Chief Secretary to the Treasury and East Midlands Mayor visit Derby’s Nightingale Quarter
The Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Rt Hon Darren Jones MP, and East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward, visited Wavensmere Homes’ Nightingale Quarter in Derby city centre to address the blockers to new homes delivery and discuss how the regeneration of vacant brownfield land can be accelerated.
The £175m development is in the final construction phase for 925 houses and apartments, together with a range of community amenities.
Situated off London Road, the 18.5-acre site – which had lain derelict for a decade prior to Wavensmere Homes’ acquisition and start on site in 2019 – is one of the most significant residential regeneration projects under construction in the UK.
Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones said: “House building is a huge priority for this government. Not only is building more homes vital to our mission to achieve greater economic growth, but it is also a vital component in our ambitions to improve living standards.
“It was wonderful to meet everyone involved in the process of getting residents into new homes and understand the pressures and policies that are impacting social landlords, local government and residents. The insights I gathered will be integral going forward as I undertake the Spending Review across Government.”
Claire Ward, East Midlands Mayor, said: “It is my priority to help create more beautiful mixed-tenure homes in places with excellent employment opportunities like Derby. People should be able to afford to live close to their place of work.
“Wavensmere Homes has four live regeneration projects in Derbyshire alone, which are delivering close to 1,500 homes – each of those is an opportunity for the people of the East Midlands to live a great life in a good job.
“Through knowledge-sharing and working hand in hand with the Treasury and Department for Housing, Communities and Local Government, we will get Britain building again.”
The Derbyshire Royal Infirmary opened in 1894 and closed 15 years ago. While the vast majority of the Florence Nightingale-designed Victorian hospital had been bulldozed, Wavensmere Homes pledged to save and restore the imposing pepperpots, despite one of the buildings being previously consented for demolition.
Pepperpot South opened as the marketing suite for the 925 houses and apartments in 2021. With 95% of the homes now sold, the building has been re-purposed as a gym for residents’ use. The second (North) Pepperpot became The Fulton Partnership’s sixth hospitality venue in the Midlands when it opened in February 2024.
James Dickens, Managing Director of Wavensmere Homes, said: “When we acquired this vacant site in 2019, we set out to design a landmark scheme that embraced the DE1 location and didn’t turn its back on the city centre.
“We are proud that our 925 apartments and houses have transformed the city living market, acting as the catalyst for thousands more homes to be delivered within central Derby.
“By installing new footpaths, cycle routes, roads, co-working space, a gym – and making a restaurant Nightingale Quarter’s new focal point – this redundant hospital site is once again a vibrant community asset.
“As we currently have over 3,500 plots under construction, or in planning across middle England, we look forward to continuing to assist the government and regional mayors with fresh insight into how much-needed residential regeneration could be accelerated.”
Dr. Martens sees mixed third quarter performance
Iconic Northamptonshire shoe brand Dr. Martens has seen a mixed performance around the world in its third quarter whilst making “good progress” in “turning around” its USA performance.
According to a trading statement for the Christmas period, covering the 13 weeks ended 29 December 2024, third quarter group revenue was up 3% (at constant currency) to £267m, with direct to consumer (DTC) revenue up 1% CC.
By channel, the DTC performance was the result of ecommerce revenue growing by 2% CC and retail revenue declining by 1% CC. Wholesale revenue, meanwhile, grew by 9% CC, against a weak comparative. The wholesale performance by region was in line with expectations, with EMEA and APAC up year-on-year and Americas wholesale down single-digit CC.One of Dr. Martens’ key objectives this year is to return Americas DTC revenue to positive growth in the second half. The business is on track, with Americas DTC revenue up 4% CC.
EMEA DTC revenue, however, declined by 5% CC year-on-year, which the firm said was “impacted by the deep promotional nature of several markets, especially in December, when we maintained our discipline and only participated in promotional activity in line with our discounting strategy.“
APAC DTC was up 17% CC driven by ecommerce. The company’s largest market in the region, Japan, continued to deliver good growth.
Year to date group revenue, conversely, declined 9% to £599m CC.Ije Nwokorie, Chief Executive Officer, said: “I am excited to be CEO of Dr. Martens. The global relevance of our iconic brand, the strength of our product line and the passionate commitment of our team give me great confidence for FY25 and beyond.
“Our Q3 trading was as expected and our outlook for FY25 remains unchanged. We have made good progress against our objective of turning around our USA performance, with USA DTC in positive growth in Q3.
“We continue to actively manage our costs and are on track to meet our inventory reduction target for FY25. The team and I are squarely focused on returning the business to sustainable and profitable growth.”
2025 Business Predictions: Jonathan Heath, director, Armsons Barlow
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 Jonathan Heath, director of project managers and building surveyors Armsons Barlow.
The East Midlands economy is expected to continue its recovery in 2025, boosted by growth in key industries such as advanced manufacturing, logistics, and green energy.
Regional infrastructure projects like the East Midlands Freeport and ongoing HS2 developments are set to bring investment and create opportunities across the supply chain. However, challenges such as labour shortages and energy costs will require businesses to adopt innovative approaches to remain competitive.
Inflation is likely to stabilize at around 2.5%, but its effects will continue to weigh on businesses and households. While interest rates may decrease slightly, forecast changes to Stamp Duty on 1st April 2025 will also impact the housing market, both of which will pose challenges for homebuyers, particularly first-time buyers.
We anticipate continued growth in key sectors of the construction industry, with warehousing and logistics hubs maintaining strong demand due to on-going e-commerce expansion. This is particularly relevant in the East Midlands, a central hub for national logistics.
There is also likely to be sustained interest in the flex office sector as hybrid working models continue to grow in popularity.
Housing pressures will drive continued development in the Private Rental Sector (PRS) and Built-to-Rent (BTR) markets, while public sector projects in education and healthcare are expected to grow following increased government funding commitments.
Town centre regeneration will remain a critical focus. With numerous empty retail units, it’s imperative we explore creative solutions to breathe life into these spaces. A more flexible planning policy is essential to repurpose buildings into mixed-use developments, such as residential, office or leisure facilities to avoid the long-term decline of our town centres.
Nationally, we expect construction inflation to stabilise, although high borrowing costs may constrain new private developments.
The emphasis on sustainability will continue to shape the sector, with stricter carbon targets and the increasing adoption of energy-efficient building methods, such as modern methods of construction (MMC) and retrofitting.
While economic growth may remain modest, the East Midlands is well-positioned to capitalise on its strengths, offering opportunities for businesses that adapt to emerging trends and challenges.
Armsons Barlow will continue to play a pivotal role in delivering cost-effective, future-proof solutions for these evolving market needs.
2025 Business Predictions: Matthew Hayes, Managing Director, Champions (UK) plc
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 Matthew Hayes, Managing Director at Champions (UK) plc.
Business confidence has taken a downturn in recent months, with growth expectations turning negative for the first time in 2024. The OECD (Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development) said British inflation was likely to average 2.7% in 2025 – higher than in any other G7 country.
The landscape for business is likely to get harder before it improves. The Government and The Bank of England seem to be set on challenging, rather than supporting entrepreneurial opportunity creators.
The marketing landscape will evolve in 2025. With the continued growth of AI, technology will play a greater role in marketing. AI is a powerful tool and enables businesses to go bigger, faster and stronger quickly BUT it is not a silver bullet. The key is, and always has been, having the basics in place. This includes ensuring frequency and consistency of customer messaging and also brands being able to differentiate their offering through a multichannel approach. The more that technology influences marketing, the more people will crave genuine human experiences. This provides a challenge for marketing managers as to how they can embed these new tools into their marketing plans.
In social media there will be a move away from controversial social media platforms like X. Increasingly, social media channels will grow in impact beyond just channels for engagement and brand awareness, into revenue-driving performance channels.
Entrepreneurs are used to overcoming adversity and turning challenges into opportunities. In times of uncertainty, the key is to go left when everyone else goes right. Double down on sales & marketing activity rather than cut back. When competition is reduced, you get a greater share of voice for your money. Spend and grow while the rest are just ‘surviving’, so when the market bounces back, your brand has greater market share.
West Burton solar project gets go-ahead
Island Green Power’s West Burton Solar Project has received the go-ahead from Secretary of State Ed Milliband.
The West Burton Solar Project will provide solar and energy storage in several land parcels in Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire, approximately 7.4km to the south and up to 14.6km southeast of Gainsborough in the local authority of West Lindsey District Council.
This Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) will provide three electricity generating stations, each with anticipated capacity in excess of 50MW, comprising ground mounted solar arrays, with associated development comprising energy storage, grid connection infrastructure and other infrastructure integral to the construction, operation, and maintenance of the NSIPs.
On completion the project is set to supply up to 480 MW of clean electricity to the National Grid. That’s equivalent to the energy needed to power around 144,000 homes and replace around 24% of the capacity of the coal powered West Burton Power Station.
Tara Chopra, Technical Director (EIA and Major Infrastructure) at Lanpro, who supplied planning, EIA and environmental expertise, said: “We are delighted with the outcome of the Secretary of State’s announcement today for West Burton, which marks the successful conclusion of three years of dedicated work by Lanpro for Island Green Power.
“This decision enables the project to deliver affordable, clean energy to hundreds of thousands of households across Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire. It plays a vital role in advancing the nation’s Net Zero goals.
“Again, this is a strong reflection of the current government’s commitment to renewable energy, and we are optimistic that it will lead to more favourable outcomes for our clients in the renewable sector.”
In preparing the planning application, Lanpro worked alongside Pinsent Masons (legal advisor), Dalcour Maclaren (land referencing) and Counter Context (communications).
Charnwood businesses offered free sustainability help
Businesses in Charnwood are being offered free access to a digital platform aimed at helping them become more sustainable.
Charnwood Borough Council has secured 12 two-year subscriptions to sustainability coaching platform Zellar, which sets out to simplify the process of calculating and understanding carbon emissions, enabling businesses to develop tailored decarbonisation plans.
Through the platform, businesses can track their progress, measure their impact, and report on their sustainability initiatives as part of their journey towards ‘net zero’, which means no longer adding to the total amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
Charnwood businesses are being invited to apply for the 12 licences, which will be awarded on a first come, first served basis, and are being funded via the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Councillor Jennifer Tillotson, the Council’s lead member for economic development, regeneration and town centres, said: “This investment demonstrates our commitment to supporting local businesses and driving sustainable growth within Charnwood.
“Zellar provides a user-friendly tool that empowers businesses to take control of their sustainability journey and reduce their environmental impact.”
Gary Styles, founder and CEO of Zellar, added: “We are delighted to welcome Charnwood Borough Council to the Get Zero, Get Zellar programme.
“This partnership demonstrates the Council’s commitment to supporting local businesses and driving sustainable growth.
“We encourage businesses in the region to take advantage of this opportunity to accelerate their decarbonisation journey.”
Plans for state-of-the-art Leisure Centre and Civic Office in South Derbyshire take leap forward
Plans for a state-of-the-art Leisure Centre and Civic Office in South Derbyshire have taken a major leap forward, with advanced proposals heading to Full Council next month for final approval.
South Derbyshire District Council has spent the past year developing and refining the vision for the project, exploring a range of options and consulting with stakeholders to ensure the final plans meet the needs of the community.
The ‘once-in-a generation’ project will replace two outdated facilities on Civic Way, Swadlincote, with a single energy-efficient, dual-purpose complex at Cadley Park. Designed to serve residents, elected Members and employees, the development looks to enhance public services, improve environmental sustainability, and unlock significant opportunities for local regeneration.
Both the current Civic Offices and Green Bank Leisure Centre are ageing, costly to maintain, and no longer fit-for-purpose. The proposed new facility will replace outdated infrastructure issues, creating a future-proof hub for health, wellbeing, and governance in South Derbyshire whilst contributing significant savings over the life of the new facility.
After a comprehensive options appraisal, Cadley Park was chosen for its size, existing links to the Golf Centre, Country Park, and Urban Park, and its potential to attract future commercial investment. Together with these facilities, the site has substantial potential to become a major destination for visitors, offering even more reasons to explore South Derbyshire.
Cllr Robert Pearson, Leader of South Derbyshire District Council, hailed the project as a generational investment: “This is a proud moment for our community. These plans underline our commitment to enhancing services, promoting sustainability, and securing long-term value for residents. With Full Council’s approval, we can move swiftly into delivering this transformational development.”
The project will transform the site of the old leisure centre and civic offices, unlocking a prime town centre gateway that will drive regeneration and growth. Additionally, a new Customer Hub will be established in Swadlincote town centre, providing residents a more accessible and central location to engage with services currently offered through the Civic Offices.
Final approval at the Full Council meeting on 27 February will mark the start of the delivery phase, with work set to begin immediately. During this phase, the Council will continue collaborating with stakeholders, service users, employees, and Members to refine the site’s design and function.
Council to pay over £94,000 after losing logistics development planning appeal
Blaby District Council has revealed it must pay £94,111 in costs following the loss of the planning appeal for the Enderby Hub.
In July at a public hearing a government planning inspector reviewed the Council’s rejection of the initial application for the logistics complex at St Johns.
The site was identified for employment use in the Blaby District Local Plan, adopted in 2019.
However, Planning Committee members turned down the original outline application from Drummond Estate and Inverock Ltd at planning committee in October 2023.
Following the appeal the planning inspector overturned the refusal, granting permission for the hub. While the appeal decision was announced in September the costs, which will be paid to the developers, have only just been confirmed.
They are expected to be found from the Council’s reserves.
The hub includes plans for four warehouses, offices, gatehouses, and a potential education and training centre, with new access off Leicester Lane.
The 83-acre site is now being marketed for sale by the landowners.
Councillor Ben Taylor, Blaby District Council Portfolio Holder for Planning, said: “It is clearly disappointing that we must bear the brunt of these costs. Although the site was designated for employment use in our Local Plan, Blaby District Council’s Planning Committee initially refused the Enderby Hub application.
“However, this was overturned by the Planning Inspector, who then awarded costs to the applicant. The Planning Committee made their decision at the time and as a Council we have a duty to respect that decision and defend it.”
New jobs set for Derby as Rolls-Royce signs landmark Ministry of Defence contract
Rolls-Royce has signed the biggest UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) contract in its history, creating 1,000 new roles within Rolls-Royce Submarines which will predominantly be seen in Derby.
The Unity contract stretches over eight years and brings together all elements of research and technology, design, manufacture and in-service support of the nuclear reactors that power the Royal Navy’s fleet of submarines.
This contract between Rolls-Royce Submarines Ltd and the UK MoD, forms a single, harmonious capability portfolio.
Unity will enable improved focus on simplification and efficiency and better outcomes for the UK Royal Navy. It represents a significant undertaking and investment by the UK government and industry, providing thousands of highly skilled jobs across the country and an enduring commitment for the decades ahead.
Rolls-Royce designs, builds and maintains all of the nuclear reactors that power the Royal Navy’s fleet of submarines. This eight-year Unity contract is worth £9 billion and will provide full support of the in-service UK Royal Navy submarine fleet throughout the period.
It also includes continued support of the build and commission of Dreadnought Class submarines and the beginning of the previously announced SSN-AUKUS contracts.
The contract is the first of its kind awarded by the UK MoD and is the culmination of years of planning between Rolls-Royce and UK MoD, potentially creating a new way of doing business between Government and industry.
With a long-term commitment across the Rolls-Royce Submarine programmes, Unity draws together current and upcoming work into one portfolio. It is designed to incentivise an even more collaborative working relationship between Rolls-Royce and the UK MoD.
Steve Carlier, President Rolls-Royce Submarines, said: “We’re delighted to announce the Unity contract, which confirms our commitment to the Royal Navy and the Defence Nuclear Enterprise. This long-term contract enables us to invest in the right skills, equipment, and facilities to play our part in protecting UK interests at home and overseas.
“The Unity contract enables our business to work truly collaboratively with the Ministry of Defence, meeting the evolving needs of the UK Royal Navy, further improving reactor plant design, delivery and in-service support, ensuring the continuing security of our nation at a time of global uncertainty.”
Defence Secretary, John Healey MP said: “This investment in Britain’s defence will deliver a long-term boost to British business, jobs and national security.
“In line with our upcoming defence industrial strategy, this deal with Rolls Royce, a historic British success-story, will support high-skilled UK jobs who equip the thousands of submariners that keep us all safe. We are showing defence can be an engine for growth, while also driving better value for taxpayer money.
“National security is a foundation of our government’s plan for change, and this is a clear demonstration of our commitment to the UK’s nuclear deterrent, which is our ultimate insurance policy in a more dangerous world.”
The Unity Contract will create an additional 1,000 new roles within Rolls-Royce Submarines by the end of the contract. This will predominantly be seen in Derby, but also includes recently announced satellite offices in Glasgow and Cardiff.
The Unity contract also brings opportunities to the supply chain, the vast majority of which is in the UK. The ability to develop long term, strategic relationships with long lead times means more capability, a longer lookahead and more competition in the supply chain, bringing enhanced benefit to the UK economy.
2025 Business Predictions: Art Lindop, Managing Director of Alphageek Digital
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 Art Lindop, Managing Director of Alphageek Digital.
In 2025, digital marketing agencies will face a fast-changing landscape driven by AI, shifting platform dominance, and economic uncertainty. AI will continue to play a huge role in content creation, making it easier to produce creative assets and copy optimised for platform algorithms. Platforms like Meta and TikTok, powered by AI-driven systems, will reward brands that align their content with audience behaviours and trends. Agencies will need to stay ahead of the curve, mastering AI tools to ensure campaigns deliver maximum visibility and engagement.
With TikTok facing a ban in America, it’s likely that we will see Meta – particularly Facebook and Instagram – reassert its dominance. Smart brands will double down on Meta’s ecosystem as a scalable and reliable advertising platform, giving agencies a chance to recapture audiences and experiment with fresh creative strategies. However, this shift could put smaller businesses under pressure, forcing them to rethink budgets and recalibrate their digital strategies.
The economic climate will also divide brands into two camps: some will view this as a “land grab” moment, doubling down on digital investments to grow their market share, while others will take a defensive approach, focusing only on their core offerings. Agencies will need to help clients cut through the noise with razor-sharp messaging and clear value propositions – especially in e-commerce, where low-value goods will face increased scrutiny. Consumers will demand more thoughtful spending, creating opportunities for brands that effectively communicate quality and relevance.
In 2025, digital marketing agencies that embrace agility, precision and a data-driven approach will thrive. Those who adapt quickly to AI, platform shifts, and changing consumer expectations will come out on top.
2025 Business Predictions: Sam Savage, Managing Director at Acorn Analytical Services
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 Sam Savage, Managing Director at Acorn Analytical Services.
2025 will be difficult to predict in the asbestos industry due to the continued economic uncertainty and subdued growth for all sectors.
Although compliance should be mandatory, we often see many companies cutting back on health and safety and compliance to funnel funding to other areas.
With National Insurance contributions and wages also going up, costs are due to increase for businesses across the board.
The cost of asbestos removal is also likely to go up with the increase in landfill tax due to be implemented in April 2025.
However, with the increased spotlight on asbestos within the government and the HSE, compliance should remain essential and the requirement for asbestos safety services should be high priority for firms.
We believe that heavily investing in innovation, technology and improving the customer experience will be the key to success in 2025.
Artificial Intelligence will continue to have an influence over how companies operate as the limits to this technology are endless, particularly in our industry where programming multiple sites could be done at the touch of a button going forward.
Workforce training and development is also a vital tool for businesses to ensure staff are happy and retain their expertise. Your greatest asset is your people.
Manufacturing output volumes fall as cost pressures increase
Sentiment across the manufacturing sector fell at the fastest pace in over two years in January, according to the Confederation of British Industry’s (CBI) latest quarterly Industrial Trends Survey.
Manufacturing output volumes fell over the quarter to January, though less sharply than in the quarter to December. Output is expected to fall further in the three months to April.
The volume of total new orders decreased in the quarter to January, reflecting steep declines in both domestic and export orders, with the latter falling at the fastest pace since July 2020.
Over the next three months, manufacturers expect the volume of total new orders to fall at the fastest pace since the onset of the COVID pandemic in April 2020, with 79% of respondents citing the condition of order books as a factor likely to limit output over the next quarter (the highest share since July 2020).
Manufacturers reported increased cost pressures: growth in average costs accelerated in the quarter to January, compared with October, while expectations for growth in costs in the three months ahead rose to their strongest in over two years.
Domestic and export selling price inflation was muted in the three months to January, but both are expected to rise rapidly in the three months to April.
Investment intentions for the year ahead have deteriorated markedly across all categories. Manufacturers expect to reduce spending on buildings, plant & machinery, product & process innovation (which saw the weakest balance since 2009), and on training & retraining.
Manufacturers cited uncertainty about demand, inadequate net returns and access to internal finance as key factors constraining investment.
The outlook for hiring has also weakened. Manufacturing headcount fell slightly in the quarter to January, and manufacturers expect numbers to fall again in the quarter to April, and at the fastest pace since July 2020.
Ben Jones, Lead Economist, CBI, said: “Manufacturers have entered the New Year in a grim mood. Confidence has evaporated over the last three months as orders have dropped.
“A fall in domestic deliveries comes amid widespread concerns over the impact of the increase in National Insurance contributions, minimum wages and changes to employment law on firms’ operating costs. And a strong focus on managing operational expenditure is leading manufacturers to cut back their investment and hiring plans.
“Meanwhile, export prospects appear worse than at any time since the pandemic, reflecting a slowdown in overseas demand and reports of ongoing difficulties securing supply contracts with customers based in the EU.
“In comments to the survey, several firms noted concern that negative sentiment risks becoming self-fulfilling.
“The government can play a role in re-booting confidence by sending clear signals of intent on policies that could support the manufacturing sector, notably delivering an industrial strategy that helps the UK win the global race for growth, matching skills to economic needs, and accelerating our energy transition and resilience.”
2025 should be ‘year of action’ on equality, diversity and inclusion in East Midlands businesses
East Midlands Chamber is urging the region’s firms and political leaders to give greater priority to equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) after detailed research revealed barriers like a ‘fear of getting it wrong’ preventing faster progress.
Conducted by East Midlands Chamber in conjunction with Strategic Partner emh Group – which provides affordable homes, care and support – the research revealed a significant rise in the number of East Midlands businesses that have adopted an EDI policy to nearly 7 out of 10, while there was no change in the number of businesses (2 out of 10) saying there is ‘no benefit’ in having a structure.
Over 300 East Midlands businesses took part in the research, with data collected in 2024 compared to the previous year to track progress and form recommendations for businesses and political leaders.
Key findings from East Midlands businesses:
- 7 out of 10 businesses have an EDI policy
- The top benefit of an EDI policy reported as ‘an inclusive environment’
- EDI policies are more common – up from 5 out of 10 businesses the previous year
- Fear of ‘getting it wrong’ is the main barrier to an EDI policy, reported by more than a third
- 2 out of 10 believe an EDI policy has ‘no benefits’
- Bring EDI learning into leadership training
- Celebrate best EDI practice
- Help develop training programmes for EDI
- Help businesses with messaging
Unexpected dip in corporate insolvencies, but figures still soar above pre-pandemic levels
An unexpected year-on-year dip in the number of corporate insolvencies in England and Wales does not reflect current tough trading conditions, with figures still soaring above pre-pandemic levels.
This is according to the Midlands branch of the UK’s insolvency and restructuring trade body R3 and comes on the back of figures published this week by the Insolvency Service which show that seasonally adjusted corporate insolvencies decreased by 5.1% against 2023’s annual figures, falling to 23,872 from 25,163, but increased by 7.9% on 2022’s figure of 22,129.
Corporate insolvencies numbered 1,838 in December, which is 6% lower than the 1,962 in November and 14% lower than the 2,139 in December 2023. These figures, however, remain significantly higher than those seen both during the COVID-19 pandemic and between 2014 and 2019.
R3 Midlands Chair Stephen Rome, a partner at law firm Penningtons Manches Cooper in the region, said: “Despite a year-on-year decline in corporate insolvency numbers, the figures for this year are still higher than in 2022 and well above pre-pandemic levels.
“They have been driven by another year of high costs and a series of political, economic and geopolitical events which have taken a toll on businesses here in the Midlands and nationally. R3 members have told us that the Election, the Budget and the conflict in the Middle East have all led to increases in enquiries and requests for advice and support.
“From a sectoral perspective, retail, hospitality and construction have all suffered this past year. All three of these industries have been hit hard by continued rises in expenses, while retail and hospitality have been affected by cautious consumer spending, and construction by bad weather and the delay to project starts and commissions caused by the General Election.
“Going forward, these are the sectors likely to be most affected by the Chancellor’s planned increases in Minimum Wage, Living Wage and Employers’ National Insurance Contributions. Although it’s likely we won’t see the impact of these on corporate insolvency figures until the end of the first, or possibly the middle of the second, quarter of this year, the prospect of their introduction is already causing concern for businesses right across the economy.
“R3’s message to anyone who is worried about finances is to seek advice as soon as possible. We’ve seen countless examples of businesses reaching out too late and which could have achieved a more positive outcome if they had acted sooner.
“Most R3 members will give prospective clients a free initial consultation to learn more about their situation and outline the potential options open to them to improve it.”
Market Harborough food group gobbles up Yorkshire chocolatier
Bramble Foods Group, a supplier of branded ambient foods, has acquired Whitakers Chocolates, Yorkshire’s renowned chocolatiers since 1889.
This strategic move strengthens the Bramble Foods portfolio, uniting two family-owned brands.
Whitakers Chocolates has been at the heart of British chocolate-making for 135 years, crafting luxurious confectionery for retail, private label, and food service markets. The acquisition builds on a trusted working relationship spanning 17 years, during which Whitakers has been a key supplier to Bramble Foods Group.
Tony Foster, Managing Director of Bramble Foods, said: “We are delighted to welcome Whitakers Chocolates to the Bramble Foods Group and look forward to working with William and his team to further develop the business.
“Whitakers is a well-run business with a long history of producing excellent products, this coupled with a broad customer base and dedicated team of employees attracted us to the business. As a family, Whitakers is our longest standing supplier having worked together for over 40 years.”
Founded in 2008 by brothers Nigel and Tony Foster, alongside Chris Neville and Ken Osborne, from its Market Harborough headquarters Bramble Foods produces a wide range of premium products, including its largest category confectionery, traditional cakes, award-winning preserves, and chutneys, while supporting local employment and suppliers.
William Whitaker, Managing Director of Whitakers Chocolates, said: “As a fourth-generation member of the Whitaker family, chocolate has been at the very heart of my life for as long as I can remember.
“I am delighted that Whitakers Chocolates have joined the Bramble Foods Group as it is a wonderful opportunity to share our knowledge and invest for the future together. Whilst I will always carry the immense pride and heritage we’ve built over 135 years, I recognise that now is the right time to pass on our cherished traditions to a company that can develop the business further.”
The Whitakers Chocolates management team, led by William Whitaker, will remain in place.
Bramble Foods was backed by LDC, the private equity investor which is part of Lloyds Banking Group, in 2022 and since then LDC has supported Tony and the wider management team as they deliver their organic and acquisitive growth strategy.
East Midlands estate agency expands coverage with acquisition
Estate agency Pygott & Crone has expanded its coverage in the East Midlands by acquiring an existing established agency in Wollaton, Nottingham.
Pygott & Crone will now operate with a High Street office in the Bramcote Lane shopping area. The Wollaton team will also be supported by the existing team at the Nottingham city centre branch.
Established in 1991 in Lincolnshire, Pygott & Crone initially expanded into Nottingham in 2017, and in recent years has seen significant growth in both the sales and lettings divisions.
Paul Wood, director at Pygott & Crone, said: “I’m pleased to announce the opening of our Wollaton branch which provides us with a significant boost in the East Midlands, and will complement our Nottingham city centre branch really well.
“Wollaton’s a great location to be in, with easy access to the M1 motorway and convenient free parking outside. It’s a natural extension to our existing operating area.
“A warm welcome to the Wollaton team into the Pygott & Crone family. They have done a fantastic job in providing a service to the local area to date and I look forward to the next stage of the journey together.”
With this announcement, Pygott & Crone now employ over 85 people in the region across nine branches, plus an office in the City of London.
Mark Brayfield, national lettings director at Pygott & Crone, said: “I’m really excited about the addition of the Wollaton branch which will further speed up the growth of our lettings business in Greater Nottingham.
“Over the last 18 months we have doubled the number of properties we manage nationally through organic growth and some acquisitions. This continued expansion aligns nicely with our planned expansion over the next couple of years to proactively grow our lettings business.”
rg+p secures six education schemes and framework success
The Project Management & Cost Consultancy team at multi-disciplinary practice, rg+p Ltd, has won six significant projects in the education sector as well as a framework success.
“These new projects are a mix of refurb and new build schemes, and have all been secured over the last 18 months or so as investment in the education sector has accelerated,” explains the firm’s director, Mitch Dale.
“The School Rebuilding Programme is a major contributor to this, so we were pleased the Autumn Budget allocated an additional £1.4bn to allow this to continue, along with £2.1m to maintain and improve school buildings, £300m for college estate investment, and £1bn towards the transformation of the Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system.
“These pledges represent a necessary boost for the sector and will ensure learning environments are upgraded to help the next generation succeed.
“In addition to these six projects, we were also pleased to be reconfirmed as a preferred supplier on the West Northamptonshire Council Multiple Consultant Framework for the provision of Professional Design, Technical and Estates services.
“We were successful in the Project Management, QS & Cost Consultant, and Clerk of Works lots and are now supporting delivery of a trio of major schemes in the region.”
In the village of Tiffield, West Northamptonshire, rg+p is acting as Employer’s Agent and QS on the £22m Tiffield Academy, a SEND school for 4-18 year olds.
Currently under construction by Willmott Dixon, this new school will include specialist teaching spaces, soft playroom, sensory room, rebound therapy room, playground, outdoor soft and hard play areas, and will accommodate 230 pupils. This is on track for delivery in summer 2025.
Also in Tiffield is the £5.2m refurbishment of the Gateway School, which will provide 55 places for students with social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs together with enhanced sports and leisure facilities, including reopening the existing swimming pool.
Finally, in the sustainable urban extension of Overstone Leys, rg+p has been appointed as the contract administrator and QS on an £11.5m new primary school, designed by PHP Architects, to serve 420 pupils.
Outside of Northamptonshire, additional new schemes include:
- All Saints College in Notting Hill – a £4.8m expansion to include a new three-storey extension as well as refurbishments to kitchen/diner, dance studios and façade.
- Homefield College, Mountsorrel – a £1.3m refurbishment of an existing village hall into teaching accommodation for the specialist SEND college.
- Oaktree School, Enfield – a £5m phased extension of this school and sixth form college
Greenfields powers to £1m revenue
Energy management consultancy Greenfields Energy Group has hit the £1m revenue figure – 18 months after launching.
Greenfields is six months ahead of the schedule set by founders Liam Conway and Rich Clark after winning a string of new clients from the manufacturing, retail, hospitality and education sectors.
Just this week, the firm – which has offices Swadlincote – confirmed the hire of Kim Haddock as Account Director, following in the footsteps last year of Neil Freeman and Lindsay Williams, the latter joining as Head of Energy Bureau.
“Businesses are facing cost challenges on every front and are keen to explore how they can make their operations more efficient, gain a bit of certainty in the market and reduce costs if that’s possible,” explained Liam, who has worked in the sector for fifteen years.
“Uncertainty and bad deals have left management teams looking for a trusted consultant, who can be a constant source of advice, reassurance and insight. They don’t want someone to speak to them once, fix a deal and then go silent on them until it’s time to sign a new contract.” He continued: “And that’s where we come in.”
In another milestone, the business has just signed up its 100th company.
Liam concluded: “18 months after launching and we’re looking after £130m of utilities spend, which shows the faith and trust our clients have in us.
“With the plans we’ve got in place and the further recruitment of another two people, I think we could easily grow by a further 50% by the end of 2025.”
New bridge over River Trent and 819 homes given green light
Vistry Group, the provider of affordable mixed-tenure homes, has gained planning approval from South Derbyshire District Council and East Staffordshire Borough Council to start work on a new bridge over the River Trent and the next phase of 819 family homes at Dracan Village, Burton-on-Trent.
Phil McHugh, Managing Director of Vistry North West Midlands, said: “We are thrilled to have been granted planning permission to commence work on the new bridge which will replace the inadequate one-lane bailey bridge in neighbouring Walton-on-Trent.
“We plan to start work immediately to enable better access to the area and cut down on traffic congestion.
“We’re also excited to have the green light to start work on the next 819 properties on the development, providing housing opportunities to people from all walks of life.
“It’s an honour to be part of this area’s growth and development and to be entrusted with the build of these much-needed new homes, which will regenerate brownfield land and create a thriving and sustainable community.”
So far, in the first phase of the development, nearly 500 families have moved into the 2,000-home development, which comprises two-, three- and four-bedroom homes built on the footprint of the former Drakelow power station.
Vistry has forged partnerships with Midland Heart to deliver over 450 affordable homes and Sigma to deliver over 195 homes for the private rental sector. The remaining homes are being sold on the open market under Vistry’s Countryside Homes brand.
The site has been developed with the local environment in mind. Vistry has reduced the number of lorry movements in the local area by recycling over 95% of all excavated materials on the site, reducing waste, CO2 emissions and unnecessary site traffic.
In addition, all the homes will be built using modern methods of construction, with open panels being manufactured at Vistry’s local modular factories in Leicestershire, meaning each modular home emits 14,460 kg CO2e less than a traditional brick-and-block house.
Work will start on the new bridge immediately with a view to completing in just over 12 months.
Nottingham construction sector supplier follows relocation with acquisition of London business
Nottingham-based construction sector supplier MIDFIX, has acquired Hobby Homes, a long-established supplier of fixings, cable management, and supports based in London.
This marks the business’s second major investment of the year, following the relocation of the MIDFIX HQ to Power Park.
The acquisition brings together a combined 110 years of expertise.
Adrian Fowler, Managing Director of MIDFIX, said: “This is an exciting moment for both companies. By combining our strengths, we are not only expanding our capabilities but also reinforcing our commitment to advancing the people and industries we serve.
“We look forward to building on the solid foundations of both businesses to deliver even greater value to our customers.”
David Tottman, Director of Hobby Homes, said: “It is essential that businesses operating within the construction industry whether they are manufacturers, suppliers or contractors, maintain a steady and continual direction of improvement and development.
“Over the past few years, we as a company have been searching for solutions to the increased demands from our customers and I am delighted to say that joining forces with MIDFIX and the vast array of resources and products that they have to offer will not only fulfill these demands but lead to an exciting future not only for us but also our many customers.”
Both companies will continue to operate independently over the next 12 months.
