MP visits Derby vehicle conversions specialists
Mackworth Vehicle Conversion Specialists (VCS), part of Motus Vehicle Solutions, recently welcomed Catherine Atkinson MP, Member of Parliament for Derby North and a member of the Transport Committee, to its Derby site.
Catherine’s visit offered a chance to shine a spotlight on the people behind the work at Mackworth VCS. She met team members across the business, learning about their roles and seeing first-hand the skill that goes into each project. Her visit highlighted the dedication of the workforce and the important contributions they make to the transport sector.
Phil Taylor, Quality and Compliance Inspector at Mackworth VCS, shared his enthusiasm for the visit: “It’s not every day you see an MP taking such an active interest in what we do. It’s easy for companies like ours, tucked away on industrial estates, to be overlooked. Catherine’s visit showed she really understands the importance of businesses like ours in driving the economy and supporting the country’s infrastructure.”
A highlight of the visit was the Q&A session with Mackworth’s shop floor team. Catherine faced direct and insightful questions from employees on topics like sustainability, public transport, and local infrastructure.
Phil reflected on the discussion: “We asked her some tough questions about going green and reducing carbon footprints for businesses like ours. I even brought up the idea of hydro energy, and she told us about Darley Abbey potentially becoming the first hydro-powered town. That was such a positive response and shows she’s really thinking about innovative solutions.”
Andrew Kent, General Manager at Mackworth VCS, emphasised the value of Catherine’s visit: “It’s a privilege to welcome someone who not only listens but genuinely engages with our team. Catherine’s responses were thoughtful and honest, and she clearly recognises the critical role we play in the local economy and the transport sector.”
The challenges of public transport were also on the agenda, with Catherine addressing concerns about reduced bus routes in the Midlands.
Phil explained why this resonated with the team: “Public transport has such a big impact on people getting to work, especially when owning a car isn’t affordable for everyone. Catherine admitted she’s not happy with the current reductions in bus routes and is fighting to address this in Parliament. That honesty and commitment were really encouraging to hear.”
Peter Glover, Managing Director at Motus Vehicle Solutions, echoed the team’s sentiments: “Visits like this are so important. They strengthen the connection between policymakers and businesses like ours, giving us a platform to highlight both the challenges we face and the innovative work we’re doing to solve them. It’s inspiring to see Catherine championing priorities like sustainability and local business growth.”
The discussion also touched on traffic congestion, housing developments, and the ripple effects they have on infrastructure.
Phil commented: “One of my colleagues asked about the backlog of traffic on the A38 due to all the new housing developments. Catherine admitted she didn’t have all the answers right now, and honestly, that’s what you want to hear – it’s refreshing to see that kind of transparency from an MP.”
Catherine’s visit ended on a high note, with her praising Mackworth for its commitment to training and developing skilled workers through apprenticeships and internship programmes.
Andrew summed up the day: “This visit wasn’t just about showcasing what we do; it was about creating a real dialogue. Catherine’s interest and engagement mean a lot to us as a business, and we’re excited about the possibilities this connection could bring in the future.”
Chesterfield firm names man to drive sales in America
Steve Noel has been appointed as US General Manager, a strategic role designed to lead the expansion efforts of hot tub manufacturer Superior Wellness in the United States.
Steve previously held key roles in distribution and operations, including as Senior Operation Manager at Target Corp., where he managed operations across over 100 Target stores in the Southeast. Additionally, he spent seven years with Sleep Number Inc., overseeing essential functions in manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution. This extensive experience equips him well for his new role at Superior Wellness, where he will be instrumental in establishing and leading the company’s facility in Cameron, South Carolina.
Steve said: “I could not be prouder or more excited to join the Superior Wellness team, especially as part of launching the facility in Cameron. I’m thrilled to help build something sustainable here in the States that will drive the company’s growth for years to come. We have a beautiful facility in South Carolina that will soon be a showcase for excellence.”
In his new role, Steve will focus on building a strong foundation in warehousing and distribution at the Cameron facility, setting the stage for long-term operational excellence and sustainable growth.
Gareth Ward, Global Sales Director, added: “We are thrilled to welcome Steve to the US team. His operational expertise and leadership experience are invaluable assets as we expand our presence in the US. I look forward to working closely with Steve as we drive Superior Wellness forward.”
Entrepreneur Nathalie scoops ‘highly commended’ award
Chesterfield entrepreneur Natalie Burkinshaw has been won a ‘highly commended’ award at a ceremony celebrating female business leaders.
The founder of design agency Crush had been shortlisted as a finalist for Female Entrepreneur of the Year at the Novi Awards, dedicated to ‘championing female business leaders who are breaking barriers across the business world’.
Natalie said: “I am blown away with winning this accolade from Novi. The awards day was absolutely energising, an experience like no other for female business leaders. I had the privilege of meeting some awe-inspiring women who came from every walk of life.”
A female-owned and founded design agency, in an industry where 97% of creative directors are male, Crush has been working on branding, design and website projects for over two decades from its Chesterfield-based studio.
Having already been over the moon to have been shortlisted in the first place, Natalie came away from this year’s Novi Awards with a special prize of Highly Commended, just missing out on top spot.
The judges noted her 20 plus years of business leadership and innovation within the design sector as a significant achievement that they felt shouldn’t go unnoticed, along with her charitable activities outside of the workplace.
2025 Business Predictions: Marc Abrams, Nottingham Office Senior Partner at KPMG UK
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 Marc Abrams, Nottingham Office Senior Partner at KPMG UK.
Getting back to sustained economic growth will be a defining issue in 2025 and with the new East Midlands Combined County Authority in power, there’s plenty to play for. Access to its £4billion spending pot will help to boost growth opportunities for our region’s great businesses and universities, and bring the East Midlands onto a more equal footing with other devolution areas.
As home to some of the country’s leading manufacturers, how the East Midlands embraces the green agenda to develop its manufacturing strengths will be essential in driving change and boosting our vibrant health and agri-tech sectors. As a region, we already have much to be proud of in this space, and as the new Combined Authority grows and develops, the role of local businesses will be critical to its success.
Innovation in tech will also continue to accelerate at pace in 2025, with generative AI leading the charge both at home and in the workplace. Technology has the power to revolutionise industries across the East Midlands, and those businesses that are bold and invest in digital transformation will be best-placed to capitalise on new opportunities.
The digital economy will continue to expand, driven by e-commerce, digital payments, and online services. Every new year brings new opportunities, and ambitious businesses are already making moves to enhance their digital presence and leverage technology to reach and serve customers effectively – for those that follow suit, the sky is the limit.
Trade associations unite to call for consultation over inheritance tax changes
Collectively, these associations represent more than 160,000 family businesses, who warn that the changes to agricultural property relief and business property relief announced in the Autumn Budget will have ‘a severe and long-lasting impact on these businesses and the livelihoods of the millions of people they employ’.
In the open letter, published by Family Business UK, leaders warned that the policy changes will ‘starve’ these businesses and the economy of much-needed investment, ‘leading to forced, premature business sales and the loss of jobs in constituencies across the country’.
They add that BPR and APR ‘are not loopholes’ but measures that exist to ‘allow profitable businesses to continue trading, without penalty, when the owner dies’.
Economic impact analysis commissioned by FBUK and produced by CBI Economics has revealed that between 2026/7 – 2029/30 the changes to BPR could reduce economic activity by £9.4bn, lead to more than 125,000 job losses – including among the SMEs the government is trying to support and protect – and result in a net fiscal loss to the Exchequer of £1.25bn.
The NFU’s own impact analysis, produced in consultation with former Treasury and Office for Budget Responsibility economists, found that 75% of commercial family farms will be above the £1m threshold.
NFU President Tom Bradshaw said the Family Business UK letter further showed just how poorly thought through the inheritance tax changes were. He said: “As a signatory of the letter, alongside 31 other trade organisations representing the industry and associated businesses, we strongly echo the sentiment that the proposed tax could have far reaching consequences for the broader economy, employment and public finances.
“No one thinks this is a good policy, not even the government’s own advisers. It’s time for Treasury to listen to farmers and the multiple other organisations calling for these proposals to be opened up for consultation.”
CEO of Family Business UK Neil Davy said: “The model of family business ownership is unique. It powers the entire economy from farming to finance and everything in between. This letter, and those who have chosen to sign it, are testament to just how widespread family ownership is, and how committed we are to speak up on behalf of our members.
“Already, family business owners are taking decisions to withhold planned investments and are putting recruitment on hold.”
According to CBI Economics, family businesses mitigating the cost of a potential future Inheritance Tax bill would be most likely to reduce investment and employment leading to an:
- average reduction in investment of 16.5%
- average reduction in headcount of 10.2%
- average loss of turnover of 7.4%.
Historic Nottingham War Rooms to get new lease of life with regeneration plans submitted
Regeneration plans for Nottingham War Rooms on Chalfront Drive in Beechdale have been submitted by Aspbury Planning alongside Nottingham-headquartered practice CPMG Architects ahead of the historic, derelict site being transformed into a mixed-use community hub.
The building was originally constructed in the Cold War era as one of 17 Regional War Rooms across England and Scotland to withstand a nuclear strike, before becoming a Seat for Regional Government in the 1960s following a second phase of construction.
The structure also housed a BBC emergency broadcasting facility for use in a national emergency, prior to being used solely for storage since it was decommissioned in 1969.
Redevelopment of the 4,563 sq m, Grade II listed concrete building includes the preservation of important historic spaces developed in the 1950s and 1960s, such as the Lamson Tube Room, plant rooms and kitchen facility.
CPMG will being using its architecture and interior design expertise to transform the site into a community hub offering long-term and viable use, while including designated heritage zones.
The design plans also include exhibition spaces, media spaces, co-working and conference facilities, health and wellbeing amenities, café and restaurant, and a roof terrace.
Sara Harraway, director and interior design lead at CPMG, said: “The Nottingham War Rooms site offers an opportunity to create a truly unique destination by combining heritage, modern interior design and tangible community benefit.
“While the existing brutalist design will be loved by some and deemed not so visually appealing to others, this ‘brutal beauty’ will be set to make a real difference.
“Our plans centre around enhancing the usability of the site and the creation of a visual dialogue between past and present to respect both the functionality and the significance of the building and its place in the UK’s Cold War history.
“We’ll take a sensitive approach to the interior design, respecting it’s features and seeking to retain its character, using its colour palette, detailing and materials to influence our design development. Lighting will be a critical factor in its success, creating sensitive museum quality environments, to inspirational workspaces and desirable coffee bars and restaurants.
“Following a thorough consultation process prior to the planning submission being submitted, the scheme has come to life. It is incredibly clear how positive and influential the project will be in transforming the building, surrounding area and the local community in Beechdale – which currently does not have adequate provision of available services.
“The Nottingham War Rooms and its history may take centre stage from an outside perspective, but the most value will be gained from the way the repurposed space serves the community and educates future generations.”
The project is being led by property developer Hamilton Russell, in collaboration with landowner Homes England, and includes plans to align all work to local authority targets and environmental plans.
Regeneration and community value will be prominent within the creation of a new 104-affordable home development on the 2.1 hectares of developable land surrounding the war rooms, also being designed by CPMG and backed by East Midlands Housing Group (emh).
The current proposals have provision for two tenure types, shared ownership and social rent. 37% of the proposed homes will be allocated for shared ownership and 63% will be allocated for social rent.
Key project partner and Nottingham-based young people’s charity Base 51 is set to call the War Rooms building its new home if plans are approved, while further partners are set to be confirmed.
Craig Cameron at Hamilton Russell said: “We have been working on this project for a number of years with Nottingham Planning, and are looking forward to getting the planning submitted, and are very excited about the getting started on site in 2025.”
Science company employees raise more than £15,000 for St John Ambulance
Hundreds of science company employees turned their office canteen into a sea of Christmas jumpers as they held one of their final fundraisers wrapping up more than £15,000 in fundraising for St John Ambulance.
Staff at science company Lubrizol’s UK Technical Centre in Hazelwood, near Duffield, put on their best Christmas jumpers, antlers, Grinch outfits and sparkly headgear as a fundraiser for their current chosen charity.
Lubrizol has supported St John Ambulance for the past two years across all its UK sites: Derbyshire, Huddersfield, Blackley in Manchester and Barnsley.
Employees have thrown themselves behind a range of charity fundraisers culminating in dressing up in their festive jumper best for a Christmas meal on-site, donating to St John Ambulance as they did so.
Over two years Lubrizol employees have been raising money for the life-saving charity and will be handing it over when the final donations arrive in early 2025.
Lubrizol staff have undertaken a wide range of charity efforts to raise money for St John Ambulance over the past two years, including employee couple Claire and Tim Hollingshurst who braved blisters and tiredness to walk the whole of the 55-mile Derbyshire Heritage Way within a 24-hour timeframe. The couple and supporters raised nearly £2,000 with their efforts.
Over the past two years teams from St John Ambulance have also visited Lubrizol’s offices across the UK to deliver life-saving first aid sessions.
Across the UK, more than 30,000 cardiac arrests take place outside of a hospital setting annually. But less than one in ten people survive, often because those around them lack the skills or confidence to perform CPR, or access to a defibrillator.
When someone is in cardiac arrest their heart has stopped beating, and every minute without CPR or defibrillation reduces the chances of survival by up to 10 per cent, while early CPR and defibrillation can more than double survival rates.
Claire, who sits on Lubrizol’s charities and communities committee which co-ordinates the company’s charity fundraising each year, said: “Every year we hold our Christmas jumper day at Lubrizol and it’s nice to raise some money for our charity at the same time.
“Some people wear the same Christmas jumper each year but others like to mix it up and surprise us all with something new! One of our senior members of staff likes to wear the same turkey hat each year and it’s a mark of the festive season when we see him wearing it as he walks into the room.
“We’re very proud at Lubrizol to be able to support a new charity every two years and it’s been brilliant to raise money for St John Ambulance in 2023 and 2024. It’s a great organisation that’s saving lives. We’ll be finalising our total in 2025 ready to announce our next chosen charity.”
Pair of Northampton pharmacies sold
Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, has sold Delapre Pharmacy and Far Cotton Pharmacy in Northampton.
Delapre Pharmacy and Far Cotton Pharmacy are a pair of standard-hour community and health centre pharmacies that dispense a combined average of 17,500 items each month. They are located in Northampton, less than one mile apart on Gloucester Avenue and Delapre Crescent Road respectively.
The branches were previously owned by Vyas Limited for over 10 years and were brought to market to enable semi-retirement.
Following a confidential off-market sales process with Carl Steer at Christie & Co, and with funding sourced through David Ward at Christie Finance, they have been sold to Sagar Shah, who is now the proud owner of three pharmacies all bought through and funded through Christie & Co and Christie Finance.
Carl Steer, Director – Pharmacy at Christie & Co, said: “Not many first-time buyers find their ideal pharmacy close to home, but we were pleased to help Sagar achieve this 18 months ago, so to be able to help him add two more in his local area is pleasing.
“Delapre and Far Cotton pharmacies were sold off-market and offered to just a handful of likely suitors. The guide price was achieved.
“Year-on-year, not many pharmacies come to market in Northamptonshire, so it was pleasing to complete two more this year after two last year. There are many Pharmacists seeking a pharmacy business across the wider county, and we expect this strong appetite to continue in 2025.”
Delapre Pharmacy and Far Cotton Pharmacy were sold for an undisclosed price.
Regeneration plans move forward for the Hucknall area
Plans to use Nottinghamshire County Council-owned land to help boost the local economy have taken a further step forward.
This is the next phase of the Top Wighay site, near Hucknall, which the county council successfully secured outline planning permission for in 2022 and has already made substantial progress on, with the residential element of the site and the construction of the Oak House office well underway.
This next phase includes the development of land earmarked for employment use. Uses could include workshops, storage, distribution, and other employment uses that can drive local economic growth.
A specialist agency will now be commissioned by Arc Partnership, on behalf of the county council, to come up with a range of options on the potential future use for this land, including a feasibility study into the self-delivery of employment units.
Options will then be considered by the county council in early 2025.
Councillor Keith Girling, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Asset Management, said: “We have big plans for this development to bring more jobs, skills and inward investment to the area.
“With its central location, good public transport links and being close to the M1, this site could be an attractive location for businesses.
“We are a forward-thinking council, so providing workshops or business units for SMEs could be something we could consider.
“This would not only help boost the local economy but would also help generate revenue which could be used towards other council services.
“We will carefully look into all the options available to find what is best for this site.”
A new community is being created on the overall site, including much-needed new homes led by Vistry Partnerships.
Oak House, the council’s new low carbon, all-electric office is currently under construction on the site and due for completion in 2025.
It also forms part of the wider plan to bring more jobs, skills and investment into the Hucknall area.
This new office is being designed, project and cost-managed by Arc Partnership and delivered through Arc’s construction partner, Morgan Sindall Construction.
Sara Williams, Deputy Managing Director at Arc Partnership, said: “We are pleased to be supporting Nottinghamshire County Council with the next phase of the Top Wighay site.
“The options appraisal will consider the viability of all development opportunities for the site and local economy.”
Work starts on new affordable homes for Ashbourne
Work has begun on 35 new, affordable and sustainable homes in Ashbourne.
Sited on the old airfield off Cavendish Drive, the development will be a mix of two and three-bedroom homes, including six bungalows and 29 houses.
Seventeen homes will be available for shared ownership – part rent, part buy – and the remaining 18 for affordable rent. The homes are expected to be complete in winter 2025.
Rob Cogings, Director of Housing at Derbyshire Dales District Council, said: “The provision of affordable homes remains the Council’s top priority and this development follows another recently completed affordable homes development at the former Dove Garage site on Mayfield Road, also in Ashbourne.
“All affordable homes for rent and shared ownership can be viewed online at www.home-options.org. These new homes will be advertised later in 2025.”
Developed by Nottingham Community Housing Association (NCHA) in partnership with MyPad, the scheme will offer much-needed affordable housing for local families.
MyPad will construct the homes, that’ll be built to energy rating A standard. With no gas on-site, the homes will be fitted with air source heat pumps, enhanced insulation, and advanced double-glazed windows, along with EV charging points for each home and PV panels reducing energy bills for residents and supporting Derbyshire Dales District Council’s commitment to a greener future.
NCHA and MyPad recently met with Derbyshire Dales District Council for a tour of the site.
Claudine Edwards, New Business and Development Manager at NCHA, said: “This development reflects our commitment to building homes that are both affordable and environmentally friendly, in line with our sustainability targets.
“With rising energy costs, these homes will provide residents with lower living expenses and a reduced carbon footprint. We’re proud to bring this new housing scheme to Ashbourne, addressing local housing needs while paving the way for a sustainable future.”
John Turner, Land and Partnerships Director at MyPad, said: “We’re delighted to have started another project in partnership with NCHA. This development will provide a range of high quality and efficient homes to meet the growing need for affordable housing in Ashbourne. We’re now fully focused on build to allow the handover of the first completed homes in summer 2025.”
