Apprenticeship investment must not neglect higher level schemes says East Midlands Chamber
East Midlands Chamber has cautiously welcomed a government pledge to increase investment into lower-level apprenticeships but warned measures must not cut off ways to upskill without requiring traditional education.
Measures the Department for Education says will create 120,000 opportunities for training from a £3bn budget include a ‘refocusing’ of funding from Level 7 apprenticeships to lower-level schemes from January 2026.
East Midlands Chamber director of resources Lucy Robinson said: “With the skills shortage a persistent challenge to businesses, and 7 out of 10 firms having reported in our Quarterly Economic Survey that they’ve struggled to find suitable candidates, apprenticeships can be a brilliant solution, giving employers a talent pool that has relevant industry skill.
“While increased investment into apprenticeships will be music to the ears of many firms looking to recruit, tilting the spend in favour of lower-level schemes must be responsive to what businesses need – not give with one hand, take from the other. A candidate should have the option to take on a Level 7 apprenticeship, instead of only having the option of taking an academic route to get into some higher-level professions.
“A classroom can go so far in preparing candidates for employment, but the social interaction of being alongside workers from a specific industry and the real-world learning that can be gained from an apprenticeship is priceless. Listening to what firms say they need and striking the right balance to prioritise that is crucial.”
Demolition works set to begin in Northampton to make way for innovative new development
Preparatory works are set to begin on 2 June to pave the way for an innovative new development in Northampton, on the site of the former stores and Job Centre buildings, located on Abington Street, Wellington Street, and Wood Street.
The demolition, to be carried out by specialist contractor Colemans, marks the beginning of an exciting transformation for Northampton’s town centre. The redevelopment scheme, which is being funded through the Government’s Town Fund, will breathe new life into the area, with plans for more than 200 build-to-rent homes above modern retail and leisure spaces at ground level.
Main demolition activities will begin in mid-June, starting with the structures facing Abington Street. This phase of the project is scheduled for completion in early 2026.
Cllr James Petter, deputy leader of West Northamptonshire Council and cabinet member for local economy, culture and leisure, said: “This is a pivotal moment for Northampton. The regeneration of this site is not just about removing outdated buildings—it’s about unlocking the potential of our town centre.
“This scheme will deliver new homes, create jobs, and provide modern spaces for businesses to thrive. We are committed to ensuring the works are carried out with care and consideration, and that the benefits of this investment are felt across the community.”
CT Skills expands with specialist teaching assistant apprenticeship
CT Skills, the apprenticeship and training providers, have expanded with a new Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship.
Working closely with the Department for Education (DfE) to provide apprenticeships across multiple sectors including education, childcare, business and accounting, the Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship is the latest addition to the CT Skills portfolio.
The new Level 5 apprenticeship for teaching, learning support and classroom assistants, as well as academic mentors, has been developed to enhance teaching support provision related to special educational needs and disability (SEND), the social and emotional well-being of learners, or within another area of specialist curriculum provision.
This could include forest schools, support for learners with English as an additional language (EAL), subject-based interventions or music education.
Alex Ford, CEO at CT Skills, said: “Specialist teaching assistants work across all age ranges, supporting a range of learners. A recent Department of Education report has identified the rise in the need for, and the expanding role of, teaching assistants both to support the rise of pupils with SEND in mainstream settings as well and the emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs of pupils further to the COVID-19 pandemic more broadly.”
The apprenticeship provides an opportunity for education and early years support professionals to continue their vocational development and focus their future careers within one of three areas of interest.
Michelle Phoenix, head of quality and curriculum at CT Skills, added: “We’ve been getting feedback for a while from our current employers and learners that enhanced training provision in this area was needed.
“With this new apprenticeship, teaching assistants can develop their theoretical and practical skills to become more equipped to manage their expanding roles, as well as have the chance to specialise in either SEND, social and emotional wellbeing or other specialist curriculum provision. It’s great that this is now available.”
The Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship is a 17-20-month programme that covers a blend of practical and theory-based learning. With on and off the job training learners will develop a portfolio of evidence and work towards a final assessment. It also opens up potential for future learning opportunities to progress to a post Graduate Certificate of Education (PGCE) or a Batchelor Education (BEd) degree with qualified teacher status.
Council taps private sector support to build AI skills
Nottingham City Council has launched an AI Academy to train 40 employees across various departments in data and artificial intelligence, aiming to enhance digital capabilities within public services.
The programme is being delivered in partnership with edtech provider Multiverse and is primarily funded through an apprenticeship levy transfer from Capital One. Enterprise Rent-A-Car has also provided financial support. Both companies have a local presence near the council’s headquarters.
Staff enrolled in the academy span key areas, including public health, transportation, children’s services, and community safety. The training is designed to integrate AI skills into frontline and operational roles, as part of the council’s wider improvement plan.
Multiverse, which has trained over 20,000 apprentices in digital skills since 2016, has worked with Nottingham City Council for several years. The new training cohort will focus specifically on AI literacy and practical applications within local government.
This move comes as local authorities across the UK explore ways to modernise service delivery and reduce inefficiencies through digital transformation.
WBR Group and Leicestershire CCC announce two-year partnership to empower young people in Leicester
Leicestershire County Cricket Club (LCCC) has announced a dynamic two-year collaboration with Leicester-headquartered WBR Group, the independent provider of SSAS, tax, law and actuarial services. This partnership is set to deliver impactful youth and community engagement initiatives across the region.
WBR Group will work closely with the Club and the Leicestershire CCC Foundation to provide support and opportunities for under-18s, with a particular focus on education, sport, and personal development.
The initiative includes joint delivery of Mo-Mentum – the community focused programme led by Leicester’s own basketball star Mo Walker – which was devised with WBR Group for local schools, designed to inspire and empower young people, helping them make positive life choices. This will be expanded through workshops with the Running Foxes Women and Girls Coaching Programme (RFWCP) and the Running Foxes Coaching Programme, helping engage and inspire young people through cricket and cross-sport collaboration.
As part of the partnership, WBR Group will also receive on-site branding and hospitality opportunities at the Uptonsteel County Ground, reinforcing their commitment to community investment and local sport.
John Williams, commercial director of Leicestershire CCC, said: “This partnership with WBR Group is a fantastic example of two organisations working together to make a meaningful difference. We’re thrilled to be combining the power of sport with the positive energy of Mo-Mentum to inspire the next generation. With the support of WBR, we’ll be able to reach more young people than ever before across Leicester and Leicestershire.”
Alan Simpson, director of law, WBR Group, said: “At WBR Group, we believe in investing in the future, not just financially, but socially and culturally. Partnering with LCCC gives us a unique platform to support youth development and community cohesion through the power of sport.
“Our collaboration will focus on creating inclusive opportunities for young people to engage with cricket, develop life skills, and build stronger community ties. Our aim to inspire the next generation of cricketers and community leaders through a series of grassroots programmes, school outreach events, and community cricket festivals.
“We have been doing this very successfully with our very own basketball star Mo Walker and can see the difference this makes to young people.”
103-acre residential land sale completes in Burton
Nurton Developments (Quintus) Ltd has comleted a major residential land deal at its flagship mixed-use development at Branston Locks, Burton upon Trent.
Places for People (PfP) – the social enterprise – has acquired 103 acres on the scheme to support its ambition of accelerating the delivery of affordable housing across the country.
Tim Gardiner, group development director from Places for People, said: “We are delighted to get involved in this development which will see around 1500 new mixed-tenure homes delivered including private sale, affordable rent and shared ownership.
“PfP is committed to supporting the government’s ambitious target to build 1.5 million homes and is experienced in creating and supporting thriving Communities. Developments like this, which contribute positively to the local area, are vital in providing much-needed housing, particularly affordable housing, as well as improved infrastructure, and enhanced community facilities.”
Previous residential land deals on the site have been completed with national and regional housebuilders including Crest Nicholson, Taylor Wimpey, Lovell, and Cameron Homes. To date, more than 500 homes are occupied, with a further 400 under reserved matters approval.
Nurton Developments began its vision for Branston Locks in 2008. Over the past two decades, it has acted as master developer—investing £8m in the delivery of primary infrastructure, supported by a Strategic Infrastructure Award to help deliver 2,500 homes alongside one million sq ft of commercial space, designed to create up to 3,000 jobs.
Extensive green infrastructure, open spaces for sports and recreation, and the development of a secondary free school and a primary school were also included as part of the strategy to create a sustainable community.
The new primary school opened in September 2024, operated by the John Taylor Multi Academy Trust, alongside a newly built secondary school adjacent to the site. This ensures access to education from early years through to sixth form secured through a Section 106 agreement that provided a site and £18m in education contributions.
Work is also due to complete on the £10m upgrade of the Branston Junction, designed to future-proof the local road network.
Ian Willicombe, development director at Nurton Developments, said: “This sale represents a major milestone for the scheme and Nurton, demonstrating the quality of Branston Locks as a strategic location and underlining our strength as a business to deliver a scheme of this scale and invest at an early stage to bring forward one of the UK’s largest urban extensions.
“As a master developer, we’ve taken the site from former agricultural land to a thriving and sustainable community, and we feel Places for People are the right fit for the scheme—a respected provider who shares our long-term vision.”
Willicombe added: “Our approach has always been about creating value through thoughtful placemaking—not just unlocking land. We’ve focused on delivering a balanced, liveable environment. We’re proud of what we’ve achieved as a team and look forward to continuing to develop the commercial element as a key employment location for the region.”
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.”
