Frasers Group to slash design and editorial staff

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Frasers Group to slash design and editorial staff
Shirebrook-based Frasers Group is to make cuts to its design and editorial staff as part of the retailer’s latest restructure.

Consultations began earlier this month, as reported by Retail Gazette, impacting employees across the business’s London and Shirebrook offices.

A spokesperson for the firm said that 30% of staff in the affected teams will be impacted.

It follows a restructure of Frasers’ digital team last July, putting 45 jobs at risk, which came after Frasers showed “sustained profitable growth” in full year results for the 52 weeks ended 28 April 2024, with its CEO hailing it a “break-out year.”

The new streamlining plans come as Frasers Group confirmed its intentions to make a mandatory offer for XXL ASA, a Norwegian sporting goods retailer.

Following the completion of a fully underwritten rights issue of new shares, raising gross proceeds of NOK 600 million, Frasers will own approximately 32.9% of all shares in XXL ASA and approximately 40.8% of the voting A-shares. As a result, Frasers Group will trigger an obligation under the Norwegian Securities Trading Act to make a bid for the remaining shares in the company that it does not already own.

Council approves sale of Broad Marsh site

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Council approves sale of Broad Marsh site
Nottingham City Council has approved the sale of the Broad Marsh site. The authority’s Executive Board has agreed to sell the land to a proposed buyer with a considerable track record of major development, which will now take on this key city-centre location. Due to commercial sensitivities, the proposed buyer will be announced once the deal has been finalised. The sale will provide a significant capital receipt for the council and help accelerate ambitious plans for the area, which include:
  • More than 1,000 homes
  • Up to 20,000 square metres of retail, office and community spaces
  • Creation of around 2,000 full-time jobs
The land included in the sale comprises the former Broad Marsh shopping centre, the cleared site to the west of the Green Heart, the NCP multi-storey car park, Severns House and former college site in Maid Marian Way. The council took back control of the wider site in July 2020 following the sudden collapse of the Intu group of companies. Over the past four-and-a-half years, the authority has:
  • Put full site management in place
  • Carried out grant-funded demolition of part of the former shopping centre
  • Assisted with a new Nottingham College hub and repurposed Sussex Street with seating, basketball and skating areas
  • Consulted with the public and partners to establish what people wanted to see in this space
  • Implemented major road network changes, including the pedestrianisation of Collin Street
  • Opened new Central Library, Broad Marsh bus station and car park, new play area on Collin Street and Green Heart
  • Worked to secure a £3.4m grant from the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) to allow further demolition of the old shopping centre frame
  • Begun working with NHS on new Community Diagnostic Centre at foot of Lister Gate
It is widely recognised that the Broad Marsh site is one of the largest and most important city-centre development opportunities in the UK at present, but the council was aware that it would not be able to deliver its redevelopment alone. The proposed buyer intends to work with partners, including the council, to drive forward this regeneration. The council will continue to be actively involved in the site as it develops over the coming years, with the proposed buyer due to consult over the delivery of the project through the planning process. Councillor Neghat Khan, Leader of Nottingham City Council, said: “This is really positive news for Nottingham and marks the start of a major redevelopment for this key part of our city. “We know that people have wanted to see progress here for a long time and we understand that it has been a frustration for some that this hasn’t happened. “However, it’s important to be clear just how much work has been undertaken by the council since the site was suddenly handed back to us in 2020 – in the middle of a global pandemic – when Intu went into administration. “We developed the Green Heart as a direct result of feedback from residents and businesses, who shared what they wanted to see here. We now have a fantastic new green space, right in the heart of the city. The council has also successfully applied for grants to facilitate the demolition of the former shopping centre frame to prepare the ground for development. “We’re excited by the plans that the proposed buyers have and we look forward to working closely with them on bringing these to fruition.” EMCCA recently confirmed it was investing £3.4m to fund demolition of part of the frame on the land near to the Green Heart. The Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, said: “It is great news that the Broad Marsh is to be sold for redevelopment. It is a key regeneration site in the East Midlands and this sale will help make the plans for the site come to life. “Myself and the Combined Authority are really keen to partner and support wherever we can, and we want to work with the new owners as they transform the area. “The opening of the Green Heart and the pedestrianised area along Collin Street have both been recent positive steps forward for Broad Marsh and this sale shows the further ambition and intent to really invest and transform that part of the city.”

Warning for East Midlands businesses as public sector toughens up on debts

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Warning for East Midlands businesses as public sector toughens up on debts
A monthly increase in compulsory liquidations – to their highest level in more than ten years – is indicating a toughening of the position towards debts owed by companies to the public sector, and the ongoing efforts of government to help balance their books. This is according to the Midlands branch of the UK’s insolvency and restructuring trade body R3 and comes on the back of figures published this week [18/3/25] by the Insolvency Service which show that corporate insolvencies increased by 2.95% last month to a total of 2,035 compared to January’s total of 1,978. The February figures include 393 compulsory liquidations, which is the highest monthly number since September 2014. R3 Midlands Chair Stephen Rome, a partner at law firm Penningtons Manches Cooper in the region, said: “Compulsory liquidations are often initiated by HM Revenue and Customs or local authorities as a measure of last resort, and the increase indicates that the public sector is now becoming much stricter with its debtors. “This pattern of debt recovery is also being reflected more broadly across our region. High costs and cautious consumer and client spending mean creditors are being more aggressive about pursuing the money they are owed and aren’t afraid to turn to the courts to recover outstanding debts. “At the same time, a large proportion of directors of insolvent businesses feel closure is the only option open to them after years of trading through tough conditions and with little hope of these improving in the short-term. “With firms facing further hikes in expenses when National Insurance and National Minimum Wage rises are introduced in April, enquiries for restructuring and insolvency support are increasing as directors look to take specialist advice about their business finances. “From a sectoral perspective, the region’s retail and hospitality firms are continuing to suffer as consumers cut back on their discretionary spending, while construction output has been affected by a fall in new work and poor weather, and manufacturing has continued to be impacted by cost and trade issues, which have hit demand and output levels. “For any business owner worried about finances, R3’s message is to seek advice as soon as possible. Most R3 members will give prospective clients a free initial consultation to learn more about their situation and outline the potential options open to them to improve it.”

Housebuilder breaks ground on Ruddington development

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Housebuilder breaks ground on Ruddington development
Work is now underway at Cameron Homes’ new development in Ruddington, Nottinghamshire. When complete, the 36-home development will offer a mix of three, four and five-bedroom homes. Ruddington will consist of 25 private homes and 11 affordable homes. The development will also provide outdoor spaces for new residents, including a pond area and community orchard. Lewis Brazier, head of production at Cameron Homes, said: “We’re delighted to share that work has now started on our new site in Ruddington. The development offers a contemporary build style and modern internal specifications across all homes. “Our Ruddington development enables us to work with local contractors and businesses from across the region, while also addressing the demand for housing in this sought-after area.”

Toyota launches Derbyshire-based circular factory for vehicle recycling

April Lara
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Toyota launches Derbyshire-based circular factory for vehicle recycling

Toyota Motor Europe (TME) has announced the launch of its first Toyota Circular Factory (TCF) at its Burnaston plant in Derbyshire. The facility aims to maximise recycling, repurposing, and remanufacturing of end-of-life vehicles. It will begin operations in the third quarter of this year and serve as a model for future sites across Europe.

The TCF will focus on three areas: reintroducing reusable parts into the market, remanufacturing commodity items such as batteries and wheels, and recycling raw materials like copper, aluminium, steel, and plastic for use in new vehicle production.

TME expects the UK facility to process 10,000 vehicles annually, recovering 120,000 parts, 300 tonnes of high-purity plastic, and 8,200 tonnes of steel. The company plans to expand similar operations across Europe and collaborate with other organisations on circular economy initiatives.

Toyota aims to achieve complete carbon neutrality by 2040 and reduce CO2 emissions across its European product line-up by 100% by 2035. The TCF initiative supports these goals by cutting vehicle manufacturing and material use emissions.

Lagan Homes acquires land for 112-home project in Nottinghamshire

April Lara
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Lagan Homes acquires land for 112-home project in Nottinghamshire

Lagan Homes has purchased eight acres at Fairham, a mixed-use development in Nottinghamshire by Clowes Developments. The developer has submitted a reserved matters planning application to Rushcliffe Borough Council for 112 homes, with 10% designated as affordable housing.

Founded in 1985, Lagan Homes operates across England, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland. The Fairham project is part of the broader development to create a sustainable new community.

Angus Johnson, Senior Land Manager at Lagan Homes, said: “We are excited to be part of the transformative development in Fairham, contributing to the creation of a vibrant and sustainable new community. “Our vision is to build thoughtfully designed homes that meet the diverse needs of the community, ensuring a mix of properties that offer style, comfort, and functionality. With 10% of our homes designated as affordable housing, we remain dedicated to providing opportunities for people to access high-quality housing in the area.”

InstaVolt expands UK EV charging network with new hubs

April Lara
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InstaVolt expands UK EV charging network with new hubs

As part of its nationwide expansion, InstaVolt has added new ultra-rapid EV charging hubs in Skegness, Liverpool, and Kettering.

The Skegness site on Parade Street features six 160kW chargers near Skegness Beach, Starbucks, and Travelodge. In Liverpool, two 160kW chargers have been installed at McDonald’s Ellesmere Port. Kettering now hosts a 12-charger ultra-rapid hub, with an on-site Costa Coffee planned.

With over 1,900 chargers already in operation, InstaVolt aims to reach 11,000 by 2030.

Government re-confirms £20m funding for Kirkby regeneration

April Lara
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Government re-confirms £20m funding for Kirkby regeneration

The UK government has re-confirmed £20 million in funding for Kirkby as part of a national investment programme supporting 75 areas. The funding will contribute to the Kirkby Neighbourhood Plan, guiding local improvements over the next decade.

The Kirkby Town Board previously drafted an investment plan after consulting businesses and residents. However, submission was delayed due to a government review of the funding programme. Updates to funding criteria now allow for a broader range of projects, and the Board will reassess the plan before submitting it later this year.

Capacity funding has been provided to support planning and project development, with implementation scheduled to begin in April 2026. Recent regeneration efforts in the area include the new Planetarium and Science Discovery Centre at Sherwood Observatory and expanded leisure facilities at Kings Mill Reservoir.

Local officials welcomed the funding confirmation, highlighting its role in supporting long-term economic growth and infrastructure improvements for businesses and residents.

North Northamptonshire Council clears nearly £600,000 in unrecoverable debts

April Lara
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North Northamptonshire Council clears nearly £600,000 in unrecoverable debts

North Northamptonshire Council (NNC) has approved the write-off of £589,959.61 in unpaid business rates and council tax, citing the debts as irrecoverable. The decision, made by the council’s executive panel, covers nine accounts linked to businesses that have gone into administration, liquidation, or been dissolved.

The largest single debt, £233,300.13, was from a business that entered liquidation. Confidential council documents indicate further recovery efforts would not be cost-effective.

Claire Edwards, NNC’s Executive Director of Finance, stated that while the council aims to maximise revenue collection, some debts must be written off when recovery is no longer feasible. The Conservative-led administration approved the measure at its latest committee meeting.

North Lincolnshire mandates solar panels for all new buildings

April Lara
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North Lincolnshire mandates solar panels for all new buildings

North Lincolnshire Council has announced that all new homes and industrial units must be built with solar panels under a new local plan. The policy, included in the council’s draft local plan, was approved at a Cabinet meeting on 17 March.

The measure aims to increase renewable energy generation while reducing reliance on large-scale solar farms, which the council says take up valuable farmland.

Once implemented, developers must integrate solar panels into all new construction projects to secure planning permission. The council has installed solar panels on schools and public buildings as part of its sustainability efforts.

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