A court has fined Northampton-headquartered builders’ merchant Travis Perkins £2m after part of a timber load fell off one of its lorries and into the windscreen of an oncoming car, tragically killing the driver.
The firm admitted three offences contrary to the Health and Safety at Work Act and sentence was passed at Hove Crown Court.
On May 13, 2020, father-of-three Jack Stevens, 28, who was driving a BMW, died when a strip of timber came loose from a Travis Perkins vehicle on the A26 after it left the company’s Newhaven depot.
The court heard how only a single strap was used on the load which did not adequately secure it, and the lashing was insufficient.
Lewes District Council conducted an investigation, working collaboratively with the Health and Safety Executive, and brought about the prosecution.
Councillor Christine Robinson, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Community Wellbeing at Lewes District Council, said: “While we welcome the substantial fine imposed today, it remains an absolute tragedy that Mr Stevens, a much-loved father-of-three, died in this entirely preventable case.
“Our thoughts remain with his family and friends.
“I hope our prosecution sends a strong message to businesses that it is of the utmost importance they adhere to health and safety legislation to ensure that something like this never happens again.
“I am grateful for to our officers for their rigorous investigation and professionalism in pursuing this prosecution over a lengthy period, working collaboratively with the Health and Safety Executive.”
The court awarded £85,000 costs.
Revenue is on the rise at Microlise Group, the Nottingham-headquartered provider of transport management software to fleet operators, following a year of international growth.
In a trading update for the year ending 31 December 2024, the business revealed revenue is expected to increase by 12.9% to £81m, up from £71.7m in 2023, with adjusted EBITDA ahead of market expectations at £11.3m (up from £9.4m in 2023).
2024 marked a year of international expansion for the company, with new direct customers secured in Australia, New Zealand and France.
The business added 375 new customers in the year, including WooliesX in Australia, GSF in the UK, Foodstuffs South Island in New Zealand and STAF in France. Microlise also renewed key relationships, including a five-year extension with JCB.
2024 additionally saw the acquisition of K-Safe and the completion of the acquisition of Enterprise Software Systems (ESS) in January.
Nadeem Raza, CEO, Microlise, said: “The business demonstrated growth across all geographies, and the addition of newly acquired products enabled us to provide more solutions to existing customers. We have signed several new TMS contracts, following the acquisition of ESS at the start of the year, which is particularly pleasing.
“The business responded well to the cyber incident in October, resulting in minimal impact to the forecast FY24. I would like to thank all our staff for their hard work and dedication in restoring services for our customers, and our customers for their patience and understanding during this period.
“The outturn for 2024 shows a strong business with a healthy pipeline and puts us in a great position to take advantage of opportunities in 2025.”
Indurent, a developer and operator of industrial and logistics space across the UK, has leased a 184,000 sq ft Grade A unit in Wellingborough to global engineering firm CTDI. The 10-year lease at unit W184 means Indurent Park Wellingborough is now fully occupied.
CTDI delivers technical engineering, network infrastructure and supply chain solutions to some of the world’s largest tech and telecoms businesses, and employs over 20,000 people globally.
The unit provides 184,000 sq ft of flexible warehousing alongside operationally net zero office space. It includes over 180 HGV and car parking spaces, 32 of which are equipped with EV ports. The unit has achieved BREEAM ‘Excellent’ accreditation and is EPC A+ rated.
Its rooftop PV panels have the capacity to deliver significant energy cost savings estimated by Indurent to be up to £163,000 per year, with smart LED lighting also delivering a 75% reduction in energy consumption versus standard lighting.
Indurent Park Wellingborough is part of the £1 billion Stanton Cross development, which will deliver 3,650 new homes alongside community facilities and a range of employment spaces.
Ben Silcock, Senior Development Manager at Indurent, said: “We have delivered a significant volume of high-quality modern warehousing in the East Midlands, which is one of the UK’s most in-demand industrial and logistics markets owing to its exceptional nationwide transport links and strong regional consumer and worker catchment.
“This commitment from CTDI underlines the appeal of our estate in Wellingborough as a base for high-tech businesses seeking to expand their presence in the UK.”
Matthew Bull, Vice President Broadband & UK Mobility Division at CTDI, added: “We are excited to open our newest facility in Europe in Wellingborough and bring exciting jobs with great technical innovations to the local people.
“This facility is beautiful and we are creating a great place for people to work and the facility itself ties in nicely with our sustainable goals. We are looking forward to growing locally over the coming years.”
CTDI’s lease was completed within just six weeks of the agreement being reached and entering into legals, with Louch Shacklock acting as agent.
It’s that time of year, when Business Link Magazine invites the region’s business leaders to offer up their predictions for the year ahead. It has become something of a tradition, given that we’ve been doing this now for over 30 years.Here we speak to Matt Clutterham, Head of Brand Transformation at Q Branch Consulting.
The business world is noisier than ever. Markets are crowded, competition is relentless, and customers are inundated with options.
In 2025, one thing is certain: businesses that fail to stand out will be left behind.
It’s no longer enough to offer a great product or service. Being “good” won’t save you. Being “different” will.
Distinct brands thrive because they claim a clear, undeniable position in the minds of their audience. They understand their customers deeply, articulate their value boldly, and stand apart from the sea of sameness.
So, how can businesses become distinct?
Know Who You’re For: You can’t be everything to everyone. The most distinct brands focus on a specific audience and speak directly to their needs, desires, and values.
Own Your Difference: What sets you apart? It’s not enough to know your unique value—you need to shout it from the rooftops with confidence and consistency.
Craft a Clear Message: Confusion is a killer. If your customers don’t understand why you matter in seconds, they’ll move on. Clarity wins every time.
This is about thriving in a world where attention is currency.
Businesses that play it safe or cling to the status quo will become irrelevant.
In 2025 the brands that succeed will be the ones bold enough to stand out, step up, and be remembered.
Find a way to become distinct—or face extinction.
“Grave concerns” about the impact of the Hinckley National Rail Freight Interchange (HNRFI) have again been raised by Blaby District Council.
Councillor Terry Richardson, Council Leader, and Councillor Ben Taylor, Portfolio Holder for Planning, outline issues in a new letter to government.
Both have written to Heidi Alexander MP, following her recent appointment as Secretary of State for Transport. They call for an early decision to reject the plans.
The 662-acre HNRFI scheme from developers Tritax Symmetry is considered a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project.
It features a rail hub and 850,000 sq m of warehousing on countryside southwest of Elmesthorpe. The area lies between the M69 and Leicester to Birmingham train line.
It is due to be decided by Ms Alexander following a lengthy review by the Planning Inspectorate.
Last September, her predecessor, Louise Haigh MP, said she was ‘minded to refuse’ the scheme. However, she gave Tritax more time to submit evidence in support of their application.
With those documents received, interested parties have until February 7 to make further comments.
The letter highlights various negative impacts, most notably on the overloaded surrounding motorway network. It says the scheme could stifle, not encourage economic growth.
Ms Alexander is urged to “carefully consider the negative social, environmental and economic impacts of the HNRF” and “consider the highways infrastructure mitigation that is required in this part of the region.”
The Councillors say: “We hope that the recommendation provided by the examining authority and the total lack of effort on behalf of the applicant to mitigate the issues raised will lead you to reach the same conclusion as your predecessor.
“This extended wait for a decision is having a material impact on local plan making but more importantly is causing a huge amount of stress to the residents in this area especially those under threat of losing their homes due to compulsory purchase.”
Councillor Ben Taylor said: “We have always said this scheme would destroy vast swathes of countryside and ruin the rural character of our District forever. We have also raised continual concerns about the huge negative effects it would have on our highways and motorways and the lack of measures from Tritax to overcome these.
“As the deadline for the decision on the HNRFI scheme approaches and with a new Secretary of State for Transport in place, we felt we should again express our grave concerns. We hope Ms Alexander takes these on board and agrees with the previous position that the scheme should be rejected.”
A decision is due on the HNRFI by 10 March.
Over £180,000 has been awarded to businesses in Melton, allowing them to flourish.
These grants formed part of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) received as part of the UK Government initiative to enhance opportunities within communities.
Leader of the Council Cllr Pip Allnatt said: “The Council remains committed to supporting local endeavours and is eager to see the positive impacts these grants will bring.
“With a strong focus on collaboration and sustainability, the residents within the borough continue to pave the way for a vibrant and thriving community and these grants highlight a small number of these initiatives within the area.”
In this round, 29 business grant applications were successful, amounting to a total of £180,114. There were 55 applications submitted, and if all had been approved, the funding required would have reached over £324,000.
The business grants support pre-start, start-up and established businesses with growth aspirations and were awarded borough wide. Projects are supporting the retail, hospitality, manufacturing, and creative industries, amongst others.
A multitude of successful businesses have received funding from the council including £9,500 for a new construction company which is creating an online learning platform, providing training and support for small businesses in the construction industry.
In addition, a new town centre pub will receive £7,500 to buy kitchen equipment, creating several job opportunities and will potentially attract more visitors to the area. The scheme has also awarded £9,547 to enable a well-established company to build the first Tier 3 Data Centre in Melton Mowbray. This facility will enhance the local business environment and support technological growth in the community.
Property and planning law firm and strategic planning advisors Devello Group is celebrating a year in business, opening its 100th matter, and having a strong pipeline for 2025.
Set up by friends and former colleagues Shruti Trivedi and Iain Hibbert, Devello Group was founded on the principle of building trusted partnerships with clients, without the traditional legal hourly billing model.
This unique approach has underpinned Devello’s operations and managing director Shruti and CEO Iain believe it’s played a key part in the firm’s organic and sustained growth over the last 12 months.
With offices in Nottingham and Lincoln, Devello Group has grown to a team of five with the hires of a paralegal and a solicitor apprentice, joining the firm in Q3 and Q4 of last year. The company has further plans to expand its team with at least three new hires this year.
As well as growing their team and portfolio, the co-founders are committed to supporting good causes in the communities it operates in. Since the company’s inception, Shruti has become a Trustee of Base 51, a charity that works with young people in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire to build life skills, healthy relationships and resilience, to prepare them for adulthood.
Shruti said: “Reaching this milestone is really fantastic and testament to the work of our team. A huge thank you to our clients who choose to work with us in what we call a holistic business partnership.
“The last 12 months have been incredible – with our focus on creating a business that puts client experience and team culture first. Having previously been in traditional law companies, Iain and I particularly wanted to support those who need flexibility in the workplace such as working parents and carers, as well as investing in young people, as we have with our apprentice.
“Our focus for the next 12 months and beyond is to help our clients navigate projects, nurture our team as they develop as young professionals, and to support Base 51 and other good local causes who make a real difference in the community.”
Iain said: “At Devello’s core is a new kind of legal practice, with our ethos to put the client first through accessibility, responsiveness and diligence, and our cost structure is flexible to suit the needs of the client and the project. This formula has served us well and with Shruti’s and my combined 40-plus years in property and planning law, our services are in demand.
“I’m incredibly grateful to the business community in the East Midlands who have shown great support for us, it really has been wonderful and it’s an exciting time for us as a new company – having such a strong start and with ambitious plans for 2025.
“We are committed to providing the best possible service and supporting the business community that has supported us – by helping good causes and speaking at industry events to share our knowledge.”
Government announcements that applications for solar farms at Heckington Fen and West Burton have been granted consent are another slap in the face for Lincolnshire, according to a county councillor.
Colin Davie, executive councillor for environment, economy and planning at Lincolnshire County Council, says adding two more giant solar farms to Lincolnshire’s countryside in the face of strong local opposition shows that the government has not listened to residents.
He said: “These two developments add more than 1,000 hectares of solar parks to the county, bringing the total land now allocated for five approved developments to around 3,500 hectares. A further 6,400 hectares are also being proposed in Lincolnshire.
“Trashing the countryside and putting ginormous industrial developments on agricultural land has understandably caused much local outrage. On top of this, I have no confidence that these schemes help in any way to delivering the affordable energy that we need.
“Quite frankly these decisions are another slap in the face for Lincolnshire, and the government must start considering the cumulative impacts of all these proposals in our county.
“In our recent survey, residents have told us that they are very concerned about the impacts that so many Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects will have on Lincolnshire, and the effects on our nature, landscape and communities.
“They also told us that they – like us – consider rooftops and brownfield sites being the most appropriate places to install solar panels. We must stop the industrialisation of the Lincolnshire countryside.”
The Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Rt Hon Darren Jones MP, and East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward, visited Wavensmere Homes’ Nightingale Quarter in Derby city centre to address the blockers to new homes delivery and discuss how the regeneration of vacant brownfield land can be accelerated.
The £175m development is in the final construction phase for 925 houses and apartments, together with a range of community amenities.
Situated off London Road, the 18.5-acre site – which had lain derelict for a decade prior to Wavensmere Homes’ acquisition and start on site in 2019 – is one of the most significant residential regeneration projects under construction in the UK.
Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones said: “House building is a huge priority for this government. Not only is building more homes vital to our mission to achieve greater economic growth, but it is also a vital component in our ambitions to improve living standards.
“It was wonderful to meet everyone involved in the process of getting residents into new homes and understand the pressures and policies that are impacting social landlords, local government and residents. The insights I gathered will be integral going forward as I undertake the Spending Review across Government.”
Claire Ward, East Midlands Mayor, said: “It is my priority to help create more beautiful mixed-tenure homes in places with excellent employment opportunities like Derby. People should be able to afford to live close to their place of work.
“Wavensmere Homes has four live regeneration projects in Derbyshire alone, which are delivering close to 1,500 homes – each of those is an opportunity for the people of the East Midlands to live a great life in a good job.
“Through knowledge-sharing and working hand in hand with the Treasury and Department for Housing, Communities and Local Government, we will get Britain building again.”
The Derbyshire Royal Infirmary opened in 1894 and closed 15 years ago. While the vast majority of the Florence Nightingale-designed Victorian hospital had been bulldozed, Wavensmere Homes pledged to save and restore the imposing pepperpots, despite one of the buildings being previously consented for demolition.
Pepperpot South opened as the marketing suite for the 925 houses and apartments in 2021. With 95% of the homes now sold, the building has been re-purposed as a gym for residents’ use. The second (North) Pepperpot became The Fulton Partnership’s sixth hospitality venue in the Midlands when it opened in February 2024.
James Dickens, Managing Director of Wavensmere Homes, said: “When we acquired this vacant site in 2019, we set out to design a landmark scheme that embraced the DE1 location and didn’t turn its back on the city centre.
“We are proud that our 925 apartments and houses have transformed the city living market, acting as the catalyst for thousands more homes to be delivered within central Derby.
“By installing new footpaths, cycle routes, roads, co-working space, a gym – and making a restaurant Nightingale Quarter’s new focal point – this redundant hospital site is once again a vibrant community asset.
“As we currently have over 3,500 plots under construction, or in planning across middle England, we look forward to continuing to assist the government and regional mayors with fresh insight into how much-needed residential regeneration could be accelerated.”
Iconic Northamptonshire shoe brand Dr. Martens has seen a mixed performance around the world in its third quarter whilst making “good progress” in “turning around” its USA performance.
According to a trading statement for the Christmas period, covering the 13 weeks ended 29 December 2024, third quarter group revenue was up 3% (at constant currency) to £267m, with direct to consumer (DTC) revenue up 1% CC.
By channel, the DTC performance was the result of ecommerce revenue growing by 2% CC and retail revenue declining by 1% CC. Wholesale revenue, meanwhile, grew by 9% CC, against a weak comparative. The wholesale performance by region was in line with expectations, with EMEA and APAC up year-on-year and Americas wholesale down single-digit CC.
One of Dr. Martens’ key objectives this year is to return Americas DTC revenue to positive growth in the second half. The business is on track, with Americas DTC revenue up 4% CC.
EMEA DTC revenue, however, declined by 5% CC year-on-year, which the firm said was “impacted by the deep promotional nature of several markets, especially in December, when we maintained our discipline and only participated in promotional activity in line with our discounting strategy.“
APAC DTC was up 17% CC driven by ecommerce. The company’s largest market in the region, Japan, continued to deliver good growth.
Year to date group revenue, conversely, declined 9% to £599m CC.
Ije Nwokorie, Chief Executive Officer, said: “I am excited to be CEO of Dr. Martens. The global relevance of our iconic brand, the strength of our product line and the passionate commitment of our team give me great confidence for FY25 and beyond.
“Our Q3 trading was as expected and our outlook for FY25 remains unchanged. We have made good progress against our objective of turning around our USA performance, with USA DTC in positive growth in Q3.
“We continue to actively manage our costs and are on track to meet our inventory reduction target for FY25. The team and I are squarely focused on returning the business to sustainable and profitable growth.”
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