Aquavista expands marina network in North-West

April Lara
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Aquavista expands marina network in North-West

Long Eaton-based Aquavista has strengthened its UK footprint by acquiring three marinas in the North-West of England. Fettlers Wharf Marina, Furness Vale Marina, and Marple Marina will join the company’s existing portfolio.

With the additions, Aquavista now operates 32 marinas and manages over 5,300 berths nationwide, spanning inland waterways and coastal locations.

The transaction was financed with support from LDC, a private equity partner since 2018, alongside debt facilities provided by Barings and Clydesdale Bank.

The expansion increases capacity in a strategic region and positions Aquavista to offer more options for leisure and residential moorings, enhancing operational scale and market coverage.

Aquavista CEO, Steve de Polo, said: “We are delighted to announce the acquisition of Fettlers Wharf, Furness Vale and Marple in the North West of England. “These marinas complement our current 29 location footprint and we look forward to working with the moorers in these new locations to invest in products and services that will further enhance their mooring experience. Our mission remains to provide a great waterside experience, whether you live, visit, or work at an Aquavista marina.” David Bains, partner and head of the East Midlands and East of England at LDC, said: “This acquisition marks another key milestone for Aquavista as it continues to expand its footprint across the UK and offer an ever-broadening choice of well-connected locations to its customers. “These three marinas provide the same high level of quality and customer service and will make an excellent addition to Aquavista’s portfolio.”

Dr Martens posts early signs of recovery

April Lara
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Dr Martens posts early signs of recovery

Dr Martens is showing initial progress under its revised growth strategy after reporting a sharp decline in earnings. The company’s profits fell to £8.8 million in 2024 from £93 million the previous year, reflecting supply chain disruptions in the US and reliance on third-party online platforms amid weakening consumer demand.

The business has faced multiple profit warnings in recent years and pressure from activist investors to explore a potential sale. Its share price has dropped more than 80 percent since the 2021 flotation, though it gained around five percent over the past week, trading at 81p as of 18 August. The flotation had valued the company at £3.7 billion, with an initial share price of 450p.

Dr Martens has shifted focus from a boots-centric model to a broader product range including shoes, sandals and bags. The strategy prioritises consumer-led growth and aims to optimise brand reach. Analysts note early signs of improvement, with US direct-to-consumer sales returning to growth and wholesale order books strengthening.

Broker projections have become more optimistic, with Peel Hunt increasing its target price from 80p to 112p. Industry observers highlight operational improvements in US revenue growth, cost management and inventory control. Analysts expect that the consumer-focused approach could support a return to sustainable revenue and profit expansion for the heritage brand.

This update is relevant to investors, supply chain partners and retail operators monitoring the performance of global footwear brands.

Berry Lettings marks momentum with new HQ and team expansion

Tess Egginton
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Berry Lettings marks momentum with new HQ and team expansion
Berry Lettings has marked strong momentum with new headquarters and the expansion of its team. The company, part of the Berry Group, has relocated to a newly refurbished office on Green Lane in Derby, following a six-month renovation programme. The new HQ provides a dedicated operational base, positioning the business for its next phase of growth. Originally founded in 2019 to manage the 100+ properties owned by The Berry Group, Berry Lettings has evolved into a full-service lettings and property management agency. As part of its expansion, the company has welcomed two new team members. Branch manager, Olivia Perchard and lettings negotiator, Charlotte Tomlinson, will be working alongside existing property manager, Mia Berry. Sam Berry, director of Berry Lettings, said: “The relocation to our new head office marks an exciting milestone for Berry Lettings & Management as we continue to grow. “With our new base on Green Lane, we are perfectly positioned to support even more landlords and tenants and deliver the high-quality, personalised service for which we’ve become renowned.”

Northamptonshire set to host new renewable gas facility

April Lara
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Northamptonshire set to host new renewable gas facility

West Northamptonshire Council is preparing to approve a 10-hectare anaerobic digestion plant near Brackley that will convert agricultural and poultry waste into biomethane for the National Grid. The project, led by Acorn Bioenergy Ltd, marks a revised submission following a previous rejection in late 2023.

The facility is designed to process around 83,000 tonnes of feedstock annually, including straw, maize, grass, and dairy and poultry manure. Biogas generated onsite will be upgraded to biomethane and transported by tanker to central injection points. Operators project a 25-year lifespan for the plant before decommissioning and site restoration.

The proposal has prompted extensive public commentary, with more than 300 objections citing traffic, odour, and visual impact, alongside roughly 175 expressions of support. Local planning authorities note mitigations including reduced tank numbers, revised unit placements, and additional tree screening. Highways authorities have not flagged safety concerns for HGV movements.

Council planning officers recommend approval, citing the plant’s potential to deliver renewable energy and byproducts with commercial applications. Strategic planning committee members will make a final decision on 19 August.

Clumber Consultancy expands into larger office space

Tess Egginton
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Clumber Consultancy expands into larger office space
Clumber Consultancy, the redundancy and pensions specialist, has expanded into a larger office within Edwinstowe House to support its growing team and client base. The move, completed this month, sees the firm take on more space in its long-term home, allowing for improved collaboration, client meetings, and future recruitment. Darren Toms, director at Clumber Consultancy, said: “It’s not a huge leap geographically – but it’s a big step forward for the business. We’re still in the fantastic Edwinstowe House, just with more space to work, meet and grow. It reflects where we are as a team and where we’re heading.” The expansion follows a period of sustained growth for Clumber, including the recent promotions of Emily Bainbridge and Ella Freeston, who stepped into senior roles earlier this year as part of the firm’s internal development strategy. Darren continued: “We’ve built a reputation for supporting businesses through challenging times with honesty and empathy. That work is resonating – and demand is growing. This move gives us the capacity to keep delivering the service we’re known for, while also creating room for the next chapter.” Clumber’s office expansion supports its ongoing investment in people, systems and professional partnerships across the UK, with further developments planned for the year ahead.

Derbyshire consultancy returns to independent ownership

April Lara
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Derbyshire consultancy returns to independent ownership

Merebrook Consulting, a Cromford-based environmental consultancy, has regained independent ownership after previously being part of Spanish engineering group IDOM. The firm, established in 1997, provides services covering air quality, odour control, asbestos, contaminated land, regulatory compliance, and materials management.

Recent projects include the restoration of Sudbury Gas Works in Derbyshire, reconstruction of two schools in Lincolnshire, and remediation of a former tar wharf and fuel depot on Portsmouth’s seafront. Following the exit from IDOM, Merebrook now operates within M&L Holdings, a Gibraltar-based portfolio spanning construction, building products, and related industries, with operational bases in London, Barcelona, and Dubai.

The transition was facilitated by M&A advisers KBS Corporate in Bolton, managing a cross-border sale that returned the firm to UK ownership. The move provides Merebrook with greater flexibility to expand its service offerings and strengthen client relationships.

Allison Homes secures approval for 53-home development in Shepshed

April Lara
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Allison Homes secures approval for 53-home development in Shepshed

Allison Homes has received planning permission for Finney Meadows, a 53-home development off Iveshead Road in Shepshed. The scheme will include a mix of two, three, and four-bedroom properties, with up to 11 homes designated as affordable housing.

Construction is scheduled to start this month, with first completions expected in Spring 2026. The project includes over £120,000 in Section 106 contributions, funding improvements to local education, youth open spaces, sports facilities, allotments, the town centre, library services, highways, waste infrastructure, and sustainable transport initiatives.

The development follows the company’s 2024 launch in the East Midlands and builds on the earlier St Mary’s Chase site in Stanton under Bardon. Open green spaces and landscaped areas will be integrated to support community cohesion and wellbeing.

Additional land acquisitions across Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire are underway, supporting Allison Homes’ target of delivering 2,000 homes annually across its regional divisions.

East Midlands Supercluster site cleared for development

April Lara
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East Midlands Supercluster site cleared for development

Cottam power station’s eight cooling towers have been removed, clearing the way for the East Midlands Supercluster. The redevelopment covers Cottam and two other former energy sites, targeting new housing, job creation, and regional economic growth.

Plans for the site include a prototype fusion power facility, an innovation campus, and commercial space for engineering and technology companies. The programme is expected to support up to 15,500 jobs and generate nearly £1 billion for the East Midlands economy.

Cottam operated for five decades, providing electricity for millions of homes and employing hundreds. The site’s transition positions it as a hub for energy innovation and industrial development, offering opportunities for contractors, technology providers, and research organisations to engage in long-term commercial projects.

Derbyshire home staging business secures six-figure funding package

Tess Egginton
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0
Derbyshire home staging business secures six-figure funding package
Lemon & Lime, a home staging business based in Melbourne, Derbyshire, has secured a six-figure debt funding package from the British Business Bank’s Midlands Engine Investment Fund II through appointed fund manager for the East and South East Midlands, Maven Capital Partners. Founded in 2015 by Elaine Penhaul, Lemon & Lime specialises in professional home staging for high-end residential properties. The business has staged over 1,500 homes to date, working with estate agents, developers and homeowners to help properties sell faster. The funding will support a recruitment drive to create new jobs and help launch the company’s franchise model. Maven first backed the business last year, when Lemon & Lime became the 100th company to receive funding from Maven through the first Midlands Engine Investment Fund. The funding supported the business as it expanded its senior team, grew its service offering, and invested in marketing, helping to strengthen its national footprint. Elaine Penhaul, founder and managing director of Lemon & Lime, said: “Our focus has always been on helping clients achieve the best possible results when selling their homes. Thanks to Maven’s continued support, we’re now in a position to grow our team and bring our services to new locations through a franchise model, something we believe will set a new standard in the industry.” Richard Brighty, investment manager at Maven, said: “Lemon & Lime is a well-established and forward-thinking business led by an experienced and ambitious founder. Elaine and her team are reshaping how property is marketed, offering clear value to both sellers and agents. “This latest funding round aligns well with the objectives of the Fund, supporting the growth of innovative businesses across the Midlands and enabling them to scale sustainably, create jobs and enhance regional economic impact.”

Acquisition sees Ideagen expand safety solutions

Tess Egginton
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0
Acquisition sees Ideagen expand safety solutions
Ideagen, the compliance and risk management software firm, has strengthened its solutions to support worker health and safety with the acquisition of Reactec, a provider of wearable technology with intuitive data analytics. This acquisition marks a pivotal step in Ideagen’s mission to enhance safety and operational excellence for its customers, particularly those in high-risk industries such as mining, construction and manufacturing. Reactec’s workplace wearables and cloud-based analytics enable businesses to take a more proactive approach to the management of workplace hazards such as exposure to vibration, dust, noise and proximity to hazards. Ben Dorks, CEO of Ideagen, said: “This is a significant milestone for Ideagen as we continue to invest in technologies that address real-world challenges faced by our customers. “Reactec’s wearable technology and data analytics are a perfect complement to our portfolio, putting cutting-edge tools directly into the hands of those who need it most. Together, we are setting new standards for workplace safety and risk mitigation.” Jacqui McLaughlin, CEO of Reactec, said: “At Reactec, our core mission has always been to protect workers and provide actionable insights that foster healthier and safer work environments. “Becoming part of Ideagen allows us to extend our reach and provide even greater value to organizations that are forward thinking in their approach to enhancing the health and wellbeing of their workers. “We, like Ideagen, seek to prevent and not simply mitigate risk. We can totally see the value our technology can bring to Ideagen’s existing customer base and look forward to working with them to deliver real impact.” This marks Ideagen’s sixth acquisition in 2025, following hot on the heels of WorkSafe Guardian last week, another key addition to their EHS offering. Ideagen have also bolstered their solutions this year with the addition of policy management solution ConvergePoint in (June) and adding SafeFood 360 and Authenticate to their food and beverage solutions in July.
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