East Midlands offers most efficient conditions for UK tradespeople

April Lara
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East Midlands offers most efficient conditions for UK tradespeople

New data highlights the East Midlands as the most favourable UK region for tradespeople regarding working hours, commute lengths, and mental health outcomes. The findings come from a report by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles that analysed regional variations in working life for trades professionals.

Tradespeople in the East Midlands work fewer hours on average, 9.03 per day, compared to the national average of 9.25 hours. In contrast, those in the West Midlands work 9.81 hours daily. This adds up to a significant difference over a working week, giving East Midlands professionals more personal time or increased availability for additional jobs.

Commute distances also varied sharply. The East Midlands reported the lowest average daily mileage at 67.95 miles, well below the UK average of 88.37 miles. Tradespeople in London and the North West drove more than 100 miles a day, meaning East Midlands workers potentially save over 20 miles daily, equivalent to 82 hours annually.

This efficiency appears to have mental health benefits. Workers in the East Midlands lost just 2.84 days due to mental health challenges in 2024, undercutting the national average of 3.58 days. Wales recorded the highest at 5.75 days lost.

Key stress factors across the UK included long hours, poor work-life balance, and the job’s physical toll. The data suggests that even incremental schedule or travel time improvements can reduce these pressures.

The study also underscores the potential for electric vans to support productivity and well-being across the trades sector. Most electric vans on the market now cover over 150 miles per charge, well above the average daily requirement, making them a practical option for reducing driver fatigue and enhancing comfort with quieter, tech-enabled cabins.

Autonomous vehicle demand lifts Aurrigo revenue by 34%

April Lara
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Autonomous vehicle demand lifts Aurrigo revenue by 34%

Aurrigo International has reported annual revenue of £8.9 million, up 34% year-on-year, driven by strong growth in its autonomous airport operations division.

Based in Coventry with offices in North America and Asia, the company now has ten autonomous vehicles deployed globally. Commercial deals with airports have boosted adoption of its Auto-Sim® digital simulation platform and Auto-DollyTug® electric baggage and cargo tugs.

Following successful trials at Amsterdam Schiphol, Aurrigo’s autonomous equipment has been approved for recommended deployment across a 60+ airport network operated by Aviation Solutions.

In April, the company launched the Auto-Cargo®, its largest vehicle to date, capable of transporting up to 16,500kg. Backed by Innovate UK and the Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles, it will next be trialled by UPS at East Midlands Airport, the UK’s second-largest freight terminal.

Revenue in Aurrigo’s autonomous division rose by 433%, supported by continued business from automotive clients for precision components and wiring harnesses.

The company employs over 110 people and is positioning itself as a first-mover in intelligent Ground Support Equipment (iGSE), targeting wider airport automation opportunities.

Broxtowe Borough Council signs new contract for housing scheme with Peter James Homes

Tess Egginton
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Broxtowe Borough Council signs new contract for housing scheme with Peter James Homes
Broxtowe Borough Council has signed a new contract for a housing scheme on Coventry Lane, Bramcote that will be developed by Peter James Homes, on a site assembled on land previously owned by McCann and by Bramcote Crematorium. Broxtowe Borough Council is buying 51 homes from Peter James Homes under a Section 106 planning agreement. 34 of the homes will be for social rent and 17 for shared ownership made up of: 14 one bed houses, 9 two bed houses, 10 three bed houses, 1 four bed house, 9 two bed shared ownership houses and 8 three bed shared ownership houses. The new homes will be delivered in phases between 2025 and 2028, with all properties benefitting from Air Source heating and photovoltaic panels to generate electricity. Vanessa Smith, portfolio holder for housing, said: “We’re delighted to be able to sign this contract with Peter James Homes to allow us to continue to push forward with our Housing Delivery Programme, offering more good quality homes to meet the Borough’s local housing need. It’s great that in the future our tenants will be able to move in to brand new homes powered by green energy.”
Simon Gardiner, MD of Peter James Homes, said: “We are delighted to work again with Broxtowe Borough Council. This will be a high quality scheme providing a total of 169 homes, we have taken a lot of care in working on the layout, the street scenes and pallet of materials that will see some great houses released to the community.”

Lincolnshire’s official tourism body folds amid ongoing financial pressures

April Lara
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Lincolnshire’s official tourism body folds amid ongoing financial pressures

Destination Lincolnshire, the designated local visitor economy partnership (LVEP) for Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland, has ceased operations due to prolonged financial challenges.

The organisation was unable to generate sufficient income to meet its operational costs, leading to the immediate termination of all staff positions. While the operational team has been disbanded, the board of directors will remain in place to oversee the insolvency proceedings.

Destination Lincolnshire had served as a central hub for coordinating tourism strategy across the region, facilitating collaboration between local businesses, councils, and tourism operators. Its closure now creates a gap in the delivery and oversight of regional visitor economy planning.

The future of tourism development in the area will depend on fresh public-private partnerships and establishing a more sustainable funding model to support strategic projects and tourism infrastructure. The organisation’s legacy includes a framework for regional coordination, which stakeholders may need to rebuild or integrate into other structures.

The closure comes as other destination management organisations across the UK also face financial strain. The industry is increasingly dependent on mixed revenue models and government backing.

APSS Group raises £650 for Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance at annual charity golf day

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APSS Group raises £650 for Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance at annual charity golf day
The APSS Group, incorporating both APSS and TPS Office Furniture, has raised £650 for the Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance during its annual Mini Ryder Cup Golf Day, held at Lincoln Golf Club in Torksey. Now in its fourth year, the much-anticipated event brought together APSS staff, suppliers, and customers for a fantastic day of golf, networking and fundraising. The day was not only a celebration of friendly competition, but also a meaningful way to give back to a local lifesaving service. The fundraising came through a charity raffle, with prizes kindly donated by Elite Office Furniture, Galaxy Insulation and Dry Lining Limited, Troax Group, Howdens, Shaw Contract, Nash Glass Ltd, 360 Recruitment Limited, and Lincoln Golf Club. Among the standout prizes were a supercar driving experience, a five-hob induction burner, and a helicopter ride – a fitting tribute to the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance. Richard Mycroft, Managing Director at APSS, said: “It was a brilliant day all round – great company, great golf, and all for a fantastic cause. “The Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance is a charity that means a lot to us. You never know when you or someone you love might need them. They provide critical care in the most urgent of situations, and we’re proud to support the incredible work they do.” The APSS Group extends a heartfelt thank you to everyone who took part and contributed to the day’s success. The event continues to grow each year, uniting the APSS community while supporting a cause that truly makes a difference.

County Hall redevelopment in doubt as council leadership shifts

April Lara
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County Hall redevelopment in doubt as council leadership shifts

The future of a £132 million redevelopment of Derbyshire County Council’s historic County Hall site in Matlock is uncertain following the change in political leadership. The new Reform UK-led administration has signalled a review of all major projects initiated under the previous Conservative council.

The redevelopment proposal includes converting the existing County Hall into a 100-bed hotel, redeveloping the adjacent north block into 45 flats and eight retail units, constructing 50 new homes within the grounds, and establishing a smaller, modern headquarters elsewhere. All development would be privately funded.

Planning applications for the hotel conversion, north block redevelopment, and demolition of link bridges over Smedley Street have now been validated and entered into public consultation. The housing and new HQ components were submitted earlier in the year, with consultation already closed.

Profits surge at United Utilities ahead of 32% bill rise

April Lara
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Profits surge at United Utilities ahead of 32% bill rise

United Utilities has reported a sharp rise in pre-tax profits, more than doubling to £355 million for the financial year ending 31 March 2025. The profit boost comes as the company begins implementing a 32% increase in customer bills over the next five years, intended to fund £13.7 billion in infrastructure upgrades.

The firm, which serves over seven million customers across North West England, including Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Lancashire, Cumbria, Cheshire, and parts of Derbyshire, introduced its most significant annual price rise in April. The average household saw an £86 increase in their annual bill.

Following the strong financial performance, the company plans to raise its dividend payout by 4.2%.

Operationally, United Utilities reported a 25% reduction in sewage spills from storm overflows last year. However, the company remains under scrutiny for past environmental breaches, including allegations of illegally discharging more than 100 million litres of untreated sewage into Lake Windermere over three years.

The company’s financial results come amid declining public trust in the water sector. According to the latest Water Matters survey by the Consumer Council for Water, only 53% of households believe current water charges are fair, a record low.

United Utilities is among several UK water firms facing pressure from regulators, the public, and investors over environmental compliance, rising costs, and executive pay.

Scope Construction starts work on sustainable bungalow development in Chellaston

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Scope Construction starts work on sustainable bungalow development in Chellaston
Work has begun on eight new, sustainable bungalows in Chellaston. The scheme, which is being designed and built by Loughborough-based Scope Construction Ltd in partnership with Pelham Architects and KSA Engineers for Nottingham Community Housing Association (NCHA), will offer affordable housing for local people. The development will include eight EPC A rated bungalows built to M4 (2) Building Regulations for accessibility. Four homes will be available for shared ownership and the remaining four will be let at a social rent by South Derbyshire District Council. The homes are expected to be complete early 2026. The focus of the design is to make these new homes energy efficient. The homes will be super insulated, gas-free, and fitted with air-source heat pumps, PV solar panels and EV charging points, as well as sustainable drainage systems. It will bring an area of brownfield land into positive use for affordable housing and has been designed to blend sensitively with the local community. Works are already progressing at pace and Scope and NCHA recently met with South Derbyshire District Council for a tour of the site. Cllr Gordon Rhind, chair of the housing and community services committee at South Derbyshire District Council, said: “These new bungalows will be a huge benefit to our local community, providing affordable living, as well high quality, sustainable properties, that by their building standards alone, ensure residents can live in a warm, secure home.” Claudine Edwards, new business and development manager at NCHA, said: “This development reflects our commitment to building homes that are both affordable and environmentally friendly, in line with our sustainability targets. We’re proud to bring this new housing scheme to Chellaston, addressing local housing needs while paving the way for a sustainable future.” Maz Patel, managing director, Scope Construction, said: “It is great to be on site today to officially break ground on our first project for NCHA and fantastic to see the rapid progress we have already made in the ground. “Scope is committed to helping housing associations and local authorities to deliver affordable and sustainable housing across the East Midlands. We look forward to working with NCHA and Pelham to deliver these bungalows, which will be highly energy efficient and accessible homes. We hope it will be the first of many projects we deliver together.”

Road opening marks key milestone at Fairham

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Road opening marks key milestone at Fairham
A major milestone has been marked for Fairham, Nottingham, as key stakeholders gathered to celebrate the official opening of Fairham Way – the primary road running through Rushcliffe’s 606-acre mixed-use neighbourhood. Councillors and delivery partners came together for a ribbon-cutting ceremony held at Redrow’s Dovecote Grange show home and sales office on Fairham Way. Attendees included representatives from Rushcliffe Borough Council, Nottingham City Council, Homes England, and Clowes Developments, as well as infrastructure contractors O’Brien Contractors Ltd and project managers Bentley Project Management. Rushcliffe Borough Council’s deputy leader cllr Abby Brennan said: “We’re delighted to mark the opening of Fairham Way, a major milestone in the exciting development of Fairham. “This new primary road is vital for connecting residents and businesses across the 606-acre site. “With strong progress already underway, we’re looking forward to welcoming a thriving new neighbourhood that brings new homes, jobs, green spaces and a real sense of community here in the Borough. “The development forms a key part of our Local Plan and will help meet the Borough’s housing needs and central government’s aim for 13,500 new homes by 2030.” Although Fairham Way has been open to traffic for several weeks, the event marked the formal handover of this major infrastructure element. The 2km route now provides direct access through the centre of Fairham, improving traffic flow and connectivity for residents and businesses alike, signalling a significant leap forward in the area’s transformation. Tom O’Brien, director at O’Brien Contractors Ltd, said: “As a key part of our infrastructure works package at Fairham, O’Brien is proud to mark the much-anticipated opening of Fairham Way. It’s a vital piece of infrastructure and a major milestone in the development of Nottingham’s newest neighbourhood. “This newly opened route spans 2km through the Fairham community, improving connectivity and supporting long-term growth. We are delighted to play our part in the construction of Fairham and look forward to further opportunities to contribute to this exciting project.” With over £58 million invested in infrastructure to date, the opening of Fairham Way plays a pivotal role in unlocking the full potential of the development—accelerating the delivery of homes, jobs, and local amenities. The road creates a continuous connection from the Northern Gateway at Mill Hill Island (off the A453), through the residential area of the development, and onward to the Southern Gateway at Nottingham Road. Fairham is being delivered through a long-term public-private partnership between Homes England and Clowes Developments. Once complete, the development will bring thousands of new homes, jobs, and investment to Nottingham, positioning Fairham as one of the East Midlands’ most significant mixed-use developments. Rob Hopkinson, technical associate director at Clowes Developments, added: “The opening of Fairham Way marks a significant milestone in the delivery of our flagship development. “We are proud to have delivered this key piece of infrastructure, which not only unlocks residential land for much-needed new homes, but also enhances connectivity between the site and the wider Nottinghamshire area. “This is an important step toward realising our vision for a well-integrated, sustainable community. We look forward to seeing continued progress across the development, supported by the delivery of this vital new route.”

Popular Nottingham bar to be sold

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Popular Nottingham bar to be sold
Copper City, an established all-day bar in Nottingham city centre, is to be sold. Christie & Co has been instructed to market the property on behalf of RedCat Pub Company.
Situated in a prominent corner position, opposite Nottingham’s Theatre Royal and Royal Concert Hall, Copper City is well-known for serving brunch, lunch and dinner alongside a wide range of drinks, from coffees to cocktails. Founded in 2015 and housed within a former bank building, Copper City is a multi-level bar which seats around 150 patrons. The “Copper” name is widely known in the local community, attracting a variety of clientele and benefitting from the area’s high footfall. Jonty Green, business agent at Christie & Co who is managing the sale, said: “Copper City has just launched to the open market and represents a rare opportunity to secure a fantastic freehold site in a prime trading location. “The venue is one of the most high-profile hospitality sites in the city, with a strong history and significant potential for a new operator.” Copper City is on the market with a freehold asking price of £900,000.
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