Rolls-Royce has secured a five-year support contract with the UK Ministry of Defence for the maintenance and service of the EJ200 engine that powers the Royal Air Force’s Typhoon aircraft.
The Typhoon Engine Support Solution (TESS) will see Rolls-Royce continue to provide maintenance and repair to 130 EJ200 engines, supporting approximately 200 direct jobs in the process.
The TESS contract will build resilience through the UK-based supply chain supporting up to 2,400 jobs across the UK that are essential to harnessing the UK’s combat air expertise. TESS will sustain vital skills to enable the Royal Air Force to deliver air capabilities today and bridge to future capabilities like the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP).
Defence Secretary John Healey MP said: “Not only will this contract help to maintain our world-class jets, it also delivers on our Plan for Change by securing around 200 jobs in the UK and boosting the skills base our world-leading defence industry relies upon.
“Together with our upgrade programme, this contract will ensure our Typhoon fleet remains the backbone of UK air defence for the next decade.”
Adam Riddle, president – defence at Rolls-Royce, said: “This contract builds on more than a century of Rolls-Royce partnership and trust with the Ministry of Defence. The Typhoon Engine Support Solution represents a continuation of our support of the EJ200 engine and we’re glad for the ongoing confidence in our team and capabilities.
“This investment enables us and our supply chain to ensure the Royal Air Force can execute their missions effectively, wherever and whenever they’re needed, in an increasingly complex global environment.”
Commissioners working with Nottingham City Council have highlighted positive progress in developing plans for improvement and “a clear direction on instituting reforms.”
The comments came in the commissioner’s second report since being appointed by the government to oversee improvements at the authority in February 2024.
In a letter about the report to the council’s leader, cllr Neghat Khan, the government’s parliamentary under-secretary of state for housing and local government, baroness Taylor of Stevenage, said: “I am pleased that the leadership team at Nottingham, while still relatively new, are working closely with the Commissioner team to move the Council towards a more sustainable position and improve its service delivery and financial stability.”
In their report, lead commissioner, Tony McArdle; commissioner for finance, Margaret Lee and transformation commissioner, Sharon Kemp say that “over the past year, there has been much positive progress on developing plans, strategies, and programmes for improvement such as the Council Plan, Medium Term Financial Plan, and Improvement Plan along with securing and organising the necessary capacity to deliver.”
The report says that over the coming year, the authority will need to move into the implementation phase for these plans to have the required impact.
Commissioners also commented that although the council continues to operate beyond its means and is dependent upon Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) from the government, “it has adopted clear direction in instituting a wide range of reforms, some of which are bearing fruit but all of which will need to become embedded in order to deliver full benefit.”
They say that the council’s new leadership cohort is “facing up to the challenges that the Council must tackle in full acceptance of the reality of the Council’s difficulties and with a declared resolve to overcome them.”
Cllr Neghat Khan and the council’s chief executive, Sajeeda Rose, said: “We welcome the Commissioner’s second report and the accompanying ministerial statement. The progress made over the past year marks an important step forward in improving how we work and how we serve the people of Nottingham.
“While the report rightly highlights that challenges remain, we are fully committed to continued improvement. Working together, we are laying the foundations for a renewed and accountable Council—one that delivers real results for local people and leads Nottingham with confidence and integrity.”
Construction has started on a refurbished and expanded state-of-the-art endoscopy unit at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust’s (NUH) Queen’s Medical Centre (QMC).
Backed by a £12 million investment from NUH and NHS England, the project involves the reconfiguration and expansion of the existing unit, creating a significantly larger and more modern facility.
It is being delivered by contractor Henry Brothers Construction and will increase clinical capacity, adding a third procedure room. This will enable a higher volume of complex endoscopic procedures to be performed each year.
Other patient benefits include increased capacity and reduced waiting times, particularly for urgent inpatient diagnostics, enhanced patient experience, with improved privacy, dignity, and safety, and compliance with national standards for ventilation and room size in endoscopy services.
Ian Taylor, MD of Henry Brothers Construction, said: “We are very proud to have been appointed to develop a new state-of-the-art endoscopy unit for Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust.
“Henry Brothers Construction is based in Beeston, just a short distance from the Queen’s Medical Centre, and it gives us great pleasure to be helping to improve the infrastructure and patient care at our local hospital.
“We have significant experience in the healthcare sector, so we are extremely pleased to be supporting the Trust and NHS England with its investment in capital projects in Nottingham.”
The contract was awarded to Henry Brothers through the Pagabo Major Construction Works Framework and the new QMC endoscopy unit is scheduled to open in early 2026.
Dr Andrew Baxter, deputy head of service for endoscopy, said: “This investment marks a transformational step for endoscopy at QMC. Expanding from two to three procedure rooms, means we’re significantly boosting our capacity – not just in volume, but in the complexity of what we can offer.
“The new unit will allow us to deliver more advanced procedures in a purpose-built, modern environment. With more space and equipment, we’re not only improving patient care but we’re also strengthening our position as a centre of excellence for high-quality, complex endoscopic care.”
He added: “Current and future staff will see some significant benefits though an enhanced training environment.”
Other members of the construction team include CPMG Architects, structural and civil engineers Keith Simpson Associates, EP Consulting for mechanical and electrical engineering, and Meller for quantity surveying services.
A spokesperson for NHSE Midlands said: “This is a significant milestone for East Midlands patients. NHS England in the Midlands has been investing in improving and expanding endoscopy services across the region to ensure we have sufficient capacity for the population’s needs.
“The expansion at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust has been part of a three-year programme to increase capacity which has seen over £57M invested in Endoscopy services.”
Leicestershire County Cricket Club is entering a new chapter, as CEO Sean Jarvis prepares to step down in the autumn, having delivered on a five-year plan that has left the club positioned for future growth and innovation both on and off the field.
With increasing momentum behind the domestic game, not least through new investment linked to The Hundred, the club is poised to harness current progress and drive forward with renewed purpose.
Sean Jarvis said: “I’m delighted to have played my part in the ongoing journey of Leicestershire County Cricket. When I joined in 2020, I set out a five-year plan and I’m pleased to have been able to deliver on that.
“I’m proud to have overseen the one day cup success, which was our first trophy in 14 years, plus the club’s first Boca and the club is also currently top of its division. It hasn’t been without challenges, but that’s wider than the club itself and more linked to the game as a whole.
“I’m proud to be departing with the club in such a great position for the start of a new era. We now have a team that can compete on all fronts. Things are looking extremely positive for the future, both on and off the pitch.
“I’ll continue to follow the club and wish everyone all the best for the future. I’d particularly like to thank the staff for supporting me during my time at the club.”
Work will be underway in the coming weeks to identify a new leader to replace Sean. The club is looking for a CEO, who can build on the current success, continue the upward trajectory and reinforce the club’s position within the Leicestershire community and the wider cricketing world.
Leicestershire County Cricket chair, John Thorpe praised the job done by Sean Jarvis: “Sean has been fantastic from day one. He’s had to contend with a lot, successfully steering the club through the COVID times and carefully managing the operational side of the business.
“It’s been a challenging time for the whole game in recent years and we’ve come through it with the potential now for an exciting future.
“Looking forward, we’re actively searching for the right person to come in, following Sean’s departure in the autumn, and build on the solid foundations he’s established. For that person there’s a huge opportunity to grow the club, especially with significant financial investments forthcoming.
“That will naturally boost the whole country cricket game and we’re excited to expand our corporate, commercial and partnership opportunities. Leicester is quite a unique sporting city with the prominence of cricket, rugby, basketball and football here and we need to harness that community. We’re really excited for the new era and the opportunities that it will bring.”
A major upgrade to the UK’s energy grid has secured £1.35 billion in financing, positioning the North East as a key player in the country’s clean energy transition.
The funding, led by the National Wealth Fund alongside Bank of America, BNP Paribas, Lloyds, and NatWest, will support ScottishPower’s Eastern Green Link (EGL) project. The project involves building offshore electricity cables to transfer renewable energy from Scottish wind farms to England via the North Sea.
The initial phase will connect Scotland to County Durham, with a second phase planned to reach Lincolnshire. The upgrades aim to relieve bottlenecks in the grid that currently force wind farms to shut down and increase reliance on more expensive gas-fired power stations.
Around £600 million of the funding comes from the publicly owned National Wealth Fund, which was established to drive economic growth through decarbonisation and infrastructure modernisation.
This initiative is particularly relevant for high-energy-demand sectors such as data centres, housing development, and advanced manufacturing. By improving transmission capacity, the project is expected to reduce energy waste, lower electricity costs, and support business expansion across the UK.
ULD management provider Unilode Aviation Solutions has secured a new 27,000-sq-ft facility at Stud Brook Business Park in Castle Donington, strategically positioned to support operations at nearby East Midlands Airport.
The move is part of Unilode’s broader regional capacity and sustainability investment. The Swiss-headquartered firm manages a global network of over 550 airports and maintains nearly 200,000 digitised Unit Load Devices (ULDs). It will relocate its 30-member team from its current East Midlands Airport base to the new site.
The upgraded premises will enable Unilode to scale services for key logistics and airline clients in the region, including DHL, TUI, Finnair, Aer Lingus, Singapore Airlines, and West Atlantic. The facility is designed to meet high environmental standards, with plans to run on 100% renewable energy, improve waste management, and achieve BREEAM certification.
FHP Property Consultants arranged the letting. Only a few units remain available in Stud Brook Business Park’s current phase, with further smaller units expected to be completed by the end of 2025.
Unilode’s East Midlands expansion complements global infrastructure developments, including new maintenance and repair facilities in Hong Kong and Singapore, as well as refurbishments in Newark and London Heathrow. These upgrades align with the company’s strategy to enhance service delivery and sustainability across its international operations.
Devello Group, the specialist planning and property development practice, is hiring – “but not for the usual mould.”
The Nottingham and Lincoln-based business is looking for three brilliant people to join its growing team, including:
A full-time Commercial Real Estate Solicitor – from NQ to around 3 years PQE
A part-time Senior Commercial Real Estate Solicitor – ideally 5PQE+
A full or part-time Senior Residential Real Estate Solicitor
As a Commercial Real Estate Solicitor, you’ll work on all aspects of commercial real estate, including sales and purchases, investment, secured lending, development, options and conditional contracts and non-contentious landlord and tenant matters.
As a Senior Residential Real Estate Solicitor, you’ll work on new-build plot sales and select high-quality residential conveyancing transactions for known clients only.
No box-ticking. No timesheet chasing. Just high-quality legal work that actually moves projects forward.
Devello backs smart, commercial lawyers who want to do great work without being squeezed into a mould. At Devello, you’ll work alongside a strategic, experienced team that values clarity, commercial insight, and a refreshingly pragmatic approach to legal work.
Please contact Iain Hibbert or Shruti Trivedi for more infromation.
The UK construction sector contracted for the fourth consecutive month in April, with firms facing persistent economic uncertainty and reduced client demand.
According to the latest S&P Global UK Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), the industry recorded a score of 46.6 in April, marginally higher than March’s 46.4 but still below the 50 mark that signals growth. While the pace of contraction eased slightly, the sector remains in decline.
The report highlighted broad hesitancy among clients to commit to new projects, particularly amid ongoing global economic instability. Residential building activity slipped again but showed some resilience with a reading of 47.1, marking its strongest performance in 2025. Civil engineering output remained subdued at 43.1, driven by a shortfall in new contracts to replace completed work.
Commercial construction was the weakest performer, with output falling faster since May 2020, reflecting rising caution in the business sector.
Nominations are now OPENfor Business Link Magazine’s East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025, marking 10 years of the prestigious event!
This year’s eagerly anticipated ceremony will make its grand return on Thursday 2nd October at the famous Trent Bridge Cricket Ground in Nottingham.
The East Midlands Bricks Awards celebrates the successes of property and construction companies in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, and Northamptonshire.
Winners and sponsors at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024
Recognising those behind the changing landscape of the East Midlands, the occasion highlights development projects, businesses, and people in commercial and public building across the region – from office, industrial and residential schemes, through to community projects such as leisure schemes and schools. It also toasts the work of architects, agencies, and those behind large schemes.
Welcoming almost 150 professionals, nominating a company or project for the awards is a great way to boast of your successes, recognise your team’s efforts, and reach our audience of over 60,000 business readers, while also offering a chance to connect with respected business leaders. And better yet, it’s completely free to enter!
Making the top three finalists in your category also wins you free tickets to the event, where you’ll be in the running for one of our coveted awards.
Categories include:
All finalists will have the chance to take home the Overall Winner award, which this year comes with a prize of a year of marketing/publicity worth £20,000, with the opportunity to split or gift the marketing to a charity of your choice.
To make a nomination for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025, please click here.
Supporting imagery, video, documents, or links to these, can be sent to bricks@blmgroup.co.uk.
Video nomination pitches are also welcome as an alternative or companion to written entries. Please send links to these to bricks@blmgroup.co.uk.
There is no cost to enter the East Midlands Bricks Awards and those who make the top three finalists in their category will win free tickets to the event.
Nominations will close on Friday 15th August.
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. Upon submitting a nomination, we will get in touch for any information, imagery, and video nominees would like to be featured on their showcase page.
Make your nominations for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025 here.
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 hereDress code: Standard business attire
Thanks to our sponsors:
To be held at:
With a limited number of sponsorship opportunities remaining, please contact Angie Cooper at a.cooper@blmgroup.co.uk to learn more if you are interested in becoming an East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025 sponsor.
Spitfire Homes is launching a new community-focused initiative in Radcliffe on Trent to help support local small businesses, at a time when 37 shops are pulling down their shutters for the final time every day in the UK.
Following the success of the Gold Card at Spitfire’s Malabar development in Daventry, the scheme is being extended to the homebuilder’s latest collection named Sherbourne, situated on Grantham Road in Radcliffe on Trent. Free to join, the unique initiative offers a mutually beneficial opportunity where new Spitfire homeowners are introduced to trusted local businesses, while participating establishments enjoy increased exposure and footfall.
According to research by PwC, there were more than 13,500 UK store closures across all retail sectors in 2024 – on average 37 stores closing every day – with the cost-of-living crisis and out-of-town retail parks presenting high streets with unprecedented challenges.
Mark Swaddle, Head of Marketing at Spitfire Homes, said: “As a homebuilder with a passion for supporting the local area, the Gold Card scheme reflects our commitment to creating collections which integrate with the existing community and have a positive impact on the local economy.
“Sherbourne has attracted a variety of purchasers, including those relocating to Radcliffe on Trent, and the launch of this scheme presents an exciting opportunity to highlight local businesses to new residents of the village, showcasing the variety of local businesses within the village.
“The success of the scheme at our collection in Daventry makes it even more exciting to extend the campaign to Radcliffe on Trent. We are proud to be partnering with small businesses and we look forward to supporting the local economy at the same time. If you are interested in becoming a Gold Card partner, we would love to hear from you.”
Forming a new community, Sherbourne hosts 280 homes ranging from one- to five-bedrooms. As the first homeowners get ready to collect their keys this summer, they can unlock discounts through their Gold Card which will be valid for twelve months after moving in.
With history stretching back over a century, one of the first businesses to sign up to the Gold Card scheme is Radcliffe on Trent Golf Club.
Commenting on the club’s involvement, general manager, Rob Smith, added: “We’re proud to be part of this exciting new initiative in collaboration with Spitfire Homes, which not only supports the village’s economy but also extends a warm welcome to the new homeowners that are soon to be living at Sherbourne.
“As a longstanding local business, Radcliffe on Trent Golf Club has strong community roots so this forward-thinking scheme aligns perfectly with our values, whilst introducing our facilities to a selection of new residents. We look forward to working with Spitfire and welcoming new members to our club.”
The Bank of England has cut interest rates by 0.25% to 4.25%, in line with expectations.
The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), which sets monetary policy to meet the 2% inflation target, voted 5 to 4 in favour of the cut.
Two members preferred to reduce rates by 0.5% to 4.0% and two preferred to leave rates unchanged at 4.5%.
Alpesh Paleja, deputy chief economist, CBI, said: “Today’s cut to interest rates was widely anticipated, underscoring the Monetary Policy Committee’s continued preference for a gradual loosening of monetary policy.
“The big question now is whether this gradualism will persist. Disinflationary risks have intensified over the last couple of months: US tariffs pose a fresh headwind to growth, global oil prices have fallen and, at home, the labour market is cooling.
“But heightened uncertainty could keep the MPC from easing off on the brakes too much. Evolving global trade dynamics—and the potential for further restrictions—could affect UK inflation in either direction. And the Committee remain concerned about a decline in domestic supply capacity, which could put further pressure on prices.
“With so many moving parts in the global and domestic outlook, the Committee may maintain a cautious stance. But with inflation risks increasingly tilting to the downside, a faster pace of rate cuts may become more palatable to a growing number of members.”
Derby City Council is set to approve a £1.8 million investment to upgrade four special education facilities. The funding aims to address a growing shortfall in places for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). It is part of the council’s 2025/26 schools capital programme and will support the creation of around 400 additional SEND places across the city.
The proposed upgrades include expanding capacity at St Andrew’s Academy’s Whitaker Road site, refurbishing the Kingsmead School campus in Alvaston, enhancing facilities at YMCA Stepping Stones Nursery in Chaddesden, and improving safety and accessibility at Central Nursery School on Nuns Street.
The refurbishment of Kingsmead’s Wisgreaves Road site follows its temporary closure in 2023 due to safety concerns. The Wisgreaves and Southgate (Brighton Road) sites are in poor condition.
The council has statutory obligations to ensure adequate SEND provision. With existing facilities at full capacity and no further expansion possible without capital investment, the upgrades are seen as essential for accommodating local demand. Increasing capacity within Derby is expected to reduce reliance on costly out-of-area placements and improve access to education within local communities.
Final decisions on the funding and scope of work will be made at the Derby City Council cabinet meeting on 14 May.
Training and apprenticeship provider, EMA Training, has been awarded delivery of a series of Skills Bootcamps across Leicestershire, providing upskilling opportunities to support the region’s small business workforce and self-employed professionals.
The awarded Bootcamps include Digital Marketing, Power BI (business and data analytics), and Green Skills for the Workplace.
Designed to help individuals gain in-demand skills, these Bootcamps are fully funded short courses available to self-employed business owners and employees of small businesses with a Leicestershire postcode.
The first Digital Marketing cohort will launch in June 2025, with future cohorts anticipated later in the year. Each Bootcamp is built to deliver real-world skills in as little as 16 weeks – empowering participants to grow their businesses and advance skills.
“We’re thrilled to be delivering these transformative Bootcamps,” said Tracey Mosley, managing director at EMA Training. “Supporting local business growth through practical training is at the heart of what we do, and we’re excited to welcome our first learners in June.”
Two local marketing powerhouses have joined forces to shake up how businesses connect with their audience — and despite the familiar name, there’s no football transfer fee involved.
Paul Ince, founder of Loughborough-based marketing agency LikeMind Media, has officially “signed” with West Bridgford-based Press For Attention PR, led by former business journalist Greg Simpson.
While the name Paul Ince may spark memories of midfield battles, this one has been making his mark in the world of digital marketing as a speaker, consultant and author and both agency leaders have a shared mission to modernise how businesses build trust and visibility.
“We’re both passionate about helping businesses cut through the noise — and we’re both based locally, so it felt like a natural fit,” said Greg Simpson, founder of Press For Attention PR. “Add to that the fact we’re, quite literally, LikeMind-ed, and the partnership just made sense.”
The collaboration is already in full flow, with the duo co-hosting an exclusive Nottingham event this month titled ‘The Funeral For The Funnel’ — a playful but pointed challenge to the traditional view of customer journeys as predictable, linear paths.
“We haven’t wasted a second,” added Paul Ince. “From our first conversation, we knew we saw things the same way — business owners need practical, people-focused marketing that reflects how customers really behave. Greg’s experience in media and messaging is a great match for what we do at LikeMind Media.”
The new alliance will see Press For Attention PR supporting LikeMind Media’s profile as the agency continues to help clients across content, social, and digital marketing. Both businesses stress the importance of trust-led marketing — and say it’s time for a smarter approach.
“There’s no funnel anymore — just real people, real journeys, and the need for real strategy,” concludes Simpson.
Nottingham was ranked among Europe’s top 100 cities in the 2025 list compiled by Resonance Consultancy. The list evaluates cities on 32 criteria spanning economic strength, infrastructure, liveability, and public perception.
Positioned 97th between Zagreb and Rennes, Nottingham earned recognition for its urban regeneration efforts and growing appeal as a hub for business, education, and tourism.
Key projects include the £33 million redevelopment of Nottingham Castle and the ongoing transformation of the Broad Marsh area, which is set to become a 20-acre green, car-free district featuring housing, offices, and improved access to heritage sites.
The city also benefits from a 32-kilometre tram network, a revitalised creative district in Hockley, and a fast-growing tech sector. Two high-ranking universities and a strong nightlife economy further strengthen its appeal. London retained the top spot in the European rankings, followed by Paris, Berlin, and Barcelona.
The long-standing chief executive of Framework – a charity and registered housing association working to tackle homelessness and its causes across the East Midlands and Sheffield – is stepping down after 29 years.
Andrew Redfern has led the charity and one of its predecessors, Nottingham Help the Homeless Association (NHHA), since 1996. He plans to retire in December 2025 and the hunt for his successor has begun.
In the late 1990s, as director of NHHA, Andrew was an architect of the merger with Macedon, a similar Nottingham-based charity, which resulted in the creation of Framework in 2001. Andrew became its chief executive the following year, working closely with new and former colleagues to maximise its impact. He looks back on the process and its aftermath as “a genuine merger of equals that was a spectacular success.”
During Andrew’s years in post, the quality, range and scale of the services that Framework offers have changed beyond all recognition. It began with two nightshelters and some cast-off properties that other providers no longer wanted. These took the form of shared units mainly in Nottingham, with limited wraparound help for residents with substance or mental health issues. Since then the offer has been transformed.
The original properties have been refurbished, replaced and complemented with new, purpose-built stock that is accompanied by specialist support, treatment, care, training and employment services.
Today, more than 18,000 people approach Framework for help each year. The organisation works across Derbyshire, Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire as well as in Sheffield and Scunthorpe. It houses more than 1,400 people at any one time – most of them in self-contained units.
Among the strategic achievements has been the provision of services outside major cities such as Nottingham, Lincoln and Derby which removes the need for homeless and other vulnerable people to move to those centres to obtain accommodation and support.
Announcing his intention to retire, Andrew said: “The work of Framework and similar organisations has always been vital. We house some very vulnerable people, offering the support they need to establish a better future and to work towards it. This is needed more than ever in a society and community that sometimes appears to have lost faith in its own capacity to tackle the hardest issues.
“Our inspiring service users, dedicated staff, volunteers and board members are a sign that hope endures. They make Framework the highly effective organisation that it is. I am proud to be associated with everyone involved.
“Framework applies high principles, expresses important values, and nurtures a culture of care. Together we hold the vision of something better for the people who need it the most.
“We can’t do this unaided. Framework treasures its relationships with many partners across the public, private and voluntary sectors, with whom we work so closely, as well as with thousands of supporters and advocates in the community.
“There remains much to be done. I am confident that by working in partnership there is much more that can be achieved. Framework shines as a beacon of hope for many. I know it will continue to do so under new leadership, for as long as it takes to end homelessness and all its consequences.”
Commenting on the news of Andrew’s retirement, chair of the board Ruth Hawkins said: “Through his determined and clear-sighted leadership, Andrew has taken Framework from being quite a small Nottingham charity to become a diverse and successful regional organisation of more than 1,000 staff, supporting more than 18,000 people a year through a wide range of services and across a variety of locations while maintaining its original charitable ethos.
“He will retire at the end of the year with our sincere appreciation and gratitude for all he has achieved.
“Andrew has been the strongest of advocates for some of the most disadvantaged people in society. He remains particularly concerned to see the implementation of strategic approaches, backed by suitable investment, to address need both nationally and locally.
“Andrew is going to be missed by very many people, and for many reasons, but he absolutely deserves a long, healthy and fulfilling retirement.
“We now have the challenge of replacing Andrew. This is an exciting and pivotal moment for Framework. Much has already been achieved, and the role of Chief Executive is a fantastic opportunity for someone to build on these achievements, leading Framework to new success and a sustainable future, supported by a robust Board and senior leadership team, and a highly motivated workforce.”
According to recent research conducted in April 2025, more than a third of UK landlords may be operating without proper insurance cover, leaving them vulnerable to financial loss.
The data shows that 25% of landlords do not have any landlord-specific insurance, while an additional 12% are unsure if their existing policy provides adequate protection. Among those with insurance, nearly two-thirds had not reviewed or updated their policy in the past year.
This trend of underinsurance comes as the private rental sector faces growing pressure from rising operational costs, incoming regulatory reforms, and increasing risk exposures, including property damage, legal disputes, and rent loss. The findings suggest that many landlords may rely on standard home insurance policies, which often exclude tenant incidents, exposing them to significant liabilities.
The upcoming Renters’ Rights Bill is expected to introduce additional legal responsibilities, while insurers are tightening policy terms and increasing premiums, particularly for properties in high-risk areas. Despite this, nearly one-third of landlords surveyed expressed low confidence in their insurance’s ability to cover essential risks such as tenant-caused damage, legal expenses, or loss of rental income.
The data points to a knowledge and engagement gap, with cost-conscious landlords potentially selecting policies based on price alone, without assessing the suitability of cover. Industry experts are urging landlords to regularly review their insurance policies and ensure coverage aligns with the current value of their assets and the realities of modern property letting.
Van Elle, the Nottinghamshire-headquartered ground engineering contractor, has revealed a five-year partnership with WS Specialist Logistics, which will see WS Specialist Logistics take on the group’s heavy haulage operations.
This will include the disposal of Van Elle’s in-house HGV fleet and transfer of its transport management team and directly employed drivers, into a new division of WS Specialist Logistics dedicated to heavy plant haulage, which will manage and operate the entire fleet.
This partnership will allow Van Elle to reallocate the current capital employed plus the further planned investment required in the HGV fleet into growth initiatives driving greater returns for shareholders, whilst improving the utilisation of the ongoing transport operations and reducing associated corporate administrative costs by partnering with a specialist with capacity and neighbouring facilities to the group’s headquarters in Nottinghamshire.
WS Specialist Logistics have paid £2.9m for the assets being transferred.
Van Elle Chief Executive Mark Cutler said:“This new partnership with WS Specialist Logistics is a logical initiative for the Group; releasing capital to invest in areas of greater return as we enter a long-awaited period of anticipated growth in our core markets.
“WS Specialist Logistics have been an excellent partner to the business for several years and we look forward to drawing on their expertise to further improve our transport operations whilst keeping the support of our fantastic, loyal in-house transport team and drivers that perform so well for us 24/7.”
Enderby retailer Next has seen a better first quarter than anticipated, with full price sales up 11.4% versus last year in the thirteen weeks to 26 April.
This was £55m ahead of the business’s forecast for the period, which was to be up 6.5%.
Next attributed much of the over-performance to warmer weather, which has benefited the sale of summer-weight clothing. The firm added: “It is likely that some of these sales have been pulled forward from Q2. So, despite the strength of Q1, we are not increasing our sales guidance for Q2, or the rest of the year.”
The company has, however, increased its profit guidance, accounting for the £55m of additional sales in Q1, with profit before tax expectations for the full year bumped up by £14m to £1.08bn.
Next’s performance in both the UK and overseas was better than anticipated, as was sales in retail shops.
Debbie Kemp, operations manager at DHU Healthcare, has completed the Brighton Marathon in support of Safe and Sound, a Derby-based charity committed to safeguarding children. Debbie raised over £1,000 to help the charity continue its vital work in protecting vulnerable children and providing them with the support they need.
Debbie’s decision to run the marathon stems from a deep personal commitment to children’s welfare and a desire to make a tangible difference in their lives. “I was over the moon to have completed the Brighton Marathon in 5hr 59 mins. It was tough due to the heat but I didn’t let that stop me completing it for Safe and Sound.
“The work they do really touched my heart and the issues they are having to deal with are only getting worse. I have four grandchildren and worry constantly about them,” said Debbie. “Every child deserves to feel safe and protected, and I wanted to do my part to support an organisation that works so hard to make that a reality.”
Safe and Sound’s focus is to transform the lives of children and young people in Derbyshire who are affected by child exploitation. The funds raised by Debbie’s marathon effort will go directly towards supporting children, young people and families whose lives have been affected by child exploitation including online grooming, sexual exploitation, County Lines, trafficking, modern slavery and radicalisation.
The CEO of Safe and Sound, Tracy Harrison said: “We are incredibly grateful to Debbie for her amazing efforts in running the Brighton Marathon. Her commitment and support will make a real difference to the lives of vulnerable children.
“Every pound raised helps us to reach more children in need and provide them with the protection and support they deserve. We rely on the support of people like Debbie to continue our vital work, and we are truly inspired by their willingness to go the extra mile – literally! Thank you.”
Debbie decided to she need to get fit ten years ago. She gave up smoking, lost weight and joined a local club AAJ (All About Jeffing). Since then, has taken part in many charity events and last year she was the first person to be presented with The Civic Hero Award by Derby University, in recognition of her fundraising achievements and contributions to the local community.
Having balanced her work at DHU Healthcare with an intensive training schedule, Debbie said she would never run again! However, she has just been accepted to run in the Manchester Marathon on 19th April 2026, which will be the day after her 59th birthday, and has promised to donate all the money she raises to Safe and Sound.
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