Chameleon School of Construction’s Teresa Swift named one of the most influential women in construction
Chameleon School of Construction’s centre manager, Teresa Swift, has been named as one of the most influential women in construction, having reached the final of the CITB Top 100 Most Influential Women in Construction Awards.
Teresa has been shortlisted in the Most Influential Educator in Construction category, recognising her outstanding commitment to supporting learners and creating opportunities for people from all backgrounds to build a future in the industry.
With a family history rooted in construction and more than two decades of experience in education, Teresa has combined her skills and passion to lead Chameleon’s training centres across Derbyshire.
She is known for going above and beyond for learners, many of whom have faced difficult starts in life. From equipping young people with practical skills in trades such as bricklaying and motor vehicle repair, to providing life skills, mentoring and emotional support, Teresa ensures that every learner feels valued and able to succeed.
Commenting on making the final, Teresa said: “I was shocked but delighted to be shortlisted. To me, it is not just about construction training, it is about giving young people stability, skills and the confidence to believe in themselves. The staff and learners at Chameleon are like a family, and I am proud that the work we do together has been recognised in this way.”
The awards, organised by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), celebrate the achievements of women who are making a significant impact across the sector. Winners will be announced at a ceremony later this year.
Detailed plans revealed for new Leicestershire logistics complex
Detailed plans have been unveiled for a new logistics complex at St Johns, Enderby.
Blaby District Council has received a reserved matters application for the 33.3 ha site, which follows approval of an outline application in July last year.
The proposal centres on delivering five warehouses with offices and gatehouses, constructed in two phases with access off Leicester Lane.
In a design statement, applicant Royal London Mutual Insurance Ltd said the site “is a flagship project” with high sustainability credentials which will generate local jobs for local people.
They anticipate 2,479 jobs could be created – 1,811 direct, 125 construction related jobs and a further potential 543 indirect jobs.
The first phase involves site wide earthworks, main spine roads and footpath as well as Unit 1 and 2, gatehouses, car parking, EV charging, cycle parking, landscaping, yards and internal access roads.
The second phase delivers Units 3, 4 and 5 plus a gatehouse for Unit 5 and associated infrastructure.
There will also be wildflower and woodland planting which will help screen the complex as well as increase biodiversity on the site.
Councillor Mike Shirley, Blaby District Council portfolio holder for planning and strategic growth, said: “This application sets out the development of the Enderby Hub, proposing high quality warehousing in an area allocated for employment use in our current Local Plan.
“While we recognise there has been public concern about the development the location, close to existing successful business parks and near to the motorway network, make it an important strategic site. It will help meet our need to provide employment sites and create a wealth of jobs.”
Time Out: Tammy Pell, marketing & events coordinator, Bell of Northampton
It’s Friday, and the weekend is just around the corner. That means it is time to kick up your feet and relax with some quick fire questions. This ‘Time Out’ features Tammy Pell, marketing & events coordinator at Bell of Northampton, who it turns out has a secret talent for beekeeping!
What is the first thing you do to get the weekend started?
I’m up early, have some breakfast, and head to the gym for an 8:15 weightlifting class! It sets me up for the day and makes me feel ready for anything… including a nap in the afternoon if I’m lucky!
What is your hobby?
I’ve got a few, but my top two are cooking and dancing. Often at the same time! I’m usually found dancing around the kitchen while I cook.
What is your favourite movie?
That’s a tough one but The Shawshank Redemption has to be number one.
If you hadn’t been successful at what you do, what would you be doing instead as a career?
Something to do with baking or cooking, I think. Maybe running a series of workshops. When I was younger, I used to pretend I was Delia Smith on TV (my mum adored her).
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
I’d love to be invisible! Imagine the fun you could have with that.
What is your secret talent?
I’m a beekeeper. I love everything about bees, especially their honey! I’ve only been doing it for 18 months, but I really enjoy playing a part in the natural cycle of the bee and the positive impact they have on the environment.
What is your favourite genre of music?
It depends on my mood! I love everything from rock ’n’ roll to Erasure.
If you could travel to any moment in time, where would you go?
I’d go back to my mum’s 70th birthday party. We organised a surprise afternoon tea for around 50 of her closest friends and family in our local church hall, completely transforming the space. It was such a happy, joyous day, and seeing how thrilled she was made it so special.
New networking grant for Nottinghamshire’s creative and digital sector
Create Growth N2 (CGN2) has launched a new Nottingham & Nottinghamshire Networking Grant Scheme to strengthen the region’s creative, digital and creative technology (CDI) sector.
The scheme provides one-off funding for small-scale events and activities that foster collaboration, knowledge-sharing and growth. Two funding options are available: the Small Grant – up to £500 per project application, and the Large Grant – up to £1,000 per project application.
Eligible organisations include local businesses, social enterprises, local authorities, nonprofits and business network groups based in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire that have been operating for at least six months.
It forms part of CGN2’s ambition to leave a lasting legacy for the CDI sector, building a thriving ecosystem and helping attract future regional and national support and investment beyond the programme’s end in March 2026.
Councillor Linda Woodings, executive member for regional development, growth and transport, said: “Nottingham and Nottinghamshire has always enjoyed a rich history of creativity and innovation, and we recognise that success often comes from people interacting and sharing ideas.
“The scheme will help us build a stronger community of creatives across the city and county which will no doubt lead to future recognition, investment and success.”
Applications are open until Friday 30 January 2026, with all supported activity to be completed by Friday 27 February 2026. A full summary of the grant criteria, application guidance and the application form can be found on the dedicated CGN2 website.
Alongside the grant, CGN2 continues to offer free business support and events across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire – including expert-led workshops, one-to-one advice, innovation programmes and investment readiness support.
Funded by the Department for Culture, Media & Sport, CGN2 is delivered in partnership with the University of Nottingham, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham City Council, Nottinghamshire County Council, NBV Enterprise Solutions, Invest in Nottingham and Innovate UK.
Nottingham College opens new engineering and electrical centre
Nottingham College has launched a new Engineering and Electrical Centre at its Ruddington campus to address the growing demand for skilled engineers in manufacturing, electrical installation, and renewable energy. The facility is designed to strengthen apprenticeships and provide industry-aligned technical training.
The Centre complements Emtec, the college’s existing specialist automotive training facility, and features four purpose-built classrooms, a fully equipped engineering workshop with CNC machining, advanced welding bays, and a testing laboratory. Its electrical workshop includes 20 individual workstations, panel wiring stations, and sustainable energy systems to reflect current industry standards.
The Centre can accommodate up to 150 engineering apprentices and 160 electrical apprentices each year. Training is designed to provide hands-on experience with modern and traditional techniques in environments that mirror current workplace conditions. The facility was developed in collaboration with regional and national employers, including Make UK, CEMA, Charnvel, Actemium ICP, McCanns, Reckitt, and Blackburn Starling, ensuring curriculum and equipment are aligned with industry needs.
The opening on 10 September was attended by business representatives and highlighted the Centre’s role in preparing the workforce for evolving engineering and electrical sectors. The initiative positions Nottingham College as a regional hub for technical education while supporting businesses in developing a pipeline of skilled professionals for the future.
New supported housing for rough sleepers takes Framework’s investment in Lincoln to £10m
New high quality accommodation in Lincoln for people with a history of rough sleeping has been opened by homelessness charity Framework.
The purpose-built Sincil House on Lincoln High Street includes 15 self-contained flats for residents who will be able to access tailored and comprehensive support to help them rebuild their lives.
Staff will be onsite 24/7 to provide support to vulnerable people with complex needs, helping them to regain stability, achieve independence, engage with the community and improve their quality of life.
Cllr Naomi Tweddle, leader of the City of Lincoln Council, cut the ribbon at the official opening with Framework’s chief executive Andrew Redfern and deputy chief executive Claire McGonigle welcoming the new provision which takes the charity’s total investment in accommodation for homeless people in Lincoln to just under £10m.
Cllr Naomi Tweddle said: “We are delighted with this latest investment in the City by Framework. The service will complement existing provision for homeless people and rough sleepers in Lincoln, to ease pressure on the system. It will provide tailored and comprehensive support to help its residents regain stability, improve their quality of life, regain independence and engage with the community.”
Framework CEO Andrew Redfern said: “The development of Sincil House is the latest evidence of Framework’s long-term commitment to increase the quantity and improve the quality of accommodation for homeless people across Lincolnshire. Sincil House provides good quality, self-contained supported accommodation for homeless men and women from the Lincoln area.
“This new accommodation service will be Framework’s fifth major capital investment in Lincoln. It brings Framework’s investment in the city to more than £9.6m and means that Framework can accommodate more than 100 homeless people across Lincoln at any one time.
“We are most grateful to the City of Lincoln Council with whom we have worked productively for many years. This £2.65m project has been developed in partnership with the Council who helped us obtain the site and also to obtain funding from the national Single Homelessness Accommodation Programme (SHAP).
“In addition to capital support this includes funding to run the service for the first two years. Framework itself contributed £950,000 to supplement the government’s £1.7m capital grant.”
The Gelder Group was awarded the contract to carry out the purpose-built construction.
Gelder Group CEO Steve Gelder said: “It has been a pleasure to deliver our first development for Framework, an organisation that makes a real difference to those in need of support.
“The site was once home to the Golden Cross pub, a well-known spot for Lincoln City Football Club supporters, so it’s no surprise the project has attracted a great deal of local interest. This new development continues that tradition of serving the community, and we’re proud of the quality and care that has gone into bringing it to life.”
Papa Johns boosts UK operations with East Midlands IT upgrade
Papa Johns has upgraded its IT infrastructure across more than 400 UK stores with the help of Nottingham-based Retail Assist and Derby-headquartered Barron McCann. The initiative targets system reliability and reduces operational disruption caused by technical failures.
Retail Assist manages the central helpdesk, operating daily from 9am to midnight, while Barron McCann provides on-site engineering support with a four-hour response for critical incidents. The combined model has reduced downtime and improved operational continuity across the chain.
The technology overhaul also offers enhanced data visibility, allowing Papa Johns to monitor store performance, track support trends, and identify potential issues before they escalate. This insight supports strategic decision-making, resource allocation, and maintenance scheduling.
The collaboration builds on a 15-year partnership between the two firms, which was strengthened in 2024 with the acquisition of Retail Assist by Barron McCann. The integration positions the group as a leading provider of IT and engineering solutions for the retail, hospitality, and leisure sectors.
Papa Johns plans to leverage the improved infrastructure to maintain consistency, quality, and convenience across its UK operations. At the same time, the partnership provides a scalable model for ongoing technical support and operational efficiency.
UK economy showed no growth in July
The UK economy stood stagnant in July, according to new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
GDP (gross domestic product), a key measure of economy growth, is estimated to have shown no growth for the month, following an uptick of 0.4% in June and a fall of 0.1% in May.
It reflects, across key sectors, services and construction both growing in July, by 0.1% and 0.2% respectively, while production fell by 0.9%.
For the three months to July, however, GDP grew by 0.2%.
Ben Jones, CBI lead economist, said: “The sunshine may have lifted consumers in July, but the broader economy stayed stuck in the shade. Growth was uneven across sectors, highlighting that underlying demand remains more fragile.
“Speculation about new business taxes is casting a long shadow. Amid rising cost pressures, firms are already holding back on hiring and investment and are wary of weeks more Budget uncertainty.
“The government cannot tax its way to growth and continue to raid corporate coffers. With the Autumn Budget fast approaching, the Chancellor must deliver a decisive, pro-growth package by committing to serious tax reform. It’s the structure of our system – from punitive business rates to the restrictive VAT threshold and stamp duty – that holds back economic progress, not just the rates themselves.”
Salloway Property Consultants
Keeping the property market on the move, Salloway Property Consultants are recognised as a leading commercial property agency in the East Midlands. The team of Chartered Surveyors are committed to a dynamic, cost-effective and results orientated service for both private and public sector clients.
Salloway provide solutions in all aspects of commercial and industrial property agency, including disposals, acquisitions, investments, land and development, and offers dedicated professional services in valuation, lease negotiations, compensation and property audit.
With over 30 years of experience, the past year has seen Salloway complete a raft of deals, including landmark properties, complex transactions, and those that will bring a brighter future to the East Midlands: from representing Derby-based developer, Ivygrove Developments Ltd in the acquisition of the well-known car breaking site of Albert Looms at Spondon, to securing the sale of the former Belfield Furnishing site, located on Furnace Road, Ilkeston and more recently acting on behalf of the Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service to dispose of their former headquarters in Bestwood.
The team has further let the well-known office/headquarters premises on Derby’s Sir Frank Whittle Road/Stores Road – originally leased by Barclays Bank plc and more recently occupied by the Department for Work and Pensions as a Job Centre – to MWH Treatment Limited, part of the RSK Group.
To learn more about Salloway Property Consultants, please visit https://www.salloway.com/
£250k secured to help transform historic Lace Market building
National Lottery funding will see one of the Lace Market’s most historic buildings brought back to life.
The People’s Hall on Heathcoat Street has received nearly £250,000 of support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, enabling the Nottingham Historic Building Trust (NHBT) to reimagine the Grade II* listed building as a community-powered space.
The 275-year-old three-storey building will now be brought back to life through a two-year programme of activity led by local volunteers, heritage experts and the multidisciplinary board of trustees at NHBT.
The building is synonymous with Nottingham’s School of Art and Design – from which the city’s universities can trace a common lineage – and was renamed The People’s Hall in 1854, when it was reimagined as a space for working people to learn, socialise and connect by renowned Victorian philanthropist George Gill.
Work has already begun at the building, with volunteers taking on tasks including removing old carpets and clearing debris, with the initial goal of making the space clean, safe and welcoming for small-scale public events.
The project is spearheaded by NHBT, which rescues some of Nottingham’s at-risk heritage buildings with the goal of putting them into positive use for the city.
Toby Ebbs, chair of NHBT and a working conservation officer, said: “Thanks to the support of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, we’ve been able to unlock the doors and begin the journey towards returning The People’s Hall to the community.
“This is about more than restoring bricks and mortar – it’s about building a more inclusive, ambitious approach to heritage, and we see this project as a launchpad for future building restoration projects.”
The initial stage will see the building opened for community-led programming, consultations and heritage storytelling while longer-term restoration plans are developed.
Polly Schomberg, who is part of the initial group of volunteers supporting the project, said: “There’s something very powerful about the hands-on work of clearing out a space that’s been forgotten. You feel the ghosts of what’s gone before – and the potential of what could come next. We’re not just tidying up; we’re making it a space for the people of Nottingham to enjoy, learn about local heritage, and imagine its future together.”
The People’s Hall is owned by Nigel Kirk, who has handed the restoration of the building over to NHBT to ensure it is revitalised in keeping with the building’s long and prestigious history.
