East Midlands property consultancy takes on 2,400-mile fundraising relay challenge
A property consultancy is marking its 25th anniversary with an ambitious charity challenge to tour its 25 offices in an epic journey across the country – without any form of motorised transport.
Fisher German, which has offices in Ashby and Market Harborough, has announced its ‘Big 25’ charity challenge to raise at least £25,000 between 25 charities across the country, and will see its colleagues run, cycle, dog-walk, and even space-hop their way between its offices as part of a giant 2,400-mile relay.
The firm has also pledged to match-fund any donations up to £25,000 from supporters, meaning a total of £50,000 could be split between the charities.
The challenge begins on Friday, May 9, with its team journeying from its London office in the City along the Grand Union Canal via methods including cycling, running and walking all the way to its Birmingham office over the course of a week.
Future legs include riding on horseback, sailing, together with great walking, swimming, cycling and running endeavours, before the journey ends back in London on Thursday, October 30.
Key clients of Fisher German will also be invited to take part in the challenge, alongside the grassroots charities delivering vital work in the communities they are located in.
The Big 25 coincides with Fisher German undergoing a major rebrand.
Andrew Bridge, managing partner at Fisher German, said: “We became Fisher German in September 2000, following the merger of Fisher Hoggarth and John German. Our roots, however, stretch back to pre-1830. The firm has grown considerably, and we now employ more than 800 people and assist clients all over the country.
“That’s why we’ve launched the Big 25 challenge to give back to those charities who do so much in the communities we work in, including Birmingham Children’s Hospital, Acorn Children’s Hospice in Worcester, Simon Community Scotland in Glasgow, Sefton Baby Baskets in Liverpool, Katherine House Hospice in Banbury, and Red Kite Family Centre in Thame.
“Our teams have really thrown themselves into this over the last few months in preparation, and we cannot wait to see the first of our colleagues set off from London on a long trip to Birmingham along the canal.
“We not only want to raise vital funds for the fantastic range of charities our staff have chosen but use this as a chance to start a new chapter at Fisher German as we look to grow even further over the next 25 years of the company’s life.
“We would encourage anyone interested to follow the journey on social media, support our staff on their legs, and donate to the charities involved.”
Anyone wishing to donate should visit Fisher German’s GiveWheel link at https://givewheel.com/fundraising/7005/fisher-germans-big-25-challenge/. The money raised will be split equally between the 25 charities.
Fraud losses in Derbyshire jump 467% as scam activity spikes in Q1 2025
Derbyshire businesses and residents suffered £1.3 million in scam-related losses during the first quarter of 2025, according to Santander’s latest Scamtracker report—a dramatic 467% increase on the previous quarter.
The report tracks the scale and nature of Authorised Push Payment (APP) scams and other financial fraud incidents. While Kent led in terms of scam volume outside London with 208 recorded cases, Derbyshire followed closely with 104 incidents. Despite fewer cases, Derbyshire tied with Devon for the second-highest monetary losses outside the capital, each reporting £1.3 million lost.
The volume of scam activity in Derbyshire rose by 10% compared to the final quarter of 2024, signalling growing challenges for financial crime prevention in the region. Other counties, including Hampshire and Greater Manchester, also saw significant increases in fraudulent activity.
The data signals a rising threat for firms managing business payments and customer interactions, particularly as APP scams continue to evolve. The findings reinforce the importance of tightening internal controls, staff training, and client verification procedures to mitigate fraud risks.
The report serves as a warning to businesses operating in high-risk regions to remain vigilant as scam tactics become more sophisticated.
Retailers eye bank holiday lift amid shifting commuter and spending trends
Retailers are banking on a sales uplift during the May bank holidays, as 22 million UK workers plan annual leave, according to Virgin Media O2 Business’s Q1 2025 Movers Index. The report combines anonymised mobile network data with national polling to track movement and behaviour patterns across the country.
Retail footfall dropped 8% year-on-year in Q1 2025, continuing a sluggish start to the year marked by a reported 41% increase in retailers experiencing reduced customer spending. To counter this, 55% of retailers plan to offer special deals or events to draw in customers during the upcoming holidays. However, staffing is a concern, with 42% of retailers blocking employee leave over the period and more than half worried about shortages due to domestic travel plans.
Commuter activity has increased, with a 5% rise in travel during the first three months of the year. Office attendance is also rising, with 52% of employees commuting more frequently and 43% of businesses expected to enforce full-time office returns by June. Wednesday remains the busiest day for office presence. Workers are responding positively to these mandates, especially when companies offer new perks and invest in workplace culture.
Consumer spending remains cautious. Nearly half of Brits plan to spend less over the next three months, with many cancelling subscriptions and prioritising value-driven purchases. The decline is most noticeable among middle-aged shoppers, with the 25–54 demographic making significantly fewer trips to retail areas.
Digital convenience continues to influence purchasing habits. A majority of consumers shop via phone or online to find the best deals, while those who still shop in-store rank checkout speed, Wi-Fi availability, and mobile connectivity as their top priorities. Subscription models tied to travel, wellness, and home improvements may offer stronger potential, as these are the main spending categories identified for spring.
The data highlights a shift in how both consumers and businesses are navigating 2025’s economic landscape. Retailers hoping to drive sales will need to align with evolving work patterns, spending priorities, and customer experience expectations.
145-home development near Leicester Forest East likely to proceed
A proposed housing development by Bloor Homes, involving 145 properties on the southern edge of Leicester Forest East, is expected to secure planning approval from Blaby District Council.
The 27-acre site, located south of the A47, is partly made up of a former golf course and farmland. The plan includes demolishing a 19th-century farmhouse to make way for the scheme. The land is already designated for housing under the council’s local plan.
Local parish councils have raised objections, primarily over the impact of an access road onto the busy A47, as well as concerns about strain on local infrastructure such as schools and healthcare services.
Blaby District Council officers have recommended approving the project, citing the site’s sustainable location and good public transport access. They also confirmed that Bloor Homes would be required to make financial contributions to help offset the development’s impact on local services.
The final decision is set to be made at the council meeting on 8 May.
Private school closure signals business pressure from new VAT rules
St George’s Preparatory School in Boston, Lincolnshire, will shut down at the end of the academic year, citing financial strain following the introduction of VAT on private school fees.
The school, rated “outstanding” by Ofsted, is among the first in the independent sector to announce closure directly linked to the government’s new tax policy, which took effect in January. The VAT measure is part of a broader initiative expected to generate £1.8 billion annually by 2029/30, supporting public services, including state education.
In addition to the VAT burden, the school’s operating costs have risen due to increases in employer National Insurance contributions and the National Minimum Wage. The combined financial pressure has led to daily losses that the school describes as unsustainable.
Falling enrollment has also contributed, as fewer families opt for fee-paying education due to the higher cost base.
The decision highlights growing concern within the independent education sector over the impact of fiscal policy changes on private institutions’ viability. Support measures are being arranged for students transitioning to new schools and for staff facing redundancy.
The policy is currently under legal challenge, with critics arguing it may breach human rights and be discriminatory. The government maintains that the primary aim is revenue generation for public investment.
Travis Perkins sells staircase manufacturer
Travis Perkins, the Northampton-headquartered distributor of building materials, has sold its specialist floor kit, i-joist and staircase manufacturer Staircraft.
Gait Consulting, which is majority owned by the founder of Coventry-based Staircraft, has snapped up the firm for cash consideration of £24m.
Chief financial officer Duncan Cooper said: “The sale of Staircraft is another step towards simplifying the Group’s operating model with a clear focus on being the UK’s leading distributor of building materials.
“The proceeds will be used to strengthen the Group’s balance sheet and will support our disciplined approach to reinvesting in our core assets.
“I would like to thank all colleagues in Staircraft for their contribution as part of the Group and wish them all the best for the future as an independent business.”
Network Rail selects Henry Boot Construction for low-carbon facility upgrade in North Lincolnshire
Network Rail has appointed Henry Boot Construction to deliver a new low-carbon Maintenance Delivery Unit (MDU) next to Barnetby Station in North Lincolnshire, as part of its push to modernise and decarbonise operational infrastructure.
The scheme includes a two-storey, 9,500 sq ft facility with integrated welfare areas, offices, storage, and support infrastructure such as a service yard, car parking, and road reconfiguration. The design features a timber-framed structure, designed to reduce embodied carbon while offering improved thermal performance and daylight efficiency.
Key sustainability features include rooftop solar panels, triple-glazed windows, air-source heat pumps, and electric vehicle (EV) charging points. These upgrades are funded via Network Rail’s Green Bank and are intended to set a new environmental standard for future MDU developments nationwide.
Henry Boot Construction leads the project as principal contractor, while Ridge provides structural and architectural consultancy. The project is being delivered through the Crown Commercial Service’s CWAS framework and is scheduled for completion by early 2026.
Totally to conduct strategic review as financial performance expectations reduced
A formal review will be conducted at Totally, the provider of healthcare and wellbeing services, of the strategic options available to the group to strengthen its balance sheet as financial performance expectations are reduced at the Derby firm.
The Totally board will consider strategic options including selling one or more of the company’s subsidiaries, receiving strategic investment, or undertaking some other form of comparable corporate action.
The company has appointed Ernst & Young (EY) as its adviser to assist with the strategic review.
The news follows a statement this morning (1 May) on trading, the stepping down of Laurence Goldberg, Chief Financial Officer, from the board of directors, and an historic negligence claim from January 2018 that is expected to be more expensive than anticipated.
The business revealed that is has reduced its financial performance expectations, after announcing on 14 February that it expected to report £85m revenue and £3.5m EBITDA for FY25.
This follows the impact of factors including a slower than expected ramp up of a recent contract win and reduced operating margins as higher margin contracts have unwound, principally NHS111. The company had indicated that it may have been possible to redeploy people/costs associated with this contract within the business, however, this has not been possible.
As the board continues to review the group’s financial performance for FY25, current estimates indicate an EBITDA range of between £0m and £2.0m. In addition, exceptional costs during the period are estimated to amount to £3.8m and there have been other cash costs capitalised on the balance sheet of a further £0.8m. The exceptional costs primarily relate to the closing of the 111 contract with the NHS.
Northampton brewery products provider snapped up
Rawlings Group, a Bristol-based specialist in the packaging and drink processing equipment industry, has acquired Northampton brewery products and services provider Niche Solutions.
The Rawlings Group is a multi-brand enterprise consisting of Rawlings, Vigo, Paperbagco, Glass Jars and Bottles, Aqua, and Rawlings Retail.
Through the acquisition of Niche Solutions, which specialises in fermentation aids, cleaning chemicals, kegs, and laboratory testing, Rawlings Group will be able to expand its offerings and provide a one-stop-shop for breweries.
Tom Wood, CEO of Rawlings Group, said: “We’re pleased to welcome Niche Solutions into the Rawlings Group. The acquisition represents an exciting step forward for our business, allowing us to strengthen our services and further support the needs of breweries across the UK.
“Niche Solutions shares our passion for quality and innovation, and we’re excited to deliver an unmatched end-to-end service to drinks producers.”
GS Verde Group supported Rawlings Group with the acquisition.
Mansfield marketing academy secures funding for growth
Growth is on the horizon for a Mansfield marketing academy for entrepreneurs after securing funding from the Community Investment Enterprise Fund (CIEF) delivered by BCRS Business Loans.
Touchpoints Marketing has received £30,000 to expand the business, including moving staff from part time to full time roles and securing key trademarks to protect the company’s intellectual property.
Registered as a limited company in 2021 by experienced marketer Vic Taylor, Touchpoints Marketing will use the funds as it builds a new portfolio of training programmes, including enabling two part time employees to go full time.
The finance has also been used to promote the company at business fairs, purchase laptops for staff, invest in the launch of the company’s first book, maintain cashflow while they await payment from institutional clients and to secure trademark registrations for key offerings.
Vic Taylor, a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing who draws upon 25 years of experience, said: “Securing the finance from BCRS Business Loans has enabled us to put in place the changes we need to grow as a company, delivering marketing training which will enable the next generation of entrepreneurs to build businesses which have a positive impact on their communities.
“There is large demand from people who want to start and grow their own business and need to understand how they market their offering, which is where Touchpoints Marketing can teach them the tools they need to grow.
“BCRS have a very personal approach to lending. I had a main point of contact throughout the process, and they took the time to find out what we were doing with the finance.”
Mark Savill, Business Development Manager at Wolverhampton-based BCRS Business Loans, said: “BCRS is a story-based lender, and we support businesses to make a positive social and economic impact. We look forward to seeing Vic and her team progress to the next level in their growth plans while enabling new entrepreneurs to create employment opportunities not only for themselves but for others, benefitting the wider economy.”
