Nissan to slash 11,000 more jobs and shut seven plants amid global reset

April Lara
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Nissan to slash 11,000 more jobs and shut seven plants amid global reset

Nissan has announced plans to cut 11,000 more jobs and close seven factories worldwide, intensifying a cost-cutting programme driven by falling global demand, rising competition, and weak performance in key markets, including China and the US. The move brings total layoffs over the past year to around 20,000, roughly 15% of the company’s workforce.

The Japanese carmaker has faced sustained pressure from sliding sales in China, where local electric vehicle brands like BYD have surged, and from margin-eroding discounting in the US. Last year’s failed merger talks with Honda and Mitsubishi, which aimed to create a $60 billion global automotive player, further stalled recovery efforts.

Roughly two-thirds of the new redundancies will affect manufacturing roles, with the rest spread across admin, sales, R&D, and contracted staff. Details on which locations will be impacted, including Nissan’s Sunderland facility, which is home to around 6,000 jobs, have not yet been disclosed.

These cuts follow a previous round of 9,000 layoffs announced in November as part of a broader initiative to reduce production capacity by 20% globally. Nissan has also cancelled plans to build a new EV and battery plant in Japan, signalling a pullback on capital investment.

Nissan’s annual financials revealed a loss of ¥ $670 billion ($4.5 billion), with the company citing ongoing uncertainty around US tariffs and rising operational costs. No income forecast was issued for the current year. Despite a slight increase in US retail sales, global demand remains soft. Sales dropped 12% in China and declined across Japan and Europe.

Growth for Wells McFarlane as new asset manager appointed

Tess Egginton
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Growth for Wells McFarlane as new asset manager appointed
The commercial property team at consultancy, Wells McFarlane has grown following the appointment of a new asset manager. Bobby Brown joins the Lutterworth-based firm, bringing almost five years’ commercial agency experience, particularly in retail and leisure properties. As asset manager, Bobby’s responsibilities include agency, rent reviews, lease renewals, dilapidations, property & estate management. “I’m excited to take this next step in my career and learn from the team at Wells McFarlane,” explains Bobby. “The firm has a diverse property portfolio, including a strong reputation in the office and industrial markets. I was keen to develop my knowledge in these sectors so when the role became available, it seemed the right opportunity to explore. “My initial meeting with the Directors was really positive and confirmed my decision that this would be the right role for me. I’m pleased they agreed!” Bobby joins Wells McFarlane on a Degree Apprenticeship, following the completion of his Certificate of Higher Education in Construction Technology from the University College of Estate Management (UCEM). Bobby is now studying for a Real Estate Management degree so part of his role includes day release training at UCEM, with his ultimate aim to achieve MRICS status in 2027. Wells McFarlane’s director, Jason Hercock is mentoring Bobby. Jason said: “Bobby has good knowledge of the Leicestershire commercial property sector but was looking to broaden this to support his studies and ongoing professional development. With the right balance of experience and enthusiasm, he was certainly the standout candidate and has really blended in well with the team. “Bobby’s appointment follows a sustained period of growth for our commercial property division, including new instructions in Solihull, Shrewsbury and Market Harborough, as well adding to our management portfolio with business parks in Walsall and Blaby. We’re confident we now have the right team in place to ensure future success.” A Leicestershire local, Bobby’s interests outside of work include sports, films, playing guitar and travelling. Prior to beginning his role as asset manager, Bobby spent a year visiting South East Asia, New Zealand and South America.

Arc Partnership expands with new professional services and expanded team

Tess Egginton
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Arc Partnership expands with new professional services and expanded team
Arc Partnership has expanded its professional services portfolio, by introducing estates service and development service provision, and appointing a new director to lead the new teams. The strategic move means Arc Partnership, a joint venture between Nottinghamshire County Council and SCAPE, can now provide the council with end-to-end property lifecycle management, covering everything from pre-construction and design to maintenance, estate management, valuations, development consultancy services and risk management. As part of the expansion, six new team members have joined Arc Partnership, including two new senior development managers, two principal surveyors and two estate surveyors. They will be led by Andrea Hopkins who has also been newly appointed as director of the estates practice. Andrea brings a wealth of experience from Leicestershire County Council, where she led key construction projects and managed the council’s disposal programme as well as overseeing the valuation function. In her new role, Andrea will oversee and develop both service areas.  Commenting on her appointment, Andrea said: “It is a fantastic time to be joining Arc Partnership as they continue to bolster their expertise and offering across the board. “This is an exciting opportunity to lead and develop three key services – Estates Practice, Risk Management Services and Development and Disposals through Arc Partnership on behalf of Nottinghamshire County Council. “The Estates Practice and Development Services Teams have responsibility for management of Nottinghamshire County Council’s property portfolio, advising on and implementing good estate management practices, risk compliance and adding real value by identifying and implementing development and disposal projects. “Through close collaboration with the council and internal teams, we will drive efficiencies, ensure standards are maintained and identify cost-saving opportunities for Nottinghamshire County Council.” Dan Maher, managing director at Arc Partnership, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Andrea and our two new teams to Arc Partnership. “This expansion allows us to offer a full suite of services across the entire property lifecycle, enhancing the expert support we provide on behalf of Nottinghamshire County Council, delivering value for money, quality of output and customer excellence, and this latest development further strengthens our ability to do so.”

East Midlands sole traders unaware of looming tax reporting changes

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East Midlands sole traders unaware of looming tax reporting changes
Seven in ten (71%) sole traders in the East Midlands may be unaware of major changes to how they report their income tax, according to new research by IRIS Software Group. With new Making Tax Digital (MTD) requirements becoming mandatory from April 2026, many sole traders in the region could be unprepared. MTD for Income Tax Self-Assessment (ITSA) will require those earning over £50,000 to maintain digital records and submit quarterly updates using compatible software. This threshold will drop to £30,000 in 2027 and to £20,000 in 2028. The study revealed that a quarter (26%) of sole traders in the region had never heard of MTD, and 16% of those who had heard of it were unaware of what the April 2026 changes entail. Many sole traders in the region admitted they wished they were more informed. The majority raised concerns about a lack of communication from HMRC, while others expected to hear about the changes from their accountants. Only a quarter (24%) of respondents in the region said they felt “very prepared” for the forthcoming requirements. The findings are part of a study of 1,000 sole traders across the UK from IRIS, with 102 panelled in the East Midlands. Mark Chambers, managing director at IRIS Accountancy, said: “These findings highlight an important moment of opportunity for sole traders in the East Midlands. With MTD on the horizon, there’s a chance to modernise financial processes, unlock efficiencies, and gain clearer visibility of income and expenses. “It’s encouraging that some already feel prepared, but many more are yet to realise the benefits that digital tax reporting will bring. “This also presents an opportunity for accountants. The findings point to hundreds of sole traders across the region waiting for a phone call from their accountants on how they can be better prepared. Accountants also have a key role to play in educating their local business community, which can open the door to new business.”

National Grid expands Lincolnshire transmission plans to boost energy capacity

April Lara
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National Grid expands Lincolnshire transmission plans to boost energy capacity

National Grid has outlined new proposals to upgrade electricity transmission infrastructure in Lincolnshire and neighbouring regions. The aim is to support growing energy demands and facilitate the transition to renewable power sources.

The latest proposal involves a 37-mile overhead power line connecting a planned substation at Weston Marsh near Spalding to a grid connection point in eastern Leicestershire. The project is in early development, and some routes would use existing transmission corridors.

This follows an earlier controversial proposal for a separate 87-mile pylon route between Grimsby and Walpole, which has met resistance from local authorities, including Lincolnshire County Council.

In parallel, National Grid is advancing its Eastern Greenlink project series (EGL3, EGL4, and EGL5), designed to bring offshore wind-generated electricity from Scotland to England. These primarily undersea cables would land at Anderby Creek near Skegness, with underground connections extending inland.

EGL5 is planned to terminate at a new converter station near Alford, with two potential sites under consideration: Bilsby or Huttoft. Previous plans for converter and switching stations in Bilsby and a separate underground line have been scrapped.

Each Greenlink cable is expected to transmit enough power to supply approximately two million homes, reflecting a strategic shift from imported fossil fuels to domestic renewable energy.

Public consultations for EGL3–5 are underway, with meetings scheduled this month, and separate consultations for the Weston Marsh pylon line set for June.

Devello Group backs the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025

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Devello Group backs the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025
Law firm Devello Group has joined the lineup of businesses backing the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025, sponsoring the event for a second year. This year supporting the ‘Developer of the Year’ category, Devello Group is a specialist planning and property development practice with offices in Nottingham and Lincoln, founded by experienced lawyers Shruti Trivedi and Iain Hibbert. Their niche law firm helps clients with a wide range of services in the sector, operating with a bespoke, value-led approach that does not use a traditional hourly fee-paying model. Speaking with Business Link, Shruti Trivedi said: “We are delighted to again be supporting the Bricks Awards with other notable local businesses. Last year’s event was invaluable in helping to establish our new company amongst our peers who share our vision of providing outstanding client service in a forward-thinking, innovative manner. “We are looking forward to catching up with our co-sponsors, last year’s winners and this year’s nominees at the 2025 Bricks Awards, to celebrate those within the industry who are making a notable contribution and delivering exceptional results. “We know last year’s winners were delighted to receive this recognition and encourage anyone who has an exceptional project worthy of recognition to apply!” 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 property and construction companies in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, and Northamptonshire.
Iain Hibbert from Devello (second from right) handing over the award for Residential Development of the Year at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024 to Distinctive Developments
Recognising those behind the changing landscape of the East Midlands, the occasion highlights development projects, businesses, and people in commercial and public building across the region – from office, industrial and residential schemes, through to community projects such as leisure schemes and schools. It also toasts the work of architects, agencies, and those behind large schemes. Welcoming almost 150 professionals, nominating 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 event.

To make a nomination for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025, please click here.

Supporting imagery, video, documents, or links to these, can be sent to bricks@blmgroup.co.uk. Video nomination pitches are also welcome as an alternative or companion to written entries. Categories include: 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.

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. Upon submitting a nomination, we will get in touch for any information, imagery, and video nominees would like to be featured on their showcase page. Thanks to our sponsors:                                          

To be held at:

With a limited number of sponsorship opportunities remaining, please contact Angie Cooper at a.cooper@blmgroup.co.uk to learn more if you are interested in becoming an East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025 sponsor.

Doctor Spin will see you now – Marvel’s PR headache dissected: by Greg Simpson, founder of Press For Attention PR

Tess Egginton
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Doctor Spin will see you now – Marvel’s PR headache dissected: by Greg Simpson, founder of Press For Attention PR
Greg Simpson, founder of Press For Attention PR, dissects a PR blunder. They say PR is full of egos. Well…how about an alter-ego?! Meet mine, Doctor Spin! This month, we head to the MCU — not the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but the Media Crisis Universe, where billion-dollar brands and Hollywood egos are currently engaging in the most unheroic of smackdowns. Here’s the plot: Justin Baldoni is countersuing Blake Lively (who accused him of sexual harassment), claiming defamation and civil extortion. Then, in a move that can only be described as Deadpool-adjacent, a character called Nicepool appears in Deadpool & Wolverine, allegedly mocking Baldoni. Marvel’s now being subpoenaed to reveal internal communications, and they’re not having it. Ryan Reynolds, of course, plays Deadpool and is married to Lively. Swifties are nervously hovering in the background. Hugh Jackman may get dragged into it too. Doctor Spin’s diagnosis: This is a textbook case of Brand Collateral Damage — when personal legal battles start bleeding into creative IP, blurring the lines between character and creator. Marvel’s plea to the court? “Leave us out of it.” But by the time the character’s on-screen and the internet’s doing side-by-sides, it’s too late. The narrative has mutated. Doctor Spin’s prescription: 1. Don’t let characters speak for you If you’re involved in legal proceedings, anything you release — a film, a tweet, a passive-aggressive cocktail napkin — will be scrutinised. Let your lawyers talk, not your fictional alter egos. 2. Pre-mortem your PR Marvel should’ve run a pre-release risk assessment on that character. If someone in legal or PR had said, “Is this a bad idea given the ongoing lawsuit?” we might not be here. Always assume someone will connect the dots — especially if the dots are married. 3. Third parties? Third rail. Dragging in Taylor Swift? Subpoenaing Hugh Jackman? These side plots only inflate the media oxygen. Every new name becomes a headline. That’s not “narrative control.” That’s a sequel no one greenlit. 4. Own it or ghost it Marvel’s current move — trying to stay quiet and legally separate — may work, if the courts agree. But silence can also look like evasion. If you’re staying out of it, say so early and clearly, before the speculation spreads faster than a mutant gene. Until next time, stay super. Stay strategic. Doctor Spin, signing off. P.S. Think you spotted a PR blunder worth dissecting? Email me, Doctor Spin might make another house call.   A former business journalist, Greg Simpson is the author of The Small Business Guide to PR and has been recognised as one of the UK’s top 5 PR consultants, having set up Press For Attention PR in 2008. He has worked for FTSE 100 firms, charities and start-ups and conducted press conferences with Sir Richard Branson and James Caan. His background ensures a deep understanding of every facet of a successful PR campaign – from a journalist’s, client’s, and consultant’s perspective. See this column in the May issue of East Midlands Business Link Magazine here.

Pension funds commit billions to private UK assets in industry-backed push

April Lara
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Pension funds commit billions to private UK assets in industry-backed push

Seventeen major UK pension schemes and providers have pledged to allocate at least 10% of their defined contribution (DC) default funds to private markets by 2030, half of which will be earmarked for investments in UK-based assets. This initiative, the Mansion House Accord, is a collaboration between the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association (PLSA), the Association of British Insurers (ABI), and the City of London Corporation.

The move is expected to mobilise over £50 billion in capital across the next five years, with £25 billion directly targeted at UK investments. This represents a significant potential capital boost for British businesses, particularly those seeking venture capital or growth equity.

The agreement follows an earlier 2024 pledge, the Mansion House Compact, which revealed UK pension funds held just £800 million in unlisted equity, equating to around 0.36% of their total DC default fund holdings. The new targets aim to substantially improve that figure and bring the UK more in line with international peers regarding private market exposure.

The British Private Equity and Venture Capital Association (BVCA) is using this momentum to lobby for greater inclusion of venture capital in pension fund portfolios, positioning the asset class as capable of delivering strong long-term returns. The group emphasises that much of the benefit from UK innovation is currently being captured by overseas investors and calls for domestic funds to take a more active role in supporting UK growth sectors, including life sciences, AI, and net-zero technologies.

The government has also signalled continued support for reforming pension regulations to help unlock greater capital flows into British scale-ups.

Marston’s begins £5.4m solar rollout across pub estate

April Lara
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Marston’s begins £5.4m solar rollout across pub estate

Marston’s has begun installing solar panels at 120 of its UK pubs as part of a £5.4 million renewable energy programme to cut operational costs and carbon emissions.

Two Blues Solar is leading the year-long rollout, with Nuvolt handling installation and technical execution. Atrato Onsite Energy is financing the entire initiative, which will retain ownership of the systems and manage performance over a 25-year contract period.

The energy solution is structured as a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), allowing Marston’s to buy all on-site generated electricity without owning the solar assets. This setup eliminates upfront costs and gives the business long-term energy price certainty, shielding it from market volatility.

Each site is expected to produce roughly 30,000 kWh of electricity annually, meeting around 15–20% of a typical pub’s energy needs. The project will reduce carbon emissions by 600 tonnes in its first year, aligning with Marston’s Net Zero goals for 2040.

The agreement is among the first large-scale PPAs in the UK pub sector. It offers a blueprint for other multi-site operators looking to decentralise energy procurement while accelerating sustainability targets.

£5m award to help commercialise Lincoln-led agri-tech research

Tess Egginton
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£5m award to help commercialise Lincoln-led agri-tech research

A new partnership led by the University of Lincoln, to develop a globally recognised agri-tech innovation cluster in the East of England, has received a major national funding award from Research England to advance commercialisation of research through new spin-out companies.

Agri-tech Commercialisation Ecosystems (ACE), a partnership project from the universities of Lincoln, Cambridge and East Anglia, has been awarded £5 million by the UKRI-Research England CCF-RED Fund. This will enable the creation of a national agri-tech ‘Technology Transfer Office’ and the new company Ceres Agri-Tech Ltd that will support the commercialisation of early-stage agricultural innovations. Ceres Agri-Tech is a collaborative initiative founded by and located at Cambridge Enterprise, the innovation arm of the University of Cambridge. The project targets key regional challenges, including low wages, workforce skills gaps, and climate resilience by supporting high-quality, inclusive employment and environmentally focused agri-tech innovation. Professor Simon Pearson, founding director of the Lincoln Institute for Agri-Food Technology (LIAT) at the University of Lincoln, said: “We are thrilled that the ACE project has received a vital £5 million award from Research England, which will enable incredible growth within agri-tech and the creation of many new ‘spin-out’ businesses over the next decade and beyond. “Within the next 10 years, ACE aims to fund 95 research projects, create over 1,300 new jobs within the sector and bring a projected £506 million into the UK economy. “In a world where geopolitical instability, climate change and resource scarcity seem to be threatening food security, we now have a great opportunity to create an innovation cluster for the UK that will deliver positive economic, societal and environmental impacts for many years to come.” The ACE project will harness the agricultural and research strengths of Greater Lincolnshire, East Anglia, and Cambridgeshire, turning them into a globally competitive innovation cluster. The region’s dense concentration of crop production, agri-tech infrastructure, and civic support creates a unique platform for high-impact investment and sustainable food system development.
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