Despite recent proposals from the Chancellor to stimulate growth, businesses in the East Midlands are sceptical. The region’s inflation rate surged to 3.6% in June, exacerbating already fragile business confidence, as reflected in the latest Quarterly Economic Survey.

In the Mansion House speech, the Chancellor outlined measures intended to ease business operations, including reducing regulatory barriers to encourage risk-taking, streamlining recruitment processes for senior leaders, and offering a concierge service to assist companies wishing to set up in the UK. However, local businesses remain unconvinced.

East Midlands Chamber has pointed out that while the measures may benefit certain sectors, they fall short of addressing the underlying challenges faced by businesses. The rising inflation, alongside increased operational costs such as higher National Insurance contributions and the national living wage, continues to put pressure on firms.

In a climate where many businesses are anticipating no growth, the Chancellor’s plans may not be enough to restore confidence or encourage the much-needed investment. As the economic outlook remains uncertain, business leaders are calling for stronger, more immediate support, including assurances that future tax hikes will not further hinder their operations.

A Nottingham-based fire safety company is experiencing a sharp rise in demand from the leisure sector, particularly from boat and caravan owners, who are seeking more effective ways to protect their vessels from fire risks. Aerocom (UK) Ltd, the sole UK distributor of MAUS fire suppression products, has reported an increase in enquiries, driven by the growing awareness of the hazards posed by onboard electrical systems.

The company’s MAUS units, including the MAUS Stixx Pro V1 and MAUS Xtin Klein, are particularly popular due to their compact design and zero-damage capabilities.

Government statistics have highlighted that electrical fires are the second most frequent cause of household fires in the UK, reinforcing the need for reliable fire safety solutions. The MAUS systems, which are also used by high-profile automotive brands such as Toyota and Audi, are proving valuable in protecting both property and people.

In addition to the UK, demand is rising in international markets, with notable installations such as the superyacht Mirage in Spain, which recently outfitted 15 units. Boat owners are increasingly adopting this innovative technology, appreciating its efficiency and minimal footprint for fire protection.

Frank Key has joined the sponsor line up for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025, backing the Deal of the Year category. Since 1907 Frank Key has been renowned for supplying market-leading building, plumbing and timber materials. Built on family values, the business has grown to stock interiors, landscaping, civils and drainage products, as well as providing high-quality plant and tool hire equipment, making Frank Key a true one-stop shop for all your project requirements. Frank Key’s reputation is not only built on the wide range of products sold, but how it does business. Given its experience within the industry and with many of the Frank Key team being long-standing members of staff, the firm is in the best position to provide you with the expert advice and service you need. Frank Key will order non-stocked items, stick to delivery dates and honour agreements. Speaking with Business Link, Ben Sansom, Group Sales & Marketing Director at Frank Key, said: “Frank Key is delighted to sponsor the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025. “With over 110 years of experience supplying the building trade, we are proud to support an event that celebrates the incredible achievements in the property and construction sectors across our region. We wish all the nominees the very best of luck and look forward to seeing the innovative projects shaping the East Midlands.” 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. 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:

• Contractor of the Year
• Developer of the Year
• Architects of the Year
• Most Active Agent
• Deal of the Year
• Residential Development of the Year
• Sustainable Development of the Year
• Commercial Development of the Year
• Excellence in Design
• Responsible Business of the Year
• Overall Winner

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.

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 here Dress code: Standard business attire Thanks to our sponsors:                                                                        

To be held at:

East Midlands Chamber has reinforced calls for parts of the Employment Rights Bill to be reconsidered after UK-wide research revealed significant concerns from businesses across a number of areas, such as the speed at which the Bill is travelling through Parliament and the impact of policies on tax, employment and regulation seen as a ‘barrier to growth’. Nearly 8 out of 10 businesses that took part in the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) study felt the impact of policies is not being adequately assessed, while a third said trade union proposals would have a negative impact. Measures outlined in the Bill, currently going through the report stage in the House of Lords, include removing the lower earnings limit from statutory sick pay; requiring employers to take ‘reasonable steps’ to prevent sexual harassment of employees; ‘day one’ rights given to employees for parental or paternity leave and protection against unfair dismissal. Findings from the British Chambers of Commerce research on business views on the Employment Rights Bill:

• One third (33%) said trade union proposals would have a negative impact
• Only 2% of firms believe the proposals would be positive
• Nearly 8 out of 10 (79%) of firms don’t feel the impact of new government policies is being properly assessed
• 77% don’t think policy change is moving at the right pace
• Nearly 7 out of 10 (69%) think government policies such as tax, employment and regulation are barriers to growth

East Midlands Chamber director of resources, Lucy Robinson said: “Parts of this Bill, including requirements like statutory sick pay and day one paternity leave are due to kick in as soon as April next year – that doesn’t give much time for businesses to prepare – and then they’ll be followed not long after with a number of other measures, like the end of ‘fire and rehire’ and day one unfair dismissal protection, according to the timeline the government recently published. “The proposed measures are going to impact the way most firms operate and are likely to add to their pile of paperwork and associated costs, as well as limit the scope of those looking to restructure. While I appreciate there’s been some consultation from the government, for 8 out of 10 businesses across the country that took part in the British Chambers of Commerce research to have said the impact has not been properly assessed underlines the need to get a better steer from the business community and how they’ll be affected. “7 out of 10 UK businesses in this research said policies around things like tax, regulation and employment would be a barrier to growth – I’d say that’s a clear red flag and shows a need for more consultation to get this right. With the speed this Bill is moving through Parliament, also highlighted as a concern in this study, the government should be open to making changes before these policies are set in stone. “When you consider the barrage of challenges firms have had to contend with recently, whether increased staffing costs from higher National Insurance contributions or inflation, it’s essential their needs are prioritised before this Bill is passed. “For East Midlands businesses, I’d urge taking advantage of the Chamber’s HR Forums as a really useful resource around what the proposed changes might mean for them.” British Chambers of Commerce deputy director of public policy, Jane Gratton said: “The opportunity to make any significant changes to the Employment Rights Bill to ease the cost and disruption to business is fast disappearing over the horizon. While the government has consulted on several aspects, and listened to some concerns, the legislation still does not strike the right balance. “A number of the proposals are deeply worrying for employers. They will increase employment costs, complexity and risk for firms, particularly SMEs who will be disproportionately affected. We are likely to see unintended consequences that could limit people’s employment opportunities and the UK’s economic growth. “To grow our economy, firms must have the flexibility and agility to deal with challenges and opportunities. Government needs to help not hinder businesses – to innovate, adopt new technologies and be more productive and competitive. By adding more restrictions and building in further delays before change can happen, the Bill jeopardises all of this. It is creating a lose-lose scenario for everyone in the workplace. “While there many are things in the legislation that reflect what good businesses are already doing, there are some specific proposals that need amending. Planned changes to dismissal rules, trade union ballot thresholds and zero hours contracts, for example, are some of the critical areas that need to be revisited. “The government must continue its positive approach to engagement with business and remain open to changes. Only then can it ensure this legislation is proportionate, affordable and right for both firms and their employees.”