East Midlands mayor displays regional potential to global investors

Tess Egginton
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East Midlands mayor displays regional potential to global investors
Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, has met with key investors this week to highlight the region’s growing economic opportunities and showcase the East Midlands as a prime destination for investment.
During a series of one-to-one meetings and roundtable discussions at the Regional Investment Summit , mayor Claire and officials from the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) outlined the region’s ambitious growth plans, including a £2bn transport investment programme, a £160m Investment Zone, and the £38m annual East Midlands Investment Fund. Mayor Claire said: “The East Midlands is a region ready to deliver. From advanced manufacturing and clean energy to digital innovation and the visitor economy, we have the assets, talent, and infrastructure to support long-term growth. These discussions with investors are about turning potential into real opportunities for our communities and businesses.” The Mayor’s meetings also highlighted the region’s flagship projects, including Peak Cluster (one of the world’s largest carbon capture and storage projects, securing UK cement and lime industries and safeguarding thousands of jobs), Supercluster (anchored by the UK’s flagship STEP fusion prototype at West Burton, creating a globally significant clean energy and innovation hub), and Trent Arc (linking Derby, Nottingham, and East Midlands Parkway, delivering city centre regeneration, industrial hubs, and over 30,000 new homes). Mayor Claire said: “These discussions are about improving lives across the East Midlands. “Attracting new businesses, supporting the growth of local industries, and creating high-quality jobs will ensure that everyone in the East Midlands feels the benefit of economic growth. Investment into housing, skills, clean energy and infrastructure will make our region more connected, resilient, and prosperous. “This will give people better opportunities to live, work, and build a future here.” The Mayor will continue engaging with investors, ensuring that projects are aligned with the region’s East Midlands Growth Plan, which aims to strengthen communities across the East Midlands and deliver 60,000+ more people in work, 210,000 more people with skilled qualifications, 100,000+ homes built, £13bn added to the economy, £2bn+ investment in transport infrastructure, and 1GW additional clean community energy generation.

Derby training provider marks decade of growth with £2 million turnover

April Lara
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Derby training provider marks decade of growth with £2 million turnover

Derby-based training firm Nine Dots Development has reached a £2 million annual turnover in its tenth year of operation. Founded in 2016 by Jordan Burke and James Davison, the company has grown from a £73,000 first-year turnover to working with global clients including BAE Systems, Fred Perry, Scania, and Associated Press.

The company employs 25 staff and a network of 50 consultants delivering management training, apprenticeships, and leadership development to organisations across the UK and overseas. Nine Dots is accredited by the Chartered Management Institute and the Institute for Leadership and Management, and is rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted.

Its expansion has been driven by the continued demand for professional development and leadership training following the introduction of the Apprenticeship Levy in 2017. The business has delivered programmes in markets including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Australia, and the United States.

Nine Dots’ portfolio covers leadership, management, HR, and emotional intelligence training, with a focus on helping employers develop effective leaders and teams. The company’s founders aim to build on its international growth and strengthen partnerships with employers seeking to improve workforce capability and performance.

RSM UK makes Midlands director promotions

Tess Egginton
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RSM UK makes Midlands director promotions
Audit, tax and consulting firm RSM UK has made four new director promotions in the Midlands region. The promotions include Franz Zaragoza and Erin Sims in risk and governance, and Chas Ruprai in deal services, all of whom are based in Birmingham, as well as Victoria Davies in audit and based in the firm’s Nottingham office. RSM’s newly appointed Midlands’ directors are among 31 promotions to director across the national firm, with over half of this year’s cohort starting their careers with RSM as trainees. The promotions span all areas of the firm, with audit promoting 12 directors, seven in tax and 12 in consulting. The newly promoted directors are located throughout the UK across 15 offices. Helen Brocklebank, RSM UK’s regional managing partner in the Midlands, said: “I’d like to congratulate our new directors in the Midlands and across the firm. Their promotions are testament to their hard work and talent, and they should all be extremely proud of reaching this huge milestone in their careers at RSM. “We’re committed to growing and developing our people from within, as well as providing an environment for local talent to thrive. I wish them all the very best as they step into their new roles and strengthen our Midlands team, while helping to shape the future of our firm.”

Bold new UK headquarters for global digital services provider

Tess Egginton
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Bold new UK headquarters for global digital services provider
Tasked with creating a cost-effective, future-ready HQ, Proici Commercial Interiors recently transformed an empty industrial unit into a vibrant flagship workspace of 29,000 ft² in just 40 weeks. The new headquarters in Nottinghamshire unites all teams under one roof and combines agile office space with a mini data centre, gym and commercial canteen, with a flexible, collaborative design. The project brief called for a workplace that would inspire creativity, foster connection, and adapt to the company’s evolving needs. Proici’s commercial design and fit-out expertise transformed an empty industrial shell into one that successfully balances open-plan energy with quiet focus areas, using modular layouts, acoustic zoning, and a cohesive brand-led interior scheme. At the heart of the building now is a striking split-level breakout hub — the social and cultural centre of the office. Accommodating over 100 people, it serves as both a canteen and informal workspace, encouraging collaboration and a strong sense of community. The addition of a mezzanine creates visual interest and openness, as well as further flexibility for meetings and events. As a result, staff engaging with external partners and customers are now enthusiastic about hosting them at the office to foster stronger business relationships, this is a notable shift from their previous preference to meet offsite. Industrial details, such as exposed roof trusses and raw finishes reference the building’s origins, while new windows now flood the entire unit with natural light – enhancing both wellbeing and productivity. Behind the scenes, Proici delivered robust IT infrastructure, secure access systems, and a fully equipped commercial kitchen, ensuring the HQ functions efficiently for staff and visitors alike. The new headquarters stands as a confident expression of the brand and of Proici’s capability to deliver modern, adaptable workplaces that unite people, drive innovation, and set the benchmark for clients’ future office design needs. Click here for the full case study – https://proici.co.uk/case-studies/global-digital-services-provider

Wright Vigar achieves Payroll Assurance accreditation from CIPP

Tess Egginton
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Wright Vigar achieves Payroll Assurance accreditation from CIPP
Wright Vigar, an independent regional chartered accountancy firm, has officially been reaccredited under the Payroll Assurance Scheme (PAS), the UK’s gold standard for payroll compliance, developed by the Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals (CIPP) in partnership with HMRC. This prestigious accreditation recognises Wright Vigar’s commitment to delivering payroll services that meet the highest standards of accuracy, governance, and professional development. The assessment covers both operational processes and people management, ensuring clients benefit from secure, compliant, and expertly managed payroll support. “Payroll is one of the most sensitive and regulated areas of business finance,” said Helen Molloy, COO at Wright Vigar. “This accreditation gives our clients confidence that their payroll is not only compliant but proactively managed to reduce risk and improve efficiency.” The Payroll Assurance Scheme is designed to help organisations demonstrate best practice in payroll operations. Wright Vigar’s successful accreditation confirms that its systems are robust, its staff are well-trained, and its services are aligned with current UK legislation, including PAYE, RTI, auto-enrolment, and data protection requirements. This achievement reinforces Wright Vigar’s position as a trusted adviser to businesses across the region, offering a full suite of payroll services tailored to SMEs, family businesses, and growing enterprises.

Rolls-Royce outlines plans for new Derby facility

April Lara
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Rolls-Royce outlines plans for new Derby facility

Rolls-Royce is planning a new manufacturing services building at its Sinfin A site in Derby as part of ongoing efforts to modernise its infrastructure.

The proposed two-storey structure would cover approximately 3,000 square metres and include manufacturing areas, offices, and welfare facilities such as a canteen and toilets. The design features a sloped roof up to 12.6 metres high, fitted with solar panels and rooflights to improve energy efficiency.

According to documents submitted to Derby City Council, the project aims to replace older infrastructure and improve operational performance across the site. Construction is expected to take around ten months, with no changes proposed to existing site access.

Rolls-Royce has asked the council to determine whether an environmental impact assessment is necessary before submitting a full planning application. A decision on that request is anticipated by early November.

The development would further strengthen Rolls-Royce’s long-term investment in its Derby operations, where it continues to upgrade facilities to meet modern health, safety, and environmental standards.

Atos invests £10m to boost East Midlands tech growth

April Lara
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Atos invests £10m to boost East Midlands tech growth

Atos is strengthening its presence in the East Midlands with the launch of a new Digital Agentic Centre in Nottingham, part of a £10 million investment to advance the UK’s digital infrastructure.

The Nottingham facility will drive innovation in artificial intelligence and automation, developing technologies that enhance efficiency, reliability and productivity for public and private sector organisations. It forms a key part of Atos’ strategy to anchor more high-value digital work in the region, positioning the East Midlands as a growing hub for advanced tech capability.

Alongside the new centre, Atos will extend its graduate and apprenticeship programmes to create around 50 new roles by 2026. These will support the development of local expertise in AI, cybersecurity, cloud computing and data analytics, helping build a stronger regional workforce equipped for the next wave of digital transformation.

Michael Herron, Head of Atos UK&I, said, “Our new sovereign offerings will ensure our clients have a future-ready end-to-end IT estate under their control so that they can easily adapt to any regulatory or geopolitical changes. For businesses in the public, defence and critical national infrastructure sectors, the need for sovereign AI capabilities is mission-critical, and we’re proud to be working with them to make safe and reliable digital and AI development possible.

“As part of this, we are reimagining what an IT career pathway looks like in an age where humans and AI co-exist together. Our new early-career roles will give young people in the UK a multi-faceted career in the digital arena. Sovereignty, for us, includes nurturing the next generation of tech talent in the UK&I.”

Atos’ investment aligns with its wider national strategy to strengthen regional resilience, advance sovereign digital capabilities and build a sustainable pipeline of technology talent across the UK.

Heineken invests in Northamptonshire pub as part of wider UK upgrade

April Lara
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Heineken invests in Northamptonshire pub as part of wider UK upgrade

The Five Bells in Bugbrooke, Northamptonshire, is undergoing a major refurbishment following a £400,000 investment by Heineken-owned Star Pubs & Bars and local operators Bups Chaggar and Denis Gill. The redevelopment is expected to create 15 jobs and marks one of several regional projects under Heineken’s £40 million national pub estate investment for 2025.

Of the total, £3.1 million has been allocated to venues across the East Midlands. The Five Bells, closed since mid-2023, is scheduled to reopen in early December.

The project includes a full interior and exterior overhaul, with redesigned dining and bar areas, upgraded accessibility and facilities, and a new kitchen layout aimed at expanding the menu options. The building will feature new furnishings, lighting, and décor, while the exterior will be repainted and fitted with new signage and outdoor seating areas.

The pub will offer a varied food menu alongside traditional drinks, operating daily with extended food service hours through the week. The refurbishment aligns with Heineken’s broader strategy to modernise its UK pub portfolio and strengthen partnerships with local operators.

BGF prepares £500m institutional fundraise to expand UK investment base

April Lara
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BGF prepares £500m institutional fundraise to expand UK investment base

BGF is preparing for its first external capital raise, seeking up to £500 million from institutional investors to broaden its funding beyond its founding banks—Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, and NatWest. The move marks a strategic shift as the firm aims to diversify its investor base and strengthen its capacity to finance small and medium-sized enterprises across the UK and Ireland.

The planned raise, expected in 2026, follows BGF’s commitment to invest more than £3 billion over the next five years. Investment bank Lazard has been appointed to advise on the process. The new funds would allow BGF to channel additional capital into growing companies, aligning with government efforts to attract long-term institutional investment through initiatives such as the Mansion House Accord.

Since its formation in 2011, BGF has invested over £4.7 billion in more than 600 businesses, creating around 27,000 jobs and contributing £7.1 billion in revenue growth. The firm reports a 21.4% internal rate of return since 2016, highlighting its performance in backing growth-stage companies through minority stakes.

BGF’s next phase signals an evolution in the UK’s growth capital landscape, as the firm adapts to increasing competition from private equity, family offices, and debt funds while maintaining its regional focus outside London and the South East. Recent exits include Brisant Secure, Fulfilmentcrowd, and Braidwater.

Latest corporate insolvency figures highlight ‘stable stress’ across the region

Tess Egginton
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Latest corporate insolvency figures highlight ‘stable stress’ across the region
Continuing high levels of corporate insolvencies in England and Wales indicate a sense of ‘stable stress’ across the local economy, with latest figures highlighting only a marginal decrease in numbers. This is according to the Midlands branch of the UK’s restructuring, turnaround and insolvency trade body R3 and comes on the back of new statistics published by the Insolvency Service which show that corporate insolvencies decreased by 2% in September to a total of 2,000 compared to the previous month. There was also a marginal fall in August of 1.7% against July’s total of 2,083. R3 Midlands chair Stephen Rome, a partner at law firm Penningtons Manches Cooper in the region, said: “We may be seeing some small decreases in insolvency levels, but activity remains high, impacting heavily on businesses and households alike. “With the November budget around the corner, many business leaders are nervous about what lies ahead and are putting off making major recruitment or investment decisions. They will be hoping that the Chancellor introduces confidence building measures to encourage investment, recruitment and expansion rather than further increasing the tax burden and worsening cashflow problems. “Ongoing challenges such as higher energy and materials costs, cautious consumer demand and creditor pressure have combined with slower than anticipated reductions in the cost of borrowing to leave some businesses fighting hard to stay afloat. “This pressure is reflected in the latest Office for National Statistics data, which revealed that around one in six [17%] trading businesses reported having no cash reserves in late September 2025 – the highest proportion since the question was introduced in June 2020. “This is deeply concerning, as a lack of cash reserves leaves businesses particularly vulnerable to even small financial shocks, such as a bad debt or loss of a customer, challenges which they might previously have been able to weather. It suggests insolvency activity is likely to stay at the current level for some time. “R3’s message to businesses and individuals, therefore, remains the same: seek advice from a regulated professional at the first signs of financial distress. Taking action early gives you more time, more options and a greater chance of achieving a positive outcome.”
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