Historic Allestree Hall sold to Derby developer
Grade II listed Allestree Hall has been acquired by property developer Staton Young with plans to transform it into a wedding venue.
A key condition of sale was for the preferred bidder to take immediate action to prevent further deterioration of the historic property, and to maintain access to public toilets at Allestree Park.
Built in the early 1800s on land once owned by the Mundy family of Markeaton Hall, Allestree Hall was commissioned by Bache Thornhill and designed by architect James Wyatt.
By disposing of the building through a long lease, the council has paved the way for its renovation, safeguarding its future and preventing it from falling into further disrepair. A number of outbuildings were included in the sale.
Councillor Kathy Kozlowski, Cabinet Member for Governance and Finance, said: “After years of searching for the right buyer, we’re thrilled to have found a Derby-based preferred bidder with experience of revitalising historic properties. Allestree Hall, a building rich in history and potential, is poised for a new chapter.
“Disposing of the long-lease interest generates much-needed income for the Council and an opportunity for the new owner to breathe new life into the building. With careful restoration, this stunning country house can reclaim its former glory.”
Staton Young has a proven track record in restoring and repurposing historic buildings, including Northgate House – the landmark former HMRC building in the city centre. Their portfolio also includes numerous serviced offices and modern co-working spaces across the Midlands.
The company intends to apply for planning permission to re-purpose the Hall as a wedding venue. This would complement their recent acquisition of Horsley Lodge Golf Club, a Derbyshire complex which includes a golf course, country hotels and wedding venues.
Marc Brough, managing director at Staton Young, said: “Allestree Hall presents us with a great opportunity to restore a piece of Derby’s history. We’ve got some exciting plans and can’t wait to bring this beautiful building back to life and create a stunning wedding venue.”
Staton Young will work in partnership with the Council and Derbyshire Wildlife Trust to make sure future use of the hall fits in with the ongoing community rewilding project at Allestree Park.
Derby homelessness organisation Derventio Housing Trust moves HQ after more than 20 years
Derby homelessness organisation Derventio Housing Trust has moved its HQ after being based in a former church in the heart of the city for more than 20 years, from where it has provided two million beds to those most in need.
From beginning life as a night shelter at the end of 2002, Derventio Housing Trust is now a thriving organisation employing around 75 people around the UK, of which 40 are based in Derby.
The trust helps more than a thousand people a year by providing accommodation for them when they would otherwise be at risk of being homeless.
It is currently providing housing for more than 200 people in Derby and more in wider Derbyshire.
Alongside that, the trust provides a wealth of support services to help residents get their lives back on track, including a “Growing Lives” project in Ilkeston that helps with projects like craft, woodworking, walks, gardening and companionship.
Dedicated housing and support officers visit residents regularly and help with matters such as organising GP appointments and signposting to important services providing support with drug and alcohol use.
Derventio Housing Trust’s headquarters have been based in a former church on Boyer Street since it first opened as a night shelter, but it has now moved its main base to new, purpose built offices round the corner on the Peter Baines Industrial Estate on Woods Lane.
Managing director Sarah Hernandez said: “Our former headquarters at the Glad Tidings Hall in Boyer Street have stood us in great stead since we first opened up as a night shelter in late 2002. But after more than 20 years we felt it was time we acquired some more modern offices for our dedicated staff as we continue our work meeting the ever-increasing demand for our services.
“It’s remarkable to think that since we opened we have provided two million bed spaces to people in need. A lot of us might take our homes for granted but it’s a sad reality that for many people, their housing situation is far from secure. We’re extremely proud that Derventio Housing Trust has provided such a valuable service over the years.
“The cost-of-living crisis isn’t going away and every day we are seeing acute need. People risk homelessness today as much as they did when we started and we’re very happy to have moved to more purpose-built offices offering better meeting room facilities and break out spaces for our employees to be able to carry out their jobs.”
Future-proofing careers: Education trends impacting regional business
Preparing for shifts in workforce demands has become an essential strategy for both professionals and businesses aiming to stay ahead. Employers increasingly prioritise skills development, understanding that a well-trained workforce drives productivity and innovation. Advances in technology, alongside changing professional requirements, are altering how individuals pursue higher education and advanced qualifications.
The East Midlands, as a hub of diverse industries, is well-positioned to benefit from these educational transformations. By embracing flexible learning options, workers in the region can align their skillsets with market needs without disrupting their careers. Online education, in particular, offers a pathway to acquire advanced expertise.
Keep reading as we explore how these education trends are shaping regional businesses and helping professionals future-proof their careers.
Emerging Education Trends Shaping Regional Economies
Educational approaches are undergoing significant transformations, propelled by technological advancements and changing workforce demands. A notable shift is the widespread adoption of online education, offering flexible and accessible alternatives to traditional classroom-based learning. Micro-credentials—short, focused courses designed to impart specific skills—are also gaining popularity, particularly in industries requiring specialised expertise.
These trends benefit both professionals and businesses. Individuals can acquire qualifications without disrupting their current roles, while employers benefit from a workforce that is both skilled and adaptable to emerging industry needs.
Flexible Learning as a Driver for Professional Growth
Flexible learning models have become essential for career development. Online master’s courses, in particular, enable professionals to deepen their knowledge while balancing personal and professional responsibilities. Unlike traditional programs, these courses allow learners to integrate education seamlessly into their lives.
Certain sectors have notably embraced this trend. Fields such as business management, healthcare, and technology benefit from professionals pursuing advanced qualifications tailored to industry needs. Online education allows individuals in these sectors to acquire cutting-edge skills, fostering innovation and productivity in their workplaces.
Professionals looking to develop their skill set with online Masters courses have a wealth of opportunities to explore, enabling them to align their learning with industry-specific goals. This approach supports personal growth while ensuring they remain competitive in their fields.
Regional Benefits of a Skilled Workforce
A skilled workforce is not only advantageous for individuals but also plays a critical role in regional economic health. For the East Midlands, fostering advanced educational opportunities strengthens its position as a hub for innovation and industry growth. Businesses that invest in education initiatives often contribute to higher levels of productivity and employment stability, benefiting both the organisation and the wider community.
Local governments and industry groups are increasingly recognising the importance of aligning educational programs with regional economic strategies. For example, initiatives focused on green technology and renewable energy in the East Midlands have spurred demand for courses and qualifications that address skills gaps in these sectors. By offering targeted learning opportunities, the region can ensure that its workforce is equipped to meet the needs of emerging industries.
Practical Steps for Professionals to Stay Competitive
In an era of rapid industry transformation, professionals must take proactive steps to remain relevant. Lifelong learning has become essential for career resilience, enabling individuals to navigate shifts in technology and market demands.
One effective strategy is exploring flexible educational options, such as online master’s degrees. These courses allow learners to specialise in areas aligned with their career aspirations while offering the flexibility needed to manage other commitments. By choosing the right program, professionals can develop their skill set in a way that aligns with their long-term goals.
For those uncertain about where to begin, identifying industry trends can be a helpful starting point. For example, technology professionals might focus on emerging fields like artificial intelligence or cybersecurity, while healthcare workers might explore advanced management techniques. Consulting with industry peers or mentors can also provide valuable insights into the qualifications that carry the most weight.
The Bottom Line
Education trends are profoundly shaping the future of careers and regional business. Now is the time to explore innovative educational pathways that align with individual and organisational goals. Whether through specialised courses, online master’s programs, or employer-supported initiatives, the opportunities to enhance skills and drive success are greater than ever.
2025 Business Predictions: Zeynep Guzelkasap, Operations Manager at Acorn Safety Services
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 Zeynep Guzelkasap, Operations Manager at Acorn Safety Services.
The world of health and safety will see a continued focus on fire prevention during 2025.
Following the introduction of new high-rise regulations as part of the Building Safety Act 2022 we have seen a dramatic uptick in requests for fire safety support and this is very likely to persist in the months ahead.
Fire safety will play a big part in health and safety going forward as accountable individuals take all reasonable steps to prevent building safety risks.
Health and safety companies will need to embrace technology and investigate how it can support business goals if it fits the budget.
There is likely to be growth in software and wearable devices to measure exposure and collect more data.
Technology can also make people feel more looked after within the industry.
The year ahead will also see a great emphasis on mental health in the workplace and how to deal with stress.
It is vital that employers recognise that work can have a massive impact on health and should be well trained to spot any signs of struggling. We have a duty of care to look after employees and be aware that some people might not have additional support outside of work and instead rely on colleagues.
It is imperative to offer an open door so that employees know that they have someone to talk to.
East Midlands business confidence holds steady in December
Business confidence in the East Midlands held steady in December, unchanged from November at 38%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds.
While companies in the East Midlands reported lower confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, down 13 points at 39%, their optimism in the economy rose 12 points to 36%. Taken together, this gives a headline confidence reading of 38% (unchanged from November).
A net balance of 33% of businesses in the region also expect to increase staff levels over the next year, up eight points on last month.
Looking ahead to the next six months, businesses in the East Midlands identified their top target areas for growth as investing in their team, for example through training (44%), evolving their offering, for instance with new products or services (30%) and introducing new technology (29%).
The Business Barometer, which surveys 1,200 businesses monthly and which has been running since 2002, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide.
National picture
Overall UK business confidence fell two points in December to 39%, although remained above the long-term average of 29%.
While firms’ confidence in the wider economy strengthened five points to 31%, their confidence in their own trading prospects fell eight points to 47%.
London was the most confident UK nation or region in November (53%) for a second month in a row, followed by the North West (50%).
Sector insights
Although confidence fell in the service sector, this was partly offset by rises in manufacturing and retail, with these sectors swapping places in December.
Services fell from 46% to 35% in December – a fall of 11 points. In contrast, manufacturing and retail increased 10 points to 42% and 43% respectively, thereby taking manufacturing and retail above services for the first time in 4 months.
Trading prospects for retail rose for the first time in three months, while construction confidence was steady at 41%, equalling last month’s result.
Dave Atkinson, regional director for the East Midlands at Lloyds, said: “The East Midlands has bucked the national trend this month, with confidence holding firm. And it’s incredibly encouraging to more businesses setting out plans to hire in the year ahead – a move that will benefit their local communities and the local economy, as well as their own operations.
“As businesses look ahead to the new year, we’ll continue to be by their side with our support to help them make the most of any new opportunities that arise.”
Nottingham Express Transit (NET) shows signs of recovery
Nottingham Express Transit (NET) is showing signs of continued recovery, according to new financial figures, with increased customer journeys and reduced losses indicating ongoing improvements and stability across the network.
The figures were published by the operator of the NET concession, Tramlink Nottingham Limited, as part of the annual accounts for the year up to 31 March 2024. They show that following a financial restructuring project in partnership with the Department for Transport and Nottingham City Council, the network continues to trade in line with projected expectations, operating from a robust position which looks set to continue into 2025.
Customer confidence in the network remains strong, with passenger journeys increasing year on year, with most recent figures reporting an increase to 15.5m, compared to 14.4m in the prior financial year.
Profits also showed signs of improvement, with the company making a gross profit of £8.24m, compared to £7.65m in the previous year, before taking into account COVID relief grants from central government and exceptional fixed asset impairment charges.
Similarly, total losses for the year, before tax and including interest charges, were £26.3m compared to £57.1m for the previous year, which is in line with financial expectations. The prior year’s figure was impacted by an impairment charge of £26.7m, to reduce the carrying value of fixed assets in line with revised expected net present value future cashflows over the remainder of the concession in the post-COVID business environment.
Tim Hesketh, CEO of Tramlink, said: “We were confident that last year’s financial restructuring project would give our network the security we needed to concentrate on making investments towards improvements to our service, and our most recent financial figures are an indicator of its success.
“After a challenging few years, it’s promising to see that we’re now in a much stronger position, and we’d like to thank the City Council and Department of Transport for all their support.
“We would also like to thank our customers for their continued support over the last year, during which we delivered a 7.4% increase in passenger kilometres travelled, as well as increased tram reliability. We look forward to building on this in 2025.”
The concession which allows Tramlink to run the NET tram system runs until 2034, and factors in losses in the earlier years due to investments in the system, including expanding the network in 2015 and buying new tram vehicles.
Acquisition sees Rix Petroleum strengthen Lincolnshire presence
Family-owned business Rix Petroleum Ltd has strengthened its base in Lincolnshire with the acquisition of a Grantham-based fuel provider.
The company, which is headquartered in Hull, has acquired EFuels Ltd in Gorse Lane for an undisclosed sum.
The move brings the number of fuel depots Rix Petroleum owns and operates in the county to four, with others in Immingham, Gainsborough, and Spalding.
The Grantham depot will remain branded as EFuels for the time being, and will continue to be headed up by existing depot manager Matthew Keightley, who moves to Rix under the deal.
Duncan Lambert, Managing Director of Rix Petroleum, said the move would enable the business to provide a better service to farms, businesses and rural households across south Lincolnshire.
Rix specialises in the provision of agricultural fuels and lubricants, standard diesel, and home heating oil for rural communities.
Mr Lambert said: “We’re delighted to complete this deal. Lincolnshire is a famously agricultural county and acquiring this depot will enable us to support local farmers, businesses, and rural communities across the south of the county more efficiently and effectively.
“As a sixth-generation family business, we pride ourselves on our values of fairness, great customer relations and service, and supporting communities, and it precisely these values we will bring to our newly acquired Grantham depot.”
The deal completes the company’s coverage in Lincolnshire, with the combination of all four depots providing easy access to communities across the entire county.
Depot manager Matthew Keightley, said he was delighted with the deal.
He said: “Rix Petroleum is well known in the industry as a long-established family business that customers can rely on.
“I know that our customers in and around Grantham will be very well looked after by myself and the wider Rix team, so I feel this is a fantastic opportunity to take the business forward.”
Rushton Hickman extends property management portfolio
Rushton Hickman’s Property Management department have secured the management instruction of Eccleshall Business Park in Burton.
The industrial estate is situated on Hawkins Lane, which, together with Wharf Road and Wetmore Road, forms one of the principal industrial areas in Burton upon Trent.
Eccleshall Business Park includes 18 industrial units varying between 600 sq ft and 2,600 sq ft, with only one remaining unit currently being marketed by the agency team at Rushton Hickman.
Richard Fairey, Director at Rushton Hickman, expressed his enthusiasm for the new instruction, saying: “We are ecstatic about the opportunity to work with Eccleshall Business Park and we are dedicated to ensuring that the industrial estate continues to thrive and meet the needs of its tenants.”
Jade Martin, Associate Director, added: “We are delighted to be involved with Eccleshall Business Park and we look forward to working closely with the owner and tenants to ensure its continued success and growth.”
Client, Brian Eccleshall (Builders) Ltd commented: “Honestly, we wish we had contacted Rushton Hickman sooner and put the management of our business park in the hands of Richard and Jade years ago! We quickly realised that instructing the team was the best decision we could have made.
“It has not only given us peace of mind but also allowed us to focus on other aspects of our business. We are optimistic for the years ahead.”
Fugitive tax fraudster has five years added to sentence
A fugitive fraudster who stole more than £750,000 in a tax and mortgage fraud faces an extra five years in prison for not paying back the money.
Crooked tax agent Robin Moss will also have his prized possessions, including thousands of pounds of collectible Moorcroft pottery, gold coins and jewellery, auctioned off to recover some of the stolen cash.
Moss, an internationally-ranked chess player, lied about his income, made bogus claims in the names of unsuspecting clients, and provided false documents that were used in fraudulent mortgage applications.
The 60-year-old was sentenced in his absence to 10 years in prison for tax fraud, money laundering, mortgage fraud and theft. He was convicted in October 2023, after a joint investigation between HMRC and police officers from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit.
Moss has now been handed an extra five-year sentence at Nottingham Crown Court for failing to repay a £970,101 confiscation order.
He now faces a total of 15 years in prison and will still owe the money, plus interest that continues to accrue, even after he has served his extended sentence.
Mark Robinson Operational Lead, Fraud Investigation Service, HMRC, said: “Our work doesn’t stop at conviction – we always look to recover the proceeds of crime, money that should have been used to fund our public services.
“We’re determined to track down Robin Moss and when we do, he’ll now spend even longer in prison and still owe the money.
“We encourage anyone with information about tax fraud to report it onlineto HMRC.”
Landmark rail innovation centre plans steam ahead
Plans to create a modern rail innovation and training centre in Barrow Hill, Staveley – which will create jobs and skills opportunities for local people, and bolster Chesterfield’s ambitions to be a leading destination for the rail sector – have reached a major milestone.
Proposals to create the Derbyshire Rail Industry Innovation Vehicle (DRIIVe) next to the historic Barrow Hill Roundhouse are pressing ahead after Chesterfield Borough Council appointed a contractor to lead the scheme.
It follows consideration of a report at meetings of Cabinet and Full Council last week which agreed the final elements of the funding package required to support the delivery of the project, and to appoint Stepnell Ltd as the contractor to lead the work.
The plans have been drawn up as part of the multi-million-pound Staveley Town Deal and will see the creation of a new facility providing specialist rail industry training, research and development facilities, and commercial space for rail-related businesses.
Work on site is expected to start in early 2025.
Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and vice chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board, said: “This is a really exciting, landmark project that will create new opportunities for local people to access high-quality skills and jobs, while bolstering Chesterfield’s position as a leading destination for future innovation and investment in the rail sector.
“The DRIIVe project will also play a key role in the emerging East Midlands Investment Zone (EMIZ) with its focus on advanced manufacturing and green technology industries, by attracting the rail sector and associated supply chain to the nearby Chesterfield EMIZ sites.
“It’s great to see the project continue to gather pace, and we look forward to working with the contractor, and our partners, to progress construction of DRIIVe early next year. The facility will be completed by the end of 2025.”
Tom Sewell, regional director at Stepnell, said: “The DRIIVe project adds to our public sector expertise of infrastructure and education projects, and will enhance our partnership with Chesterfield Borough Council as part of the Staveley Town Deal.
“Through committing to delivering early community engagement in the project, the specialist facility will be built to the highest standards of railway training and have an important impact on developing talent in STEM in the region.”
The project will see the creation of 22 job opportunities for local people and a hub from which to increase awareness of rail-related career opportunities, developing STEM skills required to access the industry through a community outreach programme that will support 1,000 individuals each year.
Ivan Fomin, Chair of the Staveley Town Deal, said: “This is a scheme delivered locally but of national significance, which will open the door to new, high-quality skills and career opportunities for people in Staveley – something which is right at the heart of what we are aspiring to achieve as part the Town Deal programme.
“It’s the latest positive news for Staveley, with our Town Deal projects really gathering pace, and almost all now being delivered on site. This is a fantastic achievement involving lots of different partners, and people will soon start to see the impact of these projects in their communities. Staveley will truly be a place to start, stay and grow.”
The DRIIVe project is being delivered by Chesterfield Borough Council in collaboration with the University of Derby, Chesterfield College and Barrow Hill Engine Shed Society.
Mervyn Allcock, Manager of the Barrow Hill Roundhouse and Staveley Town Deal Board member, said: “This is a project of national significance for the Rail sector, and we are so proud to be creating this fantastic facility here at Barrow Hill.
“The siting of these state-of-the-art innovation and research facilities right next to this amazing venue of international significance will greatly benefit the area and improve the quality of life of local people.”
DRIIVe will include classroom and workshop training areas, specialist research and development facilities including a digital laboratory, and commercial offices.
The centre will support a network of specialist training providers – offering rail-related education from level two through to postgraduate training and research.
Becoming a prominent location for rail technology, DRIIVe will also serve as a base for rail-related supply chain businesses which will have access to the very latest research and innovation.
Funding for the project is mostly being provided through the Staveley Town Deal – the Staveley area was one of 101 towns across England invited to submit an investment plan to the Government’s Towns Fund and received £25.2 million.
