness to spend. “All of this indicates that if entrepreneurs can plan ahead carefully and realistically, then there are definite opportunities for success. If problems arise, however, then it is important to act swiftly. “All too often, it is not until a company is on the brink of insolvency that its owners seek financial advice. Yet the fact is that the sooner a business seeks professional help, the more positive its outlook can be.”

The latest KPMG and REC, UK Report on Jobs survey, compiled by S&P Global, signalled the sharpest fall in permanent placements since the start of 2025 during April. Temp billings fell for a third consecutive month, and at the quickest pace in just over a year. Demand for both permanent and temporary staff continued to fall at the start of the second quarter, and at quicker rates than those seen in March. Recruiters suggested that fewer vacancies and redundancies contributed to a further uplift in candidate availability, as indicated by sustained increases in both permanent and temporary staff supply. On the pay front, permanent salary inflation remained strong, albeit well below the series average. Temp pay meanwhile increased at the sharpest rate since last October, boosted by stronger than average increases in the national minimum and living wage rates. The KPMG and REC, UK Report on Jobs: Midlands is compiled by S&P Global from responses to questionnaires sent to around 100 recruitment and employment consultancies in the Midlands. Sharpest fall in permanent placements for three months April data signalled a further decline in the number of permanent placements made by recruitment agencies in the Midlands. Permanent staff appointments were reportedly down due to a lower number of vacancies and weaker demand for staff. The pace of contraction was sharp and the most pronounced since January. Across all four monitored English areas, the Midlands saw the second-fastest drop in permanent placements, behind the South of England. Temp billings across the Midlands decreased for the third consecutive month at the start of the second quarter. Panellists generally attributed the latest fall to a lack of demand for temporary staff amid an increase in the national minimum wage and higher National Insurance contributions. Moreover, the rate of decline was the strongest since March 2024. The fall in temp billings in the Midlands was softer than that seen at the UK level, however. Permanent vacancies in the Midlands decreased for the eleventh consecutive month in April. Of the four monitored English regions, the Midlands saw the second-softest reduction in demand for permanent staff (behind London), despite the rate of decline strengthening from that seen in March. Temporary vacancies in the Midlands meanwhile fell for the eighth month in a row in April. Though solid, the rate of reduction was the second-slowest of the four monitored English regions (after the North of England). Stronger rise in permanent staff availability The supply of permanent staff rose again in April, thereby extending the current sequence of increasing candidate numbers to 25 months. Moreover, the pace of growth accelerated from March and was the steepest in 2025 to date. Of the four monitored English regions, only the North of England recorded a steeper rate of increase. Anecdotal evidence suggested that redundancies had boosted candidate supply. Temporary candidate availability in the Midlands increased in April, taking the current period of expansion to two years. The rate of growth eased slightly from March but remained marked overall. Panellists stated that the supply of temp staff had risen due to company layoffs and fewer job opportunities. Nevertheless, the rate of expansion was the softest of the four monitored English regions. Permanent starters’ salaries rise solidly Permanent starting salaries in the Midlands increased again in April, thereby extending the current sequence of inflation that began in March 2021. Though solid, the rate of pay growth softened slightly from the previous survey period, and remained well below the average seen over this period. The rise in salaries for new permanent joiners was linked by recruiters to efforts to attract suitably skilled candidates, which were often in short supply. The pace of salary inflation in the Midlands exceeded the UK average for the fourth month in a row. Recruitment consultancies based in the Midlands registered an increase in temp pay rates for the fifth time in as many months during April. The pace of wage inflation was solid, reaching the highest since last October. Where temp pay rose, recruiters frequently attributed this to stronger than average increases in the national minimum and living wage rates. Commenting on the latest survey results, Kate Holt, people consulting partner at KPMG in the Midlands, said: “April brought fresh challenges to the Midlands’ labour market, with permanent placements falling at the fastest pace since January and temporary billings also declining sharply. With vacancy numbers continuing to drop, employers across the region remain cautious, especially given the higher costs associated with employment that are now in force. “Interestingly, candidate availability is on the rise once again, with increased redundancies and fewer job openings expanding the talent pool across both permanent and temporary markets. While salary inflation for permanent starters remains steady – and above the UK average – it’s temp pay that has seen the sharpest growth, spurred on by minimum wage uplifts. This combination of subdued demand and growing supply gives businesses hiring power, particularly for those looking to secure skilled talent in a cost-effective manner.”

A coalition of 15 Midlands university partners has launched a new initiative that is set to transform how research and innovation are translated into real-world impact across the region.

The Midlands Rail Hub project would deliver 20 million extra seats a year for businesses, residents and commuters. The Midlands Rail Hub proposes building two ‘chords’ and over 10 further engineering interventions throughout the region to deliver a massive step change in rail transport in the Midlands. This will see up to 300 extra trains traveling into or out of Birmingham every single day and will help create a ‘turn up and go’ service on the busy Cross City line. Birmingham Moor Street will see 14.2 million extra seats and Birmingham New Street will gain an extra 5.4 million seats. The Cross City line will see two extra trains, in each direction, per hour, which will create 5.4 million new seats each year. Redditch, Alvechurch and Barnt Green will see one extra train, in each direction, per hour and 2.7 million new seats for passengers, whilst Bromsgrove will see 4.7 million new seats. Lichfield will gain 5.4 million seats. Nottingham, Hereford, Coleshill Parkway, Worcester, Hinckley, South Wigston, Droitwich Spa and Worcestershire Parkway will see at least 2 million new seats. Derby will see 4.1 million new seats. Andy Clark, head of rail at Midlands Connect, said: “The benefits of the Midlands Rail Hub will be felt by millions of people across the Midlands and beyond. “Being able to run faster, more frequent services and deliver 20 million extra seats is the definition of a win-win project. The Midlands Rail Hub is our flagship project at Midlands Connect, and we are working to deliver massive benefits to all corners of the Midlands.” The Midlands Rail Hub project is co-sponsored by Midlands Connect, the Department for Transport and West Midlands Rail Executive.

With nominations now OPEN for Business Link Magazine’s East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025, taking place on Thursday 2nd October, last year’s winner of ‘Sustainable Development of the Year’ has reflected on the prestigious event. Henry Brothers Construction said: “We were absolutely thrilled to pick up the award for Sustainable Development at the East Midlands Bricks last year for Alfreton Park School. This was a very special project to us, which will have a lasting impact on the local communities, and we were so pleased that this was recognised by the judges. It was great to attend such an informal and relaxed networking & awards evening.” This year’s eagerly anticipated ceremony, the 10th year of the event, will make its return on Thursday 2nd October at Nottingham’s famous Trent Bridge Cricket Ground. The East Midlands Bricks Awards celebrates the successes of property and construction companies in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, and Northamptonshire. 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, and reach our audience of over 60,000 business readers, while also offering a chance to connect with respected business leaders. And better yet, it’s completely free to enter! Making the top three finalists in your category also wins you free tickets to the event, where you’ll be in the running for one of our coveted awards. To make a nomination for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025, please click here. Or to go directly to a category’s nomination form click on the category headings below. 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:

• Contractor of the Year
• Developer of the Year
• Architects of the Year
• Most Active Agent
• Deal of the Year
• Residential Development of the Year
• Sustainable Development of the Year
• Commercial Development of the Year
• Excellence in Design
• Responsible Business of the Year
• Overall Winner

All finalists will have the chance to take home the Overall Winner award, which this year comes with a 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.