Leicester-headquartered fit-out and joinery specialists, EE Smith Contracts, has been awarded a prestigious contract to deliver the fit-out of 12 super-prime houses near London’s Regent’s Park.
Following the completion of the concrete frame and basement by a specialist contractor, EE Smith Contracts will deliver the envelope and full fit-out of the 52 Avenue Road project, which is being developed by Domvs London in a joint venture with Select Group Ltd.
The contract value is expected to be in excess of £60m.
The super-luxury residential scheme comprises three terraces of four five-storey homes, each featuring winter gardens on the roof terraces with private lift access, with views over Regent’s Park and Central London.
The development also includes a basement with health and wellness amenities for residents, including a 25m swimming pool, gym, treatment rooms and residents’ lounge.
Completion is expected in Q4 2026.
Neil Bottrill, managing director of EE Smith Contracts, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be working with Domvs on this prestigious scheme.
“This gives us the perfect opportunity to showcase our skills at the very top end of the fit-out industry and to develop a long-term, collaborative relationship with our new client.
“It also gives further vindication of the investment into the London office which we launched last year in order to provide a base for our Project-based staff and to further support the organic growth of the business over the coming years.
“We continue to see many opportunities in the high-end fit out market and we are very well placed to take advantage of that.”
Jon O’Brien, principal and founder of Domvs, added: “We are delighted to have secured the services of EE Smith following a long tender and evaluation process.
“The quality of their team, from top down, and the standard of their final product aligned perfectly with our ‘best in class’ values. We are excited to deliver this scheme with EE Smith.”
Two Northamptonshire-based companies have formed a partnership to expand asbestos management and biohazard cleaning services across the UK. Consulo Compliance Ltd, a health and safety and asbestos management firm in Northampton, has joined forces with Specialist Remediation Solutions (SRS) of Desborough, which provides licensed asbestos removal and trauma scene cleaning.
The collaboration builds on a previous working relationship between the directors of both firms. Since launching SRS in 2023, the partnership has facilitated several sensitive asbestos removal projects, including schools, nurseries, commercial refurbishments, and demolition sites. The arrangement enables Consulo Compliance to offer clients integrated advice on managing asbestos, from surveys to removal, and to compare quotes and lead times across multiple licensed contractors.
SRS recently upgraded its asbestos removal licence with the Health & Safety Executive from a one-year to a three-year licence, enhancing the company’s capacity to take on complex projects. The extended licence provides long-term assurance for clients requiring licensed asbestos removal and associated biohazard services.
The partnership allows both firms to streamline service delivery, combine technical expertise, and provide clients with informed options for safe asbestos management. Future plans focus on expanding collaborative projects and leveraging the combined capabilities of both teams to serve sensitive environments and commercial sectors across the UK.
Business confidence in the East Midlands rose three points during August to 43%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds.
East Midlands’ confidence in their own business prospects held steady, month-on-month, at 47%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, which rose eight points to 40%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 43% (vs. 40% in July).
A net balance of 42% of businesses in the region also expect to increase staff levels over the next year, up 11 points on last month.
Looking ahead to the next six months, East Midlands businesses identified their biggest growth opportunities as evolving their offering, for example by introducing new products or services (47%), introducing new technology, such as AI and automation (46%), and investing in their team, for example through training and development (42%).
The Business Barometer, which surveys 1,200 businesses monthly and which has been running since 2002, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide.
National picture
Overall, UK business confidence rose two points in August to 54%.
While firms’ confidence in the wider economy dropped three points to 44%, their optimism in their own trading prospects rose five points to 63%.
London was the most confident part of the UK in August (69%), followed by the East of England (64%).
Sector insights
Manufacturing firms saw confidence up 14 points this month, to 62%. This level was previously seen in 2015. Retailers also saw an increase in confidence this month, with levels up 13 points to 57%, a five-month high. However, construction firms confidence fell by five points to 40%, a four-month low, while confidence in service sector firms also fell eight points to 53%.
Dave Atkinson, regional director for the East Midlands at Lloyds, said: “Businesses across the East Midlands are showing real ambition, with many looking to new products, services, and technology to fuel growth. It’s particularly encouraging to see such a strong focus on developing their teams, which plays a critical part in building resilience and long-term success.
“As local firms look ahead to their next steps, we’ll be ready with our on-the-ground support.”
Church Lukas is a progressive, purpose-led architecture, management and sustainability Practice, committed to creating environments that enrich lives and strengthen communities. Balancing design excellence with commercial insight, the Practice works with a clear ambition: to deliver buildings that are both inspiring and enduring, leaving a positive legacy for people, places and the planet.
As a professional Practice – not an image-driven studio – Church Lukas is known for designs grounded in real-world context and delivered with precision. Every project begins with a deep understanding of human experience and is carried through with clarity, creativity and technical assurance. The Practice approaches each project as both a creative opportunity and a professional responsibility – to deliver well-considered, buildable solutions that serve people, respect place, and stand the test of time.
Over the past year, the Practice has demonstrated its breadth, agility and design leadership across a wide range of sectors and locations. In Nottingham, the Bridgeside purpose-built student accommodation project integrates communal spaces throughout the building – from a central winter garden to floor-by-floor lounges – creating a socially connected student environment. In Lincoln, a city-centre PBSA scheme for Bishop Grosseteste University responds to its historic context with a contemporary, respectful approach. In Canterbury, the Practice delivered a BREEAM Excellent-rated PBSA development in an ancient woodland setting — balancing sustainability, sensitivity, and viability.
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PBSA scheme for Bishop Grosseteste University
PBSA scheme for Bishop Grosseteste University
Most recently, the Gateway 2 submission for the Watford Way Higher-Risk Building (HRB) was validated at first attempt, a clear reflection of the team’s expertise in navigating complex compliance within the new regulatory landscape.
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Watford Way
Watford Way
Beyond student living, the Practice’s work spans education, civic and infrastructure. At Rushcliffe Spencer Academy, a new sports and teaching facility provides an inclusive environment for young learners. In Durham, the recently completed Rushford Court Amenity Building for Unite Students demonstrates a precise and considered response to heritage planning. Following the high-profile fire at London Luton Airport, Church Lukas served as Principal Designer for Building Regulations on the replacement multi-storey car park, a role that demanded clarity, rigour and resilience in a high-pressure setting.
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Rushcliffe Spencer Academy
Rushcliffe Spencer Academy
Long-term partnerships are the foundation of the Practice’s success. A culture of open challenge, shared purpose and straight-talking communication enables confident decision-making and strong project outcomes. The Practice’s approach is one of stewardship: design that delivers value, places that serve people, and work that contributes meaningfully to social and environmental progress.
Church Lukas is commercially astute and creatively driven – designing not just for impact and legacy, but to help clients generate value in every sense. At the heart of every project lies a simple, enduring ambition: to build For A Better Tomorrow.
To learn more about Church Lukas, please visit https://www.churchlukas.com/
The Boots Group, the health and beauty retailer and pharmaceutical wholesaler, is now operating as a private standalone company following its acquisition by Sycamore Partners, a private equity firm based in New York.
This announcement coincides with Sycamore’s acquisition of Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA), The Boots Group’s previous owner.
Sycamore is acquiring the business in partnership with Stefano Pessina and his family, who have reinvested 100% of their interests in The Boots Group.
The Boots Group will continue to be led by Ornella Barra as CEO and will be registered and headquartered in the UK, with senior leaders continuing in their existing roles.
The company will comprise the former international businesses of Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA), including: Boots UK&I, Boots Opticians, No7 Beauty Company, Boots retail pharmacies in Thailand and international franchise retail operations, together with Farmacias Benavides in Mexico, Alliance Healthcare Germany, and existing retail investments in China.
Part of The Boots Group, Boots is an authority in beauty, wellness and healthcare headquartered in Nottingham with 176 years of history in its space. Boots will continue to be led by its experienced management team with Anthony Hemmerdinger serving as SVP and managing director of Boots UK & Ireland.
Ornella Barra, CEO of The Boots Group, said: “I am hugely proud of the business that we have created and excited about this new step under new ownership. I would like to thank our colleagues across the world that have built this incredible company, and I am honoured to be leading these businesses on the next stage of our journey.
“Sycamore’s retail experience and our strong foundation position The Boots Group to deliver against our strategy of being a leader in our markets and the communities we serve.”
Stefan Kaluzny, managing director of Sycamore, said: “The Boots Group is a remarkable institution with deep roots in its communities around the world. We are excited that, as a healthy, successful standalone company with 17 consecutive quarters of like-for-like growth, The Boots Group will now be free to invest and grow more aggressively into the future.”
Stefano Pessina said: “The Boots Group enters this next chapter with strength and momentum. Our family has supported the Company over many years, and we are proud to do so now in partnership with Sycamore. As an investor group, we are committed to investing in The Boots Group in order to accelerate its already very successful record of growth.”
A Charity Gala Dinner hosted by Framework this World Homeless Day will raise funds to turn a derelict Nottingham lace factory into supported living accommodation for rough sleepers.
The event will take place on 10 October at the Nottingham Belfry Hotel with the region’s business community urged to get behind the charity’s fundraising dinner. Tickets for tables and sponsorship packages are available providing a special opportunity for companies to make a meaningful investment into their local community.
The Gala Dinner is aiming to raise £35,000 to plug the funding gap for one of Framework’s latest supported housing developments set to open Spring 2026.
Lee House will become home to some of the most vulnerable men in Nottingham offering 20 self-contained one bedroom flats along with round the clock support to help them move towards a better future.
Claire Eden, head of fundraising and communications, Framework said: “Many men who become homeless have faced a lifetime of disadvantage. They often fall through the cracks of a support system that isn’t designed to catch them, especially if they are single and without children.
“Shame and stigma often contribute to men suffering in silence. Many struggle alone. Without safe spaces or support, their situation becomes critical. By the time they access our services, most men have been rough sleeping for months, sometimes years. They are entrenched in the lifestyle and carry an enormous backlog of trauma.
“With the proper housing and support, men can and do recover from homelessness. We want to provide a home where they can find stability, receive wrap-around support for their mental health needs and substance use issues, and find their confidence again.”
The Gala Dinner will be hosted by Mark Dennison, well-known for his work at BBC Radio Nottingham, Notts TV and on the tannoy at Nottingham Forest and Trent Bridge.
It will be an opportunity to celebrate the progress and achievements made to tackle homelessness across the East Midlands thanks to the support the charity receives from the business community including the event sponsors reflecting both long-standing relationships and new partnerships.
Allan Joyce Architects, supporting Framework since 2001, said: “We are extremely proud of our longstanding relationship with Framework, having worked with them since their creation. Together, we have worked to create new and refurbished spaces that provide much-needed accommodation and support services for vulnerable people.
“We have witnessed the continual determination of their staff to meet and overcome the challenges faced by homeless people across Nottingham and the East Midlands. Their work to assist those most in need of housing and support has changed countless lives, and to have been part of that journey has been a privilege.”
Caroline Pearson, director, Actons Solicitors, Framework supporters since 2007, said: “It’s an honour to play our part in what will be a fantastic event. By working closely with Framework we see the incredible work they do across the region, as well as the issues they face in maintaining their services.
“We hope that businesses and other supporters will come together on 10th October to support Framework and specifically the work of Lee House in housing some of the most vulnerable men in Nottingham who are at risk of homelessness.”
Vegetology CEO Chris Smith said: “Framework is an amazing charity making a real and lasting difference to people affected by homelessness. It provides essential support, and its approach helps to challenge the stigma that surrounds homelessness. We fully back Framework’s mission to end homelessness and we hope this event can help to raise awareness of its vital work, and raise funds to support its many services.”
Gratton Construction, a new corporate partner in 2025, is supporting the Gala through a bespoke raffle package. Kirsty Howard, director of operations, said: “The work Framework does to support people facing homelessness and complex challenges is truly inspiring. At Gratton, we’re honoured to contribute to something that brings real hope and lasting change to people’s lives.”
A short film to mark the launch of Framework’s Winter Appeal will be shown, along with fine dining, live entertainment and more fundraising activities including the chance to win some exclusive prizes and a silent auction with a signed Forest shirt from their record-breaking 24/25 season.
Toyota has submitted plans for a 56-acre solar farm at its Burnaston manufacturing site in Derbyshire. The project is expected to generate 16 megawatts of electricity annually, covering approximately 19 per cent of the plant’s energy requirements.
The Burnaston facility, which employs over 2,500 staff, produces around 150,000 vehicles a year. The new solar installation would sit 150 metres south of an existing 4.1-megawatt solar farm that has operated on site since 2011.
The land earmarked for development was last used for agriculture in 2018. Toyota’s application highlights the existing screening around the site and its distance from residential areas as factors that may minimise local objections.
Burnaston forms the core of Toyota’s UK manufacturing operations, with additional facilities at Deeside in North Wales. Since opening in 1992, the site has produced more than five million vehicles and has received over £2.1 billion in investment to date. The plant applies the Toyota Production System and operates as one of Toyota’s global sustainable plants, emphasising low-carbon production and renewable energy integration.
If approved, the solar farm will expand Toyota’s capacity to source clean energy on site and support its commitment to sustainable manufacturing while maintaining local employment.
Placemakers, Muse, has continued its expansion in the Midlands with four new appointments.
Glyn Mutton, development director, joins the business having previously worked for Hill Group and London Land Group. Richard McMullen, senior project manager, joins from Urban & Civic, and Alex D’Angelillo, finance business partner, joins from Mercia Real Estate. Helen Spicer, will also join as a personal assistant from Woodbourne Group.
The expansion continues a rapid period of growth since Muse first launched its Midlands office in 2022. The firm is leading the delivery of some of the Midlands’ most important opportunities – including affordable homes, innovation space, workspaces, leisure, and public spaces.
ECF – Muse’s partnership with L&G and Homes England – has recently entered into a Development Agreement with West Northamptonshire Council to deliver a sustainable new neighbourhood at Greyfriars.
Habiko – Muse’s new partnership with PIC and Homes England – is also investigating potential opportunities across the Midlands region, focussed on the delivery of affordable and sustainable new homes.
The team will also support further growth following the establishment of the East Midlands Combined County Authority, working with local partners to investigate potential opportunities.
Maggie Grogan, managing director – Midlands, at Muse, said: “We are full of confidence about the future of the Midlands, as a place to invest and grow. By working together with local authorities and other regional partners, we’ve made real and tangible progress in Solihull, Wolverhampton, and West Northamptonshire.
“The expansion of our team reflects our achievements, but also the scale of future opportunity we see coming forward across the region – including in the East Midlands. We are supported by a positive and proactive public sector which wants to make things happen.
“Our delivery partners at ECF and Habiko are also convinced of the potential of this region, and together we can deliver the new homes, jobs, leisure, and public spaces our communities need.”
Business Link can now reveal the shortlist for this year’s highly anticipated East Midlands Bricks Awards – THE event for Property & Construction in 2025.
Showcasing the outstanding work of those behind the changing landscape of our region, the Bricks Awards features a diverse range of categories and a glittering awards ceremony that will host many of the region’s industry leaders. This event is also an ideal opportunity to applaud and connect with the very best in the business.
The 10th annual awards ceremony announcing the winners will take place on Thursday 2nd October, at the famous Trent Bridge Cricket Ground.
The event will begin at 4:30pm and continue until 7:30pm, with plenty of time for networking and celebrating. The occasion will additionally feature Councillor Nadine Peatfield – Leader of Derby City Council, Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Strategy and Policy, and Deputy Mayor of the East Midlands as keynote speaker.
Shortlist for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025
Architects of the Year – sponsored by Roy Geddes Bricks
Church Lukas
Morrison Design
Pelham Architects
Contractor of the Year – sponsored by EMEC Ecology
Goodward Construction
Miller Knight
Winvic Construction
Developer of the Year – sponsored by Devello
Clowes Developments
St James Securities
Vistry East Midlands
Most Active Agent – sponsored by Knapton Wright
Salloway Property Consultants
OMEETO
Rigby & Co
Deal of the Year – sponsored by Frank Key
Built-to-rent deal at next phase of Derby Castleward regeneration – Lovell, Placefirst
Vaillant Live deal – St James Securities
Top Wighay deal – Vistry East Midlands
Residential Development of the Year – sponsored by Build Manager
Abbey Central – Stagfield Group & Peveril Homes
Riber Castle – StudioTwenty
Prospect Place – TUNE
Commercial Development of the Year – sponsored by Global HSE Group
Sherwood Observatory – G F Tomlinson
Canopy, Leicester – Henry Brothers
Homefield College SEND Building – Scope Construction
Vaillant Live – St James Securities
Sustainable Development of the Year – sponsored by Viridis
Evo Corby – PBBE Corby BV, PineBridge
Rykneld Homes North East Derbyshire retrofit – Coactivation
Nottingham College Construction Skills Centre (CSC) and The Gateway – G F Tomlinson
Abbey Central – Stagfield Group & Peveril Homes
Excellence in Design – sponsored by Konsileo
Loughborough University DigiLabs Teaching Space – APSS
Sutton on Sea Colonnade and Pleasure Gardens – G F Tomlinson
Vaillant Live – St James Securities
Responsible Business – sponsored by Wright Vigar
Scope Construction
G F Tomlinson
Morrison Design
The Overall Winner, sponsored by SEV, will also be announced at the ceremony, who will be awarded a grand prize of a year of marketing/publicity with Business Link worth £20,000, with the opportunity to split or gift the marketing to a charity of their choice.
The East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025
What: The East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025
When: Thursday 2nd October (4.30pm – 7.30pm)
Where: Derek Randall Suite,Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, Nottingham.
Keynote speaker: Councillor Nadine Peatfield – Leader of Derby City Council, Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Strategy and Policy, and Deputy Mayor of the East Midlands
Tickets: Available hereDress code: Standard business attire
Thanks to our sponsors:
The East Midlands will manage £53 million in Adult Skills Funding locally from August 2025, shifting decision-making from central government to the Mayor of the East Midlands and local authorities. The funding covers programmes including the Adult Skills Fund and Free Courses for Jobs, aimed at adults aged 19 and over.
Local authorities and the East Midlands Combined County Authority will determine how the money is allocated, focusing on training, apprenticeships, and development opportunities that align with regional labour market needs. Businesses, colleges, independent learning providers, and voluntary organisations will play a key role in shaping delivery.
Consultations and focus groups over the past year have informed the approach, ensuring funding addresses skills gaps, supports workforce development, and targets communities and sectors that need it most.
The move is designed to create a more responsive, locally tailored skills system, linking training directly to employment opportunities and the economic priorities of the East Midlands.
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