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.

Light Science Technologies Holdings PLC has secured three contracts worth a total of £500,000 through its Contract Electronics Manufacturing division, which includes UK Circuits and Electronics Solutions.

The largest contract, approximately £300,000, comes from a new Swedish client operating in electronic signage for the transport sector. It involves upgraded lighting circuitry for a major UK transport network, with deliveries scheduled to start in October and continue into the next financial year. The agreement could lead to additional follow-on revenue.

Two re-tendered contracts from existing clients will also commence this financial year, with completion expected by October 2026.

These new contracts increase the division’s forward order book to over £2.5 million.

The UK government’s planned increase in business rates for high-value properties will put significant financial pressure on major supermarket chains. Stores with rateable values above £500,000 are most exposed, creating potential losses across large-format estates.

Sainsbury’s and Tesco are expected to absorb the impact more easily due to previous strong profits, though multiple stores in both portfolios could see margins shrink. Morrisons and Asda face broader exposure, with a substantial proportion of stores likely to experience higher property costs. Discount grocers such as Aldi and Lidl are mostly unaffected because of smaller property footprints.

Industry analysts predict the changes may influence store operations, investment decisions, and expansion strategies, while potentially shifting competitive advantage toward smaller retailers and convenience formats. Property specialists highlight that the reform could reshape location strategies for large chains and prompt efficiency reviews to offset rising overheads.

The Treasury describes the adjustments as part of a wider plan to reduce rates for smaller retailers and hospitality outlets while maintaining long-term investment incentives for the high street.

With nominations closing TODAY (Friday 15th August) for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025, this is your last chance to shine a light on property and construction businesses, professionals, and projects in our region! An opportunity to reward your team, boost morale, and showcase your successes, the Bricks celebrate the outstanding work of those shaping the landscape of the East Midlands, recognising developments and people in commercial and public building across the region – from offices, industrial and residential, through to community projects such as leisure schemes and schools. We also highlight the work of architects, agencies and those behind large schemes. A glittering awards ceremony revealing winners will take place on Thursday 2nd October (4:30pm – 7:30pm) in the Derek Randall Suite at the famous Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, also offering the perfect forum to forge new contacts with property and construction leaders from across the region. The 10th annual event will additionally feature Councillor Nadine Peatfield – Leader of Derby City Council, Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Strategy and Policy, and Deputy Mayor of the East Midlands, as keynote speaker. Nominations for the awards close TODAY. It’s completely free to enter and making the top three finalists in your category also wins you free tickets to the awards ceremony.

To make a nomination for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025, please click here, or on the category headings below.

Categories include:

• Contractor of the Year
• Developer of the Year
• Architects of the Year
• Most Active Agent
• Deal of the Year
• Residential Development of the Year
• Sustainable Development of the Year
• Commercial Development of the Year
• Excellence in Design
• Responsible Business of the Year
• Overall Winner

All finalists will have the chance to take home the Overall Winner award, which this year comes with a grand prize of a year of marketing/publicity worth £20,000, with the opportunity to split or gift the marketing to a charity of your choice. Adrian Grocock, Group Managing Director at last year’s Commercial Development of the Year winner, G F Tomlinson, said: “It’s a fantastic awards event that we enjoy being part of and have had previous success, including winning the Commercial Development of the Year for the Air and Space Institute in Newark last year and receiving the accolade of Overall Winner from all the categories a few years previous. The East Midlands Bricks Awards brings together hard-working individuals and colleagues to celebrate all that is good in the local construction industry, and we are proud to have been recognised amongst our peers for our work in the region. We congratulate the Bricks team on the 10^th year anniversary of the awards.” Tickets can now be booked for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025, click here to secure yours. Connect with local decision makers over nibbles and complimentary drinks while applauding the outstanding companies and projects in our region. New for this year, all entrants will also have the opportunity to be featured on our dedicated nominee showcase on the East Midlands Business Link website, providing space for marketing your achievements.

The East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025

What: The East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025 When: Thursday 2nd October (4.30pm – 7.30pm) Where: Derek Randall Suite, Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, Nottingham Keynote speaker: Councillor Nadine Peatfield – Leader of Derby City Council, Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Strategy and Policy, and Deputy Mayor of the East Midlands Tickets: Available here Dress code: Standard business attire Thanks to our sponsors:                                                                                          

To be held at: