Nottingham College forms strategic partnership with DeWalt

April Lara
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Nottingham College forms strategic partnership with DeWalt

Nottingham College has teamed up with DeWalt, a leading UK power tool brand, to provide construction students with valuable industry exposure. The collaboration will support over 100 students across carpentry, joinery, plumbing, and automotive courses, offering hands-on workshops, technical demonstrations, and significant equipment donations.

This partnership aligns with Nottingham College’s commitment to strengthening industry ties. The college’s Basford campus, recently enhanced by the £6 million Construction Skills Centre, is further supported by DeWalt’s contribution, adding to the resources available for students. The college is also investing in its Green Skills Centre to prepare students for careers in renewable technologies.

The partnership aims to bridge the gap between education and the construction sector, which is focused on delivering the UK government’s ambitious housing targets. This initiative will equip students with the latest tools and real-world insights to ensure they are ready for the demands of the trade upon graduation.

Nottingham to pilot innovative public restaurant model to tackle food inequality

April Lara
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Nottingham to pilot innovative public restaurant model to tackle food inequality

A new initiative in Nottingham aims to explore the potential of public restaurants to enhance public health by offering affordable, high-quality meals. The project, part of the UKRI-funded DISHED initiative, will see the opening of two pilot public restaurants in Nottingham and Dundee by spring 2026. These restaurants aim to provide accessible, nutritious meals sourced locally, supporting sustainable farming practices and meeting the needs of diverse communities.

The project is a collaboration among the Institute of Development Studies, the University of Nottingham, Nourish Scotland, the University of Sussex, and local partners. It is designed to address the rising challenge of food inequality in the UK, in line with the NHS 10-year plan.

Although public restaurants are not a new concept, the revival of this model in the UK is unique, building on the success of similar initiatives in countries such as Brazil and Poland. These establishments, which will be co-designed with local residents, aim to provide affordable meals that promote healthy eating habits while fostering a sense of community.

Running for 14 months, the pilot will be evaluated for its effectiveness in improving public health and reducing food insecurity. Research will also examine the potential environmental and economic impacts of the model, aiming to offer insights into how public restaurants can contribute to better well-being and a more sustainable food system.

Through this initiative, the project aims to demonstrate the value of providing accessible, healthy food as a public service, comparable to libraries or parks, and the role it can play in enhancing community well-being and public health.

Funding secured for Derbyshire solar power project

Tess Egginton
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Funding secured for Derbyshire solar power project
Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, has secured £700,000 of grant funding from the Government’s Mayoral Renewables Fund to build a solar farm in Derbyshire. The Mayoral Renewables Fund from the recently formed Great British Energy aims to support Combined Authorities across England to deliver priority renewable energy generation projects on their own estates. Derbyshire County Council will use the £700,000 to develop a 2MW solar farm on reclaimed land that was part of the Williamthorpe Colliery, a former coal mine near Chesterfield. The installation of the project is due to be completed in Spring 2026. The site will generate around 1.9 million kWh per year which is enough energy to power over 700 homes annually, based on average UK households. The energy generated on the solar farm will be exported to the grid and will reduce Derbyshire County Council’s energy bills by more than £100,000 per year. Over the project lifetime, it is expected to save the council more than £3m. Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, said: “I’m spearheading a green industrial revolution here in the East Midlands to protect future generations from the impacts of the climate crisis. Last year, we said farewell to the use of coal in our region, and we’re now transitioning to become a clean energy powerhouse, with solar being an important part of the energy mix. “Our approach to tackling the climate crisis presents a huge opportunity for our communities. We’re creating a region that is more resilient and sustainable, which will support everyone who lives in the region to thrive. “As Mayor, I’m putting national net zero policy into practice on a local level by securing this funding – and this is just the start of our productive relationship with Great British Energy.”

IMA Apprentice named finalist in Enterprising Women Awards

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IMA Apprentice named finalist in Enterprising Women Awards
IMA Architects’ Sofia Coviello has been named as an Apprentice of the Year Finalist in the East Midlands Chamber Enterprising Women Awards. The Apprentice of the Year category recognises female apprentices working towards or having recently completed an apprenticeship in the past 12 months. This award is an acknowledgement of an apprentice’s commitment and ability to make a difference within the organisation they work in. Sofia joined IMA Architects in March 2021 and has since experienced substantial personal and professional growth. Shortly after joining the IMA team, Sofia commenced the Level 7 Architectural Apprenticeship with the University of Nottingham. Balancing full-time professional responsibilities with the demands of academic study has been one of her most significant yet rewarding challenges. This rigorous dual commitment has helped her to manage multiple complex responsibilities, which have been instrumental in shaping her into a more well-rounded practitioner. As an apprentice at IMA, Sofia has progressed from supportive roles to leading design packages and managing client relationships. She has also taken a proactive role in supporting professional development across the practice through lunch-and-learn sessions and developing how-to-guides to help colleagues navigate evolving architectural tools and methodologies. Alongside her academic development, Sofia’s professional experience at IMA has included contributing to the design and delivery of large-scale distribution centres, including multiple Lidl RDCs and a new cold-store facility for a leading UK-based frozen meal company. IMA Architects have also been involved in the delivery of data centres in the UK, for which Sofia has taken a key role, working directly with contractors in a sector that is rapidly expanding due to the demands of digital infrastructure. Talking about her apprenticeship and reflecting on the shortlisting, Sofia said: “The apprenticeship route at IMA has provided me with invaluable opportunities that would not have been available through a traditional educational pathway. “It has enabled me to become qualified whilst gaining extensive practical experience, and to develop a robust network of industry professionals. Moreover, it has given me the confidence to assume leadership responsibilities and advocate for progress – whether through sustainable practice, digital transformation, or promoting inclusivity in the construction industry. “Each of these achievements has contributed to my development as a competent and forward-thinking aspiring architect. I am very happy to have been named a finalist for the Enterprising Women Apprentice of the Year award for East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire). I’m excited for the future and am immensely grateful for the apprenticeship journey that has prepared me for the next stage in my professional career.” The Enterprising Women Awards 2025 celebrate and showcase the successes of women in business that have taken place in the East Midlands region over the past year. The winners will be announced at a ceremony on 26th September at Winstanley House in Leicester.

Main contractors back framework initiative to cut emissions and raise climate change awareness

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Main contractors back framework initiative to cut emissions and raise climate change awareness
The Procure Partnerships Framework has launched a new nationwide sustainability initiative in collaboration with 33 main contractors, aiming to improve environmental outcomes across their supply chain. Sustainability and social value have long been integral to the framework’s performance indicators, with over £147 million in social value generated by its contractor partners in the last year alone. The new initiative, Project Green, builds on this foundation by providing a focused platform to reduce carbon emissions, cut construction waste, promote green travel, and deliver environmental education and training. Contractors signed up to the initiative include Kier, GRAHAM Construction, Tilbury Douglas, BAM Construction, Seddon, and Wates Group. Their collective effort marks a shift from the framework’s previous Collaborative Working Groups, with the new initiative responding directly to government Net Zero targets and internal data that identified environmental themes as the least utilised within Procure Partnerships Frameworks’ reporting tool, Compliance Chain. Project Green’s scope includes carbon offsetting through activities such as tree planting, education programmes aimed at increasing sustainability awareness among both young people and adults, and initiatives to reduce environmental impact in day-to-day operations. This includes encouraging the use of non-toxic, refillable cleaning products within contractor offices. Since its launch in May, early results from Project Green have demonstrated a strong level of engagement. Contractors have reported the offsetting of 3,604 tonnes of carbon, the planting of over 16,000 trees, completion of more than 2.3 million green travel miles, and the delivery of upwards of 400 hours of sustainability-focused training. In a further example of commitment to operational change, contractor partner ETEC has adopted the use of Miniml, a zero-waste, eco-friendly cleaning solution, across its office sites. Importantly, Project Green is a voluntary commitment by framework contractors and operates separately from formal project-level environmental and social value obligations. The programme has been developed in response to a shared industry concern over the pace of change and the recognition that greater collaboration could accelerate tangible outcomes that benefit the environment. Jack Neath, social value advisor at Procure Partnerships Framework, said that the built environment has a central role to play in addressing climate change, noting that the construction sector is responsible for an estimated 45 per cent of the UK’s total carbon emissions. “Climate change is accelerating, and last year was the hottest on record. As a framework, we are uniquely positioned to encourage industry collaboration, and the response to Project Green has been overwhelmingly positive. It’s clear from the early outcomes that small, coordinated changes can deliver measurable impact. “What makes this initiative particularly powerful is that it sits entirely outside of our contractors’ formal framework-level obligations. They are choosing to work alongside us giving their time, resource and expertise because they genuinely share our vision. It’s no coincidence that our contractor partners deliver an average of 62% Social Value Add on their projects, well above national benchmarks. That commitment is what’s driving real change.” Maggie Hall, environmental & sustainability manager at BAM UK and Ireland, praised the framework for facilitating a collaborative environment: “BAM is delighted to support Procure Partnerships Framework’s environmental initiative. This forum allows us to share knowledge and align our sustainability ambitions with peers across the industry.” Stuart Darby, framework manager at GRAHAM, added: “We’re proud to be part of this initiative and fully support its goals. At GRAHAM, we’re committed to driving sustainable change and collaborating with partners to deliver lasting impact.” Lucy Davies, ESG director, Tilbury Douglas, said Project Green reflects the wider construction industry’s growing focus on climate literacy and environmental responsibility. “This is an area of strategic importance for Tilbury Douglas and one we are committed to. Climate change is no longer a distant threat, it is a present reality, with profound implications for future generations. “Project Green provides an opportunity for the industry to collaborate voluntarily and meaningfully outside of formal project obligations. Initiatives like this are critical to advancing environmental literacy, embedding climate responsibility across our value chain, and supporting a transition to a lower carbon future.” Procure Partnerships Framework has confirmed it will publish quarterly reports on Project Green’s outcomes and hold regular contractor meetings to review progress and plan future activity.   Contractors involved:
Willmott Dixon
Danaher and Walsh
BAM
Wates
Etec
Encon
Speller Metcalfe
Morris and Spottiswood
Carmelcrest
Seddon
Stepnell
Burmor Construction
Overbury
Tilbury Douglas
McLaren
Graham Construction
Bethell
Eric Wright
Vinci
Galliford Try
Borras
McLaughlin and Harvey
CR Reynolds
Thomas Sinden
Beard Construction
Quinn
Neilcott
Health Spaces
GF Tomlinson
Kier
Hutton
AR Demolition
Milestone Infrastructure

Chesterfield businesses unlock over £170k to upskill their workforce

Tess Egginton
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Chesterfield businesses unlock over £170k to upskill their workforce
Chesterfield businesses have accessed more than £170,000 in government funding through the Adult Apprenticeship Levy Transfer, helping them invest in their teams with little or no cost to their organisation. The funding, which was part of a wider allocation secured by Derbyshire County Council during the 2024/25 financial year, has enabled 104 adult apprenticeships across the county, supporting workforce development in 41 local businesses. In Chesterfield alone, 11 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have benefited from £170,426 in levy transfer support, including organisations from healthcare, childcare, engineering and social care. Sheepbridge-based manufacturer, Graphoidal Developments, which specialises in lubricating and coating solutions for the glass container industry, was just one of the 11 to benefit. The funding supported both a level five operations manager and a level six product design and development engineer. “Accessing the Apprenticeship Levy Transfer funding has been a game-changer for our business,” said Carl Singleton, operations director at Graphoidal Developments. “It enabled us to upskill without the financial burden. “Working with the Chesterfield Skills Brokerage Service made the process straightforward too. They guided us through every step and helped us find the right training provider. We’d encourage other local businesses to explore what support is available.” The Chesterfield Skills Brokerage Service, funded by Chesterfield Borough Council, provides free, impartial advice to local employers looking to invest in training and skills development. It can help businesses identify training needs, access funding streams such as the Levy Transfer, connect with local training providers, and offer support with inclusive recruitment – all at no cost. Diane Beresford, chair of the Chesterfield Skills and Employment Partnership and deputy CEO of East Midlands Chamber of Commerce, said: “We are pleased to see businesses taking advantage of funding opportunities to upskill their workforce and drive growth, and we hope that more will do so over the next financial year. “With expert support available through the Chesterfield Skills Brokerage Service, there’s never been a better time for businesses to take that next step.” Andy Byrne, chair of Destination Chesterfield, said: “Employers upskilling their teams and strengthening their organisations is vital to the long-term growth of our town. “Initiatives like this, combined with expert guidance from the Chesterfield Skills Brokerage Service are key to building a resilient, future-ready workforce to help Chesterfield compete in an increasingly competitive market. I urge businesses to access business and skills opportunities now.”

Bell rings in new Nottingham office

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Bell rings in new Nottingham office
Bell, one of the UK’s largest property services contractors, has secured substantial new office space at the Apex Business Park in Nottingham, strengthening its nationwide footprint. The transaction, which sees Bell take the 5,044 sq ft first floor of Building C, was brokered by NG Chartered Surveyors. The deal marks a milestone for the Apex Business Park, as the 11,000 sq ft Building C is now fully let. The ground floor had previously been taken by healthcare provider Optegra Eye Health Care. Bell Group delivers a range of property services across the UK, including painting, decorating, maintenance, and energy efficiency solutions. Their new Nottingham base will support continued regional growth. Thomas Szymkiw, head of agency at NG Chartered Surveyors, who negotiated the deal, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Bell to Apex Business Park and to have completed the final letting at Building C. “Bell’s decision to locate here is a testament to the quality of the offices on offer and the park’s excellent transport links. It’s great to see such a reputable national operator choosing Nottingham as a strategic location for their operations.” Chris Sayers, director of property and assets from Bell Group, said: “Bell are excited to relocate to these exceptional offices at Apex Business Park, this will allow us to expand further our services in the East Midlands and allow us to deliver a full range of Decarb, Passive Fire, Kitchens and Bathrooms, Voids, Decorating and other property services.”

A third of small business leaders only have a basic understanding of AI

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A third of small business leaders only have a basic understanding of AI
New research by Start Up Loans, conducted by YouGov, reveals less than half (46%) of small businesses use AI at work. Furthermore, a third (34%) of small business leaders only have a ‘basic understanding’ of AI tools. On average, only 12% would refer to themselves as an ‘expert’ in the technology, when thinking about their proficiency in five core pillars of AI: Generative AI, chatbots and virtual assistants, speech to text and vice versa, text analysis and summary, and AI-powered text editing. The biggest barriers to further AI adoption were found to be IT security issues (25%) and a lack of appropriate financing possibilities (25%). A slow internet connection (22%) was the third largest barrier. There is also a knowledge barrier preventing many small businesses from reaping the full benefits of tech and AI in the workplace. Over a fifth (21%) of business leaders cite insufficient digital skills of employees as being problematic, while a similar percentage (19%) cite an internal resistance to change as a hindrance. These barriers and lack of understanding are leading to a delay in uptake of the technology. Within smaller businesses there was a clear divide between those at the larger end of the spectrum and those at the more micro end when it comes to using AI. The survey found AI is used in 36% of micro businesses (0-9 employees) and 44% of small businesses (10-49 employees) but rises to 60% of medium-sized enterprises (50-249 employees). Louise McCoy, managing director, Start Up Loans Products, British Business Bank, said: “AI has the potential to transform the way smaller businesses operate, but people running those businesses face a plethora of barriers which need to be overcome if they are to benefit from the technology. We hope our information, as well as start up financing, one of the biggest hurdles identified, can help drive more use of AI. “By adopting AI responsibly, smaller businesses could unlock new opportunities for growth and innovation, ensuring they remain the driving force of the UK economy.”

Nottingham’s biggest property music night raises over £30,000 for children’s charity

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Nottingham’s biggest property music night raises over £30,000 for children’s charity
Nottingham Hot Property, the charity music event, has once again struck a high note for a good cause, raising £30,000 for local children’s charity Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People. Now in its 21st year, the event saw nearly 1,000 tickets snapped up as professionals from across the built environment came together for an evening of live music and fundraising at the iconic Binks Yard venue. With clear skies and summer heat adding to the atmosphere, performers from across the industry took to the stage, raising funds to support babies, children and young people with life-limiting conditions – and the families who love them. All money raised will help fund Rainbows’ life-changing therapies, including its unique music therapy programme, which helps children express themselves and experience moments of joy in a safe, therapeutic space. Siobhan Goodacre, one of the Nottingham Hot Property trustees, said: “We’ve built something truly special over the past two decades: a community of performers, sponsors and supporters who come together, year after year, to make a real difference. “Returning to Binks Yard for our second year at the venue felt like coming home, and the sunshine really set the stage for what turned out to be another truly exceptional outcome. “It’s always inspiring to see the generosity and passion from everyone involved and this year was no exception. Everyone involved, from those working tirelessly behind the scenes, to those brave enough to step into the spotlight, to our generous sponsors and the amazing audience, has helped create something bigger than any one of us.” Since launching in 2004, Nottingham Hot Property has raised more than £419,000 for local children’s causes, always with a blend of live music and a commitment to giving back. Year after year, the event transforms the city’s property and construction professionals into performers for one night only, showcasing hidden talents to packed audiences. “Nottingham Hot Property has really grown into something like a family over time,” Siobhan added. “Each year, new faces join, familiar faces return, and together we prove what can happen when a community comes together with heart. Raising over £30,000 this year is a testament to that spirit, and it’s incredibly moving to see it getting stronger every time.” Melanie Bodaly, partnerships development and events manager at Rainbows, said: “We were truly blown away by the enthusiasm and commitment shown by everyone involved in Hot Property. “The £30,000 raised will go a long way: not only to sustain our music therapy work – which helps children discover confidence, connection and happiness through sound – but also to fund our wider services, including symptom management, palliative care and end-of-life support. “It’s humbling to see an industry come together like this, and we’re deeply grateful for the difference this will make to so many families across the East Midlands.”

Drought conditions intensify across England, water firms urged to act

April Lara
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Drought conditions intensify across England, water firms urged to act

Drought conditions are worsening across England, with the National Drought Group (NDG) urging water companies to increase efforts to manage water supplies. Areas in the West and East Midlands, along with Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, East Anglia, and Thames Valley, are now under drought status. With rainfall at just 80% of usual levels in June, reservoirs are at critical levels, with national storage at 75.6% and Yorkshire’s dropping to 53.8%. Multiple hosepipe bans are already in place, and further restrictions are expected if dry weather persists.

Water companies have been called to accelerate leak repairs and operational adjustments. The Environment Agency is closely monitoring water levels and collaborating with water providers to protect both communities and the environment. As wildfires, dry habitats, and threats to wildlife continue, authorities are preparing for an extended dry period, with the risk of more stringent water use measures ahead.

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