Nottingham Venues shortlisted for national events industry award
Nottingham Venues’ Conference and Events Team has been named as a finalist in the Best Conference/Events Team (Venues) category at the 2025 Conference and Events Awards.
The recognition highlights the performance of Nottingham Venues’ Conference and Events Team, whose work supports hundreds of successful events each year across Nottingham Venues’ portfolio, including the East Midlands Conference Centre, Jubilee Hotel and Conferences and the 4-star Orchard Hotel and Restaurant.
The team, which is led by Melissa Sobo (Director of Sales), Sing Ding Yu (Head of Conference and Banqueting Operations) and Angela Deardon (Director of Meetings and Events), makes a significant contribution to Nottingham Venues, and this has been recognised by the judges. Its focus on providing excellent customer service has led to Nottingham Venues achieving an 80% customer retention rate which is a key factor in the economic success of the business.
Investment in staff wellbeing and development is central to this performance. Initiatives such as the company’s Inspire to Lead programme provide leadership training and career progression, while the creation of a Mental Health First Aid team, wellness days, and team recognition schemes have contributed to high engagement. A recent employee engagement survey found that 77 percent of staff would recommend Nottingham Venues as a great place to work, a figure well above the industry average.
The Conference and Events Awards, now in their 14th year, are widely recognised as one of the leading accolades for the UK events industry. They celebrate the teams, individuals and organisations that go above and beyond to deliver excellence in conferences and events. Winners will be announced at the lunchtime awards ceremony taking place at City Central at the HAC in London on Friday 5 July.
Tom Waldron-Lynch, CEO of Nottingham Venues, said: “We are incredibly proud of our Conference and Events Team. This shortlisting is a well-deserved recognition of their hard work, professionalism and the outstanding service they provide to every guest. It’s an honour to see their efforts recognised at a national level and I hope we are successful on the day.”
Chesterfield prepares £19.5m investment rollout
Chesterfield is moving ahead with plans to allocate £19.5 million in government-backed funding over the next decade, targeting town centre regeneration, community infrastructure, and public safety initiatives. The funding, part of the UK Government’s Plan for Neighbourhoods programme, is now confirmed for release beginning April 2026.
The Chesterfield Town Board, established in May 2024, is leading the investment strategy. The board includes representatives from local businesses, the public sector, and community groups. Its proposals are informed by public consultations conducted in 2024 and will undergo further community engagement before finalisation.
Priority areas include enhancing the town centre’s appeal and economic resilience, addressing vacant retail units, expanding community spaces, and improving key access points. Plans also focus on leveraging Chesterfield’s Crooked Spire as a visitor attraction, developing creative and maker spaces, and supporting events that utilize regenerated town centre zones.
The board is also reviewing initiatives to address anti-social behaviour and improve safety across Chesterfield, alongside exploring transport and regeneration opportunities.
Funding decisions will be made locally by the Chesterfield Town Board, based on continued input from residents and stakeholders. Early-stage planning and development work are already underway to ensure readiness for the funding release in 2026.
Established Lincolnshire care home sold
The Bassingham Care Centre in Lincolnshire has been sold.
The ‘Good’ rated care facility comprises a former rectory, a 31-bedroom building, and specialist care bungalows with a further 28 bedrooms. This accommodation sits on large grounds located between Newark and Lincoln, accessed off the A46 in the village of Bassingham.
It has been owned by My Care since 2013 and was brought to market as part of a strategic disposal.
Following a confidential sales process with Rosie Turner at Christie & Co, it has been sold to first-time buyers, Jijo Benedict and Anil Varghese John of Confident Care Homes Ltd.
Rosie Turner, senior business agent – care at Christie & Co, said: “Having worked with our client for a number of years, we are delighted to complete on this sale for them.
“After a competitive marketing process, which achieved a high proportion of interest from first-time operators due to the home’s established reputation, profits, and strong management team, Confident Care Homes Ltd has become the proud new owner.
“The sale of Bassingham Care Centre demonstrates that there is strong demand for quality care homes, and we were pleased with the level of interest expressed in this home during the marketing process.”
The Bassingham Care Centre was sold for an undisclosed price.
AG Corporate Law makes quartet of key promotions
AG Corporate Law (AGCL) has made a quartet of promotions, marking a significant milestone in the firm’s rapid growth.
Deni Carter has been promoted to director, recognising her outstanding contribution and long-standing collaboration with managing director Adam Gilbert. Deni’s legal career began as a paralegal, and she has worked alongside Adam at two previous firms before joining AGCL at its inception. Her promotion to director reflects not only her professional excellence but also her integral role in the firm’s development and success.
Harriet Wolley and Oreva Ojuh have both qualified as solicitors. Harriet has been part of AGCL since it was founded, having previously worked as part of Chattertons corporate team. She joined the firm as a corporate law executive, completed her training with AGCL, and now celebrates her qualification as a solicitor.
Oreva, originally from Nigeria, also joined AGCL as a corporate law executive. She previously qualified as a barrister and solicitor in Nigeria before relocating to the UK two years ago. Oreva holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Law from Ambrose Alli University, Nigeria, and a Master’s Degree in International Commercial Law from Nottingham Trent University.
Completing the list of promotions, Jamie Carrick has progressed from paralegal to trainee solicitor since joining AG Corporate Law in 2024. Jamie’s commitment, attention to detail and growing experience have earned him this next step in his legal career and continues AGCL’s commitment to training and promotion from within.
Reflecting on the promotions, Adam Gilbert, managing director at AG Corporate Law, said: “These promotions are a proud moment for everyone at AGCL. It’s a joy to see team members who have shown such dedication, professionalism and loyalty develop and progress within our firm.
“Since founding AGCL just two years ago, we’ve grown at an exceptional pace and built a reputation as one of the leading boutique corporate law firms in the Midlands. The future is incredibly exciting, and I’m thrilled to have such a talented team driving us forward.”
Aldi expands virtual retail training for UK students
Aldi has launched a nationwide virtual work experience programme targeting students aged 13 and above, including those in Leicestershire, as part of its long-term talent pipeline strategy. The online course introduces participants to the diverse range of careers in retail, encompassing logistics, store operations, and head office functions.
Developed in collaboration with youth career platform Springpod, the initiative blends video content with interactive learning modules. Students who complete the programme receive a certificate to support future job or apprenticeship applications.
This move aligns with Aldi’s broader efforts in workforce development. The retailer recently announced plans to hire over 500 apprentices across the UK in 2025, with roles available in stores and distribution centres. These efforts aim to strengthen its entry-level recruitment and offer pathways to long-term employment in the retail sector.
With more than 2,000 participants already enrolled, the programme reflects the growing trend among major employers to offer scalable, flexible training solutions to build early engagement with younger demographics.
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
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
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
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
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.
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:
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.
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:- Contractor of the Year
- Developer of the Year
- Architects of the Year
- Most Active Agent
- Deal of the Year
- Residential Development of the Year
- Sustainable Development of the Year
- Commercial Development of the Year
- Excellence in Design
- Responsible Business of the Year
- Overall Winner
Nominations will close on Friday 15th August.
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. 