2025 Business Predictions: David Roberts, owner and founder of JDR Group
It’s that time of year, when Business Link Magazine invites the region’s business leaders to offer up their predictions for the year ahead.
It has become something of a tradition, given that we’ve been doing this now for over 30 years.
Here we speak to David Roberts, owner and founder of Derby digital marketing agency JDR Group.
2024 has been a pivotal year for the marketing industry, particularly for SMEs.
More business owners are recognising the importance of digital marketing, not just to attract customers but to streamline operations, align marketing and sales and improve decision-making through data-driven insights.
The ability of CRMs to automate processes, track KPIs, and predict outcomes is becoming a fundamental part of business strategy and companies which invest in CRMs and AI-driven platforms are reaping the benefits.
Both these technologies had a significant effect on SMEs during 2024.
Demand for marketing agencies remains strong, but there’s a noticeable trend of businesses attempting to bring marketing in-house. While this can provide a sense of control, it often leads to challenges in managing marketing and sales effectively, resulting in missed opportunities.
Marketing agencies that stay ahead of technological advancements, especially in AI, and demonstrate their value to clients will continue to thrive.
Agencies will need to demonstrate they can deliver better results faster, which requires constant upskilling and investment in technology, and they will need to clearly communicate their value and show measurable results to retain clients.
We are confident and optimistic about 2025, because we have experienced downturns before and this experience gives us a strong foundation to navigate whatever 2025 brings.
The biggest factor influencing businesses in 2025 will be uncertainty, particularly regarding the new government’s policies, taxation, and economic trends. New employment laws, rising taxes, and energy policy changes are all likely to affect SMEs.
These factors could have a knock-on effect on smaller businesses in their supply chains or local economies, so businesses will need to plan ahead, understand their ideal customers and implement systems to attract and retain those customers.
Marketing agencies will need to be proactive in helping them with this, while they will need to also be mindful of new technology which will affect the marketplace.
We know about the effect of AI, which will continue to transform marketing, but also we are looking at driverless cars in the USA, where the technology is advancing rapidly and where Tesla is looking to launch innovations, and blockchain.
Companies will need to stay informed about all of these innovations to ensure they do not miss out on any opportunities they’ll bring during the next 12 months.
Nottingham team acts on major petrol stations purchase
Law firm Freeths Nottingham has advised Zuber Issa, CEO of EG On The Move, on the acquisition of Applegreen’s 98 petrol filling stations across the UK, boosting its forecourt presence.
The purchase is expected to be completed by the end of the month, bolstering the business’s sites to almost 150. EG On The Move is known for its electric vehicle fast charging features and franchises.
As part of the deal, all 1,142 Applegreen’s UK petrol filling roles will be retained, bringing the EG On The Move employee headcount to 4,500.
The transaction was led by Freeths’ Real Estate Partner Atiyya Khaliq, supported by (amongst others) Managing Associates Michaela Maosn and Zac Clayton, and Associate Sam De La Bertauche.
Commenting on the deal, Atiyya Khaliq said: “As a long-standing client, it’s always a pleasure to support the team with its ongoing strategic growth. This deal secures a wider presence across the South of England, cementing its position as leader within the market.”
UK economy returns to growth
The UK’s economy returned to growth in November.
According to new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), GDP (gross domestic product), a key measure of economy growth, expanded by 0.1%, although this was below expectations of 0.2% growth. It reverses a 0.1% fall in October.
It reflects, across key sectors, monthly services output expanding by 0.1% in November, after falling by 0.1% in October, construction output increasing by 0.4% in November, following a fall of 0.3% in October, and production output falling by 0.4% in November, following a fall of 0.6% in October.
UK GDP showed no growth in the three months to November.
Ben Jones, CBI Lead Economist, said: “After a string of disappointing data, it’s good to see that growth returned to positive territory in November, though the economy is still only on track for a very modest expansion at best over the final quarter of last year.
“In the wake of the Autumn Budget a mood of caution seems to have settled over UK businesses. Many firms are entering 2025 with a focus on reducing operational expenditure, which is likely to weigh on pay, hiring and investment in the months ahead.
“The Government can help shift the UK’s economic narrative with more determined focus on measures that could underpin growth.
“Reforming the business rates system, implementing flexibility in the Apprenticeship Levy and supporting people to stay in work through expanding employer occupational health provision would give businesses immediate flex for investment.
“In the long-term there is a pressing need to develop an effective industrial strategy that supports our whole economy.”
Plans to revitalise Boston’s Rosegarth Square take step forward with Crown House redevelopment approval
The planning application for the redevelopment of Boston’s Crown House has been approved. This mixed-use building will be a prominent part of the Rosegarth Square area.
The Crown House development will see a new mixed-use building featuring retail units on the ground floor and apartments on the remaining two storeys above. The scheme will also be enhanced with landscaping, parking and cycle storage to complement the overall Rosegarth Square masterplan, as well as relocating the current toilets and Changing Place into the new building. The scheme aims to transform Rosegarth Square as a thriving community space. It will provide the opportunity for the retail units to offer outside dining as well as the wider area being used by family and friends to meet up and enjoy this part of the town. The changes to the area will also enable quick and easy access to both the bus and train stations and become the gateway to the heart of Boston. This project is a significant part of the Rosegarth Square transformation. With planning permission and demolition notices, Boston Borough Council can now start with the next steps of this project.
The plans follow in the footsteps of the recently approved planning consent for the proposed public realm works, which features new artwork, external social spaces, and a new entrance/drop-off area for the Len Medlock Centre.
It will also include a sensory garden designed for quiet contemplation and reflection, as well as an amphitheatre-style seating area.
Councillor David Middleton, Chair of Planning Committee at Boston Borough Council, said: “The approval of the Crown House redevelopment is a significant milestone for Rosegarth Square and for Boston as a whole. This project exemplifies how thoughtful planning can transform underused spaces into vibrant hubs that benefit the entire community.
“The committee was impressed with the vision and detail in the plans, which will not only enhance the area’s aesthetic appeal but also provide practical benefits like improved connectivity and new facilities. We look forward to seeing this exciting development come to life.”
Nottinghamshire’s DEA Aviation secures new multi-million pound finance package
DEA Aviation, a specialised aerial data-acquisition company based in Nottinghamshire, has secured a multi-million pound finance package with Santander UK, supported by UK Export Finance (UKEF).
Natural energy snack brand raises £2.4m to fuel growth
TRIBE – the natural energy snack brand with a manufacturing site in Leicester – has raised £2.4m in a funding round led by Mercia Ventures and including Yeo Ventures, Crowdcube and private investors.
The funding will enable it to continue its rapid growth and make seven new senior appointments.
TRIBE’s products are all vegan, gluten-free and contain only natural ingredients. They are stocked at health food stores and major supermarkets such as Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Waitrose, the Co-op and Morrisons.
The company gives one pence from every TRIBE bar sold to its sister charity, TRIBE Freedom Foundation. To date over 400,000 people have taken part in its runs and events and it has raised more than £1.9m to combat modern slavery.
TRIBE was founded in 2015 by former lawyers Robert Martineau and Tom Stancliffe, who had previously set up Run for Love, a 1,000-mile run to raise funds to combat modern slavery. After realising they could not find energy snacks without refined sugars and additives, they decided to make their own.
TRIBE delivered revenue of £4m in 2024 and plans to reach over £20m by 2027. The company, which has its head office in London, employs a ten-strong team and uses a network of subcontractors, with logistics carried out in Dudley and manufacturing at sites in Leicester, Chester, Rochdale and Corwen, Wales.
As part of the funding round, the company has appointed a new Chair in the form of Steve Rich, the former Managing Director of FulFil who led its sale to Ferrero for £140m in 2022.
Tom Stancliffe, co-founder of TRIBE, said: “Our journey began with a 1,000-mile run to fight modern slavery and our mission is to fuel active lives with natural energy.
“We are really excited and proud to partner with Mercia and Yeo Ventures for the next stage in our journey. Our new Chair, Steve Rich, also brings huge experience and knowledge to our Board as we look to accelerate our growth.”
Rafael Joseph of Mercia Ventures added: “With consumers moving away from ultra-processed foods, healthy snacks are amongst the fastest-growing grocery categories.
“Restrictions on displaying ‘unhealthy’ foods in supermarkets are also bolstering TRIBE’s sales. TRIBE has all the ingredients for success – an exceptional product underpinned by consumer trends and the ideal team to back it up.”
Christopher Gale, Investment Manager at Yeo Ventures, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Tom and Rob, alongside the team at Mercia Ventures, to support TRIBE in the next phase of its growth journey.
“Positioned at the intersection of sports nutrition and healthy snacking, TRIBE provides a natural alternative to the ultra-processed products that no longer meet the needs of today’s health-conscious consumers.
“TRIBE aligns well with our thesis to drive the transition towards a natural and healthy food system, and we look forward to seeing the meaningful impact that the business will have in this evolving market.”
State-of-the-art storage facility completed for Rolls-Royce in Derby
Indurent, a developer and operator of industrial and logistics space across the UK, has completed and handed over a 148,000 sq ft state-of-the-art warehouse facility for Rolls-Royce.
The bespoke storage facility, which is located at Indurent Park Derby, will support the company’s significant manufacturing operation in Derby and increase space in its operational areas.
The unit has been built to the highest sustainability standards, achieving a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ accreditation and an EPC A+ rating for energy efficiency.
The Indurent team worked closely with Rolls-Royce throughout the design and build process, with the specification being adapted to meet Rolls-Royce’s exact needs, including enhanced floor loading three times greater than a standard floor, the installation of a single 12m high door and 100-ton capacity crane for the movement of valuable heavy parts.
The facility is equipped with 1MV of power with solar panels installed across the roof space for on site power generation to reduce energy costs. Indurent has also overseen the delivery and installation of bespoke climate control and lighting systems to the warehouse.
Indurent Park Derby is a 50-acre industrial park. In addition to Rolls-Royce, it is home to heat pump manufacturer Vaillant and Swedish medical technology company Getinge, which has established a Global Centre of Excellence for Chemistry at the park alongside its UK headquarters. Kia has also established their national base for training and development associated with their range of electric vehicles.
Rob Richardson, Development Director at Indurent, said: “We are extremely proud to complete and hand over this state-of-the-art facility for Rolls-Royce, a globally-renowned company which is at the forefront of innovation in manufacturing.
“The arrival of Rolls-Royce to Indurent Park Derby adds to the cluster of high-tech R&D and manufacturing businesses in Derby and underlines that the development of versatile industrial and logistics space, with the availability of a large amount of power, is critical for supporting high-growth sectors, creating a diverse mix of employment and boosting local economies.”
Terry Meighan, Infrastructure Director at Rolls-Royce, added: “The project was delivered on time and on budget but, most importantly, it was done safely. This facility is key to delivering our wider site redevelopment work and is the first of our significant builds to be completed.”
Winvic Construction was the lead contractor for Indurent on the unit, who were supported by Wakemans as project manager.
Affordable housing development site acquired in Langley Mill
Social enterprise Places for People (PfP) has acquired an affordable housing development site in Langley Mill, Derbyshire, working in partnership with Derby-based developer Wheeldon Brothers Ltd.
The Langley Mill site will be a key development supporting the launch of the organisation’s new apprenticeship and skills initiative PfP Thrive based out of its headquartered academy in Derby.
The new development will feature 109 homes, including 43 two- and three-bedroom homes for shared ownership and 66 homes for affordable rent. Designed as a mix of semi-detached, terraced and detached properties, each home will offer modern interiors and two dedicated parking spaces.
Phased construction is scheduled to begin in April 2025 and the sales launch planned for early 2026.
Nilam Buchanan, Regional Managing Director for Central and North at Places for People, said: “This development represents an important opportunity to provide high quality, affordable homes for the Langley Mill area, enhancing its appeal as a desirable place to live.
“With shared ownership making new-build homes more accessible, and the combination of high-quality design and excellent connectivity, the scheme promises to appeal to a diverse range of residents, contributing to a thriving and inclusive community.
“Thanks to our successful collaboration with Wheeldon Brothers, we are pleased to address the demand for new housing in this location and we are actively seeking further development sites in the East Midlands.”
Founder of Leicester sustainable travel consultancy appointed to board of Modeshift
Robin Pointon, Managing Director and Founder of Leicester-based sustainable travel consultancy GO Travel Solutions, has been appointed to the board of Modeshift, a membership organisation for sustainable travel practitioners.
Robin has extensive experience in the transportation sector, having worked with Leicestershire County Council and Midland Fox/Arriva in public transport roles. As the founder of GO Travel Solutions in 2008, Robin has been dedicated to developing innovative travel planning solutions that encourage sustainability.
“I am excited to be joining the Modeshift board and support its national initiatives,” said Robin. “I believe my experience in sustainable travel will be beneficial to Modeshift’s future endeavours and I look forward to fostering positive change through collaborative partnerships.”
Ross Butcher, Chair of Modeshift, welcomed Robin to the board: “We are delighted to have Robin join the Modeshift board. His extensive experience and commitment to sustainable travel will be a valuable addition to our efforts in promoting and advancing sustainable travel practices across the country.”
Topping out held at new local centre in Leicestershire
A topping out ceremony has been held at a new local centre at New Lubbesthorpe in Leicestershire which is being delivered by developer Charterpoint in association with The Drummond Trust.
The event was attended by delegates from Blaby District Council – councillors and planners, Lubbesthorpe Parish Council, Leicestershire County Council, Forest House Medical Centre, The OWLS Academy Trust, the local Primary Care Network, Bentley Project Management and surveyor CJ Consilium, who joined representatives from Charterpoint and The Drummond Trust for the event.
It marked a significant milestone in the construction of the two-storey, mixed-use development known as the Brook Centre.
When completed, it will house a Sainsbury’s Local store and four additional units for retail, including a café/bistro, on the ground floor, with the first floor being occupied by Forest House Medical Centre.
Charterpoint MD Giles Nursey said: “We were very pleased to stage a topping out ceremony at Brook Centre to mark a key milestone in the delivery of this important community facility for New Lubbesthorpe.
“It was the perfect opportunity for the Charterpoint team to demonstrate the progress that has been made on site. Once completed, Brook Centre will provide new retail facilities and a café/bistro, plus a new base for Forest House Medical Centre – all enhancing the facilities of this pioneering new community.”
Brook Centre will be the first local centre at the new community in Blaby which will eventually include more than 4,000 new homes.
It was designed by Franklin Ellis Architects and is being built by Derby-based contractor Davlyn Construction on behalf of Charterpoint and The Drummond Trust. Work is expected to be completed by spring 2025.
