West Northamptonshire Council revises sustainability strategy to focus on practical local impact

April Lara
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West Northamptonshire Council revises sustainability strategy to focus on practical local impact

West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) is set to reassess its sustainability approach in a bid to deliver more immediate, practical benefits to local businesses and residents. The Council’s Cabinet will soon review a proposal that aims to prioritise projects which reduce energy costs, enhance quality of life, and support the local economy.

In 2022, WNC shifted from a climate-focused strategy to a broader sustainability model under the banner of Sustainable West Northants. This initiative made significant strides, earning the council recognition for its efforts and securing accreditation from Investors in the Environment.

The new administration seeks to align sustainability initiatives more closely with tangible, locally relevant outcomes. As part of this refocus, plans to scrap the net-zero targets for council operations in 2030 and for residents and businesses in 2045 are under consideration. Instead, resources will be directed toward initiatives that offer measurable, immediate benefits. Despite this shift, the Government’s 2050 Net Zero target for the wider region remains intact.

While the Council will continue to report annually on sustainability and work toward environmental certifications, the updated strategy acknowledges the limited impact the council can have on global climate change. WNC aims to focus efforts where local influence can be most effective, ensuring that the sustainability strategy delivers value for taxpayers and supports the community.

Future of affordable housing project in Whetstone assured with financial support

Tess Egginton
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Future of affordable housing project in Whetstone assured with financial support
The future of an affordable housing project in Whetstone has been assured with financial support from Blaby District Council. Almost £150,000 is being allocated to developers My Pad and social landlord Futures Housing Group, to ensure the 21-unit scheme off Springwell Lane goes ahead. It means the scheme, featuring 15 social rented homes and six shared ownership homes, will retain the planned mix of one single bed, eight two-bed, seven three-bed and five four-bed or more. Councillor Les Phillimore, Blaby District Council portfolio holder for housing, said: “Our housing team has worked with My Pad and Futures Housing Group from the very start to make sure this scheme meets the needs of local families looking for affordable housing options. “The financial viability of affordable developments of this size is very tight. When it became clear the current mix could only be delivered as affordable if there was extra financial input, Futures Housing approached our housing team for help. “We have a ring-fenced Affordable Housing Fund which we can use for such instances. Supporting this scheme is an important step in meeting our priorities to increase the supply of affordable homes, prevent homelessness and end rough sleeping.” Anthony Holt, director of development and asset maximisation at Futures, said: “We’re very thankful to Blaby District Council for supporting us in being able to bring these much-needed affordable homes to the local community. “There’s currently a demand for large family homes in this area, so it’s great knowing we’ll be able to help this as the development includes four-bedroom properties. “We’re looking forward to starting work on site with the developers My Pad and continue working with Blaby District Council as we all work together to ease the housing shortage.”

Bolsover launches new grant scheme to accelerate decarbonisation for local businesses

April Lara
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Bolsover launches new grant scheme to accelerate decarbonisation for local businesses

The Bolsover Net Zero Innovation Programme (NZIP) is set to enter its second year, extending its support for local businesses with a new grant initiative aimed at accelerating their transition to net zero. Funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and delivered by Nottingham Trent University, the programme now runs until March 2026.

The newly introduced Net Zero Growth Grant Scheme is designed to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) overcome financial barriers to decarbonisation. Businesses that complete a free energy efficiency audit will be eligible to apply for grants of up to £25,000 to fund projects including energy-efficient technologies, retrofitting, and the development of low-carbon products and services. The grants can cover up to 80% of project costs.

Since its launch, the NZIP has already made significant strides, supporting over 90 businesses with free services such as site audits, carbon management workshops, and one-on-one consultancy. The first year saw 29 retrofit audits identifying potential carbon savings of nearly 400 tCO₂e annually, while 83 businesses participated in carbon management training, with 79 decarbonisation plans being developed.

The programme’s expansion aims to provide further assistance to Bolsover’s SME sector, ensuring that businesses can take actionable steps towards reducing their carbon footprints while remaining competitive in an increasingly sustainability-conscious market.

Free digital marketing course to support business growth

April Lara
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Free digital marketing course to support business growth

The Marketing and Leadership Academy (TMLA) has launched a new initiative aimed at helping entrepreneurs enhance their digital marketing skills. The intensive 12-week bootcamp, which is part-funded by the Department for Education, offers a valuable opportunity for self-employed individuals, those seeking employment, and businesses to improve their digital marketing strategies.

This in-person course, based at the University of Derby’s Enterprise Centre, covers essential digital marketing topics, including branding, SEO, and content marketing. The programme is designed to help participants build a solid foundation in digital marketing, with the added benefit of guest lectures from industry experts. At the end of the course, attendees will also have the opportunity to sit for a CIM Level 4 Content Marketing module exam.

TMLA, Derbyshire’s only training provider accredited by the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), aims to provide accessible, practical education to individuals at various stages in their marketing careers. The programme, starting September 10, is open to a range of participants, with free places available for the self-employed and unemployed, while businesses are asked to contribute a portion of the costs for their employees, depending on the size of their organisation. This move comes as part of TMLA’s ongoing efforts to expand its offerings, which also include Level 4 and Level 6 CIM qualifications in Professional and Digital Marketing.

92-bedroom hotel and venue to be sold near Nottingham

Tess Egginton
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92-bedroom hotel and venue to be sold near Nottingham
Christie & Co has been instructed to sell The Mour Hotel, a four-star hotel in Annesley, near Nottingham. Located close to Junction 27 of the M1, the boutique-style hotel comprises 92 en-suite bedrooms over five floors, as well as a relaxed bar and restaurant, fitness suite, and function spaces with capacity for up to 150 which regularly host weddings, celebrations and conferences. The hotel also offers an outdoor terrace and large private car park. The hotel was the first Dakota hotel, a boutique hotel chain co-founded by Ken McCulloch, the founder of Malmaison, and David Coulthard, the former Formula 1 driver. It was designed by award-winning Amanda Rosa and won Conde Nast hotel of the year. The hotel is independent of brand and currently operates on a ‘hands off’ basis, with the potential to introduce a brand under new ownership to further increase turnover. Russel Allen, owner of The Mour Hotel, said: “After nearly two decades of ownership, this is a genuine retirement sale for me. The Mour Hotel has been a rewarding project and I’m proud of what we’ve built. It’s a strong, award-winning business and I believe there’s real opportunity for a new owner to take it even further.” Matt Hill, senior business agent at Christie & Co, is managing the sale and said: “The Mour Hotel is a landmark well-positioned venue with a broad offering of facilities and strong financial performance. “This, combined with its fantastic position, and potential to further grow the business, makes it a great opportunity for an experienced operator to add to their portfolio. Our recommendation would be to contact us for further information and view the site to appreciate its quality and value.” Mour Hotel is on the market with an asking price of £7,250,000.

The Wilmott Group to be acquired by Rehlko

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The Wilmott Group to be acquired by Rehlko
The Wilmott Group has entered into a tentative agreement to be acquired by Rehlko, formerly Kohler Energy. The move marks a new chapter for Derbyshire-based The Wilmott Group and significantly strengthens the company’s ability to deliver innovative solutions across data centres and other critical infrastructure sectors, such as healthcare, manufacturing and utilities. As part of Rehlko’s EMEA operations, The Wilmott Group—including WB Power Services (WBPS) and Wiltech Acoustics, will gain access to expanded resources, global expertise, and new manufacturing and engineering capabilities. This partnership will allow The Wilmott Group to better support customers while accelerating growth in key markets throughout the UK and Europe. “This is a hugely exciting and pivotal moment for the Wilmott Group,” said Andy Wilmott, co-CEO and chairman of The Wilmott Group. “Rehlko shares our deep-rooted commitment to long-term customer value, innovation, and operational excellence, values that the Wilmott Group were founded upon back in 1983. “By coming together, we are uniquely positioned to elevate our impact—delivering even greater levels of reliability and innovation to mission-critical operations across the UK and EMEA.” Rehlko is a leader in energy resilience, with a reputation for powering the most demanding applications—from data centres to hospitals and industrial operations. This acquisition brings together Rehlko’s extensive, global portfolio with The Wilmott Group’s full-service capabilities in design, testing, installation, and lifecycle support across engineering and acoustic technologies. Through this integration, WBPS will partner more closely with Rehlko’s engineering teams to scale complex data center projects. In addition, Wiltech Acoustics’ advanced in-house acoustic manufacturing capabilities will enable shorter lead times and improved responsiveness to dynamic market demands. “The Wilmott Group’s dedication to creating long-term value with customers strongly complements Rehlko’s commitment to delivering innovative and reliable energy solutions,” said Brian Melka, president and CEO of Rehlko. “In this new chapter for Rehlko, The Wilmott Group’s long history of success will bolster our data center solutions across the U.K. and the rest of Europe.”

Work begins on 55 affordable homes in Leicestershire village

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Work begins on 55 affordable homes in Leicestershire village
Work has started on a new development of 55 homes in the rural village of Osbaston, near Leicester. Stonewater, a social housing provider with 40,000 homes across the UK, will deliver 45 affordable rent homes and 10 properties for Rent to Buy at Barton Road. The Barton Road site will benefit from a gas-free approach with air source heat pumps and solar panels to enhance energy efficiency and help reduce customers’ energy bills. And in a move to improve sustainability and reduce disruption to the local area, parts of the construction will be prefabricated off-site, also helping to accelerate the build process. Stonewater is working in partnership with Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council, Osbaston Parish Council, RMA Employers’ Agent and East Midlands residential developer MyPad to complete the site, which will offer a mix of one-bedroom maisonettes, two-bedroom bungalows and two-, three- and four-bedroom houses with private gardens. Partners gathered on site recently to plant a ceremonial spade into the ground to celebrate the start of construction, with the development due to be completed July 2026. Arthur Gott, senior development manager at Stonewater, said: “As we celebrate the importance of rural housing, it’s great to see work start on these 55 homes; providing sustainable, high-quality homes in a popular rural location. “This is a great site in a lovely area, close to local amenities. Once complete, the development will provide opportunities to rent or save to buy a home affordably in an attractive and well-located village. “By using modern methods of construction and incorporating energy-efficient features like solar panels, we’re also delivering homes that are more sustainable and economical to run for customers.” Michael Broadhust, commercial manager at MyPad, said: “We were pleased to support Stonewater in the development of its new homes at Osbaston, to help provide much needed quality rural housing for locals and their families. “The sustainability measures and construction methods that we put in place will help to minimise the carbon footprint of the high-quality homes while reducing energy bills for customers.”

UK economy slumps for second month

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UK economy slumps for second month
The UK economy shrunk again in May, against expectations of growth. According to new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), GDP (gross domestic product), a key measure of economy growth, is estimated to have fallen by 0.1% month-on-month in May, following a 0.3% drop in April, versus market expectations of 0.1% growth. It reflects, across key sectors, services output growing by 0.1% month-on-month, construction output declining 0.6% month-on-month, and production output falling 0.9% month-on-month. Ben Jones, CBI lead economist, said: “Flatlining growth in May highlights the ongoing pressures facing the UK economy, with manufacturing and retail struggling, alongside a patchy performance across other parts of the services sector. “Today’s data suggests that a sluggish recovery remains the likeliest path in the near-term amid persistent trade uncertainty, a loosening labour market and slowing growth in real incomes. And with business costs rising, many firms are maintaining a cautious approach to investment. “With growing fiscal challenges and the Autumn Budget on the horizon, the Chancellor must provide clear reassurance—no new taxes on business and instead offer a commitment to work alongside firms to dismantle barriers to growth. An open and collaborative partnership between business and government is crucial to deliver the conditions for sustained economic growth.”

“I encourage organisations across Nottinghamshire and the wider East Midlands to enter the Bricks Awards and showcase the incredible work happening here,” says Marketing Nottingham & Nottinghamshire Chief Executive

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“I encourage organisations across Nottinghamshire and the wider East Midlands to enter the Bricks Awards and showcase the incredible work happening here,” says Marketing Nottingham & Nottinghamshire Chief Executive
As the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025 draws nearer, and with nominations set to close in just five weeks, Marketing Nottingham & Nottinghamshire is encouraging entries. Megan Powell Vreeswijk, Chief Executive of Marketing Nottingham & Nottinghamshire, said: “For 10 years, the East Midlands Bricks Awards has helped to champion businesses that define our region through innovation, ambition, and resilience in the built environment sector. “These businesses help to shape our communities and drive economic growth across Nottingham & Nottinghamshire. I encourage organisations across Nottinghamshire and the wider East Midlands to enter the Bricks Awards and showcase the incredible work happening here – let’s put our region firmly on the map.” A key event in the business calendar, highlighting the exceptional work of the region’s property and construction industry, the 10th annual East Midlands Bricks Awards will take place on Thursday 2nd October, at the famous Trent Bridge Cricket Ground (4:30pm – 7:30pm). Revealing the winners in a glittering awards ceremony, the evening also offers time to establish new connections with property and construction professionals from across the region, and hear from keynote speaker Councillor Nadine Peatfield – Leader of Derby City Council, Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Strategy and Policy, and Deputy Mayor of the East Midlands. Nominations for the prestigious event are open, and now is the ideal time to make your submissions, ahead of the deadline – Friday 15th August. Take this opportunity to showcase your successes, recognise your team’s efforts, bolster morale, and reach our audience of over 60,000 business readers. It’s completely free to enter and making the top three finalists in your category also wins you free tickets to the awards ceremony and networking event.

To nominate your (or another) business/development for one of our awards, please click on a category link below or visit this page.

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.
Tickets can now be booked for the 2025 awards event, click here to secure yours. Taking place in the Derek Randall Suite at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground on Thursday 2nd October, from 4:30pm – 7:30pm, connect with local decision makers over nibbles and complimentary drinks while applauding the outstanding companies and projects in our region.

The East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025

What: The East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025 When: Thursday 2nd October (4.30pm – 7.30pm) Where: Derek Randall Suite, Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, Nottingham Keynote speaker: Councillor Nadine Peatfield – Leader of Derby City Council, Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Strategy and Policy, and Deputy Mayor of the East Midlands Tickets: Available here Dress code: Standard business attire Thanks to our sponsors:                                                                

To be held at:

Time Out: Rebecca Aldridge, managing director, Balance: Wealth Planning

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Time Out: Rebecca Aldridge, managing director, Balance: Wealth Planning
It’s Friday, and the weekend is just around the corner. That means it is time to kick up your feet and relax with some quick fire questions. This ‘Time Out’ features Rebecca Aldridge, managing director at Nottingham financial planning firm Balance: Wealth Planning, who is a secret sourdough bread expert. What is the first thing you do to get the weekend started? Doing something fun on a Friday night is a must – it always makes the weekend seem longer. I quite often have tickets on a Friday to see something at Nottingham Playhouse or Broadway cinema. What is your hobby? Going to the theatre, seeing live music, dance, and that sort of thing. I love a show. What is your favourite movie? Tricky to have an all time favourite, but recent favourites have been Anora and Parasite, both so fierce, funny and well observed. If you hadn’t been successful at what you do, what would you be doing instead as a career? My aim at school was to be a theatre director but that’s a difficult career path. I’d probably have been a project manager of some sort – I love spreadsheets and systems. If you could have any superpower, what would it be? I’d freeze time around me, so I could have more time to get things done or enjoy fun experiences. But I’d definitely also want a cool superhero costume with a staff I could wave about like Zeus or Thor to make time to do my bidding. What is your secret talent? I can make great sourdough bread. What is your favourite genre of music? I love indie bands with fierce, slightly angry female lead singers. Wet Leg are amazing, and Amyl and the Sniffers too. If you could travel to any moment in time, where would you go?  Time travel’s overrated. Look at Dr Who and the burdens he/she has to bear. I’ll stay right here.
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