Saturday, April 26, 2025

Housing and business development approved near Chesterfield supermarket

April Lara
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Housing and business development approved near Chesterfield supermarket

Plans for new housing and commercial units in the Goytside area of Chesterfield have received conditional approval.

The development includes five three-bedroom houses on the corner of Factory Street and Goytside Road. Each home will feature brick construction, grey roofing tiles, front and rear gardens, and two parking spaces. The site is next to a Lidl supermarket, with existing residential properties to the east and former industrial land to the south and west.

In addition, five business units will be built on Goytside Road near a power substation. Each unit will have dedicated parking. The approved plans aim to bring both residential and commercial growth to the area.

Funding uncertainty looms over £200 million North Hykeham Relief Road

April Lara
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Funding uncertainty looms over £200 million North Hykeham Relief Road

Lincolnshire County Council is still waiting for confirmation on government funding for the £200 million North Hykeham Relief Road, which would complete the ring road around Lincoln. Despite previous commitments, uncertainty has grown following a review of capital spending ordered by the new Labour government.

The previous Conservative administration had pledged £110 million toward the project, which is expected to cost around £190 million. If that funding is withdrawn, council leaders warn the project may not move forward unless alternative sources can be secured.

While the Department for Transport has not officially halted funding, the council must submit a final business case before the government releases funds. That approval is expected in autumn, but the outcome remains uncertain.

Work is still progressing, with archaeological surveys, site clearance, and utility diversions planned for later this year, followed by major construction in early 2026. However, concerns remain that without government support, the relief road could be at risk of cancellation.

Local officials continue to push for clarity, emphasising the road’s importance in reducing congestion and improving transport links in the region.

Apprenticeships more feasible for East Midlands firms says Chamber

Tess Egginton
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Apprenticeships more feasible for East Midlands firms says Chamber
Shorter minimum terms and the removal of English and Maths requirements to pass apprenticeships have been welcomed by East Midlands Chamber. Under new government measures, over 19’s will no longer need a level 2 English and Maths qualification – equivalent to a GCSE – to pass an apprenticeship and businesses will decide whether they require it. The minimum duration of an apprenticeship will drop from 12 to 8 months in August. East Midlands Chamber Director of Resources Lucy Robinson said: “Removing barriers, like cutting 4 months from what was a 12-month commitment for apprenticeships and removing the qualifications the recruit needs to pass will make apprenticeships a viable option to more East Midlands businesses and that’s something we’ve been calling for. “Letting employers have flexibility in deciding whether level 2 English and Maths qualifications are needed for the apprentice to pass makes good sense as the needs of businesses differ. “When 7 out of 10 East Midlands businesses have been struggling to find the right candidates to fill roles and 20% are planning to pull back on training investment, according to our Quarterly Economic Survey, apprenticeships are a worthwhile consideration for firms looking to hire. “Apprenticeships can be a win-win for both employers and recruits. Candidates are getting a great career kickstart in a professional environment, while the workplace gets someone enthusiastic and hungry to learn. With National Apprenticeship Week underway and the skills gap an ongoing challenge, now’s a good time for businesses to explore this avenue.”

Iconic property in Nottingham’s Old Market Square acquired

Tess Egginton
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Iconic property in Nottingham’s Old Market Square acquired
SNGgroup has acquired a landmark property in the heart of Nottingham’s historic Old Market Square. The newly acquired commercial property, located on King Street, strengthens SNGgroup’s growing investment portfolio. Richard Singh, Managing Director of SNGgroup, said: “We are thrilled to add King Street to our expanding portfolio. This acquisition reaffirms our commitment to investing in prime locations that offer both commercial vibrancy and long-term value. Nottingham is a city of immense potential, and with our strategic investments, we aim to continue shaping its skyline and enhancing its property landscape.” Tenants at the property include C & J Clark International Limited, Nottingham Trams Limited, King Street Business Centre Limited, and a brand-new phone shop set to launch soon. This latest acquisition complements SNGgroup’s developments in Nottingham, including the brand-new apartments at 33 Long Row, known as Picture House. “Slowly but surely, SNGgroup is strengthening its roster of commercial units and expanding its esteemed list of commercial tenants,” said Stuart Singh, Managing Director of SNGgroup. “Our focus remains on providing exceptional spaces that foster innovation, collaboration, and growth. As we continue to diversify our portfolio, we are committed to building long-lasting relationships with our tenants and contributing to the success of the businesses. This strategic growth reflects our dedication to excellence and our long-term vision for the future.”

Free marketing course to help small businesses grow in 2025

April Lara
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Free marketing course to help small businesses grow in 2025

Small Business Britain is partnering with Adobe Express to launch a free six-week marketing programme aimed at helping small businesses improve their branding and sales strategies. The initiative comes in response to research showing that over 60% of small business owners prioritise sales and customer acquisition, while nearly half want to enhance their social media marketing skills.

Starting on February 25, 2025, up to 500 small businesses across the UK will have the opportunity to join the Small Business Britain x Adobe Express Marketing School. The programme will focus on key marketing areas such as brand identity, social media strategies, and video marketing. Participants will gain hands-on experience using Adobe Express, a design tool that allows users to create professional-quality marketing materials without prior design expertise.

Each week, Adobe’s Senior Manager of Product, Andy Lambert will lead interactive workshops designed to provide practical marketing insights. The course will include live demonstrations, showing how businesses can quickly create standout content, from social media graphics to branded materials. Participants will also have access to a LinkedIn group to connect with peers and share learnings.

The programme aims to give small business owners the tools and confidence to elevate their marketing efforts, making professional design and content creation more accessible.

Plan to expand Derbyshire Business Park could create 600 jobs

April Lara
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Plan to expand Derbyshire Business Park could create 600 jobs

A proposal to expand Dove Valley Park in Foston could bring up to 600 new jobs if approved by South Derbyshire District Council. The plan, submitted by Dove Valley Park Limited, seeks to extend the business park by 35 acres into surrounding land near the A50.

Council officers have recommended approval at a meeting on February 18, where councillors will make the final decision. If given the green light, the project would add four warehouse units of varying sizes and an innovation centre designed to support workforce training. Burton and South Derbyshire College would oversee the centre, which aims to train up to 100 apprentices annually.

A market assessment by Cushman and Wakefield highlights strong demand for warehouse space in the East Midlands, identifying potential tenants such as an online retailer, a pharmaceutical distributor, a local manufacturer, and a builders’ merchant. The report also highlights the region’s importance to the UK’s logistics sector.

The proposal has drawn objections from local residents, with concerns about the loss of agricultural land, increased traffic, and noise pollution from heavy goods vehicles. Critics argue that available sites within the current business park should be used first.

To address transportation concerns, the developer has pledged £185,000 to support public transit, enhancing the Burton-to-Uttoxeter bus route and adding links to Derby. Council planners acknowledge the project would alter the landscape but emphasise the potential economic benefits, job creation, and training opportunities.

Councillors will decide whether to approve the expansion at the upcoming meeting.

Digital ID strengthens networking, enterprise mobility and supply chain visibility with acquisition

Tess Egginton
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Digital ID strengthens networking, enterprise mobility and supply chain visibility with acquisition

ID card company, Digital ID has acquired Connected ID, a leader in Networking and Enterprise Mobility solutions.

With sites in Corsham and Leicester, Connected ID has built a reputation for the supply of  Handheld Devices, Mobile Computers and Wireless Network Solutions. By integrating their expertise with Digital ID’s Photo ID and Security Solutions, Digital ID says it is “creating a technology powerhouse that enables organisations of all sizes to seamlessly identify both People and Products – faster, smarter, and more securely than ever before.” Recognising the synergy between Digital ID and Connected ID, Digital ID’s owners at Levata saw an opportunity to merge the two businesses, bringing best-in-class Identity, Authentication, Automatic Identification and Data Capture (AIDC) technologies under one roof. This collaboration unlocks new opportunities for Digital ID customers by offering a single-source, end-to-end solution for identity management and product tracking. “Connected ID has an outstanding reputation, backed by a highly skilled team and loyal client base,” said Stephen Dodd, Vice President of Digital ID Europe. “This acquisition is a major milestone for us. By combining our expertise, we can deliver an unparalleled suite of Identity, AIDC and Networking solutions, ensuring businesses operate more securely and efficiently. I’m thrilled to welcome Jamie and his team into our growing organisation.” Jamie Dickinson, Managing Director of Connected ID, said: “From the start, it was clear that Digital ID and Connected ID share a commitment to innovation and customer success. This acquisition strengthens our solutions, expands our market presence, and enhances the overall customer experience. I’m excited to be part of this next chapter and look forward to driving new growth and opportunities together.” The acquisition boosts Digital ID’s headcount to 200 employees across five key locations in the UK and Europe.

Mansfield’s new specialist school reaches construction milestone

Tess Egginton
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Mansfield’s new specialist school reaches construction milestone
A new school for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) has reached its latest milestone. Nottinghamshire County Councillors and partners gathered at the former Ravensdale School site in Mansfield to mark the completion of the building’s main structure, with a roof also in place. To be known as Horizons Academy and run by Diverse Academies Trust, the purpose-built school will have capacity for up to 160 pupils across the seven to 19 years age range. Due to open by spring term 2026, it will provide a specialist learning environment for children with social, emotional, and mental health needs. The £30 million project is part of a wider programme being delivered by the county council to create up to 490 additional SEND school places by 2026. This will help address the growing demand for more specialist school places across the county. David Cotton, Diverse Academies Trust chief executive officer, said: “We were delighted to attend the structure signing for Horizons Academy and it was a rare opportunity to leave an indelible mark within the building structure for future generations to come. “It was also incredible to see how far the building works have progressed – Horizons is truly on track to deliver an exceptional learning environment for young people in the local community with special educational needs.” The school is being designed, project and cost managed by Arc Partnership, a joint venture between Nottinghamshire County Council and SCAPE, with construction being undertaken by Morgan Sindall Construction. Sara Williams, Deputy Managing Director at Arc Partnership, added: “Horizons Academy is a special project for us. Particular attention has been given to how the design supports the particular needs of these young people, considering their movement around school and accommodating sensory zones and calm spaces to better support the pupils. “It was great to celebrate the school’s progress and we look forward to seeing how it benefits pupils and the wider community.” As well as the build, the £30 million costs include additional costs such as furniture and equipment.

Event helps construction industry on journey to decarbonisation

Tess Egginton
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Event helps construction industry on journey to decarbonisation
Over 100 people from the local construction industry attended an event at The Museum of Making on Thursday 6 February. The event, hosted by Derby City Council, in partnership with SCAPE, aimed to give attendees a clear roadmap to decarbonisation. According to the latest data from DESNZ, 25% of the UK’s CO2e emissions come from the built environment. The event included an opening speech from Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Transport and Sustainability, Councillor Carmel Swan and an overview of the Council’s own ongoing journey to net zero as well as the role of procurement in delivering sustainable construction. The second half of the event focused on the practicalities of decarbonisation within construction and gave participants an opportunity to hear about the Supply Chain Sustainability School and The Carbon Reduction Code. The event supported the Council’s wider net zero ambition. With ongoing regeneration work across the city, the Council wants to ensure that the city develops with the climate and sustainability at the forefront of its ambitious plans. Councillor Carmel Swan, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Transport and Sustainability, said: “It’s vitally important that we work alongside our construction industry and wider supply chain partners as they are key to being able to reach net zero, not just in Derby but the wider region and globally. “This event has given us the perfect opportunity to open lines of communication about decarbonisation and we’ll keep those conversations going.” Mark Robinson, Group Chief Executive at SCAPE, said: “We were delighted to support this event, which provided a crucial platform for Derby’s construction supply chain to engage with buyers and gain practical insights into decarbonisation. “The built environment is responsible for a significant proportion of the UK’s carbon emissions, so it’s vital that businesses at every level of the supply chain have the knowledge and support they need to deliver more sustainable projects. “By working together and accessing initiatives like the Supply Chain Sustainability School and the Carbon Reduction Code, we can drive real change and help ensure that the industry moves towards a low-carbon future.”

Nationwide Platforms empowers employees through apprenticeships

April Lara
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0
Nationwide Platforms empowers employees through apprenticeships

This National Apprenticeship Week (10th – 16th February 2025), Nationwide Platforms is championing the value of lifelong learning through employees like Yetunde Adefila, a 40-year-old HR Business Partner who’s using an apprenticeship to sharpen her leadership skills and shape company HR strategy.

With an engineering background and a degree in computer science, she began her career in the technical sector. However, she soon realised she missed the human interaction element in her work, leading her to transition into HR in her late 20s. Since joining Nationwide Platforms as an HR Advisor three years ago, she has progressed rapidly, being promoted to HR Business Partner within a year.

While transitioning into her new role, Yetunde sought guidance from a mentor outside of work who recommended an apprenticeship to strengthen her leadership and strategic HR skills. Already holding a Level 7 qualification in HR Practices, Yetunde opted for a career-adjacent route, enrolling in a Level 5 Coaching Professional apprenticeship through KnowledgeBrief. Her apprenticeship is focused on coaching and influencing and takes 12 months to complete, involving online learning, bi-monthly meetings with a skills coach, portfolio development, and a final exam. Now two months in, she is already seeing improvements in her approach to HR strategy. “I absolutely love my role,” says Yetunde. “Every day is different, and I enjoy the gentle strategising that comes with it. HR is often the first place people turn to when they’re struggling at work. I want to be able to guide them effectively, balancing emotional support with strategic decision-making. I’m incredibly thankful for the opportunity to level up. I describe myself as a ‘certification freak’, but this apprenticeship is more than a qualification. It’s about applying frameworks in real-time and developing the soft skills that make a real difference. Balancing work, studies, and family life is no small feat, and Nationwide Platforms’ hybrid working policy has been crucial to maintaining this balance while still enjoying precious family time.”

Charlie Stanley, HR Director at Nationwide Platforms, said, “Nationwide Platforms champions internal career development through apprenticeships. By providing employees with the tools, flexibility, and support to advance their careers, the company is fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth. As we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, Yetunde’s experience is a testament to the power of lifelong learning and the impact of investing in people. Nationwide Platforms is proud to play a part in helping employees reach their full potential, proving that career growth is always within reach.”

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