Acquisitive professional services group Cooper Parry has continued its expansion, swooping for specialist management adviser Liberty Corporate Finance. This marks the East Midlands-headquartered group’s 14th deal in just over two years.
Liberty is a specialist corporate finance advisor to management teams across the world, supporting clients in negotiating, designing and implementing equity incentive plans. Liberty has advised management teams across a multitude of sectors, deal sizes and geographies and has an unrivalled knowledge of the private equity industry.
Liberty operates from offices in London, Madrid, Munich, Stockholm and Sydney. The firm has assisted over 750 management teams, working with more than 150 private equity houses with combined transaction value in excess of £200bn.
Ade Cheatham, CEO, Cooper Parry, said: “This deal is different. Liberty takes us right to the centre of the most valuable conversations in the market – where management, private equity, and strategy collide. Their track record is elite. Their relationships are deep. And culturally, they’re bang in sync with how we think, work and grow.
“It’s our fourteenth deal in just over two years – and one of the most strategically powerful. It gives us immediate presence in new international markets and extends our reach at the top end of the deal spectrum. If you want to understand our ambition at CP, this move says it all.”
Liberty partners Simon Hill, Michael McDonagh and Dan Martinez added: “We are delighted to join forces with Cooper Parry, a game changer in the professional services industry. This acquisition marks a new chapter for Liberty; preserving our identity, brand and unique offering while at the same time enabling us to expand our capabilities and markets.
“Tapping into CP’s deep expertise allows us to greatly accelerate our growth trajectory. Our shared commitment to excellence, innovation, and client success makes this a natural and exciting fit. We look forward to what we will achieve together.”
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has appointed Sirah Parkes FRICS as the new chair for the East Midlands Regional Board, succeeding Amrit Sagoo.
Sirah joined the RICS East Midlands Regional Board in 2024 and serves as senior managing surveyor at SDL Surveying, a division of the MSS Group. With over 25 years of experience as a chartered surveyor, Sirah’s distinguished career spans commercial practice, development, landlord and tenant, and her current role where she is part of a team that manages 120 residential sector surveyors.
A fellow and RICS ambassador, Sirah passionately advocates for education, social and economic mobility. She played a pivotal role in developing iPad technologies pivotal to RICS-compliant bank lending site note capture and reporting, as well as Level 2 iPad technology now widely used in residential valuation and surveying.
Her commitment to equality, diversity, and maintaining professional excellence has been a hallmark of her career.
Sirah Parkes said: “This is an incredible privilege and an equally significant responsibility. My roots are in the East Midlands, and I am confident in my ability to fulfil this role. My vision is to ensure that our Board provides an inclusive, well-informed experience for our members. Engaging locally—listening, interacting, and understanding member needs—is at the heart of my approach.
“This role allows me to channel member feedback directly into the core of RICS. As a fellow member, I understand the importance of feeling heard and connected to the institution. I am determined that my new platform will support the next generation of surveyors, ensuring their relevance across disciplines and providing excellent educational and career opportunities, whether through apprenticeships or university routes.”
Derby City Council has launched a new AI-powered messaging service to improve debt collection for local businesses. The service integrates an advanced dashboard that provides a detailed overview of outstanding debts by analysing data across multiple Council systems.
From 26 June, businesses in the city that do not pay their business rates via Direct Debit will receive timely email reminders about upcoming payments and overdue instalments. This proactive service aims to help businesses avoid falling into arrears, minimise the risk of expensive recovery actions, and support financial stability.
The service is designed to offer a more tailored and compassionate approach to debt collection, ensuring that businesses get the support they need while maintaining a fair and effective process. By identifying cases that require additional assistance, the system enables the Council to address issues before they escalate, improving the overall debt management experience for businesses.
This is part of a wider effort by the Council to adopt smart technology in debt management, with similar services soon to be available for Council Tax payers and other debtors. The initiative reflects the Council’s commitment to responsibly managing public finances and supporting local businesses through AI-driven solutions.
East Midlands Chamber has cautiously welcomed measures announced in the government’s Trade Strategy, which seeks to ease barriers for businesses that export overseas.
Key points in the Trade Strategy include:
£20bn into UK Export Finance
£5bn into a new ‘Ricardo Fund’ to support UK regulators and overseas trade teams in removing regulatory barriers for UK businesses trading abroad
Flexible trade arrangements that are sector and industry specific
Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRA’s)
Mutual Recognition of Professional Qualifications (MRPQ’s)
Support for SME’s with export
A ‘proactive approach’ to imports
East Midlands Chamber head of international trade, Lucy Granger said: “With export of goods and services having been a painfully slow, costly and drawn-out process for firms since the UK’s exit from the EU, coupled more recently with the ongoing, changing tariffs imposed by the US, any initiatives to reduce the burden on exporters is something I welcome but what matters here is the detail.
“How and when exactly might these measures be implemented and will the results actually speed things up in practice – that’s what businesses will want to see.
“Right now, there are barriers that complicate processes that should really be quite simple – like what country does a product you’re exporting originate in, what differing rules might each country have on recognition of that product’s origin. For someone wanting to do business overseas, are their qualifications recognised in that country?
“Working to remove some of those hurdles, if successful, would be a good forward step and less time consuming for firms that export.
“Further Free Trade Agreements, if they happen would certainly help, too, however there needs to be support in place for firms in how to use them to make the export process as smooth as it can be. Likewise, if SME’s are to be supported, as proposed in the Trade Strategy, how might that work?
“For businesses exporting overseas, the Chamber’s International Trade department can offer guidance on how best to handle all the elements involved as we go forward.”
Mansfield District Council has appointed Nottinghamshire-based fire and security system specialists Tecserv UK to provide maintenance and compliance services across all public access buildings within its portfolio.
Under the agreement, Tecserv UK, which has its head office in Underwood, will carry out a programme of fire risk assessments and system upgrades across a range of sites, including the Civic Centre and the Old Town Hall.
This will involve the installation or replacement of fire extinguishers, access control systems, intruder alarms, and emergency lighting. The company will also provide ongoing maintenance and inspections to ensure full compliance with fire safety regulations.
Liam Clifford, national sales manager at Tecserv UK, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Mansfield District Council to help protect the people and properties within their care.
“As a local business, we’re proud to contribute to the safety of our community by delivering compliant, reliable fire and security systems. Our experienced engineers and support teams are committed to providing the highest standards of service and expertise.”
Portfolio holder for corporate and finance, councillor Craig Whitby, added: “Whilst cost and value are important factors, we cannot underestimate the economic benefits of making the very most of local skills and services.
“Tecserv UK was able to demonstrate a thorough understanding of our requirements and has demonstrated to us that they have a trusted reputation of providing reliable services to public organisations and high-profile buildings.”
North Northamptonshire Council is relaunching its support programme for small businesses, offering crucial resources to help them navigate the challenges of today’s economy. The initiative, which is backed by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Smarter Society, is designed to support businesses across North Northamptonshire’s High Streets, including those in retail, hospitality, and services.
This summer’s programme features expert-led mentoring, digital and social media training, and networking events, all tailored to meet the specific needs of local businesses. The one-on-one support extends to 50 businesses, while workshops will cover vital topics like customer service and AI integration. In addition, small businesses will have access to a wealth of online resources aimed at strengthening their operations.
A standout element of the programme is Smarter Society’s “Beat the Streets” initiative, where team members visit all 12 towns in the region to meet business owners face-to-face, providing direct support and tailored guidance based on their unique challenges.
This year, the programme builds on the success of last year, which helped 75 businesses gain new skills and build resilience. It reflects the council’s ongoing commitment to strengthening local economies and ensuring that High Streets remain the heart of the community. The first event, focusing on business therapy, is set for July 22 at 10am.
Premier Technical Services Group Ltd (PTSG), the Castleford-based provider of specialist services to the construction and facilities management sectors, has acquired HD Sharman Group Ltd (HDSG) – a leader in commercial roof maintenance and refurbishment systems.
Founded in 1970 and headquartered in Chapel-en-le-Frith, Derbyshire, HDSG helps organisations extend the life of their building assets.
The acquisition of HDSG represents a strategic expansion of PTSG’s capabilities in roofing services, complementing and strengthening the proposition delivered through its existing business, NSS – the commercial roof cleaning, maintenance and reactive repairs firm.
Paul Teasdale, executive chairman of PTSG, said: “HD Sharman Group is a respected name in the UK roofing sector – and rightly so. Their engineering excellence, commitment to customer outcomes and long-standing reputation for quality align perfectly with PTSG’s culture and ambition.
“Bringing HDSG into the Group allows us to significantly broaden our roofing services proposition and respond to growing demand for integrated solutions across the commercial property market. We are delighted to welcome the team into the PTSG family.”
Leigh Daveran, newly appointed managing director of HDSG, said: “Joining PTSG marks an exciting new chapter for our business.
“We are proud of the heritage and reputation we have built and we believe this partnership will allow us to go even further – enhancing our product and service offer, reaching new markets and combining forces with likeminded specialists at NSS and across the Group. We look forward to working together to deliver even greater value for our customers.”
Outgoing managing director, Mark de Rozarieux, the driving force behind HDSG and its growth, will remain closely involved in the business, working alongside Leigh to ensure a smooth and successful integration into the PTSG Group. He will retain his seat on the board of directors and continue to play an active role in shaping the strategic direction of the business.
Derbion, a prominent shopping centre in Derby, has attained BREEAM In-Use Outstanding certification, distinguishing itself as a sustainability leader within the retail sector. The certification highlights the centre’s strategic efforts in carbon reduction, energy efficiency, and community-focused initiatives.
The BREEAM In-Use certification is a global standard that evaluates both the physical performance of a building and how it’s managed to meet sustainability goals. Derbion’s results stand out with an Outstanding rating for management practices, including effective energy use and water conservation, and an Excellent rating for asset performance, which measures the physical infrastructure.
The centre has invested in energy-saving measures, such as upgrading to LED lighting, switching to a heat pump system, and using natural ventilation to minimise the need for cooling. These changes have led to a significant 30% reduction in energy consumption, saving 1.4 million kWh annually.
Alongside its environmental efforts, Derbion has enhanced its community impact through initiatives like Derbion Cares, which supports local charities, and employee volunteer programs. With a long-term vision of reaching Net Zero by 2030, the centre is also exploring solar energy and water-saving initiatives to further bolster its sustainability credentials.
This recognition underscores Derbion’s commitment to sustainability and positions it as a model for future retail developments aiming to meet both environmental and community-driven goals.
With nominations OPEN until Friday 15th August for East Midlands Business Link’s 10th annual Bricks Awards, shining a light on the region’s property and construction industry, there are 10 categories available to enter, offering an opportunity to showcase outstanding businesses, teams and projects at the prestigious event.
One such category is the ever-popular Contractor of the Year, which can be entered here. It’s completely free to submit a nomination and making the top three finalists in your category also wins you free tickets to the awards ceremony.
Celebrating the contractors who work on the project, this award celebrates builders, construction companies and the contractors themselves, and nominees should be those who have gone above and beyond the word of the contract to deliver a truly exceptional service.
Last year the award was won by Clegg Construction, beating out stiff competition from Cawarden and Winvic. Upon winning, Michael Sims, Managing Director at Clegg Construction, said: “Clegg is a 92-year-old company whose head office has been based in Nottingham city centre for over 25 years, and we are so proud to have been recognised at this year’s Bricks Awards for our contributions to the built environment in the East Midlands region. We dedicate this award to our teams and partners, whose unwavering commitment to delivering an exceptional service on each of the projects we deliver is fundamental to the company’s continued success.”
With this year’s Contractor of the Year award sponsored by environmental consultancy EMEC, Ed Tripp, Consultancy Director at EMEC, said: “We’re proud to once again sponsor the ‘Contractor of the Year’ category at the Bricks Awards, which continues to be a fantastic celebration of the region’s construction and property sectors.
“Last year’s event was a brilliant showcase of talent, innovation and collaboration, and we thoroughly enjoyed connecting with so many like-minded professionals who are helping shape the future of our built environment.
“At EMEC, we work closely with contractors across a wide range of projects, so it’s a real pleasure to help shine a spotlight on those delivering excellence on site. As an environmental consultancy, we believe it’s vital for contractors to take a responsible and forward-thinking approach to sustainability, and this year’s winner will be someone who goes above and beyond to embrace biodiversity within their developments.
“We’re looking forward to another inspiring evening and encourage all within the industry to get their nominations in—it’s a great opportunity to recognise hard work, dedication and impact across the industry.”
Submit your nominations for Contractor of the Year here, before entries close on Friday 15th August.
Property and construction professionals gather for the East Midlands Bricks Awards
Winners will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony on Thursday 2nd October,at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground (4:30pm – 7:30pm) – an evening also offering an opportunity 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.
Other award categories open for entry include: Most Active Agent, Commercial Development of the Year, Responsible Business of the Year, Residential Development of the Year, Developer of the Year, Deal of the Year, Architects of the Year, Excellence in Design, and Sustainable Development of the Year. All entry forms can be accessed here.
The Overall Winner award will also be presented at the event. This award cannot be entered, with the winner selected from those nominated for the event’s other awards. The Overall Winner of the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025 will also receive agrand 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.
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 hereDress code: Standard business attire
Thanks to our sponsors:
Nottingham Forest’s City Ground will undergo a significant transformation, with plans to redevelop the iconic stadium officially approved. Following unanimous backing from the Rushcliffe Borough Council, the project will see the demolition and replacement of the Peter Taylor Stand, with the new structure boosting the stadium’s capacity to around 35,000 seats.
The new stand, rising 38 metres, will be the tallest in the stadium and will feature advanced infrastructure, including improved facilities for staff, players, and fans, as well as premium hospitality suites. The £130m redevelopment will modernise the venue to meet top-tier football standards, aligning with the club’s ambitions for future success.
The planning approval also includes provisions for a residential development next to the stadium, featuring 170 one- and two-bedroom apartments and commercial spaces, with parking for 67 vehicles. With this redevelopment, Nottingham Forest aims to enhance both the fan experience and the economic impact on the local area.
By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. more information
The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this.
