CorrBoard invests in electric fleet to boost operational sustainability

April Lara
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CorrBoard UK, a privately-owned sheet-feeding specialist based in Scunthorpe, has invested in a fleet of electric clamp trucks and forklifts, alongside a significant expansion of its on-site electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

The business, founded in 2014, manufactures corrugated cardboard and aims to reduce emissions and improve efficiency across its operations. As part of its latest sustainability drive, CorrBoard is replacing its existing forklift fleet with electric models and increasing its number of EV charging points from two to eight.

The company’s investment is intended to support long-term operational cost savings, reduce its carbon footprint, and maintain its position as a leader in sustainable manufacturing in the packaging sector.

CorrBoard operates from a purpose-built facility in North Lincolnshire and supplies corrugated sheet board to packaging manufacturers across the UK.

Nottingham provider of managed cloud hosting and data centre services secures funding to expand

Tess Egginton
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Nottingham provider of managed cloud hosting and data centre services secures funding to expand

Nottingham-based provider of managed cloud hosting and data centre services, CompuWeb Communications Services (CWCS), has secured funding from the Maven-managed Midlands Engine Investment Fund II (MEIF II) to support the company’s expansion plans. CWCS has secured a £500,000 debt finance package.

Founded in 1999 by Karl Mendez, CWCS provides IT hosting services via its own physical dedicated servers, private and public cloud solutions, and server colocation. The company operates from its own data centre in Nottingham and leases space in facilities across Manchester and London, as well as maintaining a presence in North America. The business is also committed to sustainability, with its Nottingham data centre designed for energy efficiency, featuring advanced cooling systems and a Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) rating of 1.15. All hosting solutions are powered entirely by 100% renewable energy. CWCS serves a diverse client base, including SMEs, large corporates such as Hillary’s Blinds and Jonas Sports, part of Constellation Software group of companies, and public sector organisations including the NHS and Cornwall Council. The funding will enable CWCS to expand its colocation hosting services, offering businesses dedicated space in a data centre to house its IT infrastructure while benefiting from professional management and security. The company recently acquired a new property in Nottingham to expand its data centre footprint, supporting its strategy to meet growing demand from SMEs and larger clients alike.

Karl Mendez, CEO of CompuWeb Communications Services, said: “We are seeing increasing demand for colocation hosting, driven by businesses seeking flexible, cost-efficient, and energy-conscious solutions for their IT infrastructure.

“This funding from Maven and the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II allows us to accelerate our growth in this space, enhancing our capabilities while maintaining our commitment to outstanding customer service.”

Jonathan Lowe, partner – regional debt funds at Maven, said: “CWCS has built a strong reputation for high-quality hosting services, underpinned by a commitment to security, reliability, and customer focus. “With colocation hosting representing a significant growth opportunity, this funding will support the company’s strategic expansion while enabling more businesses to benefit from its expertise. “We are pleased to support Karl and his team as they scale up their operations. We would also like to thank Maria Smith at The CFO Centre, whose introduction facilitated this partnership.”

Meridian Solar Farm proposals expand as consultation opens

April Lara
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Meridian Solar Farm proposals expand as consultation opens

Plans for the Meridian Solar Farm near Spalding have expanded by around 200 hectares, bringing the total project size to approximately 1,100 hectares. Developer Downing Renewable Developments (DRD) is preparing to submit a planning application later this year and has launched a second public consultation, running until June 8.

Despite the expanded footprint, DRD states that only about 600 hectares would host solar panels, with the remaining land allocated for infrastructure such as cables and battery storage. The solar farm is expected to generate enough electricity to power over 200,000 homes and operate for up to 40 years, if approved. Operations could begin by 2029.

The project’s primary development areas are near Spalding and Crowland, with an additional site east of Sutton St Edmund. DRD is holding three public meetings in May to gather local feedback before finalising its designs. Meanwhile, the Meridian Action Group is opposing the development, arguing that it should be built on brownfield sites to protect agricultural land and food security.

Public consultation events are scheduled at Sutton St Edmund Village Hall (10 May), Crowland Snowden Pavilion (21 May), and Weston Village Hall (22 May).

Nottinghamshire care group adds fifth home to growing portfolio

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Nottinghamshire care group adds fifth home to growing portfolio
Nottinghamshire dementia specialist Church Farm Care has acquired Wren Hall Nursing Home. Selston-based Wren Hall will add a further 54 beds to the Church Farm Care portfolio – joining the already four-strong group of homes based across Cotgrave, Radcliffe-on-Trent and West Bridgford. Wren Hall’s former owner Anita Astle MBE – daughter of Doctor and Mrs Kesari who first built the home – will continue leading her team of 120 and working as registered manager. Lucy Atkinson, director of Church Farm Care, said: “Wren Hall has been achieving a high standard of care in Nottinghamshire for a long time, and we are honoured to now be adding our voice and expertise to this as the team becomes part of the Church Farm family. “Wren Hall is known for its focus on family-run, person-centered, specialist care – something that really resonates with our own approach and reputation.” The acquisition also sees Church Farm Care taking over Little Wrens Nursery and Preschool that sits on the same site. Patrick Atkinson, director of Church Farm Care, said: “This marks the start of an exciting period of expansion for us. Our goal has always been to grow sustainably while maintaining a high level of care across all our homes, and this acquisition allows us to do just that. “We will continue doing what we do best, as well as taking on the new challenge that comes with not only taking on an additional home but also a nursery and preschool. We look forward to combining the knowledge and experience of both teams to drive forward exceptional standards of specialist care.” Wren Hall Nursing Home was built in 1989 and has been providing specialist dementia and end of life care for more than 35 years. The 54-bed nursing home is multi-award winning, having received national accolades such as Care Home of the Year, and managing director Anita Astle was awarded an MBE in 2014 for her services to older people. Anita said: “Deciding to pass the torch was an emotional moment for me and my family but I am confident that Patrick and Lucy share Wren Hall’s vision and values. Their commitment to maintaining Wren Hall as a leader of nursing care and innovation aligns perfectly with the culture we’ve built. “In the immediate future, I will be staying on as registered manager and look forward to working alongside the Church Farm Care team as this transition takes place.”

Key appointment sees Howes Percival increase support for charitable and not-for-profit sector

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Key appointment sees Howes Percival increase support for charitable and not-for-profit sector
East Midands law firm Howes Percival is expanding its offering for the charitable and not-for-profit sector following the recruitment of sector specialist Sally Hopwood. Sally specialises in advising charities and not-for-profit organisations in relation to their legal and regulatory affairs. She has broad experience in charity matters, gained over many years in both private practice and in-house roles working as Group Legal Counsel and Company Secretary in UK charities. Sally is experienced in constituting and registering charitable entities of all kinds and has a particular interest in charity governance, supporting clients with board development, preparing and advising on policy documents, recommending improvements to governance procedures and advising on and implementing restructuring. She is also experienced at assisting with complex registration issues and charity disputes. Sally holds the Chartered Governance Institute Certificate in Charity Law and Governance and is a member of the Charity Law Association. Howes Percival Partner, Alexandra Hornsby, said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Sally to Howes Percival. We have been looking to expand our charity specialism for some time, but experts of Sally’s calibre, with such fantastic experience aren’t easy to find. “Sally’s appointment will allow us to offer a more complete and highly specialist charity service and will also help us to train up the next generation of Howes Percival charity lawyers. “The charitable and not-for-profit sector is hugely important in filling gaps in governmental support and funding throughout the economy, with thousands of organisations relying on charitable funding to provide and maintain their services across education, health, community development, amateur sport, relief of poverty and deprivation and numerous other areas. “The sector is highly regulated and therefore difficult for organisations to operate in successfully without support. “High quality legal advice that is focused on practical solutions to issues is vital for many charities to enable them to carry out their purposes, protect their trustees and employees and fulfil their legal and regulatory obligations. “With the strength of our wider legal offering now, we are able to put together a team of experts for organisations ranging from small family charities up to much larger not-for-profit organisations.”

Burton retail unit sold to accounting services firm

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Burton retail unit sold to accounting services firm
Rushton Hickman has sold a prominent retail unit close to the train station and on the edge of Burton Upon Trent town centre. 77 Station Street offers a ground-floor retail area, with rear storage space and access, which presents the potential for residential development upstairs. The new owners, Bespoke M&A Ltd, specialise in accounting services and are dedicated to helping clients build fully integrated forecast models and Power BI data analytics platforms. Their mission is to provide clients with deeper insights into their financials while automating key business processes and they believe that their new home will help them with this goal. Taylor Millington, Rushton Hickman agent, said: “During our initial viewing with Matthew from Bespoke M&A, it was clear that this property was a perfect fit for their needs! The location and positioning are ideal for their business, and we look forward to witnessing their continued success.”

Dalkia UK secures two-year extension for Derby College FM contract

April Lara
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Dalkia UK secures two-year extension for Derby College FM contract

Dalkia UK has secured a two-year extension to its facilities management (FM) contract with Derby College after a competitive tender process.

The extended agreement covers planned maintenance, reactive support, and statutory compliance across the college’s multiple sites. Facilities involved include classrooms, laboratories, catering areas, sports facilities, and specialist environments such as animal care units.

In addition to day-to-day FM operations, Dalkia will provide strategic support to help Derby College meet its long-term sustainability targets, including energy efficiency improvements and Net Zero ambitions.

Derby College delivers education and training to a diverse student base, including school leavers, apprentices, higher education students, and adult learners.

Businesses, developers and investors invited to join East Midlands mayor at UKREiiF

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Businesses, developers and investors invited to join East Midlands mayor at UKREiiF
Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, is beginning the countdown to the East Midlands taking centre stage at the UK’s biggest development showcase next month. Mayor Claire will lead partners from across the East Midlands at the UK Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) taking place in Leeds over the three days of 20-22 May, with 15,000 national and international investors and developers expected to attend. At a dedicated launch event in Nottingham on 7 May, the mayor will outline her vision and ambition for the East Midlands at UKREiiF and bring partners, businesses and stakeholders together ahead of the three day event later that month. Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, said: “UKREiiF is a marketplace for attracting investment into our region. Deals made there can lead to the development of commercial spaces, housing, and infrastructure – creating jobs during construction and beyond. “This is the biggest opportunity our region has had, since we were created, to showcase the regeneration opportunities our region has to offer. I need businesses, developers and investors in the region to join me in making that case. “Doing so together, means we can accelerate plans to revitalise our town centres, brownfield sites, or underused assets – turning them into places people want to live, work and visit.” Alongside Mayor Claire who will lead the launch event, keynote speakers are Amy Harhoff, CEO, East Midlands Combined County Authority, and Matt Christie, director of external relations and content, UKREiiF. The East Midlands will be represented at UKREiiF by the senior leadership teams at East Midlands Combined County Authority, the East Midlands Freeport, Nottingham City Council, Nottinghamshire County Council, Derby City Council, Derbyshire County Council, Marketing Derby, Invest in Nottingham, Destination Chesterfield and Invest in Derbyshire.

Freeths go into bat with Leicestershire County Cricket Club

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Freeths go into bat with Leicestershire County Cricket Club
Law firm Freeths has been appointed as legal advisors to Leicestershire County Cricket Club (LCCC), becoming its Official Legal Partner from the start of the 2025 / 26 season. As one of 18 first-class county clubs in England and Wales, the new framework will see Freeths advise across all legal matters for the club going forward. Under the new partnership, Freeths will also play a key role in LCCC’s wider business community engagement, by assisting in a range of marketing and hospitality initiatives throughout the year. Real estate partner Caroline Smith has been named as the client partner. She will be supported by corporate partner Martin Smith and other specialists across the firm. Caroline Smith said: “Being Leicester born and bred and coming from a family of avid cricket lovers, I’m excited about this new partnership and how we can support and work with the club to help achieve its ambitions. It demonstrates our commitment to Leicester and the local business community.” John Williams, LCCC commercial director, added: “We’re thrilled to welcome Freeths to the Foxes family. The firm’s reputation for excellence and community focus aligns perfectly with our values, and we’re excited to work together on a number of key initiatives throughout the season.”

Furnley House Foundation Summer Ball returns for 2025

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Furnley House Foundation Summer Ball returns for 2025
The Furnley House Foundation’s Summer Ball will return on Saturday 28 June 2025. Held at Winstanley House in Leicester, the evening offers an opportunity for people to come together and make a lasting impact for Leicestershire-based charities. The Furnley House Foundation was created by Furnley House, a Midlands financial adviser, with the aim to improve the lives of those less fortunate. At the last Summer Ball, 170 guests attended and raised over £38,000 for local charities. The headline charity for this year’s ball is PASIC Cancer Support for Children and Young People, who make sure no family in the East Midlands faces childhood cancer alone. The evening will also raise money and awareness for One Roof Leicester, who tackle homelessness by offering housing, support, and opportunities to those in need, and Leicestershire Wildlife Hospital, which rescues and rehabilitates sick, injured, and orphaned wildlife. Simon Winfield, chairman of the Furnley House Foundation and managing director of Red Monkey Play, said: “The Summer Ball is a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we come together. Every year, we witness the incredible generosity of businesses and individuals who share our passion for making a difference. “Previous Balls have been fantastic evenings and raised thousands for charity we can’t wait to welcome everyone for another unforgettable night.”
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