A housing project on a former Nottinghamshire colliery site has been approved, following the finalisation of developer Harper Crewe’s community contribution agreements. The development will see the construction of 126 homes at the Clipstone Colliery site on Mansfield Road.
The plans include a mix of 88 open-market and 38 affordable homes, ranging from one to five bedrooms. The development will also retain the historic Clipstone Headstocks, listed by Historic England, which stand as a reminder of the area’s industrial past.
The approval, granted in October 2024, comes after developer agreements to invest in local infrastructure. These include £150,000 for bus service improvements, over £174,000 for community facility enhancements in Clipstone, and £90,000 towards special educational needs services to increase capacity. The project will also contribute £123,000 to improving local medical facilities.
Initially, Newark and Sherwood District Council’s planning officers raised concerns about parking, roads, and the proximity of the new homes to the Grade II listed headstocks. Despite these issues, the planning committee gave the green light to the project, citing the community contributions as a mitigating factor.
Clipstone Colliery, which operated from 1922 to 2003, was once one of Britain’s most productive coal mines, producing nearly one million tonnes of coal annually at its peak.
Businesses and workers in the East Midlands are set to benefit from the UK’s trade deal with India, according to the Government, as new analysis shows the agreement will deliver a £130m boost for the local economy.
Both Prime Ministers met yesterday morning for the signing of the UK-India trade deal, expected to bring a £4.8bn increase to UK GDP each year.
740 East Midlands businesses exported goods worth £130m to India last year, which could grow under the new deal. The region’s high value manufacturing and automation sectors, for example, could see a boost thanks to lower tariffs on advanced manufacturing goods and on importing Indian textiles.
Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: “The millions brought to the East Midlands each year from the deal we’ve signed with India will be keenly felt across local communities, whether that’s higher wages for workers, more choice for shoppers, or increased overseas sales for businesses.”
The UK already imports £11bn in goods from India but liberalised tariffs on Indian goods will make it easier and cheaper. For businesses in the East Midlands, this could mean potential savings in the region’s established manufacturing sectors, including machinery, equipment and automotive components.
India’s trade weighted average tariff will drop from 15% to 3% which means companies in the East Midlands selling products such as luxury knitwear to India will find it easier to sell to the Indian market.
Aligned with the UK’s recent Industrial and Trade Strategies, the Government says the deal will support the sectors which drive the most growth for the economy – such as precision engineering and high-value manufacturing in the East Midlands – will offer significant opportunities for rail manufacturing – for which the East Midlands is globally recognised – and unlock opportunities for transport experts in the region.
Established in 1784 in Lea Mills, Derbyshire, John Smedley Ltd is a manufacturer and retailer of luxury knitwear who will benefit from liberalised tariffs on imports of Indian textiles.
Bill Leach, global sales director, John Smedley Ltd, said: “India is one of the fastest growing luxury markets in the world, and we are very excited about the UK- India Free Trade Agreement coming to fruition.
“John Smedley knitwear is already sold in over 50 countries around the world, and now that the FTA has been signed, we shall very much look forward to ensuring that an ever-increasing number of discerning luxury consumers in India will enjoy greater access to The World’s Finest Knitwear.”
Preparatory works are underway for the £20 million Automated Distribution and Manufacturing Centre (ADMC) in Ashfield.
It is hoped the ADMC will be a national centre of excellence for automation and the jewel of a £100 million Innovation and Technology Park, bringing employment opportunities to the area.
The 2,800 sq m centre will support businesses of all sizes to design and implement bespoke automation strategies, boosting productivity, competitiveness, and long term economic growth.
Before work can begin on the building, major alterations to a road junction need to be completed alongside other associated works. The roadworks are set to start in the coming weeks.
Ashfield District Council leader, Cllr Jason Zadrozny, said: “This ADMC will become a magnet for businesses who recognise the need to embrace new technology to drive growth and improve. It will provide a legacy for generations to come and one that will attract more high skilled jobs to Ashfield.
“Regeneration is hugely important for Ashfield and our ambition to grow the District’s economy. We’re excited about work beginning and I look forward to seeing the centre take shape in the coming months.”
Nottingham Forest Football Club has announced a new partnership with NOCO, which will become the official battery power product partner for the 2025/26 season. As part of the deal, NOCO’s branding will be prominently displayed at the City Ground during all Premier League and domestic cup matches next season.
NOCO, a company established in 1914, is renowned for its advanced battery power solutions. Its product range includes jump starters, tyre inflators, battery chargers, and lithium batteries, all designed to deliver reliable power for both personal and professional use.
This partnership aligns with Nottingham Forest’s ongoing efforts to partner with innovative and reputable brands. The deal also signals NOCO’s expansion into the UK football market, enhancing its visibility in a key sector. Both organisations are expected to benefit from increased exposure throughout the season, with NOCO playing a pivotal role in supporting the club’s growth on and off the field.
Pennine Healthcare has introduced a programme offering valuable employment opportunities to individuals nearing the end of their custodial sentences. By welcoming three ROTL (Release on Temporary Licence) workers into its cleanroom operations, the company is supporting community reintegration while strengthening its workforce. These placements provide the workers with essential skills development and help rebuild their confidence, contributing to their successful re-entry into society.
The success of this initiative has garnered attention from the Department of Health & Social Care, with a video produced highlighting the positive impact on both the workers and Pennine Healthcare. The initiative is also benefiting the company, with enhanced community engagement and a commitment to inclusive growth.
This move aligns with Pennine Healthcare’s broader strategy to foster social responsibility within the UK manufacturing sector. The company remains dedicated to creating diverse employment opportunities while contributing to the long-term sustainability of the medical device manufacturing industry.
A new deli and wine bar, run by a well-known family who traded in Derby markets for 60 years, has secured space in Mickleover, following a letting by commercial property consultancy OMEETO.
Lyndsey Morgan, who ran a delicatessen in the former indoor Eagle Market, is the man behind Brooks Deli and Wine Bar in Station Road. The family opened their first deli and wine bar in Ockbrook two years ago, but say their second site in Mickleover will be much bigger.
The new deli will be on the ground floor of the former Finewood Studio furniture shop. OMEETO completed the letting after the site was acquired by Derby’s MHL Commercial, which is sensitively refurbishing the site to create a hub for the community – including serviced offices, a Pilates reformer studio and an estate agency.
Chris Wright, OMEETO director, said: “Lyndsey from Brooks Deli is a well-known businessman in Derby, and we know that he’s going to bring something special to Mickleover.
“Residents in the village are excited to welcome the deli and wine bar to the area. We’ve all enjoyed the one in Ockbrook, so let’s see what the Mickleover deli will be like. What we do know, is that Lyndsey’s offering will be very well received in Mickleover, and exciting times are ahead this summer. Lyndsey has been a pleasure to work with, and we look forward to visiting.”
Brooks Deli and Wine Bar was set up by Lyndsey and his family after they left the Eagle Market. Expanding and opening in a second location was always Lyndsey’s plan and he had been searching for a suitable site.
Lyndsey’s dad, George, originally started the Morgan’s Sandwich Bar and Deli in Derby’s Market Hall in 1963. In 1988, the family-run businesses moved to the Eagle Market and traded under Lyndsey Morgan before he handed down the reins to his two sons, George and Thomas. They are now the third generation of the family to run the business.
Lyndsey said: “The building in Mickleover is a great location and we are very excited to be opening soon. The feedback we are receiving from people has been extremely positive and we really can’t wait to showcase the new site.
“After the success of the Brooks Deli and Wine Bar in Ockbrook, it is fantastic to be able to open a new venue in Mickleover.”
Tech firm Alton Valley has secured two major industry accolades, with the Pride Park-based company winning Managed Services Provider (MSP) of the Year (Up to £10m turnover) at the Technology Reseller Awards 2025, and Best IT Service at the 2025 Small Business Awards.
In addition to the company’s success, managing partner Carl Hamill narrowly missed out in winning Industry Leader of the Year at the Technology Reseller Awards.
Earlier this year, the firm announced record-breaking financial results, reporting a £7 million turnover and quadrupling its revenue over the past three years.
“This is a fantastic way to celebrate what’s already been an incredible year for our team and our clients,” said Carl Hamill. “Winning MSP of the Year and being named runner-up for Industry Leader is recognition of the passion, skill and dedication that defines everything we do. We’re proud of how far we’ve come – but even more excited about what’s next.”
“These awards are a reflection of our entire team,” added Carl. “From our engineers to our support staff, everyone at Alton Valley shares a commitment to delivering real value for our clients. We’re building something special here and this recognition helps validate that we’re on the right path.”
With the nomination deadline (Friday 15th August) drawing nearer for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025, last year’s winners have reflected on the prestigious event and are encouraging others to enter.
Attracting leaders from across the region, the 10th annual celebration of the property and construction industry is the perfect way for firms to raise their profile, reward teams, showcase successes and promote the work they are completing, all while reaching our audience of over 60,000 business readers and connecting with respected professionals.
It’s an opportunity to showcase exceptional new commercial and residential developments, those demonstrating a leading position in sustainability and design excellence; gain recognition as outstanding developers, architects, contractors, and agents, as well as for significant deals; and ensure efforts in corporate social responsibility are rewarded, from eco initiatives to charity work, to social value schemes.
Making a nomination is completely free – with finalists also winning free tickets to the awards ceremony.
See what last year’s winners had to say below:
Lee Parry, MD for Vistry East Midlands, which won Developer of the Year in 2024, shared: “It was a real honour to be given the title of Developer of the Year at the East Midlands Bricks Awards in 2024. These awards celebrate all that is good in property and construction across our region, and I’d encourage everyone to get involved to show how your business is making a difference in the sector.”
Russell Rigby, managing director at Rigby & Co, which took home Most Active Agent, said: “It is a real thrill and boost to be awarded the Most Active Agent of the Year award at the 2024 Bricks! The ceremony, and the award, generated a great deal of PR / media profile, which was very very helpful, and it also served as a great motivational boost to the team at Rigby & Co. I would encourage firms to enter and have a go!”
John McCay (right) hands over the Sustainable Development of the Year award to Clare Swaine and Ian Taylor of Henry Brothers Construction at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024
Sustainable Development of the Year winner, Henry Brothers Construction added: “We were absolutely thrilled to pick up the award for Sustainable Development at the East Midlands Bricks last year for Alfreton Park School. This was a very special project to us, which will have a lasting impact on the local communities, and we were so pleased that this was recognised by the judges. It was great to attend such an informal and relaxed networking & awards evening.”
Architects of the Year winner, Matthew Montague Architects stated: “Winning a Bricks Award was a real highlight for our team. It’s a great feeling to have your work recognised by others in the industry — and the event itself is such a positive celebration of what’s being achieved across the region. We’d absolutely encourage others to put themselves forward.”
Tom Sewell, regional director at Stepnell, Responsible Business of the Year winner, said: “Winning the Responsible Business award at the 2024 East Midlands Bricks Awards was an incredibly proud moment for the Nottingham team at Stepnell, recognising our dedication to responsible practices and commitment to sustainable development in the region. The awards are a fantastic opportunity to connect with others in the industry and celebrate regional excellence. I would wholeheartedly encourage businesses from across the East Midlands property and construction landscape to get involved.”
Robert Maxey of heb Surveyors is handed the Deal of the Year award by Simon Prescott of Tutum Consulting at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024
Robert Maxey, partner at heb Surveyors, last year’s Deal of the Year winner, commented: “It was an honour to take home the Deal of the Year award at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024, especially because the other nominees in the category were so strong! It was extremely pleasing to see recognition of our team’s efforts and the event provided a great boost to morale. Celebrating excellence in our region’s property and construction sector, and offering a great chance to catch up with local professionals, I’d encourage other businesses to get involved with an entry, to showcase your business and the impact it is making in the industry.”
Michael Sims, Managing Director of Clegg Construction, Contractor of the Year winner, reflected: “We were thrilled to have won Contractor of the Year at last year’s Bricks Awards — a fantastic event celebrating the achievements of the construction industry within the East Midlands. Huge thanks to Business Link for putting together such a memorable night, and to our amazing team and clients for their continued support!”
Richard Evans of Distinctive Developments, who took home the awards for Residential Development of the Year, Excellence in Design and Overall Winner, said: “We were delighted to win not just one but three awards from East Midlands Bricks at last year’s awards event. For a small business like ours, recognition and endorsements of the quality of our work make all the blood, sweat and tears that go into development and construction, worthwhile.”
Tim Hubner of G F Tomlinson and Nick Pettit of Lincoln College Group receive the Commercial Development of the Year award from Chris Sharman of Global HSE Group at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024
Adrian Grocock, Group Managing Director at Commercial Development of the Year winner G F Tomlinson, said: “It’s a fantastic awards event that we enjoy being part of and have had previous success, including winning the Commercial Development of the Year for the Air and Space Institute in Newark last year and receiving the accolade of Overall Winner from all the categories a few years previous. The East Midlands Bricks Awards brings together hard-working individuals and colleagues to celebrate all that is good in the local construction industry, and we are proud to have been recognised amongst our peers for our work in the region. We congratulate the Bricks team on the 10th year anniversary of the awards.”
To nominate your (or another) business/development for the East Midlands Bricks Awards, please click on a category link below or visit this page. Entry is free – with finalists also winning free tickets to the awards ceremony.
Categories include:
All finalists will have the chance to take home the Overall Winner award, which this year comes with a grand prize of a year of marketing/publicity worth £20,000, with the opportunity to split or gift the marketing to a charity of your choice.
Nominations will close on Friday 15th August.
New for this year, all entrants will also have the opportunity to be featured on our dedicated nominee showcase on the East Midlands Business Link website, providing space for marketing your achievements.
Winners will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony on Thursday 2nd October (4:30pm – 7:30pm) at the famous Trent Bridge Cricket Ground – an evening also offering an opportunity to establish new connections with property and construction professionals from across the region over nibbles and complimentary drinks.
Attendees will additionally hear from keynote speaker Councillor Nadine Peatfield – Leader of Derby City Council, Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Strategy and Policy, and Deputy Mayor of the East Midlands.
The East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025
What: The East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025
When: Thursday 2nd October (4.30pm – 7.30pm)
Where: Derek Randall Suite,Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, Nottingham
Keynote speaker: Councillor Nadine Peatfield – Leader of Derby City Council, Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Strategy and Policy, and Deputy Mayor of the East Midlands
Tickets: Available hereDress code: Standard business attire
Thanks to our sponsors:
Listed companies in the Midlands issued 14 profit warnings in the first half of 2025, one fewer than the same period last year, according to the latest EY-Parthenon Profit Warnings Report.
Companies in the region issued seven warnings in the second quarter, the same as Q1 and one more than Q2 2024, when six warnings were issued.
Nationally, the number of profit warnings issued by UK-listed companies in Q2 2025 rose by 20% to 59 compared to the 49 issued during the same period last year. Over the last 12 months, nearly a fifth (19%) of UK-listed businesses have issued at least one profit warning.
Industrials and Construction sectors lead Q2 warnings
The FTSE sectors with the highest number of profit warnings in the Midlands during Q2 2025 were Industrial Support Services – which includes business service providers, industrial suppliers, and recruitment companies – and Construction and Materials, with two warnings each.
Construction and Materials also had the highest number of warnings in the Midlands for the first half of the year, with three in total.
Dan Hurd, EY-Parthenon turnaround and restructuring strategy partner in the Midlands, said: “While the region experienced a slight decrease in total warnings in the first half of 2025 compared to last year, the consistency of seven warnings in Q2 signals persistent volatility.
“The fact that the Construction and Materials sector led the warnings in the Midlands, with three in total, highlights the specific challenges facing these industries. This trend reflects a broader national narrative, where a significant rise in profit warnings indicates that many UK-listed companies are navigating turbulent waters.
“The concentration of warnings in sectors such as Industrial Support Services and Construction underscores the diverse pressures businesses are facing. This mix of performance suggests that while some companies are adapting to the current economic conditions, others are still struggling to find their footing.
“Emphasizing strategic flexibility will be vital for those seeking to maintain growth and manage risks in an increasingly challenging market environment.”
The leading factor behind profit warnings during the second quarter was policy change and geopolitical uncertainty, cited in nearly half (46%) of warnings. This marked a significant increase from just 4% in Q2 2024, and the highest percentage recorded for this cause in more than 25 years of EY’s analysis.
The proportion of profit warnings to cite contract and order cancellations or delays in Q2 remained at a record 40%. One in three warnings (34%) cited tariff-related impacts, including weaker demand, supply chain disruption, and exchange-rate volatility.
Jo Robinson, EY-Parthenon partner and UK&I turnaround and restructuring strategy leader, added: “The latest profit warnings data reflects the scale of persistent uncertainty and how heavy it continues to weigh on UK businesses. While this uncertainty has been a recurring theme since mid-2024, it has intensified so far this year – driven largely by geopolitical tensions and policy shifts – compounding pressure on both earnings and forecasts.
“While the announcement of global tariffs has clearly played a part in amplifying uncertainty, they are just one factor among broader geopolitical and policy upheaval. These pressures are often interlinked and, combined, they are having a significant effect on companies’ confidence, decision-making and spending.
“Whether the rise in profit warnings is cyclical or structural remains to be seen, and we still expect earnings pressure to ebb and flow with the macroeconomic backdrop. As companies operate in a risk and forecasting environment that is challenging to navigate, they must adopt a measured, scenario-based approach that balances both agility and strategic clarity.”
The National Infrastructure & Service Transformation Authority has unveiled an updated Infrastructure Pipeline, which includes significant investment for rail projects in the East Midlands. A total of £50bn is earmarked for 29 rail schemes over the next decade, with several key initiatives in the East Midlands, such as capacity improvements and electrification. These efforts are part of a broader £530bn infrastructure programme, encompassing 780 projects across the UK.
The pipeline, published on July 17, provides an overview of current and future rail developments but does not introduce new policies. It aims to help supply chain businesses plan for future demand and invest in necessary skills and capacity. Notable projects in the East Midlands include the electrification of the Kettering to Wigston line and the ongoing East Coast improvements.
The release of the pipeline has been welcomed by industry leaders, who see it as a step towards more stable, long-term infrastructure planning.
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