Leicestershire wholesaler Crowndale joins Country Range Group

April Lara
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Leicestershire wholesaler Crowndale joins Country Range Group

Crowndale Foodservice, a Leicester-based foodservice wholesaler, has joined the Country Range Group (CRG), expanding the buying group’s network to 16 member businesses and 18 wholesalers across the UK, Ireland, Jersey, and Coastal Spain.

In 1988, Crowndale initially supplied meats to retail butchers before expanding into the foodservice sector. The company now serves the public sector, hospitality, and event catering markets across the Midlands, delivering five days a week with a fleet of 15 vehicles.

The business has doubled its turnover since 2021 and is projected to reach £15 million in 2025. Crowndale’s director, William Boulger, said the partnership with CRG will help accelerate growth, particularly in the hospitality and profit sectors, by providing access to CRG’s buying power and product portfolio.

Frasers Group expands into five South Asian markets

April Lara
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Frasers Group expands into five South Asian markets

Frasers Group has signed a new distribution deal with MAP Active to expand its Sports Direct brand into five new South Asian markets: India, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. The agreement also strengthens Sports Direct’s presence in Indonesia.

The partnership builds on Frasers’ existing relationship with MAP Active, a region’s leading sports and fashion distributor. The move aligns with Frasers Group’s strategy to accelerate international growth and tap into emerging markets with strong demand for sports retail.

Frasers CEO Michael Murray highlighted the long-term growth potential in these markets. At the same time, MAP Active’s Group CEO, V.P. Sharma, emphasised the collaboration’s role in enhancing brand engagement and customer experience in the region.

Nottingham chemical manufacturer invests £110,000 to accelerate development of climate change-tackling materials

Tess Egginton
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Nottingham chemical manufacturer invests £110,000 to accelerate development of climate change-tackling materials
A Nottingham chemical manufacturing firm has invested £110,000 into new equipment to accelerate the development of a class of advanced materials that could help tackle climate change. Promethean Particles has spent the funds on the equipment to analyse how the advanced materials in question, called metal-organic frameworks, or MOFs, behave under different environmental conditions. The company is pioneering the large-scale manufacture of MOFs, which are tiny crystal structures with extremely large internal surface areas, meaning they can capture and store huge quantities of molecules. This allows them to be used for a variety of purposes, including storing water and trapping carbon dioxide (CO2) created by the burning of industrial fuels. The new equipment purchased includes a thermal gravimetric analyser (TGA), which will monitor and record the amount of CO2 the MOFs take up at different temperatures, as well as looking at how their physical properties change when they are heated up. This information is vital in understanding how MOFs would behave in a real-world application. Additional equipment now installed at the company will also help the team to understand how the MOFs behave when manufactured in large quantities, so that production processes can be made to be more efficient and cost-effective. The purchase of the equipment is another significant step for Promethean Particles this year, after appointing a new Board chair and welcoming a new commercial director. Dr Leah Matsinha, materials development manager at Promethean Particles, said: “MOFs were discovered three decades ago, but while the awareness of their properties and their potential to help tackle climate change has been steadily growing, there is still so much we – as a scientific community – don’t know about how the different types of MOFs behave under various, real-world environments. “Our work here is cutting-edge and we are pioneering new production techniques, so understanding the potential challenges we would face while scaling up the manufacture of different MOFs, and overcoming these issues, is vital to deploying these materials commercially. “Previously we would outsource this work but bringing it into our laboratory with these new analytical instruments means we will reduce the time and cost of developing new MOFs. “What we learn here will add to the growing body of knowledge concerning these fascinating materials, while also enabling us to meet our customers’ needs quicker and, ultimately, manufacture MOFs that are capable of helping us address some of the planet’s most pressing challenges.”

Rollasons Solicitors LLP pushes growth plans forward with new business development director

Tess Egginton
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Rollasons Solicitors LLP pushes growth plans forward with new business development director
Lutterworth-based Rollasons Solicitors LLP has pushed forward its regional growth plans with the appointment of Ian Taylor as its new business development director.  A strategy and performance specialist, Ian has worked closely with Rollasons’ leadership team as a consultant for the past 18 months, now joining Rollasons as an interim business development director to drive forward its expansion plans. With a five-year plan already in motion, the firm is growing with six new hires planned this year across its offices in Daventry, Lutterworth, and Leamington Spa, and has plans to open in further locations. Kam Vara, partner at Rollasons Solicitors LLP, said: “We’re delighted to officially welcome Ian to the team and value the expertise and dedication he’s already brought to Rollasons. We’re a thriving, dynamic firm of solicitors, recently celebrating 30 years in business, and we’re now ready to expand again while staying true to our values and family ethos. “With six new hires on the way and more to follow, we’re building a team that reflects our commitment to excellence and outstanding client care. Ian’s expertise will be instrumental in driving our next phase of growth, and we’re excited for what’s ahead.” Ian added: “This is an exciting time for Rollasons. The firm is highly respected for its expert legal services and its reputation for professionalism, approachability and a personal touch. Rollasons isn’t just about legal expertise, it’s about building real relationships and delivering outstanding client care. “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with the team over the past 18 months, and I’m looking forward to officially stepping into this role to help expand their presence even further.”

Mather Jamie expands with graduate development surveyor

Tess Egginton
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Mather Jamie expands with graduate development surveyor
East Midlands property consultancy, Mather Jamie, has appointed Henry Wells as a graduate development surveyor. Henry recently obtained a BSc (Hons) in Real Estate from The Royal Agricultural University and is now working towards achieving his RICS accreditation while gaining hands-on experience at Mather Jamie. In his new role, he will assist the directors in progressing clients’ land through the planning and sales process for both residential and commercial development as well as a variety of other professional work Having grown up locally to Loughborough, Henry has long admired Mather Jamie’s reputation within the development industry. He said: “Growing up in the area, I have seen Mather Jamie go from strength to strength. The company has a fantastic reputation, and I look forward to playing a part in ensuring it remains a dominant force in the sector.” Gary Kirk, director at Mather Jamie, welcomed Henry to the team, saying: “We are thrilled to have Henry join us as a graduate development surveyor. His enthusiasm and strong academic background make him a great addition to the team. “We look forward to supporting him in his professional development as he works towards RICS accreditation and contributes to our continued success.” Outside of work, Henry is a keen cyclist and squash player, with a passion for visiting the French Alps in both winter and summer. He is also committed to giving back to the community and has previously volunteered for St Basils, helping to renovate a garden at a homeless shelter in Redditch to create a welcoming outdoor space for young residents.

Next steps for transformative North Leicestershire college merger

Tess Egginton
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Next steps for transformative North Leicestershire college merger
A consultation has launched on a prospective merger between Loughborough College and SMB College Group, with an aim to further educational excellence across North Leicestershire. The proposed merger looks to transform the educational landscape by driving economic growth, enhancing skills development, and delivering substantial investments in student experience and cutting-edge learning facilities. The consultation period encourages students from both colleges, parents, staff, employers and the local community to share their views. Corrie Harris, Principal and CEO at Loughborough College, said: “We are thrilled to be in the consultation phase of this ambitious proposal, which we believe has the potential to be a truly transformative partnership. “Our vision for the future merger is to unite both organisations in a shared commitment to drive economic growth while providing students across the region with an exceptional educational experience.” Dawn Whitemore, Principal and Chief Executive of SMB College Group, added: “We are excited to be embarking on this journey with the prospective merger of these two unique and vibrant colleges. “This proposed union represents an enhancement of educational offerings across all campuses, providing students with even greater opportunities for success both whilst at college and in their future careers. Together, we will create a dynamic, innovative, and inclusive learning environment that will benefit our local and regional community.” This proposed merger seeks to strengthen the growth plans for both colleges, to shape a skilled, resilient workforce and establish Leicestershire as a hub of educational and economic innovation. This includes more than £55m investment in projects such as the East Midlands Institute of Technology and a new Land-based Agri-tech Centre. The consultation period runs until 30 April 2025, with the proposed merger planned to take place on 1 August 2025.

Property industry’s support pushes forward transformation of Wilmorton community gardens

Tess Egginton
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Property industry’s support pushes forward transformation of Wilmorton community gardens
With the generous help and support of several partners, the Wilmorton community gardens are now ready for the next stage of development. Last month, civil engineering company Taylor Woodrow generously supplied, delivered and laid 203 tons of aggregate along the whole of the former compound area. The Taylor Woodrow team spent months planning the project, from putting risk assessments in place, to coordinating site visits and collaborating with other suppliers. This space will be transformed into an outdoor classroom delivering horticulture and construction skills courses for YMCA Key College students. There will also be an area with raised beds and a greenhouse, which will be used by residents for wellbeing activities, and for volunteering. Last year over 200 people volunteered, giving over 300 hours of their time at the gardens. Kat Millar, Public Liaison and Social Value Coordinator for Taylor Woodrow, said: “At Taylor Woodrow we pride ourselves in trying to become part of the communities we work in, when we saw an opportunity to create a practical working and construction learning area that could help improve opportunities for Key college students, and hopefully promote construction as a career path, I knew we just had to get involved. “It’s with thanks to our suppliers TARMAC, Go Green and GAP as well as our own Taylor Woodrow team that we were able to bring the vision to life. We are truly proud of what this collaboration has created and cannot wait to see the progress as the area continues to develop.” Stuart Aughey from Gap Hire Solutions added: “Working on this fantastic project was an absolute pleasure. The work that YMCA Derbyshire does for people of all ages is truly amazing, and much needed.” Gillian Sewell, YMCA Derbyshire CEO, said: “It’s an absolute pleasure to see the transformational work taking place at the community gardens. We are extremely grateful to businesses like Taylor Woodrow and Gap Hire Solutions for their generous support, and belief in what we are doing as a charity to help young people and communities, belong, contribute and thrive. “I am also grateful to our hard-working YMCA team and volunteers, who have worked tirelessly over the past couple of years to create an outdoor learning zone for young people and adults.” This stage of development is a continuance of work that started in 2023, when Derby-based specialist contractor Cawarden made a generous donation of its people and equipment to demolish a large structure, that was hindering development in the gardens. Wavensmere Homes and Lambe Construction also donated their time and equipment last year to aid with the clearance and disposal of overgrown and hazardous areas within the gardens. All this hard work and generosity has paved the way for the opening of an eco-friendly Green Youth Hub later this year. Funded by the Youth Investment Fund, the building will be used by YMCA Derbyshire Key College to run vocational training and education courses for young people.

Community group seeks approval to convert former pub into mosque

April Lara
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Community group seeks approval to convert former pub into mosque

Eyres Monsell Community Foundation has submitted a planning application to convert The Glen, a former pub on Hillsborough Road in Glen Parva, into a mosque. The group, which established a place of worship at Eyres Monsell Community Centre in 2019, says it has outgrown its current space. Friday prayer sessions attract around 150 attendees, leading to some being turned away.

Astill Planning Consultants, representing the foundation, argues that repurposing the vacant pub will provide community benefits that outweigh the loss of the hospitality venue. The nearest existing mosque is approximately 1.5 miles away in Aylestone.

Leicester City Council is expected to decide on the application in May under delegated powers.

Midlands mayors agree to joint economic strategy

April Lara
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Midlands mayors agree to joint economic strategy

The mayors of the West Midlands and East Midlands have signed a formal agreement to collaborate on economic growth, infrastructure, and investment. The West and East Midlands Compact, launched at the Manufacturing Technology Centre in Coventry, aims to strengthen industries, attract investment, improve transport, boost research, and provide regional leadership.

The partnership aligns the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), covering a £132.6bn economy with over 147,000 businesses and 5.2 million residents.

The agreement signals a push for regional economic cooperation to secure funding, enhance supply chains, and drive innovation. The mayors emphasised that a united approach would support job creation, business expansion, and long-term infrastructure improvements.

Legal challenge halts landlord licensing scheme in Scunthorpe

April Lara
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Legal challenge halts landlord licensing scheme in Scunthorpe

A legal challenge has delayed the rollout of North Lincolnshire Council’s selective licensing scheme for private landlords in parts of Scunthorpe.

The scheme, approved in September 2023, was set to take effect on 20 March 2024. It required landlords in Crosby, Park, and Town Wards to obtain a licence, costing £955 for five years, and comply with regulations on safety measures and anti-social behaviour management.

The Crosby Landlords’ Association has filed for a judicial review, questioning whether the council followed proper procedures in approving the scheme. As a result, the council has suspended applications and will provide further updates on its website.

The delay leaves uncertainty for landlords and tenants, as the scheme aimed to improve housing standards. North Lincolnshire Council has yet to comment on the challenge.

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