Design team revealed for Swadlincote leisure and office development

Tess Egginton
-
0
Design team revealed for Swadlincote leisure and office development
South Derbyshire District Council has appointed a multi-disciplinary team to design and deliver the new Leisure and Office Development in Swadlincote. The new scheme, on Cadley Park off William Nadin Way, will replace the existing Green Bank Leisure Centre and provide office and conferencing facilities, creating a modern community hub. Scheduled for completion in Spring 2028, the development is a major investment in the future of the District. The appointments include: CPMG Architects – design lead, Chord Consult – mechanical & electrical engineering, Hexa Consulting – civil, structural & transport engineering, Cadence Projects – project management, Coreus Group – cost consultancy, and Ares – landscape architecture. The team brings a proven track record of delivering large-scale projects across the UK, as well as experience in shaping local schemes that prioritise community benefit, sustainability and value for money. Councillor Robert Pearson, leader of South Derbyshire District Council, said: “This is a significant milestone for Swadlincote and for South Derbyshire. The appointed partners bring both expertise and creativity and we are confident they will deliver a facility that truly meets the needs of our community. “Swadlincote deserves a modern leisure centre that promotes health and wellbeing, alongside flexible office space that can support the Council and provide opportunities for local businesses. This project is not just about new buildings, it is about creating a place that people are proud of, that brings the community together, and that reflects our ambition for the future.” The delivery team will now work with the Council on detailed designs, informed by community consultation and local needs analysis. A construction partner is to be appointed in early 2026.

Health and Wellbeing Hub reaches new heights in Worksop

Tess Egginton
-
0
Health and Wellbeing Hub reaches new heights in Worksop

A significant milestone has been marked in the construction of an £8.5m Health and Wellbeing Hub in Worksop, with a steel signing ceremony held.

Builders Tilbury Douglas are transforming the long vacant site on Newgate Street, which is owned by Bassetlaw District Council, and when completed the building will be leased to the NHS and operated by the Newgate Medical Group.

Cllr Julie Leigh, leader of Bassetlaw District Council said: “This marks a major step forward in transforming the once-vacant site into a new Health and Wellbeing Hub that will benefit residents and patients throughout the area. “A great deal of work has gone into reaching this point, and we’re excited to continue working closely with our NHS partners to bring this important development to life.”

The healthcare hub is on track for completion early next year and will enhance both accessibility and capacity for patients. It will include 24 consulting rooms, three treatment rooms and additional space for administration and support services.

Paul Ellenor, regional director at Tilbury Douglas, said: “The steel signing ceremony represents an important milestone in the delivery of the Newgate Street Health & Wellbeing Hub. “It symbolises the collaborative effort between Tilbury Douglas, our partners and the client to create a modern facility that will deliver lasting improvements in healthcare provision.

“We are committed to delivering infrastructure that brings value to communities today and for future generations.”

Tilia Homes to deliver 560 new homes at Ashton Green

April Lara
-
0
Tilia Homes to deliver 560 new homes at Ashton Green

Leicester’s Ashton Green development is set to enter its fourth phase with Tilia Homes appointed as the preferred developer. The company plans to build approximately 560 homes across 55 acres, with up to 30% designated as affordable housing for rent or shared ownership.

Ashton Green, a 320-acre mixed-use project on the city’s northern edge, is planned to eventually deliver around 3,000 homes alongside community, health, retail, and employment facilities. The first 100 houses were completed in 2020. The second phase has delivered 245 of 307 homes, while a third phase of 441 dwellings is expected to begin next year.

Leicester City Council is the main landowner and promoter of the development, with the Diocese of Leicester owning 13 acres of the site. The fourth phase will start once planning permission is secured, continuing the city’s efforts to meet housing demand and support local economic growth.

Tilia Homes, part of the untypical group, previously delivered the second phase of Ashton Green and will continue its work under the Tilia Homes brand, focusing on sustainable residential communities aligned with Leicester’s growth strategy.

Bank of England holds interest rates at 4%

Tess Egginton
-
0
Bank of England holds interest rates at 4%
The Bank of England has held interest rates at 4%, in line with expectations. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), which sets monetary policy to meet the 2% inflation target, has voted by a majority of 7–2 to maintain Bank Rate at 4%. Two members voted to reduce Bank Rate by 0.25 percentage points, to 3.75%. Alpesh Paleja, deputy chief economist, CBI, said: “Today’s decision to hold interest rates came as no surprise. The bigger question is how the Monetary Policy Committee will move in the months ahead. While there is broad agreement that rates should fall further, opinions differ on how quickly and by how much. “Further cuts are supported by a weakening jobs market and signs of slower wage growth. But the MPC remains wary of stubborn price pressures. The risk is that the expected inflation ‘hump’ this Autumn feeds into wages and price setting, at a time when households’ inflation expectations are rising. “In the run-up to their November meeting, the Committee will be watching data closely for these signals. They will also keep a close eye on bond market stability after recent volatility, which likely played into today’s decision to slow the pace of ‘quantitative tightening’.”

Kindeva opens new UK HQ in Loughborough

Tess Egginton
-
0
Kindeva opens new UK HQ in Loughborough
Kindeva, a global CDMO (Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization) and drug delivery expert, has opened its new UK headquarters at Charnwood Campus Science Innovation and Technology Park, Loughborough. The facility represents a significant expansion in Kindeva’s metered-dose inhaler services and will develop and test next-generation propellants (NGP) as the industry prepares to move to more environmentally friendly products. The 150,000 sq ft site offers a range of services across drug development, from early-stage viability, analytical method development, to commercial analysis. Commenting on the new site, Milton Boyer, CEO of Kindeva, said: “The opening of our Loughborough Headquarters marks a significant milestone in Kindeva’s growth strategy as we continue to innovate, scale, and expand our global footprint.” The Loughborough HQ will be responsible for developing and analysing NGPs as the industry faces significant legislation aimed at reducing the environmental impact of the propellants currently used in pressurized metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs). Boyer continued: “Research estimates that inhalers contribute to 0.03% of total global greenhouse gas emissions, and represent 3% of the U.K. National Health Service (NHS) carbon footprint. “Investment in our Loughborough site, new technologies and people, will allow Kindeva to become the leading force in the industry for sustainability and assuring supply continuity as the industry transitions to low Global Warming Potential (GWP) propellents.”

Leicester care service acquired by Cygnet Social Care

Tess Egginton
-
0
Leicester care service acquired by Cygnet Social Care
Cygnet Social Care has acquired Woodrowe Healthcare, a provider of specialist care and rehabilitation for adults with Acquired Brain Injury, neurological, and complex needs in a residential setting. The acquisition means Cygnet Social Care now operate Woodrowe Healthcare, in Markfield, Leicestershire, a service currently rated ‘Good’ by the Care Quality Commission. The purchase marks another significant step in Cygnet’s ongoing expansion of its social care services, following the acquisition of specialist care homes previously operated by Oakview Care Services in March 2025. Gareth Williams, CEO of Cygnet Social Care, said: “We are delighted to welcome Woodrowe Healthcare into the Cygnet Social Care family. This acquisition reflects our continued commitment to investing in high-quality services that make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. “Woodrowe Healthcare has built an excellent reputation for delivering compassionate and highly specialised care for individuals with neurological and brain injury-related needs. “We look forward to working alongside the dedicated Woodrowe team to build on their successes and ensure continuity of the outstanding care already being delivered. We will continue to support some of the most vulnerable members of our communities in safe, nurturing and life-enriching environments, helping them to achieve greater independence and quality of life.”

‘Seismic’ tax changes set to impact Midlands family businesses

Tess Egginton
-
0
‘Seismic’ tax changes set to impact Midlands family businesses
Family-owned businesses in the Midlands face increased challenges in the coming months, as the clock ticks down to ‘seismic’ tax changes in April 2026. According to figures from accountancy and business advisory firm BDO LLP, more than three-fifths of Midlands businesses (63%) say they will be impacted by changes to Business Relief for Inheritance Tax (IHT). The UK government announced changes in the Autumn 2024 Budget to the IHT relief available for assets qualifying for Business Relief (BR) and Agricultural Relief (AR). These are expected to come into force from 6 April 2026, but have been met with widespread criticism. Under the changes, the amount of relief will be capped, with the first £1 million of qualifying assets exempt from IHT. The excess will attract 50% relief, in effect producing a 20% tax rate. Draft legislation published in July also confirmed that the £1 million allowance won’t be transferable (although there was speculation this could change), unlike the unused nil-rate band and residential nil-rate band IHT allowances which can be transferred to a spouse or civil partner’s estate when they die. Many family-owned businesses are already making plans to mitigate the impact where possible. A separate survey of wealth advisers conducted by BDO earlier this year found that almost three in five (58%) said their business owner clients were considering gifting shares directly to family members in response to the proposed changes, while just over half (51%) said that settling shares into a family trust was also being considered. Just over 20% of respondents to the multiple choice question said their business owner clients were looking at selling up and gifting the proceeds. If speculation over changes to IHT gift reliefs in the Budget prove correct, business owners may only have a short window of opportunity to put gifting plans into effect. Paul Townson, tax partner at BDO in the Midlands, said: “These IHT changes have received significant press coverage since October 2024, particularly in relation to the potential impact for business owners. “There’s no doubt these are seismic changes and business owners should review their succession and ownership strategies now, so they’re prepared to act ahead of the new rules coming into force in April next year and, where possible, in advance of the 26 November Budget.” The impending tax changes add to a growing list of challenges facing Midlands businesses, with skills shortages, overseas trade issues, supply chain challenges, falling demand from customers and tax increases topping their list. Townson added: “Pressure is mounting on Midlands businesses, with news of rising inflation last month also likely to trigger increased costs, impact customer spending and add to economic uncertainty. “Our survey shows that a significant number of Midlands businesses (72%) feel their voices are not being heard by the government on important policy measures, with more targeted support needed. The next couple of months will test that theory as we move towards another Autumn Budget from the UK Chancellor. Businesses should prepare for tax changes and look to reduce the potential impact.” 

Former bank site in Daventry approved for 24-hour casino

April Lara
-
0
Former bank site in Daventry approved for 24-hour casino

West Northamptonshire Council has approved plans to convert the former NatWest branch on Daventry’s High Street into a 24-hour casino. The two-storey listed building, originally opened as Hall and Co in 1809, later became part of National Westminster Bank before closing in 2017.

The development will create around 25 full-time and 20 part-time positions. Plans include a ground-floor gaming area focused on poker, with slot machines and lower-stakes roulette, alongside a bar, dining space, lounge, and seating for live sports.

Daventry Town Council opposed the proposal, citing potential effects on vulnerable residents, and more than 60 objections were submitted before the council meeting on 9 September. Some concerns highlighted the close proximity of another 24-hour gambling venue in Bowen Square.

West Northamptonshire is among councils requesting greater authority over the location of adult gaming centres. The UK government is considering allowing councils to conduct cumulative impact assessments for gambling venues, similar to existing regulations for alcohol licensing.

Leicester pharmacy sold to first-time buyer

Tess Egginton
-
0
Leicester pharmacy sold to first-time buyer
St Stephens Chemist (St Stephens Road) in Leicester has been sold to a first-time buyer. St Stephens Chemist is an established community pharmacy that dispenses an average of 5,150 items per month. It occupies the ground floor of a two-storey property in a densely populated residential area in Leicester. The pharmacy has been owned by Mahesh Patel of Meritplan Ltd for over 20 years and was brought to market to allow him to retire. Following a confidential sales process with Carl Steer at Christie & Co, and with funding sourced through Raj Patel at Christie Finance, the pharmacy has been purchased by first-time buyers, Frank and Dorothy Hemans. Carl Steer, director – pharmacy at Christie & Co, said: “Proving, yet again, the strength of the market in Leicester and the county as a whole, this sale was agreed to first-time buyers for the guide price after just five weeks of marketing. “A further two sales will complete in the county in the coming weeks, which are hot on the heels of two sales that completed in the North of the county in March and April. Sales prices typically range from £460,000 through to £1,250,000, with the majority selling to first-time buyers.” Raj Patel, finance consultant at Christie Finance, said: “There is good lending appetite from banks, especially for first-time buyers. We were able to secure very competitive terms for Frank and Dorothy Hemans on their first acquisition.”

Alphageek Digital appoints new MD to drive growth

Tess Egginton
-
0
Alphageek Digital appoints new MD to drive growth
A digital marketing agency has appointed leadership expert Tim Brogan as its new managing director, marking the start of a new chapter for the business. Alphageek Digital, based on Friar Gate, has made the appointment to sharpen the company’s strategic focus, strengthen client partnerships and accelerate growth. Formerly a headteacher and inspector, Tim has held various leadership, executive coaching and mentoring roles and is passionate about turning big ideas into tangible action and helping to develop individuals to the highest level. The 41-year-old has been in talks with the agency for several years and earlier this month took over the MD role from co-founder Art Lindop. While Tim will focus on business development, Art will transition into the role of technical director. Tim said: “Having spent the last two years really getting to know Alphageek – from their clients to their internal opportunities – I feel well-placed to lead with insight and intent, building on what already makes the company strong. “Art’s technical expertise and unwavering commitment to client outcomes remain central to our business. My focus will be on strengthening our strategic direction, expanding our capabilities and fostering an environment where our team and clients can thrive. “I joke that I had the world’s longest interview with Alphageek – because I was actually in talks with them for several years. But we waited until the time was right for me personally and for the company. “Now is that time; we’re perfectly placed for sustainable and manageable growth, while continuing to achieve industry-leading results for our clients.”
123...1,120Page 2 of 1,120