Pepsico invests in sustainability at Leicester factory
PepsiCo has installed three electric ovens at its site in Leicester, following the recent completion of a £58 million investment in the factory. It means snacks including Wotsits, Monster Munch, Frazzles, Chipsticks and Cheetos, are now cooked using ovens powered by 100% renewable electricity.
As part of the upgrade, PepsiCo has installed two new electric ovens and converted its previously gas-powered oven to now run on electric. Switching to these new electric ovens will help reduce the Leicester site’s greenhouse gas emissions by 1,500 tonnes per year.
The oven upgrades are the latest in a series of sustainability initiatives at PepsiCo’s UK sites as the company continues work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Last year, PepsiCo replaced elements of the existing manufacturing line for Doritos in Coventry with new equipment, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by over 700 tonnes a year and invested in new, more efficient fryers at Brigg, the home of Pipers Crisps.
Richard Clarke, manufacturing director at PepsiCo UK and Ireland, said: “It’s fantastic to see the impact of our investment in each and every batch of delicious snacks made using our new electric ovens.
“With a brand-new production line, better facilities for our teams, and now these more sustainable ovens, we’ve been able to transform our home in Leicester and secure its future growth. We’re incredibly proud of all the work that goes into making our iconic snacks right in the heart of the UK, and even more so now we’re doing it in a more sustainable way.”
In addition to introducing new, lower-emission ovens, PepsiCo’s £58 million investment in the Leicester site has also seen the company install a new manufacturing line and upgrade facilities for its 1,192-strong team.
New letting sees commercial property agents Rushton Hickman find own new neighbour
Rushton Hickman has let Suite 11a Faraday Court, in Burton, to Trial Systems Ltd, becoming the commercial property agents’ own new neighbour.
The open plan office suite is situated within a high specification office development complex in Centrum 100, two miles from Burton upon Trent town centre.
The tenant, Trial Systems Ltd are a software development, support and training company who have been operating for more than 20 years.
Taylor Millington, senior surveyor at Rushton Hickman, said: “Faraday Court is always a popular location, and it’s a pleasure to be able to place a local business into a prime position within Burton.”
Charles Clowes Decade Dinner raises over £62,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support
The Clowes family, with the support of Clowes Developments, hosted a special fundraising event at Pride Park Stadium on Thursday 8th May 2025, raising £62,326.16 for Macmillan Cancer Support.
Macmillan has been named Clowes Developments’ chosen charity for the year, in memory of company founder Charles Clowes, who passed away ten years ago, and their colleague Paul Turner, who died earlier this year. The company chose Macmillan because of its vital work supporting people affected by cancer across the UK.
The event, called The Charles Clowes Decade Dinner, was organised by Sarah Berry (née Clowes) to honour Charles’ legacy and launched a year-long fundraising campaign for Clowes Developments. It brought together friends, family and property industry colleagues to celebrate his life and support a good cause.
Guests enjoyed a champagne reception sponsored by O’Brien Contractors Ltd, live music from a local pianist Wil Pearson and a performance by The Function Band. Speeches were given by Clowes Development’s Managing Director Thomas Clowes, Sarah Berry and Jade Lambert from Macmillan, who spoke about the charity’s work.
Macmillan currently supports nearly 3.5 million people in the UK living with cancer, a number expected to reach 4 million by 2030. The charity helps with not just medical needs but also financial and emotional support.
Sarah Berry said: “Organising a charity dinner in honour of my dad is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time, and I’m incredibly proud to have finally made it happen.
“Macmillan gave our family invaluable support during an incredibly difficult period, and this event was my way of giving something back while helping others facing similar challenges.
“The evening was a beautiful celebration of community, compassion, and remembrance, I’m so grateful to everyone who attended, donated, or supported in any way. Everyone’s generosity made the night truly special and helped make a real difference.”
Through their partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support, Clowes Developments aims to raise vital funds and awareness to support the charity’s essential services helping to ensure that people living with cancer across the UK receive the care, guidance and resources they need at every stage of their journey.
Jade Lambert, regional relationship fundraising manager at Macmillan Cancer Support, added: “The Charles Clowes Decade Dinner was a truly inspiring evening. I am incredibly moved by the generosity and compassion shown by everyone who attended.
“To raise over £62,000 in one night is simply phenomenal, and we cannot thank the Clowes family and Clowes Developments enough for choosing to support Macmillan in such a meaningful way.
“This donation will make a real difference to the lives of thousands of people living with cancer – helping us provide vital practical, financial, and emotional support to those who need it most. Events like this remind us of the power of community and kindness, and we are so grateful to be part of this journey in honour of Charles and Paul’s legacies.”
Nottingham investigative tech firm makes senior appointment
The Nottingham-based provider of investigation and intelligence management software, Altia, has appointed a director of sales and partnerships for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) to further expand its global footprint.
Natalie Farr will lead commercial growth across EMEA, improving sales functions and processes. She will collaborate closely with global and product-specific teams to embed best practices that align with customer needs.
Natalie brings a wealth of experience in public safety, national security, and enterprise transformation.
She began her career working with UK police forces before moving into senior roles at Microsoft, where she helped transform law enforcement and defence organisations across the UK as part of the Public Safety and National Security division.
She also held a leadership role at Google, further broadening her expertise at the intersection of technology, public service, and innovation.
Rob Sinclair, CEO of Altia, said: “At Altia, we pride ourselves on delivering the best and most innovative tools to support our customers, and that starts with having the right people. We are incredibly excited to welcome Natalie to the team.
“Her exceptional experience, along with her ability to lead high-performing teams and build strategic partnerships, will be invaluable as we scale our presence internationally and continue to evolve our sales approach to meet the needs of our customers.”
Natalie will work alongside the senior team to ensure that Altia’s solutions and services are closely aligned to both evolving market demands and customer outcomes.
Natalie Farr said: “I’ve always found purpose in helping organisations that protect the public, and that’s why I’m so excited to join Altia.”
“I get a real buzz from creating tangible impact, and working in policing and justice is where I know I can make a meaningful difference. This role brings together everything I care about: innovative technology, frontline impact, and the opportunity to lead a global team.”
A strong advocate for diversity in tech, Natalie regularly volunteers in schools to promote STEM careers and inspire young women to pursue roles in technology and leadership.
UK migration reforms raise pressure on skills development
The UK Government’s latest migration reforms are drawing criticism from the business community. Industry groups warn that they could intensify existing labour and skills shortages unless backed by a robust domestic workforce strategy.
The new rules, outlined in a white paper, include tighter criteria for skilled worker visas, a higher English language requirement, an increase in the qualifying period for settlement to 10 years, and a cap on post-study work visas for graduates to just 18 months. The care worker visa route will also be closed entirely.
These changes are expected to significantly restrict the flow of overseas workers into key sectors such as health and construction, industries already facing serious recruitment gaps.
According to data from the East Midlands Chamber, nearly 70% of regional firms reported difficulties filling both skilled and non-skilled roles in recent quarters. Businesses are calling for investment in training infrastructure, including reforms to the apprenticeship levy, to provide more flexibility and align with labour market needs.
Melton Mowbray to expand with 900 new homes under strategic growth plan
A major housing development in Melton Mowbray is moving forward as Bloor Homes submits plans for 900 new homes in the town’s south, marking a significant phase of the broader Melton South Sustainable Neighbourhood initiative. The site off Kirby Lane forms part of a larger scheme for up to 2,000 homes designated in Melton Borough Council’s local plan.
The Bloor proposal outlines a seven-stage phased delivery of the 900 units, including around 130 affordable homes. The development would incorporate extensive green infrastructure, such as a semi-natural woodland, a new park, green corridors, and hedgerow walks.
This application follows a separate approval granted in December for 1,200 homes in the northern part of the town. That northern scheme includes nearly £30 million in developer contributions for community services and infrastructure.
The Melton South plan, approved in 2021, includes residential construction and land allocated for new schools and employment use. Davidsons Homes has also been contracted to build additional housing across the wider southern site.
The council anticipates that approximately 1,700 homes within the Melton South scheme will be completed by 2036. A public consultation on Bloor’s 900-home application remains open until 2 June.
Journeo signs £10m tech supply deal with First Bus to modernise fleet
Journeo has secured a £10 million framework agreement with First Bus UK to supply technology solutions to improve fleet efficiency and safety.
The three-year contract, running until March 2028 with an option to extend by two years, will see Journeo provide its Software as a Service (SaaS) platform and related systems to enhance vehicle operations. Key components of the deal include access to the Journeo Portal for secure video and data processing, upgrades to CCTV infrastructure, digital wing mirror installation on new vehicles, and remote asset monitoring services.
This agreement builds on a partnership between the two companies dating back to 2010 and comes as First Bus expands its fleet through the acquisition of RATP London, bringing its vehicle count to over 5,750, more than 10% of which are electric.
The collaboration supports First Bus’s transition to a fully zero-emission fleet by 2035 while enhancing operational oversight and service quality across its network.
Retailers recommit as £3m invested to rejuvenate Lincoln’s Waterside centre
Joint venture owners Wykeland Group and Lincolnshire Co-op have rejuvenated Lincoln’s Waterside centre, delivering a £3m programme of investment and securing the long-term commitment of three major retail brands.
The investments by Yorkshire-based property development business Wykeland and Lincolnshire Co-op have been delivered in under two years since they acquired Waterside and have now resulted in a trio of high street stores renewing their leases.
Fashion and homeware retailer H&M has extended its lease at Waterside and committed to a major £2m revamp of the centre’s anchor store.
Next and The Body Shop have also each signed new leases, giving a major vote of confidence to Waterside and ensuring the three popular stores remain in Lincoln city centre for years to come.
New operators have also come on board, including luxury lifestyle brand Rituals, which is opening a new store at Waterside next month.
Hull-based Wykeland and member-owned Lincolnshire Co-op acquired Waterside in June 2023. Since then the owners have committed to a significant and ongoing programme of investment that has given Waterside a new lease of life.
This has included the creation of a new coffee shop at the heart of Waterside, operated by local independent operator Seven Districts Coffee.
Waterside’s joint owners are also investing to create a more attractive and welcoming frontage to the centre from Lincoln’s High Street, along the River Witham. This will enable an improved pedestrian flow by the riverside, into the centre and across the river into The Cornhill Quarter.
Two units on High Street have been acquired to form part of the centre and enable the reshaping of the entrance to take place, while Waterside has also undergone a rebrand.
These changes have also attracted more visitors into the centre, with footfall in 2024 up by three per cent compared to 2022, before Wykeland and Lincolnshire Co-op acquired Waterside, bucking the national trend.
Wykeland managing director Dominic Gibbons said: “Since acquiring the Waterside centre in a joint venture with Lincolnshire Co-op, we’ve invested significantly to ensure it remains a key destination for both local people and visitors to Lincoln.
“The new, long-term commitments by H&M, Next and The Body Shop reflect the strength of Waterside and the very positive reaction from tenants to the rejuvenation of the centre.
“Waterside’s footfall is buoyant, trading is strong and there’s a great deal of confidence in the centre’s future.
“The investments we’re continuing to make, with our partners at Lincolnshire Co-op, are enabling Waterside to buck the retail trend and play a key role in Lincoln remaining a highly attractive location.”
Kevin Kendall, head of property at Lincolnshire Co-op, said: “It’s been fantastic to work alongside Wykeland to bring new services into the area, as well as updating pre-existing ones.
“Our joint investment is reflected in the shopping centre’s success – long-term commitments from tenants and increased footfall are both great indicators of this.”
Waterside’s owners and H&M are now jointly investing in a £2m refit of the centre’s anchor unit.
Among other investments, frontages on a number of smaller units at the centre are being revamped and £60,000 has been invested to refurbish the customer toilets.
UK economy sees better growth than expected in first quarter
The UK’s economy has grown more than expected in the first three months of the year, following a rise in activity in March.
According to new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), GDP (gross domestic product), a key measure of economy growth, is estimated to have grown by 0.2% in March, following a 0.5% expansion in February.
It reflects, across key sectors, services output rising by 0.4% in March, construction output growing by 0.5%, and production output falling by 0.7%.
GDP in the first quarter, meanwhile, is estimated to have grown by 0.7%, following an uptick of 0.1% in the previous quarter.
Ben Jones, lead economist, CBI, said: “The rise in activity in March was a pleasant surprise, coming on the back of the strong bounce in February.
“While the latest data adds to signs that a gradual recovery in household spending may be underway, the strength of GDP over Q1 is likely to prove a one-off.
“An up-tick in inflation and a cooling labour market will see real household income growth slow this year, though lower interest rates should encourage consumers to save less and spend more.
“Businesses remain cautious over hiring and investment plans given the steep rise in employment costs following the Autumn Budget. And the uncertain global economic backdrop is hardly conducive for long-term planning.
“Now is a critical time for government to hardwire growth into the economy through the upcoming Spending Review. Measures to accelerate tech adoption alongside a modern Industrial Strategy can support the UK’s investment and growth potential and bolster the UK’s competitive position.”
“A great deal of PR/media profile” and “a great motivational boost” – East Midlands Bricks Awards winner encourages firms to enter in 2025
With nominations now OPEN for Business Link Magazine’s East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025, taking place on Thursday 2nd October, last year’s winners are reflecting on the prestigious event’s impact and encouraging other firms to enter.
Russell Rigby, managing director at Rigby & Co, which took home Most Active Agent at last year’s event, said: “It is a real thrill and boost to be awarded the Most Active Agent of the Year award at the 2024 Bricks! The ceremony, and the award, generated a great deal of PR / media profile, which was very very helpful, and it also served as a great motivational boost to the team at Rigby & Co. I would encourage firms to enter and have a go!”
Russell also thanked Donna Hill and her team at BH PR & Communications for assisting with the business’s nomination. Russell added: “Donna writes our award nominations and has an incredible track record!”
Marking 10 years of the event, this year’s eagerly anticipated awards ceremony will take place on Thursday 2nd October at Nottingham’s famous Trent Bridge Cricket Ground.
The East Midlands Bricks Awards celebrates the successes of property and construction companies in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, and Northamptonshire.
Recognising those behind the changing landscape of the East Midlands, the occasion highlights development projects, businesses, and people in commercial and public building across the region – from office, industrial and residential schemes, through to community projects such as leisure schemes and schools. It also toasts the work of architects, agencies, and those behind large schemes.
Welcoming almost 150 professionals, nominating a company or project for the awards is a great way to showcase your successes, recognise your team’s efforts, and reach our audience of over 60,000 business readers, while also offering a chance to connect with respected professionals. And better yet, it’s completely free to enter!
Making the top three finalists in your category also wins you free tickets to the event, where you’ll be in the running for one of our coveted awards.
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. Upon submitting a nomination, we will get in touch for any information, imagery, and video nominees would like to be featured on their showcase page.
Thanks to our sponsors:
With a limited number of sponsorship opportunities remaining, please contact Angie Cooper at a.cooper@blmgroup.co.uk to learn more if you are interested in becoming an East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025 sponsor.
To make a nomination for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025, please click here. Or to go directly to a category’s nomination form click on the category headings below.
Supporting imagery, video, documents, or links to these, can be sent to bricks@blmgroup.co.uk. Video nomination pitches are also welcome as an alternative or companion to written entries. 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.
To be held at:
With a limited number of sponsorship opportunities remaining, please contact Angie Cooper at a.cooper@blmgroup.co.uk to learn more if you are interested in becoming an East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025 sponsor. 