Solar farm plans move closer to approval

April Lara
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Solar farm plans move closer to approval

Plans for an 87-hectare solar farm on the Leicestershire–Rutland border are progressing through local planning processes. The development, located at Stygate Lane near Pickwell, Somerby and Whissendine, aims to generate enough electricity for more than 25,000 homes.

Melton Borough Council officials have recommended approval, subject to concurrent consent from Rutland County Council, as the project spans both jurisdictions. Submitted documents estimate the scheme could reduce carbon emissions by approximately 43,000 tonnes annually, contributing to broader decarbonisation targets for the national power supply.

The proposal is scheduled for discussion by Melton’s planning committee on 28 August, while Rutland County Council continues its assessment.

Rising demand shapes rental market in Lincolnshire and Rutland

April Lara
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Rising demand shapes rental market in Lincolnshire and Rutland

The private rental sector has expanded across Lincolnshire and Rutland over the past decade, reflecting shifting housing patterns. Data from the Office for National Statistics shows Lincoln’s privately-rented homes increased from 21% in 2011 to 27% in 2021, while Leicester led the East Midlands with a rise from 23% to 29%.

Other Lincolnshire districts followed a similar trajectory. South Holland moved from 13% to 17%, South Kesteven from 15% to 18%, East Lindsey from 17% to 20%, West Lindsey from 14% to 18%, North Kesteven from 14% to 16%, and Boston from 16% to 20%. Rutland recorded a smaller increase, from 16% to 17%.

Market insight points to growing rental demand. Homeowners increasingly list properties for rent when sales stall, intensifying competition for available units. Local letting agencies report consistently high enquiry volumes, with interest in rentals rising alongside active property sales.

The trend highlights the private rental sector’s growing role in the regional housing market, presenting opportunities for investors, property managers, and developers seeking to meet evolving demand.

Marks & Spencer to build 1.3 million sq ft Northamptonshire distribution centre

Tess Egginton
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Marks & Spencer to build 1.3 million sq ft Northamptonshire distribution centre
Marks & Spencer is set to make a £340m investment in its food supply chain – the largest in its history. This multi-year investment will fund the development of an automated National Distribution Centre (NDC) in Northamptonshire. Spanning 1.3 million square feet, the new facility will feature advanced automation to significantly enhance operational efficiency, improve product availability on shelf and support a growing number of customers. Based at Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal, the depot is expected to open in 2029. The construction phase of the new NDC will create over 2,000 jobs, with around 1,000 permanent roles once the site is fully operational, covering driving, logistics, management and more technical roles such as automation technicians. Prologis is the development partner and TGW Logistics has been appointed as the automation partner for the project. Alex Freudmann, MD at M&S Food, said: “We’re transforming M&S into a destination for the weekly shop and modernising our supply chain is central to that ambition. “This investment will boost capacity for future growth, lower our cost to serve over the long-term, and improve product availability – ensuring customers find the right products in the right place at the right time. “Our new site will strengthen our network and help us get ahead of the volume curve as we build a bigger, better Food business. By using the latest, proven automation, we are future-proofing both our business and UK retail logistics, as well as creating 1000 jobs permanently on site and 2000 during the construction phase.”

Mayors plan bold new future for Peak District

Tess Egginton
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Mayors plan bold new future for Peak District
In a major boost to the Peak District, the Mayors of the East Midlands, Greater Manchester, and South Yorkshire are joining forces to launch a new agreement: The Peak Partnership. Mayor of the East Midlands Claire Ward, Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, and Oliver Coppard, Mayor of South Yorkshire, have come together in Buxton to kickstart a partnership that will work in service of the Peak District, an area of rich heritage, industry, and natural beauty which all three regions take value from.  The three Mayors, and their authorities, will work with each other, local councils, and other stakeholders to develop a joined-up, holistic approach to the future of the National Park. Their initial discussion will focus on several key areas that bind the regions together, including transport, stronger rural communities, housing and skills, and a thriving visitor economy. The Peak District consistently ranks in the top three most visited destinations in the UK, with nearly 14 million international and domestic visitors each year, supporting 30,000 direct and indirect jobs across the three regions and delivering a near £3bn annual economic impact.  The Peak Partnership was announced earlier in 2025 and recognises that while the Peak District is located predominately in Derbyshire, parts of it stretch into Greater Manchester and South Yorkshire, with people living, working and travelling between the regions daily – by rail, by bus and along the main road linking the three regions, the Peak Pass. The initial focus of the Partnership will be transforming the Snake Pass and rural network, boosting the visitor economy, and improving rural access and active travel. Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, said: “This is a landmark moment for the East Midlands and our neighbours in Greater Manchester and South Yorkshire. The Peak District is one of the UK’s most iconic landscapes and it is a shared treasure for us all. “By working together through the Peak Partnership, we can tackle long-standing challenges like the resilience of the Snake Pass, improve transport links, and unlock new opportunities for visitors and residents alike. This is about thinking bigger than our own boundaries, protecting what makes the Peaks special while making it easier for people to live, work, and thrive here for generations to come.” Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: “The Peak Partnership is about recognising that our regions are stronger when we work together. The Peak District connects us geographically, but it also connects our ambitions – for better transport, stronger communities, and a growing economy that works for everyone. “By investing in rural infrastructure and improving sustainable travel links, we’re not only making it easier for people to get around, we’re unlocking new opportunities for tourism, business, and local jobs. This is about building a future where the beauty of the Peaks is matched by the strength of the connections between our people and our economies.” South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard said: “My job is to bring investment, opportunity and growth to every corner of South Yorkshire, tackling the challenges which have held us back for far too long. Infrastructure projects on the Snake Pass and Woodhead Pass will create better connections across the Peak District and between the big cities of the North, helping build a bigger, better economy. “Alongside the work we’re doing through our Great North Partnership, White Rose Agreement and South Yorkshire Local Visitor Economy Partnership, the Peak Partnership will again show what real collaboration looks like – putting people, places, and potential at the heart of everything we do.”

Majority stake in Leonard Curtis sold

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Majority stake in Leonard Curtis sold
Leonard Curtis has sold a majority stake in its business to Pollen Street Capital, a private capital asset manager with specialist experience in the financial and business services sectors and real estate. Leonard Curtis, which has offices in Loughborough, has over 30 years’ experience in providing restructuring, legal, funding, M&A advisory and business services to SMEs and corporates throughout the UK and offshore. The business has expanded rapidly through organic growth, geographical expansion and acquisitions, resulting in headcount increasing to over 330 employees across 30 offices. The group will continue to be led by current CEO Dan Booth and Pollen Street’s investment will accelerate growth across the platform through product expansion, technology and M&A. Pollen Street was supported by private credit investor TDC, and the deal will see the successful exit for family investment office Arete Capital Partners and SVELLA Plc, who took a significant stake in August 2021. Jonathan Guest, investment director at Pollen Street, said:  “Leonard Curtis is a high-quality business with a proven model, experienced leadership, and has demonstrated strong organic growth in the UK and offshore. “We are proud of our track record of supporting fast-growing players in the financial and business services ecosystems and are looking forward to partnering with the team for the next stage of Leonard Curtis’s growth, as it diversifies and scales organically, and further consolidates the fragmented UK professional services market.” Leonard Curtis CEO Dan Booth said: “The partnership and investment from Pollen Street Capital, together with support from TDC, will allow the business to move forward and better execute our plans to grow and develop the group. “We have our sights on building a business that is sustainable for many years to come and to represent something that we can all be proud to be a part of. “None of this would be possible without the hard work, commitment and brilliance of our people. We are building something very special here, and I truly hope we all continue this journey together to be better every day. In years to come, we all want to be able to look back and know we played a positive part.” Advisors for Leonard Curtis included KPMG Corporate Finance, Hill Dickinson on legals, PwC on tax, BDO on financial due diligence and Graph on commercial due diligence.

Get your tickets for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025 – an evening of celebration and networking

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Get your tickets for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025 – an evening of celebration and networking
With nominations now CLOSED for the 10th annual East Midlands Bricks Awards, secure your tickets for the prestigious event! Taking place on Thursday 2nd October (4:30pm – 7:30pm) in the Derek Randall Suite at the famous Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, the highly anticipated East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025 will celebrate the region’s property and construction industry while providing a prime opportunity to connect with local decision makers over nibbles and complimentary drinks. A key event in the business calendar since 2015, the glittering awards ceremony 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. Speaking with Business Link, Councillor Nadine Peatfield said: “2025 is a landmark year for Derby. We’re not just planning, we’re actively building a vibrant and welcoming city for everyone to enjoy. This vision has been brought to life thanks to the crucial partnerships with our talented development partners. “The East Midlands Bricks Awards is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the exceptional skills and expertise within our region’s property and construction sector, and I’m very excited to see their achievements recognised.” Tickets can now be booked for the event – click here to secure yours. Attend to forge new contacts and see who takes home Most Active Agent, Commercial Development of the Year, Responsible Business of the Year, Residential Development of the Year, Developer of the Year, Deal of the Year, Architects of the Year, Excellence in Design, Sustainable Development of the Year, Contractor of the Year, and Overall Winner. The Overall Winner of the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025, sponsored by SEV, will also be awarded a grand prize – a year of marketing/publicity with Business Link worth £20,000, with the opportunity to split or gift the marketing to a charity of your 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 here Dress code: Standard business attire Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with property and construction professionals while applauding the exceptional companies and projects in the region. Thanks to our sponsors:                                                                                          

To be held at:

 

Panattoni adds 1.5m sq ft to UK logistics pipeline

April Lara
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Panattoni adds 1.5m sq ft to UK logistics pipeline

Panattoni has expanded its UK development pipeline with two new logistics sites in the East Midlands, covering 107 acres and 1.5 million sq ft of speculative space.

The Northamptonshire site spans 80 acres and has secured hybrid planning consent on appeal. It will feature three units ranging from 223,000 sq ft to 412,000 sq ft, with construction expected to start in the first half of 2026 and completion targeted for the second half of 2028. The development sits five miles from Junction 15A of the M1, providing direct access to London, the Midlands, and the South East, with an estimated investment of £152.9 million.

The Worksop site covers 27 acres and benefits from outline planning consent. It will deliver a single 462,000 sq ft unit available for lease, with construction also scheduled to begin in H1 2026 and completion expected in H1 2027. Located 1.25 miles from the A1 and 10 miles from Junction 31 of the M1, the site offers connectivity to Yorkshire and the East Midlands. The project carries an estimated cost of £50.7 million and sits within a logistics hub hosting major operators including DHL and B&Q.

Both developments will aim for BREEAM ‘Excellent’ certification, EPC A ratings, and net zero carbon in construction. Features will include PV solar panels, EV charging stations, rainwater harvesting, and energy-efficient lighting.

Andrew Preston, head of development: North Midlands & Yorkshire, said: “This new site in Worksop is a rare opportunity to deliver a large-scale, best-in-class logistics unit in an area of proven occupier demand. The site’s strategic location and existing infrastructure make it ideal for fast-track delivery, and we’re excited to bring forward a highly sustainable development that responds to both market needs and our ESG commitments.”  Gregg Titley, head of development: East & West Midlands, added: “It’s great to expand our footprint again in Northampton, and it reinforces our long-term strategy of growing in key logistics corridors with chronic supply constraints. This is a truly prime site with exceptional transport links, and we are proud to be delivering a landmark scheme that will serve as a gateway logistics hub for the Midlands and beyond.”

Blind shop saved from closure sees turnover grow by more than 70%

Tess Egginton
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Blind shop saved from closure sees turnover grow by more than 70%
Just two years after being saved from closure, a Derby shop is thriving – with turnover up by more than 70%. Castle Blinds, based in Chaddesden, has seen its order book more than double since being bought out by former employee Myles Hayhurst in 2023. Myles, who is a trained carpenter, stepped in when the previous owners decided to sell the business after 26 years. Since then, Castle Blinds has expanded its team with three new employees, extended its premises and added two new vans to its fleet. The company provides homeowners across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire with blinds, curtains and shutters and the firm has also landed a string of commercial contracts across the Midlands. The company now counts Derbyshire County Cricket Club, HUUB, Hannells, JCB, and Derby County Football Club among its commercial clients. Other notable names include Wathall’s, MasterMover, Derby City Council, and Queen’s Hospital, in Burton. Myles said: “While we still provide plenty of residential customers with curtains and blinds, the commercial side of the business has grown enormously over the last two years. We’ve taken on some really significant projects and built relationships with organisations we’re proud to work with. “Securing contracts with names like Derby County and JCB has been a huge boost, not just financially but for the team’s confidence too. It shows we’re moving in the right direction.” Looking ahead, Myles plans to secure a new building to house a dedicated manufacturing facility.

Leicester College partners with East Midlands Chamber to influence skills policy

April Lara
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Leicester College partners with East Midlands Chamber to influence skills policy

Leicester College has formed a strategic partnership with East Midlands Chamber to strengthen engagement between education providers, local businesses, and policymakers. The collaboration aims to support the development of skills policy in Leicester and Leicestershire and respond to the growing demand for qualified workers in the region.

The college will continue its involvement with Generation Next, the Chamber’s network for aspiring leaders and entrepreneurs aged 18-35. Leicester College operates across three campuses in Leicester, offering courses from entry level to level 6, T levels, and higher technical qualifications, supported by industry-standard facilities.

The partnership will allow the Chamber and the college to share business insights, inform local skills strategies, and contribute to initiatives such as the Local Skills Improvement Plan. Employers in the region have highlighted the challenge of recruiting skilled candidates, emphasising the importance of aligning education and training with workforce needs.

The collaboration builds on a longstanding relationship between Leicester College and East Midlands Chamber, with both organisations seeking to support regional economic growth and ensure students acquire skills relevant to current and future workplace demands.

Largest post-Covid office letting in Nottingham city centre completed

Tess Egginton
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Largest post-Covid office letting in Nottingham city centre completed
In a landmark deal for the Nottingham office market, NG Chartered Surveyors and Blackstar Advisory have completed the city’s largest post-Covid office letting, securing a major new tenant for the Castle Meadow Campus. Acting on behalf of The University of Nottingham, NG’s head of agency, Thomas Szymkiw, working with joint agent Blackstar Advisory’s Tim Garratt, has successfully let the 31,172 sq ft Building D at Castle Meadow to Arden University, which delivers a combination of distance and blended learning courses to students across the UK and internationally. This letting marks a significant step forward in the evolution of Castle Meadow, a key asset in The University of Nottingham’s growing city centre presence. The site was acquired by the University in late 2021, with a vision to establish a vibrant new hub for business, innovation, and academic collaboration. Originally designed by acclaimed architects Hopkins and completed in 1994, Building D is part of the wider Castle Meadow Campus – a series of Grade II listed office buildings formerly occupied by HM Revenue and Customs. Thomas Szymkiw said: “We’re proud to have concluded Nottingham’s largest office letting since the pandemic and to support The University of Nottingham in realising its ambitious plans for Castle Meadow. Arden University is a progressive institution with a strong track record in digital learning, and their relocation to this iconic building signals real confidence in the city centre as a hub for education and innovation.” Tim Garratt added: “Having been involved in the original purchase of the campus for the University it was great to work with NG in securing this new letting – which is another step in building this new city centre campus into a world class learning environment.” Mark Kleinman of James Andrew International acted for Arden on the deal. He said: “I’m delighted to have acquired this unique building which will be a great asset within the Arden University Property Portfolio.”
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