Derby special schools to receive £1.8m investment amid rising SEND demand

April Lara
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Derby special schools to receive £1.8m investment amid rising SEND demand

Derby City Council is set to approve a £1.8 million investment to upgrade four special education facilities. The funding aims to address a growing shortfall in places for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). It is part of the council’s 2025/26 schools capital programme and will support the creation of around 400 additional SEND places across the city.

The proposed upgrades include expanding capacity at St Andrew’s Academy’s Whitaker Road site, refurbishing the Kingsmead School campus in Alvaston, enhancing facilities at YMCA Stepping Stones Nursery in Chaddesden, and improving safety and accessibility at Central Nursery School on Nuns Street.

The refurbishment of Kingsmead’s Wisgreaves Road site follows its temporary closure in 2023 due to safety concerns. The Wisgreaves and Southgate (Brighton Road) sites are in poor condition.

The council has statutory obligations to ensure adequate SEND provision. With existing facilities at full capacity and no further expansion possible without capital investment, the upgrades are seen as essential for accommodating local demand. Increasing capacity within Derby is expected to reduce reliance on costly out-of-area placements and improve access to education within local communities.

Final decisions on the funding and scope of work will be made at the Derby City Council cabinet meeting on 14 May.

EMA Training to deliver Leicestershire Skills Bootcamps

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EMA Training to deliver Leicestershire Skills Bootcamps
Training and apprenticeship provider, EMA Training, has been awarded delivery of a series of Skills Bootcamps across Leicestershire, providing upskilling opportunities to support the region’s small business workforce and self-employed professionals. The awarded Bootcamps include Digital Marketing, Power BI (business and data analytics), and Green Skills for the Workplace. Designed to help individuals gain in-demand skills, these Bootcamps are fully funded short courses available to self-employed business owners and employees of small businesses with a Leicestershire postcode. The first Digital Marketing cohort will launch in June 2025, with future cohorts anticipated later in the year. Each Bootcamp is built to deliver real-world skills in as little as 16 weeks – empowering participants to grow their businesses and advance skills. “We’re thrilled to be delivering these transformative Bootcamps,” said Tracey Mosley, managing director at EMA Training. “Supporting local business growth through practical training is at the heart of what we do, and we’re excited to welcome our first learners in June.”

PR firm nets new signing as Paul Ince joins Press For Attention side

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PR firm nets new signing as Paul Ince joins Press For Attention side

Two local marketing powerhouses have joined forces to shake up how businesses connect with their audience — and despite the familiar name, there’s no football transfer fee involved. Paul Ince, founder of Loughborough-based marketing agency LikeMind Media, has officially “signed” with West Bridgford-based Press For Attention PR, led by former business journalist Greg Simpson. While the name Paul Ince may spark memories of midfield battles, this one has been making his mark in the world of digital marketing as a speaker, consultant and author and both agency leaders have a shared mission to modernise how businesses build trust and visibility. “We’re both passionate about helping businesses cut through the noise — and we’re both based locally, so it felt like a natural fit,” said Greg Simpson, founder of Press For Attention PR. “Add to that the fact we’re, quite literally, LikeMind-ed, and the partnership just made sense.” The collaboration is already in full flow, with the duo co-hosting an exclusive Nottingham event this month titled ‘The Funeral For The Funnel’ — a playful but pointed challenge to the traditional view of customer journeys as predictable, linear paths. “We haven’t wasted a second,” added Paul Ince. “From our first conversation, we knew we saw things the same way — business owners need practical, people-focused marketing that reflects how customers really behave. Greg’s experience in media and messaging is a great match for what we do at LikeMind Media.” The new alliance will see Press For Attention PR supporting LikeMind Media’s profile as the agency continues to help clients across content, social, and digital marketing. Both businesses stress the importance of trust-led marketing — and say it’s time for a smarter approach. “There’s no funnel anymore — just real people, real journeys, and the need for real strategy,” concludes Simpson.

Nottingham enters Europe’s top 100 cities for 2025

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Nottingham enters Europe’s top 100 cities for 2025

Nottingham was ranked among Europe’s top 100 cities in the 2025 list compiled by Resonance Consultancy. The list evaluates cities on 32 criteria spanning economic strength, infrastructure, liveability, and public perception.

Positioned 97th between Zagreb and Rennes, Nottingham earned recognition for its urban regeneration efforts and growing appeal as a hub for business, education, and tourism.

Key projects include the £33 million redevelopment of Nottingham Castle and the ongoing transformation of the Broad Marsh area, which is set to become a 20-acre green, car-free district featuring housing, offices, and improved access to heritage sites.

The city also benefits from a 32-kilometre tram network, a revitalised creative district in Hockley, and a fast-growing tech sector. Two high-ranking universities and a strong nightlife economy further strengthen its appeal. London retained the top spot in the European rankings, followed by Paris, Berlin, and Barcelona.

Framework chief executive to retire after 29 years

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Framework chief executive to retire after 29 years
The long-standing chief executive of Framework – a charity and registered housing association working to tackle homelessness and its causes across the East Midlands and Sheffield – is stepping down after 29 years. Andrew Redfern has led the charity and one of its predecessors, Nottingham Help the Homeless Association (NHHA), since 1996. He plans to retire in December 2025 and the hunt for his successor has begun. In the late 1990s, as director of NHHA, Andrew was an architect of the merger with Macedon, a similar Nottingham-based charity, which resulted in the creation of Framework in 2001. Andrew became its chief executive the following year, working closely with new and former colleagues to maximise its impact. He looks back on the process and its aftermath as “a genuine merger of equals that was a spectacular success.” During Andrew’s years in post, the quality, range and scale of the services that Framework offers have changed beyond all recognition. It began with two nightshelters and some cast-off properties that other providers no longer wanted. These took the form of shared units mainly in Nottingham, with limited wraparound help for residents with substance or mental health issues. Since then the offer has been transformed. The original properties have been refurbished, replaced and complemented with new, purpose-built stock that is accompanied by specialist support, treatment, care, training and employment services. Today, more than 18,000 people approach Framework for help each year. The organisation works across Derbyshire, Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire as well as in Sheffield and Scunthorpe. It houses more than 1,400 people at any one time – most of them in self-contained units. Among the strategic achievements has been the provision of services outside major cities such as Nottingham, Lincoln and Derby which removes the need for homeless and other vulnerable people to move to those centres to obtain accommodation and support. Announcing his intention to retire, Andrew said: “The work of Framework and similar organisations has always been vital. We house some very vulnerable people, offering the support they need to establish a better future and to work towards it. This is needed more than ever in a society and community that sometimes appears to have lost faith in its own capacity to tackle the hardest issues. “Our inspiring service users, dedicated staff, volunteers and board members are a sign that hope endures. They make Framework the highly effective organisation that it is. I am proud to be associated with everyone involved. “Framework applies high principles, expresses important values, and nurtures a culture of care. Together we hold the vision of something better for the people who need it the most. “We can’t do this unaided. Framework treasures its relationships with many partners across the public, private and voluntary sectors, with whom we work so closely, as well as with thousands of supporters and advocates in the community. “There remains much to be done. I am confident that by working in partnership there is much more that can be achieved. Framework shines as a beacon of hope for many. I know it will continue to do so under new leadership, for as long as it takes to end homelessness and all its consequences.” Commenting on the news of Andrew’s retirement, chair of the board Ruth Hawkins said: “Through his determined and clear-sighted leadership, Andrew has taken Framework from being quite a small Nottingham charity to become a diverse and successful regional organisation of more than 1,000 staff, supporting more than 18,000 people a year through a wide range of services and across a variety of locations while maintaining its original charitable ethos. “He will retire at the end of the year with our sincere appreciation and gratitude for all he has achieved. “Andrew has been the strongest of advocates for some of the most disadvantaged people in society. He remains particularly concerned to see the implementation of strategic approaches, backed by suitable investment, to address need both nationally and locally. “Andrew is going to be missed by very many people, and for many reasons, but he absolutely deserves a long, healthy and fulfilling retirement. “We now have the challenge of replacing Andrew. This is an exciting and pivotal moment for Framework. Much has already been achieved, and the role of Chief Executive is a fantastic opportunity for someone to build on these achievements, leading Framework to new success and a sustainable future, supported by a robust Board and senior leadership team, and a highly motivated workforce.”

Many UK landlords risk financial exposure due to outdated or insufficient insurance

April Lara
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Many UK landlords risk financial exposure due to outdated or insufficient insurance

According to recent research conducted in April 2025, more than a third of UK landlords may be operating without proper insurance cover, leaving them vulnerable to financial loss.

The data shows that 25% of landlords do not have any landlord-specific insurance, while an additional 12% are unsure if their existing policy provides adequate protection. Among those with insurance, nearly two-thirds had not reviewed or updated their policy in the past year.

This trend of underinsurance comes as the private rental sector faces growing pressure from rising operational costs, incoming regulatory reforms, and increasing risk exposures, including property damage, legal disputes, and rent loss. The findings suggest that many landlords may rely on standard home insurance policies, which often exclude tenant incidents, exposing them to significant liabilities.

The upcoming Renters’ Rights Bill is expected to introduce additional legal responsibilities, while insurers are tightening policy terms and increasing premiums, particularly for properties in high-risk areas. Despite this, nearly one-third of landlords surveyed expressed low confidence in their insurance’s ability to cover essential risks such as tenant-caused damage, legal expenses, or loss of rental income.

The data points to a knowledge and engagement gap, with cost-conscious landlords potentially selecting policies based on price alone, without assessing the suitability of cover. Industry experts are urging landlords to regularly review their insurance policies and ensure coverage aligns with the current value of their assets and the realities of modern property letting.

New partnership for Van Elle sees heavy haulage operations offloaded

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New partnership for Van Elle sees heavy haulage operations offloaded

Van Elle, the Nottinghamshire-headquartered ground engineering contractor, has revealed a five-year partnership with WS Specialist Logistics, which will see WS Specialist Logistics take on the group’s heavy haulage operations.

This will include the disposal of Van Elle’s in-house HGV fleet and transfer of its transport management team and directly employed drivers, into a new division of WS Specialist Logistics dedicated to heavy plant haulage, which will manage and operate the entire fleet.

This partnership will allow Van Elle to reallocate the current capital employed plus the further planned investment required in the HGV fleet into growth initiatives driving greater returns for shareholders, whilst improving the utilisation of the ongoing transport operations and reducing associated corporate administrative costs by partnering with a specialist with capacity and neighbouring facilities to the group’s headquarters in Nottinghamshire.

WS Specialist Logistics have paid £2.9m for the assets being transferred.

Van Elle Chief Executive Mark Cutler said: “This new partnership with WS Specialist Logistics is a logical initiative for the Group; releasing capital to invest in areas of greater return as we enter a long-awaited period of anticipated growth in our core markets.

“WS Specialist Logistics have been an excellent partner to the business for several years and we look forward to drawing on their expertise to further improve our transport operations whilst keeping the support of our fantastic, loyal in-house transport team and drivers that perform so well for us 24/7.”

Better than anticipated first quarter sees Next upgrade profit expectations

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Better than anticipated first quarter sees Next upgrade profit expectations
Enderby retailer Next has seen a better first quarter than anticipated, with full price sales up 11.4% versus last year in the thirteen weeks to 26 April. This was £55m ahead of the business’s forecast for the period, which was to be up 6.5%. Next attributed much of the over-performance to warmer weather, which has benefited the sale of summer-weight clothing. The firm added: “It is likely that some of these sales have been pulled forward from Q2. So, despite the strength of Q1, we are not increasing our sales guidance for Q2, or the rest of the year.” The company has, however, increased its profit guidance, accounting for the £55m of additional sales in Q1, with profit before tax expectations for the full year bumped up by £14m to £1.08bn.

Next’s performance in both the UK and overseas was better than anticipated, as was sales in retail shops.

DHU Healthcare operations manager goes the distance for Derby charity

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DHU Healthcare operations manager goes the distance for Derby charity
Debbie Kemp, operations manager at DHU Healthcare, has completed the Brighton Marathon in support of Safe and Sound, a Derby-based charity committed to safeguarding children. Debbie raised over £1,000 to help the charity continue its vital work in protecting vulnerable children and providing them with the support they need. Debbie’s decision to run the marathon stems from a deep personal commitment to children’s welfare and a desire to make a tangible difference in their lives. “I was over the moon to have completed the Brighton Marathon in 5hr 59 mins. It was tough due to the heat but I didn’t let that stop me completing it for Safe and Sound. “The work they do really touched my heart and the issues they are having to deal with are only getting worse. I have four grandchildren and worry constantly about them,” said Debbie. “Every child deserves to feel safe and protected, and I wanted to do my part to support an organisation that works so hard to make that a reality.” Safe and Sound’s focus is to transform the lives of children and young people in Derbyshire who are affected by child exploitation. The funds raised by Debbie’s marathon effort will go directly towards supporting children, young people and families whose lives have been affected by child exploitation including online grooming, sexual exploitation, County Lines, trafficking, modern slavery and radicalisation. The CEO of Safe and Sound, Tracy Harrison said: “We are incredibly grateful to Debbie for her amazing efforts in running the Brighton Marathon. Her commitment and support will make a real difference to the lives of vulnerable children. “Every pound raised helps us to reach more children in need and provide them with the protection and support they deserve. We rely on the support of people like Debbie to continue our vital work, and we are truly inspired by their willingness to go the extra mile – literally! Thank you.” Debbie decided to she need to get fit ten years ago. She gave up smoking, lost weight and joined a local club AAJ (All About Jeffing). Since then, has taken part in many charity events and last year she was the first person to be presented with The Civic Hero Award by Derby University, in recognition of her fundraising achievements and contributions to the local community. Having balanced her work at DHU Healthcare with an intensive training schedule, Debbie said she would never run again! However, she has just been accepted to run in the Manchester Marathon on 19th April 2026, which will be the day after her 59th birthday, and has promised to donate all the money she raises to Safe and Sound.

Record-breaking Q1 for Derby flex office space provider

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Record-breaking Q1 for Derby flex office space provider
Cubo, the Derby-headquartered provider of flex office space, has enjoyed a record-breaking first quarter of the year, achieving its highest ever desk sales in a three-month period. From January to March 2025, Cubo recorded the sale of more than 700 desks across its expanding UK portfolio. With 10,000 plus desks across the UK’s leading core city centres, the disposal of 700 desks represents an additional 7% of total capacity. Cubo made a bold entry into the capital in early 2025, launching its London flagship at the prestigious Ilona Rose House, W1. Spanning 28,884 sq ft of flexible Grade A office space across two floors, Cubo Soho caters for a diverse range of occupiers, from tech startups and SMEs to larger corporate teams. Marc Brough, CEO at Cubo, said: “Our record-breaking Q1 results are a powerful reflection of Cubo’s continued growth and the clear and growing demand for high-quality, flexible office space. “Achieving 50% occupancy at Manchester Spinningfields within three months is a testament to the strength of our offer. We have hit the ground running with Cubo Soho and are welcoming more and more exciting businesses every week. “As we continue to scale throughout 2025, we remain committed to redefining the future of work and delivering vibrant, community-led workspaces that empower businesses to thrive.” Cubo was recently identified as the fastest-growing operator in the UK flex office market by CoStar. Over the past two years Cubo has accounted for 33% of all flexible workspace leasing activity across the Big Six regional cities of Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, and Manchester. This figure exceeds the activity of more established operators, such as global workspace giant IWG and Orega, who have achieved 13% each.

Harvey Hadden adds major solar upgrade to cut energy costs and emissions

April Lara
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Harvey Hadden adds major solar upgrade to cut energy costs and emissions

Harvey Hadden Sports Village in Nottingham has completed the third phase of a long-term solar power rollout, bringing its total installed capacity to 571.5 kWp. The latest upgrade includes a 307.58 kWp rooftop photovoltaic system comprising 676 bifacial solar panels covering more than 1,300 square metres.

The project, supported by over £449,000 in funding from Salix Finance, is part of Nottingham City Council’s wider carbon reduction strategy. With all three solar phases combined, the site now generates over 500,000 kWh of electricity annually.

Launched in 2015, the initiative began with the UK’s largest solar carport, followed by a 200 kWp rooftop system in 2018. The new installation is projected to deliver around 257,752 kWh annually, cutting carbon emissions by approximately 60 tonnes annually. Over 30 years, the centre expects to save £3.66 million in electricity costs and reduce gas expenses by more than £315,000.

The project was led by Nottingham City Council’s Environment and Sustainability team, with technical oversight from senior project officers and support from the council’s carbon reduction services team. The system meets rigorous industry standards, including ENA G99 and MCS certification.

This development positions Harvey Hadden as one of the largest solar-powered leisure centres in the UK. It highlights the role of clean energy in driving down costs across public infrastructure.

UK business confidence softens but remains above average

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UK business confidence softens but remains above average

According to Lloyds Bank’s latest survey, UK business confidence declined in April, falling 10 points to 39%. While this marks a slowdown after a strong first quarter, sentiment remains higher than at the start of the year and above the 20-year average of 29%.

The shift was driven by a drop in economic optimism, which fell to 28%, the lowest level this year. Fewer businesses expect improvements in the broader economy, reflecting ongoing concerns over global trade dynamics and market volatility.

Trading outlooks remain relatively strong despite a seven-point dip to 50%. Confidence around hiring also edged slightly, but remains among the highest post-pandemic levels. Pay expectations eased modestly, though projections for larger wage increases are broadly unchanged from last year.

More firms plan to raise prices, with price expectations climbing seven points to 68%. The share of businesses expecting to cut prices held steady at 2%.

Sector performance was mixed. Construction saw the steepest confidence decline, down 22 points. Retail and services also slipped, while manufacturing held steady. Regionally, most areas saw flat or declining sentiment, though the North East and East of England bucked the trend with notable gains.

Job-creating fleet management centre planned for Toyota Material Handling UK in Leicestershire

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Job-creating fleet management centre planned for Toyota Material Handling UK in Leicestershire
Property company Hortons has submitted a planning application for a new fleet management centre that will secure the long-term future of Toyota Material Handling UK (TMHUK) in Leicestershire. Plans have been brought forward for a 175,000 sq ft purpose-built facility at Old Dalby Business Park, where the forklift and warehouse equipment manufacturer, TMHUK, has been based for over 20 years. The new facility will be constructed on the site of a former industrial building that was previously located on the ex-Ministry of Defence estate. It will include production and workshop areas, sustainable office space, indoor and outdoor storage, and a secure yard. Designed to achieve an EPC A+ rating, the building will be operational by Q1 2027, subject to planning approval. TMHUK currently re-manufactures, repairs and prepares more than 12,000 trucks per year at its existing Old Dalby site. Stuart Reilly, TMHUK’s director – rental & used, said that the new unit will support around 150 jobs and represents a major investment in the firm’s continued growth. He said: “TMHUK are delighted to remain on site at Old Dalby and further develop our Fleet Management Centre. This is the biggest investment project of the year and will ensure we continue to be able to provide sustainable customer success to secure, create and grow new employment in the area.” Jeremy Boothroyd of Hortons said: “We’re proud to be working with TMHUK on this strategically important development. “The new centre will deliver modern, sustainable industrial space that will enhance TMHUK’s operational efficiency and support its growth plans. It’s one of several projects which are significantly improving the quality of accommodation across Old Dalby Business Park.” Hortons has also submitted a planning application for a second unit of 25,000 sq ft on an adjacent plot as part of its ongoing investment in Old Dalby Business Park. It has recently refurbished a 67,000 sq ft unit, now available for occupation.

Reddington invests £2m to relaunch two Nottingham hospitality venues

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Reddington invests £2m to relaunch two Nottingham hospitality venues

Reddington Pub Company has completed a £2 million investment to redevelop and reopen two hospitality venues in Gunthorpe, Nottinghamshire. The company aims to expand its footprint in the Midlands’ premium dining and events market.

The project includes the revival of The Anchor, a family-focused pub, café, and events space, and the transformation of Tom Browns into a high-end dining and entertainment venue. Both sites are located alongside the River Trent and have been longstanding fixtures in the local hospitality scene.

The investment has created 100 new jobs and positions the company to cater to leisure and corporate clients. The Anchor now offers dining, luxury accommodation, and an events courtyard suitable for private functions and business gatherings. It also features unique attractions like a model train for families and a café providing takeaway options for visitors.

Tom Browns has been repositioned as an adults-only dining destination focusing on premium steak and seafood. The venue will host live performances and events throughout the year, supporting Reddington’s strategy of integrating entertainment with upscale food offerings.

The relaunch aligns with the company’s growth strategy in the Midlands. It complements its existing venues, including The Old Vol and The Reindeer, and reinforces its presence in the region’s competitive food and beverage sector.

Kingsmill and Hovis merger talks signal major shake-up in UK bread sector

April Lara
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Kingsmill and Hovis merger talks signal major shake-up in UK bread sector

Associated British Foods (ABF), owner of Kingsmill, is in advanced discussions with private equity firm Endless LLP, which owns Hovis, over a potential merger that would unite two of the UK’s largest bread producers.

The move is part of ABF’s strategic review of Allied Bakeries, its struggling bakery division. Allied Bakeries has faced mounting pressure from inflation, changing consumer behaviour, and increasing competition. The division also includes the Allinson’s and Sunblest brands and operates a nationwide network of bakeries and depots.

Hovis, which has traded under private equity ownership since 2020, would represent a major addition to ABF’s bakery portfolio. The merger would position the combined business as a formidable competitor to Warburtons, the current UK market leader.

Given its potential impact on market concentration, any deal is likely to face scrutiny from the Competition and Markets Authority. The government has been reviewing the CMA itself, which recently removed its chairman to refocus the regulator on growth-oriented oversight.

Volkswagen shuts down Heycar after heavy losses

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Volkswagen shuts down Heycar after heavy losses

Volkswagen Financial Services is closing down its used car platform Heycar after years of mounting losses and weak revenue.

Launched in the UK in 2019 to rival Auto Trader and Motors, Heycar never gained market traction. It reported a £30 million loss in 2022 and £22.4 million in 2023, with revenue falling to just £7.4 million.

The platform, which listed nearly 100,000 vehicles, will shut down operations in Germany by mid-May, with the UK business expected to follow. Around 126 staff, mostly in the UK, are at risk of redundancy.

VWFS plans to reuse Heycar’s technology in a new venture focused on digital tools for the automotive sector. Dealerships using Heycar must move listings to other platforms or their own sites.

UK firms rush into AI adoption amid skills gap and regulatory risks

April Lara
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UK firms rush into AI adoption amid skills gap and regulatory risks

UK businesses are rapidly integrating artificial intelligence tools into their operations, with adoption doubling from 9% in 2023 to 18% by early 2025, according to the Office for National Statistics. Among larger employers, nearly one in three are now using AI technologies. However, this surge in uptake is unfolding without the in-house expertise to understand or manage the systems being deployed fully.

This trend is occurring against the backdrop of a severe digital skills shortage, which government figures estimate is costing the UK economy £63 billion annually. The gap in technical knowledge is particularly problematic in regulated industries—such as finance, insurance and healthcare—where decisions must be traceable and justifiable to both customers and regulators.

Many AI systems being implemented rely on self-learning algorithms that process large volumes of data to identify patterns and generate predictions. While powerful, these models often lack transparency. They produce results without a clear rationale, making it difficult for businesses to explain or challenge their outputs. This presents a significant compliance risk in regulated sectors, primarily when decisions affect credit approval, medical outcomes, or employee assessments.

There is growing concern that businesses may unknowingly introduce invisible errors into their operations. Without the ability to audit or interpret how an AI model arrives at a decision, firms could miss critical mistakes or fail to correct them in time. Regulators are also tightening their expectations, demanding that automated systems be able to provide clear, auditable justifications for their decisions. At the same time, employees and customers increasingly resist accepting AI-driven outcomes that appear arbitrary or lack human oversight, putting overall trust in the technology at risk.

In response, some research teams are working on ways to make AI more transparent and accountable. They focus on developing tools to explain how models work, flag potentially harmful decisions, and ensure human oversight remains in place for high-impact cases. These initiatives aim to help businesses draw clearer boundaries around AI use, reduce the risk of misuse, and align with regulatory expectations.

Buxton shopping centre to be redeveloped into £100m mixed-use neighbourhood

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Buxton shopping centre to be redeveloped into £100m mixed-use neighbourhood

Social impact developer Capital&Centric has unveiled early plans for a £100 million regeneration of The Springs Shopping Centre in Buxton, Derbyshire. The proposal, being delivered in partnership with High Peak Borough Council, marks a significant step in transforming the ageing retail hub into a mixed-use, residential-led neighbourhood.

The vision includes new homes, independent retail units, cafés, co-working spaces, and green public squares. A key feature of the plan is improved connectivity between Buxton’s train station and Spring Gardens, with upgraded pedestrian routes and open public areas. The redevelopment also includes aspirations to uncover and partially integrate the River Wye, adding landscaped riverside zones to the town centre.

The scheme aims to appeal to a range of residents, including professionals, families, and older downsizers, while revitalising the local economy through support for independent businesses.

Funding is expected to come from a mix of public and private sources. So far, £6.6 million has been secured by the central government, with an additional £4 million pledged by the council.

Initial concept images have been released, and a public consultation phase is now underway. The full scheme is expected to be completed by 2029.

MHA eyes cross-border acquisition

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MHA eyes cross-border acquisition

MHA, the provider of audit and assurance, tax, accountancy and advisory services with offices across the East Midlands, has entered into a heads-of-terms agreement for the up to €24m acquisition of BTSEE. It follows MHA’s public listing on AIM.

MHA has been pursuing strategic cross-border M&A opportunities, including other existing members of the Baker Tilly International Network.

BTSEE is a professional services firm offering a comprehensive range of services to clients in Cyprus, Greece and South East Europe, predominantly in audit, tax, advisory, legal and corporate services. BTSEE has 13 partners and approximately 400 employees.

The acquisition would provide MHA with a presence in mainland Europe and an alliance with a local partner that is well established in the region.

For the 12 months ended 31 December 2024, BTSEE generated sales of €19.4 million, adjusted EBITDA of €3.9 million and profit before tax of €2.5 million, after adjusting for partner remuneration. 

Geoff Barnes, chair of MHA, said: “As stated at the time of our recent IPO, strategic M&A forms a key component of our medium-term growth aspirations, and the intended acquisition of BTSEE as announced today demonstrates continued progress against our disciplined M&A roadmap.

“With a good understanding of both MHA and BTSEE, I believe their ambition and close strategic fit will create an even bolder organisation serving its clients and offering progression opportunities to staff. We look forward to providing a further update in due course.”

Woman jailed after conning equity firm director into investing a quarter of a million pounds

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Woman jailed after conning equity firm director into investing a quarter of a million pounds
A woman has been jailed after conning an equity firm director into investing a quarter of a million pounds into a fake investment – using the funds to buy gifts for herself and her family. In 2015, Pamela Laurento was introduced to the director of an equity firm that was looking to invest in the UK financial market. Laurento told him that she could open a “high end” bank account for the company that could be used to buy a Standby Letter of Credit (SBLC), which they understood to be a banking instrument that could be leased and traded for profit. Money was paid by the director of the equity firm into the bank account of Edward Duuk Limited – a company whose only director was Laurento. Over a short time, 50-year-old Laurento transferred money from her company account into her own personal account as well as that of family members. The victim later tried to contact Edward Duuk Limited about the investment but found the contact details he had were no longer in use. A report was made to police and an investigation began in 2018. Financial checks found Laurento had used money to pay off the mortgage of a family member as well as buying a car, paying for house renovations and buying wedding rings for family members. In 2019, Laurento was charged. On Friday (2 May), following a three-week trial at Leicester Crown Court, sitting at Loughborough, she was found guilty of three counts of fraud. Laurento was sentenced to a total of six years’ imprisonment. A 75-year-old woman who was charged with one count of money laundering was found not guilty following the trial. Sergeant Matt Swift, the investigating officer, said: “Laurento saw an opportunity to use the money given by an investor for her own gain. “Even though an examination of financial transactions showed the money being paid into personal accounts, she continued to deny any wrongdoing meaning that the case went to trial. “This investigation began in 2018 and it’s taken until now for a trial to be heard. Thankfully, several years since Laurento committed her crimes she has now been brought to justice and must face the consequences of her actions. “The case has had a significant impact on the victim and the Economic Crime Unit will now look to obtain compensation for him through the Proceeds of Crime Act.”
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