Nottingham tackles fuel poverty with cutting-edge tech collaboration

April Lara
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Nottingham tackles fuel poverty with cutting-edge tech collaboration

The University of Nottingham has teamed up with E.ON to address fuel poverty using advanced digital technology. This innovative partnership aims to use a detailed 3D map of Nottingham to identify households most impacted by fuel poverty, helping to develop more affordable and sustainable energy solutions.

The collaboration centres around the university’s City as Lab initiative, which leverages data-driven tools to address real-world challenges. The university’s award-winning 3D city model, the Projection Augmented Relief Model (PARM), combines census data, geography, and historical architecture to create a detailed digital representation of Nottingham. This cutting-edge technology allows stakeholders to pinpoint areas where fuel poverty is most prevalent and simulate energy solutions in real-time.

E.ON’s data, including Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) and income details, is being fed into the digital twin to help test, simulate, and implement smarter energy systems. The project is focused on finding practical ways to reduce energy costs for underserved communities, targeting areas where households struggle to afford heating and energy.

Nottingham, which has one of the highest child poverty rates in the UK, will benefit from the partnership’s efforts to improve energy access. The city, ranked as the poorest in the UK based on disposable household income, is now positioned as a pilot for scalable, sustainable energy solutions.

This collaboration is testing smart energy-sharing initiatives, more efficient home energy upgrades, and accessible solar energy options. The project’s broader goal is to create a model that can be adopted by cities across the UK, working towards a fairer, greener energy system.

Industrial Strategy provides Fusion and Trent Valley Super Cluster boost

Tess Egginton
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Industrial Strategy provides Fusion and Trent Valley Super Cluster boost
Bassetlaw District Council has welcomed proposals set out in the Government’s Industrial Strategy that could boost the development of the Clean Energy Super Cluster sites of former power stations along the Trent Valley in Bassetlaw. As well as locking in the commitment to investing in Fusion through the STEP project at West Burton, the Government has also announced The Strategic Industrial Sites Accelerator. This will identify and prepare strategically significant industrial sites in the Industrial Strategy’s growth-driving sectors such as Clean Energy Industries to attract major investment. It addresses specific barriers to these sites through support on land remediation, grid connections, transport, and planning. Councillor Charles Adams, cabinet member for business and skill at Bassetlaw District Council, said: “It’s great to see the STEP Fusion project at West Burton in Bassetlaw feature as a case study in the Government’s Industrial Strategy and that the Government’s commitment to the UK’s fusion energy programme can drive economic growth not just in Bassetlaw, but across the wider region. “I particularly welcome the announcement of the new Strategic Industrial Sites Accelerator and we look forward to working with the Government on this so we can bring forward the delivery of the opportunities identified through the Trent Valley Super Cluster study. “What this means is that the Government is going to make it easier to redevelop areas like the power station sites and make them more attractive for investment. Working with partners like Mayor Claire and EMMCA the Super Cluster has the potential to become the UK’s clean energy Silicon Valley.”

Industrial Strategy is “welcome blueprint for businesses to build on” but East Midlands firms must be “front and centre” says Chamber

Tess Egginton
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Industrial Strategy is “welcome blueprint for businesses to build on” but East Midlands firms must be “front and centre” says Chamber
Measures outlined in the government’s Industrial Strategy provide a strong framework for growth but must not overlook any sector, business or the region’s supply chains, East Midlands Chamber has said. Investment in skills, speeding up of planning decisions, smother trade with the EU through a closer relationship and increased support for small and medium-sized businesses (SME’s) are among initiatives revealed in the government strategy. Known as Invest 2035, publication of the Industrial Strategy followed an open consultation process, which included feedback from East Midlands Chamber members. Key points in the Industrial Strategy include: Business support:
  • ‘Business Growth Service’ to improve access to government support and funding
  • Initiatives to address late payment from large suppliers
  • Procurement improvements to make securing government contracts easier
  • Expansion of the ‘Made Smarter’ programme, with up to £99m from 2026 for SME manufacturing businesses to take up new technology
International Trade
  • Free and fair trade promoted through strong international partnerships
Planning
  • ‘Fast-track’ projects through the planning system
Skills:
  • £1.2bn further investment into skills per year
  • Support for adult learners through Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIP’s)
  • Courses to support 16–19-year-olds
  • Further Education – funding to recruit teachers
Sectoral investment
  • £39bn into advanced manufacturing
  • £30bn into clean energy
  • £31bn into creative industries
  • £65bn into professional and business services
East Midlands Chamber director of policy and insight Richard Blackmore said: “Measures announced in the Industrial Strategy are a welcome blueprint for businesses to build on and, depending on how implemented, could go some way to ease the challenges firms have been facing – getting support so an SME can grow, reducing the reams of paperwork that have made trade complicated since exiting the EU, addressing the skills gap – these all seem progressive steps on paper. “The detail of exactly how each element is applied is what will really matter and what needs to be scrutinised going forward. “For small and medium sized businesses, access to finance can make a big difference to growth, and a commitment to address late payment from suppliers is something firms have been calling for, but we need to see how this plays out in practice. “When it comes to exporting goods, reducing the paperwork that has made trade so costly and time consuming since exiting the EU is another area that would be a huge relief to exporters, if the measures announced work. This needs to be pragmatic and a streamlined process that’s quick and straightforward. “Enhancements to the planning system are always welcome, with our members having reported slow decision-making as a barrier to growth. However, this needs to be a comprehensive root and branch review, not simply a tinkering at the edges. “The planning reforms the government has highlighted don’t address the paucity of planning resources – one of the biggest barriers for local authority planning teams that really slows things down. “Prioritisation of skills in the strategy is encouraging when employers have been struggling to fill vacancies – as 6 out of 10 East Midlands businesses reported in our latest Quarterly Economic Survey – but while £1.2bn of skills investment sounds like a solution, the breakdown of that spend needs to be seen. “Eligibility will play a role in how businesses benefit from any supportive policies – cutting energy costs might be great news for a large business that’s granted the saving, but those that don’t will still face high costs, so that wouldn’t be a level playing field. “With all the investment pledged, we need to see the region fully benefit. Behind every number, we need detail – for example, will supply chains in the East Midlands be drawn on, with any development. With skills investment, how exactly will the promised £1.2bn be broken down? What’s needed now is the critical detail on implementation of the strategy, which must have East Midlands businesses front and centre to enable growth. “I’d like to thank the many Chamber member businesses in the East Midlands that shared their insight during the government’s open consultation earlier this year to help shape the outcome.”

Economic uncertainty hits hard as corporate insolvencies hike by 15%

Tess Egginton
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Economic uncertainty hits hard as corporate insolvencies hike by 15%
Ongoing economic and geopolitical issues have pushed corporate insolvencies to a 2025 high, while rising numbers of local businesses are facing another tough month as a result of spiralling costs of materials, staff and energy as well as a rate of inflation above the Bank of England target. This is according to the Midlands branch of the UK’s insolvency and restructuring trade body R3 and comes on the back of latest figures from the Insolvency Service which show that corporate insolvencies in England and Wales increased by 15% last month [May] to a total of 2,238 compared to May 2024’s figure of 1,946, and by 7.9% compared to April 2025’s figure of 2,074. R3 Midlands chair Stephen Rome, a partner at law firm Penningtons Manches Cooper in the region, said: “The climate remains very tough for local businesses and we are seeing this reflected in the number of directors who are actively taking steps to wind up their companies, and the number of creditors pursuing the debts they are owed through the courts – led by HMRC, which is attempting to recover money for the public purse. “April, in particular, was difficult for Midlands firms following the introduction of the new National Insurance and National Minimum Wage rates and the issues around US tariffs. The ensuing economic contraction that took place reflects the impact these and other issues had on businesses and the economy. “Challenges like these do not go away overnight, and May was another tough month for Midlands companies, compounded by rising costs of materials, staff and energy, and inflation remaining above the Bank of England target. “Looking at key sectors for the Midlands region, although latest industry figures show a rise in construction output, the sector still faces issues with margins, costs and payment. “The retail and hospitality sectors have been affected by poor consumer spending over the past month and will be hoping for a long, hot summer to encourage people to go out and spend money. “Many businesses in these sectors have reacted to the rise in wage costs by following the wider trend of freezing recruitment and not replacing people who have moved on to other jobs, and by cutting hours for casual staff where they can. “R3’s message to anyone worried about the financial stability of their business is to seek professional advice as soon as concerns arise. It can be an incredibly hard conversation to have, but timely discussions with a qualified advisor may provide more options than waiting until a problem becomes more severe. “Most R3 members will give prospective clients a free initial consultation so they can learn more about the issues they face and outline the potential options to resolve them.”

East Midlands set to receive £2.6bn boost for small business growth

April Lara
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East Midlands set to receive £2.6bn boost for small business growth

The British Business Bank has announced a significant £6.6bn investment to support small business growth across the UK, with £2.6bn earmarked for the East Midlands. This investment is part of the government’s modern Industrial Strategy to strengthen the UK’s economy and support innovation-driven businesses.

The commitment is part of a broader £25.6bn financial capacity increase, which includes funding for smaller businesses across the UK’s Nations and regions. This capital will help entrepreneurs access the necessary resources to scale up and grow, particularly in high-growth innovation clusters.

Key measures in the East Midlands include a £100m boost to existing investment funds like the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II, aimed at fostering regional innovation. The introduction of Cluster Champions will also help connect high-potential firms with investors in various industrial sectors.

Additionally, the British Business Bank is expanding its Regional Angels Programme to address regional disparities in access to early-stage equity and supporting angel networks focused on underrepresented investors. A new Investor Pathway Capital programme will facilitate the entry of diverse fund managers into the venture capital space.

The £4bn British Business Bank Industrial Strategy Growth Capital initiative will support key sectors like advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and digital technologies, expected to leverage £12bn in private capital. This initiative will help companies access large investments, up to £60m, and crowd in private capital to fuel innovation.

These initiatives, alongside reforms to the Bank’s governance, will underpin long-term economic growth in the UK, particularly in the regions. The British Business Bank’s efforts aim to generate up to £30bn in additional value for the UK economy by fostering company growth and innovation.

Amazon to invest £40 billion in UK, with focus on East Midlands expansion

April Lara
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Amazon to invest £40 billion in UK, with focus on East Midlands expansion

Amazon has committed to a substantial £40 billion investment in the UK. Over the next three years, the e-commerce leader will expand its presence in the UK, creating thousands of new jobs and boosting its existing workforce of 75,000 employees.

The planned investment includes the development of two new high-tech fulfilment centres in the East Midlands, slated to open by 2027. These will complement new facilities in Hull and Northampton, expected to create 2,000 jobs each. The investment will also fund the construction of additional delivery stations nationwide, as well as upgrades to Amazon’s existing network of over 100 operational sites. Amazon’s corporate headquarters in London will receive two new buildings, and the company will redevelop the Bray Film Studios in Berkshire.

This move is a significant part of Amazon’s ongoing strategy, which also includes an £8 billion investment in its cloud services, targeting data centre growth in the UK between 2024 and 2028. The full £40 billion investment will also contribute to employee salaries and infrastructure enhancements, reinforcing the company’s standing as one of the UK’s largest private sector employers.

The announcement comes as the UK’s Labour government aims to stimulate economic growth and attract more foreign investment. While Amazon’s plans are viewed as a positive signal, the company is also facing scrutiny, with an ongoing investigation by the UK grocery regulator into its supplier payment practices.

Law firm powers ambitious growth plans with refinance deal

Tess Egginton
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Law firm powers ambitious growth plans with refinance deal
Law firm Geldards LLP, which has offices in Derby and Nottingham, has secured a seven-figure refinance package with HSBC UK, paving the way for future growth and increased profitability. The funding will support the firm’s strategic and geographical growth by expanding several established and emerging practice areas. This includes strengthening the Corporate and Commercial team, which continues to build on its expertise in Employee Ownership Trusts and Business Investment and Restructuring. Additionally, the London-based Education practice will be further developed into a national offering. Geldards will also invest in enhancing client services to meet evolving expectations, with a particular focus on the integration of AI tools to drive greater efficiency and improve the client experience. Jeff Pearson, chief executive of Geldards LLP, said: “We are excited to work with HSBC UK as our primary banking partner. This partnership grants us the financial agility to fuel our ambitious growth plans and elevate our service offerings for our clients. “With our sights set on expanding our company and broadening our business interests, HSBC UK’s refinance package and continued support are vital in realising this vision.” Simon Williams, relationship director, at HSBC UK, added: “HSBC UK is proud to partner with Geldards LLP during a transformative period for the legal industry. Leading firms like Geldards LLP need the headroom and financial flexibility to evolve its services and stay competitive. “This partnership underscores our commitment to providing tailored financial solutions and positions Geldards LLP for strategic growth. We are excited to support its journey in this evolving legal landscape.”

Nottinghamshire marina sold

Tess Egginton
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Nottinghamshire marina sold
Farndon Marina, located on the River Trent near Newark, has been sold to Northamptonshire-based Tingdene Group.
Farndon Marina has been owned by the same family since 1966, when the 25-acre freehold site was originally purchased and developed by local businessman and boating enthusiast Mark Ainsworth. The sale will facilitate the retirement of Mark’s son Paul and his wife Janet who, after a lifetime of working in, evolving and growing the business, were keen to see its stewardship pass to like-minded owners. The marina comprises over 300 private berths and moorings, with berthing fees and chandlery sales forming the backbone of the business, together with boat sales brokerage and marine services, which incorporates repair, maintenance and boat lifting. Recent investments had been made in technology to improve day-to-day operations, site security and enhance the customer experience, as well as the development of amenity buildings including workshops, visitor facilities and office space, with new pontoon walkways installed during the marketing process. Farndon Marina managing director Paul Ainsworth said: “The sale of Farndon Marina marks the end of an era for Janet and I. It has been an emotional journey to come to the point where we will hand the business over to new owners. “We have made many friends with our berth holders over the years, and we are confident that the success of Farndon will continue with the fantastic team we have on site, who will continue to be great assets to the marina.” Ian Collier, managing director of Tingdene Group, added: “As a family business ourselves, we immediately understood the great opportunity Farndon Marina presented and the work that Paul and Janet had put in over the years. “Location-wise, the business extends our marina network northwards, but from a wider group perspective which includes both holiday and residential parks, it is very centrally positioned in the East Midlands which works well for us. “We are excited to welcome Farndon to the Tingdene family and will be looking at a number of investment opportunities over the coming months which, alongside the marina, could include holiday park, motor home and touring caravan facilities and perhaps floating lodges which we’ve successfully introduced at some of our other marinas.” Jon Patrick, head of leisure & development at Christie & Co, who handled the sale process, concluded: “Farndon Marina attracted a wide range of interest from inland marina operators, as well as holiday park operators and investors, resulting in a competitive bidding process for the business. “Paul and Janet were well prepared ahead of coming to market which, together with the marketing strategy we adopted, helped to deliver a sale of the business from launch to completion in a little over four months – a very short timeframe in our experience of handling operational real estate transactions.” Farndon Harbour Moorings Limited were represented by Browne Jacobson and Xeinadin and Tingdene Group by Shoosmiths.

Contractor appointed to deliver £25m Global Conservation Centre at Twycross Zoo

Tess Egginton
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Contractor appointed to deliver £25m Global Conservation Centre at Twycross Zoo
Contractor Henry Brothers Construction has been chosen to deliver a new £25m Global Conservation Centre at Twycross Zoo in Leicestershire. The state-of-the-art facility will make a game-changing contribution to the fight against global extinction for endangered wildlife. Attracting an £18m investment from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund – marking the biggest single Government grant ever given to a UK zoo – the Global Conservation Centre will be dedicated to advancing global conservation solutions. It is being developed by UK conservation charity Twycross Zoo, in partnership with Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council, and a number of universities. It will not only act as a hub for the zoo’s expanding global conservation work, cutting-edge scientific research, and education programmes, but also a community space to inspire, train and facilitate the next generation of conservation leaders under one roof. MD of Henry Brothers Construction Ian Taylor said: “The Global Conservation Centre at Twycross Zoo is a truly pioneering and innovative scheme which will have global implications for wildlife, biodiversity and conservation. “Henry Brothers is thrilled to have been appointed on this project and is looking forward to working with our partners to deliver such a world-class development. “As a company, we have wide experience of working at a huge range of different sites, but this is the first time that Henry Brothers Construction has had great apes, tigers and other exotic animals as our neighbours. It really is a memorable scheme that the whole team is excited to be involved in.” Key features of the Global Conservation Centre to be delivered by Henry Brothers and its construction partners include a two-storey building featuring a 200-seat lecture theatre overlooking a new Bornean orangutan habitat, plus research and teaching spaces in three indoor classrooms with adjacent wildlife gardens, and a cutting-edge science lab for both current and future conservation leaders to learn and work. An Indonesian themed area of the zoo is also planned, as well as a two-storey residential facility, featuring accommodation for visiting experts and students, with 24 bedrooms. Henry Brothers’ partners delivering the Global Conservation Centre include HLM Architects, civil and structural engineer Hexa, and Couch, Perry, Wilkes for mechanical and electrical engineering. Construction is to get underway in June, with the Global Conservation Centre campus planned to open in late 2026. Dr Rebecca Biddle, chief conservation officer at Twycross Zoo and vice chair of EAZA (European Association of Zoos and Aquaria), said: “The unrelenting pressure that we face from the dual climate and biodiversity loss crises, pose a serious threat to the survival of our planet. Our conservation efforts need to be bigger, bolder and more united. Zoos are being called on to do more in this mission, and the Global Conservation Centre is our answer to that call. “Uniquely designed and positioned to allow international conservationists to work in connection with the natural world, we believe that being alongside the species we are working to save will offer unrivalled opportunities to study, learn and develop real-world solutions for endangered wildlife. “We are truly grateful to Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council and our local MP, Dr Luke Evans, for their continued backing of this project, supporting us for the last few years to secure this staggering £18million of Government funding for our charity. “Twycross Zoo has been a pioneering organisation since it opened its gates in 1963, but we know that we cannot solve the biodiversity crisis by ourselves. The Global Conservation Centre will facilitate collaboration to accelerate innovation, multidisciplinary research and applied conservation action for the species who need it most.”

Pret A Manger to close Leicester branch again after three years

April Lara
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Pret A Manger to close Leicester branch again after three years

Pret A Manger has confirmed that its Leicester city centre branch, located on Gallowtree Gate, will close for the second time in just three years. The store initially shut in 2020 due to the impact of the pandemic, but re-opened in July 2022 after undergoing refurbishment.

However, the coffee and sandwich chain has now announced the decision to close the location once more, citing business reasons. The closure is set to take place next month, although an exact date has not yet been specified. The closure comes as a blow to both employees and loyal customers, with staff reportedly informed earlier this week. The company has stated that it is focused on supporting the staff during this transition.

This marks the second closure of the branch, despite its brief re-opening in 2022. Pret A Manger has not provided further details on the factors influencing this decision but has emphasised that shop closures are not taken lightly.

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