Furnley House Foundation Summer Ball returns for 2025
The Furnley House Foundation’s Summer Ball will return on Saturday 28 June 2025.
Held at Winstanley House in Leicester, the evening offers an opportunity for people to come together and make a lasting impact for Leicestershire-based charities.
The Furnley House Foundation was created by Furnley House, a Midlands financial adviser, with the aim to improve the lives of those less fortunate. At the last Summer Ball, 170 guests attended and raised over £38,000 for local charities.
The headline charity for this year’s ball is PASIC Cancer Support for Children and Young People, who make sure no family in the East Midlands faces childhood cancer alone. The evening will also raise money and awareness for One Roof Leicester, who tackle homelessness by offering housing, support, and opportunities to those in need, and Leicestershire Wildlife Hospital, which rescues and rehabilitates sick, injured, and orphaned wildlife.
Simon Winfield, chairman of the Furnley House Foundation and managing director of Red Monkey Play, said: “The Summer Ball is a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we come together. Every year, we witness the incredible generosity of businesses and individuals who share our passion for making a difference.
“Previous Balls have been fantastic evenings and raised thousands for charity we can’t wait to welcome everyone for another unforgettable night.”
Leicestershire Business Voice appoints new board director
Leicestershire Business Voice (LBV), the business advocacy group for Leicester and Leicestershire, has appointed Dillan Shikotra as its new board director.
Dillan joins 10 other directors on the LBV board alongside new chair, Sue Tilley. Dillan will help the board to deliver on its strategy of supporting members by shaping the conversation and influencing the future of business in the region.
Dillan Shikotra is managing partner at Leicester-based Microtech, a leader in cybersecurity, software solutions and IT support. He is also vice president of the Shree Wanza Community charity in Leicester.
Commenting on his new role at LBV, Dillan Shikotra said: “I was born and raised in Leicester, and as a local business leader, I am looking forward to working with the LBV board and its members to grow and develop the business community across Leicester and Leicestershire.
“Having proudly been selected for the prestigious Goldman Sachs Accelerator Programme, I’m a staunch advocate of the opportunities that can be realised through strategic business mentoring and making connections with other business leaders.
“I hope that I can champion this approach across the membership base and beyond to help LBV deliver growth and learning opportunities for the local business community.”
Sue Tilley, chair of LBV, added: “We’re delighted to welcome Dillan to the LBV board. He brings a range of specialist experience and skills from within his particular sector that will further strengthen the expertise that our board can offer to support our members.”
Phoenix Brickwork secures double win worth £4.5m
Brickwork, scaffolding and SFS specialist Phoenix Brickwork, based in Pinxton, Derbyshire, has won two major projects with a combined value of £4.5m.
Working with client Willmott Dixon, Phoenix will supply the brickwork package for the University of Staffordshire’s new student village in Stoke-on-Trent. At the same time, Phoenix will also work on a multi-million-pound contract to build a new 28-bed children’s facility in Sleaford, Lincolnshire – providing much-improved facilities for young people.
Work on Stoke’s landmark project will start in March and see 700 new student rooms built in cluster blocks and townhouses alongside a village ‘hub’ facility – which will include a roof-top terrace, well-being spaces and a study area. In addition, BMH Scaffolding, part of the Phoenix Brickwork group of companies, will provide the scaffolding for this high-profile scheme, which is estimated to take 40 weeks.
In Lincolnshire, the ground-breaking project to build a new children’s home has been funded by the Department for Education and is expected to be complete by 2027. The flagship build has been designed to reach net-zero in operation and provide an innovative partial grid solution – supported by solar panels and a state-of-the-art power storage.
Christian Watson, group chairman at Phoenix Brickwork (UK) Ltd, said: “These two new projects represent an impressive win for our group and signal a strong start in 2025.
“Securing these two projects is a fantastic achievement for Phoenix Brickwork and BMH Scaffolding, showcasing the strength of our group and the expertise that we bring to major developments around the country.
“In particular, this collaboration demonstrates our ability to support main contractors on major projects, undertaking multiple interfacing trades and our growing capacity to deliver on ambitious builds.
“The new student village in Stoke and the children’s facility in Lincolnshire, are a significant investment and it’s exciting to see contemporary sustainable architecture blend so effortlessly with nature.
“With Phoenix Brickwork now providing SFS design, masonry and scaffolding, the business is fast becoming a key player in the national sub-contracting landscape.”
Rory Talbot, contracts manager at BHM Scaffolding, said: “The new student village in Stoke-on-Trent and the children’s facility in Sleaford, are both extremely impressive projects and we are excited to be involved.
“We are looking forward to making a coordinated and efficient start to ensure we can deliver both of these projects on time and complete them fast and efficiently.”
Three new partners among law firm’s senior East Midlands promotions
East Midlands law firm, Howes Percival has made nine senior promotions, including three new partners, Hannah Ball, Alishia Marrocco and Gary Pitt.
Louise Hunt, Stephen Ruse and Will Taylor have been promoted to the level of legal director, while Sobia Ahmad, Stephanie Millerchip and Aimee Newton have been made senior associates.
Geraint Davies, Howes Percival’s chairman, said: “Huge congratulations to everyone on their promotions. I think the whole team at Howes Percival has made an enormous contribution over the last 12 months, so while we celebrate the specific landmark of a promotion, we also recognise the hard work, dedication, and invaluable contribution everyone has made.
“We continue to invest in our people, our technology and our offices, to make Howes Percival a great place to work and develop your career. That means upgrading our offices as we have done in Leicester and Cambridge recently, to create fantastic, modern working environments. But it also means creating the opportunities for personal development.
“By opening three new offices in the last 10 years, we have built new teams and created opportunities across the firm both in terms of promotion and brand-new jobs at every level within Howes Percival.”
Farrow & Ball appoints Tecserv UK as national fire & security partner
Tecserv UK has been appointed as the national fire and security provider for Farrow & Ball, covering fire alarms, intruder alarms, emergency lighting, and extinguishers across 28 showrooms in the UK.
Founded in 1946 by John Farrow and Richard Ball, Farrow & Ball has grown into a globally recognised brand, known for its distinctive paints and wallpapers.
As part of this new partnership, Farrow & Ball needed a knowledgeable team to protect its retail spaces. Tecserv UK, which has its head offices in Underwood, Nottingham, will now be responsible for maintaining the highest standards of fire and security compliance across all UK showrooms.
Colin Milligan, chief operating officer at Tecserv UK, said: “We are thrilled to have been chosen by Farrow & Ball to manage their fire and security systems across the UK. At Tecserv, we pride ourselves on delivering a prompt, professional, and high-quality service, ensuring businesses have peace of mind when it comes to compliance and safety.
“We look forward to supporting Farrow & Ball in maintaining the highest standards across their showrooms.”
Mike Gould, Farrow & Ball property manager, added: “Tecserv are a wonderful company to deal with and we look forward to working collaboratively together in the future.”
Freeths advises on London Stock Exchange IPO of MHA
Law firm Freeths has advised Nottingham-based accountancy firm MHA on its £250 million pre-new money valuation IPO on AIM, raising £95.8m from institutional investors, and also with a retail offering component to British investors.
As the UK’s 13th largest accountancy practice, MHA has experienced exceptional growth over the last few years through strategic acquisitions.
The business will now use the capital raised to make further purchases, with the aim of breaking into the top 10 accountancy firms in the UK, for working capital and to allow retired and continuing partners to realise capital as part of a pre-IPO restructuring.
Freeths ECM-specialist London corporate partner Jeremy Swift led on the flotation, with support from London head of corporate, Tom Rowley, and a multi-disciplinary team of 44 lawyers from across the firm’s 13 offices.
Jeremy Swift said: “This has been such an exciting project to work on supporting our client with this IPO, marking a significant milestone in its journey. It will ensure the firm is well placed for further expansion and cement its leading position within the market.
“The listing also demonstrates a strong vote of support for the UK capital markets, which have been under pressure in recent times. With a wealth of expertise in capital markets transactions, our team is fully equipped to support UK companies on complex fundraisings.”
Tom Rowley added: “We are delighted to have been able to assist with bringing MHA to market, working in close collaboration with Cavendish and the wider advisory team.
“It is testament to the strides we have made in recent years in growing a strong corporate team with ECM specialists that can execute complex landmark projects such as this, and gratifying to note our hard work being recognised, for example our nomination for Law Firm of the Year 2025 by City AM.
“It is also great to see a fellow Baker Tilly International network partner firm, with a similar track record of growth to ours, embarking on an exciting next chapter.”
MHA CEO Rakesh Shaunak added: “It’s been such a whirlwind but this new chapter for our business marks an exciting journey for our people as it represents the next stage in our evolution, and we believe we’re best suited to the London market.
“The support we’ve received from Freeths has been invaluable and we certainly wouldn’t have been able to reach this success without the help of their team.”
Midlands mid-sized businesses target new international trade routes despite tariff uncertainty
Expanding or exporting overseas is a top priority for more than half (53%) of Midlands mid-sized businesses over the next year, despite complex international trade conditions.
BDO’s Economic Engine survey of 500 mid-sized businesses shows that companies plan to target territories such as Australia (43%), Africa (31%) and Asia (28%). Europe also remains a healthy market, with 53% focusing on the EU in 2025.
Mid-sized businesses, which generated £1.6 trillion in turnover last year, are continuing to push for growth through international trade despite grappling with supply chain pressures. This includes uncertainty around tariffs in receiving countries, delayed deliveries or a shortage of the skills needed to support overseas exports.
According to the BDO survey, more than two-fifths (41%) of Midlands businesses face skills shortages in export operations or supply chain management teams at a time when they hope to grow overseas trade.
Mounting pressures come as demand from end consumers slows for products and services. Nearly half (44%) say lower demand from consumers, which could include from businesses with elevated operating costs or consumers with high living expenses, is one of the challenges they face over the next six months.
Despite these headwinds, Midlands mid-sized businesses are working to tackle the challenges they face and remain optimistic. Ahead of the Government’s plans to publish a Small Business Strategy later this year, the majority (97%) expect the strategy’s focus on growing smaller firms to benefit them.
Of this number, more than a quarter (26%) are calling for measures to reduce red tape, including reforms to streamline customs procedures, which impact the export of products and services overseas, or offer stronger support for exports and trade, including more dedicated UK Export Finance funding.
These businesses may be buoyed by the Government increasing the amount some companies can borrow from the British Business Bank’s Growth Guarantee Scheme or UK Export Finance’s Export Development Guarantee, as they grapple with the prospect of new tariffs in some receiving countries.
Kyla Bellingall, regional managing partner at BDO in the Midlands, said: “Although economic conditions remain challenging, mid-sized businesses in the Midlands are highly ambitious and have their sights firmly set on driving growth, with overseas trade playing a central part in helping to realise those ambitions.
“The forthcoming Small Business Strategy is one of many major opportunities for the Government to provide targeted support for the mid-market – support that will complement regional efforts being driven collectively by the West and East Midlands Combined Authorities that are aimed at reinforcing the Midlands’ role in the UK’s economic landscape.”
Derbyshire Dales secures £1m boost for business and community support
Derbyshire Dales District Council has received an additional £1.02 million in Government funding to support local businesses and community groups over the next year. The funding comes from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Rural England Prosperity Fund, building on a previous £2.7 million allocation.
The new funding will be distributed through grants aimed at supporting business diversification, growth, digital adoption, and workforce training. Capital and revenue grants will be available across all sectors, with priority given to manufacturing and engineering firms. Businesses may also access free energy audits and apply for additional funding to implement sustainability measures and reduce operational costs.
Previous rounds of investment in the area have funded a range of projects, including technology upgrades for a motor racing simulator business, energy audits for historic sites, and solar panel installations for engineering firms. Community organisations, charities, and local councils will also be able to apply for support through an expanded Community Resilience Grants programme.
Funding is available until March 2026, with a focus on strengthening business resilience and addressing skills shortages in the district.
Grimsby’s Freshney Place redevelopment moves forward with demolition phase
Demolition has started at Grimsby’s former Top Town Market site, marking a significant step in the redevelopment of Freshney Place Shopping Centre.
The project, led by North East Lincolnshire Council and managed by Queensberry, aims to transform the site into a mixed-use retail and leisure destination. Plans include a new Parkway multi-screen cinema, a market hall, and a combined food and shopping space.
The redevelopment forms part of a broader investment strategy for Grimsby town centre and is one of the council’s largest investments to date. It is intended to drive additional investment, support existing tenants, and open up opportunities for new businesses.
Preliminary work, including asbestos removal and dismantling mechanical systems, has been completed. Main contractor GMI Construction Group has now commenced structural demolition, progressing the project to its next phase.
Nottingham’s Botham expands into heart of London’s financial district
Botham Accounting, together with its sister company Botham Capital, has expanded into the heart of London’s financial district, marking a significant milestone in its continued growth.
The business has taken office space at 99 Bishopsgate, a stone’s throw away from Liverpool Street station.
The boutique firm which specialises in the real estate and healthcare sectors was set up by managing director Andrew Botham in 2008 and has undergone rapid growth in recent years with turnover and staffing numbers increasing year on year by over 20%.
In 2023, the firm established a debt advisory and finance brokerage; Botham Capital, with Wes Hodelin at the helm.
The new office will initially be led by Botham Accounting director Tom Gregory, who heads up the firm’s healthcare offering; and Wes Hodelin, managing director of Botham Capital. Both will divide their time between the new office in London and the company’s headquarters in Nottingham city centre.
Gregory said: “The London office is a natural next step for us. We advise clients all over the UK but there is a concentration of clients in London so for us to have a base down has always been on the agenda. With the office at Bishopsgate, we’re in a great location for transport links as well as being close to funders and lawyers that we work with.”
The news of the London office comes just a few weeks after the firm returned to their main office on College Street, in Nottingham’s professional quarter following a three-month refurbishment project.
New MD for Gateley RJA
Leicestershire-headquartered Gateley RJA, the specialist quantity surveying, employer’s agent, project management and clerk of works arm of professional services group, Gateley, has appointed Steven Collin as managing director.
Chartered quantity surveyor, Collin, joined the business in 2017 and has spent the last six years in a director role. His appointment is part of the implementation of a succession plan following Richard Julian stepping down as managing director.
In his role, Collin will continue to drive the consultancy’s national growth across the private rented and affordable housing, commercial and insurance sectors.
On his appointment, Collin said: “It’s an honour to be taking up the position of managing director at Gateley RJA and I’m extremely grateful for Richard’s guidance, as well as the support of the directors and wider team.
“Thanks to some big instruction wins, the business has experienced rapid expansion over the past two years, which has seen our team reach a headcount of 80 colleagues. I look forward to building on this trajectory as we begin the next chapter following the acquisition.”
Nottingham College sells Arthur Mee Centre
Acting on behalf of Nottingham College, FHP has sold the Arthur Mee Centre in Stapleford.
Following completion of the college’s new £5.4 million purpose-built centre for students with learning difficulties and/or disabilities (SLDD) named ‘The Gateway’, FHP has concluded the sale of the Arthur Mee Centre.
The funds raised from the sale have contributed towards this bespoke Grade A facility located at the college’s Basford site. The Gateway centre for supported learners opened in February 2025 and provides the very latest standards in specialist teaching and learning resources for special educational needs education.
Phil Daniels of FHP said: “The Arthur Mee Centre, a former Victorian school property, comprised nearly 20,000ft² on 1.6 acres and proved very popular when we launched it onto the market.
“We had strong interest from a range of parties including developers and existing users but in particular from the private educational sector. The property was sold to the Outcomes First Group, a provider of special educational needs training.”
Gary McGinty, head of estates and capital development at Nottingham College, said: “We thank FHP very much for their support on the sale of the Arthur Mee Centre. We achieved a great result which will benefit our supported learning students at Nottingham College. A great job efficiently executed by the team at FHP.”
The purchaser, Outcomes First Group, were represented by Jack Murray at Jaxxons Group, a specialist surveyor representing businesses in the special educational needs sector.
Rushton Hickman raises the roof at Burton business park
Rushton Hickman has let Unit 17 at Eccleshall Business Park to MCM Roofing Ltd, a roofing solutions specialist.
The 1,292 sq ft unit offers an ideal space for MCM Roofing’s operations. The open-plan workshop includes a roller shutter door, facilitating easy access for equipment and materials.
Located on Hawkins Lane, one of Burton upon Trent’s principal industrial estates, the unit provides excellent connectivity to the town centre, just a mile away, as well as to the A38 trunk road, which is less than two miles from the site.
As Rushton Hickman Ltd welcomes the new tenant, Jade Martin, associate director, said: “We are delighted to have secured a top-tier tenant for our client, matching them with a space to support their growth plans.”
Derbyshire businesses urged to attend free digital conference
The Derbyshire Digital Awareness Conference 2025, set for 9th May at Derby’s Reach Conference Centre, has already surpassed 200 bookings, attracting business leaders from across the region. The event, organised by East Midlands Chamber on behalf of Derbyshire County Council, will feature expert speakers from Microsoft, Openreach, and the University of Derby.
The conference is designed for businesses looking to improve their digital capabilities and productivity. The event will cover various aspects of digital transformation, including AI, data integrity, SEO, and blockchain, as well as practical workshops focused on implementing new technologies and managing utility costs.
Derbyshire County Council will also present its 2024-2030 Digital Connectivity Strategy, reflecting its ongoing efforts to improve broadband access for businesses in the county. With limited availability, business representatives are encouraged to secure their spots to take advantage of this opportunity for expert guidance on digital tools and strategies. The event is free for businesses in Derbyshire.
Plans unveiled for 270,000 sq ft light industrial scheme in Derby
Hortons has submitted a planning application for the redevelopment of Sinfin Commercial Park, Derby, which will deliver 270,000 sq ft of new light industrial and logistics space.
The masterplan proposes 17 new units, ranging in size from 5,000 – 70,000 sq ft, on a 23-acre site near the Rolls-Royce Sinfin campus, with connectivity to the A50 and M1 motorway.
The scheme will target EPC A+ and includes electric vehicle charging points, photovoltaic panels and the creation of green amenity spaces to enhance the estate’s environmental credentials.
Hortons recently commenced demolition works on a redundant 207,000 sq ft warehouse unit at the park, paving the way for the proposed new development. The company acquired the vacant unit last year, following its earlier acquisition of 21 fully occupied warehouse units on the adjoining estate. Hortons owns an additional eight acres of open storage and development land, contiguous with the holding.
James Slater, head of development at Hortons, said: “Sinfin Commercial Park presents a rare opportunity to transform a strategically located site into a modern, sustainable industrial/logistics hub.
“Our investment reflects Hortons’ confidence in the logistics market and our commitment to delivering best-in-class facilities that meet occupier demands. This project is part of a wider strategic development programme of larger multi-let shed schemes across the Midlands area.”
MEC prioritises workplace wellbeing as it achieves new ISO certification
Multi-disciplinary technical consultancy, MEC Consulting Group has achieved ISO certification for Psychological Health & Safety at Work.
The firm, which has offices in Leicester, Birmingham and Brighton, has passed ISO45003, which focuses on managing psychological health and safety in the workplace.
Recognised as the first global standard for guiding employers on mental health and wellbeing, ISO45003 provides a framework for identifying workplace conditions and demands with the potential to create psychosocial risks, and how to address these to ensure a supportive environment for employees.
“ISO45003 is a ‘bolt on’ to our existing 45001 accreditation for Occupational Health and Safety,” explains MEC’s managing director, Alex Bennett. “The team’s wellbeing and safety is our highest priority and we wanted to be proactive about monitoring this. ISO45003 ensures we not only have the correct procedures in place but are also being guided by a recognised process.
“I was particularly pleased to discover that many of the criteria needed to pass this accreditation were already inherent in our working practices, meaning we have a robust process that prioritises wellbeing and ensures any workplace risks are managed effectively,” adds Alex.
MEC’s new ISO certification follows on from the firm’s associate environmental consultant, Nathan Allen becoming an accredited counsellor and mental health first aider. Nathan said: “Sometimes people spend more time with work colleagues than family members so it’s important to know what support is available.
“As a trained workplace first aider, I provide stress and mental health awareness training to all line managers, helping them to identify potential triggers and warning signs, and also promote our Employee Assistance programme, which offers individual help and guidance.”
Alex continues: “It’s reassuring to know that our ‘wellbeing first’ approach pairs with ISO guidance and that we have the right people and policies in place to properly support our team. It’s also especially pertinent to have secured this certification during Stress Awareness Month, which runs throughout April and is an initiative we support annually.
“To mark this, Nathan is hosting specific training sessions on the causes and effects of stress, along with sharing a range of effective stress management tips, how to spot signs of those experiencing poor mental health, and where to find appropriate help.
“Following this year’s ‘Lead With Love’ theme, we are encouraging all staff to share hints and tips about what works best for them in terms of good mental health practice but also extending their kindness and gratitude for each other through email tokens of appreciation, that are being shared companywide.
“Throughout the year, we will then continue this alongside monthly coffee mornings to inspire conversation, lunchtime walks, wellbeing meals, and walking meetings wherever possible,” concludes Alex.
East Midlands digital agency unveils new leadership team and ownership structure
East Midlands digital agency Quiet Storm Solutions has unveiled a new leadership team and ownership structure.
The Coalville-based firm, established in 1987, designs and creates ecommerce platforms, websites, business management tools and digital engagement activities across all business sectors.
Over the years, the business has worked with clients including Breedon Group, Aggregate Industries, Culina Logistics, the International Paralympic Committee, LG Electronics, the Rail Delivery Group and the NHS.
Quiet Storm founder Steve Megson will continue to oversee the planning, strategy and growth of the business as CEO. He’ll hand over its day-to-day running to new managing director Lewis Combey, who joined Quiet Storm as an apprentice, aged 17, in 2015.
Amy Heath, who joined as project manager in 2018, takes on the role of company secretary. Several team members have also taken up share options, meaning the business is now 100% employee-owned.
Steve Megson said: “These changes mark the next exciting chapter in the Quiet Storm story and will secure the future of the business as we continue to develop and grow.
“The transition to 100% employee ownership was five years in the making. It creates a genuine stake for our team in the company’s future success, which will directly benefit our clients through enhanced creativity, customer service and dedication.
“We’ve always been big investors in people. Our vision was to build a business that could run without me and my co-directors – my wife, Kathy and my brother, Phil. We’ve spent years bringing in the right people and developing their talents, and we’re now in a position to hand over the reins to a new generation to inject some fresh energy, thinking and innovation.
“Our clients will still receive the same high levels of service, care and support they’ve come to expect from Quiet Storm as we continue to adapt to emerging technologies and deliver clever solutions that solve real-world business, sales and marketing problems.”
Lewis Combey added: “I’m delighted to be taking on this new challenge and steering Quiet Storm through the next exciting phase of our journey.
“We’ve built an exceptional team of talented individuals who share our commitment to innovation and excellence.”
The Ivy to expand with Nottingham restaurant
The Ivy Collection is set to open a new location in Nottingham, taking over the former Hugo Boss store on Bridlesmith Gate in the heart of the city. This marks a strategic move for the iconic brand, which has already established a strong presence across the UK, with 15 restaurants in London and 27 others nationwide.
The new Nottingham venue will become the second in the Midlands, joining the existing restaurant in Birmingham. Troia (UK) Restaurants, the parent company of The Ivy Collection, has applied for a licence for the Bridlesmith Gate site, with proposed operating hours running from 8am to 12.30am daily. The opening strengthens The Ivy’s expansion strategy, continuing its growth beyond major metropolitan areas.
Alpha Construction appoints architects to create landmark headquarters
Matthew Montague Architects has been appointed by Alpha Construction to lead the redevelopment of Alpha House, the construction company’s current head office.
Alpha Construction plans to create a modern office development on the site, with the intention of renting out their existing building once they have relocated.
The project will transform the site into a sustainable, state-of-the-art headquarters. The redevelopment of Alpha House will involve the demolition of the existing single-storey office and garage, making way for a two-storey office building.
The new headquarters will feature a raised ground floor to address flood risks and will be strategically positioned at the rear of the plot to optimise the site layout and ensure ease of maintenance.
The project is set to be delivered in a phased approach. Phase 1 will create a dynamic workspace, including offices, open-plan workspaces for the current workforce and further space for growth, meeting rooms, canteen & breakout spaces, and additional facilities such as a shower room and archiving space.
Phase 2 will focus on flexibility, providing space for future expansion or the potential development of standalone premises for leasing.
In addition to the office building, the plans include the construction of a new garage and maintenance store for groundskeeping equipment, as well as a reconfiguration of parking at the company’s current office in Chatsworth Court to improve usability.
Sustainability is a key focus for the project, with Alpha Construction aiming to meet the Lloyds Clean Growth Financing Initiative’s requirements. Sustainable features will include; solar panels, EV charging points, rainwater harvesting systems and LED lighting and enhanced roof insulation.
“We are thrilled to work with Alpha Construction on this transformative redevelopment of Alpha House,” said Daniel Evans, director at Matthew Montague Architects.
“This project represents an exciting opportunity to design a headquarters that not only meets the operational needs of the business but also showcases their forward-thinking approach and commitment to sustainability. We look forward to delivering a workspace that Alpha Construction can be proud of for years to come.”
Managing Director Anthony Bamford said: “We established a 10-point checklist to define project success, Matthew Montague Architects’ proposals aligned seamlessly to our requirements and expectations. It was also clear that Daniel and his team shared our vision for our new Alpha House. We look forward to working with them to successfully deliver our project.”
Planning for the project is already underway, with positive preliminary discussions held with South Derbyshire District Council.
Alpha Construction aims to submit the planning application as soon as possible, with the goal of moving back into the redeveloped Alpha House within the next two years.
Rotherhill embarks on an active 2025 with new acquisitions
Midlands-based property developer and asset manager, Rotherhill, has marked the start of 2025 with impressive sales, acquisitions, and refurbishments across the region in Q1.
Alongside long-term funding partners, DCS 452 Limited and Nowell Spring Group Limited, Rotherhill acquired a 10,000 sq ft property on the Drayton Fields Industrial Estate in Daventry. A comprehensive refurbishment is underway, aiming to attract a long-term tenant or buyer.
The upgrades include a full strip-out, new mechanical and engineering lighting, an electric heating system, roof and cladding re-coating, gutter re-lining, and a complete redecoration of the office, welfare, and warehouse spaces. These enhancements are set to elevate the EPC rating to a B by July 2025.
Separately, in collaboration with a private office joint venture partner, Rotherhill secured a 13,767 sq ft industrial investment at North Portway Close in Northampton. The current tenant occupies the property under a lease expiring in October 2026, with a rent review in June 2025.
Ed Jeffrey, director of Rotherhill Developments, highlights the potential: “Supply of similarly sized existing properties, particularly where self-contained and with large service yards, is limited.
“This is a theme that is region-wide and we think is unlikely to change in the medium term. Paired with restricted new supply as a result of development viability pressures, we are confident that both investor and occupier demand will remain strong.
“The current passing rent is low by reference to comparable evidence, providing scope to secure an increased rent in line with the market at reversion, positioning this asset as a good addition to our expanding portfolio.”
Rotherhill also completed a major refurbishment of a 52,566 sq ft industrial property at Cosford Lane, Rugby, acquired from AW Precision in 2024. The £1.065m refurbishment includes comprehensive improvements across key areas, significantly raising the property’s specification and environmental performance. The property has been future-proofed for the long term, ensuring it is both sustainable and resilient.
Finally, phase 2 of the refurbishment at Radar Road has been completed, providing Next Plc with 30,000 sq ft of office space. This secure site is shared with Babcock International Group. The relocation of Next Plc, facilitated by Rotherhill and DCS 452 Limited, strengthens Next’s ties to the county, with their head office just five miles away in Enderby.
Paul Bagshaw, owner and founder of Rotherhill Developments, emphasises their strategy: “We target buildings with strong fundamentals, where we can add value through refurbishment, creating high-quality products at a discount to new builds.”
