UK explores hydrogen blending for gas supply decarbonisation

April Lara
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UK explores hydrogen blending for gas supply decarbonisation

The UK Government is actively considering introducing hydrogen blending into the national gas network as part of wider decarbonisation efforts. According to energy minister Michael Shanks, a formal decision is expected shortly following an evidence-gathering phase assessing the impact on consumers and infrastructure.

Blending up to 20% hydrogen with natural gas is technically feasible with most existing boilers and appliances in domestic and commercial settings. Gas network operators have indicated that current infrastructure could handle such a mix without significant modifications, offering a transitional path toward lower-carbon heating.

Scotland is leading several green hydrogen production projects to leverage the country’s renewable energy capacity. Recent developments include a large-scale hydrogen facility approved in Kintore, Aberdeenshire, and discussions around the Grangemouth industrial site as a potential hydrogen hub.

While hydrogen presents a cleaner alternative to natural gas, its lower energy density requires greater volumes to produce the same heat output. This raises ongoing questions about the viability of a 100% hydrogen gas grid for domestic use.

Tariff uncertainty triggers cautious recalibration among UK mid-market firms

April Lara
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Tariff uncertainty triggers cautious recalibration among UK mid-market firms

According to new research from Grant Thornton UK, UK mid-sized businesses are adjusting their international strategies amid growing trade pressures. While overall sentiment remains relatively strong, a shift in confidence is evident as decision-makers respond to an evolving global trade landscape.

The firm’s April 2025 Business Outlook Tracker found that while most mid-market leaders remain upbeat about the domestic economy in the short term, fewer expect their profits to rise, suggesting emerging caution. Optimism surrounding economic conditions slipped slightly, and profit expectations have seen a more notable drop.

Internationally, trade with the US is under review. Despite strong historical ties and growth potential, tariffs are causing businesses to rethink. A majority still see the US as a key market, but a growing number are preparing to scale back or exit entirely. Nearly half of firms with current US trade exposure expect to stop altogether, and only a minority foresee no disruption.

Barron McCann opens doors to future tech talent

April Lara
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Barron McCann opens doors to future tech talent

IT services firm Barron McCann recently hosted an employer engagement day for 15 students from Bemrose School in Derby, offering them hands-on exposure to workplace operations and technology. Aimed at students facing barriers to traditional work placements, the event focused on building skills and confidence through structured activities.

The day included a guided tour of the company’s Innovation Hub, warehouse, and training facilities, where students explored the operational side of an IT services business. They were then grouped to develop and present ideas around two business themes: social media and community engagement, and inclusion in the workplace.

The initiative also highlighted the importance of inclusive design, with students from the school’s SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) department contributing personal insights into accessibility challenges and improvements.

Barron McCann’s programme is part of a broader effort to support local talent pipelines and widen access to technology and business services careers. By engaging with secondary school students early on, the company is helping to address skills gaps while reinforcing its commitment to community partnerships and social value.

As corporate insolvencies hit 2025 high, full impact of current economic uncertainty yet to be felt, says R3 Midlands

Tess Egginton
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As corporate insolvencies hit 2025 high, full impact of current economic uncertainty yet to be felt, says R3 Midlands
Rising costs and ongoing economic and political uncertainty are continuing to drive corporate insolvencies upward, while an increasing number of local entrepreneurs are seeking insolvency and restructuring advice and considering the future of their businesses. This is according to the Midlands branch of the UK’s insolvency and restructuring trade body R3 and comes on the back of latest figures from the Insolvency Service which show that corporate insolvencies in England and Wales increased by 2.9% last month [April] to a total of 2,053 and by 13.2% compared to April 2023’s figure of 1,813. R3 Midlands chair Stephen Rome, a partner at law firm Penningtons Manches Cooper in the region, said: “April’s corporate insolvency figures were the highest we have seen since July 2024, with Creditors’ Voluntary Liquidations remaining the process companies most commonly enter into. “Their consistently high numbers reflect the ongoing challenges, high costs and political and economic uncertainty Midlands businesses face, as well as the toll these are taking on their finances and their confidence in their ability to turn their situation around. “Compulsory liquidations have also hit their highest level in more than five years as creditors chase down unpaid debts in an attempt to meet their own payment deadlines, led by the HMRC as the Government attempts to balance the national books. “April saw the introduction of the new rates for Employers’ National Insurance Contributions and Minimum Wage, which have increased overheads for local businesses at an already challenging time. Many companies will already have increased prices and cut expenditure to cope with the existing economic challenges and many, especially SMEs, will find it increasingly difficult to respond to further cost increases. “It is unlikely that we will see the full impact this will have on Midlands businesses until later in the year, but the prospect of these changes being introduced has influenced an increasing number of directors’ decisions to seek insolvency and restructuring advice and consider the future of their businesses. “The recent rise in unemployment indicates that the tax increases, along with the prospect of the Employment Rights Bill coming into law, has also affected hiring levels and investment as management teams wait to see how it will impact on their wage bills. We expect this to continue until the picture is clearer. “Alongside this, Midlands businesses have faced the impact of the introduction of the US tariffs. While some of the outcomes from the US President and Prime Minister’s recent announcement will be a relief to businesses in a range of sectors, a number of the details of the tariffs still need to be confirmed, and there is no denying their introduction will make it more expensive for local companies to export to America. “The uncertainty and unpredictability around US tariff policy generally is also likely to affect costs, growth and investment as both business owners and lenders will look at how the tariffs will affect revenue and profits and may choose to change their plans, or review or withdraw their funding once these have been considered. “Looking across the local economy, the sectoral picture is a mixed one. Construction continues to be affected by ongoing issues with the price of materials, payment and client hesitancy about commissioning new work, while the care sector is trying to navigate the Government’s proposals to end overseas recruitment for social care visas. “On a more positive note, Midlands retailers have benefited from the late Easter and improved weather, which has led to an increase in sales, and hospitality has also seen a rise in activity and spending levels. However, there is no escaping the fact that all of these sectors will be seriously affected by the changes to National Insurance and Minimum Wage, which will put a further squeeze on margins and increase costs, and could lead to more businesses becoming financially distressed. “R3’s message to anyone worried about the finances of their business is to seek professional advice as soon as concerns arise. It can be an incredibly hard conversation to have, but timely discussions with a qualified advisor may provide more options than waiting until a problem becomes more severe. “Most R3 members will give prospective clients a free initial consultation so they can learn more about the issues they face and outline the potential options to resolve them.”

Leisure centres in Lincoln to reopen under new operator

April Lara
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Leisure centres in Lincoln to reopen under new operator

Two leisure centres in Lincoln that abruptly shut down in April are set to reopen by mid-July under new management. The City of Lincoln Council has appointed Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL) as the interim operator of Yarborough and Birchwood leisure centres following the collapse of the previous operator, Active Nation.

GLL, a not-for-profit social enterprise with over 250 leisure facilities across the UK, will manage both centres on a two-year contract. The council owns the buildings and moved quickly to secure a new operator after Active Nation ceased trading due to financial pressures, citing the energy crisis as a key factor. The council had offered a £500,000 support package, but the charity did not accept the terms.

Since the closure, the Lincoln City Foundation has maintained outdoor operations at both locations. GLL plans to upgrade facilities, replace gym equipment, and recruit staff across various roles. More details on programmes, memberships, and courses are expected to be released this summer.

The transition aims to minimise disruption to residents and maintain local access to fitness and wellbeing services, while providing stability for the council’s broader leisure strategy.

Nottinghamshire net zero specialists snapped up

Tess Egginton
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Nottinghamshire net zero specialists snapped up
Sureserve has acquired Nottinghamshire-based HI Group, a specialist in net zero strategy, design and programme management. HI Group operates as a managed service provider, acting as lead consultant to organisations embarking on their net zero journey and supporting them in their transition to low-carbon operation. The company has established a strong presence across complex property portfolios in the commercial estate sector in the region, working with both private and public organisations including Gloucestershire College and Duxford’s Imperial War Museum with a focused expertise in the further education sector. Over the past four years, HI Group has experienced strong growth, driven by increasing demand for decarbonisation services. The total volume of emissions it supports organisations in managing has grown from 3,800 tonnes in 2020 to over 120,000 tonnes in 2024, as a growing number of companies, including larger emitters, embrace the need to adopt structured pathways to net zero. Sureserve Group is one of the UK’s leading energy and compliance services providers, and the acquisition, which was finalised this month, further strengthens its position as a trusted partner in the renewables sector across the UK. Commenting on the acquisition, Graham Levinsohn, group CEO at Sureserve, said: “The acquisition of HI Group aligns with Sureserve’s mission – to be the trusted partner of choice to the public sector in delivering essential and affordable heating, energy savings and compliance solutions as we continue to play a key and progressive role in decarbonisation. “We are delighted to welcome HI Group and their employees to Sureserve and we look forward to working with HI Group’s clients, staff, and management in continuing to build on a successful platform.” Russell Burton, co-director at HI Group, said: “We are pleased to join the Sureserve at a time when the demand for structured, evidence-based net zero strategies is accelerating. From the outset, it was clear that Sureserve shared our values and our long-term commitment to enabling decarbonisation in the real economy.” Laura Bishop, co-director at HI Group, added: “This partnership gives us the opportunity to scale our delivery model, enhance our data services and continue supporting clients to plan and implement meaningful, measurable net zero programmes. We look forward to building the next phase of our journey together.”

New operations manager appointed at APSS

Tess Egginton
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New operations manager appointed at APSS
Lincolnshire-based commercial interior design and fit out company, APSS, has appointed John Bysouth as its new operations manager following the recent restructure of the senior leadership team. John steps into the role after over a decade with the business. He has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication, and a deep understanding of the commercial interiors industry. John’s journey with APSS began over 10 years ago as joinery manager. With a hands-on approach and a keen eye for detail, he quickly progressed into project management, leading a wide range of successful fit-out and refurbishment projects. His ability to oversee operations from the ground up—paired with outstanding organisational skills—has made him a vital part of the APSS team. In his new role, John will be responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations across the business, ensuring projects continue to run smoothly, efficiently, and to the high standard customers have come to expect. Commenting on his promotion, John said: “I’ve had the chance to grow with the business, and stepping into the role of Operations Manager is a fantastic next chapter. I’m looking forward to building on our strengths and continuing to deliver exceptional results for our customers.” Richard Mycroft, recently appointed as managing director of APSS, added: “John’s promotion is well deserved. His experience, knowledge and steady leadership have made a real impact across the business. He’s a natural problem-solver with a clear vision for operational excellence, and I have every confidence he’ll continue to drive us forward in his new role.”

Lincolnshire investment opportunities worth £3.6bn revealed at UKREiiF

Tess Egginton
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Lincolnshire investment opportunities worth £3.6bn revealed at UKREiiF
The Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority (GLCCA), and newly elected Mayor, Dame Andrea Jenkyns, have revealed major investment opportunities at annual real estate investor forum UKREiiF. As a newly formed Combined County Authority, GLCCA hosted a pavilion, working in partnership across the Greater Lincolnshire inward investment teams and Team Lincolnshire – a public and private sector group of Lincolnshire ambassadors – to put investment opportunities worth £3.6bn to the economy to investors. Dame Andrea announced the investment opportunities for Greater Lincolnshire, which sit across 17 locations and include everything from shovel-ready housing developments to long term multi-sector investment sites. Greater Lincolnshire’s core sectors of agri-food, energy, defence, and ports and logistics all have investment sites on offer. The area also has big growth opportunities in advanced engineering and manufacturing as well as automation and agri-tech. Dame Andrea Jenkyns said: “Greater Lincolnshire is critical to the UK’s economy for its food security, defence capabilities and much more. Not only do I care about giving more to the residents of the area I represent, I also know what a significant contribution we make to the nation. “The GLCCA is already developing a clear plan to deliver with the powers and funding that have been negotiated – but we’re ambitious – and I fully plan to start work on getting more devolved funding and powers for Greater Lincolnshire as soon as possible. “Our area has attractive investment opportunities and enormous potential for growth, and I know by working together with dedicated teams across Greater Lincolnshire, we can maximise the opportunities at UKREiiF to boost growth and investment.” Tony Reynolds, inward investment manager at Lincolnshire County Council and Team Lincolnshire lead, said: “By attending UKREiiF as a collective, we are showcasing what Greater Lincolnshire can offer to a national audience of developers and decision makers within the property and investment industry. The conversations we have at this event can positively impact the economy of Greater Lincolnshire for many years to come. “Greater Lincolnshire has clear investment opportunities and now the GLCCA has been formed and with the strong voice of Dame Andrea as Mayor, we can accelerate growth and be at the front of the queue for discussions with government and future funding opportunities.”

De Montfort University cuts jobs amid financial strain

April Lara
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De Montfort University cuts jobs amid financial strain

De Montfort University (DMU) in Leicester is cutting 80 roles as part of a wider effort to close a £22 million funding gap. A total of 94 positions, including senior lecturers, associate professors, lecturers, and research staff, have been placed at risk.

The university cited a sharp drop in student numbers, stagnant tuition fees, and rising employer National Insurance contributions as key pressures. Although some cost-saving measures had already been introduced, such as voluntary severance schemes, pausing non-essential projects, and restricting spending, these have not been enough to balance the books.

The financial shortfall is partially linked to investments in new campus developments in London and Dubai. While these projects were intended to diversify income and reduce reliance on domestic undergraduate tuition, they have contributed to current budget challenges.

DMU still needs to find an additional £5 million in savings to meet its target, as institutions across the UK grapple with intensifying cost pressures and shifts in the higher education landscape. The university remains one of Leicester’s major employers and plays a significant role in the regional economy.

Green light given for rural redevelopment in Peak District village

Tess Egginton
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Green light given for rural redevelopment in Peak District village
Planning permission has been granted for the redevelopment of The Beeches, a former farmhouse complex in Bradbourne, Derbyshire. The scheme includes the creation of four new dwellings through the conversion and reconstruction of existing barns, alongside the replacement of the original farmhouse with a bespoke new home. Working in collaboration with Planning & Design Practice, who led the planning strategy, Matthew Montague Architects has developed a design that blends traditional rural architecture with contemporary living. “This is a fantastic opportunity to breathe new life into a rural site with deep heritage,” said Paul Myers, architect at Matthew Montague Architects. “Our approach balances tradition and modernity—preserving what’s important while allowing the buildings to serve a new purpose. It’s great to see The Beeches move forward as a model of sensitive rural regeneration.”
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