New partner appointed at Nottingham accountancy firm
Nottingham-based chartered accountants, Clayton & Brewill, has appointed Adam Rostance as partner, following the retirement of long-serving partner Neil South.
Adam has been working at Clayton & Brewill since 2012, where he joined the firm as an AAT apprentice. After initially working within the compliance department, Adam transferred to the audit department as an audit junior before working his way up to the role of accounts and audit manager. In 2023 he was promoted to director and is now the firm’s newest partner.
Adam said: “This appointment has been a huge achievement for me and something I have strived for ever since I became ACA qualified.
“I felt right from the start that Clayton & Brewill was the perfect fit for me. It has a mix of both professionalism and a personal approach that really resonates with me, and I am thrilled that I have been able to develop my career here.
“I am looking forward to helping to maintain the firm’s positive reputation and position within the market and continuing to provide our clients with high quality services.”
After an impressive 37 years with Clayton & Brewill, Neil South has retired from his full-time role as partner. He will continue working two days a week at the firm in a consultancy role.
Doug Perry, partner at Clayton & Brewill, adds: “We sincerely thank Neil for his incredible contribution over the past 37 years. Neil’s dedication, expertise, and genuine care for both colleagues and clients have been a defining part of Clayton & Brewill’s success. We’re delighted that he’ll continue to share his insight and experience with us as a consultant.
“At the same time, we’re thrilled to welcome Adam as our newest partner. Adam is a highly valued member of the team, providing excellent service to our clients and playing an integral role within the firm.
“This promotion is well deserved and reflects his commitment to Clayon & Brewill over the last 13 years. I look forward to working closely with him in this new chapter and seeing the positive impact he will have in his new role.”
Property consultancy makes 34 East Midlands promotions
A property consultancy has announced a string of promotions – including four new partners – at its offices across the East Midlands.
Fisher German has made 34 promotions across is offices in Ashby and Market Harborough.
In Ashby, Emanuel Skelton, Laura Knight and Thomas Blake have been announced as partners.
John Nicol has progressed to associate planner and Marc Strydom, Murray Peat and Stephen Maxwell have been promoted to senior associate. Stephen is now field services manager.
Pipeline field technician supervisor Nevil Theyer, senior interface manager Rebecca Taylor and GIS technician James Shannahan have been promoted to associate, while Lucinda Gent, Lucy Bland and Sophie Ward are announced as senior surveyors, Ellie Chadwick as senior financial reporting manager and Katie Lea is now senior sales advisor.
Debbie Watts has been promoted to rural CAS property data manager, Charlotte Lloyd to senior client accountant, Elizabeth Hefferin-Towey to senior agency operations coordinator, Elizabeth Townsend to senior GIS technician and Elizabeth Gale to senior administrator.
In the firm’s head office, also in Ashby, Harman Basra has been promoted to head of performance & organisational development, Amy Owen and Kirti Chouhan have been promoted to senior risk and compliance lawyers, Warner Bates to performance development manager, Mark Gordon to IT infrastructure manager, Sophie Taylor to senior talent acquisition advisor, Harry Marshall to senior people communications specialist, Chris Norcup to senior systems administrator and Marta Olesinksa to management accountant.
In Market Harborough, Harry Edwards has been promoted to partner and Matthew Trembath to associate partner, while Samantha Mottram has been promoted to senior agribusiness consultant, Rachel Cornthwaite becomes an agribusiness consultant, and Nikki Granger becomes a senior property administrator.
The firm has made a total of 64 promotions across the business.
Richard Benson, senior partner at Fisher German, said: “These promotions recognise the very best of Fisher German and the hard work so many colleagues put in every day to add value for our clients.
“All of our promotions have been made against our ‘Grow’ Career Progression Framework, which gives our colleagues clear guidance for career advancement within the company – no matter what level they are at.
“Huge congratulations to all those promoted, it is thoroughly deserved and ensures that we continue to build for the future across our business.”
Work starts on more than 760 new Nottinghamshire homes
Vistry Group, the provider of affordable mixed-tenure homes, was joined by Cllr Sam Smith, Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, Cllr John Clarke, Leader of Gedling Borough Council, and leading figures from both councils to celebrate the start of work on 763 new homes at Top Wighay, Nottinghamshire, triggering the start of a £6m investment to bolster local services.
Andy Reynolds, Managing Director of Vistry Group’s partnerships division in the South East Midlands, said: “We were delighted to welcome key figures to celebrate the start of work on these much-needed new family homes at Top Wighay.
“Over the past year, we have consulted with the community to finalise the details of the scheme and ensure it meets local people’s needs and now we are on site, ready to create a new community of high-quality properties for people in the area to call home.”
Situated approximately 2km north of Hucknall town centre and to the east of Annesley Road (A611), the £191m development forms part of Nottinghamshire County Council’s (NCC) flagship mixed-use scheme.
The 86-acre site, contracted in 2023 with NCC and earmarked for development for more than a decade, will also include 21 acres of employment land, a local centre with retail offering and a new primary school.
Now the ceremonial spade has been placed in the ground, work will start imminently on the 763 one-, two-, three, four-, and five-bedroom homes, maisonettes and apartments. Of the new homes, 269 will be affordable properties, 97 will be available for private rental and 397 will be on sale on the open market through Vistry’s Linden, Bovis and Countryside brands.
In addition to new housing, the development will also offer benefits to the wider community, with almost £6m designated to bolstering local services. This includes £4,750,000 for education, £800,000 for highways and bus improvements, and £436,000 towards healthcare.
The scheme also includes new parks, sports facilities, wildlife corridors, pedestrian and cycle routes, a new primary school, and an on-site Skills Academy in partnership with Chameleon School of Construction. This innovative training initiative will aim to encourage local people not in employment or training back into work.
Cllr Sam Smith, Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “This milestone marks a significant step forward in a project that will bring lasting benefits to Nottinghamshire. From a brand-new primary school to improved transport links and employment opportunities, this investment will enhance local services and create a vibrant, sustainable community for generations to come.”
Cllr Jenny Hollingsworth, Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Growth and Economy at Gedling Borough Council, said: “I am delighted that work is beginning to provide 763 much needed homes, together with improved infrastructure, including highways, education, health, and a local centre.
“The plan for on-site skills and training is particularly welcomed and will provide great opportunities for local people and the local economy.
“The site has been allocated for development for some time so it’s particularly good to see that this significant investment has allowed this project to get underway. I very much look forward to following its progress over the next few years.”
TowerBrook makes majority investment in Corby sustainable waste management solutions business, Axil
TowerBrook, a purpose-driven investment firm, has made a majority investment in Corby-based Axil, the sustainable waste management solutions business.
With TowerBrook’s backing, Axil is poised for growth, strengthening its market presence and expanding its service offering.
TowerBrook, has invested in Axil through its Impact strategy, TowerBrook Delta which supports high-potential companies with impact at their core. This investment aligns with Axil’s vision of delivering sustainable waste management solutions that create positive impact.
Edward Pigg, Managing Director at Axil, said: “We’re excited to welcome Towerbrook as our partner as we share the same enthusiasm and energy to improve the environmental performance of our customers.
“Our teams share many common values, and we look forward to continuing our track record of growth with their support. What impressed the Axil team during the shareholder transition was the level of engagement and interest demonstrated by Towerbrook with our staff at all levels.”
Tom Redpath, Head of Europe at TowerBrook Delta, added: “We are delighted to partner with Axil. Axil is a great example of the deep thematic work we do in TowerBrook Delta to find high growth, high potential, high impact businesses with great teams underpinned by enduring economic and behavioural demand.
“Axil sits within Resource Sustainability, one of our six key global investment pillars. As global resource scarcity rises, raw material costs increase, and supply chains grow more complex, this area is more critical than ever. In Europe, stricter regulations, higher disposal costs, and limited access to raw materials are driving a stronger push for resource sovereignty.
“Axil’s innovative resource management solutions help businesses reduce waste at source, improve recycling rates, and lower operational costs. Exceptional ROI and NPS have fuelled strong growth, creating a solid platform for the future.
“From the outset, there was real energy and chemistry with Ed and the Axil team. They embody what we seek in a partner – high-performing, high-potential, high-integrity, with low ego and a relentless drive for growth and improvement.
“We are delighted to support their growth aspirations, while maintaining their award-winning culture.”
The sellers were advised by Opus Corporate Finance.
South Wales fire safety equipment supplier snaps up Chesterfield firm
CheckFire Group, the South Wales-based fire safety equipment supplier, has acquired PJ Fire Ltd, based in Chesterfield. This acquisition secures the manufacturing future of PJ Fire’s CO2 renovated and remanufactured products.
Founded in 2007 and now employing a team of 50, PJ Fire has grown into one of the UK’s leading independent trade suppliers of fire extinguishers and ancillaries.
Peter Cowley, owner and founder of PJ Fire, said: “The sale of the business marks the culmination of many years of hard work, and I am delighted with this next step. My mission has always been to provide the highest levels of support to our valued customer base.
“CheckFire has been one of my longest-standing partnerships, and is renowned for its unmatched commitment to product excellence and exceptional customer service.
“When considering a sale, I sought honesty, integrity, and professionalism – qualities I found in CheckFire. Knowing that I’m passing the reins into safe hands gives me confidence that the business will continue to thrive and embark on an exciting and secure future.”
Cameron Robins, managing director of CheckFire, added: “We are thrilled to announce the acquisition of PJ Fire, a long-term, truly strategic partner to CheckFire. We feel privileged to become the custodians of Mr Cowley’s legacy and reputation in the sector and delighted to have enabled his well-deserved retirement.
“This significant milestone in our partnership is allowing us to secure PJ Fire’s excellent range of products and services while leveraging CheckFire’s resources to unlock new opportunities.
“Our goals are clear: to safeguard the trading legacy of the PJ Fire brand, bolster its product offering for customers and strengthen our shared commitment to British manufacturing. This is an exciting step forward for both businesses, and I’m really excited about the opportunities it presents for PJ Fire’s future and its dedicated team.”
CheckFire’s director of projects, and taking the helm at PJ Fire, Daniel Robins added: “Our two businesses have a significant amount of common DNA, at our core we have deep-seated family values, and both have a passion for the environment and a sustainable approach to business.
“PJ Fire’s innovative CO2 range, including renovated and remanufactured models, is a fantastic set of products.
“I’m looking forward to working closely with the PJ Fire team in the coming months, and my focus and commitment is to maintain continuity for PJ Fire’s team and customers, and to further enhance its products and service offerings to fulfil both current and future demands.
“Clients of PJ Fire Ltd can rest assured that they will continue to receive the same level of exceptional service and support they have become reliant on over the past 18 years.”
East Midlands financial and related professional services exports register strong year-on-year increase
Financial and related professional services exports from the East Midlands increased by 18% year on year, to £3.7bn, in 2022, according to a new report from TheCityUK.
The report, ‘Exporting from across Britain: Financial and related professional services 2025’ provides analysis of the latest available data (2022) on financial and related professional services industry exports broken down by region and nation across Great Britain.
TheCityUK’s report reveals that in 2022, total financial and related professional services exports from across Britain rose by 18.4% to £158bn. Almost half (47%) of this originated from outside London in 2022.
Financial services exports from the East Midlands accounted for 2.3% of Britain’s total financial services exports, with professional services exports from the region also accounting for 2.3% of total related professional services exports.
In terms of the destination of the region’s financial services exports, around a fifth (21%) went to the EU, with the remaining 79% generated by exports to the rest of the world.
Sandra Wallace CBE, TheCityUK Chair in the Midlands, and Deputy Managing Partner at DLA Piper, said: “The East Midlands’ financial and related professional services industry is a major contributor to the local economy. The region’s export growth in 2022 underscores its expertise. With longstanding strengths in accounting, consulting, and banking, the East Midlands is well equipped to cater to both local and international firms.”
Anjalika Bardalai, Chief Economist and Head of Research at TheCityUK, said: “Financial and related professional services make a significant contribution to the UK economy through their exports. In 2022, the East Midlands had a very strong year of export growth, a trend reflected across almost all Britain’s regions and nations.
“With nearly half of all financial and related professional services exports originating outside London, it is clear that Britain’s regions and nations are playing an important role in catering to international markets, contributing to local economic growth, and reinforcing the UK’s position as a world-leading international financial centre.”
In its report, TheCityUK sets out a series of policy recommendations where industry, government, and regulators can work together to support all parts of the country to continue to grow their export potential. These include:
Improving information about trade opportunities
- Strengthen collaboration between the Office for Investment, UK government bodies, and devolved policymakers, especially in new mayoral combined authorities.
- Align government goals at all levels, linking trade promotion with the Industrial Strategy and Local Growth Plans to maximise regional specializations.
- Improve information sharing between devolved bodies and UK government officials to identify opportunities and better coordination of response.
- Pilot a national brokerage scheme to connect capital with investable projects and enhance the identification, structuring, and presentation of opportunities.
- Swiftly agree an ambitious UK-Switzerland FTA which will provide UK businesses more freedom to operate in Switzerland, secures digital trade, enables access to high-skilled UK and Swiss talent and commits to collaborating on the green transition.
- Conclude a UK-India FTA that liberalises trade in services by easing restrictions on UK businesses operating in India, securing digital trade, fostering regulatory co-operation, providing investment protection, and supporting more short-term movement of business personnel.
- Use the FTA negotiations with Gulf Cooperation Council members to embed regulatory cooperation that promotes frictionless trade and investment as well as enhancing stability and growth in the global economy.
- Put bilateral financial regulatory dialogues with markets such as the US, EU, Singapore, and Japan on a more robust footing by improving transparency, industry engagement and by adopting a more outcomes focussed approach to promote stability and growth in the global economy.
- Use the models developed under the UK-Switzerland Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) to secure more UK trade with other leading financial centres, such as Japan and Singapore.
- Work to boost UK and international investment (such as pensions investment) in high-growth companies and develop the UK’s ecosystem for scale-up investment. This will help to keep fast-growing businesses in the UK and grow our share of the global industry.
- Make the UK a global hub for data and technology by using trade and investment policy to lead in global technology and innovation.
- Position the UK as the world’s leading gateway to international investment opportunities.
- Target development work at markets where the industry can deliver the greatest value and capture new market opportunities.
Northamptonshire food group gobbles up edible oils and fats platform
Northamptonshire-based Whitworths Food Group is set to acquire Wednesbury-headquartered KTC Edibles Group from Endless LLP.
KTC is a vertically integrated edible oils and fats platform with an important role in the UK food industry supplying over 370,000 tonnes of oils and fats across all major food channels. The group has sales of over £500 million and employs 450 people across its five manufacturing and distribution sites in the UK and Ireland.
Endless acquired KTC in May 2022 and has invested heavily in the business over the last three years. Working alongside incumbent CEO, Paresh Mehta, turnover has grown by over £150 million and profitability has more than doubled.
This growth has been achieved via the successful introduction of a new management team to support Paresh, significant capital investment across the manufacturing sites together with the successful acquisitions of Cardowan, a Scottish specialist margarine manufacturer, and Trilby, an Irish bulk distributor of edible oils.
Originally founded in 1886, Whitworths is the UK’s leading flour milling business. The George family have owned the business since the 1930s and have grown it to over £600 million revenue. The business has ten mills across the UK and supplies almost exclusively into food manufacturing.
Paresh Mehta, CEO of KTC, said: “I would first like to thank Endless for the support they have given the business over the last three years. Our partnership has shown what can be achieved with the right backer and when all key stakeholders are strategically aligned.
“Whitworths Food Group represent the next exciting evolution in KTC history. Their shared knowledge of developing a market leading enterprise for all stakeholders will be hugely beneficial for KTC.
“It is also an exciting development for our customers given the product offering of the combined business. I look forward to continuing the growth of the KTC brand and product offering with the support of our new owners.”
Michael George, Director at Whitworths, said: “Whitworths are pleased to welcome KTC into our family of food companies. We have been impressed by the progress of the business over recent years, and look forward to working with Paresh Mehta and his talented management team to continue to progress and grow the business.
“The transaction is a great fit strategically and will deliver significant further growth potential for all stakeholders.”
Aidan Robson, Managing Partner of Endless LLP, said: “We are very proud of what we have achieved with KTC over the last three years and have thoroughly enjoyed working with Paresh and the KTC team.
“Through everyone’s hard work, we leave KTC in an excellent position as the premier supplier of edible oils and fats in the UK with substantial headroom for further growth. Whitworths represent a fantastic long-term owner for the business.
“The combination of both businesses will create a strong platform supplying two important ingredients to the UK food sector. We wish the whole KTC team all the very best for the future.”
Endless LLP and KTC were advised by Spayne Lindsay (Corporate Finance), Walker Morris (Legal), Park Place (Management) and PWC (Financial, Commercial and Tax). Whitworths were advised by EY (Financial), DLA Piper (Legal), and RSM (Debt Advisory and Tax).
William Davis Homes makes three key appointments to land team
Loughborough-based William Davis Homes has welcomed a trio of key appointments to its East Midlands land team to support its plans for growth.
Reece Richiardi has joined the team as senior land manager, working on the acquisition of open-market sites with existing planning consent, while Harry White, joining as senior strategic land manager, has been appointed to lead the housebuilder’s longer-term land acquisitions.
Working alongside Reece and Harry is the company’s new head of design, Mike Barnett, who has been working on an ambitious project to design a new range of housetypes for the developer. The first of the new homes are set to be built on William Davis developments later this year.
Harry, Reece and Mike bring significant experience from roles within regional and national housebuilders and said they were drawn to the vision which William Davis’ group land director Sarah Whetton had for the future of the team.
Harry said: “After meeting with Sarah and Guy Higgins, the managing director, I felt that William Davis was the right place for me.
“The business has an excellent reputation which has been hard-earned, people have a lot of good things to say, and that goes a long way in such a close-knit industry. The quality of build also positions us well in the market.
“A family business, we are in a position where we can be dynamic and make decisions quickly, which is valuable in networking and negotiations.”
Mike said: “There was an instant connection when I met Sarah and Guy, and they have ambitious plans which I’ve enjoyed working on already.
“It’s been a great start to put my experience in the industry and in private practice into designing the new portfolio of housetypes, which is a rare opportunity and one which I jumped at.
“The final designs respond to the needs of modern living, recognising how we now use our homes as both our living and social space, and how the space may be used at different stages of life.
“The legacy of our developments is key and a lot of time, effort and care has been put into this piece of work.”
Sarah Whetton said: “Reece, Harry and Mike are all driven, ambitious, and bring considerable experience and expertise to our team.
“As we look ahead to our growth plans over the next five years, we need the right people to make that happen, and Reece, Harry and Mike have already made a huge impact on the business.
“Reece and Harry will be key to our plans to increase market share and bring forward new sites, while Mike’s new housetype designs will provide homes across those sites which are efficient and suited to modern lifestyles, while creating an attractive street scene and responding to market needs.”
Sainsbury’s opposes Aldi plan in Matlock as council recommends approval
Despite opposition from Sainsbury’s, Derbyshire Dales District Council has recommended approval for an Aldi supermarket in Matlock’s former Harveydale Quarry. The proposed 1,864-square-metre store would create 50 jobs and redevelop a derelict site.
Sainsbury argues that the town does not need another supermarket and claims that the development would harm the trade of its existing stores. It also cites concerns over pedestrian access and the impact on independent retailers. However, 757 letters of support were received, with the only formal objection coming from Sainsbury’s.
Council planners state the Aldi store would not significantly impact the town centre’s economic viability. The project includes 109 parking spaces and upgraded traffic controls on Dale Road. It will replace former Derbyshire County Council offices and a local MOT garage, despite concerns over the loss of the mechanic business.
A final decision will be made on April 8.
Leicestershire caravan park secures £25,000 for expansion
The Grange, an independent camping and caravan park in Leicestershire, has secured £25,000 in funding from First Enterprise through the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme. The investment will support expansion into surrounding land and introducing a new glamping experience, including Leicestershire’s first yurt accommodation.
The site offers 26 fully serviced pitches, bespoke facilities, and an on-site shop featuring local produce. The funding will enable the addition of six new hard-standing pitches, set to open in May 2025. The Grange, which recently won Best Camping, Glamping & Holiday Park at the Leicestershire Tourism & Hospitality Awards, aims to enhance its offering to meet growing demand for premium outdoor stays.
