Rotherhill acquires Alfreton industrial investment
Midlands-based property developer and asset manager, Rotherhill, in partnership with a long-standing private office joint venture partner, has acquired a 78,770 sq ft industrial investment split across two neighbouring buildings on a 5.96-acre site in Alfreton, Derbyshire.
The property is fully let to TRT (Turbine Repair Technology) Limited, a joint venture between Rolls-Royce Plc and Chromalloy UK Ltd, on two coterminous leases running until 2033.
With site coverage of just 25%, the asset offers strong underlying fundamentals and future potential.
As part of the acquisition process, Rotherhill worked closely with both the vendor and the tenant to implement a comprehensive lease regear. The new lease structures consolidate occupation across the entire site, remove a break option in 2026, and introduce a clear upward-only rent review mechanism in 2028 alongside guaranteed annual stepped rental increases throughout the term.
Clarity has also been introduced around the condition of the premises at lease expiry, ensuring a clean handover for all parties following the removal of TRT’s extensive plant and machinery.
Ed Jeffrey, director of Rotherhill, said: “We are very pleased to have completed this purchase. We’ve worked hard with the seller and tenant to restructure the leases, unlocking value for all parties.
“The property is well located, let at a discount to current market levels and benefits from guaranteed rental growth, making it an excellent addition to our asset management portfolio.
“Our thanks go to Andrew Mellor of Penningtons Manches Cooper who undertook all legal work, Andy Price of AP Investment who provided investment agency advice, and Ned Jones and Harry Abell at Cushman & Wakefield who acted for the seller.”
Andy Price, director, AP Investment, said: “In a continuing competitive industrial investment market, it was pleasing to complete the acquisition as it offers a strong underlying location, high yielding initial return, further guaranteed rental performance and long term future options.”
Andrew Mellor, partner, Commercial Real Estate, added: “It’s been a pleasure working with the Rotherhill team and the other parties and advisers on this latest acquisition and re-gear of the occupations. The project has been challenging at times, but I’m delighted that it’s completed. This investment makes a great long-term addition to the Rotherhill portfolio.”
Geary’s Bakery unveils £36m Leicester factory
Geary’s Bakery, the family-run business behind Jason’s Sourdough, has unveiled a new, £36m, custom-built bakery in Leicester. The third facility in its growing portfolio will double production capacity and create 380 new jobs.
The expansion represents a significant step forward in the company’s ongoing growth strategy, with the new site set to boost total headcount to 950 by year end – nearly quadrupling the workforce in just four years.
“This allows our business to move to the next chapter of our growth” said Jason Geary, fourth generation, master baker of Geary’s Bakery and Jason’s Sourdough. “The demand for Jason’s Sourdough and real artisanal bread continues to grow, and we are constantly inspired by how much people love our bread.
“This new site enables us to get our products into more stores and in more homes – while staying true to the quality and craft that set us apart.
“This new facility is a vital part of achieving our ambition to make proper bread more accessible to more people.”
As appetite for sourdough and premium bread continues to rise, Jason’s Sourdough is now available in 4,000 stores nationwide. The brand has achieved 107% value growth in the past 12 months and now accounts for around half of the company’s turnover. The new bakery will ramp up in two phases, with phase one just opened and phase two coming on-board in September of this year.
Established funeral director expands with Swadlincote site
Rushton Hickman has let 65 High Street, Swadlincote to Marc Stephens Funeral Services, continuing the business’s expansion.
The 1,930 sq ft property comprises a modern ground floor double-fronted retail unit located in High Street, Swadlincote. The premises have the added benefit of vehicular and pedestrian rear access from Civic Way.
The new tenants are already well-established in their field and will bring a trusted name to the high street. Marc Stephens Funeral Services are a family run business and have been operating for over 20 years.
Director, Marc Davidson, has been the driver in opening branches in Shelton Lock, Mackworth, Allenton and now his latest branch in Swadlincote.
Taylor Millington, the agent responsible for the deal, said: “We are delighted to have found a trustworthy tenant for our client. It has been a pleasure dealing with Marc and helping expand his portfolio. The relationship we are building with him is brilliant and we hope to find more premises in the future.”
Loughborough College wins sustainability award for pioneering green education project
Loughborough College has been named the winner of the Sustainability Project category at the Midlands Sustainability Excellence Awards 2025, held at Edgbaston Park Hotel.
The award recognises the College’s ground breaking work through the East Midlands Institute of Technology (EMIoT), a trailblazing initiative dedicated to driving sustainability in education, infrastructure, and industry collaboration.
The EMIoT, housed within Loughborough College, was honoured for its innovative approach to embedding sustainability into every aspect of its operations.
The project was supported by a £9.6m DfE grant investment and is designed as a low-energy facility, featuring solar panels, advanced insulation, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, and heat pump technology. These features all contribute significantly to the institution’s net zero ambitions.
“We are incredibly proud to be recognised for our commitment to sustainable education,” said Dale Richardson, director of estates and sustainability at Loughborough College. “This award is a testament to the dedication of our staff, students, and industry partners who are working together to build a cleaner, greener future.”
Key highlights of the EMIoT’s sustainability project include:
- £6.5 million secured from the IoT Innovation Fund to support green skills development.
- A curriculum driven by Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles.
- Plans to train 2,000 students by 2027 in clean energy and digital sectors.
- Strong partnerships with leading businesses in construction, energy, and manufacturing.
Solar farm approved near M1 services in Northamptonshire
A new solar development has been approved for an 18-acre site near the M1 Watford Gap services, positioning it close to key transport infrastructure and existing warehousing.
The site, located near the A5 corridor and adjacent to operational wind turbines, will host over 15,000 solar panels. Once operational, the array is expected to generate up to 6 megawatts of renewable electricity, sufficient to supply approximately 2,100 homes.
West Northamptonshire Council’s strategic planning committee approved the proposal without objections. The visual impact was deemed minimal due to the surrounding industrial landscape.
The site, previously used for livestock grazing, will continue to support sheep alongside the solar infrastructure, integrating renewable energy generation with agricultural use.
The project adds to the region’s growing portfolio of onshore renewable energy assets, contributing to the UK’s broader decarbonisation targets and domestic energy production.
Electrical engineering giant moves into new 100,000 sq ft facility at Fairham Business Park
Fairham Business Park in Nottingham, developed by Clowes Developments, is welcoming a major new occupier: global technology leader ABB.
The 100,000 sq ft building, designed by IMA Architects and built by TanRo, will accommodate ABB’s growing demand for Furse earthing and lightning protection solutions. It incorporates advanced technology, flexible automation, R&D and testing capabilities, and digital systems to increase production capacity, improve efficiency, and support sustainable manufacturing.
More than 100 employees will relocate to the new site from ABB’s existing Nottingham premises, continuing the company’s deep local heritage—Furse was founded in Nottingham in 1893, and ABB has operated in the city for over a century.
ABB’s new facility is built to BREEAM ‘Excellent’ standards, featuring photovoltaic rooftop panels, electric vehicle charging points, energy-efficient systems, and waste-reduction processes.
James Richards, development director at Clowes Developments and Fairham Business Park, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome ABB to Fairham Business Park. Their investment validates the site’s exceptional location, diverse occupier mix, and top-tier industrial units. As we launch the next phase of development, we look forward to delivering even more opportunities.”
Tim Gilbertson, FHP Property Consultants, added: “This is a landmark deal for Nottingham. ABB needed a first-class, future-ready facility close to the city but outside the parking levy. Fairham offered the ideal solution. We’re proud to have supported ABB’s continued growth in the region.”
17,000 East Midlands jobs at risk as family businesses respond to inheritance tax change
More than 17,000 jobs could go across the East Midlands as the owners of family businesses and farms respond to changes in inheritance tax announced in last year’s Budget.
New research from Family Business UK (FBUK), supported by 32 trade associations and conducted by CBI Economics, reveals the full impact of changes to Business Property Relief (BPR) and Agricultural Property Relief (APR) on the East Midlands economy.
It shows that 17,183 FTE jobs could be lost across the region, a reduction of more than 8.5% driven by the decision of business owners to cut investment by more than 16%. The cuts will be felt directly in businesses and farms, and across their supply chains reducing activity and turnover.
The research suggests that across the East Midlands businesses affected by BPR could see turnover fall by 10.2% and those affected by APR by 11.7% – putting the region amongst the worst affected across the UK. Overall, the loss of jobs and investment could cut economic activity (GVA) across the East Midlands by more than £1 billion (£1.068bn).
Neil Davy, CEO, Family Business UK, said: “This latest research shows just how far-reaching, and immediate, the impact of these policy changes is. No industry, sector, region or parliamentary constituency will be immune.
“In construction, services, manufacturing, tourism, transport, agriculture and horticulture, family business owners are responding to the changes to BPR and APR by tearing up long-term plans to invest in their businesses, their employees and the communities in which they are based.
“While parts of government are looking at how to boost regional growth and create opportunities in every sector of the economy, this research shows how changes to BPR and APR will achieve the exact opposite.
“Within our diverse and rapidly changing economy, family business owners have been building Britain for generations. If they are to continue to do so, with confidence in the future, the Government must urgently reconsider these policy changes.”
Steve Rigby, chair of FBUK and co-CEO of Midlands-based Rigby Group, said: “Without doubt these tax changes will hit UK businesses hard, particularly in the Midlands. We are at the eleventh hour, but it is still not too late for the Government to reconsider solutions that would generate tax without threatening the future growth prospects of family businesses.
“More than half of family-owned businesses have reported halting or cancelling investments, with many now contemplating the sale of their firms to mitigate the financial burden.
“Business in the Midlands are already facing many challenges and it is no wonder it is one of the worst affected by these changes. We hope that the Government will act on Family Business UK’s important findings.”
Family businesses play a vital role in the economy accounting for nine out of every ten private sector firms. BPR and APR are critical to family businesses. The changes announced in the Budget mean that from April 2026 family business owners will have to pay 20% inheritance tax on their business and agricultural assets when they die.
Since the Government announced the changes, family business owners have taken immediate steps to mitigate the cost of the policy change. At a UK level, the research shows:
- Over 60% of businesses anticipate reducing investment by more than 20%, with average investment declines of 15.8% (APR) and 15.5% (BPR).
- Around a quarter (23%) have reduced headcount due to BPR and APR changes.
- Business restructuring is a growing concern: Around 1 in 5 are considering downsizing under both BPR and APR, with up to 12% contemplating a sale.
- Reduced community support: 15% (BPR) and 12% (APR) of businesses have cut charitable donations or community activities, which will impact vital local initiatives.
- 208,500 jobs losses from family businesses and across their supply chains
- £14.86 billion less economic activity (GVA) – almost equivalent to the value of UK motor vehicle manufacturing (£15.7bn GVA)
- a £1.87 billion net fiscal loss to government
Silverstone Soccer sees splendid support
With the event drawing closer, all team spaces are now filled for the sixth annual Silverstone Soccer charity event, in aid of Cynthia Spencer Hospice.
The popular five-a-side footballer fundraiser, hosted by Northampton-based company Silverstone Leasing, will be held at Daventry Town Football Club on Sunday 22nd June.
Ten determined teams of footballers will don their boots to compete for the much-coveted winners title in the tournament pitch battles, while spectators can enjoy family fun including Scott’s Soapy Suds charity car wash, kids bouncy castle, display cars and refreshments.
The Silverstone Leasing team are hoping for a record-breaking year, after already raising thousands of pounds for Cynthia Spencer Hospice through the sporting event, as well as numerous other fundraisers.
And it has kicked off in the right way, with leading businesses in the town publicly supporting the tournament, either by entering a team or through vital sponsorship.
This year’s four corporate sponsors are Acorn Analytical Services, KCI Complete Office Solutions, Wilson Browne Solicitors, and BMW Wollaston.
Organiser of the event and Silverstone Leasing team manager Ryan Bishop said: “I am delighted at the response from our community for our sixth Silverstone Soccer event. It has become a really impactful and well received fundraiser which makes such a huge difference to the hospice, a cause really close to all our hearts that does the most incredible work in our county.
“Thanks to our sponsors and to Daventry Town Football Club for helping to make the event happen, we are very grateful of your invaluable support.
“I hope the local community will come along on the day, to cheer on our teams and join in with the family fun on offer. You can help make our event the biggest and best we’ve ever achieved.”
Nottingham College opens £250k green skills training hub
Nottingham College has launched a £250,000 Green Skills Centre at its Basford campus, aiming to address regional skills shortages in construction and renewable energy. The facility, located within the Nottingham Sustainability Enterprise Centre, features live training bays for technologies such as solar PV, battery storage, air source heat pumps, EV charging systems, and solar thermal solutions.
The new centre expands the college’s existing green skills training provision, complementing its Gas Centre and EV technology courses, which are delivered across its campuses. It is expected to support the UK’s wider net-zero transition by preparing learners with practical experience in low-carbon technologies.
Developed with input from industry partners including Quantum Training, the centre is part of a broader strategy to meet rising demand for green talent across sectors such as construction, engineering, and energy. It also aligns with government housing targets and carbon reduction commitments.
The investment supports a growing need for workforce development as employers seek candidates equipped with green skills in both new builds and retrofit projects. The college’s initiative positions it as a regional contributor to the upskilling efforts needed for the UK’s low-carbon transition.
Infrastructure funding targets Lincolnshire school and healthcare sites
A total of 18 schools across Lincolnshire will undergo repairs and upgrades as part of a government infrastructure initiative set to begin this summer and continue through to April next year. The funding is drawn from a wider £40 million allocation earmarked for schools throughout the East Midlands.
Projects include essential fire safety upgrades at Spalding Grammar School to prevent potential closure, as well as asbestos removal at Westgate Academy in Lincoln. Other recipients include Boston Grammar School, The King’s School in Grantham, and Branston Community Academy, reflecting a geographic spread of improvements across both primary and secondary institutions.
This round of investment signals continued public sector capital expenditure on essential facilities, with a focus on safety compliance and modernisation. For B2B service providers, particularly those in construction, engineering, compliance, and building materials, the pipeline of work offers partnership opportunities within government-backed programmes.
In parallel, the Pilgrim Hospital in Boston has been allocated £7 million for upgrades to its electrical systems and fire safety. Additionally, Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust will receive £750,000 for similar improvements across its estate, supporting the resilience of healthcare infrastructure.
These investments suggest a sustained demand for skilled contractors, compliance consultants, and building systems suppliers across the education and healthcare sectors.
