Loughborough University has launched a public consultation on a proposed new student accommodation development on its Loughborough campus.
Landmark partnership between G F Tomlinson and University of Nottingham to drive innovation in para and inclusive sport
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.
Nottingham development leads government’s railway land housing push
A major brownfield site near Nottingham Station is set to become the location for 200 new homes under a government-backed initiative to repurpose disused railway land.
The site, located at the junction of Station Street and London Road, has been identified as one of the first four developments in the UK to kick off a broader regeneration plan aimed at unlocking surplus government-owned land for housing. This push is part of the new Labour Government’s effort to increase housing supply and revitalise underused urban areas.
Network Rail, in partnership with joint venture blocwork, is working with Nottingham City Council to progress the plans. A planning application is expected to follow.
This project follows the nearby Barnum development, a 10-storey, 348-unit build-to-rent scheme delivered by Network Rail, blocwork, and investor Grainger. Completed in late 2023, that scheme repurposed a former car park and set a precedent for converting transport-linked sites into residential communities.
Alongside Nottingham, Newcastle, Cambridge, and Manchester have also been earmarked for similar initial developments, highlighting a strategic focus on high-demand urban centres with strong transport connectivity. The initiative opens up opportunities for developers and investors to work with public sector partners on large-scale regeneration in key UK cities.
Leisure centre closures spark concerns over unpaid memberships
Two public leisure centres in Lincoln have shut down following the collapse of Active Nation, the charity responsible for their management. The centres affected are Yarborough and Birchwood, which were owned by the City of Lincoln Council. The charity attributed the closures to the ongoing utility crisis and the financial pressures it has created.
Active Nation confirmed the centres would remain closed indefinitely, with no alternative operators secured. The City of Lincoln Council, which owns the buildings, expressed disappointment and stated it was evaluating potential solutions. However, members with prepaid memberships have raised concerns, fearing they may lose their money due to the lack of receipts or assurances regarding refunds.
The City of Lincoln Council advised those affected to contact their bank or card provider for potential refunds. Meanwhile, the Lincoln 10K event, scheduled to take place on Sunday, will still proceed as planned from the Yarborough Leisure Centre despite its closure.
Active Nation, which also operated leisure facilities in Southampton and Aldershot, acknowledged the disappointment caused by the closures but noted the inability to find a new operator as a key factor in the decision.
Historic Vine Hotel in Skegness drops in price to £1.8 million
The Vine Hotel, a historic venue in Skegness dating back to 1770, is now listed for sale at £1,795,000, a significant reduction from its previous asking price of £2,750,000. The property, which holds the distinction of being the oldest in Skegness, serves as both a guest house and event venue.
Christie & Co, the specialist business property adviser, first listed the hotel for sale in April last year. With its longstanding history and well-maintained facilities, the property is still expected to attract interest from potential buyers in the hospitality sector.
Board members sought for charity tackling homelessness across East Midlands
Acoustic engineering firm lists Derbyshire HQ in relocation move
Cullum’s Derbyshire headquarters, a leading acoustic engineering firm, has been put up for sale as the company prepares to relocate to a nearby site. The 48,200 sq ft freehold property on Heanor Gate Industrial Estate in Heanor is on the market for £3.25 million.
The facility functions as a self-contained manufacturing and distribution centre. Directly opposite the site is a 1.72-acre vehicle storage compound, also included in the sale. This compound offers future development potential subject to planning approval.
The sale, managed by Savills, presents an opportunity for owner-occupiers or investors seeking a foothold in one of Derbyshire’s established industrial estates. The option to lease the facility or develop the adjacent land is expected to appeal to a broad range of commercial buyers.
Boss hands over financial services firm to staff in Employee Ownership Trust
Wise reports strong customer growth and £1.4bn income forecast
Wise, the UK-based fintech known for international money transfers, has forecast solid growth for its current financial year, driven by a sharp increase in customer numbers and revenue.
The company expects a 21% rise in active customers, reaching 15 million globally, and projects underlying income to grow by 16% to £1.4 billion. However, it anticipates a one percentage point decline in profit margin.
Wise is targeting underlying income growth of 15–20% for the 2026 financial year, with pre-tax profit margins expected to hit the higher end of its guidance range.
In its most recent quarterly update, cross-border transaction volumes climbed 24% year-on-year to £37.8 billion, while card and other revenue surged 39% due to greater product adoption.
To protect shareholders from dilution, Wise plans to reduce the share purchases by its Employee Benefit Trust, addressing legacy stock-based compensation equivalent to roughly 25 million shares.
The company has also reaffirmed its reclassification under the FCA’s overhauled UK listing regime, officially shifting to the Equity Shares Category as of July 2024.
Double win for Rykneld Homes at regional awards ceremony
Freshcut Foods rebrands as Natural Innovations to sharpen food R&D focus
Freshcut Foods, a long-standing supplier of plant-based ingredients to the food industry, has rebranded as Natural Innovations as part of a strategic shift toward deeper research and product development investment.
The Nottingham-based company, which has served food manufacturers, global food service operators, and recipe box firms for over twenty years, is repositioning itself to help B2B partners stay ahead of evolving consumer preferences.
Under the new name, Natural Innovations will continue to develop tailored, chef-led ingredient solutions, while doubling down on innovation in natural, plant-based products. CEO Matt Wood described the move as a “natural evolution” to support future growth and showcase the company’s expanded R&D capabilities.
The company’s previous work includes designing kitchen-ready ingredients and menu innovations for leading restaurant chains and retailers. The rebrand is intended to communicate better the firm’s forward-looking role in the food supply chain while retaining the service and quality standards on which it has built its reputation.
Rydal Group acquires Nottingham healthcare tech firm’s IT division
Warehouse solutions firm lets 345,000 sq ft unit
Trelleborg and Nottingham Trent University form Knowledge Transfer Partnership for smart medical textiles
Trelleborg, a leader in engineered coated fabrics, has formed a new Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) with Nottingham Trent University’s (NTU) Medical Technologies Innovation Facility.
The Medical Technologies Innovation Facility accelerates the research, development and delivery of innovative medical technologies and services for organizations across the breadth of medical and health sectors, by widening access to world-class facilities, equipment and expertise. This collaboration, part-funded by Innovate UK, aims to expand Trelleborg’s capabilities in smart fabrics for healthcare applications through cutting-edge innovation and research-driven solutions. The partnership will propel the development of a smart mattress system designed to enhance patient care and reduce medical interventions. NTU’s Dr. Yang Wei, an expert in smart medical textiles, said: “We are thrilled to partner with Trelleborg on this project. The development of smart fabrics will significantly impact the healthcare industry, and our shared vision aims to provide innovative solutions addressing real-world challenges. “This KTP demonstrates the power of combining academic research with industry expertise to create tangible advancements.” Antony Croston, Commercial Director Healthcare & Medical for Trelleborg Engineered Coated Fabrics, said: “This KTP is an important milestone in transforming the future of healthcare textiles. “By combining NTU’s research expertise with our local capabilities in engineered coated fabrics, we aim to pioneer innovations that improve patient well-being while driving global change in medical textiles.”552-bed student scheme planned for Loughborough University
Name for Derby’s Becketwell venue revealed in multi-year deal
More shared ownership buyers increasing stakes in homes
Leicestershire housing association Platform Home Ownership has reported a 50% rise in staircasing enquiries, as more shared ownership buyers seek to increase their equity in their homes.
Staircasing allows homeowners to gradually buy additional property shares, reducing rental costs and moving toward full ownership. Platform, which offers shared ownership homes across the county, has seen a 179% increase in total sales in the current financial year compared to the previous one.
Most shared ownership buyers start with a stake of between 10% and 75% of a property’s market value, paying rent on the remaining portion. Deposits for these schemes typically range from 5% to 10% of the share purchased, making entry into homeownership more affordable.
Market conditions influence staircasing costs, with each transaction requiring a valuation by an accredited surveyor. Platform Home Ownership’s Staircasing and Resales Manager, Laura Hathaway, noted that 72% of the association’s customers ultimately staircase to full ownership, while 28% purchase additional shares on an interim basis.
The surge in staircasing enquiries reflects a growing demand for long-term housing security, as buyers look for flexible ways to build equity and manage housing costs.
Nottingham leads UK cities in EV adoption
Nottingham is emerging as the UK’s leader in electric vehicle (EV) adoption, with 21% of drivers planning to switch to an EV when they next replace their car, according to new research by Motorpoint.
The study ranks UK cities based on willingness to adopt EVs, with Nottingham taking the top spot, followed by Bristol, London, Belfast, and Newcastle.
Despite rising interest, home charging remains a key challenge. Motorpoint found that 72% of petrol and diesel drivers lack access to home charging, with 37% citing high installation costs as a barrier. Nearly half (45%) believe more financial support is needed for home charging infrastructure.
Motorists in Glasgow and Newcastle showed the highest confidence in EVs as the future of transport, with support 7% above the national average. Glasgow, Newcastle, London, Sheffield, and Birmingham are the cities most convinced of EVs’ long-term viability.
The study also revealed strong loyalty among current EV owners, with all surveyed drivers stating they plan to stay electric for their next vehicle.
NHS trust secures long-term lease at Scunthorpe’s Elizabeth Quarter
The Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust (RDaSH) has signed a 15-year lease for office space at Elizabeth Quarter, a newly developed council-owned building in Scunthorpe.
The three-storey property includes a ground-floor café and reception area, with modern office space spanning approximately 1,250 sqm across the upper floors. The building was marketed for lease and attracted strong interest from potential tenants.
RDaSH will use the offices for clinical consultations, patient appointments, and as the headquarters for its Community Mental Health and Talking Therapy workforce. The trust, which provides mental health and children’s services in the region, sees the move as a key part of its expansion in North Lincolnshire.
The council expects the agreement to drive further commercial interest in the site, particularly for the ground-floor café. The move aligns with its strategy to support local economic growth and ensure value for money for taxpayers.
RAF Scampton to be sold on open market despite regeneration plans
The UK government will sell RAF Scampton on the open market, rejecting West Lindsey District Council’s bid to acquire the site for a £300 million redevelopment project.
Earmarked initially by the previous Conservative government for migrant housing, the site’s asylum plans were scrapped in September. The Home Office cited regulatory requirements preventing a direct sale to the council, emphasising that disposal of public land must follow market rules.
Since March 2023, the site has cost over £60 million. Government officials claim the sale will prevent further taxpayer losses. Meanwhile, the council, which had partnered with Scampton Holdings Ltd. for regeneration, argues that contamination, heritage issues, and infrastructure limitations make a public-private partnership the only viable option for redevelopment.
Scampton Holdings remains committed to the project despite setbacks. Chairman Peter Hewitt criticised the delays, while local MP Sir Edward Leigh called the government’s decision “madness,” arguing it wasted time and resources on failed asylum plans.