Ipsum Group has strengthened its position in the energy and infrastructure sectors with the acquisition of Ilkeston-based Core Control Solutions. Core Control specialises in designing and building energy systems for power, water, and transport sectors, including power storage systems that support renewable energy projects, tunnels, and airports.

This acquisition is set to enhance Ipsum’s existing work in power, water, infrastructure, and telecoms, allowing the company to provide more integrated and efficient end-to-end solutions. The deal also opens doors to further expansion into additional infrastructure sectors.

By combining its engineering expertise with Core Control’s capabilities, Ipsum aims to boost service delivery and increase its market presence across the UK. The acquisition will further strengthen Ipsum’s efforts in delivering reliable power and water infrastructure solutions.

The deal was supported by legal and financial advisors Squire Patton Boggs, Grant Thornton, Dains Accountants, and M&S Solicitors, who provided expertise throughout the transaction process.

With just 10 days remaining until nominations close for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025 ensure to submit your entries for the 10th annual celebration of the property and construction industry by Friday 15th August. It’s completely free to enter and making the top three finalists in your category also wins you free tickets to the awards ceremony. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to promote your business, showcase your successes, reward the hard work of your team, and boost morale. Scheduled to take place on Thursday 2nd October the Bricks shine a light on the outstanding work of those shaping the landscape of our region, recognising development projects and people in commercial and public building across the East Midlands – from offices, industrial and residential, through to community projects such as leisure schemes and schools. We also highlight the work of architects, agencies and those behind large schemes. The glittering awards ceremony revealing winners, at the famous Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, will also offer the perfect chance to forge new contacts with property and construction professionals from across the region. The event will additionally feature Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Leader of Derby City Council and Deputy Mayor of the East Midlands, as keynote speaker.

To enter the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025, please click here, or on the category headings below.

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

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.

Lee Parry, MD for Vistry East Midlands, which won Developer of the Year in 2024, shared: “It was a real honour to be given the title of Developer of the Year at the East Midlands Bricks Awards in 2024. These awards celebrate all that is good in property and construction across our region, and I’d encourage everyone to get involved to show how your business is making a difference in the sector.”

Tickets can now be booked for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025, click here to secure yours.

Connect with local decision makers over nibbles and complimentary drinks while applauding the exceptional companies and projects in our region.

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.

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:

 

E-commerce retailer MuscleFood is under new ownership with former CEO Nick Preston and business partner Ross Carlin taking full control of the brand. The duo have brought MuscleFood into their suite of businesses alongside The Good Food Group and several other brands after closing the deal just three days after agreeing to buy the company. The new group of companies constitutes one of the largest health nutrition brands in the UK and the biggest to be headquartered in Nottinghamshire. MuscleFood currently employs 85 people and the new owners are committed to delivering future growth. Nick Preston and Ross Carlin acquired MuscleFood for an undisclosed sum, from previous owners The GPS Food Group, in a deal which also saw the writing-off of much of the brand’s debt. Their arrival has already boosted morale with trading revenue up by 37% in their first week compared to the previous week. Nick Preston has a long history with MuscleFood having been on board since the early days of the company in 2014, with a variety of roles including spells as co-CEO and CEO. He left the business in September 2024 but has now returned as co-owner with Ross Carlin, founder of The Good Food Group. Both Nick and Ross are committed to elevating every aspect of the business starting with customer service and communication before focusing on the product offer. They’re already assembling a senior management team including several former MuscleFood executives. Nick said: “It’s fantastic to return to MuscleFood and we’re both incredibly proud to be the owners. MuscleFood has a history of being such an innovative business and it’s inspired so many entrepreneurs to launch their own brands over the years. “I’m really proud of the work the team here have done and we are looking forward to elevating the offer once again and bringing back that spirit of innovation which made MuscleFood such a leader in the market. “I have been associated with MuscleFood since pretty much the start so it seems poignant to come full circle and return as co-owner. “Walking back into the office on the first day was something of a pinch myself moment, particularly because the entire deal had been completed so quickly, with the paperwork signed just three days after the opportunity was first presented. “I’m grateful for all the work the previous owners and board did and for the opportunity we have been given to come in and effectively make a fresh start and begin a whole new chapter for MuscleFood.” Co-owner Ross Carlin said it was exciting to be able to bring Musclefood into a group of companies including The Good Food Group, which he founded. The Good Food Group is an official supply partner to major UK retailers such as Boots, Superdrug and Holland & Barrett, helping them to drive innovation within their businesses. Ross Carlin said: “We want to show the world who MuscleFood is. The brand made its name through innovating the industry so it sits very well alongside The Good Food Group which is also known for innovation. “It’s early days but we have already started work on a new customer service improvement plan to make sure our customers get the best service possible. There’s so much potential for growth. “We will be elevating everything about the brand in terms of quality, service and communication. Persistence beats resistance and we will deliver what we say we will deliver. “MuscleFood has a great history of innovation within the food industry but we are definitely planning forward, not looking back.”

East Midlands Airport has unveiled a new state-of-the-art training academy, reinforcing its commitment to enhancing operations and service quality. Located adjacent to the airport’s main administrative building, the facility is designed to accommodate 68 learners at a time, with dedicated spaces for in-person and remote training.

The training academy is part of a £120m investment programme at the airport and features four training rooms, a remote learning space, and facilities for staff, including a new kitchen and rest area. The academy’s primary focus is on training airport staff in areas such as security, customer services, landside and airfield operations, with courses also available for partner organisations working at the airport.

The in-house training team runs refresher courses for existing employees as well as onboarding sessions for new recruits. Core modules include customer service training, security protocols, and the use of advanced equipment, such as the next-generation scanning systems in the airport’s updated security hall. These improvements enable passengers to keep electronics and liquids in their cabin bags during screening.

This move is part of the airport’s broader strategy to maintain top-tier service and safety standards, ensuring that both staff and passengers benefit from a seamless, efficient travel experience.