North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC) has won an appeal against its decision not to grant planning permission for a lorry park on the site of the former Stardust nightclub on Beveridge Lane, Coalville.
Two appeals were brought about by Mr Brett Parker, Director of Bardon Truck Park Ltd, in January.
Appeal A related to an enforcement notice issued by NWLDC last March after a breach of planning permission which allowed for temporary parking of heavy goods vehicles on the site, with the land to then be vacated and returned to its former condition after 36 months.
Use of the land for lorry parking did not stop on 9 June 2023 and the site was not returned to its former condition in accordance with the conditions of the permission, leaving the council with no option but to issue the enforcement notice.
Appeal B related to the council’s refusal to grant further planning permission to Mr Parker for the parking of heavy goods vehicles on the site.
The decision by the Planning Inspectorate to dismiss both appeals following a public inquiry means that all use of the site for HGV parking must stop within four weeks.
Councillor Tony Saffell, portfolio holder for planning at NWLDC, said: “I’m very pleased that the Planning Inspectorate has upheld the council’s position. The fact is that the truck park, accessed by HGVs via the same narrow entrance as the Charnwood Arms car park, was a danger to pedestrians and to traffic crossing the nearby junction.
“We also know that there have been many occasions where HGV drivers leaving the site have made illegal right turns on to Beveridge Lane, dangerously crossing the eastbound carriageways. As the Planning Inspectorate concluded, it was only a matter of time before this led to a potentially fatal incident.
“I’m glad that the risk caused by HGV parking at the site will no longer be an issue. I’d like to thank everyone involved for their hard work throughout this process.”
Zombie companies increase in Midlands mid-market
The number of Midlands mid-sized businesses at risk of becoming a ‘zombie’ company has risen, as rising costs and challenging economic conditions leave little breathing room for growth, according to new research from accountancy and business advisory firm BDO.
In the last 12 months, one in six mid-sized businesses in the West Midlands (15.3%) have been deemed to be at risk of being so-called ‘zombie’ companies – an increase of 0.9 percentage points versus the previous year’s figures. This compares to 14.7% of businesses in the East Midlands – a figure which has risen from 13.2% since 2024.
Nationally, 15.9% of mid-sized businesses are classed as ‘at risk’, a year-on-year increase of 3.5 percentage points.
Zombie companies are those that generate just enough cash to continue operating and service their debt but not to invest in growth.
The BDO tracker, which analysed more than 20,000 businesses with a turnover between £10m and £500m, found that very few sectors have been able to buck the trend, with all but two showing a notable increase in the number of ‘at risk’ businesses.
UK-wide, real estate has the highest number of ‘at risk’ companies this year, with a quarter of the sector (25.1%) exhibiting signs of a zombie business. This is an increase of 10.1 percentage points versus the prior year, highlighting the ongoing impact that relatively high interest rates, economic uncertainty and supply chain disruptions are having on the sector.
Leisure & hospitality has dropped one place to second, with 23.4% of businesses ‘at risk’. While mining and quarrying is the biggest riser in third, with the percentage of ‘at risk’ businesses in the sector increasing by 11.9 percentage points to 20.7% due to rising energy and input costs and weakening global demand for raw materials.
Ben Peterson, partner at BDO LLP in the Midlands, said: “In light of the challenging economic conditions over the past 18 months, it’s no surprise that the number of mid-market businesses at risk of becoming zombie companies is on the rise in the Midlands.
“Although many have managed to navigate a difficult post-Covid environment, rising borrowing costs and inflationary pressures have significantly impacted their financial stability.
“Some of these companies cannot afford to wait for market conditions to improve, particularly in light of upcoming increases to employers’ national insurance contributions, the national minimum wage and the national living wage, all of which will have a direct impact on profitability.”
Geographically, of the 12 UK regions, 10 have between 13%-18% of ‘at risk’ businesses. Greater London has the highest concentration (17.8% and up from 13.3% in 2024), followed by the North East (17.6%).
Peterson added: “In general, mid-sized businesses have been hugely resilient in the face of geopolitical tensions, Covid-19 and Brexit. Over the last decade, these businesses have significantly contributed to UK GDP and overall employment numbers.
“However, while resilient they are not invincible. There is now a proportion of businesses in the Midlands that will require more transformational action to ensure they can prime themselves to survive the coming economic turbulence – whether that’s short-term actions such as challenging the cost base and undertaking a rapid assessment of the business’ pricing strategy, to more medium-term actions, including rightsizing the organisational structure or divesting underperforming areas of the business.
“Addressing these issues now will be fundamental to the business’ longer-term health and protect shareholder value.”
BDO’s tracker defines businesses as at risk if they had a five-year annual compound turnover growth rate of less than 5% and an interest cover ratio in their latest financial year of less than two times. The data analysed was sourced from the latest publicly available financial data per Companies House.
Freeths names new Managing Associate for Leicester office
Law firm Freeths has launched its family offering in Leicester with the appointment of Stephanie Kyriacou as Managing Asociate.
Stephanie, who joins from Shakespeare Martineau, will help the firm bolster its legal offering within the East Midlands’ family sector, sitting alongside the well-established family team in Nottingham, which has tripled in size over the last three years.
Stephanie is recognised for her extensive experience in high-net-worth financial remedy divorce cases, having acted for clients with extensive property portfolios, complex asset bases, business owners, directors and doctors over the last 11 years.
Alongside this, she has advised extensively on wealth preservation matters such as pre and post nuptial agreements, for clients who wish to safeguard their assets in the event of relationship breakdown, together with assisting clients with the arrangements for the children.
At Freeths, Stephanie will work closely with Legal Director Nikki Aston who heads up the East Midlands team, and Senior Associate, Stephanie Clifton. This will extend towards Birmingham, covering the whole of the Midlands.
She said: “My new colleagues have already made me feel incredibly welcome and I look forward to playing a part in the firm’s continued growth and success. Nikki has tripled the size of the East Midlands family law offering in less than three years and it’s great to be working alongside her again, together with Stephanie Clifton, who is also exceptional in the family law field.”
Mark Keeley, Partner and Joint Head of Private Client Services, said: “Stephanie’s addition is key as we look to continue growing the practice both across the Midlands and nationally. I am confident that her expertise will help strengthen our offering and continue to provide the high level of client care that our firm prides itself on.”
New Leicestershire autocare centre creates 20 jobs
HiQ and Carsa have opened a new autocare centre in Mountsorrel, creating up to 20 jobs. The site is part of a nationwide expansion strategy, adding to the companies’ existing dual-branded locations in Cannock and Halesowen.
The partnership combines HiQ’s autocare services with Carsa’s used car sales model. HiQ, backed by Goodyear, operates 190 centres across the UK, while Carsa has expanded to 10 locations since its founding in 2020.
The new centre integrates vehicle sales, servicing, tyre fitting, and MOT testing. A second site in Bolton has also launched as part of the expansion.
MTMS extends its partnership with GTR to keep the UK’s busiest railway moving
UK rail depot maintenance firm MTMS has been tasked with helping keep the UK’s busiest railway running smoothly after it signed a new three-year contract with train operators Govia Thameslink Railway.
The Midlands-based firm has maintained the equipment at depots serving GTR’s network for a number of years and the new contract has an option to extend to 2029.
MTMS looks after more than half of the UK’s depots and GTR is one of its biggest customers, with 18 depots based at locations stretching from Peterborough down to Eastbourne and including Bedford, Selhurst in South London and Bognor Regis in West Sussex.
Collectively, the depots provide stabling and servicing for GTR’s 516-strong train fleet, which serves a 1,300km network delivering 340 million passenger journeys a year.
MTMS’s contract comprises a wide range of responsibilities, including maintaining carriage wash machines and controlled emission toilets, provision of a comprehensive asset list, carrying out electrical installation condition testing on equipment and providing a planned CWM flail/brush replacement programme.
The core of the service delivery is servicing the 513 required PPM’s across the GTR estates and provide a 24/7 365-days-a-year reactive callout service.
Henry Boot Construction expands into East Midlands under new leadership
Henry Boot Construction is expanding its presence in the East Midlands under new Managing Director Lee Powell. The company, historically focused on South Yorkshire, is targeting projects in Derby, Nottingham, and Lincolnshire, aiming to capitalise on the region’s student housing demand and industrial growth. Powell also sees opportunities in Teesside and plans to balance the company’s portfolio with more private sector work, shifting from its current 77% reliance on public sector contracts to a 50:50 split.
Powell, who joined from GMI Construction alongside Finance Director James Smith and Commercial Director Chris Weathers, intends to diversify into industrial, logistics, build-to-rent, student accommodation, and urban regeneration projects. He also highlights growing demand for thermal efficiency and building performance consulting.
The construction sector has faced significant challenges, with over 4,000 insolvencies in 2024, but Powell sees opportunities emerging as major contractors exit the market. Henry Boot has secured three prison projects following the collapse of a Tier 1 competitor. While inflation has stabilised, material costs remain volatile, with some declines in steel and reinforcement bar prices but continued increases in insulation and plasterboard.
Powell envisions Henry Boot evolving into a construction consultant, advising developers on cost-effective and efficient building designs. His strategy focuses on value engineering rather than undercutting competitors on price, positioning the company as a long-term partner for clients navigating a changing market.
ProBiotix secures exclusive supply deal in China
ProBiotix Health, a UK-based life sciences company specialising in probiotic solutions for cardiometabolic health, has signed an exclusive supply agreement with Kemin China Technology Co Ltd (KCG). The deal grants KCG the rights to sell ProBiotix’s proprietary probiotic strain, LPLDL®, as a cardiometabolic health supplement ingredient in China, Hong Kong, and Macau, with potential expansion into other regions.
Under the agreement, ProBiotix will supply LPLDL® in bulk, and KCG will market it under a co-branding arrangement. China’s cardiovascular disease burden affects over 330 million people, and the country’s probiotic supplement market, valued at $2.3 billion in 2024, is projected to reach $3.6 billion by 2028.
KCG is a subsidiary of Kemin Industries, a U.S.-based global ingredient supplier with more than $1 billion in revenue and over 500 patents. The partnership is expected to create a long-term revenue stream for both companies and expand ProBiotix’s presence in the Chinese market.
Tesco opens security hub to combat retail crime
Tesco has launched a new security hub in Daventry, Northamptonshire, as part of a multimillion-pound investment to address rising retail crime. The facility will operate 24/7, monitoring CCTV footage and sharing intelligence with police to tackle shoplifting and staff assaults.
Retail crime costs UK businesses an estimated £1.8 billion annually. The new hub is designed to strengthen security measures and improve collaboration with law enforcement. Tesco has not disclosed the total investment but emphasised its commitment to staff and customer safety.
Rockingham Cars expands EV lineup with Leapmotor partnership
Rockingham Cars has become an official dealer for Leapmotor in Corby, joining the Chinese electric vehicle (EV) brand’s push to establish 80 UK dealerships by the end of the year.
Leapmotor’s UK lineup includes the C10, a mid-sized SUV with a 261-mile range priced at £36,000, and the compact T03 city car, which offers a 165-mile range. The partnership stems from a joint venture between Leapmotor and Stellantis, which owns Abarth and Fiat.
Rockingham Cars, in operation since 1978, has a long-standing relationship with Stellantis brands and is recognized for strong customer service. It ranked second in JudgeService’s 2023 list of the UK’s top 20 dealerships, achieving a 99.53% customer satisfaction score.
Nottingham charity seeks business support to complete new facility
Footprints, a Nottingham-based charity supporting children with mobility and communication challenges, is relocating to a larger facility in Clifton to expand its services. The new site on Farnborough Road, formerly the Highbank Community Centre, will increase the charity’s capacity from assisting 60-75 families annually to supporting 300 families with tailored programs.
The facility will feature session rooms, a sensory room, a family space, a community café, outdoor sensory areas, and accessibility-focused amenities. Renovations are underway, but additional support is needed to complete the transformation. Footprints is seeking contributions from businesses, including construction materials, volunteer labor, and professional services, particularly electricians and plumbers.
With its previous site in Sneinton sold, the charity is working to minimise service disruptions. Businesses interested in supporting the project can contribute through donations, volunteering, or in-kind assistance.
Council drafts long-term plan to revamp Northampton town centre
West Northamptonshire Council is developing a 15-year masterplan covering more than 400 hectares to regenerate Northampton’s town centre. The initiative aims to boost the local economy, improve public spaces, and promote sustainable transport.
A team of regeneration specialists has been appointed to shape the project, focusing on enhancing the town’s cultural and sporting heritage while creating new employment opportunities. A public consultation, set to launch in early summer, will allow residents and businesses to provide input.
Land deal brings new school a step closer
Nottinghamshire County Council-owned land has been officially signed over to The White Hills Park Trust as part of an agreement which will see a planned new school built on the existing Bramcote College site.
In a move to help invest in the community, the council has sold two plots of land for the nominal fee of one pound, so the Trust can sell the land on to a housing developer. This money will be used to fund the rebuild.
The new school building will provide a total of 950 places (750 secondary school places and 200 places for sixth form). There will be the potential to increase capacity in the future.
The new school will be purpose-built and have modern facilities for all subject areas and will meet the Department for Education’s sustainability targets, built to low-carbon standards.
Commenting on the official contract agreement with the Trust to sign over land, which combined is more than 17 hectares or equivalent to 43.5 acres, Councillor Keith Girling, the county council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Asset Management, said: “As a county council, it is our duty to invest in education to benefit future generations.
“This is great use of our land assets as this agreement with the Trust will help them to fund a purpose-built school which will provide the best environment for learning and help bring more school places to Nottinghamshire.”
Paul Heery, CEO of White Hills Park Trust, said he was delighted to be working with the county council on this project. He said: “This project will deliver a wonderful new home for Bramcote College, fit for education in the 21st century.
“Generations of students, as well as the wider community in Bramcote and Stapleford, will benefit from this partnership. We now look forward to building commencing this summer.”
The school is due to be delivered by Morgan Sindall Construction with Arc Partnership, a joint venture between Nottinghamshire County Council and SCAPE, providing the architectural design.
CEO steps down at Totally plc
Wendy Lawrence, the CEO of Totally plc, a Derby-based provider of frontline healthcare services, corporate fitness and wellbeing services, has agreed with the Board to step down from her role and leave the Board with immediate effect.
The Board intends to initiate a formal search process to identify a new Chief Executive Officer as soon as possible. Until such time as a new Chief Executive Officer is appointed, Professor Prasad Godbole, Totally’s current Chief Operating Officer has been appointed interim Chief Executive Officer of the company.
Professor Prasad Godbole will report directly to Simon Stilwell, Chairman of the company, but will not be appointed to the board at the present time.
Simon Stilwell, Chair of Totally, said: “I would like to thank Wendy for her contribution to Totally plc over the last 12 years. In that time the business has grown considerably both organically and by acquisition and successfully expanded its offering to be one of the leading independent healthcare providers today.”
Wendy Lawrence said: “I’d like to thank those whom have supported me during my tenure as CEO at Totally, we have certainly made some major progress over the years. I wish Totally well and am already looking forward to the next chapter in my career.”
Team of regeneration and placemaking experts appointed to create new Northampton Town Centre masterplan
West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) has appointed a team of regeneration and placemaking experts to create a bold new masterplan for Northampton Town Centre—a long-term vision to revitalise the area, attract investment, and improve everyday life for residents and businesses.
The masterplan will set out exciting opportunities for the town centre over the next 15 years, helping to shape a thriving, vibrant, and welcoming place for the future. The plan will work alongside the emerging West Northamptonshire Local Plan which identifies new places for schools and health facilities.
This plan will:
- Enhance connectivity and accessibility: Improve pedestrian routes, making it easier to navigate, while enhancing the gateways into the town.
- Culture and leisure opportunities: Enhance cultural and leisure spaces and providing more recreational activities.
- Community facilities and public spaces: Create inviting and accessible public spaces, promoting a sense of community and improving the quality of life for residents.
- Diverse and inclusive housing: Provide new locations for inclusive neighbourhoods with a mix of residential spaces, benefiting from sustainable transport options and increasing footfall within the centre.
- Celebrate and enhance the town’s rich heritage: Maximise the town’s unique assets and strengthen connections with these to increase community pride.
- Boost economic growth: Identify new opportunities for businesses and investments, creating job opportunities and supporting existing businesses.
- The Market Square and Abington Street regeneration – creating flexible spaces that allow the town centre to hold more events and adapt to the changing retail patterns.
- 24 Guildhall Road – An expanded contemporary art gallery, artist studio space and business spaces in the heart of the town.
- Market Walk/Stack – Large food hall and leisure/entertainment offer opening in the town centre in 2026.
- Four Waterside development – bringing new business and leisure opportunities.
- Greyfriars redevelopment – unlocking Northampton’s biggest regeneration sites.
- Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios as lead masterplanners, a multi-award-winning architectural and urban design practice.
- Planit-IE as landscape and public realm designers.
- Civic Engineers as transport and movement specialists.
- Cushman & Wakefield providing commercial and market information.
- Deetu leading on consultation and engagement.
Corporate insolvencies reach record levels, but more companies have potential to be rescued
Years of challenging trading conditions and the threat of April’s rise in the National Minimum Wage and Employers’ National Insurance Contributions have driven up monthly corporate insolvency figures to the highest seen in January for more than five years.
This is according to the Midlands branch of the UK’s insolvency and restructuring trade body R3, and comes on the back of figures published this week [18/2/25] by the Insolvency Service which show that corporate insolvencies increased by 6.4% last month to a total of 1,971 compared to December 2024’s total of 1,852.
The January 2025 figures are also 10.7% higher than the January 2024 total of 1,780 and they are 13.1% above the 1,743 registered in January 2023.
R3 Midlands Chair Stephen Rome, a partner at law firm Penningtons Manches Cooper in the region, said: “The monthly rise in corporate insolvencies is due to an increase in the number of Creditors’ Voluntary Liquidations and Administrations. Creditor pressures, ongoing cost issues and consumers’ reluctance to spend is continuing to take a toll on businesses.
“Creditors have now largely abandoned the benign attitude they had in the aftermath of the pandemic as they attempt to manage their own debts. We’ve also seen HMRC return to its pre-pandemic approach of pursuing money it’s owed – this is after years of taking a more supportive stance during and after the COVID era.
“There is, however, some positive news in all of this in the form of the rise in Administration numbers. They are higher than both this time last month and this time last year, indicating that there are more companies which have the potential to be rescued through a sale out of Administration, helping to maximise creditor returns and safeguard jobs.
“Against this backdrop, I would expect to see an increase in demand for restructuring advice and support across the region, as firms consider their options ahead of the end of the financial year, particularly as cost and creditor pressures are unlikely to ease in the short-term.
“R3’s message, therefore, is for anyone who is worried about finances to seek advice as soon as possible. We’ve seen countless examples of businesses reaching out too late and which could have achieved a more positive outcome if they had acted sooner.
“Most R3 members will give prospective clients a free initial consultation to learn more about their situation and outline the potential options open to them to improve it.”
Lincoln financial firm adopts four-day workweek to attract top talent
Almond Financial, a Lincoln-based financial advisory firm, has transitioned to a four-day workweek, aiming to attract skilled professionals in a competitive industry. Employees will work Monday to Thursday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with no reduction in pay.
Founder Sam Robinson said the decision followed a successful trial of a four-and-a-half-day week over three years. The firm adjusted internal processes and set client expectations to ensure a smooth transition. Robinson emphasised the benefits of improved employee satisfaction and productivity.
The 4 Day Week Foundation reports that over 200 UK companies have adopted the model, arguing it enhances efficiency and reduces absenteeism. Labour MP Peter Dowd has advocated for a 32-hour workweek, though the UK government has no plans to mandate the change.
Shirebrook market upgrade to cause temporary disruption
Shirebrook’s market area will face disruptions from April to September as the final phase of the REimagined regeneration project begins. The improvement plan includes an events hub, new lighting, trees, street furniture, and cycle stands.
Bolsover District Council plans to temporarily close nearby streets to keep the market running while the leading site is cordoned off. Preliminary work, including tree removal and electricity adjustments, will occur in February and March.
The council coordinates with Shirebrook Town Council to minimise disruption and support local businesses. Temporary public toilets will be provided during the construction period.
Derby-based accountant acquired by Duncan and Toplis
Derby-based accountancy practice Underwood Green has been acquired by North-east Lincolnshire-based Duncan & Toplis.
With locations across Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, North London and now Derbyshire, the acquisition is part of Duncan & Toplis’ largest-ever period of growth, coinciding with the group’s 100-year anniversary.
Underwood Green will now rebrand, with all team members including directors Gary Underwood and Richard Green remaining in their roles and in their existing premises at Pride Park in Derby.
The deal sees Duncan & Toplis expand into another new location, broadening the group’s service offering to clients across the Midlands, and follows hot on the heels of the acquisition of North London-based ALG.
Damon Brain, CEO of Duncan & Toplis, said: “This is a very exciting time for Duncan & Toplis, as it is the first time our group will have an office in Derbyshire. We’ve supported clients in Derby and Derbyshire for many years but, with the acquisition of Underwood Green, we’ll be welcoming a fantastic new team who are based in the city.
“Gary, Richard and the Underwood Green team have a terrific reputation in the area and we’re two very like-minded businesses. I’m looking forward to welcoming all team members to Duncan & Toplis and providing them with great career opportunities, at the same time as taking great care of clients they love working with.
“We want to continue to grow and expand the team at our new location in Derby, particularly our tax advisory team, and are looking for talented individuals to join us.”
Gary Underwood, director and co-founder of Underwood Green, said:“Joining forces with Duncan & Toplis is a great opportunity for us and our clients. Being a part of Duncan & Toplis, we’ll be able to offer a wider range of services and even greater support.”
Richard Green added: “Becoming a part of Duncan & Toplis is a thrilling step for us – their values and ambition align closely with our own. We’re excited about the incredible benefits this will bring, for our clients and for our team, who will gain fresh opportunities to grow within an ambitious and fast-growing group.”
Nottingham businesses ordered to vacate due to fire risk
Nottingham City Council has ordered the closure of the Howitt Building and Lenton Business Centre 1 due to fire safety concerns, giving tenants 28 days to vacate. The decision affects around 70 businesses and community organisations, including the Marcus Garvey Centre, which provides cultural and educational services.
The closures stem from a Fire Risk Assessment that identified issues with fire doors and compartmentalisation. The council cited safety as the priority and stated that repairs could have significant cost implications.
Business owners and community leaders expressed frustration over the short notice and lack of consultation. Some tenants have offered to contribute to repair costs, while an online petition demanding council action has gathered over 3,400 signatures.
The council has pledged support for affected businesses but has not confirmed long-term building plans.
DHL appeals warehouse rejection as public inquiry begins
DHL has launched an appeal after West Northamptonshire Council rejected its plan to build a large logistics hub on the outskirts of Towcester. A public inquiry, led by planning inspector Malcolm Rivett, is now underway to determine the project’s future.
DHL’s proposal includes a 24,572 sq m (264,494 sq ft) warehouse, offices, a gatehouse, and a new roundabout on the A5, with 273 parking spaces. The company also seeks outline planning approval for three additional development zones, potentially accommodating up to 14 buildings. The first phase is expected to create 1,300 full-time jobs.
The council cited the project’s scale, design, and location as reasons for refusal, stating it would significantly impact the local landscape and road network. Officials raised concerns about increased traffic congestion at the Tove Roundabout, despite council officers initially recommending approval.
Over 1,100 residents submitted objections, with campaigners from Save Towcester Now warning of “traffic chaos” and up to 400 vehicle movements during peak hours. Concerns include light and noise pollution, environmental impact, and disruption to nearby villages. National Highways initially objected due to traffic concerns but later withdrew its opposition.
