An independent report has revealed a £2.1bn economic boost from the redevelopment of the former RAF Scampton.
The report produced by Focus Consultants was commissioned by Scampton Holdings Ltd and West Lindsey District Council. It outlines the potential of the former RAF Scampton site to become a nationally significant hub for employment, tourism, innovation, and community regeneration, supporting thousands of jobs and preserving the site’s historic legacy. Key projected benefits include up to 3,625 new jobs, with more than 800 roles in defence and aerospace, £40m in construction Gross Value Added (GVA), and a £65m boost to local tourism, driven by more than 300,000 annual visitors and plans for a new air show celebrating Scampton’s aviation heritage. The report also projects a £25m investment in research, development and skills, supporting STEM education, apprenticeships, and long-term career opportunities for local people, and a £417m uplift in community wellbeing, land value and heritage preservation. Sally Grindrod-Smith, director of planning, regeneration and communities at West Lindsey District Council, said: “This independent report confirms what we have long believed, the former RAF Scampton is a site of huge untapped potential. “Through careful planning and investment with our development partner Scampton Holdings LTD, we can deliver high-quality jobs, national economic value, and a revitalised community asset that honours the site’s iconic past. “Scampton is also a critical element of an evolving, inter-connected high-growth regional economy and as such represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity—not just for West Lindsey, but for the East Midlands and national economy.”
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Activate brings immersive social gaming experience to Highcross Leicester
Activate, an innovative, tech-infused group gaming experience, is expanding to Highcross Leicester, marking its first major Midlands launch. After launching successfully in London and Newcastle, Activate is quickly growing its presence in the UK, following its debut in Canada in 2017.
The interactive gaming attraction blends physical movement with mental challenges, offering an engaging experience for teams of 2-5 players. Participants will navigate dynamic game rooms designed to test various skills, including agility, memory, and teamwork. This type of competitive socialising is gaining popularity across North America, with 60 locations already established in Canada, the US, and Dubai.
The Highcross Leicester site, occupying a 9,632 sq ft space, is set to open later this year in the former House of Fraser unit. It will join other leisure offerings at the centre, including Social Climbing and Treetop Adventure Golf. The Leicester opening is part of Activate’s broader strategy to expand to 30 locations across the UK and Ireland, with sites also planned for Newcastle’s Metrocentre and London’s Oxford Street.
Activate’s unique, adrenaline-charged experience appeals to a broad audience, from Gen Z to families and professionals seeking more dynamic entertainment. Its growing popularity has already earned glowing reviews, and the Leicester location is expected to contribute to its rapid expansion across the UK.
Northants IT consultancy appoints new head of sales
Northants IT Consultancy 3RS IT Solutions has appointed Jake Hill as its new head of sales, in a move to further support its growth plans.
The company, led by husband-and-wife team, Steve and Leila Souch, started out from offices in Wellingborough and expanded in 2024 by opening another office in Leicester, alongside an office space in Nottingham. The new hire follows hot on the heels of the appointment of Chloe Brabbins as its customer experience relationship manager.
Jake brings a wealth of experience in client relationships, networking and sales, having previously worked in a range of roles including membership advisor for Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce and as sales executive and then head of business development at Trapp’d Escape Rooms. He also worked in healthcare for seven years.
Immediately before joining 3RS IT Solutions, Jake was senior corporate fundraising coordinator for the Northampton Hope Centre, using his sales skills in a different environment to provide vital support to help ensure as many people as possible got off the streets of Northampton.
Jake also previously worked alongside company directors Steve, Leila and Ethan Malvern in a professional capacity in 2019. He said: “I’m really looking forward to working with the fantastic team again having previously worked with them for two and a half years.
“It was during a catch up meeting with Steve earlier this year that I got to learn about the great things that 3RS are now doing. It was amazing to see how much the business is growing and I was keen to be part of its success.
“That’s when Steve suggested I join as head of sales and it was an offer I couldn’t refuse. We had such a fantastic relationship when we first worked together back in 2019, and it truly feels like we are just picking up from where we left off three years ago!”
Speaking of Jake’s appointment, Steve Souch, managing director at 3RS IT Solutions, said: “It’s fantastic to welcome Jake back to the team. He is brilliant at what he does and brings to the role a wealth of experience in sales and business development which will further support us in our drive to continue with our plans for growth.”
MCR Property Group strengthens Nottingham student accommodation portfolio with new acquisition
MCR Property Group has acquired a new purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) asset in Nottingham, adding 1,013 beds across five properties in key locations. The Nottingham property, Clarendon Street, is situated within walking distance of major universities, contributing to the group’s expansion in the city’s student housing sector.
The acquisition is part of MCR’s broader strategy to grow its student living portfolio, which now totals over 2,700 beds across the UK. MCR Property Group’s existing assets in Nottingham and other core cities are managed through an in-house team that handles lettings, operations, and marketing.
The group plans to retain the existing on-site teams at the newly acquired properties and will invest in operational support focused on student experience, asset management, and marketing. Additionally, MCR is developing a dedicated PBSA brand platform to provide a consistent and student-first identity across its expanding portfolio.
Backed by two decades of experience in residential and student housing, MCR Property Group aims to enhance its portfolio through efficient transitions, refurbishments, and long-term value creation. Further PBSA acquisitions are also in the pipeline.
Chesterfield packaging manufacturer makes deal to sell surplus property
Robinson plc, the Chesterfield-based packaging manufacturer, has agreed to sell surplus property at Walton Works and Boythorpe Works.
At the Walton Works property, in Chesterfield, the grade II* listed mill building and the surrounding land (Walton Mill) have been sold for £700,000. Exchange and completion occurred on 6 August.
The sale agreement also includes an overage clause where an additional £315,000 will be payable to Robinson in the event that within 18 months, the new owner re-sells part of the surrounding land to an already identified potential future buyer.
Robinson has also entered an option agreement with the same buyer to sell the Boythorpe Works property in Chesterfield.
The Boythorpe Option attracts a non-refundable fee of £20,000, is for a maximum period of 24 months, is exercisable during this time at the option of the buyer and in addition the buyer would be required to exercise should satisfactory planning permission be granted.
The total consideration payable after exercise of the option is £2.85m, with one third to be paid on completion, one third 12 months after completion, and the final third 24 months after completion.
It follows the business exchanging contracts for the sale of 1.3 acres of the Walton Works property in 2023. The required planning permission has been granted subject to conditions, which are now at an advanced stage, and completion of this sale is expected within the next three months. The property is partially occupied by tenants.
Additionally the firm has recently agreed, subject to contract, to sell three other surplus properties in Chesterfield with an aggregate consideration of just under £1.2m. One of the properties is partially occupied by tenants, with the remainder vacant.
The monies will be used by Robinson to reduce bank debt.
Bally’s partners with Nottingham Forest for major sponsorship deal
Bally’s Corporation has secured a front-of-shirt sponsorship deal with Premier League club Nottingham Forest for the 2025–26 season. The move comes just ahead of the team’s season opener against Brentford. This deal fills the spot previously held by Kaiyun Sports, whose contract ended in May 2025.
The Bally’s logo will feature prominently on Forest’s men’s first-team kits and throughout the stadium. The club’s new kits, which were launched without a primary sponsor, now feature Bally’s branding, marking a new chapter for the team and sponsor.
This partnership is part of Bally’s larger strategy to expand its presence across Europe. In addition to operating several UK-based digital gaming platforms, Bally’s has made strategic acquisitions, including Newcastle’s Aspers Casino and a deal to manage the Monopoly brand in multiple global markets, including Spain, the US, and Canada.
Bally’s aims to leverage the visibility of the Premier League, particularly with Forest qualifying for European competition for the first time in 30 years. The deal also positions Bally’s as a key player in the UK and European markets, aligning the brand with one of football’s most storied clubs.
The sponsorship agreement also comes amid significant developments for Bally’s, including its €2.7 billion acquisition of Bally’s Interactive by Intralot, a move expected to further increase its footprint in the gaming and entertainment sectors.
This deal holds particular significance as Premier League clubs face new regulations regarding gambling sponsorships. Starting in the 2026–27 season, front-of-shirt sponsorships from gambling companies will be banned, though clubs will still be able to display these brands on sleeves and in other advertising formats. This transition period allows clubs to adjust ahead of the upcoming rule change.
Just one week remains to make your nominations for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025!
With just one week 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.
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.
Take this chance to showcase exceptional new commercial and residential developments, those demonstrating a leading position in sustainability and design excellence; gain recognition as prestige developers, architects, contractors, and agents, as well as for significant deals; and ensure efforts in corporate social responsibility are rewarded, from eco initiatives to charity work, to social value schemes.
It’s completely free to enter and making the top three finalists in your category also wins you free tickets to the awards ceremony.
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 outstanding 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.
To make a nomination for 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
Nominations will close on Friday 15th August.
A glittering awards ceremony revealing winners will take place on Thursday 2nd October (4.30pm – 7.30pm) in the Derek Randall Suite at the famous Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, also offering the perfect opportunity 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, Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Strategy and Policy, and Deputy Mayor of the East Midlands, as keynote speaker. Robert Maxey, partner at heb Surveyors, last year’s Deal of the Year winner, said: “It was an honour to take home the Deal of the Year award at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024, especially because the other nominees in the category were so strong! It was extremely pleasing to see recognition of our team’s efforts and the event provided a great boost to morale. Celebrating excellence in our region’s property and construction sector, and offering a great chance to catch up with local professionals, I’d encourage other businesses to get involved with an entry, to showcase your business and the impact it is making in the industry.”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:
Fragmented waste contracts costing manufacturers thousands
Amidst rising operational costs, labour expenses and supply chain pressure, new research has uncovered waste management as a significant cost-efficiency blind spot in UK manufacturing.
A national survey commissioned by Northamptonshire-based Axil Integrated Services found that 85% of manufacturers are still working with multiple waste providers, with some using up to 25.
Despite this, the average manufacturer would prefer a more streamlined approach. The research, conducted by Censuswide, found that 73% of senior decision-makers would rather consolidate to a single supplier to simplify operations and unlock savings. Yet, the average business still relies on multiple different waste contractors.
“We’re seeing manufacturers lose out on tens of thousands in potential rebates and efficiencies simply because their waste is managed across fragmented contracts,” said Tom Seward, chief commercial officer at Axil.
“In today’s economic climate, reducing waste isn’t just good practice — it’s a direct cost saving. And in a margin-conscious market, those are savings no business can afford to ignore. Every pound saved is a pound that can be reinvested into growth, innovation, or sustainability.”
According to Make UK’s Executive Survey 2025 (in partnership with PwC), over 90% of manufacturers expect employment costs to rise, while around 75% anticipate increases in logistics and transport costs – reinforcing the mounting financial pressure across the sector.
Previous research conducted by Axil in 2023 revealed only half of manufacturers received any waste rebate — and one in four weren’t confident they were getting best value. At the time, 48% admitted they weren’t doing enough to reduce waste, and 19% weren’t fully measuring their environmental impact.
While these findings exposed significant missed opportunities, the landscape is shifting – fast. As new legislation and ESG demands accelerate, waste is becoming a strategic focus – and a revenue stream manufacturers can no longer afford to overlook.
“This isn’t just a facilities issue. It’s a strategic one,” added Tom. “Consolidation can dramatically cut transport duplication, reduce admin overheads, and unlock better data and compliance visibility – which is vital for meeting ESG goals and tightening budgets.”
With 88% of manufacturers agreeing that waste management plays a crucial part in impacting revenue, profit, and operational efficiency – the message is clear: now is the time to simplify.
New export support helps East Midlands firms enter global markets
The East Midlands Chamber has launched an Export Accelerator initiative, aimed at helping businesses in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire explore international markets. The project, which has already seen 227 companies register since its spring debut, is designed to assist businesses in overcoming the complexities of global trade, from research to product launches abroad.
Funded by a £454,000 contribution from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the programme provides expert consultancy, training, and grants for businesses. The initiative includes up to £8,000 in grant funding to cover the cost of services like specialist consultancy, attending overseas trade shows, and equipment. Additionally, businesses can apply for a £2,000 bursary to attend international trade training courses, including the BCC-Accredited International Trade Operations and Procedures qualification.
Participants also gain access to the newly formed East Midlands International Trade Network, offering bi-monthly forums, expert support, and opportunities for businesses to collaborate and share insights. The first two forums will take place in Nottingham and Bolsover in late September.
The initiative comes at a time when overseas trade is facing increasing challenges, with a reported 10% decrease in overseas sales and a 3% drop in orders, according to the Chamber’s latest economic survey. As trade costs and paperwork escalate, the Export Accelerator offers crucial support to businesses looking to expand beyond the UK.
To sign up, businesses can complete a Registration Form and receive guidance from an Export Accelerator adviser. The Chamber also lists its international trade training courses on its website, where eligible businesses can apply for funding to attend.
Interest rate cut offers limited relief for businesses facing multiple pressures
The Bank of England’s recent decision to reduce interest rates by 0.25% to 4% is unlikely to significantly ease the challenges faced by businesses, according to the East Midlands Chamber. The ongoing pressure of high operational costs, staffing expenses due to increased National Insurance contributions, and inflation persist as major obstacles for many companies.
Despite the interest rate reduction providing some relief for businesses seeking to borrow, many in the region remain concerned about future tax hikes. A significant number of businesses have indicated in the East Midlands Chamber’s Quarterly Economic Survey that they expect declining profitability in the near future. Additionally, almost 40% of companies anticipate raising their prices to manage the increasing cost burdens.
The Chamber notes that while some government initiatives, such as the strategy addressing late supplier payments, are positive, broader concerns like corporate tax rates and inflation require further action. With the Autumn Budget approaching, the need for greater government support and clarity on tax policies has become more urgent for businesses striving to remain competitive.
