£200m economic impact forecast for East Midlands through British Business Bank support

April Lara
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£200m economic impact forecast for East Midlands through British Business Bank support

The British Business Bank has provided crucial support to 1,700 small businesses across the East Midlands, which are set to create 1,200 new jobs and generate an estimated £600m in additional turnover by 2024/25. This assistance is projected to contribute £200m to the region’s economic output over the lifetime of the funded businesses.

A significant factor in this achievement is the £400m Midlands Engine Investment Fund II, which has already secured £37m in funding from both public and private sectors. The Bank’s increased financial capacity, now raised to £25.6bn following June’s Spending Review, allows for greater annual investments of approximately £2.5bn, facilitating higher levels of third-party investment.

The Bank’s continued focus on regions outside London is clear, with 84% of supported businesses based in these areas. This funding boost is expected to enhance local productivity, foster business growth, and create new jobs, significantly driving regional economies and supporting the Bank’s broader commitment to development across the UK.

Nottingham Accelerator supports businesses with digital and sustainability transitions

April Lara
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Nottingham Accelerator supports businesses with digital and sustainability transitions

Nottingham businesses now have access to a new support initiative designed to help them transition to digital, AI, and sustainable practices. The Nottingham Accelerator project, funded by a £124,982 grant from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, is aimed at assisting local firms in adopting new technologies, reducing their carbon footprint, and improving overall efficiency.

Delivered by East Midlands Chamber on behalf of Nottingham City Council, the project offers businesses training, expert consultancy, and a range of resources focused on digital transformation and decarbonisation. Companies can benefit from energy audits, which are funded as part of the initiative, and receive help in implementing greener practices to lower energy costs and carbon emissions. Additionally, growth vouchers of up to £2,000 are available to support the adoption of new technologies or process improvements.

The project, which runs until March 2026, is already helping numerous local businesses. With a focus on automation, productivity tools, and cyber security, the programme provides businesses with the expertise needed to enhance their operations in line with the latest technological advancements. The support is designed to assist businesses across Nottingham with practical, tailored advice and resources to fuel growth and innovation.

Double promotion at Clumber Consultancy

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Double promotion at Clumber Consultancy
Clumber Consultancy, the specialist pensions and ERA service provider for the UK insolvency market, has promoted two members of its team to senior administrator roles. Ella Freeston and Emily Bainbridge have both stepped into the new positions in recognition of their hard work and professional development over recent years. The promotions reflect the Nottinghamshire firm’s ongoing commitment to investing in its people and growing talent from within. Managing director Darren Toms said: “Both Ella and Emily have shown incredible dedication to their roles, our clients, and the wider Clumber team. Their promotions are thoroughly deserved and mark an exciting next step in their careers with us. “We pride ourselves on developing talent from within, and these appointments are a great example of that in action.” Emily Bainbridge said: “It’s really rewarding to be recognised like this. I’ve learned so much since joining Clumber and I’m excited to keep building on that — both for myself and to support our clients even more.” Ella Freeston added: “Clumber has always encouraged us to grow, ask questions, and step up. I’m proud to be taking on more responsibility and continuing to work with such a supportive team.”

Reading-based payroll partner acquires Leicester group

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Reading-based payroll partner acquires Leicester group
Payroll partner Omnia Outsourcing has acquired Leicester-headquartered Magi Group, in a deal advised on by Haynes Boone. Magi Group operates through several established subsidiaries including Darbayne Group, Bluebird Accountancy, Umbrellco, Fusion Business Services, and Churchill Knight and Associates. The group offers a range of payroll and contractor services. The acquisition of Magi Group will strengthen Reading-based Omnia’s service platform and expand its reach in the employment solutions sector. By integrating Magi Group’s operations, Omnia gains immediate access to a broader client portfolio, enhancing its ability to deliver tech-enabled payroll services at scale. The deal positions Omnia in the competitive employment services market with an expanded geographic footprint and service range that supports further growth.

East Midlands winners revealed for Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award

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East Midlands winners revealed for Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award
The 2025 Gold Awards in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme have been revealed, with thousands of additional employees now benefiting from Defence-friendly roles in the region. Twelve organisations have been recognised for their excellence in the East Midlands, from  tech firm Amanet to Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust and Chesterfield-based HR services provider GI Group Holding. In total, the ‘gold standard’ of support is now in place for in the region of 25,000 additional roles, bolstering support in key strategic sectors such as technology, healthcare and cyber. The list of 2025 Gold Awards winners from the East Midlands is as follows:
  • Amanet
  • Derbyshire Constabulary
  • GI Group Holding
  • Kettering General Hospital
  • KwikTip
  • Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
  • NHS Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board
  • North Northamptonshire Council
  • Northampton General Hospital
  • On Hand Training & Security
  • PointWire
  • Vision West Nottinghamshire College
In total, more than 200 employers – from FTSE 100 companies and emergency services, to local councils and high street names – have been awarded the Gold Award this year for their exceptional support to the Armed Forces community. Fred Hopkins, head of engagement at East Midlands Reserve Forces and Cadets Association, said: “Congratulations to our 2025 cohort of Gold Award winners, they are truly exemplars in their fields. “The Strategic Defence Review stated that a new mindset is needed across the country as we shift to a ‘whole of society’ approach to Defence, and these companies are leading the way with their support and advocacy. “What is clear, however, is that these are mutually beneficial relationships. In return for their support, organisations can benefit from highly skilled, disciplined and resilient employees who come with specialist skills and good management and leadership qualities.”

Seafront development opportunity in Chapel St Leonards up for auction

April Lara
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Seafront development opportunity in Chapel St Leonards up for auction

A 1.1-acre site on Chapel St Leonards’ promenade in Lincolnshire will be available for auction, offering potential for 67 beach huts. This prime location in a popular holiday area between Skegness and Mablethorpe has a guide price of £175,000.

The land will be part of SDL Property Auctions’ online auction on 31 July, which features over 225 properties and land plots. The development proposal is expected to receive approval from East Lindsey District Council, making it a valuable opportunity for developers targeting the growing coastal tourism sector.

Beach huts have gained popularity as leisure spaces, with demand for unique coastal experiences rising. Chapel St Leonards, known for its classic British seaside appeal, draws thousands of tourists each year. As UK staycations continue to grow, the site offers significant potential for developers aiming to capitalise on the area’s tourism growth.

Leicester City secures new loan ahead of transfer season

April Lara
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Leicester City secures new loan ahead of transfer season

Leicester City has taken out another loan, this time from Australian bank Macquarie, ahead of the upcoming Championship season. The loan, filed with Companies House, is secured against the club’s Premier League funds due until 2028, including parachute payments following their relegation.

Historically, Leicester has used loans to manage cash flow, with income from Premier League payments arriving at intervals. This new loan, the second of the year, comes as the club prepares for the summer transfer window, with no signings made so far.

The club has worked with Macquarie for nearly a decade, typically securing loans against future broadcast revenues. They’ve also used the bank to bring forward transfer fee payments, particularly in high-profile player sales. The most recent example was the £30m sale of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to Chelsea last summer.

As Leicester transitions to the Championship, a significant drop in revenue is expected. In their previous Championship season, turnover fell by £72m after relegation, and sponsorship and broadcasting deals are anticipated to decline further. However, the club’s share of the Premier League’s broadcast deal is expected to yield £117m.

Poundland announces closure of Leicester store as part of restructuring

April Lara
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Poundland announces closure of Leicester store as part of restructuring

Poundland will close its Leicester store on Charles Street as part of a nationwide restructuring plan aimed at stabilising the business. This is the first wave of a broader effort that will see 68 stores across the UK shut down. The Charles Street branch, which opened in October 2023 following the closure of Wilko, is set to close on August 10 due to poor performance and lease expiry.

The chain, which currently operates around 800 stores, plans to reduce its network to approximately 650-700 locations. Staff at affected stores were notified in June, with specific closure dates communicated this week.

The restructuring is part of Poundland’s strategy to focus on more profitable locations and secure the long-term sustainability of the business. While the closures are unfortunate, the company remains committed to supporting employees and ensuring they have access to alternative roles within the organisation.

Leicester will still have two other Poundland stores in the city centre, located on Gallowtree Gate and Belgrave Gate.

Nomination categories in detail: The East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025

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Nomination categories in detail: The East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025
If you are yet to make your entries for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025, now is the perfect time to do so before nominations close on Friday 15th August! Here we go through each category’s criteria – which can also be found with nomination forms here. A highlight in the business calendar, winners will be announced at a glittering awards ceremony and networking event on Thursday 2nd October, at the famous Trent Bridge Cricket Ground. The 10th annual celebration of the property and construction industry will run from 4:30pm – 7:30pm. Take this chance to showcase exceptional new commercial and residential developments, those demonstrating a leading position in sustainability and design excellence; gain recognition as outstanding developers, architects, contractors, and agents, as well as for significant deals; and ensure efforts in corporate social responsibility are rewarded, from eco initiatives to charity work, to social value schemes. Contractor of the Year Celebrating the contractors who work on the project, this award celebrates builders, construction companies and the contractors themselves, and nominees should be those who have gone above and beyond the word of the contract to deliver a truly exceptional service. Contracts must have been within the last 12 months. Developer of the Year The winner of this category will be the developer that has truly pushed the limit over the last 12 months. Their scheme(s) will have shown to not only be a success, but that there was true demand for them. The winning developer will have displayed courage in a tough market to deliver award winning results. There is no size limit, but schemes must have been completed over the last 12 months. Architects of the Year The winner of this award will be the architects who have had the greatest impact on the region, be it in a single development or a series of them. Originality, the ability to rise to a challenge or initiative shown in accomplishing a difficult brief, this award celebrates our architects. Schemes must have been completed over the last 12 months. Most Active Agent The winner of this category will be the estate agents / property consultants who have had the biggest impact on the commercial property sector over the last 12 months, whether that be in deals done, quality of any given deal, or excellent customer service. Deal of the Year The winner of this category will be the deal that has truly pushed the boundaries over the last 12 months – from jobs created to complexity, size and scale. However, that’s not to say the biggest deal will automatically win; the deal which has had most impact in the East Midlands is what we’re looking for. The winning deal will have displayed courage in a tough market to deliver a great outcome for all concerned. Deal must have been completed over the last 12 months. Residential Development of the Year The winner of this category will be the scheme that has displayed a true commitment to providing much-needed housing in the East Midlands. There is no size limit, but schemes must have been completed over the last 12 months. Sustainable Development of the Year The winner of this category will be the scheme that has displayed a true commitment to sustainable development in the East Midlands, whether this be in an environmental development, social enterprise or a scheme which will benefit the region in other ways, so long as it benefits the future generation. Schemes must have been completed over the last 12 months. Commercial Development of the Year The winner of this category will be the commercial development that has gone above and beyond in fulfilling the criteria of the build, in terms of design and construction. This can include special requirements, features or elements that make the commercial development stand out from the crowd. Developments must have been completed within the last 12 months. Excellence in Design The winner of this category will have shown true originality in design excellence across a scheme or schemes over the last 12 months, whether this be aesthetically, functionally or in any other manner. Responsible Business of the Year The winner of this award will have demonstrated corporate responsibility in their field, working in harmony and for the betterment of the local community in which it operates and setting a shining example for the rest of the supply chain. Overall Winner This award cannot be entered, with the Overall Winner selected from those nominated for the occasion’s 10 other categories and receiving 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.   Submitting a nomination couldn’t be easier – simply click here and click on a category’s heading to access its form. Nominations end Friday 15th August. Entry is free – with finalists also winning free tickets to the awards ceremony.

Book your tickets now

Tickets can now be booked for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025, click here to secure yours.

The special awards evening and networking event will be held on Thursday 2nd October in the Derek Randall Suite at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground from 4:30pm – 7:30pm.

Connect with local decision makers over nibbles and complimentary drinks while applauding the outstanding companies and projects in our region. Attendees will also hear from 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. 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.

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:

Next stage of construction begins at Stud Brook Business Park

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Next stage of construction begins at Stud Brook Business Park
Clowes Developments, in partnership with contractor Roe Developments, has commenced enabling works for the next phase of Stud Brook Business Park in Castle Donington. The project will deliver five new trade counter, warehouse, and industrial units ranging in size from 3,229 sq ft to 4,606 sq ft, following planning approval from North West Leicestershire District Council. Located on Plot 1, the units will be built around the Starbucks Drive-Thru, which sits at the entrance of the business park. The site is also adjacent to a newly opened Sainsbury’s Local. Designed primarily for trade counter operators, the new units are part of a strategic expansion of the park. Occupier announcements are expected in the coming months. Roe Developments has been appointed as the main contractor and will deliver the scheme under a 30-week build programme. Units are scheduled for handover around Christmas 2025, with occupiers anticipated to begin trading in the New Year. James Richards, development director at Clowes Developments, said: “We’re excited to move forward with the next phase at Stud Brook Business Park. The development has seen strong demand from trade operators since its launch, and Plot 1 represents a key opportunity to build on that momentum. “With its prime location and excellent amenities, this phase is set to attract high-quality occupiers. Our ongoing collaboration with IMA Architects and local stakeholders ensures the scheme supports both commercial needs and the broader Castle Donington community.”
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