Leicestershire surfacing company wins city centre highways contract

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A South Leicestershire surfacing company has won a £600k contract with Leicester City Council to help transform the city’s paving as part of its highways improvement scheme. HMS Decorative Surfacing has been awarded a two-year contract to install and maintain decorative resin bound and bonded finishes to city centre footpaths, open spaces, cycle lanes, tree pits and greenspace landscaping. This contract will guarantee a 5% increase in profits for the North-Kilworth based company. Martin Fletcher, Leicester City Council Director of Highways, said: “It is important that our highways improvement projects are finished to the highest standard and help create safe and attractive spaces. “HMS Decorative Surfacing have real expertise in resin bound surfacing and working with them under his new contract will ensure projects are finished to the highest standard. We look forward to seeing the impact this will have on our city centre.” The resin bound and bonded surfacing used by HMS is durable and low maintenance, creating non-slip and aesthetic spaces for the public. Laura Wilson, Director at HMS Decorative Surfacing, said: “We are delighted to be working with Leicester City Council to transform our local city centre. As a Leicestershire-based business, the accessibility and appeal of the area is important to us, so we are proud to be making improvements that will make a real difference to the tourism and business investment here. “We take care to provide safe, sustainable and attractive spaces for the public, using the very best materials, and are committed to working closely with Leicester City Council over the coming years on these exciting regenerative projects.”

Plans submitted for 547-house development in Bolsover, boosting local infrastructure

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Plans have been submitted for a significant housing project in Bolsover, Derbyshire, which could see the construction of 547 new homes. The development, part of the local housing plan, includes 212 homes as the next phase of Persimmon’s ongoing Castle Walk project, located near the town centre. The proposed homes, ranging from two to four bedrooms, will be built to meet new energy efficiency standards and feature solar panels and electric vehicle chargers.

The development will also incorporate a 10-acre town park, public spaces, and significant investments in local infrastructure. Under section 106 agreements, Persimmon has committed £3.5 million for a new school, £1.8 million for primary and secondary education, £700,000 for park development, and further contributions to road upgrades and community projects.

The project also includes provision for a primary school and an extra care facility, as well as a new spine road to alleviate traffic congestion on Welbeck Road.

New waste separation rules for businesses Starting March 2025

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Under the new Simpler Recycling legislation, businesses with 10 or more full-time employees in North East Derbyshire will be required to separate their waste into three categories from March 31st, 2025. Micro-firms with fewer than 10 employees have until March 2027 to comply.

The changes are part of the government’s efforts to simplify recycling and help achieve the national recycling target of 65%. Businesses must arrange separate collections for mixed dry recycling, food waste, and residual waste. Mixed dry recycling covers glass, plastics, paper, cardboard, and metal. Food waste includes leftovers and prep waste like peelings, tea bags, and coffee grounds, while residual waste consists of non-recyclable items such as hygiene products and contaminated packaging.

The new rules apply to businesses and workplaces producing waste similar to household waste, including offices, retail, hospitality, education, and healthcare sectors. Micro-firms are exempt until March 2027. Businesses should review their waste management systems to ensure they are prepared for the new requirements.

Lidl increases pay for 28,000 UK workers ahead of minimum wage hike

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Lidl will raise wages for 28,000 UK employees next month as part of a £15 million investment in staff pay. The new rates, which take effect in March, will exceed the upcoming National Living Wage (NLW) by more than 50p per hour.

Entry-level staff outside London will see hourly wages increase from £12.40 to £12.75, with the potential to rise to £13.65 over time. In London, starting pay will rise to £14 an hour, increasing to £14.35 with tenure. The changes apply to Lidl’s 970 stores and 14 distribution centers across the UK, including locations in Nottinghamshire and the wider East Midlands.

These pay adjustments come ahead of the NLW increase on April 1, which will raise the minimum hourly rate for workers aged 21 and over from £11.44 to £12.21. The move also follows concerns from retailers about rising operational costs, including increased national insurance contributions for employers set to take effect alongside the wage hike.

Barron McCann’s brand new Innovation Hub demonstrates the technology of tomorrow

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A LEADING tech business has created a state-of-the-art innovation hub showcasing the most advanced technologies transforming the retail, stadium and hospitality sectors.

Barron McCann, which lists Pets at Home, Papa Johns and Iceland among its clients, has created the cutting-edge facility in its Derby headquarters where customers and partners can experience firsthand the technologies shaping the industry.

From loss prevention and smart checkouts to hospitality point-of-sale solutions, colleague safety measures and sustainable initiatives like EV chargers, the Hub highlights innovative solutions.

They are all designed to enhance customer experiences, boost operational efficiency and drive sustainability.

The Hub also strengthens Barron McCann’s partnership with schools and universities by creating opportunities for students to learn and use the very latest technologies.

Companies being showcased in the Hub include VoCoVo, leaders in wireless headset communication and specialists in WiFi solutions InCaptiv.

SML, which annually provides three billion radio frequency identification (RFID) tags to the retail sector, has a stand in the centre alongside Bizerba, innovators in hardware and software for the retail and logistics industries.

The Hub also features a working bar which is designed to showcase the technology delivered by Kappture, a pioneering software provider specialising in cloud-based Electronic Point of Sale (EPOS) and mobile payment systems.

From the smart retail solutions such as automated checkouts to the networking and infrastructure cabling, the state of the art space was built by the company’s in-house specialists.

It also demonstrates the firm’s commitment to sustainability by incorporating the latest green technologies and promoting life cycle management and hardware recycling solutions.

The Innovation Hub was officially opened by Barron McCann’s Executive Chairman and Owner Alan Watson in front of representatives from many of the firm’s key partners and stakeholders, as well as key community associates – including the University of Derby and Derby County Community Trust.

Nottinghamshire industrial unit sold in quick turnaround

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A 6,601 sq. ft. industrial unit on Moorbridge Road Industrial Estate in Bingham, Nottinghamshire, has been sold in a deal completed by FHP. The buyer has not been disclosed.

The detached property includes two-story office space, a front car park, and a secure rear yard. Previously held on a 999-year lease from 1989, the unit had undergone maintenance, including a roof replacement. It is located near the A46, providing access to Nottingham, Newark, Grantham, and Leicester.

The unit was listed for sale on October 18, 2024, and attracted multiple bids. A cash buyer was secured above the asking price, with the transaction finalised on December 19, 2024.

Major housing development in Rutland moves closer to approval

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A 75-home development in Ketton, Rutland, is expected to gain final approval next week. The project, led by Vistry Group, is the largest housing scheme proposed for the village and follows an outline planning approval granted in November 2022 after an appeal.

The site, located on agricultural land off Park Road, will feature a mix of one- to four-bedroom homes, with 30% designated as affordable housing. Rutland County Council’s planning committee will review the revised plans on February 18.

A council report states that the development layout, scale, and landscaping have been adjusted to address feedback from planning officers and stakeholders. If approved, the scheme will add to ongoing housing growth across the East Midlands, including nearby Nottinghamshire, where demand for residential development remains high.

Rugby stars acquire Northampton premises as they carve out new career

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Two former rugby union stars have bought their first business premises. Bromwich Hardy has helped Waller & Wood Woodworks acquire its first commercial premises for the manufacture and sale of their unique wooden furniture. Tom Wood and Alex Waller, who both previously played for Northampton Saints, set up Waller & Wood Woodworks while they were both still playing. Back row specialist Tom Wood won 50 caps for England and played for Worcester Warriors and Northampton Saints, retiring in June 2022. His colleague Alex Waller, a prop, retired in March 2024, having made a club record of 370 appearances across 15 years and also captaining the side. Tom Wood, who is also a qualified tree surgeon, explained: “What started out as hobby to complement our day jobs in professional sport and fulfil a desire to work with our hands, has grown into a business that is thriving.” Now the company has paid £383,500 for the 3,820 sq ft freehold unit at 97 St James Mill Road, Northampton, in order to cater for the continuing growth of the company. Waller & Wood Woodworks produces a variety of designer furniture, from bespoke large scale pieces and smaller accessories to commissions from customers seeking something unique. Tom Bromwich, managing partner of Bromwich Hardy, said: “One of the issues faced by all professional sport people is what they do when they call it a day in their chosen sport. “Some will gravitate towards coaching but in this case Tom and Alex have literally carved out a new career. “The pieces they produce are stunning and exclusive. I have no doubt that this is a business that can only continue to grow, and it was a privilege to be able to help them acquire their first commercial premises for Waller & Wood Woodworks.” Hadland Chartered Surveyors acted for the vendor who was advised by Helen Carville at law firm Max Engel & Co, with James Williams at Moore & Tibbits Solicitors in Warwick acting for Waller & Wood Woodworks.

Full steam ahead for Newark’s Yorke Drive redevelopment after plans approved

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Newark and Sherwood District Council’s Planning Committee has approved regeneration plans for the Yorke Drive estate, with work set to begin this summer after years of planning.
Redevelopment of the site will build new homes for Yorke Drive residents, improve the safety of the area, and deliver significant improvements to sports and recreational facilities. Councillor Lee Brazier, Portfolio Holder for Housing at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “I want to firstly thank the residents of Yorke Drive for their patience and cooperation during the planning of this scheme. As a Council, we recognise this has not been an easy process for them. “This is such an important development and the impact it will have on their lives is huge which is why it’s vital we get it right. This has been a key priority for this administration, ensuring that the scheme was ready to get over the line. Everyone is keen to get spades in the ground and this summer we will see the start of this exciting project. “Throughout the creation of this scheme we have continued to engage with residents and partner organisations ensuring the project meets the needs of those living on Yorke Drive. “The past few years have seen challenges ranging from re-designs, delays, the cost-of-living-crisis and even a worldwide pandemic, but our commitment to residents has remained steadfast and the approval of planning is a major step in creating a brighter future for all who live on the estate.” Due to the scale of this project, it will be delivered over several phases, with improvements to the playing fields, delivery of a new sports pavilion and building the new homes required for existing residents all taking place first. In total 207 homes will be built and these will be a mix of private and social homes, in different sizes, which are suitable for a range of households. Other improvements include creating an attractive entrance off Lincoln Road, improving linkages between Yorke Drive and the surrounding area, improving the energy efficiency of homes, increasing car parking allowance across Yorke Drive and including electric vehicle charge points, and providing a pavilion and green space central to the design, that gives residents access to Football Association standard playing pitches and facilities. Councillor Lee Brazier concludes: “We’ll be working closely with residents on the estate regularly over the next few months and years discussing how we will bring the plans for the building work to life, understanding how it will affect them and listening to residents about how we can support them through the different stages of regeneration including helping to keep the estate in good order whilst we progress. “The Council is here to support all residents, and anyone with concerns can contact us or raise them at the next drop-in. “This project is a massive achievement for the Council and once complete, will be a huge benefit to the community. Thank you to Council colleagues who have worked hard on this project for many years and I’m excited to see this project taking shape.” Development works on the estate are due to commence this summer.

Duo of lettings at Nottinghamshire industrial park

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FHP has let two significant units at Teal Park Industrial Park, Netherfield, Nottingham. Acting on behalf of Northwood Urban Logistics, these lettings totalling 38,500 sq ft bring the industrial element of the scheme to full occupancy and mark another milestone in the development’s success. Unit 5 has been let to Europcar Group UK Limited, a vehicle rental services business, and Unit 6 has been leased to Harlow Bros. Limited, a family-owned business specialising in timber products and bespoke construction solutions. The Teal Park scheme offers 160,000 sq ft of premium industrial and trade units fronting the Colwick Loop Road to the East of Nottingham. These latest lettings complement occupiers on the estate including Screwfix, Howdens, Toolstation, Karcher, ETB, Paint Well, ROL Fredbergs UK, and Octopus Energy Eco.