A strong public-private sector panel is set to supercharge Team Derby’s investment pitch at the forthcoming UK Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF). It has been confirmed that a representative from engineering giant Rolls-Royce, along with Terry Stocks MBE, director of property (UK and Ireland) in the project and programme services division of globally renowned engineering and development consultancy AtkinsRéalis, will take part in a special panel debate at the Leeds event. The panel will look at how Derby’s dominance in the UK’s nuclear sector is enhancing the city’s investment prospects. They will join East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward, the figurehead of the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), Councillor Nadine Peatfield, leader of Derby City Council and EMCCA’s deputy mayor, and Rob Richardson, development director at Indurent, for the debate, which will take place on Tuesday 20 May – the opening day of the three-day UKREiiF event. John Forkin, managing director of Marketing Derby, who will chair the discussion, said: “We’re delighted to have assembled such a stellar panel. “It perfectly illustrates the strong public-private partnership approach, which underpins Derby’s investment proposition. “Derby and Rolls-Royce is an astonishing success story – and its impact is permeating through to other investment classes. We’re looking forward to sharing that story with this year’s UKREiiiF delegates.” As well as civil aerospace, Derby is home to Rolls-Royce’s nuclear defence operations and in January, the engineering giant signed the largest Ministry of Defence contract in its history, worth £9 billion. This success comes off the back of the firm securing the MoD’s AUKUS submarines deal, worth over £1 billion, in 2023. The Derby panel debate will examine the positive impact these deals are having on other investment classes in the city. Dubbed ‘Unity’, the £9 billion MoD contract stretches for eight years and will result in hundreds of new jobs at Rolls-Royce Submarines’ Raynesway site, which designs, builds and maintains all of the nuclear reactors that power the Royal Navy’s fleet of submarines. As a result of Unity – and the AUKUS contract – Rolls-Royce is investing heavily in its Raynesway site, doubling its size. AtkinsRéalis has been appointed by Rolls-Royce, along with Mott MacDonald, as its fissile design partners for this expansion. But beyond the gates of Raynesway, Rolls-Royce’s investments are already having a positive impact on the rest of Derby – catalysing a range of investable opportunities across asset classes, including industrial/logistics, office and residential, with several infrastructure projects already underway to support developments in the nuclear sector. For example, Rolls-Royce’s expansion has resulted in the firm opening a new state-of-the-art warehouse facility at Indurent Park Derby to support its manufacturing operations. Indurent Park Derby is a new 50-acre industrial hub for high-tech R&D and manufacturing and logistics, being created by Indurent on land adjacent to Pride Park and Wyvern Retail Park. Derby is also home to Rolls-Royce’ Nuclear Skills Academy, which opened in 2022 on Infinity Park Derby and is working with the University of Derby and the National College for Nuclear to create a pipeline of nuclear engineering talent. Infinity Park Derby has been announced by the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) as one of the sites in the new East Midlands Investment Zone, which will offer various incentives to advanced manufacturing businesses and green industries locating there and aims to drive growth and generate thousands of high-value jobs. EMCCA is working with Derby City Council and local partners on an allocation of funding from its Investment Fund for a R&D facility on the Investment Zone to support the advanced manufacturing and nuclear sectors. East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward and Councillor Peatfield will be joining Derby’s showcase panel at UKREiiF to talk about their support for key sector developments in Derby and the pipeline of opportunities.

Spring has brought a wave of success at Eagle Park, with Salloway Property Consultants completing five transactions in quick succession. These include the letting of four industrial/trade counter units and the sale of one investment property. Developed by Ivygrove in 2014, Eagle Park continues to demonstrate strong demand from both occupiers and investors. In March, Unit 2 was let to a local bespoke kitchen retailer, who took occupation of the 3,750 sq ft unit on a new five-year lease. In the same month, Edison & Day expanded their presence within the estate by taking a further 4,635 sq ft at Unit 10. April brought further activity, with high-tech business Tioga securing an additional 2,276 sq ft at Unit 3 to support their ongoing growth. At the end of April, PDH Sports—a leading local retailer specialising in racket sports—agreed a new 10-year lease at Unit 8 as part of their strategic relocation. Completing the quintet of transactions, Unit 14 was sold as a fully let investment to a private client. With Autoglass as the sitting tenant, the sale underscores the site’s continued appeal to investors seeking high-quality, income-generating assets. William Speed MRICS, surveyor at Salloway, said: “Eagle Park is a thriving, multi-purpose trade counter and industrial development, providing an excellent mix of national and local businesses. It has turned out to be one of Derby’s most successful business parks, and I’m delighted that we have been able to consistently achieve great results for our clients on site. “Following on from the success of Eagle Park, Ivygrove is now progressing at speed with its latest scheme, Merlin Park, on Osmaston Road. I’m confident this new development will be equally well received. We have a number of units already under offer, but there is still some availability, so I would encourage interested parties to make contact without delay.”

Rushton Hickman has let an off-market industrial premises, which is located along a key arterial route in Burton upon Trent. This transaction was driven by the knowledge that Russell Roof Tiles, an independent manufacturer of concrete roof tiles, was seeking additional space to support their expansion plans. The property, a detached 3,418 sq ft industrial unit situated on Wetmore Lane, has been leased to Russell Roof Tiles as their new training and innovation hub. The facility will serve as a dedicated site for research and development, enabling the company to advance its product innovation and technical solutions – an essential element of their ongoing success. Daniel Hancox, director of Russell Roof Tiles, said: “We are delighted to have secured our new premises on Wetmore Lane. Working with Rushton Hickman was a seamless experience thanks to their professionalism and support throughout the process. Special thanks to Taylor for his hard work and efforts in keeping us well-informed. We are excited to begin this new chapter of growth and innovation.” Taylor Millington, the agent responsible for the deal on behalf of his client, said: “This off-market letting demonstrates how a deep understanding of the local market and tenant requirements can facilitate hassle-free negotiations, enabling quick and efficient lease agreements. I wish Russell Roof Tiles every success in their new premises!” Rushton Hickman client, Steel Fabrications Ltd, said: “We’re thrilled with how this letting, facilitated by Taylor at Rushton Hickman, has resulted in securing a strong tenant and we look forward to working with Russell Roof Tiles moving forward.” The landlord was represented by Taylor Millington at Rushton Hickman, working alongside Helen McGrath of Astle Patterson, while the new tenant was advised and represented by Amjad Sheikh of Geralds LLP.

Local authorities are expected to approve plans to build 105 homes on agricultural land near Ravenstone. Gladman Developments proposes the development on a site off Wash Lane to the north of the village.

North West Leicestershire District Council’s planning officers have recommended that the scheme be approved, despite objections from the Ravenstone, Snibston Parish Council, and 17 residents. Key concerns include the potential loss of green space, the environmental impact on local wildlife, and increased traffic congestion from the additional housing.

Gladman Developments has argued that the site is strategically located and meets the region’s new housing needs. In response to concerns, the council has stipulated that the developer must contribute financially to local infrastructure. This includes £1.14 million for education, £600,000 for transport improvements, and funding for tree planting in the area.

Chesterfield is set to unveil its ambitious £2 billion regeneration programme at the UK Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) in Leeds from May 20–22, positioning itself as one of the most exciting growth areas in the East Midlands. Chesterfield’s presence will focus on a wide range of investment-ready opportunities across housing, town centre regeneration, green industries, advanced manufacturing, retail, leisure, and tourism. Attendees can explore Chesterfield’s £2 billion transformation journey, learn more about current developments, and connect with decision-makers directly. The borough is a key player in the East Midlands’ advanced manufacturing sector, anchored by the successful Markham Vale enterprise zone at Junction 29a of the M1. Home to dozens of businesses and built with infrastructure to scale, Markham Vale exemplifies the strategic commercial opportunity that Chesterfield is keen to promote. Further strengthening the borough’s investment case is its inclusion in the East Midlands Investment Zone, with two sites at Staveley offering financial incentives for companies in green technologies and advanced manufacturing. Chesterfield’s town centre is undergoing a major transformation, with investment creating vibrant opportunities for new homes, leisure, retail, hotel developments, and modern office space. These enhancements are not only improving the quality of life for residents but also attracting a new wave of businesses and visitors. Andrew Byrne, chair of Destination Chesterfield, said: “Chesterfield’s regeneration story is one of ambition, collaboration, and real momentum. We’re delivering well-connected, future-proofed developments that unlock value across multiple sectors—from housing and advanced manufacturing to town centre regeneration and the visitor economy. “With a proactive local authority, strategic location, and a shared commitment to inclusive growth, we’re creating an environment where investors and businesses can thrive. We are ready to welcome your business.” Cllr Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “Chesterfield is on the rise. Over the past decade, we’ve seen a wave of transformation, and we’re just getting started. “Our borough is becoming a magnet for innovation, sustainable growth, and talent. From housing and advanced manufacturing to retail and hospitality, we’re inviting investors and partners to be part of Chesterfield’s next exciting chapter.” Destination Chesterfield will join a united delegation in the brand-new East Midlands Pavilion, which will present a bold new vision for inclusive growth across the region. Mayor of the East Midlands Claire Ward will lead the East Midlands team, which also includes the leadership team from the East Midlands Combined County Authority, Destination Chesterfield, Marketing Derby, Invest in Nottingham, Invest in Derbyshire and East Midlands Freeport.