New funding to transform cyber training in the East Midlands
A groundbreaking project to close the cyber skills gap and create a resilient workforce to protect businesses and communities against online threats has won Government funding.
CyberSprint: Fast Track to the Future, will redefine how cyber security training is delivered moving it from traditional IT to reskilling professionals in sectors ranging from law to logistics, creative industries to construction.
And it will also see cybersecurity embedded in the curriculum for 93 schools and colleges across the region, helping students gain vital foundation to keep them safe online.
De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) will lead the £76,000 project, working in collaboration with an alliance of regional leaders in cybersecurity, education, and business. Together, they will develop an inclusive and scalable training toolkit that serves diverse sectors and communities.
DMU’s Dr Ismini Vasileiou said CyberSprint had the potential to transform not only training but change the face of the industry, by including bold ambitions to improve diversity within the cyber profession and better reflect the diversity of the region.
She said: “CyberSprint is set to transform cybersecurity training in the UK, fostering a workforce capable of meeting today’s digital challenges while providing opportunities for people from all walks of life to contribute to a more secure, cyber-resilient future.”
Innovate UK announced its backing for the programme this week. Traditional cybersecurity programmes often target individuals with technical backgrounds, CyberSprint brings cross-sectoral approach, offering training to non-technical professionals working in fields such as law, psychology, finance and business.
The CyberSprint model ensures that a diverse range of participants acquire practical, industry-recognised cybersecurity skills that can be readily applied in the workplace.
CyberSprint’s partners are: East Midlands Cyber Security Cluster, Leicester and Leicestershire Business and Skills Partnership, Leicestershire Careers Hub, SASIG (Specialist Awareness Security Information Group), Barclays Eagle Labs, Digital Planning Limited, East Midlands Chamber, the Chartered Institute of Information Security (CIISEC), and the Chartered Institute for IT (BCS).
Holly Porter, Managing Director of BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, said: “We are excited to be part of The CyberSprint initiative which is an important step towards meeting the local cyber security needs in the East Midlands, with a programme that has nationwide potential. It is driven by a network covering education, industry and academia and will equip people with the industry-recognised skills needed in the digital economy.
“What’s more it draws from the diverse range of talent available across the region to ensure there will be a plentiful supply of skilled cyber security professionals in the future.”
CyberSprint will work with Leicester Careers Hub’s Digital Accelerator Programme to integrate cybersecurity learning into the curriculum for 93 schools and colleges across the East Midlands.
For adults, the Leicester and Leicestershire Business and Skills Partnership will deliver cybersecurity bootcamps and targeted training for career changers and working professionals.
The project’s commitment to diversity and digital inclusion aims to reach disadvantaged communities, creating entry points for those who might otherwise be excluded from cybersecurity careers.
Major Lincolnshire industrial unit sold for £3.3m
Watling Real Estate has completed on the sale of a substantial industrial unit in Lincolnshire for £3.3m.
Ben Holyhead and Chris Davies in the Birmingham office of Watling Real Estate were instructed by Elizabeth Welch and Matthew Ingram of Kroll, who were appointed joint administrators of Cartwright Bros (Haulage) Ltd in June this year.
A sale of the 78,733 sq ft unit on Freeman Road, North Hykeham, Lincoln was secured to a local occupier.
Ben Holyhead said: “Given the critical shortage of standing freehold industrial stock within Lincolnshire and the wider East Midlands, and with the cost of developing new accommodation exceeding £100 per sq ft, we anticipated strong interest in this unit.
“We were pleased to achieve the asking price of £3.3 million following a competitive bidding process and to conclude the sale in a timely fashion. It’s great to see this unit acquired by a local occupier, providing them with much needed space to expand their business, as well as providing valuable employment opportunities for the local economy.”
The administrators were supported by law firm Shoosmiths, with plant and machinery advice provided by Gordon Brothers.
Plans unveiled to put Leicester on the map as a music city
Ambitious plans to make Leicester one of the UK’s foremost music cities were unveiled on Thursday 14 November at the Leicester Business Festival.
The newly formed Leicester Music Board (LMB) will champion the city’s music scene and raise the profile of its diverse and vibrant music industry on a national stage.
The LMB is a partnership of music industry and education organisations and professionals working together to support the growth of the city’s music industry.
It is being supported by Leicester City Council to build on the success of the inaugural Leicester Music Conference which attracted more than 300 delegates, and engaged 30 music organisations, along with many emerging and established artists.
Greg Aiello, MD of PPL PRS, said: “Leicester has a long history of creating amazing talent, and nurturing the creative arts. Music has been, and will continue to be the heartbeat of this great city. The Leicester Music Board aims to put music at the forefront, working with and building out the ecosystem that is already in place, as well as supporting those initiatives that will really drive change and growth.
“As an industry, music not only contributes to the success of those wonderful creators that make the music we all love, but also to the many businesses, venues, communities and behind the scenes teams that help to showcase the talent. It is an exciting time to be part of a forward thinking board that captures that same spirit of creativity, championing music for the benefit of the Leicester community.”
One of the first tasks of the new board will be to guide the development of the Leicester Music Conference and Festival 2025, which is expanding across two days next year.
A Young People’s Music Careers Conference will form the first day on Thursday 27 February 2025, followed by the Leicester Music Conference for industry professionals at all career stages on Friday 28 February 2025.
Taking place at the city centre’s 2Funky music venue, it will feature industry panels, networking opportunities, one-to-ones with industry professionals, live performances and workshops.
Yasin El Ashrafi, who founded the Leicester Music Conference and has been an integral part of the city’s music industry for more than a decade, said: “I’m genuinely excited about our ambitions for the city. With a powerful blend of expertise across music, education and community, we have an incredible foundation to build upon.
“Our focus is to expand the music conference, conduct a thorough mapping and audit of local music businesses, and collaborate on creating a lifelong music strategy for our city. Together, we’re working to elevate Leicester’s music scene, ensuring it remains vibrant, inclusive, and impactful for generations to come.”
A key aim is to develop better pathways into industry careers through the development of a ‘lifelong’ music strategy for the city, from early years music education through to professional industry careers. It aims to ensure opportunities exist within the city to stop the exodus of talent.
Sarah Barton-Wales, Head of Leicestershire Music, said: “Leicester Music Board is leading the way to bridge the gap between music education and the music industry and I am delighted that Leicestershire Music (as the strategic lead organisation for Leicestershire Music Hub) is represented on the Board.
“Progression pathways into a career in music, in its broadest sense, are unique and individual and there is a lot of work to do to educate parents and schools in the many ways in which this can be achieved. This includes encouraging creativity back into the curriculum, formal qualifications such as BTEC and GCSE music and opportunities outside of the classroom to get real world experience. Not to mention the level of support and opportunities that young people need in order to make that leap from education into work.
“The Board will place industry and education side by side to make sure that young people are supported into a career much better and equipped with the skills to build their careers in the way that they want to. Leicester, with its diverse and vibrant music scene, offers young people a wealth of career opportunities on their doorstep and the Board will help to advocate for Leicester City and all it has to offer.”
It will also strengthen grassroots support for the city’s music community through collaboration, fundraising and events creating opportunities for musicians, producers and industry professionals.
Tania Lee, founder of UMC Management and a champion of women in music, said: “The launch of the Leicester Music Board marks an exciting milestone for the city’s creative community, promising to amplify the voices and talents of local musicians, venues, and industry professionals.
“From a community perspective, the Board represents a dedicated effort to celebrate and nurture Leicester’s rich musical heritage while creating new opportunities for growth and inclusivity. By focusing on supporting artists, preserving grassroots venues, and fostering a vibrant music culture, the Board aims to make Leicester a hub for diverse musical experiences.
“For residents and creatives alike, this initiative brings hope for increased investment, collaboration, and visibility, ensuring that music continues to be a unifying force that reflects the city’s dynamic and multicultural identity. The community’s involvement and support for this endeavour are essential, as the Board seeks to empower local voices and transform Leicester into a thriving centre for music innovation and cultural pride.”
A Music Mapping process – supported by Liverpool Music Board – and community consultation has also been launched. The mapping will provide a snapshot of the current music businesses and music education providers located in Leicester City, with the view to informing the strategy to address gaps in provision and unlock funding for the city.
The mapping will also feed into a national database of music venues in the UK to help organisations such as UK Music advocate and lobby on behalf of the creative economy. In Liverpool, its mapping has already been used to put on new night bus routes to better serve the night-time economy.
The Leicester Music Board is made up of representatives from HQ CAN, 2Funky Arts, Leicester City Council, TiME – Technology in Music Education UK, National Youth Jazz Collective, Leicestershire Music, UMC Management, PPL PRS and DMU.
Stage set for Phase II as final unit let at Wymeswold Business Quarter
Specialist commercial agents Mather Jamie have completed the letting of the last available unit in Phase I of the Wymeswold Business Quarter development.
Having been involved throughout the process from initial site acquisition, sale of all the units and subsequent lettings of these units, the completion of Unit 8 marks full occupation of the successful first phase.
Wymeswold Business Quarter is a purpose-built industrial hub designed to cater to modern business requirements. Phase I introduced 20 industrial units offering flexible spaces ranging from 1,900 to 12,000 sq ft.
Mather Jamie worked closely with The Prince Group, the owners and developer of the site, guiding the project from its initial planning stages through to completion and marketing. The final letting of Unit 8 to Revive POS signifies full occupancy of Phase I.
Kenny Whomsley, Managing Director and Founder at Revive POS, said: “Taking occupancy of our new office and warehouse is a pivotal moment for us. Our new location allows us to streamline our supply chain, scale up our offerings, and continue innovating to meet the evolving needs of our customers. This facility represents our commitment to quality, service, and sustainability as we grow.”
With Phase I fully occupied, attention now shifts to Phase II of Wymeswold Business Quarter. The next phase will feature 20 additional high-specification industrial units, ranging from 2,195 to over 5,000 square feet, with completion targeted for Q4 of 2025.
Fraser Hearfield, Commercial Surveyor at Mather Jamie, said: “Wymeswold Business Quarter has provided much needed new build industrial and warehousing units into the local Loughborough Market, and it’s rewarding to see Phase I reach its completion. We are excited to advance into Phase II, providing much-needed commercial space that will continue to support business growth in the region.”
The development has already contributed to the local economy, creating 95 jobs in the area. Phase II is expected to generate an additional 80-100 employment opportunities, further boosting the local community.
Derbyshire travel specialist sold to competitor
Luxury holiday rental specialist Menorca Private Owners (MPO) has been sold to Oliver’s Travels, an award-winning consolidator in the high-end villa rentals space, with support from accounting and advising firm PKF Smith Cooper.
MPO is a family-owned business which was established in 2003 by Paul and Jane Perera to provide luxury holiday accommodation to holidaymakers seeking sun and relaxation on the island of Menorca.
The acquisition of MPO is the biggest to date for Oliver’s Travels, adding an additional 32 villas to its existing portfolio of 127 properties which it manages on the island. The deal swiftly follows the acquisition of French company Homes and Provence, which completed in July 2024.
The shareholders of MPO were advised by Adam Rollason (Tax Partner) and Darren Hodson (Corporate Finance Partner) who provided tax structuring and deal support, respectively.
Adam Rollason commented: “We are delighted to have been able to assist the Perera family on this transaction. Paul, Jane and Peter have built a great business, and I have no doubt that the team at Oliver’s Travels will have further success as they look to expand their market share across the Balearic Islands.”
Darren Hodson, Corporate Finance Partner, added: “It has been a pleasure working with the shareholders of MPO on this transaction. We wish them all the best in their future endeavours.”
Managing director of MPO, Pete Perera, said: “I’m excited by the opportunity to grow the business and continue to be part of the MPO family. I know I speak for the entire team that the business has been left in great hands and will continue to deliver the personal service our owners and travelling clients know us for.”
Vistry Group completes first homes at Alvaredus in Fairham, Nottingham
Vistry Group, the provider of affordable mixed-tenure homes, has completed the first homes at Alvaredus, its development of 333 new homes in Fairham, on the southern edge of Nottingham.
Lee Parry, Vistry’s Managing Director for the North East Midlands, welcomed James Naish, MP for Rushcliffe, and Cllr. Neil Clarke, Rushcliffe Borough Council Leader, and representatives from Homes England, Rushcliffe Borough Council, Clowes, Gatehouse Investment Management and emh to celebrate the completion of the first batch of the new homes.
Alvaredus is a new development of 333 two, three and four-bedroom homes. 68 of the properties will be being sold on the open market under the Countryside Homes brand, 165 are destined for the affordable market with 100 homes owned and managed by emh group and a further 65 properties will be available through MTVH.
The final 100 will become private rental homes through Start Living, the single-family build-to-rent joint venture between Gatehouse Investment Management and TPG Real Estate Partners.
Alvaredus is part of Fairham, the 606-acre mixed use neighbourhood scheme championed by Homes England and Clowes Developments, helping to deliver new employment opportunities and assisting Rushcliffe Borough Council in meeting its aim to create 13,500 new homes by 2030.
Lee Parry, Managing Director of Vistry North East Midlands, which is developing Alvaredus under the Countryside Homes brand, said: “After years of planning and construction work, it’s always great to see houses built and people moving in, turning this site from a development into a real community.
“We’re hugely proud to be contributing to the wider Fairham scheme, creating an exciting new place to live that combines a green setting with exceptional transport links and all the vibrancy that the nearby city of Nottingham has to offer.”
James Naish, MP for Rushcliffe, said: “It is great to see this site coming to life with a genuine mix of high-quality private sale, affordable and private rental homes being built here in Rushcliffe, with excellent housing options for people from all walks of life.
“Both major parties at the general election committed to building at least 1.5 million homes over five years, and I’m pleased to see how quickly this site is now progressing after years of planning. I’ve no doubt that developments like Fairham will help to tackle the UK’s housing crisis.”
Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Planning & Housing Cllr Roger Upton said: “This is a milestone for the Fairham development, and we’re pleased to see the completion of over 300 new homes at Alvaredus by Vistry Group.
“These homes are part of the 606-acre site, which will welcome a thriving new neighbourhood, bringing new homes, employment opportunities, and a new sense of community here in the Borough.
“The development forms a key part of our Local Plan and will help meet the Borough’s housing need and central government’s aim for 13,500 new homes by 2030.”
Kate Henderson, representing Clowes Developments and Homes England, the Partnership responsible for bringing forward Fairham, commented: “Residents moving into their brand-new homes at Alvaredus, Fairham is a very exciting occasion for the Partnership.
“Fairham is going to continue to evolve over the next few years as we deliver 3,000 new homes, one million square feet of employment, green open spaces and so much more. We have worked hard to deliver the essential infrastructure.
“Elements of the 606-acre brand new neighbourhood are starting to come to life but there’s more to do. We are delighted to welcome the first residents, and we hope they enjoy being part of the Fairham story for years to come.”
Chris Jones, Executive Director of Development at emh, said: “We are delighted to be a partner in this development, not only to deliver high-quality, mixed tenure affordable homes that respond to the needs within the local area but also ensuring that we create places where people are proud to live.
“We look forward to welcoming residents to their new homes and seeing this fantastic community grow.”
Paul Stockwell, Group Managing Director at Gatehouse Investment Management, added: “It is hugely exciting to see the first homes completed at Alvaredus, and we look forward to families moving into the Start Living homes in the coming weeks.
“Our focus is on providing residents high-quality homes with excellent local amenities and strong transport links, and as such we are pleased to see Start Living as part of the offer at this landmark scheme.”
Sandra Lukoseviciene joins digital innovators Cube Purple
Cube Purple, a software company, has welcomed Sandra Lukoseviciene, CEO and founder of the award-winning OK’s Digital, to their expanding team. Sandra’s expertise and visionary approach bring a transformative shift to Cube Purple, strengthening its ability to drive revolutionary solutions in today’s technology landscape.
Sandra has earned acclaim across the UK for her work in digital solutions, celebrated for empowering businesses with accessible tools that elevate their digital presence. Through OK’s Digital, she has simplified complex processes, helping business owners leverage high-end visuals and cutting-edge digital training. Her mission aligns seamlessly with Cube Purple’s commitment to innovative and effective software solutions.
In joining Cube Purple, Sandra’s creative approach to digital solutions combines with Cube Purple’s robust software development capabilities. Together, they will offer a comprehensive suite of products, from time management systems and fire safety tools to custom app and software development, cloud solutions, in-house systems, and advanced AI-driven automations, all designed to empower businesses to thrive in today’s competitive environment.
“Joining Cube Purple marks a pivotal step forward,” Sandra said. “It’s not just about broadening our capabilities; it’s about aligning with a team that shares our vision for growth and impact. Together, we’re positioned to offer an even richer range of solutions, enabling businesses to embrace and excel with technology.”
Mark Shaw, CEO of Cube Purple, also sees this as an invaluable opportunity. He said: “Sandra’s forward-thinking approach perfectly complements our commitment to cutting-edge software. With her expertise on board, we’re uniquely positioned to blend creativity and technical excellence, helping businesses streamline and grow in an ever-evolving marketplace.”
As part of this new phase, Cube Purple will launch the Purple Pod—a podcast dedicated to inspiring and informing businesses on digital transformation.
Worksop land sale paves way for care home and houses
A new care home and 10 houses are set to be built in Worksop following the completion of a land sale.
Property consultancy Fisher German has completed the sale of a 3.8-acre site, based to the north of Gateford Toll Bar, to Stancliffe Homes.
The development is set to include a 70-bedroom care home as well as 10 residential dwellings of varying sizes to cater for local needs.
Fisher German provided the landowner with strategic development advice before acting on the sale of the site.
Outline planning permission for the land was granted in December last year, and Fisher German was able to devise a well-structured agreement which reduced the time to complete the sale.
Work on the site is now anticipated to commence when the final planning conditions have been agreed.
Alex Morrison, of Fisher German, said: “We are delighted to announce the completion of the sale of this site in Worksop.
“This development will introduce a much-needed care facility to the area, offering accommodation and creating valuable employment opportunities. Additionally, it will include the construction of 10 high-quality new houses.
“It is a really intricate parcel of land with good access, and we were able to use our expertise to advise the landowner on how to market the site.
“In this case our client’s main objective was certainty around the receipt they would achieve as a result of the sale. We structured an agreement which enabled the landowner certainty, so they can plan appropriately.
“It also meant that we were able to execute the deal swiftly which is highly beneficial for everyone involved.
“We now look forward to seeing the development come to fruition for the benefit of those in and around the area.”
Works start on Lincolnshire charity’s new HQ project
Works have now started on new premises for charity Naomi’s Garden following a team of construction partners coming together to offer free labour and materials at cost price.
Louth-based Naomi’s Garden provides conductive education to families who have loved ones with movement disorders, such as Cerebral Palsy, Parkinson’s, Dyspraxia and Motor Delay, as well as conditions including Autism, ADHD, sensory processing and genetic disorders and Long Covid.
Having outgrown its current centre – which limited the number of families it could support – the small team of therapists at the charity raised enough funds to secure a new building, however funds are still needed to complete the purchase and to renovate it to make it fit for purpose.
Landscape architecture practice, Influence Landscape Planning & Design, stepped in to support Naomi’s Garden by bringing together construction and professional services partners to move the project forward.
Internal works have now officially begun by Lincolnshire firm GBM Demolition, who are stripping out and widening door frames.
As previously reported, East Midlands-based construction partners who have committed to providing services are Influence, contractor G F Tomlinson, project manager and quantity surveyor Gleeds, solicitor Knights, and A + G Architects.
New to the project are commercial fit-out company APSS, glazer Tradeglaze, GRS Electrical, retailer B&Q Louth, and West Lindsey Landscapes. The charity is still hoping to find a drainage, heating, and M&E partner.
The new centre, located on Manby Park in Louth, was previously a motorcycle shop and needs extensive internal and external works to make it suitable for the charity to deliver its life changing services.
The construction partners will be working together to completely transform the building, with works including internal strip out, raising floors, installing ramps, new windows and doors, complete interior decoration, and landscaping to the exterior.
If enough money is raised, which is approximately £150,000, Naomi’s Garden’s new centre should be complete at the end of this year and welcoming families in early 2025.
When complete, the new centre will enable the charity to extend its working hours, provide group sessions and create a dynamic learning environment for all – no matter what their disability, resulting in supporting many more adults and children each year.
Managing director of Influence Landscape Planning and Design, Sara Boland, who lives in Louth, contacted Naomi’s Garden during the pandemic after having read about its plight and initially offered to help by providing landscaping services. That conversation continued to Sara offering to bring together a team of willing partners to deliver the works.
Sara said: “It’s been a real journey to get to this stage. This small charity worked incredibly hard to get to this position and through sheer grit and determination, the new centre they so desperately need is now in sight.
“A really big thank you to the companies which have supported us to date. What we are creating will positively impact so many lives and with these sort of services limited across the country, will offer more Lincolnshire and East Midlands-based families hope.
“Fundraising continues while the construction team and I focus on finding new partners and getting the work done. Any offers of help toward the project, no matter the size, are always welcome.”
Sarah-Jayne Walker, lead conductor at Naomi’s Garden, said: “As a small charity, we are overwhelmed by the kindness of local businesses who have come alongside us to help create Naomi’s Garden’s permanent home.
“Teamed with the fundraising efforts of our community we have started to see the transformation take place. We, as trustees, are beyond grateful as we continue to build on Naomi’s Legacy. Here’s to the next stages!”
Retailer B&Q at Louth recently chose the charity for its volunteering community day. At the end of October volunteers from the store spent a day creating some of the outside spaces, which included planting hedging, bulbs, hanging baskets, raised beds and clearing pathways. The retailer also donated £1,000 worth of B&Q materials which were needed for the day.
West Lindsey Landscapes were also present, preparing and digging the ground for the hedging which they kindly donated. B&Q and West Lindsey Landscapes have transformed the external areas of the new centre.
Naomi’s Garden has a SEND (Special Education Needs and Disabilities) specialist who works with the needs of children with autism, ADHD and sensory processing issues, and with the help of Lincolnshire County Council, also provides free school holiday provision services including free healthy meals and enriching activities.
To make a donation towards Naomi’s Garden’s new centre, please visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/naomis-gardens-big-move?utm_campaign=p_nacp+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer
Midlands Connect seeks views on need for M54/M6 link
Midlands Connect is urging firms to come forward and let them know how the proposed M54/M6 link would impact their businesses and operations.
The organisation believes a lot of businesses along the M54 corridor would benefit from stronger connections to the northbound M6, but are currently held back by gridlock and daily delays on roads like the A449 and A460.
Integrated Transport Programme Lead for Midlands Connect, Swati Mittal said: “We want to hear from businesses and we want to hear their experiences. We want to hear about the impact that local congestion and gridlock on the A460 and A449 can cause your firm on a daily basis.
“Please do get in touch with us over the next couple of weeks. We need your views to highlight the critical demand to upgrade this vital link to the local road network. Your experiences and thoughts could make a massive difference, please do take five minutes to get in touch and let us know what the impact is on your business.”
The new government has outlined ambitions to unlock key economic growth corridors, and Midlands Connect wants to build a strong case for it to invest in the M54/M6 northbound link. They would like to speak to organisations that use this route to understand how it impacts their business operations, and how investment in the proposed link road would support their businesses to grow or operate more efficiently.
These discussions would be used to form the basis of a qualitative report that will help build the case for this much-needed upgrade. Midlands Connect is urging local business to share their views over the next two weeks.
Views are invited via email to mcadmin@midlandsconnect.uk.
