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

Tess Egginton
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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

Tess Egginton
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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.”

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

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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.

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