Northants IT consultancy appoints new head of sales
MCR Property Group strengthens Nottingham student accommodation portfolio with new acquisition
MCR Property Group has acquired a new purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) asset in Nottingham, adding 1,013 beds across five properties in key locations. The Nottingham property, Clarendon Street, is situated within walking distance of major universities, contributing to the group’s expansion in the city’s student housing sector.
The acquisition is part of MCR’s broader strategy to grow its student living portfolio, which now totals over 2,700 beds across the UK. MCR Property Group’s existing assets in Nottingham and other core cities are managed through an in-house team that handles lettings, operations, and marketing.
The group plans to retain the existing on-site teams at the newly acquired properties and will invest in operational support focused on student experience, asset management, and marketing. Additionally, MCR is developing a dedicated PBSA brand platform to provide a consistent and student-first identity across its expanding portfolio.
Backed by two decades of experience in residential and student housing, MCR Property Group aims to enhance its portfolio through efficient transitions, refurbishments, and long-term value creation. Further PBSA acquisitions are also in the pipeline.
Chesterfield packaging manufacturer makes deal to sell surplus property
Robinson plc, the Chesterfield-based packaging manufacturer, has agreed to sell surplus property at Walton Works and Boythorpe Works.
At the Walton Works property, in Chesterfield, the grade II* listed mill building and the surrounding land (Walton Mill) have been sold for £700,000. Exchange and completion occurred on 6 August.
The sale agreement also includes an overage clause where an additional £315,000 will be payable to Robinson in the event that within 18 months, the new owner re-sells part of the surrounding land to an already identified potential future buyer.
Robinson has also entered an option agreement with the same buyer to sell the Boythorpe Works property in Chesterfield.
The Boythorpe Option attracts a non-refundable fee of £20,000, is for a maximum period of 24 months, is exercisable during this time at the option of the buyer and in addition the buyer would be required to exercise should satisfactory planning permission be granted.
The total consideration payable after exercise of the option is £2.85m, with one third to be paid on completion, one third 12 months after completion, and the final third 24 months after completion.
It follows the business exchanging contracts for the sale of 1.3 acres of the Walton Works property in 2023. The required planning permission has been granted subject to conditions, which are now at an advanced stage, and completion of this sale is expected within the next three months. The property is partially occupied by tenants.
Additionally the firm has recently agreed, subject to contract, to sell three other surplus properties in Chesterfield with an aggregate consideration of just under £1.2m. One of the properties is partially occupied by tenants, with the remainder vacant.
The monies will be used by Robinson to reduce bank debt.
Bally’s partners with Nottingham Forest for major sponsorship deal
Bally’s Corporation has secured a front-of-shirt sponsorship deal with Premier League club Nottingham Forest for the 2025–26 season. The move comes just ahead of the team’s season opener against Brentford. This deal fills the spot previously held by Kaiyun Sports, whose contract ended in May 2025.
The Bally’s logo will feature prominently on Forest’s men’s first-team kits and throughout the stadium. The club’s new kits, which were launched without a primary sponsor, now feature Bally’s branding, marking a new chapter for the team and sponsor.
This partnership is part of Bally’s larger strategy to expand its presence across Europe. In addition to operating several UK-based digital gaming platforms, Bally’s has made strategic acquisitions, including Newcastle’s Aspers Casino and a deal to manage the Monopoly brand in multiple global markets, including Spain, the US, and Canada.
Bally’s aims to leverage the visibility of the Premier League, particularly with Forest qualifying for European competition for the first time in 30 years. The deal also positions Bally’s as a key player in the UK and European markets, aligning the brand with one of football’s most storied clubs.
The sponsorship agreement also comes amid significant developments for Bally’s, including its €2.7 billion acquisition of Bally’s Interactive by Intralot, a move expected to further increase its footprint in the gaming and entertainment sectors.
This deal holds particular significance as Premier League clubs face new regulations regarding gambling sponsorships. Starting in the 2026–27 season, front-of-shirt sponsorships from gambling companies will be banned, though clubs will still be able to display these brands on sleeves and in other advertising formats. This transition period allows clubs to adjust ahead of the upcoming rule change.
Just one week remains to make your nominations for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025!
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
Nominations will close on Friday 15th August.
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 opportunity to forge new contacts with property and construction professionals from across the region. The 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. Robert Maxey, partner at heb Surveyors, last year’s Deal of the Year winner, said: “It was an honour to take home the Deal of the Year award at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024, especially because the other nominees in the category were so strong! It was extremely pleasing to see recognition of our team’s efforts and the event provided a great boost to morale. Celebrating excellence in our region’s property and construction sector, and offering a great chance to catch up with local professionals, I’d encourage other businesses to get involved with an entry, to showcase your business and the impact it is making in the industry.”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:
Fragmented waste contracts costing manufacturers thousands
New export support helps East Midlands firms enter global markets
The East Midlands Chamber has launched an Export Accelerator initiative, aimed at helping businesses in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire explore international markets. The project, which has already seen 227 companies register since its spring debut, is designed to assist businesses in overcoming the complexities of global trade, from research to product launches abroad.
Funded by a £454,000 contribution from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the programme provides expert consultancy, training, and grants for businesses. The initiative includes up to £8,000 in grant funding to cover the cost of services like specialist consultancy, attending overseas trade shows, and equipment. Additionally, businesses can apply for a £2,000 bursary to attend international trade training courses, including the BCC-Accredited International Trade Operations and Procedures qualification.
Participants also gain access to the newly formed East Midlands International Trade Network, offering bi-monthly forums, expert support, and opportunities for businesses to collaborate and share insights. The first two forums will take place in Nottingham and Bolsover in late September.
The initiative comes at a time when overseas trade is facing increasing challenges, with a reported 10% decrease in overseas sales and a 3% drop in orders, according to the Chamber’s latest economic survey. As trade costs and paperwork escalate, the Export Accelerator offers crucial support to businesses looking to expand beyond the UK.
To sign up, businesses can complete a Registration Form and receive guidance from an Export Accelerator adviser. The Chamber also lists its international trade training courses on its website, where eligible businesses can apply for funding to attend.
Interest rate cut offers limited relief for businesses facing multiple pressures
The Bank of England’s recent decision to reduce interest rates by 0.25% to 4% is unlikely to significantly ease the challenges faced by businesses, according to the East Midlands Chamber. The ongoing pressure of high operational costs, staffing expenses due to increased National Insurance contributions, and inflation persist as major obstacles for many companies.
Despite the interest rate reduction providing some relief for businesses seeking to borrow, many in the region remain concerned about future tax hikes. A significant number of businesses have indicated in the East Midlands Chamber’s Quarterly Economic Survey that they expect declining profitability in the near future. Additionally, almost 40% of companies anticipate raising their prices to manage the increasing cost burdens.
The Chamber notes that while some government initiatives, such as the strategy addressing late supplier payments, are positive, broader concerns like corporate tax rates and inflation require further action. With the Autumn Budget approaching, the need for greater government support and clarity on tax policies has become more urgent for businesses striving to remain competitive.
Construction sector faces significant downturn as demand weakens
The UK construction industry experienced its sharpest contraction in over five years during July, marking a continued decline across all major sectors. The S&P Global UK construction purchasing managers’ index (PMI) dropped to 44.3 from 48.8 in June, signalling a significant slowdown in activity. Any reading below 50 indicates a contraction in the sector.
The downturn was driven by a slump in housebuilding, which had briefly shown signs of recovery in June, as well as weaker performance across civil engineering and commercial construction. The survey highlighted that civil engineering experienced the largest decline, particularly with public-sector projects seeing reduced activity.
Firms across the industry faced delays on job sites, lower volumes of new work, and a lack of confidence from consumers. The latest figures also revealed a continued decrease in employment, marking the seventh consecutive month of job losses. Many construction businesses are now freezing recruitment and cutting back on material purchases as they prepare for a difficult outlook.
Despite these challenges, analysts expect some recovery in the coming months. Potential interest rate cuts from the Bank of England could ease borrowing costs, and government investments are expected to help stabilise the market.
Bank of England cuts interest rates to 4%
