Louise Lane of Wright Vigar named Citywealth International Woman of the Year – FinTech/Crypto
Louise Lane, of Independent Chartered Accountants Wright Vigar, has been awarded Woman of the Year – FinTech/Crypto at the Citywealth Powerwoman Awards International 2025. This esteemed recognition is a testament to Louise’s exceptional contributions and leadership in the Crypto sector.
The Citywealth Powerwoman awards acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of outstanding women internationally across various industries. Louise’s remarkable expertise and dedication in the field of FinTech and Crypto have set her apart as one of the industry’s most influential leaders.
As a valued member of Wright Vigar, Louise has consistently showcased a unique blend of technical acumen, strategic thinking, and exceptional problem-solving skills. Her relentless pursuit of innovation and commitment to driving growth have not only elevated Wright Vigar’s position in the market but have also made a significant impact on the wider FinTech and Crypto landscape.
Her leadership has played a pivotal role in paving the way for the firm’s success in an ever-evolving industry. Louise’s ability to identify emerging trends and navigate the complexities of the digital landscape has positioned her as a pioneer and an inspiration to professionals within the sector.
Louise’s expertise and in-depth knowledge of FinTech and Crypto have also made her a sought-after speaker and influencer at various industry events and conferences. Her commitment to thought leadership and her ability to communicate complex concepts in a clear and accessible manner have elevated her to become a significant and influential figure within the industry.
Upon receiving the Citywealth Woman of the Year – FinTech/Crypto award, Louise Lane expressed her gratitude, saying: “I am honoured and humbled to be recognised for this prestigious award. This recognition would not have been possible without the support of my team at Wright Vigar and the opportunities they have given me.”
Wright Vigar expands Newark office with key new appointments
Wright Vigar, an independent chartered accountancy firm, has announced the continued growth and development of its Newark office with the addition of two experienced professionals to its team.
The firm has welcomed Phil Ball as associate director and Kim Beggs as senior business services advisor, strengthening its capacity to serve clients throughout the region.
Phil Ball joins Wright Vigar from local firm Barker Maule and Co, where he built an impressive 16-year career. Phil brings extensive experience managing a diverse portfolio of clients ranging from sole traders to limited companies, providing comprehensive accounting and taxation advice.
Kim Beggs brings valuable international experience to the team, having completed a three-year accountancy learnership in South Africa before immigrating to the UK in 2017. Kim’s broad knowledge base across various accounting disciplines makes her a versatile addition to the Wright Vigar team.
Paul Colcomb, director at Wright Vigar, said: “We are delighted to welcome Phil and Kim to our growing Newark team. Their combined expertise and experience perfectly complement our existing capabilities and will be instrumental in helping us continue to provide exceptional service to our clients. These appointments reflect our ongoing commitment to investing in talented professionals who share our values and dedication to client success.”
The addition of these key team members brings the Newark office to a total of 18 professionals, further enhancing Wright Vigar’s ability to provide its comprehensive range of traditional accountancy services alongside specialist offerings in tax, cryptocurrency and business advisory services designed to help businesses achieve their goals.
Plans revealed for multi-million-pound Kirkby residential scheme
A development of new, affordable homes will be built on disused land in Kirkby-in-Ashfield under plans from Ashfield District Council.
The authority wants to purchase a 19-acre site off Southwell Lane, between the railway line and Low Moor Road.
The purchase is dependent upon planning permission being granted for a new housing development, which would see around 70 new affordable homes built. The land will be paid for using money from housing developers.
Ashfield District Council hopes to secure millions of pounds in funding from Homes England to help pay for the estimated £16 million development. The costs will then be paid back over 40 years from rents received.
The disused site was originally railway sidings and contained a small warehouse in the early 2000s. All the buildings have since been demolished and the land is classed as a brownfield site.
Cllr Tom Hollis, executive lead member for strategic housing and climate change, said: “These are exciting plans which again illustrate our ongoing commitment to continue building more affordable homes for people across Ashfield.
“Our Corporate Plan includes an objective to ensure every resident has access to a suitable and appropriate home. This new development will be our largest to date and see disused land brought back into use for housing, in the heart of Kirkby.”
£2m pay out for 10,000 Wilko workers
Almost 10,000 Wilko workers will share a pay out of £2m after GMB won a legal case.
A judgement handed down by the Employment Tribunal this week ruled that Wilko had failed to properly consult with workers prior to going bust in 2023.
As a result, around 9,000 former staff who worked in a store with 20 or more people will get 4 days pay, while roughly 1,100 who worked in a distribution centre or support centre role will get 13 days pay.
The case was taken on by GMB on behalf of thousands of members who lost their job when the discount store went into administration.
David Bartlett, former Wilko worker and GMB rep, said: “It has been a long, hard, slog getting this money – the very least Wilko workers deserve after the way they were treated.
“In no way will this make up for the stress and anxiety they faced during those dark days in 2023.
“But GMB hopes it will give them a much-needed boost as they move on with their new lives and careers.”
Foresight makes further investment into Loughborough University spin-out Zayndu
Foresight Group, a regional private equity and infrastructure investment manager, has made a further £1m investment into Zayndu, as part of a £1.5m funding round alongside Growthdeck and EIS investors.
Zayndu is a Loughborough University spin-out that has developed an innovative seed priming technology aimed at boosting crop yields. The technology is already being used globally to treat seeds across the value chain, from seed producers to indoor growers.
Since Foresight’s initial investment into Zayndu in 2023, the company has introduced its initial products to market, expanded its range and is accumulating customer data evidencing the increasing plant yields from the technology.
The senior management team has been bolstered with several new hires bringing extensive industry expertise. The follow-on investment will allow the company to accelerate commercialisation of the technology, increase recurring revenue and position the business for further growth.
Ralph Weir, CEO of Zayndu, said: “Zayndu is moving forward at pace, delivering systems which simultaneously remove chemicals from agriculture and boost crop yields.
“With Foresight we feel we have found an investor who shares our passion for the environment while also understanding the challenges of building a high-growth technology startup. These funds will be instrumental as we continue our growth journey.”
Line Kristine Gauteplass, investment manager at Foresight Group, added: “We are delighted to continue to support Zayndu on its growth journey. The Company has been through exciting change since initial investment and is well positioned for scale.
“Zayndu’s innovative technology is unique in its ability to boost plant health, and we look forward to seeing the impact it has with its growing customer base.”
Motorpoint revs up profits
Motorpoint Group, the Derby-based vehicle retailer, has returned to profitability. It comes as the business looks to accelerate its strategic growth plans.
According to results for the year ended 31 March 2025 (FY25), the firm posted a pre-tax profit of £4.1m, recovering from a £10.4m loss in the year prior. Motorpoint noted that the return to profit was driven by strong growth in retail volumes of 13.9%, with 59.9k retail vehicles sold.
Revenue, meanwhile, grew to £1.17bn, from £1.09bn.
Mark Carpenter, Chief Executive Officer of Motorpoint Group PLC, said: “I am extremely pleased with our performance in FY25. Motorpoint has experienced several years of considerable economic headwinds that have hampered our industry. We responded in FY24 with our Brilliant Basics programme which rightsized the business and improved margin performance.
“This successfully laid the foundations for growth and in FY25 resulted in double digit year on year volume growth, significant gains in market share, faster stock turn, and a welcome return to profitability. I am also delighted that our customer NPS improved through the year, reaching record levels in the final quarter, and that we have been recognised as one of the Sunday Times’ best big places to work.
“Recent falls in interest rates are welcome, although they remain relatively high, and supply continues to slowly improve, with more bulk deals available of newer stock. We remain cautious while conditions for the consumer remain uncertain but are well placed to continue to grow profitably and outperform the market.
“This will allow us to continue to invest in our strategic objectives, and accelerate activity over time as conditions allow, in addition to returning excess capital to shareholders.”
EMT Healthcare moves manufacturing in-house with Gwalia partnership
EMT Healthcare has announced a strategic shift to in-house production of its dispensing bottles, acquiring the plant and machinery previously used by Krystals, the manufacturer of RoundEx and GlassEx bottles. The company has partnered with Gwalia Healthcare, a Wales-based manufacturer of polymer-based pharmaceutical and medical-grade products, to ensure uninterrupted supply to UK pharmacies.
This marks EMT’s first direct move into manufacturing, enabling the firm to retain quality control and continuity across its dispensing product range. The partnership leverages Gwalia’s sector expertise and long-standing presence in pharmaceutical packaging, dating back to 1976.
The new setup will produce pre-capped dispensing bottles, with both companies maintaining existing certifications and compliance standards. The move is positioned as part of EMT’s long-term strategy to grow through vertical integration and strengthen its value proposition in the healthcare supply chain.
Health and safety consultancy appoints new director
A growing health and safety consultancy has appointed a new director.
Acorn Safety Services, based in Northampton, has promoted its operations manager, Zeynep Guzelkasap, to the role of operations director.
Zeynep joined Acorn Safety Services in January 2023 as business manager, bringing with her a construction management degree and 12 years of experience in construction, asbestos and health and safety. After a year, she was promoted to operations manager.
During her time at Acorn Safety Services, Zeynep has been instrumental in shaping the future of the company and scaling up its operations. Since 2023, the company has doubled its team, outgrowing two offices, and won contracts with major brands and retailers.
The appointment comes just as Acorn Safety Services is moving offices again to create some much-needed space for its growing team, which now stands at 14 people.
The new 5,400 sq ft building – which is twice the size of the company’s last office – is still situated on Northampton’s Moulton Park Industrial Estate.
Zeynep said of her promotion: “I am really proud of the team we have built over the last two years and the growth we have experienced. We are now working with some big brand businesses across a wide variety of sectors, helping them to remain compliant with regards to legionella, fire, and health and safety.
“Having previously experienced discrimination at university and in the workplace, I am also proud of past me. Being a woman in construction and health and safety, there are many times I could have given up and switched career paths, but I am passionate about what I do and am so thankful to have found a company that believes in me and supports women and mothers and encourages them to reach their full potential.
“This appointment coming just as we start a new chapter in a larger office is very timely. I’m hugely excited for the future.”
Fellow director, Neil Munro, added: “Zeynep has really earned this directorship. Through sheer hard work and drive, Zeynep has helped us to scale up our operations, expand our team, develop innovative solutions to help customers to stay compliant, and win awards and contracts. We look forward to seeing where we can take Acorn Safety Services with Zeynep on the board of directors.”
British Business Bank expands financial reach to support growth
The British Business Bank’s financial capacity is being raised to £25.6 billion, allowing it to scale up investments to approximately £2.5 billion annually. The expansion aims to unlock significant private capital and support high-growth, innovation-driven UK firms, particularly those in the life sciences, deep tech, and venture capital sectors.
The move follows confirmation of governance and financial reforms to the Bank, as outlined in the latest government Spending Review. These changes are expected to be implemented by the end of the current financial year.
The Bank has already backed 22 of the UK’s current unicorns through its equity programmes, representing over half of all such firms in the country. With its expanded mandate, the institution is expected to play a pivotal role in delivering the government’s upcoming Industrial Strategy and broader ambitions for regional growth and scale-up funding.
New grid plan aims to double East Midlands power capacity
National Grid has unveiled early-stage plans for a major infrastructure upgrade to expand electricity transmission capacity between Weston Marsh in Lincolnshire and East Leicestershire. The initiative is part of The Great Grid Upgrade, a national programme designed to modernise the UK’s energy infrastructure and support the country’s transition to low-carbon power.
The proposals include approximately 60 km of new high-voltage overhead lines and the construction of two new substations, one near Corby Glen and another near Wartnaby. Additionally, approximately 55 km of existing overhead lines from East Leicestershire to Grendon in Northamptonshire would be upgraded.
This expansion is intended to meet a forecasted doubling of electricity demand by 2050, allowing more home-grown energy generated along the East Coast to be distributed throughout the Midlands and southern regions. National Grid says this will help reduce reliance on fossil fuel imports and protect consumers from volatile global energy markets.
An eight-week public consultation opened on 11 June and runs until 6 August. Feedback is being sought on the proposed route, substation sites, and community benefits. A mix of in-person events, webinars, and local information points across Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, and Northamptonshire is available to support stakeholder engagement.
