Lincolnshire-based construction firm Build Manager is nearing handover on a bespoke, 4,000 sq ft, two-storey office development for a specialist fire safety, risk management consultancy and training provider.
With completion around four weeks away, the project in Saxilby is starting to take shape, with IFI Group’s new signage now installed and landscaping starting to bring the building to life.
Inside, M&E, plastering, and other finishing trades are working hard, keeping up momentum and quality.
Matthew Jones, co-founder at Build Manager, gave thanks to subcontractors and supply chain partners for their hard work and attention to detail. He shared: “Together we are making this a project we can be proud of. Another few weeks and we’ll be handing over a fantastic new space for a growing local business.”
Working alongside Build Manager are AMS Build Group Ltd, Allen Signs Ltd, West Lindsey Landscapes Limited, NAVE Plumbing & Heating LTD, GRS Electrical Services Ltd, SBR Plastering and Drylining Limited, LK2, William Saunders, UDCS Ltd, B C Roofing and Kole Architectural.
Build Manager was launched just over a year ago with a focus on upfront commercial viability advice and streamlined, transparent project delivery. Founded by Lincolnshire-based construction professionals Matthew Jones and Ben Taylor, the pair have worked in management for a number of local main-contractors, setting up on their own after spotting a gap in the market for their services.
Matthew and Ben have been involved in many notable projects in and around the county, including £2.2m new build commercial units (60,000 sq ft) at Discovery Park on Whisby Road – North Hykeham, the £3m renovation of Lawress Hall for the University of Lincoln, and the new £4.5m Community Ward at John Coupland Hospital in Gainsborough.
Winning the IFI Group contract marked the company’s first large-scale commercial development and a strong close to year one.
As the office build nears completion, Build Manager is inviting other local businesses considering new developments or construction work to reach out for some free upfront advice and viability studies.
Matthew added: “Now we are around four weeks away from completion on this project, we are keen to support other local businesses with growth either via new build or refurbishment.”
Local businesses can contact Build Manager at info@build-manager.co.uk or find out more at www.build-manager.co.uk.
The UK’s cybersecurity workforce is dangerously under-resourced, leaving businesses vulnerable to increasing cyber threats. As the digital economy grows, a mismatch between the country’s training systems and the demands of modern cybersecurity is becoming more evident. Industry experts are warning that outdated education frameworks are ill-equipped to prepare professionals for the sophisticated challenges posed by today’s cyber risks.
A new white paper calls for urgent reform to address the severe shortage of skilled professionals in the sector. It highlights that the UK’s fragmented training systems and lack of coordinated approach are major barriers to securing a robust cybersecurity workforce. As cyber threats escalate, particularly among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the country faces a growing gap in the talent required to protect its digital infrastructure.
The government is being urged to take immediate action to overhaul the cybersecurity skills pipeline. Key recommendations include the establishment of a comprehensive cybersecurity skills taxonomy, which would offer clarity around role definitions and career pathways. This would not only provide a consistent approach to recruitment and training but also ensure a better alignment between the skills required by businesses and the qualifications offered by educational institutions.
Experts stress that a cohesive national strategy is needed to create a sustainable, inclusive workforce. Without such a framework, the UK risks compromising its position as a leader in the global digital economy, with businesses left exposed to more frequent and severe cyber attacks.
The government’s new Small Business Strategy introduces several initiatives aimed at alleviating the challenges faced by small businesses, though further support is needed to address rising costs.
The strategy focuses on addressing late payments by introducing stricter payment terms, mandatory interest on overdue invoices, and penalties for companies with chronic late payment issues. It also promises to boost access to finance with a £3bn increase to the British Business Bank and the provision of 69,000 start-up loans. There is an emphasis on supporting exports with an additional £20bn capacity for UK Export Finance.
A new Business Growth Service is being introduced to help companies access essential support and advice, while regulatory burdens will be reduced with a 25% cut in administrative costs. Further investment in skills development has been allocated, including £1.2bn annually to fund digital skills development and “digital adoption pilots” for businesses. The strategy also outlines the modernisation of tax and customs processes through the use of AI tools to reduce errors. Planning rules for smaller sites will also be simplified to assist business growth.
The East Midlands Chamber has welcomed these measures but urged the government to tackle ongoing challenges, including inflation and staffing costs, which continue to affect small businesses. A recent Chamber survey found that nearly a third of East Midlands firms have faced worsened cash flow, highlighting the importance of the new focus on late payments.
However, ongoing issues like a skills shortage and high inflation need addressing to fully unlock business growth potential. Many businesses are also concerned about the impact of corporate taxes and rising costs. As part of their call to action, the Chamber urged that the government listen to the sector’s needs and ensure that policies do not inadvertently hinder growth.
Stagfield Group is an award-winning property development company committed to providing high-quality housing that is both sustainable and affordable. The experienced team provides exceptional service to tenants, homeowners, investors, and communities.
Over the last 10 years, the Stagfield team has developed over £150 million of property and over 2 million sq ft of land with over 250 new homes and mixed-use schemes planned for completion in the coming years.
Abbey Central
The Group also works with landowners to identify strategic opportunities for land development, with the specialist team taking clients from initial planning application through to sale, facilitating new residential developments and creating value from unused land.
Stagfield Group is further experienced in redeveloping hotels and inner-city properties, helping property owners achieve the full potential of their investments. Work includes building new commercial developments and converting existing buildings, new greenfield and brownfield sites.
The team is targeting £250 million of development across sectors, imbued with its passion for delivering low energy and design-led developments that are creative, sustainable, high quality and have a positive impact.
Abbey Central
A responsible developer, Stagfield Group understands it is its duty to act responsibly as both a business and neighbour in the communities it builds. The business endeavours to conduct itself with integrity and honesty in all aspects of the delivery of developments whether working with a landowner, a prospective buyer or an interested member of the community.
Innovating in finance, modern construction methods and clean energy solutions, the group provides ethical and sustainable returns to its stakeholders.
Stagfield Group’s flagship joint development with Peveril Homes, Abbey Central, was recently named ‘Residential Development of the Year, under 100 plots’ at the Midlands Residential Property Awards.
Located on the former Rushcliffe Borough Council Recycling Depot in West Bridgford, Nottingham, Abbey Central is a transformational development that has turned brownfield land into a vibrant, sustainable community. This visionary scheme delivers 71 high-quality new homes – including 21 affordable homes – and sets a new benchmark for low-carbon, family-friendly urban living.
Abbey Central
As one of the largest No-Gas developments in the region, Abbey Central features Air Source Heat Pumps, Solar PV panels and EV charging points throughout. Recognised as a blueprint for Net Zero development within the region, Abbey Central has been highlighted in Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Low Carbon and Sustainable Design Planning Document and is setting the standard for the future of sustainable housebuilding in the Midlands.
To find out more about Stagfield Group, please visit https://www.stagfield.co.uk/
Investment firm RDCP has acquired DJL Petfoods Ingredients, a supplier of premium pet food ingredients and raw materials based in Nottingham. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Founded in 2017 by Duncan Lancaster, DJL is positioned for growth under the new ownership, with plans to expand its product offerings and strengthen its sales capabilities. The company operates from a 40,000 sq ft facility and aims to enter new markets by diversifying its ingredients and products.
RDCP’s acquisition marks an increase in its enterprise value to £520m. The investment group intends to leverage DJL’s strong market position and long-standing customer relationships to support its next growth phase. Lancaster will continue as CEO, maintaining a shareholding in the business.
This acquisition is part of RDCP’s broader strategy to expand its consumer-facing investments and establish itself as one of the largest privately-owned investment groups in the UK.
Chocoberry, the Leicester-based dessert café chain, has reported a 53% increase in revenue for the first half of 2025. The company is actively pursuing rapid expansion, aiming to reach 50 locations across the UK by the end of 2026.
Founded in 2018, Chocoberry now operates 18 cafés in the UK and additional outlets in the UAE, Turkey, and Canada. Known for its innovative desserts and all-day brunch menu, the brand has attracted strong interest from franchisees, securing eight new franchise agreements this year alone.
The company’s recent growth includes new openings in Manchester, Peterborough, and Leytonstone, and the chain is focused on accelerating its presence across the UK. Chocoberry is also eyeing international expansion, with plans to scale to 100 global locations by 2028, targeting North America, Asia, and the GCC regions.
At the heart of its UK operations is a 5,000 sq ft bakery in Leicester, which supports the production of thousands of baked goods each week, underpinning the company’s growth strategy. As the brand builds momentum, it is actively seeking multi-site franchise partners to facilitate its ambitious growth plans.
Rolls-Royce has seen “strong” first half results, driven by continued progress in its multi-year transformation, despite challenges from the supply chain and tariffs.
Revenue passed £9bn, growing from an underlying revenue of £8.2bn in the same period last year.
Underlying operating profit rose by 50% to £1.7bn, reflecting the impact of strategic initiatives, operational effectiveness, and performance management. Meanwhile, underlying pre-tax profits increased to £1.7bn from £1bn.
The results have seen Rolls-Royce raise its full year 2025 guidance, now expecting £3.1bn-£3.2bn underlying operating profit and £3.0bn-£3.1bn free cash flow (previously £2.7bn-£2.9bn underlying operating profit and £2.7bn-£2.9bn free cash flow).
Tufan Erginbilgic, CEO, said: “Our multi-year transformation continues to deliver. Our actions led to strong first half year results, despite the challenges of the supply chain and tariffs. We are continuing to expand the earnings and cash potential of Rolls-Royce.
“We delivered continued strong operational and strategic progress in the first half of 2025. In Civil Aerospace, we achieved significant time on wing milestones and delivered improved aftermarket profitability. In Power Systems, where we now see further growth potential, we continued to capture profitable growth across data centres and governmental. In addition, Rolls-Royce SMR was selected as the sole provider of the UK’s first small modular reactor programme. We expect Rolls-Royce SMR to be profitable and free cash flow positive by 2030.
“A strong start to the year gives us confidence to raise our guidance for 2025. We now expect to deliver underlying operating profit of £3.1bn-£3.2bn and free cash flow of £3.0bn-£3.1bn. This builds further conviction in our mid-term targets, which include underlying operating profit of £3.6bn-£3.9bn and free cash flow of £4.2bn-£4.5bn. We see these targets as a milestone, not a destination, with substantial growth prospects beyond the mid-term.”
As the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025 draws nearer, and with nominations set to close on Friday 15th August, Lincolnshire County Council is encouraging local businesses to enter.
Cllr Liam Kelly, executive member for Growth, said: “Lincolnshire’s property and construction sectors have a real impact on communities across the county, from vital infrastructure schemes to extra care housing developments – all while supporting thousands of jobs across the local economy. There’s a lot to be proud of, and I hope that Lincolnshire’s fantastic businesses step forward to get the recognition they deserve at this year’s East Midlands Bricks Awards.”
The East Midlands Bricks Awards, which will take place on Thursday 2nd October at Nottingham’s famous Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, celebrates the successes of the property and construction industry in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, and Northamptonshire.
Entering a company or project for the awards is a great way to showcase your successes, recognise your team’s efforts, bolster morale, and reach our audience of over 60,000 business readers, while also offering a chance to connect with respected professionals.
It’s completely free to enter and making the top three finalists in your category also wins you free tickets to the awards ceremony and networking event on Thursday 2nd October, which will welcome Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Leader of Derby City Council and Deputy Mayor of the East Midlands, as keynote speaker.
Take this chance to spotlight exceptional new commercial and residential developments, those demonstrating a leading position in sustainability and design excellence; gain recognition as outstanding developers, architects, contractors, and agents, as well as for significant deals; and ensure efforts in corporate social responsibility are rewarded, from eco initiatives to charity work, to social value schemes.
To make a nomination for the 10th annual East Midlands Bricks Awards, please click here, or on the category headings below.
All finalists will have the chance to take home the Overall Winner award, which this year comes with a grand prize of a year of marketing/publicity worth £20,000, with the opportunity to split or gift the marketing to a charity of your choice.
Nominations will close on Friday 15th August.
Tickets can now be booked for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025, click hereto secure yours.
Connect with local decision makers over nibbles and complimentary drinks while applauding the exceptional companies and projects in our region.
New for this year, all entrants will also have the opportunity to be featured on our dedicated nominee showcase on the East Midlands Business Link website, providing space for marketing your achievements.
The East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025
What: The East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025
When: Thursday 2nd October (4.30pm – 7.30pm)
Where: Derek Randall Suite,Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, Nottingham
Keynote speaker: Councillor Nadine Peatfield – Leader of Derby City Council, Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Strategy and Policy, and Deputy Mayor of the East Midlands
Tickets: Available hereDress code: Standard business attire
Thanks to our sponsors:
Contractor Henry Brothers Construction has handed over a new workspace development in Leicester which has been created from a cluster of heritage buildings.
The conversion at the former Pilot House site on King Street – now named Canopy – is due to open in autumn 2025, with nine of the 25 available workspaces for creative businesses already let.
The architects and multidisciplinary practice behind the project, rg+p, was the first business to sign up for a tenancy at Canopy.
MD of Henry Brothers Construction Ian Taylor said: “We are incredibly proud to have delivered Canopy, which will breathe new life into this area of Leicester.
“The retention of important heritage features like parquet flooring, bricks and beams in the development has created a unique and inviting space for creative businesses, along with visitors who will use the café, meeting rooms, event spaces and conference facilities.
“This project strengthens our portfolio of work in Leicester, and it has been good to work with the city council and our construction partners to deliver such a wonderful scheme which offers such potential for the city.”
Leicester City Council is leading the £13.3m project to transform the cluster of council-owned former factory buildings into a new development offering 40,000 sq ft of accommodation for creative businesses in the heart of the city centre.
The redevelopment will offer a range of attractive workspaces, alongside meeting rooms and conference facilities, a co-working lounge, reception area and outdoor courtyard.
The public will also be able to enjoy Canopy’s central hub area which will offer event and exhibition space and a café.
Existing heritage features – including exposed brick and beams and original parquet flooring – have been retained. These have been complemented with contemporary elements including a glazed roof in the central hub area and a new entrance on King Street.
The design of the new development was developed by rg+p which won the contract following a competitive tendering exercise. The practice will relocate its Leicester studio to Canopy, while maintaining its London and Birmingham studios.
Rob Woolston, rg+p’s director, said: “Our connection with the Pilot House buildings is well established, having won the original competition to design its redevelopment in 2022.
“Since then, we’ve worked closely with the city council to develop a design to bring this fascinating cluster of former factory buildings back into productive use while retaining their historic character.
“With the lease on our current studio ending, we quickly realised the space we were looking for was the one that we are incredibly proud to have helped to create. We’re looking forward to making Canopy our new home when it opens.
“This will mark a significant step forward for our continued growth in Leicester, which has been our home for 45 years. Canopy is a great fit for our company and we’re proud to become the anchor tenant.”
City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “This ambitious project is transforming a group of significant but disused heritage buildings into a new creative hub for start-up and growing businesses and a landmark destination that will become a source of pride for Leicester.
“Along with supporting hundreds of high-quality jobs in the city’s thriving creative sector, this important redevelopment will contribute to the wider regeneration and prosperity of King Street, Belvoir Street, Market Street and the New Walk area. It will also complement recent landmark developments like the Gresham Building.
“The fact that the project’s architects, rg+p were the first confirmed tenants of Canopy is hugely encouraging. It’s a clear endorsement of what a well-considered and architecturally stunning new workspace they have helped to create. It really is shaping up to be a superb development.”
Construction work was undertaken by Henry Brothers Construction under contract to Leicester City Council. Other members of the construction team working alongside Henry Brothers and rg+p included structural engineer M-EC.
The new workspace community for creative businesses will help support around 250 jobs in the city centre.
Business confidence in the East Midlands fell 13 points during July to 40%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds.
Companies in the East Midlands were less optimistic about the economy, down 22 points month-on-month to 32%. When taken together with their confidence in their own business prospects, down six points at 47%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 40% (vs. 53% in June).
Looking ahead to the next six months, East Midlands businesses identified their top target areas for growth as entering new markets (37%), investing in their team, for example through training (35%), and evolving their offering, for example through new products or services (35%).
The Business Barometer, which surveys 1,200 businesses monthly and which has been running since 2002, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide.
National picture
Overall, UK business confidence increased one point in July to 52% – its highest level since 2015 and the third consecutive monthly increase.
Firms’ optimism in their own trading prospects rose one point to 58%, while their confidence in the wider economy increased two points to 47%.
Wales was the most confident UK nation or region for the second month in a row (76%), followed by the North East (73%).
Sector insights
July saw the service sector’s confidence increase by 11 points to 61%, one of the main drivers behind this month’s overall increase in business confidence, indicating strong momentum in the sector. This gain was partially offset by declines in other areas, with retail firms down eight points, manufacturers down four points and the construction sector down six points.
Dave Atkinson, regional director for the East Midlands, said: “Despite a dip in overall business confidence, East Midlands firms are still focused on driving growth – whether that’s through entering new markets or investing in further training for their team. As they pursue their ambitions, we’ll continue to be with them every step of the way.”
By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. more information
The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this.
