Work resumes on stalled affordable housing scheme
Work is back underway on an affordable housing development in Long Eaton, Futures Housing Group and Lovell Partnerships have revealed, after setbacks with the original builders.
The East Midlands housing association is working with Lovell to complete 109 homes on Bennett Street, Long Eaton. The homes will be a mixture of affordable housing, including social and affordable rent, shared ownership, and Rent to Buy.
Due to a number of significant issues, Futures terminated the contract with the original builders in 2022 and it has taken time to get the project back on track.
Anthony Holt, Director of Development & Asset Maximisation at Futures, said: “We’re very happy to announce work is progressing well again after a few setbacks with this scheme, and it’s great to have Lovell supporting us with this.
“We’re aware it may have looked like not much has been happening on this development for a while. Over the past year we’ve had to carry out a lot of ‘behind the scenes’ work, such as weatherproofing the partially built homes on site, knocking down some timber frames that couldn’t be saved and building a new pumping station.
“But we’re full steam ahead again now and people will see some real changes on site, as we bring these much-needed homes to the community.”
Mark Roe, Partnerships Director at Lovell, said: “A huge part of our work in the East Midlands is to create thriving communities with high-quality homes, and getting this previously stalled scheme moving again is an important step to doing just that in Long Eaton.
“Alongside Futures, revitalising the regeneration of the area in support of offering accessible housing options is crucial work and will continue to be a focus for us into the future.
“The nature of the project adds significant challenges, in utilising our expertise, from elements of refurbishment to completing new building work, we’re looking forward to seeing the development come to life even more as we head towards completion.”
Bennett Street is partly funded by Homes England and Erewash Borough Council. The first new homes are expected to be ready from this summer and all homes on the development to be finished in 2026.
IHG rebrands East Midlands Airport hotel as Crowne Plaza
IHG Hotels & Resorts is rebranding the Best Western Premier Yew Lodge near East Midlands Airport into Crowne Plaza East Midlands Airport. Bookings are open for stays starting 18 April.
Located in Kegworth, 2.5 miles from the airport, the rebranded hotel will feature 114 guest rooms, a Marco Pierre White-branded restaurant, a fitness centre, and 17 meeting rooms aimed at business and leisure travellers.
The move is part of IHG’s broader UK and Ireland expansion, which includes over 900 new rooms across multiple properties. Recent openings include voco London Marylebone and the UK’s first Garner-branded hotel in Preston Samlesbury.
£3.288m earmarked to boost economic growth in Derby
Cabinet members at Derby City Council will be asked to accept £3.288m of Government funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) at the next Cabinet meeting on Wednesday 12 March.
The grant funding will cover the 2025/26 financial year and will be allocated through the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA). Cabinet members will also be asked to accept £0.3m of grant funding for 2025/26 from EMCCA to support inward investment and enter into a grant agreement with Marketing Derby to deliver outcomes.
The previous UKSPF programme provided £2.6 billion of funding across the UK from 2022 to 2025. The funding sought to improve pride and increase life chances across the UK by investing in three key service areas: Communities and Place, Supporting Local Businesses, and People and Skills.
The current government has now extended the UKSPF for an additional year, allocating a further £902m of national funding for the 2025/26 financial year as part of a transitional agreement.
This year’s UKSPF allocation for Derby is not dissimilar to previous years due to a relocation of funding based on levels of deprivation, ensuring that Derby has received a strong outcome to help address the additional pressures this brings.
The funding will continue to be used to support various areas such as working towards healthy, safe and inclusive communities, thriving places, support for businesses, employability and skills.
Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Leader of Derby City Council and Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Strategy and Policy, said: “The UK Shared Prosperity Fund has been a vital source of grant funding in Derby for many years and has allowed us to continue our vital work across three important agendas. Receiving this transitional funding is a bonus, and Derby has received a fair allocation that reflects the needs of our city.
“The extension of the UKSPF for the financial year 2025/26 will allow us to continue investing in businesses, communities, and skills at a time where support for Derby’s economy and communities is crucial. With future funding reforms on the horizon and budget pressures, we will continue to work hard to deliver real benefits for the people of Derby.”
UK businesses urge government to fix outdated infrastructure
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is urging the UK government to address critical infrastructure issues to support economic growth. A new BCC report calls for road and rail capacity investment, regional transport projects, and improved grid connectivity. It also stresses the need for long-term policy stability and better planning capacity to restore business confidence, which was shaken by the cancellation of HS2’s later stages.
The report highlights widespread concerns among business leaders. Two-thirds (66%) feel their input is ignored in local infrastructure decisions, rising to 81% for national projects. Additionally, 62% say local bus and tram networks are inadequate, affecting workers’ commuting ability.
The BCC has launched an initiative to train and place 100 additional planners in local authorities to tackle planning delays. The report also urges the government to include business interests in the upcoming Infrastructure and Planning Bill to ensure a coordinated national strategy.
The BCC warns that uncertainty around major infrastructure projects hinders private sector investment and that reform is needed to create a stable environment for long-term economic development.
East Midlands Combined County Authority appoints permanent Executive Directors
The East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) has appointed its permanent Executive Directors.
Following the appointment of EMCCA’s first permanent Chief Executive, Amy Harhoff, the senior team has now added three new members to its ranks: Damien Dacey – Executive Director of Strategy and Inclusive Growth, Edward Highfield – Executive Director of Place, and Richard Williams - Executive Director of Resources.
Damien, who has been serving as the Interim Deputy Chief Executive at EMCCA, has played a pivotal role in shaping the authority’s strategic direction since October 2023.
Bringing a wealth of experience from the UK Civil Service, Damien spent over a decade in various policy development and programme delivery roles. Most notably, he contributed to the cross-government initiative to broaden and strengthen devolution across the country, including in the East Midlands.
As Executive Director of Strategy and Inclusive Growth, he will be driving forward a dynamic and forward-thinking approach to economic development, employment, and skills across the East Midlands.
Damien Dacey said: “I have seen this organisation grow and begin to deliver real change for the region already. So, I am delighted to have been appointed the permanent Executive Director of Strategy and Inclusive Growth.”
Edward brings a wealth of experience, joining EMCCA from Kirklees Council in West Yorkshire, where he has been in his role as Director of Skills and Regeneration for over three years. In this capacity, he oversees planning and development, business and economy, employment and skills, as well as major projects. Edward also holds the position of independent Governor at Kirklees College.
With over 20 years of experience in Local Government, he has built a strong track record in driving growth and development in various regions. Before his time at Kirklees, Edward held director roles at Sheffield City Council, where he worked as Director of City Growth, leading the economic development agency and as Director of Creative for Sheffield.
As Executive Director of Place at EMCCA, he will oversee key areas including Transport, Net Zero, and Housing. He will play a central role in driving the organisation’s initiatives to transform regional transport opportunities for those who live, work and do business in the region, and help to deliver 1,400 high-quality homes by March 2026.
Edward said: “I am excited to step into the role of Director of Place for the East Midlands Combined County Authority. This is an incredible opportunity to be part of a young, forward-looking organisation which is already making real changes and showing its impact in the region.”
Richard has extensive and wide ranging financial, commercial and transformation experience. He is a CIPFA qualified accountant whose career spans both public and private sectors.
He joins EMCCA from Southampton City Council, where he is currently interim Director of Finance. His previous roles have included Transformation Director at City of Edinburgh Council, Board Director of a mid-sized technology consultancy, Interim Resources Director at Cornwall Council and Executive Director at Somerset County Council. Prior to these roles, Richard worked in public sector consultancy for KPMG and PwC.
In his new role as Executive Director of Resources, Richard will oversee the finance, HR, OD Learning, procurement and contract management, business operations, digital & technology and audit functions. He will also be pivotal in shaping EMCCA’s financial strategy and strengthening its commercial relationships.
Richard said: “I am delighted to be joining the East Midlands Combined County Authority at such a critical point in its development. I am very much looking forward to working with the Mayor and Amy, and with the new permanent management team to continue to shape and grow the combined authority. At the same time, to build and lead the very best resources functions and teams we can, to support the organisation to deliver its inclusive growth mission and strategic objectives.”
Edward and Richard are replacing current Interim Executive Director of Resources, Amanda Mays and Interim Executive Director of Place, Richard Grice.
Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward said: “I am delighted to have appointed three permanent Executive Directors to our ranks. Damien, Edward and Richard all bring with them rich experience of public service leadership and all three will play a pivotal role in driving forward this organisation and ensuring that our investments in the region deliver real change for the people of the East Midlands.”
Chief Executive of EMCCA, Amy Harhoff said: “I am pleased to have had the opportunity to carefully build my permanent Executive Director team, and I am delighted to welcome Edward and Richard to EMCCA and looking forward to continuing to work with Damien, as we embark on this exciting next chapter together.
“The selection process has allowed us to bring together a group of leaders who are not only exceptionally skilled but also share our vision and commitment to making a lasting impact.“
Nottingham art gallery secures future with factory purchase
Backlit Gallery in Nottingham has secured its long-term future by raising £884,000 to purchase its Victorian factory premises, Alfred House, from Nottingham City Council.
The gallery, based in Sneinton since 2012, operates 75 artist studios within the former textiles factory, initially built in 1872 by anti-slavery campaigner Samuel Morley. The purchase was completed for £625,000, with remaining funds allocated for renovations, including improved disabled access, a new community garden, and a ground-floor gallery.
Multiple sources provided funding, including £480,657 from Arts Council England and £150,000 from the Garfield Weston Foundation. The Architectural Heritage Fund, the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the Foyle Foundation, and the Clothworkers’ Foundation also contributed.
Northampton begins work on £1.6m heritage park
Construction has started on Marefair Heritage Park in Northampton, a project designed to boost footfall and create a more welcoming town centre. The site will feature a castle-themed play area, a community garden, and a walking trail highlighting the history of Northampton Castle.
The project is backed by £1.6 million from the Towns Fund, developer contributions, and West Northamptonshire Council. Initial work includes utility disconnections, securing the site, and relocating heritage features. Future phases will involve tree root protection, structural reinforcements, and excavation for historical displays under archaeological supervision.
The park aims to enhance connections between Northampton railway station and the town centre, supporting local businesses and tourism. Construction is set to be completed by late summer 2025.
Derby accountancy firm expands with key new appointments
Derby accountancy firm Vibrant Accountancy is continuing to grow after expanding its team with three key new appointments.
Lodge Lane-based Vibrant Accountancy, founded by Bev Wakefield, has welcomed two new faces to its expanding team: Dawn Ford, who takes on the role of client manager, and Hana Chatwin, who joins as one of the company’s two new associate directors.
Senior client manager Amie Fellows has upped her existing role to become Vibrant’s other associate director.
Bev said: “I’m delighted to welcome Dawn and Hana to the Vibrant team and Amie to her new associate director role.
“It’s an exciting time for Vibrant as we prepare some exciting new projects this year, all with the aim of continuing to support business owners to run successful enterprises by understanding their numbers and helping make Derby and Derbyshire a great place to live and work.”
Dawn said she was excited to join Vibrant because of its fresh and contemporary approach to accountancy, which can sometimes be seen as old fashioned.
She said: “I applied for the job at Vibrant because I was keen to expand my horizons. Having worked in some very traditional and quite conservative firms in the past, I was really attracted by Vibrant’s more modern approach to accountancy. I’m really enjoying my new role at Vibrant and I’ve had a very warm welcome and feel part of the team already.
“It’s great to give clients support so they can connect with their business journey and at Vibrant I’m looking forward to doing that.”
Hana has joined Vibrant’s top team after having originally trained with Bev at accountancy firm Cooper Parry.
She said: “I’ve seen the exciting approach that Bev has taken with her business and how she supports small businesses in their mission. That’s something I’m also passionate about and I’m excited to have joined the Vibrant team.
“As accountants we can offer valuable support to business owners in so many ways, and I wanted to come and work with Bev to support her in doing that. I enjoy real partnership with small businesses, taking them on their journey and helping them review their numbers and future plans.
“I want to support small businesses in Derby to scale and grow. From my perspective, Derby is a great area and I’m keen to help improve the area by bringing in new opportunities and supporting start-ups.
“There’s not a huge amount of support for smaller businesses in providing that, so we are in a position to really help make a difference.”
Amie said she was enjoying her new role which will see her oversee the Vibrant team as well as look after clients.
She said: “Vibrant Accountancy is a very client focused business and we try to do things differently from other firms. Bev has made this a fantastic business and being part of this team gives you such a nice feeling.
“It’s great to sit with clients and set goals together, and then see them achieve those goals. As an accountant, it’s great to know that you have helped a business grow.
“My new role at Vibrant is a more strategic one. I’ll be helping work on the business, focusing on our brilliant team, their needs and how we help our people grow as well as our clients.”
Vibrant Accountancy now has a team of 12.
Construction business and cathedral collaborate on stone-cutting facility
The Gelder Group has secured a new contract marking a special collaboration between the construction business and Lincoln Cathedral.
The company will further expand at its headquarters, to build a stone-cutting facility, which will provide tailored stone to keep the city’s world-famous Cathedral in great shape for centuries to come.
Gelder Group CEO Steve Gelder said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for both parties. The new centre will house modern equipment for future Cathedral projects, starting with the second stage of its Chapter house project.
“The centre will boost efficiencies for the Cathedral and reduce costs because of its ability to cut pieces of stone to size, thereby reducing wastage to virtually zero.
“Lincoln Cathedral is the only Cathedral to be listed in its entirety on English Heritage’s At Risk register, so we are really proud that the new centre will support this vital work and also the Cathedral’s drive to promote heritage skills.”
Work on the new centre began in January and the facility will be available to the Cathedral by way of a 20-year lease.
Lincoln Cathedral Director of Estates and Facilities Mark Wheater said that following phase two of the Chapter House project, future work is waiting in the wings.
“We have an over-arching 50-year plan and then a five-year plan of works. Maintaining the building and promoting the heritage skills needed to conserve it are huge priorities for us. The new facility means we are able to cut pieces of stone to size, rather than buying pre-cut blocks and then trimming them down.
“This will be much more cost-effective for us, with the ability to handle much larger pieces of stone. We will also be installing solar panels with battery storage to make the development as sustainable as possible.”
The Very Reverend Dr Simon Jones, Dean of Lincoln said: “This partnership with Gelder Group to create a bespoke cutting facility is a vital step in our commitment to conserving the built heritage of Lincoln Cathedral in a financially and environmentally sustainable way.
“The Cathedral has stood as a beacon on the skyline of Lincoln for almost 1,000 years, and one of our greatest daily challenges to ensure that it does so for many more centuries to come.
“The cutting facility will also support our reputation as a centre of excellence for heritage skills by providing our craftspeople with the literal building blocks to continue to conserve this internationally important building for the future, and ensure that these vital skills continue to be shared with the next generation of stonemasons.”
The Derbyshire Brain Game hits record breaking fundraising figures for Marie Curie
Every October, The Derbyshire Brain Game committee pull together to organise a fundraising event which has become a firm appointment in the corporate world’s social calendar.
In 2024, The Derbyshire Brain Game event at Pride Park Stadium raised a staggering £66,042 for the end-of-life charity, Marie Curie. The Derbyshire Brain Game has raised nearly £500,000 for the charity to date.
The annual event unites over 300 local business professionals for an evening of formal attire, fine food, challenging quiz rounds, networking and of course, fundraising for Marie Curie.
The event provides an opportunity for local companies to bring together staff, clients and suppliers to test their knowledge on a wide range of subjects and raise vital funds for a worthy cause.
Marie Curie supports people with any illness they are likely to die from including Alzheimer’s (and other forms of dementia), heart, liver, kidney and lung disease, motor neurone disease, Parkinson’s, and advanced cancer.
The charity provides expert care and support in people’s homes, in its hospices and over the phone via its free Information & Support helpline which is there for anyone who is affected by dying, death and bereavement.
The Derbyshire Brain Game is entirely organised by a committee of local business volunteers including representatives from Bowmer and Kirkland, PKF Smith Cooper, Geldards and Clowes Developments and individuals who have driven this event from its inception to the success it has become today.
Carol Price has chaired the committee since 2017 and vowed that whilst this would be her last event chairing the committee, she would remain a committed member helping the team to push their fundraising totals to well over £500,000.
The next event will take place on Thursday 9 October 2025 at Pride Park Stadium.
