Midlands market remains robust as Mills & Reeve advises on eight deals

Tess Egginton
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Midlands market remains robust as Mills & Reeve advises on eight deals
Mills & Reeve has advised on eight deals in the first half of the year, with a combined deal value of close to £200 million. The Midlands corporate team has acted on a number of high-profile deals in the last six months, with 50% of transactions health-related and a quarter involving food and beverage companies. Half of deals in the first half of the year were cross-border, with one in four PE-backed. Ryan Hawley, corporate partner at Mills & Reeve in the Midlands, said: “The first half of the year has demonstrated that when high quality businesses come to market, there is a real appetite to get deals done – from both trade and PE-backed buyers. “Global and economic uncertainty has naturally created a more cautious deals environment, with greater focus on valuations and due diligence than ever before. However, certain sectors, such as health and care, manufacturing and construction, continue to attract the attention of both domestic and overseas buyers, as companies turn their attention towards strategic consolidation to drive growth and efficiencies.” Significant regional deals in H1 include advising the shareholders of Ambala on its acquisition by Cake Box plc. This strategic £22 million deal marks a significant milestone in the food industry, bringing together two renowned brands to create a unique blend of traditional and contemporary delicacies. Mills & Reeve also acted on the sale of Unisurge International Ltd. – the manufacturer and supplier of Custom Procedure Packs (CPTs), disposable surgical products, surgical instruments and further OR products – to Lohmann & Rauscher Group. In addition, the team advised on sale of residential care and support provider Creative Care to specialist support service Consensus. Both companies support people with autism, learning difficulties and other complex needs, with Creative Care running 10 residential services across the East Midlands. Junaid Haroon, corporate partner at Mills & Reeve in the Midlands, added: “The Midlands is a robust regional economy, with ambitious and high potential businesses at the heart of its success. “Strategic growth is a clear priority from both a political and business perspective, with significant investment being committed to the region. By creating the right environment for future growth, the region will continue to attract investment from both domestic and international investors looking to scale at pace through M&A.”

Strong half year results for Nottingham Building Society

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Strong half year results for Nottingham Building Society
Nottingham Building Society has achieved “strong financial results” in the six months ending 30 June 2025. The Society has seen £535.1m in new lending, up from £525.7m in the same period of 2024, and £4.4bn in total mortgage assets, growing from £3.9bn. The firm welcomed 4,076 new mortgage customers, a marginal increase from 4,069 last year, and saw a lift in total savings balance to £4.4bn, from £4bn. £82.1m in interest was paid to savers, increasing from £71.5m. Nottingham Building Society completed the first half of its financial year with a jump in profits, with £11m underlying profit before tax (2024: £9m), and £8m profit before tax (2024: £0.7m). Sue Hayes, CEO, said: “We’re pleased to report a positive performance for the first half of 2025 as we consolidate the momentum built during a landmark 2024. Last year, we passed the £5bn asset milestone, delivered significant growth and recorded our highest-ever savings levels. Entering this year, our focus has been on building long-term resilience – ensuring the right foundations are in place for a sustainable future. “Our strategy in 2025 is a deliberate one: to moderate lending growth while we implement new technology, strengthen our core banking systems and evolve our mortgage proposition to better serve customers who don’t fit the traditional mould. This transformation will enable us to grow with greater speed and agility in 2026 and beyond. “We’ve made great strides already. We’ve launched a new mortgage platform in July, diversified our funding through a successful public Residential Mortgage-Backed Security (‘RMBS’) issuance and continued to innovate for the benefit of our broker partners and members. Our digital and branch savers have benefitted from strong rates, particularly through our ISA products, whilst we’ve continued to support members through every channel. “We’ve also brought our new brand to life – publicly launched in October 2024 – with a positive increase in awareness and engagement. In May, we opened our first rebranded flagship branch in Nottingham City Centre, shaped by member and colleague feedback, with the response being overwhelmingly positive. “As a mutual, community impact remains a priority. Through our partnerships with Emmanuel House, Shelter and ThinkForward, we’re helping tackle homelessness and improve access to opportunities for young people. We’ve also continued to advocate for the interests of our members, including on issues such as ISA reforms. “While macroeconomic uncertainty and regulatory changes have added some external headwinds to the mortgage market, we remain focused on our transformation priorities. I’d like to thank our members for their continued loyalty and our colleagues for the passion and commitment they bring every day. Together, we’re building a stronger society for the future.”

Nottingham recruitment group hails “strong financial performance”

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Nottingham recruitment group hails “strong financial performance”
Staffline, the Nottingham recruitment group, has hailed a “strong financial performance” for the six months ended 30 June 2025. Revenue grew 8.7% to £485.8m, from £446.8m in the same period of 2024, which the company said was “supported by excellent new business momentum in the Period.” Profit before tax, meanwhile, doubled to £0.6m from £0.3m. The results follow the firm’s divestment of PeoplePlus, which completed in February, as Staffline transitions to a pure-play recruitment platform. Albert Ellis, CEO of Staffline, said: “I am delighted that the Group has produced such a strong financial and operational performance in the first half of the year. Pleasingly, Staffline continues to secure new business and grow our market share despite the ongoing challenging macro-economic backdrop within the UK economy. “Having now created a leading pure-play recruitment platform across both the blue and white-collar recruitment markets, following the divestment of PeoplePlus, we are ideally placed to continue to capitalise on a number of exciting new organic growth opportunities.”

Six in 10 East Midlands firms commit to employee volunteering

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Six in 10 East Midlands firms commit to employee volunteering
A new wave of workplace volunteering is reshaping how the East Midlands business community is approaching productivity and employee wellbeing. New research commissioned by national charity Royal Voluntary Service, found 62% of firms in the East Midlands now offer paid volunteering time to staff, with 28% introducing it in the last 12 months alone. The data suggests this uplift in volunteering in East Midlands companies is being driven by a desire to tackle employee burnout (38%), engage staff (43%) and boost performance (24%), as well as to deliver social impact – 87% of businesses in the region agree volunteering is important to their company purpose and ESG goals. 1,000 UK companies were questioned for the study, with the findings published in a new report: Untapped impact: unlocking the 140 million hour opportunity. The report also features new analysis by the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr), which reveals that increasing participation in employee volunteering could also generate substantial financial gains. Cebr’s analysis suggests the UK economy could stand to benefit from productivity gains worth £32.5 billion each year, or £5,239 per employee working in professional and managerial occupations – if workplace volunteering days were fully utilised. The study stresses these productivity gains could be higher still, if the voluntary efforts of those in other job roles were also considered and if paid volunteering time was offered to more employees. However, despite the momentum, across all regions, companies are not realising the full potential of their volunteering programmes. Employers offer an average of 2.3 days annually, but the study showed more than 140 million hours of gifted time went unused last year. Additionally, not all employees are being given equal access to volunteering opportunities – less than one in five (19%) firms with programmes offer it to all their employees. On average, just half of employees receive the benefit. Reasons businesses cited for not realising the potential of programmes included a lack of flexible one-off volunteering opportunities (28%) and team activities (17%), difficulty finding the right roles (21%), and not knowing where to start (12%). In response, Royal Voluntary Service has unveiled a new Volunteering Marketplace – a suite of services designed to help businesses build, embed and optimise their volunteering and social impact activities. Catherine Johnstone CBE, chief executive, Royal Voluntary Service, said: “Employee volunteering programmes are fast becoming one of the smartest investments a business can make. As our research shows, those who do it are seeing great results – from improved staff wellbeing and motivation to increased productivity. “If just some of those 140 million lost volunteering hours were used it could be transformational in its effect. With our new Volunteering Marketplace we will help unlock that potential – making volunteering work for more businesses and their employees and enabling them to click and connect to the causes they care about.” Chris Breen, head of economic insight at Cebr, added: “Business leaders and employees alike may wonder what’s in it for them when it comes to volunteering. Our research shows the answer is quite a lot. If every employee in a professional or managerial role offered volunteer days actually used them, it would have resulted in a £32.5 billion boost to UK productivity in 2024 alone.”

Knapton Wright backs the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025: “sponsoring a category was a natural choice for us”

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Knapton Wright backs the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025: “sponsoring a category was a natural choice for us”
Knapton Wright has joined the sponsor line up for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025, backing the Most Active Agent category. Knapton Wright is a marketing agency that works with brands that put people and the planet first. Whether you are aspiring to be better and do better, are already stuck into your sustainability journey but could be better at shouting about it, or need expert input on what step to take next, the team can support you with all of it. From heritage projects to sustainable development and renewables, the Knapton Wright team loves getting stuck into creating marketing that demonstrates the awesome work you’re doing. Alex Wright, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Knapton Wright, said: “As an agency that works with brands who put people and the planet first, sponsoring a category in the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025 – which is working to regionally recognise a sector that is increasingly emphasising the importance of sustainability across the board – was a natural choice for us. “Property and construction as a sector keeps the business world moving, often quite literally and provides essential expertise for businesses of all shapes and sizes. After years spent studying architecture and the built environment at The Bartlett, I’m always keen to support those doing great things in the industry. “As a creative agency, we love people who make a difference, bring great energy and make stuff happen. And, having worked with a handful of agents over the past few years, we’ve seen firsthand the time, knowledge and effort that goes into being a trusted partner for businesses looking for premises. In a time when the economy is feeling the pinch, it’s fantastic to see commercial agents being creative, innovative and recognising that first-class service is essential to ongoing success. “The team are looking forward to catching up with existing contacts and making new connections with the cream of the property and construction sectors at Trent Bridge in October, what a venue! It’ll be interesting to see which businesses are crowned category winners in what we know is a very competitive space.”
Guests network at the East Midlands Bricks Awards
The East Midlands Bricks Awards, which will take place on Thursday 2nd October at Nottingham’s famous Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, celebrates the successes of property and construction companies in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, and Northamptonshire. Recognising those behind the changing landscape of the East Midlands, the occasion highlights development projects, businesses, and people in commercial and public building across the region – from office, industrial and residential schemes, through to community projects such as leisure schemes and schools. It also toasts the work of architects, agencies, and those behind large schemes. Nominating a company or project for the awards is a great way to showcase your successes, recognise your team’s efforts, bolster morale, and reach our audience of over 60,000 business readers, while also offering a chance to connect with respected professionals. It’s completely free to enter and making the top three finalists in your category also wins you free tickets to the event. Alex Wright added: “Demonstrating what you can do and winning an award, or awards, for that, not only gives you the recognition you deserve, but is arguably the most impactful way to raise your business’s profile. People want to work with award-winning companies, and great people want to work for them, too. It’s not hard to see how effective awards can be when they’re included as part of your business development and recruitment activity. “The real value of entering isn’t just about winning either; it’s about the insight the process offers. Preparing an entry forces you to pause, reflect on achievements, identify areas for improvement, and celebrate success. Even if you don’t walk away with a trophy, you gain insights, benchmarking against peers, and opportunities to raise your profile through PR, networking, and credibility. “With nominations not closing until August 15th, businesses still have plenty of time to submit their applications. Our top tips? Use clear evidence and measurable results to back up your application. Show the judges what makes you stand out. Every word counts, use them wisely.”

To make a nomination for the 10th annual East Midlands Bricks Awards, please click here or on a category link below.

Categories include: All finalists will have the chance to take home the Overall Winner award, which this year comes with a grand prize of a year of marketing/publicity worth £20,000, with the opportunity to split or gift the marketing to a charity of your choice.

Nominations will close on Friday 15th August.

New for this year, all entrants will also have the opportunity to be featured on our dedicated nominee showcase on the East Midlands Business Link website, providing space for marketing your achievements. Upon submitting a nomination, we will get in touch for any information, imagery, and video nominees would like to be featured on their showcase page.

The East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025

What: The East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025 When: Thursday 2nd October (4.30pm – 7.30pm) Where: Derek Randall Suite, Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, Nottingham Keynote speaker: Councillor Nadine Peatfield – Leader of Derby City Council, Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Strategy and Policy, and Deputy Mayor of the East Midlands Tickets: Available here Dress code: Standard business attire Thanks to our sponsors:                                                                        

To be held at:

UK businesses face escalating financial distress amid tough economic conditions

April Lara
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UK businesses face escalating financial distress amid tough economic conditions

UK businesses are grappling with a surge in financial distress, with the latest Begbies Traynor Red Flag alert indicating a significant increase in companies facing critical financial challenges. By the end of Q2 2025, 49,309 businesses were in “critical” distress—an increase of 21.4% from the previous year and 8.6% from Q1 2025.

Regions including London, the South East, and the Midlands were the hardest hit, while the North West recorded a high number of companies in distress, with over 69,500 businesses facing significant issues. The financial difficulties have extended across almost all sectors, with consumer-facing industries such as Bars & Restaurants, Travel & Tourism, and Retail seeing the most severe declines.

Despite a slight recovery in Q1, the second quarter of 2025 revealed a marked deterioration in the UK’s economic health, with sectors like Support Services and Construction experiencing a sharp increase in financial distress. The overall number of businesses in significant distress rose by 10.8% compared to last year, putting over 666,000 companies at risk.

The financial burden on businesses, particularly small and medium-sized firms, has been exacerbated by rising labour costs, including hikes in National Insurance contributions and the national minimum wage. These pressures are forcing many companies to explore cost-cutting measures or restructure to survive the ongoing economic turmoil. With no clear end to the current economic strain, many businesses are at risk of insolvency in the months ahead.

East Midlands Airport fined for environmental breaches

April Lara
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East Midlands Airport fined for environmental breaches

East Midlands Airport has been fined £892,500 after being found guilty of breaching environmental permits. The offences, which took place between 14 January and 4 February 2022, involved discharges of drainage water contaminated with de-icing fluid from aircraft and runways.

The Environment Agency reported that the airport’s surface water drainage system failed to meet required quality standards, leading to potential long-term damage to watercourses and overall water quality. These discharges, which violated the conditions set out in the airport’s environmental permit, raised concerns over the risk of water pollution in the area.

In response to the breaches, the airport has committed to significant improvements. Over £11 million has been invested in upgrading its drainage and water management systems. This includes the installation of advanced monitoring equipment, enhanced water treatment capabilities, and a new daily inspection and maintenance regime. The airport has also introduced measures such as using adapted sweepers to remove de-icing fluid before it enters the drainage system. These steps aim to ensure compliance with environmental standards and prevent future violations.

Westerby Group expands with South West acquisition

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Westerby Group expands with South West acquisition
The Westerby Group has acquired Bristol-based pension specialist Cabot Trustees Limited. This brings its acquisitions in the financial sector to four since 2022. Cabot Trustees Limited has been providing trusteeship and administration to members of its Self Invested Personal Pension Schemes (SIPP) for over 20 years. The Westerby Group now has over £2 billion assets under administration and management. The deal also expands Westerby’s reach further across England, with offices now based in Bristol, Weymouth and Manchester, in addition to the group’s original two sites in Westerby’s home city of Leicester. Stephen Harvey, group managing director of Westerby, said: “We’re delighted to welcome the staff and clients from Cabot Trustees Limited. This acquisition further strengthens our expertise in the financial services market. It also establishes us as uniquely positioned to work with individuals heading for retirement to ensure their financial planning is set up to maximise the potential of any assets.” Nick Perris, founder and managing director of Cabot Trustees Limited, said: “By integrating Cabot’s portfolio into the Westerby brand, we’re confident that our valued clients will continue to receive the excellent service they have come to expect from us, with the added bonus of continuing their established relationships with the Cabot Trustees Limited team in Bristol.” In April this year, the Westerby Group transformed its corporate structure into an Employment Ownership Trust (EOT) with chairman and founder Les McLintic transferring all the company’s ordinary voting shares into the trust. Its employees are now potential beneficiaries of any future profits. Having negotiated and completed this latest acquisition for Westerby, Les McLintic is now pursuing further acquisitions with the objective of gaining greater market share within the financial services sector. “We will be celebrating 40 years of successful trading with our Ruby Anniversary in January 2026,” adds Les McLintic. “This latest acquisition both reinforces and elevates our position as Independent Advisers and SIPP/SSAS Trustees and Administrators, ensuring that we continue to offer both current and new clients a fully comprehensive high level of service.”

Phoenix Brickwork completes work on new acute mental health units in Derbyshire

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Phoenix Brickwork completes work on new acute mental health units in Derbyshire
Work to create two mental health units in Derbyshire has been completed by Phoenix Brickwork. The specialist in brickwork, scaffolding and steel frame systems (SFS), delivered the full masonry package to the newly opened Derwent Unit, which is based at Chesterfield Royal Hospital in Chesterfield. At the Carsington Unit, which sits in the grounds of Kingsway Hospital in Derby, Phoenix provided masonry and BMH Scaffolding supplied all the scaffolding requirements to support the new 54-bed facility. Work was carried out for Integrated Health Projects (IHP) – an alliance between Sir Robert McApline and VINCI Building UK – and the combined package totalled £5m. Christian Watson, group chairman at Phoenix Brickwork (UK) Ltd, said he was excited to deliver on these two mental health units in Derbyshire. He said: “These momentous projects were carried as part of Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation’s Trust’s £150m Making Room for Dignity programme. “The Phoenix Group embraced the work at both developments, which ushers in a new era of care for people in Derbyshire with acute mental health needs.” Inside Derby’s Carsington Unit, there are single rooms and en-suite accommodation across three wards. It will serve adults of working age, relocating from the Radbourne Unit at the Royal Derby Hospital site. This development provides a rare investment and a unique opportunity to improve the county’s adult acute care facilities to benefit the people of Derbyshire, giving service users and staff an opportunity to shape the future of mental health facilities and environments. Mark Powell, chief executive of Derbyshire Heathcare NHS Foundation Trust, said he was confident that the new development will enhance the services that are currently available. These two developments are the second of six facilities to open as part of Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundations Trust’s £150m Making Room for Dignity programmes, which will eradicate the use of dormitory-style accommodation across the county’s mental health facilities.

Mansfield-based IDSL sees strong first year following private equity investment

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Mansfield-based IDSL sees strong first year following private equity investment
Integrated Doorset Solutions (IDSL) Group has marked a year of significant growth following the first year of its partnership with LDC, part of Lloyds Banking Group. Founded in 2016, Mansfield-based IDSL Group comprises three businesses. IDSL is a leading manufacturer of specialist performance doorsets, including fire and security doors, for use in hospitals, schools, student accommodation, commercial and high-end residential properties. Additionally, Fire Door Inspection Solutions (FDIS) and Hartland Fire both specialise in inspection, maintenance and replacement activities across the UK. In the 12 months since the investment, the business has seen a 21% increase in turnover to £42.9m. This performance reflects a continued focus on operational improvement, investment in delivery and infrastructure, and financial discipline. IDSL Group began the current year with a strong order book and has continued to build momentum. Headcount has also risen by 47% to 420 people, supporting capacity growth and rising customer demand. Since LDC’s investment in May 2024, IDSL Group has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of Adrian Ringrose as chair and Brian Talbot as a non-executive director. Andrew Gratton is also set to join in August as chief operating officer. Adrian was previously chair of Churches Fire & Security, while Andrew joins from global manufacturer ams OSRAM. The business also completed the acquisition of Hartland Fire in November 2024, broadening its capabilities in passive fire upgrades within defence estates. The Group is also in the process of expanding its manufacturing footprint and is on track to open a new site in Mansfield later this year to increase capacity and support future growth, and continues to invest in new technology and equipment to drive efficiency. Alongside its financial performance, IDSL has made meaningful progress on its environmental, social and governance (ESG) agenda. It achieved ISO 14064 accreditation to establish a clear baseline for carbon measurement, introduced a new fleet emissions reduction programme and enhanced waste management processes in line with new national recycling legislation. IDSL also maintained its FSC certification following a successful audit, demonstrating that the timber used in its products is responsibly sourced from well-managed forests, and expanded its community engagement through new partnerships with local education providers and grassroots sports teams, including an internship placement programme with West Notts College and support for the under-7s team at Ravenshead Reds FC. Ash Malhan, founder and managing director of IDSL, said: “Our first year with LDC has been defined by real progress – financially, operationally and culturally. LDC’s support and financial backing has enabled us to accelerate our growth strategy, invest in talent and infrastructure, and make headway on our sustainability goals. “The support and insight David and the team have provided has been invaluable, and we’re incredibly proud of what the team has achieved so far. We’re now focused on building from this foundation and continuing to scale in a way that’s sustainable, strategic and people-first, including considering more opportunities to acquire.” David Bains, partner and head of LDC in the East Midlands and East of England, added: “IDSL’s performance over the past 12 months is testament to the strength of its management team, the quality of its product offering and its commitment to client service. “The team has delivered impressive growth, extended its reach and taken meaningful steps to future-proof its operations. We’re excited to support Ash and the team as they continue to build a standout business in the sector.” LDC invested in IDSL in May 2024 to support the company’s growth strategy, with a focus on operational scale, leadership development and strategic acquisitions.

Research reveals £3.5bn lending gap for East Midlands businesses

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Research reveals £3.5bn lending gap for East Midlands businesses
New research from Allica Bank has revealed a gap of £3.58bn in lending to East Midlands SMEs has emerged over the last thirty years. The research highlights how the Big Six high-street banks have pulled back from SME lending in recent decades leading to a lending gap for the UK as a whole of £65bn. It has left the UK with the lowest business investment rate in the G7. For the East Midlands’ 181,250 SME businesses, that £3.58bn is vital cash that could otherwise be directed toward investment, growth and productivity at a time when the UK is crying out for investment. The £65bn SME credit gap was worked out by comparing the current level of SME lending to historic lending trends and comparable global economies. The report calculated that, as a result of banks pulling back from SME lending, a gap of approximately £65bn in the stock of SME credit has emerged. The research also highlights how, in response to a tougher lending environment, the percentage of SMEs applying for external finance has fallen markedly from 65% in the late 1980s to just 25% between 2022-24. Likewise, SME loan rejections have risen from between 5-10% three decades ago to 40% today. The lack of SME lending is taking £3.58bn of productive credit out of the East Midlands economy – equivalent to around 2.2% of the region’s GDP. Alan Andrews, Allica Bank’s relationship manager for the East Midlands, said: “The East Midlands is home to some fantastic businesses and a business community that wants to invest, grow and innovate. All too often, however, business owners struggle to find the finance they need to do so. “Recent decades have seen many banks focus lending only on businesses with significant assets and property, or shy away from supporting some sectors altogether. Our data reveals that three decades ago only 5-10% of SME loans were rejected – a figure that stands at 40% today. This shows a banking sector failing to keep pace with a changing economy and this is having real knock-on effects for the East Midlands economy, and the country as a whole. “A big contributor to this is the antiquated technology many big banks have, and the lack of real human support they offer established SME businesses in the East Midlands. Relationship managers like myself can help business owners identify opportunities to borrow, can help them make a strong application and can champion that business within the bank. At Allica, we combine that relationship-based approach with smart technology that keeps things moving fast. “As somebody who works with businesses across the East Midlands every day and sees the creativity and dynamism waiting to be unleashed, I’m excited to be part of the team aiming to close that SME lending gap. The Big Six banks have undervalued, underfunded and levelled-down the regional economy for too long, we’re aiming to remedy that.”

Small businesses adopting AI to drive growth and efficiency

April Lara
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Small businesses adopting AI to drive growth and efficiency

A growing number of small businesses in the UK are integrating artificial intelligence (AI) tools into their operations, with 62% now using the technology to enhance efficiency. The shift is largely driven by a strong demand for AI skills training, particularly in marketing, operations, and customer service.

A recent initiative by BT and Small Business Britain introduced an ‘AI for Small Business’ training programme, helping bridge the skills gap for 500 small business owners. The programme offered expert-led webinars and a follow-up course on AI tools, aimed at enabling entrepreneurs to leverage AI for greater efficiency. The course highlighted how small businesses can utilise AI for tasks such as content creation, data analysis, and automation, even without prior technical expertise.

Business owners are increasingly recognising the need for hands-on support, with over half (51%) reporting that they need assistance to effectively implement AI. The training programme is designed to give practical advice on integrating AI into business operations, helping companies focus on growth and innovation.

AI tools are becoming a key asset for small businesses, not just in improving day-to-day operations, but also in helping them stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market.

AtkinsRéalis secures £1 billion deal to support Anglian Water’s £11 billion investment programme

April Lara
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AtkinsRéalis secures £1 billion deal to support Anglian Water’s £11 billion investment programme

AtkinsRéalis has been appointed Programme Delivery Partner (PDP) by Anglian Water Services as part of a joint venture with Mace and Turner & Townsend. The collaboration will help deliver Anglian Water’s £11 billion capital investment plan, which spans from April 2023 to 2030, marking the beginning of the largest business plan in the company’s history.

The £1 billion agreement extends through to 2040 and covers a comprehensive range of major infrastructure projects, including the construction of two new reservoirs in the Fens and Lincolnshire. This partnership represents one of the largest contracts of its kind within the water industry and provides an opportunity to support Anglian Water’s significant infrastructure transformation.

As Programme Delivery Partner, AtkinsRéalis, alongside its joint venture partners, will assist in managing the full capital investment programme, focusing on efficient, collaborative delivery to meet the needs of Anglian Water’s customers and environmental goals. The companies aim to drive innovation and record levels of investment to secure a reliable, resilient water supply for millions of customers across the region.

Aldi to expand solar panel installations across 90 UK stores by 2026

April Lara
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Aldi to expand solar panel installations across 90 UK stores by 2026

Aldi UK is investing £7.7 million to install solar panels on 90 of its stores by 2026, as part of its drive towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2035. The first phase will see solar systems installed on 41 stores by the end of 2025, with another 49 to follow in 2026. Each store will have a solar system capable of producing up to 144 kilowatts, generating an estimated 100,000 kilowatt-hours annually per store.

The supermarket chain already purchases 100% renewable electricity, but the solar initiative aims to give Aldi more control over its energy production and improve the transparency of performance data. Furthermore, all new stores will be equipped with solar panels from the start.

Aldi’s sustainability efforts also include energy-efficient upgrades to refrigeration and logistics systems. The company has reduced chiller energy usage by 20% with new door installations and is replacing company cars with electric vehicles. The retailer is also exploring low-emission fuels for its logistics fleet.

With this solar expansion, Aldi is positioning itself as a leader in the race towards greater sustainability in the retail sector, ahead of competitors like Iceland, which recently partnered with Shawton Energy for a similar rooftop solar project.

Derby creative agency makes trio of appointments

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Derby creative agency makes trio of appointments
Full-service agency Fluid Ideas has boosted its team with the appointment of three new members of staff. Arthur Tyrer, Al Davies and Nikita Ghai have joined Fluid from other agencies in the Midlands. Arthur has moved to Fluid as an account director from Nottingham outfit m360. He has more than 10 years’ experience in a full-service creative agency environment. Al has joined as a senior creative in Fluid’s strategy and creative team. He brings almost 20 years’ experience in graphic design, brand and creative roles, and has previously worked at Nottingham-based agencies, including Adtrak and Hallam. Al is also a public speaker and a guest university lecturer on branding and creativity. Nikita has joined Fluid’s performance and innovation team as a paid media executive. She was previously at Dentsu, where she worked across all major social platforms, including Meta, TikTok, Snapchat, Reddit, Pinterest and LinkedIn. Fluid managing director Ed Bowler said: “Fluid has always been about building meaningful and lasting relationships with our clients and helping them to achieve things that had previously been out of reach. “Bringing Arthur, Al and Nikita into the team further strengthens our full-service fluency, and gives us wider capacity and skills to become even more invested in our client partnerships. “Increasingly, that means guiding clients through significant moments of strategic change, often in an advisory or consultative role that draws on the experience and expertise found across our five teams.”

Developer reveals Buxton community’s response to shopping centre redevelopment plans

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Developer reveals Buxton community’s response to shopping centre redevelopment plans
Developer Capital&Centric has revealed the Buxton community’s initial response to its plans for The Springs Shopping Centre. Almost 700 people provided their thoughts on the plans, with more than 400 showing up in person. The feedback shows strong support for better connections from the train station into the heart of town, especially for those on foot or bike. People also called for the design to reflect Buxton’s historic charm, with appetite for traditional materials, local stone and craftsmanship blending old with new. Locals further said they want the revamped town centre to prioritise indie shops, restaurants and bars. There was demand too for new spaces for live music, exhibitions, and family-friendly fun. As part of the next stage, Capital&Centric has revealed what the revitalised riverside space could look like, turning the currently hidden away River Wye into a feature for Buxton’s future public realm. John Moffat, joint managing director at Capital&Centric, said: “We’ve always said this would be shaped by the people who live and work in Buxton and this first conversation proves how much passion there is for the town’s future. “We’ve taken the feedback seriously, from calls for design that honours the past to a town centre that’s buzzing with independent shops and culture. The River Wye has been hidden for too long and we’re really excited to be opening it up and making it part of a proper public space the whole town can enjoy.”

Councillor Damien Greenhalgh, deputy leader and executive councillor for regeneration, tourism and leisure at High Peak Borough Council, added: “Thanks to everyone who has taken part in the conversations about the future of Buxton town centre. Your views matter and, I hope you can see, are being reflected in the plans worked up by our development partner Capital & Centric.

“We’re a town famous for our water and opening up the River Wye helps to celebrate one of Buxton’s defining characteristics. It’s great to see the introduction of new public areas for people to appreciate and to spend time in which is one of the things you’ve told us you want to see more of.”

More detailed plans will follow, with another opportunity for locals to share feedback ahead of planning submission.

Councils lead the way in fostering-friendly workplace policies

April Lara
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Councils lead the way in fostering-friendly workplace policies

Four councils in the East Midlands—Derby City, Derbyshire County, Nottingham City, and Nottinghamshire County—have achieved Fostering Friendly status, recognising their efforts to support employees who are foster carers. This initiative, developed by The Fostering Network, encourages businesses to help foster carers balance their professional responsibilities with their caregiving roles.

The scheme promotes practical workplace adjustments such as paid time off for training and appointments, as well as flexible working hours. These actions are designed to make fostering more accessible for working individuals, helping foster carers manage their dual roles without compromising their careers.

The four councils are also part of a regional initiative, Foster for East Midlands, aimed at recruiting more foster carers and enhancing the quality of care across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. The collaboration strives to keep children closer to their families, schools, and communities, offering them more stability and better long-term outcomes.

Businesses in the region are being urged to consider how they can support fostering, including offering flexible hours or raising awareness of fostering opportunities within their organisations. Larger-scale initiatives, such as apprenticeships or work experience placements for young people in care, can have a lasting impact on the community.

Organisations that join the Fostering Friendly scheme are provided with resources and guidance to develop supportive workplace policies and communicate their commitment publicly. This initiative not only helps foster carers but also enables businesses to strengthen their ties to the community while supporting the stability and well-being of children in care.

Superdrug to expand its presence at Highcross Leicester

April Lara
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Superdrug to expand its presence at Highcross Leicester

Superdrug is set to open a new 9,000 sqft store at Highcross Leicester in Autumn 2025, marking a major step in its expansion within the health and beauty sector. The store will occupy two units previously home to Paperchase and Designer Furniture Store, further strengthening the shopping centre’s beauty and wellness offering.

This new location follows recent openings by global brands like Rituals and Space NK, continuing Highcross’s strategy of attracting high-profile beauty and wellbeing retailers. The move reflects Superdrug’s ongoing commitment to physical retail, with the brand already established as the UK’s second-largest health and beauty retailer.

The store will feature a comprehensive range of skincare, fragrance, and cosmetics, including popular brands like L’Oréal, Revolution, e.l.f, and TIRTIR. It will also house a nurse-led aesthetic clinic offering treatments such as anti-wrinkle procedures and fillers. In addition, a Beauty Studio will provide services like eyebrow threading, eyelash extensions, and nail care.

Superdrug’s investment in this location is part of its broader strategy to enhance its in-store customer experience while expanding its regional presence. The new store will contribute to Highcross Leicester’s growing appeal as a hub for both affordable and premium beauty products, with a focus on a diverse customer base.

Midlands startups quadruple venture capital investment

Tess Egginton
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Midlands startups quadruple venture capital investment
Venture capital (VC) investment into the Midlands’ start-up and scaling businesses increased in the second quarter of 2025, bucking the national trend, according to the latest KPMG Private Enterprise Venture Pulse report. The Midlands’ start-ups raised £108.5m in the second quarter of 2025, more than four times the £26m raised in the first three months of the year. 28 investments were concluded in the region – 11 in the East Midlands and 17 in the West Midlands – compared to 12 in the previous quarter, highlighting increased appetite among VC investors looking to support the region’s burgeoning start-up community. The largest raise included a £14.9m investment into Nottingham-based scheduling platform developer Cronofy – enabling them to pursue further growth both at home and overseas in the US. Cronofy was one of six Midlands companies in the business and productivity software sector securing VC funding this quarter – reflecting the national trend – as start-ups focused on products and services that streamline business operations continue to gain popularity among funders. Andy Bostock, Birmingham office senior partner at KPMG UK, said: “Venture capital investment in the Midlands’ most promising early-stage businesses has surged this quarter, rebounding from a Q1 lull. While national investment remains subdued, the Midlands has bucked the trend, demonstrating real resilience. “The most active areas were innovation-led sectors such as business and productivity software, many of which are leveraging AI as a key development tool. This reflects the adaptability of Midlands businesses in embracing high-growth technologies and leading the charge in innovation. “The Midlands is fast becoming a hub for high-growth ventures. With continued public and private backing and the right advisory support, these investments have the potential to drive long-term growth, research and commercialisation.”

Morrison Design

Tess Egginton
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Morrison Design
Morrison Design: Creating Purposeful Architecture Since 1948 Headquartered in Derby, Morrison Design is a team of highly skilled, forward-thinking architects with a proven track record of delivering intelligent, impactful design. Since 1948, the RIBA Chartered practice has remained at the forefront of the industry – continually evolving while maintaining an unwavering commitment to quality, and innovation. They specialise in Hotels & Hospitality, Science & Technology, Public Sector (including Healthcare and Education) and Masterplanning, working with clients as Architects, Project Managers and Principal Designers. They work across the UK and Ireland with clients in London, Dublin and locally in and around Derby. Morrison Design’s portfolio includes Hilton, Holiday Inn, the NHS, Mercure, Rolls-Royce, Crowne Plaza, Lubrizol, Crimson Hotels, Mornington Hotels, Point A Hotels, Derby College, University of Derby, Morley Hayes, and Horizon Healthcare. Recent Highlights 2025 has seen the successful completion of several key developments, including:
  • Point A Liberties, a new 95-bedroom hotel in central Dublin
  • University of Derby’s new Super Lab – a cutting-edge, interdisciplinary learning environment for Biomedical Science students
  • The Sustainable Travel Hub at the University of Derby’s Kedleston Road campus
Their work continues to shape the East Midlands and beyond – from the Lubrizol Conference Centre in Hazelwood to the regeneration of Rolls-Royce facilities, upgrades to Morley Hayes and the delivery of high-performance academic environments such as the Super Lab, OMICS Lab and Performance Analysis Suite at the University of Derby. A Practice Built on Purpose Morrison Design believe architecture is about more than buildings – it’s about impact. They’re driven by a commitment to people, place and planet, with a business culture that puts integrity, wellbeing and sustainability at the centre of everything they do. Sustainability The practice recognise the significant role architecture plays in mitigating environmental impact. They believe sustainability starts at home and have taken action to reduce their environmental impact in their studio. This includes purchasing locally sourced milk, recycled paper and improving recycling facilities. Mental Health & Wellbeing Morrison Design are committed to fostering a healthy, supportive workplace. With certified Mental Health First Aiders and team-wide training in Mental Health Awareness and Stress Management, they create a culture of openness and care. Regular initiatives such as wellbeing walks, team socials and tea at three sessions encourage connection and wellbeing. Learning & Development The team are proud to cultivate talent from within. All three directors began their careers at Morrison Design as apprentices or junior team members, progressing through the business to lead a management buyout in 2019. They provide ongoing professional development, mentorship and industry placements to support career progression and broaden access to architectural practice. Diversity & Inclusion As signatories of the RIBA Inclusion Charter, the team are committed to maintaining an inclusive and equitable workplace. Guided by input from their Diversity & Inclusion group, they organise regular events around International Women’s Day, Pride, Black History Month and International Day for Persons with Disabilities – with a focus on both celebration and education. Their progressive internal policies – including those supporting menopause, menstruation, fertility journeys and flexible working – are designed to create a supportive environment for all. Giving Back The Morrison Deisgn team regularly participates in volunteering, fundraising and mentoring initiatives. Each year, they nominate a charity close to the hearts of their team. In 2025, they’re proudly supporting Ben’s Den, a local charity providing holidays and respite for children with cancer. 
Copyright 2019 Matthew Shaw.
Recognition In 2025, Morrison Design has been recognised as a finalist in multiple categories at leading industry awards, including:
  • Architect of the Year Awards – Retail & Leisure Architect of the Year
  • Constructing Excellence East Midlands – Building Project of the Year, Infrastructure Project of the Year and People & Culture Award (Highly Commended)
  • London Construction Awards – Diversity & Inclusion Initiative of the Year
  • National Building and Construction Awards – Architectural practice of the year and Project of the Year – up to £10 million
To learn more about Morrison Design, please visit https://www.morrisondesign.co.uk/
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