James Pinchbeck, Marketing Partner, Streets Chartered Accountants
Yesterday Rachel Reeves, our first female Chancellor, delivered a Labour government’s first Budget in 14 years. The day before Halloween it certainly seemed to come with its own tricks and treats, but perhaps not the ones you might expect.
For a start, it would seem an incoming government chose to blame the previous one for the mess and the financial situation they have inherited. The first 20 minutes of her speech focused on, from her perspective, their predecessors’ failings in terms of delivering on promises and ‘tricks’ to disguise the £22bn black hole.
A Budget with a £40bn price tag
Against this background she then set out how she and the government were going to ‘rebuild Britain once again’ and restore economic stability. Who might have thought that would come with a £40bn price tag or in this case tax rises.
Whilst much of what is said to be raised following the Budget will seek to fill the ‘black hole’, some £20bn should also form part of proposed or rather committed investment in public spending including health, housing, infrastructure, defence and education. All of which, perhaps with the exception of defence spending, should help to improve our lives and economic prosperity.
The million-dollar question is who is going to pay for all this?
Sticking to their electoral pledge it is not ‘working people’ through changes to income tax, VAT nor employee’s national insurance.
No, the biggest contributor looks likely to be businesses, with the proposed increase in employers’ national insurance contributions by 1.2% to 15% and with the earnings threshold reduced from £9,100 to £5,000 from next April, set to raise £25bn a year by the end of this parliament. The Employment Allowance, which allows those with NICs bills of £100,000 or less to deduct £5,000 from their employer NIC bill, will be increased to £10,000.
More modest in the tax it will generate, with only £2.5bn forecast to be raised, is the announced increases in Capital Gains Tax (CGT), with the lower rate rising from 10% to 18% and the higher rate from 20% to 24%. It was also announced that the rate of CGT on assets qualifying for Business Asset Disposal Relief and Investors’ Relief will rise gradually to 14% from 6th April 2025 and to 18% from 6th April 2026.
Whilst perhaps changes to inheritance tax were not as wide ranging as we thought they might be, changes to Agricultural Property Relief and Business Property will be more impacting. From April 2026, reforms include the first £1million of combined eligible agricultural and business assets for 100% relief, with excess assets at 50%. Also, from next April the government will introduce a new residence-based system for IHT, ending the use of offshore trusts to shelter assets from IHT.
Other tax rises include the increase in Stamp Duty Land Tax for the purchases of additional dwellings, changes to company car tax and the charging of VAT on public school fees. These are along with other measures to address tax avoidance, late payment of tax due and the abolishment of the non-domicile regime.
What were the treats?
Perhaps the treats, for some, may be the announcements were not as wide ranging or hard hitting as might have been expected. Certainly, the continued freeze on fuel duty will be welcome, for lovers of beer so too might be the penny off a pint.
For those serving a pint and those in retail, hospitality and leisure it must be good news that for 2025/26 eligible properties will receive 40% relief on their business rates liability, with the small business multiplier to be frozen for 2025/26.
For those on the ‘national living wage’ so too will be the increase in rate by 6.7% to £12.21 an hour.
What challenges does it present?
This Budget raises challenges and potential issues for those looking at inter-generational wealth planning and the handing of assets from one generation to the next, both from a business and personal perspective, but especially for farmers.
Also, is the consideration around the timing of the sale and disposal of assets, businesses and property that is subject to CGT and Business Assets Relief, formally Entrepreneurs Relief.
The other key area is around absorbing or managing increased staffing costs through the increase in national insurance and the national living wage. It certainly seems more and more challenging to pass on increased costs without affecting revenue, therefore profitability could be at risk.
With this Budget setting the scene or tax landscape for the term of this government and with the announcement that we will only have one Budget a year, we should all be better placed to consider effective tax and financial advice to manage our affairs and the challenges and opportunities we face. Often uncertainty is used to defer or put off planning, perhaps for once this Budget provides, whether we like it or not, the certainty we need.
Midlands-based HR consultancy, Breedon Consulting, has welcomed two new franchisees to its team, expanding its reach across the region to meet the rising demand for HR guidance amidst a rapidly evolving legislative landscape.
Helen Dinsdale, LLM, will cover South Birmingham – including Redditch, Solihull, and Stratford-upon-Avon, while Maralyn Kitchingman will serve Warwickshire – spanning Warwick, Leamington, Coventry, and Rugby.
This strategic expansion aims to position Breedon as a go-to resource for local businesses navigating complex employment law changes and evolving workforce demands.
With the UK government preparing to implement some of the most extensive reforms to employment legislation in recent history, the new franchisees join Breedon at a critical time, particularly among SMEs, with HR services expected to be in high demand.
The changes include: ‘day one rights’ meaning employees will now be eligible for rights like paternity, parental, and bereavement leave from their very first day; and ‘protections against unfair dismissal’ that will also begin from day one, a shift that necessitates employers to rethink hiring and probationary processes.
Managing Director, Nicki Robson, emphasised the importance of Breedon’s expansion in response to this need: “There couldn’t be a better time for Helen and Maralyn to be starting their Breedon journey. The government’s recent announcement of the biggest upgrade to workers’ rights in a generation, will see the introduction of significant changes to employment legislation which all employers will need to grapple with. Many simply won’t have the resource or expertise to handle major changes like this internally, so having a HR expert on hand to guide and advise on what those changes mean and what they need to do, has a clear benefit.
“Expanding our franchise network allows us to partner with HR experts who share our passion for collaboration and a consistently high quality of service, to really add value to our clients. Together, we aim to build a robust network that thrives on shared expertise, innovation, and the continuous pursuit of excellence in the HR space.”
Franchisee, Helen, brings a diverse and extensive background in HR, with a Masters in Employment Law and experience spanning key roles at Deloitte, The AA, and South Staffordshire Water. With a career that includes leading large-scale HR transformation projects, Helen has developed a strong foundation in HR operations, business partnering, and change management. She is well-versed in the complexities of HR and understands the unique challenges faced by SME enterprises. Her expertise in implementing strategic HR initiatives, from flexible benefits to high-impact employee engagement programs, positions her well to support clients.
Helen said: “Breedon’s pragmatic and high-impact approach really stood out to me. The tools, resources, and support provided by Breedon give me everything I need to deliver high-quality, effective HR services. With the significant legislative changes ahead, I look forward to making a difference in my clients’ businesses by helping them adapt with confidence and compliance.”
With over 25 years of HR experience across diverse industries, franchisee, Maralyn, is a seasoned HR leader with a track record of aligning people strategies with business objectives to drive growth and innovation. Known for her hands-on and practical approach, Maralyn has played a key role in building HR functions from the ground up, as well as shaping corporate culture and enhancing employee engagement. Her extensive background makes her well-equipped to support businesses as they face the upcoming shifts in employment law.
Maralyn said: “For me, joining Breedon was about finding a reputable, established brand with a proven business model. Breedon offers an incredible support system, comprehensive training, and the flexibility to align with my personal goals while delivering exceptional service to my clients. I’m thrilled to be part of a team that is proactive about helping businesses manage these upcoming legislative changes and dedicated to ensuring that HR practices contribute meaningfully to business success.”
Breedon Consulting continues to seek experienced HR professionals with commercial acumen to join its franchise network, helping businesses to navigate HR challenges effectively. With its expanded network and comprehensive support framework, the business is committed to guiding organisations through compliance, fostering positive workplace cultures, and strengthening HR practices amid a shifting employment landscape.
SMB College Group is excited to announce the launch of their brand-new Skills Bootcamp in Level 2 Sustainable Land Management Skills!
The Skills Bootcamp is an intensive 12-week course designed to equip individuals with essential practical skills and knowledge for a career in the land management sector, with a strong emphasis on sustainability.
Covering key areas such as health and safety, machinery operation, habitat and forestry management, and regenerative agriculture, students will develop confidence in working with chainsaws, tractors, brush cutters, and more, while also learning critical digital tools like mapping software and social media for the land-based sector.
With a focus on decarbonizing agriculture, sustainable forestry, and practical estate skills, this course prepares participants to thrive in a rapidly changing environmental landscape.
Upon completion, learners will be ready to pursue employment in farming, forestry, environmental management, or related fields, while contributing to a greener future.
Alex Gray, Curriculum Quality Lead and Programme and Project Lead for Agriculture at SMB College Group, said “I’m thrilled to announce that this year we’re offering our Sustainable Land Management Skills course.
Whether you’re employed, unemployed, or self-employed, this course provides a comprehensive overview of the sustainable land management sector, with insights into the various sub-sectors that play a vital role in environmental stewardship. If you’re passionate about a meaningful and rewarding career in the outdoors but aren’t sure where to start, this course is the perfect springboard into this increasingly significant industry.”
The Skills Bootcamp will be taught at SMB College Group’s Brooksby Campus, an 850-acre campus based in the heart of the Leicestershire countryside and specialising in land-based industries. The campus is home to Hall Farm, sprawling fields, an equine centre, and animal studies facilities.
A new study has revealed the best UK cities to start a new business, with Blackpool taking the top spot.
Experts at IT service software InvGate analysed data from the Office for National Statistics to find the number of registered businesses in UK cities in 2022 and 2023. The final ranking was determined by the cities with the greatest percentage increase of new businesses from 2022 to 2023.
Blackpooltops the ranking, with a7.24% increase in new businesses between 2022 and 2023. The city grew from 3,870 businesses in 2022 to 4,150 in 2023, for a total increase of 280 establishments. 125 of those newly registered businesses were in the transport and storage sector, and 110 were in the business administration and support services sector.
In second place is Doncaster, with new businesses increasing by 2.23% between 2022 and 2023. Doncaster recorded a gain of 220 establishments, going from 9,870 in 2022 to 10,090 in 2023. 100 of those businesses were in the business administration and support services sector, and 55 were in the construction industry.
Third in the ranking is Ipswich, with an increase of 2.06%in business establishments between 2022 and 2023. From 4,610 businesses in 2022, Ipswich climbed to 4,705 in 2023 for a total increase of 95 – 45 being in the construction industry and 30 being in the transport and storage sector.
According to recent research, nearly one-in-five homes in the UK are privately rented. In such a competitive market, landlords need to be able to build positive relationships with their tenants. A warm and well-organised welcome can go a long way to starting things off on the right foot. Here, we’ll offer a few practical tips that will hopefully foster feelings of goodwill and make a difference in terms of tenant satisfaction, retention and property care.
Making a good first impression
This can set the tone for your tenant’s entire experience. A clean, well-maintained property speaks volumes about your commitment and attention to detail. Professional cleaning prior to move-in, for instance, is recommended as it offers a pristine, move-in-ready home that tenants appreciate.
And first impressions can be strengthened through well-assembled documentation – for example the tenancy agreement, inventory and safety certificates. Including these in a welcome pack not only covers legal bases but also signals transparency and organisation, key qualities that many tenants look for in a landlord.
Effective communication from the outset
Introducing yourself, whether in person or through a well-crafted welcome letter, is a great first step. This letter can briefly outline who you are, how to contact you and any key property rules. It’s also helpful to set clear expectations about communication boundaries, such as your preferred contact methods for non-urgent requests. This clarity helps avoid misunderstandings down the line. Fran Giltinan, Managing Director of Property Management & Customer Experience at Foxtons, expands on this point:
“You should prioritise a check-in, which ensures you’ve completed all mandatory safety checks. Importantly, it sets a clear baseline for you and your tenant, aligning your expectations for the property’s condition at the tenancy’s end.”
Personalised welcome packs
This can be digital or physical, providing valuable information and resources. It should include a combination of legal documents (like the tenancy agreement and deposit protection certificate) and practical items, such as manuals for appliances, utility set-up guidance and a local amenities guide. Thoughtful additions, like a few local snacks, gift cards or a directory of nearby services, help tenants feel at home immediately and reduce the need for initial questions.
Post move-in support
Welcoming tenants doesn’t stop at move-in day. A follow-up message or call a few days after moving in shows tenants that you are approachable and committed to their satisfaction. This simple gesture can be an invitation for them to raise questions they may have hesitated to ask otherwise, such as about recycling schedules, security systems or parking rules. Proactively providing guidance on common issues, like preventing damp or managing utilities, can also be a valuable aspect of post-move support.
Building strong relationships
Establishing a genuine relationship benefits both parties. When your tenants view you as approachable and considerate, they are more likely to communicate openly, care for the property and stay longer. By engaging with them personally, rather than through agents, you’ll find it easier to resolve issues directly and maintain positive interactions. Over time, tenants who feel valued are generally more cooperative, punctual in rent payments and respectful of the property.
Giving your tenants a warm welcome isn’t just about goodwill; it’s a strategic approach to property management. If you can create an environment where they feel respected and at home, this will likely lead to a smoother tenancy, benefiting both sides of the agreement.
Greg Simpson, founder of Press For Attention PR, shares why businesses should be entering awards.
Picture yourself in the audience at the Bricks Awards next year or at any awards for that matter.
The mystery celeb (or if you’re unlucky, ME) has the envelope clutched tightly. A chance beckons for glory, a whole heap of marketing opportunities, and the kind of positioning and brand boost that only awards can provide.
But you haven’t entered.
You’re there because it’s a great event full of energy, some networking opportunities and great stories and well, you know some of the finalists, so you’ve popped along to show your support.
Well done you!
One question remains…why HAVEN’T you entered?
You know what winning an award could do for your business. Don’t you?
The immediate photo opportunity with the celeb or the judges.
A chance to share your story with the audience.
Then the thousands of readers of the associated media partner who will get to know who you are and your offering.
The social media campaign kickstarted with a blaze of glory.
The e-newsletter you can put out again because “I finally have something to say.”
The newspaper front page mock-up you send to your prospects.
The blog series that shares how you got to where you are today.
The interviews you set up with fellow winners that elevate the opportunity for all of you.
The chance to come back NEXT year perhaps to present the award to the winner and do it all again.
I could go on. If you need me to, just book a call, I’ve got tonnes of these ideas!
As I draft this for Tess and the East Midlands Business Link team, I have 3 awards in the final phases of writing for clients. None of these are the Bricks as they just finished but one is a regional award for a niche finance provider, one is a national industry award, and another is for an MBE – that is pretty involved and is a whole other positioning opportunity!
So plenty of people do enter awards, me included because they see the opportunity, but sadly, many others do not. For many, this is a mental block. They just are not very comfortable in the spotlight. They don’t like to “brag” or show off.
They worry what people will say if they win or even if they don’t!
For others it is a time and resource issue. They find writing a challenge and it is just one more thing that they need to get around to.
On the “bragging” issue, please, don’t feel this way.
The best awards submissions are based on the transformation that has been achieved, either for the customer, the employee, or the wider impact that the business has created.
The human element is in there and indeed the most compelling entries will play this strongly, but there’s a whole heap of difference between showing off vs inspiring others by sharing your journey.
On the time issue, well, you can outsource (hi there!) or you can do what I do which is to do a little bit at a time. Begin just by taking notes. Don’t try and answer the questions on the form immediately.
Go take a walk and have the questions on a scrap of paper. Bring your phone and just start to record your thoughts. You will recall a lot of things you had totally forgotten.
Then go and get them transcribed and you now have loads of raw material to shape your masterpiece from.
Now start answering the questions but please note what they are asking. Many awards forms are pretty specific and need proof. Give it to them. Find it. Show it.
I actually leave the introduction until last.
That is because by then I have a theme and I can set the scene better. Think of it as a trailer for a film. The judges need to be intrigued as they read your entry. Make them want to watch the whole film by whetting their appetite early on with more to be revealed.
My key piece of advice – tell a story. Judges don’t need your entire CV, potted history of the business and your inside leg measurement. They want content. They want a great awards night, and they want some people to come back again next year having told their mates. Give them that fuel and reap the rewards in the process.
A former business journalist, Greg Simpson is the author of The Small Business Guide to PR and has been recognised as one of the UK’s top 5 PR consultants, having set up Press for Attention PR in 2008.He has worked for FTSE 100 firms, charities and start-ups and conducted press conferences with Sir Richard Branson and James Caan. His background ensures a deep understanding of every facet of a successful PR campaign – from a journalist’s, client’s, and consultant’s perspective.
See this column in the November issue of East Midlands Business Link Magazine.
Cooper Parry (CP) has completed the acquisition of fast growing NetSuite consultancy, MacroFin.
The firm’s 11th deal in less than 2 years sees the ‘rebels of accountancy’ target £185m group turnover for the current financial year. The deal is also the second of their rapid expansion within the digital and tech space following the recent acquisition of Salesforce consultancy, Cloud Orca.
MacroFin is a NetSuite-certified ERP consultancy specialising in the implementation of NetSuite products and other support packages.
Co-located in London, Manchester and the Philippines, MacroFin has proven experience across all sectors, including fintech, professional and financial services.
The deal further accelerates CP’s creation of the UK’s next-gen professional services group – embracing accountancy, wealth management, tech and law.
The firm’s headcount now tips 1,450 including 128 Partners, across superhubs in London, the Midlands, Manchester and the Thames Valley.
Cooper Parry CEO, Ade Cheatham, said: “This MacroFin deal is another massive statement for CP – both for our offering in the digital/tech space, but also for our sustainable next-gen group ambitions.
“The momentum across the UK grows and grows, right on the back of our two transformational deals last month in Manchester and Thames Valley – as well as some brilliant strategic hires. Ross, Steve and his team have created a cracking business and it’s another key piece in our tech expansion.”
MacroFin CEO and co-founder, Ross Latta, added: “The reason that Steve and I launched MacroFin was that, as two chartered accountants with 10+ years client-side experience, we believed that finance and ERP implementations could, and should, be more successful if they were predominantly finance-led. Truly, we have built a business which is NetSuite for accountants, by accountants.
“So, it’s no surprise that the business fit with Cooper Parry is a natural one.
“Not only are they accountants, but they’re also one of the most dynamic, fastest-growing, team-focused accountants around who share our ambition and dedication to growing both our, and our clients’ businesses.
“Steve and I are incredibly proud of, and grateful to, the team we have built and this move brings a completely new level of opportunity for our team to grow and reach the potential we know it has. We cannot wait to see how far we can all go together.”
Corby Town Shopping & Willow Place (Corby Town Centre) has agreed a 10-year lease with B&M. B&M will take up 40,242 sq ft of space at 1 Queens Square, in the heart of the town centre.
This is the latest in a string of major leasing initiatives undertaken at Corby Town Centre. Leases have been exchanged with both Cards Direct and Boyle Sports, both of whom are due to open in time for Christmas.
A new lease has also been completed with Shoezone, which relocated within the town centre to upsize its premises. The recent strong demand from both the national market and local independents has pushed the centre’s occupancy to 95%.
With an annual footfall of 8 million, Corby Town Centre is home to Primark, TK Maxx and H&M. The centre comprises over 150 shops, bars and restaurants.
Corby Town Centre was acquired by Northdale Asset Management and Magnetar Capital in late 2022. Sovereign Centros from CBRE act as Asset Managers of Corby Town Centre and are advised by Wright Silverwood and Knight Frank.
Tom Nuttall, Asset Manager at Sovereign Centros from CBRE, said: “Corby Town Centre is the premier shopping and leisure destination for North Northamptonshire, home to many of the country’s leading retailers. Following a proactive leasing strategy, B&M’s new anchor store, in addition to other significant lettings, further positions Corby as a vibrant hub for residents and visitors.”
CT Skills, the apprenticeship and training providers, has launched a new Payroll Administrator Apprenticeship.
The new Level 3 apprenticeship has been created to meet demand for people with payroll qualifications from companies across the UK, and from learners who are keen to continue their professional development and specialise within this area.
Alex Ford, CEO at CT Skills, said: “We are witnessing strong demand from employers for people with payroll qualifications. As it is a qualification that can be used across all sectors there is plenty of opportunity for people looking to develop their skills in this area.
“We have learners that are undertaking HR or accountancy apprenticeships, so the Payroll Administrator Apprenticeship has been designed as a progression route for both these courses. Also, many existing payroll staff are self-taught and whilst having a wealth of on the job experience, this gives the opportunity to get additional training, a formal qualification and recognition for that expertise.
“It provides another option for people to build on the knowledge they have gained in their current role, as part of a HR or accountancy apprenticeship and, if they want to, move into a slightly different job role.”
The Payroll Administrator Apprenticeship is a 16-month programme that covers the practical skills required for a career in payroll, and also the range of legal and financial knowledge, such as tax and pensions, that is necessary to be successful in the role. It will also include training on how to comply with any changes outlined in the Autumn Budget to payroll legislation, pension contributions and Employers National Insurance.
Learners undertaking the apprenticeship will study for the qualification through in work training and online with the support of CT Skills’ expert training team. The company is expecting strong demand, with an initial cohort of 30 spaces available over the next three months.
CT Skills works closely with the Department for Education (DfE) and employers to develop apprenticeships that provide learners with the skills they need for a successful career. When developing the Payroll Administrator Apprenticeship, CT Skills collaborated on a DfE ‘trailblazer group’ that fine-tuned the skills required on the course to make it as relevant and effective as possible.
Michelle Phoenix, CT Skills’ Head of Quality and Curriculum, adds: “We want our learners to go into employment and therefore we need apprenticeships to be applicable and give people real skills and experience that they can take into the workplace.”
32 of lift specialist Stannah’s colleagues participated in a thrilling and challenging charity abseil at the iconic Northampton Lift Tower on Saturday 26th October 2024.
Originally designed as a testing facility for lifts and now a centre for research and development, the 127-metre (418-foot) Northampton Lift Tower is the UK’s tallest permanent abseil tower.
The team faced the daunting drop with courage, overcoming personal fears and challenges as they descended this iconic structure. Through their collective efforts, they raised an impressive £8,124 for the UK Lift Industry Charity, which provides financial aid to the families of lift industry workers who have been injured or lost their lives at work.
The Stannah Group generously covered the costs of the abseil and matched the donations, bringing the total to £16,248 for the UK Lift Industry Charity.
Jools Black and Gemma Moore, Trustees of the UK Lift Industry Charity, attended the event and even took on the challenge of abseiling themselves. Jools expressed their gratitude, saying: “A huge thank you to everyone at Stannah who contributed and participated in the abseil. Every penny raised goes towards supporting engineers or anyone in the lift industry who’s been unfortunate to get injured while on the job.”
Gemma continues: “Just before I went over the edge of the tower, I received a text from one of the lift engineers we’re currently assisting through the charity. He thanked us for the financial and wellbeing support, saying it eased his mind so he could focus on recovery. His message gave many of us the courage to take that step and complete the challenge.
“A massive thanks to everyone for raising funds for the UK Lift Industry Charity.”
Dan White, Service Director from Stannah Lift Services, said: “It was lovely to have so many staff from across the branches and divisions within Stannah to come together on the day. I’ve heard the camaraderie and team spirit was great with many families coming on the day to support their loved ones and the whole team.
“Not only was it a fantastic team and personal achievement for everyone, but it’s also a meaningful way for us to give back to communities and charities close to our hearts.”
Donations to support the Stannah team’s fundraising efforts can be made through their fundraising page at Just Giving.
In 2019, Newark and Sherwood District Council declared a Climate Emergency, setting a target to reduce the impact of climate change and achieve carbon neutrality by 2035. Monday’s Policy and Performance Improvement Committee was an opportunity for District Councillors to look at the progress that has been made towards this goal.
The District Council’s carbon footprint for 2023/24 was 3,141 tonnes and the Council is working on reducing this through many activities and behaviour changes, including switching to greener utility providers and exploring alternative fuels like HVO for environmental services vehicles, which account for nearly a third of these emissions.
In the past year alone, the Council has installed solar panels at Dukeries Leisure Centre, Vicar Water Country Park and Sconce and Devon Park as well as planting over 4500 trees across the district.
Solar PV projects are also a major part of the District Council’s strategy to cut carbon emissions. The District Council has installed solar panels at multiple sites, saving money and reducing its carbon footprint.
Projected savings over the next 12 months indicate that, across Newark Sports and Fitness Centre, Vicar Water Country Park, Dukeries Leisure Centre, Sconce and Devon Park, and The Beacon, carbon will be reduced by 74 tonnes and over £42,000 will be saved.
A Decarbonisation Plan for Council buildings has been created in partnership with Newark firm BE Design. This plan outlines energy efficiency measures and carbon reduction strategies for sites including Blidworth Leisure Centre, Brunel Drive Depot, Castle House, Dukeries Leisure Centre, Newark Beacon, the Palace Theatre Newark and National Civil War Centre, Sconce and Devon Park and Vicar Water Country Park.
In the past few years, The Carbon Trust has updated its stance on tree planting and now considers this a valid method for accounting for carbon savings. The District Council has been successful with tree planting schemes and plans to do more to offset carbon emissions in this way.
Since 2019, over 19,000 trees have been planted or given away, and the Council is always looking for more opportunities to increase this number. This year, even more trees will be planted once planting season begins, including new trees on Clay Lane and Sherwood Avenue Park as part of its regeneration.
The Green Rewards App was launched in the district in 2022, helping the community to make positive changes by logging carbon-reducing activities. With 608 residents signed up (a 5.2% increase since April 2024), 73 tonnes of carbon emissions have been avoided so far. Residents have also been aided in lowering their carbon emissions with the rollout of kerbside glass recycling, reducing multiple visits to and from recycling sites.
£93,000 has recently been awarded to the Sherwood Forest Trust from the District Council’s UKSPF allocation to support a community tree nursery. Their goal is to plant 10,000 trees in the next 3 years and, so far, they’ve recruited 680 volunteers for planting and seed collection, gathered 40,000 seeds, planted 2,000 trees, and have 4,600 trees maturing on site, ready for planting.
Councillor Emma Oldham, Portfolio Holder for Climate and the Environment, said: “These are just some of the exciting initiatives the District Council is undertaking to help achieve our net zero targets by 2035.
“This is an extremely important cause to me personally and we must act with urgency. The enthusiasm of our officers in pursuing this goal and thinking creatively about ways in which to do so is really heartening.
“I recognise that setting an example for our residents is vital and we’re always looking for solutions to help residents reduce their carbon footprint, making it as easy for them as possible.
“Together, our actions are securing cleaner air for residents and better protecting tenants’ homes and residents’ services against volatile energy prices. We’ve also got some exciting climate action plans up our sleeve and can’t wait to share our growing ambitions with you all soon.”
Housebuilder Honey has submitted plans and exchanged contracts on a 12.3-acre site in Witham St Hughs, Lincolnshire, to deliver a £45m, 170-home development.
The proposed site, which will be called Nova, is located off Warren Lane and is a short drive from the A46.
Subject to planning, the development will comprise a mix of two-, three- and four-bedroom homes and feature 17 of Honey’s different house types. Of the 170 homes, 28 have been allocated as affordable housing.
The proposed site in Witham St Hughs will form part of the Central Lincolnshire Local Plan which looks to ensure that all new homes are well-designed and in appropriate locations to benefit the needs of the community.
If given the go ahead by North Kesteven District Council, work at the development is anticipated to start in early 2025 with the first residents expected to move in by the end of next year.
Since being launched in October 2022, Honey has secured 19 sites across Yorkshire and the East Midlands that will deliver 2,349 homes and a combined gross development value of £665m.
The housebuilder is backed by private equity firm Alchemy Partners and its Alchemy Special Opportunities Fund IV which has £937m of fully committed capital.
Honey Chief Executive Officer, Mark Mitchell, said: “Our thorough market research identified Witham St Hughs as a popular residential location for us to build in and expand our development footprint in the East Midlands.
“We are seeing strong demand for high-specification homes from prospective buyers living in and looking to move to the local area. Our thoughtfully designed homes, which combine style, substance and sustainability will satisfy this.
“Now that we have exchanged contracts and submitted plans for our Nova development, we look forward to North Kesteven District Council considering our proposal.”
A strong third quarter performance at Next has seen the retailer increase its profit guidance for the year.
Full price sales in the third quarter (August – October) were up 7.6% versus last year. This was 2.6% ahead of Next’s guidance for the quarter of 5.0%. The business believes the performance was driven by the early arrival of colder weather this year, versus an unusually warm September and early October last year.
As a result, Next is increasing guidance for fourth quarter full price sales growth by 1.0%, to 3.5%.
The improved sales in Q3 along with its forecast for Q4 add £43m to full price sales and £10m to profit; accordingly Next is upgrading its profit guidance for the full year from £995m to just over £1bn.
Rolls-Royce SMR and ČEZ Group will join forces to bring their global capabilities and know-how to the deployment of Rolls-Royce SMR’s small modular reactor (SMR) technology.
This is enabled by an equity investment by CEZ into Rolls-Royce SMR and a strategic partnership to deploy up to 3GW of electricity in the Czech Republic using Rolls-Royce SMR power plants.
The agreement strengthens Rolls-Royce SMR’s ability to deploy SMR technology in Europe and globally, and puts CEZ, Rolls-Royce SMR, and its existing shareholders, BNF Resources, Constellation, QIA and Rolls-Royce at the forefront of SMR deployment.
These efforts further support the UK and Europe to reach their ambitious net zero goals and contribute solutions to address the challenges of climate change.
Tufan Erginbilgiç, CEO of Rolls-Royce plc, said: “We are pleased to receive this significant opportunity to deploy our SMR technology in the Czech Republic and welcome CEZ as a strategic investor and partner in Rolls-Royce SMR.
“We have a shared vision and CEZ further strengthens our ability to build stable, secure, low carbon power – delivering on our promise as a leading SMR business. Today’s announcement ensures that the Rolls-Royce SMR business is set up for success in the UK, the Czech Republic and around the world.”
Daniel Beneš, CEO of CEZ Group, said: “This investment enables our commitment to international collaboration in delivering clean power at home and abroad. The Czech Republic hosts some of the world’s leading nuclear supply chain companies.
“This collaboration in deployment of Rolls-Royce SMR units offers a unique opportunity for growth and prosperity to the nuclear sector through our participation in the development of the technology and will enable CEZ and other local companies to play a significant role in its future global production.”
Subject to customary regulatory clearances and security assessments, CEZ will make an investment into Rolls-Royce SMR, acquiring a stake of approximately 20 percent.
On 18 September, Czech Prime Minister Fiala announced that CEZ and Rolls-Royce SMR would enter a strategic partnership to enable the development and construction of SMRs in the Czech Republic.
CEZ and Rolls-Royce SMR will work collaboratively on plans for the deployment of up to 3 GW of clean, affordable energy in the Czech Republic. CEZ and Rolls-Royce SMR will work to finalise contractual order terms for an order of the first unit with early works expected to commence as soon as 2025.
Furthermore, CEZ will support Rolls-Royce SMR to deploy SMR projects across Europe, leveraging the learning curve and knowledge transfer across projects.
This collaboration, expected to last several decades, is more than just an agreement between Rolls-Royce SMR and CEZ, it represents an important strengthening of ties between the UK and Czech Governments.
It also signals a strong commitment to building an international supply chain, generating an enormous opportunity to develop skills in both countries and deliver significant economic growth.
Nuclear energy will play a key role in both the UK and the Czech Republic as both countries seek a secure, clean, and affordable supply of electricity for generations to come.
Each Rolls-Royce SMR power station is expected to produce 470MWe of stable, affordable, emission-free electricity – enough to power a million homes for at least 60 years.
A partnership spearheaded by Nottinghamshire County Council has helped to deliver 3,511 community-boosting projects and £394 million worth of investment since its launch.
Arc Partnership was formed as a joint venture between the county council and public sector procurement specialist, SCAPE, in 2016.
On behalf of the council and the communities and people it represents, Arc Partnership delivers multi-disciplinary property design, consultancy, master planning, regeneration, project and programme management, emergency, reactive, compliance asset management and planned services.
The unique partnership was launched to drive greater efficiencies and lead on innovation in the design, management, and maintenance of property services in the public sector.
Now, eight years after the joint venture’s launch, the county council has approved a five-year extension to its initial 10-year contract with Arc Partnership for it to continue delivering a wide range of services for the benefit of Nottinghamshire and its communities.
Speaking after the contract was extended until 2031, Councillor Keith Girling, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Asset Management, said Arc Partnership has been a huge success and hailed it for delivering ‘integrated customer focused services’, value for money and supporting ‘regeneration and economic growth’.
He said: “Our relationship with Arc Partnership has grown significantly in service provision since the joint venture was launched in 2016 and the ongoing demonstration of best value and delivery means we are happy to extend the contract early and by a further five years.
“I am delighted with the progress Arc Partnership has made in the last eight years, especially when you look at the incredible number of projects which have delivered across Nottinghamshire.
“To date, Arc Partnership has delivered 3,511 projects – which equates to more than £394 million worth of investment, of which an impressive £344m has been spent locally.
“This is fantastic news for the local economy; they’re dealing with businesses here in Nottinghamshire and employing local people – with 95% of its team living locally, which is incredible.
“You also must remember a lot of this has been delivered during a time when local authorities have faced extremely difficult financial challenges in addition to the pressures brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Arc Partnership constantly delivers value for money and does a fantastic job supporting us to create an efficient, safe and sustainable land and property portfolio, helping to deliver more integrated customer-focused services, value for money as well as supporting regeneration and economic growth.”
The multi-million-pound projects it has delivered on behalf of the county council include new state-of-the-art schools, refurbishment of existing maintain schools, modernising its libraries and managing the development of the county council’s new low carbon, all-electric office Oak House headquarters, near Hucknall.
The new office is being designed, project and cost-managed by Arc Partnership and delivered through its construction partner, Morgan Sindall Construction.
A target of 86 per cent of local spend has been set for the project and associated infrastructure works, with sub-contractors and tradespeople located within 20 miles of the site.
In addition to delivering value for money, quality of output and customer excellence, a key part of Arc Partnership’s ethos is social value and demonstrating real value in terms of local spend.
Daniel Maher, who has been Arc Partnership’s managing director since 2016, said the organisation’s commitment to social value and local spend ‘is at the core of everything’.
He said: “The early contract extension highlights the ‘trust’ the county council has placed in Arc Partnership, and it is a true partnership based on collaboration and delivering real value together. To me that’s important and we’ve had cross-member support, from all different political persuasions. They’ve always supported us on that journey.
“We are a humble organisation but the one thing we are proud of, outside of the services we provide for the county council and the communities of Nottinghamshire, is that we are delivering using a locally employed workforce and supply chain. That says a lot. People talk about doing it, but we’ve done it.
“It’s nice to see local people and the local economy have benefited because of this journey, too.”
Arc Partnership has also forged a ‘strong relationship’ with Nottingham Trent University through a three-year strategic partnership and the University of Nottingham, focusing on unlocking the next generation of employees and developing career pathways for growing and retaining local talent.
Daniel added: “We have our placements, and we employ people. There’s a direct relationship with Nottingham Trent University because basically all its faculties mirror everything we do – so there’s a synergy there between us all.
“The partnership has also been successful in retaining graduates locally instead of leaving Nottinghamshire to work elsewhere in the country.”
Motorpoint Arena Nottingham has been at the centre of developing a green guide to help all 23 major UK Arenas become more sustainable.
The National Arenas Association (NAA) has published its Green Guide, developed in collaboration with live event sustainability experts, A Greener Future (AGF) to help the largest indoor arenas in the UK and Ireland to share best practice and operate more sustainably.
The Motorpoint Arena Nottingham is already making good progress on its own sustainability journey:
1,000 solar panels – the largest single site installation in Nottingham – power 30 live events
electric vehicle chargers in the car parks
98 percent LED lights
25 percent reduction in energy consumption in last few years
33 tonnes of waste recycled each year
No waste goes to landfill
Reuses wastewater from the cooling towers to make the ice rinks
Lee Chadburn, Head of Facilities, Motorpoint Arena Nottingham and National Ice Centre, who helped create the new Green Guide, said: “Our journey to be more sustainable began around 2011. Since then, we believe we have made great progress in being as sustainable as we possibly can be.
“We have used the least amount of energy to power our operations this year then any other year. We recycle more than 40 percent of our waste – the rest is sent to a waste to energy system, which then provides electricity and heating to our building.
“We are the city’s largest single site PV installation producing enough energy to power 30 live music events a year. We were the first UK Arena to have a dedicated vegan outlet, reuse cup scheme and water saving washroom systems.”
The Green Guide aims to help member venues set sustainability objectives and work towards reducing their environmental impact, regardless of where they currently are on their individual sustainability journey and features many best practice examples that venues currently employ including Motorpoint Arena Nottingham.
Lee added: “We still have plenty to do and aim to be constantly better. Our aim is to make any events and activities in our venue as sustainable as possible and continue to support the city of Nottingham’s pledge to be carbon neutral by 2028.”
The NAA Green Guide addresses the extensive environmental aspects of arena management, while also considering the areas of governance, social inclusion, and economic opportunity.
Backed by industry body LIVE and the Concert Promoters Association, the Green Guide is expected to evolve as the live industry continues to adapt to the demands and opportunities of social and environmental sustainability.
Claire Cosgrave, NAA Green Guide Lead, said: “The National Arenas Association Green Guide presents an accessible, action-orientated resource to help our member venues navigate the complex world of social and environmental sustainability.
“By focussing attention on a set of shared objectives, we believe the guide can help to drive progress in aspects common to all venues, regardless of size, age or stage of sustainability journey.
“Working with the experts at A Greener Future, the guide covers a vast range of detail with practical steps for venue operators to take and engage key stakeholders on including promoters and event audiences.
“As a group, the NAA is committed to driving best practice across all its member venues and we look forward to evolving the Green Guide further in future years.”
Claire O’Neill, CEO & Co Founder, A Greener Future, said: “It is vitally important that venues act now to prevent negative impacts on the environment, provide safe and fulfilling spaces for people, and manage risks and opportunities posed by climate change and market transformation.
“Venues are the home of live entertainment. This collaborative work is a significant step to getting the live sectors house in order, with manageable steps towards greener arenas.”
Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, has sold a vacant day nursery property in Kingsthorpe, Northampton.
This vacant property was formerly a day nursery registered for 32 children. It occupies a prominent elevated position on a corner plot in the Northampton suburb of Kingsthorpe.
Following a sales process with David Eaves at Christie & Co, it has been purchased by Quentin Wade of The Redbrick Day Nursery which owns another privately run setting nearby.
Quentin Wade, Director at The Redbrick Day Nursery, said: “We felt it was essential to open another day nursery in the area as the demand for quality childcare has been outstripping supply. Families in Kingsthorpe and the surrounding communities deserve accessible, high-quality childcare that supports their children’s growth and development.
“The Redbrick Day Nursery will not only help meet this growing demand but also positively contribute to the local community by creating jobs and providing a nurturing environment for children to thrive.”
David Eaves, Director – Childcare & Education at Christie & Co, said: “Upon being instructed to market this property for sale, it was clear there was significant opportunity for a new operator to add value.
“The property was already well configured and, after an intense five-week redecoration, I’m delighted that Quentin and the team have been able to open the setting to new families, and have been able to expand on the previous capacity by using the property to its fullest potential.
“This has been a great example of matching the right property with the right buyer at the right time and is further evidence of existing operators having confidence in the current market by bringing a vacant property back into use to satisfy the increasing demand for high-quality childcare and education.”
The vacant day nursery property was sold for an undisclosed price.
Contractor Clegg Construction has completed a £13m expansion project at Carlton le Willows Academy which has created new space and improved learning environments.
The first phase of the development at the school in Gedling, Nottingham, involved building South Block – a new two-storey building to provide a state-of-the-art performance space, dining hall, 20 new classrooms, office space and a new main reception which has united the previously split site by linking the East and West buildings.
Designed by Welham Architects, South Block has recently been highly commended in the regional LABC (Local Authority Building Control) Building Excellence Awards.
Now the second part of the improvements – extensive alterations and refurbishment in various parts of the existing school, including the conversion of the previous dining area and assembly hall into additional teaching space – has also been completed.
It marks the fourth project Clegg Construction has undertaken in partnership with the academy.
Ross Crowcroft, pre-construction director at Clegg Construction, said: “Clegg Construction has had a long relationship with Carlton le Willows Academy, supporting the school in a number of improvement projects.
“We are delighted to have completed these latest two schemes, which provide additional first-class facilities for those already at the school, as well as allowing the school to expand the number of places it can offer to youngsters in the nearby community.
“As a Nottingham-based company, Clegg Construction takes particular pride in helping to improve the local education infrastructure and delivering facilities that will benefit future generations.”
South Block created capacity for a further 300 extra students at Carlton le Willows Academy to meet increasing local demand for school places.
It features a range of smart technology to ensure long-term sustainability, including optimising natural light and using low-energy lighting throughout the building, natural ventilation and cooling, and underfloor heating.
As well as the new extension, the project involved the creation of a new car park for just under 100 cars, along with infrastructure for electric charging points. A sustainable drainage solution has also been installed as part of the groundworks, which included an attenuation tank aimed at avoiding any extra burden on the existing public sewers caused by rainwater.
Other members of the project team included local businesses: GNA Surveyors, Moran Structural Consultants and Integrated Energy Building Services (IEBS).
The development has been funded by Nottinghamshire County Council.
During the construction and renovation periods, Clegg Construction took part in a careers fair during the summer term to help students at Carlton le Willows Academy understand more about careers available in the construction industry.
The Simulator Company has opened its new global headquarters in Coalville. This state-of-the-art facility, the first of its kind in the UK, is dedicated to supporting global operations and driving innovation in clinical training.
Founded in October 2019 by Babita Haval and Sagar Haval, The Simulator Company has rapidly advanced to the forefront of the industry with pioneering simulation solutions.
Known for developing the UK’s first manikin-based Extracorporeal Life Support (ECLS) simulators, the company’s technology provides healthcare professionals with a highly realistic training experience for critical care procedures, revolutionising clinical training worldwide.
Sagar Haval, CEO and Managing Director of The Simulator Company, said: “We are thrilled to establish our new headquarters in Coalville. This move enables us to expand our operations across the UK and Europe and support our global partners.
“The new facility will serve as a gateway for clients and collaborators worldwide to experience our cutting-edge simulation technology firsthand.”
The Coalville headquarters will be instrumental in The Simulator Company’s mission to make best-in-class simulation training accessible for advanced circulatory therapies while streamlining in-house manufacturing.
The facility will feature dedicated offices and training rooms designed to showcase the company’s latest advancements, inviting healthcare professionals and partners to explore innovative solutions for clinical training and patient care.
A new proposal for the future of Leicester Market has gone out to consultation, after work on the city’s market place was paused earlier this year.
The city council is now proposing a scheme that would return Leicester’s historic market to its old site – but would also create a new event space in the heart of the city centre.
City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “When I asked for work to be paused so we could reconsider the potential for this wonderful site, I put forward a proposal to relocate the market and transform the market place into a space that would become the focal point for festivals, events and celebrations in Leicester.
“While this was welcomed by many people – including local businesses and representatives of the heritage sector – it was clear that the market traders themselves felt strongly about returning to the site where they’d stood for generations.
“Our design team has now come up with a scheme that would allow the market to return to the traders’ favoured site, while keeping the market place as a flexible space for public events – as it was for hundreds of years.
“We’re now inviting the market traders and people in Leicester to comment on this new proposal. Their feedback will help inform the final decision, paving the way for a scheme that I hope will bring new life to Leicester’s market place and help regenerate the wider area.”
Image credit: Leicester City Council
The latest proposal shows a new home for Leicester Market in a light and airy structure, adjacent to the existing food hall.
Automated shutters would secure the market when it was not in use, while its 48 stalls could be fully dismantled and cleared away to provide room for a bar area, for example, if the event space was being used for an outdoor concert.
The whole site would be paved in high-quality porphyry, with colourful planters helping to create an attractive, versatile event space that could host festivals, live music or speciality markets.
With food and drink driving footfall to markets across the country, and to complement the range of produce on sale in the neighbouring food hall, it’s proposed that the new market would also be food-focused, with stalls prioritised for those selling fruit, vegetables and high-quality food from around the world.
“Food is already the cornerstone of what’s on offer at Leicester Market, with around two-thirds of the occupied stalls selling fruit, vegetables and other foods,” said the City Mayor.
“This redevelopment would give us an opportunity to build on that.
“A broader range of quality produce, featuring baked goods or street food, for example, could help shape the vibrant market we all want to create.
“So I’m convinced that Leicester Market does have a bright future. Our role now is to create the right environment for it to thrive – and ensure it provides a unique shopping experience that attracts both visitors and regular shoppers.”
If given the go-ahead, the new event space could be paved and completed by early 2026, with the new market building opening by spring/summer 2027. Traders could continue to operate from Green Dragon Square until then. The consultation can be found here. People have until 23:59 on Monday 9 December to submit their views.
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