New independent market set to launch in Hinckley

April Lara
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New independent market set to launch in Hinckley

A new independent market will open in Hinckley town centre later this month. It will feature more than 30 stalls selling baked goods, handmade products, and personalised items. The market, organised by local non-profit group All Communities Matter, aims to support small businesses and foster community engagement.

Stalls will be located in Market Place and The Borough, and a dedicated community space will offer activities and free giveaways. Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council supports the event, which it sees as an opportunity to boost the local economy.

The market will run on the last Sunday of each month from 10am to 3pm, with free parking available in council-run car parks. The first event is scheduled for Sunday, 30 March.

East Midlands Aeropark plans expansion with modular buildings

April Lara
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East Midlands Aeropark plans expansion with modular buildings

East Midlands Aeropark has submitted plans for new modular buildings to North West Leicestershire District Council for its visitor experience upgrade. The development includes a new entrance, snack bar, and four viewing shelters. The existing entrance building will be repurposed to house exhibits related to the park’s Vulcan aircraft.

GCS Group has been appointed as the project’s principal contractor, bringing its modular construction expertise. The company will handle the design, supply, and installation of the buildings, which will be largely completed off-site to minimise disruption.

Once approved, construction is expected to begin in autumn 2025, and the new facilities will open for the winter season.

Annual Payroll & HR Update 2025

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Annual Payroll & HR Update 2025
Whether you have just one employee or a large workforce, you do payroll in house or use a payroll bureau, have an HR team or not, our annual update aims to keep you informed of the issues, regulations and changes affecting payroll management, HR and compliance. We will also look at the broader HR matters that may concern employers now and in the year ahead, along with the potential impact of changes to and the introduction of new employment legislation.

Payroll – a topical update and refresher

Theresa Waddingham, Partner, Streets Chartered Accountants Theresa’s presentation will focus on the forthcoming changes affecting payroll as we start a new tax year, along with some useful hints and tips to make your life easier to ensure that those charged with payroll are on the right track. Her presentation will include the following:
  • NLW and NMW changes and rates for 2025
  • Statutory increases
  • Working from home expenses
  • Working from home when home is in another country
  • Changes to the employment allowance
  • Employment allowance and connected entities
  • Employers NI changes
  • What can be done to mitigate the NI increases
  • What can we anticipate in the future

On the minds of employers and those charged with HR

Anita Wynne, CEO and HR Advisor, Beststart Human Resources Anita’s presentation will cover a number of highly topical issues facing employers and in house HR managers and professionals including:
  • What businesses need to do to demonstrate that they are taking measures to prevent sexual harassment following the amendment to the Equality Act that came in in October 2024 and the guidance issued by Equality and Human Rights Commission
  • What will happen with the Government’s Employment Rights Bill in 2025
  • Other legislation that will come into force in 2025 that businesses should be aware of

Van Elle warns of lower profits, reviews Canadian operations

April Lara
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Van Elle warns of lower profits, reviews Canadian operations

Van Elle, the Nottinghamshire-based groundworks company, has issued a profit warning, citing project delays and a weak market. The company attributes disruptions to stalled Building Safety Act approvals, affecting its Rock & Alluvium division, which specialises in high-rise residential projects in London and the South East. Over 40 projects are awaiting approval, with most now expected to start in FY26, pushing Van Elle’s FY25 UK performance below expectations.

In addition, the company is reassessing its presence in Canada after further delays on Toronto rail network upgrades. While Van Elle has secured key frameworks in the region, near-term uncertainty around major investment programmes has prompted a strategic review of its Canadian operations.

Due to these setbacks, Van Elle expects its underlying profit before tax for H2 FY25 to align with H1. The company is now focused on managing working capital, streamlining costs, and disposing of non-core assets to strengthen its balance sheet.

Despite challenges, Van Elle’s General Piling division has secured several large projects scheduled for early FY26. The company expects increased workloads in March and April, and optimism for FY26 is driven by anticipated improvements in the housing market, continued investment in the energy and water sectors, and the UK government’s commitment to accelerating infrastructure spending. However, the board cautions that market recovery may take longer than initially forecast.

Plans for major Towcester business park set for approval despite objections

April Lara
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Plans for major Towcester business park set for approval despite objections

West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) is set to review detailed plans for Towcester Park, a 45-acre employment site north of the A43 bypass. Initially approved in 2022, the project is designed for small to medium-sized enterprises and includes a new roundabout to manage traffic flow.

IM Properties has submitted proposals for two large industrial buildings east of Tiffield Road. The first unit, near the new roundabout, will be 15,000 sqm with a height of 15.5 metres, designated for warehouse or general industrial use. The second unit, further east, will be larger at 43,500 sqm and 21 metres in height. Both structures will feature metal cladding with a dark to light grey gradient. The application includes landscaping measures, such as native hedgerows and tree planting, to minimise visual impact. Each building will have dedicated parking, loading areas for HGVs, and integrated office space.

Local councils and campaign groups, including Towcester Town Council and the CPRE, have raised objections over environmental concerns, increased traffic, and the scale of the development. Critics argue the project will harm wildlife and alter the character of the historic market town.

WNC’s strategic planning committee will vote on the proposals next Tuesday (18 March), and planning officers will recommend approval. Each plot will be assessed separately.

Call for businesses to support Chesterfield’s young people to prepare for the world of work

Tess Egginton
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Call for businesses to support Chesterfield’s young people to prepare for the world of work
Chesterfield businesses have a unique opportunity to shape their future workforce and drive the local economy forward by offering young people meaningful workplace experiences. Local employers are being urged to get involved with schools in the area, providing valuable insights and hands-on exposure to the world of work. Firms have the opportunity to engage with students from secondary schools, SEND Schools and sixth-forms and colleges, playing a direct role in preparing young people for successful careers while also building connections with potential future employees. Engagement with schools and colleges also helps businesses to strengthen talent pipelines, increase diversity and close skills gaps. Schools in Chesterfield seeking support for work experience, careers fairs, employer talks, workshops, and mock interviews include Brookfield Community School, Netherthorpe School, Outwood Academy Hasland Hall, Outwood Academy Newbold, Parkside School, Springwell Community School, St Mary’s Catholic High School, Tupton Hall School, Whittington Green School, Ashgate Croft School, and Chesterfield College. By working with these schools and colleges, businesses can shape students’ career paths through mentorship and industry insights. Ian Cooper, Principal at Outwood Academy Hasland Hall, said: “Direct exposure to hands-on experiences with employers, such as work experience, careers fairs, workshops, and mock interviews, is crucial for inspiring young people and preparing them for the workplace. “Bridging the gap between education and business is vital for equipping students with essential skills and ensuring Chesterfield’s local industries and communities continue to thrive.” Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and Vice Chair of the Skills and Employment Partnership, added: “Bridging the gap between education and business is essential for Chesterfield’s future workforce. “Employers have a crucial role to play in showcasing career opportunities, equipping young people with key skills, and ensuring our local industries thrive. This is more than just a way to give back—it’s a strategic opportunity for our companies to connect with the workforce of tomorrow.” To get involved visit https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/skills/#Prepare%20for%20work

Bridge Help welcomes new business development manager

Tess Egginton
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Bridge Help welcomes new business development manager
Chesterfield-based commercial bridging finance provider Bridge Help has swelled its ranks with the appointment of Lisa Griffiths, who has joined as a business development manager. Her appointment means Bridge Help continues to boast an all-female business development team, led by Katie Snodden, bucking the trend in the male-dominated financial services industry. Lisa, who hails from Chesterfield, brings a wealth of experience to her new role, including a 20-year career in law before transitioning into ground-up property development before moving into commercial finance brokering. Her extensive knowledge of the property sector, from both legal and financial perspectives, gives her a unique understanding of the challenges brokers and borrowers face. Lisa said: “I’ve always enjoyed working closely with clients and brokers to find solutions that make deals happen. “Bridge Help is known for its flexible, common-sense approach to lending, and I’m excited to be part of a team that truly puts brokers and borrowers first. With my background in property and finance, I’m excited to work closely with brokers to help them find the right solutions for their clients and get deals done quickly.” Chris Sellars, CEO and general counsel at Bridge Help, welcomed Lisa to the team: “Lisa’s extensive experience, both in law and commercial finance, makes her a fantastic addition to our team. Her ability to understand complex deals from multiple angles will be a huge asset to our brokers. I’m delighted to welcome her aboard.”

Industry professionals turn out in force for inaugural Construction & Property Padel Cup

Tess Egginton
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Industry professionals turn out in force for inaugural Construction & Property Padel Cup
Industry professionals from across the region turned out in force for the inaugural Construction & Property Padel Cup hosted by Derby-based project managers and construction cost consultants Armsons Barlow. 32 teams from construction and property companies came together at We Are Padel on Pride Park in Derby for an afternoon of friendly competition, networking and fundraising. The tournament, organised in partnership with Derby County Community Trust (DCCT) and Clowes Developments, marked the launch of Armsons Barlow’s fundraising initiatives for DCCT, who are the company’s 2025 Charity of the Year. The tournament involved four groups of eight teams battling it out for a place in the knockout stages. Eventually Morecroft Electrical emerged as winners of the ‘Champions League’ final, winning the championship trophy, along with prizes donated by We Are Padel. Fisher German were crowned as ‘Europa League’ winners and FHP were awarded the coveted ‘Wooden Spoon.’ The event raised £1,031.54 for DCCT from a combination of the entry fee and through a raffle which featured a range of prizes, including a sparkling breakfast for two at Darley’s, a corporate 4-ball at Horsley Lodge Golf Club and a signed Derby County shirt. The event included a speech from Luke Wilkinson, Health Team Leader at DCCT, who provided an overview on the work the Trust undertakes. DCCT is the charitable arm of Derby County Football Club and is dedicated to enhancing lives and communities through sport, physical activity, health, and education. Josh Toon, director at Armsons Barlow, said: “The first Construction & Property Padel Cup was a massive success, and it was fantastic to see so many industry professionals come together for a day of competition and networking while raising money for such a worthwhile cause. “The enthusiasm and generosity of everyone involved was incredible, and we’re already looking forward to making next year’s event even bigger and better.”

New bid submitted for Leicestershire storage units on former agricultural land

April Lara
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New bid submitted for Leicestershire storage units on former agricultural land

Paws Aid (2016) Ltd has submitted a new application to develop storage units on a 1.7-acre plot of land at Langham Bridge, Coventry Road, Narborough. The company previously applied for planning permission in 2018, but Blaby District Council (BDC) rejected the proposal, citing concerns over intrusion and flood risks.

The land, classified as agricultural, has been unused for farming for several years. Planning documents state that its small size and disuse make it unsuitable for continued agricultural use. The site has instead been used for various activities, including car repairs and storage. A semi-derelict structure currently serves as a storage facility, and the land is described as overgrown.

Paws Aid Ltd argues that no alternative sites are available for this type of development and maintains that the land is not at high flood risk. BDC is expected to decide on the application by Wednesday, 28 May.

Downing secures approval for two energy storage projects

April Lara
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Downing secures approval for two energy storage projects

Downing Renewable Developments (DRD) has received planning approval for two large-scale battery energy storage projects in the UK. The company will develop a 40MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Heanor, Derbyshire, and a 100MW BESS near Rowley Regis, West Midlands.

The Rowley Regis site will have the capacity to store enough energy to power 300,000 homes for two hours, while the Heanor project will support 120,000 homes for the same period. Both approvals were granted without public objections.

These projects follow DRD’s approval last year for a 49.9MW solar farm in Norfolk. The company says the new developments will support the UK’s transition to renewable energy and contribute to Net Zero targets.

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