Acquisitive professional services group Cooper Parry has continued its expansion, swooping for specialist management adviser Liberty Corporate Finance. This marks the East Midlands-headquartered group’s 14th deal in just over two years.
Liberty is a specialist corporate finance advisor to management teams across the world, supporting clients in negotiating, designing and implementing equity incentive plans. Liberty has advised management teams across a multitude of sectors, deal sizes and geographies and has an unrivalled knowledge of the private equity industry.
Liberty operates from offices in London, Madrid, Munich, Stockholm and Sydney. The firm has assisted over 750 management teams, working with more than 150 private equity houses with combined transaction value in excess of £200bn.
Ade Cheatham, CEO, Cooper Parry, said: “This deal is different. Liberty takes us right to the centre of the most valuable conversations in the market – where management, private equity, and strategy collide. Their track record is elite. Their relationships are deep. And culturally, they’re bang in sync with how we think, work and grow.
“It’s our fourteenth deal in just over two years – and one of the most strategically powerful. It gives us immediate presence in new international markets and extends our reach at the top end of the deal spectrum. If you want to understand our ambition at CP, this move says it all.”
Liberty partners Simon Hill, Michael McDonagh and Dan Martinez added: “We are delighted to join forces with Cooper Parry, a game changer in the professional services industry. This acquisition marks a new chapter for Liberty; preserving our identity, brand and unique offering while at the same time enabling us to expand our capabilities and markets.
“Tapping into CP’s deep expertise allows us to greatly accelerate our growth trajectory. Our shared commitment to excellence, innovation, and client success makes this a natural and exciting fit. We look forward to what we will achieve together.”
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has appointed Sirah Parkes FRICS as the new chair for the East Midlands Regional Board, succeeding Amrit Sagoo.
Sirah joined the RICS East Midlands Regional Board in 2024 and serves as senior managing surveyor at SDL Surveying, a division of the MSS Group. With over 25 years of experience as a chartered surveyor, Sirah’s distinguished career spans commercial practice, development, landlord and tenant, and her current role where she is part of a team that manages 120 residential sector surveyors.
A fellow and RICS ambassador, Sirah passionately advocates for education, social and economic mobility. She played a pivotal role in developing iPad technologies pivotal to RICS-compliant bank lending site note capture and reporting, as well as Level 2 iPad technology now widely used in residential valuation and surveying.
Her commitment to equality, diversity, and maintaining professional excellence has been a hallmark of her career.
Sirah Parkes said: “This is an incredible privilege and an equally significant responsibility. My roots are in the East Midlands, and I am confident in my ability to fulfil this role. My vision is to ensure that our Board provides an inclusive, well-informed experience for our members. Engaging locally—listening, interacting, and understanding member needs—is at the heart of my approach.
“This role allows me to channel member feedback directly into the core of RICS. As a fellow member, I understand the importance of feeling heard and connected to the institution. I am determined that my new platform will support the next generation of surveyors, ensuring their relevance across disciplines and providing excellent educational and career opportunities, whether through apprenticeships or university routes.”
Derby City Council has launched a new AI-powered messaging service to improve debt collection for local businesses. The service integrates an advanced dashboard that provides a detailed overview of outstanding debts by analysing data across multiple Council systems.
From 26 June, businesses in the city that do not pay their business rates via Direct Debit will receive timely email reminders about upcoming payments and overdue instalments. This proactive service aims to help businesses avoid falling into arrears, minimise the risk of expensive recovery actions, and support financial stability.
The service is designed to offer a more tailored and compassionate approach to debt collection, ensuring that businesses get the support they need while maintaining a fair and effective process. By identifying cases that require additional assistance, the system enables the Council to address issues before they escalate, improving the overall debt management experience for businesses.
This is part of a wider effort by the Council to adopt smart technology in debt management, with similar services soon to be available for Council Tax payers and other debtors. The initiative reflects the Council’s commitment to responsibly managing public finances and supporting local businesses through AI-driven solutions.
East Midlands Chamber has cautiously welcomed measures announced in the government’s Trade Strategy, which seeks to ease barriers for businesses that export overseas.
Key points in the Trade Strategy include:
£20bn into UK Export Finance
£5bn into a new ‘Ricardo Fund’ to support UK regulators and overseas trade teams in removing regulatory barriers for UK businesses trading abroad
Flexible trade arrangements that are sector and industry specific
Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRA’s)
Mutual Recognition of Professional Qualifications (MRPQ’s)
Support for SME’s with export
A ‘proactive approach’ to imports
East Midlands Chamber head of international trade, Lucy Granger said: “With export of goods and services having been a painfully slow, costly and drawn-out process for firms since the UK’s exit from the EU, coupled more recently with the ongoing, changing tariffs imposed by the US, any initiatives to reduce the burden on exporters is something I welcome but what matters here is the detail.
“How and when exactly might these measures be implemented and will the results actually speed things up in practice – that’s what businesses will want to see.
“Right now, there are barriers that complicate processes that should really be quite simple – like what country does a product you’re exporting originate in, what differing rules might each country have on recognition of that product’s origin. For someone wanting to do business overseas, are their qualifications recognised in that country?
“Working to remove some of those hurdles, if successful, would be a good forward step and less time consuming for firms that export.
“Further Free Trade Agreements, if they happen would certainly help, too, however there needs to be support in place for firms in how to use them to make the export process as smooth as it can be. Likewise, if SME’s are to be supported, as proposed in the Trade Strategy, how might that work?
“For businesses exporting overseas, the Chamber’s International Trade department can offer guidance on how best to handle all the elements involved as we go forward.”
Mansfield District Council has appointed Nottinghamshire-based fire and security system specialists Tecserv UK to provide maintenance and compliance services across all public access buildings within its portfolio.
Under the agreement, Tecserv UK, which has its head office in Underwood, will carry out a programme of fire risk assessments and system upgrades across a range of sites, including the Civic Centre and the Old Town Hall.
This will involve the installation or replacement of fire extinguishers, access control systems, intruder alarms, and emergency lighting. The company will also provide ongoing maintenance and inspections to ensure full compliance with fire safety regulations.
Liam Clifford, national sales manager at Tecserv UK, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Mansfield District Council to help protect the people and properties within their care.
“As a local business, we’re proud to contribute to the safety of our community by delivering compliant, reliable fire and security systems. Our experienced engineers and support teams are committed to providing the highest standards of service and expertise.”
Portfolio holder for corporate and finance, councillor Craig Whitby, added: “Whilst cost and value are important factors, we cannot underestimate the economic benefits of making the very most of local skills and services.
“Tecserv UK was able to demonstrate a thorough understanding of our requirements and has demonstrated to us that they have a trusted reputation of providing reliable services to public organisations and high-profile buildings.”
North Northamptonshire Council is relaunching its support programme for small businesses, offering crucial resources to help them navigate the challenges of today’s economy. The initiative, which is backed by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Smarter Society, is designed to support businesses across North Northamptonshire’s High Streets, including those in retail, hospitality, and services.
This summer’s programme features expert-led mentoring, digital and social media training, and networking events, all tailored to meet the specific needs of local businesses. The one-on-one support extends to 50 businesses, while workshops will cover vital topics like customer service and AI integration. In addition, small businesses will have access to a wealth of online resources aimed at strengthening their operations.
A standout element of the programme is Smarter Society’s “Beat the Streets” initiative, where team members visit all 12 towns in the region to meet business owners face-to-face, providing direct support and tailored guidance based on their unique challenges.
This year, the programme builds on the success of last year, which helped 75 businesses gain new skills and build resilience. It reflects the council’s ongoing commitment to strengthening local economies and ensuring that High Streets remain the heart of the community. The first event, focusing on business therapy, is set for July 22 at 10am.
Premier Technical Services Group Ltd (PTSG), the Castleford-based provider of specialist services to the construction and facilities management sectors, has acquired HD Sharman Group Ltd (HDSG) – a leader in commercial roof maintenance and refurbishment systems.
Founded in 1970 and headquartered in Chapel-en-le-Frith, Derbyshire, HDSG helps organisations extend the life of their building assets.
The acquisition of HDSG represents a strategic expansion of PTSG’s capabilities in roofing services, complementing and strengthening the proposition delivered through its existing business, NSS – the commercial roof cleaning, maintenance and reactive repairs firm.
Paul Teasdale, executive chairman of PTSG, said: “HD Sharman Group is a respected name in the UK roofing sector – and rightly so. Their engineering excellence, commitment to customer outcomes and long-standing reputation for quality align perfectly with PTSG’s culture and ambition.
“Bringing HDSG into the Group allows us to significantly broaden our roofing services proposition and respond to growing demand for integrated solutions across the commercial property market. We are delighted to welcome the team into the PTSG family.”
Leigh Daveran, newly appointed managing director of HDSG, said: “Joining PTSG marks an exciting new chapter for our business.
“We are proud of the heritage and reputation we have built and we believe this partnership will allow us to go even further – enhancing our product and service offer, reaching new markets and combining forces with likeminded specialists at NSS and across the Group. We look forward to working together to deliver even greater value for our customers.”
Outgoing managing director, Mark de Rozarieux, the driving force behind HDSG and its growth, will remain closely involved in the business, working alongside Leigh to ensure a smooth and successful integration into the PTSG Group. He will retain his seat on the board of directors and continue to play an active role in shaping the strategic direction of the business.
FRP Corporate Finance supported the deal, acting as the lead sell-side advisers to HD Sharman.
Dan Salt, partner at FRP Corporate Finance, said: “Traditional sectors like industrials are continuing to attract high levels of demand for their strongest assets. This is especially true where there are also attractive secondary considerations, which in the case of HD Sharman was its track-record of supporting other businesses to operate more sustainably.
“So, when interested buyers like PTSG come along with a clear plan for growth that is supported by their investors, it can often be a perfect match. This deal marks an exciting time for all parties, and I look forward to the combined business reaping the benefits of this deal in the years to come.”
Derbion, a prominent shopping centre in Derby, has attained BREEAM In-Use Outstanding certification, distinguishing itself as a sustainability leader within the retail sector. The certification highlights the centre’s strategic efforts in carbon reduction, energy efficiency, and community-focused initiatives.
The BREEAM In-Use certification is a global standard that evaluates both the physical performance of a building and how it’s managed to meet sustainability goals. Derbion’s results stand out with an Outstanding rating for management practices, including effective energy use and water conservation, and an Excellent rating for asset performance, which measures the physical infrastructure.
The centre has invested in energy-saving measures, such as upgrading to LED lighting, switching to a heat pump system, and using natural ventilation to minimise the need for cooling. These changes have led to a significant 30% reduction in energy consumption, saving 1.4 million kWh annually.
Alongside its environmental efforts, Derbion has enhanced its community impact through initiatives like Derbion Cares, which supports local charities, and employee volunteer programs. With a long-term vision of reaching Net Zero by 2030, the centre is also exploring solar energy and water-saving initiatives to further bolster its sustainability credentials.
This recognition underscores Derbion’s commitment to sustainability and positions it as a model for future retail developments aiming to meet both environmental and community-driven goals.
With nominations OPEN until Friday 15th August for East Midlands Business Link’s 10th annual Bricks Awards, shining a light on the region’s property and construction industry, there are 10 categories available to enter, offering an opportunity to showcase outstanding businesses, teams and projects at the prestigious event.
One such category is the ever-popular Contractor of the Year, which can be entered here. It’s completely free to submit a nomination and making the top three finalists in your category also wins you free tickets to the awards ceremony.
Celebrating the contractors who work on the project, this award celebrates builders, construction companies and the contractors themselves, and nominees should be those who have gone above and beyond the word of the contract to deliver a truly exceptional service.
Last year the award was won by Clegg Construction, beating out stiff competition from Cawarden and Winvic. Upon winning, Michael Sims, Managing Director at Clegg Construction, said: “Clegg is a 92-year-old company whose head office has been based in Nottingham city centre for over 25 years, and we are so proud to have been recognised at this year’s Bricks Awards for our contributions to the built environment in the East Midlands region. We dedicate this award to our teams and partners, whose unwavering commitment to delivering an exceptional service on each of the projects we deliver is fundamental to the company’s continued success.”
With this year’s Contractor of the Year award sponsored by environmental consultancy EMEC, Ed Tripp, Consultancy Director at EMEC, said: “We’re proud to once again sponsor the ‘Contractor of the Year’ category at the Bricks Awards, which continues to be a fantastic celebration of the region’s construction and property sectors.
“Last year’s event was a brilliant showcase of talent, innovation and collaboration, and we thoroughly enjoyed connecting with so many like-minded professionals who are helping shape the future of our built environment.
“At EMEC, we work closely with contractors across a wide range of projects, so it’s a real pleasure to help shine a spotlight on those delivering excellence on site. As an environmental consultancy, we believe it’s vital for contractors to take a responsible and forward-thinking approach to sustainability, and this year’s winner will be someone who goes above and beyond to embrace biodiversity within their developments.
“We’re looking forward to another inspiring evening and encourage all within the industry to get their nominations in—it’s a great opportunity to recognise hard work, dedication and impact across the industry.”
Submit your nominations for Contractor of the Year here, before entries close on Friday 15th August.
Property and construction professionals gather for the East Midlands Bricks Awards
Winners will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony on Thursday 2nd October,at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground (4:30pm – 7:30pm) – an evening also offering an opportunity to establish new connections with property and construction professionals from across the region, and hear from keynote speaker Councillor Nadine Peatfield – Leader of Derby City Council, Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Strategy and Policy, and Deputy Mayor of the East Midlands.
Other award categories open for entry include: Most Active Agent, Commercial Development of the Year, Responsible Business of the Year, Residential Development of the Year, Developer of the Year, Deal of the Year, Architects of the Year, Excellence in Design, and Sustainable Development of the Year. All entry forms can be accessed here.
The Overall Winner award will also be presented at the event. This award cannot be entered, with the winner selected from those nominated for the event’s other awards. The Overall Winner of the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025 will also receive agrand prize of a year of marketing/publicity worth £20,000, with the opportunity to split or gift the marketing to a charity of your choice.
The East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025
What: The East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025
When: Thursday 2nd October (4.30pm – 7.30pm)
Where: Derek Randall Suite,Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, Nottingham
Keynote speaker: Councillor Nadine Peatfield – Leader of Derby City Council, Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Strategy and Policy, and Deputy Mayor of the East Midlands
Tickets: Available hereDress code: Standard business attire
Thanks to our sponsors:
Nottingham Forest’s City Ground will undergo a significant transformation, with plans to redevelop the iconic stadium officially approved. Following unanimous backing from the Rushcliffe Borough Council, the project will see the demolition and replacement of the Peter Taylor Stand, with the new structure boosting the stadium’s capacity to around 35,000 seats.
The new stand, rising 38 metres, will be the tallest in the stadium and will feature advanced infrastructure, including improved facilities for staff, players, and fans, as well as premium hospitality suites. The £130m redevelopment will modernise the venue to meet top-tier football standards, aligning with the club’s ambitions for future success.
The planning approval also includes provisions for a residential development next to the stadium, featuring 170 one- and two-bedroom apartments and commercial spaces, with parking for 67 vehicles. With this redevelopment, Nottingham Forest aims to enhance both the fan experience and the economic impact on the local area.
A strategic partnership between Network Rail, Freshwave, and Neos Networks aims to improve the UK’s rail telecoms network by eliminating signal blackspots and modernising the infrastructure. Neos Networks will be responsible for deploying 1,000 kilometres of fibre optic cable along key railway lines, including the East Coast Main Line, Chiltern Main Line, and West Coast Main Line. The initiative will also commercialise spare fibre capacity, creating a robust digital connectivity backbone for businesses. The partners have plans to extend this network to over 5,000 kilometres in the future.
The collaboration addresses the growing demand for high-performance digital infrastructure, driven by factors such as AI growth and data centre capacity. Freshwave will address signal gaps by deploying mobile infrastructure in 57 tunnels along major rail routes, including the 4 km-long Chipping Sodbury tunnel. Mobile connectivity will also be enhanced at 12 key stations, such as Birmingham New Street, Glasgow Central, and King’s Cross, with installations expected to begin in 2026.
These upgrades are crucial for improving Network Rail’s asset monitoring capabilities and enabling advanced technologies like trackside sensors and CCTV. The enhanced network is expected to bring long-term economic benefits, contributing to the UK’s digital future and supporting the formation of Great British Railways.
Developer HBD, part of Henry Boot, has submitted a planning application for the second phase of ARK, a £27m GDV scheme at its flagship M1 industrial and logistics development, Markham Vale.
ARK is being delivered by Origin, a joint-venture partnership between HBD and Feldberg Capital.
Work began earlier this year on the first phase of the new development, which consists of four units from 17,000 sq ft to 36,000 sq ft. Henry Boot Construction is the contractor for phase one, with the first four units due to complete late 2025.
The second phase of ARK will deliver the final 53,000 sq ft unit, with work expected to start on-site in Q4 subject to planning permission being granted. Origin is committed to delivering ESG-compliant I&L space, with ARK meeting stringent sustainability benchmarks, targeting BREEAM Excellent and an EPC A rating.
Markham Vale is a 200-acre industrial and logistics scheme delivered by HBD in joint venture with Derbyshire County Council. It has created more than 2,600 jobs since work began and counts Bilstein Group, Great Bear, Smurfit Westrock and Sterigenics among its occupiers.
Vivienne Clements, executive director at HBD, said: “Working with Derbyshire County Council, HBD has delivered 2.5 million sq ft at Markham Vale, creating a very successful industrial and logistics destination. With established demand from logistics and manufacturing businesses, it’s very positive to be able to bring forward a further 53,000 sq ft unit at ARK.”
Jamie Acheson, managing director of Feldberg Capital, said: “The submission of planning for ARK’s second phase represents a significant milestone in our strategic partnership with HBD.
“This 53,000sq ft unit will complete our vision for a best-in-class industrial development at Markham Vale, addressing the clear market demand we’re seeing in this prime logistics location.
“As Origin continues to expand its portfolio of ESG-compliant assets across the UK, ARK exemplifies our commitment to developing sustainable, future-proof industrial spaces that meet the evolving needs of modern businesses.”
The agents for ARK are JLL and CPP.
UK businesses are facing heightened cybersecurity risks, particularly due to a surge in cyberattacks linked to Iran, following the escalation of the Middle East conflict. Cybersecurity experts have warned of an uptick in attacks from online groups associated with Tehran, targeting both UK-based organisations and entities in the US and Israel.
Analysis by cybersecurity firm EclecticIQ shows a significant increase in cyberattacks since the Israel-Iran conflict began. The firm also reported a growing collaboration between pro-Iranian and pro-Russian hacktivist groups, amplifying the threat to UK businesses.
The UK government has urged businesses to strengthen their cyber defences in light of the growing threat. While some companies are already taking action, authorities stress that all organisations, regardless of size or sector, must urgently review and enhance their cybersecurity measures.
The recent wave of attacks has included Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) assaults on key British businesses, including those in the defence sector. These attacks aim to overwhelm a company’s computer networks with excessive traffic, causing disruptions. In addition to DDoS attacks, businesses have also faced data-deleting malware and an increase in disinformation campaigns.
As the cyber threat landscape evolves, UK businesses are urged to adopt comprehensive resilience and incident response strategies, ensuring they are prepared for potential cyber operations, which may not be immediately obvious or proportional.
West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) is set to take a significant step towards enhancing its social housing services. The Council has approved a proposal to consult tenants on bringing the management of housing services, currently run by Northamptonshire Partnership Homes (NPH), back under direct Council control. This move comes after a review of housing management models and in response to updated regulations under the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023, which requires local authorities to have direct accountability for housing stock management, even when outsourced.
NPH, an Arm’s Length Management Organisation (ALMO), has been responsible for approximately 11,500 council-owned homes since 2015. However, many local authorities are shifting back to in-house management in recent years, aiming to improve oversight, integration, and resident engagement. WNC’s Cabinet has decided on a phased approach to transfer the service, with a clear plan for the next two years to ensure a smooth transition and continuous service delivery for residents.
A comprehensive consultation will take place, involving tenants, leaseholders, and other key stakeholders to gather feedback and shape the final decision. The goal is to streamline operations, improve service coordination across departments, and ensure better outcomes for West Northamptonshire’s residents.
Derbyshire-based Peak Pharmacy has secured an eight-figure refinancing package from HSBC UK to help power its growth plans.
The funding will support the company’s automation strategy following the development of a new 113,000 sq ft warehouse, known as ‘Horizon’. The facility is designed to boost operational efficiency and increase workforce capacity at their branches by over 50 per cent, allowing pharmacy teams to dedicate more time to patient care.
With over 130 pharmacies nationwide, Peak Pharmacy currently supplies approximately 1.5 per cent of the prescriptions in England. The new investment will help the business grow further, with plans for strategic acquisitions and service improvements already underway.
The company is also on track to reach a milestone – £200 million in turnover by the end of the year, its highest to date.
Joe Cattee, managing director at Peak Pharmacy, said: “HSBC UK really understood what we were looking for and invested time with us. After a very longstanding relationship with our previous banking partner, we felt it was time to explore new opportunities and take the next step in growing our business.
“As we invest more in automation and continue prioritising patient service, having HSBC UK by our side gives us the confidence and support to build for the future.”
Philip Carr, senior relationship director at HSBC UK, said: “It’s a pivotal time for pharmacies and the role they play in supporting primary healthcare. Businesses like Peak Pharmacy need the headroom and financial flexibility to grow, adapt and keep their patients at the heart of what they do.”
Dave Ramsden, head of East Midlands corporate, at HSBC UK, added: “Working with Peak Pharmacy underscores HSBC UK’s commitment to offering tailored solutions that help businesses grow and improve. We’re looking forward to seeing the business continue to thrive and bring even more value to the communities they serve.”
With the 10th annual East Midlands Bricks Awards taking place this October, excitement is building for the event, with just one sponsorship spot left for the celebration of the region’s property and construction industry.
Attracting leaders from across the East Midlands, the event is the perfect way for businesses to raise their profile, showcase the work they are completing, and create more buzz. With only one spot remaining in the sponsor line-up, Angie Cooper can be contacted at a.cooper@blmgroup.co.uk to learn more.
This year’s eagerly anticipated ceremony will make its return on Thursday 2nd October (4.30pm – 7.30pm) at the famous Trent Bridge Cricket Ground in Nottingham – an evening that will also provide plenty of opportunities to forge new contacts with property and construction professionals from across the region.
Guests network at the East Midlands Bricks Awards
The event will additionally welcome 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.
Recognising those behind the changing landscape of the East Midlands, the occasion will highlight development projects, businesses, and people in commercial and public building – from office, industrial and residential schemes, through to community projects such as leisure schemes and schools. It will also toast the work of architects, agencies, and those behind large schemes.
Make a nomination
The East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025 is completely free to enter, and making the top three finalists in a category will win you free tickets to the awards ceremony.
To nominate your (or another) business/development for one of our awards, please click on a category link below or visit this page.
Categories include:
All finalists will have the chance to take home the Overall Winner award, which this year comes with a grand prize of a year of marketing/publicity worth £20,000, with the opportunity to split or gift the marketing to a charity of your choice.
Nominations will close on Friday 15th August.
New for this year, all entrants will also have the opportunity to be featured on our dedicated nominee showcase on the East Midlands Business Link website, providing space for marketing your achievements.
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 hereDress code: Standard business attire
Thanks to our sponsors:
The Bobby Dhanjal Foundation, the charity arm of Leicester-based independent financial adviser BDWM, has donated £3,500 to five local causes which do vital work for communities in and around the city.
The organisations it supported during the latest round of giving were:
Baby Basics Leicester (£500) – A Wigston-based charity, which collects, sorts and distributes Moses basket starter kits, clothing, toiletries and other essential equipment to vulnerable local families who are struggling to provide for their newborn baby or young child.
Wishes 4 Kids (£1,000) – A local organisation which makes wishes come true for children and youngsters in Leicestershire who are life-limited, terminally ill, have experienced life-changing physical or emotional traumas or have suffered major abuse.
Leicester Children’s Holidays (£1,000) – The foundation continued its longstanding support for this local organisation, which takes vulnerable city children away on a traditional seaside holiday in Mablethorpe, when their families are struggling to afford a break.
Treehouse Wellbeing(£500) –A children’s mental health charity which will use the funding to offer accessible therapy and support to children, young people and families in Lutterworth, to enhance the lives of the local community.
Thin Blue Paw – An animal welfare charity, which protects, supports and rehabilitates serving and retired police dogs from across the UK.
Bobby Dhanjal, BDWM’s company director and founder, said: “Looking after the communities we serve is a big part of our ethos here at BDWM.
“So, we were delighted to be able to support five more local charitable organisations with financial donations from the Bobby Dhanjal Foundation.
“All these organisations do such vital work for vulnerable people and groups here in Leicestershire and further afield, and these donations will help them continue to deliver this essential support.”
The Bobby Dhanjal Foundation was founded in 2012, with the initial aim of ensuring that all children, from any background, race or religion, have the experience of playing and making new friends in a safe environment. Bobby, who grew up in the city, was eager to give something back to the next generation and invest in its future.
The Foundation is made up of funds from personal donations and staff activity and is managed in partnership with the Leicestershire & Rutland Community Foundation. It selects different community groups and local charities to support with fundraising and other activities each year. Over the years, it has helped to raise and distribute more than £80,000 to local good causes.
£100,000 is being made available by Erewash Borough Council to help create jobs across the borough, by encouraging local firms to innovate.
The boost is in the form of research and development grants that businesses can apply for, with the authority to pay two thirds of the bill for coming up with new products, processes and technologies.
Firms that agree to meet a third of their project’s costs can be awarded between £5,000 and £20,000.
Cllr Curtis Howard, Erewash’s lead member for planning and regeneration, said: “The latest round of grants uses Government money that the council has secured via the East Midlands Mayor.
“We have been offering similar R&D grants since 2022. It means a total of £214,000 has been pumped into the local economy – securing existing jobs and creating new ones. Industries that have been helped range from furniture makers to factories that produce machinery.
“We’ve been very proud to support our great local manufacturers – but I’d very much like to see a broader range of local businesses apply and benefit.”
Affinity Workforce Solutions Ltd. has expanded its portfolio with the acquisition of The Protocol Group, based in Nottingham. This strategic move will enhance Affinity’s service offering to education sectors across the UK. The Protocol Group’s three established brands (Protocol FE, Bookmark, and eSafeguarding) will continue to operate independently, now benefiting from Affinity’s expanded national network and resources.
This acquisition enhances the group’s capacity, enabling the placement of approximately 30,000 candidates annually. Affinity’s presence in the East Midlands is strengthened, while its compliance services are further bolstered, primarily through the integration of eSafeguarding, a secure platform for managing DBS checks.
As a Crown Commercial Service-approved supplier, Affinity is known for its managed recruitment solutions for schools, colleges, and Multi-Academy Trusts across the UK. The addition of Protocol’s expertise in further education and digital compliance tools enhances this offering, particularly for public sector clients seeking cohesive recruitment and safeguarding services.
The acquisition is a key part of Affinity’s growth strategy, enabling it to serve its existing clients better while upholding the high-quality standards they expect.
Broxtowe Borough Council has launched a new round of SME business grants from the Broxtowe Business Growth Fund, thanks to funding through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Local businesses can apply for £2,000 – £7,000 of funding, with up to 40% match funding required, to help support and grow Broxtowe SMEs.
Business can use the grants to contribute towards shop and business frontage improvements including signage, street scene or conservation area related initiatives, environmental energy saving measures, disability access improvements, or digital, productivity and ecommerce investments that improve productivity or create jobs.
Grants will be available for projects completed between 1 October 2025 and 31 March 2026.
Applications are now open and will close on 30 July 2025.
Portfolio holder for economic development and asset management, councillor Milan Radulovic MBE, said: “I’m delighted to be able to offer this next round of grants from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to be able to help our local businesses.
“UKSPF funding has already done so much good for Broxtowe businesses and I can’t wait to see even more projects be completed that help to support our high streets.”
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