Legal challenge halts landlord licensing scheme in Scunthorpe

April Lara
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Legal challenge halts landlord licensing scheme in Scunthorpe

A legal challenge has delayed the rollout of North Lincolnshire Council’s selective licensing scheme for private landlords in parts of Scunthorpe.

The scheme, approved in September 2023, was set to take effect on 20 March 2024. It required landlords in Crosby, Park, and Town Wards to obtain a licence, costing £955 for five years, and comply with regulations on safety measures and anti-social behaviour management.

The Crosby Landlords’ Association has filed for a judicial review, questioning whether the council followed proper procedures in approving the scheme. As a result, the council has suspended applications and will provide further updates on its website.

The delay leaves uncertainty for landlords and tenants, as the scheme aimed to improve housing standards. North Lincolnshire Council has yet to comment on the challenge.

Developer allowed to cut affordable housing in Langley Mill project

April Lara
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Developer allowed to cut affordable housing in Langley Mill project

Amber Valley Borough Council has approved Wheeldon Brothers’ request to reduce the number of affordable homes in its Hall Road development in Langley Mill. Originally approved for 93 homes with 27 affordable units in 2021, the commitment was later lowered to 14 and has now been further reduced to eight.

The developer argued that it is delivering 109 affordable homes at a separate site on Bridge Street, Langley Mill, including 43 shared ownership units and 66 for affordable rent in partnership with Places for People. Councillors debated the decision, with some arguing that each development should be assessed independently and that developers must uphold their contributions.

Council officers stated that the Hall Road project was not financially viable under the original Section 106 agreement, and the developer rejected alternative proposals. The East Midlands Combined County Authority has allocated funding to kick-start work on the Bridge Street site, bringing the total proportion of affordable housing across both sites to 50%.

Rolls-Royce considers US expansion to counter trade tariffs

April Lara
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Rolls-Royce considers US expansion to counter trade tariffs

Rolls-Royce is evaluating a shift in engine production to the US as a strategic response to potential trade tariffs under Donald Trump’s policies. The company, headquartered in Derby, is increasing US production capacity to safeguard its supply chain and maintain competitiveness in key markets.

While no immediate impact on UK operations is expected, Rolls-Royce is reviewing its global production footprint. A company spokesperson confirmed that it is exploring ways to optimise its supply chain for US customers. The firm has not ruled out further changes to its UK manufacturing base.

The review follows strong financial performance, with underlying profit rising from £1.26 billion to £2.29 billion last year. Rolls-Royce forecasts adjusted operating profit of £2.7 billion to £2.9 billion in 2025 and has raised its mid-term targets to between £3.6 billion and £3.9 billion. CEO Tufan Erginbilgic emphasised the company’s focus on accelerating growth and efficiency.

Nottinghamshire procurement strategy injects millions into local economy

April Lara
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Nottinghamshire procurement strategy injects millions into local economy

Nottinghamshire County Council has awarded more than 70% of its procurement contracts to local suppliers, injecting millions into the regional economy. In the third quarter of the 2024/25 financial year, 19 new contracts worth an estimated £113 million have been issued, with 113 more projects in progress.

Currently, 74% of the council’s contracts are awarded to Nottinghamshire-based suppliers, while 56% go to the county’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The council holds contracts with 604 local suppliers, collectively valued at over £3.6 billion.

Councillor Andre Camilleri, Deputy Cabinet Member for Finance and Resource, highlighted the economic and environmental benefits of working with local businesses, citing job creation, faster response times, reduced transport costs, and lower carbon emissions.

One business benefitting from the strategy is Nottinghamshire Fire Safety Ltd, a Mansfield-based company providing fire safety services under a three-year contract with the council’s partner, Arc Partnership. The company supplies and services fire extinguishers in council buildings, including schools, libraries, and care homes, and delivers fire safety training.

Managing Director Phil Kennell emphasised that the contract has strengthened the company’s relationship with the council, allowing it to keep work local and reduce travel-related costs. The firm recently installed fire safety equipment at Yeoman Park School in Mansfield and has upcoming projects at other new schools.

The council’s procurement strategy continues to prioritise local partnerships, aiming to drive economic resilience and sustainability while maximising the impact of public spending.

Five years on: Start Up Loans data shows surge in loans taken out in the post pandemic era in the East Midlands

Michael Fisher
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Five years on: Start Up Loans data shows surge in loans taken out in the post pandemic era in the East Midlands

Five years since the first Covid 19 lockdown, data from Start Up Loans shows a surge in aspiring entrepreneurs taking out finance to bring business plans to life. 

In that time, there has been a 31% increase in the number of first loans in the East Midlands, compared to the five-year period prior, delivered by the Start Up Loans programme, which is part of the British Business Bank.

This amounts to a 70% increase in the total value of first loans between the two periods. The average loan value to entrepreneurs also increased by £3,139, or 29% in the East Midlands.

The five year period since the first lockdown has also seen a significant increase in Start Up Loans finance provided to business owners from a Black, Asian and Other Ethnic Minority background and early-stage business owners. Across the UK, the proportion of loans to ethnic minorities increased 5.39% to 19.8%.

The pandemic lockdowns forced many businesses to adapt, and for some entrepreneurs, it was a defining moment. Sam Whetton, founder of Reika, launched his business in the middle of this uncertainty after securing a Start Up Loan from the British Business Bank.

Since launching, Reika has significantly elevated its production and product range, now offering full material traceability to further its impact.

Reika, based in Nottinghamshire is committed to sharing insights into its production processes, material sourcing, and supply chain decisions, the brand is educating consumers on the true cost of sustainable manufacturing while demonstrating that well-designed, responsibly made products don’t have to have a negative sustainable approach in the process. Sam Whetton, founder of Reika, said: “Launching a product-based business is challenging at the best of times, but launching a travel brand at the height of a global lockdown was a leap into the unknown. At a time when travel was restricted, we had to rethink how we positioned ourselves and focus on building a strong foundation that would stand the test of time.

“The Start Up Loan gave us the initial funding to bring our first product to life, allowing us to iron out the teething issues every new business faces and giving us the time to refine our approach. Since then, we’ve enhanced our supply chain, moved production to the world’s most sustainable factories, optimised our unit economics to align with the global economy and the realities of digital marketing, and built a brand with strong future ambitions.

“Our goal now is to become a market leader within the UK bag and luggage industry, continuously pushing boundaries in design, sustainability, and customer experience. What started as an idea during uncertain times has now evolved into a brand with big plans for the future.”

Start Up Loans is a government-backed programme that offers fixed-interest loans and mentoring to entrepreneurs in the UK. Since its inception in 2012 the programme has delivered over £1.2 billion in funding to more than 120,000 entrepreneurs nationwide, and £67m to over 7,000 businesses in the East Midlands.

Richard Bearman, Co-Chief Banking Officer, British Business Bank, British Business Bank: “When I think about the Start Up Loans programme, the pandemic was a real pivotal moment. So often I meet business owners and their stories start with how lockdown was the chance to stop and really think about what they wanted to do and achieve.

“We saw a huge increase in the number of loans during 2020 and into the early part of 2021. Although some of that demand for finance has understandably cooled off, we still see a lot more people seeking Start Up Loans finance for a business. In that respect, the shock of lockdowns could well have contributed to a change in how potential business owners thought about the opportunities of entrepreneurship.”

Start Up Loans data on loan volume applications shows 2020 was a potentially ‘transformational’ year for UK startups. In the financial year that ended just around the time lockdown was first introduced, 8,652 Start Up Loans supported UK start up businesses. The following year this rose to 11,322, a 31% increase, and numbers have remained higher than pre-pandemic levels ever since.

Nottingham planning consultancy Nineteen47 secures go ahead for new 350,000 sq ft aluminium extrusion factory in Ashfield

Michael Fisher
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Nottingham planning consultancy Nineteen47 secures go ahead for new 350,000 sq ft aluminium extrusion factory in Ashfield

Nottingham planning consultancy Nineteen47 has advised aluminium trade extruder Garnalex on securing permission to build a new 350,000 sq ft multi-million-pound manufacturing facility in Ashfield.

Nineteen47, which has offices in Nottingham, Sheffield and York, supported Garnalex with the preparation of a hybrid planning application. This included co-ordination of a full environmental impact assessment together with 3D visualisation services.

The planning permission secured by Nineteen47 totals 1,000,500 sq ft on a 23.75-hectare site. Phase one is dedicated to the new factory with the remaining space for phase two which will comprise additional Garnalex facilities. Once both phases are complete, it is anticipated they will deliver more than 1,000 jobs.

Located south-east of junction 27 of the M1, the proposals, which are located within the green belt, have been carefully designed to assimilate into the landscape.

This includes significant tree planting and bunding providing screening which, together with a detailed landscape scheme, will deliver an 11 per cent increase in biodiversity net gain including a 68 per cent increase in hedgerow units.

Roger Hartshorn, who founded Garnalex in 2018, said: “We’re thrilled to bring this development to Ashfield. Garnalex is ambitious and we have plans to expand further and create hundreds of more jobs in the coming years.

“The team at Nineteen47 has excelled in providing us with expert planning consultancy advice, understanding the requirements of our new factory and the complexities of the planning situation to ensure the desired outcomes were achieved. We now look forward to work starting on the new site.”

Established in 2016, Nineteen47 advises private and public sector clients nationwide across a range of sectors. These include residential and commercial development, healthcare, hospitality, education and manufacturing.

Jamie Pyper, co-founder and director at Nineteen47, added: “Garnalex’s new manufacturing facility showcases the company’s commitment to delivering not only high-quality products, but also economic growth within the local area.

“It was fantastic to work with Roger and the team to secure planning for both phases of the development, and we now looking forward seeing them come to life.”

Work starts on 169-home Nottinghamshire development

Tess Egginton
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Work starts on 169-home Nottinghamshire development
Peter James Homes has started work on a new development in Bramcote, just a few miles away from its headquarters. The 169-home Hemlock Gate development, on Coventry Lane, will become Peter James Homes’ most eco-friendly site, with every home holding an A-rated Energy Performance Certificate on completion. The 22-acre site will provide a mixture of two- to five-bedroom homes, including bungalows, with a provision for around 30 per cent (51 properties) allocated to the affordable housing scheme. Simon Gardiner, managing director of Peter James Homes, said: “Situated in our home patch, Hemlock Gate is one of our most important projects. We always strive to create environments that reflect their surroundings and engage the local community, but this development is particularly close to our hearts here at Peter James Homes.” A total of £1.05m has been allocated to the local community for investment in public transport, improvements to roads, education, and wildlife habitats. The first phase of the development, which over its lifecycle will create around 100 East Midlands construction jobs, will be released for reservation in phases from early Summer this year. Simon added: “This is an exciting project for us. The sloping L-shaped site, which is partly sheltered by mature trees, giving it privacy and instant maturity, alongside the popularity of Bramcote and its proximity to Nottingham, and the broad selection of property types will appeal to both families and professionals.”

Bucher Municipal secures 30,000 sq ft facility at Stud Brook Business Park

Tess Egginton
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Bucher Municipal secures 30,000 sq ft facility at Stud Brook Business Park
A 30,000 sq ft facility at Clowes Developments’ Stud Brook Business Park has been let to Bucher Municipal. Bucher Municipal, the suppliers of municipal vehicles, have secured the brand-new Unit 4 as they expand their nationwide portfolio of bases. The deal sees Bucher Municipal take a 10-year leasehold agreement for the unit, which has been built and designed to meet their exact requirements and specifications to provide them with a best-in-class facility. The unit will be available for them to move in from May 2025. Terry Flannery, UK After-Sales Manager of Bucher Municipal, said: “The expansion in the range of Bucher Municipal products offered to the UK market demands larger and more flexible service centres. Stud Brook Business Park with its efficient connections make it an ideal location. “Clowes and their development team have been excellent partners, helping us adapt the building to our specific business needs. The Stud Brook facility with its modern sustainable design and high-quality construction will be a flagship service centre in our national network.” James Richards, Development Director of Clowes Developments, added: “Stud Brook Business Park is witnessing a sustained high volume of interest. Welcoming a leading company like Bucher Municipal to the business park is testament to it’s quality, location and benefits to businesses looking to make the move to the East Midlands. “You’re literally a stone’s throw away from the M1, A50, East Midlands Airport and East Midlands Gateway Train Station. It really is a great location for business.” The deal was put together by Tim Gilbertson, Director of FHP Property Consultants, who added: “It’s great to welcome Bucher Municipal to Stud Brook Business Park and to provide them with a best-in-class facility in such a prime location. “Due to us being able to agree terms early with Bucher Municipal, our clients were able to create a bespoke build for them on this fabulous site meeting all their requirements and exacting criteria. “Of the nine units being speculatively built at Stud Brook Business Park in the first phase, only two now remain and there are early discussions on those which hopefully will result in the park being full at or shortly after completion of the first phase of development.”

£650k surfacing contract set to transform former Derbyshire railway

Tess Egginton
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£650k surfacing contract set to transform former Derbyshire railway
A Leicestershire-based surfacing company has been awarded a £650k contract to help convert a former Derbyshire railway line running from Little Eaton to Rawson Green into a Greenway for the local community. HMS Decorative Surfacing has been selected by construction firm Pugh-Lewis as part of its contract with Derbyshire County Council to transform the 5.6km former Midland Railway Ripley Branch Line into an accessible, eco-friendly path for walkers, cyclists and horse riders. The new, durable path will provide a popular travel route between Derby City and Ripley. Once completed, it will create an environmentally friendly greenway, which has been a long ambition for Derbyshire County Council to promote greener community space and eco-friendly travel whilst increasing tourism to the area. HMS, a resin surfacing specialist, is installing a long-lasting and flexible Decra®Flex path. This eco-friendly solution combines the flexibility of recycled rubber with the strength and durability of aggregates and resin. The path will be installed along the greenway within the natural wildlife corridors of Derbyshire. Phase 1 is set to begin at the end of March and is expected to take 4-5 weeks to complete. Laura Wilson, Director at HMS, commented on the contract win. She said: “Providing safe, attractive and environmentally friendly spaces for the public has always been one of our top priorities as a company, so when we were awarded this contract for the Little Eaton Greenway, we were delighted. “The material we are using on the path is cutting-edge. It’s porous and most importantly, flexible, to absorb any impact from the public and reduce the risk of injuries from falls whilst jogging, walking, wheeling, cycling or horse riding. “Weather dependent, we’re hoping to complete Phase 1 by early May and then begin Phase 2 later in the year. This is a huge turning point for HMS and will be one of our biggest jobs to date, helping to create brilliant future growth for our company.” Tim Pugh-Lewis, Director and Owner of Pugh-Lewis, said: “This project will provide Derbyshire’s community with greener infrastructure, to reduce carbon emissions and boost biodiversity, whilst protecting the natural environment. “HMS Decorative Surfacing will be using the very best in eco-friendly surfacing to create a durable, sustainable and safe way for the local community to travel and spend more time outdoors. We look forward to working with them and seeing the much-anticipated finished result.” The redevelopment of the greenway on the former railway line is set to transform the area by connecting surrounding towns and villages with greener commuter routes and further strengthen Derbyshire’s green infrastructure by forming part of its Key Cycle Network.

Manufacturing output contracts in the quarter to March

Tess Egginton
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Manufacturing output contracts in the quarter to March
Manufacturing output volumes fell in the three months to March, at a slightly steeper pace than in the three months to February, according to the CBI’s latest monthly Industrial Trends Survey (ITS). Looking ahead, manufacturers expect output volumes to be broadly unchanged in the quarter to June. The volume of total order books in March was stable relative to last month, while export order books improved slightly. Both total and export order books are still well below their long-run averages. Firms reported that stock adequacy picked up compared with February, with the balance returning above the long-run average. Expectations for selling price inflation over the quarter ahead were largely unchanged relative to February, remaining above the long-run average. The survey, based on the responses of 344 manufacturers, found:
  • Output volumes fell in the three months to March at a steeper pace than last month (weighted balance of -18%, from -12% in the quarter to February). Manufacturers expect output volumes will be broadly unchanged in the three months to June (-2%).
    • Output decreased in 14 out of 17 sub-sectors in the three months to March, with the decline driven by the glass & ceramics, building materials and electrical goods sub-sectors.
  • Total order books were reported as below “normal” in March (-29% from -28%). The level of order books remained far below the long-run average (-13%).
  • Export order books were reported as below “normal” but improved relative to last month (-29% from -36%). This was still below the long-run average (-18%).
  • Expectations for average selling price inflation were broadly unchanged in March (+22% from +19% in February). Expectations remain above the long-run average (+7%)
  • Stocks of finished goods were reported as more than “adequate” in March (+16% from +4% in February), with stock adequacy now standing above the long-run average (+12%).
Ben Jones, CBI Lead Economist, said: “Conditions in the UK’s manufacturing sector remain subdued. Although there are some pockets of strength, notably in the aerospace and defence sectors, many firms continue to report that their order books remain weak. “Manufacturers responding to the survey reported that customers are generally nervous about proceeding with capital investments and are conserving funds ahead of upcoming increases to National Insurance and minimum wages, leading orders to be cancelled or at least delayed until later in the year. “While output expectations are not as gloomy as at the turn of the year, the sector looks set to remain in a holding pattern in the short-term. “Next week’s Spring Statement and continuing challenges to the public finances means a lot of the growth the country needs will have to come from the private sector. But businesses need a reason to grow and invest in uncertain times. “A number of measures could help boost confidence – setting an ambitious R&D spending target so the government can position the UK as a world leader for innovation or ensuring that the Apprenticeships Levy is fully flexible to allow companies to invest in a range of employee training, will go some way to delivering the sustainable growth the country needs.”
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