Midlands mid-sized businesses invest in technology for growth despite headwinds
MMD expands Derbyshire HQ with modern amenities
Material processing firm MMD has expanded its Derbyshire headquarters with a two-storey extension, adding 4,800 sq ft of new workspace. The redesign, led by interior design consultancy OP, integrates the company’s mining heritage with contemporary workplace features.
The extension includes a dining area inspired by traditional British social clubs, complete with a commercial kitchen, brass lighting, and vintage-style booths. Additional amenities include a gym, arcade machine, pool, ping-pong tables, and a dart area.
MMD, a global specialist in material processing for mining, quarrying, and recycling, says the development aims to enhance collaboration and employee well-being while preserving its industrial heritage.
Nottingham-based IT company recognised in FT 1000 List of Europe’s Fastest-Growing Companies
Nottingham-based IT company Reformed IT has been featured in the FT 1000, the Financial Times’ annual ranking of Europe’s fastest-growing companies compiled in collaboration with Statista.
Reformed IT has been included after achieving an impressive absolute growth rate of 193.9% and a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 43.2% between 2020 and 2023. The company’s revenue surged from £456,000 in 2020 to £1,384,000 in 2023, while its workforce nearly doubled from six employees to eleven during the same period.
The FT 1000 list is a testament to innovation and economic growth across Europe, identifying companies that have demonstrated exceptional performance and resilience. The full ranking was published on March 4, 2025, with Reformed IT earning its well-deserved spot among Europe’s most dynamic businesses.
Reformed IT’s remarkable growth trajectory reflects its commitment to excellence and its strategic vision in the IT sector. This achievement not only underscores the company’s significant contributions to the local economy in Nottingham but also its impact on the broader European market.
“This accomplishment is a reflection of our dedicated team’s hard work and our unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional value to our customers. I would love to thank our incredible team for their continued hard work to get us to this place, and we look forward to building upon this success and continuing our growth journey.”
Equity investment in East Midlands small businesses rises despite fewer deals
Equity investment in small businesses across the East Midlands grew by 25.5% between Q1 and Q3 2024, despite a 14.9% drop in deals compared to the same period in 2023, according to the British Business Bank’s Small Business Finance Markets report 2024/25. Nationally, half of the UK’s nations and regions saw growth in equity deal value despite challenging economic conditions.
The proportion of small businesses using external finance fell from 50% in Q3 2023 to 43% in Q2 2024. Limited capital and higher borrowing costs due to investor uncertainty remain key barriers to investment. Smaller businesses invested an estimated £12.3 billion in 2024, while larger businesses invested £27.7 billion—2.25 times more—despite contributing a smaller share of total economic turnover.
The report follows the first anniversary of the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II, which has facilitated over £37 million in investments and completed its 100th deal. The fund provides commercial finance, including loans from £25,000 to £100,000, debt financing up to £2 million, and equity investments of up to £5 million.
Challenger and specialist banks continued to gain market share, providing £37.3 billion of the £62.1 billion in gross lending to small businesses in 2024. Their share of gross lending reached 60%, surpassing the UK’s five largest banks for the fourth consecutive year.
Countdown begins for the 14th Annual Property & Business Investment Lincolnshire Expo – Just 3 weeks away
Chesterfield Canal masterplan launched to boost business and tourism
A masterplan to restore the Chesterfield Canal and develop the surrounding corridor has been launched, aiming to drive economic growth, tourism, and biodiversity.
The plan outlines opportunities for new businesses, water-based training, paddlesports, cycling and walking trails, and habitat restoration. Eighteen hubs have been identified along the corridor, focusing on regeneration between Chesterfield and Kiveton Park.
The initiative, commissioned by the Chesterfield Canal Partnership and developed by Focus Consultants and Sigma Architects, was presented to local government officials, business leaders, and stakeholders in Killamarsh.
The project will be delivered alongside ongoing canal restoration efforts. Since 1989, 12 miles of the canal have been reinstated, with 8.5 miles remaining to achieve full navigation. Local authorities, including Chesterfield Borough Council and Derbyshire County Council, have contributed funding.
The partnership aims to secure additional investment to complete the project and unlock a fully restored canal’s economic and environmental benefits.
EGO Technology acquires Ucan Secure IT to expand recycling capabilities
Burton-on-Trent-based IT disposal firm EGO Technology has acquired Bradford-based Ucan Secure IT, expanding its footprint in secure and sustainable IT recycling.
Founded in 2010, Ucan specialises in recycling redundant IT equipment, including laptops, hard drives, mobile phones, and printers. It operates as a zero-landfill organisation serving businesses, schools, and universities across the UK.
EGO Technology says the acquisition strengthens its position in IT asset disposal (ITAD) by integrating Ucan’s recycling capabilities, which focus on recovering valuable materials such as rare earth metals. The move is part of a broader strategy to enhance UK-based IT recycling solutions that ensure compliance and reduce environmental impact.
Birmingham logistics specialist snaps up Nottinghamshire firm
Pall-Ex Group names new Chief Operating Officer
The Business Hub Work Experience returns to Market Harborough
