- Bulwell Bogs: The Bulwell Bogs area will be fully refreshed with a new planting and landscape design, including a high-quality play offer to cater for all ages. It will see renewal and expansion of the splash park and introduction of a refreshments kiosk with toilet and changing facilities to make the park a great place to visit – particularly in summer months. Lighting and CCTV will also be upgraded
- Market place: Existing market equipment will be replaced with a flexible mix of stalls, along with better access to electrical power on site, allowing flexibility in attracting both new and existing vendors
- Bus station public toilets: The existing bus station toilets will be rebuilt and modernised
- Wider public realm refurbishment: Paving will be renewed across the pedestrianised areas of the town centre along with new seating and street trees. Connections will be improved between the Market Place and the Bogs area to bring these separate parts of the town centre together
Updated proposals shared for £20m Bulwell town centre improvements
Updated proposals are being shared as part of £20m improvements for Bulwell town centre.
Nottingham City Council successfully bid for £19.8m from the previous government’s Levelling Up Fund to revamp the area and boost economic growth.
Bulwell town centre is valued in Nottingham because of its longstanding retail offer but it was felt that major infrastructure improvements would enhance this further.
The planned works will complement recent transport infrastructure investment through the Transforming Cities Fund.
This provided £900,000 for the redevelopment of Bulwell bus station in 2023, which included redesigning the layout – installing a new saw-tooth design – and building new passenger waiting platforms.
Nottingham City Transport has also invested £1.8m of private-sector funding into a new electric bus fleet that operates from the facility.
The new project will deliver a range of improvements to make the town centre more attractive, including:
Hospitals offer resignation scheme to cut back-office workforce
University Hospitals of Northamptonshire (UHN), which manages Northampton General Hospital and Kettering General Hospital, has launched a Mutually Agreed Resignation Scheme (MARS) in an effort to reduce staffing levels without resorting to compulsory redundancies.
The scheme, which opened this week, targets corporate, administrative, and support roles. Patient-facing clinical staff are not included in the offer. Under MARS, employees can apply to resign in exchange for a severance payment. Unlike standard voluntary redundancy, the process does not require formal consultation.
UHN stated the approach aims to manage staffing reductions in a structured and voluntary way. However, unions have raised concerns about the impact on workloads and patient services if significant numbers of staff leave. NHS guidelines stipulate that such schemes must be time-limited, typically no longer than three months.
While not guaranteeing avoidance of future layoffs, UHN is using MARS as a first step to restructure and streamline operations.
Solar energy project near Heckington moves to next approval stage
The proposed Beacon Fen Energy Park, a large-scale solar and battery storage development located 2.5 km north of Heckington, is advancing to the pre-examination phase after the UK Planning Inspectorate accepted its Development Consent Order (DCO) application.
The project, led by renewable energy firm Low Carbon, aims to deliver approximately 400 megawatts of electricity through ground-mounted solar panels, with an additional 600 megawatts of battery storage capacity. It is intended to support the UK Government’s target of reaching 70 gigawatts of solar power by 2035.
Now in the pre-examination stage, the scheme will undergo a formal six-month review in 2025, involving written submissions and public hearings. Businesses and stakeholders can register to participate in the process through the Planning Inspectorate’s platform.
If granted consent, construction could begin as early as 2027. The project is positioned to contribute to the UK’s net zero ambitions while strengthening long-term energy security through increased renewable generation and storage infrastructure.
Lincolnshire elder care charity shuts down amid ongoing financial strain
Age UK Lindsey, a long-established charity supporting older adults in Lincolnshire, will cease operations this week due to sustained financial pressure. The closure affects services provided across West Lindsey, East Lindsey, and North Lincolnshire.
The organisation cited a combination of long-term funding shortfalls, rising operational costs—including increases in National Insurance contributions and the national minimum wage—and lingering economic fallout from the Covid-19 pandemic and cost-of-living crisis.
While Age UK Lindsey is shutting down, related services in the region will continue through Age UK Lincoln and South Lincolnshire, which is working to absorb affected clients and coordinate future support.
This closure underscores a broader trend within the UK voluntary sector. According to the Charity Commission, financial pressures have reduced public donations significantly since 2020, even as demand for services has tripled. Many organisations are facing difficult decisions, including closures and mergers, as funding fails to keep pace with growing needs.
Cooper Parry makes thirteenth deal in two years
East Midlands professional services group, Cooper Parry has made its thirteenth deal within the past two years, increasing its footprint in the digital/tech space with the acquisition of consultancy 3RP, an Oracle NetSuite Partner of the Year.
The UK and Philippines-based firm fits alongside three other recent acquisitions within Cooper Parry Digital: Cloud Orca (Salesforce), MacroFin (Netsuite) and Front Foot (Data & Market Intelligence).
Elliott Keene, 3RP co-founder and director, said: “Our ethos has always been the same – offer world-class NetSuite implementation services and consultancy. We were instantly attracted by Cooper Parry’s ambitions and their focus on a terrific culture.
“Joining Cooper Parry allows the team to continue to grow and thrive in an even larger customer base, and we can now offer our customers an even greater catalogue of services and expertise alongside our MacroFin colleagues and the wider CP firm. We look forward to continuing to cement our reputation as the UK’s go-to partner for NetSuite services.”
Ade Cheatham, CEO, Cooper Parry, said: “Right from the first chats we had with 3RP, we knew the fit would be great – commercially and culturally. On the back of our other recent deals in the digital/tech space, this is another huge milestone for CP.
“The talented 3RP team have created an outstanding business. We’re thrilled to welcome them into Cooper Parry as we carry on powering our next gen professional services vision.”
Reward Funding expands Midlands team
Reward Funding has strengthened its presence in the Midlands by appointing a new business development director to support its continued growth.
Carl Perry brings over 25 years of experience in the financial services sector across the region. He spent the majority of his early career in commercial banking roles before moving into senior lending roles within challenger and alternative finance organisations, where he delivered both asset based lending and structured credit facilities to SMEs.
Carl will be focused on expanding Reward’s network of introducers, as well as providing flexible asset-secured funding solutions across the Midlands to help ambitious entrepreneurs and businesses achieve their goals.
Carl said: “Joining Steph and her team in the Midlands at this growth stage in Reward’s journey is extremely exciting. I’m looking forward to building on what is already a strong regional presence.”
Steph Brown, Reward’s regional director in the Midlands, added: “We’re building a hugely talented team here in the Midlands, and Carl is a fantastic addition.
“It is great to welcome someone with his extensive and diverse lending experience, strong professional connections and the ability to really support the entrepreneurs and businesses we work with.
“I am looking forward to working with Carl to strengthen and grow our relationships with professional business advisors, brokers and accountants across the Midlands, as we continue to expand our regional presence and lending book.”
Ariel Plastics makes pivotal appointment
Ariel Plastics – the supplier of roofing sheets, rooflights and roofing accessories – has appointed a new sales director as the company targets ambitious growth.
The appointment of Jennifer Brookes as its new sales director is pivotal for the business – which was founded in 1961 and bought by Brett Martin in 1994 – as it looks to strengthen existing industry relationships, identify new opportunities, launch new products and champion its credentials as an integral part of a UK manufacturer at the forefront of sustainable practices.
Jen, as she is widely known, will draw on her vast experience in the construction, DIY, retail and builders’ merchant sectors to build on the company’s established reputation for distributing roofing, glazing and cladding products.
Jen saw the potential of Ariel Plastics and has hit the ground running in strengthening the sales team and working with the business’s owners on exciting expansion plans, which will see significant levels of investment.
“Ariel Plastics has been the UK’s leading plastics distributor for a long time – but it is ripe for a transformation that can take it to the next level, and I am thrilled to have joined Ariel at such an important time,” she said.
Jen has taken over the reins from Paul Goddard, who has stepped back from the helm after three decades with the business. Paul will still be actively involved in his new role as commercial sales manager, so the Staveley-headquartered company can still draw on his wealth of experience and integral knowledge of the business and the industries it supplies.
East Midlands property consultancy takes on 2,400-mile fundraising relay challenge
A property consultancy is marking its 25th anniversary with an ambitious charity challenge to tour its 25 offices in an epic journey across the country – without any form of motorised transport.
Fisher German, which has offices in Ashby and Market Harborough, has announced its ‘Big 25’ charity challenge to raise at least £25,000 between 25 charities across the country, and will see its colleagues run, cycle, dog-walk, and even space-hop their way between its offices as part of a giant 2,400-mile relay.
The firm has also pledged to match-fund any donations up to £25,000 from supporters, meaning a total of £50,000 could be split between the charities.
The challenge begins on Friday, May 9, with its team journeying from its London office in the City along the Grand Union Canal via methods including cycling, running and walking all the way to its Birmingham office over the course of a week.
Future legs include riding on horseback, sailing, together with great walking, swimming, cycling and running endeavours, before the journey ends back in London on Thursday, October 30.
Key clients of Fisher German will also be invited to take part in the challenge, alongside the grassroots charities delivering vital work in the communities they are located in.
The Big 25 coincides with Fisher German undergoing a major rebrand.
Andrew Bridge, managing partner at Fisher German, said: “We became Fisher German in September 2000, following the merger of Fisher Hoggarth and John German. Our roots, however, stretch back to pre-1830. The firm has grown considerably, and we now employ more than 800 people and assist clients all over the country.
“That’s why we’ve launched the Big 25 challenge to give back to those charities who do so much in the communities we work in, including Birmingham Children’s Hospital, Acorn Children’s Hospice in Worcester, Simon Community Scotland in Glasgow, Sefton Baby Baskets in Liverpool, Katherine House Hospice in Banbury, and Red Kite Family Centre in Thame.
“Our teams have really thrown themselves into this over the last few months in preparation, and we cannot wait to see the first of our colleagues set off from London on a long trip to Birmingham along the canal.
“We not only want to raise vital funds for the fantastic range of charities our staff have chosen but use this as a chance to start a new chapter at Fisher German as we look to grow even further over the next 25 years of the company’s life.
“We would encourage anyone interested to follow the journey on social media, support our staff on their legs, and donate to the charities involved.”
Anyone wishing to donate should visit Fisher German’s GiveWheel link at https://givewheel.com/fundraising/7005/fisher-germans-big-25-challenge/. The money raised will be split equally between the 25 charities.
Fraud losses in Derbyshire jump 467% as scam activity spikes in Q1 2025
Derbyshire businesses and residents suffered £1.3 million in scam-related losses during the first quarter of 2025, according to Santander’s latest Scamtracker report—a dramatic 467% increase on the previous quarter.
The report tracks the scale and nature of Authorised Push Payment (APP) scams and other financial fraud incidents. While Kent led in terms of scam volume outside London with 208 recorded cases, Derbyshire followed closely with 104 incidents. Despite fewer cases, Derbyshire tied with Devon for the second-highest monetary losses outside the capital, each reporting £1.3 million lost.
The volume of scam activity in Derbyshire rose by 10% compared to the final quarter of 2024, signalling growing challenges for financial crime prevention in the region. Other counties, including Hampshire and Greater Manchester, also saw significant increases in fraudulent activity.
The data signals a rising threat for firms managing business payments and customer interactions, particularly as APP scams continue to evolve. The findings reinforce the importance of tightening internal controls, staff training, and client verification procedures to mitigate fraud risks.
The report serves as a warning to businesses operating in high-risk regions to remain vigilant as scam tactics become more sophisticated.
Retailers eye bank holiday lift amid shifting commuter and spending trends
Retailers are banking on a sales uplift during the May bank holidays, as 22 million UK workers plan annual leave, according to Virgin Media O2 Business’s Q1 2025 Movers Index. The report combines anonymised mobile network data with national polling to track movement and behaviour patterns across the country.
Retail footfall dropped 8% year-on-year in Q1 2025, continuing a sluggish start to the year marked by a reported 41% increase in retailers experiencing reduced customer spending. To counter this, 55% of retailers plan to offer special deals or events to draw in customers during the upcoming holidays. However, staffing is a concern, with 42% of retailers blocking employee leave over the period and more than half worried about shortages due to domestic travel plans.
Commuter activity has increased, with a 5% rise in travel during the first three months of the year. Office attendance is also rising, with 52% of employees commuting more frequently and 43% of businesses expected to enforce full-time office returns by June. Wednesday remains the busiest day for office presence. Workers are responding positively to these mandates, especially when companies offer new perks and invest in workplace culture.
Consumer spending remains cautious. Nearly half of Brits plan to spend less over the next three months, with many cancelling subscriptions and prioritising value-driven purchases. The decline is most noticeable among middle-aged shoppers, with the 25–54 demographic making significantly fewer trips to retail areas.
Digital convenience continues to influence purchasing habits. A majority of consumers shop via phone or online to find the best deals, while those who still shop in-store rank checkout speed, Wi-Fi availability, and mobile connectivity as their top priorities. Subscription models tied to travel, wellness, and home improvements may offer stronger potential, as these are the main spending categories identified for spring.
The data highlights a shift in how both consumers and businesses are navigating 2025’s economic landscape. Retailers hoping to drive sales will need to align with evolving work patterns, spending priorities, and customer experience expectations.
