West Northants’ stage sees highest economic benefit of 2024 Tour of Britain
The British Cycling Evaluation Report for the 2024 Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Men has revealed significant economic benefits in West Northamptonshire and highlighted the area’s contribution to the overall event as one of six host stages.
The event’s fifth stage, held on Saturday 7 September 2024, showcased West Northants as a hub of excitement and community pride, seeing thousands of residents line the streets to cheer on the world-class cyclists.
The report highlights how West Northants’ stage delivered the highest economic benefit of the entire Tour, with a total impact of £5.69 million, driven by £3.6 million in attendee spending.
Over 85% of attendees expressed pride in their local area following the event, with 83% recognising the positive boost to the economy. Attendees from across the UK flocked to enjoy the race, with visitors spending an average of 2.4 nights in the area, further boosting the local hospitality sector.
The stage also garnered significant media coverage, valued at £635,698, promoting West Northamptonshire to national and international audiences.
Cllr Daniel Lister, Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture, and Leisure, said: “The Tour of Britain brought tremendous benefits to West Northamptonshire, showcasing our area as a prime destination for world-class sporting events.
“This report further highlights our dedication to boosting tourism, attracting inward investment, and supporting local businesses while promoting a strong sense of community pride and spirit.
“Hosting this event has not only delivered an incredible economic boost but has also inspired countless residents and visitors to embrace cycling and active lifestyles. The Council remains committed to building on this momentum and we can’t wait to host more major events like this including the upcoming Women’s Rugby World Cup.”
£250k grant to help Bolsover District establish green skills hub
Bolsover District Council has successfully bid for a £249,914 grant from EMIZ (East Midlands Investment Zone) for the development of a feasibility study for a Green Skills Hub.
The council is developing the Green Skills Hub at Portland Drive in Shirebrook, which is being funded through the UK Government Regeneration Fund.
The construction and fit out of a new subregional green skills centre will be housed in 9,000 sq ft of new industrial workspace.
It will accommodate a retrofit training hub delivering demonstrator zones of existing residential/commercial buildings, training rooms to deliver accredited training for the installation of green technologies and a workspace for training on additional green technologies, such as electric vehicles, air and gas source heat pumps and other new emerging systems/products.
The Hub is being developed as part of the council’s long-term strategy to develop green and retrofit skills across the district and the study is being undertaken by RLB Rider Levett Bucknall.
It builds on research that the council led on (conducted for Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire) which identified the need for ‘green skills’ locally and work done with local colleges and employers to develop a green skills pathway from training to employment.
In 2024 the council helped win external funding of £125,000 to pay for training rigs at local colleges and universities to develop their green skills teaching.
The cash will be used to develop the ‘offering’ of the Green Skills Hub including:
- Development of the education strand of the project, working with local colleges and universities.
- Development of careers support and driving recruitment for courses.
- Community liaison to develop courses and training relevant to the local community.
- Development of a low carbon private and public sector training delivery hub for local businesses to use.
- Developing an employer needs analysis linking programme plans to industry needs and capital design plans.
Business park to welcome Sainsbury’s and Starbucks as scheme marks major step forward
Clowes Developments’ 20-acre Stud Brook Business Park has taken another important step forward as the units which will be occupied by Sainsbury’s and Starbucks reach practical completion.
The developer received planning permission for the Sainsbury’s convenience store and Starbucks ‘drive-thru’ last July – both units are now ready for the well-known brands to move in and begin their fit-out programme as construction contractor Roe Developments delivers the buildings on time and according to schedule.
James Richards, Development Director at Clowes Developments, said: “It’s fantastic to see the Sainsbury’s and Starbucks units reaching practical completion – both will complement the industrial and warehouse offering at Stud Brook Business Park and will be a real convenience boost for the neighbouring residents – as well as bringing new jobs to the area.”
Stud Brook Business Park at Castle Donington will include units ranging from 8,500 to 30,000 sq ft when completed. The warehouse and industrial units will be delivered by a team including IMA Architects, lead contractor TanRo, Millwards engineers and Postins Project Services.
The delivery team are aiming for a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating and an EPC rating of ‘A’ for units 2-7, in line with Clowes Developments’ sustainability goals. Features include recycling solutions, solar-ready roofs, electric vehicle charging points and landscaping. Additionally, units 2-7 will be delivered as ‘Net Zero in Occupation’, which will enable future occupiers to operate at Net Zero emissions.
Stud Brook Business Park will cater for small and medium-sized businesses while also accommodating larger national operators with recognised household names to be announced in due course. Marketing for the development is being led by FHP Property Consultants and NG Chartered Surveyors.
Tim Gilbertson at FHP Property Consultants said: “We know how onsite facilities improve the attraction of industrial estates substantially providing effectively breakout areas and opportunities to ‘get away from the desk’ or have impromptu meetings for business owners and staff alike, so for FHP to have secured both Starbucks and Sainsbury’s for this scheme is great news all round and will, I have no doubt, help us to find the last couple of occupiers for the few units remaining.”
Richard Sutton, Managing Director at NG Chartered Surveyors, added: “It’s brilliant news that these first two units are set to be occupied by such big-hitters. This will only help drive even more quality occupiers to Stud Brook Business Park – and the level of demand we’ve seen for this high-end development has already been incredibly high.”
Tim Gilbertson at FHP Property Consultants said: “We know how onsite facilities improve the attraction of industrial estates substantially providing effectively breakout areas and opportunities to ‘get away from the desk’ or have impromptu meetings for business owners and staff alike, so for FHP to have secured both Starbucks and Sainsbury’s for this scheme is great news all round and will, I have no doubt, help us to find the last couple of occupiers for the few units remaining.”
Richard Sutton, Managing Director at NG Chartered Surveyors, added: “It’s brilliant news that these first two units are set to be occupied by such big-hitters. This will only help drive even more quality occupiers to Stud Brook Business Park – and the level of demand we’ve seen for this high-end development has already been incredibly high.” Nottingham tech firm expands footprint in Australia with latest acquisition
Nottingham-headquartered Ideagen, a provider of software solutions to regulated and high compliance industries, has strengthened its worker safety compliance capability with the acquisition of Australian SaaS business, Beakon.
Specialising in environmental health and safety (EHS) and contractor management, Beakon hosts an impressive list of customers including Coca Cola, Sydney Water and Conoco Phillips, helping to manage safety, risk and compliance of workers and site visitors.
Speaking about the acquisition, Ideagen CEO, Ben Dorks, said: “I’m really pleased to welcome Beakon into the Ideagen family. We’ve spent the last 12 months actively strengthening the capabilities we can offer our customers, particularly around worker and contractor safety.
“Sam and the Beakon team have built a really strong product. Adding these capabilities to our portfolio means we can offer an even wider range of solutions to our global customer base.
“We know this is particularly important to those industries with a high volume of transient or contracted workforces that require businesses to manage compliance obligations like permit to work and appropriate qualifications.”
Founder and CEO, Sam Davies, said: “Joining the Ideagen team is an exciting opportunity for Beakon. This move will fuel our expansion into new markets, enhance our ability to serve global clients, and provide access to valuable expertise and resources to better serve our valued clients.”
Beakon will be Ideagen’s fourth acquisition in the past 12 months and the sixth Australian business to come into their Asia-Pacific footprint since the start of 2023, joining Ideagen Damstra (April 2024), Ideagen Plant Assessor (January 2024), Ideagen OpCentral (November 2023), Ideagen Lucidity (October 2023), Ideagen OnePlace Solutions (May 2023), alongside Ideagen CompliSpace acquired in 2021.
Derby City Lab to make Market Hall move
The national award-winning Derby City Lab will soon have a new home in the redeveloped Derby Market Hall, following an announcement made at Marketing Derby’s Annual Business Event.
The new move will see the City Lab continue its role as a hub for community engagement and innovation from the Market Hall which is due to open in spring this year after undergoing a major transformation.
Derby City Lab was created in 2022 and was based in St James’s St at the heart of the city’s regeneration frontline and in 2024, it moved to a new location in the Derbion shopping centre.
The Lab is a hub for engaging the community in better understanding the evolution of the city. Visitors can find out about how the city centre is changing, explore the City Living Room which showcases Derby’s 300-year history of innovation, and view a range of exhibitions focused on ideas to regenerate Derby, including the University of Derby’s futuristic Derby Urban Sustainable Transition (DUST) vision.
Nadine Peatfield, Leader of Derby City Council, said: “Derby City Lab has been integral in helping citizens and stakeholders to understand and shape the city centre’s transformation. I’m delighted to see that it will be moving into Derby Market Hall. It is central to our regeneration plans – reimagining our city centre with culture at its heart and making a better-connected, sustainable city for the future.
“Derby City Lab will continue to provide a space where residents and visitors can learn more about the city centre’s ongoing regeneration and share their views on future plans. We are committed to engaging with residents in innovative ways and the Lab plays a big part in that. I am so excited for the opening of Derby Market Hall and am thrilled to welcome Derby City Lab to their new home.”
John Forkin, Managing Director of Marketing Derby, said: “The Derby City Lab is a unique innovation in the UK – a genuine attempt to engage local people in the shaping of their city. Last week, we welcomed our 15,000th visitor and are excited to become part of the rediscovery of the wonderful Derby Market Hall.”
The Derby Market Hall redevelopment is a £31.5m project part funded with £9.43m from the Government’s Future High Street Fund (FHSF). It is in the second phase of the transformation, focusing on refurbishing the interior and developing the public space outside at Osnabruck Square.
Located at the heart of the city centre, linking Derbion and St Peter’s Quarter with the Cathedral Quarter and Becketwell, the new Market Hall will play a key role in widening the diversity of the city centre and will generate £3.64m for the local economy every year.
Based on concepts in Shanghai and Amsterdam, the Derby City Lab is an initiative of Marketing Derby, the Queen’s Award-winning inward investment agency for Derby, together with partners including Clowes Developments, Derbion, Lathams, the University of Derby and Derby City Council. The Lab won the Estates Gazette award as the Best Public-Private Partnership in the UK.
140-bed student accommodation scheme planned for Nottingham
Plans for new student accommodation on Nottingham’s Castle Boulevard have been submitted to the city council, helping serve the new University of Nottingham Castle
Meadow Campus.
The development site is bound by Fishpond Drive to the north, an unoccupied commercial building to the west and car-parking to the east. The site is currently occupied by Zoo Interiors, a showroom selling home furniture.
Castle Park View Ltd are behind the plans, designed by Franklin Ellis Architects, which will see the construction of purpose built student accommodation through the demolition of the
existing showroom with retention of the original facade of Dominion House to Castle Boulevard, 49 and 51 Fishpond Drive.
The proposed development consists of three elements: purpose built student accommodation, providing a total of 137 new student accommodation beds (122
cluster beds and 15 studio beds), the retention of the existing house 49/51 Fishpond Drive, providing a total of 4 beds, and two ground floor commercial units
Amenity areas are also planned for residents to socialise and study. Bike and refuse storage, laundry, toilets and plant rooms are situated in the centre of the development.
2025 Business Predictions: Marc Brough, CEO of Cubo
It’s that time of year, when Business Link Magazine invites the region’s business leaders to offer up their predictions for the year ahead.
It has become something of a tradition, given that we’ve been doing this now for over 30 years.
Here we speak to Marc Brough, CEO of flex office provider Cubo.
As we move into 2025, the East Midlands economy is poised for cautious yet steady growth, underpinned by on-going investments in infrastructure, innovation, and regional collaboration.
The East Midlands offers substantial untapped potential for the flex office market. With hybrid working now firmly established as the norm, companies in the region are increasingly investing in high-quality, flexible workspaces that will meet their evolving needs and attract and retain top talent.
Over the past 12 months we have seen more corporates pivot towards decentralisation to improve accessibility and work-life balance for employees. We see this trend continuing in 2025, with the demand for vibrant, collaborative environments also remaining strong amongst the regional offices of larger firms, high-growth startups and growing SMEs.
Nationally, the flex office sector will continue to evolve in 2025, with demand driven by businesses prioritising flexibility, scalability, and premium amenities. Economic uncertainty has reinforced the need for flexibility in property strategies, prompting businesses to move away from long-term leases in favour of flexible, cost-effective solutions.
This trend is expected to accelerate, with companies seeking to optimise space utilisation while providing employees with inspiring environments that support productivity and well-being.
Sustainability will remain a priority. Occupiers are increasingly drawn to workspaces that align with their ESG commitments, favouring energy-efficient buildings with sustainable design and operations.
Cubo’s commitment to sustainable practices and high-quality design ensures we remain ahead of the curve in delivering the spaces that not only meet but exceed client expectations.
Cubo members benefit from access to co-working spaces at all Cubo locations nationwide. This flexibility enables them to conduct business more efficiently and makes their work lives more convenient and hassle-free.
Looking ahead, innovation will also play a key role in the flex office market, with smart building features and enhanced connectivity all enabling occupiers to create smarter, more efficient workplaces.
As Cubo expands its footprint across the UK, our focus will remain on creating dynamic environments that foster collaboration, creativity, community and growth.
By continuing to anticipate market trends and adapt to evolving client needs, Cubo is uniquely positioned to lead the charge into this exciting new era of work.
Watling instructed to sell former Ryedale caravan site for £1.7m
The site formerly occupied by a struggling Leicestershire caravan and leisure business has been placed on the market for £1.7 million by Watling Real Estate.
Dean Nelson and Brett Barton of PKF Smith Cooper have instructed Watling Real Estate to sell the freehold 1.83 acre site in Shepshed previously occupied by Ryedale Caravan & Leisure Ltd.
Toby O’Sullivan, director in the Midlands office of Watling Real Estate, said: “Ryedale Caravan & Leisure Ltd is sadly another victim of the reduction in demand in the caravan and leisure sector.
“The site benefits from a strategic, highly visible roadside location on the key arterial A512 Ashby Road and offers excellent asset management, extension, and redevelopment potential, subject to planning.
“The property may be of particular interest to dealership, trade counter, and convenience retail/food store occupiers, given it has previously benefitted from A1 and A3/A5 planning use consent.”
The site is well located being less than ½ mile from J23 of the M1, and 7 miles from J13 of the A42/M42. The immediate area comprises a mix of light industrial, dealership and warehouse property. Local occupiers include Aldi, Screwfix, Shepshed Ford, Parker Meggitt, and Manheim Commercial Auctions.
The Leicestershire instruction follows the successful sale late last year by the Midlands office of Watling Real Estate of the 1.85 acre site formerly occupied by Broad Lane Leisure caravan business in Alcester, Warwickshire.
Venture capital investment in the Midlands increases 78% in Q4
A total of £69.8 million worth of venture capital (VC) investment was raised by Midlands businesses between October and December 2024, up 78% from the £39.3 million raised in Q3, according to KPMG’s latest Venture Pulse report.
22 transactions were completed across the region, up from 18 in the previous quarter. Deals were spread evenly across the region, with the highest volumes taking place in Birmingham.
£48.2 million, the majority of the total regional figure, was generated by VC investment into Quanta Dialysis, a Warwick-based medical device manufacturer that improves the dialysis experiences of patients undergoing kidney care.
More broadly, the IT sector, specifically software companies, saw the highest investment volume in the Midlands, with £16.5 million invested into a total of eight companies, spanning financial, network management and communications software.
This latest data follows KPMG’s recent KPE Barometer, which revealed that at least one in five (23%) of the Midlands’ private business owners see venture capital as a means to finance business diversification this year.
Andy Bostock, Birmingham Office Senior Partner at KPMG, said: “It’s great to see Midlands firms continuing to attract significant VC interest during Q4, which is testament to the region’s thriving private business ecosystem.
“And while the massive increase in investment values has been shaped by one major deal, the underlying figures suggest good levels of investment across the board.
“The quality of scaling businesses in the region remains as strong as ever, with investors remaining supportive and standing ready to inject capital into the most innovative companies.”
Employing ex-offenders could help fill East Midlands vacancies says Chamber
East Midlands Chamber is advising businesses in the region looking to recruit in 2025 to consider ex-offenders, as HMP Sudbury holds an employment fair to highlight skills valuable to employers.
HMP Sudbury’s Employment Advisory Board will host a careers fair on 31st January that aims to bring employers together with prisoners reaching the end of a sentence to explore scope for recruitment. HMP Fosse Way ran a similar event last Autumn.
The Chamber supports the UK Fair Chance Business Alliance which encourages employers to open recruitment and career progression to people that have previously offended by promoting the benefits to businesses.
East Midlands Chamber Director of Resources Lucy Robinson said: “Recruiters need applicants that can hit the ground running and all too often finding the right person is a challenge, as our own Quarterly Economic Survey demonstrated, where 7 out of 10 East Midlands businesses that tried to recruit said they’d struggled to get the right candidate.
“There’s a vast talent pool among ex-offenders, many of whom have longstanding skills from previous employment, while the skills programmes that exist in many of the region’s prisons are excellent. These could be ideal for a wide range of sectors like digital, logistics, manufacturing, engineering, construction, administration and transport.
“I’d certainly urge businesses eager to recruit to take full advantage of employment fairs when they occur, as they’re an excellent opportunity to see for yourself the range of skills.”
Grantham Industries secures £500,000 facility to support Rutland waste site acquisition
Lincolnshire-based waste management, earthmoving and demolition company Grantham Industries has secured a £500,000 finance facility from Paragon Bank’s SME Lending division to support the purchase of a commercial waste site in Rutland.
The £500,000 funding will also enable Grantham Industries to renovate the site, building the existing waste transfer station into a waste and recycling centre offering a broader package of services to the local area. The new site in Rutland has expanded the company’s geographical presence, building on its existing operations in Louth, Lincoln and Doncaster.
In addition to the funding facility, Paragon has also recently supported Grantham Industries with a £198,000 asset finance package to purchase a Volvo Wheel Loader for use on one of its current waste transfer sites, expanding its fleet of vehicles.
Grantham Industries offers a range of services under its GBM Demolition, GBM Plant Services and GBM Waste Management brands. The company was started in 2001 by Managing Director Simon Grantham and his brother Andrew Grantham.
The company employs over 90 people and operates across the country.
This deal has been led on behalf of Paragon’s SME Lending division by Henry Oakes, Business Development Manager in the Vendor team, headed by Terry Lloyd.
Grantham Industries Finance Director Leanne Fairburn said: “We had a very specific requirement to purchase a waste site and were looking for a lender to support this transaction. We were delighted that Paragon could support us with a funding facility, building on our existing relationship with the bank after purchasing equipment previously.
“Purchasing the site in Rutland will be a new opportunity for us to expand our footprint and proposition, and we’re grateful to Henry and the Paragon team for all their help in making this a smooth process.”
Business Development Manager Henry Oakes added: “It’s been a pleasure to help Grantham Industries expand its business and purchase the site which will undoubtedly bring about new opportunities for them.
“At Paragon we strive to support clients with their business goals through various financing options, so we were thrilled to be able to arrange a funding facility for Grantham Industries.”
East Midlands business confidence sees slight rise in January
Business confidence in the East Midlands rose one point during January to 39%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds.
Companies in the East Midlands reported higher confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, up 14 points at 53%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, down 11 points to 25%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 39% (vs. 38% in December 2024).
Looking ahead to the next six months, East Midlands businesses identified their top target areas for growth as evolving their offering, for example by introducing new products or services (51%), investing in their team, for example through training (38%) and introducing new technology such as AI or automation (29%).
The Business Barometer, which surveys 1,200 businesses monthly and which has been running since 2002, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide.
National picture
Overall, UK business confidence fell two points in January to 37%.
While firms’ optimism in their own trading prospects strengthened four points to 51%, their confidence in the wider economy dropped seven points to 24%.
For the third month in a row, London was the most confident UK nation or region in January (55%), with the West Midlands following behind (51%).
Sector insights
There were similar falls in manufacturing, construction and retail this month, with a slight increase in services. Confidence fell to 38% in manufacturing (down 4 points), 36% in construction (down 5 points), and 40% in retail (down 3 points). However, confidence in services increased by 3 points to 38%.
These results come within a general trend of larger confidence declines in retail and services in recent months. Within the services sector, confidence has notably fallen in hospitality but has remained more stable in business services and health-related services.
Dave Atkinson, regional director for the East Midlands at Lloyds, said: “The resilience and ambition of businesses in the East Midlands is evident in this month’s results. And it’s particularly encouraging to see businesses prioritising steps that will support their long-term growth, such as investments in their team and technology.
“As firms kick-off their 2025 plans, we’ll continue to be their side to help them make the most of every opportunity ahead.”
Council to sell eight care homes
Eight residential care homes that are owned and operated by Derbyshire County Council are to be put up for sale as going concerns. Business and commercial property sales agent Ernest Wilson has been appointed to sell the homes.
The eight nursing and residential care homes that are being put up for sale are Castle Court in Swadlincote, Thomas College House in Bolsover, The Grange in Eckington, Briar Close in Borrowash, New Bassett House in Shirebrook near Mansfield, Rowthorne Home in Alfreton, the Leys in Ashbourne and Nottingham’s Lacemaker Court in Long Eaton.
Registered for 260 residents in total, the eight care homes are being offered for sale individually, in packages or as a whole group, with the condition that buyers must have a track record in running care homes to a standard certified as Good or Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
No guide prices will be suggested and Ernest Wilson will market the properties until 16 March, by which date expressions of interest and offers must reach its offices to be considered.
Mark Czajka, director at Ernest Wilson, said: “Residents and their families were naturally concerned about the threat of closure for these eight care homes.
“By selling them as going concerns to experienced and outstanding care home operators, the council is firmly placing the emphasis on the continued and uninterrupted excellent care of the current and future residents.”
Profits and revenue slide at Van Elle
Profits and revenue have slid at Van Elle, the Nottinghamshire-based ground engineering contractor.
According to unaudited interim results for the six months ended 31 October 2024, profit before tax dipped to £1.9m from £2.5m in the same period of the year prior.
Meanwhile, revenue of £65.2m marked a decrease of 4% compared to last year (£68.2m).
The business noted that a “strong performance” in Specialist Piling and Rail was offset by weaker volumes in General Piling and Ground Engineering Services.
Market conditions in each of the firm’s end markets are expected to remain challenging for the remainder of the current financial year. However, Van Elle is said to have “continued to secure a solid pipeline of future work, including several targeted key contract wins, and has a strong order book for delivery in the final quarter of the financial year.”
Mark Cutler, Chief Executive, said: “The Group has faced another challenging period, however, it has continued to make significant strategic progress, positioning Van Elle in attractive end markets and strengthening its core offering to deliver for clients. We have been focussed on driving operational efficiencies and have a right-sized cost base, appropriate to the current levels of demand.
“The acquisition of Albion Drilling has accelerated our expansion into both Scotland and the Energy sector and broadened our specialist capabilities, while Specialist Piling activity levels notably increased in the Period. The Group as a whole has continued to secure a solid pipeline of future work, including several targeted key contract wins.
“Alongside the increase in volumes experienced in our Housing Division, our other key markets are expected to continue improving over the coming months, and coupled with a strong order book, we remain confident in delivering a full year performance in line with market expectations.”
Midland Tyre Solutions parks up at Derwent Business Park
Rushton Hickman has let an industrial unit on the Derwent Business Park Estate.
Midland Tyre Solutions are the new tenant of Unit 1 Derwent Business Park which comprises 1,615 sq ft of industrial space.
Midland Tyre Solutions specialises in supplying and fitting a range of tyres, catering to various vehicles from motorbikes to tractors. Their expertise extends to high-performance vehicles and Off-The-Road (OTR) machinery, including agricultural and heavy plant equipment.
Taylor Millington, who brokered the letting for Rushton Hickman, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Midland Tyre Solutions to Derwent Business Park. Their presence not only strengthens the local business community but also enhances the overall landscape of the estate in providing essential services to the town and contribute positively to the area.”
New business support programme starts in Northamptonshire
A new business support initiative for ambitious entrepreneurs has started at Vulcan Works.
The John Franklin programme was recently launched to run alongside the town centre workspace’s existing incubation programme for start-up businesses, known as Vulcan Creatives.
Vulcan Creatives, led by business growth manager Darren Smith, supports 10 ambitious local people hoping to kick start a new business or grow an existing idea with specialist support. The second cohort began in November with business support workshops, specialist grant opportunities and one to one coaching from Darren.
The popular six-month initiative, funded by West Northamptonshire Council utilising £40,000 of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), had more than 50 applicants this year.
Rather than let 40 down, South Midlands Growth Hub offered to collaborate with Darren and use remaining funds from West Northamptonshire Council to offer a second project.
An additional 21 people have joined the John Franklin programme, which also runs for six months and offers participants collaborative learning opportunities, guidance and advice in starting or growing a business.
Darren said: “By taking on another 21 people in the John Franklin programme, we can spend that money earmarked for this purpose on more entrepreneurs who need the support, and more Northamptonshire businesses will benefit from that decision.
“The John Franklin participants will have access to the Vulcan Creatives business support workshops, as well as one to one coaching with the Growth Hub at Vulcan Works.”
South Midlands Growth Hub business adviser Jessica Stead said: “We had such a high number of people wanting to join the Vulcan Creatives that rather than let them fall away we thought we’d support them too.
“We thought we’d mirror what Darren is doing and offer that initial consultation meeting to ensure they’re aware of the business workshops happening at Vulcan Works and can network with the Vulcan Creatives team.
“We are funded by the Department for Business and Trade to provide advice for any SME in the region, so this was a perfect fit for us. All those taking part can come to us for advice after the programme finishes too.”
2025 Business Predictions: Sunny Landa, director, Landa Associates
It’s that time of year, when Business Link Magazine invites the region’s business leaders to offer up their predictions for the year ahead.
It has become something of a tradition, given that we’ve been doing this now for over 30 years.
Here we speak to Sunny Landa, director at Landa Associates.
Why workers continue to resist call backs to the office…
There remains a real challenge for the office in a post pandemic world as traditional offices no longer offer worker-friendly environments that give workers the same comforts as their homes.
Workplace planning will be key in 2025 as changing workplace dynamics such as hybrid working, particularly amongst younger generations, become key drivers for companies seeking to attract and compete for talent.
Grade A offices should now offer collaborative spaces as well as work place food options and we will see AI begin to play a key role in making the office environment more friendly, such as facial recognition technology, and also play its part in collecting data for senior managers. Company bosses are being advised by workplace change
management specialists employees needs are paramount and we will also see early adopters of a 4-day workweek.
There will continue to be active demand for office space from tech and media businesses, insurance and financial services as well as professional businesses, but we will see a real decline from charities and associates, public service sectors, government, education and health sectors.
The ultimate driver for these active sectors will be competition for talented people and staff retention which in my view will force many tenants to drive for quality in their office environments.
Despite market uncertainty grade A office space will continue to be a coveted asset for more people wanting to return to the office. In the post pandemic world, the dominant choice for many tenants is to now have collaborative spaces in larger open plan offices. This working style lends itself well to hybrid working and hot desking which is very much the new norm.
Fit-out cost will remain a barrier for most occupiers but those willing to invest in their office space by making them the best in their class will undoubtedly win. 2024 has shown us that top tier Grade A offices continue to let and the polarisation between unrefurbished space becomes bigger with less take up in the secondary and tertiary sectors.
New Nottingham partnership to drive innovation for brewing industry
Technical resources for the brewing sector have been given a boost by the combining of two of the UK’s leading resources of brewing education and support.
The University of Nottingham has launched an expanded partnership with Murphy and Son that will drive forward enhanced research and development, with the Murphy and Son laboratory and R&D team relocating to the International Centre for Brewing Science.
This new partnership is the progression of a successful collaboration that has been built over several years. Over this period, the partnership has facilitated numerous graduates through apprenticeships, fellowships, knowledge transfer partnerships and post-graduate placements.
Murphy and Son’s own team has also expanded with University of Nottingham alumni and these talented individuals have become integral members of their lab and technical teams.
As part of the expanded partnership, Murphy and Son’s laboratory and R&D team will be relocating to the International Centre for Brewing Science. This move will provide greater access to state-of-the-art facilities, enabling more comprehensive product testing services for customers and expand lab testing offerings to include a wider range of analysis for wine, cider, spirits as well as brewing.
The International Centre for Brewing Science is a centre of excellence for brewing education and research and is home to one of the country’s most advanced pilot brewing systems. Combined with 135+ years of brewing know-how and global reach from Murphys, a platform for the advancement of brewing excellence and innovation has been created.
Professor Sam Kingman, Interim Provost and Deputy Vice Chancellor at the University of Nottingham, said: “I am thrilled to see Murphy and Son continue to deepen their relationship with the University. We are a centre of excellence for brewing education and research and through this partnership our shared expertise will be translated into world-leading innovation, helping to define the future of the sector.”
Sustainable brewing is a core objective in Murphy’s history, and they aim to find innovative solutions to increase efficiency and address various production challenges. The goal is to provide customers with cutting-edge solutions that enhance their drinks production processes.
Charles Nicholds, Managing Director of Murphy and Son, said: “We are thrilled to deepen our collaboration with the University of Nottingham. This partnership not only enhances our research and development capabilities but also strengthens our commitment to supporting the next generation of beverage producers.
“By relocating our lab and R&D team to the International Centre for Brewing Science, we can leverage advanced facilities to better serve our customers and expand our testing services. Additionally, this collaboration will help us continue to push the boundaries of our R&D, finding innovative solutions to deliver on our goal of being the number one technical resource for drinks producers.”
Jo Simpson, Chief Commercial Officer at the University of Nottingham, said: “Our partnerships are built on innovation and impact and our relationship with Murphy and Son exemplifies this.
“Combining our world-leading facilities, research expertise and new pathways for our students and graduates to thrive has created a partnership that will have an impact globally. I am very much looking forward to seeing the continued success and growth of Murphy and Son alongside the University.” Wavensmere sells 262 homes to Kennedy Wilson
Wavensmere Homes has exchanged on the sale of a portfolio of 262 single-family homes in the Midlands to global real estate investment company, Kennedy Wilson.
The portfolio comprises 131 homes which are currently under construction at Wavensmere Homes’ £75 million redevelopment of Friar Gate Goods Yard in Derby city centre. 131 houses will also be delivered at the housebuilder’s £150 million Wolverhampton Canalside South site, where construction work will commence imminently.
Wavensmere Homes’ bespoke product is purpose-designed by Glancy Nicholls Architects for institutional ownership in the rental market. The portfolio, comprising two- and three-bed city centre rental homes, is being delivered as a fully-fitted turnkey package and is expected to become available for occupation between 2026-7.
Designed to an EPC-A specification, each house will have an EV car charging port, together with an air source heat pump and solar PV panels to generate green energy.
The off-plan transaction was brokered by ACRE Capital Real Estate’s Operational Living team.
James Dickens, Managing Director of Wavensmere Homes, said: “We are thrilled to announce this significant deal, bringing institutional capital from a major global investor into regeneration sites that had long been derelict in the centres of Derby and Wolverhampton.
“We continue to see huge demand for eco-focused single-family housing that’s close to major centres of employment, retail and leisure, with extensive healthcare, public transport, and education provision.
“This transaction enables us to accelerate our construction programme, delivering homes for local people, whilst supporting local supply chains at Derby’s Friar Gate Goods Yard and Wolverhampton Canalside South.
“An additional 145 open market houses and apartments at Friar Gate, and a further 450 mixed-tenure homes at Canalside South, will become available in-line with our build programmes.”
Mike Pegler, President, Kennedy Wilson Europe, added: “Wavensmere Homes has garnered a strong reputation for urban regeneration and the delivery of major housing-led schemes within city centre and town locations.
“These homes will offer residents high quality, well-designed and sustainable rental housing in excellent locations within Derby and Wolverhampton. We are looking forward to construction progressing as we continue to grow our UK single family housing platform.”
Mark Wilson, Partner at Acre Capital Real Estate, said: “This UK residential portfolio offers prime city centre addresses and exemplary ESG credentials which is reflective of Wavensmere’s high quality developments.
“These two well-amenitised Midlands locations have the added benefit of the range of on-site communal facilities Wavensmere delivers for residents, such as co-working offices, screening rooms, community gardens, and fitness and play spaces.”
Progress made in improving Rutland and Melton transport services with green light for Jules House alterations
Progress has been made in improving vital transport services for residents of Rutland and Melton following the planning approval of alterations to the former Jules House building in Oakham.
The proposals are part of a broader scheme, known as Rural Innovation in Action, being collaboratively delivered between Rutland County Council and Melton Borough Council under £22.95m UK Government funding.
The scheme will be centrally located in the former Jules House area, close to Oakham Train Station and leading to Rutland Memorial Hospital. The plans include establishing two new bus routes from the site, featuring both fixed-line and demand-responsive transport operated by 11 additional buses.
Councillor Christine Wise, Cabinet Member for Transport, Environment and Communities at Rutland County Council, said: “Receiving planning permission for this important infrastructure and transport initiative marks an exciting step forward.
“Once fully operational, we expect the new bus service to significantly enhance the mobility of thousands of residents across Rutland and Melton, integrating the two rural market towns and boosting the local economy.”
The approved plans also involve reconfiguring the current land to accommodate suitable parking and turning areas for minibuses on the site. An accessible path will be created through the former Jules House site, seamlessly connecting pedestrians between the hospital area and the town.
The Jules House property will benefit from an expanded rear extension, full interior refurbishment, and new landscaping. The redevelopment will also provide much-needed community space, with first-floor office space available for rent to support the scheme’s economic viability.
Cllr Wise added: “The addition of community space in the approved plans will be welcomed by the local community and serve as an important area for residents and local groups once open.
“As we move towards the next stage of the project, Rutland County Council will be keeping local residents and key stakeholders informed as it progresses towards construction.”
