Tuesday, April 29, 2025

Next major step taken in Derbyshire Waste Treatment Facility Project

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Next major step taken in Derbyshire Waste Treatment Facility Project
Three major waste management firms have been selected to progress to the next stage of the procurement process to appoint a contractor to fix and operate Sinfin waste treatment centre. Following a first stage selection process, Biffa, Thalia and Viridor have been identified by Derby City Council and Derbyshire County Council as the most suitable qualified companies to move forward to the Competitive Dialogue phase. This marks a significant step in the councils’ joint project to secure a long-term waste management solution for Derby and Derbyshire, ensuring efficiency, sustainability, and value for residents. The timeline for the next steps in the procurement are:
  • Competitive Dialogue – October 2025
  • Contract award (Cabinet decision) – December 2025
  • End of due diligence and commencement of rectification phase – June 2027
  • Start of commissioning – June 2028
  • First waste acceptance – November 2028
  • Completion of commissioning and transition to normal operations – Winter 2028 – Winter 2031
Over the next six months the councils and selected bidders will enter ‘Competitive Dialogue’ – structured discussions designed to provide equal treatment of all three companies to clarify, specify and enhance their proposed solution to fix and operate the facility. The process enables both the Councils and bidders to assess approaches and ensure opportunities that strike the right balance between cost and quality are explored. A spokesperson for Derbyshire County Council said: “We were confident we had developed a procurement process and commercial proposition that would be attractive to the right companies. “Shortlisting three major players in the UK waste market proves there’s a competitive market for this project, and operators with the skills and experience to successfully deliver it and its expected benefits. “Fixing and operating the facility was found to be the most viable, cost-effective, and sustainable long-term solution to manage household waste which residents in Derby and Derbyshire either cannot or choose not to recycle.” A spokesperson for Derby City Council said: “This is an important milestone in our commitment to securing a sustainable and cost-effective waste management solution for Derby and Derbyshire. “Reaching this stage with three leading waste management companies demonstrates both the strength of our approach and the level of industry interest in this project. “The council is keen to ensure a sustainable way to dispose of residents’ waste in the long term and seeks to find the most cost effective solution.”

UK opens first public electric charging hub for HGVs

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UK opens first public electric charging hub for HGVs

The UK’s first public electric charging hub for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) has been launched at Able Humber Port in Immingham, North Lincolnshire.

Developed by Milence, a joint venture between Daimler Truck, Traton Group, and Volvo Group, the hub features eight charging bays, four of which are high-performance chargers, and two bays are served by a megawatt charger. It can fully charge an electric HGV in about 90 minutes.

The hub is strategically located off the A180 with direct access to the motorway network, making it an important site for HGV operators. In June 2023, North Lincolnshire Council granted the development planning consent.

Milence plans to expand its network across Europe, including routes connecting Immingham to Birmingham. The company aims to establish 1,700 charging points by 2027.

The new hub is seen as a key step in supporting the transition to electric vehicles in the logistics sector, with significant potential for further infrastructure growth in the UK and Europe.

Trio of industrial assets acquired by joint venture

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Trio of industrial assets acquired by joint venture
A joint venture between global investment firm Sixth Street and Copley Point Capital, an owner and operator of UK industrial property, has acquired a portfolio of three logistics assets from National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society totalling 0.9 million square feet. Two of the assets totalling 0.5 million square feet are leased to Fowler Welch and Great Bear, and are located within Magna Park, Lutterworth, the distribution park located in the Golden Triangle. The third asset is leased to Amazon and located in Doncaster. The acquisition brings the joint venture’s portfolio to six assets across 2.5 million square feet – each acquired since its formation in November 2024. Guillaume Savoie-Coulonval, Managing Director at Copley Point, said: “We are delighted to expand our partnership with Sixth Street and add to our high-quality portfolio. These three distribution warehouses exemplify the type of investments we are targeting across the UK. We remain acquisitive and continue to offer a reliable solution to sellers in the current market environment.” BSBRE advised the seller on the transaction.

Stagecoach offers free sustainability training to suppliers

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Stagecoach, part of the UK’s leading bus operators, has joined an innovative initiative to offer free sustainability training to its suppliers, marking a first in the UK. As part of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) UK Network’s Sustainable Suppliers Training Programme, the initiative aims to educate suppliers on sustainability and the 10 principles of the UNGC, supporting Stagecoach’s journey to reduce its environmental impact and meet its net-zero targets.

The programme will provide Stagecoach’s suppliers with the necessary tools, resources, and guidance to enhance their sustainability practices. The operator’s commitment is seen as a step toward strengthening the environmental credentials of its supply chain, which includes businesses accounting for £200 million in procurement spend.

This move represents a strategic effort by Stagecoach to integrate sustainability into its procurement practices, demonstrating the potential for collaboration between businesses to drive collective action towards a more sustainable future.

£880,000 set for Grantham town centre upgrades

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£880,000 set for Grantham town centre upgrades

Grantham town centre is set to benefit from £880,000 in improvements, following approval of seven key projects by South Kesteven District Council. The funding, secured through a successful bid to the government’s Future High Streets Fund in April 2021, aims to revitalise the town centre and support local businesses.

The projects include installing power supplies to Market Place and Westgate and improving infrastructure, such as new planters, benches, cycle parking, and direction signs for key transport links like the railway and bus stations. Further developments will see the addition of removable bollards around the Conduit Lane car park and enhancements to the cultural quarter and Grantham Market, supporting their growth.

Cllr Ashley Baxter, leader of South Kesteven District Council, highlighted that these projects would be funded from an underspend in previous works, including improvements to Market Place and Station Approach. The upgrades are part of the council’s wider investment programme, which includes resurfacing, better pedestrian access, and traffic signal improvements. The council is committed to completing all new projects by March 31, 2026, with contracts due to be finalised by March 31, 2025.

Wren Sterling makes trio of acquisitions

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Wren Sterling makes trio of acquisitions
Nottingham financial planning firm Wren Sterling has welcomed around 520 clients through a trio of acquisitions, as it continues its strategy of acquiring profitable firms that are geographically well-positioned to support its growth. JLS Associates near Perth will join Wren Sterling’s Glasgow team, Investment Choices, a Kent-based business, will expand Wren Sterling’s growing presence in the South-East, and Broadway Financial Planning, located in the Cotswolds, will help expand Wren Sterling’s Oxford-based team. Together, the three deals bring in over £300m of assets under management, taking Wren Sterling’s total assets to around £9bn. James Twining, Chief Executive Officer at Wren Sterling, said: “Wren Sterling had a strong year for acquisitions in 2024 and it’s great to get 2025 underway so decisively. Through these deals we are able to improve our client offering for both new and existing clients and bring hugely talented people into the Group for the benefit of all. “Our dedicated integration team has the skills and experience to ensure that client and staff disruption is minimised and that advisers are given a stronger platform with which to serve their clients. “We expect to complete more transactions throughout 2025 and beyond and, with our financing in place, remain eager to partner with firms that share our client first values and entrepreneurial culture.”

Milligan appointed strategic asset manager at Chesterfield’s Pavements shopping centre

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Milligan appointed strategic asset manager at Chesterfield’s Pavements shopping centre
Chesterfield Borough Council has appointed Milligan as the strategic asset manager for The Pavements shopping centre, applying its experience in town centre regeneration, strategic leasing, asset management and repositioning to play a key role in unlocking The Pavements’ full potential as a cornerstone of Chesterfield’s regeneration. The Pavements is owned by Chesterfield Borough Council and strategically positioned between the town’s historic market and bus station. Now, with the support of Milligan’s expertise, the Council will review The Pavement’s role in Chesterfield’s town centre as public realm improvements progress. It’s current occupiers include Tesco, WHSmith, Boots, other national retailers and a selection of independent businesses. Working in partnership with Chesterfield Borough Council, Milligan will develop a strategic action plan for The Pavements, ensuring it meets the needs of the community while supporting Chesterfield’s regeneration. The plan will focus on maximising the shopping centre’s value to its occupiers, enhancing its appeal to Chesterfield’s growing catchment, and integrating it seamlessly with the town’s ongoing transformation. Alex Hyams, Head of Asset Management at Milligan, said: “Milligan has a long history of successfully delivering strategic asset management interventions to unlock performance for challenged schemes. “We’ve worked across the country with mixed-use and retail-led destinations and bring a very experienced team. As the role of town centres evolves, shopping centres like The Pavements must adapt to meet the changing needs of their communities. “Chesterfield is a location we know very well, it brings a unique blend historic character, walkability, good infrastructure which supports the growing tourism appeal of town and the surrounding Peak District. We’re excited to be working with such a forward-thinking Council, where important public realm works are already underway. “Alongside this, The Pavements has the potential to become a cornerstone of Chesterfield’s regeneration and visitor experience and sustainable offer for the local community.” Cllr Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Milligan to the team as we work to enhance The Pavements as part of Chesterfield’s town centre transformation. “Milligan’s impressive track record of revitalising retail-led destinations, combined with their understanding of Chesterfield, makes them the ideal partner to help realise our vision. “The Pavements will play a vital role in delivering a stronger, more vibrant town centre that benefits our residents, businesses, and visitors.”

2024 “a highly successful year for Nottingham Building Society”

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2024 “a highly successful year for Nottingham Building Society”
Nottingham Building Society has hailed a “strong financial performance” in 2024, driven by a 37% growth in new mortgage lending. Results for the year ended 31 December 2024 show £1.2bn gross new lending, representing an increase of £328m on 2023, while the Society is now its largest in asset terms, with £4.2bn in total mortgage assets and £5.2bn in total assets.

The Society saw 9,166 new mortgage customers in the year, an increase of 32% on 2023.

Meanwhile, £154.6m in total interest was paid to savers, an increase of £62.8m on the prior year. The business saw pre-tax profits rise to £13.9m, representing an increase of £5.6m on 2023.

Sue Hayes, Chief Executive Officer, said: “2024 was a highly successful year for Nottingham Building Society – and the Society is now its largest in asset terms than at any time in its 175-year history – we have reached a record level of £4.2bn in mortgage assets and £5.2bn in total assets.

“Our strong set of results for 2024 are driven by a 37% increase in gross new mortgage lending, an uplift in new business margins and continued strong customer service feedback.

“We helped 32% more customers own their own home by taking out a mortgage with us for the first time or moving to a new mortgage.

“Most importantly our strategy of supporting those who find it more difficult to get a mortgage in the first place has started to be evidenced and we are establishing our Society as a specialist residential lender. In 2024, we launched a new proposition aimed at foreign nationals living in the UK, supporting those entering the country to support our valued service sector to own their own home.

“Our mortgage balances increased by 18.6% compared with the previous year, whilst overall lending in the UK mortgage market has fallen. Our total mortgage assets have grown by 40 per cent since we began our transformation journey in 2022.

“We were delighted to welcome more savings customers to the Society via our online savings app as well continuing our commitment to passbooks for our branch customers – leading to an increase of 22% in our savings balances. As interest rates remained high throughout the year, we focused on paying savers the best rates we can whilst investing to strengthen the Society. In total, we paid £154.6m in interest to savers in 2024.

“We maintained our Trustpilot score of 4.9 reflecting our exceptional service that we know is highly valued by our customers.

“We are proud that we have seen an increase in statutory profit enabling us to invest for our members and make good progress in delivering our strategy. We invested in our technology, our brand and in developing our propositions to ensure our Society is well placed for the future.

“We took the decision to provide voluntary financial support to those members impacted by Philips Trust Corporation.

“Looking ahead, we believe it is important to enable a market where saving is encouraged and incentivised and alongside other Societies, we advocate for the current cash ISA regulations to be maintained. 

“I am proud of the results we are sharing today and would like to thank our members for their continued trust and support to the Society. In 2025, the sector celebrates 250 years of building societies and we are more committed than ever to the mutual values that we know are fundamentally important and highly valued by our members.”

Digital marketers find recipe for teamwork as they serve up lunch for YMCA

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Digital marketers find recipe for teamwork as they serve up lunch for YMCA
Digital marketers swapped their computers for chopping boards when they volunteered to cook lunch for dozens of people at the YMCA Derbyshire. Five members of staff from JDR Group gave up their morning to prepare a two-course lunch on Friday as part of the YMCA’s monthly community meal, which it offers in partnership with the Head High mental health organisation. The chefs – John Skidmore, Ashlesha Wargantiwar, Sophie Teece, Emma Ablewhite and Rhys Laven – planned and prepared the meal from scratch, serving up a meat and vegetarian chilli with jacket potatoes, followed by fruit crumble with custard. The community meals have become a popular event at the YMCA, with a different local company volunteering to cook them each month. It was the first time that JDR Group, which served around 80 people last Friday, has taken part in the event and John, who is head of client development at the firm, which is based in Stephenson’s Way, on the Wyvern Business Park said everyone enjoyed the experience. He said: “We’re a big team at JDR Group, so it’s good to see how our staff get on and co-operate in a different environment, as well as to meet people in the community who we wouldn’t normally come into contact in our working lives. “Our team have done really well, helped by the fact that Rhys is an ex-professional chef. It’s been great to see him step into a leadership role, and the food has gone down extremely well too.” Debs Powell, YMCA Derbyshire’s Head of Marketing and Communications, said: “The community meal is all about giving members of our community the chance to have a free warm meal and a chat. “We’re incredibly grateful to the JDR Group team for getting involved and cooking a delicious meal. The generosity of local businesses and organisations allows us to continue to provide support to people that need it most.”

North Notts businesswomen expand scope of BID board

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North Notts businesswomen expand scope of BID board
North Notts BID has appointed three new board directors, expanding its representation of female leaders from across the district. Falling ahead of International Women’s Day (8 March), North Notts BID has welcomed to its board Katy Bradford, deputy chief executive officer at Outwood Grange Academies Trust, Abi Priestley, owner of Oakrange Engineering and Torworth Lakes, and Katy Jarvis-Morgan, STEP site stakeholder manager for UK Industrial Fusion Solutions. The new appointments will sit alongside five other female board members, including chief executive Sally Gillborn MBE. George Buchanan, chair of the North Notts BID board, said: “As a business-led and managed improvement district, these appointments will build upon the success of our board in ensuring the BID maximises its value for levy payers. “The BID should be representative of all types of businesses and the people behind them, and it is fantastic to welcome three female leaders who bring a variety of experience across different industries, including education, industrial, leisure and STEM. “As headline sponsor of the upcoming North Notts Business Women Awards, we are committed to celebrating the contributions of women to business growth in the district. Our aim is to champion the value of local businesses, enabling their input to help shape the future of the services provided by North Notts BID for the benefit of our towns.” Katy Bradford, deputy chief executive officer at Outwood Grange Academies Trust, said: “As an education trust with our Outwood Academy Portland, Outwood Academy Valley and Outwood Post 16 Centre Worksop in the district, we recognise the importance of North Notts BID not just for businesses and the local community, but also students and families who engage with businesses and events that the BID supports. “I am excited at the opportunities for Outwood Grange Academies Trust and how it can contribute to North Notts BID to grow the connection between business and education, particularly regarding skills development and employment opportunities.” Abi Priestley, owner of Oakrange Engineering and Torworth Lakes, said: “Operating two businesses in North Notts spanning industrial and leisure, I aim to bring different perspectives on what services and benefits really matter to our local businesses, helping the BID to build upon the fantastic services it provides, from security measures to employee training opportunities.” Katy Jarvis-Morgan, STEP site stakeholder manager for UK Industrial Fusion Solutions, said: “STEP Fusion will have an enormously transformative impact on the local community, supporting long-term job creation and growth in North Notts. “By joining the North Notts BID board, I hope to build the connection between our new base in West Burton and the wider towns in our district, developing a local understanding of what the project will deliver and supporting the BID to achieve our shared goals.”

New ‘gas free’ affordable homes set for Northamptonshire village

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New ‘gas free’ affordable homes set for Northamptonshire village
A redundant and often only partially occupied sheltered housing building has been demolished to make way for 27 new energy efficient homes in a village in Northamptonshire. Housing association Futures Housing Group is in partnership with GEDA Construction Company and Homes England to build a mixture of houses and apartments on Station Court, Woodford Halse. These low energy usage homes are for people on the housing register in West Northamptonshire and are expected to be ready from spring 2026. James Dial, Head of Sustainability & Asset Maximisation at Futures, said: “We know this is a big change for the community as the demolished building had been there since the 1980’s. However, it was made up of dated one-bedroom flats and studios that were hard to let and it’s clear the demand for bigger properties suitable for couples and families is much higher in this area.” All homes will be built to the Government’s emerging Future Homes Standard which requires all new homes to be built with energy efficiency and decarbonisation at the forefront. The properties will feature air source heat pumps, high-heat retention radiators and solar panels to help reduce energy bills and make them more comfortable and affordable to heat. All homes will also have access to an electric car charging point and off-street parking, and bat boxes and bee bricks will be dotted around the scheme to help support local nature recovery. James added: “It’s exciting that we’re not only bringing much-needed family homes to Woodford Halse, but we’re bringing homes that are fit for the future. These well insulated properties make the most of energy efficient measures, that can help lower energy bills and lower our carbon footprint. “Futures is aiming for all of its homes to be net carbon zero by 2050, so it’s great to be working with GEDA Construction Company to help us on our journey to achieve our goal.” Colm McVeigh, Build GB Director at GEDA, said: “We are thrilled to continue our relationship with Futures on this project. These homes will be energy efficient, relieving the tenants of rising energy bills in today’s market. “This investment in upgrading their housing stock, reinforces Futures’ commitment to provide energy efficient homes for their tenants and also matches our own sustainability strategy at GEDA. We are really looking forward to seeing the progression of this scheme and seeing the positive impact it will have on the local community.”

Government plans to end windfall tax on oil and gas profits by 2030

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Government plans to end windfall tax on oil and gas profits by 2030

The UK Government has confirmed plans to end the Energy Profits Levy (EPL), also known as the windfall tax, on oil and gas profits by 2030. This follows the launch of a consultation on the future of the North Sea energy sector, which aims to explore the transition towards a more sustainable energy mix, including hydrogen, carbon capture, storage, and renewables.

For two months, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) will consult with various stakeholders, including businesses, unions, and green groups, to plan this transition. The consultation will focus on utilising existing North Sea infrastructure and assets to support new technologies while ensuring continued extraction from current fields.

The Government also affirmed that, in line with its climate commitments, it will not issue new licenses for offshore oil and gas exploration. However, it will allow companies to extend or transfer existing licenses and maintain licences for carbon storage, gas storage, and methane drainage.

This move aims to provide long-term fiscal stability and encourage investment in the sector, while also assuring workers and trade unions that measures will be taken to protect jobs, pay, and conditions.

Service sector faces rising job cuts as costs mount ahead of tax hikes

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Service sector faces rising job cuts as costs mount ahead of tax hikes

UK service sector companies cut jobs at the fastest pace since 2020 in February, driven by weak demand and rising costs. The S&P Global UK Services PMI survey recorded a reading of 51, up slightly from January’s 50.8. While a score above 50 indicates growth, the February result was below the forecasted 51.1.

Businesses are facing mounting pressures from rising costs, with the minimum wage and employer taxes set to increase in April. Tim Moore, economics director at S&P Global Market Intelligence, noted that companies have experienced a loss of growth momentum since last autumn.

The survey also revealed a decline in business optimism, contributing to the fifth consecutive month of job cuts across the sector. Aside from the pandemic, this marks the longest period of falling employment since early 2011.

Power Tan secures future with management buyout

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Power Tan secures future with management buyout

Leighton Buzzard-based Power Tan, a leading manufacturer and distributor of indoor tanning products, has completed a management buyout (MBO), ensuring business continuity and future expansion.

Founder Gary Banks, who established the company in 1987 as World Suncare Products, is exiting the business to retire. Former management team members will now take over operations, aiming to drive growth and expand Power Tan’s international presence.

Watersheds facilitated the deal, with partner William Senior leading the process. He highlighted the benefits of MBOs for both exiting owners and management teams seeking greater control and business expansion.

Banks praised Watersheds for its role in structuring the deal, ensuring a smooth transition while allowing him to focus on business operations during the process.

Northamptonshire tourism businesses offered expert support programme

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Northamptonshire tourism businesses offered expert support programme

A new business support initiative aims to help Northamptonshire’s tourism sector capitalise on growing national awareness of the region. The Discover Northamptonshire Business Support programme will provide workshops and one-on-one guidance to businesses in the visitor economy, including attractions, hospitality, heritage, and food and drink.

Over three months, participants will receive expert insights from industry leaders and Growth Hub Business Advisers. The programme includes four workshops covering niche marketing, market trends, business resilience, and digital strategies, delivered by specialists from the University of Northampton and other experts.

Eligible businesses must be based in Northamptonshire. One-on-one consultations will also help participants identify market opportunities and implement growth strategies.

Bakkavor posts strong results but absorbs UK restructuring costs

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Bakkavor posts strong results but absorbs UK restructuring costs

Bakkavor Group reported a 4% revenue increase to £2.29 billion in 2024, with adjusted operating profit up 20.5% to £113.6 million. Despite overall growth, operating profit dropped to £93.4 million due to £20.2 million in exceptional costs tied to UK site closures.

The company credited its performance to volume growth across all markets and a focus on efficiency. Bakkavor aims to continue margin improvements in 2025, targeting a 6% profitability goal.

As part of a restructuring plan announced in late 2022, Bakkavor closed its Salads site in Sutton Bridge, Lincolnshire, and a Desserts facility in Leicester, affecting approximately 900 jobs. The company completed the transition in early 2023 to streamline operations.

Firms merge to create legal powerhouse

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Firms merge to create legal powerhouse
Two Lincolnshire and Yorkshire law firms have revealed plans to merge on 1 April 2025. Wilkin Chapman LLP and Rollits LLP will merge under the trading name of Wilkin Chapman Rollits. The new firm will have more than 500 people including 70 partners and have a combined annual turnover of £40 million. It will operate from six locations: Grimsby, Lincoln, Louth, Hull, York and Beverley. It will be the largest law firm operating out of both Lincolnshire and Yorkshire and has a combined history going back more than 300 years. The merger is market and client driven and the merged firm will offer greater strength and depth to its clients across the commercial and public sectors and private client disciplines within its region and nationally. There are no planned redundancies as part of the merger. Robin Simmonds, CEO of Wilkin Chapman, said: “There is a great synergy between the two firms across culture, values and strategy and we believe the new firm will provide our clients with the responsive, personal tailored support that they expect.” Ralph Gilbert, managing partner of Rollits, said: “Both of our firms have deep local connections and histories within our respective regions and are very proud of these links. Such links help us understand the needs of our clients and bring insights to them. “Additionally, the combined firm will continue to advise our regionally-based clients with their needs nationally, as well as clients based outside of our locations.”

Derby to build on £9bn platform at global investment showcase

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Derby to build on £9bn platform at global investment showcase
Team Derby is set for its busiest MIPIM since the Covid pandemic following an announcement of a massive £9bn investment into the city’s defence and nuclear sector. Taking place in Cannes, France, from 11 to 14 March, MIPIM is the biggest property investment show in the world and a combination of public and private sector partners will join Marketing Derby’s Queen’s Award-winning inward investment team to promote the city to investors from across the globe. This year Derby will feature in the UK Hub where it will be launching the City Centre First for Offices Prospectus – showcasing investment opportunities within Derby city centre – and the city is also one of the few to be promoted in the Estates Gazette UK Cities Playbook. Cllr Nadine Peatfield, Leader of Derby City Council and Deputy Mayor of the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), who will be leading the delegation, says: “MIPIM provides cities like Derby with a unique opportunity to pitch to a wide range of investors and advisors. “Team Derby has effective methods to meet with the right people and get our message across. Our focus will be the radical transformation of the city centre and the growth of the Infinity Park Derby Investment Zone.” A key Team Derby breakfast will include presentations from Derby City Council, Marketing Derby, the University of Derby, Ion Developments and Cavendish & London. This year, Derby’s overarching message at MIPIM will be grounded in the city’s economic strengths. Earlier this year, it was announced that Rolls-Royce Submarines had landed a £9 billion – Unity – contract with the Ministry of Defence to provide nuclear power plants for a new fleet of submarines, creating thousands of jobs, while investing in the next generation of nuclear engineers. John Forkin, MD of inward investment agency Marketing Derby, said: “We are still getting our heads around the scale of the Unity deal and this, together with being chosen as the HQ for Great British Railways, has already led to a significant boost in interest and confidence in Derby.” Team Derby will be briefing investors on how they can tap into Derby’s rising reputation as a centre for nuclear technology – with incentives to be had at locations such as Infinity Park Derby, which has Investment Zone status. As well as showcasing its potential as an office location, Team Derby will be at MIPIM plugging several other pipeline projects and opportunities within the city centre, including the Cultural Heart of City, which includes proposals for the former Assembly Rooms site. Investors will also be briefed on the University of Derby’s wider plans for a City Campus, to follow on from its impressive £75 million Cavendish Business School Building opening this year. The Team Derby public/private sector partnership approach is one that has reaped dividends in recent years in terms of attracting overseas investment. The prestigious Financial Times’ fDi European Cities and Regions of the Future 2025 has placed Derby as sixth within the Top 10 Small European Cities for foreign direct investment and members of Team Derby will accept the award at a special ceremony.

Browne Jacobson recruits Head of Higher Education from University of Nottingham

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Browne Jacobson recruits Head of Higher Education from University of Nottingham
Browne Jacobson has recruited Kate Gallagher from a Russell Group university as its new Head of Higher Education. Kate Gallagher joins the law firm from the University of Nottingham, where she was General Counsel and Director of Legal Services, a department she established. She has more than 25 years’ experience both in private practice – with previous roles at Shoosmiths, Hammonds and Eversheds Sutherland – and as one of the higher education sector’s most experienced in-house lawyers. Kate was an active member of the Association of University Legal Practitioners (AULP) for 15 years and a committee member for several years. She was also part of the Employment Lawyers Association’s in-house committee. Her recruitment is an important part of the succession plan for Browne Jacobson’s higher education practice, which is currently led by Bettina Rigg. Bettina will continue to play an active role, working with Kate and Nick MacKenzie, Head of Education, in supporting the transition. Kate said: “Browne Jacobson is highly-regarded in the education sector for its market-leading legal advice, practical support and expert consultancy. Watching from afar, I have been impressed by how the firm has developed its reputation, which is why this feels like a fantastic time to join the firm. “Having worked in both private practice and in-house for the sector, I am keenly aware of the complex financial and structural challenges that universities face right now. “However, my experience has shown that there are always exciting opportunities for universities to play a central role in tackling some of society’s biggest issues, and to promote economic growth by commercialising world-class research projects into viable products and services. “With a background in education employment, I look forward to collaborating closely with our specialists in this service to help us make the most of the opportunity to grow employment and related work in the HE sector.” Bettina said: “In Kate, we have found someone with fantastic experience who will help the team I to build on our achievements across our HE practice. “I look forward to working with Kate and Nick in supporting this transition and driving forward our offer to HE clients now and in the future.” Kate’s hire follows the appointment of Professor Janice Kay CBE as a special adviser to Browne Jacobson’s higher education team in September. Prof Kay, whose experience includes two decades in senior positions at the University of Exeter, provides strategic input and supports engagement with the HE sector. Nick added: “We are thrilled to bring in Kate to lead the next stage of our HE growth journey, building on the strategic recruitments we made to strengthen our wider education practice last year. “When Bettina joined us in 2020, she did so with the intention of helping the firm create a market-leading practice. We have made excellent strides against this ambition and Bettina will continue to be an active force in delivering our strategy as the practice goes from strength to strength. “The combination of Kate and Bettina, supported by the rest of the HE team and Professor Janice Kay as our industry-aligned expert, offers a compelling proposition to universities as they go through a period of transformation and look at new models to help deliver costs efficiencies.”

Nottingham Venues partners with The British Deer Society

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Nottingham Venues partners with The British Deer Society
Nottingham Venues, the collection of independent venues specialising in meetings and events set within the University of Nottingham campus, has formed a new, UK first, partnership with The British Deer Society, the charity dedicated to educating people about deer and the issues surrounding them in the UK. The partnership comes as part of Nottingham Venues’ plans to elevate the dining experience at its Bramleys restaurant, located within the 4* Orchard Hotel, in the coming months. David Cartwright, the former Head Chef at renowned Nottingham restaurant World Service, has been appointed to lead the change and create a high-quality dining destination for Nottingham. The new menu will offer three venison dishes, including a venison lasagne, all created using locally sourced and sustainable produce. All venison served will be sourced from within 30 miles of Bramleys restaurant. To support the British Deer Society, Nottingham Venues has committed to donate £1 to the charity for every venison dish sold at Bramleys. This initiative aims to raise funds to support the work of the British Deer Society whilst also promoting sustainable and locally sourced produce. Nottingham Venues is the first hospitality company in the country to support the charity in this way. David Cartwright, Head Chef at The Orchard Hotel and Bramleys Restaurant, said: “We are committed to sustainability, seasonality and using the best locally sourced produce in our restaurant. Venison is a high quality and healthy option, and my team and I have created dishes that really showcase the meat, so we hope they are popular with diners at Bramleys.” Tom Waldron-Lynch, CEO of Nottingham Venues, said: “In my opinion, venison is a fantastic, sustainable meat that should be used more widely across the UK. “It has next to no carbon footprint, but people need to be aware of the issues surrounding the UK’s growing deer population and its management so that we can protect biodiversity, re-wilding efforts and farmland, which is why we have chosen to partner with The British Deer Society. “We wanted to celebrate venison at our restaurant and our chefs have created a selection of fantastic venison dishes that really showcase the produce, all of which is sourced from within 30 miles of our restaurant.” The British Deer Society plays a crucial role in educating the public about deer, promoting their sustainable management, and protecting their natural habitats. Funds raised through this partnership will support the charity’s ongoing efforts in research, training, education and surveying projects. David McAuley, CEO of The British Deer Society, said: “Having companies within the hospitality industry pledge to support our work will be instrumental in educating people about deer in the UK and raising awareness of venison as a sustainable and healthy food source. “We are thrilled to start our partnership programme with the support of Nottingham Venues, and I would like to thank the team for their support.”
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