Free one-to-one business advice available for Broxtowe firms

April Lara
-
0
Free one-to-one business advice available for Broxtowe firms

Businesses across Broxtowe, including Eastwood and Kimberley, can now access free professional support through a programme funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

The initiative, delivered by Broxtowe Borough Council, offers one-to-one advisory sessions for local business owners with a specialist from Nottinghamshire Council. The sessions are designed to help firms assess growth opportunities, identify training and funding options, and address operational challenges.

Appointments are available at Eastwood Library on 22 December and 23 February, with six bookable slots each day between 9.30am and 4.30pm.

Broxtowe is home to around 6,000 businesses, most of which are small or micro-sized enterprises employing fewer than 249 people. The council has emphasised that the support programme aims to strengthen this base by improving access to expertise and resources that encourage long-term growth and innovation.

The UKSPF funding, totalling £1.05 million for Broxtowe in 2025–26, is part of a national scheme distributed through the East Midlands Combined County Authority to back business development, skills training and local community projects.

Work begins on 170-home scheme in Countesthorpe

Tess Egginton
-
0
Work begins on 170-home scheme in Countesthorpe
Work has begun on a new residential scheme in Countesthorpe. Miller Homes will build 170 properties on a 19.2-acre parcel of land adjacent to Leicester Road and Foston Road, between Cherry Lane Garden Centre and Meadow Sports Ground in the south Leicestershire village. Planning consent for the 170-home scheme was granted by Blaby District Council at its planning committee meeting in July. The development – known as Willowbrook Rise – will contain one to five bed properties, with 25 per cent of the homes being affordable housing. There will also be a children’s play area and open spaces for new and existing residents to enjoy. Emma Weston, sales director of Miller Homes East Midlands, said: “Our development in Countesthorpe will provide high quality, energy efficient, sustainable new housing to this area of south Leicestershire. It will complement its existing surroundings while helping to meet the local housing need. “Willowbrook Rise will be conveniently placed close to Countesthorpe’s village centre, with transport links to South Wigston and Blaby directly leading from the site. We are also making improvements to the roads in the immediate area of the development to help traffic flow and reduce queues. “A total of 25 per cent of the homes to be built will be provided by Miller Homes as affordable housing, while areas of public open space and additions to landscaping throughout the site will benefit the environment and local community. “Our on site sales team are now available to speak to about the new homes coming to Countesthorpe, and will be based at the development itself. We’re looking forward to welcoming visitors to Willowbrook Rise as we continue our work on the site to deliver much needed new housing to this part of south Leicestershire.” Miller Homes East Midlands, based in Derby, say the plans also include improvements to the existing mini roundabout at the Foston Road and Leicester Road junction to form a standard roundabout to reduce queues and delays. As part of the planning agreement for the new housing scheme, Miller Homes will pay around £1m to support local services in Countesthorpe and across the Blaby district, including £183,560 for primary school education, and £131,648 towards healthcare services at Countesthorpe Health Centre.

Nottingham IT provider Agilitas collapses after financial decline

April Lara
-
0
Nottingham IT provider Agilitas collapses after financial decline

Agilitas IT Solutions, a Nottingham-based managed services provider backed by private equity, has entered administration following a period of financial deterioration.

Administrators from Alvarez & Marsal Europe were appointed on 23 October 2025 to oversee the company’s operations and assess options for creditors. The appointment follows a sharp downturn in Agilitas’s financial performance. The firm’s accounts for the year ending 31 March 2024 showed turnover falling to £13 million from £17.7 million the previous year, with pre-tax losses widening to £8.9 million.

Rising interest rates and inflation placed additional strain on the business, affecting profitability and cash flow. Shortly after the administration process began, certain assets were acquired by Cameo Computer Services (UK) Ltd.

Of the company’s 80 staff, 72 were made redundant at the point of administration. The remaining employees are assisting the administrators as they manage the company’s affairs and seek to recover value for stakeholders.

The collapse of Agilitas highlights the ongoing pressure on IT and managed service providers, as they face tighter margins, higher financing costs, and volatile market conditions.

Twycross Zoo’s £25m Global Conservation Centre reaches major construction milestone

Tess Egginton
-
0
Twycross Zoo’s £25m Global Conservation Centre reaches major construction milestone
Construction has reached a key milestone at Twycross Zoo as the building frame of its £25m Global Conservation Centre completes. Due to open in 2027, the facility is set to become a world-first hub for conservation research, education, and collaboration, strengthening Twycross Zoo’s role as a UK charity dedicated to protecting endangered species. The centre has received £18m from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund, the largest single Government grant ever awarded to a UK zoo, and is being built by Henry Brothers Construction in partnership with Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council and UK universities. Craig Dunkerley, CEO of Twycross Zoo, said: “Reaching this stage of the Global Conservation Centre is a landmark moment for Twycross Zoo. “This isn’t just about bricks and mortar, it’s about the bold future we are building for wildlife, and the extraordinary opportunities it will create for scientists, students, and conservationists to work together to protect endangered species. “The centre embodies our vision to inspire the next generation of wildlife heroes and make a lasting impact on global conservation.” Ian Taylor, MD at Henry Brothers Construction, said: “We are very proud to be delivering the Global Conservation Centre at Twycross Zoo. “The topping out of the orangutan building marks a milestone in the construction of this exciting development which will also feature a two-storey building with lecture theatre, research and teaching spaces, and a science lab, along with a two-storey residential facility. “The Henry Brothers team is thrilled to be working with our partners on a world-class project that will make a game-changing contribution to the fight against extinction for endangered wildlife and we are looking forward to progressing with the other elements of this state-of-the-art scheme.” Once complete, the Global Conservation Centre will feature a 200-seat lecture theatre, classrooms, wildlife gardens, and a science lab overlooking a new Bornean orangutan habitat. A 24-bedroom residential wing will host visiting experts and students, helping train the next generation of conservation leaders. Dr Rebecca Biddle, chief conservation officer at Twycross Zoo and vice chair of EAZA, said: “This facility will allow scientists, educators, and conservationists from across the globe to work alongside the species we are striving to protect, developing practical solutions for some of the world’s most threatened wildlife. “By connecting our research and education programmes with the new Indonesian-themed land, including a world-class orangutan habitat, the centre will offer unparalleled opportunities to learn, collaborate, and act for conservation.” The project will also benefit the local community, creating 90 new jobs and generating an estimated £3.9m in GVA per year.

Joiner carves out bigger future with Derby move

Tess Egginton
-
0
Joiner carves out bigger future with Derby move
A substantial industrial unit in Derby has changed hands, enabling Michael Pepper Joinery Ltd to continue its expansion in the region. The 45,612 sq ft unit on Trafalgar Park attracted considerable interest thanks to its substantial and flexible manufacturing and warehousing capacity. William Speed of Salloway Property Consultants, who brokered the deal, said: “We’re delighted to have facilitated this sale to Michael Pepper Joinery, an innovative and highly respected business within the Midlands manufacturing sector. “1A – 1D Trafalgar Park offered an ideal opportunity for Michael Pepper Joinery to expand its operational footprint, and we’re proud to have played a part in enabling this. “Despite strong levels of interest and a high number of enquiries when the property came to market, the transaction wasn’t entirely straightforward – but it’s incredibly rewarding to have reached a satisfying conclusion for our client.” Josh Pepper, director of Michael Pepper Joinery Ltd, said: “We’d been searching for the right property to support our expansion plans for some time. Securing 1A – 1D Trafalgar Park is a pivotal milestone for our business. “It gives us the space and infrastructure to scale our operation, invest further in technology and carry forward the legacy of quality and service that has defined us for over half a century. We’re excited about the opportunities this brings for our team, our clients and the wider Derby manufacturing community.”

Big-hearted heroes Go Green to help raise thousands

Tess Egginton
-
0
Big-hearted heroes Go Green to help raise thousands
Kind-hearted heroes across Northamptonshire have helped raise thousands of pounds for end of life care as the county went green for Cransley. Hundreds of people, groups and companies countywide fundraised for Cransley Hospice Trust’s Go Green initiative to support families whose loved ones with life-limiting illnesses require specialist care in their hour of need. The county’s charity champions responded to the call to go green for the colourful campaign to help fund the services provided at Cransley Hospice and within the patient’s home, as well as supporting other local linked services. As big-hearted businesses hosted their own green themed fundraisers, there were multiple fun-filled events staged to help boost funds including collections at Tesco Extra stores and Rushden Lakes hosted the Cransley Hospice Trust Community Fair, which raised £2,000. Whether staging fundraisers or making donations, there was widespread support from companies and clubs including AFC Rushden and Diamonds F.C. who donated £1,000. Booker Group in Wellingborough raised more than £1,200, QRO Solutions added to the generous gestures with its £500 donation and Scott Bader donated £500 for the second year running. Jenine Rees, head of fundraising and marketing at Cransley Hospice Trust, said: “We want to say a huge thank you to everyone who supported this year’s Go Green campaign, they make all the difference. “We couldn’t raise the money we do without the kindness, generosity and courage of our incredible fundraising community. Their efforts are helping us raise vital funds for end of life care and support patients and their families when they need it most. “Whether it was through a green bake sale, an open garden, jumping out of an aeroplane, running or walking, they are all helping to make a difference to patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families in North Northamptonshire. They help to make their precious moments better.” As companies continue to stage green themed events it is hoped this year’s campaign will hit the target of £15,000.

Conygar completes £18.5m Anglesey land sale to Stena Line subsidiary

April Lara
-
0
Conygar completes £18.5m Anglesey land sale to Stena Line subsidiary

The Conygar Investment Company has finalised an unconditional agreement to sell its 203-acre brownfield site at Rhosgoch, Anglesey, to Rhosgoch Property Ltd, a subsidiary of Stena Line (UK) Ltd. Completion is expected within ten working days.

The £18.5 million sale will generate net proceeds of £18.3 million. Conygar will use part of the funds to fully repay its £5.6 million loan with ASK Partners, which was secured against its 36-acre Island Quarter development in Nottingham city centre. The remainder will support the company’s operations and working capital requirements, with a focus on advancing work at The Island Quarter.

Based on the site’s March 2025 valuation of £2.5 million, the transaction will deliver a profit of £15.8 million. The Rhosgoch site did not contribute to Conygar’s earnings in the previous financial year. Freddie Jones, Property Director, commented: “We are delighted to have completed the sale of this asset to Stena and to continue our strong working relationship with them.”

Alstom restarts production at Derby rail plant after new Elizabeth Line contract

April Lara
-
0
Alstom restarts production at Derby rail plant after new Elizabeth Line contract

Production has resumed at Alstom’s Derby factory following the award of a £370 million contract to supply 10 additional trains for London’s Elizabeth Line. The agreement with Transport for London (TfL), confirmed in mid-2024, has provided a crucial boost for the Litchurch Lane facility, which had faced potential closure due to a shortage of orders.

Work has now begun on the new fleet, marking the first full-scale manufacturing at the site in around 18 months. The factory, once employing 1,500 people, had been operating at minimal capacity since 2023. Alstom confirmed its workforce now stands at approximately 650, with plans to increase headcount by about 100 employees in 2026 to meet contract requirements.

The deal ensures continuity for one of the UK’s key rolling stock manufacturing hubs, which has produced trains for national and international markets for more than a century. It follows a challenging period that saw widespread voluntary departures during a redundancy consultation in 2024.

Alstom is also pursuing further business opportunities, including export projects and partnerships with other rail firms. The company secured an additional £60 million contract in August 2024 to refurbish CrossCountry’s Voyager fleet, reinforcing its position in the UK rail supply chain.

The Elizabeth Line order is expected to stabilise operations in the near term while providing a foundation for future contracts in an increasingly competitive rail manufacturing landscape.

OakNorth backs expansion of specialist care provider Kisimul Group

April Lara
-
0
OakNorth backs expansion of specialist care provider Kisimul Group

Digital bank OakNorth has joined a club loan supporting Kisimul Group, a Lincolnshire-based provider of specialist care and education for people with autism, learning disabilities, and complex needs.

The funding package will refinance Kisimul’s existing debt and provide capital for its long-term expansion. Plans include developing new supported living homes across the UK, expanding day placements, and increasing capacity at its specialist schools and residential care sites.

Kisimul Group operates 44 sites nationwide, offering a full care pathway that spans schools, colleges, residential homes, and supported living facilities. The new investment will enable the company to respond to rising demand for high-acuity care, a sector that continues to face undersupply and growing regulatory scrutiny.

Anita Andrews, CEO of Kisimul Group, commented on the transaction: “We’re very thankful to OakNorth for its part in this club facility and for its support and confidence in Kisimul. Securing this level of bespoke funding reflects not only the confidence in our growth journey, but also OakNorth’s deep understanding of our sector and our mission. This partnership provides us with the flexibility and stability to invest in our growth, via developing new supported living sites and enhancing existing services, so that we can continue to deliver outstanding, person-centred care for those who need it most.”

OakNorth’s participation in the deal reflects continued investor interest in the UK’s health and social care sector, where demand for specialist provision continues to outpace available infrastructure. The transaction is also part of a broader trend of private lenders supporting established operators to scale services and strengthen financial stability in a market characterised by consolidation and rising operational costs.

Eastern Airways halts operations amid financial uncertainty

April Lara
-
0
Eastern Airways halts operations amid financial uncertainty

Regional carrier Eastern Airways has suspended all flights after filing a notice of intention to appoint administrators, raising concerns for hundreds of employees across its UK network.

The Humberside Airport–based airline grounded services following widespread cancellations, including routes linking Teesside, Aberdeen, Newquay, and London Gatwick. The UK Civil Aviation Authority confirmed all operations have ceased while the company explores restructuring or insolvency options.

Passengers with bookings have been advised not to travel to airports and to seek alternative transport. Train operators, including London North Eastern Railway, Scotrail, TransPennine Express, and Northern Railway, are providing free standard-class travel to affected customers and staff on specific routes this week. Loganair is also offering discounted fares for stranded passengers on flights between Aberdeen, Kirkwall and Sumburgh until 30 October.

Founded in 1997, Eastern Airways operated regional services across the UK, Ireland and parts of Europe, as well as public service routes supported by the Scottish Government for communities in northern Scotland. The airline has also played a role in supporting North Sea oil and gas operations through its flights between hubs such as Aberdeen, Humberside, and Teesside.

Eastern Airways’ financial challenges intensified after the pandemic, as declining passenger numbers and rising operating costs strained the regional aviation sector. The notice of intention gives the airline temporary protection from creditors while it seeks a potential buyer or financial restructuring.

1...345...1,157Page 4 of 1,157