Derby’s new taxi licensing rules could disrupt local business

April Lara
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Derby’s new taxi licensing rules could disrupt local business

Derby City Council’s proposed changes to taxi licensing could severely impact private hire taxi owners, with the GMB Union warning that hundreds of drivers may lose their livelihoods.

The council’s plan aims to reduce the maximum age for licensable vehicles from 15 to just 5 years, potentially forcing many drivers to use older vehicles out of business. This move would set Derby apart from neighbouring cities like Nottingham, which allows taxis up to 10 years old.

GMB Regional Organiser Craig Thomson voiced concerns that the council’s approach, focused on reaching green city targets, unfairly burdens local taxi drivers without sufficient consultation. He called for the council to work with drivers and unions to develop a more balanced plan. This shift in policy could disrupt the daily operations of a vital service for the local community, putting many businesses at risk.

Conversion of farm buildings into holiday lets approved in Northamptonshire

April Lara
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Conversion of farm buildings into holiday lets approved in Northamptonshire

Local authorities have approved plans to convert a set of rural farm buildings in Northamptonshire into a holiday accommodation site. The site, situated near Blatherwycke, northeast of Corby, will transform five mid-19th-century barns and stables into six holiday homes. The development also includes plans for a café and retail space.

The proposed holiday homes will vary in size from one to three bedrooms and will feature fully equipped living spaces, kitchens, bathrooms, and terraces. A café offering food and drinks and a bicycle rental service in one of the larger units will be included.

The applicant, F & A George Ltd noted the local demand for tourist accommodation, citing nearby attractions such as Fineshade Woods and Rutland Water, as well as the market towns of Stamford and Oundle.

The site will retain existing access from Blatherwycke Road, with a new car park to be constructed to accommodate guests.

Work gets underway to find new members for Leicester and Leicestershire’s Innovation Board

Tess Egginton
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Work gets underway to find new members for Leicester and Leicestershire’s Innovation Board
Work is underway to recruit new members for Leicester and Leicestershire’s Innovation Board. The announcement came as Leicestershire Innovation Festival 2025 launched with a packed day of events covering industrial strategy, artificial intelligence for SMEs, and routes to finance. The first day of the seventh annual festival included a review of the region’s innovation opportunity from Dr Nik Kotecha OBE DL, founder of RandalSun Capital and a former LLEP Innovation Chair. There was also a deep look into the strategic opportunity of AI for small businesses, and a funding support session led by Innovate UK and the British Business Bank. Delegates started the day at the National Space Centre, where they were welcomed by Andy Reed OBE, Chair of the Leicester and Leicestershire Business Board. He said: “This festival started in 2018 with three events and has become an annual part of the regional business calendar. It brings together partners with a shared interest in encouraging small business productivity and growth in Leicester and Leicestershire.” Mr Reed also informed guests at the National Space Centre that work had recently commenced to populate an Innovation Board. It will sit under the Business Board of the Leicester and Leicestershire Business and Skills Partnership (LLBSP). The Innovation Board’s purpose will be to bring together leaders from business, research, education and finance, seizing on opportunities as they emerge in the innovation space. Previously, the Innovation Board was part of the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP). LLEP functions were taken under the control of upper tier local authorities last year. Dr Kotecha followed Mr Reed’s welcome with a look at Leicester and Leicestershire’s innovation landscape and the origins of the regional R&D agenda. He then assessed the emerging opportunity around the Government’s Industrial Strategy. Dr Kotecha said: “The Government’s Invest 2035 programme suggests that innovation is again returning to the forefront of strategic thinking. “This is to be welcomed and we must make sure we are poised to advocate for our economy and our business community and seize – for Leicester and Leicestershire – the opportunities that the Government is trailing.” Steve Barradell and Guy Boyle, directors of Loughborough-based Institute, gave a 45-minute critical discussion of AI and its strategic opportunity for local small businesses. They followed up by confirming that their funded 12-week AI+ programme for small businesses – supported by Loughborough College and Innovate UK – would return in the autumn. A further 60 places have been made available for 2025-26 after the sell-out success of the first programme last year. Guy, Institute’s Creative Director, said: “We’re interested in increasing knowledge among SMEs so they can ask better questions of those selling them current digital solutions.” Guests then made the short walk to nearby Space Park, where an afternoon session, led by Innovate UK and the British Business Bank, provided detailed insights into current funding opportunities. As well as practical guidance on preparing winning funding applications, the session included networking time for small businesses to meet with funding experts and fellow innovators. Leicestershire Innovation Festival 2025 runs until Friday. It is led by the Business Gateway Growth Hub. Events take place online and at venues across the city and county. Subjects covered include finance, life sciences, innovative manufacturing, and digital skills.

Fairham Way to become main arterial route through Nottingham’s new neighbourhood

Tess Egginton
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Fairham Way to become main arterial route through Nottingham’s new neighbourhood
From Monday 14th April 2025, Fairham Way will open and become the main arterial road through Nottingham’s new neighbourhood – Fairham. Fairham Way will allow traffic to flow through the centre of Fairham for the first time since the development of the 606-acre brand new neighbourhood commenced in 2018. With over £58m spent on infrastructure, the road opening marks a significant shift change in the delivery of homes, employment and conveniences at Fairham, providing easier access to all the residential area and business park. The new road will also allow direct access to the centre of the neighbourhood from the Northern Gateway located off Mill Hill Island from the A453 past all residential plots until the road rejoins Nottingham Road at the Southern Gateway. Clowes Developments and Homes England are responsible for delivering Nottingham’s new neighbourhood, Fairham. The partnership is set to bring thousands of new homes, jobs and opportunities to Nottingham. The 606-acre site on the southern edge of the city will become a prime commercial and residential destination. It is anticipated that the new Fairham Way road will see as many as 8,000 cars travelling through the neighbourhood every day. In light of this and at the request of Nottinghamshire County Council, the decision has been made to close a section of Nottingham Road, connecting Clifton to Gotham, between the stagger junction and the Southern Gateway. By closing this section, traffic will be channelled through Fairham Way in both directions which will assist in changing public behaviour to utilise Fairham Way. This will also allow improvement works including traffic calming features to be undertaken to Nottingham Road. It is expected to remain closed for up to 18 months. All road traffic, cycle routes, pedestrian paths and public transport routes, including bus service numbers 1/1A and 4/N4 will be diverted to follow Fairham Way with a new bus stop added to the route. Thanks to infrastructure specialists, O’Brien Contractors Ltd, works around the stagger junction have also been completed on time and according to schedule.

BWB sets out plans to double in size as built environment industry confronts new challenges

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BWB sets out plans to double in size as built environment industry confronts new challenges
Integrated engineering and environmental consultancy BWB is aiming to double the size of the business over the next five years. The Nottingham-headquartered company has delivered a series of landmark projects during the past year, including continuing work at East Midlands Gateway and the 800-bed build-to-rent Barnum development near Nottingham Railway Station. Led by CEO Graham Sant, BWB now employs more than 370 people, with offices in Birmingham, Leeds, London and Manchester alongside its headquarters at Waterfront House, Nottingham. It has just embarked on a five-year growth strategy driven by a series of major changes affecting every aspect of the bult environment. Graham explained: “We enjoyed another strong year of performance in 2024, and this has given us a springboard to focus on long-term horizons so that the business is well positioned to take continuing advantage of its strengths in the strategic trends driving change. “The whole of the built environment industry is confronting challenges related to climate change and scarce resources, increasing urbanisation, technology advances, and the shifting dynamics of globalisation and demographic change. “As a business that is focused relentlessly on client needs, we continue to invest heavily in the skills, insights and solutions which meet those needs so that we can remain agile, innovative and responsive.” Graham added: “The critical component is people and our commitment to supporting and developing the next generation of expert professionals is why we are the only business in our sector that has achieved the Investors in People Platinum standard.” BWB’s expertise spans urban development, public infrastructure and future mobility, with its sustainable growth solutions applied to city centre regeneration, shaping transport hubs and driving the transition to low carbon energy. Recent projects include the Tea Factory – the BBC’s new headquarters in Birmingham – the Broadmarsh Bus Station and upcoming works at the Guildhall redevelopment. BWB has also developed its annual Healthy Places Snapshot, based on insights from 50 industry leaders in local government, development, architecture, urban design and planning. Anthony Hart, BWB’s Regional Director for the East Midlands, said: “What these insights tell us is that healthy placemaking has got to play a part in unlocking the growth that we’re all looking for, particularly here in the East Midlands. “We’re really encouraged to see the new East Midlands Combined County Authority and Mayor Claire Ward launch an Inclusive Growth Commission. That tells us that the approach to unlocking the region’s potential is going to be informed by concepts like healthy placemaking – which we’re passionate about – and an understanding of the role this plays in inclusive and sustainable progress. “There are numerous opportunities to fire-up the East Midlands economy – we have global leaders in advanced manufacturing, expertise in clean energy, one of the biggest trade gateways in the UK at East Midlands Airport, incentivised sites at the Freeport and EMCCA’s own Investment Zones. “There are also landmark opportunities such as the South Derby Growth Zone, where we have supported Infinity Park. With the right approach and a more progressive planning system there’s no reason why we can’t shift the dial of regional growth.”

Long Sutton dental practice sold to expanding group

Tess Egginton
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Long Sutton dental practice sold to expanding group
Long Sutton Dentistry in Lincolnshire has been sold to an expanding group. Set up by the previous owners, Kenny Doig, Jez Hyland, and Sam Wright, in 2013, it is located in the market town of Long Sutton, near Boston and Spalding in South Lincolnshire. Over the last 12 years, it has grown into a four-surgery practice and become a mainstay for the local community. The practice was brought to market to allow the sellers to concentrate on their other business interests. Following a confidential sales process with Tom Morley at Christie & Co, it has been sold to The Dental Design Studio. Dr Kenny Doig, former owner of Long Sutton Dentistry, said: “It’s reassuring to know that our staff and patients are in excellent hands, thanks to DDS’s outstanding track record of professionalism and expertise. The trust and confidence we feel stems directly from their proven capabilities. “We would like to express our appreciation for Jeff and Larry, who made every interaction a pleasure. Their approachability and professionalism ensured the process was not just straightforward but truly instilled confidence that we had made the correct decision to sell to a group rather than a large corporate.” Dr Jeffrey Sherer, Clinical Director at The Dental Design Studio, said: “We’re very happy to have acquired Long Sutton – our twenty-second dental practice. It is a fantastic practice with a great team, and we are so pleased to have it as part of our group.” Tom Morley, Associate Director – Dental at Christie & Co, said: “It was a pleasure to represent, Jez, Kenny, and Sam in the sale of Long Sutton, and I wish Larry and Jeff all the best with their new acquisition. Another successful sale in the East Midlands demonstrates to the market that quality private practices are continually acquired by aspirational groups.” Long Sutton Dentistry was sold for an undisclosed price.

Labour’s £600m investment to strengthen construction workforce in the East Midlands

April Lara
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Labour’s £600m investment to strengthen construction workforce in the East Midlands

The UK government has committed £600 million to address the growing shortage of skilled construction workers, focusing on increasing workforce numbers nationwide by 2029.

This initiative forms part of Labour’s Plan for Change, which aims to boost the industry by training 60,000 workers and expanding access to construction jobs for young people. Key elements of the plan include creating new training opportunities, expanding apprenticeship programmes, and introducing technical colleges focused on construction skills.

For businesses in the East Midlands, this investment is a significant step toward addressing the long-standing labour gaps in the construction sector. The region, already home to 130,000 construction workers, stands to benefit from these measures, which are expected to provide a sustainable talent pipeline for major housing and infrastructure projects.

These moves come after a significant contraction in the workforce, with approximately 320,000 construction roles lost nationally between 2019 and 2024. The new funding is seen as crucial in revitalising the sector, ensuring that it can meet the UK’s housing and infrastructure demands moving forward.

Training group diversifies with acquisition of Derbyshire firm

Tess Egginton
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Training group diversifies with acquisition of Derbyshire firm
Sheffield-based Realise Training Group, backed by Endless’ Enact fund, has taken a step forward in its buy-and-build strategy with its acquisition of Smart Gas Training and Assessment Centre, based in Derbyshire. The announcement marks the next phase of its journey, as Realise formalises a new group structure and strategy, broadens its commercial offerings and diversifies into another regulated employment sector. The move comes at a time when regulatory and policy changes, brought in by the government, are driving demand for upskilling in key sectors, including more heavily regulated apprenticeship sectors linked to unlocking UK economic growth. It also aligns with the £600 million investment into the training of up to 60,000 skilled construction workers, announced in the Chancellor’s Spring Statement. Gregg Scott, CEO of Realise Training Group, said: “We are committed to not just off-the-shelf products such as apprenticeships, skills bootcamps or adult skills, but to being a fully integrated training solutions business. We listen to the training problems of organisations and our teams create a bespoke solution. “As well as supporting investment in green energy and the push for net zero through our Smart Gas acquisition, we are continuing to focus on reducing economic inactivity and promoting social mobility throughout the UK.” Paul Denvers, partner at Endless, said: “We are delighted to see how Realise is going from strength to strength and entering new markets within the apprenticeship and adult education sector. “Expanding into additional regulated employment markets will help bring more learners into the high demand sectors, as well as continuing to support quality delivery in the critical infrastructure sectors we are well established in.” The Smart Gas acquisition was supported with advice from James Cook from Womble Bond Dickinson, Russ Cahill from Tax Advisory Partnership and Paul Fox from Fox Lloyd Jones. Realise recently secured a multi-million-pound facility from OakNorth.

Leicestershire care farm for autistic children and vulnerable learners approved

April Lara
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Leicestershire care farm for autistic children and vulnerable learners approved

Blaby District Council has approved plans for Peaceful Paddocks, a nature-based care farm at Fossefield Farm in Stoney Stanton, Leicestershire. The facility will provide therapeutic and educational activities for autistic children and those at risk of school exclusion.

Designed to support up to 10 children aged five to 18 at a time, the project includes a log cabin for educational and welfare needs and a stable and tack building. The farm may also offer short sessions for adults with learning difficulties and dementia.

The initiative, led by Brian and Hazel Sutton, aims to assist children struggling with traditional classroom environments, including those with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

Quickline expands full fibre broadband to 6,000 more premises in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire

April Lara
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Quickline expands full fibre broadband to 6,000 more premises in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire

Quickline is expanding its Project Gigabit rollout, bringing full-fibre broadband to an additional 6,000 homes and businesses across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. The expansion, backed by £11 million in public funding, will ensure improved connectivity in underserved areas.

The move increased the total government investment in Quickline’s fibre network to over £300 million, covering more than 170,000 premises. The rollout targets rural communities across West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire, East Riding of Yorkshire, and Lincolnshire, aiming to provide fast, reliable internet to businesses and residents in hard-to-reach locations.

Project Gigabit, funded by the UK Government, focuses on delivering gigabit-capable broadband to areas lacking access to next-generation speeds. The latest expansion is based on updated data to prioritise locations with the highest need.

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