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The East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025

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Train operators in the East Midlands are launching a trial of digital ticketing technology that tracks journeys using GPS and automatically applies the lowest available fare. The initiative allows passengers to check in via a mobile app, travel without pre-booking, and receive a barcode for inspections or barrier access.

The pilot will run on services between Leicester, Derby and Nottingham, with an expected 4,000 participants. Northern Trains in Yorkshire will join the scheme later this month. The system aims to replace paper tickets and QR-based mobile tickets, streamlining fare collection and reducing the need for planning.

The Department for Transport is leading the programme, citing previous successful trials in Switzerland, Denmark, and Scotland. The scheme aligns with broader efforts to simplify the UK rail fare system, improve passenger convenience, and integrate new technology.

Rail operators are preparing for wider adoption if the pilot proves effective. East Midlands Railway has reported over 500 registrations for the trial, highlighting commercial interest in solutions that simplify fares and enhance the customer experience.

The project forms part of ongoing government and industry discussions on modernising ticketing, including proposals for nationalised Great British Railways and future reforms intended to guarantee best-value fares.

Businesses in Nottingham now have access to a series of programmes designed to support growth, digital adoption, and sustainability. The Nottingham Accelerator initiative, delivered by East Midlands Chamber on behalf of Nottingham City Council, will run until 31 March 2026. The project has received £124,982 in funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to support local firms in innovating, adopting technology, reducing their carbon impact, and achieving sustainability targets.

Support under the programme includes workshops, one-to-one guidance, consultancy, and funding. Digital Transformation advisers offer tailored advice on artificial intelligence, technology adoption, process improvement, and energy efficiency through complimentary audits and decarbonisation webinars. Businesses can apply for growth vouchers of up to £2,000 to access specialist consultancy or training aimed at improving processes, adopting new technologies, and advancing sustainability initiatives.

The Autumn 2025 programme includes sessions covering the use of ChatGPT for business, an introduction to Vibe Coding, Microsoft 365 CoPilot for business users, harnessing AI for business applications, and mastering graphic design using Canva and Adobe Express. Following engagement with participating firms, East Midlands Chamber will establish an AI forum to identify growth opportunities and support businesses as they progress on their digital transformation journeys.

Smiley Monroe, a global conveyor belt supplier headquartered in Northern Ireland, has launched a new distribution facility in Ilkeston, Derbyshire. The depot will hold full rolls and cut lengths of flat and chevron conveyor belts, offering next-day delivery and same-day collection for UK customers.

The move responds to increased demand from service companies and other clients in Great Britain, where faster lead times were previously limited by distribution from Northern Ireland. The Midlands location positions Smiley Monroe closer to its GB customer base, improving supply chain efficiency and turnaround times.

Founded in 1979, Smiley Monroe operates manufacturing and distribution facilities in the UK, USA, and India. The company supplies conveyor belts to equipment manufacturers across the construction, recycling, and environmental sectors. The UK expansion is part of broader growth plans and a strategy to maintain close connections with key customers.

Bowmer + Kirkland Group, a Derbyshire-based construction and development company with a £1.25 billion turnover, has acquired Denton, a UK office fit-out specialist. The move strengthens Bowmer + Kirkland’s position in commercial interiors and workplace solutions.

Denton has operated for 30 years, delivering CAT A, CAT A+ and CAT B office fit-outs across the UK, generating £40 million in revenue. Under Bowmer + Kirkland, Denton gains access to national resources, expanded project capacity and greater operational scale, enabling delivery of larger, more complex contracts while maintaining its established standards and client-focused approach.

Bowmer + Kirkland has more than 100 years of heritage in construction and development, prioritising quality, long-term investment in people, and family ownership. The acquisition aligns with the company’s strategy to broaden its service offerings in office design, fit-outs, and workplace solutions that support collaboration, wellbeing and efficiency nationwide.