UK Government introduces measures to support the automotive sector amidst global challenges

April Lara
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UK Government introduces measures to support the automotive sector amidst global challenges

The UK Government has unveiled a set of measures aimed at securing the future of the domestic car industry, which has been under increasing pressure due to global factors, including US tariffs and the ongoing shift to electric vehicles (EVs).

The automotive sector has faced significant difficulties recently, including a 25% tariff on exports to the US, which has raised concerns over potential job losses and economic impact. The Government’s new initiatives are designed to mitigate these challenges and support the transition to electric mobility, a critical component of the industry’s long-term strategy.

One of the key changes is a revision to the zero-emission vehicle mandate, which will provide greater flexibility to manufacturers in meeting the 2030 target for phasing out petrol and diesel cars. This includes extending allowances for hybrid vehicles and offering exemptions for smaller manufacturers, such as McLaren and Aston Martin. In addition, the financial penalties for manufacturers failing to meet EV targets have been reduced from £15,000 to £12,000 per non-compliant vehicle.

Nissan, which has significant operations in the UK, will benefit from these adjustments. The company, which focuses on exporting vehicles primarily to Europe, is on track to expand production at its Sunderland plant. The launch of new electric models, including the next-generation Leaf, Juke, and Micra, is expected to strengthen its market position, with 2024 projections showing a rise in production and revenues.

While the measures are a step in the right direction, some industry leaders have voiced concerns that they do not go far enough to address the broader challenges manufacturers face. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has welcomed the flexibility provided to car makers, but cautioned that a more comprehensive approach is needed to stimulate demand for EVs, beyond the current focus on quotas and penalties.

The Government’s efforts aim to balance the need for environmental progress with the economic realities of a rapidly changing global market, offering a mix of regulatory adjustments and targeted support to help the UK automotive sector remain competitive on the world stage. However, as manufacturers continue to face mounting pressure, many are calling for further action, particularly on the demand-side incentives necessary to accelerate EV adoption among consumers.

Urban noise complaints highlight growing concern over hearing health

April Lara
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Urban noise complaints highlight growing concern over hearing health

Manchester, Hull, and Portsmouth are among the UK cities with the highest number of noise complaints since 2020, with Derby also emerging as one of the noisiest urban areas, according to a recent study.

Specsavers commissioned the survey of over 2,000 urban residents and backed it with data from Freedom of Information requests to local councils. The aim was to spotlight rising levels of noise pollution in UK cities and its connection to hearing health.

Manchester topped the list with more than 31,000 noise complaints, while Hull and Portsmouth followed closely at around 14,000 each. Other cities with high complaint volumes include Leicester (13,900), Bradford, Liverpool, and Newcastle (all over 11,000), and Leeds (10,000).

London boroughs collectively reported more than 440,000 complaints. Islington and Kensington & Chelsea each recorded over 60,000.

Regarding public perception, 54% of urban residents believe their environment has become louder over the last five years. Traffic, construction, emergency sirens, and noisy neighbours were the most disruptive sources. Over half of those surveyed said urban noise affects their concentration and sleep, and more than 60% believe it has worsened their hearing.

Despite growing concerns, nearly half of respondents have never had a hearing check, even though many report issues with hearing clarity and social engagement.

Government injects £38m to accelerate zero-emission bus rollout and green jobs

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Government injects £38m to accelerate zero-emission bus rollout and green jobs

The UK government has announced a £38 million investment to support the deployment of 319 zero-emission buses by 2027, reinforcing its commitment to decarbonising public transport and stimulating growth in green industries.

The funding, part of the Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) programme, is directed at local authorities to expand their electric bus fleets, reduce emissions, and create jobs in manufacturing, construction, and engineering.

Key allocations include nearly £20 million to the West of England Combined Authority for 160 electric buses, £3.9 million to Hull City Council for 42 buses, and £2.3 million to Nottinghamshire County Council, also for 42 vehicles. Additional funding will support similar initiatives in other regions.

The investment contributes to the UK’s broader plan to phase out diesel and petrol buses, with the goal of reaching a fully zero-emission bus fleet. It also aligns with the Bus Services Bill, which is designed to give local authorities more control over service delivery and modernisation.

Private operators are expected to co-invest, accelerating the transition to cleaner fleets and reinforcing public-private collaboration in building a sustainable transport infrastructure.

Hat-trick of property panel reappointments for Gateley Legal

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Hat-trick of property panel reappointments for Gateley Legal
Gateley Legal’s specialist residential development team has secured a trio of legal panel reappointments for Bellway Homes, McCarthy Stone and Taylor Wimpey. The legal business, which has offices in Nottingham, has been advising Taylor Wimpey for more than 30 years and recently celebrated its 20-year anniversary of working with Bellway Homes. The team has been reappointed to the streamlined panels covering all regions for both housebuilders. It will provide support on a wide range of property, construction, disputes, commercial, regulatory and compliance matters. Following five years of service, Gateley Legal has also been reappointed by retirement living developer, McCarthy Stone, across all its regions to cover land acquisition, planning and plot sales matters, as well as construction, litigation and fire safety work. In addition to core legal advice, complementary support will be provided through the technical expertise of its property and construction consultancies within the wider Gateley group. This includes assisting with utility diversions and new connections, surveying matters, project management and capital allowances. Callum Nuttall, partner and national head of the residential development team at Gateley Legal, said: “We are delighted to be continuing our long-term relationships with Bellway Homes, McCarthy Stone and Taylor Wimpey. “These reappointments are a result of the hard work of our brilliant people, a series of strong lateral partner hires and our unrivalled multi-disciplinary offering which sees us providing both legal and consultancy services under one roof to meet the needs of both clients and the market.”

Skegness station upgrade delayed after contractor exits project

April Lara
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Skegness station upgrade delayed after contractor exits project

A £3.3 million redevelopment of Skegness railway station has stalled after the appointed contractor, Taziker Ltd, withdrew from the project. East Midlands Railway (EMR), which is overseeing the scheme, is now in the process of sourcing a new delivery partner.

The revamp is part of a broader investment funded through the government’s Town Deal programme and aims to improve passenger flow by reconfiguring the station’s internal layout.

Originally scheduled for completion by 25 May, the timeline is now uncertain. EMR has reaffirmed its commitment to the project and is working to minimise disruption while securing a new contractor.

For businesses involved in infrastructure, transport, or town centre regeneration, the delay highlights the potential risks of contractor dependency in publicly funded development schemes.

n Industries takes majority stake in Derbyshire industrial brake, clutch and friction materials supplier

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n Industries takes majority stake in Derbyshire industrial brake, clutch and friction materials supplier
n Industries Group has acquired a majority stake in Industrial Clutch Parts (ICP), a Derbyshire-based supplier of mission and safety critical industrial brakes, clutches, friction materials and couplings. ICP is a specialist distributor for many major industrial brake and clutch brands including WPT, Danfoss Airflex and Goizper, complemented by a portfolio of own brand products and aftermarket parts and consumables. With additional in-house manufacturing and refurbishment capabilities, ICP is a global business serving growing end markets such as wind energy, process industries, metal pressing, medical and mining. n Industries Group CEO, Jonathan Bates-Kawachi said: “It is a great pleasure to welcome ICP to the n Industries Group. ICP is one of the leading specialist distributors and manufacturers of brakes, clutches and friction materials globally. The safety critical nature of their products makes ICP a strong fit with our mission to build a group of high-quality industrial businesses.” ICP’s Managing Director, Chris Holmes, said: “Our decision to welcome n Industries as a majority stakeholder was driven by their innovative business model, which perfectly aligns with our ethos of remaining autonomous. “This deal mirrors n-industries recent investment in our sister company Friction Technology Limited and gives us the necessary capital and confidence to accelerate our growth. This is excellent news for customers and all our major supply partners who will benefit directly from our expansion initiatives. “I am particularly excited for the younger members of our team to work alongside Jonathan Bates-Kawachi and Duncan Penny, who has achieved remarkable success in growing SMEs. Their expertise and vision will be invaluable as we take this next step in our journey. Together, we are poised to build on our strong foundation and deliver enhanced value to our customers, supply partners and stakeholders.”

Nottingham College to deliver Halfords apprenticeship training academy

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Nottingham College to deliver Halfords apprenticeship training academy
Nottingham College has been appointed to deliver bespoke apprenticeship training for household brand, Halfords.
The partnership will initally see apprentices undertake a Light Vehicle Technician Level 3 programme. Apprentices, who will study at Emtec, part of Nottingham College’s Ruddington campus, may also be fast tracked to qualify more quickly, if they demonstrate advanced technical ability. As part of the agreement, Halfords has taken on a physical unit at Ruddington, with the option to be able to expand into further space to accommodate the growing programme. Lindsey Smith, Assistant Principal at Ruddington campus, said: “We are really pleased to have won part of the Halfords apprenticeship training provision. Emtec is a globally renowned provider of exceptional education and training, so it’s fitting that a national household name has trusted us to deliver their apprenticeship programme. “We have already started welcoming apprentices through our doors and we look forward to building on this new relationship in the coming months and years.” Daniel McCann, Head of Skills Development at Halfords, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Nottingham College to deliver bespoke apprenticeship training for our future technicians. “Investing in the next generation of professionals is a key priority for us, and Nottingham College’s expertise in apprenticeship training makes them the ideal partner for this initiative.”

Salaries frozen and pay rises delayed ahead of employers’ NIC rise

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Salaries frozen and pay rises delayed ahead of employers’ NIC rise
Salaries have been frozen and pay rises have been delayed ahead of the rise in employers’ National Insurance Contributions (NIC), which came into force on Sunday, a new survey has found. More than a third of Midlands businesses (37%) have taken action on pay since the October Budget to prepare for the increase in both employers’ NIC and the National Minimum Wage (NMW). More than a third of regional businesses (34%) have also chosen to use contract workers instead of recruiting, with 28% imposing a full recruitment ban. More than a third of Midlands businesses (37%) have chosen an alternative route by introducing or enhancing salary sacrifice schemes. BDO’s Economic Engine survey of 500 mid-market businesses found that while some businesses have taken drastic action ahead of the changes, others are looking at ways to help retain and motivate staff in 2025, as costs increase within businesses. According to the BDO survey, 37% of regional businesses are exploring new awards schemes to improve employee engagement, with nearly a third (31%) looking at flexible working and 34% planning to introduce wellbeing programmes. Commenting on the survey findings, Steve Talbot, Head of Employment Tax at BDO in the Midlands, said: “The increases to employers’ National Insurance Contributions announced at the Budget, and the accompanying drop in the threshold at which NIC applies to employee earnings, have clearly forced many businesses in the region to take drastic action, freezing salaries and delaying pay rises, while also imposing full recruitment bans. “As our previous Economic Engine surveys have shown us, Midlands businesses are keen to explore other options, as a way of mitigating cost increases, while also helping to retain and motivate staff. Wellbeing, training, flexible working and award schemes rank highly, as business leaders try to think outside of the box when it comes to balancing two important factors – finances and staff.” Last week, the National Living Wage (for those aged 21 and over) also increased, rising by 6.7% to reach £12.21 per hour. Meanwhile, the NMW rates for those aged 18-20 increased by 16.3% to £10 per hour, while under 18s are now entitled to £7.55, up 18%. BDO has warned that businesses face a growing compliance risk with the new NMW rates in force from 1 April. If incentives such as pension or other salary sacrifice schemes push employees below the minimum wage floors, this could bring the risk of HMRC sanctions such as penalties of up to 200% and being named and shamed. Talbot said: “Those employers who have historically paid wages above the minimum levels may now find themselves in a position where they have to pay close attention to the rules to ensure they are NMW compliant. “There are a number of risk areas for employers to consider – notably around salary sacrifice, deductions for uniforms or accommodation, or memberships of savings clubs that could in certain circumstances tip them over the threshold into non-compliance. “All too often, we see household names appearing on the list of companies judged to have breached the NMW rules, many of whom are likely to have been tripped up on technicalities.”

Staffline “delighted” with “outstanding performance in 2024”

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Staffline “delighted” with “outstanding performance in 2024”
The CEO of Staffline is “delighted” with the Nottingham recruitment group’s “outstanding performance in 2024,” he has announced in audited results for the year. The firm saw a 14% increase in revenue, from £871.3m in 2023 to £992.9m in 2024, due to market share gains and the increase in the National Living Wage. Meanwhile, underlying operating profit exceeding market expectations, growing to £10.1m from £7.2m, and gross profit increased to £70.8m from £64.2m. The business also reduced its losses with a loss after tax of £8.3m compared to £11m in the year prior, while pre-tax losses of £2.1m in 2023 turned into a £5m pre-tax profit. Looking ahead, Staffline noted that headwinds caused by the proposed increases in employers national insurance rates have reduced business confidence, causing caution about prospects for the year. Contributing to this caution are interest rate levels, which remain higher than anticipated. The firm, however, expects continued growth in essential workforce solutions offered by its blue-collar temporary recruitment service, “driven by a strong pipeline and good momentum in new business.” Trading is anticipated to remain in line with current management expectations for 2025. The results follow the £12m disposal of PeoplePlus in early 2025, to create a pure-play recruitment platform, underpinning further share buybacks and providing working capital for growth. Albert Ellis, Chief Executive Officer of Staffline, said: “I am delighted with Staffline’s outstanding performance in 2024, with the ongoing commitment of the Group’s staff and leadership team central to achieving these results, alongside tight control of our cost base. “In addition, our success in maintaining excellence in delivery over the crucial Pre-Christmas peak trading period in the food retailing and logistics sectors remains a key feature of our impressive financial performance. “There is no question that the recruitment market remains challenging but the combination of Staffline’s extensive scale and reach, market leadership and strong brand has ensured we continue to outperform in an uncertain market, remaining the trusted partner of choice. “Our strategy is now firmly focused on our recruitment activities, and the disposal of PeoplePlus allows us to dedicate greater focus and resources on continuing to deliver the organic growth strategy and accelerating value creation for our shareholders.”

Council rejects plans for new Hindu and Sikh crematorium in Leicestershire

April Lara
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Council rejects plans for new Hindu and Sikh crematorium in Leicestershire

Plans to build a purpose-built crematorium catering to Hindu and Sikh communities have been rejected by Harborough Borough Council, citing concerns about the scale and suitability of the development.

The proposal, submitted by CDS Group, aimed to demolish a 19th-century farmhouse and associated outbuildings at Scraptoft Lodge Farm, Keyham Lane, in East Scraptoft. The development included two chapels capable of holding up to six ceremonies daily.

Despite receiving 56 letters of support and 30 objections, councillors concluded that the facility’s size and design would not align with the rural character of the surrounding area. Additional concerns were raised around increased traffic and inadequate parking infrastructure.

The council determined that the crematorium’s proposed benefits, including increased inclusivity and service provision for underrepresented communities, did not outweigh the impact on the local environment. The application was formally refused during the latest planning committee session.

This outcome may prompt the applicant to revise the proposal or consider alternative locations that are more aligned with local planning frameworks.

Entrepreneurs Circle secures £500k for new Solihull training hub

April Lara
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Entrepreneurs Circle secures £500k for new Solihull training hub

Entrepreneurs Circle, a support network for UK small businesses, has secured £500,000 from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II to expand its operations with a new training centre in Solihull.

The Birmingham-based organisation plans to move into a 15,000 sq ft facility, tripling its current space and creating a dedicated event and training centre for up to 100 entrepreneurs daily. The expansion is expected to generate 12 new jobs, adding to its existing 50-person team.

Entrepreneurs Circle runs monthly networking events in over 100 UK towns and provides marketing advice, coaching, and training to small business owners. In 2024, the group saw a 25% increase in membership and a 37% rise in revenue.

The funding comes via Frontier Development Capital, which manages the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II on behalf of the British Business Bank. The initiative aims to boost regional business growth and address access-to-finance challenges for SMEs.

Rolls-Royce shares drop amid rising trade tensions

April Lara
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Rolls-Royce shares drop amid rising trade tensions

Rolls-Royce’s stock price fell by as much as 10%, hitting a one-month low of 682p. The decline follows growing concerns over escalating global trade disputes, particularly between the US and China, which have put significant pressure on markets.

Based in Derby, Rolls-Royce is a major exporter of aircraft and marine engines, making it highly vulnerable to disruptions in international trade. The new tariffs announced by both the US and China have intensified concerns. China has imposed a 34% retaliatory tariff on US goods, while the US introduced a 20% levy on European imports. The tensions surrounding these moves have triggered fears about the broader impact on global trade, with companies like Rolls-Royce at risk due to their extensive global supply chains.

The UK market also saw significant losses, with the FTSE 100 dropping nearly 4% and the FTSE 250 losing over 3%. European markets were similarly affected, with Germany’s DAX and France’s CAC 40 both seeing declines of 5% and 4%, respectively.

In an effort to mitigate the effects of the ongoing trade war, Rolls-Royce announced plans to shift some of its engine production to the US. This strategy aims to reduce the impact of US tariffs, with the company exploring the potential for relocating some of its production to American facilities.

Two Chicks sells majority stake to Eurovo

April Lara
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Two Chicks sells majority stake to Eurovo

Two Chicks, a Kettering-based producer of liquid egg whites, has sold a majority stake in its business to Eurovo Group for an undisclosed amount. The deal will enable Two Chicks to access Eurovo’s extensive resources to support its growth and expansion.

Founded in 2007 by Anna Richey and Alla Ouvarova, Two Chicks was the first company to introduce liquid egg whites into the UK retail market, creating a new product category. The company has become a market leader, doubling its turnover in the past two years.

Eurovo, one of Europe’s largest egg producers, has partnered with Two Chicks since 2015. In 2024, the Italian family-owned company reported approximately €1.25 billion in revenue and serves around 5,000 customers across over 40 countries.

Two Chicks products are available in major UK supermarkets such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Lidl, and the brand has expanded its reach to international markets, including France, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and the UAE. The acquisition will allow Two Chicks to broaden its product range, enter new markets, and strengthen its international presence.

The founding team, led by Richey and Ouvarova, will remain with the business and continue as shareholders. They will work closely with Eurovo to drive innovation and achieve shared growth objectives.

Haines Watts Leicester Ltd reaffirms independence amidst changes to East Midlands network

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Haines Watts Leicester Ltd reaffirms independence amidst changes to East Midlands network
Haines Watts Leicester Ltd, which provides accountancy, tax, R&D, and business advisory services, has confirmed its continued commitment to the Haines Watts brand and its decision to remain independent, following recent changes elsewhere in the East Midlands network. While former entities have been acquired by private equity-backed businesses, Haines Watts Leicester Ltd has made a “clear and conscious decision” not to be part of that transaction. “We believe that staying independent and true to the Haines Watts ethos is the right decision for our clients, our people, and our future,” said Shazin Tayub, Director at Haines Watts Leicester Ltd. “Our clients value the deep relationships we build with them and the continuity of service they receive is invaluable to support their needs,” added Shazin.

HCR Hewitsons bolsters East Midlands operations with key partner hires

April Lara
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HCR Hewitsons bolsters East Midlands operations with key partner hires

HCR Hewitsons has reinforced its East Midlands operations with the addition of two new partners at its Northampton office, signalling the firm’s strategic commitment to supporting regional businesses. These appointments come as the firm seeks to expand its presence in the area and cater to growing client demand for specialised legal services.

The firm’s Northampton office, which relocated to Lancaster House in 2022, has become a strategic hub for HCR Hewitsons. The move is part of a broader plan to strengthen its service offering to businesses and individuals in the region, including its role as the Official Legal Partner to Northampton Saints.

In January, Haydon Simmonds joined as a Partner in the firm’s Banking and Finance team. Specialising in corporate banking, Simmonds brings a wealth of experience advising on complex funding deals across various industries, including automotive retail, real estate, and healthcare. His appointment reflects the increased demand for banking and finance legal services in the Midlands.

Shortly after, Rachel Gwynne took on the role of Partner and Head of Charities and Not-for-Profit. With a reputation for expertise in charity law, Gwynne joins from a national firm and has a proven track record of advising over 400 organisations. Her team holds a Tier 1 ranking in the Legal 500, solidifying the firm’s position as a leader in the sector.

These appointments highlight HCR Hewitsons’ ongoing investment in its Central England operations, ensuring the firm remains well-positioned to support the diverse needs of businesses and charitable organisations across the East Midlands.

Midlands mid-market braces for tariff impact

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Midlands mid-market braces for tariff impact
Over half of Midlands mid-market businesses have said that they expect to be directly affected ‘to a significant extent’ by the US Government tariffs, according to the latest survey from accountancy and business advisory firm BDO. Its survey of 500 mid-market businesses conducted between 24 March and 2 April – before the US administration’s tariff announcement – shows that regional businesses were realistic about the possible impact of the policy change, with 54% saying they expected to be directly affected ‘to a significant extent’ while 46% said ‘to some extent’. No respondents said they would not be affected. Simon Bird, international tax partner at BDO in the Midlands, said: “Mid-market businesses in the Midlands have clearly seen the writing on the wall and have braced themselves for the impact of the US administration’s tariff policies. “However, this doesn’t mean that they are all prepared. Some UK companies will urgently need to take proactive measures to confirm the correctness of their goods classification and to verify the true country of origin for the goods they export into the US. “Supply chains can often be complex – for example, Chinese goods are often trans-shipped via other countries to the US but they remain of Chinese origin and would be subject to the tariff levels being placed on Chinese goods. “Longer term, many businesses will need to consider supply chain and wider operational footprint changes – such as changing the territory of sourcing and/or the location of their manufacturing operations.”

Nottingham planning consultancy forms 21-site partnership with housebuilder

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Nottingham planning consultancy forms 21-site partnership with housebuilder
Nottingham planning and urban design consultancy Nineteen47 has partnered with Sheffield-headquartered Honey to advise on all of the housebuilder’s 21 secured development sites. Nineteen47 is providing Honey with a combination of planning, urban design and visualisation services to support the housebuilder’s ongoing growth. Subject to planning, Honey’s sites will deliver 2,850 new homes across Yorkshire and the Midlands with a gross development value of £795m. Honey founder and chief executive, Mark Mitchell, said: “Nineteen47 have been instrumental in enabling our fast growth since day one. We benefit hugely from their integrated approach to planning, urban design and visualisation and how it enables us to gain consents. “We have the pleasure of working with a team of creative professionals at Nineteen47 full of enthusiasm and vibrancy who understand our business and our commercial requirements. We look forward to continuing to partner with them as we grow the Honey brand throughout Yorkshire and the Midlands.” Nineteen47 co-founder and urban design director, Richard Walshaw, said: “Honey is a remarkable business with a distinctive and fresh approach to housebuilding. “It is not very often that you get the opportunity to advise a housebuilder from its inception. We have been on an exhilarating journey in partnership with Honey and immersed ourselves within the business to fully understand what sets it apart. “Most importantly, we have been able to demonstrate the effectiveness of our integrated offer, which has allowed Honey to get on site and start building and selling homes to match its growth plans.”

Northampton College secures £1.9m for campus upgrades

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Northampton College secures £1.9m for campus upgrades

Northampton College has received £1.9 million in government funding to improve facilities across its three campuses, as part of the wider £302 million Plan for Change initiative targeting further education.

The investment will support upgrades to the college’s estates at Booth Lane and Lower Mounts in Northampton and Badby Road West in Daventry. The improvements are intended to modernise learning environments and support curriculum delivery for the 10,000 students.

This funding aligns with the government’s strategy to equip further education institutions with the infrastructure needed to train future skilled workers. The broader programme aims to address outdated college estates and ensure educational spaces meet modern demands, focusing on removing barriers to opportunity and supporting economic growth through skills development.

The funding signals continued government backing for vocational and technical education—an important pipeline for workforce development. It also opens potential opportunities for local suppliers and contractors involved in construction, technology, and campus services.

Landmark partnership between G F Tomlinson and University of Nottingham to drive innovation in para and inclusive sport

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Landmark partnership between G F Tomlinson and University of Nottingham to drive innovation in para and inclusive sport
G F Tomlinson has formed a long-term partnership with the University of Nottingham to further strengthen its para and inclusive sport offerings. This collaboration will enable the growth and development of the university’s para and inclusive sport offerings and forms a key step in the university’s overarching vision to be the sector leader in ensuring equity of opportunity for the whole of the university’s community. The new partnership will enable a range of initiatives to be implemented including increased Para athlete recruitment, growth of the BUCS Championship winning Wheelchair Basketball Team, increased numbers of students accessing the disability sport and fitness membership, and wider support to help the University Sports clubs grow their inclusive sport offer. G F Tomlinson has a long history working with the university, designing and building key facilities across its campuses. The university’s para-athletes and teams will work closely with G F Tomlinson to help drive new standards for inclusive design and build in the sector. Students will further benefit from this partnership with new year in industry placements and degree apprenticeship pathways being created with G F Tomlinson. Andy Sewards, Chairman, G F Tomlinson, said: “We are thrilled to be working with the university to further develop our expertise in inclusive design and build. The synergy we share is incredible, and we are proud to help develop a more inclusive campus environment alongside supporting the university community to thrive. “I have been incredibly inspired by the athletes I have met and the ambition of the university. I am so excited to see where this journey takes us all and we can’t wait to see Nottingham’s para-athletes competing on the world stage and more people than ever involved in the university’s sport programmes.” Jo Simpson, Chief Commercial Officer, said: “We want to be known as the sector leader for Para and inclusive sport. This new partnership is an exciting part of our journey to achieve this vision. Para sport can truly change lives and Tomlinson’s support to enable this strategy showcases their value led approach in all that they do. “This is a sector defining moment and one which will become the catalyst for an even more inclusive environment on our campuses and across the sector. It is a true showcase of how our partners can work with us to create a global leading vision and impact.” Professor Katherine Linehan, Pro-Vice Chancellor Education and Student Experience, added: “This new partnership with G F Tomlinson’s is ground-breaking. It allows us to work together to further drive new inclusive standards in both the construction and higher education sectors. “This collaboration facilitates the university’s commitment to become an organisation that is truly inclusive by design. It allows us to build on the strong foundation the inclusive sport team at the university have established to ensure that both recreational and professional sports opportunities are open to our whole community.”

Window signage restrictions put on hold as Derby reviews impact on local businesses

April Lara
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Window signage restrictions put on hold as Derby reviews impact on local businesses

Derby’s proposed restrictions on window signage have been delayed after business community opposition. The city’s planning commission approved most of the 2025 zoning and subdivision amendments on April 3 but paused changes related to window signage and duplex design for further review.

Currently, Derby exempts window signage from its sign regulations, allowing full window coverage. City staff proposed new limits, ranging from 10% of total façade area in residential zones to 35% in industrial areas. A 30% limit was suggested for the B-3 business district, aligning with wall sign rules.

Several local businesses and the Derby Chamber of Commerce raised concerns, citing the impact on visibility, branding, and operational benefits like temperature control and security. Instead of coverage limits, alternatives such as quality and maintenance standards were suggested.

The signage changes will be reviewed further before any decision is finalised. All other proposed zoning amendments were approved.

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