Saturday, September 20, 2025

Nottingham companies stage event to raise money for men’s mental health charity

Tess Egginton
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Nottingham companies stage event to raise money for men’s mental health charity
Recruitment agency Atkins Search and contractor Clegg Construction have teamed up to raise thousands of pounds for Tough to Talk by completing a challenge in the Lake District. More than 20 people – a mix of staff, family and friends – walked up England’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike. Opting for the Corridor Route from Seathwaite, the challenge took them seven hours covering around 12 miles, with a 3,000 ft ascent. Atkins Search has chosen Tough to Talk – a pioneering charity dedicated to breaking the silence around male suicide and promoting mental health awareness – as the company’s charity of 2025/2026 and the Lake District Challenge event raised £2,658. Clegg Construction representatives joined the event to support the fundraising effort. It was the third time that the two companies had got together for a walking challenge – undertaking the Yorkshire Three Peaks two years ago and a different Lake District Challenge last year as the weather prevented the team from walking up Scafell Pike at the time. Operations director at Atkins Search, Laura Belcher said: “This was a serious mountain walk with steep sections and some scrambling, so hats off to all those who took part in the event and helped us to raise vital funds for Tough to Talk, our charity of the year.” Tough to Talk is a charity close to Atkins Search, and is dedicated to breaking down barriers that prevent men from seeking mental health support. In the construction industry, male suicide rates are almost four times the national average, with over 700 construction-related suicides annually. The construction industry loses four men every day to suicide. Operations director at Clegg Construction, Darren Chapman, who took part in the challenge along with five colleagues, plus family members, said: “Tough to Talk offers crucial mental health and well-being support to men. “As a leading construction company, Clegg Construction was pleased to join members of the Atkins Search team to take part in the Lake District Challenge and raise such a large amount for this very worthwhile charity. “This was the third year we had joined Atkins Search for a walking challenge to raise money for charity. It was particularly pleasing that we managed to conquer Scafell Pike this year, as we had to abandon it last year due to the weather and walk a different route in the Lake District instead. It was quite a tough challenge, given the conditions which included showers, sunshine, fog and wind.” Atkins Search MD Antony Rowe added: “We’ve worked with Steve Whittle, who’s the founder of Tough to Talk, for the past two years and is very committed to breaking the stigma and re-educate organisations on the issues that are pushing men beyond the brink. “We’re very grateful to everyone who supported us in the Lake District Challenge – either by taking part or by sponsoring us.” To support the Lake District Challenge, please donate here via Atkins Search’s Go Fund Me page: https://gofund.me/00e79cde

Just two weeks to go until property professionals gather for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025

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Just two weeks to go until property professionals gather for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025
With the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025 taking place in just two weeks’ time (on Thursday 2nd October), there’s not long left to secure your seat at the prestigious event. The awards recognise and celebrate those behind the changing landscape of our region – the very best companies, teams, individuals and projects. They also present a prime opportunity to network with property and construction leaders from across the East Midlands over nibbles and complimentary drinks, sponsored by Wood Moore & Co. Attend the glittering awards ceremony at Trent Bridge Cricket Ground to see who takes home the title of Contractor of the Year, Developer of the Year, Commercial Development of the Year, Residential Development of the Year, Sustainable Development of the Year, Deal of the Year, Most Active Agent, Architects of the Year, Excellence in Design, Responsible Business and of course Overall Winner.

Book your place at the 10th annual awards now to avoid disappointment!

The event, which will begin at 4:30pm and continue until 7:30pm, will also 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, the winner of which will 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 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. Limited parking available onsite with additional free parking at Notts Sports Ground. 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 Thanks to our sponsors:                                                                                          

To be held at:

East Midlands firms still facing price pressures as inflation persists

April Lara
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East Midlands firms still facing price pressures as inflation persists

Businesses across the East Midlands are continuing to feel the squeeze as inflation holds steady at 3.8%, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics for the 12 months to August 2025.

The persistence of inflation is influencing operational decisions for local companies, with many considering increases to prices in response to rising costs. Research from the East Midlands Chamber shows that around four in ten firms are already weighing price adjustments to maintain margins.

Companies in the region are navigating multiple financial pressures beyond inflation. Rising employment costs, including higher National Insurance contributions and a growing national living wage, are adding to operational challenges.

The combination of steady inflation and elevated costs underlines ongoing uncertainty for businesses, highlighting the importance of clear fiscal policy and predictable government support. Firms continue to seek assurance that further tax increases or policy changes will not add to financial pressures in the near term.

Nottinghamshire digital agency secures £20,000 for additional staff and equipment

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Nottinghamshire digital agency secures £20,000 for additional staff and equipment
Peppercord, a digital agency trading as NotLuck based in Nottinghamshire, has secured £20,000 from First Enterprise under the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme. The funding has been used to hire additional staff and invest in equipment. NotLuck specialises in CRM implementation, web development, and AI-driven marketing automation. The company combines all of these services into one, so SMEs don’t have to juggle multiple vendors for their websites, lead management, and follow-up processes. Co-owner Lee-ann Cordingley has a background in operations management as well as corporate banking in London, before she turned to running a business herself in 2024. The funding has helped the business hire additional staff, allowing them to expand. Additionally, they have invested in new equipment to support features such as AI-driven CRM – exploring AI agents that can handle routine client communications, schedule follow-ups, and ensure no lead slips through the cracks. Lee-ann Cordingley, co-owner of Peppercord Ltd (NotLuck), said: “Our biggest challenge was keeping pace with rapid growth. Clients appreciate our integrated approach, so we see a continuous influx of new projects. Before the loan, we risked stretching ourselves too thin.” Lottie Naylor, business advisor at First Enterprise, said: “Lee-ann and her family’s business growth plan really blew me away. The kind of support they’re offering to entrepreneurs is exactly what business growth should look like. It was a pleasure working with Lee-ann, and I’m excited to see how far their business will thrive and grow!”

Insect farming business expands in South Lincolnshire

April Lara
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Insect farming business expands in South Lincolnshire

Fairman Knight and Sons UK, a commercial-scale insect farm, has invested in a 120,000 sq ft site at Holbeach Technology Park to support ongoing growth. The company converts surplus organic food waste into Black Soldier Fly larvae, which are dried for use as sustainable feed for pets, livestock, and aquaculture. By-products from production are also processed into high-quality fertiliser.

The business began operating from the South Lincolnshire Food Enterprise Zone (SLFEZ) in 2024, benefiting from local and national support including Lincolnshire County Council, the UK Food Valley network, Innovate UK, Grants4Growth, UKSPF, and Made Smarter grants. During this period, Fairman Knight expanded its operations and established itself as a leading UK commercial-scale surplus waste upcycler.

The move to Holbeach allows the company to scale production while remaining within the UK Food Valley, a region noted for its concentration of food innovation and manufacturing. The previous site, The Hub, will continue to host new tenants as the SLFEZ develops its portfolio of innovative food and agri-businesses.

Fairman Knight’s relocation reflects the continued growth of sustainable protein production and highlights the support infrastructure available in South Lincolnshire for high-growth, environmentally focused food businesses.

Trio of prime industrial assets sold at Corby’s Saxon Park in multimillion-pound transaction

Tess Egginton
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Trio of prime industrial assets sold at Corby’s Saxon Park in multimillion-pound transaction
Hortons has sold three prime industrial assets at Saxon Park, Corby. The three units, totalling more than 266,000 sq ft, were sold to LBA Logistics in a multimillion-pound transaction. The units include Saxon 58, the Russell & Bromley logistics centre, together with Saxon 80 and Saxon 132, two newly created Grade A units of 79,928 sq ft and 131,536 sq ft, delivered through the redevelopment of a single vacant warehouse. The sale is the latest milestone in Hortons’ transformation of the site, which has seen significant improvements made to the existing stock and the development of modern accommodation. LBA Logistics is a US and UK-based investor focused on the acquisition and management of logistics and industrial properties. Steve Benson, chief executive of Hortons, said: “Our ambition for this strategically located site was to unlock its full potential through redevelopment and reuse, creating opportunities for both future growth and employment. “This transaction is key in that journey, ensuring the long-term future of Saxon Park. With its proven track record and expanding UK portfolio, we are confident that LBA Logistics will continue to build on the site’s success for years to come.” DTRE and TDBRE acted on behalf of Hortons, while ACRE Real Estate represented LBA Logistics.

Mansfield nightclub transformed into homes for people with learning disabilities

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Mansfield nightclub transformed into homes for people with learning disabilities
A former nightclub in Mansfield has been opened as apartments for people with learning disabilities. The development also includes community spaces alongside office space for mental health and disability charity United Response, which will provide on-site support and activities for tenants. The Old Eight Bells, which has been empty since 2018, has been transformed thanks to £1.6m of funding from social impact investor Resonance to convert the space into eight apartments, with the last tenant due to move in next month. Ben Harrison, senior consultant at Resonance, said: “We’re delighted to breathe new life into this historic building in the heart of Mansfield town centre. We’re proud to work with our partners to provide much-needed supported homes for members of the community.” The Old Eight Bells was last used as the Urban Cherry nightclub and forms part of Mansfield District Council’s Church Street rejuvenation plan. The project is funded by the Resonance Supported Homes Fund, with Barrow Cadbury Trust and Better Society Capital providing investment as a direct response to Nottinghamshire’s shortage of high-quality supported housing. The properties are being leased by Resonance to United Response, who will provide both landlord and support services to the tenants. The charity will also run the community space housed in the building. Mark Dyer, development manager at United Response, said: “Our work with Resonance Supported Homes Fund is delivering incredible outcomes for people with learning disabilities or autistic people. “Through our partnership, we have been able to develop high-quality housing for people we support in the heart of their own community. We’re hugely grateful for their support of our recent project, Church Street in Mansfield. “The development enables people to live independently and experience town centre living with the security of on-site support. There is also community space where people can make new friends and develop new skills.” The new service and people supported by United Response are also benefiting from a £17,000 grant donated by the Morrisons Foundation, which will help fund activities for both tenants and the local Mansfield community. Maxine Spry, fundraising manger at United Response, concluded: “Partnerships like this show what’s possible when charities, funders and the local community come together. It’s not simply about creating housing, but also opportunities to thrive.”

Capital Angling hooks first unit at Origin’s ARK

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Capital Angling hooks first unit at Origin’s ARK
Capital Angling has snapped up the first unit at ARK, a new £27m GDV scheme at Markham Vale, an industrial scheme delivered by HBD. ARK is being developed by Origin, a joint venture partnership between HBD and Feldberg Capital. The fishing brand has taken a 17,050 sq ft unit at the sustainable new industrial and logistics (I&L) development close to the M1 in Chesterfield. Work began on-site in Spring 2025 to deliver the first phase of ARK, which includes four units ranging from 17,000 sq ft to 36,000 sq ft. The buildings will complete later this year. HBD recently submitted a planning application for the final 53,000 sq ft unit at the scheme. Work is expected to begin on-site later this year subject to planning consent. Vivienne Clements, executive director at HBD, said: “Markham Vale is an attractive location for fast-growing businesses like Capital Angling, which can take advantage of its strategic location right off the M1 and its excellent infrastructure. “We’re pleased to be able to provide the business with high-quality, sustainable space as it continues to expand; we’ve no doubt that ARK will prove a very successful location.” Jamie Acheson, managing director of Feldberg Capital, said: “Securing Capital Angling as our first pre-let at ARK marks an important milestone for the development, with their decision validating our focus on delivering best-in-class, sustainable industrial and logistics space in strategic UK locations. “We look forward to building on this success over the coming months as we approach practical completion.” JLL and CPP are joint letting agents at ARK on behalf of Origin.

Loughborough University spinout secures £400,000

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Loughborough University spinout secures £400,000

TransHumanity, a spinout from Loughborough University, has secured £400,000 in pre-seed investment. The round was led by SFC Capital with additional investment from Silicon Valley-based Plug and Play.

TransHumanity’s vision is to empower faster, smarter human decisions by transforming data into accessible intelligence using large language model based agentic AI. Agentic AI refers to artificial intelligence systems that collaborate with people to reach specific goals, understanding and responding in plain English. These systems use AI “agents” — models that can gather information, make suggestions, and carry out tasks in real time — helping people solve problems more quickly and effectively. TransHumanity’s first product, AptIq, is designed to help transport authorities quickly analyse transport data and models, turning days of analysis into seconds. Asking questions in plain English, users can gain instant insights to support key initiatives like congestion reduction, road safety, creation of business cases and net-zero targets. Dr Haitao He, co-founder and director of TransHumanity, said: “I am proud to see my rigorous research translated into trusted real-world AI innovation for the transport sector. With this investment, we can now realise my Future Leaders Fellowship vision, scaling a technology that empowers authorities across the UK to deliver integrated, net-zero transport.” Adam Beveridge, investment principal at SFC Capital, said: “We are excited to back TransHumanity. The combination of cutting-edge research, a proven founding team, clear market demand, and positive societal impact makes this exactly the kind of high-growth venture we are committed to supporting.” AptIq is currently in a test deployment with Nottingham City Council and Transport for Greater Manchester, with plans to expand to other city, regional, and national authorities across the UK within the next 12 months.

West Northants seeks high-value investment and tech growth

April Lara
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West Northants seeks high-value investment and tech growth

West Northamptonshire Council is actively promoting the area to businesses looking to invest, relocate, or expand. A new online Commercial Property Search Tool allows companies to identify available land and premises across office, industrial, retail, and mixed-use categories, with filters for size, type, and location.

The council is targeting sectors with growth potential, including advanced manufacturing, life sciences, clean energy, advanced logistics, motorsport, creative and digital industries, and the experience economy. Both greenfield and brownfield development sites are highlighted to support expansion plans.

West Northamptonshire sits within the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor and hosts over 19,000 businesses serving a population of more than 425,000. Recent investment activity includes Marks & Spencer’s £340 million development at Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal, which underscores the region’s appeal for logistics and large-scale, technology-driven projects.

The council’s strategy focuses on sustainable, inclusive growth, providing guidance and tools to streamline site selection and facilitate high-value business operations in the area.

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