Salloway Property Consultants makes director promotion
Salloway Property Consultants has appointed Chris Keogh as a director of the firm.
Chris, a Chartered Surveyor, is in his second spell at Salloways having rejoined the firm in 2020.
Stephen Salloway, managing director of Salloways, said of Chris: “He has demonstrated an extraordinary work ethic, consistently achieving outstanding results.
“He actively fosters a spirit of teamwork both with colleagues in the office and in the development of business relationships. This approach results in a high standard of service delivery to our clients which fully reflects the core values of our organisation.
“What stands out the most is his exceptional ability to manage both people and projects while at the same time grasping the broader corporate perspective which contributes to the company’s overall success.
“He is an outstanding ambassador for the company and genuinely deserves his promotion.”
East Midlands construction consultancy appointed to national framework
Construction consultancy Bentley has been appointed to Procure Partnerships’ Professional Services Framework, covering six regions throughout the country.
The public sector specialist has been placed on two separate national frameworks, Project Management and Quantity Surveying, covering the North West, Yorkshire, West Midlands, East Midlands, East of England and South East.
Mark Collins, executive director and framework lead for Bentley, said: “Our appointment to the Procure Partnerships Professional Services Framework is a reflection of our substantial recent growth and our expertise within the public sector.
“Here at Bentley we specialise in the delivery of complex, strategic infrastructure and regeneration projects, and also have an extensive cost management team who are well versed with managing public spend. This framework will allow us to access projects where we can really make a difference and help the UK meet its crucial deadlines for housing and infrastructure.
“The last few years have seen us expand our service offering across the UK and as such we have experience within the regions this framework covers. This experience and understanding will allow us to provide an industry-leading service to public sector organisations utilising the framework.”
Faye Dolan, framework director at Procure Partnerships, said: “Procure Partnerships Framework is delighted to have Bentley join as a new consultant partner on the second iteration of the Procure Partnerships Professional Services Framework.
“Bentley has an impressive portfolio of public sector experience and we are really looking forward to working with the Bentley team over the next four years.”
Work starts to bring 393 new homes to Sleaford
Bellway East Midlands has started construction work on two new developments at Handley Chase in Sleaford.
Detailed plans for 393 homes within the new neighbourhood taking shape on the southern edge of the town were approved by North Kesteven District Council earlier this year.
Bellway is building 204 homes at Quarrington Edge at Handley Chase, while Ashberry Homes – part of the Bellway Group – is building 189 homes at neighbouring Daedalus Park at Handley Chase. 31 of the homes will be provided as affordable homes for local people, available through low-cost rent or shared ownership.
Steve Smith, Sales Director for Bellway East Midlands, said: “With work now underway on these two developments, which will bring nearly 400 much-needed new homes to Sleaford, we are looking forward to releasing the first homes for sale in March.
“The mix of two, three and four-bedroom homes across the two developments has been carefully designed to provide the types of properties needed within the local area, while the affordable housing will give local people the opportunity to secure a high-quality place to live within the local community.
“The new homes will be energy-efficient and feature solar PV panels and electric vehicle charging points. The properties will also benefit from Google Nest technology, with a smart thermostat to help people reduce their energy bills.”
The two developments are part of the wider Handley Chase neighbourhood. Outline plans for 1,450 homes, a primary school, care home, local centre, public open space, sports pitches and allotments were approved in 2015, with work already underway on other land parcels within the scheme.
Steve said: “We are proud to be part of the wider Handley Chase project which will not only deliver new homes to Sleaford but will also bring with it a host of new community facilities which will benefit the town as whole.
“Our two developments – which lie to the east of Stumps Cross Hill and comprise the southernmost parcels of the Handley Chase scheme – will also feature green landscaping designed to ensure they will blend in with the surrounding natural environment.
“We will retain existing trees and hedgerows wherever possible and carry out a new planting programme, creating ponds within the public open space and new habitats for local wildlife.”
Midlands Engine Investment Fund II invests over £17m into region’s businesses
The Midlands Engine Investment Fund II has committed over £17m in the Midlands in its first nine months, leveraging a further £10m from the private sector to help the region’s small and medium-sized businesses to start up, scale up or stay ahead.
A total of 70 businesses have received support through the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II since its launch in February 2024. The £400m Midlands Engine Investment Fund II covers the whole of the Midlands and provides debt finance from £25,000 to £2m and equity investment up to £5m to help small and medium sized businesses.
Five dedicated fund managers – First Enterprise – Enterprise Loans, BCRS Business Loans, Mercia Ventures, Frontier Development Capital (FDC), and Maven Capital Partners – manage separate parts of the £400m fund.
High street knitting and crafting retailer Knit Nottingham, and specialist tapes and adhesives manufacturer Advance Tapes, based in Leicestershire, are among those who have been supported by the fund.
Jody Tableporter, Director UK & Regional Funds, British Business Bank, said: “This funding milestone of £17m to 70 businesses, achieved in only nine months, indicates that Midlands businesses are ready to take on capital to help them achieve their ambitious growth plans.
“This demand from businesses across very different sectors, from manufacturing and technology to retail, logistics and renewable energy, showing the incredible diversity of the business base we have here in the Midlands.
“The Midlands Engine Investment Fund has also acted as a catalyst for private sector investment – helping to secure a further £10m, bringing the total investment into Midlands businesses to £27m. It is clear that this is just the beginning for the fund and the ambitious firms that access it.”
University of Nottingham spin-out Neupulse secured £500,000 in funding from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II earlier this year, through appointed fund manager Mercia Ventures.
Neupulse has developed a Tourette’s therapy wristband, an innovative, non-invasive and non-medical treatment which has proved highly effective in trials. The funding is enabling Neupulse to finalise product trials and prepare it for market launch in the coming months.
Paul Cable, CEO of Neupulse, said: “The funding from Midlands Engine Investment Fund II has allowed us to take one step further towards our mission to roll out our device and give new hope to people with Tourette’s.
“Working with our fund manager partner over the past few months, they’ve supported us with expertise in product development and paths to new markets and helped us to deploy the funding effectively with great results.”
Jody Tableporter added: “Neupulse is an exceptional business that has secured funding to bring its vision and purpose to life. It is just one example of the incredible drive we’ve seen from entrepreneurs across the Midlands – and I look forward to seeing how we can support even more of them in the months to come.”
Leicestershire point of sale company celebrates double awards win
Melita POS, a family-run business based in Leicestershire, has been crowned winners across two of the four categories they were finalists in, after entering the East Midlands Chamber Awards for the first time.
The achievement marks a significant milestone for the company, further highlighting its dedication to excellence and innovation within the industry.
Melita POS is a winner in the Outstanding Growth and Small Business of the Year categories. They were also finalists in the International Trade category, and MD Dan Jacques was a finalist for Leicestershire Entrepreneur of the Year.
Dan Jacques, Managing Director at Melita POS, said: “We are incredibly proud, and a little overwhelmed, to have won these awards. To be finalists in four categories in our first year of entering is an honour in itself, but to win and take home two awards is something else entirely.
“This recognition is a testament to our business, our values, and most importantly, the dedication and hard work of our amazing team. We could not have achieved any of this without them.”
Melita POS, headquartered at Leicester’s Meridian Business Park, has been a leader in end-to-end Point of Sale (POS) and merchandising solutions for over 25 years. The company, which unites the diverse services of design, manufacturing, warehousing, merchandising and installation under one brand, is the result of the amalgamation of Display Logistics, DL Manufacturing, and KK Installations.
Despite these changes, Melita POS remains a family-owned and operated business. This strategic move marks the beginning of a new chapter for Melita POS, with an ambitious program of investment and growth being spearheaded by new Managing Director, Dan Jacques, alongside Company Director, Emily Havard, Operations Director, Rich Metcalf, Production Director, Glynn Parker, and Warehouse Director, Mark Jacques.
Originally established as Display Logistics in 1997 by Shivena and Steve Jacques, today Melita POS employs 35 workers with a turnover of over £6 million and has ambitious plans for international growth, while maintaining a strong commitment to supporting the economic success of its hometown of Leicester.
East Midlands Green Growth triples in 9 years
Green Growth activity – environmentally sustainable economic growth – from businesses in the East Midlands is three times higher than it was in 2015, according to joint research published by East Midlands Chamber and the University of Derby.
Green Growth Trends research published this week by the two organisations tracks and analyses awareness and engagement with green growth, decarbonisation, and the uptake of nature-based solutions (NBS), based on responses from businesses in the Chamber’s Quarterly Economic Survey.
Findings for 2024 reveal a 7% increase from 2023 in East Midlands businesses achieving turnover from the supply of green goods and services, while more than 45% businesses in the region invested in decarbonisation initiatives over the past 12 months, an increase of 6% since 2023.
The research highlights significant difference in Green Growth activity based on the size of a business. Three quarters of large businesses in the East Midlands pursue Green Growth activities but only half of small businesses do, while for micro businesses the figure drops to four out of ten.
Key findings from Green Growth Trends in the East Midlands 2024
- 7% more businesses derive turnover from the supply of Green Growth goods and services than in 2023
- 43% of businesses trade in environmentally friendly goods and services
- Three quarters of large businesses pursue Green Growth, half of small and four out of ten (39%) micro businesses
- More than 45% businesses invested in decarbonisation initiatives over the past 12 months, up 6% since 2023
- Seven out of ten large companies invest in decarbonisation
- Just over 30% of businesses have never engaged in nature-based solutions over the last 12 months
- Three in ten businesses have no turnover for green goods and services, 10% lower than in 2023
Unilever completes £40m investment in Burton food factory
Unilever’s largest UK food factory in Burton has undergone a significant five-year transformation, bringing production of the full Unilever UK condiments business into one specialist hub in Burton.
With 99% of products made at Unilever’s Burton site distributed to UK retailers, the investment will support the continued growth of Unilever’s foods business in the UK with a focus on driving supply chain efficiencies, boosting capabilities and delivering significant production growth at the site.
A second state-of-the-art factory has been built alongside the existing factory, increasing the site’s footprint by 50% to 31,000 sqm and bringing production of Hellmann’s to the site, alongside Marmite, Bovril and Colman’s.
Investment in digital capabilities has created a highly optimised site across two food factories and nine production lines, doubling volume alongside a 13% increase in total factory efficiency at the site in the last three years.
With the final investment of the transformation complete this year on a new Hellmann’s production line, 2024 is set to be a record year for the factory, with the site producing an average of 9 million jars and bottles of condiments a month.
The new factory includes state-of-the-art machinery and automation, including automated production lines using real-time data capture and analysis on the factory shop floor to boost efficiency and minimise waste, and a fully automated palletisation process, with two robotic arm palletisers and three top loading palletiser robots that pack over 1,000 pallets a day.
3D-printing machines and capabilities have also been brought in-house so standard machine parts can be replicated and replaced at speed.
The investment and growth of the site has resulted in 160 new jobs at the factory whilst also supporting current employees to develop new skills in digitised manufacturing, building on the site’s 100-year history of supporting local jobs and skills.
Andre Burger, Unilever UK & Ireland Foods Lead, said: “The investment in our Burton site and new factory reaffirms the site as a key food hub for British produce, making delicious condiments that are helping to create meals in homes up and down the country every day.
“By bringing all our condiment production under one roof and focusing on advancing digital capabilities, we’ve really optimised our supply chain and manufacturing whilst significantly increasing the site’s capacity.
“The investment has already delivered record breaking growth for the site and will be key in supporting the continued growth of our food business and market leading brands here in the UK.
“This investment is a celebration of our history in Burton as well as a commitment to its future. It is testament to the continued commitment and expertise of our teams at the site that its transformation has delivered such incredible growth so quickly.”
In addition to boosting productivity, the investment has accelerated the reduction of the environmental footprint of the site, with a focus on minimising food waste and reducing the carbon footprint of products.
The increased use of real-time data analysis at the site has helped to halve the site’s food waste since 2021 with the remaining waste redistributed, including to create energy for the factory via the on-site biogas recycling plant or feed for local farm animals.
The final-stage production of Hellmann’s 100% recycled plastic squeezy bottles – the stage at which the basic recycled plastic material is blown into the full-size distinct Hellmann’s squeezy bottle shape – has been bought onto the site. Localising these aspects of Hellmann’s production and packaging has significantly reduced lorries on the road and travel time from production to shelves, resulting in CO2 savings.
Nottingham student accommodation scheme set for expansion
SNGgroup has secured approval for the expansion of Stanley House, a Grade II listed property and student accommodation in the heart of Nottingham.
The original Stanley House, acquired in December 2017, was transformed into 107 studios and completed in 2019.
Now, in response to the growing demand for student accommodation, SNGgroup has received planning permission for Stanley House Phase II, which will add an additional 45 student and service accommodation units by September 2025.
Stuart Singh, Managing Director of SNGgroup, said: “We are thrilled to announce the expansion of Stanley House. Our goal has always been to provide students with not just a place to live but a modern and secure home that elevates their university experience.
“Nottingham’s student population continues to grow, and we are committed to meeting that demand with high-quality accommodation that is both centrally located and fully equipped with the latest amenities.”
The demand for student accommodation in Nottingham has skyrocketed in recent years. This growth has made it crucial for the city to offer additional housing options. Stanley House Phase II will meet this need by adding 45 new units.
The new addition will also feature a brand-new common area, available for both Stanley House and Stanley House Phase II residents, fostering a sense of community within the two blocks.
Completion of Stanley House Phase II is expected in September 2025.
Joe joins Agrovista to lead glasshouse team
Nottingham-based Agrovista has appointed Joe Shepherdson as glasshouse team manager to help build the company’s position in the protected horticulture sector.
He joins Agrovista from within the industry, backed by eight years’ experience in glasshouse horticulture sales and a further six working for a vegetable breeder, firstly in the UK specialising in cucumbers and hydroponic lettuce, then as product manager for cucumber varieties in Western Europe.
Joe said: “Over the years I have built a passion for the industry – I like the way the horticulture sector works, dealing with down-to-earth people on a face-to-face basis.
“I’ve known of Agrovista for years – it is well set up and has built an excellent reputation, which makes it a very attractive place to work. The new role has brought me back to the UK market, which I had started to miss, and gives me more responsibility at management level, whilst being back on the front line with growers. I look forward working with the team and making the most of the opportunities as we move ahead.”
Mike Bannister, head of glasshouse horticulture said: “Joe has been a welcome addition to the team and is already working alongside me to provide valuable managerial support in all aspects of the business. “Joe brings a wealth of experience and a fresh approach to the business as we continue to strengthen our position in the industry.”
PepsiCo launches new campaign to celebrate women in frontline roles at Leicester, home of Walkers Crisps
Food and drink company PepsiCo has launched a new campaign celebrating women in supply chain and operations roles at its UK sites, including Leicester, aiming to inspire more women to pursue frontline roles.
As part of the ‘She Is PepsiCo’ campaign, portraits of three female employees will replace the current design on trucks used across PepsiCo’s distribution network. This will showcase the women’s major roles in bringing favourites like Sensations, Snack A Jacks and Sunbites to consumers.
The campaign features Manufacturing Technicians Manjit Kaur (59), who started her career chopping potatoes at PepsiCo’s Leicester Walkers factory in 2011, and Ewa Doroslawska (36) from Coventry, whose PepsiCo career spans almost 20 years.
Alex Praja (26), also a Manufacturing Technician who decided to pursue a career in engineering after joining PepsiCo, completes the group of women heroed in the campaign. The trio were nominated by their respective site directors, who were asked to highlight employees consistently going above and beyond in their roles.
Each woman has also received a grant of £5,000 to donate to a local women’s charity of their choice.
This month, the trucks have been officially unveiled at special ceremonies taking place at PepsiCo’s Leicester, Coventry and Skelmersdale sites, and the three charities – Women’s Aid Leicestershire, Young Women’s Trust, and Kairos Women Working Together – presented with cheques. The families, friends and colleagues of Manjit, Ewa and Alex also attended the celebrations.
Alison Atkins, HR Director Supply Chain, PepsiCo UK and Ireland, said: “We’re proud to be spotlighting the incredible work of women in frontline jobs across our sites, and bringing their stories to people all over the UK.
“As well as recognising their crucial role in producing some of the UK’s most-loved snacks, we hope this campaign will inspire more women to pursue careers across the supply chain. Be sure to look out for our special trucks on the roads!”
Commenting on her inclusion in the She Is PepsiCo campaign, Manjit Kaur, Manufacturing Technician – Sensations, Leicester, said: “I’m very proud of this nomination – it’s something I never expected and to get this kind of recognition is amazing.
“It doesn’t matter if you’re a man or a woman, you can reach the same goal if you have a willingness to learn and you put your mind to it.”
80,000 sq ft industrial unit sold on Sherwood Business Park
Lucinda House, an 80,000ft2 industrial/warehouse unit situated on Sherwood Business Park, Nottinghamshire, has been sold.
The premises comprise a modern detached industrial/warehouse unit providing a mixture of storage, production, packing and mezzanine space with offices, canteen and staff welfare facilities.
The property is being sold to a nearby owner occupier as part of their expansion.
Darran Severn of FHP Property Consultants said: “I am pleased the sale of Lucinda House has completed in what has been a great outcome for both our client and the purchaser. After an initial marketing period, we were pleased to agree a sale within a matter of months.
“The sale was not without its complications, but pleasingly we were able to work with all parties to resolve these and complete the sale.
“There’s not much availability between 30,000ft2 and 80,000ft2 across the region on both a leasehold and freehold basis, therefore I would be delighted to hear from any property owners who have a unit of this size, as we are speaking with a number of businesses who wish to locate to a premises such as this one.”
Danielle Upton of Smith Partnership who acted on behalf of the vendor said: “I am delighted to have represented our client in the successful sale of this significant industrial property, and I look forward to supporting them again on their future ventures.
“I am grateful to Darran Severn at FHP for his collaborative and supportive approach to the deal, which enabled the sale to progress as smoothly and efficiently as possible for our mutual client.”
Ministers must look again at key employment proposals after sharp wake-up call from Government’s own watchdog, say small firms
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is urging the Government to address significant concerns about its Employment Rights Bill which have been laid bare this week (Monday) in a report from the official policy watchdog, the Regulatory Policy Committee (RPC).
The RPC has judged that eight of the 23 individual impact assessments (IAs) for the legislation, including some of its biggest measures, were not fit for purpose.
Responding to the findings, Tina McKenzie, Policy Chair of FSB, said: “The RPC’s findings support the concerns that FSB has been raising about the disproportionate impacts on small employers. Red rating after red rating demonstrates that the proposed legislation has simply not been thought through.
“This is a sharp wake-up call for Ministers who must think again about the dangers of a cavalier approach to jobs and work. The country cannot afford to pile further cost and risk on to small employers based on such an overwhelmingly weak evidence base.
“With the red-flagged impact assessments including high-impact measures like formal dismissal from day one, the Government must urgently do the basic work required to understand the impact of its own policies and accurately quantify the likely impacts on employers and the labour market.
“Parliament must step up and make sure it is challenging Ministers’ approach to such consequential legislation. Jobs, wages and living standards will suffer if Government fails to bring forward sensible policy or do the work to understand how and to what extent it is making employment harder and harder to provide.”
MD of Leicester sustainable travel consultancy named Modeshift Honorary Member
Robin Pointon, Managing Director and Founder at GO Travel Solutions, a sustainable travel consultancy based in Leicester, has been named a Team Modeshift Honorary Member. This recognition was given at the 2024 National Modeshift Convention in Leeds, acknowledging Robin’s significant contributions to sustainable travel.
Modeshift, a membership organisation for sustainable travel practitioners, awards the Honorary Member title to individuals who have made a meaningful impact on promoting sustainable travel.
The organisation’s work addresses important global issues such as climate change, air quality, physical activity, road safety, congestion, health and wellbeing, and equal opportunities through encouraging sustainable travel choices.
Robin said: “It’s great to receive this recognition from Modeshift. Sustainable travel is both a professional focus and a personal passion for me. I believe that by combining this passion with partnership working, we can address some of the most pressing health and environmental issues facing our world today.”
Modeshift Chair, Ross Butcher, said: “I’m thrilled to award Robin with Honorary Member status. Each year, we celebrate individuals who have made outstanding contributions to Modeshift and the wider field of sustainable travel.
“Our industry addresses some of the most critical challenges facing the world today—climate change, air quality, physical activity, road safety, congestion, health, equality, and more. With the combined expertise, experience, and passion of Team Modeshift, we can—and will—achieve incredible things when we work together.
“Congratulations, Robin!”
As an Honorary Member, Robin will continue to support Modeshift’s mission to increase levels of sustainable travel, advocate for best practices, and promote the growth of the organisation.
Freeport and Investment Zone status boosts Nottingham and Derby’s foreign investment attractiveness
The East Midlands Freeport and Investment Zone have potentially helped Nottingham and Derby improve their attractiveness to overseas investment significantly – despite the current economic challenges and lower GVA growth forecasts in 2025, says a new report.
The Irwin Mitchell and Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr) study examines the latest changes to Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) attractiveness of 50 locations based on 10 economic indicators.
According to the report, the Midlands’ only representation in the top 10 came from Birmingham, which ranked seventh overall. However, compared to the previous quarterly edition, there was a noticeable improvement in the fortunes of other cities in the region with Nottingham scoring 28.4 overall. Derby also improved its score to 33.5.
The report says both cities are benefitting from their relative proximity to the East Midlands Investment Zone and Freeport.
Investment Zones in the UK are designated areas where the government collaborates with local authorities and businesses to foster economic growth and innovation. These zones aim to leverage local strengths and untapped potential by offering a range of incentives, including tax reliefs, planning support, and business assistance.
Freeports are designated areas, typically located at seaports or airports, where normal customs and tax rules do not apply. These zones offer various incentives such as tax reliefs, simplified customs procedures, and reduced tariffs to encourage economic activity, trade, and investment. The aim is to create hubs of innovation and economic growth by attracting businesses that benefit from these regulatory advantages.
Bryan Bletso, Partner and Head of International at Irwin Mitchell, commented on the findings: “Despite the economy facing numerous challenges and setbacks, the level of foreign direct investment into the UK remains strong.
“Our latest report provides valuable insights into the factors driving investment decisions and highlights the importance of strategic locations such as Freeports and Investment Zones.
“The Department for Business & Trade’s latest statistics revealed London accounted for a third of all UK FDI projects in the 12 months to April 2024.
“The findings in our report, which highlight the growing influence of the East Midlands Investment Zone and Freeport, should therefore be considered by policymakers and businesses looking to attract and retain investment in the UK.
“Nottingham and Derby, in particular, are prime examples of how these strategic locations can enhance regional investment appeal.”
Pushpin Singh, Senior Economist at Cebr, said: “Our findings underscore the transformative potential of Investment Zones and Freeports in reshaping the UK’s investment landscape.
“Cities like Derby and Nottingham are emerging as significant beneficiaries, demonstrating how targeted infrastructure and skills development could potentially create hubs of economic opportunity.”
The Office for National Statistics recently published the latest FDI statistics, revealing that the value of the UK’s inward FDI position increased by £126.8 billion, reaching £2,068 billion.
According to the latest statistics from the Department for Business and Trade, 1,555 projects landed in the UK during the 2023/24 financial year because of FDI, resulting in 71,478 new jobs being created. Highlighting the dominance of London, the capital is attracting approximately the same number of FDI projects as the combined number for the Midlands, North West, North East, and Yorkshire.
Plans lodged for mixed-use scheme incorporating underlying caves in Nottingham
Plans for a new mixed-use scheme on Derby Road in Nottingham, incorporating underlying caves, have been submitted to the city council.
The proposals, from Tarry Properties Ltd, include 64 units of Purpose Built Student Accommodation with associated communal areas, laundry and cycle parking, and 29 one bedroom short-stay accommodation units, together with commercial spaces at ground floor and within the caves.
The site currently comprises of a three-storey building that once housed the Dancing Dragon restaurant on the ground floor with private accommodation above, and a one/two storey building that formerly hosted the Ropewalk Pub. Both buildings are vacant and have been for a considerable amount of time.
There are surviving ‘caves’ underneath the former Dancing Dragon which are to be revealed by the proposal.
The plans would see the existing buildings demolished with retention of the facade of number 103-106 retained. The development will be four and five stories high.
A design statement submitted by Arc Design Studio shares: “The proposed redevelopment at Canning Circus aims to revitalize a historically vibrant yet currently underutilized area. The project will feature purposebuilt student and short-stay accommodation, offering a range of high-quality residential units tailored to Nottingham’s growing student population.
“The ground floor will house commercial spaces, enhancing the activity along Derby Road. This blend of residential and commercial uses will not only provide essential housing but also stimulate economic activity and promote social interaction in the public realm.
“The building’s design includes a distinctive corner feature that wraps around key routes, boosting visibility and enhancing the area’s visual appeal. This strategic design is intended to establish a dynamic and inviting gateway to the city, benefiting both the local economy and urban landscape.
“Additionally, the Dancing Dragon building includes a cave entrance currently used for storage. The proposal seeks to transform this unique feature into a bar/restaurant, aimed at increasing foot traffic and serving the public.”
Lincolnshire firm’s industrial workwear business acquired
Lindström Group, a textile service company, is acquiring Lincolnshire-based Micronclean’s industrial workwear business in the UK.
This transaction is set to enhance Lindström’s position in the UK market and expand its customer base, particularly in the heavy industry sector.
The deal is an asset transaction where Lindström acquires the customer contracts and related textiles, and transfers Micronclean’s on-site service personnel to Lindström. Micronclean are closing their Grantham site and to ensure uninterrupted service, the clients will transfer to Lindström.
The company has been operating a workwear laundry in Grantham that serves currently over 180 customers mainly from heavy industry and food industry. The deal will grow Lindström’s customer base and market reach, especially in these industries.
Micronclean is a family-owned textile service company focused on offering workwear and cleanroom services in the UK and India. The company employs altogether over 400 people.
Lindström has been operating in the UK since 2001. The service offering covers workwear and industrial wipers, with over 4,400 customers. Lindström employs 140 people and operates service centres in Bedford, Bradford and Manchester, in addition to four others in the industrial wiper business.
“We attach great importance on the brilliant customer service and offering great value. Micronclean has been known for its quality, innovation, and customer-centric approach — values that resonate with our own,” says Ian Muir, Managing director of Lindström Ltd.
Sports hospitality company strikes £300k debt finance deal
Nottingham-based Vision4Sport Events has secured £300,000 debt finance from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II to support its sports hospitality business.
Founded in 2014 by former professional golfers Chris Newbold and Karl Wesson, V4SE has grown from a side venture into a provider of elite event packages for private clients, including Wimbledon, Formula One, the Ryder Cup, and exclusive golf tours. With demand steadily increasing, V4SE has achieved a strong post-pandemic recovery, reaching a projected turnover of over £3m in 2024.
The £300,000 new investment will provide additional working capital that will help drive strategic growth across key areas, including an expanded presence at global events such as the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Las Vegas Grand Prix, and The Players Championship at Sawgrass. To support this growth, V4SE will create new local roles in sales, business development, and finance.
Chris Newbold said: “Like many businesses, the pandemic had a huge impact on us and our ability to operate. The investment from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II and the support Maven has shown will allow us to grow the business to new heights with some exciting projects and events being added to the portfolio.
“In the short time since completion, we have already added to our workforce and look forward to further recruitment over the coming months and years. Investment has often felt like a daunting prospect in the past but the clear dialogue with the Maven team throughout the process along with their clear support for what we do, has been extremely helpful and encouraging.”
Jonathan Lowe, Partner – Regional Debt Funds at Maven, said: “We are pleased to support Vision4Sport as they enter this exciting new chapter. Their resilience and dedication to exceptional service, even through recent challenges, are a testament to their strength in the sports hospitality sector. Our investment will provide V4SE with the capital, expertise, and strategic insight to continue building on a solid foundation, realising ambitious growth plans, and seizing new opportunities in the market.”
Jody Tableporter, Director at British Business Bank, said: “The Midlands Engine Investment Fund II was launched to help ambitious entrepreneurs and small businesses to scale up and grow. This investment in Vision4Sport further highlights the importance of having access to the right type of finance at the right time. It will enable the business to expand, create new jobs, and make a positive impact in the region.”
Residential land sold in Leicestershire
Catesby Estates has sold a residential site in Countesthorpe, Leicestershire, to Miller Homes.
The 18.5 acre site is located adjacent to Foston Road and Leicester Road and has outline planning for 170 energy efficient homes; of which 25% are affordable, and public open space with play areas.
An outline planning application was registered with Blaby District Council in January 2024, and went before planning committee in July 2024, receiving a majority in favour resolution to grant.
Following this, the sale completed in October 2024, resulting in a 10 month turnaround from the submission of the application to a land sale.
Myron Osborne, Chief Executive of Catesby Estates, said: “Achieving a local level consent for this non-allocated site and securing a buyer within a short time frame of just 10 months is testament to the hard work and skill of the in-house Catesby team, as well as the appetite from housebuilders to acquire prime residential land.
“This deal represents our second sale to Miller Homes in recent months, and with a reputation for delivering high quality, award-winning new homes, we look forward to seeing them take this through its final planning stages and delivering sought-after, energy efficient homes for the area.”
Aaron Grainger, Head of Land at Miller Homes, said: “We are delighted to have acquired this site. We were committed to completing this deal quickly and worked closely with Catesby Estates to achieve this. We are looking forward to when our reserved matters consent is secured, and we can start work on delivering quality new housing for the area.”
Natalie Edwards at Eversheds and Victoria Potterill-Tilney at Gowling WLG worked on the legals, and Trevor Wells of Wells McFarlane acted for the landowner.
The Access Group swoops for charity CRM software provider
The Access Group, a Loughborough-headquartered provider of business management software, is acquiring Donorfy, a UK-based provider of CRM software for charities.
