French group acquires majority stake in Northamptonshire spirit company
Warner’s Distillery, a farm-grown spirit company based in Northamptonshire, has secured a significant partnership with La Martiniquaise-Bardinet, one of France’s largest spirits groups.
The partnership sees La Martiniquaise-Bardinet acquiring a majority shareholding in Warner’s Distillery.
With the backing of the spirits house, Warner’s will maximise the potential of their portfolio in UK and global trade.
Warner’s, known for flavoured gin and farm-grown botanicals, will continue to operate under the leadership of founders Tom and Tina Warner, ensuring the brand’s core values and operations remain intact.
Tom Warner, co-founder of Warner’s Distillery, said: “This partnership allows us to stay true to our roots, creating incredible drinks with real purpose, while giving us the strength to scale that mission globally.”
Fellow co-founder Tina Warner-Keogh added: “La Martiniquaise-Bardinet shares our unique United in Spirit values driven by a commitment to quality, authenticity, people and planet. We couldn’t ask for a better partner to help us take Warner’s to the next level.”
For La Martiniquaise-Bardinet, the partnership brings a dynamic new brand into their global portfolio, which includes spirits brands such as Glen Moray Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Bardinet Brandy, Cutty Sark Blended Scotch Whisky and St James Rum.
Christophe Pichambert, international director for La Martiniquaise-Bardinet, said: “We are very proud to see Warner’s Distillery join the LMB group of companies alongside our portfolio of internationally renowned brands.
“Warner’s Gin is a true gem of the English craft gin landscape with its farm-grown and distilled botanicals. Our goal will be to help Tom and Tina bring their wonderful spirit to the world, with respect for their pioneering spirit and exceptional passion.”
Warner’s were advised through the process by Brodersen & Co, Browne Jacobson LLP & Mike Hughes Advisory. La Martiniquaise-Bardinet were advised by Cortus Financial Advisors & Paris-Smith Solicitors.
Sam Sharp, partner at Browne Jacobson, said: “This is a significant milestone for Warner’s Distillery, enabling them to drive their business both in the UK and internationally, while continuing to innovate within the spirits industry. It was a pleasure to give our expertise in the industry to help another British brand expand globally.”
Breedon Group reports lower-than-expected profits amid challenging market conditions
Breedon Group’s shares dropped over 7.5% on July 23 after the company issued a trading update, warning that its full-year results are expected to fall at the lower end of market forecasts.
The construction materials firm posted a 7% increase in total revenue, reaching £815.9 million, largely due to its March acquisition of US-based Lionmark. However, like-for-like revenue and underlying EBITDA saw a decline of 3% in the first half of the year.
Profit before tax dropped by 25%, settling at £34.9 million, with EBITDA margins shrinking by 130 basis points to 14.1%. The company cited weak market conditions in the UK and adverse weather conditions in the US as factors contributing to the downturn.
Despite these setbacks, Breedon remains optimistic about the long-term outlook, citing major infrastructure programmes in the UK, Ireland, and US that will continue to support demand. The company is also focusing on strategic acquisitions in the US, where it sees significant potential in infrastructure-driven growth.
Concentrix relocates to new Derby offices
Concentrix Corporation has relocated to new offices at Cardinal Square in Derby.
The business has taken over 6,000 sq ft within Nurton Developments’ landmark office scheme, relocating its people just a short distance from its previous base.
The relocation is part of Concentrix’s continued commitment to the city. The newly leased space has undergone a significant fit-out to create a modern and accessible working environment, with Luke Torr, associate director, UK region real estate explaining: “The central Derby location was key to our decision.
“Cardinal Square not only allows us to maintain our roots, but also provides a high-quality, modern workspace that embraces an inspiring workplace culture.
“The hidden green oasis at the heart of the scheme complete with table tennis, pétanque, and outdoor meeting pods adds immense value by promoting wellbeing and supporting our goal to attract and retain talent.
“By choosing Cardinal Square, we were able to continue to anchor our presence in Derby, offering seamless access to excellent local amenities that enhance employee lifestyle. As we settle into this innovative space, we look forward to fostering an environment that propels our people forward.”
David Dyas, asset director at Nurton Developments, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Concentrix to Cardinal Square to help retain them in the city.
“We’ve struck up a really good working relationship and their decision to relocate here reflects our flexible approach to securing lettings and the ongoing demand for well-situated, high-specification office space in Derby.
“Their new offices offer room for growth and reflect their global status as an innovative and forward-thinking business who is willing to invest significantly in the future of the company and its people.”
Darran Severn of FHP Property Consultants, who acted as joint letting agent on the deal alongside Innes England, added: “There is a definite drive from occupiers seeking better quality office space across the city of Derby.
“Within the last nine months we have let over 13,000 sq ft within Cardinal Square to local Derby businesses and we have a further 2,271 sq ft currently under offer, with space for further companies looking for room to grow.”
Henry Brothers Construction to build new Community Diagnostic Centre in Nottingham
Contractor Henry Brothers Construction has been appointed to build the new Broad Marsh Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) in Nottingham, where enabling work is due to start on Lister Gate at the end of this month.
This key stage in the programme follows the formal signing of contracts between Homes England – the new landlords of the site – and Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (NUH) – who will run and staff the centre.
The new NHS facility is one of a number of CDCs being funded by the Department for Health and Social Care, which aim to improve population health outcomes and efficiency, as well as reduce waiting times and health inequalities.
Ian Taylor, MD of Henry Brothers Construction, said: “Henry Brothers Construction is proud to have been appointed as part of the team delivering the new Community Diagnostic Centre which is being created in the heart of the Broad Marsh regeneration development in the centre of Nottingham.
“Henry Brothers has wide experience of delivering exciting public sector schemes in the health sector and we look forward to working closely with Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust to develop this CDC which will play an important role in reducing the backlog of patients waiting for diagnostic tests.”
Arup are the structural and civil engineers on the scheme, which has been designed by Leonard Design.
The CDC will open in 2026 and once at full capacity will provide up to 140,000 appointments annually. It is also expected to create 75 new jobs across a range of disciplines including consultant radiologists, radiographers, imaging assistants, physiologists and administrators. When the unit is at full capacity it will employ 135 staff.
June corporate insolvencies dip to lowest level since 2022
An unexpected month-on-month dip in the number of corporate insolvencies in England and Wales is bringing respite to East Midlands businesses and signals hope that the summer months will bring a significant boost to trade.
This is according to the Midlands branch of the UK’s insolvency and restructuring trade body R3, and comes on the back of latest figures published by the Insolvency Service which show that corporate insolvencies decreased by 8.4% in June to a total of 2,043, compared to May’s total of 2,230, and fell by 15.9% compared to June 2024’s figure of 2,430.
R3 Midlands chair Stephen Rome, a partner at law firm Penningtons Manches Cooper in the region, said: “For the first time in many months we have seen a reduction in corporate insolvencies, now dipping to their lowest level for June since 2022.
“While a single month of data does not indicate a long-term trend, it may signal that some directors are holding back from taking formal action for now, either due to improvements in trading conditions or in the hope that the summer months will bring a sizeable increase to their business.
“It should be borne in mind, however, that the broader economic mood remains subdued. Businesses and households alike are low in confidence and, as a result, key decisions are on hold and a “wait and see” attitude is being adopted.
“With GDP growth declining for the second month in a row in May, and unemployment levels recently increasing, it remains to be seen how this economic trend will impact our region over the longer term.
“R3’s message to anyone who is worried about finances is to seek advice as soon as possible. We’ve seen countless examples of businesses reaching out too late – so many of them could have achieved a more positive outcome if they had acted sooner.
“Most R3 members will give prospective clients a free initial consultation to learn more about their situation and outline the potential options open to them to improve it.”
Market Harborough Building Society appoints head of savings and branch operations
Market Harborough Building Society (MHBS) has appointed John Vickers as its head of savings and branch operations – a newly created role.
John joins MHBS with extensive experience in financial services, having led customer-facing teams and operational functions across the sector.
In his new role, he will be responsible for overseeing the Society’s community-based branches across Leicestershire and Northamptonshire, it’s contact centre, and back-office operations. He’ll work closely with colleagues to enhance the Society’s savings proposition.
He will also play a key role in growing the Society’s presence through local engagement and its Thrive! programme, which focuses on giving back through projects that support customers and strengthen communities.
John said: “I’m delighted to be joining MHBS at such a pivotal time. The Society has a strong reputation for putting members at the heart of everything it does. I’m looking forward to building on that foundation, reinforcing our local presence, developing meaningful partnerships, and continuing to deliver a first-rate service.”
Midlands dominates UK logistics take-up
Demand from third-party logistics (3PL) providers continued to underpin the UK industrial market in the first half of 2025, with 3PLs accounting for 59% of all big-box take-up, totalling 6 million sq ft of grade-A space, and predominantly choosing the Midlands region.
New research from real estate consultancy Avison Young highlights the resilience of the logistics sector, with 3PL take-up levels just 2% below the five-year average, despite wider economic uncertainty.
The Midlands remains the most active region, capturing 61% of 3PL leasing activity in H1 2025, reaffirming its position as the UK’s logistics heartland. Since 2021, nearly three-quarters (74%) of all 3PL space has been taken in the region, underlining its long-term appeal for large-scale occupiers.
Across the wider market, prime headline rents continue to rise, particularly in the Northwest, Southwest and Scotland, where average increases reached 4% over the period.
Looking at longer-term trends, 3PLs have accounted for 43% of all UK big-box take-up over the past five years, totalling 31 million sq ft. The top ten 3PL providers alone account for 12.2 million sq ft, or 39% of that total, reflecting the scale and continued importance of the sector’s largest operators. Among the most active is DHL, while Amazon’s footprint in the period stems from a single, large-scale transaction.
David Willmer, managing director, industrial at Avison Young, said: “While macroeconomic headwinds persist, the fundamentals of the logistics market remain strong. We’re seeing sustained demand from 3PLs for modern, well-located space, particularly in the Midlands, which continues to lead the way.
“Headline rents are holding firm, with prime rents rising by an average of 4% in the Northwest, Scotland and the Southwest, reflecting continued confidence in key regional markets. The sector continues to present opportunity for both landlords and occupiers.”
Loughborough contractor launches housing partnership for affordable homes delivery
Work is due to start on a part refurbishment and part new build scheme to deliver 20 affordable homes in Atherstone.
The project will be delivered for North Warwickshire Borough Council through a turnkey development agreement between Tamworth-based developers, Cornerstone Partnership and Loughborough-based contractor, Scope Construction Ltd.
The scheme will see the regeneration of a former TNT office building into 14 affordable flats and six new build, two bedroom homes to the rear.
The redevelopment will incorporate a number of energy efficiency measures. The new build homes will focus on the fabric first, with high levels of insulation, and heating will be “zero gas” with the installation of air source heat pumps.
Each new build will have EV charging, whilst the apartments scheme will see a thermal upgrade to the existing building and communal EV charging stations. Two of the apartments to the rear of the existing building have been designed as accessible dwellings.
The building, on Long Street, has a Grade II Listed frontage, and as such work will include retention of the existing front windows, secondary glazing, cleaning and protection of the stone frontage and sympathetic repairs/replacement of roof tiles, whilst internal features such as hand rails and three leaded glass windows will be retained and integrated into the development.
The enabling works package is now underway, with main works due to start later in July and completion expected in summer 2026.
Councillor Denise Clews, the chair of the Housing Working Group, said: “Councillors very much welcome the conversion of the building into flats to meet the needs of local applicants. Having two flats on the ground floor that are accessible for people with disabilities will help us meet diverse needs.
“The mews houses will be ideal for families because they are close to facilities and transport. All of the new homes will be offered to households on our waiting list.”
Paul Stanford, development director at Cornerstone Partnership, said: “Having delivered other similar turnkey local authority developments in the West Midlands, we are delighted to mark the start of our first partnership project with North Warwickshire Borough Council. We are committed to making sure our schemes have community impact and this scheme will meet an important local need.”
Jim Burman, operations manager for Scope Construction, said: “It is great to be on site in Atherstone today, to mark the start of our partnership with Cornerstone. Scope is committed to helping housing associations and local authorities to deliver affordable and sustainable housing across the Midlands.
“We look forward to working with Cornerstone to deliver quality, energy efficient and affordable homes for North Warwickshire Borough Council. We hope it will be the first of many projects we deliver together.”
Kennedy Wilson JV acquires 275 homes in Derby and beyond in £100m deal
Kennedy Wilson, in partnership with the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, has completed a £100m acquisition of nearly 300 homes across three UK sites. This purchase adds approximately 275 units to their growing single-family rental portfolio.
Located in Milton Keynes, Derby, and Cheltenham, the homes were acquired from major housebuilders Dandara and Miller Homes, the latter being an ongoing partner. The deal expands the JV’s portfolio to 1,180 units in just nine months, marking significant progress since its launch in October 2024.
The acquisition brings the JV’s total committed capital to £390m, with properties secured across 13 sites in strategic locations such as Bedford, Cambridge, and Ipswich. High demand for newly completed homes in Norwich and Bedford further solidifies the platform’s strong market position.
Pick Everard to design future prisons in the UK under new MoJ contract
Pick Everard has been selected as the sole supplier to lead the design of future prison facilities across the UK, supporting the Ministry of Justice’s (MoJ) plans for capacity expansion. This includes work across category A to D prisons and women’s facilities. The firm will handle both new builds and improvements to existing assets, continuing its long-standing collaboration with the MoJ that spans over 20 years.
The MoJ’s new framework programme, procured through the Crown Commercial Services (CCS) framework, will see Pick Everard provide a wide range of services, including architecture, structural and civil engineering, building services, and environmental expertise. The firm’s track record in delivering prison programmes, such as the New Prisons Programme and projects like HMP Five Wells and HMP Millsike, will be key in meeting the growing demand for secure, rehabilitative facilities.
Pick Everard has also been involved in several other MoJ initiatives, including the design work at HMP Rye Hill and advisory services on fire safety and decarbonisation projects across Central England and Wales. The new appointment reflects the firm’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the UK’s prison estate with future-focused, high-quality designs.
