- £6.5 million secured from the IoT Innovation Fund to support green skills development.
- A curriculum driven by Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles.
- Plans to train 2,000 students by 2027 in clean energy and digital sectors.
- Strong partnerships with leading businesses in construction, energy, and manufacturing.
Loughborough College wins sustainability award for pioneering green education project
Solar farm approved near M1 services in Northamptonshire
A new solar development has been approved for an 18-acre site near the M1 Watford Gap services, positioning it close to key transport infrastructure and existing warehousing.
The site, located near the A5 corridor and adjacent to operational wind turbines, will host over 15,000 solar panels. Once operational, the array is expected to generate up to 6 megawatts of renewable electricity, sufficient to supply approximately 2,100 homes.
West Northamptonshire Council’s strategic planning committee approved the proposal without objections. The visual impact was deemed minimal due to the surrounding industrial landscape.
The site, previously used for livestock grazing, will continue to support sheep alongside the solar infrastructure, integrating renewable energy generation with agricultural use.
The project adds to the region’s growing portfolio of onshore renewable energy assets, contributing to the UK’s broader decarbonisation targets and domestic energy production.
Electrical engineering giant moves into new 100,000 sq ft facility at Fairham Business Park
17,000 East Midlands jobs at risk as family businesses respond to inheritance tax change
- Over 60% of businesses anticipate reducing investment by more than 20%, with average investment declines of 15.8% (APR) and 15.5% (BPR).
- Around a quarter (23%) have reduced headcount due to BPR and APR changes.
- Business restructuring is a growing concern: Around 1 in 5 are considering downsizing under both BPR and APR, with up to 12% contemplating a sale.
- Reduced community support: 15% (BPR) and 12% (APR) of businesses have cut charitable donations or community activities, which will impact vital local initiatives.
- 208,500 jobs losses from family businesses and across their supply chains
- £14.86 billion less economic activity (GVA) – almost equivalent to the value of UK motor vehicle manufacturing (£15.7bn GVA)
- a £1.87 billion net fiscal loss to government
Silverstone Soccer sees splendid support
Nottingham College opens £250k green skills training hub
Nottingham College has launched a £250,000 Green Skills Centre at its Basford campus, aiming to address regional skills shortages in construction and renewable energy. The facility, located within the Nottingham Sustainability Enterprise Centre, features live training bays for technologies such as solar PV, battery storage, air source heat pumps, EV charging systems, and solar thermal solutions.
The new centre expands the college’s existing green skills training provision, complementing its Gas Centre and EV technology courses, which are delivered across its campuses. It is expected to support the UK’s wider net-zero transition by preparing learners with practical experience in low-carbon technologies.
Developed with input from industry partners including Quantum Training, the centre is part of a broader strategy to meet rising demand for green talent across sectors such as construction, engineering, and energy. It also aligns with government housing targets and carbon reduction commitments.
The investment supports a growing need for workforce development as employers seek candidates equipped with green skills in both new builds and retrofit projects. The college’s initiative positions it as a regional contributor to the upskilling efforts needed for the UK’s low-carbon transition.
Infrastructure funding targets Lincolnshire school and healthcare sites
A total of 18 schools across Lincolnshire will undergo repairs and upgrades as part of a government infrastructure initiative set to begin this summer and continue through to April next year. The funding is drawn from a wider £40 million allocation earmarked for schools throughout the East Midlands.
Projects include essential fire safety upgrades at Spalding Grammar School to prevent potential closure, as well as asbestos removal at Westgate Academy in Lincoln. Other recipients include Boston Grammar School, The King’s School in Grantham, and Branston Community Academy, reflecting a geographic spread of improvements across both primary and secondary institutions.
This round of investment signals continued public sector capital expenditure on essential facilities, with a focus on safety compliance and modernisation. For B2B service providers, particularly those in construction, engineering, compliance, and building materials, the pipeline of work offers partnership opportunities within government-backed programmes.
In parallel, the Pilgrim Hospital in Boston has been allocated £7 million for upgrades to its electrical systems and fire safety. Additionally, Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust will receive £750,000 for similar improvements across its estate, supporting the resilience of healthcare infrastructure.
These investments suggest a sustained demand for skilled contractors, compliance consultants, and building systems suppliers across the education and healthcare sectors.
New homes approved for key Northamptonshire development
West Northamptonshire Council has approved the construction of 278 new homes as part of the second phase of the Norwood Farm development, a large-scale housing project on the outskirts of Northampton.
The homes will be built between Harpole and Duston, within a site divided by New Sandy Lane. This phase comprises a mix of one- to four-bedroom units, with 139 units designated as affordable housing, which is significantly above the required provision.
Norwood Farm is a primary strategic site slated to deliver a total of 1,900 homes. In addition to housing, the development will include retail space, a school, and public green areas. Each property in the upcoming phase will consist of private parking, with additional visitor spaces planned.
The planning decision marks the first major development approved since Reform UK took leadership of the council following local elections.
The scheme forms part of the region’s broader push to meet housing demand and stimulate long-term economic growth. It is also expected to draw further interest from contractors and suppliers in the construction and infrastructure sectors.
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Single-use vape ban prompts enforcement push for retailers
Leicestershire’s Trading Standards team is preparing to enforce new legislation banning the sale and supply of disposable vapes from 1 June. The law applies to all businesses, including online and in-store retailers.
Roughly 400 independent vape sellers across the county have been contacted by Trading Standards to help them prepare for compliance. The clampdown follows rising concerns over youth vaping rates and environmental waste linked to single-use products.
Retailers found selling banned items after the deadline risk unlimited fines or up to two years in prison. They are also legally required to dispose of remaining stock via registered vape recycling services; disposing of them in general waste is prohibited. Only reusable, refillable, or rechargeable vapes will remain legal to sell.
This move comes as national data shows a significant increase in underage vape use, with the percentage of 11-to-15-year-olds using vapes now at nine per cent, triple the figure from three years ago.
Leicestershire businesses seeking compliance support can contact the local Trading Standards office. Residents are also being encouraged to report non-compliant retailers through the council’s reporting platform.
Government shifts apprenticeship focus, raising concerns over higher-level training access
The UK Government has announced plans to shift funding away from Level 7 apprenticeships to lower-level schemes as part of a broader £3 billion investment in skills training, aimed at creating 120,000 new opportunities by January 2026.
While this move is intended to boost early-career pathways and support individuals entering the workforce without academic qualifications, the reallocation of funding has prompted concern among business groups in the East Midlands. The region’s business community is wary that prioritising entry-level apprenticeships could limit routes for workers to develop advanced capabilities through work-based learning, particularly in sectors that demand specialist knowledge.
With skills shortages continuing to hamper recruitment, seven in ten East Midlands firms report difficulties in finding qualified candidates. As a result, employers are increasingly turning to apprenticeships as a means of building industry-specific talent pipelines. Business leaders warn that narrowing access to higher-level schemes could reduce flexibility for companies seeking to upskill existing employees or attract candidates into technical and leadership roles through non-academic means.
The business case, they argue, is not just about volume but about aligning training investment with real-world workforce needs, whether at Level 2 or Level 7. As the government reforms the apprenticeship system, maintaining a balanced approach to skills development will be critical for long-term business resilience.
Phenna Group makes eighth acquisition of 2025
Nottingham-headquartered Phenna Group, which invests in and partners with niche, independent Testing, Inspection, Certification, and Compliance (TICC) companies, has made its eighth acquisition of 2025.
Swooping for Statutory Inspections Limited, a provider of forklift inspections and compliance services, the acqusition further strengthens Phenna’s position in the UK’s Built Environment sector.Statutory Inspections Limited will join Phenna’s Built Environment division and be integrated into BTIS, enhancing its capabilities and regional reach.
Julia Willis, managing director of Statutory Inspections Limited, said: “We’re very proud of the business we’ve built and are delighted to be joining Phenna Group and BTIS.
“From our first conversations, it was clear that they share our commitment to quality, integrity, and customer service. We’re also excited to be joining forces with the BTIS team; this is a fantastic opportunity for our people and clients alike.”
David Blanchard, managing director of BTIS, added: “We’re thrilled to welcome the team at Statutory Inspections into BTIS.
“Their experience and knowledge will strengthen our existing capabilities and allow us to broaden our reach and service offering. I’m looking forward to working closely with them as we continue to grow and deliver best-in-class services to our clients.”
Brian Shannon, Built Environment divisional MD at Phenna Group, said: “Statutory Inspections Limited is a great strategic fit for our Built Environment division.
“Their strong track record and technical expertise enhance the robust services already offered by BTIS. We are excited about the opportunities this brings to better serve our customers nationwide.”
Phil Marshall, CEO of Phenna Group, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Statutory Inspections Limited into Phenna Group. This acquisition is another strong step in our journey to build a best-in-class network of TICC businesses.
“Their culture, commitment to quality, and customer focus mirror our own, and I’m excited to see what we can achieve together as part of our Built Environment division.”
Phenna Group was advised by Browne Jacobson LLP and Johnston Carmichael. Statutory Inspections was advised by HCR Legal LLP.
Matt Bolton, partner at Browne Jacobson, said: “The strategic acquisition of Statutory Inspections is a fantastic addition to Phenna Group’s market-leading Built Environment division as part of BTIS. We’re proud to have advised Phenna Group on yet another deal – its eighth of 2025!”Showcase exceptional property and construction businesses at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025
To make a nomination for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025, please click here, or on one of the categories below.
Categories include:- Contractor of the Year
- Developer of the Year
- Architects of the Year
- Most Active Agent
- Deal of the Year
- Residential Development of the Year
- Sustainable Development of the Year
- Commercial Development of the Year
- Excellence in Design
- Responsible Business of the Year
- Overall Winner
Nominations will close on Friday 15th August.
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:








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Funding boost for Northamptonshire veterinary service
Mobile Vet Referral, a Northamptonshire-based freelance veterinary service, has secured £50,000 in funding through the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme, delivered by First Enterprise – Enterprise Loans. The funding was split evenly between the company’s co-founders, allowing for the purchase of specialised veterinary equipment and the launch of digital advertising to support growth.
The business provides advanced diagnostic services, including ultrasound and endoscopy, on a referral basis to other veterinary practices in the region. Positioned as a mobile, independent provider, it aims to offer flexible and specialist services to practices without in-house capabilities.
The funding package is part of a broader initiative to support start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that are unable to access traditional lending. First Enterprise provides loans ranging from £500 to £150,000, reinvesting surplus funds into regional economic development.
This latest support underscores the ongoing role of alternative finance providers in backing high-skill, service-driven businesses across the UK’s healthcare and veterinary sectors.
Mental health pressures cloud leadership decisions in East Midlands
A growing number of business leaders in the East Midlands are struggling with mental health issues that affect their ability to make decisions, according to new research released by East Midlands Chamber and mental health advocate Gary Parsons.
The report, published to mark the first anniversary of the Leaders in Disguise podcast, revealed that 75% of leaders in the region say mental health challenges are impacting their decision-making. The data also indicates widespread concerns about work-life balance and financial pressures.
The survey found that 60% of respondents cited work-life balance as their greatest challenge, while 50% said financial stress was a key concern. Nearly one in five reported feeling isolated or lonely in their roles. Despite these pressures, only 30% of leaders felt very comfortable seeking mental health support.
The findings highlight an often-overlooked issue in the corporate world: the toll leadership takes on mental well-being. With mental health being directly linked to strategic clarity and operational effectiveness, the report highlights the need for more proactive support mechanisms within the business community.
The Leaders in Disguise podcast features conversations with business leaders who share their experiences managing mental health, burnout, and pressure while running organisations.