North Notts businesswomen expand scope of BID board

Tess Egginton
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North Notts businesswomen expand scope of BID board
North Notts BID has appointed three new board directors, expanding its representation of female leaders from across the district. Falling ahead of International Women’s Day (8 March), North Notts BID has welcomed to its board Katy Bradford, deputy chief executive officer at Outwood Grange Academies Trust, Abi Priestley, owner of Oakrange Engineering and Torworth Lakes, and Katy Jarvis-Morgan, STEP site stakeholder manager for UK Industrial Fusion Solutions. The new appointments will sit alongside five other female board members, including chief executive Sally Gillborn MBE. George Buchanan, chair of the North Notts BID board, said: “As a business-led and managed improvement district, these appointments will build upon the success of our board in ensuring the BID maximises its value for levy payers. “The BID should be representative of all types of businesses and the people behind them, and it is fantastic to welcome three female leaders who bring a variety of experience across different industries, including education, industrial, leisure and STEM. “As headline sponsor of the upcoming North Notts Business Women Awards, we are committed to celebrating the contributions of women to business growth in the district. Our aim is to champion the value of local businesses, enabling their input to help shape the future of the services provided by North Notts BID for the benefit of our towns.” Katy Bradford, deputy chief executive officer at Outwood Grange Academies Trust, said: “As an education trust with our Outwood Academy Portland, Outwood Academy Valley and Outwood Post 16 Centre Worksop in the district, we recognise the importance of North Notts BID not just for businesses and the local community, but also students and families who engage with businesses and events that the BID supports. “I am excited at the opportunities for Outwood Grange Academies Trust and how it can contribute to North Notts BID to grow the connection between business and education, particularly regarding skills development and employment opportunities.” Abi Priestley, owner of Oakrange Engineering and Torworth Lakes, said: “Operating two businesses in North Notts spanning industrial and leisure, I aim to bring different perspectives on what services and benefits really matter to our local businesses, helping the BID to build upon the fantastic services it provides, from security measures to employee training opportunities.” Katy Jarvis-Morgan, STEP site stakeholder manager for UK Industrial Fusion Solutions, said: “STEP Fusion will have an enormously transformative impact on the local community, supporting long-term job creation and growth in North Notts. “By joining the North Notts BID board, I hope to build the connection between our new base in West Burton and the wider towns in our district, developing a local understanding of what the project will deliver and supporting the BID to achieve our shared goals.”

New ‘gas free’ affordable homes set for Northamptonshire village

Tess Egginton
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New ‘gas free’ affordable homes set for Northamptonshire village
A redundant and often only partially occupied sheltered housing building has been demolished to make way for 27 new energy efficient homes in a village in Northamptonshire. Housing association Futures Housing Group is in partnership with GEDA Construction Company and Homes England to build a mixture of houses and apartments on Station Court, Woodford Halse. These low energy usage homes are for people on the housing register in West Northamptonshire and are expected to be ready from spring 2026. James Dial, Head of Sustainability & Asset Maximisation at Futures, said: “We know this is a big change for the community as the demolished building had been there since the 1980’s. However, it was made up of dated one-bedroom flats and studios that were hard to let and it’s clear the demand for bigger properties suitable for couples and families is much higher in this area.” All homes will be built to the Government’s emerging Future Homes Standard which requires all new homes to be built with energy efficiency and decarbonisation at the forefront. The properties will feature air source heat pumps, high-heat retention radiators and solar panels to help reduce energy bills and make them more comfortable and affordable to heat. All homes will also have access to an electric car charging point and off-street parking, and bat boxes and bee bricks will be dotted around the scheme to help support local nature recovery. James added: “It’s exciting that we’re not only bringing much-needed family homes to Woodford Halse, but we’re bringing homes that are fit for the future. These well insulated properties make the most of energy efficient measures, that can help lower energy bills and lower our carbon footprint. “Futures is aiming for all of its homes to be net carbon zero by 2050, so it’s great to be working with GEDA Construction Company to help us on our journey to achieve our goal.” Colm McVeigh, Build GB Director at GEDA, said: “We are thrilled to continue our relationship with Futures on this project. These homes will be energy efficient, relieving the tenants of rising energy bills in today’s market. “This investment in upgrading their housing stock, reinforces Futures’ commitment to provide energy efficient homes for their tenants and also matches our own sustainability strategy at GEDA. We are really looking forward to seeing the progression of this scheme and seeing the positive impact it will have on the local community.”

Government plans to end windfall tax on oil and gas profits by 2030

April Lara
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Government plans to end windfall tax on oil and gas profits by 2030

The UK Government has confirmed plans to end the Energy Profits Levy (EPL), also known as the windfall tax, on oil and gas profits by 2030. This follows the launch of a consultation on the future of the North Sea energy sector, which aims to explore the transition towards a more sustainable energy mix, including hydrogen, carbon capture, storage, and renewables.

For two months, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) will consult with various stakeholders, including businesses, unions, and green groups, to plan this transition. The consultation will focus on utilising existing North Sea infrastructure and assets to support new technologies while ensuring continued extraction from current fields.

The Government also affirmed that, in line with its climate commitments, it will not issue new licenses for offshore oil and gas exploration. However, it will allow companies to extend or transfer existing licenses and maintain licences for carbon storage, gas storage, and methane drainage.

This move aims to provide long-term fiscal stability and encourage investment in the sector, while also assuring workers and trade unions that measures will be taken to protect jobs, pay, and conditions.

Service sector faces rising job cuts as costs mount ahead of tax hikes

April Lara
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0
Service sector faces rising job cuts as costs mount ahead of tax hikes

UK service sector companies cut jobs at the fastest pace since 2020 in February, driven by weak demand and rising costs. The S&P Global UK Services PMI survey recorded a reading of 51, up slightly from January’s 50.8. While a score above 50 indicates growth, the February result was below the forecasted 51.1.

Businesses are facing mounting pressures from rising costs, with the minimum wage and employer taxes set to increase in April. Tim Moore, economics director at S&P Global Market Intelligence, noted that companies have experienced a loss of growth momentum since last autumn.

The survey also revealed a decline in business optimism, contributing to the fifth consecutive month of job cuts across the sector. Aside from the pandemic, this marks the longest period of falling employment since early 2011.

Power Tan secures future with management buyout

April Lara
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Power Tan secures future with management buyout

Leighton Buzzard-based Power Tan, a leading manufacturer and distributor of indoor tanning products, has completed a management buyout (MBO), ensuring business continuity and future expansion.

Founder Gary Banks, who established the company in 1987 as World Suncare Products, is exiting the business to retire. Former management team members will now take over operations, aiming to drive growth and expand Power Tan’s international presence.

Watersheds facilitated the deal, with partner William Senior leading the process. He highlighted the benefits of MBOs for both exiting owners and management teams seeking greater control and business expansion.

Banks praised Watersheds for its role in structuring the deal, ensuring a smooth transition while allowing him to focus on business operations during the process.

Northamptonshire tourism businesses offered expert support programme

April Lara
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Northamptonshire tourism businesses offered expert support programme

A new business support initiative aims to help Northamptonshire’s tourism sector capitalise on growing national awareness of the region. The Discover Northamptonshire Business Support programme will provide workshops and one-on-one guidance to businesses in the visitor economy, including attractions, hospitality, heritage, and food and drink.

Over three months, participants will receive expert insights from industry leaders and Growth Hub Business Advisers. The programme includes four workshops covering niche marketing, market trends, business resilience, and digital strategies, delivered by specialists from the University of Northampton and other experts.

Eligible businesses must be based in Northamptonshire. One-on-one consultations will also help participants identify market opportunities and implement growth strategies.

Bakkavor posts strong results but absorbs UK restructuring costs

April Lara
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Bakkavor posts strong results but absorbs UK restructuring costs

Bakkavor Group reported a 4% revenue increase to £2.29 billion in 2024, with adjusted operating profit up 20.5% to £113.6 million. Despite overall growth, operating profit dropped to £93.4 million due to £20.2 million in exceptional costs tied to UK site closures.

The company credited its performance to volume growth across all markets and a focus on efficiency. Bakkavor aims to continue margin improvements in 2025, targeting a 6% profitability goal.

As part of a restructuring plan announced in late 2022, Bakkavor closed its Salads site in Sutton Bridge, Lincolnshire, and a Desserts facility in Leicester, affecting approximately 900 jobs. The company completed the transition in early 2023 to streamline operations.

Firms merge to create legal powerhouse

Tess Egginton
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Firms merge to create legal powerhouse
Two Lincolnshire and Yorkshire law firms have revealed plans to merge on 1 April 2025. Wilkin Chapman LLP and Rollits LLP will merge under the trading name of Wilkin Chapman Rollits. The new firm will have more than 500 people including 70 partners and have a combined annual turnover of £40 million. It will operate from six locations: Grimsby, Lincoln, Louth, Hull, York and Beverley. It will be the largest law firm operating out of both Lincolnshire and Yorkshire and has a combined history going back more than 300 years. The merger is market and client driven and the merged firm will offer greater strength and depth to its clients across the commercial and public sectors and private client disciplines within its region and nationally. There are no planned redundancies as part of the merger. Robin Simmonds, CEO of Wilkin Chapman, said: “There is a great synergy between the two firms across culture, values and strategy and we believe the new firm will provide our clients with the responsive, personal tailored support that they expect.” Ralph Gilbert, managing partner of Rollits, said: “Both of our firms have deep local connections and histories within our respective regions and are very proud of these links. Such links help us understand the needs of our clients and bring insights to them. “Additionally, the combined firm will continue to advise our regionally-based clients with their needs nationally, as well as clients based outside of our locations.”

Derby to build on £9bn platform at global investment showcase

Tess Egginton
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Derby to build on £9bn platform at global investment showcase
Team Derby is set for its busiest MIPIM since the Covid pandemic following an announcement of a massive £9bn investment into the city’s defence and nuclear sector. Taking place in Cannes, France, from 11 to 14 March, MIPIM is the biggest property investment show in the world and a combination of public and private sector partners will join Marketing Derby’s Queen’s Award-winning inward investment team to promote the city to investors from across the globe. This year Derby will feature in the UK Hub where it will be launching the City Centre First for Offices Prospectus – showcasing investment opportunities within Derby city centre – and the city is also one of the few to be promoted in the Estates Gazette UK Cities Playbook. Cllr Nadine Peatfield, Leader of Derby City Council and Deputy Mayor of the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), who will be leading the delegation, says: “MIPIM provides cities like Derby with a unique opportunity to pitch to a wide range of investors and advisors. “Team Derby has effective methods to meet with the right people and get our message across. Our focus will be the radical transformation of the city centre and the growth of the Infinity Park Derby Investment Zone.” A key Team Derby breakfast will include presentations from Derby City Council, Marketing Derby, the University of Derby, Ion Developments and Cavendish & London. This year, Derby’s overarching message at MIPIM will be grounded in the city’s economic strengths. Earlier this year, it was announced that Rolls-Royce Submarines had landed a £9 billion – Unity – contract with the Ministry of Defence to provide nuclear power plants for a new fleet of submarines, creating thousands of jobs, while investing in the next generation of nuclear engineers. John Forkin, MD of inward investment agency Marketing Derby, said: “We are still getting our heads around the scale of the Unity deal and this, together with being chosen as the HQ for Great British Railways, has already led to a significant boost in interest and confidence in Derby.” Team Derby will be briefing investors on how they can tap into Derby’s rising reputation as a centre for nuclear technology – with incentives to be had at locations such as Infinity Park Derby, which has Investment Zone status. As well as showcasing its potential as an office location, Team Derby will be at MIPIM plugging several other pipeline projects and opportunities within the city centre, including the Cultural Heart of City, which includes proposals for the former Assembly Rooms site. Investors will also be briefed on the University of Derby’s wider plans for a City Campus, to follow on from its impressive £75 million Cavendish Business School Building opening this year. The Team Derby public/private sector partnership approach is one that has reaped dividends in recent years in terms of attracting overseas investment. The prestigious Financial Times’ fDi European Cities and Regions of the Future 2025 has placed Derby as sixth within the Top 10 Small European Cities for foreign direct investment and members of Team Derby will accept the award at a special ceremony.

Browne Jacobson recruits Head of Higher Education from University of Nottingham

Tess Egginton
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Browne Jacobson recruits Head of Higher Education from University of Nottingham
Browne Jacobson has recruited Kate Gallagher from a Russell Group university as its new Head of Higher Education. Kate Gallagher joins the law firm from the University of Nottingham, where she was General Counsel and Director of Legal Services, a department she established. She has more than 25 years’ experience both in private practice – with previous roles at Shoosmiths, Hammonds and Eversheds Sutherland – and as one of the higher education sector’s most experienced in-house lawyers. Kate was an active member of the Association of University Legal Practitioners (AULP) for 15 years and a committee member for several years. She was also part of the Employment Lawyers Association’s in-house committee. Her recruitment is an important part of the succession plan for Browne Jacobson’s higher education practice, which is currently led by Bettina Rigg. Bettina will continue to play an active role, working with Kate and Nick MacKenzie, Head of Education, in supporting the transition. Kate said: “Browne Jacobson is highly-regarded in the education sector for its market-leading legal advice, practical support and expert consultancy. Watching from afar, I have been impressed by how the firm has developed its reputation, which is why this feels like a fantastic time to join the firm. “Having worked in both private practice and in-house for the sector, I am keenly aware of the complex financial and structural challenges that universities face right now. “However, my experience has shown that there are always exciting opportunities for universities to play a central role in tackling some of society’s biggest issues, and to promote economic growth by commercialising world-class research projects into viable products and services. “With a background in education employment, I look forward to collaborating closely with our specialists in this service to help us make the most of the opportunity to grow employment and related work in the HE sector.” Bettina said: “In Kate, we have found someone with fantastic experience who will help the team I to build on our achievements across our HE practice. “I look forward to working with Kate and Nick in supporting this transition and driving forward our offer to HE clients now and in the future.” Kate’s hire follows the appointment of Professor Janice Kay CBE as a special adviser to Browne Jacobson’s higher education team in September. Prof Kay, whose experience includes two decades in senior positions at the University of Exeter, provides strategic input and supports engagement with the HE sector. Nick added: “We are thrilled to bring in Kate to lead the next stage of our HE growth journey, building on the strategic recruitments we made to strengthen our wider education practice last year. “When Bettina joined us in 2020, she did so with the intention of helping the firm create a market-leading practice. We have made excellent strides against this ambition and Bettina will continue to be an active force in delivering our strategy as the practice goes from strength to strength. “The combination of Kate and Bettina, supported by the rest of the HE team and Professor Janice Kay as our industry-aligned expert, offers a compelling proposition to universities as they go through a period of transformation and look at new models to help deliver costs efficiencies.”
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