China-UK cargo link begins with East Midlands Airport deal

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China-UK cargo link begins with East Midlands Airport deal

East Midlands Airport has become the first in the UK to launch direct regular cargo flights from China, following a new agreement with logistics provider YunExpress and Chinese carrier Central Airlines.

The partnership began earlier this month by introducing Boeing 777 freighter services between China and the UK twice weekly. Both companies have signalled intentions to increase flight frequency soon, highlighting growing demand for faster e-commerce and freight connectivity between the two markets.

YunExpress is managing the cargo operations, while Central Airlines provides the aircraft. Based in Hainan, Central Airlines currently serves 12 countries and 43 destinations, while YunExpress is expanding its European footprint and has committed to long-term growth at East Midlands.

The development strengthens East Midlands Airport’s position as the UK’s central express air freight hub. Its 24/7 operations and central location make it a strategic choice for logistics providers aiming for fast nationwide delivery. The airport has capacity for further cargo growth, at a time when other UK airports face operational constraints.

Clearbell and Deva Capital target regional industrial resilience with new site acquisitions

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Clearbell and Deva Capital target regional industrial resilience with new site acquisitions

Private equity real estate manager Clearbell Capital and its joint venture partner Deva Capital have acquired two multi-let industrial estates as part of their continued push into high-potential logistics assets across the UK.

The newly acquired sites, Glynstell Park in Cardiff and Glossop Brook Business Park in Derbyshire, expand the joint venture’s footprint in regional logistics markets. Together, they total more than 180,000 sq ft and are currently home to a combined 14 tenants.

Both acquisitions support Clearbell’s strategy of investing in assets that can be repositioned through sustainability-led upgrades and hands-on asset management. The Cardiff site, which sits on six acres near the city centre, offers potential for energy infrastructure improvements and EPC upgrades, following a previous refurbishment in 2017.

The Glossop estate, comprised of 19 units, fits into Clearbell’s approach of acquiring below-replacement-cost assets in undersupplied submarkets. A full EPC uplift across the park will improve long-term asset resilience and tenant appeal.

The move signals continued confidence in decentralised industrial hubs, particularly those with strong transport links and scope for environmental performance improvements. For B2B occupiers and investors, the focus remains on future-proofed assets that meet evolving operational and compliance needs.

Advisors on the transactions included Lewis Ellis, Cortex Partners, and Fletcher Morgan on the Cardiff deal, as well as Index Real Estate and Northcap on the Glossop acquisition.

Browne Jacobson appoints planning team partner

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Browne Jacobson appoints planning team partner

Browne Jacobson’s planning expertise has been strengthened by the appointment of Will Thomas as partner.

Based in Nottingham, he joins the law firm’s planning and environment law team from Shoosmiths, where he was principal associate.

Will specialises in planning and compulsory purchase law. He acts for public and private sector organisations, including land promoters, developers, investors, landowners, local planning authorities and government bodies.

He said: “At a time when the government wants to turbocharge new housing and infrastructure developments, while encouraging closer collaboration between the public and private sectors, Browne Jacobson is extremely well placed to advise clients across the planning ecosystem.

“There are a broad range of challenges for local authorities, developers and landowners to overcome, and I enjoy steering clients through what remains a complicated planning system with clear and commercial advice.”

Will returns to Browne Jacobson, where he trained and spent seven years previously.

Laura Hughes, partner and head of public, planning and environment law at Browne Jacobson, said: “Planning law is top of the agenda for our public and private sector clients as they grapple with the government’s sweeping planning reforms, so we’re excited to have the opportunity to strengthen our expertise with someone of Will’s calibre.

“Will is particularly adept at dealing with complex Section 106 agreements at the strategic land stage, as well as overseeing land assembly and compulsory purchase elements of brownfield regeneration schemes. Our clients will benefit from his calm confidence, intelligence and deep knowledge of challenging areas of law.”

Leicester council approves mosque conversion for disused pub despite local opposition

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Leicester council approves mosque conversion for disused pub despite local opposition

Despite significant opposition, Leicester City Council has approved a proposal to convert a former pub in Eyres Monsell into a mosque and education centre.

The Eyres Monsell Community Foundation, which has already purchased the site, will redevelop The Glen on Hillsborough Road into a place of worship after councillors voted six to two in favour, with two abstentions. The pub has been closed since 2022.

The foundation had argued it had outgrown its current premises at the Eyres Monsell Community Centre and required a larger, dedicated facility.

Council planning officers supported the proposal, stating that parking availability was sufficient and noise impacts would be minimal. The council imposed several conditions on the approval, including restricted opening hours between 07:30 and 23:00, with some flexibility during Ramadan. Outdoor areas cannot be used for worship or events, and amplified sound is prohibited.

Public reaction was mixed: over 870 objections were submitted, and a petition opposing the project gathered 2,500 signatures. Concerns focused on noise, traffic, and parking. In contrast, 260 residents supported the scheme, with a petition in favour signed by 328 people. The facility is expected to attract 50–100 worshippers on typical weekdays, rising to about 200 on Fridays.

The decision allows the Eyres Monsell Community Foundation to proceed with restoring the vacant 1950s property to active use for religious and educational purposes.

DHP Family and Framework celebrate half a million pound festival fundraising milestone

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DHP Family and Framework celebrate half a million pound festival fundraising milestone
Beat The Streets – the music festival staged by DHP Family in support of Framework, the charity working to end homelessness across the East Midlands – has seen the fundraising total break through the £500,000 milestone. The grand total of £554,155 raised since the festival began in 2018 was revealed at a special celebratory presentation on the steps of Rock City. DHP Family MD George Akins was presented a commemorative gold disc by the charity in thanks for the live music company’s continued support. The annual music festival sees a host of artists from across the region playing the multiple stages with all proceeds from ticket sales, bar and merchandise contributing to the funds raised. Over the years, DHP staff have gone the extra mile running the Robin Hood marathon for the charity too. The contribution from this year’s festival is going to support Framework’s vital Street Outreach teams who go out 365 days a year to provide lifesaving support to rough sleepers. Framework chief executive Andrew Redfern said: “Beat The Streets is an award-winning event that has quickly become a much-loved musical institution. Everyone at Framework is immensely grateful for the generous support of George Akins and his ever-enthusiastic colleagues at DHP Family. “A measure of their achievement is the fundraising total since Beat The Streets began in 2018. It is now well past the £500,000 mark. This is by some distance the greatest corporate fundraising support that Framework has ever received, and the impact on our service users is enormous. “The funds raised have complemented the investment by Nottingham City Council, central Government, Homes England and others to tackle the growing challenge of rough sleeping.  Regrettably we continue to see this rising across the country – with all the negative consequences it has for individuals and the community. Here in Nottingham we are working with DHP Family and other partners to mitigate these impacts. “The contributions made possible through Beat The Streets have been many and varied.  They include paying for specialist members of our street outreach team; keeping emergency accommodation open throughout the year and providing crucial funds to complete the construction of Akins House – which is now home for eight former rough sleepers. None of this would have been possible without this wonderful annual event. “So we say a huge ‘Thank You’ to everyone involved – organisers, musicians, stage crew and volunteers of all sorts – for your commitment since 2018 and once again this year. A big shout out too for the enthusiastic audiences who keep coming back, year after year.  Beat The Streets is a highlight and landmark of the year. Long may it continue.” DHP Family MD George Akins said: “Hitting this milestone is a huge testament to the work we put into Beat The Streets every year and the great turnout we always see from the music community in Nottingham. Everyone at DHP is really proud of this achievement but we’re already thinking about next year and raising these vital funds once again.” Beat The Streets 2025 saw 65 artists play across nine stages at Rock City, Rescue Rooms, Stealth, Bodega and Rough Trade. Bored Marsh, Pet Needs, JayaHadaDream, Do Nothing, Evil Scarecrow and Riding The Low were just a few that performed on the day.

Nottingham church secures approval for rooftop solar panels

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Nottingham church secures approval for rooftop solar panels

A Grade II-listed church in central Nottingham has received planning approval to install solar panels as part of a wider sustainability initiative.

St Andrews With Castle Gate United Reformed Church, located on Goldsmith Street near Nottingham Trent University, will add four banks of photovoltaic panels to its south- and west-facing roofs.

The project is designed to enhance the energy efficiency of the historic building and lower long-term operational costs.

Nottingham City Council granted approval, with the condition that the panels visually match the existing roof tiles and be approved by planning officials prior to installation.

The development reflects a broader trend of heritage sites incorporating green energy solutions to meet environmental targets and manage energy expenses.

Nottingham hospital invests £12m to expand endoscopy services

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Nottingham hospital invests £12m to expand endoscopy services

A £12 million upgrade is underway at Queen’s Medical Centre, part of Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, to expand and modernise its endoscopy unit. The project, funded by the Trust and NHS England, aims to increase clinical capacity and improve service delivery.

The new development will add a third procedure room to the unit, enabling a higher volume of more complex endoscopic procedures. Benefits are expected to include shorter waiting times, especially for urgent inpatient diagnostics, enhanced patient privacy, and compliance with national clinical standards for ventilation and space.

Henry Brothers Construction is handling the construction, which is scheduled for completion in early 2026. The project is part of a broader three-year regional investment programme through which NHS England has allocated over £57 million to endoscopy services across the East Midlands.

The upgrade is being delivered through the Pagabo Major Construction Works Framework, with architectural and engineering support from CPMG Architects, Keith Simpson Associates, EP Consulting, and Meller.

This infrastructure investment is designed to help the Trust meet the growing demand for endoscopy services and improve clinical team operational efficiency.

Ban on single-use vapes takes effect in Nottinghamshire from 1 June

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Ban on single-use vapes takes effect in Nottinghamshire from 1 June

From 1 June, the sale and supply of single-use vapes will be banned across Nottinghamshire as part of a nationwide crackdown affecting all physical and online retailers. The law applies to all disposable vapes, regardless of whether they contain nicotine.

Retailers have been advised to clear existing stock before the deadline and are required to arrange proper recycling for any remaining unsold single-use vapes by 1 June 2025 through a licensed vape recycling provider.

Businesses found breaching the ban face enforcement action from Nottinghamshire County Council Trading Standards, including unlimited fines, prison terms of up to two years, or both. Any single-use vapes found on sale will be seized.

The regulation aims to reduce underage vaping and tackle the growing environmental burden of disposable vapes, which contribute significantly to plastic and battery waste. Around 8.2 million vapes are discarded weekly in the UK, posing risks such as soil and water contamination and fire hazards in waste systems.

Retailers are encouraged to review their supply chains, ensure compliance, and seek guidance from Trading Standards to avoid penalties. Full details are available on the government website.

Work starts on digital skills hub in Loughborough

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Work starts on digital skills hub in Loughborough

Work has started on a hub in Loughborough that will help equip local people with digital skills for the future.

Loughborough Town Deal is providing £2.6 million for the project to create a Digital Skills Hub at Loughborough College to improve the digital skills of residents to increase their employability. The project will also work with local employers to deliver work placement opportunities.

It is one of 11 projects Loughborough Town Deal is backing after securing £16.9 million of Government funding. In total, the projects are worth over £40 million of investment for the town.

Martin Traynor OBE, Loughborough Town Deal chair, said: “It is great news that work has begun to build the Digital Skills Hub at Loughborough College.

“The hub has the potential to be vital to many residents in Loughborough as we are living in an ever-increasing digital world where these skills are so important to have.

“The Town Deal is supporting the project as it is not just about creating a world-class facility here in Loughborough but it will also make a huge difference to the employment opportunities of local residents whilst working with local businesses.

“We are already seeing the positive impact that the Loughborough Town Deal is making through the projects that are being supported and I look forward to seeing the Digital Skills Hub progress at the college.”

Corrie Harris, principal and CEO at Loughborough College, said: “Breaking ground on our Digital Skills Hub marks an exciting milestone in the continued growth of our campus.

“We’re incredibly grateful to Loughborough Town Deal for backing this transformative project. Their support is helping us create an innovative, student-first facility that not only strengthens digital skills, but also opens doors to new opportunities for people across our region.

“By placing students at the heart of everything we do, we’re shaping a stronger, more connected community – one that’s equipped to meet the demands of local employers and thrive in an increasingly digital world.”

The Loughborough Town Deal investment will support the construction of the new Digital Skills Hub building located on the College campus on Radmoor Road as well as classroom furniture and IT equipment.

The hub will contain six classrooms, equipped with state-of-the-art IT equipment. It is expected to be open in November 2025.

The Digital Skills Hub will support the delivery of T Levels, apprenticeships, industry placements and higher technical qualifications to skill-up local people as Loughborough moves into a more digitally-focussed future.

It will also target unemployed and semi-skilled adults to support them into employment.

Rolls-Royce awarded support contract for engine powering RAF’s Typhoon fleet

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Rolls-Royce awarded support contract for engine powering RAF’s Typhoon fleet
Rolls-Royce has secured a five-year support contract with the UK Ministry of Defence for the maintenance and service of the EJ200 engine that powers the Royal Air Force’s Typhoon aircraft. The Typhoon Engine Support Solution (TESS) will see Rolls-Royce continue to provide maintenance and repair to 130 EJ200 engines, supporting approximately 200 direct jobs in the process. The TESS contract will build resilience through the UK-based supply chain supporting up to 2,400 jobs across the UK that are essential to harnessing the UK’s combat air expertise. TESS will sustain vital skills to enable the Royal Air Force to deliver air capabilities today and bridge to future capabilities like the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). Defence Secretary John Healey MP said: “Not only will this contract help to maintain our world-class jets, it also delivers on our Plan for Change by securing around 200 jobs in the UK and boosting the skills base our world-leading defence industry relies upon.
“Together with our upgrade programme, this contract will ensure our Typhoon fleet remains the backbone of UK air defence for the next decade.”
Adam Riddle, president – defence at Rolls-Royce, said: “This contract builds on more than a century of Rolls-Royce partnership and trust with the Ministry of Defence. The Typhoon Engine Support Solution represents a continuation of our support of the EJ200 engine and we’re glad for the ongoing confidence in our team and capabilities.
“This investment enables us and our supply chain to ensure the Royal Air Force can execute their missions effectively, wherever and whenever they’re needed, in an increasingly complex global environment.”

Commissioners highlight positive progress at Nottingham City Council

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Commissioners highlight positive progress at Nottingham City Council
Commissioners working with Nottingham City Council have highlighted positive progress in developing plans for improvement and “a clear direction on instituting reforms.” The comments came in the commissioner’s second report since being appointed by the government to oversee improvements at the authority in February 2024. In a letter about the report to the council’s leader, cllr Neghat Khan, the government’s parliamentary under-secretary of state for housing and local government, baroness Taylor of Stevenage, said: “I am pleased that the leadership team at Nottingham, while still relatively new, are working closely with the Commissioner team to move the Council towards a more sustainable position and improve its service delivery and financial stability.” In their report, lead commissioner, Tony McArdle; commissioner for finance, Margaret Lee and transformation commissioner, Sharon Kemp say that “over the past year, there has been much positive progress on developing plans, strategies, and programmes for improvement such as the Council Plan, Medium Term Financial Plan, and Improvement Plan along with securing and organising the necessary capacity to deliver.” The report says that over the coming year, the authority will need to move into the implementation phase for these plans to have the required impact. Commissioners also commented that although the council continues to operate beyond its means and is dependent upon Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) from the government, “it has adopted clear direction in instituting a wide range of reforms, some of which are bearing fruit but all of which will need to become embedded in order to deliver full benefit.” They say that the council’s new leadership cohort is “facing up to the challenges that the Council must tackle in full acceptance of the reality of the Council’s difficulties and with a declared resolve to overcome them.” Cllr Neghat Khan and the council’s chief executive, Sajeeda Rose, said: “We welcome the Commissioner’s second report and the accompanying ministerial statement. The progress made over the past year marks an important step forward in improving how we work and how we serve the people of Nottingham. “While the report rightly highlights that challenges remain, we are fully committed to continued improvement. Working together, we are laying the foundations for a renewed and accountable Council—one that delivers real results for local people and leads Nottingham with confidence and integrity.”

Contractor starts work on £12m endoscopy unit at Queen’s Medical Centre

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Contractor starts work on £12m endoscopy unit at Queen’s Medical Centre
Construction has started on a refurbished and expanded state-of-the-art endoscopy unit at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust’s (NUH) Queen’s Medical Centre (QMC). Backed by a £12 million investment from NUH and NHS England, the project involves the reconfiguration and expansion of the existing unit, creating a significantly larger and more modern facility. It is being delivered by contractor Henry Brothers Construction and will increase clinical capacity, adding a third procedure room. This will enable a higher volume of complex endoscopic procedures to be performed each year. Other patient benefits include increased capacity and reduced waiting times, particularly for urgent inpatient diagnostics, enhanced patient experience, with improved privacy, dignity, and safety, and compliance with national standards for ventilation and room size in endoscopy services. Ian Taylor, MD of Henry Brothers Construction, said: “We are very proud to have been appointed to develop a new state-of-the-art endoscopy unit for Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust. “Henry Brothers Construction is based in Beeston, just a short distance from the Queen’s Medical Centre, and it gives us great pleasure to be helping to improve the infrastructure and patient care at our local hospital. “We have significant experience in the healthcare sector, so we are extremely pleased to be supporting the Trust and NHS England with its investment in capital projects in Nottingham.” The contract was awarded to Henry Brothers through the Pagabo Major Construction Works Framework and the new QMC endoscopy unit is scheduled to open in early 2026. Dr Andrew Baxter, deputy head of service for endoscopy, said: “This investment marks a transformational step for endoscopy at QMC. Expanding from two to three procedure rooms, means we’re significantly boosting our capacity – not just in volume, but in the complexity of what we can offer. “The new unit will allow us to deliver more advanced procedures in a purpose-built, modern environment. With more space and equipment, we’re not only improving patient care but we’re also strengthening our position as a centre of excellence for high-quality, complex endoscopic care.” He added: “Current and future staff will see some significant benefits though an enhanced training environment.” Other members of the construction team include CPMG Architects, structural and civil engineers Keith Simpson Associates, EP Consulting for mechanical and electrical engineering, and Meller for quantity surveying services. A spokesperson for NHSE Midlands said: “This is a significant milestone for East Midlands patients. NHS England in the Midlands has been investing in improving and expanding endoscopy services across the region to ensure we have sufficient capacity for the population’s needs. “The expansion at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust has been part of a three-year programme to increase capacity which has seen over £57M invested in Endoscopy services.”

Leicestershire County Cricket CEO to step down after 5 years

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Leicestershire County Cricket CEO to step down after 5 years
Leicestershire County Cricket Club is entering a new chapter, as CEO Sean Jarvis prepares to step down in the autumn, having delivered on a five-year plan that has left the club positioned for future growth and innovation both on and off the field. With increasing momentum behind the domestic game, not least through new investment linked to The Hundred, the club is poised to harness current progress and drive forward with renewed purpose. Sean Jarvis said: “I’m delighted to have played my part in the ongoing journey of Leicestershire County Cricket. When I joined in 2020, I set out a five-year plan and I’m pleased to have been able to deliver on that. “I’m proud to have overseen the one day cup success, which was our first trophy in 14 years, plus the club’s first Boca and the club is also currently top of its division. It hasn’t been without challenges, but that’s wider than the club itself and more linked to the game as a whole. “I’m proud to be departing with the club in such a great position for the start of a new era. We now have a team that can compete on all fronts. Things are looking extremely positive for the future, both on and off the pitch. “I’ll continue to follow the club and wish everyone all the best for the future. I’d particularly like to thank the staff for supporting me during my time at the club.” Work will be underway in the coming weeks to identify a new leader to replace Sean. The club is looking for a CEO, who can build on the current success, continue the upward trajectory and reinforce the club’s position within the Leicestershire community and the wider cricketing world. Leicestershire County Cricket chair, John Thorpe praised the job done by Sean Jarvis: “Sean has been fantastic from day one. He’s had to contend with a lot, successfully steering the club through the COVID times and carefully managing the operational side of the business. “It’s been a challenging time for the whole game in recent years and we’ve come through it with the potential now for an exciting future. “Looking forward, we’re actively searching for the right person to come in, following Sean’s departure in the autumn, and build on the solid foundations he’s established. For that person there’s a huge opportunity to grow the club, especially with significant financial investments forthcoming. “That will naturally boost the whole country cricket game and we’re excited to expand our corporate, commercial and partnership opportunities. Leicester is quite a unique sporting city with the prominence of cricket, rugby, basketball and football here and we need to harness that community. We’re really excited for the new era and the opportunities that it will bring.”

National Wealth Fund backs £1.35bn grid upgrade to boost UK renewable energy supply

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National Wealth Fund backs £1.35bn grid upgrade to boost UK renewable energy supply

A major upgrade to the UK’s energy grid has secured £1.35 billion in financing, positioning the North East as a key player in the country’s clean energy transition.

The funding, led by the National Wealth Fund alongside Bank of America, BNP Paribas, Lloyds, and NatWest, will support ScottishPower’s Eastern Green Link (EGL) project. The project involves building offshore electricity cables to transfer renewable energy from Scottish wind farms to England via the North Sea.

The initial phase will connect Scotland to County Durham, with a second phase planned to reach Lincolnshire. The upgrades aim to relieve bottlenecks in the grid that currently force wind farms to shut down and increase reliance on more expensive gas-fired power stations.

Around £600 million of the funding comes from the publicly owned National Wealth Fund, which was established to drive economic growth through decarbonisation and infrastructure modernisation.

This initiative is particularly relevant for high-energy-demand sectors such as data centres, housing development, and advanced manufacturing. By improving transmission capacity, the project is expected to reduce energy waste, lower electricity costs, and support business expansion across the UK.

Unilode expands UK footprint to strengthen East Midlands Airport operations

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Unilode expands UK footprint to strengthen East Midlands Airport operations

ULD management provider Unilode Aviation Solutions has secured a new 27,000-sq-ft facility at Stud Brook Business Park in Castle Donington, strategically positioned to support operations at nearby East Midlands Airport.

The move is part of Unilode’s broader regional capacity and sustainability investment. The Swiss-headquartered firm manages a global network of over 550 airports and maintains nearly 200,000 digitised Unit Load Devices (ULDs). It will relocate its 30-member team from its current East Midlands Airport base to the new site.

The upgraded premises will enable Unilode to scale services for key logistics and airline clients in the region, including DHL, TUI, Finnair, Aer Lingus, Singapore Airlines, and West Atlantic. The facility is designed to meet high environmental standards, with plans to run on 100% renewable energy, improve waste management, and achieve BREEAM certification.

FHP Property Consultants arranged the letting. Only a few units remain available in Stud Brook Business Park’s current phase, with further smaller units expected to be completed by the end of 2025.

Unilode’s East Midlands expansion complements global infrastructure developments, including new maintenance and repair facilities in Hong Kong and Singapore, as well as refurbishments in Newark and London Heathrow. These upgrades align with the company’s strategy to enhance service delivery and sustainability across its international operations.

Devello Group expands with eye on new appointments

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Devello Group expands with eye on new appointments
Devello Group, the specialist planning and property development practice, is hiring – “but not for the usual mould.” The Nottingham and Lincoln-based business is looking for three brilliant people to join its growing team, including:
  • A full-time Commercial Real Estate Solicitor – from NQ to around 3 years PQE
  • A part-time Senior Commercial Real Estate Solicitor – ideally 5PQE+
  • A full or part-time Senior Residential Real Estate Solicitor
As a Commercial Real Estate Solicitor, you’ll work on all aspects of commercial real estate, including sales and purchases, investment, secured lending, development, options and conditional contracts and non-contentious landlord and tenant matters. As a Senior Residential Real Estate Solicitor, you’ll work on new-build plot sales and select high-quality residential conveyancing transactions for known clients only. No box-ticking. No timesheet chasing. Just high-quality legal work that actually moves projects forward. Devello backs smart, commercial lawyers who want to do great work without being squeezed into a mould. At Devello, you’ll work alongside a strategic, experienced team that values clarity, commercial insight, and a refreshingly pragmatic approach to legal work. Please contact Iain Hibbert or Shruti Trivedi for more infromation.

UK construction slowdown continues amid client caution and economic headwinds

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UK construction slowdown continues amid client caution and economic headwinds

The UK construction sector contracted for the fourth consecutive month in April, with firms facing persistent economic uncertainty and reduced client demand.

According to the latest S&P Global UK Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), the industry recorded a score of 46.6 in April, marginally higher than March’s 46.4 but still below the 50 mark that signals growth. While the pace of contraction eased slightly, the sector remains in decline.

The report highlighted broad hesitancy among clients to commit to new projects, particularly amid ongoing global economic instability. Residential building activity slipped again but showed some resilience with a reading of 47.1, marking its strongest performance in 2025. Civil engineering output remained subdued at 43.1, driven by a shortfall in new contracts to replace completed work.

Commercial construction was the weakest performer, with output falling faster since May 2020, reflecting rising caution in the business sector.

Nominations open for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025!

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Nominations open for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025!
Nominations are now OPEN for Business Link Magazine’s East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025, marking 10 years of the prestigious event! This year’s eagerly anticipated ceremony will make its grand return on Thursday 2nd October at the famous Trent Bridge Cricket Ground in Nottingham. The East Midlands Bricks Awards celebrates the successes of property and construction companies in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, and Northamptonshire.
Winners and sponsors at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024
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 boast of 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. Categories include: 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.

Make a nomination

To make a nomination for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025, please click here. 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. Please send links to these to bricks@blmgroup.co.uk. There is no cost to enter the East Midlands Bricks Awards and those who make the top three finalists in their category will win free tickets to the event.

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. Make your nominations for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025 here.

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.

Homebuilder partners with Radcliffe on Trent community to boost local business

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Homebuilder partners with Radcliffe on Trent community to boost local business
Spitfire Homes is launching a new community-focused initiative in Radcliffe on Trent to help support local small businesses, at a time when 37 shops are pulling down their shutters for the final time every day in the UK. Following the success of the Gold Card at Spitfire’s Malabar development in Daventry, the scheme is being extended to the homebuilder’s latest collection named Sherbourne, situated on Grantham Road in Radcliffe on Trent. Free to join, the unique initiative offers a mutually beneficial opportunity where new Spitfire homeowners are introduced to trusted local businesses, while participating establishments enjoy increased exposure and footfall. According to research by PwC, there were more than 13,500 UK store closures across all retail sectors in 2024 – on average 37 stores closing every day – with the cost-of-living crisis and out-of-town retail parks presenting high streets with unprecedented challenges. Mark Swaddle, Head of Marketing at Spitfire Homes, said: “As a homebuilder with a passion for supporting the local area, the Gold Card scheme reflects our commitment to creating collections which integrate with the existing community and have a positive impact on the local economy. “Sherbourne has attracted a variety of purchasers, including those relocating to Radcliffe on Trent, and the launch of this scheme presents an exciting opportunity to highlight local businesses to new residents of the village, showcasing the variety of local businesses within the village. “The success of the scheme at our collection in Daventry makes it even more exciting to extend the campaign to Radcliffe on Trent. We are proud to be partnering with small businesses and we look forward to supporting the local economy at the same time. If you are interested in becoming a Gold Card partner, we would love to hear from you.” Forming a new community, Sherbourne hosts 280 homes ranging from one- to five-bedrooms. As the first homeowners get ready to collect their keys this summer, they can unlock discounts through their Gold Card which will be valid for twelve months after moving in. With history stretching back over a century, one of the first businesses to sign up to the Gold Card scheme is Radcliffe on Trent Golf Club. Commenting on the club’s involvement, general manager, Rob Smith, added: “We’re proud to be part of this exciting new initiative in collaboration with Spitfire Homes, which not only supports the village’s economy but also extends a warm welcome to the new homeowners that are soon to be living at Sherbourne. “As a longstanding local business, Radcliffe on Trent Golf Club has strong community roots so this forward-thinking scheme aligns perfectly with our values, whilst introducing our facilities to a selection of new residents. We look forward to working with Spitfire and welcoming new members to our club.”

Bank of England cuts interest rates to 4.25%

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Bank of England cuts interest rates to 4.25%
The Bank of England has cut interest rates by 0.25% to 4.25%, in line with expectations. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), which sets monetary policy to meet the 2% inflation target, voted 5 to 4 in favour of the cut. Two members preferred to reduce rates by 0.5% to 4.0% and two preferred to leave rates unchanged at 4.5%. Alpesh Paleja, deputy chief economist, CBI, said: “Today’s cut to interest rates was widely anticipated, underscoring the Monetary Policy Committee’s continued preference for a gradual loosening of monetary policy. “The big question now is whether this gradualism will persist. Disinflationary risks have intensified over the last couple of months: US tariffs pose a fresh headwind to growth, global oil prices have fallen and, at home, the labour market is cooling. “But heightened uncertainty could keep the MPC from easing off on the brakes too much. Evolving global trade dynamics—and the potential for further restrictions—could affect UK inflation in either direction. And the Committee remain concerned about a decline in domestic supply capacity, which could put further pressure on prices. “With so many moving parts in the global and domestic outlook, the Committee may maintain a cautious stance. But with inflation risks increasingly tilting to the downside, a faster pace of rate cuts may become more palatable to a growing number of members.”
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