Affordable housing partnership to continue in Towcester

Tess Egginton
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Affordable housing partnership to continue in Towcester
More affordable housing is to be delivered in Towcester as part of Amplius’ ongoing partnership with Persimmon Homes Midlands. The businesses are extending their relationship to build more affordable homes at The Furlongs in the town. So far, the agreement has seen 123 affordable homes provided since 2021, with at least another 12 guaranteed to be built. The one, two, three and four bedroom homes, which include some accessible bungalows, have been made available for affordable rent, social rent and Shared Ownership. Marcus Keys, chief development and commercial officer, Amplius, said: “By working closely with Persimmon Homes Midlands, we’re providing much-needed affordable housing in Towcester. “These homes give local people the chance to get on the housing ladder and to have a house they’re proud to call home. “We’re really pleased with the progress being made by the Persimmon team and we’re looking forward to continuing our partnership with them to deliver even more affordable homes.” David Ablett, construction director at Persimmon Homes Midlands, added: “Handing over a portion of our homes at Towcester is the latest example of our successful partnership with Amplius, which is delivering much-needed new homes for local families. “We’re continuing to work hard to prioritise quality and affordability for all our customers. “We’ll continue to work closely with our local partners to ensure our investment makes a positive difference to communities across the region.”

Gold seen as safe haven amid tax hikes and market volatility

April Lara
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Gold seen as safe haven amid tax hikes and market volatility

A recent survey of UK retail investors indicates that gold is now the most favoured asset class for the next 12 months, with 58% of respondents expecting its value to increase. This marks a notable shift in investor sentiment as geopolitical and economic uncertainties persist.

The findings, published by Charles Schwab UK, show that confidence in gold has overtaken traditional indices such as the FTSE 100, which only 39% of investors expect to rise. Similarly, 40% are optimistic about the Dow Jones and 38% about the Nasdaq.

This movement towards gold comes amid growing concerns about tariff policy and the recent hike in capital gains tax, which exempts physical gold investments. The Royal Mint has reported increased demand for physical gold assets like coins and bars.

Younger investors are particularly active in this trend, with 31% increasing exposure to precious metal stocks in the past quarter. Overall, 73% of investors view mining and precious metals companies as sound investment opportunities. This figure is even higher among millennials at 79%, reflecting a generational leaning towards assets perceived as inflation-resistant and less exposed to political risk.

By comparison, just 70% of investors view AI stocks as strong investments, highlighting a broader pivot toward defensive positions in portfolios.

“Good progress” at Topps Tiles as sales and profit rise

Tess Egginton
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“Good progress” at Topps Tiles as sales and profit rise

Topps Tiles, the Leicester-based tile specialist, has made “good progress” across key growth areas in its half year results, focused on modernising the trade digital experience, expanding into new coverings categories, business-to-business sales, and the Pro Tiler Tools and Tile Warehouse businesses.

According to unaudited consolidated interim financial results for the 26 weeks ended 29 March 2025, adjusted sales (excluding the financial impact of the firm’s acquisition of CTD) increased by 4.1% to £127.8 million, with an improving trend across the first and second quarters.

Adjusted profit before tax, meanwhile, was up 3.2% at £3.2 million. Topps Tiles has also hailed a strong start to the second half, with adjusted sales in the first seven weeks up 9.5% year-on-year.

Rob Parker, Chief Executive, said: “I am pleased with the progress we have made over the first half, which has included an improving sales trend, offsetting the majority of our inflationary cost pressures, and continuing to deliver our strategy; while also delivering a small increase in underlying profitability.

“We have recently announced the conclusion of the CMA investigation into our acquisition of CTD, which will form a major part of the business-to-business element of our growth strategy moving forwards.

“As we look forward to the second half, current trading shows a strong improvement in both our market leading omni-channel business, Topps Tiles, and also in the newer parts of the Group; and we have a clear plan to move CTD into profitability by the final quarter of our financial year and into growth beyond that.

“As a result, we expect our full year profits to show a meaningful improvement over the prior year.”

Midlands firms embrace growing popularity of Employee Ownership Trusts

Tess Egginton
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Midlands firms embrace growing popularity of Employee Ownership Trusts
Grant Thornton UK Advisory & Tax LLP, the business and financial advisory firm, is witnessing a surge in interest from Midlands-based companies exploring Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs). Introduced by the UK government in 2014 to promote employee ownership, EOTs are a specific type of Employee Benefit Trust that acquires shares in a company and holds them on behalf of the employees. EOTs gained significant traction following regulatory changes in 2020. According to the Employee Ownership Association, employee-owned businesses are now growing at an average rate of 23% annually – an upward trend reflected in Grant Thornton’s experience. “There has always been demand for succession planning, but Employee Ownership Trusts are attracting a lot of interest and can be a valuable option for businesses in our region,” said Tara Walker, an associate tax director who is focused on equity-based employee rewards at Grant Thornton in the Midlands. “By design, the EOT encourages long term employee ownership, incentivised by a sale free from capital gains tax and up to £3,600 per year tax free for employees in qualifying bonus payments. “EOTs allow business owners to pass on their legacy while fostering a culture of shared success among employees. Studies also show that employee-owned businesses often experience higher levels of motivation, productivity, and retention, leading to long-term success. “Tax efficiency is understandably of great interest to business owners and the potential for capital gains tax exemptions makes EOTs an attractive financial option for people seeking an exit strategy.” While HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) does not release official figures on EOT formations, industry data highlights their accelerating adoption. By the end of 2023, over 1,650 UK businesses had transitioned to employee ownership, with 542 making the shift in 2023 alone. Monique Beaulieu, partner in tax and reward advisory services at Grant Thornton UK, said: “Interest in employee-owned businesses continues to grow across all sectors and regions. Last year’s consultation and the Autumn 2024 budget adjustments have not dampened enthusiasm for EOTs as a viable succession planning tool, particularly among business owners in the Midlands.”

DSP (Interiors) shortlisted for national award

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DSP (Interiors) shortlisted for national award
A design, refurbishment and fit-out specialist has been shortlisted for a prestigious industry award for its work transforming a 16,000 sq ft empty building shell into a large bespoke office and warehouse facility. Derby-based DSP (Interiors) has been named one of three finalists in the Interior Fit Out Under £1m category of the FIS Contractors Awards which celebrate outstanding design and craftsmanship. The company was nominated for its work at AMS Hayley Derby, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of engineering components and consumables, based at Ivygrove Development’s Dunstall Park, off Ascot Drive. Its management team tasked DSP (Interiors) to deliver a new facility that would accommodate all aspects of the company’s operations – from office space to warehouse and logistics. The multi-faceted project turned an empty shell into a modern, high-quality office and logistics hub. The finished space includes a spacious office area with meeting rooms, breakout zones, welfare facilities and design elements like biophilic graphic walls and acoustic tiles and slat walls to elevate the space. Louisa Priestley, managing director at DSP (Interiors), said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to have been shortlisted for this national award. “The AMS Hayley Derby project was a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate our expertise in creating high-performance work environments. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, and to the collaborative approach we shared with the client throughout the project.” Following the success of the Derby project, DSP has been working on another turnkey project for AMS Hayley at its Burton branch which is set to complete soon. Simon Lister, director at AMS Hayley Ltd, said: “DSP Interiors listened carefully to our brief and have created a bespoke office and warehouse facility that not only reflects our brand identity but also provides a functional and inspiring work environment for our employees.”

Gateley RJA awarded place on EN:Procure consultancy framework

Tess Egginton
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Gateley RJA awarded place on EN:Procure consultancy framework
Gateley RJA, the Leicester-headquartered specialist quantity surveying, employer’s agent, project management and clerk of works arm of professional services group, Gateley, has been awarded a place on EN:Procure’s construction consultancy services framework. EN:Procure, the regional procurement arm of social housing consortium Efficiency North, has appointed 106 successful bidders to its latest ‘Gen-4’ version of the construction consultancy services framework. With an estimated total value of £103m, the framework covers a broad range of speciality services for social housing, public sector and commercial buildings. The four-year appointment will see Gateley RJA deliver employer’s agent, project management, quantity surveying, cost management, clerk of works, site supervision and stock condition surveying services on sites across the UK, including the North West, Yorkshire and Humber and the East Midlands. Emma Mottram, director of operations for EN:Procure, said: “The engagement we’ve had on this latest round of tenders has been incredibly high and it’s fantastic to now be able to announce 106 consultants, both new and returning, to the framework. “We wanted to give the opportunity to as many businesses as possible and with such a high standard of tender the selection process was a challenge. Those appointed should be incredibly proud. “We always aim to champion SMEs, which was once again a focus for this framework. It’s brilliant to have such impressive SMEs appointed and we look forward to working with them, alongside the other expert consultants, to deliver outstanding consultancy services and achieve robust ESG targets.” Steven Collin, managing director at Gateley RJA, said: “We are proud to be awarded a place on the EN:Procure framework which will see us providing services to support with driving value and excellence in social housing and public sector projects across the country. “This appointment is testament to the expertise and commitment of our hard-working team to deliver high-quality consultancy services across the built environment sector.”

“A fantastic celebration of the region’s construction and property sectors” – EMEC joins the sponsor line up for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025

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“A fantastic celebration of the region’s construction and property sectors” – EMEC joins the sponsor line up for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025
Environmental consultancy EMEC has joined the sponsor line up for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025, backing ‘Contractor of the Year’. A returning sponsor, EMEC is a one stop shop for specialist ecology, land management and arboriculture services. A wholly owned subsidiary of Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, all profits are gift aided to the Trust to support nature conservation. Based in the heart of the East Midlands, EMEC operates for its clients throughout the UK. It serves developers, planners, architects, power and extraction industries, utility companies, local authorities, government agencies and private individuals. Its varied portfolio of work ranges from major national research contracts and large-scale ecological impact assessments for housing and industry, through to management planning for nature reserves, bat surveys of barns and churches and habitat surveys of small-scale developments. Dr Ed Tripp, Consultancy Director at EMEC, said: “We’re proud to once again sponsor the ‘Contractor of the Year’ category at the Bricks Awards, which continues to be a fantastic celebration of the region’s construction and property sectors. “Last year’s event was a brilliant showcase of talent, innovation and collaboration, and we thoroughly enjoyed connecting with so many like-minded professionals who are helping shape the future of our built environment.
Ed Tripp of EMEC (right) hands over the award for Contractor of the Year to Darren Chapman of Clegg Contruction at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024
“At EMEC, we work closely with contractors across a wide range of projects, so it’s a real pleasure to help shine a spotlight on those delivering excellence on site. As an environmental consultancy, we believe it’s vital for contractors to take a responsible and forward-thinking approach to sustainability, and this year’s winner will be someone who goes above and beyond to embrace biodiversity within their developments. “We’re looking forward to another inspiring evening and encourage all within the industry to get their nominations in—it’s a great opportunity to recognise hard work, dedication and impact across the industry.” The East Midlands Bricks Awards, which will take place on Thursday 2nd October at Nottingham’s famous Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, celebrates the successes of property and construction companies in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, and Northamptonshire. Recognising those behind the changing landscape of the East Midlands, the occasion highlights development projects, businesses, 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. It also toasts the work of architects, agencies, and those behind large schemes. Welcoming almost 150 professionals, nominating a company or project for the awards is a great way to showcase your successes, recognise your team’s efforts, bolster morale, and reach our audience of over 60,000 business readers, while also offering a chance to connect with respected professionals. It’s completely free to enter and making the top three finalists in your category also wins you free tickets to the event.

To make a nomination for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025, please click here.

Supporting imagery, video, documents, or links to these, can be sent to bricks@blmgroup.co.uk. Video nomination pitches are also welcome as an alternative or companion to written entries. 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.

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. Upon submitting a nomination, we will get in touch for any information, imagery, and video nominees would like to be featured on their showcase page.

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:

With a limited number of sponsorship opportunities remaining, please contact Angie Cooper at a.cooper@blmgroup.co.uk to learn more if you are interested in becoming an East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025 sponsor.

EU reset a step forward in improving trade says East Midlands Chamber

Tess Egginton
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EU reset a step forward in improving trade says East Midlands Chamber
East Midlands Chamber has welcomed the outcomes of the UK and EU ‘reset’ talks, saying they will help ease challenges businesses have faced since Brexit. Outcomes from the summit included:
  • Routine checks on plant and animal products removed
  • Sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) agreement on food and drink import and export
  • Closer cooperation on emissions
  • British steel exports protected from EU tariffs
  • eGates at borders open to British passport holders
East Midlands Chamber head of international trade Lucy Granger said: “After such a prolonged and frustrating time for firms importing or exporting goods with the EU, where moving even small amounts of goods has been prohibitively expensive and reams of unnecessary paperwork time consuming, these agreements are a welcome step forward and pave the way for further improvements. “Getting agreement and removing most routine checks on animal and plant products will make a big difference to businesses trading with the EU, as will the sanitary and phytosanitary deal – that enables everything from burgers to sausages to be shipped without costs getting in the way. “There’s still more that can be achieved – a return to the Pan Euro Mediterranean Convention would mean alignment on rules for components and raw materials, taking out another cost and an exemption on fiscal representation on VAT in the EU would remove another hurdle for businesses, so it’s essential the government build on this first stage of talks.”

New pre-construction director appointed at Clegg Construction

Tess Egginton
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New pre-construction director appointed at Clegg Construction
Contractor Clegg Construction has appointed Christian White as pre-construction director. He brings with him more than 30 years of industry experience, having worked at a number of high-profile regional construction companies in the past. Working with the in-house pre-construction team at Clegg Construction, Christian will be responsible for delivering high-quality, client-focused solutions – ensuring that projects are thoroughly planned and structured to meet client expectations and regulatory requirements. He will also be responsible for implementing the company’s procurement objectives and for the strategic management of Clegg Construction’s framework appointments. Clegg Construction MD Michael Sims said: “I am pleased to welcome Christian as pre-construction director, helping us to develop comprehensive project strategies which set the groundwork for successful project execution. His experience and expertise will strengthen our team, building on the reputation that Clegg Construction has earned over many years. “Christian will work closely with our clients across the private and public sectors to understand their needs and help us lay the foundations for the continued delivery of successful construction developments.” He will be based at the headquarters of Clegg Construction in High Pavement, Nottingham. Christian said: “I am excited to be joining Clegg Construction at a time when the order book is flourishing, with interesting projects currently under way and a number of new schemes in the pipeline. I look forward to building on this, and to meeting existing and new clients as we continue to work with organisations across a range of sectors including healthcare, education and residential.” Christian’s remit will cover Clegg Construction operations across the Midlands, East Anglia, and Yorkshire, working on the delivery of public and private sector projects.

East Midlands offers most efficient conditions for UK tradespeople

April Lara
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East Midlands offers most efficient conditions for UK tradespeople

New data highlights the East Midlands as the most favourable UK region for tradespeople regarding working hours, commute lengths, and mental health outcomes. The findings come from a report by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles that analysed regional variations in working life for trades professionals.

Tradespeople in the East Midlands work fewer hours on average, 9.03 per day, compared to the national average of 9.25 hours. In contrast, those in the West Midlands work 9.81 hours daily. This adds up to a significant difference over a working week, giving East Midlands professionals more personal time or increased availability for additional jobs.

Commute distances also varied sharply. The East Midlands reported the lowest average daily mileage at 67.95 miles, well below the UK average of 88.37 miles. Tradespeople in London and the North West drove more than 100 miles a day, meaning East Midlands workers potentially save over 20 miles daily, equivalent to 82 hours annually.

This efficiency appears to have mental health benefits. Workers in the East Midlands lost just 2.84 days due to mental health challenges in 2024, undercutting the national average of 3.58 days. Wales recorded the highest at 5.75 days lost.

Key stress factors across the UK included long hours, poor work-life balance, and the job’s physical toll. The data suggests that even incremental schedule or travel time improvements can reduce these pressures.

The study also underscores the potential for electric vans to support productivity and well-being across the trades sector. Most electric vans on the market now cover over 150 miles per charge, well above the average daily requirement, making them a practical option for reducing driver fatigue and enhancing comfort with quieter, tech-enabled cabins.

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