AF Switchgear and West Nottinghamshire College strengthen engineering skills pipeline

April Lara
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AF Switchgear and West Nottinghamshire College strengthen engineering skills pipeline

West Nottinghamshire College has launched the AF Switchgear Academy in partnership with the Sutton-in-Ashfield-based manufacturer, expanding a long-running collaboration to train future electrical engineers. The initiative is designed to address industry demand for skilled workers in the design, manufacture and installation of low voltage switchgear and control panels — key components in the UK’s energy, infrastructure and manufacturing sectors.

The academy offers a five-day blended training programme combining classroom learning with hands-on experience at AF Switchgear’s headquarters and the college’s Gene Haas Centre for Advanced Manufacturing. Students are introduced to technical and theoretical aspects of switchgear production, with opportunities for apprenticeship placements following completion.

A pilot group will start training in November, with up to four cohorts expected each academic year. Students will be selected based on ability and progress, and teaching will be shared between college staff and AF Switchgear trainers.

The academy also complements AF Switchgear’s internal upskilling initiatives, including a Level 3 Award in Industrial and Panel Wiring, which was developed in collaboration with the college. The company continues to recruit apprentices annually, with many progressing into senior positions.

This new venture aligns with regional plans to strengthen local engineering capacity, supporting projects such as the Ashfield Innovation Technology Park and the Automated Distribution and Manufacturing Centre.

Browne Jacobson strengthens role in UK government legal work

April Lara
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Browne Jacobson strengthens role in UK government legal work

Law firm Browne Jacobson has secured its position as a supplier on the Crown Commercial Service’s Legal Panel for Government Framework under Lot 1 – Core Legal Services. The appointment allows the firm to continue advising central government departments and public bodies on a broad range of legal matters.

The selection reaffirms Browne Jacobson’s standing as a key provider of legal expertise to the public sector. The firm’s experience spans technology contracts, regulatory compliance, dispute resolution, major litigation, subsidy control, and strategic procurement.

The government practice remains a central part of the firm’s operations, with dedicated teams advising on both operational and strategic legal projects across departments and arm’s length bodies.

The Crown Commercial Service’s framework is designed to ensure public sector bodies access legal support that delivers value and accountability. In 2024/25, CCS enabled the public sector to achieve £5.3 billion in commercial benefits, helping departments deliver cost-efficient, high-quality services for taxpayers.

Upperton boosts precision filling at Nottingham site

April Lara
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Upperton boosts precision filling at Nottingham site

Upperton Pharma Solutions has expanded its production capabilities with the addition of a Fill2Weight gravimetric powder filling system at its Nottingham facility. The upgrade strengthens the company’s capacity for accurate and consistent powder dosing across multiple dosage forms, including oral, nasal, pulmonary, and parenteral products.

The Fill2Weight machine, developed by 3P innovation, uses a gravimetric dosing mechanism that ensures each capsule or device meets precise weight specifications. This capability supports complex and high-potency formulations, as well as projects involving limited-quantity active pharmaceutical ingredients.

The new system forms part of Upperton’s 60,000-square-foot GMP facility, which provides formulation development and clinical manufacturing services for small and mid-sized pharmaceutical companies. Its advanced dosing technology enables faster development cycles, allowing partners to progress from research to clinical trial stages with greater efficiency and reduced risk.

Ian Lafferty, Chief Technical Officer at Upperton, commented: “This addition marks a significant advancement in our GMP manufacturing capabilities, increasing our capacity to manufacture small-molecule and high potency medicines for clinical trials”.

Upperton continues to position itself as a key CDMO partner in the formulation and production of solid oral and dry powder medicines. The company’s investment in precision filling technology reinforces its commitment to supporting innovative drug development and manufacturing for the global pharmaceutical sector.

Housing and school development in Barrow-upon-Soar set for approval

April Lara
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Housing and school development in Barrow-upon-Soar set for approval

A large-scale housing and education project in Barrow-upon-Soar is expected to move forward following a recommendation for approval by planning officers at Charnwood Borough Council.

The proposal, submitted by Bloor Homes, outlines the construction of up to 220 residential properties on land north of Willow Road in Leicestershire. Sixty-six of the planned homes are designated as affordable housing, with the remainder comprising a range of property types to accommodate different household needs.

The development includes a new primary school to support growing demand in the area, alongside contributions to local infrastructure such as road upgrades, public transport enhancements, and improvements to nearby healthcare facilities.

A legal agreement is being prepared to formalise the developer’s financial contributions to community services and amenities. The council’s planning committee is expected to review and decide on the application later this month.

If approved, the project will mark a significant expansion for Barrow-upon-Soar, supporting both residential growth and local service capacity.

Festival raising over half a million for rough sleepers set to return

Tess Egginton
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Festival raising over half a million for rough sleepers set to return
Beat The Streets, the music festival originated by DHP Family to raise funds to help homeless people, will return on Sunday 25 January 2026. The multi-venue festival in Nottingham has raised an impressive total of £554,155 for Framework – the charity working to end homelessness across the East Midlands – since its inception in 2018. Joseph Patten, DHP Family, said: “Hitting a milestone like half a million pounds raised after our 2025 festival was a massive moment for everyone involved in Beat The Streets and we’re excited to get the ball rolling again now for 2026. “We’ll have an exciting line-up of Nottingham’s greatest musicians coming soon, so watch this space and grab your ticket next week to show your support for Framework.” Last year’s Beat The Streets fundraising went towards securing Nottingham’s Street Outreach Team. These vital frontline workers go out 365 days a year to provide lifesaving support to rough sleepers across the city helping them to find safe and suitable accommodation. The funds raised in 2026 will go towards Framework’s Homeless to Home campaign to complete the development of 20 self-contained homes in Basford. When complete, Lee House will become home to some of the most vulnerable men in Nottingham along with round the clock support to help them move towards a better future. Previously the money raised has enabled Framework to employ mental health workers to support rough sleepers with complex needs, enabled its emergency winter shelter to stay open all year and helped to open new accommodation for former rough sleepers. Claire Eden, Framework’s head of fundraising, said: “Funds raised at Beat The Streets make a massive difference in helping Framework meet the challenges of homelessness, and particularly rough sleeping, in Nottingham. “Income from Beat The Streets allows us to address the most urgent need at that time, supplementing the ongoing commitment of Nottingham City Council. “Since 2018, Beat The Streets income has been used to employ extra staff, keep services open, and help fund the building of new accommodation, among many other things. Being able to count on this support is worth its weight in gold. “We are so grateful for the continuing commitment of DHP to present this outstanding music and fundraising event, and to everyone who makes it happen – the staff at DHP, the musicians who give their services and everyone else who volunteers and, of course, the enthusiastic audiences. “Roll on Sunday 25 January for another memorable and inspiring event.” Beat The Streets has seen hundreds of artists from across the region take to the stages over the years including Jake Bugg, Sleaford Mods, Grace Petrie, Ferocious Dog, Do Nothing, Divorce, Bored Marsh, JayaHadaDream and GIRLBAND! to name just a few. The festival will take place across stages at Rock City, Rescue Rooms, Stealth, The Bodega and Rough Trade. Beat The Streets tickets giving access to all participating venues throughout the whole day are available for the recommended donation of £20. Additional donations can be made at the time of purchase.

Spitfire sets sights on East Midlands expansion

April Lara
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Spitfire sets sights on East Midlands expansion

Spitfire Homes has outlined further growth across the East Midlands with plans for 48 new homes in Kislingbury, Northamptonshire. The proposed development will sit alongside the company’s existing Pembleton collection, extending its presence in one of the region’s sought-after village locations.

The move forms part of a wider strategy that includes planning applications for more than 500 homes across the Midlands, covering sites in Solihull, Harborne, Droitwich, Belbroughton, and Broadway. The combined projects aim to strengthen the company’s regional footprint while supporting local employment through construction and supply networks.

Matt Vincent, Operation Director at Spitfire Homes, said: “Submitting these planning applications is an important milestone in our ongoing growth plans across the Midlands. Our proposals would deliver more than 500 high-quality new homes across the region, offering a diverse mix of properties tailored for first-time buyers, growing families, and downsizers seeking style and comfort without compromise.”

If approved, the Kislingbury scheme will contribute to housing supply in the East Midlands, aligning with continued demand for sustainable, design-led developments that support both communities and local economies.

Inflation comes in lower than forecast for September, standing unchanged from August

Tess Egginton
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Inflation comes in lower than forecast for September, standing unchanged from August
Inflation remained stubborn at 3.8% in the 12 months to September, unchanged from August, according to new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), measured by the Consumer Prices Index (CPI). While this is below forecasts, with inflation expected to come in at 4%, it remains well above the Bank of England’s 2% target. On a monthly basis, CPI was unchanged in September 2025, as in September 2024. Transport made the largest upward contribution to the CPI rates; recreation and culture, and food and non-alcoholic beverages made the largest offsetting downward contributions. Core inflation, meanwhile, which takes out volatile factors like energy, food, alcohol and tobacco to give a clear picture of underlying trends, came in at 3.5% in the 12 months to September, down from 3.6% in August and below forecasts.
Martin Sartorius, principal economist, CBI, said: “Inflation came in lower than expected in September, bringing some relief to hard-pressed households, though it remains well above the Bank of England’s 2% target. Price pressures should begin to slowly ease in the coming months, but we are unlikely to see a more substantial downshift in inflation until the first half of next year. “Today’s downside surprise raises the possibility that a rate cut by the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee could be back on the table in November. While some MPC members may prefer to keep rates on hold given the recent uptick in inflation expectations, September’s softer reading could give the broader Committee greater confidence to reduce rates without risking further persistence in price pressures.”

East Midlands mayor displays regional potential to global investors

Tess Egginton
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East Midlands mayor displays regional potential to global investors
Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, has met with key investors this week to highlight the region’s growing economic opportunities and showcase the East Midlands as a prime destination for investment.
During a series of one-to-one meetings and roundtable discussions at the Regional Investment Summit , mayor Claire and officials from the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) outlined the region’s ambitious growth plans, including a £2bn transport investment programme, a £160m Investment Zone, and the £38m annual East Midlands Investment Fund. Mayor Claire said: “The East Midlands is a region ready to deliver. From advanced manufacturing and clean energy to digital innovation and the visitor economy, we have the assets, talent, and infrastructure to support long-term growth. These discussions with investors are about turning potential into real opportunities for our communities and businesses.” The Mayor’s meetings also highlighted the region’s flagship projects, including Peak Cluster (one of the world’s largest carbon capture and storage projects, securing UK cement and lime industries and safeguarding thousands of jobs), Supercluster (anchored by the UK’s flagship STEP fusion prototype at West Burton, creating a globally significant clean energy and innovation hub), and Trent Arc (linking Derby, Nottingham, and East Midlands Parkway, delivering city centre regeneration, industrial hubs, and over 30,000 new homes). Mayor Claire said: “These discussions are about improving lives across the East Midlands. “Attracting new businesses, supporting the growth of local industries, and creating high-quality jobs will ensure that everyone in the East Midlands feels the benefit of economic growth. Investment into housing, skills, clean energy and infrastructure will make our region more connected, resilient, and prosperous. “This will give people better opportunities to live, work, and build a future here.” The Mayor will continue engaging with investors, ensuring that projects are aligned with the region’s East Midlands Growth Plan, which aims to strengthen communities across the East Midlands and deliver 60,000+ more people in work, 210,000 more people with skilled qualifications, 100,000+ homes built, £13bn added to the economy, £2bn+ investment in transport infrastructure, and 1GW additional clean community energy generation.

Derby training provider marks decade of growth with £2 million turnover

April Lara
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Derby training provider marks decade of growth with £2 million turnover

Derby-based training firm Nine Dots Development has reached a £2 million annual turnover in its tenth year of operation. Founded in 2016 by Jordan Burke and James Davison, the company has grown from a £73,000 first-year turnover to working with global clients including BAE Systems, Fred Perry, Scania, and Associated Press.

The company employs 25 staff and a network of 50 consultants delivering management training, apprenticeships, and leadership development to organisations across the UK and overseas. Nine Dots is accredited by the Chartered Management Institute and the Institute for Leadership and Management, and is rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted.

Its expansion has been driven by the continued demand for professional development and leadership training following the introduction of the Apprenticeship Levy in 2017. The business has delivered programmes in markets including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Australia, and the United States.

Nine Dots’ portfolio covers leadership, management, HR, and emotional intelligence training, with a focus on helping employers develop effective leaders and teams. The company’s founders aim to build on its international growth and strengthen partnerships with employers seeking to improve workforce capability and performance.

RSM UK makes Midlands director promotions

Tess Egginton
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RSM UK makes Midlands director promotions
Audit, tax and consulting firm RSM UK has made four new director promotions in the Midlands region. The promotions include Franz Zaragoza and Erin Sims in risk and governance, and Chas Ruprai in deal services, all of whom are based in Birmingham, as well as Victoria Davies in audit and based in the firm’s Nottingham office. RSM’s newly appointed Midlands’ directors are among 31 promotions to director across the national firm, with over half of this year’s cohort starting their careers with RSM as trainees. The promotions span all areas of the firm, with audit promoting 12 directors, seven in tax and 12 in consulting. The newly promoted directors are located throughout the UK across 15 offices. Helen Brocklebank, RSM UK’s regional managing partner in the Midlands, said: “I’d like to congratulate our new directors in the Midlands and across the firm. Their promotions are testament to their hard work and talent, and they should all be extremely proud of reaching this huge milestone in their careers at RSM. “We’re committed to growing and developing our people from within, as well as providing an environment for local talent to thrive. I wish them all the very best as they step into their new roles and strengthen our Midlands team, while helping to shape the future of our firm.”
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