Specialist insurance intermediary snapped up by East Midlands group

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East Midlands-based Noble Insurance Group is set to acquire specialist insurance intermediary Caravanwise, supported by a £5m loan from OakNorth.

Founded in 2019 via the management buy-in of Noble Marine, a pleasure craft specialist, Noble Insurance Group was launched to build a family of specialist insurance brands. Its current brands, including CBI, Graham Sykes, New Moon and WG Yachts, offer a range of insurance products and services covering day to day insurance needs and specialist requirements.

Founded in 1998 and headquartered in Christchurch, Dorset, Caravanwise specialises in the camping and leisure market and arranges insurance cover for touring and static caravans, as well as for trailer tents, folding campers, park homes, motorhomes, campervans and horseboxes.

The £5m loan will also help accelerate the Group’s buy and build strategy, that has seen it complete twelve acquisitions to date.

Henry Arundel, co-founder and managing director of Noble Insurance Group, said: “Caravanwise is an excellent addition to our portfolio. It has a highly impressive brand reputation, loyal customer bases, and deep expertise in the caravan and leisure markets.”

Dale Cowdell, director of debt finance at OakNorth, added: “As a result of Henry and Ian’s leadership, Noble Insurance Group has built a robust, high-margin platform in a highly specialised part of the insurance market. “With a proven buy-and-build strategy and strong insurer partnerships, coupled with the growth in revenues that insurance agent and broker market is set to deliver over the next five years, the business is well-positioned for continued sustainable growth. We’re delighted to support Henry, Ian and their teams as they expand their presence with this latest acquisition.”
OakNorth were advised on the transaction by Cowgills and HCR, and Noble Insurance Group were advised by SMB.

Acquisition by Burton specialist sees manufacturer return to UK ownership

Burton-based Wright Industries, a specialist provider of investment, development and turnaround services for UK engineering SMEs, has acquired Exception PCB Ltd. The deal returns the Printed Circuit Board (PCB) manufacturer to UK ownership. Tewkesbury-based Exception PCB will join Wright Industries’ other investments, as part of the Connexion Technologies group. Craig Wright, chairman & CEO at Connexion Technologies, said: “Bringing Exception PCB back from Asian into UK ownership strengthens our national manufacturing resilience, aligns with UK Government objectives, and opens new opportunities to innovate, invest, and lead. “The business has undergone significant recent investment in its processing technology to place it at the forefront of PCB manufacturing globally and we are proud to support its continued growth.” “Exception PCB has a proud history rooted in British engineering,” said Kamal Berberi, general manager at Exception PCB. “We’re excited to join forces with Connexion Technologies and continue developing strategic technologies that serve our customers.”

Celebrate property and construction businesses with a submission for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025 – nominations close 15 August!

Providing the perfect forum to spotlight your business’s achievements, there’s not long left to enter the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025, with nominations closing on Friday 15th August. The prestigious event, organised by East Midlands Business Link Magazine, is an independent awards and publicity programme recognising development projects 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. We also highlight the work of architects, agencies and those behind large schemes. The awards and networking event draws leaders from throughout the East Midlands and is the ideal way for businesses to promote themselves and those they work with. Indeed winning one of these awards will add considerably to a company’s or individual’s brand and enhance their commercial reach significantly. Take this chance to showcase exceptional new commercial and residential developments, those demonstrating a leading position in sustainability and design excellence; gain recognition as prestige developers, architects, contractors, and agents, as well as for significant deals; and ensure efforts in corporate social responsibility are rewarded, from eco initiatives to charity work, to social value schemes. It’s completely free to enter and making the top three finalists in your category also wins you free tickets to the awards ceremony on Thursday 2nd October at Trent Bridge Cricket Ground.

To make a nomination for the 10th annual East Midlands Bricks Awards, please click here, or on the category headings below.

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.

A glittering awards ceremony revealing winners will take place on Thursday 2nd October (4.30pm – 7.30pm) in the Derek Randall Suite at the famous Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, also offering the perfect opportunity to forge new contacts with property and construction professionals from across the region. The event will additionally feature Councillor Nadine Peatfield – Leader of Derby City Council, Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Strategy and Policy, and Deputy Mayor of the East Midlands, as keynote speaker. Robert Maxey, partner at heb Surveyors, last year’s Deal of the Year winner, said: “It was an honour to take home the Deal of the Year award at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024, especially because the other nominees in the category were so strong! It was extremely pleasing to see recognition of our team’s efforts and the event provided a great boost to morale. Celebrating excellence in our region’s property and construction sector, and offering a great chance to catch up with local professionals, I’d encourage other businesses to get involved with an entry, to showcase your business and the impact it is making in the industry.” Tickets can now be booked for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025, click here to secure yours. Connect with local decision makers over nibbles and complimentary drinks while applauding the outstanding companies and projects in our region. 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.

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:

New waterside development to boost local economy

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A new mixed-use development, The Moorings, has officially opened in Staveley as part of the £25 million Government-backed Staveley Town Deal regeneration programme. Located by the Chesterfield Canal, the development is set to offer office, retail, and dining spaces designed to attract both businesses and visitors.

The first floor of the building houses six office units ranging from 450 to 750 square feet, available for rent. The ground floor includes retail spaces and a larger area designated for a restaurant or café-bar, which will feature outdoor seating overlooking the canal. The site also benefits from improved access, including a new road and footpath, making it more attractive for visitors looking to enjoy recreational activities like walking, cycling, and boating.

Expected to generate 40 to 60 new jobs, The Moorings is part of a broader initiative to stimulate local economic growth and create a vibrant destination in the region. The Staveley Town Deal has contributed £3.5 million towards the £4.5 million cost of the project, with the remaining funding covered by local partners.

The development forms part of the wider Markham Vale business park initiative, aimed at supporting business growth in the area.

£150m incinerator project gets approval after appeal

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A government inspector has approved the £150m Swadlincote Energy Recovery Park project after an appeal, overturning the previous decision by Derbyshire County Council’s planning committee to reject it. The controversial scheme, aimed at creating a 60m-tall “energy-from-waste” incinerator near the A444 on the outskirts of Swadlincote, had faced opposition from thousands of residents. Over 3,400 signed a petition against it, with more than 1,200 submitting objections citing concerns about pollution, health risks, traffic, and environmental impact.

Despite the objections, government inspector Paul Griffiths ruled that the benefits of the project outweighed the harm it could cause. He noted that the facility would generate enough energy to power 36,000 homes while diverting significant amounts of waste from landfills.

The development, planned by R&P Clean Power Limited, is expected to create a low-carbon energy source and improve waste management for the region. The project is designed to handle hundreds of thousands of tonnes of waste, with lorries expected to visit the site up to 200 times daily. The approval now means three incinerators will operate in southern Derbyshire.

The decision has been met with disappointment from local campaigners, who feel their concerns were ignored. The approval also includes part-awarded costs to be paid by the county council after the inspector deemed the council’s rejection unreasonable.

Next takes on brand and intellectual property of maternity fashion retailer

Blaby Golf Centre housing plans rejected

Proposals to close Blaby Golf Centre and build up to 200 homes on the site have been rejected. Blaby District Council planning committee members have refused an outline application for the housing scheme from Hallam Land Management. Officers had recommended the scheme be refused and the application had generated more than 1,700 objections from the public. In their report officers said while the development would provide much-needed housing the loss of 16 hectares of Green Wedge was “considered to be inherently harmful.” They said proposals to relocate other popular and well-used businesses at the centre, including a dance school, gym, taxi rank, boutique and beauty salon were not adequate. Councillor Lee Breckon, chairman of the planning committee, said: “Refusing a planning application is a decision we do not take lightly. We have a responsibility to ensure a sufficient housing supply and under national guidelines are generally required to approve new schemes. “However, in this case we agreed with officers that the scheme would be harmful to the local area rather than beneficial. Our main concerns were the loss of Green Wedge as well as the loss of premises for several small businesses in the local area. We felt the overall harms posed by the scheme were strong enough for us to reject the application.”

Funding boost for Derbyshire Dales digital technology firms

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Derbyshire Dales District Council is inviting local digital technology businesses to take advantage of new funding opportunities available through the extended UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) programme. The initiative, which has already supported a range of innovative local projects, has been extended to continue helping businesses modernise their operations and grow through the adoption of cutting-edge technologies. The previous round of UKSPF support helped unlock investment in pioneering ideas from Dales-based companies, including White Peak Design & Build Ltd, which invested in drone and scanning technology to enhance surveying capabilities, and Digital Urban, which creates immersive virtual experiences to engage communities in built environment proposals. “These are exactly the kinds of projects we want to see more of,” said a District Council spokesperson. “We know there are many talented and forward-thinking digital businesses in our area – this funding is here to help turn their ideas into reality.” Grants can support a wide range of investments – from software and equipment to product development and digital transformation.

New business school set to open at University of Derby

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The University of Derby’s new £70m business school, located in the Cavendish Building on Agard Street, is preparing to open its doors in September. The seven-storey building will offer a variety of modern facilities, including teaching spaces, laboratories, a virtual reality suite, and a stock market financial trading room, catering to thousands of students in the coming years.

Construction on the building was completed on 29 July, with final preparations underway to ensure readiness for the student intake. In addition to its educational offerings, the building will also support small businesses and start-ups, providing space for innovation and collaboration.

The new facility is part of the university’s broader vision to foster industry partnerships and enhance learning opportunities for its students, positioning the business school as a key asset in the region’s development.

Ipsum expands its capabilities with acquisition of Core Control Solutions

Ipsum Group has strengthened its position in the energy and infrastructure sectors with the acquisition of Ilkeston-based Core Control Solutions. Core Control specialises in designing and building energy systems for power, water, and transport sectors, including power storage systems that support renewable energy projects, tunnels, and airports.

This acquisition is set to enhance Ipsum’s existing work in power, water, infrastructure, and telecoms, allowing the company to provide more integrated and efficient end-to-end solutions. The deal also opens doors to further expansion into additional infrastructure sectors.

By combining its engineering expertise with Core Control’s capabilities, Ipsum aims to boost service delivery and increase its market presence across the UK. The acquisition will further strengthen Ipsum’s efforts in delivering reliable power and water infrastructure solutions.

The deal was supported by legal and financial advisors Squire Patton Boggs, Grant Thornton, Dains Accountants, and M&S Solicitors, who provided expertise throughout the transaction process.

Revenue soars at J&J Global Fulfilment

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Chris Baker, partner at LDC, added: “These results reflect J&J’s continued focus on service excellence and a culture of constant improvement on behalf of its customers – something that’s seen in everything the team does, from its dedication to expanding and optimising the service offering, to the ever-growing capabilities of its technology platform. “We’re looking forward to continuing to support Emma and the management team as they press ahead with their ambitious plans.”

Training specialist secures funding for growth

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A specialist training provider for childcare and education professionals has secured funding for growth from the Community Investment Enterprise Fund (CIEF) delivered by BCRS Business Loans. Orange Moon Training has secured £100,000 to support its strategy of enhancing the delivery of skills training for early years staff and teaching practitioners, which ranges from apprenticeship courses through to senior leadership development. Led by director Barrington Oliver-Mighten, the business plans to increase its headcount and deliver teaching in more efficient ways including e-learning platforms. Orange Moon Training is also branching out into international services, having started to deliver pre-school training in India. Originally launched as a childcare provider in 2005, the business, which has its premises in Sherwood Rise, Nottingham, has expanded to offer training beyond the Midlands to the South West of England, London and the North West. Barrington Oliver-Mighten said: “The funding from BCRS Business Loans will enable us to deliver on our strategy to grow our business through delivering quality services in more efficient ways. We can position ourselves as an innovative training provider by making use of technology such as e-learning platforms. “We were recommended to speak to BCRS Business Loans through another business loan provider, our neighbour First Enterprise. BCRS Business Loans were very thorough and we were given good support throughout the application process which helped secure the amount we needed. “The outlook is positive for our business as we can see there will be greater demand for childcare training with more free places being made available under the Government policy. Our sector is always evolving but we can navigate the nuances as we grow.”

Mixed picture for Travis Perkins

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Travis Perkins plc, the distributor of building materials, has seen revenue decline in its half year results for the 6 months to 30 June 2025.

The Group delivered revenue of £2.3bn, down 2.1% versus the same period of 2024. This was driven by the Merchanting segment, with activity across the majority of end markets remaining subdued. Toolstation, however, delivered a robust revenue performance with further market share gains.

Adjusted operating profit of £63m was £20m lower than the first half of 2024. This was impacted by factors including an £18m decline in gross profit – primarily driven by lower trading volumes, greater promotional activity and one less trading day in the Merchanting businesses – and property profits being £2m lower than the prior year.

Pre-tax profits, however, increased to £37.1m from £26.6m.

Chair Geoff Drabble said: “The first quarter was difficult with a continued trend of market share loss and revenue decline in Merchanting. However, I was encouraged by the response of the business to management actions to drive a more customer-focused approach. In the second quarter we delivered improved revenue performance and stabilised Merchanting market share and these trends have continued into July.

“We will build on this momentum in the second half as we deploy further system enhancements that put the difficult Oracle implementation behind us. The strong performance of Toolstation UK, which operates in similar markets to the Group’s other businesses, demonstrates our potential without internal distractions.

“Whilst the market outlook for the second half remains uncertain, the Board anticipates that the Group will deliver a full year result broadly in line with current market expectations.”

Only 10 days left to make nominations for the esteemed East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025

With just 10 days remaining until nominations close for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025 ensure to submit your entries for the 10th annual celebration of the property and construction industry by Friday 15th August. It’s completely free to enter and making the top three finalists in your category also wins you free tickets to the awards ceremony. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to promote your business, showcase your successes, reward the hard work of your team, and boost morale. Scheduled to take place on Thursday 2nd October the Bricks shine a light on the outstanding work of those shaping the landscape of our region, recognising development projects and people in commercial and public building across the East Midlands – from offices, industrial and residential, through to community projects such as leisure schemes and schools. We also highlight the work of architects, agencies and those behind large schemes. The glittering awards ceremony revealing winners, at the famous Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, will also offer the perfect chance to forge new contacts with property and construction professionals from across the region. The event will additionally feature Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Leader of Derby City Council and Deputy Mayor of the East Midlands, as keynote speaker.

To enter the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025, please click here, or on the category headings below.

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.

Lee Parry, MD for Vistry East Midlands, which won Developer of the Year in 2024, shared: “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.”

Tickets can now be booked for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025, click here to secure yours.

Connect with local decision makers over nibbles and complimentary drinks while applauding the exceptional companies and projects in our region.

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.

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:

 

Greggs takes a slice of Merlin Park

Food-on-the-go retailer Greggs has signed a lease for Unit 21 at Merlin Park, Osmaston Road, Derby — a key milestone in the ongoing development of the commercial estate. The new unit marks another strategic addition to Greggs’ rapidly expanding portfolio of stores. With a focus on convenience and high footfall, this new outlet is expected to cater to both local residents and the growing number of workers and commuters in the area. Merlin Park is a mixed-use development offering industrial, retail, and trade counter space developed by Ivygrove. Unit 21 provides a modern, purpose-built unit with roadside frontage and parking. The deal was brokered by William Speed of Salloway Property Consultants who said: “We’re delighted to have facilitated this letting to Greggs. Their presence will significantly enhance the tenant mix at Merlin Park and is a clear indicator of the estate’s strength as a commercial destination in Derby.” Simon Smith of Wright Silverwood acted on behalf of Greggs and said: “Greggs are always on the lookout for suitable units within industrial/trade counter estates and Merlin Park just provided the perfect opportunity.”

MuscleFood bought back by ex-CEO and Good Food Group founder

E-commerce retailer MuscleFood is under new ownership with former CEO Nick Preston and business partner Ross Carlin taking full control of the brand. The duo have brought MuscleFood into their suite of businesses alongside The Good Food Group and several other brands after closing the deal just three days after agreeing to buy the company. The new group of companies constitutes one of the largest health nutrition brands in the UK and the biggest to be headquartered in Nottinghamshire. MuscleFood currently employs 85 people and the new owners are committed to delivering future growth. Nick Preston and Ross Carlin acquired MuscleFood for an undisclosed sum, from previous owners The GPS Food Group, in a deal which also saw the writing-off of much of the brand’s debt. Their arrival has already boosted morale with trading revenue up by 37% in their first week compared to the previous week. Nick Preston has a long history with MuscleFood having been on board since the early days of the company in 2014, with a variety of roles including spells as co-CEO and CEO. He left the business in September 2024 but has now returned as co-owner with Ross Carlin, founder of The Good Food Group. Both Nick and Ross are committed to elevating every aspect of the business starting with customer service and communication before focusing on the product offer. They’re already assembling a senior management team including several former MuscleFood executives. Nick said: “It’s fantastic to return to MuscleFood and we’re both incredibly proud to be the owners. MuscleFood has a history of being such an innovative business and it’s inspired so many entrepreneurs to launch their own brands over the years. “I’m really proud of the work the team here have done and we are looking forward to elevating the offer once again and bringing back that spirit of innovation which made MuscleFood such a leader in the market. “I have been associated with MuscleFood since pretty much the start so it seems poignant to come full circle and return as co-owner. “Walking back into the office on the first day was something of a pinch myself moment, particularly because the entire deal had been completed so quickly, with the paperwork signed just three days after the opportunity was first presented. “I’m grateful for all the work the previous owners and board did and for the opportunity we have been given to come in and effectively make a fresh start and begin a whole new chapter for MuscleFood.” Co-owner Ross Carlin said it was exciting to be able to bring Musclefood into a group of companies including The Good Food Group, which he founded. The Good Food Group is an official supply partner to major UK retailers such as Boots, Superdrug and Holland & Barrett, helping them to drive innovation within their businesses. Ross Carlin said: “We want to show the world who MuscleFood is. The brand made its name through innovating the industry so it sits very well alongside The Good Food Group which is also known for innovation. “It’s early days but we have already started work on a new customer service improvement plan to make sure our customers get the best service possible. There’s so much potential for growth. “We will be elevating everything about the brand in terms of quality, service and communication. Persistence beats resistance and we will deliver what we say we will deliver. “MuscleFood has a great history of innovation within the food industry but we are definitely planning forward, not looking back.”

East Midlands Airport launches new training academy to boost operational excellence

East Midlands Airport has unveiled a new state-of-the-art training academy, reinforcing its commitment to enhancing operations and service quality. Located adjacent to the airport’s main administrative building, the facility is designed to accommodate 68 learners at a time, with dedicated spaces for in-person and remote training.

The training academy is part of a £120m investment programme at the airport and features four training rooms, a remote learning space, and facilities for staff, including a new kitchen and rest area. The academy’s primary focus is on training airport staff in areas such as security, customer services, landside and airfield operations, with courses also available for partner organisations working at the airport.

The in-house training team runs refresher courses for existing employees as well as onboarding sessions for new recruits. Core modules include customer service training, security protocols, and the use of advanced equipment, such as the next-generation scanning systems in the airport’s updated security hall. These improvements enable passengers to keep electronics and liquids in their cabin bags during screening.

This move is part of the airport’s broader strategy to maintain top-tier service and safety standards, ensuring that both staff and passengers benefit from a seamless, efficient travel experience.

Pulse Clean Energy secures £220m financing for UK battery storage expansion

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Pulse Clean Energy, a UK-based battery storage developer, has secured £220 million in debt financing to advance its energy storage infrastructure. The funding, provided by a consortium of six banks including Santander, NatWest, and ABN AMRO, will support the development of six new battery energy storage system (BESS) sites across the UK, in addition to continuing operations at seven existing locations.

The financing marks a significant milestone for the UK’s battery storage sector, with the deal structured in accordance with the Green Loan Principles. It reflects growing commercial confidence in energy storage solutions, as the UK looks to strengthen grid resilience and increase the integration of renewable energy.

Pulse Clean Energy plans to use the capital to develop sites in key locations such as Devon, Manchester, and Aberdeen, collectively adding 700MWh of capacity to the grid. These projects are expected to generate over £200 million in savings from reduced gas consumption and lower emissions for UK consumers.

The company’s portfolio includes several operational sites across Greater Manchester, South Wales, and Tyne & Wear, with all financed systems slated to be operational by the end of 2027. The investment will also contribute to the ongoing growth of Pulse Clean Energy’s presence within the UK’s energy network, transforming former fossil fuel sites into renewable energy assets.

Legal counsel for Pulse Clean Energy was provided by Eversheds Sutherland, with additional advisory support from Watson Farley & Williams, Chatham Financial, and other industry experts.

Clegg Construction appointed on two new supplier agreements

Contractor Clegg Construction has been appointed onto two new supplier agreements, which could open up a new pipeline of opportunities for the business. The Nottingham-headquartered company has been named as an approved supplier on the Constellia Marketplace and appointed onto two Dynamic Purchasing Systems with the Procurement Hub – the Development Contractors DPS and the Property Works DPS. Pre-construction director Christian White said: “The successful appointment of Clegg Construction onto these two supplier agreements is good news for the business, as it will open up a new stream of potential work for our teams across a wider geographical area. “Clegg Construction is an experienced contractor that works in a variety of sectors, but this opportunity will not only allow us to expand our portfolio, it will also be a convenient way for clients to procure our services.”

Wright Vigar makes senior promotions as part of continued investment in talent

Wright Vigar has promoted two long-standing team members to director, reinforcing the firm’s commitment to investing in its people. Louise Lane, who joined Wright Vigar in 2004, has been promoted to director. With over 25 years of experience in accounting and taxation, Louise has built a reputation as one of the UK’s leading experts in cryptoasset taxation. She began her career in accounts and audit before specialising in tax and now heads up Wright Vigar’s cryptoasset team. Since 2018, Louise has advised a wide range of clients on cryptoasset tax and accounting matters. She has worked closely with Recap.io to develop crypto tax software, author the Recap UK Tax Guide for Individuals, and liaise with HMRC on areas of uncertainty. Louise is also an active member of various crypto tax and accounting working groups / committees coordinated by CryptoUK, Bitcoin Policy UK, the Chartered Institute of Tax and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales. She regularly contributes to HMRC and Treasury cryptoasset roundtables, helping shape the future of crypto tax policy in the UK and takes every opportunity to speak on panels on this niche area. Louise said: “I’m incredibly proud to take this next step in my career with Wright Vigar. It’s been a privilege to grow alongside the firm and to help shape our approach to emerging areas like crypto taxation. I’m excited about what the future holds for our clients and our team.” Darren Ashley, based in the Gainsborough office, has also been promoted to director. Darren joined Wright Vigar in 2005 following the acquisition of Wilshaw & Ellis and was appointed associate director in 2020. He plays a key role in managing the Gainsborough office alongside David Goodall and oversees a large, diverse client portfolio. Darren has expertise in the property and construction sectors, as well as family businesses. Known for his open, honest, and friendly demeanour, Darren is highly regarded for his calm, down-to-earth approach and his ability to deliver clear, practical advice tailored to each client’s unique situation. He places great importance on listening and building strong, trust-based relationships, an approach that has led to many valuable client referrals. “Being promoted to Director is a real honour,” said Darren. “I’ve always valued the relationships we build with our clients and the trust they place in us. I look forward to continuing to support businesses in Gainsborough and beyond as part of the leadership team.” These promotions reflect Wright Vigar’s ongoing strategy to nurture talent and strengthen leadership across the firm.