Chesterfield council approves mixed-use development in town centre

April Lara
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Chesterfield council approves mixed-use development in town centre

Chesterfield Borough Council has approved plans to transform the former Eyres furniture store on Holywell Street into a mixed-use development. The scheme will deliver 20 residential apartments across the first to third floors, featuring one and two-bedroom layouts, alongside 10 ground-floor commercial units, including a café with kitchen facilities.

The application, submitted by a developer based in Sheffield, faced objections from local stakeholders concerned about potential overdevelopment, increased traffic, and the absence of on-site parking. The site is located on a busy section of Chesterfield town centre, surrounded by bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues.

Approval of the project aligns with the council’s broader strategy to promote residential and commercial growth in central locations, supporting urban regeneration and increasing town centre footfall. The development is expected to create new business opportunities for retailers while contributing to the local housing supply.

Construction timelines and operational plans for the commercial units have yet to be announced. Stakeholders and potential investors in Chesterfield’s property and retail sectors will be watching how the scheme integrates with existing businesses and urban infrastructure.

Melton fulfilment firm expands with new warehouse

Tess Egginton
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Melton fulfilment firm expands with new warehouse
Fulfilment specialist Hallmark Consumer Services has expanded its operations with the addition of a new warehouse at its Grantham site. The additional facility has been developed to support a significant increase in demand for the company’s services, particularly contract packing and kit assembly. Hallmark Consumer Services is headquartered in Melton Mowbray, with a second site in Grantham providing access to the A1. The new facility increases the company’s overall warehousing space by 40 percent. As well as boosting Hallmark Consumer Services’ storage capacity and operational efficiency, the new warehouse enables the company to handle a wider range and volume of goods for its growing client portfolio. “This expansion marks a key milestone in our growth journey and is a testament to the strong and consistent demand we’ve seen for our services,” Philip Hall, managing director of Hallmark Consumer Services explains. “The new space not only provides us with room to grow over the next three years but also enables us to deliver even more responsive and adaptable fulfilment solutions. We’re proud to serve a diverse and growing client base that trusts us with their fulfilment and packing needs.”

Levi’s UK posts revenue growth despite workforce reduction

April Lara
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Levi’s UK posts revenue growth despite workforce reduction

Levi Strauss’s UK division has reduced its workforce by nearly 230 roles, bringing headcount down to 1,630 in the year ending 30 November 2024. The cuts follow a period of expansion in 2023 and coincide with rising turnover, which climbed from £89m to £96.8m. Pre-tax profits increased to £9.5m, up from £7.7m the previous year.

The Northampton-based operation attributed part of its revenue growth to a global marketing campaign featuring Beyoncé, which strengthened brand visibility and reduced the need for discount-led sales. The business also reported shifts in consumer behaviour, with price-conscious shoppers increasingly using outlet stores.

Looking ahead, Levi’s UK intends to prioritise expansion in womenswear and tops, invest further in premium denim lines, and introduce more flexible production strategies to support growth and operational efficiency.

TUNE

Tess Egginton
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TUNE
TUNE is a developer with a visionary approach to delivering high-impact, design-led housing that prioritises sustainability, community, and long-term value. Through Modern Methods of Construction, environmental innovation, and thoughtful placemaking, the business is setting a new standard for affordable housing development in the East Midlands. Illustrating TUNE’s impact on the region is Prospect Place in Nottingham – an EPC A-rated, 100% affordable scheme recognised by Homes England – showcasing TUNE’s ability to regenerate challenging urban sites and create places that genuinely enhance lives.
Prospect Place
The development of 36 family homes on a previously neglected site, for Nottingham Community Housing Association, represents a significant investment in the regeneration of Lenton. Designed to provide high-quality, affordable homes for local families, Prospect Place’s homes feature low-carbon timber construction, air source heat pumps, and full-house ventilation systems to reduce energy bills, alleviate fuel poverty, and lower environmental impact. The development utilises low-carbon bricks, panelised timber frames, and precast foundations – ensuring a low embodied carbon footprint and exceeding government targets for Modern Methods of Construction. The homes have achieved an EPC rating of A, demonstrating their outstanding energy efficiency.
Find out more about TUNE on their LinkedIn page.

Local company takes 37,650 sq ft unit at Lime Kilns Business Park

Tess Egginton
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Local company takes 37,650 sq ft unit at Lime Kilns Business Park
Andrew + Ashwell has let Unit 14 at Lime Kilns Business Park, acting on behalf of LondonMetric PLC following their recent acquisition of Urban Logistics REIT. The transaction sees the property let to a thriving local company as part of its expansion plans. The modern detached industrial unit, constructed in 2020, provides 37,650 sq ft of industrial accommodation just off the A5 and within close proximity to the M69. “Despite ongoing economic challenges, the industrial market continues to show resilience, particularly in the mid-box sector where good quality space remains scarce,” said Kelvin Wilson, director at Andrew + Ashwell. “This letting highlights the strength of occupier demand in Leicestershire and the value of presenting high-specification space to the market.” Sam Pringle, asset manager at London Metric, said: “We are delighted to welcome our new tenant to Lime Kilns Business Park. This letting reflects our focus on maintaining high occupancy levels across the portfolio and ensuring our assets support the growth of dynamic local businesses.”

Futures appoints new board director specialising in technology

Tess Egginton
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Futures appoints new board director specialising in technology
Futures Housing Group has appointed Guv Dhaliwal as a new non-executive director to further strengthen the board’s expertise in digital and technology. Guv has over 25 years’ experience in senior technology leadership across the housing sector and large global businesses and brings extensive expertise in digital transformation and strategic leadership. Alongside his new appointment, Guv is chief information officer at housing association Amplius, where he leads on technology, data and transformation. Passionate about the role housing plays in people’s lives, Guv is motivated by using technology and data to improve services, strengthen communities and create long-term value for customers. Commenting on Guv’s appointment, group chair Pauline Davis said: “Like most organisations, we have to keep abreast of the fast changing digital environment. So we’re absolutely delighted to have found someone as experienced and well placed as Guv to help us embrace these changes and ensure at the strategic level that we not only keep pace but make sure we use all the opportunities that digital brings to improve our customers’ lives.” Guv said: “I’m excited to be joining Futures as a Non-Executive Director. For me, this is all about using technology and data to make a meaningful impact in social housing. I’m really looking forward to contributing to that purpose and driving positive change.”

Bodycare faces possible administration with jobs and stores at risk

April Lara
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Bodycare faces possible administration with jobs and stores at risk

UK health and beauty chain Bodycare is reportedly on the brink of administration, putting around 1,500 jobs and numerous high street stores in jeopardy. The retailer, founded in 1970 in Lancashire, stocks major brands including L’Oréal, Nivea, and Elizabeth Arden.

The company has faced financial pressures for several years, worsened by pandemic-related losses. A temporary £7 million debt facility offered short-term relief, but operational costs, inflation, and tax increases have intensified challenges. Bodycare is owned by Baaj Capital, a family office, and has been under advisory review by Interpath to explore potential rescue options.

Retail leadership comes from experienced executives with backgrounds in department stores, yet the business continues to navigate a highly competitive market. Shifts in consumer habits and the broader instability of UK high streets have added to the pressures. Recent industry examples include River Island, which avoided administration through restructuring and store closures.

A sale or investment deal could preserve the chain and protect staff, but without a buyer, store closures and redundancies are likely. The outcome will affect suppliers, commercial landlords, and the wider health and beauty sector.

WBR Group strengthens technical and proposition capabilities with key promotions

Tess Egginton
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WBR Group strengthens technical and proposition capabilities with key promotions
WBR Group, the independent provider of SSAS administration and integrated professional services, has made two strategic promotions. Caitlin Southall has been promoted to director of SSAS transformation and proposition and Mark Plewes steps into the role of head of pensions technical. These appointments reflect WBR Group’s continued investment in deepening its technical expertise and enhancing its client proposition as it strengthens its position in the SSAS and wider tax and pension sectors. Caitlin, who joined WBR Group in 2024 as head of SSAS proposition, will now lead the evolution of WBR Group’s SSAS offering so that it remains at the forefront of the sector in terms of innovation, service quality, and adviser support. Her expanded remit recognises her pivotal role in shaping WBR Group’s proposition strategy and driving client centric product developments. Caitlin will continue to work closely with the wider senior leadership team, to align WBR’s proposition with the evolving needs of advisers, SMEs, and family businesses across the UK. Mark, previously a key member of WBR Group’s technical team, brings over a decade of experience in pensions legislation. As head of pensions technical, he will lead the team and ensure the firm continues to deliver expert guidance across its SSAS and wider tax and pensions services. Mark’s promotion reflects his deep expertise and the critical role he plays in supporting both internal teams and external clients. Prior to WBR, Mark spent over 11 years at Rowanmoor in the pensions team. As part of its ongoing commitment to client education and empowerment, WBR Group has also launched a new Trustee Guide. This comprehensive resource is designed to help SSAS trustees better understand and fulfil their roles, responsibilities and duties. The guide reflects WBR’s belief in the importance of clear, accessible information and will serve as a valuable tool for both new and experienced trustees navigating the complexities of SSAS governance. Martin Tilley, COO of WBR Group, said: “We are delighted to recognise Caitlin and Mark for their exceptional contributions to WBR Group. Their promotions are a testament to the depth of talent within our organisation and our commitment to developing leaders who can drive innovation and deliver outstanding service. The launch of our new Trustee Guide further demonstrates our focus on client support and education, ensuring trustees are equipped with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions.”

East Midlands firm secures two freighter maintenance contracts

April Lara
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East Midlands firm secures two freighter maintenance contracts

BCT Aviation Maintenance has secured two new line maintenance contracts at East Midlands Airport, where the company is based.

The contracts cover services for Central Airlines, a Chinese cargo operator running two Boeing 777F freighters into EMA twice weekly, and Ethiopian Cargo and Logistics Services, which has also been operating a Boeing 777F on the UK–China route over the summer.

BCT Aviation Maintenance will manage all line maintenance for both carriers at the airport. The company has been operating at East Midlands Airport for more than fifteen years and supports a growing number of cargo operations as the airport strengthens its position in UK air freight.

Independent games developer hails “strong start to the year” as profits rise while revenues slide

Tess Egginton
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Independent games developer hails “strong start to the year” as profits rise while revenues slide

everplay group, formerly Team17, an independent games developer, has hailed “a strong start to the year,” as profits rose while revenues slid.

According to unaudited results for the six months ended 30 June 2025 (H1 2025), group revenues fell 10% to £72.4 million. The business shared that this was a result of the timing of license revenues and new title launches at the astragon division, as well as declines in physically distributed sales and a “very strong” prior year back catalogue performance.

Profit before tax, meanwhile, grew to £14.3m, up from £12.4m in the same period last year.

Four new games launched during the period (in comparison to nine in the same period last year) with four existing games released on additional platforms (H1 2024: four). Revenues from new releases increased 40% in the period.

Three acquisitions of IP and back catalogue publishing rights were completed, at a total cost of less than £8 million, adding additional revenue streams.

Frank Sagnier, interim executive chair of everplay, said: “It has been a strong start to the year. The improved performance of our new releases shows the progress we have made continually enhancing our internal procedures, such as our greenlight process, the quality of our production, and our marketing approach.

“I am delighted by the strategic progress we have made across the business, with the Group already benefitting from new revenue streams from our recent IP and back catalogue acquisitions.

“I would like to thank our people across the Group, led by teams that are truly focused on making great games and apps for our players. Since spending more time in the business in my role as Interim Executive Chair, I have been overwhelmed by the teams’ creativity, skills and knowledge.

“Looking ahead, we have a busy second half to deliver, but the team remains laser-focused on performance and delivering on our strategic priorities to ensure continued long-term growth for the Group and our shareholders.”

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