Market Harborough Building Society appoints new chief risk officer
Jail terms handed down in £2m energy sector bribery case
A bribery scheme involving £2 million in corrupt payments has resulted in jail time for two former energy sector insiders and several subcontractors, highlighting serious compliance failures in major UK energy firms.
Mark Baker of Goole and Matthew Heyward of Newton Abbot, both originally from the East Midlands, were found guilty of accepting bribes over four years while employed in senior roles at E.ON and later British Gas. The pair used their influence over procurement decisions to steer commercial contracts toward favoured subcontractors in exchange for personal benefits.
The corrupt activity, which took place between 2011 and 2015, was centred around major infrastructure work, including E.ON’s Cranbrook project near Exeter. Bribes were disguised through various methods, including direct payments, vehicle transfers, false documentation, hotel stays, and other perks. Payments were funnelled through business accounts using fake invoices to conceal the transactions.
The court also heard Baker arranged for his wife to be paid over £100,000 for a job she never performed, as part of the effort to extract funds under the guise of legitimate business activity.
Both men were sentenced at Winchester Crown Court, with Baker receiving nearly four years in prison and Heyward two and a half years. Several subcontractors involved in the scheme were also sentenced for their roles in facilitating the fraud.
Established Nottinghamshire hotel enters market as owners retire
The West Retford Hotel in North Nottinghamshire has been listed for sale at £4.2 million, marking a transition opportunity for hospitality investors.
The 18th-century property spans approximately 4.3 acres and includes 63 ensuite bedrooms. It also has two dining areas—the Chatsworth Bar & Lounge and The Orangery restaurant—each with seating for 60 guests.
The hotel is positioned to serve both leisure and corporate markets. It features a range of function suites that can accommodate between 12 and 200 attendees. Some of these suites include private bar facilities, supporting a diversified events offering.
The hotel is currently operated by the Lavin family, who have owned and developed the property over the past two decades. The family is selling the hotel as part of their planned retirement. Christie & Co is handling the sale.
David Lee, regional director at Christie & Co who is managing the sale, said: “The West Retford Hotel is a great hotel facility with multiple income streams. The hotel has been developed significantly over the last 20 years by the Lavin family and with a heavy heart the family have decided to sell the hotel to retire from the hotel business. “This offers a fantastic opportunity for a new owner to purchase a wonderful hotel which is already very well established.”Prominent site set to bring new homes to Nottinghamshire village
Panellists set to supercharge Team Derby’s pitch at UKREiiF
Zinc Digital boosts cybersecurity with advanced website protection service
Zinc Digital, a Northamptonshire-based digital solutions provider, has launched a new service to help businesses safeguard their websites from escalating cyber threats. The company’s technical support team, based in Northampton, is focused on defending against growing risks such as malware, phishing, and data breaches, which are increasingly affecting businesses across the UK and beyond.
This newly introduced service is designed to automatically detect and neutralise phishing attempts and malicious code injections, particularly targeting WordPress sites. As cybercriminals continue to evolve their tactics, Zinc Digital’s proactive approach aims to stop attacks before they can do any harm to businesses.
Based in Little Houghton, Northamptonshire, Zinc Digital supports a wide client base across the UK and internationally. The company specialises in creating custom WordPress and CMS websites, developing bespoke software, and helping businesses utilise digital tools to drive growth.
Quintet of deals completed at Derby business park
Investment to upgrade Lincolnshire level crossings with £1m funding
Network Rail is investing close to £1 million to modernise four significant level crossings in Lincolnshire, aiming to improve safety and operational efficiency for both road and rail users.
The project will involve essential upgrades at the Holton le Moor, Brigg, Butterswood, and Little London crossings. These improvements, set to take place over several weeks, include replacing outdated infrastructure such as deck units, cill beams, road surfaces, and markings. The works will impact traffic and rail services across the region.
The surface renewal work at all crossings is expected to result in more reliable infrastructure that requires less frequent maintenance, providing long-term cost-effectiveness.
During the works, rail replacement bus services will be operating between Cleethorpes and Barnetby, with affected passengers advised to check updates on the National Rail website. Diversion routes for road traffic will also be signposted.
This substantial investment aims to enhance the future efficiency of the crossings while improving safety for both road and rail users.
Russell Roof Tiles takes Burton industrial premises for new training and innovation hub
105-home development on farmland near Ravenstone set for approval
Local authorities are expected to approve plans to build 105 homes on agricultural land near Ravenstone. Gladman Developments proposes the development on a site off Wash Lane to the north of the village.
North West Leicestershire District Council’s planning officers have recommended that the scheme be approved, despite objections from the Ravenstone, Snibston Parish Council, and 17 residents. Key concerns include the potential loss of green space, the environmental impact on local wildlife, and increased traffic congestion from the additional housing.
Gladman Developments has argued that the site is strategically located and meets the region’s new housing needs. In response to concerns, the council has stipulated that the developer must contribute financially to local infrastructure. This includes £1.14 million for education, £600,000 for transport improvements, and funding for tree planting in the area.