A new extension has been designed to blend in with the current roof, ensuring the building’s main appearance from the front remains largely unchanged, while modern materials make a clear distinction between the historic structure and the new addition.
The Grey Friars area of Leicester is recognised as the burial site of King Richard III, whose remains were discovered beneath a nearby car park in 2012, marking one of the most significant archaeological finds of the 21st century.
Keshiv Sudera, managing director of Design Studio Architects, said: “This is more than a housing project — it’s a legacy scheme for Leicester. Grey Friars holds immense historic value, but like many heritage sites, it’s been under pressure from vacancy and neglect.
“We’re honoured to breathe new life into this location, delivering thoughtfully designed homes and restoring its relevance in our modern city. This development reflects our commitment to architecture that respects the past while shaping a more vibrant urban future.”
Construction is expected to begin later this year.
Redevelopment of Grey Friars site in Leicester gets green light
Full planning permission has been granted for the redevelopment of the Grey Friars site in Leicester’s Old Town.
It allows the restoration and conversion of two Grade II listed buildings and one non-designated heritage asset into 62 residential apartments and a commercial space.
The development will provide a mix of one and two-bedroom apartments, bringing new life to three empty historic buildings.
Acquisition sees The Access Group expand global compliance offering
The Access Group, a Loughborough-based provider of business management software, has acquired MY Compliance Management, complementing its compliance and workforce learning capabilities.
The acquisition expands Access Learning’s position as a digital learning solutions provider, now serving over 3,000 global customers across multiple sectors.
Founded in 2015, MY Compliance Management is a SaaS provider of cloud-based compliance software, offering a suite of modules and applications.
Elliot Gowans, general manager of Access Learning, said: “The acquisition of MY Compliance Management represents an important milestone in our growth strategy. This innovative platform creates powerful synergies with our existing learning solutions, addressing the complete compliance lifecycle – from risk identification and assessment through training delivery to ongoing compliance verification.
“Our customers gain access to a compliance and learning ecosystem that simplifies regulatory adherence and provides the confidence and tools necessary to navigate increasingly complex compliance landscapes. This acquisition underscores our commitment to delivering comprehensive, tailored solutions that meet the diverse needs of our expanding global client base.”
Chris Fuller, founder of MY Compliance Management, added: “Joining The Access Group represents an exciting evolution for our business and customers. We’ve been consistently impressed by the Access Group’s product portfolio and their commitment to innovation. Our customers will benefit from a roadmap of enhanced product capabilities, more integrated user experiences, and access to cutting-edge AI functionality.”
Elliot Gowans concluded: “This strategic acquisition not only enhances our product capabilities but also expands our position in the global compliance software sector. We are delighted to welcome MY Compliance Management’s customers, partners, and team members to the Access Group family, and we look forward to supporting their continued success through our expanded solution portfolio.”
Leadership change for employment law team at Sills & Betteridge LLP
Sills & Betteridge LLP has appointed Melanie Morton as their new Head of Employment Law. Melanie succeeds Stephen Britton, who has transitioned into a Consultancy role with the firm, as part of a phased step back from full-time practice.
Melanie who joins as a Partner, supports businesses of all sizes and sectors, charities, public sector bodies and individuals on the full range of employment matters. Her work includes strategic HR advice, large-scale HR project delivery, severance negotiations, complex grievance procedures, TUPE matters, and employment litigation. She also has a keen interest in delivering bespoke employment law training, helping clients stay ahead of legislative changes and minimise legal risk.
Melanie is a member of the Employment Lawyers Association and has been recognised as a Rising Star by The Legal 500 for her excellence and innovation in the field.
Stephen Britton, who previously led the team, assumed the role of Consultant on 1st June 2025. In this capacity, he will continue to support the department by focusing on business development and ensuring a smooth transition of client relationships to Melanie and the wider team. He has served as a fee-paid Employment Judge since 2003 and continues to hold this office in the Midlands West Region.
Senior Partner Karen Bower-Brown said: “I am delighted to welcome Melanie into this leadership role. Her expertise in the field and commitment to client service make her the ideal successor to Stephen, who has guided the department with integrity and skill for many years. This transition marks an exciting new chapter for our Employment Law team.”
Time Out: Paul Ince, CEO of LikeMind Media
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 Paul Ince, CEO of Loughborough content marketing consultancy LikeMind Media, who in another life might have been a war correspondent.
What is the first thing you do to get the weekend started?
I try not to work Fridays but, like many business owners, I’m never really away so I try and taper the start by winding down, getting any admin out of the way and taking a deep breath.
What is your hobby?
I love podcasting and creating content so, even though it’s a large part of my day to day role, I get huge enjoyment from creating content that isn’t marketing related.
What is your favourite movie?
The Matrix (only the first film, the rest I’m not bothered by).
If you hadn’t been successful at what you do, what would you be doing instead as a career?
I always wanted to be a war correspondent. There seems to be plenty of scope for that these days sadly!
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
Sorting out fair provision of public services without people complaining about where the money is coming from. A tall order.
What is your secret talent?
Poetry.
What is your favourite genre of music?
House music all night long.
If you could travel to any moment in time, where would you go?
Probably either visiting Ancient Greece or the Mayan era.
EarthSense appoints new people and place manager
EarthSense, the air quality expert based at Space Park Leicester, has appointed Maria Cowles as its new people and place manager to oversee the human resources function for the company’s 28 staff.
In her new role, Maria will be responsible for aligning EarthSense’s people strategy with its commercial activities. She will focus on staff retention, training, development and mediation. This will include managing the company’s onboarding experience for new staff, developing systems for working with stakeholders and enhancing the working environment for all employees.
Maria has reached the level 5 qualification with the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and is also a Mental Health First Aider.
Prior to joining EarthSense, Maria worked at Pick Everard as the lead people and culture business partner and human resources business partner. Previously, she was a human resources generalist at UAV Tactical Systems Limited.
Commenting on her new appointment, Maria said: “Effective HR plans can make a real difference to the experience of the company’s most valuable asset – its people. It’s vital to recruit good staff, to retain them and help them to develop in their roles. We need to match and exceed the expectations of our people, keep them engaged and build relationships.
“I’m passionate about finding solutions to deliver the right tools, environment and people, and hope to achieve that in my new role with EarthSense.”
New CEO at Northamptonshire charity
An award-winning not-for-profit champion has been appointed as the new chief executive officer at Northamptonshire charity, Cynthia Spencer Hospice.
Asma Maya Joseph-Hussain has worked in the not-for-profit sector for more than 20 years, with influential roles at renowned international non-governmental organisation Save the Children, plus top level positions at popular local organisations MK Community Foundation, where she was deputy chief executive, and Willen Hospice, as director of development.
The 46-year-old mother-of-three also spent a secondment period with the Disasters Emergency Committee, which she describes as a “fascinating” time in her colourful career.
Maya, as she prefers to be known, comes to Cynthia Spencer Hospice following a nearly five-year stint as CEO at the Safety Centre charity, and was recently awarded the Women Leaders Award 2025 for Community Impact.
She said: “The work of the hospice itself brought me here. I have worked in a hospice before and seen first-hand the difference it makes and the ripple effect it has in the community. When I saw the job advertised, I thought it was the right time and the right fit for me.
“As a local resident I want to make sure my loved ones continue to have incredible, accessible, high-quality care in their community.”
Maya plans to do this by working closely with the wider Cynthia Spencer Hospice team and has already moved out of her individual office to hot desk with her team.
“Building positive working relationships is so important,” she said. “Everyone has been so incredibly welcoming, supportive and approachable, plus so passionate about the care the hospice is giving.
“The common thread is that we all care about hospice services in our community. Going forward I plan to spend quality time with staff and volunteers to understand the organisation and identify opportunities as we go on this journey of growth and transformation.”
Maya also plans to collaborate with the charity’s clinical colleagues at the hospice and sister facility Cransley Hospice to sustain and grow palliative care in line with the needs of the Northamptonshire community, as well as raise as much money as possible to support hospice services.
Maya said: “There are numerous challenges. We need to raise a significant amount of money to keep hospice services growing, but we recognise we are in a difficult and uncertain financial climate.
“I’m a glass half full kind of person always seeking out opportunities.
“Hospice care is so needed. It should be high quality and accessible to all. It’s so transformative for patients, families and loved ones and you can’t replicate that anywhere else so we must do all we can to protect it. I would like to thank everyone who has generously raised funds, and I ask that you continue to support us to deliver much needed hospice care in our county.
“The world can be incredibly turbulent and working together shows what a difference communities can make.”
Companies embrace four-day workweek after successful trials
Seventeen companies in the UK that participated in a six-month trial of a four-day working week have decided to make the model permanent, following notable gains in staff well-being, mental health, and productivity. The trial, which involved nearly 1,000 employees across various sectors, was organised by the 4 Day Week Foundation and studied by Boston College.
During the trial, participating businesses reduced work hours without cutting pay. Twelve companies adopted the four-day week permanently, while five opted for a “nine-day fortnight,” offering employees every other Friday off. The companies ranged from housing associations to professional bodies, with team sizes varying from under five employees to more than 400.
Research showed significant benefits for workers, with 62% reporting less frequent burnout, 41% seeing improved mental health, and 45% expressing greater life satisfaction. Businesses also saw positive changes in recruitment, retention, and employee morale.
The success of the trial has led to the permanent adoption of the model by over 235 UK businesses, supporting more than 6,000 employees. Advocates believe the growing interest signals a shift towards wider acceptance, with businesses balancing productivity gains against improved work-life balance.
Watches of Switzerland reports record revenue but profit dip
Watches of Switzerland has announced a record revenue of £1.65bn for the year ending April 27, marking a 7% increase from the previous year. However, profit before tax decreased by 18%, falling to £76m.
The US market proved to be the main growth driver, with revenues climbing by 16%, compared to a modest 2% growth in the UK. Despite a challenging previous year, the UK market showed signs of recovery.
The company attributes its performance to its strong business model and strategic partnerships with leading luxury watch and jewellery brands. Its US business reached a significant milestone, surpassing $1bn in revenue for the first time, supported by the recent acquisition of Roberto Coin Inc.
The UK market has stabilised, and trading conditions have improved, contributing to the overall growth. The company’s performance underscores its leadership in the luxury goods sector.
Child exploitation charity moves to new safe haven
Safe and Sound, a specialist charity in Derbyshire dedicated to supporting young people impacted by child exploitation, has relocated to a newly purchased and refurbished city centre building at Bold Lane.
This landmark move from their previous Darley Abbey premises marks a pivotal moment for the charity, enabling a significant upscale in facilities and capacity to meet the surging demand for its vital services.
The charity’s CEO Tracy Harrison, outlined the critical importance of this expansion in the face of a rapidly accelerating and complex problem. “The doubling of referrals since the pandemic underscores a stark reality – child exploitation knows no boundaries of age, gender, or family background.
“Previously our rented premises in Darley Abbey constrained our capacity, limiting both our team’s workspace and our ability to deliver an expanding programme of vital activities, support, and therapies essential for helping young people and their families move forward.”
Tracy continued: “The Bold Lane premises represent a transformative step. This amazing community asset will dramatically increase our impact by providing a centrally located, safe, and welcoming sanctuary for vulnerable children and their families.”
Featuring a new family kitchen, dedicated relaxation areas, and diverse activity stations, the facility at Bold Lane provides a comprehensive and welcoming space for young people and families to access essential help and support.
Safe and Sound extended its gratitude to Armsons Barlow, Davlyn Construction and all individuals and organisations who contributed to this significant achievement. Tracy said: “I am particularly grateful for the support shown by fellow professionals who have recognised the value that Safe and Sound brings to our city and county, and who have provided us with their expertise to enable us to secure this purchase and transform it into this exceptional new facility. We also received significant funding from the government’s Community Ownership fund for which we are also grateful.”
This strategic relocation will enable Safe and Sound to significantly enhance its comprehensive services, delivering vital support, therapies, and a secure environment to young people and families whose lives have been profoundly affected by exploitation.
