Capital thinking – OTB Legal adds expertise
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
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 If that funding is withdrawn, council leaders warn the project may not move forward unless alternative sources can be secured.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
Iconic property in Nottingham’s Old Market Square acquired
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
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
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
Event helps construction industry on journey to decarbonisation
