9 in 10 East Mids businesses face skills gap

Michael Fisher
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9 in 10 East Mids businesses face skills gap
A new report into the 2025 skills and recruitment outlook of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in England reveals nearly nine in 10 (87% of businesses) in the East Midlands are anticipating some kind of skills gap within their business, with the biggest at entry level (35%).
Now in its third year, the Skills Horizon Barometer, launched by the Skills for Life campaign and featuring commentary from local business TG Sowerby Developments, also found that SMEs are more likely to have noticed a skills gap at entry level than in specialist areas (32% versus 23%). However, concerns about retaining staff have decreased since last year – a third (32%) of SME employers cited it as a worry this year, compared to two fifths last year (40% in 2024).
More widely across England, when it comes to specialist skills, opportunities with AI are firmly on the radar for the year ahead, as nearly a quarter (23%) are poised to train their staff in AI related skills or recruit those with knowledge in the field. The research found one in five (19%) are regularly using AI in day-to-day operations, with a further 20% using it occasionally. One in five (19%) also say experience in AI is an asset on a CV for potential new recruits.
While AI knowledge is high on the recruitment agenda for SMEs, they are also looking beyond the skillset to find human characteristics or transferable skills that are the right fit for their organisation too. The top five to pique the interest of employers in the East Midlands for 2025 are:
  1. A good work ethic (38%)
  2. A quick learner (35%)
  3. Ability to work under pressure (27%)
  4. A team player (25%) / confidence (25%) / adaptability (25%)
  5. Strong digital skills (19%)
Exploring the type of candidates East Midlands SMEs are looking for reveals employers looking to offer opportunities to those early on in their career, but crucially candidates who have some experience (43%). While a fifth (20%) of businesses still look to hire those from traditional academic routes, such as university, a sixth (15%) of firms would hire straight from school or college, supporting young people with relevant training to build up their skills, and 32% would look to hire candidates with experience from a different field.
The highlighted findings from the latest Skills Horizon Barometer look to help SMEs understand all the technical education training and employment schemes available to them, including Apprenticeships, T Levels, Skills Bootcamps, HTQs, as well as numeracy and digital skills courses.
James Bonsall, Director at TG Sowerby Developments, Scunthorpe said:  “We look for talent with some experience and a perspective that aligns with our company values and we work with contacts at local colleges, who keep an eye out for suitable candidates for us. Hiring apprentices is great because we can source talent at the start of their career, we can mould them, teaching our ways of working and our level of standard. We find many apprentices learn these skills and then stay on for many years, so it’s a great time investment for us.
“I’d encourage other businesses who are facing skills gaps to look into the opportunities available to them via technical education. There are many options for recruiting and upskilling and we have found it to be a really valuable asset.”
Minister for Skills, Apprenticeships and Higher Education Jacqui Smith said: “Meeting the skills needs of the next decade is central to delivering the Government’s Plan for Change.  Employers are key partners in our mission, helping address skills needs across sectors like AI, green tech, and construction. Using Skills Bootcamps, apprenticeships, HTQs, and T Levels, we’re supporting businesses and individuals to upskill, and establishing Skills England to find and fill skills gaps and support sustained economic growth.
“The Skills Horizon report highlights the progress we’re making together—giving people the skills they need to seize opportunity and drive growth.”

Young people in the East Midlands left in the dark over career choices, survey finds

Tess Egginton
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Young people in the East Midlands left in the dark over career choices, survey finds
More than four-fifths (84%) of young people in the East Midlands insist there is not enough information given to them about apprenticeships when considering their career option – a new survey by BDO has found. Of this group, 55% say more work needs to be done to connect young people with local businesses and apprenticeship providers, while nearly a third (29%) said that this lack of information means those that already know people in certain industries and businesses have an advantage. The Young Minds survey of just over 1,000 young people across the UK was commissioned by accounting and advisory firm BDO to provide an indicative snapshot of the career aspirations and challenges of young people, canvassing the views of those between the ages of 18-25 years old. The survey found that nearly half (48%) of young people polled in the East Midlands still believe that attending university will provide more career choices, yet more than a third (35%) would also consider undertaking an apprenticeship after their degree to upskill, achieve a master’s degree-level qualification or to train in a specialist area or profession. Kyla Bellingall, regional managing partner at BDO LLP in the Midlands, said: “Apprenticeships play a vital role in building an inclusive and highly skilled workforce of tomorrow, yet many young people in the Midlands feel they are still being denied access. This consistent lack of information and education is creating a bottleneck in new talent. “Greater connectivity between government, businesses and the education system is needed to allow young people to make more informed decisions and to help match them with employers offering apprenticeship opportunities. “We need to work together to ensure everyone has access to the information, training and high-quality employment they need to reach their potential.” Fab Lanza, an audit trainee in BDO’s Nottingham office, started his school leaver apprenticeship in 2022 after taking part in ‘Explore BDO’ during his A-Levels. He said: “There needs to be more information available to students considering their career choices. I first discovered apprenticeships through my student network when I participated in the Explore BDO Insight programme. “After I completed my A-levels, I was fast-tracked through the application process because of my participation during the insight week. Now I’m halfway through a Level 7 apprenticeship (equivalent to a Master’s degree) and will be fully qualified within the next couple of years.”

Bassetlaw businesses join forces to unlock growth potential

Tess Egginton
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Bassetlaw businesses join forces to unlock growth potential
Bassetlaw businesses are joining forces to unlock growth potential in the district and make the most of significant investment and major developments in the pipeline. Bassetlaw District Council and North Notts BID have teamed up to support the creation of the Bassetlaw Business Alliance Executive Group, which will work independently, bringing businesses together to work towards the same goal, a stronger local economy. The group met for the first time last week (31 January) at Laing O-Rourke in Worksop where attendees learnt more about developments including the East Midlands Investment Zone and the prototype Fusion energy plant project STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production) at West Burton. Rob Holder, General Manager, National Trust for Nottinghamshire and chair of the Bassetlaw Business Alliance Group, said: “I am delighted to be chairing the newly formed Bassetlaw Business Alliance Group and working with brilliant people across various sectors within Bassetlaw to support realising Bassetlaw Vision 2040.” The alliance, made up from strategic leaders from key businesses in Bassetlaw, will have the chance to shape the district’s plans as well as receiving direct support to unlock potential growth. Cllr Charles Adams, Cabinet Member for Business and Skills, said: “We look forward to working with the newly created business alliance on growth initiatives in the district and how they can engage with these opportunities. “We are united in the same goal, to unlock potential growth so collectively we can make Bassetlaw a better place for everyone.” It is hoped by encouraging joined up working, it will create opportunities to attract further investment, encourage growth and promote the district on a regional and national level. The Business Alliance Executive Group will also be holding a ‘Skills and Employment Summit’ in March, where it will look to understand the current and emerging skills and employment needs for the district, helping to inform education and training provision for the district businesses and residents. Sally Gillborn MBE, Chief Executive at North Notts BID, said: “From our industrial areas to town centres, the Bassetlaw Business Alliance Executive Group will provide greater opportunity for businesses to share ideas, provide upskilling opportunities and collaborate towards goals that will collectively drive business growth and invigorate the local economy.”

Shop parade demolished to make way for new homes

Tess Egginton
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Shop parade demolished to make way for new homes

A deteriorated and ageing shop parade in Mansfield has been torn down to make way for new homes and a green community space.

The enhanced outdoor space and 13 of the wider 22 energy-efficient homes for the project, will be built on the flattened site in the Bellamy estate, which dates back to the late 1960s. The former shop owner in the parade has now moved into and taken over the three newly built shopping units on the estate. This is all part of Mansfield District Council’s £7.7 million housing-led regeneration scheme for the area. As well as the new homes and community space, a new through road to better connect the area is also in the pipeline. The Mayor, Portfolio Holder for Housing Cllr Anne Callaghan, and Chief Executive James Biddlestone were joined at the demolition site by Mansfield MP Steve Yemm. Mr Yemm joined council officers to learn more about the regeneration project, and other social housing schemes the council is leading on across the district. Works for the overall scheme are anticipated to be completed by autumn this year. Councillor Anne Callaghan, Portfolio Holder for Housing, said: “It is a momentous occasion to celebrate this ageing shopping area in the heart of the Bellamy estate being demolished to make way for a new generation of homes and green space. “We know how important it is for residents to enjoy the areas in which they live and to have pride of place in them. By removing this eyesore and giving the estate new eco-friendly homes, new shopping units, and a community green space, we are ensuring the estate, and its residents can thrive for years to come.” The council’s in-house architects designed the 22 new homes on the site in line with the Future Homes Standard. This requires new homes to have low-carbon heating and high energy efficiency, resulting in lower carbon dioxide emissions than properties built to current building regulations. The homes, which will be available for council tenants on the housing waiting list, will include three four-bedroom semi-detached houses, eight three-bedroom semi-detached houses, nine two-bedroom semi-detached houses, and two two-bedroom detached houses. The first tenants are expected to move into the first phase of homes completed from April 2025. The Bellamy regeneration scheme has been made possible by capital investment from the council’s Housing Revenue Account (HRA). The HRA is made up of tenant rents and must be used to build more homes as well as maintaining the housing stock across the district. The estate’s regeneration began more than two years ago with the installation of a new play park and learn-to-ride cycle track for children, both of which opened in early 2023.

Leicester’s WBR Group acquires Censeo

Tess Egginton
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Leicester’s WBR Group acquires Censeo
WBR Group, the independent provider of SSAS services and tax experts, has acquired Censeo Actuaries & Consultants Limited for an undisclosed sum. Censeo will be rebranded as WBR Actuarial Limited on 1 April 2025, with the actuarial business becoming a separate legal entity wholly owned by WBR Group. Founded in 2004 and based in Salisbury, Censeo has built a strong reputation in actuarial, investment and pension consultancy services. With this acquisition, WBR Group continues to build on its strategy of growth through acquisition and diversification, enhancing its expertise and expanding its service offerings. WBR Actuarial Limited will provide clients with a comprehensive range of services, including:
  • SSAS and DBSSAS actuarial services
  • Full services for ‘smaller’ defined benefit pension schemes (generally fewer than 1,500 members or under £50M in invested assets):
    • Pensions administration and treasury
    • Scheme actuary services
    • Investment consultancy
    • Pensions consultancy
    • Trustee training
  • Funeral plan trusts
  • Pensions on divorce
Three qualified actuaries, including Managing Director Gail Higgins, will join WBR Actuarial forming a strong team of nine professionals including five Chartered Actuaries, operating out of the WBR Group office in Salisbury. This strategic acquisition will further enhance WBR Group as a robust and dynamic business with broader focus and appeal. David Downie, Managing Director – SSAS and Actuarial of WBR Group, added: “We are thrilled to see Censeo and its team join the WBR Group. This is an exciting new chapter for us and we will continue to grow our presence in the actuarial sector. “Gail and her team bring a wealth of experience to the Group, enabling us to continue providing excellent service to both current and new clients.” Gail Higgins, Managing Director of Censeo, commented on the acquisition: “Having spent over 40 years in the profession, the last 20 running Censeo, I have been privileged to work with a range of loyal clients and staff. I am confident that this acquisition aligns with our ethos and is the right fit for the business. “The entire Censeo team remains committed to providing exceptional personal service to our clients and everyone is excited to become part of the WBR Group.”

Small business growth forecasts fall for the first time since July 2024

Michael Fisher
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Small business growth forecasts fall for the first time since July 2024
The percentage of UK small business owners predicting growth (33%) has dipped to a nine-month low, according to the latest quarterly data from Novuna Business Finance. Whilst 45% see Q1 as a standstill period, there is a four-year high in the percentage of small businesses saying they will contract by the end of March (13%) and the percentage of enterprises that fear closure in the next three months has hit a two-year peak (8%). 
The findings are from Novuna Business Finance’s Business Barometer study, which has tracked the growth forecasts of more than 1,000 small business owners every quarter for the last 11 years. Following the Bank of England cutting interest rates and reducing its economic growth forecasts for 2025, the new Novuna Business Finance data reveals that UK small business owners are already gearing up for contraction, with major falls in growth forecasts already registered across many key regions – where there has been abrupt change since the start of 2025.
  • In London the percentage of small business owners predicting growth has plummeted from  57% to 39% in just three months – presenting a two-year low point in confidence for enterprises in the Capital (since Q2 2023
  • The North East was one of the regions that saw a post-election resurgence in small business confidence during the second half of 2025. This quarter, the percentage of North East small business owners that predict growth has fallen sharply back from 36% to 25%.
  • A similar picture emerges for the East Midlands, where growth forecasts have fallen from 37% to 31% since last quarter
  • Growth forecasts are a serious concern in the South West and Wales, these two regions now falling significantly behind all other UK regions (17% and 16%).
  • Scotland bucks the trend prevalent in England. For Q1 2025, the percentage of small business owners predicting growth has hit a five-year high at 36% (the highest figure in Scotland since Q3 2019)
Double election impact?
Whilst the latest data suggests the confidence boost that followed the new UK Government taking office last July has now worn off, the new US administration taking office has also been met with concern in recent weeks. An additional Novuna Business Finance survey found that more than seven in 10 small businesses (77%) said they were fearful of how the new US administration could have a ripple effect for UK small businesses in 2025. Chief among small business concerns were the possibility of tariffs on UK exports to the USA (43%) and concern over the impact on UK economic growth forecasts and interest rates (33%).
Sector analysis
Whilst growth outlook held firm in many sectors, Q1 2025 saw significant falls in small business growth outlook for the manufacturing, retail, IT and hospitality sectors. Growth outlook in manufacturing fell to its lowest level since Q4 2023.
Joanna Morris, Head of Insight at Novuna Business Finance comments: “Over the last 11 years, our research suggests that small businesses are remarkably resilient when it comes to  their quarterly growth forecasts. The fall for this quarter represents a reverse on a gradual upward trend over the previous six months. Of concern are signs of more small businesses predicting contraction for the next three months – and some even fearing closure.
“From the Business Barometer study over the last decade, it is clear that there are often fine margins between businesses that predict growth or contraction and decline. Now is a time for small businesses to be supported, so caution and contraction can be replaced by confidence and belief. At Novuna Business Finance, we are serious about helping established small businesses put plans in place to achieve their true potential and, midst the market uncertainty, small business confidence this year will be key to the new Government delivering on its pledge to deliver economic growth.”

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions visits Workbridge in Northampton

Michael Fisher
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Secretary of State for Work and Pensions visits Workbridge in Northampton

The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, RT Hon Liz Kendall MP, has been to Northampton to visit people who have been taking part in a mental health social prescribing programme.

Ms Kendall, who has held the ministerial position since July last year, visited Workbridge – the vocational and educational part of mental health charity St Andrew’s Healthcare – to find out more about the Community Skills and Wellbeing programme.

The initiative was developed to help people who have been unable to work due to mental ill health, by easing them back into employment. The visit comes as the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has published new research which shows that many sick and disabled people say they want to work to help boost their living standards – but aren’t given the right support.

Work and Pensions Secretary, Rt Hon Liz Kendall MP, said: “Today’s report shows that the broken benefits system is letting down people with mental health conditions who want to work. People claiming Health and Disability benefits have been classed by the system as “can’t work” and shut out of jobs and have been ignored – when they’ve been crying out for support.

“That is a serious failure. It’s bad for people, bad for businesses, which miss out on considerable talent, and bad for the economy. For young people in particular, being out of work can have a scarring effect that lasts a lifetime.

“On Time to Talk day, it’s time to change how we support people with long-term health conditions, such as a mental health condition, so that they have a fair chance and choice to work.”

Prison officer Teresa Hawkins is on long term sickness leave, but would really like to return to work when she feels well enough. The 48-year-old, who has been attending the five-week programme at Workbridge, said: “I’ve been off work for three months now and all I’d been doing was sitting at home, overthinking, which wasn’t doing me any good. My social prescriber gave me a list of courses in Northampton to help get me out of the house and I liked the sound of the artwork course at Workbridge.

“It took a lot of courage for me to walk through the door on the first day – I was very nervous as I didn’t know what to expect, I almost didn’t come – but I’m so glad I did because if I didn’t have this course I would be getting up late every day. It’s helped give my day structure and a reason to get up. The course tutors are so lovely and friendly, I feel like this is a safe place for me.”

The programme was made possible courtesy of a £60,000 grant provided through the central Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) via West Northamptonshire Council (WNC). The programme is part of a wider initiative aimed at enhancing local skills and fostering positive change within the community.

Those who sign up are supported by skilled tutors, helping them to realise their potential. Participants are given the opportunity to learn new skills, understand more about resilience and gain confidence which is hoped will assist them in gaining employment.

Teresa said: “This course has really helped me. I’ve met some like-minded people, learnt some new skills and I don’t feel as hopeless as I used to. I live with my daughter and she’s seen me so low, and it’s always her that picks up the pieces. I desperately want to get better so she can go live her life.

“This programme is helping me to heal and for the first time in a long time, I’ve got hope for my future. I want to go back to work eventually and the people here are helping me as I’m getting back all the social skills that I had lost from being at home all day.”

Dr Sanjith Kamath St Andrew’s Healthcare’s Deputy CEO and Executive Medical Officer, said: “As the largest mental health charity in the UK, we are committed to amplifying the voices of those who have complex mental health needs. We know that stigma around mental health remains a major barrier to people getting the support they need and this can be even worse for those with complex challenges.

“Across the UK more than a million people are waiting for mental health services. Too often, long waiting lists and a lack of early intervention mean that people’s mental health worsens, making it harder for them to stay in or return to work. There is an urgent need for parity of esteem between mental and physical health, so that people receive the right support at the right time. We must act to ensure timely, accessible care for all.

“This vital support from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) means we’re able to offer courses to those most in need helping people rebuild confidence, gain new skills, and take positive steps toward employment in a welcoming and supportive environment.”

Rolls-Royce says Government’s decision will re-establish the UK as a world leader in nuclear

Stuart Pearcey
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Rolls-Royce says Government’s decision will re-establish the UK as a world leader in nuclear
Changes to planning rules brought in by the Government mean Rolls-Royce SMR’s ‘factory-built’ nuclear power plants can be deployed flexibly in more locations – closer to centres of high energy demand – and will support the UK’s energy intensive industries including datacentres, AI infrastructure and hydrogen production. And that’s been welcomed by Alastair Evans, Rolls-Royce SMR’s Director of Corporate Affairs. He said: “This is a clear statement of intent from the Government. This announcement, coupled with wider planning reform that is focused on growth, will pave the way for the UK to re-establish itself as a global leader in nuclear. This will align the planning of nuclear projects with all other forms of electricity infrastructure and enable projects to be delivered in the longer term. “There is a range of existing nuclear sites, ready for development now, that will be unlocked by a commitment to the SMR programme in the upcoming Spending Review. It is therefore vital that winners of the SMR selection process are announced in the Spring, to give certainty to these nuclear communities.” Progress at pace – including a decision by GBN as early as possible this year – will create thousands of jobs, unlock export potential and have a transformative effect on growth and the wider UK economy. Rolls-Royce SMR offers a radically different approach to delivering new nuclear power, with each plant providing enough low-carbon electricity to power a million homes for more than 60 years on a site that is a fraction of the size of a large ‘gigawatt-scale’ nuclear power station.

East Midlands marina to be sold for first time in its history

Tess Egginton
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East Midlands marina to be sold for first time in its history
Specialist leisure property adviser Christie & Co has been instructed to market Farndon Marina, for the first time in its history. Located on the River Trent near Newark in Nottinghamshire, Farndon Marina has been owned by the same family since 1966, when the 25-acre freehold site was originally purchased and developed by local businessman and boating enthusiast Mark Ainsworth. Over the decades that followed, the business evolved and expanded, and today Farndon Marina is owned and operated by Mark’s son Paul and his wife Janet who, after a lifetime of working within the business, are looking to retire and pass the reigns to new owners. The marina comprises over 300 private berths and moorings, with berthing fees and chandlery sales forming the backbone of the business, together with boat sales brokerage and marine services, which incorporates repair, maintenance and boat lifting. Recent investments have been made in technology to improve day-to-day operations, site security, and enhance the customer experience, as well as the development of amenity buildings including workshops, visitor facilities and office space. Farndon Marina presents several development opportunities for a new owner, including the development of holiday park, motor home and touring caravan facilities, extending the boat brokerage business, and the potential to introduce floating lodges (subject to the necessary planning permissions). Farndon Marina Managing Director Paul Ainsworth said: “Since my father passed away over 16 years ago, Janet and I have continued as custodians of this incredible business. We have consistently invested in improving the facilities and customer experience, and have a fantastic team, who are and will continue to be great assets to the marina. “We too are at that time in our lives where it makes sense to pass the reigns to new owners. I’ve been contacted many times over the years asking if we would sell, and so this tremendous opportunity now becomes a reality.”
Jon Patrick, Head of Leisure & Development at Christie & Co, who is overseeing the sale process, added: “We’ve witnessed a marked uptick in the demand for both inland and coastal marina and boating businesses over the last two years. This has come from existing UK and European operators, as well as boating and marine enthusiasts and investors. “However, we’ve also seen greater activity in the sector from owners of holiday parks and associated leisure hospitality businesses which share a number of similarities with marinas in terms of the underlying business model. “In addition, this is a marina that has never been offered for sale on the open market before, and that in itself is a unique opportunity. As a result, we anticipate that interest in Farndon Marina will come from a diverse range of potentially interest parties.”

£1.2m plans revealed for new culinary experience at Retford’s Buttermarket

Tess Egginton
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£1.2m plans revealed for new culinary experience at Retford’s Buttermarket
A new culinary experience is being proposed as part of a £1.2 million project to breathe new life into the historic Buttermarket in Retford Town Centre. Bassetlaw District Council has revealed plans to create a modern and inviting food hall with multiple street food outlets. As well as being a new destination for residents and visitors, it will also provide an opportunity for various food vendors in the town, with seating inside for up to 60 diners alongside external seating and new toilet facilities. Cllr Steve Scotthorne, Cabinet Member for Identity and Place, said: “These are exciting proposals, which if given the go ahead, could attract more people into the Buttermarket and the wider town. “As well as giving the much-loved historic building a new lease of life it’ll also create exciting opportunities for several food retailers in Retford.” There is also an ambition to decarbonise the space with the introduction of electrified heating and cooking equipment for food vendors to use. Planning for the development is due to be submitted in the coming weeks, and if successful, the search for an operator to manage the six food retail outlets will begin. If given the go-ahead work would be financed through government funding including from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
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