Unique Window Systems, the Leicester-based fabricator of UPVC and aluminium windows, doors, and curtain walling, has acquired the business and assets of AluFold Direct Ltd.
Sunil Patel, joint managing director at Unique, said: “Having recently increased our turnover to £45 million and growing, we are in a strong position to invest in the business, and the acquisition of AluFold’s assets gives us the opportunity to further boost our aluminium capabilities.
“With more companies being forced to close their doors in ongoing difficult market conditions, we are particularly pleased that the acquisition will help us grow further and retain capacity in the industry.
“We have already celebrated 20 years in business this year, but we are not resting on our laurels. Our longevity makes us even more ambitious.
“We want to continue to give our installers, and their homeowner customers, and the wider commercial market everything they need now and in the future, and as the demand for aluminium window and doors continues to grow, it’s a great time for us to strengthen our geographical footprint.”
AluFold’s factory in Blackburn houses cutting-edge machinery including CNC machining centres, CNC 4-headed crimpers and dedicated assembly lines, providing Unique Window Systems with an opportunity to increase its presence in the North.
Sunil continued: “We know that homeowner expectations are rising and to help our customers deliver on these expectations we need next generation capabilities and superior environmental performance across our entire UPVC and aluminium range.
“Coupling the impressive assets from a well-respected brand such as AluFold Direct, with Unique’s considerable resources and expertise, builds on an already solid foundation of quality and performance. We are excited about this next stage of growth and the head start the acquisition gives us and our customers for 20 more successful years.”
The deal was supported by Gunner Cooke LLP and Freeths LLP from a legal perspective and Torr Waterfield as accountants and business advisors.
North East Lincolnshire Council has taken the step of managing key services in-house after ending its long-standing contract with private delivery partner, Equans. This marks the first time in 15 years that services such as highways, transport, building control, security, facilities management, and planning will fall under the direct responsibility of the council.
In 2008, the council chose to partner with a private sector organisation to handle these services, with a formal contract signed in 2010 with Balfour Beatty Workplace, now known as Equans Services Limited. The contract was extended in 2020, but recent decisions confirmed that it would not be renewed when it expires in 2025.
The council’s leadership sees this shift as an opportunity to realign services for greater efficiency and effectiveness, bringing all operations under one team. The 270 Equans employees transitioning back into the council will increase the total workforce to nearly 2,000, with the majority being local to the area.
This transition is part of the council’s strategy to ensure long-term sustainability in service delivery while maintaining high standards in key public services. The council is now focusing on integrating these functions smoothly into its operations over the coming months.
Strong trading momentum has continued at Topps Tiles, the Leicestershire-based tile specialist.
In a third quarter trading update for the 39-week period ended 28 June 2025, the business revealed that group adjusted saleswere up 10.1%, an acceleration on 4.1% growth in the first half. On a year-to-date basis, group adjusted sales were 6.1% higher year-on-year.
The sales trajectory has improved across all divisions in the group, with Topps Tiles, Parkside and Online Pure Play (Pro Tiler Tools and Tile Warehouse) all delivering higher growth rates in the most recent quarter than in the first half.
The update comes amidst a challenging cost environment, with Topps Tiles seeing £4m of further cost increases on an annualised basis from April 2025 as a result of the recent changes to National Insurance rates and thresholds, together with the increase in National Living Wage.
Meanwhile, progress has been made in CTD since the conclusion of the CMA investigation into the acquisition, with the group confident that CTD will be at least breakeven by the fourth quarter.
An architectural technologist from multi-disciplinary design practice, rg+p Ltd has run the length of the UK, completing an epic charity fundraiser.
In just 27 days, Taylor Baston ran an 873 mile route from John O’Groats to Land’s End, raising over £6,500 for the British Heart Foundation.
Averaging 32 miles per day, Taylor’s route followed the coast to Inverness, around the Cairngorns, Edinburgh and down to Carlisle. Once into England, he ran through Kendal, Wigan, Shrewsbury, Worcester, Gloucester, Bristol, before taking a mix of A and B roads through Somerset, Devon and Cornwall.
“I really got into my fitness a few years ago and have completed marathons and ultra-marathons,” says Taylor. “But ever since some family friends cycled from John O’Groats to Land’s End, it’s been in the back of my mind to run the distance.
“My training started last November, and I ran consistently to build up strength. When February hit, I ran every day with no days off, completing two longer runs every weekend.
“On the morning of day one I was full of nerves; I had a slight Achilles injury and just wanted to get going. I needn’t have worried. Running through Scotland was amazing; so many people came out to support us and the scenery was stunning. In fact, throughout the whole route, I had friends and family cheering me on, many of them ran with me once we crossed the border which was a huge motivation.
“The things I found most challenging were eating enough, pacing myself and navigating the UK roads. In the final ten days I really struggled to take in enough calories and run at a consistent pace. Plus there were sections of road, especially north west to south west England, where I had to run on unpaved areas which was mentally fatiguing.
“But I kept going. On the final morning, I woke up feeling numb and was worried that I wouldn’t be able to enjoy the achievement. The last day turned out to be amazing; I had 15 of my closest friends run with me at the start, some of them had only recently started running but said they had been so inspired by the challenge that they pushed themselves to run over a half marathon distance with no proper training! I was so proud of that.
“Around four miles from the end, I met my parents for the final time and all the emotion came out. It had been raining all day but the sun came out and I crossed the finish line with all my friends and family waiting for me. It was the best feeling of pure happiness.”
Taylor chose to fundraise for the British Heart Foundation (BHF) in memory of his grandfather, Roy.
Taylor continues: “My Grandad and I were extremely close. He showed me the value of hard work and even though he struggled with his heart for many years, it didn’t stop him living life to the full which always inspired me. We lost him a few years ago and I wanted to do my bit to raise awareness for those affected by heart-related illness.
“I’m absolutely thrilled with the total I managed to raise, it’s more than double my original goal. I want to share a massive thanks to everyone for their donations and words of encouragement, plus all my rg+p colleagues for the kit sponsorship, sabbatical leave and supporting me throughout.
“I thought by doing this challenge I would hate running forever but the opposite has happened! I might leave it a while before tackling something similar but I’ll continue doing single event ultra marathons.”
To donate to Taylor’s campaign, please visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/taylor-baston-jogle.
CCL, a global specialty label, security and packaging solutions firm, has acquired Humphreys Holdings Ltd, trading as We Print Lanyards, a designer and manufacturer of custom lanyards, name badges and ID cards, based in Long Eaton, Derbyshire.
It comes as a bolt-on acquisition for CCL subsidiary Avery, a supplier of labels, specialty converted media and software solutions for short-run digital printing applications for businesses and consumers.
Shorts’ corporate finance team were lead advisers to Humphreys Holdings Ltd and MD Law provided legal advice to the sellers.
Established in 2012 by Malcolm Humphreys, We Print Lanyards produce all of their products in the UK, carrying the Made in Britain accreditation mark.
Malcolm Humphreys, founder of Humphreys Holdings, said: “The acquisition by CCL Industries shows a great testament of the strength of our businesses and brand. The knowledge that under CCL the businesses will thrive and fulfil their potential was my main driver to agreeing the CCL purchase.”
Geoffrey T. Martin, president and CEO of CCL Industries Inc., said: “This acquisition continues to build on Avery’s rapidly growing portfolio of access control, badging and credentials technologies, products and brands focused on the retail, hospitality, live events and conferencing markets.”
Andy Ryder, corporate finance partner at Shorts, said: “It has been a pleasure for the Shorts team to advise the shareholders on this transaction. It represents exciting inward investment into the region, and we look forward to seeing the business flourish with the support of Avery/CCL.”
James Burdekin, partner at MD Law, added: “We were delighted to provide legal support to the sellers throughout the sales process. This deal demonstrates the strategic value SME businesses can add to global brands. Having worked alongside the team at CCL throughout the sale we are of no doubt that the business is in safe hands.”
Goodward Construction has completed an industrial unit extension at Line Equipment’s headquarters in Nottingham. The project has enabled Line Equipment to significantly expand their operations.
Line Equipment, a packaging machinery manufacturer specialising in VFFS machines, sought to increase their warehouse capacity and enhance workflow efficiency to meet growing customer demand.
With operational continuity being a top priority, Goodward Construction designed and executed a phased expansion strategy that allowed business to carry on as usual while integrating the new space.
The 1,291 sq ft extension was completed in just under 3 months and included structural steelwork, insulated cladding, new personnel and loading doors, upgraded electrical systems, and improved internal logistics flow. The result is a modern, energy-efficient space that supports Line Equipment’s future growth ambitions.
“Partnering with Goodward Construction gave us the confidence to expand without halting our day-to-day operations,” said John Blashkiw, director at Line Equipment. “Their team was professional, proactive, and incredibly well-organised. This extension has already made a significant difference in how we work and serve our customers.”
“We’re passionate about helping businesses grow through strategic infrastructure development,” said Simon Knighton, managing director at Goodward Construction. “The Line Equipment project demonstrates that with the right planning and partner, expansion can be both seamless and stress-free.”
With the nomination deadline moving closer for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025, shining a light on the region’s property and construction industry, there are 10 categories open for entry, offering a prime opportunity to showcase outstanding businesses, teams and projects at the prestigious event.
One such category is Residential Development of the Year, which can be entered here.
The winner of this category will be the scheme that has displayed a true commitment to providing much-needed housing in the East Midlands. There is no size limit, but schemes must have been completed over the last 12 months.
It’s completely free to submit a nomination and making the top three finalists in your category also wins you free tickets to the awards ceremony.
Last year the award was won by Distinctive Developments for Woodwell and Meadow Barn, with Chevin Homes (Chevin Close) and Phoenix Brickwork UK LTD (IQ Nelson Court) runners up. Upon winning, Richard Evans of Distinctive Developments said: “Winning the Bricks award for our Woodwell and Meadow Barn project is a huge honour for the Distinctive Developments team. This project truly reflects our passion for blending traditional design with sustainability.
“We’re so grateful to the judges for recognizing our hard work and commitment to quality design and craftsmanship. What a super event as well for networking and business connections, thank you Business Link.”
With this year’s Residential Development of the Year award sponsored by Build Manager, Matthew Jones, director, said: “We are delighted to sponsor this year’s East Midlands Bricks Awards and to champion the Residential Development of the Year category.
“At Build Manager, we bring over 50 years of combined industry experience to every project, offering a comprehensive suite of services, from construction consultancy and project management, supporting SME developers with project viability and finance process, through to full turn-key design and build solutions.
“Our team, comprising former senior managers from one of Lincolnshire’s largest main contractors, provides the expertise and professionalism of a major firm, while delivering a friendly and personalised service our clients can rely on.
“The Bricks Awards are a celebration of the people and projects shaping the East Midlands, and that resonates strongly with us. We’ve chosen to sponsor Residential Development of the Year because we understand the challenges and opportunities in this space, and we’re passionate about recognising innovation, quality, and the commitment it takes to deliver homes that meet the needs of growing communities.
“We look forward to an evening of acknowledging outstanding achievements, connecting with fellow professionals, and sharing insights that contribute to the growth and success of the East Midlands construction community.”
Submit your nominations for Residential Development of the Year here before entries close on Friday 15th August.
Guests network at the East Midlands Bricks Awards
Winners will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony on Thursday 2nd October,at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground (4:30pm – 7:30pm) – an evening also offering an opportunity to establish new connections with property and construction professionals from across the region, and 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.
Other award categories open for entry include: Most Active Agent, Developer of the Year, Responsible Business of the Year, Commercial Development of the Year, Contractor of the Year, Deal of the Year, Architects of the Year, Excellence in Design, and Sustainable Development of the Year. All entry forms can be accessed here.
The Overall Winner award will also be presented at the event. This award cannot be entered, with the winner selected from those nominated for the event’s other awards. The Overall Winner of the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025 will also receive agrand 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.
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:
EY has appointed Adrian Roberts as its new Midlands managing partner and markets leader.
Adrian takes over from Simon O’Neill who has been in the role since 2017 and has recently taken on a new role as the EY deputy assurance service line leader.
Adrian joined EY as a graduate from Birmingham University in 1997 and was admitted to the partnership in 2009. He has held various leadership positions at the firm, including head of audit quality for the UK&I and partner sponsor for EY’s Entrepreneur Of The Year programme in the Midlands.
He also has broad international experience, gained from both a secondment in Seattle in the US and through his audit partner roles on global accounts. Adrian has deep experience of working with private and mid-market companies across a range of industries.
Adrian said: “I’m incredibly proud to have been appointed to this role to lead our business in the Midlands. We have exceptional talent across the region, with over 1,200 colleagues and 55 partners based in our Birmingham office. With the help of this team, I’m confident that we will continue to grow the business, create fulfilling careers for our people and provide an exceptional service to our clients.
“Finally, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Simon for his leadership over the past eight years, during a period which has seen EY achieve significant growth and make a positive contribution across the region.”
Simon O’Neill added: “As an EY ‘lifer’, Adrian brings a remarkable blend of expertise, dedication, and vision to the role of Midlands Managing Partner. Under Adrian’s leadership, I have no doubt that our Midlands’ practice will continue to go from strength to strength.”
The sixth annual Silverstone Soccer charity event has raised more than £3,000 for a local charity.
Over the past six years, fundraising footballers have collected enough money to cover a whole month’s worth of patient care at Cynthia Spencer Hospice.
On Sunday 22nd June, 10 determined teams went head-to-head in a five-a-side tournament at Daventry Town Football Club.
First-time entrants Northampton Town Football Club won the much-coveted winner’s trophy, with Asset Engineering as runner-up.
As well as the football fun, visitors also enjoyed a bouncy castle and Silverstone Leasing’s managing director Scott Norville’s car wash service.
The event, which is hosted by vehicle leasing firm Silverstone Leasing, has now raised more than £19,500 over the years for its nominated charity partner Cynthia Spencer Hospice, since its conception in 2020.
With £504 being enough to cover one day of palliative care in the hospice, the current total could pay for more than 30 days’ worth of patient care. The money could alternatively fund more than 1,000 Hospice@Home nurse visits or 235 trips to a Wellbeing appointment for a palliative patient.
Organiser of the event and Silverstone Leasing sales manager Ryan Bishop said: “I believe Sunday’s Silverstone Soccer is the best one we’ve done so far! It was an incredible day, and we are very grateful for the fantastic support from the local community.
“It was wonderful to see some new entrants in the tournament as well as our regular competitors, who support us over and over again to get the best possible result for the hospice.
“To know that our efforts have now funded more than a month’s worth of palliative care for such an amazing cause is truly humbling.
“Thank you to our supporters and sponsors for making this impactful and inspiring event possible.”
Nina Gandy, corporate partnerships fundraiser at Cynthia Spencer Hospice, said: “Silverstone Leasing have supported us as their chosen charity since 2018 and prior to this had already taken part in spontaneous fundraisers.
“To date, the team have raised more than £19,500 for the hospice through various events including their own flagship event, Silverstone Soccer, as well as Cycle4Cynthia, abseiling challenges, marathon running and the viral LinkedIn campaign #sing4Cynthia.
“We are immensely grateful for the support we receive from Scott, Ryan and the rest of the Silverstone Leasing team and appreciate all the hard work that goes into putting on an event of this scale and making it such a resounding success.
“The funds raised will allow our hospice to continue to provide our vital palliative care to the people of Northamptonshire. Thank you.”
YMCA Derbyshire and Vaillant are strengthening their collaboration to drive lasting community impact. Since their partnership began in August 2024, the two organisations have made significant strides in supporting local residents, with Vaillant providing both financial aid and technical assistance to vulnerable groups.
Vaillant, a leader in heating and renewable energy, has had a strong presence in the region for over 90 years, with its UK headquarters in Belper since 1966. Recently, the company expanded its manufacturing capabilities with a new facility in Derby to meet the increasing demand for low-carbon heating solutions.
Vaillant’s support includes a £20,000 donation to YMCA Derbyshire’s Padley@YMCA Resilience Hub, aimed at assisting individuals and families facing homelessness and poverty. Additionally, Vaillant responded promptly when YMCA’s main campus faced boiler failures, ensuring 87 residents had access to heating and hot water.
The partnership has also extended to fundraising, with Vaillant volunteers raising nearly £3,000 for YMCA Derbyshire’s Sleep Easy event, contributing to a total of £37,429. Looking forward, Vaillant plans to continue its support through employee volunteering in local community projects.
Together, YMCA Derbyshire and Vaillant are creating tangible, long-term change, with a shared focus on enhancing social well-being and community resilience.
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