Lincolnshire faces looming energy shortfall for business

April Lara
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Lincolnshire faces looming energy shortfall for business

Lincolnshire is projected to face an energy deficit within the next decade, which could limit business growth and prompt firms to relocate.

County officials are preparing regional energy strategies in collaboration with the National Energy Systems Operator (NESO), established in 2024, to address rising demand. Forecasts suggest that by 2032, energy requirements will exceed current capacity, particularly affecting sectors such as agriculture, advanced manufacturing, and defence.

Certain commercial areas, including Grantham, the Holbeach Food Enterprise Zone, and Sleaford Moor business park, are expected to experience the most acute constraints. The shortfall could restrict inward investment and operational expansion unless additional energy sources are developed.

Council officers are investigating a mix of solutions, including geothermal energy and nuclear Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in the East Midlands. Early mapping exercises are underway to assess feasibility and capacity.

The situation underscores the tension between local opposition to some renewable and nuclear projects and the need for affordable, reliable energy to support economic growth. Business leaders and policymakers are urged to consider compromises to ensure Lincolnshire remains competitive and attractive for investment.

Derbyshire engineering firms collapse, 17 jobs cut

April Lara
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Derbyshire engineering firms collapse, 17 jobs cut

Four engineering companies in Derbyshire have entered administration, disrupting ongoing projects and affecting local supply chains. The group includes Greenbank Terotech, Greenbank Engineering Services, Ammegen, and Greenbank Group UK Holdings.

The businesses offered services spanning design, manufacturing, and installation across industries, including bulk handling, rail, energy-from-waste, and water treatment. Collectively, they employed 43 people at the Swadlincote premises.

The administration follows earlier financial failure within the group and reflects mounting trading pressures throughout 2025. Seventeen staff were made redundant immediately, while the remaining team will temporarily manage existing contracts, recover outstanding payments, and support potential buyers.

Administrators are seeking investors or buyers interested in acquiring the businesses, their assets, or ongoing projects. The collapse highlights the ongoing challenges facing regional engineering firms under tight cash flow and competitive market conditions.

GIC secures future manufacture of Cotswold Mechanical weighers

Tess Egginton
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GIC secures future manufacture of Cotswold Mechanical weighers
Cotswold Mechanical weighers will continue to be manufactured in Britain, thanks to GIC, the vertical form fill and seal packaging machinery manufacturer. Cotswold Mechanical Ltd went into liquidation earlier this year, with GIC purchasing the company’s intellectual property, stock, and spare parts inventory this month. GIC has pledged to retain the brand name as it moves the manufacturing of Cotswold linear weighers from Gloucester to its Lincolnshire factory. GIC will continue to service existing machines and offer spare parts to customers. Established in 1995, Cotswold Mechanical Ltd manufactured linear weighing and counting machines, conveyors, and product handling systems which are used in a broad range of industries, including food, pharmaceutical, agricultural and hardware production. GIC, based in Gainsborough, has worked closely with Cotswold Mechanical’s team for nearly 20 years, with both companies’ machinery featuring alongside each other on many installations. “We were very sad to hear about Cotswold Mechanical closing as we have worked with their team on many occasions and know that their machinery is exceptionally well made, reliable and efficient,” says GIC managing director, Andy Beal. “As a company, we are passionate about UK manufacturing, and we did not want to see the Cotswold Mechanical name disappear. “As well as supporting UK manufacturing, this purchase means that GIC can now offer a complete UK-made weighing and bagging solution that will be ideal for many sectors. “With hundreds of Cotswold Mechanical weighers in use across the UK, we will also be providing after-sales support, through servicing, technical support and spare parts.”

Wood Moore & Co joins sponsor line-up for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025

Tess Egginton
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Wood Moore & Co joins sponsor line-up for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025
Wood Moore & Co has joined the line-up of businesses backing the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025, becoming the event’s drinks sponsor. Established more than 20 years ago, with offices in the East Midlands, Wood Moore & Co is a multi-disciplined practice with integrated expertise in the commercial estate agency, property management and professional service sectors. Speaking with Business Link, Jasper Caudwell, director at Wood Moore & Co, said: “Wood Moore & Co is delighted to be able to sponsor this year’s East Midlands Bricks Awards. “It’s a fantastic event that recognises the accomplishments of businesses and stand out individuals from across the region. As a past winner here, I’m really looking forward to congratulating this year’s winners on their fantastic achievements.” The eagerly anticipated East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025 will take place on Thursday 2nd October (4:30pm – 7:30pm) in the Derek Randall Suite at the famous Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, showcasing the region’s property and construction industry while providing a prime opportunity to connect with local decision makers over nibbles and complimentary drinks. A key event in the business calendar since 2015, the glittering awards ceremony will additionally feature Councillor Nadine Peatfield – Leader of Derby City Council, Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Strategy and Policy, and Deputy Mayor of the East Midlands, as keynote speaker.

Tickets can now be booked for the event – click here to secure yours.

Attend to forge new contacts and see who takes home Most Active Agent, Commercial Development of the Year, Responsible Business, Residential Development of the Year, Developer of the Year, Deal of the Year, Architects of the Year, Excellence in Design, Sustainable Development of the Year, Contractor of the Year, and Overall Winner. The Overall Winner of the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025, sponsored by SEV, will also be awarded a grand prize – a year of marketing/publicity with Business Link worth £20,000, with the opportunity to split or gift the marketing to a charity of their choice.

With the shortlist now announced, see who the finalists are here.

The East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025

What: The East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025 When: Thursday 2nd October (4.30pm – 7.30pm) Where: Derek Randall Suite, Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, Nottingham Keynote speaker: Councillor Nadine Peatfield – Leader of Derby City Council, Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Strategy and Policy, and Deputy Mayor of the East Midlands Tickets: Available here Dress code: Standard business attire Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with property and construction professionals while applauding the exceptional companies and projects in the region. Thanks to our sponsors:                                                                                            

To be held at:

Children’s charity secures support from scaffolding specialists

Tess Egginton
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Children’s charity secures support from scaffolding specialists
Big-hearted team mates at Midland Scaffolding Services have pledged to take on an ultra-marathon charity challenge in a bid to raise thousands of pounds to help disabled children. Charity champions at the Northamptonshire-based business have been inspired to undertake the fitness feat after colleague Gary Rouse’s daughter Poppy was born with Down’s syndrome and a serious heart condition, TOF, for which she underwent urgent surgery in September. Northampton father-of-15 Gary, who’s worked at Midland Scaffolding Services (MSS) for 26 years, welcomed the support shown by the business where contracts director Ben Ekins and estimator Jordan Harrison, have pledged to run 50 Miles for Poppy to raise thousands for the charity Caudwell Children. Numerous businesses within the industry have also shown their support for the fundraising campaign, donating prizes for a charity raffle. The company will stage a special family fun day for its team and their families to welcome Ben and Jordan across the finish line at the end of their charity challenge, which will see the dynamic duo run from Birmingham to Northampton on September 19. Doting dad Gary said since baby Poppy’s arrival in December it has been an emotional and anxious time for him and his partner Natalie, with months of ongoing hospital admissions, medical appointments with heart specialists and getting to grips with tube feeding. He said: “Obviously our time with Poppy has been enjoyable, but it’s been hard work, the hardest time of our lives probably. We’ve known since day one she’d need to have her operation – it’s really tough but we are battling on through.” The Northampton couple also have to juggle a hectic home life where the majority of their 15 children still live and are now coming to terms with the fact Poppy needed heart surgery in September, sooner than they had originally anticipated. In the run up to the charity challenge, caring colleagues Ben and Jordan have been busy clocking up the miles training for the run of their lives. Ben said: “We’re hoping to raise £20,000, however if we can beat that target it would be amazing. We chose the charity because it helps so many families and as Poppy progresses through her life the charity will be there to help with whatever she needs. “We’re staging our family fun day at the finish line as we always hold an annual event for charity and this is very close to our hearts as it is for one of our own we are doing this for.” Having recently become a parent for the first time, Poppy’s story particularly hit home for Jordan. He said: “This cause is so close to our hearts because Gary has served with us for so long and being a new father myself it very much resonates with me. We’ve got to finish this for Poppy – there’s a little girl we need to help fund money for so she and her family can have as good a life as possible in the future.” Gary’s willing his team mates to cross the finish line. “It’s amazing what they are doing. I’d say to them both, good luck, believe in yourself. If you believe you will conquer it. It will be tough but I am sure somehow you will get across the line.” The money raised will go to Caudwell Children; the charity strives to give disabled and autistic children the confidence and ability to reach their full potential. Claire Marshall, CEO at Caudwell Children, said: “We are deeply inspired by Ben and Jordan’s incredible 50-mile challenge, and so grateful they chose to support Caudwell Children. “Their generosity directly helps children like Poppy, helping them access the support, tools and opportunities they need to thrive. Whether it’s through autism assessments, short breaks, mobility and sensory equipment, or our Shaping Futures programme, we personalise our support to every child’s strengths and needs. “We want to ensure that every disabled and neurodivergent child has the chance to achieve their dreams and reach their full potential, on their own terms.” Gary added: “I knew it would be a tough year and the whole of this year has been tough. But if we can get to the end of it, Poppy’s had the operation, there’s some sort of improvement and we start going in the right direction, then it might feel a bit better.” To support or donate visit 50 Miles For Poppy is fundraising for Caudwell Children

Amazon launches free innovation training for East Midlands businesses

April Lara
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Amazon launches free innovation training for East Midlands businesses

Amazon is offering free training to East Midlands small and medium-sized businesses through its Innovation Accelerator programme. The event will take place at the company’s Kegworth fulfilment centre on 18 September.

The one-day programme provides in-person workshops led by Amazon leaders, focusing on innovation practices, operational efficiency, and leadership. Attendees will also tour the Kegworth fulfilment centre to observe Amazon’s technology and processes in action.

Participants gain access to an online learning platform covering AI, digitisation, innovation, leadership, and operational strategy. Businesses completing the programme may receive recognition as an AIA Innovation Leader.

Applications for the programme are open until 12 September. Spaces are limited and registration is required for participation.

Pelham

Tess Egginton
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Pelham
Pelham’s mission is to design high quality, sustainable developments across the East Midlands, shaping places that support people’s wellbeing. Owned by Nottingham Community Housing Association (NCHA), the combined teams benefit from almost 50 years of knowledge and experience in delivering quality schemes throughout the region. And as a social enterprise business, any surplus made goes back into providing more homes in its communities. Working in 33 different local authority areas, Pelham’s specialist architects and development services work with a range of clients to bring their plans to life, delivering creative, energy efficient housing solutions, including small infill projects, private housing, affordable housing, rural housing, care homes and large urban developments. Pelham collaborates closely with clients and the local community to ensure that projects meet the agreed timescales, budget and aspirations of everyone involved. A flagship development for Pelham has been the mixed-use regeneration scheme at Farnborough Road, Clifton, seeing the transformation of a former, derelict college site into a vibrant new community – delivering high-quality, affordable homes and a modern new workplace. The development showcases how thoughtful design can revitalise a neighbourhood. The scheme provides 56 homes for older people (apartments and bungalows), 14 supported living apartments, and a brand-new office for NCHA. Existing sports facilities were retained and enhanced as a key community asset.
To learn more about Pelham, please visit https://www.pelham.co.uk/

Miller Knight

Tess Egginton
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Miller Knight
Miller Knight are a leading multi-discipline contractor, based in Mansfield, recognised for excellence in regional regeneration, refurbishment, facilities management and national remedial fire services. Working across the public and private sectors, on schemes across education, health, commercial, blue light and residential, the firm’s specialised divisions work seamlessly together, providing comprehensive, full-turnkey solutions tailored to meet a project’s unique needs. What sets Miller Knight apart is a commitment to providing a comprehensive, in-house workforce dedicated to supporting a client’s building needs from start to finish. With over two decades of experience in the construction industry, the firm continually invest in the skills and knowledge for their team, ensuring they remain at the forefront of industry standards and best practices. Notably, they secured their flagship £17 million remedial fire project at The Gateway student accommodation in Lincoln, exemplifying their expanding capabilities and trust within the industry. In hand with this, 2025 has seen Miller Knight win prestigious framework appointments, progress standout regeneration projects and deepen its commitment to safety, quality and social value. A major highlight has been the appointment to Fusion21’s national Building Safety and Compliance Framework, affirming the company’s role in helping public sector clients meet evolving fire safety obligations under the Building Safety Act. In April, the company hosted the industry-leading Building Safety Forum, featuring keynote speaker Dame Judith Hackitt DBE and a panel of cross-industry experts. The event addressed critical challenges in fire safety, sparking discussion on product traceability, regulatory change and the urgent need for better collaboration across the supply chain. The company’s regeneration credentials have continued to grow too, with a range of projects across diverse sectors, including the regeneration of the new Cornerstone Theatre in Sutton-in-Ashfield, involving the renovation and reconfiguration of the existing theatre and installation of specialist theatre fit-out works, including fly systems, rigging, project, lighting, and audio visual performance systems. Growing their service offerings has allowed them to build strong working relationships with a range of clients across the East Midlands, including Center Parcs, Nottingham College, WQE College, and a range of local authorities, including Erewash, Broxtowe, Ashfield, and Mansfield. Alongside project delivery, the company continues to exceed its social value targets, partnering with clients such as Ashfield District Council, Moat Homes and MHA to support local employment, skills development and community investment to create long-lasting positive impacts in the communities they serve. To learn more about Miller Knight, please visit https://www.miller-knight.com/

Taziker appointed to lead Corporation Road Bridge restoration

April Lara
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Taziker appointed to lead Corporation Road Bridge restoration

Restoration work has resumed on Corporation Road Bridge in North East Lincolnshire, following the appointment of Taziker, a UK-based bridge restoration specialist.

The Chorley-headquartered company has over 50 years of experience in repairing and conserving historic and complex structures across the country. Its portfolio includes the Grade I listed Royal Albert Bridge in Cornwall, a National Trust Grade B listed bridge in Scotland, and the 1779 Iron Bridge in Shropshire, recognised as the world’s first iron bridge.

The project recently secured a £495,000 grant from Historic England to support the bridge’s restoration. Taziker’s appointment comes shortly after the funding announcement, positioning the firm to manage the next phase of works on the structure.

The restoration forms part of North East Lincolnshire Council’s broader efforts to maintain and preserve key transport infrastructure while ensuring heritage structures are carefully conserved.

North East Lincolnshire launches new business support guide

April Lara
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North East Lincolnshire launches new business support guide

North East Lincolnshire Council has introduced a comprehensive Business Support Guide designed to assist enterprises across the borough in growth and development.

The borough hosts nearly 5,000 registered businesses, spanning a wide range of sectors. The guide provides practical information on funding opportunities, recruitment strategies, and marketing resources tailored to local companies.

Compiled by InvestNEL, the council’s economy and funding team, the guide features free and subsidised support from organisations including Business Lincolnshire, Job Centre Plus, and the Federation of Small Businesses. It will be regularly updated to ensure North East Lincolnshire companies have access to the latest tools and programmes.

The guide is accessible for download via the InvestNEL Business Support page. Council initiatives, such as the ongoing redevelopment of Freshney Place, aim to complement these resources by strengthening the local business environment and supporting sustainable economic growth.

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