MD of Leicester sustainable travel consultancy named Modeshift Honorary Member
Robin Pointon, Managing Director and Founder at GO Travel Solutions, a sustainable travel consultancy based in Leicester, has been named a Team Modeshift Honorary Member. This recognition was given at the 2024 National Modeshift Convention in Leeds, acknowledging Robin’s significant contributions to sustainable travel.
Modeshift, a membership organisation for sustainable travel practitioners, awards the Honorary Member title to individuals who have made a meaningful impact on promoting sustainable travel.
The organisation’s work addresses important global issues such as climate change, air quality, physical activity, road safety, congestion, health and wellbeing, and equal opportunities through encouraging sustainable travel choices.
Robin said: “It’s great to receive this recognition from Modeshift. Sustainable travel is both a professional focus and a personal passion for me. I believe that by combining this passion with partnership working, we can address some of the most pressing health and environmental issues facing our world today.”
Modeshift Chair, Ross Butcher, said: “I’m thrilled to award Robin with Honorary Member status. Each year, we celebrate individuals who have made outstanding contributions to Modeshift and the wider field of sustainable travel.
“Our industry addresses some of the most critical challenges facing the world today—climate change, air quality, physical activity, road safety, congestion, health, equality, and more. With the combined expertise, experience, and passion of Team Modeshift, we can—and will—achieve incredible things when we work together.
“Congratulations, Robin!”
As an Honorary Member, Robin will continue to support Modeshift’s mission to increase levels of sustainable travel, advocate for best practices, and promote the growth of the organisation.
Freeport and Investment Zone status boosts Nottingham and Derby’s foreign investment attractiveness
The East Midlands Freeport and Investment Zone have potentially helped Nottingham and Derby improve their attractiveness to overseas investment significantly – despite the current economic challenges and lower GVA growth forecasts in 2025, says a new report.
The Irwin Mitchell and Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr) study examines the latest changes to Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) attractiveness of 50 locations based on 10 economic indicators.
According to the report, the Midlands’ only representation in the top 10 came from Birmingham, which ranked seventh overall. However, compared to the previous quarterly edition, there was a noticeable improvement in the fortunes of other cities in the region with Nottingham scoring 28.4 overall. Derby also improved its score to 33.5.
The report says both cities are benefitting from their relative proximity to the East Midlands Investment Zone and Freeport.
Investment Zones in the UK are designated areas where the government collaborates with local authorities and businesses to foster economic growth and innovation. These zones aim to leverage local strengths and untapped potential by offering a range of incentives, including tax reliefs, planning support, and business assistance.
Freeports are designated areas, typically located at seaports or airports, where normal customs and tax rules do not apply. These zones offer various incentives such as tax reliefs, simplified customs procedures, and reduced tariffs to encourage economic activity, trade, and investment. The aim is to create hubs of innovation and economic growth by attracting businesses that benefit from these regulatory advantages.
Bryan Bletso, Partner and Head of International at Irwin Mitchell, commented on the findings: “Despite the economy facing numerous challenges and setbacks, the level of foreign direct investment into the UK remains strong.
“Our latest report provides valuable insights into the factors driving investment decisions and highlights the importance of strategic locations such as Freeports and Investment Zones.
“The Department for Business & Trade’s latest statistics revealed London accounted for a third of all UK FDI projects in the 12 months to April 2024.
“The findings in our report, which highlight the growing influence of the East Midlands Investment Zone and Freeport, should therefore be considered by policymakers and businesses looking to attract and retain investment in the UK.
“Nottingham and Derby, in particular, are prime examples of how these strategic locations can enhance regional investment appeal.”
Pushpin Singh, Senior Economist at Cebr, said: “Our findings underscore the transformative potential of Investment Zones and Freeports in reshaping the UK’s investment landscape.
“Cities like Derby and Nottingham are emerging as significant beneficiaries, demonstrating how targeted infrastructure and skills development could potentially create hubs of economic opportunity.”
The Office for National Statistics recently published the latest FDI statistics, revealing that the value of the UK’s inward FDI position increased by £126.8 billion, reaching £2,068 billion.
According to the latest statistics from the Department for Business and Trade, 1,555 projects landed in the UK during the 2023/24 financial year because of FDI, resulting in 71,478 new jobs being created. Highlighting the dominance of London, the capital is attracting approximately the same number of FDI projects as the combined number for the Midlands, North West, North East, and Yorkshire.
Plans lodged for mixed-use scheme incorporating underlying caves in Nottingham
Plans for a new mixed-use scheme on Derby Road in Nottingham, incorporating underlying caves, have been submitted to the city council.
The proposals, from Tarry Properties Ltd, include 64 units of Purpose Built Student Accommodation with associated communal areas, laundry and cycle parking, and 29 one bedroom short-stay accommodation units, together with commercial spaces at ground floor and within the caves.
The site currently comprises of a three-storey building that once housed the Dancing Dragon restaurant on the ground floor with private accommodation above, and a one/two storey building that formerly hosted the Ropewalk Pub. Both buildings are vacant and have been for a considerable amount of time.
There are surviving ‘caves’ underneath the former Dancing Dragon which are to be revealed by the proposal.
The plans would see the existing buildings demolished with retention of the facade of number 103-106 retained. The development will be four and five stories high.
A design statement submitted by Arc Design Studio shares: “The proposed redevelopment at Canning Circus aims to revitalize a historically vibrant yet currently underutilized area. The project will feature purposebuilt student and short-stay accommodation, offering a range of high-quality residential units tailored to Nottingham’s growing student population.
“The ground floor will house commercial spaces, enhancing the activity along Derby Road. This blend of residential and commercial uses will not only provide essential housing but also stimulate economic activity and promote social interaction in the public realm.
“The building’s design includes a distinctive corner feature that wraps around key routes, boosting visibility and enhancing the area’s visual appeal. This strategic design is intended to establish a dynamic and inviting gateway to the city, benefiting both the local economy and urban landscape.
“Additionally, the Dancing Dragon building includes a cave entrance currently used for storage. The proposal seeks to transform this unique feature into a bar/restaurant, aimed at increasing foot traffic and serving the public.”
Lincolnshire firm’s industrial workwear business acquired
Lindström Group, a textile service company, is acquiring Lincolnshire-based Micronclean’s industrial workwear business in the UK.
This transaction is set to enhance Lindström’s position in the UK market and expand its customer base, particularly in the heavy industry sector.
The deal is an asset transaction where Lindström acquires the customer contracts and related textiles, and transfers Micronclean’s on-site service personnel to Lindström. Micronclean are closing their Grantham site and to ensure uninterrupted service, the clients will transfer to Lindström.
The company has been operating a workwear laundry in Grantham that serves currently over 180 customers mainly from heavy industry and food industry. The deal will grow Lindström’s customer base and market reach, especially in these industries.
Micronclean is a family-owned textile service company focused on offering workwear and cleanroom services in the UK and India. The company employs altogether over 400 people.
Lindström has been operating in the UK since 2001. The service offering covers workwear and industrial wipers, with over 4,400 customers. Lindström employs 140 people and operates service centres in Bedford, Bradford and Manchester, in addition to four others in the industrial wiper business.
“We attach great importance on the brilliant customer service and offering great value. Micronclean has been known for its quality, innovation, and customer-centric approach — values that resonate with our own,” says Ian Muir, Managing director of Lindström Ltd.
Sports hospitality company strikes £300k debt finance deal
Nottingham-based Vision4Sport Events has secured £300,000 debt finance from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II to support its sports hospitality business.
Founded in 2014 by former professional golfers Chris Newbold and Karl Wesson, V4SE has grown from a side venture into a provider of elite event packages for private clients, including Wimbledon, Formula One, the Ryder Cup, and exclusive golf tours. With demand steadily increasing, V4SE has achieved a strong post-pandemic recovery, reaching a projected turnover of over £3m in 2024.
The £300,000 new investment will provide additional working capital that will help drive strategic growth across key areas, including an expanded presence at global events such as the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Las Vegas Grand Prix, and The Players Championship at Sawgrass. To support this growth, V4SE will create new local roles in sales, business development, and finance.
Chris Newbold said: “Like many businesses, the pandemic had a huge impact on us and our ability to operate. The investment from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II and the support Maven has shown will allow us to grow the business to new heights with some exciting projects and events being added to the portfolio.
“In the short time since completion, we have already added to our workforce and look forward to further recruitment over the coming months and years. Investment has often felt like a daunting prospect in the past but the clear dialogue with the Maven team throughout the process along with their clear support for what we do, has been extremely helpful and encouraging.”
Jonathan Lowe, Partner – Regional Debt Funds at Maven, said: “We are pleased to support Vision4Sport as they enter this exciting new chapter. Their resilience and dedication to exceptional service, even through recent challenges, are a testament to their strength in the sports hospitality sector. Our investment will provide V4SE with the capital, expertise, and strategic insight to continue building on a solid foundation, realising ambitious growth plans, and seizing new opportunities in the market.”
Jody Tableporter, Director at British Business Bank, said: “The Midlands Engine Investment Fund II was launched to help ambitious entrepreneurs and small businesses to scale up and grow. This investment in Vision4Sport further highlights the importance of having access to the right type of finance at the right time. It will enable the business to expand, create new jobs, and make a positive impact in the region.”
Residential land sold in Leicestershire
Catesby Estates has sold a residential site in Countesthorpe, Leicestershire, to Miller Homes.
The 18.5 acre site is located adjacent to Foston Road and Leicester Road and has outline planning for 170 energy efficient homes; of which 25% are affordable, and public open space with play areas.
An outline planning application was registered with Blaby District Council in January 2024, and went before planning committee in July 2024, receiving a majority in favour resolution to grant.
Following this, the sale completed in October 2024, resulting in a 10 month turnaround from the submission of the application to a land sale.
Myron Osborne, Chief Executive of Catesby Estates, said: “Achieving a local level consent for this non-allocated site and securing a buyer within a short time frame of just 10 months is testament to the hard work and skill of the in-house Catesby team, as well as the appetite from housebuilders to acquire prime residential land.
“This deal represents our second sale to Miller Homes in recent months, and with a reputation for delivering high quality, award-winning new homes, we look forward to seeing them take this through its final planning stages and delivering sought-after, energy efficient homes for the area.”
Aaron Grainger, Head of Land at Miller Homes, said: “We are delighted to have acquired this site. We were committed to completing this deal quickly and worked closely with Catesby Estates to achieve this. We are looking forward to when our reserved matters consent is secured, and we can start work on delivering quality new housing for the area.”
Natalie Edwards at Eversheds and Victoria Potterill-Tilney at Gowling WLG worked on the legals, and Trevor Wells of Wells McFarlane acted for the landowner.
The Access Group swoops for charity CRM software provider
The Access Group, a Loughborough-headquartered provider of business management software, is acquiring Donorfy, a UK-based provider of CRM software for charities.
New Planetarium blasts off in Sutton
The wonders of the universe are to be brought to life as a new £6.8 million Planetarium prepares for liftoff.
Sherwood Observatory Science Discovery Centre and Planetarium is a joint project between Mansfield and Sutton Astronomical Society and Ashfield District Council. The project is one of 16 being funded by the Council’s £62.6million Towns Deal.
It has now welcomed its first visitors to the state-of-art facility as they were transported out of this world.
The world class centre has seen a disused underground Victorian reservoir transformed into 59-seater Planetarium showing a journey through space with immersive shows. The original features of the reservoir, such as the intricate brick arches, have been kept, preserving the history of the building.
It also features an exhibition hall, classrooms, meeting rooms and café. It will open to the public on Monday 25 November.
Cllr Jason Zadrozny, Leader of Ashfield District Council, said: “It really is spectacular and it is something that will transform the lives of not just the people of Ashfield but also further afield.
“It has been incredible to see the building through the various stages of construction and to see the vision really come to life. I am proud to have been some small part of the process.
“The immersive shows really are incredible and I would encourage everyone to make sure they experience the Planetarium and all that it has to offer. This is something so unique and will see more visitors coming to Ashfield as they are transported through space.
“It truly is an educational experience like no other and hopefully will see more young people develop an interest in learning more about space.”
Steve Wallace, Planetarium Project Manager, said: “This project has been a great example of how collaborative effort can produce amazing things.
“Our fantastic new Planetarium and Science Centre, sitting alongside our original observatory will be a huge draw to bring people to the area and to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers. We cannot wait to welcome our first visitors when we open our doors on the 25 November.”
Adrian Grocock, Group Managing Director of G F Tomlinson which delivered the project, said: “We are delighted to have completed works to this unique and significant Nottinghamshire landmark scheme – providing a world-class immersive facility for all ages in the heart of the Midlands.
“The Sherwood Observatory will inspire and entertain visitors, and for many years to come they will enjoy the learnings that come with understanding the wonder and science of space.
“We’ve wholeheartedly enjoyed working alongside the Sherwood Observatory team, Ashfield District Council and other stakeholders who helped in bringing this incredible project to life.”
Company fined after an explosion injures employees
A company which produces electricity from food waste by anaerobic digestion has been fined more than £300,000 after an explosion caused two employees to suffer life changing injuries.
The metal tank the two men were working on was projected high into the air before crashing to the ground nine seconds later.
On 20 September 2017, two employees of Bio Dynamic (UK) Limited were using a grinder to cut and replace pipework at the top of an 11-metre high metal tank containing waste slurry. They were not using harnesses. Sparks from the grinder ignited flammable gasses causing the tank to explode.
Footage of the explosion captured by CCTV has now been released.
Tomasz Patek was flung out of the mobile elevating work platform (MEWP) into the air and landed on the ground in the slurry around the tank. He suffered serious injuries to his back, head and torso and was in hospital for two months. His injuries were so severe that he was not able to work for more than two years.
Tomasz suffers from pre and post-traumatic amnesia and has no specific recollection of the events. In a statement, he said: “After the accident, I was unable to recover emotionally.
“I did not realise what had happened and was in deep shock. I could not cope with the pain. I could not accept an accident had happened to me.”
Robert Tyrko was thrown into the air and landed back in the basket of the MEWP. Following the incident, Robert’s leg was amputated and he remains wheelchair bound as treatment is still ongoing to receive a prosthesis. Also, he sustained a fractured skull and a piece of metal in his elbow that continues to affect his daily life.
In his statement, Robert explains how the explosion has affected his day-to-day life: “This whole situation is having a huge impact on my relationship. I can’t help my wife in anything like I used to be able to. Magda is both wife and husband because all my responsibilities fell on her; along with the kids.
“Also my personality is explosive. I lose my patience very quickly. I attended appointments with a psychologist because I had nightmares that I was still having this accident.”
A joint investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Environment Agency found that the company had failed to ensure the health and safety of its employees and others nearby.
The company had kept and treated waste in a manner likely to cause pollution to the environment. The explosion was caused by multiple failures in the company’s management system and exacerbated by multiple breaches of the company’s environmental permit.
At a hearing at Nottingham Crown Court on 22 November 2024, Bio Dynamic (UK) Limited, of Colwick Industrial Estate, Nottingham:
- pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) and Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
- pleaded guilty to breaching regulation 38(2) of the Environmental Permitting (England & Wales) Regulations 2016 (EPR), and s.33(1)(c) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (EPA).
