Staffline secures significant strategic partnership with food and drink logistics provider
Staffline, the Nottingham-based recruitment group, has secured a significant strategic partnership with one of the UK’s leading food and drink supply chain management and logistics providers covering the whole of the UK and Ireland.
This new partnership comprises an initial two-year agreement with a one-year extension option to outsource to Staffline 100% of the agency labour services that are currently supplied by the wholly owned in-house labour supplier. This partnership will see the Group deliver flexible, temporary employment solutions in addition to managing second tier suppliers across the client’s chilled and ambient business operations.
The contract is anticipated to strengthen Staffline’s market position in the logistics sector. The mobilisation of 3,000 temporary workers across driving, warehousing and security activities will begin no sooner than the end of Q2 2025 and is expected to continue during Q3 2025.
Albert Ellis, chief executive officer of Staffline, said: “We are delighted to have secured such an important, value enhancing strategic partnership.
“This new contract reinforces Staffline’s strong reputation as a trusted partner for supplying volume labour to the food and drinks, logistics and FMCG sectors and materially enhances the Board’s expectations of Group performance over the life of the contract.
“Over the coming months the Staffline team will be working with the leadership to manage a smooth transition, creating efficiencies, synergies and opportunities for all parties.”
Strong lending growth marks 2024 performance for Cambridge & Counties Bank
Cambridge & Counties Bank reported a 15% year-on-year rise in gross new lending for 2024, reaching £376 million. The growth was driven by continued property and asset finance strength, despite a cooling interest rate environment.
The bank’s pre-tax profits stood at £35.8 million for the year. Property finance drawdowns totalled over £285 million, marking a third consecutive year of growth in that core segment. Asset finance lending rose sharply, up 39% to £89 million.
Finance for classic, vintage, and sports cars increased notably, climbing 41% to £72 million. Customer loan balances rose 11% to £1.23 billion, while customer deposits grew 10% to £1.27 billion.
The lender invested heavily in operational infrastructure during the year, including new offices in Manchester and Reading to support asset finance. Headcount increased by 8%, ending the year with 243 employees.
2024 also saw the expansion of its lending portfolio with new offerings such as development finance and more fixed-rate products. The bank continues to focus on SMEs and underserved segments of the UK market, aiming to support business investment and property growth.
Mansfield secures £1.58 million to back business growth and local initiatives
Mansfield District Council has been awarded £1.58 million from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, with funding allocated via the East Midlands Counties Combined Authority. The investment will support business development, workforce upskilling, community grants, and local events.
This round of funding is part of the wider £2.6 billion UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which aims to reduce regional disparities and boost economic performance across the country. The financial package was reviewed during a council meeting in early May.
Acquisition sees The Access Group expand ERP software offering
The Access Group, a Loughborough-based provider of business management software, has acquired Fonn, extending its offering in ERP software globally.
Greencore’s £1.2bn Bakkavor acquisition takes step forward
Greencore’s £1.2 billion acquisition of Bakkavor has taken a step forward with the boards of both companies agreeing the terms of a recommended acquisition.
Bakkavor, a major supplier of ready meals and desserts to UK supermarkets such as Tesco and Sainsbury’s, earned £2.29 billion in revenue last year, more than 80% in the UK. Greencore, based in Dublin with significant operations in Worksop, brought in £1.81 billion over the same period through its ready meals and food-to-go products.
Leslie Van de Walle, the chair of Greencore, said: “We have long admired Bakkavor and we are pleased to announce a transaction that will create a true UK leader in convenience food.
“We intend to bring together our strong and complementary companies to deliver high-quality, innovative food to UK customers and consumers. We are excited about the potential that a combination presents and the value it will deliver for both Greencore and Bakkavor shareholders.”
Pepsico invests in sustainability at Leicester factory
PepsiCo has installed three electric ovens at its site in Leicester, following the recent completion of a £58 million investment in the factory. It means snacks including Wotsits, Monster Munch, Frazzles, Chipsticks and Cheetos, are now cooked using ovens powered by 100% renewable electricity.
As part of the upgrade, PepsiCo has installed two new electric ovens and converted its previously gas-powered oven to now run on electric. Switching to these new electric ovens will help reduce the Leicester site’s greenhouse gas emissions by 1,500 tonnes per year.
The oven upgrades are the latest in a series of sustainability initiatives at PepsiCo’s UK sites as the company continues work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Last year, PepsiCo replaced elements of the existing manufacturing line for Doritos in Coventry with new equipment, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by over 700 tonnes a year and invested in new, more efficient fryers at Brigg, the home of Pipers Crisps.
Richard Clarke, manufacturing director at PepsiCo UK and Ireland, said: “It’s fantastic to see the impact of our investment in each and every batch of delicious snacks made using our new electric ovens.
“With a brand-new production line, better facilities for our teams, and now these more sustainable ovens, we’ve been able to transform our home in Leicester and secure its future growth. We’re incredibly proud of all the work that goes into making our iconic snacks right in the heart of the UK, and even more so now we’re doing it in a more sustainable way.”
In addition to introducing new, lower-emission ovens, PepsiCo’s £58 million investment in the Leicester site has also seen the company install a new manufacturing line and upgrade facilities for its 1,192-strong team.
New letting sees commercial property agents Rushton Hickman find own new neighbour
Rushton Hickman has let Suite 11a Faraday Court, in Burton, to Trial Systems Ltd, becoming the commercial property agents’ own new neighbour.
The open plan office suite is situated within a high specification office development complex in Centrum 100, two miles from Burton upon Trent town centre.
The tenant, Trial Systems Ltd are a software development, support and training company who have been operating for more than 20 years.
Taylor Millington, senior surveyor at Rushton Hickman, said: “Faraday Court is always a popular location, and it’s a pleasure to be able to place a local business into a prime position within Burton.”
Charles Clowes Decade Dinner raises over £62,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support
The Clowes family, with the support of Clowes Developments, hosted a special fundraising event at Pride Park Stadium on Thursday 8th May 2025, raising £62,326.16 for Macmillan Cancer Support.
Macmillan has been named Clowes Developments’ chosen charity for the year, in memory of company founder Charles Clowes, who passed away ten years ago, and their colleague Paul Turner, who died earlier this year. The company chose Macmillan because of its vital work supporting people affected by cancer across the UK.
The event, called The Charles Clowes Decade Dinner, was organised by Sarah Berry (née Clowes) to honour Charles’ legacy and launched a year-long fundraising campaign for Clowes Developments. It brought together friends, family and property industry colleagues to celebrate his life and support a good cause.
Guests enjoyed a champagne reception sponsored by O’Brien Contractors Ltd, live music from a local pianist Wil Pearson and a performance by The Function Band. Speeches were given by Clowes Development’s Managing Director Thomas Clowes, Sarah Berry and Jade Lambert from Macmillan, who spoke about the charity’s work.
Macmillan currently supports nearly 3.5 million people in the UK living with cancer, a number expected to reach 4 million by 2030. The charity helps with not just medical needs but also financial and emotional support.
Sarah Berry said: “Organising a charity dinner in honour of my dad is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time, and I’m incredibly proud to have finally made it happen.
“Macmillan gave our family invaluable support during an incredibly difficult period, and this event was my way of giving something back while helping others facing similar challenges.
“The evening was a beautiful celebration of community, compassion, and remembrance, I’m so grateful to everyone who attended, donated, or supported in any way. Everyone’s generosity made the night truly special and helped make a real difference.”
Through their partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support, Clowes Developments aims to raise vital funds and awareness to support the charity’s essential services helping to ensure that people living with cancer across the UK receive the care, guidance and resources they need at every stage of their journey.
Jade Lambert, regional relationship fundraising manager at Macmillan Cancer Support, added: “The Charles Clowes Decade Dinner was a truly inspiring evening. I am incredibly moved by the generosity and compassion shown by everyone who attended.
“To raise over £62,000 in one night is simply phenomenal, and we cannot thank the Clowes family and Clowes Developments enough for choosing to support Macmillan in such a meaningful way.
“This donation will make a real difference to the lives of thousands of people living with cancer – helping us provide vital practical, financial, and emotional support to those who need it most. Events like this remind us of the power of community and kindness, and we are so grateful to be part of this journey in honour of Charles and Paul’s legacies.”
Nottingham investigative tech firm makes senior appointment
The Nottingham-based provider of investigation and intelligence management software, Altia, has appointed a director of sales and partnerships for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) to further expand its global footprint.
Natalie Farr will lead commercial growth across EMEA, improving sales functions and processes. She will collaborate closely with global and product-specific teams to embed best practices that align with customer needs.
Natalie brings a wealth of experience in public safety, national security, and enterprise transformation.
She began her career working with UK police forces before moving into senior roles at Microsoft, where she helped transform law enforcement and defence organisations across the UK as part of the Public Safety and National Security division.
She also held a leadership role at Google, further broadening her expertise at the intersection of technology, public service, and innovation.
Rob Sinclair, CEO of Altia, said: “At Altia, we pride ourselves on delivering the best and most innovative tools to support our customers, and that starts with having the right people. We are incredibly excited to welcome Natalie to the team.
“Her exceptional experience, along with her ability to lead high-performing teams and build strategic partnerships, will be invaluable as we scale our presence internationally and continue to evolve our sales approach to meet the needs of our customers.”
Natalie will work alongside the senior team to ensure that Altia’s solutions and services are closely aligned to both evolving market demands and customer outcomes.
Natalie Farr said: “I’ve always found purpose in helping organisations that protect the public, and that’s why I’m so excited to join Altia.”
“I get a real buzz from creating tangible impact, and working in policing and justice is where I know I can make a meaningful difference. This role brings together everything I care about: innovative technology, frontline impact, and the opportunity to lead a global team.”
A strong advocate for diversity in tech, Natalie regularly volunteers in schools to promote STEM careers and inspire young women to pursue roles in technology and leadership.
UK migration reforms raise pressure on skills development
The UK Government’s latest migration reforms are drawing criticism from the business community. Industry groups warn that they could intensify existing labour and skills shortages unless backed by a robust domestic workforce strategy.
The new rules, outlined in a white paper, include tighter criteria for skilled worker visas, a higher English language requirement, an increase in the qualifying period for settlement to 10 years, and a cap on post-study work visas for graduates to just 18 months. The care worker visa route will also be closed entirely.
These changes are expected to significantly restrict the flow of overseas workers into key sectors such as health and construction, industries already facing serious recruitment gaps.
According to data from the East Midlands Chamber, nearly 70% of regional firms reported difficulties filling both skilled and non-skilled roles in recent quarters. Businesses are calling for investment in training infrastructure, including reforms to the apprenticeship levy, to provide more flexibility and align with labour market needs.
