Former bank and bar in Daventry could be converted into apartments

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Former bank and bar in Daventry could be converted into apartments

If planning approval is granted, a former Halifax bank and the adjacent Retro Bar in Daventry could be redeveloped into nine apartments. The site, located at the corner of High Street and New Street, is owned by Achrom Limited, which has submitted a proposal to convert the upper floors into residential units while retaining the former bank’s ground floor for commercial use.

The plans include four one-bedroom and five two-bedroom flats, replacing the 17-room HMO setup. To improve the exterior, proposed changes to the building include reopening blocked windows, installing new doors, and repairing or replacing broken windows. Due to its central location and access to local amenities, the development will not include on-site parking.

The project aims to bring the long-vacant building back into use, addressing concerns over its deteriorating condition and its impact on the town’s appearance. The proposal is open for public consultation, with a final decision expected by the end of April.

Kettering hospital secures £713k for solar panel installation

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Kettering hospital secures £713k for solar panel installation

Kettering General Hospital (KGH) has received £713,000 in funding to install over 1,000 rooftop solar panels, which is expected to reduce energy costs by approximately £150,000 annually.

The investment is part of the initial phase of nationwide funding from Great British Energy, the Labour government’s new state-owned energy company. It is separate from KGH’s planned £57 million energy centre project and the hospital’s scheduled rebuild between 2032 and 2034.

The hospital estimates savings of around £3 million from the solar panels. Nationally, the programme is projected to save the NHS £8.6 million per year and up to £260 million over the panels’ lifespan.

Sales soar at Next

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Sales soar at Next
Enderby retailer Next has seen profit and sales soar in the year to January 2025. The company saw total group sales of £6.3bn, up from £5.8bn in the year prior. Meanwhile, pre-tax profits passed £1bn, growing from £918m. Maintaining this momentum, full price sales in the first eight weeks of the year have been ahead of Next’s expectations, seeing the business upgrade its financial guidance for the year to January 2026. The firm has now put full price sales guidance for the first half to be up 6.5% (from 3.5%), resulting in sales for the full year being up 5% (from 3.5%). Moreover, pre-tax profit guidance has increased by £20m to £1.066bn, up 5.4%.

Microlise delivers record performance

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Microlise delivers record performance

Microlise Group, a provider of transport management software to fleet operators, has hailed “strong” results for 2024, delivering a record performance.

Revenue at the Nottingham-based firm grew to £79.5m, according to audited results, increasing from £71.7m in 2023. Meanwhile, adjusted profits increased 16% to £6.5m.

A cyber incident cost the business £4.4m, though this is expected to be covered in full by cyber security insurance.

The year further saw over 375 new customers, including companies such as GSF, Woolies, STAF and FSSI, and 52 contracts were renewed, including JCB, Bidfood, Sainsbury’s and Cemex.

Microlise also experienced strong international growth with new direct customers secured in Australia, New Zealand and France.

Nadeem Raza, CEO of Microlise, said: “Microlise delivered record performance in FY24, exceeding market expectations in cash levels and adjusted EBITDA which is reflective of our comprehensive growth strategy and continually improving customer offerings. We have continued to secure major customer contracts and have renewed our longstanding partnerships with longstanding customers such as JCB.

“Toward the end of the year, the hard work of the Microlise team and our previous commitment to cyber security ensured that we successfully navigated a cyber security incident, loosing no customers and we have continued to build and convert our new business pipeline.  

“We remain focused on improving our customer offering and expanding our international business in key geographies such as Australia, New Zealand and France. Our strong pipeline, paired with our growing international footprint gives us much to look forward to in 2025 and I would like to thank everyone at Microlise for their hard work in the period.”

Nottingham City Council puts focus on long-term financial stability

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Nottingham City Council puts focus on long-term financial stability
Nottingham City Council’s Corporate Scrutiny Committee met yesterday (26 March) to review progress on the Council’s multi-year Improvement Plan. The Council reported that most of its eleven key programs are currently on-track. This positive news comes alongside its recent approval of the five-year Council Plan and confirmation of the Council’s current financial stability. While making strides forward, it has been highlighted that the Council needs to keep working on two specific areas: ensuring ongoing financial sustainability (Programme 4) and strengthening financial management (Programme 5). The Council claims to have already taken “strong steps” to address these through its finance improvement plan, for example now having healthy reserve funds, an improving financial performance, and its 2024/25 general fund spending anticipated to be very close to its budget. Looking ahead, the Council has significantly reduced its budget gap for 2025/26 to approximately £20.79 million – an improvement from the £41 million gap faced in 2024/25, and this gap is expected to shrink further. The Council added: “With our finances now stable, we’re focusing on achieving full financial sustainability. This will involve successfully implementing our planned transformation program, with a key goal of having a completely balanced budget by 2027/28.”

Multi-million pound enterprise hub prioritises all-electric development

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Multi-million pound enterprise hub prioritises all-electric development
Independent construction and property consultancy Edmond Shipway has been appointed to provide mechanical and electrical (M&E) consultancy services for a multi-million pound enterprise hub building in Stapleford, Nottinghamshire, called the Pencil Works. The multi-use hub will comprise of seven ground-floor starter units which will be occupied and fitted out by local businesses, as well as office spaces on the upper floors that will be rented out by Broxtowe Borough Council. Edmond Shipway was appointed in a joint bid with Maber Architects following the successful completion of the Arnold Market Place, a similar scheme that the two worked on together under Gedling Borough Council. Having recently received planning permission, the project is due to start on site in May and is expected to complete in 2026. Josh Croft, director at Edmond Shipway, said: “It’s always rewarding to work on projects that benefit the community, and the Pencil Works is no exception, delivering vital business and retail space that prioritises small businesses and enables them to get a foot on the ladder. “We’re working closely with the Stapleford Towns Fund team at Broxtowe Borough Council, as well as Maber Architects on what will be a fantastic space for local people and businesses to enjoy together.” As part of the project, the team at Edmond Shipway carried out energy modelling to predict the energy consumption of the all-electric building. Adopting a fabric-first approach, the hub will utilise heat pumps, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, and high efficiency LED lighting, while solar PV panels will also be installed on the roof. Funded through the £21.1m Stapleford Towns Fund, the hub is expected to create 50 jobs and 1,000 square metres of new retail, leisure and office space, including spaces for specialist craftspeople and artists, retail units for food and drink outlets, and flexible office space for small businesses. Disabled parking, bicycle storage and public toilets are also included in the plans. Emma Georgiou, head of environment at Broxtowe Borough Council, said: “Our new Pencil Works building exemplifies our commitment to sustainability. “With a fabric first approach and all electric systems, we are utilising heat pumps, solar panels and LED lighting to minimise the building’s carbon footprint. The project showcases our focus on energy efficiency and the council’s proactive role in mitigating climate change.”

Greencore renews takeover bid for Bakkavor

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Greencore renews takeover bid for Bakkavor

Greencore has made a third takeover bid for rival food supplier Bakkavor after its previous £1.1 billion offer was rejected earlier this month. The latest proposal values Bakkavor at 189p per share, offering a 25% premium on its market price.

The offer includes 85p in cash per share and 0.523 Greencore shares, with Bakkavor shareholders also eligible for a 4.8p dividend. If accepted, Greencore shareholders would own 59.8% of the combined company, while Bakkavor investors would hold 40.2%.

Both companies are major UK food manufacturers, supplying ready meals and food-to-go products to supermarkets. Greencore, headquartered in Ireland with a UK base in Worksop, turned over £1.8 billion last year and operates 14 factories nationwide. Bakkavor, which generated £2.3 billion in revenue in 2024, runs 20 factories and four distribution centres. The company has faced supply chain disruptions, including a strike at its Spalding site that led to shortages of dips, soups, and wraps.

Bakkavor’s board has rejected Greencore’s offers, stating they undervalue the company and its prospects. Greencore said it remains open to strategic opportunities but has not confirmed whether it will make a firm offer.

Anglian Water expands emergency water supply capacity in East of England

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Anglian Water expands emergency water supply capacity in East of England

Anglian Water has signed a new three-year agreement with emergency water supplier Water Direct to enhance rapid-response water deliveries across East England. The deal ensures up to 20,000 emergency water deliveries per year for households on Anglian Water’s Priority Services Register (PSR), which supports vulnerable customers during supply disruptions.

The partnership, which dates back to 2008, increases Anglian Water’s reserves in Water Direct’s Nationwide Bottled Water Bank (NWBW) for faster emergency response. Water Direct has committed to delivering water to at least 2,000 households within 24 hours when required.

The agreement aligns with regulatory changes expected to expand the number of customers eligible for PSR support by up to 40%. By outsourcing emergency deliveries, Anglian Water can reallocate internal resources to focus on resolving supply issues, improving operational efficiency.

Water Direct is also developing a technology platform to enhance real-time tracking, customer data verification, and delivery management, ensuring more efficient and transparent emergency water distribution.

Vaillant opens £40m Derby plant, creating 200 jobs

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Vaillant opens £40m Derby plant, creating 200 jobs

Vaillant has opened a £40 million manufacturing plant in Derby, adding 200 jobs to the local economy. The facility at Indurent Park will produce hot water cylinders, including the new uniSTOR high-recovery range, set to begin production next month.

The plant, which spans 12,200 sq m, includes manufacturing and warehousing space and incorporates sustainability features such as rainwater harvesting, energy-efficient lighting, and heat pump technology.

Vaillant, a global heating and cooling solutions provider with 17,000 employees, has expanded its UK manufacturing presence to meet the growing demand for low-carbon heating solutions. The company previously launched the UK’s first boiler manufacturer-led heat pump plant in 2022.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband highlighted the plant’s role in supporting local employment and advancing the UK’s low-carbon transition. Vaillant Group UK’s plant director, Joe Dunn, emphasised the company’s commitment to Derbyshire, its historic roots, and its continued investment in sustainable heating technology.

Retailers boost wages as competition for workers intensifies

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Retailers boost wages as competition for workers intensifies

Major UK retailers have increased pay rates in 2025 to attract and retain staff amid rising living costs. Aldi, Lidl, Tesco, and John Lewis offer higher wages for store employees.

Aldi raised its minimum hourly rate to £12.75 nationally and £14.05 within the M25 in March, with further increases to £12.85 and £14.16 set for September. Lidl matched Aldi’s £12.75 national rate and pays £14.00 within the M25, with longer-serving staff earning up to £13.65 nationally and £14.35 in London.

Tesco has invested £180 million in wage increases, setting hourly pay at £12.45 to £12.64 nationally and up to £13.85 in London. John Lewis and Waitrose opted to reinvest £114 million into employee wages instead of offering partner bonuses, setting new shop floor rates at £12.40 nationally and £13.85 in London.

Other retailers making notable pay increases include B&Q (£12.71 nationally, £14.05 in London), Sainsbury’s (£12.45–£12.60 nationally, £13.70–£13.85 in London), and Marks & Spencer (£12.60 nationally, £13.85 in London).

The pay hikes reflect ongoing competition in the retail sector to offer competitive wages and retain workers in a tight labour market.

CityFibre expands UK footprint with Connexin acquisition

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CityFibre expands UK footprint with Connexin acquisition

CityFibre has acquired Connexin’s full-fibre infrastructure, expanding its presence in Hull and East Riding and adding up to 185,000 premises to its network. The financial details of the deal have not been disclosed.

The acquisition includes Connexin’s existing network, which covers more than 80,000 premises, with plans for an additional 20,000. CityFibre will also take over Connexin’s Project Gigabit contract, delivering gigabit-capable broadband to over 34,000 hard-to-reach premises in Nottinghamshire and West Lincolnshire.

Connexin’s XGS-PON network will be integrated into CityFibre’s wholesale services, with full integration expected later this year. This move aligns with CityFibre’s broader strategy to reach at least eight million premises across the UK.

This acquisition follows CityFibre’s purchase of Lit Fibre in May 2024 and previous deals, including FibreNation from TalkTalk in 2020 and national network assets from KCOM and Redcentric.

Founded in 2011, CityFibre is a fibre-only provider competing with Openreach and Virgin Media O2. The company sees market consolidation as essential for the UK’s fibre rollout.

Skegness hotel sold

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Skegness hotel sold
The Queens Hotel in Skegness has been sold to Sodhi Managements Ltd.
The family-run hotel has been owned and operated by Ran and Yuan since 2020, who said: “We are happy to pass the hotel to Sodhi Managements Ltd. “Skegness is England’s fourth most popular holiday destination, with over 1.4 million visitors each year, attracted to its sandy beach and seafront attractions including Nature land Seal Sanctuary, museum, aquarium and more. “There’s also the town’s annual carnival, arts festival and other activities, attracting people from all over the country. We wish Sodhi Managements Ltd every success in the future.” Matt Hill, Senior Business Agent at Christie & Co, who managed the sale process, said: “The Queens Hotel has been a very popular hotel opportunity, and demonstrates the strong demand we are currently seeing in the market for well-positioned and well-maintained businesses in tourist locations.” The hotel was sold off an asking price of £450,000.

Revenue and profit rise at games developer

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Revenue and profit rise at games developer

Games developer everplay, recently rebranded from Team17, has shown a rise in revenue and profits in unaudited final results for the year ended 31 December 2024.

Revenue at the Wakefield, Manchester, and Nottingham-based firm grew to £166.6m, up from £159.1m in 2023. Meanwhile, the business posted a pre-tax profit of £25.3m, recovering from a loss of £1.1m in the prior year.

Steve Bell, Group Chief Executive Officer of everplay, said: “I am extremely pleased with the Group’s performance during 2024, a clear return to the quality business for which we have been known.

“As we begin our first year under the new name of everplay, I am excited about the incredible slate of games we have lined up for 2025, and some important innovations in our business model. Allied with stringent cost controls, we are confident that these will deliver results our shareholders expect.”

The business has hailed a good start to 2025, supported by momentum from festive season promotions, with everplay “confident” that it can deliver an improved trading performance in 2025, marginally ahead of current market expectations.

Ibstock appoints new chair

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Ibstock appoints new chair

Ibstock, a manufacturer of building products and solutions, has appointed Richard Akers as a non-executive director and chair designate.

Jonathan Nicholls will step down as chair and retire from the board on 15 May 2025. Jonathan joined Ibstock’s board as a non-executive director in 2015 and was appointed as chair in 2018.

Richard brings a wealth of leadership experience and sector insight to the role having spent his career in the property, house building and land transaction industries, including twenty years with Land Securities Group PLC where he was a senior executive, member of the board, and managing director of the retail portfolio.

He recently joined Miller Homes Limited as chair in January 2025, prior to which he was the chair of Redrow PLC until its merger with Barratt Developments PLC completed in October 2024. Richard spent nine years in non-executive director roles with Barratt Developments PLC and is currently the senior independent director at Shaftesbury Capital PLC.

He has also held non-executive roles at Unite Group PLC, EMAAR Malls in Dubai and the Battersea Power Station Development Company and was a fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

Jonathan Nicholls said: “It has been a pleasure to be part of Ibstock’s board since its IPO in October 2015 and a privilege to have been chair since 2018. I would like to thank my non-executive colleagues on the board for their support, commitment and enthusiasm during my tenure.

“I look forward to working with Richard to ensure a smooth transition when he joins us in May. Finally, the success that Ibstock has achieved over the last few years is down to the excellent leadership of Joe Hudson our Chief Executive Officer ably supported by Chris McLeish, our Chief Financial Officer and I wish the business well for the future.”

Richard Akers said: “I am delighted to be joining a company with strong growth ambitions at such an important time for the building industry. I look forward to working with the board as well as Joe and the executive team as Ibstock continues to deliver on its current operational strategy.”

Joe Hudson, Group Chief Executive, said: “I would like to thank Jonathan for all his leadership and support over the last 9 years. His wisdom and counsel have helped Ibstock to navigate through challenging market conditions, as well as a significant investment programme. He has also been a real support to me personally.

“We are delighted to welcome Richard to Ibstock. He has strong experience as a chair and with our customer base which will be helpful as we capitalise on future recovery in our markets.”

Construction work completes at rejuvenated Glossop Halls

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Construction work completes at rejuvenated Glossop Halls
Work to re-open the rejuvenated Glossop Halls is now in its final stages as the High Peak Borough Council-led element of the construction work has now been completed. The Council is preparing the final paperwork to enable it to hand over the buildings to its chosen operating partner, so they can complete their fit out for a summer opening. The multi-million pound regeneration project will ensure these historic civic buildings remain at the heart of town life for generations to come. Council Leader, Councillor Anthony Mckeown, said: “We are delighted to have reached this stage. It has taken a little longer than we hoped due to the complexity and scale of the project – which grew from repairing the roof to the regeneration of the whole complex – but we now thrilled to be in the process of handing over to our new operator so that they can start their fit-out. “It’s an exciting time for the town. The investment in these buildings and the opportunities they offer for businesses and the community means they will remain at the heart of Glossop now and in the future.” There will be new business opportunities, including for creatives and entrepreneurs, as well as new food and drink, leisure and socialising spaces, and places for community use. Councillor Damien Greenhalgh, Deputy Leader and Executive Councillor for Regeneration, Tourism and Leisure, said: “It’s fantastic to have formally completed the construction works. Once we’ve completed the final paperwork, our new operator will be able to get on site and complete their preparations for opening. “I know they’ve got big plans which mirror the Council’s ambitions and the vision we have for these buildings which will, once again, see them buzzing with activity. It’s the biggest regeneration project in Glossop for decades and will be a game-changer for our town.”

Derelict cinema and former nightclub to be demolished for Long Eaton regeneration scheme

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Derelict cinema and former nightclub to be demolished for Long Eaton regeneration scheme
Long Eaton’s derelict Galaxy cinema is set to be demolished in April to make way for its redevelopment as part of the £25 million Town Deal. The former Stage One nightclub which stands next to it will also be demolished to make way for a wholesale regeneration of what is known as Galaxy Row. The demolitions will see new homes and commercial units built on the Derby Road site. The plan is for three business premises plus 16 flats and four townhouses. The council has partnered with Mypad and Tuntum for the development scheme. Chair of the Long Eaton Town Deal, Richard Ledger, said: “This marks a significant milestone in our Town Deal vision for Long Eaton. After considerable effort to secure these properties, we’re thrilled to see demolition begin. “This is the first step in transforming Galaxy Row into a vibrant hub of homes and businesses, and we’re committed to keeping the community informed every step of the way. We eagerly anticipate the positive impact this redevelopment will have on Long Eaton.” The demolition work is expected to take around four months with construction work set to begin straight after.

Hulleys of Baslow to cease trading as new operators take over key routes

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Hulleys of Baslow to cease trading as new operators take over key routes

Derbyshire bus operator Hulleys of Baslow will cease trading on Thursday, 27 March, after facing reliability issues and losing several council-funded routes.

Derbyshire County Council has secured replacement operators for key services, with Stagecoach Yorkshire taking over the 63 Chesterfield to Matlock route and Linburg Coach Travel running the 257 Sheffield to Bakewell service. The council had previously moved some routes to alternative providers to address performance concerns but could not prevent Hulleys’ closure.

Efforts are underway to maintain commercial routes, and local bus companies may offer employment opportunities to affected staff. Leonard Curtis is handling the company’s liquidation.

G F Tomlinson expands social value team to strengthen community impact

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G F Tomlinson expands social value team to strengthen community impact
Midlands contractor, G F Tomlinson, has expanded its social value team with the addition of Shelley Williamson as social value manager and Emma Morley as performance framework controller. As G F Tomlinson continues to strengthen its social value approach, both Shelley and Emma will play integral roles in shaping the future of the company’s community engagement and sustainability strategies. Their combined expertise will drive forward initiatives that align with evolving industry trends, including sustainable procurement, digital technologies, and skills development. Bringing 15 years of industry experience, Shelley takes on the role of social value manager, leading on all social value commitments, stakeholder engagement, and community-focused initiatives. Shelley’s expertise in developing and delivering social value strategies will further embed G F Tomlinson’s role as a responsible and community-driven contractor. Shelley said: “I am passionate about creating and delivering initiatives that leave a lasting legacy. From supporting career programmes with education providers to engaging with social enterprises, my focus is on ensuring we positively impact communities, employees, and stakeholders alike. Construction is a diverse and inclusive industry, and my goal is to inspire the next generation and break down barriers to employment.” With seven years of experience in the construction sector, Emma takes on the role of performance framework controller and will be responsible for tracking, analysing, and reporting on key performance indicators and social value initiatives across all projects. Her expertise in data analysis and attention to detail will ensure that the company continues to meet and exceed its social value targets, including local labour engagement and local spend. Emma said: “Working closely with the Framework team to refine performance metrics and drive data-driven decision-making is incredibly motivating. I am eager to contribute to the company’s ongoing success in delivering impactful social value outcomes.” Adrian Grocock, Group Managing Director at G F Tomlinson, said: “We are delighted to welcome Emma and Shelley to the team. Their expertise, passion, and dedication to social value will be instrumental in driving our initiatives forward. At G F Tomlinson, we are committed to creating positive, lasting change in the communities we serve, and strengthening our social value team is a significant step in cementing that commitment.”

Access Insurance expands with Ladbrook acquisition

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Access Insurance expands with Ladbrook acquisition

Access Insurance has acquired Ladbrook Insurance, a Derbyshire-based specialist charity broker, strengthening its position in the UK charity insurance market. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The acquisition marks Access Insurance’s fourth in its ongoing expansion strategy. Now part of the Benefact Group, Access serves 18,000 clients, including charities, social enterprises, and voluntary organisations. The deal provides Access with a new base in Derbyshire, enhancing support for clients in the North.

Ladbrook CEO Tim Larden joins Access as sales and marketing director, bringing over 20 years of industry experience. The move is expected to support Access’s long-term growth strategy and its focus on risk management solutions for the third sector.

Work underway to transform site of former police station into extra care housing scheme

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Work underway to transform site of former police station into extra care housing scheme
The site of a former police station in the heart of Hucknall is set to become a new extra care housing scheme, with construction work well underway. The £15.9m scheme is being constructed on behalf of affordable extra care housing provider Preferred Homes Ltd by Midland-based Deeley Construction, and will see the creation of 73 apartments for affordable rent. The affordable extra care housing scheme will regenerate the site of Hucknall’s derelict former police station, which has now been demolished to make way for the new development that has been designed to provide a modern and comfortable living space for residents. When completed, it will comprise a three-storey and a four-storey building, with a mix of one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments. The scheme will also feature communal space, including a lounge area, dining area, plant room, multi-purpose room and a bistro for the community and residents to use. Watnall Road is the second development which will be delivered by Deeley on behalf of Preferred Homes. The sustainable scheme will feature a rooftop photovoltaic system to provide renewable energy, air source heat pumps for each apartment and four electric vehicle charging points for residents. Chris Newman, Operations Director at Deeley Construction, said: “We are proud to be working in partnership with Preferred Homes Ltd to deliver important affordable homes for people in Hucknall. “The development is only two-minutes from the historic market town centre, positioning it right at the heart of community in Hucknall. When completed it will see the regeneration of a brownfield site to provide high quality, comfortable and sustainable homes for residents.” Richard Frank, Property Director at Preferred Homes, said: “Hucknall marks our first development in the north midlands, and our second constructed by Deeley Construction. “We know this will be an invaluable asset for the community, so it is fantastic to get spades in the ground. “Deeley understands our ambition when it comes to constructing high quality extra care housing that supports the health and wellbeing of vulnerable older people, and we look forward to bringing that vision to fruition at Watnall Road.”
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