UK industrial firms to face £685m property tax increase despite energy cost cuts

April Lara
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UK industrial firms to face £685m property tax increase despite energy cost cuts

UK industrial companies are set to face a £685 million increase in property taxes, which could offset the recent reductions in energy bills aimed at improving their competitiveness. A new business rates levy, affecting approximately 4,300 large industrial properties in key sectors such as automotive, aerospace, and chemicals, will take effect in April 2026. This levy is part of the broader business rates revaluation, which aims to fund tax breaks for the high street retail, leisure, and hospitality sectors.

This move follows the government’s recent announcement of energy cost cuts for energy-intensive businesses, including the removal of green levies, which is expected to benefit over 7,000 firms. While some sectors, such as steel and chemicals, will receive additional support through reduced network charges, the new property tax increases are expected to offset these benefits.

Experts argue that the UK’s industrial strategy lacks cohesion, with one hand offering energy savings and the other imposing higher property taxes. The country already has some of the highest property taxes in the developed world, and critics warn that this could undermine the effectiveness of the government’s energy support plans.

The government maintains that its approach will create a fairer system for businesses, but industry leaders are calling for a more unified strategy that addresses the full cost burden faced by industrial firms.

UK launches global talent drive for science and tech innovation

April Lara
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UK launches global talent drive for science and tech innovation

The UK government has unveiled a new initiative aimed at attracting top-tier global researchers and innovators, supported by a £54 million fund. This move comes as part of the country’s broader strategy to enhance its competitive edge in key sectors like science, technology, and engineering.

The Global Talent Taskforce, formed as part of the government’s industrial strategy, is designed to target and attract world-class talent, including researchers, entrepreneurs, and high-calibre professionals. By fostering connections between international networks and the UK’s growing industries, the taskforce aims to strengthen the nation’s innovation capabilities. This initiative is aligned with the government’s ambition to create more skilled jobs and support economic growth.

The £54 million Global Talent Fund will be allocated over the next five years, funding relocation and research costs for researchers and their teams. Leading universities and research institutions will oversee the fund’s distribution, ensuring that the most suitable candidates are selected to contribute to strategic UK industries. In addition, new fast-track research grant routes, backed by organisations like the Royal Society and the Royal Academy of Engineering, will help attract international talent in AI and green technology.

This combined effort demonstrates the UK’s determination to remain a global leader in innovation, with over £115 million of funding dedicated to recruiting the world’s brightest minds.

Acquisition sees The Access Group bolster HR portfolio

Tess Egginton
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Acquisition sees The Access Group bolster HR portfolio
The Access Group, a Loughborough-headquartered provider of business management software to mid-market organisations, has reached an agreement to acquire Eploy. Eploy will be part of the Access People solutions portfolio. Access People serves small, growing and medium-to-large businesses with HR solutions across multiple industries. The acquisition of Eploy adds full end-to-end Applicant Tracking System capabilities, further complementing Access Group’s HR and Payroll portfolio. Founded in 1998, Eploy is a specialist talent acquisition platform that transforms recruitment processes, candidate management and hiring workflows for organisations across diverse industry sectors. Eploy has established a customer base spanning mid-market to enterprise organisations, with an average customer size of 2,900 employees.
Charles Butterworth, managing director of Access People, said: “Eploy represents an exceptional addition to our Access People ecosystem. The proven expertise and innovation demonstrated by the Eploy team, combined with their platform, create opportunities for delivering enhanced hire-to-retire solutions. We are thrilled to welcome Eploy into our Access People portfolio.” Chris Bogh, Eploy founder and CEO, said: “Joining The Access Group represents an exciting new chapter for Eploy. We have been impressed by their customer-centric approach and dedication to product excellence. We are excited to join a team where we can accelerate our vision, enhance our customer experience and contribute to a larger mission of empowering businesses through technology.”

Guilty plea for Mansfield director involved in £1m investor fraud scheme

Tess Egginton
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Guilty plea for Mansfield director involved in £1m investor fraud scheme
John Burford has pleaded guilty in a £1m investment fraud case, following a prosecution brought by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
As sole director of Financial Trading Strategies Limited, Mr Burford promoted a paid-for subscription service through its website to offer daily trade alerts with investment advice, and the opportunity to invest in three self-named ‘tramline’ funds. Mr Burford took money from over 100 investors and advised on and managed investments without FCA authorisation. He made over £1m in the process, which he used to buy a property and fund his living expenses. Mr Burford repeatedly lied to investors about how much the funds were worth and hid the full extent of the losses he had incurred while trading. Mr Burford will be sentenced at a later date at Southwark Crown Court. The FCA will also seek confiscation orders to deprive him of his ill-gotten gains and return monies to investors. Steve Smart, joint executive director of enforcement and market oversight at the FCA, said: “Mr Burford fleeced unwitting investors in order to enrich his life – not theirs. “Identifying and disrupting criminals who abuse people’s trust for their own gain, is a top priority for the FCA.”

20-year collaboration to bolster fusion energy skills in East Midlands

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20-year collaboration to bolster fusion energy skills in East Midlands
The UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) and East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) have announced a 20-year collaboration to advance fusion energy training and skills development. The collaboration will focus on developing and delivering fusion related skills, including apprenticeships and wider vocational training programmes, to support the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) project – the UK’s first prototype fusion energy power plant that will be built on the West Burton site in Nottinghamshire. This new collaboration will not only provide crucial skills for STEP but also support a growing fusion industry across the region. An Economic and Wider Impact Assessment commissioned by relevant local authorities has calculated that by the time it is fully operational, the West Burton site is anticipated to accommodate 6,500 full-time jobs across STEP and the surrounding business park, equivalent to 12.5 percent of the current total workplace jobs in Bassetlaw. Around half of the forecast STEP Campus construction jobs are expected to require Level 3+ qualifications, and it is estimated that nearly three quarters of the on-site jobs on the STEP Campus are expected to require individuals with Level 4+ qualifications. Training provided through the new collaborative will be designed with flexibility to adapt as the STEP programme and the West Burton site evolves. Initial training will focus on the engineering and project skills needed to complete plant design, with construction and operational skills as focus areas for future stages of the programme. The collaboration will deliver fusion-relevant courses through existing training sites across the EMCCA geography, South Yorkshire, and Greater Lincolnshire. Colleges, training providers, and universities are already mobilising to offer more places for construction and clean energy qualifications, gearing up the region to deliver on its emerging inclusive growth strategy even before the West Burton facility is in place. “I am delighted to announce EMCCA as our partner in this exciting new training collaboration, which will be delivered out of our planned West Burton Training Facility,” said UKAEA’s head of fusion skills and FOSTER (Fusion, Opportunities, Skills, Training, Education and Research) programme director, Nick Walkden. “People are the most important element of any programme or project. We have listened and learned from other major research, engineering, and infrastructure projects and believe that an early and focussed attention to local skills and workforce growth will be a critical enabler to success. “STEP is a programme with global impact and, as with the successive Governments who have recognised fusion’s potential to have a significant and positive impact on the nation’s economy, we are equally committed to leaving a lasting local legacy. “The training provided will equip people across the East Midlands, Lincolnshire, and South Yorkshire with the skills needed for the prototype fusion powerplant at West Burton as well as long-term career opportunities in fusion and beyond.” The STEP programme, led by UK Industrial Fusion Solutions (UKIFS), provides a huge opportunity for regional growth and regeneration. Permissions and consents will be sought for construction to begin in the early 2030s, with the prototype powerplant targeting first operations in 2040. Paul Methven, CEO, UK Industrial Fusion Solutions and senior responsible owner of STEP, said: “Delivering STEP, and commercial fusion beyond that, will require a strong skills pipeline, not only in STEM subjects, but in every aspect of running a complex business. “It is fantastic to see that UKAEA are leading on putting this essential enabler in place now to ensure local people benefit directly from the programme, in addition to ensuring we have the skills needed to deliver STEP.” Claire Ward, mayor of the East Midlands, said: “The East Midlands is planning for our energy future today, and fusion energy is an exciting part of that future. One day – thanks to the Nottinghamshire-based STEP programme – the whole region will benefit from clean, affordable fusion energy. “Right now, my priority is ensuring that local people can get the jobs associated with developing this new industry and its supply chains. This is what inclusive growth in practice looks like – investing smartly to ensure that growth is created, sustained, and experienced by local people. “The Fusion Skills Collaboration embodies this goal, and our outstanding colleges, training providers, and universities will be front and centre in training people in the skills of the future.”

Nominate exceptional developers for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025

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Nominate exceptional developers for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025
Nominations are OPEN until Friday 15th August for East Midlands Business Link’s 10th annual Bricks Awards, shining a light on the region’s property and construction industry. With 10 categories available to enter, the occasion offers a prime forum to showcase outstanding businesses, teams and projects. One category at the prestigious event is Developer of the Year, which can be entered here. It’s completely free to submit a nomination and making the top three finalists in your category also wins you free tickets to the awards ceremony. The winner of this category will be the developer that has truly pushed the limit over the last 12 months. Their scheme(s) will have shown to not only be a success, but that there was true demand for them. The winning developer will have displayed courage in a tough market to deliver award winning results. Last year the award was won by Vistry Group East Midlands, with Indurent and Wavensmere Homes runners up. Upon winning, Conor Garvey, associate land director at Vistry North East Midlands, said: “We were absolutely thrilled to win Developer of the Year at this year’s Bricks. The event was fantastic with a real buzz about it and gave us a great opportunity to meet fellow businesspeople from across the region. Being announced as the winner in our category was just the icing on the cake and a testament to the continued hard work by my colleagues throughout the business.”
With this year’s Developer of the Year award sponsored by Devello, founder 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!” Submit your nominations for Developer of the Year here before entries close on Friday 15th August. Winners will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony on Thursday 2nd October, at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground (4:30pm – 7:30pm) – an evening also offering an opportunity to establish new connections with property and construction professionals from across the region, and hear from 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. Other award categories open for entry include: Most Active Agent, Commercial Development of the Year, Responsible Business of the Year, Residential Development of the Year, Contractor of the Year, Deal of the Year, Architects of the Year, Excellence in Design, and Sustainable Development of the Year. All entry forms can be accessed here. The Overall Winner award will also be presented at the event. This award cannot be entered, with the winner selected from those nominated for the event’s other awards. The Overall Winner of the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025 will also receive 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.
 

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:

Step forward for major East Midlands solar farm

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Step forward for major East Midlands solar farm
Environment led multi-disciplinary planning consultancy Lanpro has secured acceptance for a Development Consent Order (DCO) application on behalf of Island Green Power (IGP) for Green Hill Solar Farm in the East Midlands. Located to the west and south of Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, and north of Milton Keynes, the proposed circa 1200-hectare site is designed to deliver up to 500 MW of electricity – enough to power approximately 115,000 homes. A Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP), Green Hill Solar Farm’s DCO acceptance confirms that the application meets the required standards to progress to the examination phase – a key milestone for the scheme. Proposals include approximately 550 hectares earmarked for solar photovoltaic panels and associated infrastructure, and around 190 hectares designated for environmental mitigation and enhancement. Tom Pike, director of planning, said: “We are delighted that the Green Hill Solar Farm has been accepted by the Planning Inspectorate for Examination. “The scale and ambition of this scheme underlines the vital role solar energy will play in achieving the UK’s net zero targets. Lanpro is proud to be continuing a successful partnership with IGP by supporting in the delivery of yet another nationally significant infrastructure project. “The scheme will not only contribute a substantial new source of clean energy, but it will also integrate extensive measures for environmental enhancement and biodiversity gain across the site.” Eve Browning, head of projects UK of Island Green Power, added: “Acceptance is an important milestone for Green Hill, and reflects the hard work of the project team, of which Lanpro has been a key component. We look forward to continuing the partnership as we take the Green Hill proposal through examination.”

Transformation of Chesterfield’s Rykneld Square set to begin

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Transformation of Chesterfield’s Rykneld Square set to begin
Work to transform Rykneld Square into a greener space, with more planting, seating and new paving is set to begin. This phase of the council’s Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project is due to begin on Monday 7 July and should be completed by the end of October 2025. The planned works include the creation of new grassy areas for people to sit in, new paving, specialist planting and a new bin store, which together will help the space become more welcoming for visitors and residents. Whilst these works are ongoing access through the square will be limited and part of Spa Lane car park (next to the decorator centre) will be closed for use as a construction compound. Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “These works will help enhance the Crooked Spire for visitors and residents by providing a warm welcome to the town centre, it also supports the plans we are developing with our partners about the future use of the Visitor Information Centre. “There will be some disruption arising from these works, but we are working with our contractor and updating local businesses to try and minimise the impact. Once completed this will be a fantastic new space for Chesterfield residents and visitors to enjoy.” The works in Rykneld Square include new paving and surfaces to create a more modern public space. It will also include new seating for visitors to use and new planting to help enhance biodiversity and create a more welcoming space. A new bin store will be created to help keep the area looking tidy and allow unhampered views of the churchyard and heritage railings. The pavement that runs along the top of the square will be upgraded, to create a more level surface. New bollards will also be installed to help make it a safer space for pedestrians along with a new crossing point. The works are due to be completed by late October 2025 and will be carried out whilst other areas of the town centre are also being regenerated.

Derbyshire tech company Flying High after partnering with multi-academy trust

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Derbyshire tech company Flying High after partnering with multi-academy trust
A Derby educational technology firm that is supporting schools across the UK with their IT has partnered with a top performing multi academy trust. L.E.A.D. IT Services in Pride Park has signed up to partner with Flying High Trust which runs 35 schools across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Nottingham City. L.E.A.D. IT and Flying High are now working together to strategically invest in IT across the next three years to ensure digital equity across all its schools, with L.E.A.D. IT Services on board as the main service delivery partner. L.E.A.D. IT Services has audited all 35 primary phase schools in the Flying High family to establish their IT requirements moving forward. Now each school has begun working with Flying High Trust and L.E.A.D. IT Services on creating a comprehensive IT investment and development plan. The plans involve fitting schools with high-speed broadband to ensure smooth teaching, learning and business operations. All Flying High schools will move to a purely cloud-based, serverless IT system to reduce the costs associated with replacing servers, as well as ensuring resilience for continuity of service, improved accessibility, plus back up and disaster recovery. They will also be equipped with devices such as up-to-date iPads suitable for education and business. Flying High Trust operations manager Nick Layfield said: “This is exactly what our schools needed – high quality information to ensure each school is clear as to how to invest in IT to deliver for our staff, children and communities. “Digital equity is ensuring all children and staff have access to high quality IT that supports learning. L.E.A.D. IT has provided the catalyst for development and we are proud to work in partnership with them for the benefit of all schools in Flying High.” Graham Livesey, IT service and development manager for Flying High, said: “Having a digital strategy means our staff can develop their IT skills to deliver for our children – equipping them for life in the fast paced world of IT development is essential to provide them with the knowledge and confidence in IT to achieve their full potential.” Lee Jepson, director and founder of L.E.A.D. IT Services, said: “We are very proud to be working with Flying High Partnership in helping them implement a comprehensive IT strategy across all their schools. “We aim to take the stress of IT away from teachers by liaising with third party contractors and doing all of the behind the scenes work so that they can use tech effectively where it matters: teaching children. “Our work includes everything from assessing risk; updating equipment; ensuring security is up to date; keeping abreast of when equipment needs to be replaced, and advising on the best value for money solutions for schools. “We are very proud of our work with schools and the relationships our IT team have been able to build with teachers and students. We look forward to our partnership with Flying High to continue flourishing in the future.”

East Midlands business confidence falls in June

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East Midlands business confidence falls in June
Business confidence in the East Midlands fell 13 points during June to 53%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds. Companies in the East Midlands reported lower confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, down 14 points at 53%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, down 12 points to 54%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 53% (vs. 66% in May). However, a net balance of 57% of businesses in the region expect to increase staff levels over the next year, up 13 points on last month. Looking ahead to the next six months, the East Midlands businesses identified their top target areas for growth as investing in their team, for example by investing in training (67%), introducing new technology, such as AI or automation (49%) and entering new markets (27%). The Business Barometer, which surveys 1,200 businesses monthly and which has been running since 2002, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide. National picture Overall, UK business confidence increased one point in June to 51%. Firms’ optimism in their own trading prospects strengthened one point to 57%, while their confidence in the wider economy also rose one point to 45%. Wales was the most confident UK nation or region in June (67%), followed by London (64%). Sector highlights Business confidence in the manufacturing and retail sectors saw significant gains this month, with 12-point rises in both sectors to 52%. For manufacturing, this demonstrates an 11-month high. Construction and services however saw decreases in confidence, with falls by five points and four points respectively. Dave Atkinson, regional director for the East Midlands at Lloyds, said: “While confidence has dipped this month, more than half of East Midlands businesses are planning to hire, and firms are clearly setting out intentions to invest in areas like new technology and expansion. “This reflects a local business community that remains focused on growth – and we’ll continue to be supporting firms’ plans as they take the next steps to achieve their ambitions.”
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