WH Davis to create 20 jobs in Shirebrook in €44m export deal

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WH Davis to create 20 jobs in Shirebrook in €44m export deal
WH Davis, the independent railway wagon manufacturer – and part of Buckland Rail – has secured a €44 million export deal to supply 150 freight wagons to Ireland. The deal has been enabled with support from export credit agency UK Export Finance (UKEF) through its Bond Support Scheme. An 80% guarantee provided by UKEF for the required contract bond means WH Davis’ bank, Barclays, was able to issue capital that would help to fund the production and delivery of the wagons. The contract represents the first order under a 10-year framework agreement that could see the number of wagons supplied rise to 400. The wagons will support Ireland’s ambitious rail freight expansion strategy and are expected to start delivering in summer 2026, with all wagons delivered and in service by the end of 2027. The contract is expected to facilitate a significant expansion of the company’s workforce by one quarter (25%) – from 80 to 100 staff members. The jobs will be located at WH Davis’ manufacturing site in Shirebrook. Andy Houghton, managing director of WH Davis, said: “We are proud to be shaping the future of rail freight with this landmark export contract. This is a significant milestone for WH Davis and reaffirms the strength of UK manufacturing on the international stage. UKEF’s support has given us the confidence and liquidity to deliver on our ambitions and explore new export internationally.” Tim Reid at UK Export Finance said: “WH Davis’s return to exporting after 20 years, backed by UKEF’s Bond Support Scheme, shows the transformative power of export finance in revitalising local manufacturing and creating skilled jobs in communities like Shirebrook. “This is a clear example of the potential that British firms have to succeed in global markets while driving local growth.” Barclays has a long-standing relationship with WH Davis, which was key in facilitating the innovative bonding structure used in this deal. The bank is supporting the business with a total of €28.7 million in UKEF backed bonding facilities over a 3-year period for the project. James Guthrie, UK head of mid-corporate trade at Barclays, said: “We’re proud to have supported WH Davis on this milestone deal, which marks a major step forward for the business and for UK manufacturing. “By working closely with UKEF, we were able to provide a financing solution that gives WH Davis the flexibility and confidence to deliver on this contract and pursue further growth in Europe. It’s a great example of how strong collaboration between lenders and government-backed finance can unlock global opportunities for ambitious British exporters.”

Growth prospects in technology, AI and innovation fuel confidence as East Midlands private firms target expansion in H2

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Growth prospects in technology, AI and innovation fuel confidence as East Midlands private firms target expansion in H2
More than nine in 10 (93%) private business owners in the East Midlands are confident of delivering growth in 2025, according to KPMG’s mid-year Private Enterprise Barometer check-in. Earlier this year, KPMG unveiled its first-ever Private Enterprise Barometer, an annual survey capturing the perspectives of 1,500 privately owned businesses, including 122 in the East Midlands, from across various industries. Following a challenging six months of economic headwinds, KPMG has revisited businesses to understand how developments in the first half of 2025 may have influenced their outlook. Earlier this year, 89% of private businesses in the East Midlands expressed confidence in their growth prospects for the next 12 months. By the mid-year mark, this sentiment has grown, with confidence levels rising to 93%, reflecting a change in outlook regarding their growth ambitions. Technology continued to dominate as a leading investment priority for East Midlands-based businesses, with 62% identifying areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), cyber security and broader digital transformation as key focuses. While the region trails London and the North East’s commitment to overall technology investment (74%), it nonetheless demonstrates a clear and persistent ambition to remain at the forefront of digital innovation. Diversification is also high on the agenda for private businesses across the East Midlands for the remainder of the year. A third of firms (66%) are looking to introduce new service lines and expand their client offering (down slightly from 72% at the start of 2025). Meanwhile, almost three in five (59%) are targeting entry into new markets – an increase from 52% at the start of 2025. When it comes to external challenges, inflation remains the most pressing concern, cited by 43% of respondents. This is followed by concerns around rising employment costs, which 33% of business leaders flagged as a key risk. The appetite for alternative funding options is also gaining momentum, with 51% of regional businesses now open to private equity investment. This growing interest reflects a broader willingness among firms to explore new sources of capital in support of innovation, growth and long-term resilience. Marc Abrams, Nottingham office senior partner at KPMG UK, said: “It’s encouraging to see such confidence from privately-owned East Midlands businesses at the half-year stage. “From the manufacturing heartlands of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire to the logistics corridors of Leicestershire, firms are channelling investment into technology, particularly AI, cyber security and digital transformation, to boost productivity and sharpen their competitive edge. “Alongside this, there’s a clear push into new markets and service lines, backed by growing interest in private equity as a route to scale. While inflation and rising employment costs remain challenges, the ambition, adaptability and innovative spirit shown by the East Midlands’ private enterprises will be key in driving the region’s role as a driver of future UK growth.”

New CEO appointed at Leicestershire County Cricket Club

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New CEO appointed at Leicestershire County Cricket Club
Leicestershire County Cricket Club has appointed Emma White as its new CEO, effective from 1st September 2025. Emma White brings a wealth of sporting and management experience to the role, having previously been managing director of rugby side Doncaster Knights and held senior positions in the horse racing industry, including managing Limerick and Sedgefield Racecourses. The appointment follows the announcement earlier this year that current CEO, Sean Jarvis, would be stepping down in the autumn, having successfully delivered a five-year plan that leaves the club well-positioned for future growth and innovation. As planned, Sean will remain with the club in a key consultancy role, in order to support Emma during the transition. New CEO, Emma White, said: “I’m really excited to get started with the club. I’ll be joining equipped with a range of experience and a proven track record in driving success in the sector. Sean has done a wonderful job and the club is in a great position, my aim is to build on this success leveraging the opportunities brought about by The Hundred.” Leicestershire County Cricket chair, John Thorpe said: “With the appointment of Emma White as our new CEO, we’ve identified a leader with the right sporting background to build on the success Sean has delivered. We want to continue this upward trajectory we are on and reinforce the club’s position within the Leicestershire community and the wider cricketing world. I’m really excited for the next chapter.” Sean Jarvis added: “I’m proud to be departing with the club in such a great position for the start of a new era. We now have a team that can compete on all fronts. Things are looking extremely positive for the future, both on and off the pitch. We’re looking to finish this season on a successful note, which is a great way for me to depart and let the new chapter begin. I wish Emma all the success in the world in her new role and I look forward to working with her during the transition period.”

HAIG Legal Group expands into larger Lincoln headquarters

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HAIG Legal Group expands into larger Lincoln headquarters

HAIG Legal Group has moved its operations to Pinnacle House on Doddington Road, Lincoln, consolidating offices previously located on Low Moor Road in Lincoln and Coventry Road in Birmingham. The relocation provides 14,832 sq ft of office space, a 67% increase on the previous footprint.

The move supports the group’s expansion strategy, which includes a planned 17% increase in headcount across its three businesses—Simpler Law, Fidelis Legal Services, and Northwood Banks & Co—raising staff numbers from 135 to more than 155 by the end of 2025.

Property agents Eddisons and Pygott Crone jointly represented the landlord in securing the premises. Pinnacle House offers scale and facilities designed to enhance operational efficiency while accommodating long-term growth.

The relocation positions HAIG Legal Group to strengthen its presence in Lincoln, leveraging the city’s status as a growing hub for professional services.

Lincolnshire architects to revive historic Boston building following purchase

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Lincolnshire architects to revive historic Boston building following purchase
Lincolnshire architects have bought an historic Boston building ready for a £1.1m conservation project. Scorer Hawkins Architects has bought the Grade II* Listed Shodfriars Hall for a six figure sum. It will now carry out work to conserve the building, which has been part of Boston’s townscape since the fifteenth century and is on English Heritage’s Heritage At Risk Register. The sensitive refurbishment is being grant funded by the Towns Fund, overseen by Boston Town Board. Refurbishment work and structural repairs will include improvements to the roof and the timber frame structure, conservation of windows and historic features, and external decoration plus repairs and repointing to the brickwork. Chris Bowen, director at Scorer Hawkins Architects, said: “The purchase and conservation of Shodfriars Hall is part of our ongoing and long-term commitment to the town. “The work we do is about caring for the places that we love and treasure, and this is an opportunity for us to invest in the town and the business within it to continue to deliver heritage-led regeneration. “The grant funding agreement means the refurbishment can now move forward, breathing new life into one of Boston’s best-known buildings.” Plans for the local landmark include providing space for commercial and community uses, plus new employment opportunities. Travis Wood, senior associate commercial property solicitor at MD Law, who acted for the purchasers, said: “It has been a pleasure to be able to work with and support Chris and Jonathan on their project to acquire this building, and that will see the preservation of our property heritage for future generations.”

Derby receives £3.2 million for city regeneration projects

April Lara
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Derby receives £3.2 million for city regeneration projects

Derby will receive £3.2 million in Government funding to continue regeneration initiatives across the city over the next year. The allocation comes through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and will be administered by the East Midlands Combined County Authority.

The funding will support local projects aimed at business growth, urban renewal, and workforce development. Plans include enabling entrepreneurs to establish and expand operations in vacant city-centre units, improving public spaces, and delivering skills and employability programmes for residents.

An additional £300,000 has been earmarked for inward investment, managed by Marketing Derby to attract new businesses and secure capital investment.

A previous programme supported more than 25 projects, offering grants and advisory support to 168 businesses and generating £53 million in capital investment. The associated employment and skills hub helped 125 individuals enter employment or self-employment and enabled 300 residents to obtain new qualifications.

The funding is part of a broader effort to continue economic growth and regeneration in Derby, building on past investments and initiatives to strengthen local business and community infrastructure.

Air freight volumes rise sharply at East Midlands Airport

April Lara
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Air freight volumes rise sharply at East Midlands Airport

East Midlands Airport has seen a notable increase in air freight activity, reinforcing its status as a key UK cargo hub. From May to July, the airport handled more than 103,000 tonnes of goods, a 17.4% rise compared with the same period in 2024. July alone recorded almost 20% year-on-year growth, driven in part by new connections to China.

Four new cargo operators – Central Airlines, Atlas Air, Ethiopian Cargo and Saudia Cargo – have joined the airport alongside existing carriers. Central Airlines, operating for Chinese logistics firm YunExpress, launched services in May and plans to increase weekly flights from two to five. British carrier One Air is expanding scheduled routes linking Europe with Dubai and Hong Kong, adding Boeing 777 aircraft to its fleet.

EMA’s growth is supported by a focus on dedicated freighter aircraft rather than passenger flights carrying cargo in their holds. The airport processed 375,000 tonnes of freight worth £37bn in 2024/25. Infrastructure upgrades include 12 cargo stands capable of handling wide-bodied aircraft. Manchester Airports Group plans further expansion, including additional stands, new warehouses and more logistics space.

Forecasts project express freight volumes could rise more than 50% over the next 20 years, supporting 20,000 jobs and generating £4bn for the economy.

Investment positions RML Group for fivefold growth

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Investment positions RML Group for fivefold growth
Wellingborough-based RML Group, the total engineering solutions provider, has secured a multi-million pound investment to drive international growth. Alongside expanding its operations and enhancing capabilities, the funding will be used to further its work in automotive, as well as expanding into the defence, marine and aerospace sectors. RML Group is targeting fivefold growth within the next five years. Funding has come from a private US investor, who has numerous interests across the automotive and renewable energy sectors. In addition to attracting new capital, RML Group has further strengthened its senior management team. Paul Dickinson joins the business from Group Lotus to take up the reigns as group CEO, while Mark Cotton has been appointed as CCO to shape the company’s commercial growth strategy. Board member Michael Mallock will lead the group’s bespoke division, while Mark Way rounds out the leadership team as CTO. Commenting on the investment, Paul Dickinson said: “There is significant potential to build on our standing as the global partner of choice for OEMs looking to devise, lead and develop pioneering programmes. Our experience, expertise and dynamism see us working across a huge variety of industries, with a proven track-record of delivering highly ambitious projects. “This multi-million-pound capital injection will help us to rapidly scale our operations and further accelerate our growth. With an unmatched pedigree, a hugely talented team and a clear growth vision, we’re laser-focused on building a world-leading business for the future.”

Caddick makes social value appointment to boost Midlands community impact

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Caddick makes social value appointment to boost Midlands community impact
Caddick Construction has appointed Hayley Millar as social value manager for the Midlands region in a move that will bolster the community investment made by the business since launching in the region in 2023. The newly created role will see Hayley develop social value strategies for Caddick’s £200m+ Midlands order book, and ensure delivery of initiatives that are suited to the individual needs of communities. This will include education engagement, charitable donations and work with local social enterprise partners. Hayley will also lead Caddick Construction’s annual Communities Week programme in the Midlands, through which the team donate their time to good causes. Previously the social value manager at Wates, Hayley joins Caddick as it reaches its second anniversary in the Midlands, during which time it has completed over £90m of projects and grown to a team of over 60. Hayley said: “There’s an exciting energy at Caddick and although it’s a relatively new presence in the Midlands, they have already made great strides with both projects and social value. “I’m excited to head up our social value in the region, and work with clients, supply chain partners, educators and charities to ensure our investment in social value is driven towards positive outcomes for those that need it most.”

Conygar sells gym site at The Island Quarter

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Conygar sells gym site at The Island Quarter

Conygar has unconditionally exchanged contracts to sell the site occupied by the Virgin Active gym at The Island Quarter, Nottingham.

Property investment company Monoprop has taken on the site, with completion to follow in a month’s time.

The sale price is £6.75 million in cash and the net proceeds will be used to partly repay the £12 million ASK Partners loan secured against the wider site.

Conygar will record a loss of £750,000 from the transaction based on the March 2025 accounts valuation of £7.5 million. For the year ended 30 September 2024, the holding company of the Virgin Active gym recorded a net loss of £67,000.

Christopher Ware, managing director of Conygar, said: “This sale represents a good piece of asset management for the team having purchased the long leasehold interest for £5.90 million in May 2024 and we look forward to progressing other areas of the site in the near future.”

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