Trio of tenants secured at Market Harborough business park
Three businesses have secured premises at a Market Harborough business park after specialist commercial property consultancy, Wells McFarlane negotiated new lettings.
New tenants at Lawrence House, part of Bowden Business Village on the town’s northern edge, include The Reformer Studio Ltd in Unit 5 (1,325 sq ft) and Berry Wealth Management in Unit 4 (1,325 sq ft). Completing the trio of lettings is a renewal of Unit 1 Bowden Inn Farm (298 sq ft) to an existing tenant, a private company.
Wells McFarlane’s director, Jason Hercock manages Bowden Business Village and has negotiated all three transactions. Jason said: “With its converted barn buildings and easily accessible location just off the A6, Bowden Business Village has been a sought-after destination for many years.
“Following its sale in 2022, we have worked closely with the new landlord to make incremental improvements across the park without losing the essence that makes it such an attractive workplace.
“To have secured this series of lettings in rapid succession confirms Bowden Business Village as one of Market Harborough’s most popular business parks. We wish all three businesses every success in their new premises.”
For one of the new tenants, The Reformer Studio Ltd, Lawrence House represents its eighth premises.
The firm’s executive director, Holly Essuman said: “We’d seen incredible demand for our classes in our Stoneygate studio and knew we wanted to expand further into Leicestershire. Lawrence House fitted our model perfectly. It’s easily accessible with plenty of parking yet is surrounded by peaceful countryside.
“We’re thankful that Wells McFarlane and the landlord understood our vision and were extremely supportive as we transformed a conventional office space into our signature Reformer Studio blueprint.
“Jason and the team were an absolute dream to work with. From signing the lease to having our doors open, the entire process took just six weeks, so it was the fastest studio launch we’ve ever had! Their professionalism and efficiency played a major role in making this expansion a reality.”
Leicestershire Council Reorganisation: Single Authority Plan Moves Forward
Leicestershire County Council is moving forward with plans to replace district and borough councils with a single unitary authority, aiming to streamline services and cut costs. The proposal excludes Leicester City and Rutland and is expected to be submitted to the Government next month.
The county council argues that consolidating governance into one authority would save approximately £30 million annually, compared to £10 million if the county were split into two unitary councils. Acting leader Cllr Deborah Taylor emphasized that a single authority would avoid service inconsistencies and duplication of administrative functions.
District and borough councils remain opposed to a two-authority model, citing concerns that a single council would be too large and disconnected from local needs. However, the county council plans to establish local area committees and expand the role of parish and town councils to maintain community engagement.
The council also reversed its previous position on expanding Leicester City’s boundaries, originally intended to support its financial sustainability and meet housing targets. The shift followed the Government’s rejection of the council’s request to delay local elections, though ministers did not provide a specific reason for the rejection.
Recruitment leaders warn UK employment reforms could threaten temp work
UK recruitment leaders have raised concerns that the Government’s proposed Employment Rights Bill could disrupt the temporary work sector, which they argue is essential to economic stability. The bill introduces measures such as guaranteed hours for zero-hours workers and statutory sick pay from day one.
Pete Taylor, Managing Director at Gi Group, joined industry representatives at the REC’s Parliamentary Reception to highlight the risks of restricting temporary employment. He emphasised that more than 1 million temporary workers contribute to the UK economy daily, supporting key industries such as logistics, engineering, and manufacturing.
Citing a recent REC survey, Taylor noted that 79% of temporary workers value job flexibility, while 81% rely on temp work for essential income. He warned that policy changes, combined with upcoming tax reforms, could create a difficult hiring environment, limiting opportunities for both businesses and job seekers.
Gi Group, headquartered in Chesterfield, employs nearly 500 people and serves 1,500 clients from 87 locations across the UK. Its parent company places one person in work every 90 seconds.
Garnalex to build major manufacturing site in Nottinghamshire
Ashfield District Council has approved plans for a 7.28-hectare manufacturing facility near Junction 27 of the M1, bringing over 300 jobs to the area. Aluminium manufacturer Garnalex will relocate from Derbyshire to the new site in Annesley, with plans to create additional jobs in the future.
The first phase of development, expected to be completed within 18–24 months, will house Garnalex’s operations for producing thermally efficient, low-carbon aluminium windows and doors. The 350,000 sq ft facility will incorporate sustainable design features, including wildlife corridors and tree planting.
A second phase allows for future expansion, ensuring long-term job growth and improved logistics access. Garnalex, founded in 2018 to reduce the UK’s reliance on imported aluminium, aims to establish itself as a key employer in Ashfield.
Council to buy former student flats in Leicester to help meet temporary housing need
Leicester city council is to buy a block of former student flats to provide temporary accommodation for single people and couples who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
The purchase of the building on York Street will bring 134 self-contained units into the council’s ownership, and will save the council £2.6m a year on the rent it currently pays to other landlords in the city.
The building will help to accommodate many of the single people in the city who are classed as having priority need, and are currently in bed and breakfast or hotel accommodation.
Built in 2019, the seven-storey building comprises of 132 self-contained, ensuite bedsits, and two one-bedroomed flats which are wheelchair accessible with large wet rooms. All of the units have fitted kitchens with integral appliances and fitted furniture. The building also has onsite laundry facilities and bike storage.
Chris Burgin, the council’s director of housing, said: “We don’t want people to be in unsuitable B&B accommodation for any length of time, but with increasing numbers of people facing homelessness we have few options available to us.
“This building will provide good quality units with cooking and washing facilities which are not available in hotels and B&Bs, and will house people for between three and 18 months before they move on to permanent accommodation.”
The council has set aside £45m to increase the supply of good quality council accommodation including family housing in the city.
Deputy city mayor Cllr Elly Cutkelvin said: “The purchase of the Yoho building is a small part of our plans to ensure that no-one has to stay in unsuitable temporary accommodation without access to the facilities they need.
“It is also part of our wider plan to provide 1,500 new affordable homes for the city by 2027, and deliver more than 1,600 new properties. All of these properties will go to those most in need.”
The cost of the purchase will be made public once the commercial deal has been finalised.
Nottinghamshire County Council issues tender for electric vehicle charging project
Being able to use public electric vehicle chargepoints on residential streets in Nottinghamshire is moving a step closer now that the county council’s tender for infrastructure suppliers is live.
Nottinghamshire County Council will lead the 10-week tender on behalf of a consortium of four other councils across the region as part of the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Project, funded by the Department for Transport (DfT).
The Government funded LEVI scheme supports local authorities to roll out electric vehicle charging infrastructure in areas where residents may not have access to off-street parking.
The consortium, which has a LEVI funding allocation of more than £17 million, includes Nottingham City Council, Derby City Council, Derbyshire County Council, and Staffordshire County Council. Each council will be responsible for managing their own contract with the chosen suppliers.
Nottinghamshire has been allocated £5.5m from the LEVI fund for the countywide installation of public chargepoints in areas where residents don’t have access to off-street parking, such as driveways and garages.
The tender will seek to appoint two separate suppliers, one for standard chargepoints, which will make up the majority of the offering, and another for rapid chargepoints.
The county council has been working closely with Midlands Connect, the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) and the Energy Saving Trust as part of the project, with chargepoint installations projected to begin in spring 2026.
Councillor Neil Clarke MBE, Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “The issuing of this tender is great news for residents across Nottinghamshire who may not have access to off-street parking but would like to make more sustainable transport choices in the future because it means that the project is moving a step closer to becoming a reality.
“This project means that more than 1,000 chargepoints will be installed on streets across Nottinghamshire in coming years and this is just the start of what promises to be a positive step forward to achieve our green ambitions while supporting residents in their future transport choices.
“We are delighted to be leading a consortium of local authorities to achieve this ambition with support from Midlands Connect to achieve our ambition of improving local electric vehicle infrastructure across Nottinghamshire.”
Councillor Carmel Swan, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Transport and Sustainability at Derby City Council, said: “We’re working hard to future proof our cities and creating a range of better transport choices for our communities in Derby by enabling more options for sustainable travel.
“This tender is great news for our citizens, who can confidently make the switch to electric vehicles knowing that we are committed to delivering the infrastructure they need.”
Councillor Neghat Khan, Nottingham City Council Leader and Executive Member for Strategic Regeneration, Transport and Communications, said: “This is a significant step towards making Nottingham and its surrounding towns and villages cleaner and greener.
“By providing more accessible charging infrastructure for residents without off-street parking, we’re making sustainable transport a viable choice for everyone.”
Councillor Mark Deaville, Cabinet Member for Strategic Highways at Staffordshire County Council, said: “We look forward to the LEVI project progressing with our partners as the tender process for infrastructure suppliers begins.
“By working together we will be in the strongest position to attract the best commercial providers to install the infrastructure across our counties and cities.
“We’ve identified the most appropriate places for charging points and will continue to work with our residents and businesses to support the transition to more sustainable transport.”
Flurry of deals at Leicestershire business park
Three units have been sold, while offers have been placed on a further five, at Beauchamp Business Park, in Kibworth, Leicestershire.
The development has been delivered by Clowes Developments and their team including IMA Architects, TanRo, Millward Consulting Engineers, Gateley Legal and Postins Project Services. Phillips Sutton and TDB Real Estate have been the agents marketing the scheme.
Phase one of the development was a success with 80% of the units sold before construction even began. This boosted Clowes’ confidence to speculatively build out the remaining plots, including a terrace of four 2,540 sq ft units, known as ‘Unit F 1-4’, and phase two, which includes a courtyard of terrace units ranging from 2,271 – 4,789 sq ft. These units can also be combined to make a bigger space to meet the requirements of an end user.
Within months of practical completion, CJB Printing have purchased F4, and private investors have purchased the other two units, with another under offer. Additionally, a terrace of four under Unit G2 are now under offer.
Beauchamp Business Park is situated on a 15-acre site located on the outskirts of Kibworth between Leicester and Market Harborough on the A6. The site features a series of freehold and leasehold industrial units ranging from 1,270 sq ft to 16,272 sq ft.
Kevin Webster, Associate Director at Clowes Developments, said: “We are delighted to announce further success at Beauchamp Business Park. Its popularity has continued to out-perform general market sentiment. Our agents have continued to do a great job.”
Jack Brown, Director at TDB Real Estate, said: “The continued success of Beauchamp Business Park is a testament to the quality of the units Clowes and the wider team have developed. It is great to see interest from both local businesses and investors, showing the need for good quality small industrial units in the area.”
Sam Sutton, Director at Phillips Sutton, added: “We are delighted that these further sales, and continued interest in the scheme, underline the strength of the location, and quality of the units, built by Clowes. We are looking forward to finalising more deals, with just five units remaining.”
Inaugural Construction & Property Padel Cup launches to raise money for Derby County Community Trust
Derby-based project managers, construction cost consultants, and building surveyors Armsons Barlow are hosting the inaugural Construction & Property Padel Cup later this month, bringing together key industry players to raise money for Derby County Community Trust (DCCT).
The tournament, which is being organised in partnership with DCCT and Clowes Developments, is taking place on Thursday 27 February at We Are Padel on Pride Park in Derby.
32 teams of two players from construction and property companies will compete for the championship trophy. This will be followed by networking, a trophy presentation, a raffle and refreshments.
The event has attracted an impressive line-up of entrants, with teams entered from Miller Homes, BSP Consulting, PMI Developments, GCA Consulting Engineers, YMD Boon, Rodgers Leask, JLL, Chevin Homes, TanRo, Fisher German LLP, Jackson Purdue Lever, Geldards LLP, Marchini Curran Associates, DGMEP, ABA Consulting, CPW, FHP Property Consultants, Franklin Ellis Architects, Wise Living, Mapmatic, LSP Development, Greenhatch, Innes England, KH Legal, Pick Everard, MPS Services, BHBArchitects, Planning & Design Group, MEC and Morecrofts. Armsons Barlow and Clowes Developments are also entering teams.
The tournament marks the launch of a series of fundraising initiatives taking place throughout the year in aid of DCCT, which is Armsons Barlow’s charity of the year for 2025.
The Trust is the charitable arm of Derby County Football Club and is dedicated to enhancing lives and communities through sport, physical activity, health, and education.
Commenting on the charity event, Josh Toon, director at Armsons Barlow, said: “We’re excited to launch the inaugural Construction & Property Padel Cup in partnership with Derby County Community Trust and Clowes Developments.
“The event not only provides a fantastic opportunity to build relationships and enjoy some friendly competition, it’s also a fantastic way to support the vital work of DCCT.
“We look forward to bringing industry professionals together for an exciting day of sport, networking, and fundraising.
“Even if you’re not playing in the tournament, you’re welcome to come along, network and support your team!”
Zombie companies increase in Midlands mid-market
The number of Midlands mid-sized businesses at risk of becoming a ‘zombie’ company has risen, as rising costs and challenging economic conditions leave little breathing room for growth, according to new research from accountancy and business advisory firm BDO.
In the last 12 months, one in six mid-sized businesses in the West Midlands (15.3%) have been deemed to be at risk of being so-called ‘zombie’ companies – an increase of 0.9 percentage points versus the previous year’s figures. This compares to 14.7% of businesses in the East Midlands – a figure which has risen from 13.2% since 2024.
Nationally, 15.9% of mid-sized businesses are classed as ‘at risk’, a year-on-year increase of 3.5 percentage points.
Zombie companies are those that generate just enough cash to continue operating and service their debt but not to invest in growth.
The BDO tracker, which analysed more than 20,000 businesses with a turnover between £10m and £500m, found that very few sectors have been able to buck the trend, with all but two showing a notable increase in the number of ‘at risk’ businesses.
UK-wide, real estate has the highest number of ‘at risk’ companies this year, with a quarter of the sector (25.1%) exhibiting signs of a zombie business. This is an increase of 10.1 percentage points versus the prior year, highlighting the ongoing impact that relatively high interest rates, economic uncertainty and supply chain disruptions are having on the sector.
Leisure & hospitality has dropped one place to second, with 23.4% of businesses ‘at risk’. While mining and quarrying is the biggest riser in third, with the percentage of ‘at risk’ businesses in the sector increasing by 11.9 percentage points to 20.7% due to rising energy and input costs and weakening global demand for raw materials.
Ben Peterson, partner at BDO LLP in the Midlands, said: “In light of the challenging economic conditions over the past 18 months, it’s no surprise that the number of mid-market businesses at risk of becoming zombie companies is on the rise in the Midlands.
“Although many have managed to navigate a difficult post-Covid environment, rising borrowing costs and inflationary pressures have significantly impacted their financial stability.
“Some of these companies cannot afford to wait for market conditions to improve, particularly in light of upcoming increases to employers’ national insurance contributions, the national minimum wage and the national living wage, all of which will have a direct impact on profitability.”
Geographically, of the 12 UK regions, 10 have between 13%-18% of ‘at risk’ businesses. Greater London has the highest concentration (17.8% and up from 13.3% in 2024), followed by the North East (17.6%).
Peterson added: “In general, mid-sized businesses have been hugely resilient in the face of geopolitical tensions, Covid-19 and Brexit. Over the last decade, these businesses have significantly contributed to UK GDP and overall employment numbers.
“However, while resilient they are not invincible. There is now a proportion of businesses in the Midlands that will require more transformational action to ensure they can prime themselves to survive the coming economic turbulence – whether that’s short-term actions such as challenging the cost base and undertaking a rapid assessment of the business’ pricing strategy, to more medium-term actions, including rightsizing the organisational structure or divesting underperforming areas of the business.
“Addressing these issues now will be fundamental to the business’ longer-term health and protect shareholder value.”
BDO’s tracker defines businesses as at risk if they had a five-year annual compound turnover growth rate of less than 5% and an interest cover ratio in their latest financial year of less than two times. The data analysed was sourced from the latest publicly available financial data per Companies House.
Freeths names new Managing Associate for Leicester office
Law firm Freeths has launched its family offering in Leicester with the appointment of Stephanie Kyriacou as Managing Asociate.
Stephanie, who joins from Shakespeare Martineau, will help the firm bolster its legal offering within the East Midlands’ family sector, sitting alongside the well-established family team in Nottingham, which has tripled in size over the last three years.
Stephanie is recognised for her extensive experience in high-net-worth financial remedy divorce cases, having acted for clients with extensive property portfolios, complex asset bases, business owners, directors and doctors over the last 11 years.
Alongside this, she has advised extensively on wealth preservation matters such as pre and post nuptial agreements, for clients who wish to safeguard their assets in the event of relationship breakdown, together with assisting clients with the arrangements for the children.
At Freeths, Stephanie will work closely with Legal Director Nikki Aston who heads up the East Midlands team, and Senior Associate, Stephanie Clifton. This will extend towards Birmingham, covering the whole of the Midlands.
She said: “My new colleagues have already made me feel incredibly welcome and I look forward to playing a part in the firm’s continued growth and success. Nikki has tripled the size of the East Midlands family law offering in less than three years and it’s great to be working alongside her again, together with Stephanie Clifton, who is also exceptional in the family law field.”
Mark Keeley, Partner and Joint Head of Private Client Services, said: “Stephanie’s addition is key as we look to continue growing the practice both across the Midlands and nationally. I am confident that her expertise will help strengthen our offering and continue to provide the high level of client care that our firm prides itself on.”
