Toyota shifts GR Corolla production to Derbyshire for US exports

April Lara
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Toyota shifts GR Corolla production to Derbyshire for US exports

Toyota is moving a portion of its GR Corolla sportscar production from Japan to its Burnaston plant in Derbyshire to meet strong demand from North America and reduce delivery times.

The company is investing approximately ¥8 billion (£41 million) to set up a dedicated production line at the UK facility, with plans to manufacture 10,000 units annually for export. Shipments to North America are expected to begin in mid-2026.

The Burnaston site, which already produces the standard Corolla hatchback, will absorb some of the output from Toyota’s Motomachi plant in Japan, currently at full capacity. Last year, 8,000 GR Corollas were produced out of a total of 25,000 vehicles on that line.

The production shift aligns with a recent UK-US agreement that reduces tariffs on British car exports to the US from 25% to 10% on up to 100,000 vehicles per year, providing a more favourable trade environment for manufacturers like Toyota.

Japanese engineers will temporarily assist in setting up operations in Burnaston, which began operations in 1992. The move comes as a boost to the UK’s automotive sector, which has faced setbacks from other manufacturers scaling back investment or closing facilities.

Voice Connect sold to Focus Group

Tess Egginton
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Voice Connect sold to Focus Group
Leicestershire-based Voice Connect, a specialist provider of system integration solutions, particularly in the utilities and healthcare sectors, has been sold to HG Capital-backed Focus Group. Voice Connect acts as a self-service automation provider which aims to align with the digital transformation of the healthcare industry. Focus Group is one of the UK’s leading providers of essential business technology. This strategic deal will allow Focus Group to combine its sales capabilities with Voice Connect’s product experience in AI-driven solutions, enhancing the company’s healthcare technology portfolio. Law firm Freeths advised the shareholders of Voice Connect, with a team led by senior associate Grace Hill. She was supported by partner Martin Smith, barrister Fergus Currie, associates Harry Fraser and Jordan Burnard and legal assistant Macy Gibbons. Grace Hill said: “It was great to work with the Voice Connect team on this transaction, which sees the integration of the business with Focus Group – a long-term partner of the company. It was made all the more-great by being a local Leicestershire business, which we were delighted to be involved in.” 

Nottingham SEO agency celebrates industry recognition at European awards

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Nottingham SEO agency celebrates industry recognition at European awards
Nottingham SEO consultancy, Growthack, has been recognised on the European stage, taking home the Best Use of Search – B2B SEO award at the prestigious European Search Awards, which took place on 8th May 2025 in Kraków, Poland. The accolade follows the agency’s national win at the UK Digital Excellence Awards, where they were named winners of the Stand-Out B2B SEO Campaign of the Year. Growthack beat out stiff competition across Europe to claim the top prize for its work with elementsuite, an AI-enabled HR and workforce management software provider for enterprise businesses. Kevin Kapezi, director of Growthack, said: “We’re incredibly proud to have secured back-to-back wins in such a competitive B2B SEO category, especially against some of the industry’s most established names. It’s a real testament to the dedication and expertise of both teams and the strength of our strategic approach. “At Growthack, we apply SEO at a business level: repositioning brands; refining messaging; and aligning with buyer intent to drive not just traffic, but better-quality leads and real commercial outcomes. So it’s rewarding to see this has been recognised by the judges. “This is just the beginning for us, as we’re entering an exciting phase in our growth journey, with ambitious plans to strengthen the team this year with experienced consultants, attracting even more exciting brands.”

Landscape architecture practice invests in Newark conservation area premises

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Landscape architecture practice invests in Newark conservation area premises
Landscape architecture practice Influence Landscape Planning & Design has invested in its own premises having bought a property in Navigation Yard, Newark. The Wheelwrights Building is located in the Millgate Conservation area of the town and gives 2,138 sq ft of open-plan office space next to the River Trent. Business expansion and team growth have led to the move, following significant appointments over the last 18 months and more planned for later this year. New team members are across all areas of the business including young people undertaking their training. Sara Boland, managing director of Influence Landscape Planning & Design, said: “Having been at our previous premises next to The Wheelwrights Building since we started the business in 2010, being able to stay in this historic and inspiring area of Newark meant a great deal to us. “It’s a hugely exciting time for Influence and our new premises reflect the business and team we are today. We now have the space we need with lots of flexible and welcoming work areas as well as places to relax and restore. The building also provides room for further growth and space to host events, making it the perfect place to take on Influence’s next chapter. “I’d like to acknowledge and thank our clients who choose to work with us on their incredible projects, and to thank the whole Influence team – current and previous – who have all played their part in creating this fantastic company.” The 19th Century building is believed to be a former stable block for dray horses to cart imported products from the wharfside, and was converted to a wheelwrights in the 1980s as part of the Millgate regeneration scheme. The building was then fully redeveloped in 2019 to provide contemporary office space. The two-storey property includes a reception area, breakout spaces, meeting areas and staff facilities to the ground floor, and open-plan flexible working spaces and a board room to the first floor. Ashby-based Blueprint Interiors is delivering a bespoke interior fit-out throughout to create the space Influence needs to enhance team wellbeing, expand operations and welcome clients. John Tansur, commercial director at Blueprint Interiors, said: “It is a pleasure for the Blueprint team to work on this project and help introduce modern facilities to this historic building whilst preserving its heritage. “It is important to Influence to have a working environment that brings everyone together every day and to introduce much needed collaboration spaces alongside spaces to work in private when required. They are a pleasure to work with.” Local commercial agent Pygott & Crone secured the sale.

East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025: “I would wholeheartedly encourage businesses from across the East Midlands property and construction landscape to get involved” says past winner

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East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025: “I would wholeheartedly encourage businesses from across the East Midlands property and construction landscape to get involved” says past winner
With nominations now being welcomed for Business Link Magazine’s East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025, last year’s ‘Responsible Business of the Year’ winner has reflected on the prestigious event and is encouraging firms to enter. Tom Sewell, regional director at Stepnell, said: “Winning the Responsible Business award at the 2024 East Midlands Bricks Awards was an incredibly proud moment for the Nottingham team at Stepnell, recognising our dedication to responsible practices and commitment to sustainable development in the region. “The awards are a fantastic opportunity to connect with others in the industry and celebrate regional excellence. I would wholeheartedly encourage businesses from across the East Midlands property and construction landscape to get involved.” The East Midlands Bricks Awards celebrates the successes of property and construction companies in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, and Northamptonshire. This year’s eagerly anticipated awards ceremony, marking 10 years of the event, will take place on Thursday 2nd October at Nottingham’s famous Trent Bridge Cricket Ground. Recognising those behind the changing landscape of the East Midlands, the occasion highlights development projects, businesses, and people in commercial and public building across the region – from office, industrial and residential schemes, through to community projects such as leisure schemes and schools. It also toasts the work of architects, agencies, and those behind large schemes. Welcoming almost 150 professionals, nominating a company or project for the awards is a great way to showcase your successes, recognise your team’s efforts, and reach our audience of over 60,000 business readers, while also offering a chance to connect with respected professionals. And better yet, it’s completely free to enter! Making the top three finalists in your category also wins you free tickets to the event, where you’ll be in the running for one of our coveted awards.

To make a nomination for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025, please click here.

Supporting imagery, video, documents, or links to these, can be sent to bricks@blmgroup.co.uk. Video nomination pitches are also welcome as an alternative or companion to written entries. Categories include: All finalists will have the chance to take home the Overall Winner award, which this year comes with a grand prize of a year of marketing/publicity worth £20,000, with the opportunity to split or gift the marketing to a charity of your choice.

Nominations will close on Friday 15th August.

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New for this year, all entrants will also have the opportunity to be featured on our dedicated nominee showcase on the East Midlands Business Link website, providing space for marketing your achievements. Upon submitting a nomination, we will get in touch for any information, imagery, and video nominees would like to be featured on their showcase page. Thanks to our sponsors:                                          

To be held at:

With a limited number of sponsorship opportunities remaining, please contact Angie Cooper at a.cooper@blmgroup.co.uk to learn more if you are interested in becoming an East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025 sponsor.

Business photography available from £300

Tess Egginton
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Business photography available from £300
Glowfrog are now providing corporate professional photography services for local businesses in the East Midlands, from as little as £300. This can be a fantastic option particularly for SMEs in the region, to enhance your visual presentation within your marketing materials and online. Below is a list of some of the corporate photography options that Glowfrog offer. You can get in touch with them at www.glowfrogvideo.com or on 01332 492 465.
  • Staff headshots (studio or environmental)
  • Team/group photos
  • Brand lifestyle photography (showing people using the product/service)
  • Website imagery (custom photos for webpages)
  • Social media content (curated photo sets for campaigns)
  • Behind-the-scenes photography
  • Product photography (e-commerce, catalogue, lifestyle)
  • Interior and exterior shots (e.g. office, restaurant, retail)
  • Corporate events (conferences, product launches)
  • Trade shows and exhibitions
  • Workshops and training sessions
  • Ribbon-cutting ceremonies or PR events
  • Awards and employee recognition events
  • Office lifestyle photography (candid shots of the team at work)
  • Photo retouching and editing
No matter the size or type of your business, strong visuals can make a lasting impression. Whether you’re refreshing your brand, updating your website, or capturing an important event, Glowfrog’s tailored photography services are designed to fit your needs and budget, without compromising on quality. Get in touch at www.glowfrogvideo.com or on 01332 492 465.

‘Sharp’ deal sealed on High Street

Tess Egginton
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‘Sharp’ deal sealed on High Street
Rushton Hickman has sold 5 High Street in Woodville. The premises is prominently positioned on the A511, next to the ‘Clock Garage’ roundabout where large occupiers are situated including Asda Petrol Station and Kwik Fit. The two-storey premises comprises a sales area on the ground floor retail space with first floor residential accommodation with separate access. Mr Sharp, the purchaser, said: “I’m pleased to have bought this asset, it’s a stable long-term investment that provides better value for money than the equivalent residential asset.” Taylor Millington, senior agent, added: “During our initial viewing with Mr Sharp he expressed his interest in the premises and how this vacant possession purchase would be brilliant to add to his portfolio after some internal decoration works are completed, and he can find some new tenants. “Having met Mr Sharp at the property after the sale completed, we’re in discussion in working with him to provide him with advice over the ground floor tenancy and hope to wrap a letting for him up swiftly.” The landlord was represented by Taylor Millington and Steph O’Leary at Rushton Hickman, working alongside Matthew Throne of Thomas Flavell & Sons Ltd, while Mr Sharp was represented by Andrew Carmichael of Ratio Law LLP.

Derby biotech N4 Pharma strengthens leadership to advance drug delivery platform

April Lara
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Derby biotech N4 Pharma strengthens leadership to advance drug delivery platform

N4 Pharma, a Derby-based biotech firm, has expanded its senior leadership team as it moves to accelerate the development and commercial readiness of its Nuvec® delivery technology.

The new team includes experienced figures from global pharmaceutical and biotech organisations, brought in to support internal R&D, commercial strategy, and manufacturing functions.

Dr Fiona McLaughlin will lead research and development, drawing on over two decades of oncology drug development at GSK, Bayer, and Avacta. Dr Mark Edbrooke, with prior leadership roles in functional genomics at GSK and oncology at AstraZeneca, takes up the role of head of strategy. Commercial director Dr Simon Bennett brings experience from more than 70 biopharma companies, having facilitated over 80 commercial transactions. Dr Margaret Courtney, now leading Chemistry, Manufacturing and Controls (CMC), has consulted widely across biotech and pharma on drug delivery and contract manufacturing operations.

The appointments reflect N4 Pharma’s focus on advancing its proprietary Nuvec nanoparticle platform, designed to enhance the delivery of RNA and DNA therapeutics. The company aims to secure commercial partnerships and establish an internal pipeline of RNA-based therapies.

Conygar returns to profit and restructures Nottingham loan

April Lara
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Conygar returns to profit and restructures Nottingham loan

Property investment firm Conygar has posted a £6.3 million profit for the six months to 31 March 2025, marking a return to profitability following the sale of two assets in Anglesey: Holyhead Waterfront and Parc Cybi. The disposals contributed to the company’s improved financial position, following losses in the previous period.

The developer also confirmed the restructuring of its Barclays development loan linked to the Winfield Court student accommodation at Nottingham’s Island Quarter. The revised agreement extends the final repayment deadline from March 2025 to December 2025, providing additional flexibility amid ongoing development activity.

Operationally, Conygar reported solid progress at the Island Quarter. Student accommodation lettings at Winfield Court are on track for the upcoming academic year. Meanwhile, revenues at the Cleaver & Wake and Binks Yard hospitality venues have held steady, with margins showing gradual improvement despite wider sector pressures.

The company remains cautiously optimistic about its pipeline, citing supportive trends in the UK real estate market, including continued rental growth, limited new construction activity, and easing lending conditions. Conygar sees long-term value in its Nottingham project and broader portfolio, anticipating future opportunities that align with investor demand for high-quality, sustainable assets.

Oadby & Wigston businesses invited to apply for up to £3,000 in green funding

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Oadby & Wigston businesses invited to apply for up to £3,000 in green funding

Oadby & Wigston Borough Council (OWBC) is offering local businesses the chance to apply for up to £3,000 of funding to reduce their carbon footprints and work towards a greener future.

The Green Grant Scheme is designed to help businesses in the borough invest in solutions which will increase their sustainability in the long term, which could include adopting green transport solutions such as e-bikes, or installing energy-efficient systems such as LED lighting, solar panels or heat pumps.

All local businesses are invited to a launch night on Thursday 12 June where they can learn more about the grant and how to submit a successful application. The event is taking place at the Oadby & Wigston Borough Council Offices. For more information, or to RSVP to the launch event, businesses should contact business@oadby-wigston.gov.uk.

OWBC has made a pot of £30,000 available, funded by UK Government, in total for the scheme. Funding of £500 – £3,000 will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible businesses who have a premises and demonstrate they meet all of the application criteria. Applications will close on 30 September 2025, or earlier if the allocation is spent.

Councillor Lee Bentley, deputy leader of OWBC, said: “We are delighted to introduce the Green Grant Scheme as part of our ongoing commitment to reducing our borough’s carbon footprint.

“Supporting local businesses to become more sustainable is an important goal of our new Climate Change Strategy and also supports the UK Government’s goal of a Net Zero economy by 2050.

“As well as the environmental boost this funding could make a real, economic difference to local businesses by allowing them to install more efficient systems, leading to lower overheads and increased profits.

“This is a great opportunity for our businesses, and I really encourage them to come along to the launch night on Thursday 12 June to learn more and think about applying.”

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