Raise your business’s profile at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025

Tess Egginton
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Raise your business’s profile at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025
Raise the profile of your business by submitting a nomination for Business Link’s 10th annual East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025. Celebrating the region’s property and construction industry, its people, and outstanding developments, the annual awards attract leaders from all over the region and are the perfect way for businesses to showcase the work they are completing and create more buzz. Award categories include: most active agent, commercial development of the year, responsible business of the year, residential development of the year, developer of the year, deal of the year, architects of the year, excellence in design, sustainable development of the year, contractor of the year, and overall winner. It is completely free to enter, and making the top three finalists in your category will win you free tickets to the awards ceremony. A highlight in the business calendar, winners will be unveiled on Thursday 2nd October (4.30pm – 7.30pm) at Nottingham’s famous Trent Bridge Cricket Ground – an evening that will also provide plenty of opportunities to forge new contacts with property and construction professionals from across the region. To nominate your (or another) business/development for one of our awards, please click on a category link below or visit this page. Categories include: All finalists will have the chance to take home the Overall Winner award, which this year comes with a grand prize of a year of marketing/publicity worth £20,000, with the opportunity to split or gift the marketing to a charity of your choice.

Nominations will close on Friday 15th August.

Supporting imagery, video, documents, or links to these, can be sent to bricks@blmgroup.co.uk. Video nomination pitches are also welcome as an alternative or companion to written entries.
New for this year, all entrants will also have the opportunity to be featured on our dedicated nominee showcase on the East Midlands Business Link website, providing space for marketing your achievements. Upon submitting a nomination, we will get in touch for any information, imagery, and video nominees would like to be featured on their showcase page. To find out more about the East Midlands Bricks Awards please click here. For tickets to the event, please click here.

The East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025

What: The East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025 When: Thursday 2nd October (4.30pm – 7.30pm) Where: Derek Randall Suite, Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, Nottingham Keynote speaker: Councillor Nadine Peatfield – Leader of Derby City Council, Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Strategy and Policy, and Deputy Mayor of the East Midlands Tickets: Available here Dress code: Standard business attire Thanks to our sponsors:                                                                                          

To be held at:

With a limited number of sponsorship opportunities remaining, please contact Angie Cooper at a.cooper@blmgroup.co.uk to learn more if you are interested in becoming an East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025 sponsor.

Q&A with Paul Ince: Why the sales funnel is dead — and what’s replacing it

Tess Egginton
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0
Q&A with Paul Ince: Why the sales funnel is dead — and what’s replacing it
With shifting trade dynamics and a changing buyer mindset, sales and marketing teams are being forced to evolve — fast. We spoke to Paul Ince, marketing strategist and co-host of the upcoming “Funeral for the Funnel” event, about why the traditional B2B sales model is on its last legs, and what manufacturers and suppliers need to know to stay ahead. What do you mean by “the death of the sales funnel?” Isn’t that how most B2B sales still work? The funnel’s been a useful model for decades — but it’s based on the assumption that buyers move in a straight line: awareness, interest, decision. In today’s B2B landscape, that’s just not reality. Buyers are doing their own research, reading peer reviews, involving multiple stakeholders, and jumping back and forth in their journey. The funnel doesn’t reflect that chaos. It’s not dead because it’s useless — it’s dead or dying because it’s too simple. So, what’s replacing the funnel — and why does it matter now? It’s being replaced by something more circular and more collaborative. We’re seeing a shift toward relationship-led marketing — where value, trust, and timing matter more than discounting or flashy lead gen tactics. However, with the economic environment, budget compliance is still often a higher priority than things like cultural fit between buyer and supplier. You’ve said price isn’t the deal-breaker it used to be. Is that really true in a climate of rising costs? Well, our latest B2B Buying Decisions Report shows that while price is always a factor, it’s not the only one but right now it’s moving higher up the list again– this isn’t to say values, service etc. aren’t important to the buyer but they are also asking: can this supplier integrate with our systems? Can they be relied on if things get rocky? Can they help us stay competitive long-term? So, for example, tariff pressure might start the conversation, but confidence is what closes the deal. What’s the biggest mistake suppliers are still making? Leading with product and price, not people and problems. People don’t mind being sold to; they accept it’s part of the game of buying. What they want is transparency. They don’t want to feel like they’re being hoodwinked or tricked. People trust what they see less. They need to feel that they can trust a supplier. Being clear on messaging and costs help move the customer along on whatever journey they take. Leading with product and price may well help set the best foundation for the customer journey because further information such as understanding challenges and value can justify that cost. You’re co-hosting an event called “Funeral for the Funnel.” What’s the thinking behind that? It’s a light-hearted title with a serious point. We’re gathering sales and marketing leaders to talk about how customer journeys are evolving and how we need to evolve with them. It’s not a theory session — it’s practical, grounded in data, and designed to help people rethink how they engage prospects and customers. Think of it as a send-off for an old friend… and a welcome party for a better approach. If you could give one piece of advice to B2B sales and marketing teams right now, what would it be? Stop chasing clicks. Start building confidence. In uncertain times, your biggest competitive edge is trust. For more information and to register for the Funeral for the Funnel event, visit https://gi.creationzmarketing.co.uk/home-1515 

Dains expands national presence with fresh acquisition

Tess Egginton
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Dains expands national presence with fresh acquisition
Accountancy and advisory services provider to the SME market, Dains Group, has made its second acquisition since securing private equity backing from IK Partners. Barnes Roffe, one of the UK’s top 50 accounting firms, will join the Dains Group on 4th June 2025, significantly strengthening the client proposition in financial advisory, corporate tax, audit, and corporate finance. The Barnes Roffe team has over 29 partners and more than 200 employees in the London area. The acquisition, which is the largest yet by the Group, means Dains will now have established four key regional hubs across the UK and Ireland — in the South-East, Midlands, Scotland and Ireland — and are on target to become a top 20 firm by the end of 2025. Stephen Corner, senior partner at Barnes Roffe, said: “By partnering with Dains we are joining a firm with the same values and underlying service proposition we have been delivering to our clients for many years and together we will deliver a truly market leading proposition for our clients. “Becoming part of a national firm widens our service proposition and increases the range of specialist services we can deliver whilst at the same time greatly enhancing the career opportunities for our talented team. We look forward to significantly growing the Dains business in the South-East.” “We are thrilled to welcome Barnes Roffe to the Dains Group,” said Richard McNeilly, CEO of the Dains Group. “It’s not often we encounter such a dynamic and client-centric leadership team. Together, we see significant opportunities to grow our presence in the London area and expand across the UK and Ireland. “The addition of Barnes Roffe strengthens our national footprint and aligns perfectly with our strategy to deliver exceptional client service and outstanding career opportunities. “With a team now exceeding 1,000 professionals, we remain committed to enhancing the value we provide to clients and investing in the development of our talented people. “Our ambition is to work in partnership with clients, offering timely, thoughtful advice rooted in a deep understanding of their goals. This approach has underpinned Barnes Roffe’s impressive growth and makes them a natural strategic partner for our group.” Pete Wilson, partner at IK Partners, added: “This strategic acquisition demonstrates our ambition to continue building Dains into the leading UK & Ireland SME advisory business by establishing a strong presence, led by an outstanding team at Barnes Roffe, in London and the South-East. We look forward to continuing to back further acquisitions as part of this exciting partnership.” Dains were advised by CMS (Legal), Eight Advisory (Financial and Tax Due Diligence), Forward Corporate Finance (Financial Modelling), Deloitte (Tax Structuring), PDW (Customer Referencing), Cyber Crowd (IT Due Diligence), and Mercia (Technical Due Diligence). Barnes Roffe were advised by KPMG CF (Corporate Finance) and KPMG Legal (Legal).

Manufacturing contraction eases but headwinds persist

Tess Egginton
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Manufacturing contraction eases but headwinds persist

UK manufacturing activity contracted for the eighth consecutive month in May, but the pace of decline slowed slightly, according to the latest S&P Global Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI). The index rose to 46.4 in May from 45.4 in April, indicating continued sector shrinkage below the neutral 50 threshold.

Firms reported falling output and new business as both domestic and overseas demand remained subdued. New orders declined for the eighth consecutive month, with clients reportedly hesitant to commit to spending amid higher employment-related costs and economic uncertainty.

The rise in the National Living Wage and increased employer National Insurance contributions, introduced in April, have added pressure to margins. The National Living Wage rose by 6.7% to £12.21 per hour, while employer NI contributions increased to 15% for salaries above £5,100.

Manufacturers also pointed to ongoing challenges with tariffs and freight costs, energy price volatility, and extended supplier lead times. Export demand weakened further due to continued global trade uncertainty and pricing pressures.

Despite these challenges, input price inflation eased to a five-month low, and some firms benefited from improved weather-related sales. However, the overall environment remains fragile, with limited signs of a near-term rebound.

East Midlands backs green tech innovation with first round of business grants

April Lara
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East Midlands backs green tech innovation with first round of business grants

The East Midlands Investment Zone (EMIZ) has completed its first year by awarding over £500,000 in funding to 15 pilot projects aimed at accelerating the commercialisation of low-emission technologies. The initiative is part of a £160 million, ten-year commitment from the UK Government to position the region as a national leader in innovation-led, clean growth.

These “fast start” projects pair businesses with academic researchers from the University of Nottingham, University of Derby, and Nottingham Trent University. The partnerships are focused on four strategic sectors: zero-emission propulsion, clean energy, green construction, and sustainable advanced manufacturing. These sectors were selected based on the East Midlands’ existing industrial strengths, research expertise, and relevance to emerging clean technology markets.

The grant programme has a broad regional footprint, with more than half of the funded businesses located outside of Nottingham and Derby. Projects include hydrogen fuel cell applications for rail transport, AI-enhanced digital twins for industrial maintenance, rail-based vibration energy harvesting, and lightweight power converters for electric propulsion systems.

Alongside the grants, sector-specific technology roadmaps are being developed to identify the region’s competitive advantages and shape future investments. Led by the University of Nottingham in collaboration with industry specialists, these roadmaps are expected to be published in summer 2025 and will help guide the allocation of subsequent EMIZ funding.

EMIZ operates under the East Midlands Combined County Authority and sits into a broader suite of regional growth initiatives, including the East Midlands Freeport and the upcoming Local Growth Plan. The programme combines direct financial support with incentives such as tax relief and business rate retention to encourage the development of commercially viable, net-zero-aligned technologies.

Custodian REIT secures regional portfolio in all-share deal

April Lara
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Custodian REIT secures regional portfolio in all-share deal

Custodian Property Income REIT has expanded its portfolio through the £22 million acquisition of Merlin Properties, a family-owned investment firm. The deal, completed entirely in shares, adds 28 regional assets valued at £19.4 million and approximately £2.7 million in residential stock.

The assets are primarily located in the East Midlands and comprise a mix of office, high-street retail, and retail park properties. The commercial portfolio, with an average asset value of £700,000, generates annual rental income of around £1.7 million. The residential units (newly built and not income-producing) are expected to be sold in the near term.

To complete the acquisition, Custodian issued 22.9 million new shares to Merlin shareholders, with a further 1.7 million shares to be issued once the final accounts are agreed. These shares will represent roughly 5.6% of Custodian’s enlarged share capital.

This transaction reflects Custodian’s strategy to scale via portfolio or corporate acquisitions, offering liquidity and tax efficiency to private property owners while consolidating regional assets under a listed structure. The move may serve as a model for future deals with family-owned property firms facing generational transitions or capital gains considerations.

Leicester accelerates regeneration with Waterside housing investment

April Lara
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Leicester accelerates regeneration with Waterside housing investment

Leicester City Council will retain a block of new-build apartments from the Waterside regeneration scheme to serve as temporary accommodation for homeless families. The eight two-bedroom flats, known as Lambert House, are part of the wider Waterside project, a £80 million-plus initiative being developed in partnership with Keepmoat Homes.

The mixed-use development comprises more than 350 homes, with over 200 already complete, alongside new public spaces on former industrial land adjacent to the Grand Union Canal. Additional phases are underway, with 34 homes on Soar Island scheduled for completion by year-end and 53 more properties to follow in the Canal Frontage phase by 2026. A separate specialist care facility, delivered by a third-party provider, is also expected to break ground later this year.

Four commercial units are planned within the scheme, positioning the project as a key component in Leicester’s strategy to revitalise disused industrial zones into liveable, mixed-use communities. The redevelopment has also included infrastructure upgrades, such as the refurbishment of the Soar Lane bridge, which improves connectivity across the site.

The council’s decision to allocate Lambert House for temporary accommodation supports its broader goal of delivering 1,500 new social or supported housing units by 2027, addressing the city’s rising levels of homelessness.

Rotherhill acquires Alfreton industrial investment

Tess Egginton
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Rotherhill acquires Alfreton industrial investment
Midlands-based property developer and asset manager, Rotherhill, in partnership with a long-standing private office joint venture partner, has acquired a 78,770 sq ft industrial investment split across two neighbouring buildings on a 5.96-acre site in Alfreton, Derbyshire. The property is fully let to TRT (Turbine Repair Technology) Limited, a joint venture between Rolls-Royce Plc and Chromalloy UK Ltd, on two coterminous leases running until 2033. With site coverage of just 25%, the asset offers strong underlying fundamentals and future potential. As part of the acquisition process, Rotherhill worked closely with both the vendor and the tenant to implement a comprehensive lease regear. The new lease structures consolidate occupation across the entire site, remove a break option in 2026, and introduce a clear upward-only rent review mechanism in 2028 alongside guaranteed annual stepped rental increases throughout the term. Clarity has also been introduced around the condition of the premises at lease expiry, ensuring a clean handover for all parties following the removal of TRT’s extensive plant and machinery. Ed Jeffrey, director of Rotherhill, said: “We are very pleased to have completed this purchase. We’ve worked hard with the seller and tenant to restructure the leases, unlocking value for all parties. “The property is well located, let at a discount to current market levels and benefits from guaranteed rental growth, making it an excellent addition to our asset management portfolio. “Our thanks go to Andrew Mellor of Penningtons Manches Cooper who undertook all legal work, Andy Price of AP Investment who provided investment agency advice, and Ned Jones and Harry Abell at Cushman & Wakefield who acted for the seller.” Andy Price, director, AP Investment, said: “In a continuing competitive industrial investment market, it was pleasing to complete the acquisition as it offers a strong underlying location, high yielding initial return, further guaranteed rental performance and long term future options.” Andrew Mellor, partner, Commercial Real Estate, added: “It’s been a pleasure working with the Rotherhill team and the other parties and advisers on this latest acquisition and re-gear of the occupations. The project has been challenging at times, but I’m delighted that it’s completed. This investment makes a great long-term addition to the Rotherhill portfolio.”

Geary’s Bakery unveils £36m Leicester factory

Tess Egginton
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Geary’s Bakery unveils £36m Leicester factory
Geary’s Bakery, the family-run business behind Jason’s Sourdough, has unveiled a new, £36m, custom-built bakery in Leicester. The third facility in its growing portfolio will double production capacity and create 380 new jobs. The expansion represents a significant step forward in the company’s ongoing growth strategy, with the new site set to boost total headcount to 950 by year end – nearly quadrupling the workforce in just four years. “This allows our business to move to the next chapter of our growth” said Jason Geary, fourth generation, master baker of Geary’s Bakery and Jason’s Sourdough. “The demand for Jason’s Sourdough and real artisanal bread continues to grow, and we are constantly inspired by how much people love our bread. “This new site enables us to get our products into more stores and in more homes – while staying true to the quality and craft that set us apart. “This new facility is a vital part of achieving our ambition to make proper bread more accessible to more people.” As appetite for sourdough and premium bread continues to rise, Jason’s Sourdough is now available in 4,000 stores nationwide. The brand has achieved 107% value growth in the past 12 months and now accounts for around half of the company’s turnover. The new bakery will ramp up in two phases, with phase one just opened and phase two coming on-board in September of this year.

Established funeral director expands with Swadlincote site

Tess Egginton
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Established funeral director expands with Swadlincote site
Rushton Hickman has let 65 High Street, Swadlincote to Marc Stephens Funeral Services, continuing the business’s expansion. The 1,930 sq ft property comprises a modern ground floor double-fronted retail unit located in High Street, Swadlincote. The premises have the added benefit of vehicular and pedestrian rear access from Civic Way. The new tenants are already well-established in their field and will bring a trusted name to the high street. Marc Stephens Funeral Services are a family run business and have been operating for over 20 years. Director, Marc Davidson, has been the driver in opening branches in Shelton Lock, Mackworth, Allenton and now his latest branch in Swadlincote. Taylor Millington, the agent responsible for the deal, said: “We are delighted to have found a trustworthy tenant for our client. It has been a pleasure dealing with Marc and helping expand his portfolio. The relationship we are building with him is brilliant and we hope to find more premises in the future.”
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