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Research reveals £3.5bn lending gap for East Midlands businesses

Tess Egginton
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Research reveals £3.5bn lending gap for East Midlands businesses
New research from Allica Bank has revealed a gap of £3.58bn in lending to East Midlands SMEs has emerged over the last thirty years. The research highlights how the Big Six high-street banks have pulled back from SME lending in recent decades leading to a lending gap for the UK as a whole of £65bn. It has left the UK with the lowest business investment rate in the G7. For the East Midlands’ 181,250 SME businesses, that £3.58bn is vital cash that could otherwise be directed toward investment, growth and productivity at a time when the UK is crying out for investment. The £65bn SME credit gap was worked out by comparing the current level of SME lending to historic lending trends and comparable global economies. The report calculated that, as a result of banks pulling back from SME lending, a gap of approximately £65bn in the stock of SME credit has emerged. The research also highlights how, in response to a tougher lending environment, the percentage of SMEs applying for external finance has fallen markedly from 65% in the late 1980s to just 25% between 2022-24. Likewise, SME loan rejections have risen from between 5-10% three decades ago to 40% today. The lack of SME lending is taking £3.58bn of productive credit out of the East Midlands economy – equivalent to around 2.2% of the region’s GDP. Alan Andrews, Allica Bank’s relationship manager for the East Midlands, said: “The East Midlands is home to some fantastic businesses and a business community that wants to invest, grow and innovate. All too often, however, business owners struggle to find the finance they need to do so. “Recent decades have seen many banks focus lending only on businesses with significant assets and property, or shy away from supporting some sectors altogether. Our data reveals that three decades ago only 5-10% of SME loans were rejected – a figure that stands at 40% today. This shows a banking sector failing to keep pace with a changing economy and this is having real knock-on effects for the East Midlands economy, and the country as a whole. “A big contributor to this is the antiquated technology many big banks have, and the lack of real human support they offer established SME businesses in the East Midlands. Relationship managers like myself can help business owners identify opportunities to borrow, can help them make a strong application and can champion that business within the bank. At Allica, we combine that relationship-based approach with smart technology that keeps things moving fast. “As somebody who works with businesses across the East Midlands every day and sees the creativity and dynamism waiting to be unleashed, I’m excited to be part of the team aiming to close that SME lending gap. The Big Six banks have undervalued, underfunded and levelled-down the regional economy for too long, we’re aiming to remedy that.”

Small businesses adopting AI to drive growth and efficiency

April Lara
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Small businesses adopting AI to drive growth and efficiency

A growing number of small businesses in the UK are integrating artificial intelligence (AI) tools into their operations, with 62% now using the technology to enhance efficiency. The shift is largely driven by a strong demand for AI skills training, particularly in marketing, operations, and customer service.

A recent initiative by BT and Small Business Britain introduced an ‘AI for Small Business’ training programme, helping bridge the skills gap for 500 small business owners. The programme offered expert-led webinars and a follow-up course on AI tools, aimed at enabling entrepreneurs to leverage AI for greater efficiency. The course highlighted how small businesses can utilise AI for tasks such as content creation, data analysis, and automation, even without prior technical expertise.

Business owners are increasingly recognising the need for hands-on support, with over half (51%) reporting that they need assistance to effectively implement AI. The training programme is designed to give practical advice on integrating AI into business operations, helping companies focus on growth and innovation.

AI tools are becoming a key asset for small businesses, not just in improving day-to-day operations, but also in helping them stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market.

AtkinsRéalis secures £1 billion deal to support Anglian Water’s £11 billion investment programme

April Lara
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AtkinsRéalis secures £1 billion deal to support Anglian Water’s £11 billion investment programme

AtkinsRéalis has been appointed Programme Delivery Partner (PDP) by Anglian Water Services as part of a joint venture with Mace and Turner & Townsend. The collaboration will help deliver Anglian Water’s £11 billion capital investment plan, which spans from April 2023 to 2030, marking the beginning of the largest business plan in the company’s history.

The £1 billion agreement extends through to 2040 and covers a comprehensive range of major infrastructure projects, including the construction of two new reservoirs in the Fens and Lincolnshire. This partnership represents one of the largest contracts of its kind within the water industry and provides an opportunity to support Anglian Water’s significant infrastructure transformation.

As Programme Delivery Partner, AtkinsRéalis, alongside its joint venture partners, will assist in managing the full capital investment programme, focusing on efficient, collaborative delivery to meet the needs of Anglian Water’s customers and environmental goals. The companies aim to drive innovation and record levels of investment to secure a reliable, resilient water supply for millions of customers across the region.

Aldi to expand solar panel installations across 90 UK stores by 2026

April Lara
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Aldi to expand solar panel installations across 90 UK stores by 2026

Aldi UK is investing £7.7 million to install solar panels on 90 of its stores by 2026, as part of its drive towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2035. The first phase will see solar systems installed on 41 stores by the end of 2025, with another 49 to follow in 2026. Each store will have a solar system capable of producing up to 144 kilowatts, generating an estimated 100,000 kilowatt-hours annually per store.

The supermarket chain already purchases 100% renewable electricity, but the solar initiative aims to give Aldi more control over its energy production and improve the transparency of performance data. Furthermore, all new stores will be equipped with solar panels from the start.

Aldi’s sustainability efforts also include energy-efficient upgrades to refrigeration and logistics systems. The company has reduced chiller energy usage by 20% with new door installations and is replacing company cars with electric vehicles. The retailer is also exploring low-emission fuels for its logistics fleet.

With this solar expansion, Aldi is positioning itself as a leader in the race towards greater sustainability in the retail sector, ahead of competitors like Iceland, which recently partnered with Shawton Energy for a similar rooftop solar project.

Derby creative agency makes trio of appointments

Tess Egginton
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Derby creative agency makes trio of appointments
Full-service agency Fluid Ideas has boosted its team with the appointment of three new members of staff. Arthur Tyrer, Al Davies and Nikita Ghai have joined Fluid from other agencies in the Midlands. Arthur has moved to Fluid as an account director from Nottingham outfit m360. He has more than 10 years’ experience in a full-service creative agency environment. Al has joined as a senior creative in Fluid’s strategy and creative team. He brings almost 20 years’ experience in graphic design, brand and creative roles, and has previously worked at Nottingham-based agencies, including Adtrak and Hallam. Al is also a public speaker and a guest university lecturer on branding and creativity. Nikita has joined Fluid’s performance and innovation team as a paid media executive. She was previously at Dentsu, where she worked across all major social platforms, including Meta, TikTok, Snapchat, Reddit, Pinterest and LinkedIn. Fluid managing director Ed Bowler said: “Fluid has always been about building meaningful and lasting relationships with our clients and helping them to achieve things that had previously been out of reach. “Bringing Arthur, Al and Nikita into the team further strengthens our full-service fluency, and gives us wider capacity and skills to become even more invested in our client partnerships. “Increasingly, that means guiding clients through significant moments of strategic change, often in an advisory or consultative role that draws on the experience and expertise found across our five teams.”

Developer reveals Buxton community’s response to shopping centre redevelopment plans

Tess Egginton
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Developer reveals Buxton community’s response to shopping centre redevelopment plans
Developer Capital&Centric has revealed the Buxton community’s initial response to its plans for The Springs Shopping Centre. Almost 700 people provided their thoughts on the plans, with more than 400 showing up in person. The feedback shows strong support for better connections from the train station into the heart of town, especially for those on foot or bike. People also called for the design to reflect Buxton’s historic charm, with appetite for traditional materials, local stone and craftsmanship blending old with new. Locals further said they want the revamped town centre to prioritise indie shops, restaurants and bars. There was demand too for new spaces for live music, exhibitions, and family-friendly fun. As part of the next stage, Capital&Centric has revealed what the revitalised riverside space could look like, turning the currently hidden away River Wye into a feature for Buxton’s future public realm. John Moffat, joint managing director at Capital&Centric, said: “We’ve always said this would be shaped by the people who live and work in Buxton and this first conversation proves how much passion there is for the town’s future. “We’ve taken the feedback seriously, from calls for design that honours the past to a town centre that’s buzzing with independent shops and culture. The River Wye has been hidden for too long and we’re really excited to be opening it up and making it part of a proper public space the whole town can enjoy.”

Councillor Damien Greenhalgh, deputy leader and executive councillor for regeneration, tourism and leisure at High Peak Borough Council, added: “Thanks to everyone who has taken part in the conversations about the future of Buxton town centre. Your views matter and, I hope you can see, are being reflected in the plans worked up by our development partner Capital & Centric.

“We’re a town famous for our water and opening up the River Wye helps to celebrate one of Buxton’s defining characteristics. It’s great to see the introduction of new public areas for people to appreciate and to spend time in which is one of the things you’ve told us you want to see more of.”

More detailed plans will follow, with another opportunity for locals to share feedback ahead of planning submission.

Councils lead the way in fostering-friendly workplace policies

April Lara
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Councils lead the way in fostering-friendly workplace policies

Four councils in the East Midlands—Derby City, Derbyshire County, Nottingham City, and Nottinghamshire County—have achieved Fostering Friendly status, recognising their efforts to support employees who are foster carers. This initiative, developed by The Fostering Network, encourages businesses to help foster carers balance their professional responsibilities with their caregiving roles.

The scheme promotes practical workplace adjustments such as paid time off for training and appointments, as well as flexible working hours. These actions are designed to make fostering more accessible for working individuals, helping foster carers manage their dual roles without compromising their careers.

The four councils are also part of a regional initiative, Foster for East Midlands, aimed at recruiting more foster carers and enhancing the quality of care across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. The collaboration strives to keep children closer to their families, schools, and communities, offering them more stability and better long-term outcomes.

Businesses in the region are being urged to consider how they can support fostering, including offering flexible hours or raising awareness of fostering opportunities within their organisations. Larger-scale initiatives, such as apprenticeships or work experience placements for young people in care, can have a lasting impact on the community.

Organisations that join the Fostering Friendly scheme are provided with resources and guidance to develop supportive workplace policies and communicate their commitment publicly. This initiative not only helps foster carers but also enables businesses to strengthen their ties to the community while supporting the stability and well-being of children in care.

Superdrug to expand its presence at Highcross Leicester

April Lara
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Superdrug to expand its presence at Highcross Leicester

Superdrug is set to open a new 9,000 sqft store at Highcross Leicester in Autumn 2025, marking a major step in its expansion within the health and beauty sector. The store will occupy two units previously home to Paperchase and Designer Furniture Store, further strengthening the shopping centre’s beauty and wellness offering.

This new location follows recent openings by global brands like Rituals and Space NK, continuing Highcross’s strategy of attracting high-profile beauty and wellbeing retailers. The move reflects Superdrug’s ongoing commitment to physical retail, with the brand already established as the UK’s second-largest health and beauty retailer.

The store will feature a comprehensive range of skincare, fragrance, and cosmetics, including popular brands like L’Oréal, Revolution, e.l.f, and TIRTIR. It will also house a nurse-led aesthetic clinic offering treatments such as anti-wrinkle procedures and fillers. In addition, a Beauty Studio will provide services like eyebrow threading, eyelash extensions, and nail care.

Superdrug’s investment in this location is part of its broader strategy to enhance its in-store customer experience while expanding its regional presence. The new store will contribute to Highcross Leicester’s growing appeal as a hub for both affordable and premium beauty products, with a focus on a diverse customer base.

Midlands startups quadruple venture capital investment

Tess Egginton
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Midlands startups quadruple venture capital investment
Venture capital (VC) investment into the Midlands’ start-up and scaling businesses increased in the second quarter of 2025, bucking the national trend, according to the latest KPMG Private Enterprise Venture Pulse report. The Midlands’ start-ups raised £108.5m in the second quarter of 2025, more than four times the £26m raised in the first three months of the year. 28 investments were concluded in the region – 11 in the East Midlands and 17 in the West Midlands – compared to 12 in the previous quarter, highlighting increased appetite among VC investors looking to support the region’s burgeoning start-up community. The largest raise included a £14.9m investment into Nottingham-based scheduling platform developer Cronofy – enabling them to pursue further growth both at home and overseas in the US. Cronofy was one of six Midlands companies in the business and productivity software sector securing VC funding this quarter – reflecting the national trend – as start-ups focused on products and services that streamline business operations continue to gain popularity among funders. Andy Bostock, Birmingham office senior partner at KPMG UK, said: “Venture capital investment in the Midlands’ most promising early-stage businesses has surged this quarter, rebounding from a Q1 lull. While national investment remains subdued, the Midlands has bucked the trend, demonstrating real resilience. “The most active areas were innovation-led sectors such as business and productivity software, many of which are leveraging AI as a key development tool. This reflects the adaptability of Midlands businesses in embracing high-growth technologies and leading the charge in innovation. “The Midlands is fast becoming a hub for high-growth ventures. With continued public and private backing and the right advisory support, these investments have the potential to drive long-term growth, research and commercialisation.”

Morrison Design

Tess Egginton
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Morrison Design
Morrison Design: Creating Purposeful Architecture Since 1948 Headquartered in Derby, Morrison Design is a team of highly skilled, forward-thinking architects with a proven track record of delivering intelligent, impactful design. Since 1948, the RIBA Chartered practice has remained at the forefront of the industry – continually evolving while maintaining an unwavering commitment to quality, and innovation. They specialise in Hotels & Hospitality, Science & Technology, Public Sector (including Healthcare and Education) and Masterplanning, working with clients as Architects, Project Managers and Principal Designers. They work across the UK and Ireland with clients in London, Dublin and locally in and around Derby. Morrison Design’s portfolio includes Hilton, Holiday Inn, the NHS, Mercure, Rolls-Royce, Crowne Plaza, Lubrizol, Crimson Hotels, Mornington Hotels, Point A Hotels, Derby College, University of Derby, Morley Hayes, and Horizon Healthcare. Recent Highlights 2025 has seen the successful completion of several key developments, including:
  • Point A Liberties, a new 95-bedroom hotel in central Dublin
  • University of Derby’s new Super Lab – a cutting-edge, interdisciplinary learning environment for Biomedical Science students
  • The Sustainable Travel Hub at the University of Derby’s Kedleston Road campus
Their work continues to shape the East Midlands and beyond – from the Lubrizol Conference Centre in Hazelwood to the regeneration of Rolls-Royce facilities, upgrades to Morley Hayes and the delivery of high-performance academic environments such as the Super Lab, OMICS Lab and Performance Analysis Suite at the University of Derby. A Practice Built on Purpose Morrison Design believe architecture is about more than buildings – it’s about impact. They’re driven by a commitment to people, place and planet, with a business culture that puts integrity, wellbeing and sustainability at the centre of everything they do. Sustainability The practice recognise the significant role architecture plays in mitigating environmental impact. They believe sustainability starts at home and have taken action to reduce their environmental impact in their studio. This includes purchasing locally sourced milk, recycled paper and improving recycling facilities. Mental Health & Wellbeing Morrison Design are committed to fostering a healthy, supportive workplace. With certified Mental Health First Aiders and team-wide training in Mental Health Awareness and Stress Management, they create a culture of openness and care. Regular initiatives such as wellbeing walks, team socials and tea at three sessions encourage connection and wellbeing. Learning & Development The team are proud to cultivate talent from within. All three directors began their careers at Morrison Design as apprentices or junior team members, progressing through the business to lead a management buyout in 2019. They provide ongoing professional development, mentorship and industry placements to support career progression and broaden access to architectural practice. Diversity & Inclusion As signatories of the RIBA Inclusion Charter, the team are committed to maintaining an inclusive and equitable workplace. Guided by input from their Diversity & Inclusion group, they organise regular events around International Women’s Day, Pride, Black History Month and International Day for Persons with Disabilities – with a focus on both celebration and education. Their progressive internal policies – including those supporting menopause, menstruation, fertility journeys and flexible working – are designed to create a supportive environment for all. Giving Back The Morrison Deisgn team regularly participates in volunteering, fundraising and mentoring initiatives. Each year, they nominate a charity close to the hearts of their team. In 2025, they’re proudly supporting Ben’s Den, a local charity providing holidays and respite for children with cancer. 
Copyright 2019 Matthew Shaw.
Recognition In 2025, Morrison Design has been recognised as a finalist in multiple categories at leading industry awards, including:
  • Architect of the Year Awards – Retail & Leisure Architect of the Year
  • Constructing Excellence East Midlands – Building Project of the Year, Infrastructure Project of the Year and People & Culture Award (Highly Commended)
  • London Construction Awards – Diversity & Inclusion Initiative of the Year
  • National Building and Construction Awards – Architectural practice of the year and Project of the Year – up to £10 million
To learn more about Morrison Design, please visit https://www.morrisondesign.co.uk/
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