Acquisitive professional services group swoops for debt advisory firm
“Invest in Leicester is encouraging all our partners and businesses to get involved” – the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025
To make a nomination for the 10th annual East Midlands Bricks Awards, please click here, or on the category headings 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.
Tickets can now be booked for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025, click here to secure yours.
Connect with local decision makers over nibbles and complimentary drinks while applauding the exceptional companies and projects in our region.
New for this year, all entrants will also have the opportunity to be featured on our dedicated nominee showcase on the East Midlands Business Link website, providing space for marketing your achievements.The East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025
What: The East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025 When: Thursday 2nd October (4.30pm – 7.30pm) Where: Derek Randall Suite, Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, Nottingham Keynote speaker: Councillor Nadine Peatfield – Leader of Derby City Council, Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Strategy and Policy, and Deputy Mayor of the East Midlands Tickets: Available here Dress code: Standard business attire Thanks to our sponsors:









To be held at:

Winding-up order issued against Nottingham NRS Healthcare
The UK Government has confirmed that a winding-up order has been issued for NRS Healthcare, a prominent supplier of community healthcare equipment. This follows reports of the company’s financial instability and imminent compulsory liquidation. The court has appointed the Official Receiver, Gareth Jonathan Allen, as Liquidator, with assistance from PwC’s Mark James Tobias Banfield and other Special Managers to support the process.
NRS Healthcare, which employed around 1,500 staff and provided essential healthcare equipment to the NHS and over 40 councils across England and Northern Ireland, is now under liquidation. The company supplied products such as wheelchairs, hoists, hospital beds, and fall-monitoring pendants, alongside offering maintenance and repair services.
The Official Receiver has a duty to investigate the cause of NRS Healthcare’s financial difficulties and the actions of its directors. Customers and suppliers affected by the liquidation are advised to contact the Special Managers to register as creditors and submit their claims for any unpaid goods or services.
With the liquidation process underway, stakeholders are urged to complete the necessary documentation to ensure their claims are processed.
Northamptonshire hospitals plan significant job cuts to reduce costs
Two hospitals in Northamptonshire are set to reduce their workforce by up to 800 positions as part of a cost-cutting strategy. The University Hospitals of Northamptonshire (UHN), which includes Northampton and Kettering General Hospitals, announced it is pursuing a Mutually Agreed Resignation Scheme (MARS) aimed at reducing salaries and overall operational expenses.
The voluntary resignation programme has already led to the departure of 329 staff members, with the remaining 450 expected to leave over the coming months. The scheme is designed to lower workforce costs without directly impacting patient care, as employees in patient-facing roles are excluded from the scheme.
The hospitals have confirmed that the plan, which aims to save significant sums in wages and agency costs, is progressing ahead of schedule. While this initiative is part of a broader effort to cut costs amid increasing financial pressure on the NHS, the trade union UNISON has expressed concerns that these job cuts may exacerbate existing pressures on the healthcare system.
With staffing costs making up about 60% of the hospitals’ annual expenditure, UHN is focused on reducing its workforce as part of its broader strategy to manage financial sustainability without sacrificing care quality.
Former beauty salon set for transformation into medical centre
A proposal to repurpose a former beauty salon in Northampton into a GP surgery and medical centre has been submitted to local authorities. The site, previously known as Imperium Beauty, would be converted into a facility run by the NHS.
The plans focus on internal renovations to accommodate the medical services, with no planned changes to the exterior of the building. The exact layout will depend on NHS specifications but will not alter the building’s outward appearance.
Patient parking is available nearby, offering easy access to the new healthcare facility. A decision on the planning application is expected by 4 September from West Northamptonshire Council.
Platform Housing Group shortlisted for national sustainability award
Hydroscand Group snaps up 9,000 sq ft facility at Stud Brook Business Park
Lincolnshire food and drink gift company secures £500k investment
TextureJet secures six-figure backing
Loughborough College and SMB College Group finalise merger
DSFS wins national award for excellence in collaborative procurement
Small businesses turn to tech and sustainability for efficiency gains
Recent research reveals that small business owners are increasingly adopting technology and eco-friendly practices to streamline operations and manage growing pressures. Over 80% of business owners reported feeling confident in using digital tools to enhance efficiency and reduce manual tasks. Key areas for improvement include automating accounting, invoicing, customer communication, marketing, and monitoring energy costs.
Energy expenses are a major concern for many, with 22% citing it as a significant financial strain. However, only 24% of those surveyed feel fully in control of their business finances. Technology, such as smart meters, is being seen as an effective solution to manage energy use, offering real-time data to optimise consumption and cut costs.
Sustainability is becoming a priority for small businesses, with 84% indicating it is important when making operational decisions. Among these, 73% are more likely to adopt sustainable tech if it provides a cost benefit. Current efforts to reduce environmental impact include minimising waste, cutting energy usage, and investing in energy-efficient equipment.
For many, the push for sustainability also aligns with consumer expectations, with 31% acknowledging the need to meet these demands. By embracing these changes, small businesses not only contribute to environmental goals but also improve their financial health and operational efficiency.
Avery Healthcare expands its portfolio with Artisan Care Group acquisition
Avery Healthcare has strengthened its position in the UK care home sector with the acquisition of Artisan Care Group, adding 774 beds to its portfolio. This acquisition includes ten care homes across the East Midlands, East of England, and the South West, all previously managed by Avery under existing agreements.
With this move, Avery Healthcare transitions the homes into full ownership, marking a key step in the company’s ongoing growth strategy. The acquisition is seen as part of a wider effort to consolidate its portfolio of national care homes and continue expanding its footprint in the social care market.
The deal, which further aligns with Avery’s long-term commitment to quality care, reflects the company’s strategic focus on expanding its operational reach within the UK care sector. Avery Healthcare, which employs nearly 10,000 staff, continues to be a leading player in the healthcare market, supported by major investors including the Reuben Brothers and Welltower Inc.
This acquisition signals Avery’s confidence in the stability and potential of the UK social care sector, consolidating its role as a key industry leader.
Clowes sells quartet of units at Beauchamp Business Park to Edge Retail
Goodward Construction
Scenariio strengthens partnership with Treetops Hospice
Private schools in Derbyshire close after financial struggles
Two independent Catholic schools in Derbyshire, Mount St Mary’s College in Spinkhill and Balborough Hall School, have shut their doors after the charitable trust running them entered administration.
The closure follows years of financial difficulties, which began in 2015, with the schools relying on over £3m in loans from the Jesuits in Britain charity. Despite efforts to find a new owner, the trust was unable to secure a viable solution, with a growing debt load and no clear path to financial recovery.
The trust cited wider industry challenges, including the introduction of VAT on school fees in January and the removal of business rates relief for independent schools, both of which have placed additional pressure on the sector.
Mount St Mary’s College and Balborough Hall, both established in the 19th century, became a charitable trust in 2004. The school closures impact pupils, staff, and families, and further updates will be provided soon.
Industry data suggests that around 50 private schools in the UK close each year due to financial pressures and declining student enrolments. In this case, the trust had been operating a significant deficit for over five years, even before the end of tax breaks in 2025.
Yusen Logistics to acquire Walden Group’s healthcare logistics business
Yusen Logistics, a subsidiary of NYK Group, is set to acquire the healthcare logistics division of the Walden Group. The transaction involves purchasing the entire share capital of Movianto International B.V. through a Put Option Agreement with Walden Group International Holding B.V.
Following the necessary consultations with works councils under European law, Yusen Logistics Europe (YLEU) and Walden will proceed to sign a Share Purchase Agreement. The acquisition will make Movianto a fully owned subsidiary of YLEU, subject to regulatory approval.
The healthcare logistics business being acquired includes Movianto, Eurotranspharma, Transpharma International, and Walden Digital. The division provides a range of services, such as contract logistics, 4PL, and temperature-controlled transport, across 12 countries in Europe. Walden Digital offers advanced supply chain visibility solutions, which complement Yusen’s existing logistics capabilities.
This acquisition marks a significant step in Yusen Logistics’ strategic expansion in the healthcare logistics sector, a key growth area for the company. The acquisition will bolster Yusen’s presence in Europe and enhance its ability to deliver high-value services globally. It follows earlier acquisitions in the UK and Netherlands, reinforcing Yusen Logistics’ position in the global logistics market.