East Midlands Airport fined for environmental breaches

April Lara
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East Midlands Airport fined for environmental breaches

East Midlands Airport has been fined £892,500 after being found guilty of breaching environmental permits. The offences, which took place between 14 January and 4 February 2022, involved discharges of drainage water contaminated with de-icing fluid from aircraft and runways.

The Environment Agency reported that the airport’s surface water drainage system failed to meet required quality standards, leading to potential long-term damage to watercourses and overall water quality. These discharges, which violated the conditions set out in the airport’s environmental permit, raised concerns over the risk of water pollution in the area.

In response to the breaches, the airport has committed to significant improvements. Over £11 million has been invested in upgrading its drainage and water management systems. This includes the installation of advanced monitoring equipment, enhanced water treatment capabilities, and a new daily inspection and maintenance regime. The airport has also introduced measures such as using adapted sweepers to remove de-icing fluid before it enters the drainage system. These steps aim to ensure compliance with environmental standards and prevent future violations.

Westerby Group expands with South West acquisition

Tess Egginton
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Westerby Group expands with South West acquisition
The Westerby Group has acquired Bristol-based pension specialist Cabot Trustees Limited. This brings its acquisitions in the financial sector to four since 2022. Cabot Trustees Limited has been providing trusteeship and administration to members of its Self Invested Personal Pension Schemes (SIPP) for over 20 years. The Westerby Group now has over £2 billion assets under administration and management. The deal also expands Westerby’s reach further across England, with offices now based in Bristol, Weymouth and Manchester, in addition to the group’s original two sites in Westerby’s home city of Leicester. Stephen Harvey, group managing director of Westerby, said: “We’re delighted to welcome the staff and clients from Cabot Trustees Limited. This acquisition further strengthens our expertise in the financial services market. It also establishes us as uniquely positioned to work with individuals heading for retirement to ensure their financial planning is set up to maximise the potential of any assets.” Nick Perris, founder and managing director of Cabot Trustees Limited, said: “By integrating Cabot’s portfolio into the Westerby brand, we’re confident that our valued clients will continue to receive the excellent service they have come to expect from us, with the added bonus of continuing their established relationships with the Cabot Trustees Limited team in Bristol.” In April this year, the Westerby Group transformed its corporate structure into an Employment Ownership Trust (EOT) with chairman and founder Les McLintic transferring all the company’s ordinary voting shares into the trust. Its employees are now potential beneficiaries of any future profits. Having negotiated and completed this latest acquisition for Westerby, Les McLintic is now pursuing further acquisitions with the objective of gaining greater market share within the financial services sector. “We will be celebrating 40 years of successful trading with our Ruby Anniversary in January 2026,” adds Les McLintic. “This latest acquisition both reinforces and elevates our position as Independent Advisers and SIPP/SSAS Trustees and Administrators, ensuring that we continue to offer both current and new clients a fully comprehensive high level of service.”

Phoenix Brickwork completes work on new acute mental health units in Derbyshire

Tess Egginton
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Phoenix Brickwork completes work on new acute mental health units in Derbyshire
Work to create two mental health units in Derbyshire has been completed by Phoenix Brickwork. The specialist in brickwork, scaffolding and steel frame systems (SFS), delivered the full masonry package to the newly opened Derwent Unit, which is based at Chesterfield Royal Hospital in Chesterfield. At the Carsington Unit, which sits in the grounds of Kingsway Hospital in Derby, Phoenix provided masonry and BMH Scaffolding supplied all the scaffolding requirements to support the new 54-bed facility. Work was carried out for Integrated Health Projects (IHP) – an alliance between Sir Robert McApline and VINCI Building UK – and the combined package totalled £5m. Christian Watson, group chairman at Phoenix Brickwork (UK) Ltd, said he was excited to deliver on these two mental health units in Derbyshire. He said: “These momentous projects were carried as part of Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation’s Trust’s £150m Making Room for Dignity programme. “The Phoenix Group embraced the work at both developments, which ushers in a new era of care for people in Derbyshire with acute mental health needs.” Inside Derby’s Carsington Unit, there are single rooms and en-suite accommodation across three wards. It will serve adults of working age, relocating from the Radbourne Unit at the Royal Derby Hospital site. This development provides a rare investment and a unique opportunity to improve the county’s adult acute care facilities to benefit the people of Derbyshire, giving service users and staff an opportunity to shape the future of mental health facilities and environments. Mark Powell, chief executive of Derbyshire Heathcare NHS Foundation Trust, said he was confident that the new development will enhance the services that are currently available. These two developments are the second of six facilities to open as part of Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundations Trust’s £150m Making Room for Dignity programmes, which will eradicate the use of dormitory-style accommodation across the county’s mental health facilities.

Mansfield-based IDSL sees strong first year following private equity investment

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Mansfield-based IDSL sees strong first year following private equity investment
Integrated Doorset Solutions (IDSL) Group has marked a year of significant growth following the first year of its partnership with LDC, part of Lloyds Banking Group. Founded in 2016, Mansfield-based IDSL Group comprises three businesses. IDSL is a leading manufacturer of specialist performance doorsets, including fire and security doors, for use in hospitals, schools, student accommodation, commercial and high-end residential properties. Additionally, Fire Door Inspection Solutions (FDIS) and Hartland Fire both specialise in inspection, maintenance and replacement activities across the UK. In the 12 months since the investment, the business has seen a 21% increase in turnover to £42.9m. This performance reflects a continued focus on operational improvement, investment in delivery and infrastructure, and financial discipline. IDSL Group began the current year with a strong order book and has continued to build momentum. Headcount has also risen by 47% to 420 people, supporting capacity growth and rising customer demand. Since LDC’s investment in May 2024, IDSL Group has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of Adrian Ringrose as chair and Brian Talbot as a non-executive director. Andrew Gratton is also set to join in August as chief operating officer. Adrian was previously chair of Churches Fire & Security, while Andrew joins from global manufacturer ams OSRAM. The business also completed the acquisition of Hartland Fire in November 2024, broadening its capabilities in passive fire upgrades within defence estates. The Group is also in the process of expanding its manufacturing footprint and is on track to open a new site in Mansfield later this year to increase capacity and support future growth, and continues to invest in new technology and equipment to drive efficiency. Alongside its financial performance, IDSL has made meaningful progress on its environmental, social and governance (ESG) agenda. It achieved ISO 14064 accreditation to establish a clear baseline for carbon measurement, introduced a new fleet emissions reduction programme and enhanced waste management processes in line with new national recycling legislation. IDSL also maintained its FSC certification following a successful audit, demonstrating that the timber used in its products is responsibly sourced from well-managed forests, and expanded its community engagement through new partnerships with local education providers and grassroots sports teams, including an internship placement programme with West Notts College and support for the under-7s team at Ravenshead Reds FC. Ash Malhan, founder and managing director of IDSL, said: “Our first year with LDC has been defined by real progress – financially, operationally and culturally. LDC’s support and financial backing has enabled us to accelerate our growth strategy, invest in talent and infrastructure, and make headway on our sustainability goals. “The support and insight David and the team have provided has been invaluable, and we’re incredibly proud of what the team has achieved so far. We’re now focused on building from this foundation and continuing to scale in a way that’s sustainable, strategic and people-first, including considering more opportunities to acquire.” David Bains, partner and head of LDC in the East Midlands and East of England, added: “IDSL’s performance over the past 12 months is testament to the strength of its management team, the quality of its product offering and its commitment to client service. “The team has delivered impressive growth, extended its reach and taken meaningful steps to future-proof its operations. We’re excited to support Ash and the team as they continue to build a standout business in the sector.” LDC invested in IDSL in May 2024 to support the company’s growth strategy, with a focus on operational scale, leadership development and strategic acquisitions.

Research reveals £3.5bn lending gap for East Midlands businesses

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Research reveals £3.5bn lending gap for East Midlands businesses
New research from Allica Bank has revealed a gap of £3.58bn in lending to East Midlands SMEs has emerged over the last thirty years. The research highlights how the Big Six high-street banks have pulled back from SME lending in recent decades leading to a lending gap for the UK as a whole of £65bn. It has left the UK with the lowest business investment rate in the G7. For the East Midlands’ 181,250 SME businesses, that £3.58bn is vital cash that could otherwise be directed toward investment, growth and productivity at a time when the UK is crying out for investment. The £65bn SME credit gap was worked out by comparing the current level of SME lending to historic lending trends and comparable global economies. The report calculated that, as a result of banks pulling back from SME lending, a gap of approximately £65bn in the stock of SME credit has emerged. The research also highlights how, in response to a tougher lending environment, the percentage of SMEs applying for external finance has fallen markedly from 65% in the late 1980s to just 25% between 2022-24. Likewise, SME loan rejections have risen from between 5-10% three decades ago to 40% today. The lack of SME lending is taking £3.58bn of productive credit out of the East Midlands economy – equivalent to around 2.2% of the region’s GDP. Alan Andrews, Allica Bank’s relationship manager for the East Midlands, said: “The East Midlands is home to some fantastic businesses and a business community that wants to invest, grow and innovate. All too often, however, business owners struggle to find the finance they need to do so. “Recent decades have seen many banks focus lending only on businesses with significant assets and property, or shy away from supporting some sectors altogether. Our data reveals that three decades ago only 5-10% of SME loans were rejected – a figure that stands at 40% today. This shows a banking sector failing to keep pace with a changing economy and this is having real knock-on effects for the East Midlands economy, and the country as a whole. “A big contributor to this is the antiquated technology many big banks have, and the lack of real human support they offer established SME businesses in the East Midlands. Relationship managers like myself can help business owners identify opportunities to borrow, can help them make a strong application and can champion that business within the bank. At Allica, we combine that relationship-based approach with smart technology that keeps things moving fast. “As somebody who works with businesses across the East Midlands every day and sees the creativity and dynamism waiting to be unleashed, I’m excited to be part of the team aiming to close that SME lending gap. The Big Six banks have undervalued, underfunded and levelled-down the regional economy for too long, we’re aiming to remedy that.”

Small businesses adopting AI to drive growth and efficiency

April Lara
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Small businesses adopting AI to drive growth and efficiency

A growing number of small businesses in the UK are integrating artificial intelligence (AI) tools into their operations, with 62% now using the technology to enhance efficiency. The shift is largely driven by a strong demand for AI skills training, particularly in marketing, operations, and customer service.

A recent initiative by BT and Small Business Britain introduced an ‘AI for Small Business’ training programme, helping bridge the skills gap for 500 small business owners. The programme offered expert-led webinars and a follow-up course on AI tools, aimed at enabling entrepreneurs to leverage AI for greater efficiency. The course highlighted how small businesses can utilise AI for tasks such as content creation, data analysis, and automation, even without prior technical expertise.

Business owners are increasingly recognising the need for hands-on support, with over half (51%) reporting that they need assistance to effectively implement AI. The training programme is designed to give practical advice on integrating AI into business operations, helping companies focus on growth and innovation.

AI tools are becoming a key asset for small businesses, not just in improving day-to-day operations, but also in helping them stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market.

AtkinsRéalis secures £1 billion deal to support Anglian Water’s £11 billion investment programme

April Lara
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AtkinsRéalis secures £1 billion deal to support Anglian Water’s £11 billion investment programme

AtkinsRéalis has been appointed Programme Delivery Partner (PDP) by Anglian Water Services as part of a joint venture with Mace and Turner & Townsend. The collaboration will help deliver Anglian Water’s £11 billion capital investment plan, which spans from April 2023 to 2030, marking the beginning of the largest business plan in the company’s history.

The £1 billion agreement extends through to 2040 and covers a comprehensive range of major infrastructure projects, including the construction of two new reservoirs in the Fens and Lincolnshire. This partnership represents one of the largest contracts of its kind within the water industry and provides an opportunity to support Anglian Water’s significant infrastructure transformation.

As Programme Delivery Partner, AtkinsRéalis, alongside its joint venture partners, will assist in managing the full capital investment programme, focusing on efficient, collaborative delivery to meet the needs of Anglian Water’s customers and environmental goals. The companies aim to drive innovation and record levels of investment to secure a reliable, resilient water supply for millions of customers across the region.

Aldi to expand solar panel installations across 90 UK stores by 2026

April Lara
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Aldi to expand solar panel installations across 90 UK stores by 2026

Aldi UK is investing £7.7 million to install solar panels on 90 of its stores by 2026, as part of its drive towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2035. The first phase will see solar systems installed on 41 stores by the end of 2025, with another 49 to follow in 2026. Each store will have a solar system capable of producing up to 144 kilowatts, generating an estimated 100,000 kilowatt-hours annually per store.

The supermarket chain already purchases 100% renewable electricity, but the solar initiative aims to give Aldi more control over its energy production and improve the transparency of performance data. Furthermore, all new stores will be equipped with solar panels from the start.

Aldi’s sustainability efforts also include energy-efficient upgrades to refrigeration and logistics systems. The company has reduced chiller energy usage by 20% with new door installations and is replacing company cars with electric vehicles. The retailer is also exploring low-emission fuels for its logistics fleet.

With this solar expansion, Aldi is positioning itself as a leader in the race towards greater sustainability in the retail sector, ahead of competitors like Iceland, which recently partnered with Shawton Energy for a similar rooftop solar project.

Derby creative agency makes trio of appointments

Tess Egginton
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Derby creative agency makes trio of appointments
Full-service agency Fluid Ideas has boosted its team with the appointment of three new members of staff. Arthur Tyrer, Al Davies and Nikita Ghai have joined Fluid from other agencies in the Midlands. Arthur has moved to Fluid as an account director from Nottingham outfit m360. He has more than 10 years’ experience in a full-service creative agency environment. Al has joined as a senior creative in Fluid’s strategy and creative team. He brings almost 20 years’ experience in graphic design, brand and creative roles, and has previously worked at Nottingham-based agencies, including Adtrak and Hallam. Al is also a public speaker and a guest university lecturer on branding and creativity. Nikita has joined Fluid’s performance and innovation team as a paid media executive. She was previously at Dentsu, where she worked across all major social platforms, including Meta, TikTok, Snapchat, Reddit, Pinterest and LinkedIn. Fluid managing director Ed Bowler said: “Fluid has always been about building meaningful and lasting relationships with our clients and helping them to achieve things that had previously been out of reach. “Bringing Arthur, Al and Nikita into the team further strengthens our full-service fluency, and gives us wider capacity and skills to become even more invested in our client partnerships. “Increasingly, that means guiding clients through significant moments of strategic change, often in an advisory or consultative role that draws on the experience and expertise found across our five teams.”

Developer reveals Buxton community’s response to shopping centre redevelopment plans

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Developer reveals Buxton community’s response to shopping centre redevelopment plans
Developer Capital&Centric has revealed the Buxton community’s initial response to its plans for The Springs Shopping Centre. Almost 700 people provided their thoughts on the plans, with more than 400 showing up in person. The feedback shows strong support for better connections from the train station into the heart of town, especially for those on foot or bike. People also called for the design to reflect Buxton’s historic charm, with appetite for traditional materials, local stone and craftsmanship blending old with new. Locals further said they want the revamped town centre to prioritise indie shops, restaurants and bars. There was demand too for new spaces for live music, exhibitions, and family-friendly fun. As part of the next stage, Capital&Centric has revealed what the revitalised riverside space could look like, turning the currently hidden away River Wye into a feature for Buxton’s future public realm. John Moffat, joint managing director at Capital&Centric, said: “We’ve always said this would be shaped by the people who live and work in Buxton and this first conversation proves how much passion there is for the town’s future. “We’ve taken the feedback seriously, from calls for design that honours the past to a town centre that’s buzzing with independent shops and culture. The River Wye has been hidden for too long and we’re really excited to be opening it up and making it part of a proper public space the whole town can enjoy.”

Councillor Damien Greenhalgh, deputy leader and executive councillor for regeneration, tourism and leisure at High Peak Borough Council, added: “Thanks to everyone who has taken part in the conversations about the future of Buxton town centre. Your views matter and, I hope you can see, are being reflected in the plans worked up by our development partner Capital & Centric.

“We’re a town famous for our water and opening up the River Wye helps to celebrate one of Buxton’s defining characteristics. It’s great to see the introduction of new public areas for people to appreciate and to spend time in which is one of the things you’ve told us you want to see more of.”

More detailed plans will follow, with another opportunity for locals to share feedback ahead of planning submission.

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