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Henton and Chattell acquires Newark site from Farmstar
Henton and Chattell is taking over the Newark branch of Farmstar Ltd.
The acquisition marks the next stage in Henton and Chattell’s growth strategy and strengthens its presence in the agricultural, groundcare, and garden machinery sectors across the East Midlands.
The deal will see the Newark depot fully integrated into Henton and Chattell’s operations from this week. All existing staff will be retained.
Peter Chaloner, managing director of Henton and Chattell, said: “We are incredibly pleased to officially welcome the Newark team and customers into the Henton and Chattell family.
“This is a significant milestone for our business, and the Newark site provides us with a strong platform to further expand our reach and deliver an even broader range of products and services in the region.
“We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Sam Davies, Managing Director of Farmstar Ltd, whose constructive and collaborative approach has helped ensure a smooth and positive transition for all parties involved.”
Work begins on £23m affordable housing development in Bulwell
Nottingham Community Housing Association (NCHA) has broken ground on two long-vacant brownfield sites in North Nottingham, paving the way for the construction of 102 affordable homes in Bulwell.
The £23m development will see the transformation of two adjacent five-acre sites, including the former Henry Mellish School on Kersall Drive and the disused Piccadilly playing field.
Delivered in partnership with Nottingham City Council, the schemes will bring forward a mix of two- and three-bedroom houses. Of these, 34 will be available for shared ownership. A further 68 homes will be made available for social rent through the City Council’s housing register.
All homes will meet a minimum EPC rating of A, offering residents lower energy bills and a reduced carbon footprint.
Fran Cropper, new business and development manager, said: “We’re really pleased to be working with Nottingham City Council again on this important scheme with social value. We’re proud to bring this new housing scheme to Nottingham, addressing local housing needs while paving the way for a sustainable future.”
Cllr Jay Hayes, executive member for housing and planning at Nottingham City Council, said: “This development marks a significant step forward in the city’s commitment to providing high-quality, affordable homes for local people.
“We’re proud to see NCHA delivering housing that not only meets an urgent need but that will also help build strong and inclusive communities. Everyone deserves a safe, secure place to call home, and I look forward to seeing the Henry Mellish and Piccadilly developments come to life.”
Known as Maple Fields and The Crescent, the developments will deliver 45 and 57 homes respectively. The sites have stood empty for over 15 years and benefit from full residential planning consent, previously secured by Godwin Developments.
Owl Partnerships are the lead contractor on both sites. Gareth Wilkes MCIOB, construction director at Owl Partnerships, said: “Breaking ground on these sites is a proud moment for the team. It’s the result of strong collaboration and a shared vision to deliver homes that truly serve the Nottingham community. We’re focused on delivering quality and sustainability, and creating places people are proud to live.”
Nottinghamshire Healthcare receives £2.6m for heating decarbonisation project
Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has secured £2.6 million in funding to overhaul the heating system at The Wells Road Centre in Nottingham. The project is part of the Government’s Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, designed to help public sector organisations meet carbon reduction targets.
The funding will enable the Trust to replace the gas boilers currently in use at The Wells Road Centre with a high-temperature water source heat pump. This system uses electricity to extract heat from a nearby water source to provide both heating and hot water, replacing the centre’s reliance on gas. Additional energy efficiency upgrades will include the installation of internal LED lighting, improvements to the Building Management System, and enhanced insulation.
This move will significantly cut carbon emissions, aligning with the Trust’s Green Plan and its goal to achieve Net Zero. The project is expected to have positive environmental, operational, and community impacts, contributing to a more sustainable healthcare environment. The work is scheduled to start in 2025/26 and is expected to be completed by March 2028, with minimal disruption to services.
Leicester City and King Power deepen ties with University of Leicester through new scholarships and initiatives
Leicester City Football Club and King Power have reinforced their partnership with the University of Leicester through a fresh agreement to enhance collaborative efforts in Thailand. The expanded cooperation focuses on child health, education, and professional development, aiming to drive impactful change in both Leicester and Thailand.
A major element of the partnership is the extension of the Leicester City Football Club Professorship in Child Health, which has been a key resource since its establishment in 2018. The role will now support projects related to gestational diabetes and environmental health in Thailand, alongside ongoing research into the health of pre-term babies.
The agreement also includes the launch of two new scholarships: one for disadvantaged students in Leicester and another for Thai students to study at the University of Leicester. These scholarships will provide much-needed financial support to help young people overcome barriers to higher education. Additionally, the University will offer professional development programmes to King Power executives, strengthening the ties between the two organisations.
This partnership underscores a shared commitment to education, health improvement, and the creation of lasting opportunities for individuals in both regions.
HyMarnham Power hits key milestone in low-carbon hydrogen production project
The HyMarnham Power project, a collaboration between GeoPura and JG Pears, has reached a significant infrastructure milestone in its low-carbon hydrogen production initiative. Located in the East Midlands, this project has completed essential utility works, with electrolyser commissioning now underway.
Scheduled to begin full operations in Autumn 2025, HyMarnham Power is among the first projects under the Hydrogen Allocation Round 1 (HAR1) to be realised. The £50 million project is expected to drive the development of green hydrogen, with a capacity of 15MWe from electrolysers. Local energy sources, including a biomass CHP plant, will support its operations, meeting the low-carbon hydrogen standard and reinforcing the region’s push for sustainable energy solutions.
The project has a strategic location on the site of the former High Marnham coal power station, which is now a key renewable energy hub. This site benefits from an active National Grid substation, which will support future renewable energy and hydrogen projects.
HyMarnham Power is part of GeoPura’s plan to expand its hydrogen-powered generator fleet, providing zero-emission power across various industries, including construction, events, and broadcasting. The facility is set to support Midlands-based companies aiming to lower their carbon emissions.
The government, through its commitment to HAR1, is backing projects like HyMarnham Power as part of its energy security and economic growth plan. As the UK continues to invest in clean hydrogen technologies, this milestone underlines the growing role of hydrogen in decarbonising sectors across the country.
Derby care group sold after 50 years of ownership
Willover Property Limited, which owned and operated Stanley House and Abbeydale nursing homes in Derby, has been sold. The converted and extended care facilities were opened by the Shepperson family back in 1975 and 1986.
The nursing homes were acquired by local care operators Iqbal and Perminder Sanghera, who own New Lodge Nursing Home in Mickleover.
Former director Mike Shepperson said: “It has been an honour and a privilege to care for so many wonderful residents and to work alongside a truly dedicated team. Abbeydale and Stanley House have always been about putting people first and I am confident that through the sales process by NGA Care, the homes are in excellent hands.
“Selling a business that has meant so much to my family and I was a significant milestone, and I couldn’t have done it without the exceptional support of our accounting and tax advisors PKF Smith Cooper.”
Iqbal said: “It was a pleasure working with Nick Greaves of NGA Care on a successful transaction, the whole process from start to finish was well managed and professional.
“Stanley House and Abbeydale’s values, staff, and community ties will remain intact. The homes have been a cornerstone of Derby for five decades. My priority is to honour its heritage while ensuring seamless continuity in the exceptional care residents and families rely on.”
Accounting, taxation and transaction support services for the sellers was handled by David Nelson, senior partner at PKF Smith Cooper, with employment tax advice led by Megan Jones. Martyn Brierley, partner & head of corporate & finance at Flint Bishop, assisted by George Ottewell and Louise Calow, dealt with all legal aspects of the transaction. Nick Greaves of NGA Care marketed the group for sale and identified the buyers.
Pennington’s solicitors acted buyside, with Rob Burns of Hazelwoods undertaking the financial and tax due diligence process. Funding was arranged by Steve Sargeant at Barclays.
Manufacturing struggles to regain momentum
The UK manufacturing sector showed tentative signs of stabilisation in July, but the underlying picture remains fragile as demand softens and cost pressures mount.
Manufacturing output was broadly flat in the three months to July, according to the latest CBI Industrial Trends Survey. Although declines were recorded across a wide range of sub-sectors, these were largely offset by stronger activity in the motor vehicles & transport equipment and food, drink & tobacco sectors. However, manufacturers expect output to fall slightly over the coming quarter to October.
Demand conditions continued to weaken. Total new orders fell during the past quarter, primarily due to a drop in domestic orders, while export orders remained unchanged. Looking ahead, firms anticipate declines in both domestic and overseas orders through to October.
Exporters, in particular, are grappling with growing headwinds. More than half of manufacturers—56%—cited pricing as a key constraint on exports, up significantly from 38% in April. This likely reflects a combination of higher US tariffs and the appreciation of Sterling against the US dollar. In addition, one in five firms reported that quotas and licensing issues are limiting export potential, a level rarely seen since the 1980s.
Cost pressures intensified further. The growth in average costs accelerated for the third consecutive quarter, reaching the fastest pace since January 2023. While both domestic and export prices rose, they failed to keep up with rising unit costs, pointing to a continued squeeze on manufacturers’ profitability. Firms expect domestic prices to rise at an above-average pace over the next three months, while export prices are anticipated to remain flat.
Business sentiment has continued to decline. Optimism among manufacturers deteriorated again in July, with little sign of recovery in investment appetite. Spending plans for the year ahead remain weak across the board, including in buildings, plant & machinery, training & retraining and product & process innovation. Firms highlighted that investment is being held back by uncertainty around future demand, inadequate returns, and persistent labour shortages.
The jobs outlook also remains subdued. Manufacturing employment fell for the third quarter in a row and is expected to decline slightly further in the three months to October. Shortages of skilled labour remain a pressing issue, with more than one quarter of firms citing this as a constraint on output in the next three months.
Ben Jones, lead economist, CBI, said: “Conditions in UK manufacturing remain challenging, with many firms reporting subdued and unpredictable demand. High input costs, labour shortages and global supply chain disruptions are continuing to put pressure on margins and capacity.
“Rising labour costs have undermined manufacturers’ external competitiveness. While some exporters are finding opportunities overseas, overall sentiment is cautious, with economic and policy uncertainty weighing heavily on investment decisions.
“What manufacturers really need now is stability—starting with predictability in the tax environment, alongside delivery at pace on the government’s industrial strategy, skills reforms and steps to bring down energy costs. As we look ahead to the Autumn Budget, government must work to reassure businesses to avoid additional uncertainty that could further weaken investment prospects.”
BDO welcomes new head of manufacturing in the Midlands
Accountancy and business advisory firm BDO LLP has named partner Chris Cole as its new head of manufacturing in the Midlands.
Having joined BDO in December 2023 as audit partner, Chris takes over the role from Jon Lanes, who was appointed as head of risk advisory services at BDO earlier this year.
In his new position, Chris will be responsible for managing the Midlands manufacturing team. He will also continue in his role as audit partner in the region.
Chris has more than 20 years’ experience in the industry, with particular expertise in auditing US-listed businesses under the United States Public Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) standards, including auditing SOX controls – measures put in place by companies in order to identify and prevent errors or inaccuracies in financial reporting.
Having worked in the US, UK and Australia throughout his career, Chris has built up significant international credentials, while bringing expertise across a wide range of sectors, such as automotive, international manufacturing and mining. At BDO, he is responsible for leading the region’s US reporting proposition, while working alongside the London Audit Group’s US team.
Chris said: “Manufacturing forms part of the rich fabric of the Midlands and contributes significantly to the region’s economy, accounting for hundreds of thousands of jobs.
“Our latest quarterly Manufacturing Outlook, in partnership with Make UK, reflects the sector’s importance – both domestically and internationally. As such, we have developed strength and depth in our manufacturing capabilities and I’m absolutely delighted to be taking over the role of Head of Manufacturing in the Midlands.”
Kyla Bellingall, regional managing partner at BDO in the Midlands, said: “Chris is a fantastic asset to our team in the Midlands, combining technical expertise with deep sector understanding. He is perfectly placed to help our manufacturing clients navigate the uncertain economic terrain and tackle those sector-specific challenges that are real barriers to growth.”
Nottingham Building Society appoints new chief technology officer
Nottingham Building Society has appointed Russ Thornton as its new chief technology officer.
Russ initially joined the 176-year-old mutual in March 2025 as a strategic advisor in an interim capacity from Shawbrook Bank, a specialist bank where he spearheaded a comprehensive multi-year digital transformation, from creating the strategy and its roadmap to delivering its execution.
He replaces Paul Howley, who departs in July following three years at the organisation as its first ever chief technology and transformation officer in 2022.
Russ brings 34 years of experience in leading digital transformations to drive business growth, having also held senior leadership positions at Cofunds, Legal & General, Aegon, and WorldRemit. He will now be responsible for the delivery of Nottingham Building Society’s core banking and mortgage transformation strategies.
Speaking about the appointment, Sue Hayes, CEO at Nottingham Building Society, said: “Russ brings deep expertise and a proven track record of delivering digital transformation at pace and scale. Since joining us earlier this year, he’s had a great impact, and I know he will continue to do so as he leads our transformation programme.
“He has successfully delivered complex transformation across banks, fintechs, and global financial services institutions, including most recently at Shawbrook, where his work played a key role in more than doubling the bank’s loan book and deposits while radically improving digital experiences for customers and brokers alike.
“This is a pivotal moment for the Society as we prepare to launch new technology that will transform the mortgage experience for brokers, borrowers, and colleagues alike. Russ shares our values, our purpose, and our belief in building a modern mutual that serves real lives.
“With over three decades of experience, Russ has led enterprise-wide technology strategies, built and scaled high-performing engineering and product teams, and driven operational excellence through innovation. He brings not only technical depth, but also the leadership and cultural insight needed to embed lasting change that puts the customer first.”
Sue added: “We pass our thanks on to Paul Howley for everything he has done during his time with us. Paul’s legacy is not only the systems and structures he helped deliver, but the culture he helped shape.”
Russ Thornton added: “I’m extremely excited to join the Society at such a transformative point to continue to deliver on its purpose and promise to its members and communities. That sense of purpose and its ambition to serve members who don’t fit the traditional mould was really attractive to be part of.
“Under Paul’s guidance, the team has made fantastic progress modernising its mortgage and savings platforms, and I’m looking forward to building on that momentum. My focus will be on ensuring we have the right capabilities, controls and culture in place to grow with confidence and deliver great outcomes for our members and broker partners.”
It has also been confirmed that Aaron Shinwell, formerly of Santander UK, where he was commercial director – homes, will be starting his new role as chief lending officer at Nottingham Building Society in August.
Road improvements at M1’s J28 could boost surrounding economy
New figures released by Midlands Connect and Natalie Fleet MP show that within three miles of Junction 28 of the M1, strategic companies collectively support over 43,000 jobs and generate more than £10.5 billion in annual turnover.
Midlands Connect’s Roads Programme Lead, Swati Mittal, said investment in road upgrades could help ‘boost’ the area’s economic growth.
Advanced Manufacturing and Retail are the dominant sectors, accounting for the largest shares of employment and economic output. The first sector alone contributes over £1.6 billion in turnover and employs more than 10,000 people, highlighting the area’s role as a hub for manufacturing and supply chain activity.
Retail also plays a major role, contributing nearly £6.7 billion in turnover and supporting 16,900 jobs, showing how the corridor also serves regional consumer markets. The concentration of logistics and business services shows the importance of fast, reliable links to the wider motorway network.
This concentration of industry and retail sector hubs underscores the need for reliable connectivity to sustain business operations, freight logistics, and access to skilled labour.
Data shows that by 2035, due to the economic success of the area, there could be 81,830 extra trips a week using Junction 28, even though the junction is at 107% capacity in the morning rush hour.
Midlands Connect Roads Programme Lead, Swati Mittal, said: “With over 43,000 jobs and £10.5 billion turnover concentrated within just 3 miles, junction 28 enables national and international connectivity for key industries.
“Investment to address congestion, improve journey reliability, and unlock capacity will support manufacturing competitiveness, supply chain efficiency, and enable planned growth in housing and employment in the region.”
Bolsover MP Natalie Fleet, the Parliamentary Champion for Junction 28, said: “These figures show how critical making improvements at junction 28 is for employment and the economy.
“People in Bolsover and beyond need to be able to travel to and from their jobs in this area without sitting in congestion and businesses need to get goods in and out of their sites without unnecessary delays.
“I will continue to push for the improvements that we need.”
