Harborough businesses invited to apply for Green Growth and Innovation Fund

Tess Egginton
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Harborough businesses invited to apply for Green Growth and Innovation Fund
Funding has been made available from Harborough District Council for innovative ideas and green growth. Businesses are invited to apply for grants ranging from £500 to £2,000 from the Green Growth and Innovation Fund 2025/26. Applicants’ projects must support one of the following:
  • Green Growth – This focus is designed to help businesses reduce their carbon footprints, enhance energy efficiency, adopt sustainable practices, and ultimately lower operating costs. Eligible projects could include the adoption of green transport solutions (like bikes, e-bikes, or e-vehicles), installation of LED lighting, solar panels, insulation, heating pumps, investment in waste reduction technologies, use of sustainable materials, or implementation of water efficiency measures.
  • Innovation – This focus supports the development or significant improvement of products, services, processes, or business models. It can include the creation of new technologies, adoption of advanced digital solutions such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) or the Internet of Things (IoT), software and hardware for innovation, mobile app development for new services, or research and development activities.
Cllr Jo Asher, cabinet lead for culture, leisure, economy and tourism, said: “We are committed to supporting local businesses. This funding offers a brilliant opportunity for them to invest in their future, embrace sustainability and drive forward-thinking projects. We urge interested businesses to get in touch with our team to discuss their ideas and how this fund can support their ambitions.” To be eligible, businesses must be based in the Harborough district. Start-ups are welcome to apply, and the fund is open to various business structures, including sole traders, partnerships, limited companies, CICs and social enterprises. Charities are not permitted to apply. Projects must not commence before the grant has been awarded.

Plans revealed to transform derelict Kirkby sites into “stunning gateway”

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Plans revealed to transform derelict Kirkby sites into “stunning gateway”
A derelict site in Kirkby is set to be transformed into a “stunning gateway,” bringing more businesses and homes to the town. Ashfield District Council has revealed its plans for North Kirkby Gateway, one of its largest Towns Fund projects planned to date. This project will concentrate on the redevelopment of the long derelict Pond Hole area as well as sites in nearby Ellis Street. These plans include 55 units providing retirement living for Ashfield residents. There will also be 24 apartments along with business units providing an active frontage to Kirkby Plaza. The project will see the remediation and development of the Pond Hole site, which will be delivered by Langcroft Developments in partnership with Ashfield District Council. The Council has now acquired the former factory shop on Ellis Street. This will be used, along with the car park, to create a landmark building for town centre apartments with commercial and community opportunities and parking. The Council is progressing the appointment of a contractor to deliver the redevelopment with the intention that a planning application for the site proposals will be submitted in Autumn 2025. It is estimated that work will start on the site in early 2026 and be completed Spring 2027. The first visible milestone will be the demolition of the old factory shop building later this year. Councillor Warren Nuttall, who represents Greenwood and Summit on Ashfield District Council, said: “This site has become an eyesore and is in desperate need to transforming to create a stunning gateway into Kirkby. “We are excited to be able to share these plans for North Kirkby Gateway, offering desirable town centre living, community space and business opportunities. We are committed to developing these sites that appear to be long forgotten into somewhere Ashfield can be proud of. “I am looking forward to seeing the work start on this project and the area transformed. This is one of the many ways we are making Ashfield a more desirable place to live and work.” Craig Cameron, of Langcroft Developments, said: “We’re excited to announce that we’ve now exchanged on Pond Hole in Kirkby-in-Ashfield! A big step forward in bringing this exciting regeneration project to life. “This marks a key moment for the Ashfield Town Fund programme and we’re proud to be playing our part by delivering much-needed, high-quality and affordable provisions designed with older residents in mind – promoting independent living in a safe, accessible setting. “We’ve appointed CPMG Architects to lead the design and planning process and we’re working closely with Ashfield District Council to make sure the scheme ties in with the wider vision for the area – from housing and skills to enterprise and community infrastructure. “We’ve had great support from the Council, the UK Government and the local community so far and with grant funding in place, we’ve already started the remediation and enabling works to help move things forward quickly.”

Major step forward for Northampton regeneration scheme

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Major step forward for Northampton regeneration scheme
A regeneration project set to deliver over 1,000 new homes, jobs, green spaces, and cultural destinations in Northampton has taken a step forward. West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) and ECF – a joint venture between Legal & General, Homes England, and Muse – have now entered into a Development Agreement to bring the vision to life. The Greyfriars scheme will revitalise a long-neglected area in the heart of the town centre, creating a vibrant, inclusive, and well-connected community that supports healthier lifestyles, economic growth, and a renewed sense of place. The 25-acre regeneration area includes the former Greyfriars Bus Station, Mayorhold and Victoria Street Car Parks, the Corn Exchange, Belgrave House, and the East and West Islands. The plans will deliver a mix of affordable, build-to-rent, and student housing, alongside shops, cafés, restaurants, and leisure spaces. A new public realm, including an outdoor amphitheatre and revitalised green spaces, will enhance the town’s cultural offer and the scheme will also improve walking and cycling routes, connecting Greyfriars to the wider town centre and surrounding communities, and encouraging sustainable travel. The economic impact is expected to be substantial, with up to 7,000 full-time equivalent jobs created during construction and over £1 billion in economic value unlocked. Once complete, the development is expected to boost local spending by an additional £21 million annually, supporting businesses across Northampton and the wider West Northamptonshire area. Cllr James Petter, cabinet member for local economy, culture and leisure at West Northamptonshire Council, said: “This is a major milestone for a project that will redefine the future of Northampton and deliver lasting benefits for communities across West Northamptonshire. “The regeneration of Greyfriars will not only revitalise a key part of our town centre but also strengthen our local economy, improve connectivity, and create a more inclusive and vibrant place to live, work, and visit.” Sir Michael Lyons, chair at ECF, said: “West Northamptonshire Council has set out a bold vision for Greyfriars and we are looking forward to our collaborative and positive partnership. “Entering a Development Agreement will enable us to take the next important step in the delivery of this important opportunity. It’s a chance to enhance Northampton town centre with new homes, workspaces, retail, culture, and public spaces. “Together, we will move at pace to deliver a masterplan proposal which delivers against this opportunity.”

Nottingham Building Society opens redesigned flagship branch

April Lara
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Nottingham Building Society opens redesigned flagship branch

Nottingham Building Society has opened a new branch in the city centre, marking its first branch launch in eight years and reinforcing its physical retail presence amid widespread bank closures across the UK.

The new site, located on Clumber Street, replaces the previous branch on Upper Parliament Street, which had served customers for over five decades. The move underscores the Society’s ongoing investment in face-to-face banking services, particularly as many financial institutions scale back physical networks in favour of digital operations.

The branch opening also aligns with a broader strategy to modernise customer engagement. Designed in partnership with workplace design firm Claremont, the space includes flexible service areas, private consultation pods, and a dedicated wellbeing zone for staff. Accessibility features, sustainable materials, and biophilic design have been integrated into the layout, reflecting contemporary expectations around inclusivity and environmental responsibility.

The launch coincides with the rollout of a new community-linked savings product that will support homelessness charity Emmanuel House, further embedding the Society’s role in local social initiatives.

Major £2bn transport investment package secured for Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire

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Major £2bn transport investment package secured for Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire
Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire will benefit from a major transport investment, as the mayor of the East Midlands secures up to £2 billion through the Government’s new ‘Transport for City Regions Fund’. This funding will be used to deliver a modern, reliable, and integrated transport system, with a particular focus on reducing congestion and improving connectivity between areas that have little or no transport provision at all. The agreement, which is for five years, follows extensive negotiations with the government. With transport and infrastructure critical enablers of growth, this programme has the potential to unlock 100,000 new jobs, deliver 52,000 homes, and generate a £4.6 billion boost to the UK economy. It’ll connect more people to jobs, skills, education and places that matter most. Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, said: “This is the largest transport investment our region has seen in a generation. “As Mayor of the East Midlands, one of my most important responsibilities is to ensure that Government sees this region through the eyes of those who live, work, and travel here, and to make sure we are treated as a national priority. Today’s announcement is the clearest sign yet that this approach is working. “This is the moment we begin to put right decades of underinvestment. From everyday frustrations to major barriers to growth, poor transport has held our region back for too long. “Whether you’re a student weighing up college options, a small business struggling to recruit, or a visitor-facing venue trying to grow footfall, I know what happens when transport doesn’t work. Fixing it will be central to my Transport Plan, and now we have the resources to deliver real, tangible change.” Pan-regional projects to be taken forward will include: The Trent Arc The development of a large-scale public transport system linking Derby and Nottingham, strengthening the Trent Arc corridor, a key growth zone for the region. Spanning two cities, the Freeport, and sites like Infinity Park Investment Zone and Ratcliffe-on-Soar, it will deliver 40,000 new jobs, 30,000 homes, and contribute £2.4 billion to the UK economy. This funding will support improved rail, road and bus connections throughout the corridor, including access to the East Midlands Freeport and the East Midlands Intermodal Park, home to major employers like Toyota. Chesterfield-Staveley Regeneration Route (CSRR) This will open the Canal Corridor, enabling regeneration in North Derbyshire and beyond. The scheme is expected to create 8,000 jobs, 4,000 homes, and add £500 million by unlocking growth across the East Midlands and connecting into South Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. A614/A6097 Improvements (North Nottinghamshire) These road upgrades will connect ex-coalfield towns and villages to national logistics networks, reduce congestion, and drive economic renewal in some of the region’s most deprived areas, while supporting one of its most important industries: freight and logistics. Mayor Claire Ward added: “We’re getting to work straight away. That means strengthening the rail, road and bus links between Derby and Nottingham, the vital Trent Arc. It means delivering long-overdue projects like the Chesterfield-Staveley Relief Route and finally addressing congestion pinch points like the A614/A6097 in north Nottinghamshire. “I look forward to working with partners across the East Midlands to deliver these improvements. Better transport doesn’t just move people. It powers opportunity, unlocks growth, and connects us to a better future.”

Alstom secures £50m contract

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Alstom secures £50m contract

Alstom has secured a £50 million contract with FirstGroup and Eversholt Rail for the refresh and maintenance of five, six-car Class 222 trains. It comes ahead of open access passenger services being launched between Stirling and London under FirstGroup’s Lumo brand. 

The contract comprises two key components which includes a Train Services Agreement (TSA) with FirstGroup – valued at approximately £40 million – to be delivered at Alstom’s Central Rivers facility in Burton. From here, Alstom will maintain, overhaul, service and clean the five trains over the next five years.

In addition, the contract includes a fleet modernisation programme with Eversholt Rail – worth around £10 million – which will be carried out at Alstom’s Widnes site. The refresh involves installation of new, ergonomically designed seating, upgraded passenger Wi-Fi for improved onboard connectivity and a full exterior repaint to align with Lumo’s branding. 

The modernisation also includes new CCTV systems and Intelligent Engine Start-Stop (IESS) technology, which automatically shuts down and restarts the train’s engine when stationary – improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions. 

Built by Alstom as part of the Voyager family – and previously operated by East Midlands Railway as Meridian trains – the five units are scheduled to re-enter service with Lumo next year, serving passengers between central and southern Scotland and London Euston. 

Peter Broadley, commercial director UK and Ireland at Alstom, said: “This partnership marks a significant milestone in our commitment to delivering high-performance, customer-focused rail services across the UK. “By combining Alstom’s deep technical expertise with the operational excellence of FirstGroup and Eversholt Rail, we’re ensuring that fare-paying passengers benefit from a modern, reliable and comfortable travel experience between Stirling and London. “The investment in both refurbishment and long-term support reflects our shared ambition to drive innovation and sustainability in rail transport.”

Creative content agency snaps up Nottingham retail specialist

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Creative content agency snaps up Nottingham retail specialist
Ride Shotgun, the creative content agency, has acquired Nottingham-based specialist retail agency True Story. True Story brings a wealth of retail expertise, with a client list including Holland & Barrett, Pets at Home and DFS. The deal will add 25 team members and £4 million in revenue, bolstering Ride Shotgun’s growth plans. Andy Weir, chief client officer, Ride Shotgun, said: “True Story is a well established and highly respected creative agency with a long-standing passion for retail and brand storytelling, we’re delighted that they are now part of Ride Shotgun. “Their expertise strengthens our Joined Up Brand Journeys proposition, and will enable us to solve even more of the challenges that our clients face today. Helping them to deliver more impactful customer experiences, across more channels, much more efficiently. “Just as importantly, we’re thrilled to welcome their talented team to the Ride Shotgun family. Like us, they focus on building strong, lasting client partnerships, and have an enviable track record of creating value through impactful customer experiences for big brands and retailers.”
Jayne Mayled, founder of True Story, added: “The True Story team is delighted to join Ride Shotgun’s innovative and dynamic global network, with offices across the world and now in Nottingham. “Importantly, we share the same passion and commitment to our clients and our people, and this now gives us a bigger opportunity to bring even more value to our clients and an exciting future for our team.”
Following the acquisition, Ride Shotgun’s global team now totals 190 staff across the UK, US, Europe, and Asia, with revenues exceeding £18 million.

Recruitment firm extends support for Leicestershire cricket

April Lara
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Recruitment firm extends support for Leicestershire cricket

Leicester-based recruitment company 365 People has extended its commercial partnership with Leicestershire County Cricket Club for the 2025 season.

The agreement will see the firm continue to support the Club across multiple commercial initiatives, strengthening its visibility within regional business and sporting circles. 365 People, which operates across the industrial, transport, engineering, and commercial sectors, has a longstanding relationship with the Club and remains committed to investing in community engagement through sport.

The renewal comes as Leicestershire CCC gears up for its upcoming season at the Uptonsteel County Ground, where corporate partnerships continue to play a key role in sustaining regional sporting infrastructure.

Stagecoach Yorkshire ramps up recruitment in Chesterfield

April Lara
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Stagecoach Yorkshire ramps up recruitment in Chesterfield

Stagecoach Yorkshire is expanding its workforce across Chesterfield and the wider region as the UK grapples with a rising unemployment rate and growing economic inactivity.

Recent figures from the Office for National Statistics show unemployment for those aged 16 to 64 reached 4.5% between January and March, while 21.4% of working-age adults were considered economically inactive. Against this backdrop, Stagecoach, one of the area’s largest transport employers, is actively recruiting drivers, engineers, and support staff.

The operator is offering roles with structured training and apprenticeships, aiming to attract both experienced professionals and those new to the sector. Positions come with benefits including competitive pay, life assurance, retail discounts, and free bus travel.

This recruitment drive reflects Stagecoach’s continued growth in regional transport services and positions the company as a stable employer at a time when many businesses face staffing uncertainty.

Nottingham Business School sets gold standard in business engagement with reaccreditation excellence

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Nottingham Business School sets gold standard in business engagement with reaccreditation excellence
Nottingham Business School’s commitment to supporting businesses, fostering entrepreneurship, and driving economic growth has been recognised with reaccreditation from the Small Business Charter (SBC) for the maximum five-year period. The accreditation examined 30 Small Business Charter dimensions and in a rare and prestigious achievement, Nottingham Business School (NBS) achieved outstanding performance across all elements. NBS is triple crown accredited by EQUIS, AACSB, and AMBA – globally recognised hallmarks of excellence and quality for business education. It actively engages industry professionals and stakeholders in the design and delivery of its courses, as well as developing research that influences business, management, and public policy. The award from SBC recognises NBS impact across three key pillars: small business growth, stakeholder engagement, and student enterprise. This includes its comprehensive and integrated approach to business support through a range of programmes and initiatives which directly benefit SMEs and entrepreneurs. NBS’s strong commitment to knowledge exchange and enterprise has led to the successful delivery of over £10 million in funded projects, supporting more than 1,500 SMEs via innovation partnerships, leadership programmes, and knowledge transfer initiatives. Programmes included the Big House which became a standout initiative for creative and digital enterprises, supporting over 2,700 SMEs and 500 entrepreneurs, helping them secure more than £1.5 million in external funding, from 2018-2023. This has led to NBS becoming a key partner in the Department for Culture, Media and Sport funded CreateGrowth N2 programme that supports creative and digital businesses across Nottinghamshire and is already creating valuable impacts in terms of innovation and funding for growth. NBS also delivers the government-backed Help to Grow: Management, programme – now on its 20th cohort – which provides executive development, peer learning, and mentoring to SME leaders, enhancing their strategic and operational capabilities. Businesses working with NBS have access to dedicated facilities and innovation spaces, including the newly renovated Belgrave Postgraduate Centre and the Dryden Enterprise Centre which provide cutting-edge co-working spaces, specialist accelerator programmes, and dedicated business growth support. These hubs have supported more than 100 entrepreneurs from 35 organisations with business engagement and revenue growth. An aspect of NBS that impressed the accreditation panel was its continual engagement with organisations to provide students with meaningful experiential learning opportunities. Thousands of NBS students interact with small businesses each year thanks to initiatives such as NBS Discover, NBS Bright, and Postgraduate Consultancy Projects. Its vibrant alumni and mentoring networks were also noted as an area of excellence – with an Alumni Fellowship Scheme and an Entrepreneurs Club connecting graduates and business leaders with current students, offering mentoring, role modelling, and networking opportunities that inspire new ventures and professional growth. Executive Dean of Nottingham Business School, Professor Baback Yazdani, said: “This prestigious five-year accreditation is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of our staff, students, and business partners. “It recognises NBS’s dynamic role in driving innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership across both academia and industry, and reflects our deep commitment to supporting SMEs, shaping policy, and delivering impactful education and research that benefits our region and beyond.” Flora Hamilton, Executive Director of the Small Business Charter, added: “Nottingham Business School continues to set a high standard in its commitment to small businesses and regional growth. “This reaccreditation is a testament to the school’s consistent drive for excellence, using the Small Business Charter framework not only as recognition, but as a catalyst for continuous improvement. We are delighted to see their impact recognised once again.”
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