Sunday, November 2, 2025

£1.8m boost for Nottingham’s cycling and walking network

April Lara
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£1.8m boost for Nottingham’s cycling and walking network

The East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) has allocated more than £1.8 million to enhance walking and cycling routes in Nottingham. The investment forms part of a regional effort to improve active travel infrastructure and reduce transport emissions.

Pending approval by Nottingham City Council’s Executive Board, £1.3 million of the funding will be directed toward improvements along Gregory Boulevard between the A60 Mansfield Road and Noel Street. The works are expected to include new pedestrian crossings, upgraded cycle paths, and resurfaced routes linking key education, leisure, and transport hubs such as Nottingham Trent University, Forest Recreation Ground, and The Forest Park & Ride.

The project also aligns with a £2.6 million upgrade to The Forest Sports Zone, which was approved earlier in the year. Combined, these initiatives are designed to strengthen local connectivity, encourage low-carbon travel, and support regeneration across Nottingham’s communities.

A public consultation will precede construction, allowing residents and businesses to provide input on the final plans. Once approved, the scheme will contribute to the city’s long-term objectives for safer streets, cleaner air, and more sustainable transport options.

Leicestershire to host new £35m Centrica Net Zero training academy

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Leicestershire to host new £35m Centrica Net Zero training academy
Centrica is to develop a new £35m training academy and energy transition research laboratory in Lutterworth, which will open in May 2026. Centrica Energy Park will see thousands of engineers trained each year in the skills necessary to drive the energy transition including heat pumps, EV chargers, solar panels and battery storage. Centrica, owner of British Gas, Hive, and Bord Gais Energy, sees the academy as a key investment in the skills of its 7,000-strong engineer workforce and in the creation of new green jobs in the UK and Ireland. The academy will have a full size ‘eco house’ to demonstrate how all of the skills and capabilities of Centrica’s workforce come together to deliver the home of the future. Additionally, the academy will be home to research laboratories including a Net Zero Lab used to test existing and emerging Net Zero Energy & Heating Technologies, a Diagnostic & Innovation Lab providing business support to British Gas’ engineers and developing bespoke tools and equipment, a Smart Testing Lab providing a controlled environment to develop, test and support new and existing smart metering technologies, a Centrica Business Solutions Controls Lab used to develop and test controls systems for commercial and industrial energy and heating solutions, and a Hive Lab to support the development, testing and quality assurance of new and existing Hive Home products, including EV Chargers. Chris O’Shea, chief executive of Centrica, said: “Creating the well paid, unionised jobs needed to drive the energy transition is one of the biggest tasks facing the energy industry today. “Our state of the art facility in Lutterworth will set a new benchmark for industry training, providing our engineers with the skills and confidence to deliver the first-class service our customers rightly expect and with more engineers trained in green skills, our energy transition will be more achievable. “We already have four award winning academies in Dartford, Hamilton, Leicester and Thatcham and since 2021, we’ve welcomed over 1,700 new apprentices. “We’re committed to hiring a new apprentice for every day of this decade and our new academy will help us meet that ambition whilst also supporting the drive to diversify the UK’s engineering workforce, and our research labs will drive the innovation necessary to make sure we deliver a just transition which leaves no-one behind.” Alberto Costa, MP for South Leicestershire, said: “I am really pleased to welcome Centrica’s groundbreaking £35m Net Zero Training Academy to Lutterworth. This is all about developing the relevant skills of the future and fostering innovation. “This state-of-the-art facility will empower thousands of engineers with essential green skills. It’s a great example of industry leading the way in sustainable innovation right here in South Leicestershire.” Centrica’s new training academy will officially open and welcome engineers from May 2026. The existing Leicester Academy will be integrated into the new facility as part of the transition. The new facility will be 40% larger than the existing British Gas academy in Leicester, allowing for increased training capacity.

Lincolnshire named key training hub in UK’s clean energy jobs plan

April Lara
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Lincolnshire named key training hub in UK’s clean energy jobs plan

The UK government has outlined a major expansion of the clean energy workforce, targeting 400,000 new jobs by 2030. The initiative aims to double employment in renewable, wind, solar, and nuclear sectors to around 860,000 positions within five years.

Among the regions set to benefit, Lincolnshire has been named one of three pilot locations for new “technical excellence colleges.” The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero confirmed £2.5 million in funding for pilot facilities across Lincolnshire, Cheshire, and Pembrokeshire, aimed at training workers in critical trades such as plumbing, electrical work, and welding.

The investment is expected to strengthen Lincolnshire’s clean energy supply chain, supporting local firms involved in offshore wind and solar development along the county’s coast. Regional employers will have access to a broader pool of skilled workers equipped for the growing demands of the energy transition.

The broader strategy includes retraining oil and gas workers, with £20 million in joint funding from the UK and Scottish governments, and new pathways for veterans, ex-offenders, and school leavers to enter the clean energy workforce.

Government data shows average salaries in the sector exceed £50,000, well above the national average. Officials said the plan will boost regional economies, particularly in areas like Lincolnshire that already play a pivotal role in the nation’s renewable infrastructure.

Loughborough University secures approval for 552-bed student scheme

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Loughborough University secures approval for 552-bed student scheme

Loughborough University has secured approval for a divisive, 552-bed student accommodation scheme.

The site for the accommodation lies in the Central Park area of the Loughborough campus, close to the Edward Herbert Building. It includes the existing Car Park 5 as well as land adjacent to it, including the parts of the campus previously occupied by the Graham Oldham and Chemistry buildings, both of which have already been demolished. The new accommodation would replace existing stock on campus that has reached its end of life. The 552 bedspaces would be provided across five blocks of four and six storeys, complemented by amenity areas, quiet study zones and a shared plaza. Objections to the scheme have arisen over access, traffic and parking, how the blocks overlook adjacent houses, and potential noise and light pollution.

Grainger exits UK market with sale of Cromwell to Aurelius

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Grainger exits UK market with sale of Cromwell to Aurelius

US maintenance, repair, and operations supplier Grainger has agreed to sell its UK arm, Cromwell, to private equity firm Aurelius as part of its plan to withdraw from the British market and concentrate on North America and Japan.

Based in Leicester, Cromwell is one of the UK’s largest independent MRO suppliers, employing more than 2,000 people and generating over £230 million in annual sales. The business, founded in 1970, was acquired by Grainger in 2015 for £310 million.

Grainger said the decision reflects its shift toward regions where it sees the strongest long-term growth. The transaction remains subject to regulatory approval and is expected to close within the coming months.

The US group anticipates a non-cash after-tax loss of between $190 million and $205 million as a result of the UK exit, with most of the impact to be recognised in the third quarter of 2025.

The divestment follows Grainger’s earlier move to shut down its Zoro UK e-commerce business, marking a continued retreat from the British market as it narrows its focus to higher-performing international operations.

Sherwood Forest MP visits Harrier Park to celebrate regeneration milestone

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Sherwood Forest MP visits Harrier Park to celebrate regeneration milestone
Representatives from Clowes Developments have welcomed Michelle Welsh, MP for Sherwood Forest, to Harrier Park, Hucknall, a site rooted in the region’s aerospace and engineering legacy, as part of a continued commitment to champion regional regeneration, job creation, and inward investment. Michelle Welsh MP toured the Harrier Park site on Wednesday 8th October to see first-hand the transformational progress being made at the former Rolls-Royce site by the new owners, Clowes Developments. Once a dormant industrial area, Harrier Park is now emerging as a key strategic employment hub for the East Midlands and further afield with major investment unlocking opportunities for local and national businesses of varying sizes. During the visit, discussions focused on celebrating Hucknall’s rich aerospace heritage (including the site’s link to the Rolls-Royce Harrier Jump Jet Engine and the creation of the nearby Hucknall Flight Test Museum), the socio-economic impact of regenerating previously brownfield land, the scale and ambition of Clowes Developments’ investment (providing infrastructure and enabling occupation with a 36-week delivery programme), and attracting high-value occupiers and creating hundreds of skilled jobs, utilising a healthy local work force in logistics, manufacturing, engineering, and office-based roles. Michelle Welsh MP said: “Harrier Park is a shining example of how we can honour our industrial past while building a strong, sustainable future. This regeneration brings real opportunity for Hucknall and the wider Ashfield area, through jobs, investment and innovation.” Kevin Webster, associate development director at Clowes Developments, added: “It was a pleasure to welcome Michelle Welsh MP to Harrier Park and share the progress we’ve made. “We’ve worked hard to expedite the site’s potential and create a high-quality, strategically located development that meets the needs of today’s businesses. This isn’t just about building, it’s about long-term economic growth, skilled employment and putting Hucknall firmly on the map as a place where business can thrive.” Clowes Developments are working in partnership with FHP Property Consultants and Fisher German to market the site with units available from 60,000 to 206,000 sq ft.

Bassetlaw regeneration projects make progress

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Bassetlaw regeneration projects make progress

Progress is being made on Bassetlaw District Council’s government funded regeneration projects.

At a cabinet meeting on Tuesday (14 October), members received an update on several major proposed projects including the Priory Centre and the Creative Village in Worksop, and the North Border School site in Harworth and Bircotes.

They also approved funding adjustments within the Local Regeneration Fund following revised government guidance on delivery timelines and fund distribution.

Cllr Steve Scotthorne, cabinet member for identity, planning and place, said: “These proposed regeneration projects show our continued commitment to deliver developments with real benefits for our communities from accessing services, new facilities, and education provision to town centre improvements.

“From the Priory Centre to the Creative Village Heritage building, we look forward to these projects making good progress over the coming months ahead, subject to planning consents.”

The redevelopment of the Priory Centre aims to create a more modern family focused leisure facility including entertainment and shopping alongside improved pedestrian links, public spaces and a new canal footbridge.

It has already achieved milestones including the appointment of a construction partner, with pre-enabling works on utilities scheduled to take place from November onwards and demolition works planned for early 2026.

It follows delays caused by several different factors including a number of conditions attached to the planning approval that needed to be agreed and discharged before any development could begin.

A new Health Hub is also proposed in the Priory Centre, subject to planning, with an NHS tenant identified to take up part of the building, while early designs for the space have also been produced.

Also going through the planning process is a proposal to extend the Creative Village on Canal Road in Worksop with a second phase.

If approved it will create up to ten educational workshop spaces focused on key growth sectors such as construction, green technologies, and logistics. It hopes to raise educational attainment and expand access to high-skilled, well-paid employment opportunities across the district.

Finally, plans for affordable housing to be built on the former North Border School site in Harworth and Bircotes continue, with planning permission for demolition work granted and an additional planning application submitted to clear the full site to prepare for development.

County backs infrastructure and skills projects to strengthen regional economy

April Lara
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County backs infrastructure and skills projects to strengthen regional economy

Derbyshire County Council has approved a pipeline of projects designed to boost economic growth, infrastructure, and workforce development across the region. The initiatives are supported by funding from the East Midlands County Combined Authority (EMCCA), marking the first significant investment of its kind in the area.

The programme includes strategic transport and infrastructure upgrades, such as Shirebrook access and connectivity and Chesterfield to Staveley regeneration route, improved access to Willington, and A61 corridor works supporting development at the Avenue in Wingerworth. Active travel schemes will promote walking and cycling links throughout the county.

Plans are organised into several growth zones. In the north, projects focus on the Staveley Growth Corridor and Chesterfield’s Spire Neighbourhood. In the south, attention centres on sites near Derby, including New Stanton Park and the redevelopment of the former Willington Power Station. Market towns such as Clay Cross, Swadlincote, and Shirebrook are also set for regeneration and town centre improvements.

Additional funding will support cultural and tourism projects, including canal restorations and the expansion of regional cycling routes.

Economic programmes will target labour and skills shortages through construction hubs, apprenticeship schemes, and training in priority sectors such as engineering, green technology, and advanced manufacturing. Business innovation and rural diversification schemes are also in development.

Cabinet approval will release EMCCA funds for shovel-ready projects and initiate public consultation on those awaiting further investment.

Derbyshire invests in broadband upgrades to boost business connectivity

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Derbyshire invests in broadband upgrades to boost business connectivity

Derbyshire County Council has approved two new grant programmes to enhance internet speeds for businesses and households that continue to experience poor broadband access.

Around 32,000 premises across the county currently receive less than 100 Mbps, with approximately 3,000 still receiving speeds below 10 Mbps. Many of these are located in rural areas with no commercial plans for a full-fibre rollout within the next three years.

Funding from the council’s Digital Derbyshire reserves will support the rollout. The Gigabit Fibre Connectivity Grant will deliver full fibre networks to clusters of hard-to-reach properties, while the Interim Connectivity Grant will provide short-term alternatives such as satellite or mobile broadband in areas where fibre installation is not economically feasible.

The initiative is designed to enhance digital capability for local businesses, improve productivity, and strengthen the county’s competitiveness. Derbyshire County Council is also working with the East Midlands Combined County Authority to identify future funding opportunities to expand broadband access further.

Cadent unveils East Coast Hydrogen Pipeline to drive industrial decarbonisation

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Cadent unveils East Coast Hydrogen Pipeline to drive industrial decarbonisation

Cadent has confirmed the route for the first phase of its East Coast Hydrogen Pipeline, a 140-kilometre network that will link hydrogen production sites in the Humber and North Nottinghamshire to energy-intensive industries across the East Midlands. The project is designed to help regional manufacturers transition away from natural gas and reduce emissions at scale.

The initiative has secured more than £42 million from Ofgem to progress planning, technical, and consenting work. Once operational, it could remove up to 600,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere annually. Industries including steel, chemicals, lime and brick production, and food manufacturing are expected to benefit from the shift to low-carbon hydrogen.

Adam Knight, ECHP Project Director at Cadent, said the pipeline marks a critical milestone in the UK’s journey to net zero. He described it as “vital to the UK’s overall decarbonisation efforts,” adding that it is about “unlocking a new low-carbon future for the East Midlands and the Humber, one that keeps industry thriving while cutting emissions.” He noted that hydrogen provides “a viable route to decarbonise sectors that can’t easily electrify,” positioning the pipeline as a key part of national infrastructure.

A central hub in the project will be the HyMarnham Power site in Nottinghamshire, a joint venture between JG Pears and GeoPura. The site’s 15MW electrolyser is due to be fully operational by autumn 2025, with the potential to expand to over 900MW of production capacity once the pipeline is in place. Andrew Cunningham, Director at HyMarnham Power, said the connection to Cadent’s network “opens up the opportunity to supply clean, low-carbon energy directly to the region’s most energy-intensive industries.” He added that the collaboration will “cut emissions, protect jobs, and build new skills in a future-focused energy economy.”

By 2050, hydrogen development across the East Midlands and Humber is projected to create 10,000 permanent jobs, 7,000 construction roles, and contribute £3.4 billion in gross value to the regional economy. It could also save more than 9.6 million tonnes of carbon dioxide.

The East Coast Hydrogen Pipeline is expected to integrate with a broader national hydrogen network, enhancing energy resilience and positioning the region as a cornerstone of the UK’s low-carbon transition. East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward said the project aligns closely with the region’s Growth Plan, describing it as “the kind of ambitious investment that sits at the heart of our East Midlands Growth Plan.” She added that linking HyMarnham Energy Park with key employers “helps businesses to decarbonise while also creating the foundations for sustainable economic growth and skilled jobs for generations to come.”

Cadent’s route announcement took place during the East Midlands Hydrogen Summit, where more than 100 organisations from industry, technology, and government gathered to discuss the region’s growing role in the UK’s hydrogen economy.

Plans progress for major East Midlands business park expansion

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Plans progress for major East Midlands business park expansion

Plans for the next stage of development at Towcester Park in West Northamptonshire have been recommended for approval, signalling continued progress on one of the region’s largest employment sites.

Developer IM Properties has submitted detailed proposals for two industrial units measuring around 50,000 and 131,000 square feet within Zone B of the 45-acre site. The applications are expected to be reviewed by West Northamptonshire Council’s Strategic Planning Committee later this month.

The wider Towcester Park scheme, which received hybrid planning approval in 2022, is designed to deliver around 1,464 full-time equivalent jobs once fully operational. Earlier this year, detailed plans for two large facilities in Zone C—covering 161,000 and 468,000 square feet—were granted permission following a comprehensive planning review.

The development aims to enhance industrial and logistics capacity in the East Midlands, an area experiencing high demand for modern employment space. If approved, construction on the new units would represent another significant step in implementing the park’s long-term master plan and enhancing the region’s commercial infrastructure.

Inwido strengthens UK presence with Nottingham acquisition

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Inwido strengthens UK presence with Nottingham acquisition

Inwido has acquired Fast Frame, a Nottingham-based PVCu window and door manufacturer serving the trade and commercial markets. The deal, structured as a bolt-on acquisition to Inwido’s Dekko Window Systems, is designed to extend the group’s presence in the UK and deepen its reach in the commercial construction sector.

Established in 2002, Fast Frame employs 25 staff and reported around £7 million in sales for the 2024–2025 financial year, achieving profitability above Inwido’s average. The business has built a reputation for its PVCu products across commercial projects but has not previously offered an in-house aluminium range. The integration with Dekko, which already supplies aluminium systems, is expected to create efficiencies in production and sales, while expanding the combined product portfolio.

“By acquiring Fast Frame, we can integrate products from Inwido’s business unit Dekko into their portfolio, allowing us to capture a broader share of the commercial market,” says Fredrik Meuller, Inwido CEO. “Fast Frame and Dekko have had a professional relationship for many years, where Dekko has supplied aluminium windows and doors to several different Fast Frame projects, mainly in the commercial sector. The acquisition offers a unique opportunity to enhance Inwido’s market position to meet the evolving needs and demands within commercial construction.”

Under the agreement, Inwido will initially acquire 85% of Fast Frame’s shares, with an option to purchase the remaining 15% in early 2028. The transaction values the company at an EBITDA multiple of 4.2 based on the 2025 fiscal year. The move reflects Inwido’s ongoing strategy to build scale and strengthen its position in the UK’s competitive building products market.

Work starts to transform former Wilko store into campus for college students

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Work starts to transform former Wilko store into campus for college students

Work has begun to transform Sutton’s former Wilko store into the Portland Square campus for college students.

Ashfield District Council purchased the building earlier this year using money from their £62.6m Towns Deal and have leased it to West Nottinghamshire College.

The former Wilko building is now in the process of being fully refurbished, creating a campus for students aged 16-18, adults and apprentices to gain trade skills and qualifications in plumbing and electrical installation.

The move will bring a range of benefits to Sutton. As well as bringing a major vacant unit back into use, students spending more time in town before and after college, the town centre will see more footfall, a bigger spend in local businesses, and a livelier town during the day.

Cllr Matthew Relf, Ashfield District Council’s executive lead for growth, regeneration and local planning, said: “Wilkos has stood empty for a couple of years now and we are so pleased to be able to bring it back into use. It’s a fantastic space, and will make a great new addition to West Nottinghamshire College’s offering.

“This new facility’s town centre location makes it easily accessible by public transport and brings more young people into our town centre. Breathing life into the former Wilkos complements the wider work we are doing to regenerate Sutton town centre, including the new and improved Portland Square, and the newly renovated Cornerstone Theatre, all of which are bringing new opportunities and vibrancy into Sutton.”

Portland Square campus will also be a centre for ‘green skills’ courses including ground source and air source heat pump, photovoltaics, and the wiring of electric vehicle charging points for homes.

Andrew Cropley MBE, principal and chief executive at West Nottinghamshire College, said: “I’m thrilled that work has begun to create another fantastic training facility for local people and local businesses.

“The construction sector is of huge strategic significance, both locally and nationally, and I hope this forward-looking centre will inspire even more young people to seek careers in plumbing and electrical installation, and help adults who wish to advance their careers in these valuable trades.

“This opportunity has already enabled us to complete the UK’s first Gene Haas Centre for Advanced Manufacturing on the outskirts of Sutton and will allow us to modernise and further increase our capacity in other construction trades, as well as motor vehicle maintenance. I can’t wait to see the new campus come to life.”

The conversion, carried out by Vaughandale Construction Ltd, will involve a major programme of internal works to create classrooms, workshop space, offices and student social space across three floors within 29,428 sq ft, plus renovation and redesign of the building’s façade.

Darren Atkins, contracts director at Vaughandale Construction, said: “As one of the leading construction companies in the East Midlands, we are delighted and proud to be working with West Nottinghamshire College to deliver this prestigious project, transforming the former Wilko building in Sutton into a new construction training campus.

“We are particularly pleased to be involved in the development of the new training centre. Along with our apprenticeship partnership with the college, this facility will provide tremendous benefits to our local community, inspiring the next generation of young people entering the construction industry, which closely aligns with our company values and ethos.”

Homes England supports SME developer with £7m loan to deliver Derbyshire scheme

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Homes England supports SME developer with £7m loan to deliver Derbyshire scheme

Homes England is supporting SME developer, Forge New Homes with a £7m loan to deliver 58 new properties at Welbeck Gardens in Bolsover.

The Derbyshire development will provide a mix of three- and four-bedroom homes, including a proportion of affordable homes. Forge New Homes has secured the loan through Homes England’s Home Building Fund, which provides development finance to small and medium-sized housebuilders that may face barriers accessing traditional funding. Simon Century, chief investment officer at Homes England, said: “Small and medium-sized housebuilders are essential to building the diverse and resilient housing sector the country needs.

“Welbeck Gardens is a prime example of how we are working with partners like Forge New Homes to support the SME housebuilders that are crucial to building a diverse and resilient housing sector.”

Andy Beattie, managing director of Forge New Homes, said: “Our aim has always been to deliver new homes that are both attainable and affordable for local people.

“This partnership with Homes England is a significant step forward, and we’re grateful for their support in helping us make these much-needed homes a reality.”

Eco-friendly web design agency achieves B Corp status

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Eco-friendly web design agency achieves B Corp status
A Northamptonshire-based web design agency that specialises in creating low carbon WordPress websites has achieved B Corp status. Poppy Eco Hub, founded by Marie Baker and Daniel Lister last year, specialises in creating sustainable and accessible websites that reduce carbon, meet WCAG 2.2 AA standards and comply with the European Accessibility Act (EAA). Verified by B Lab, the not-for-profit behind the B Corp movement, the new certification sees Poppy Eco Hub join a growing number of companies that are reinventing business for the benefit of all people and our shared planet. There are currently around 9,700 certified B Corporations – or B Corps as they are better known – in the UK. Each one of these companies has had to undergo a stringent assessment process that shows it meets high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability. The whole process took Marie and Daniel around nine months to complete and they were proud to not only achieve the certification, but to attain an overall score of 98.1 – well above the pass mark of 80. Marie Baker, director of Poppy Eco Hub, said: “We are over the moon to announce that Poppy Eco Hub is now officially a B Corp after just over a year of trading. “We knew when we set up the business that we wanted to be a B Corp organisation as it just aligns so well with our mission and purpose – to create sustainable, accessible and visually stunning websites that reduce environmental impact while empowering organisations to thrive in the digital world. “We are committed to combining innovation with responsibility, championing eco-friendly practices, and promoting inclusivity to build a greener, more connected future.” Chris Turner, executive director of B Lab UK, said: “We are delighted to welcome Poppy Eco Hub to the B Corp community. This is a movement of companies that are committed to changing how business operates and believe business really can be a force for good. “We know that Poppy Eco Hub is going to be a fantastic addition to the community and will continue driving the conversation forward.”

Timely deal as home care provider takes third floor at The Clock Tower

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Timely deal as home care provider takes third floor at The Clock Tower
The third floor at The Clock Tower, Nottingham city centre has been let to home care provider Q Care Assist, with the deal agreed and completed within a four-week timeframe. The third floor comprises 2,773 sq ft of office accommodation, prominently positioned on the corner of Talbot Street. The space has recently undergone a comprehensive refurbishment, including the installation of new mechanical and electrical systems, a modern kitchenette, and full redecoration to create an open-plan layout with natural light throughout. Enhancements to the lobby and entrance area further elevate the building’s appeal. Jamie Simms, from Bildurn, said: “It is fantastic to have a quality tenant secured for the recently refurbished third floor space on Talbot Street in Nottingham city centre. Following this letting, we’ll be refurbishing the second floor and look forward to working with Amy again to secure another strong tenant and bring the building back to 100% occupancy.” Amy Howard, surveyor at FHP Property Consultants, said: “We’re thrilled to have achieved such a swift and successful letting for our client and the tenant. The location and quality of the space make it a suitable choice for occupiers and I am excited to continue working with Bildurn to secure a new tenant for the second floor. “It’s also been a pleasure assisting Q Care Assist in finding their new office home. After viewing several options together, it’s rewarding to see them settle into a space that suits their needs perfectly. We wish them every success in this exciting next chapter.”

Student accommodation developer sees 95% occupancy across key cities

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Student accommodation developer sees 95% occupancy across key cities
Study Inn, the privately owned operator, developer, and manager of student accommodation, has reported a 95% occupancy across its seven properties in six university cities — Leeds, Leicester, Exeter, Bristol, Nottingham, and Loughborough — for the 2025/26 academic year. Matt Shakespeare, managing director of operations at Study Inn, said: “Achieving 95% occupancy across our portfolio reflects the strength of our model and our ability to meet the diverse needs of both international and domestic students nationwide. “Our flexible, high-quality offering continues to attract residents seeking a premium life experience supported by service, comfort, and community at a price point that represents exceptional value for money.” Recent data from UCAS and HEPI points to ongoing strength in the UK higher education market, with total UCAS applicants rising to 665,070 in the 2025 cycle — up 1.3% year-on-year — and UK 18-year-old applicants reaching a record 328,390, an increase of 2.2%. UCAS also projects that growth in the UK’s 18-year-old population will continue to drive additional applicants over the coming years, supporting robust future demand for student accommodation. Study Inn says its success is underpinned by its vertically integrated business model, which provides full control over acquisition, design, development, and operations. The company’s all-inclusive offering includes utilities, internet, kitchens, towels, bedding, housekeeping, shared lounges, social spaces, and landscaped outdoor areas. Study Inn has achieved strong annual growth over all of its assets since inception of the brand. Current average achieved weekly rent is £226, and is forecasted to increase in 2026/27. “These are exciting times for Study Inn,” added Shakespeare. “With our experience, adaptability, and continued investment in quality, we’re perfectly positioned to capitalise on the macro favourable market conditions whilst remaining very responsive to the micro market conditions in each city and deliver strong occupancy and sustained growth across our portfolios.”

University and Chamber strengthen regional business insight

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University and Chamber strengthen regional business insight

The University of Leicester and East Midlands Chamber have renewed their partnership to enhance economic research and knowledge sharing across the region’s business community.

The collaboration continues the university’s role as exclusive research partner for the Chamber’s Quarterly Economic Survey. The study gathers detailed data from local firms, analysing trends in sales, exports, recruitment, investment, and the impact of economic pressures such as inflation and taxation. The findings help inform regional policy discussions and national economic reports.

Through the partnership, the university will support evidence-based decision-making and strengthen links between academia and industry. It will also contribute to the development of Knowledge Transfer Partnerships and executive education programmes designed to boost innovation, productivity, and workforce skills in the East Midlands.

University of Leicester School of Business Associate Dean of Enterprise Prof Mohamed Shaban said: “We are delighted to continue the University of Leicester’s Strategic Partnership with East Midlands Chamber. This enduring partnership underscores our shared commitment to bridging the gap between education and the business community. Together, we look forward to driving positive impact through executive education, knowledge exchange, research, and student enterprise.”

Both institutions aim to use the alliance to provide clearer insights into business performance and ensure local enterprises are better equipped to respond to economic challenges and growth opportunities.

Food and drink gift company “thriving” following Dragons’ Den rejection

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Food and drink gift company “thriving” following Dragons’ Den rejection
The founder of food and drink gift company IMP & MAKER says her business is thriving despite failing to secure investment on Dragons’ Den. Millions of viewers watched Sarah Louise Fairburn (on 16th October) leave the Den empty-handed after seeking £100k for a 10 per cent stake in her business. However, far from being despondent, the entrepreneur has gone on to raise £500k from an angel investor in a deal that valued IMP & MAKER at £2m, expand the company’s partnership with retail giant Costco, and is on track to report its first profit this year. Fairburn, a single mum-of-four, said: “Appearing on Dragons’ Den was both the toughest and most rewarding experience of my life. You can’t put a price on the advice I received from some of the biggest names in UK business and it’s helped transform the company. “I founded IMP & MAKER in 2020 to become the UK’s go-to business for food and drink gifting and now millions more people have heard of the brand. While the episode was being screened more than 10,000 people logged on to our website!” Fairburn had less than a month’s notice to prepare for her appearance in the Den after being “phoned out of the blue” by Dragons’ Den. “I thought it was a hoax call at first before I realised it was genuine,” she said. “I knew IMP & MAKER was far from the finished article at the time but I’ve always thought you regret the things you don’t do – so I said ‘yes’. “I’ve grown up watching Dragons’ Den and I wasn’t going to turn down the opportunity to pitch to Peter Jones, Deborah Meaden, Steve Bartlett, Touker Suleyman and Sara Davies.” Fairburn said she’ll never forget the moment she walked into the Den when the episode was filmed in June, 2024. “My heart was beating out of my chest but I took a deep breath and went for it,” she said. The regular panel was joined by guest Dragon Emma Grede and Fairburn described her 90-minute interrogation as “brutal, relentless and exhilarating – all rolled into one.” She said: “I was very open about the financials. At the time IMP & MAKER was losing £800k a year; spending £90 per customer acquisition; and margins were as low as 4%. “This year we’re on track to make a profit; the cost of customer acquisition is down to £24; and margins are up to 35%. We’ve also gone on to raise £500k from an angel investor in a deal that valued IMP & MAKER at £2m.” Despite not investing, Dragon Steven Bartlett praised her resilience and determination. Fairburn said: “I took the advice from the Dragons onboard and IMP & MAKER is now five years old and in the best shape it’s ever been as we approach the busy Christmas and New Year period. “We’re a much leaner business than when I appeared on Dragons’ Den. We’ve got the right infrastructure and team in place to take IMP & MAKER to the next level.”

Marginal GDP rise fails to ease strain on East Midlands firms

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Marginal GDP rise fails to ease strain on East Midlands firms

UK GDP grew by just 0.1% in August, following a revised 0.1% decline in July, according to the Office for National Statistics. Over the three months to August, the economy expanded by 0.3%.

While this uptick signals a slight recovery, it does little to relieve pressure on businesses across the East Midlands. Many firms continue to face high operating costs and limited consumer demand as they anticipate the Autumn Budget on 26 November, which could introduce further tax rises.

East Midlands Chamber Director of Policy and Insight Richard Blackmore said: “With the Autumn Budget just weeks away and increasing speculation of tax rises of some kind, businesses will be anxious. A slight rise of 0.1% in monthly GDP will be of little comfort to firms that had higher costs imposed on them from the last Budget and don’t want more headaches.”

The region’s business community remains concerned about inflation and corporate taxation, issues that continue to weigh on margins and investment decisions. Previous policy measures, including higher National Insurance contributions and increases to the national living wage, have already tightened cash flow for employers.

Industry leaders are urging the government to prioritise business-friendly reforms in the upcoming Budget, particularly those related to Business Rates and investment incentives. With growth sluggish and confidence fragile, firms are seeking fiscal measures that support expansion rather than impose new financial burdens.

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