Upgrades at Derby traffic hotspots get green light

Tess Egginton
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Upgrades at Derby traffic hotspots get green light
A critical business artery connecting Birmingham to Derby and onwards, has been awarded funding from Government, following years of research and investigation. The A38 serves as a key route linking the East and West Midlands, which is a hotspot for congestion due to long-distance drivers meeting a high volume of local traffic. This often leads to long delays and inefficient journeys, impacting both the Midlands and national economy. The three roundabout junctions requiring upgrades to the west and north of Derby city centre are the:
  • A38/A5111 Kingsway roundabout
  • A38/A52 Markeaton roundabout
  • A38/A61 Little Eaton roundabout
Commenting on the announcement of funding for the A38 Derby Junctions, the CEO of Midlands Connect Maria Machancoses said: “Upgrading these junctions gives an opportunity to boost the economy of Derby by cutting journey times, improve road safety, creating jobs and unlocking land for new homes and growth. We welcome today’s funding announcement for this project which has been a priority for Midlands Connect. “We look forward to working with partners to deliver it for residents and the economy of Derby city and its surrounding areas.”

Competition concerns raised for Greencore’s Bakkavor acquisition

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Competition concerns raised for Greencore’s Bakkavor acquisition

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is proposing an investigation into the anticipated £1.2bn acquisition of Bakkavor by Greencore.

The transaction would create a leading UK convenience food business with a combined revenue of £4bn and approximately 30,500 employees.
Bakkavor, a major supplier of ready meals and desserts to UK supermarkets such as Tesco and Sainsbury’s, earned £2.29bn in revenue last year, more than 80% in the UK. Greencore, based in Dublin with significant operations in Worksop, brought in £1.81bn over the same period through its ready meals and food-to-go products.
The CMA is considering whether the deal will “result in a substantial lessening of competition within any market or markets in the United Kingdom for goods or services.” The CMA has issued a preliminary ‘invitation to comment’ to allow interested parties to submit to the CMA any initial views on the impact that the transaction could have on competition in the UK. The CMA has not yet launched its formal investigation into the transaction, with the invitation to comment, closing 22 July, the first part of the CMA’s information-gathering process.

Centrica completes transformation of Brigg Energy Park

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Centrica completes transformation of Brigg Energy Park
Centrica has transformed the site of an ageing power station in Lincolnshire into an ultra-modern 150 megawatt (MW) energy park. The former turbine hall at the Brigg Power Station, which was decommissioned in 2020 after nearly 30 years of operations, is now home to a new 50MW peaking plant. Peaking plants only operate when there’s high or peak demand for electricity, or when generation from renewables is too low to meet demand. The new peaking plant is the second to be constructed at Brigg, doubling the capacity of power generation at the site to 100MW. The new engines, designed and manufactured by sustainable technology business Wärtsilä, are highly efficient, and will be used in a trial to blend hydrogen into the plant which is due to start later this year. In addition, Centrica has completed construction of a 50MW two hour battery system on the site, representing the largest investment in battery storage capacity the company has made to date. Storing renewable energy in this way makes it possible to better control the peaks and troughs associated with renewable energy generation – charging the batteries when electricity demand is low and discharging when demand peaks. With a combined capacity of 150MW, Brigg Energy Park now provides the electricity network with resilience, facilitating the continued expansion of clean, green renewable energy the UK needs, and is capable of powering around 100,000 homes during periods of peak demand, such as mornings and early evenings. Chris O’Shea, group chief executive of Centrica, said: “The energy transition will only be successful if it’s secure, affordable and sustainable. The Brigg Energy Park plays a vital role in all three of these providing a level of resilience that underpins our energy future – a future that’s increasingly electrified and renewable. “Battery storage and fast response gas fired peaking plants are essential in ensuring every home and business has access to a reliable electricity supply, even when the wind doesn’t blow and the sun doesn’t shine.” Scunthorpe MP Nic Dakin welcomed the development: “The Centrica team at Brigg have been consistently creative in getting the best out of ageing assets. The plant makes a significant contribution to energy production at peak times, and I am delighted to welcome the biggest investment by Centrica here in the local site. Congratulations to all involved.”

Supermarkets call for urgent action on deforestation laws

April Lara
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Supermarkets call for urgent action on deforestation laws

Leading UK supermarkets are pressing the Government to take immediate steps to implement due diligence laws aimed at tackling illegal deforestation in global supply chains. Retail giants, including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Lidl, are in a holding pattern as they await progress on key legislation under the Environment Act 2021.

The proposed laws would prevent businesses from using or selling products containing palm oil, cocoa, beef, leather, and soy sourced from deforested land. However, the Government has yet to publish the necessary secondary legislation or set a timeline for its introduction, leaving retailers uncertain about how to adjust their operations in line with potential requirements.

Supermarkets are concerned that the delay in legislation could affect supply chain stability and food security. They warn that the UK could face millions of pounds in export losses to the European Union, as the EU’s deforestation regulations are set to take effect later this year. The retailers argue that aligning UK regulations with EU standards is critical for ensuring competitiveness and preventing disruptions in global trade.

In addition to the business risks, the supermarkets highlight the environmental and social importance of deforestation laws, citing their role in supporting climate change mitigation and ensuring the long-term security of food and commodity supply chains. Increased weather volatility and food price inflation, particularly in sectors like cocoa and coffee, have made addressing these issues even more pressing.

Retailers are urging the Government to act quickly and to adopt secondary legislation that aligns with European deforestation standards. They also emphasised the need for greater supply chain transparency after the point of import to safeguard against products linked to illegal deforestation entering the market.

Historic garden centre branches out with £4m expansion in Sleaford

Tess Egginton
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Historic garden centre branches out with £4m expansion in Sleaford
Pennells Garden Centres, a family business with roots dating back to 1780, is expanding its Sleaford site in a £4m redevelopment project, backed by funding from Lloyds. Now in its ninth generation of family ownership, the Lincolnshire-based firm has grown from a traditional nursery into a group of modern garden retail destinations. With existing centres in Lincoln and Cleethorpes, Pennells acquired the Sleaford site in 2018 and is now driving its transformation. The expansion, set for completion in late summer, will feature a new 1,750 square metre retail space, an upgraded restaurant with seating capacity increased from 100 to 250, and extended parking facilities to better serve the volume of visitors expected from the surrounding area, including Sleaford and Grantham. The project has been made possible through a £4m funding package from Lloyds, marking the start of a new relationship with the lender. The package comprised a Buildings Transition Loan, which offers discounted lending to small and medium-sized businesses investing in energy efficient properties, and a development loan to help cover the cost of land purchase and construction. With the new space, the business will expand its product range, particularly in seasonal lines such as garden furniture and Christmas decorations. No longer limited by a lack of indoor space, the development enables more stock to be showcased year-round, enhancing the overall shopping experience. The growth is also expected to bring new job opportunities. While final recruitment numbers will be confirmed closer to the opening date, Pennells anticipates adding to both its retail and hospitality teams to support the expanded site. Sustainability has also been a key consideration throughout the project. The new building incorporates energy-efficient design features, including solar panels, LED lighting, and materials that improve insulation and reduce heat loss. Looking ahead, the business has its sights set on further growth. The team is exploring future site acquisitions and plans to launch its own branded range of garden furniture. Richard Pennell, chairman at Pennells Garden Centres, said: “We’ve always taken a long-term view, and this project is about making sure Sleaford continues to meet the needs of our customers for years to come. “The new building means we’ll finally have space to showcase a fuller range, particularly during our busiest trading seasons. It’s also going to give visitors a more enjoyable experience, whether they’re shopping or stopping in for lunch.” Nick Flanagan, relationship director at Lloyds, said: “Pennells is a great example of a business that’s stayed true to its heritage while adapting to changing retail expectations. This expansion will bring new services to the local area, create jobs and help the business continue its long-standing commitment to the community. “We’re pleased to be part of their journey and look forward to seeing the Sleaford site continue to thrive.”

Amber Valley Borough Council launches trainee programme to tackle skills shortages

April Lara
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Amber Valley Borough Council launches trainee programme to tackle skills shortages

Amber Valley Borough Council is addressing recruitment challenges in key sectors with the launch of its trainee scheme, which aims to build internal talent for long-term employment. The programme, now in its second year, focuses on creating pathways into local government roles by offering hands-on experience, fully funded qualifications, and the potential for permanent roles after completion.

The current iteration of the scheme has received significant interest, with over 70 applications for two key positions: Trainee Tree Officer and Trainee Solicitor. The scheme provides trainees with tailored training plans, typically lasting two years, that combine practical experience with structured learning. A dedicated manager supports each participant to ensure they gain the necessary skills to progress within the Council.

Following the success of its first year, the scheme is set to expand, with new roles in IT Services and Regulatory Services on the horizon. The initiative aligns with the Council’s broader workforce development strategy, which includes succession planning and employee development to ensure the future success and stability of essential public services. By offering these opportunities, Amber Valley aims to nurture local talent and reduce skills shortages in critical areas.

ABDA Design celebrates double recognition at national awards

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ABDA Design celebrates double recognition at national awards
Northampton-based ABDA Design is celebrating success at the CEDA (Catering Equipment Distributors Association) Awards 2025, where the company was recognised for its outstanding contributions to the catering and design industry. This achievement is particularly meaningful as it comes just three months after the management buy-out by Claire Smith and Richard Steade, marking an exciting new chapter for the company. Operations co-ordinator, Amie Rice, was honoured with the Rising Star Award, an accolade that celebrates emerging talent within the sector. Amie’s achievement recognises her dedication and exceptional work ethic, having joined ABDA Design only two years ago from a completely different profession. During this time, she has quickly established herself as a vital member of the team taking the lead on wellbeing and introducing new initiatives to support the business. In addition to Amie’s individual success, ABDA Design was also shortlisted for the Project Management Award for its work on the Charnwood Bakery project. This complex piece of work required detailed project management skills to complete within a tight eight-week timeline. With it being a live site, operating around the clock, the ABDA team had to collaborate with other contractors and demonstrate their flexibility to manage and co-ordinate all aspects of the build. Claire Smith, managing director of ABDA Design, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have been recognised by CEDA this year. Being shortlisted for the Project Management Award for our work on Charnwood Bakery is a fantastic achievement for the whole team, but I’m especially proud of Amie for winning the Rising Star Award. “She has gone above and beyond to learn and understand a completely new industry, and her dedication to not only our business, but the whole sector in such a short time is incredible. This recognition is so well-deserved, and we’re all incredibly proud of her.”

Nottinghamshire care centre to reopen following sale

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Nottinghamshire care centre to reopen following sale
The closed Churchfield Care Centre in Rainworth, Nottinghamshire, has been sold. Situated in a predominantly residential area in the village, the former care centre occupies a 1990s purpose-built nursing home and a converted property on the same 1.27-acre site. Together, they provide 56 beds, of which 22 have en-suite facilities. Following a sales process with Sam Fazackerley at Christie & Co, the home has been purchased by Cygnet Health Care, an independent provider of social care services for young people and adults with additional needs, with 150 services across the UK. The company plans to reopen the centre as a complex mental health facility in the next 12 months. Sam Fazackerley, business agent at Christie & Co, said: “I’m delighted to announce the successful sale of Churchfield to Cygnet Health Care. The opportunity produced a lot of interest and subsequently multiple offers from specialist care operators who were looking to redevelop the site. “I look forward to the site being reopened to provide much-needed housing, care, and support for people recovering from complex mental health needs. “We continue to receive high levels of interest for closed care homes across the country from a variety of care operators who want to either repopen the sites or redevelop into supported living, children’s homes, or specialist care services.”

N4 Pharma appoints non-executive director

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N4 Pharma appoints non-executive director
N4 Pharma, the Derbyshire-based, AIM-listed biotech developing Nuvec, its gene delivery system to enable advanced therapies for cancer and other diseases, has appointed Edward Wardle as a non-executive director of the company. Edward is joining the board as a representative of Northern Standard Limited, which is the company’s largest shareholder. Edward brings board-level experience of strategy, corporate governance and business development. Having founded and led multiple businesses, he is currently an investment adviser with Tracarta Limited and Northern Standard Limited, focusing on critical industries and cutting-edge technologies, as well as a senior business development executive at Ironveld plc. He joined the board of AIM-listed TheraCryf plc, the clinical stage drug development company focusing on neuropsychiatry and oncology, as a non-executive director in May 2025. Nigel Theobald, chief executive officer of N4 Pharma, said: “We are delighted to welcome Ed to the Board of N4 Pharma, representing our largest shareholder. “His experience in strategy, corporate governance, business development, and his background in innovative technologies will be invaluable as N4 Pharma develops its Nuvec® platform and continues to build out its data packages to secure licensing opportunities.”   Edward Wardle said: “Northern Standard sees a future where N4 Pharma’s Nuvec® platform shifts the paradigm of drug delivery by enabling the evolution of advanced RNA therapies; where time-consuming, in-clinic injections become something as small as a pill. “We believe N4 Pharma has the technology, IP, and world-class team necessary to deliver this future, and are honoured to support them as they do.”

Confidence returns among East Midlands entrepreneurs but economy leaves businesses in perilous position

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Confidence returns among East Midlands entrepreneurs but economy leaves businesses in perilous position
Confidence is starting to return among East Midlands entrepreneurs after a steep fall in the number of businesses set up in the region in April and May, but a sudden hike in the number of local companies with late payments highlights the perilous financial position many are forced to navigate due to current economic challenges. This is according to the Midlands branch of national insolvency and restructuring trade body R3 and is based on a monthly analysis of regional data from business intelligence provider Creditsafe. R3’s figures show there were 2,519 businesses set up in the East Midlands in June, which is a 17.77% increase compared to the 2,139 new businesses registered in May. The June figure is the highest percentage rise in the UK and is also almost one fifth higher (17.66%) than the 2,141 start-ups established twelve months previously in June 2024. In contrast, however, the number of companies in the region with late payments on their books rose sharply in June to 25,710 from 24,269, which is the highest monthly total for the East Midlands over the past 12 months. R3 Midlands chair Stephen Rome, a partner at Penningtons Manches Cooper in the region, said: “It is encouraging to see East Midlands entrepreneurs rallying against the effects of a very uncertain economic outlook, which includes tax rises, tariffs and spiralling fuel and energy costs. “At the same time, however, it is concerning to see the rise in the number of local companies with invoices on their books which are overdue for payment. This is leaving many businesses in an increasingly perilous cashflow position and highlights the importance of taking sound steps to minimise financial exposure at all stages of a company’s lifecycle. “For those directors with serious cashflow concerns, whether the business is a start-up or more established, R3’s advice is to seek professional help and to do it as soon as possible. The sooner support is sought, the more opportunities there may be to assure a company’s survival and future success.”
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