Celebrate property and construction businesses with a submission for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025 – nominations close 15 August!

Tess Egginton
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0
Celebrate property and construction businesses with a submission for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025 – nominations close 15 August!
Providing the perfect forum to spotlight your business’s achievements, there’s not long left to enter the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025, with nominations closing on Friday 15th August. The prestigious event, organised by East Midlands Business Link Magazine, is an independent awards and publicity programme recognising development projects and people in commercial and public building across the region – from office, industrial and residential schemes, through to community projects such as leisure schemes and schools. We also highlight the work of architects, agencies and those behind large schemes. The awards and networking event draws leaders from throughout the East Midlands and is the ideal way for businesses to promote themselves and those they work with. Indeed winning one of these awards will add considerably to a company’s or individual’s brand and enhance their commercial reach significantly. Take this chance to showcase exceptional new commercial and residential developments, those demonstrating a leading position in sustainability and design excellence; gain recognition as prestige developers, architects, contractors, and agents, as well as for significant deals; and ensure efforts in corporate social responsibility are rewarded, from eco initiatives to charity work, to social value schemes. It’s completely free to enter and making the top three finalists in your category also wins you free tickets to the awards ceremony on Thursday 2nd October at Trent Bridge Cricket Ground.

To make a nomination for the 10th annual East Midlands Bricks Awards, please click here, or on the category headings below.

Categories include: 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.

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.”
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:

New waterside development to boost local economy

April Lara
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New waterside development to boost local economy

A new mixed-use development, The Moorings, has officially opened in Staveley as part of the £25 million Government-backed Staveley Town Deal regeneration programme. Located by the Chesterfield Canal, the development is set to offer office, retail, and dining spaces designed to attract both businesses and visitors.

The first floor of the building houses six office units ranging from 450 to 750 square feet, available for rent. The ground floor includes retail spaces and a larger area designated for a restaurant or café-bar, which will feature outdoor seating overlooking the canal. The site also benefits from improved access, including a new road and footpath, making it more attractive for visitors looking to enjoy recreational activities like walking, cycling, and boating.

Expected to generate 40 to 60 new jobs, The Moorings is part of a broader initiative to stimulate local economic growth and create a vibrant destination in the region. The Staveley Town Deal has contributed £3.5 million towards the £4.5 million cost of the project, with the remaining funding covered by local partners.

The development forms part of the wider Markham Vale business park initiative, aimed at supporting business growth in the area.

£150m incinerator project gets approval after appeal

April Lara
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£150m incinerator project gets approval after appeal

A government inspector has approved the £150m Swadlincote Energy Recovery Park project after an appeal, overturning the previous decision by Derbyshire County Council’s planning committee to reject it. The controversial scheme, aimed at creating a 60m-tall “energy-from-waste” incinerator near the A444 on the outskirts of Swadlincote, had faced opposition from thousands of residents. Over 3,400 signed a petition against it, with more than 1,200 submitting objections citing concerns about pollution, health risks, traffic, and environmental impact.

Despite the objections, government inspector Paul Griffiths ruled that the benefits of the project outweighed the harm it could cause. He noted that the facility would generate enough energy to power 36,000 homes while diverting significant amounts of waste from landfills.

The development, planned by R&P Clean Power Limited, is expected to create a low-carbon energy source and improve waste management for the region. The project is designed to handle hundreds of thousands of tonnes of waste, with lorries expected to visit the site up to 200 times daily. The approval now means three incinerators will operate in southern Derbyshire.

The decision has been met with disappointment from local campaigners, who feel their concerns were ignored. The approval also includes part-awarded costs to be paid by the county council after the inspector deemed the council’s rejection unreasonable.

Next takes on brand and intellectual property of maternity fashion retailer

Tess Egginton
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Next takes on brand and intellectual property of maternity fashion retailer
The joint administrators of Seraphine Limited, the award-winning international retailer of maternity and post-natal fashion, have sold certain assets of the business, including the brand and intellectual property, to Next plc. Will Wright and Chris Pole were appointed joint administrators to Seraphine Limited on 7 July 2025. The company traded from its flagship store in Kensington High Street, London, as well as via its online platform and other well-known stockists. Will Wright, UK CEO of Interpath and joint administrator of Seraphine Limited, said: “We are pleased to have concluded this transaction which preserves the Seraphine brand, and wish the team at Next all the very best for the future.”

Blaby Golf Centre housing plans rejected

Tess Egginton
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Blaby Golf Centre housing plans rejected
Proposals to close Blaby Golf Centre and build up to 200 homes on the site have been rejected. Blaby District Council planning committee members have refused an outline application for the housing scheme from Hallam Land Management. Officers had recommended the scheme be refused and the application had generated more than 1,700 objections from the public. In their report officers said while the development would provide much-needed housing the loss of 16 hectares of Green Wedge was “considered to be inherently harmful.” They said proposals to relocate other popular and well-used businesses at the centre, including a dance school, gym, taxi rank, boutique and beauty salon were not adequate. Councillor Lee Breckon, chairman of the planning committee, said: “Refusing a planning application is a decision we do not take lightly. We have a responsibility to ensure a sufficient housing supply and under national guidelines are generally required to approve new schemes. “However, in this case we agreed with officers that the scheme would be harmful to the local area rather than beneficial. Our main concerns were the loss of Green Wedge as well as the loss of premises for several small businesses in the local area. We felt the overall harms posed by the scheme were strong enough for us to reject the application.”

Funding boost for Derbyshire Dales digital technology firms

Tess Egginton
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Funding boost for Derbyshire Dales digital technology firms
Derbyshire Dales District Council is inviting local digital technology businesses to take advantage of new funding opportunities available through the extended UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) programme. The initiative, which has already supported a range of innovative local projects, has been extended to continue helping businesses modernise their operations and grow through the adoption of cutting-edge technologies. The previous round of UKSPF support helped unlock investment in pioneering ideas from Dales-based companies, including White Peak Design & Build Ltd, which invested in drone and scanning technology to enhance surveying capabilities, and Digital Urban, which creates immersive virtual experiences to engage communities in built environment proposals. “These are exactly the kinds of projects we want to see more of,” said a District Council spokesperson. “We know there are many talented and forward-thinking digital businesses in our area – this funding is here to help turn their ideas into reality.” Grants can support a wide range of investments – from software and equipment to product development and digital transformation.

New business school set to open at University of Derby

April Lara
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New business school set to open at University of Derby

The University of Derby’s new £70m business school, located in the Cavendish Building on Agard Street, is preparing to open its doors in September. The seven-storey building will offer a variety of modern facilities, including teaching spaces, laboratories, a virtual reality suite, and a stock market financial trading room, catering to thousands of students in the coming years.

Construction on the building was completed on 29 July, with final preparations underway to ensure readiness for the student intake. In addition to its educational offerings, the building will also support small businesses and start-ups, providing space for innovation and collaboration.

The new facility is part of the university’s broader vision to foster industry partnerships and enhance learning opportunities for its students, positioning the business school as a key asset in the region’s development.

Ipsum expands its capabilities with acquisition of Core Control Solutions

April Lara
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Ipsum expands its capabilities with acquisition of Core Control Solutions

Ipsum Group has strengthened its position in the energy and infrastructure sectors with the acquisition of Ilkeston-based Core Control Solutions. Core Control specialises in designing and building energy systems for power, water, and transport sectors, including power storage systems that support renewable energy projects, tunnels, and airports.

This acquisition is set to enhance Ipsum’s existing work in power, water, infrastructure, and telecoms, allowing the company to provide more integrated and efficient end-to-end solutions. The deal also opens doors to further expansion into additional infrastructure sectors.

By combining its engineering expertise with Core Control’s capabilities, Ipsum aims to boost service delivery and increase its market presence across the UK. The acquisition will further strengthen Ipsum’s efforts in delivering reliable power and water infrastructure solutions.

The deal was supported by legal and financial advisors Squire Patton Boggs, Grant Thornton, Dains Accountants, and M&S Solicitors, who provided expertise throughout the transaction process.

Revenue soars at J&J Global Fulfilment

Tess Egginton
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Revenue soars at J&J Global Fulfilment
Chris Baker, partner at LDC, added: “These results reflect J&J’s continued focus on service excellence and a culture of constant improvement on behalf of its customers – something that’s seen in everything the team does, from its dedication to expanding and optimising the service offering, to the ever-growing capabilities of its technology platform. “We’re looking forward to continuing to support Emma and the management team as they press ahead with their ambitious plans.”

Training specialist secures funding for growth

Tess Egginton
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Training specialist secures funding for growth
A specialist training provider for childcare and education professionals has secured funding for growth from the Community Investment Enterprise Fund (CIEF) delivered by BCRS Business Loans. Orange Moon Training has secured £100,000 to support its strategy of enhancing the delivery of skills training for early years staff and teaching practitioners, which ranges from apprenticeship courses through to senior leadership development. Led by director Barrington Oliver-Mighten, the business plans to increase its headcount and deliver teaching in more efficient ways including e-learning platforms. Orange Moon Training is also branching out into international services, having started to deliver pre-school training in India. Originally launched as a childcare provider in 2005, the business, which has its premises in Sherwood Rise, Nottingham, has expanded to offer training beyond the Midlands to the South West of England, London and the North West. Barrington Oliver-Mighten said: “The funding from BCRS Business Loans will enable us to deliver on our strategy to grow our business through delivering quality services in more efficient ways. We can position ourselves as an innovative training provider by making use of technology such as e-learning platforms. “We were recommended to speak to BCRS Business Loans through another business loan provider, our neighbour First Enterprise. BCRS Business Loans were very thorough and we were given good support throughout the application process which helped secure the amount we needed. “The outlook is positive for our business as we can see there will be greater demand for childcare training with more free places being made available under the Government policy. Our sector is always evolving but we can navigate the nuances as we grow.”
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