Nottingham Venues partners with The British Deer Society
Nottingham Venues, the collection of independent venues specialising in meetings and events set within the University of Nottingham campus, has formed a new, UK first, partnership with The British Deer Society, the charity dedicated to educating people about deer and the issues surrounding them in the UK.
The partnership comes as part of Nottingham Venues’ plans to elevate the dining experience at its Bramleys restaurant, located within the 4* Orchard Hotel, in the coming months. David Cartwright, the former Head Chef at renowned Nottingham restaurant World Service, has been appointed to lead the change and create a high-quality dining destination for Nottingham.
The new menu will offer three venison dishes, including a venison lasagne, all created using locally sourced and sustainable produce. All venison served will be sourced from within 30 miles of Bramleys restaurant.
To support the British Deer Society, Nottingham Venues has committed to donate £1 to the charity for every venison dish sold at Bramleys. This initiative aims to raise funds to support the work of the British Deer Society whilst also promoting sustainable and locally sourced produce.
Nottingham Venues is the first hospitality company in the country to support the charity in this way.
David Cartwright, Head Chef at The Orchard Hotel and Bramleys Restaurant, said: “We are committed to sustainability, seasonality and using the best locally sourced produce in our restaurant. Venison is a high quality and healthy option, and my team and I have created dishes that really showcase the meat, so we hope they are popular with diners at Bramleys.”
Tom Waldron-Lynch, CEO of Nottingham Venues, said: “In my opinion, venison is a fantastic, sustainable meat that should be used more widely across the UK.
“It has next to no carbon footprint, but people need to be aware of the issues surrounding the UK’s growing deer population and its management so that we can protect biodiversity, re-wilding efforts and farmland, which is why we have chosen to partner with The British Deer Society.
“We wanted to celebrate venison at our restaurant and our chefs have created a selection of fantastic venison dishes that really showcase the produce, all of which is sourced from within 30 miles of our restaurant.”
The British Deer Society plays a crucial role in educating the public about deer, promoting their sustainable management, and protecting their natural habitats. Funds raised through this partnership will support the charity’s ongoing efforts in research, training, education and surveying projects.
David McAuley, CEO of The British Deer Society, said: “Having companies within the hospitality industry pledge to support our work will be instrumental in educating people about deer in the UK and raising awareness of venison as a sustainable and healthy food source.
“We are thrilled to start our partnership programme with the support of Nottingham Venues, and I would like to thank the team for their support.”
Leicestershire sees record number of registered businesses
The number of registered companies in Leicestershire has reached an all-time high of 78,116, up from 75,930 at the end of 2023. Over the past year, 11,209 new businesses were established in the county, according to the Inform Direct Review of Company Formations, which used data from Companies House and the Office for National Statistics.
Leicester led business growth with 5,801 new companies, followed by Charnwood (1,399) and Blaby (868).
Despite economic uncertainty, regulatory changes, and geopolitical instability, business activity in the region has remained strong, reflecting resilience among local entrepreneurs.
Derby IT provider expands into business sector with Cosy Direct partnership
L.E.A.D. IT Services, a Derby-based tech support provider for nearly 250 schools and trusts across the UK, has expanded into the business sector by partnering with Cosy Direct.
Cosy Direct, a supplier of sustainable nursery and educational equipment, is receiving enhanced IT support from L.E.A.D. IT, including additional helpdesk services, networking, and cyber security solutions. The partnership aligns with Cosy Direct’s expansion into new markets.
L.E.A.D. IT has also been involved in community initiatives, including volunteering at Derby Kids’ Camp, a charity supported by Cosy Direct’s CEO, Peter Ellse.
Photographer and videographer chooses Oberoi Business Hub for new direction
Photographer and videographer Ash Stanley has chosen Oberoi Business Hub in Derby’s Pride Park as the base for the next stage in his business life.
Ash, who is also an accomplished actor and producer, has branched out on his own after running AV IT Media with fellow directors Mark and Jenny Averill for the past seven years.
His client portfolio has included such well-known celebrities as Olly Murs, Nicky Clarke and Bananarama, with long-standing corporate clients ranging from EMR to Trent Barton.
Keen to concentrate on developing these aspects of his work, Ash has set up A S Studios and largely works off-site around the UK and internationally. He has therefore set up a virtual office with the option for desk and meeting room space at Oberoi Business Hub in St Christopher’s Way.
He explained: “After several fantastic and happy years at AV IT, I am looking forward to the next chapter in my professional life with the space to focus on exciting collaborations with my corporate and celebrity clients.
“It is both exciting and nerve-wracking to be starting up a new business venture so I very much welcomed the opportunity to have a virtual office at Oberoi Business Hub.
“Not only is Pride Park a recognisable and prestigious address, Oberoi offer a wide range of back office services and the flexibility to use their office and meeting room facilities which will be ideal – particularly for clients wanting to come here by train for a meeting or photo shoot.
“Kavita Oberoi has also been long-standing client and friend and has been incredibly supportive in this new chapter of my life.”
Oberoi Business Hub was founded by managing director Kavita Oberoi OBE in 2012 to provide high quality, cost effective and flexible support services to help businesses and organisations flourish and grow.
She explained: “Ash is a brilliant photographer and videographer and I am delighted that he has chosen Oberoi Business Hub to support him on his new venture.
“I know from personal experience just how difficult it is to set up a new business and to juggle being out and about working with clients and managing simple things like urgent correspondence and parcel deliveries.
“Our manned virtual office where our team handle post and parcels on their behalf as well as the options for physical desk and meeting room facilities available on a flexible basis therefore provides business owners with an efficient and cost effective option.”
Oberoi Business Hub manager Jodie Brady concluded: “We look forward to working with Ash and I know from feedback from our other virtual office clients just how important it is for businesses to have a Pride Park office address and the support provided by our team here.”
£7.8m affordable housing development completes, transforming service station site
A £7.8 million affordable housing development in Ashbourne’s Mayfield Road is now complete.
This gas-free development has been built to EPC A energy rating standards with thanks to a grant from Derbyshire Dales District Council. Designed to lower energy costs and promote sustainability, each home benefits from air-source heat pumps, solar panels, private gardens, and dedicated parking.
Derbyshire Dales Civic Chair Councillor Peter Slack cut the ribbon in an official opening ceremony attended by District Council ward councillors.
The Nottingham Community Housing Association (NCHA) scheme brings 37 homes to the area, transforming a previously disused service station and garage site, which was demolished in 2022.
Constructed by MyPad, the development features a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom homes, providing options for both affordable rent and home ownership.
Nineteen of the homes are for affordable rent through Derbyshire Dales District Council’s Home-Options system. The remaining 18 homes were available to purchase through the shared ownership scheme, helping local people get onto the property ladder.
The scheme, designed by architects Player Roberts Bell, is funded by contributions from Homes England and NCHA.
District Council Leader, Councillor Steve Flitter, said: “The provision of affordable homes remains our top priority, and we particularly welcome the way this superb development has been designed for lower energy costs and to promote sustainability.”
To mark the official opening, representatives from NCHA, MyPad, and Derbyshire Dales District Council joined new residents to celebrate the completion of the scheme and the positive impact it will have on the local community.
Allan Fisher, NCHA’s Director of Development and Sustainability, said: “This project is a great example of how we can transform disused spaces into vibrant communities. By building energy efficient, gas-free homes, we’re not only addressing local housing needs but also helping residents reduce their carbon footprint and energy costs.
“We’ve been building quite a presence in the Derbyshire Dales over the years with nearly 500 properties. We’re keen to continue building and the next development is currently under construction on Cavendish Drive in Ashbourne.”
Dave Holland, Director at MyPad, said: “We’re pleased to see the completion of this project in partnership with NCHA. Overcoming significant challenges along the way, the strong collaboration between MyPad and NCHA has resulted in the delivery of high-quality, energy-efficient homes for the local community in Ashbourne.
“We take great pride in this achievement and the positive impact it will have on the area.”
Budget shows Nottingham City Council now financially stable, says Leader
Nottingham City Council’s budget for the coming financial year shows the authority is now financially stable, according to Leader, Councillor Neghat Khan.
The Council approved its budget for 2025/26 at a meeting on 3 March where councillors also gave the green light to an ambitious five-year Council Plan aimed at delivering for local people and leading the city forward.
The Budget for 2025/26 includes £20 million of growth funding to ensure key services are delivered effectively to meet the needs of local people, and an increase in Council Tax of 4.99%, made up of a 2.99% General Fund increase and a 2% Adult Social Care Precept. Nottingham’s increase is in line with the Government set cap.
This has been possible due to £18 million of savings from new ways of working and operational efficiencies plus a better-than-expected financial settlement from the new Labour Government.
A remaining budget gap of £20.79 million for 2025/26, significantly down from the £69 million previously forecast, will be met through Exceptional Financial Support from the Government. This is not additional Government funding but permission for the Council to use funds from the sale of assets to support day-to-day revenue spending.
A renewed Council Plan for 2025 – 2029 was also approved at the Full Council meeting to establish a clear vision and priorities. It sets out the high-level objectives that the Council wants to achieve and includes three core missions – A renewed Council; Delivering for local people and Leading Nottingham forward.
City Council Leader, Councillor Neghat Khan, said: “This budget shows the Council is now financially stable and that we are working towards becoming financially sustainable. It’s about getting our house in order and putting the Council on a sustainable financial footing for the future.
“We know that the people of Nottingham want a council that gets the basics right and delivers the best local services we can afford, whilst also looking ahead so that the city can reach its full potential.
“We continue to face huge pressures in social care, looking after children in our care and homelessness. Like councils across the country, together these pressures are squeezing out other services and making it harder to address the things that matter to us the most.
“Whilst it remains vital that we move to a more financially sustainable position, we must not forget that the tough decisions that we take doesn’t mean we can’t afford to be ambitious; it means we can’t afford not to be.
“We have been honest about the financial challenges we have faced, and we will continue to be open about what we will do and how we will do it. But through this budget and our ambitious vision for Nottingham, we will deliver a renewed council that focusses on delivering for local people so that we lead Nottingham to the future with renewed pride and optimism.”
One year on from their appointment, Government commissioners working with the Council have provided a positive outlook on the progress it has made but highlighted there is still work to do.
Lead Commissioner, Tony McArdle, said: “We have been in place for one year now and have seen much change within the Council. The Council has made significant strides in reversing their decline and starting to implement much-needed transformation.
“We commend the Council for their efforts so far. While there is still a journey ahead, the Commissioners are confident that with the same energy and focus, the Council will continue to make good progress towards meeting their best value duties.”
£140m boost for East Midlands communities
Seven areas of the East Midlands are to get a share of a £140m investment towards regeneration and supporting communities.
Carlton, Chesterfield, Clifton, Kirby in Ashfield, Mansfield, Newark and Worksop will each get £20m over the next 10 years.
The money, available from April, is from the government’s Plan for Neighbourhoods project which is releasing £1.5bn to 75 areas in the UK that were assessed on criteria including deprivation, life expectancy and need for investment.
Neighbourhood Boards made up of residents, businesses and campaigners will be created to help decide how to spend the funds.
High streets, parks, youth clubs, cultural venues, libraries and health and wellbeing services can benefit through a “holistic and long-term” approach “to deliver meaningful change in the day-to-day lives of local people,” the government said.
The boards can choose from options ranging from repairs to pavements and high streets to setting up low-cost community grocers as well as co-operatives or even neighbourhood watch schemes.
Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, said: “I am pleased that the Government has developed a Plan for Neighbourhoods which gives seven areas of the EMCCA region the chance to build thriving places, strengthen communities, and empower people to take back control of the future of their local centres.
“While these places have been working hard on their plans for several years, the Plan for Neighbourhoods contains greater flexibility than previous schemes – plus the vital assurance that the funding is in place. This means that local places – led by a ‘Neighbourhood Board’ – can crack on and deliver the change they want to see.
“Devolution is not just about strategic authorities like EMCCA having more powers – it is also about local places and people having the space, resources, and power to put their own vision into practice. The people of Carlton, Chesterfield, Clifton, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Mansfield, Newark-on-Trent, and Worksop will benefit from both the funding and support to do this, and the region is keen to back them in this.”
Breedon snaps up US construction materials and surfacing solutions business
Breedon, the East Midlands-based construction materials group, has acquired Lionmark Construction Companies in a £187m deal.
Lionmark is a Missouri-headquartered construction materials and surfacing solutions business with a focus on road infrastructure end markets. The acquisition is expected to more than double Breedon’s US revenue and diversify its US product offering into asphalt and surfacing.
In the twelve months ended 30 November 2024, Lionmark recorded unaudited revenue of $246m and unaudited adjusted EBITDA of $31m.
Andy Arnold, Managing Director, Breedon US, said: “The acquisition of Lionmark represents a significant milestone in the development of our US business. Lionmark is extremely complementary to our existing operations, diversifying BMC’s product to supply asphalt and surfacing solutions into an attractive market which is well-positioned for future growth.”
Rob Wood, Chief Executive Officer, said: “The acquisition of Lionmark will more than double our US revenue, is expected to be immediately earnings enhancing for shareholders while allowing Breedon to maintain a conservative and flexible balance sheet to pay dividends and make further bolt-on acquisitions across each of our platforms as opportunities arise.
“In a year we have built a US business of scale that is already on a pro-forma basis the equivalent size of our Irish business. We are delighted to welcome our new colleagues to Breedon and look forward to working with them as we continue to expand Breedon’s presence in the United States.”
The news came alongside Breedon’s results for the year ended 31 December 2024, in which underlying revenue grew 6% to £1.57bn and underlying profit before tax grew 4% to £150.8m.Revenue and profit drop at Ibstock
Revenue and profit have dropped at Ibstock, the manufacturer of building products, according to results for the year ended 31 December 2024.
Revenues reduced by 10% to £366 million, from £406 million in 2023, principally reflecting lower sales volumes in the core business during the first half of the year. Market demand improved progressively throughout 2024, with revenues in the second half of the year 3% ahead of the equivalent period in 2023 and 6% ahead of the first half. Amidst subdued market conditions, statutory profit before tax declined from £30 million in 2023 to £21 million, reflecting a lower trading performance and an exceptional charge of £12 million. Looking ahead, Ibstock noted that trading in the early weeks of 2025 has been solid, with sales volumes ahead of the comparative period.Joe Hudson, Chief Executive Officer, said: “Our continued focus on the active management of capacity and margin ensured we delivered a resilient performance in 2024. As expected, we saw a progressive improvement in sales volumes through the second half with demand supported by our leading service and supply proposition.
“The effective management of pricing and volumes throughout the year underpinned resilient margins combined with market share gains through the latter part of the 2024 year.
“Against this backdrop, I am also pleased to report strong progress against all elements of the Group’s strategy with lower cost, more efficient and sustainable capacity in place to support market recovery, and continued progress towards our ambitious sustainability targets.
“We expect an improvement in market volumes in 2025, with momentum building through the year. Ibstock is well-positioned for a market recovery, and the fundamental drivers of demand in our markets remain firmly in place.
“We see a significant opportunity for a new era in housebuilding in the UK and with the investments we have made and our market leadership positions, the Group remains well placed to support and benefit from this over the medium term.”
Construction begins on new mortuary in Northampton
A groundbreaking ceremony has taken place, marking the beginning of construction on Northampton’s new public mortuary, which will provide better support for families and improve post-mortem services across Northamptonshire and the wider region.
Due to be completed in autumn 2025, the new mortuary will be a purpose-built facility designed to deliver the highest standards of care and compassion during some of life’s most difficult moments.
It will provide modern, dignified spaces for families, including private viewing and identification areas, ensuring a respectful and supportive experience for those dealing with the loss of a loved one.
The facility will also bring key services under one roof, simplifying processes and reducing the need for travel between different sites. This will not only make it easier for families by reducing delays but will also improve efficiency for funeral directors, healthcare professionals, and other essential services.
Councillor Mike Hallam, Cabinet Member for HR and Corporate Services at WNC, said: “Losing a loved one is one of the hardest things anyone can go through, and we want to do everything we can to make that journey a little easier for families.
“Now that work has begun, we’re one step closer to providing a modern, compassionate space where people can say their goodbyes with dignity and care. This facility will not only offer vital support to grieving families but will also help professionals work more efficiently, ensuring faster outcomes and reducing stress during already difficult times.”
The mortuary will also help emergency services if there is ever a major incident, such as a disaster with multiple casualties. It will ensure that Northamptonshire is well-prepared to handle such situations while continuing to provide vital services for the community.
The project is being delivered by Stepnell Ltd.
Adrian Barnes, Director at Stepnell Ltd, said: “We are proud to be delivering this vital facility for Northamptonshire. At Stepnell, we understand the importance of building with care and precision, and we are committed to ensuring that this state-of-the-art mortuary meets the highest standards.
“We look forward to working closely with West Northamptonshire Council and all partners involved to bring this much-needed facility to life.”
