“Directors, or those acting as directors such as Grainger-Smith, will continue to be prosecuted by the Insolvency Service if they deliberately and fraudulently put money out of the reach of creditors.”
Grainger-Smith’s offending took place between 2014 and 2017 when he acted in the role of director for Eagleport Ltd, Smiths Constructions Ltd, Smiths Construction Services Ltd, and Smiths Construction Specialists Ltd. Grainger-Smith said that while he was not the director of any of the companies, he was able to exert influence over the official directors and withdraw the money with their knowledge. Between April 2014 and May 2015, Grainger-Smith removed £230,810 from Eagleport’s account. A winding-up order was made against the company one month later in June 2015. Grainger-Smith then removed £110,250 from Smiths Constructions between April and November 2015, with the company entering liquidation in December of that year. In the five months from February to July 2016, Grainger-Smith fraudulently transferred £84,600 from the bank account of Smiths Construction Services. A liquidator was appointed for Smiths Construction Services in September of that year. Grainger-Smith’s final fraudulent removal of company funds came between August 2016 and February 2017, when he withdrew £276,390 from the account of Smiths Construction Specialists. Smiths Construction Specialists, as with the other three companies, soon stopped trading after the removal of the funds, with winding-up proceedings beginning in June 2017. In total, Grainger-Smith fraudulently removed £702,050 from the four companies, with the funds going into his casino gaming account. Grainger-Smith was declared bankrupt in March 2017 and was banned as a company director for five years in July of that year as a result of his misconduct at Eagleport. He was disqualified for a further 10 years in June 2019 for his misconduct at Smiths Construction Specialists.Construction boss jailed after taking £700,000 from failing companies to fund gambling
A Nottinghamshire construction boss who fraudulently removed more than £700,000 from four failing companies and transferred the money to his casino account has been jailed.
Wesley Grainger-Smith, 66, was sentenced to two years and four months in prison at Lincoln Crown Court on Friday 28 February.
Grainger-Smith had previously pleaded guilty to five counts of fraudulently removing company property at an earlier hearing.
The Insolvency Service also discovered around £570,000 in cash deposits paid back to the companies, which investigators believe may correlate with Grainger-Smith’s claim that he paid most of the money back through his gambling winnings.
Mark Stephens, Chief Investigator at the Insolvency Service, said: “Wesley Grainger-Smith removed vast sums of money from failing companies to fund his gambling at casinos.
“He cannot have thought he was entitled to recklessly gamble with company money, or that he was acting in the best interests of the four companies where he said he acted as a consultant.
Green light granted for £45m residential development in Witham St Hughs
Housebuilder Honey will build 170 new homes in Witham St Hughs, Lincolnshire after being granted planning permission for a £45m development.
Called Nova and located off Warren Lane, the development will comprise a mix of two-, three- and four-bedroom homes. Nova will feature 17 of Honey’s different house types.
Of the 170 homes at the development, 28 have been allocated as affordable housing.
Work at the development is anticipated to start in April with the first residents expected to move in by November this year.
Honey chief executive officer, Mark Mitchell, said: “Our range of new homes being delivered at Nova will meet the strong demand there is for high-specification homes amongst buyers in the local area.
“Each home at the development has been thoughtfully designed to combine style, substance and sustainability to offer buyers homes which are unmatched at their price point.
“Having now secured planning permission, we look forward to works starting at the site and launching the first homes for sale at this new community we are delivering.”
UK defence spending boost to prioritise SMEs
The UK government has announced new measures to increase small business participation in defence contracts, including SME spending targets for the Ministry of Defence and the launch of a support hub to help firms access supply chain opportunities.
With defence spending set to rise to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, the initiative aims to channel more funds to small businesses, particularly outside London and the South East, where nearly 70% of defence expenditure already occurs. In 2023-24, only 4% of defence spending went to SMEs, prompting the government to act.
The support hub will assist SMEs in securing contracts, financing, and workforce training, ensuring that more companies can contribute to national security while benefiting from the investment. The government sees this as a way to strengthen the UK’s defence industry, accelerate technological advancements, and drive economic growth in small towns and regional economies.
In 2023-24, defence spending supported over 430,000 jobs across the UK, with significant increases in government investment in regions such as the East Midlands, Northern Ireland, Yorkshire, and the North West. The government expects these new measures to boost SME participation further and enhance Britain’s defence capabilities.
Maximising Pension Contributions Before the Tax Year Ends
Dry January may be behind us, but as gloomy February rolls in, there’s a glimmer of optimism on the horizon—spring is approaching, and with it comes the end of the tax year for individuals and businesses with a 31st March year-end. This is the perfect time to reassess financial strategies, particularly, pension contributions.
Why Now is the Time to Act
For individuals, making pension contributions before the tax year closes can optimise tax relief. The current annual allowance for contributions eligible for tax relief is up to £60,000 or the value of your earnings—whichever is lower. However, for high earners and those who have already accessed their pension, there are additional rules to consider. Seeking expert financial advice can help navigate these complexities.
If you haven’t accessed your full pension allowance in previous years, you may be able to take advantage of the ‘carry forward’ rule. This allows you to utilise up to three years of unused pension allowance while still benefiting from tax relief. Depending on your circumstances, this could mean up to a further £140,000 in available contributions.
SMEs with 31st March year-end
For SMEs, pension contributions can offer valuable corporation tax relief. Contributions made to controlling directors’ pensions before the year-end should qualify, making this a key area for businesses to explore with their accountants.
Planning Ahead for the Next Tax Year
With just a couple of months until the tax year ends, now is the ideal time to evaluate your pension contributions, but please, do take professional advice.
For further information call 0333 320 9230 or visit wbrgroup.co.uk
For further information call 0333 320 9230 or visit wbrgroup.co.uk New endoscopy unit at Leicester General Hospital tops out
Henry Brothers Construction has joined University Hospitals of Leicester to celebrate the topping out ceremony at the new Endoscopy Unit being built at Leicester General Hospital.
University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust (UHL) executives, members of the endoscopy department and representatives from the construction team attended the event at the specialist unit which is being built next to the East Midlands Planned Care Centre.
Last year Henry Brothers was awarded a £10m contract to build the one-storey facility which is being delivered to a BREEAM Excellent standard and will feature endoscopy pods, discharge lounges, offices, staff areas and stores, with a plant room on the roof.
The project is Henry Brothers’ first contract at Leicester General Hospital.
Managing director for Henry Brothers Construction, Ian Taylor said: “We were very proud to have been appointed to deliver a new endoscopy unit at Leicester General Hospital for University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust.
“Henry Brothers has significant experience of delivering new public sector investment in the Midlands and other areas of the UK. The topping out ceremony represents a key stage in the development of this important new facility which will help to improve healthcare for the people of Leicestershire and the surrounding areas.”
To mark the occasion, a tree will be planted on the site as part of the landscaping process.
UHL Deputy Chief Executive Simon Barton said: “It’s great to be able to celebrate this milestone in the project, as we’re excited to be building an important new facility for the endoscopy service here at Leicester General Hospital.
“Endoscopy is a key part of our diagnostic services, and also provides treatment for some conditions, and this new unit is part of our commitment to providing state-of-the-art healthcare for the people of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
“This is part of our wider strategy to improve care and cut both waiting lists and waiting times. Endoscopy at East Midlands is right next door to the East Midlands Planned Care Centre, which opened in December and will eventually provide around 100,000 appointments every year.
“It’s great to have these celebratory moments as a team, as everyone is working hard on behalf of our patients. I’d like to thank everyone involved.”
Other members of the team working with East Midlands-based Henry Brothers Construction on the development are project manager Selcon, quantity surveyor Rider Levitt Bucknall, principal designer Stephen George & Partners, architect P+HS, structural engineer Curtins, and mechanical and electrical engineer CPW.
Completion of the building is due late summer 2025.
The endoscopy unit will see around 17,500 patients each year once it is opened.
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Midlands shows small signs of improvement in Women in Work Index
The Midlands is showing small signs of improvement in PwC’s Women in Work Index, an annual report that assesses progress made towards achieving gender equality at work. West Midlands climbed two places in the rankings to 10th place, while East Midlands fell from 11th to 12th place.
The report shows that the female full-time employment rate for West Midlands increased substantially by 4.5%, from 56.9% to 61.3%, while East Midlands saw a small 0.4% increase to 57.77%.
Both regions continue to have a gender pay gap higher than the national UK average of 14%; East Midlands saw an improvement in the gender pay gap from 17.1% to 15.9%, while West Midlands saw no change at 15%.
There was a small increase in female labour force participation in the West Midlands, shifting from 73.6% to 74.2%, while the East Midlands saw a decrease of 1.3%, to 72.1%.
Overall, the report showed that the East Midlands was the worst performing region with its index score decreasing by 6.3 points from 35.9 to 29.6 between 2022 and 2023. Notably, the region has the worst participation rate gap, of 12.7%, a decline of 4.5 percentage points from 8.2% in 2022.
Alex Hudson, PwC UK Market Senior Partner East Midlands, said: “The latest Women in Work Index shows that there is much more to be done to support women in the Midlands with better access to equal opportunities at work.
“It’s positive to see an overall increase in the female full-time employment rate, however action needs to be taken to increase the female participation rate, as we know this is essential for growth in our economy.
“To enhance productivity and drive GDP growth in our region, we must also look to reduce the gender pay gap as it still lags the UK average – the only way to do this is by working closely with business leaders and policy makers to address this.
“We know that women are underrepresented in industrial and manufacturing industries, and with the rise of AI and emerging technologies in the workplace, it’s essential that women are represented and have the right skills – this will play an important part in improving our ranking.”
From Nottingham to Cannes, unlocking regional investment at the world’s largest property event
OTTINGHAM will be represented by more than a dozen organisations from the public and private sector as it heads to next week’s MIPIM in Cannes, France.
Headlined by framework managing agent Pagabo from the private sector, Team Nottingham – working in partnership with East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) – will fly the flag for the city, county and the wider EMCCA region at the world’s largest property event.
The four-day festival attracts thousands of investors and developers from across the globe, creating a showcase for the public and private sector to encourage further investment into the region.
The full line-up of sponsor organisations is:
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Pagabo (headline sponsor)
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Arup
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Cartwright Communications
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Chord Consult
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CPMG
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Gleeds
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Innes England
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Morgan Sindall
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Nexa Finance
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Sandbox
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Scape
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Waterman Building Services
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Willmott Dixon
Having been made up entirely of private sector businesses since 2022, this year’s event sees Marketing Nottingham and Nottinghamshire CEO Megan Powell Vreeswijk attending alongside EMCCA’s deputy mayor Cllr Nadine Peatfield.
Megan Powell Vreeswijk, CEO of Marketing Nottingham and Nottinghamshire including Invest in Nottingham, said: “MIPIM is our chance to put Nottinghamshire’s real estate potential in the global spotlight. Working with the East Midlands Combined County Authority, our Invest in Nottingham team will be championing our region’s latest opportunities, driving investment, and unlocking new avenues for growth. We look forward to making some long-lasting connections with industry leaders and showcasing why Nottinghamshire is the perfect place to invest.”
Cllr Neghat Khan, leader of Nottingham City Council said: “Although we won’t have anyone there from the council, we fully support Nottingham’s presence at MIPIM as a powerful statement of our city’s great ambition. As a Core City, we are showcasing not just the scale of our regeneration, but also our unwavering commitment to a sustainable future.
“We’re inviting global investors to be part of a city that’s building both prosperity and a greener tomorrow, and solidifying Nottingham’s position as a leading destination for forward-thinking investment.”
Futures Housing Group introduces new executive team structure
East Midlands-based housing association Futures Housing Group has brought in a new Executive Team structure designed to help strengthen the central role of customers and their needs in the running of the organisation.
The new Executive Team has four roles, each of which has been filled by existing Directors following a thorough recruitment process.
The new roles and their postholders are: Group Director, People & Change – Nicky Hope, Group Director, Customer Experience – Helena Thompson, Group Director, Homes & Communities – Sarah Wyke, and Group Director, Finance & Growth – Ian Skipp.
Explaining the change, Chief Executive Tim Mulvenna said: “Futures is a great organisation and punches well above its weight as one of the region’s main providers of affordable homes. We’re financially strong, have a great workforce and our customers are mostly very satisfied with what we provide.
“We have the basics right and now it’s time to build on that by ensuring that every action we take and decision we make will deliver even more for customers. This new top team will help ensure that customers are front and centre at every step on our journey to being truly outstanding.”
New arts venue to provide home for creativity to thrive in Nottingham
A new arts space in the heart of Nottingham is opening its doors to the public for the first time this month.
Fisher Gate Point, which is inviting people to a special launch event on Saturday 8 March – International Women’s Day – ahead of the public opening on Monday 10 March, is the brainchild of Tricia and Ian Gardiner, the founding directors, who have realised a long-held ambition to create a welcoming community-led space where Nottingham’s creative grassroots sector can thrive.
They received the keys to the building just before the UK’s first lockdown in 2020. Over the last five years, Fisher Gate Point has organically grown to provide a home to both emerging and established artists, cultural leaders, and young collectives.
Following a significant refurbishment, the space is ready to open its doors and welcome the public into its multi-use community hub.
Founding director Ian Gardiner said: “We believe in the power of the arts and community to change lives, and we recognised that individual artists, small community groups and grassroots companies delivering hands-on interactive events and workshops needed a space to feel at home.
“We think we have created a positive space for that to happen in Nottingham for now and for future generations. Everyone is welcome here and we all want to collaborate. Come and get involved!”
The two-storey multi-use venue has already become home to several key organisations in Nottingham’s creative sector, including Hockley Hustle, Nottingham Poetry Festival, Cherry on Top, Circle of Light, Sugar Stealers, The Actors Workshop, Nottingham CYF, Nottingham Music Hub and HOAM, the city’s first female-led music studio.
It offers options for live performances, workshops, rehearsals and co-working, with a downstairs capacity of 110 and an upstairs capacity of 150. Alongside the event space, the new café and bar will serve as a central gathering point.
East Midlands programme to drive digital health innovation
Health Innovation East Midlands and Health Innovation West Midlands have launched Grow Digital Health Midlands, a programme to support businesses in developing and scaling digital health solutions within the NHS.
Launched on 27 February 2025, the initiative expands on the former East Midlands Digital Health Accelerator, now covering 11 integrated care systems and a population of 11.8 million. To accelerate adoption, participants will receive business coaching, product development support, and direct access to NHS decision-makers.
The programme aligns with national healthcare priorities, with NHS and care system leaders selecting innovations that address regional challenges. The 2025 focus areas include improving NHS productivity and communication and reducing demand for hospital-based care.
Applications close on 24 March 2025, and potential applicants will be briefed on 4 March and 13 March 2025.
UK businesses warn of hiring and price pressures from National Insurance hike
Rising employer National Insurance contributions, set to take effect in April 2025, could force UK businesses to adjust hiring plans and raise prices, according to new research from the British Chambers of Commerce and professional services firm AAB.
The study found that 60% of businesses expect recruitment to be affected, while more than half anticipate increasing prices. Overall, 80% of firms believe they will feel the financial impact of the change.
East Midlands Chamber CEO Scott Knowles highlighted similar trends in the region, where 22% of businesses plan to revise hiring strategies—double the previous quarter’s figure. The chamber warns that the higher costs, combined with inflation, could hinder economic growth.
With a comprehensive spending review approaching, business groups urge policymakers to consider the impact on firms and introduce measures that support growth.
Midlands rail link could drive £400m boost and 3,000 jobs
Business and political leaders are backing calls to reinstate direct train services between Nottingham, Leicester, and Coventry, arguing it could generate £400 million for the region and create 3,000 jobs.
Midlands Connect, the transport body leading the initiative, hosted a conference on 28 February at Coventry Transport Museum to present the business case. The proposal highlights how restoring the service, which was removed in the early 2000s, could benefit regional businesses by improving connectivity, talent attraction, and supply chains.
The East Midlands Chamber has prioritised the project in its Manifesto for Growth, emphasising that poor rail links between the three cities hinder economic potential. Midlands Connect submitted a Strategic Outline Business Case to the Department for Transport in 2021 and continues pushing for government support.
Nottingham council faces £1m cost to keep Howitt Building open
Nottingham City Council must find over £1 million to address fire safety and maintenance issues at the Howitt Building, home to around 80 businesses and community organisations. The Grade II-listed site, part of the Lenton Business Centre, was ordered to close after fire risk assessments identified serious safety concerns.
The required works include £316,134 for fire safety upgrades—such as £174,000 for fire doors—alongside £341,700 for heating repairs, £350,000 for roofing, and £30,000 for energy efficiency improvements. Council documents warn of potential corporate manslaughter liability if safety failures lead to fatalities.
Businesses and community groups were given notice to vacate by early March, prompting backlash and a petition with over 11,000 signatures calling for urgent action to protect the Marcus Garvey Centre, a key cultural hub within the building.
The council has spent £520,000 on site maintenance since 2016 and implemented a new property management model last year, which identified long-standing structural issues. Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service will conduct further assessments, and the council is reviewing all options for the building’s future while assisting affected tenants with relocation support.
Manufacturing M&A rebounds
UK manufacturing M&A activity grew by 11% in 2024, rebounding to levels last recorded in 2022, despite the continued pressure of rising costs, labour shortages and geopolitical tensions, according to accountancy and business advisory firm BDO.
BDO’s Manufacturing Deals Review reveals that 782 UK manufacturing deals were completed in 2024, up from 707 deals reported in 2023. Despite this buoyancy, the sector is not without its challenges as businesses look to implement the rises to employer’s NI costs and minimum wage levels and prepare for the proposed employment law changes.
Analysis shows that deal activity slowed somewhat in the first half of 2024 but gained momentum following the Autumn Budget with 475 deals completed in the latter six months. Additionally the findings show an urgency for deal completions in view of anticipated changes to Capital Gains Tax and Business Asset Disposal Relief. Furthermore there was an increasing interest from entrepreneurs considering exit both of their ownership and the UK.
Businesses in the engineering services subsector were the most prolific deal doers seeing a 26% increase in activity and representing almost a third (32%) of all completed transactions for the year. This was followed by businesses in the packaging & materials sector which saw deal volumes increased by almost a fifth (18%), and accounting for 11% of all completed transactions.
Separate research from BDO and Make UK reveals that over a quarter (26%) of UK manufacturing business are considering a sale of all or part of their business within the next two years. This increases to over a third (35%) across the next three to five years, suggesting a positive shift in M&A sentiment as many business leaders look to implement their strategies.
Roger Buckley, UK Industrials M&A Partner at BDO, said: “Last year proved to be a busy year for manufacturing deals but upcoming policy changes are now weighing heavily on business confidence, recruitment plans and growth intentions. Many businesses will be hoping for a boost in sentiment when the Industrial Strategy is announced later this year.
“Looking ahead we expect to see a solid year of M&A activity. Valuations are holding firm and there remains a large cohort of cash-rich investors who believe in the long-term prospects and broad opportunities for growth within the sector. These businesses now need government to offer incentives that will support their investment in new technologies and onshoring or reshoring operations.”
Ukraine and Lincolnshire partner on agricultural collaboration
Lincolnshire has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Ukraine’s Kherson Oblast to explore agricultural cooperation. The agreement aims to support the war-affected region through knowledge-sharing and potential future business partnerships.
Oleksandr Prokudin, governor of Kherson Oblast, visited Lincoln on Thursday to formalise the partnership with Councillor Colin Davie of Lincolnshire County Council. Prokudin emphasised the agreement’s symbolic importance and highlighted the challenges facing Kherson, which remains largely under Russian occupation.
As part of his visit, Prokudin toured the University of Lincoln’s Riseholme campus, home to the Lincoln Institute for Agri-Food Technology (LIAT), and the Siemens factory. Davie expressed hopes that Lincolnshire’s farming and food industries could contribute expertise in research, technology, and innovation to aid Kherson’s agricultural sector. He also suggested future trade opportunities may emerge from the collaboration.
The announcement coincides with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s visit to Washington for discussions with US President Donald Trump on Ukraine and defence. Prokudin urged European leaders to remain vigilant, warning that Russian aggression could extend beyond Ukraine.
Midlands embarks on study to assess potential sites for nuclear new build and boost regional growth
Equilibrion, a strategic and technical consultancy, has been appointed by the Midlands Net Zero Hub and Midlands Nuclear to identify the potential of nuclear energy production in the Midlands region. Equilibrion will lead a comprehensive siting study to consider locations and sites that have the potential to be developed in the nearer term.
On the 6th February, The UK Government announced reforms on planning rules to facilitate new nuclear build projects in the UK, including a new Nuclear National Policy Statement, EN-7, for the development of nuclear power projects beyond 2025. This new approach eases some of the restrictions on the choice of nuclear sites for deployment, which had been embedded in the previous EN-6 statement. This more flexible approach is expected to attract new nuclear developments in a wider range of locations and create thousands of new highly skilled jobs while delivering clean, secure and more affordable energy for working people.
The Midlands Nuclear Siting Project, due to report in Spring/Summer 2025, will provide a deeper understanding of the opportunities nuclear provides, including the production of electricity, hydrogen, sustainable fuel and direct heat. With this greater understanding of some potential sites that could be considered by developers, the region will be able to drive inward investment and enhance regional low carbon energy supply for homes and industry. The output will also complement other activities, including academia and skills, as part of a joined-up approach to addressing new opportunities in nuclear.
With a specific focus on Small and Advanced Modular Reactors (SMRs and AMRs respectively), the study seeks to maximise the opportunity that the forthcoming EN-7 provides to regions. This includes generating significant social and economic benefits and helping position the Midlands as a leader in the development of future nuclear sites under the new National Policy Statement.
The project will engage relevant bodies, evaluate supply chain opportunities, and provide insights into the regulatory landscape considering the social, economic and environmental benefits that nuclear can bring to the region.
By proactively addressing skills and site readiness, the Midlands positions itself as a leading region ready to contribute significantly to the nation’s Net Zero targets, enhancing energy security and driving prosperity through enabling the growth of new and traditional industries.
Dr. Philip Rogers, Project Director at Equilibrion, said “The Midlands has historically been a major centre of energy generation for the country but the closure of multiple coal-fired assets in the region has eroded its national contribution. This project is another step on the journey to considering how the Midlands could return to being a major energy producing region using nuclear energy.”
“We are delighted to have been awarded this groundbreaking and timely project that aligns with the most up-to-date indications of the Government’s drive for new nuclear.”
“At Equilibrion, we are committed to applying our expertise to support the UK in taking tangible steps to realising a sustainable low-carbon future including in regions new to nuclear energy and to supporting the growth of industry through the stable supply of electricity, hydrogen, heat and sustainable fuels.”
Jack Hayhoe, Head of Net Zero Programmes at Midlands Net Zero Hub, said: “We are delighted to support Midlands Nuclear with the skills and siting studies. Understanding the landscape is vital to make meaningful and strategic progress projects in the Midlands. There is a huge potential in nuclear energy generation in the Midlands and a large appetite from local specialist companies. With long development times for projects, we need to get started on these projects now to meet the Government’s ambition to quadruple nuclear delivery by 2050. We will be using the findings from the study to inform the approach to nuclear projects in the Midlands, as well as demonstrating the regional need to our funders at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.”
Lord Ravensdale, Chair of Midlands Nuclear, said: “Midlands Nuclear are delighted to see the potential for new nuclear in the Midlands being further explored by the project to assessing potentially suitable deployment sites. The project aligns with emergent Government thinking on new nuclear siting, making this an ideal time to build on previous work and grow understanding in this important area. The output will support a deeper understanding of how nuclear can play an important role in supporting the growth of jobs, social benefit and economic output in the region. We look forward to working with Midlands Net Zero Hub and Equilibrion through the project.”
Leicester manufacturing firm adopts four-day week with no loss of pay for all staff
A leading manufacturing firm based in Leicester has announced that they have permanently moved to a four day-working week, without any reduction in pay for staff.
At Camloc Motion Control, the companies’ 35 employees have all had their working hours reduced to a four-day, 35 hour working week with no reduction in pay, proving that being a ‘traditional’ manufacturer isn’t a barrier when it comes to implementation.
The company has been accredited as a Silver Standard four-day week employer under the 4 Day Week Foundation’s Employer Accreditation Scheme that officially recognises permanent four-day week employers in the UK.
Camloc Motion Control is a UK-based designer and manufacturer of gas springs, struts, and dampers. They have been manufacturing motion control solutions for over 35 years.
Since the Covid pandemic, the four-day week has become more and more popular and is now being trialled and implemented across the world.
Numerous studies have shown that moving to a four-day week boosts productivity and workers’ wellbeing. When Microsoft trialled a four-day week with no loss of pay in their Japan office, productivity went up by 40%.
In January, the 4 Day Week Foundation announced that over 220 companies in the UK, which includes over 5,000 workers, have permanently adopted a reduced hours four-day week with no loss of pay for employees, with the vast majority reducing working hours to 32 hours a week or less.
Digital challenger bank, Atom Bank, are one of the biggest four-day week employers in the UK with over 500 staff.
Matt Warne, Managing Director of Camloc Motion Control, said: “As a manufacturing company committed to customer service, quality and continuous improvement, we believe the transition to a four-day working week will benefit both the well-being of our team and the long-term performance of our business.
“By allowing our team more time to rest and recharge, we’re creating a working environment that promotes focus, creativity and job satisfaction – all the elements essential in delivering the high standards of customer service we strive for.
“Studies demonstrate that a well-rested workforce is more productive, engaged and innovative, aligning perfectly with our ethos and core values.
“This move reflects our commitment to optimising our operations and the lives of those who make our success possible, whilst ensuring we continue to deliver the high levels of product quality and customer service we demand of ourselves.”
Davenham Switchgear chooses Nottingham for new global manufacturing site
Davenham Switchgear, a brand of Legrand and a supplier of low-voltage (LV) switchgear to the hyperscale data centre market, has chosen Nottingham as the home of its new global manufacturing site.
With over 40 years of expertise built at its Dublin headquarters, where around 350 staff are based, Davenham has established itself as a major player in powering hyperscale data centres worldwide. The company’s expansion into the UK marks a significant step in supporting the growing demands of global tech giants.
The new 100,000ft² facility at Fairham Business Park, secured in a deal facilitated by FHP Property Consultants, on behalf of global real estate investment manager, Hines, will manufacture cutting-edge LV switchgear for the world’s largest data centre operators. This technology plays a crucial role in supporting AI and cloud computing ambitions.
Nottingham was chosen for its excellent transport links, strong local labour market, and the availability of a high-quality facility, making it the ideal location for Davenham’s next phase of growth. The move will also create over 100 jobs, further strengthening the region’s advanced manufacturing sector.
Chief Executive Officer at Davenham Switchgear, Tom Nicholson, said: “We’re excited to bring Davenham Switchgear to Nottingham, with our new site opening later this year. Nottingham’s strong transport links, academic talent, and innovative business community make it the ideal location for us to expand our manufacturing capabilities.
“With our established reputation in Ireland for delivering cutting-edge solutions, we’re looking forward to joining the thriving business scene in Nottingham and the wider Midlands region.
“If you’d like to be a part of the team, and play an essential role in driving forward a modern, digital economy of the future, we’d love to hear from you.”
Securing the deal, Tim Gilbertson, equity director of FHP Property Consultants, added: “The letting of over 100,000ft² in Nottingham’s foremost business location, Fairham Business Park, is a real boost for Nottingham and, indeed, the wider region.
“I am delighted that we managed to secure Davenham Switchgear as an occupier, on behalf of our clients, Hines, as it will bring jobs and investment to the region and complement the strong occupier line-up already at the business park.
“For all parties, this is a great deal and with other space under offer at Fairham Business Park, I look forward to bringing news of further transactions soon.”
Mickey Scott, director at Hines, added: “I am thrilled to have completed the deal with Davenham Switchgear, adding another notable occupier to our line up at Fairham Business Park. Having two of our three units at Fairham now let, and the other under offer, is testament to the quality of the buildings and location.
“We look forward to seeing more activity in 2025 at our remaining available sites in the East Midlands, Dove Valley Park and East Midlands Distribution Centre.”
Talking about the impact on the city, Megan Powell-Vreeswijk, Chief Executive Officer at Marketing Nottingham & Nottinghamshire, said: “It’s fantastic that our Invest in Nottingham team have been able to support Davenham Switchgear’s expansion into the area, bringing new jobs and investment to the region.
“Seeing a global company, which is a specialist in its field, choose Nottingham as a base demonstrates once again the strong offer we have here.”
Honorary Fellowship for University of Nottingham spin out champion
Business executive David Whelan has been made an Honorary Fellow of the University of Nottingham for his outstanding contribution to the institution.
David, who has led, developed and grown many businesses during a career that spans four decades, has been honoured for the expert guidance and support he has provided to the university and its spin-out companies, during the past 15 years.
The company chairman has in the past been a sounding board to Nottingham Technology Ventures, which facilitates the formation and management of, and investment in, university spin outs.
The entrepreneur is the non-executive chairman of cutting-edge Nottingham venture, Medical Photonics, which is developing new medical devices based on its optical fibre sensing technology. He has also guided The Thinking Pod innovations, which is creating power electronics for electric vehicles, aerospace and industry, through the early stages of their fundraising and commercialisation.
“I am extremely honoured to be made an Honorary Fellow of the University of Nottingham for my contribution over a number of years,” said David. “As someone who spent many years at third level education when I was young, it appears that in the autumn of my career I have returned to my university roots.”
“I would like to thank all those who supported my appointment especially all at Medical Photonics and Nottingham Technology Ventures,” added David.
“And I look forward to being able to help and assist many other Nottingham University spin outs in the not-to-distant future. I will continue to be an ambassador for The University of Nottingham in promoting all its educational and commercial programmes.”
Honorary Fellowships are “senior and eminent appointments” made to people with an industrial/entrepreneurial background, who provide support and bring significant benefit to the university. The appointments may involve giving seminars or lectures and collaboration in research.
David’s skill is to work closely with academics to set up effective companies that can manage the successful commercialisation of ground-breaking technology. His involvement allows the experts to focus on developing the technology, while ensuring governance and administration is maintained to the highest standards.
His expertise includes raising funds through Angel Investors, Venture Capitalists and Private Equity to facilitate business growth; leading and inspiring company board members by encouraging their active participation and involvement, and increasing company turnover, profitability and successfully facilitating exit strategies.
David became the chairman at Medical Photonics in early 2024 and is supporting the commercialisation of the company’s pioneering technology in medical sensors.
“I am delighted that David has been appointed as an Honorary Fellow at the University of Nottingham,” said Stephen Morgan, a director of Medical Photonics and Biomedical Engineering at the University of Nottingham.
“David has a wealth of business experience and has made a valuable contribution to setting up our new spin out. I am sure that this experience will contribute to the University’s ambitions to achieve impact from its world-leading research.”
David’s career has included the successful development and sale of companies engaged in logistics and courier services, as well as leisure, travel and hospitality, prior to his work with the University of Nottingham.
