Bold new UK headquarters for global digital services provider
Tasked with creating a cost-effective, future-ready HQ, Proici Commercial Interiors recently transformed an empty industrial unit into a vibrant flagship workspace of 29,000 ft² in just 40 weeks.
The new headquarters in Nottinghamshire unites all teams under one roof and combines agile office space with a mini data centre, gym and commercial canteen, with a flexible, collaborative design.
The project brief called for a workplace that would inspire creativity, foster connection, and adapt to the company’s evolving needs. Proici’s commercial design and fit-out expertise transformed an empty industrial shell into one that successfully balances open-plan energy with quiet focus areas, using modular layouts, acoustic zoning, and a cohesive brand-led interior scheme.
At the heart of the building now is a striking split-level breakout hub — the social and cultural centre of the office. Accommodating over 100 people, it serves as both a canteen and informal workspace, encouraging collaboration and a strong sense of community.
The addition of a mezzanine creates visual interest and openness, as well as further flexibility for meetings and events. As a result, staff engaging with external partners and customers are now enthusiastic about hosting them at the office to foster stronger business relationships, this is a notable shift from their previous preference to meet offsite.
Industrial details, such as exposed roof trusses and raw finishes reference the building’s origins, while new windows now flood the entire unit with natural light – enhancing both wellbeing and productivity.
Behind the scenes, Proici delivered robust IT infrastructure, secure access systems, and a fully equipped commercial kitchen, ensuring the HQ functions efficiently for staff and visitors alike.
The new headquarters stands as a confident expression of the brand and of Proici’s capability to deliver modern, adaptable workplaces that unite people, drive innovation, and set the benchmark for clients’ future office design needs. Click here for the full case study – https://proici.co.uk/case-studies/global-digital-services-provider
Wright Vigar achieves Payroll Assurance accreditation from CIPP
Wright Vigar, an independent regional chartered accountancy firm, has officially been reaccredited under the Payroll Assurance Scheme (PAS), the UK’s gold standard for payroll compliance, developed by the Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals (CIPP) in partnership with HMRC.
This prestigious accreditation recognises Wright Vigar’s commitment to delivering payroll services that meet the highest standards of accuracy, governance, and professional development. The assessment covers both operational processes and people management, ensuring clients benefit from secure, compliant, and expertly managed payroll support.
“Payroll is one of the most sensitive and regulated areas of business finance,” said Helen Molloy, COO at Wright Vigar. “This accreditation gives our clients confidence that their payroll is not only compliant but proactively managed to reduce risk and improve efficiency.”
The Payroll Assurance Scheme is designed to help organisations demonstrate best practice in payroll operations. Wright Vigar’s successful accreditation confirms that its systems are robust, its staff are well-trained, and its services are aligned with current UK legislation, including PAYE, RTI, auto-enrolment, and data protection requirements.
This achievement reinforces Wright Vigar’s position as a trusted adviser to businesses across the region, offering a full suite of payroll services tailored to SMEs, family businesses, and growing enterprises.
Rolls-Royce outlines plans for new Derby facility
Rolls-Royce is planning a new manufacturing services building at its Sinfin A site in Derby as part of ongoing efforts to modernise its infrastructure.
The proposed two-storey structure would cover approximately 3,000 square metres and include manufacturing areas, offices, and welfare facilities such as a canteen and toilets. The design features a sloped roof up to 12.6 metres high, fitted with solar panels and rooflights to improve energy efficiency.
According to documents submitted to Derby City Council, the project aims to replace older infrastructure and improve operational performance across the site. Construction is expected to take around ten months, with no changes proposed to existing site access.
Rolls-Royce has asked the council to determine whether an environmental impact assessment is necessary before submitting a full planning application. A decision on that request is anticipated by early November.
The development would further strengthen Rolls-Royce’s long-term investment in its Derby operations, where it continues to upgrade facilities to meet modern health, safety, and environmental standards.
Atos invests £10m to boost East Midlands tech growth
Atos is strengthening its presence in the East Midlands with the launch of a new Digital Agentic Centre in Nottingham, part of a £10 million investment to advance the UK’s digital infrastructure.
The Nottingham facility will drive innovation in artificial intelligence and automation, developing technologies that enhance efficiency, reliability and productivity for public and private sector organisations. It forms a key part of Atos’ strategy to anchor more high-value digital work in the region, positioning the East Midlands as a growing hub for advanced tech capability.
Alongside the new centre, Atos will extend its graduate and apprenticeship programmes to create around 50 new roles by 2026. These will support the development of local expertise in AI, cybersecurity, cloud computing and data analytics, helping build a stronger regional workforce equipped for the next wave of digital transformation.
Michael Herron, Head of Atos UK&I, said, “Our new sovereign offerings will ensure our clients have a future-ready end-to-end IT estate under their control so that they can easily adapt to any regulatory or geopolitical changes. For businesses in the public, defence and critical national infrastructure sectors, the need for sovereign AI capabilities is mission-critical, and we’re proud to be working with them to make safe and reliable digital and AI development possible.
“As part of this, we are reimagining what an IT career pathway looks like in an age where humans and AI co-exist together. Our new early-career roles will give young people in the UK a multi-faceted career in the digital arena. Sovereignty, for us, includes nurturing the next generation of tech talent in the UK&I.”
Atos’ investment aligns with its wider national strategy to strengthen regional resilience, advance sovereign digital capabilities and build a sustainable pipeline of technology talent across the UK.
Heineken invests in Northamptonshire pub as part of wider UK upgrade
The Five Bells in Bugbrooke, Northamptonshire, is undergoing a major refurbishment following a £400,000 investment by Heineken-owned Star Pubs & Bars and local operators Bups Chaggar and Denis Gill. The redevelopment is expected to create 15 jobs and marks one of several regional projects under Heineken’s £40 million national pub estate investment for 2025.
Of the total, £3.1 million has been allocated to venues across the East Midlands. The Five Bells, closed since mid-2023, is scheduled to reopen in early December.
The project includes a full interior and exterior overhaul, with redesigned dining and bar areas, upgraded accessibility and facilities, and a new kitchen layout aimed at expanding the menu options. The building will feature new furnishings, lighting, and décor, while the exterior will be repainted and fitted with new signage and outdoor seating areas.
The pub will offer a varied food menu alongside traditional drinks, operating daily with extended food service hours through the week. The refurbishment aligns with Heineken’s broader strategy to modernise its UK pub portfolio and strengthen partnerships with local operators.
BGF prepares £500m institutional fundraise to expand UK investment base
BGF is preparing for its first external capital raise, seeking up to £500 million from institutional investors to broaden its funding beyond its founding banks—Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, and NatWest. The move marks a strategic shift as the firm aims to diversify its investor base and strengthen its capacity to finance small and medium-sized enterprises across the UK and Ireland.
The planned raise, expected in 2026, follows BGF’s commitment to invest more than £3 billion over the next five years. Investment bank Lazard has been appointed to advise on the process. The new funds would allow BGF to channel additional capital into growing companies, aligning with government efforts to attract long-term institutional investment through initiatives such as the Mansion House Accord.
Since its formation in 2011, BGF has invested over £4.7 billion in more than 600 businesses, creating around 27,000 jobs and contributing £7.1 billion in revenue growth. The firm reports a 21.4% internal rate of return since 2016, highlighting its performance in backing growth-stage companies through minority stakes.
BGF’s next phase signals an evolution in the UK’s growth capital landscape, as the firm adapts to increasing competition from private equity, family offices, and debt funds while maintaining its regional focus outside London and the South East. Recent exits include Brisant Secure, Fulfilmentcrowd, and Braidwater.
Latest corporate insolvency figures highlight ‘stable stress’ across the region
Continuing high levels of corporate insolvencies in England and Wales indicate a sense of ‘stable stress’ across the local economy, with latest figures highlighting only a marginal decrease in numbers.
This is according to the Midlands branch of the UK’s restructuring, turnaround and insolvency trade body R3 and comes on the back of new statistics published by the Insolvency Service which show that corporate insolvencies decreased by 2% in September to a total of 2,000 compared to the previous month. There was also a marginal fall in August of 1.7% against July’s total of 2,083.
R3 Midlands chair Stephen Rome, a partner at law firm Penningtons Manches Cooper in the region, said: “We may be seeing some small decreases in insolvency levels, but activity remains high, impacting heavily on businesses and households alike.
“With the November budget around the corner, many business leaders are nervous about what lies ahead and are putting off making major recruitment or investment decisions. They will be hoping that the Chancellor introduces confidence building measures to encourage investment, recruitment and expansion rather than further increasing the tax burden and worsening cashflow problems.
“Ongoing challenges such as higher energy and materials costs, cautious consumer demand and creditor pressure have combined with slower than anticipated reductions in the cost of borrowing to leave some businesses fighting hard to stay afloat.
“This pressure is reflected in the latest Office for National Statistics data, which revealed that around one in six [17%] trading businesses reported having no cash reserves in late September 2025 – the highest proportion since the question was introduced in June 2020.
“This is deeply concerning, as a lack of cash reserves leaves businesses particularly vulnerable to even small financial shocks, such as a bad debt or loss of a customer, challenges which they might previously have been able to weather. It suggests insolvency activity is likely to stay at the current level for some time.
“R3’s message to businesses and individuals, therefore, remains the same: seek advice from a regulated professional at the first signs of financial distress. Taking action early gives you more time, more options and a greater chance of achieving a positive outcome.”
Major student development hits key milestone in Beeston
A new student development in Beeston has moved a step closer to completion with a topping out ceremony hosted by developer Cassidy Group.
Once completed, Beckton House, situated in Station Road in the town centre, will provide 419 studio apartments for students at Nottingham’s two universities.
The five-storey block is currently under construction with contractor Winvic Construction, with the completion of the building’s structural frame marked with the traditional topping out ceremony featuring representatives from Broxtowe Borough Council and the developer’s consultancy team.
The project is due to complete in August next year and will open its doors for the September 2026/27 academic year.
Patric Cassidy, director at Cassidy Group Ltd, said: “Beckton House will be great not just for the students that will live here, but it will hugely benefit the surrounding area. Students will have first-class accommodation within what will be an EPC ‘A’ rated energy efficient building with great transport links right outside their front door, and it will boost the local retail economy due to an influx of customers keen to find out what Beeston has to offer.
“Broxtowe Borough Council has been very supportive throughout this process, and the work of Winvic and our fantastic team of consultants mean that we are ahead of schedule which guarantees an early opening for the next academic year.”
Accommodation will be managed by Fresh, which operates several other purpose-built student blocks in Nottingham. Internally, Beckton House will feature social areas for residents to meet friends or study outside of their room, plus facilities including a cinema room, a private dining kitchen, and a gym.
Sam Scott, managing director at Fresh, said: “We are delighted to have been appointed to mobilise and launch Beckton House. With excellent transport links to both universities and market-leading facilities, Beckton House is ideally positioned to be a valuable addition to student accommodation in the Beeston area.
“Drawing on our extensive knowledge of the Nottingham market, we look forward to welcoming residents when the development opens in September.”
Mark Jones, managing director for multi-room at Winvic, said: “We’re delighted to celebrate this key milestone at Beckton House with Cassidy Group and our project partners. The topping out marks significant progress on a development that showcases Winvic’s expertise in delivering high-quality, sustainable student accommodation in thriving university cities.
“Beckton House will not only provide outstanding facilities for students but also contribute positively to the wider Beeston community. We’re proud to be working collaboratively with Cassidy Group to bring this forward safely, efficiently, and to the highest standards of quality.”
Beckton House is one of three student accommodation schemes brought forward by Cassidy Group in the East Midlands, with the developer also behind new facilities on London Road and Arkwright Street in Nottingham’s city centre. The Beeston project was funded by Zorin Finance.
East Midlands innovation firms benefit from £80 million investment fund
The Midlands Engine Investment Fund II has provided a major boost to the East Midlands’ business community, helping firms across manufacturing, medical technology and construction accelerate growth since its launch in February 2024.
Administered by the British Business Bank, the fund has deployed over £50 million in direct investment and attracted an additional £30 million in private sector backing. The result is more than 180 smaller businesses gaining access to vital finance across the Midlands, with a strong showing from East Midlands innovators.
Among the region’s recipients, University of Nottingham spin-out Forge Genetics secured £2 million to advance its gene editing research. Sleaford Building Services received £750,000 to fund expansion and increase capacity, while medical packaging specialist Shawpak in Derbyshire obtained £500,000 to upgrade its facilities and meet growing demand.
The investment has reinforced the East Midlands’ reputation for research-led innovation and agile manufacturing. Many of the businesses supported are developing technologies and processes with national and global potential.
Keira Shepperson, Senior Investment Director at the British Business Bank, said, “The East Midlands has a strong track record in innovation, as shown by the firms the Fund has been able to invest in. From cutting edge medical technologies to evolving manufacturing and construction firms, the region is pushing through and bringing new ways of working to life. The Midlands Engine Investment Fund II is here to back that sense of ambition and entrepreneurial spirit. We look forward to continuing to support these firms and more as they gear up for 2026.”
Part of the Bank’s £1.6 billion Nations and Regions Investment Funds, the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II provides loans and equity investment ranging from £25,000 to £5 million through accredited regional fund managers. The initiative is designed to diversify finance options and strengthen the East Midlands’ role in the UK’s innovation economy.
Derbyshire firm helps preserve national icon
As the nation prepares to mark Trafalgar Day on 21st October, a Derbyshire engineering company is playing its part in preserving the very ship at the heart of the famous battle.
Acres Engineering, based in Melbourne near Derby, has supplied its heavy-duty StrongHold Trestles to support HMS Victory’s massive masts and yards (spars) during vital conservation work at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.
Some of the spars measure up to 23 metres long and weigh up to 2.5 tonnes.
The project, known as HMS Victory: The Big Repair, is the most significant conservation programme in the ship’s 250-year history. Despite the scale of the work, the vessel remains open to visitors, giving the public a rare opportunity to see heritage being preserved in real time.
Stuart Sheldon, Lead Rigger on the project, said: “Acres’ willingness to explore options and provide the best value for money was very reassuring. The trestles have ensured the spars can be safely and efficiently inspected, and their aftercare has been excellent.”
Acres Engineering also donated an additional set of trestles to further support the conservation work.
Luke Parker, Managing Director of Acres Engineering, said: “It is an honour for our team to support the restoration of HMS Victory. To be part of preserving such a national icon — and to release this news as the country commemorates Trafalgar Day — makes us especially proud.”
The announcement follows Acres Engineering’s recent visit to the Houses of Parliament for the Ada Lovelace Day reception, where the company added its voice to the call for greater diversity and opportunity in UK manufacturing.
