Alton Valley, a Derby-based network and security solutions provider, is launching 24/7 operations after securing a £750,000 contract. The move aims to support mission-critical industries with continuous service, leveraging the company’s security-cleared team for sensitive projects.

The expansion follows a record £7 million turnover in 2024, a fourfold increase over three years. Alton Valley’s growth strategy focuses on meeting rising client demands for around-the-clock support in high-security sectors.

Plans for the Great North Road Solar and Biodiversity Park in Nottinghamshire have advanced following a six-week public consultation. Developer Elements Green gathered over 300 pieces of feedback and engaged with more than 500 residents across nine events between January 9 and February 20.

The proposed solar farm, northwest of Newark-on-Trent, aims to generate up to 800 MW of electricity—enough to power around 400,000 homes and businesses. It will also include battery storage, 50,000 new trees, 800 acres of wildlife areas, and 46 km of hedgerows. The project features 19 new routes connecting public footpaths and a £40 million community fund for local initiatives.

Elements Green has secured partnerships with the RSPB, Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, and Pro Renewables, which will supply British steel for the project. The next step is submitting a development consent order application, which will undergo a formal review process with additional public input.

NewGen IT has relocated to a new, purpose-built office in Wellingborough following a year of expansion, securing multiple contracts and adding three new team members. The company outgrew its previous office in Irchester and now operates from a space designed to accommodate up to 24 employees.

The move supports NewGen IT’s long-term growth strategy and enhances client services, including on-site training and improved meeting facilities. The company aims to continue scaling in 2025 and beyond, strengthening its market position and expanding service offerings.

Businesses in Chesterfield can access a new skills service which aims to help them to grow their business and boost productivity. The Chesterfield Skills Brokerage Service provides businesses with free impartial advice that will help them to identify skills gaps in their business, access training programmes, including the University of Derby’s Executive and Professional Education courses and navigate wider funding opportunities available for training. Together this will enable businesses to access the tools that they need to grow. Delivered by the University of Derby on behalf of Chesterfield Borough Council, the free service is funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. A series of workshops and events have been planned to provide further support for businesses and create networking opportunities where participants can collaborate to enhance skills provision in their organisations. Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “The Skills Brokerage Service is a fantastic initiative which can help deliver higher level skills and education to people and employers in Chesterfield. “This helps businesses to develop the skills they need to grow and can help our residents to access higher paying jobs which in turn will help strengthen our local economy. “I’m proud that we are working in partnership with the University of Derby to deliver this service which has the potential to make a real difference in our borough.” The Skills Brokerage Service complements and provides access to the Executive and Professional Education offering from the University’s St Helena Campus in Chesterfield. Businesses can access a wide range of courses including CPD and short courses focused on leadership and management, management apprenticeships spanning business, marketing and human resource management, logistics and accounting. Matt Bromley, Academic Manager of Professional Executive Education, said: “The University has direct links to a wide range of organisations working across a variety of sectors, and our Executive Education programmes have been built on our knowledge and interactions with partners and stakeholders. “The holistic offer is designed for public and private organisations through to major organisations and SMEs. “There are several benefits to both the employer and employee. For the employer, it demonstrates a commitment to investing in people and ensures that they acquire the exact knowledge, skills and behaviours they need. “The employee, meanwhile, will develop important capabilities that all employers demand from their leaders and the ability to engage employees, forge collaborative relationships and develop people.”

East Lindsey District Council has allocated £7.8 million to improve tourism and local infrastructure. The funding of the East Lindsey Investment Fund includes £1.8 million for tourism-related projects, such as road upgrades, car parks, markets, signage, and visitor facilities.

A significant portion of the funding will go to The Woodland Trust to purchase and restore the 483-acre Harrison Woodlands near Louth. The site, currently damaged and closed to the public, will undergo tree removal and regeneration before reopening.

The initiative aims to boost the local economy and strengthen East Lindsey’s position as a key tourist destination, further developing the Lincolnshire Wolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.