Thursday, September 11, 2025

Journeo snaps up Crime and Fire Defence Systems Limited

Tess Egginton
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Journeo snaps up Crime and Fire Defence Systems Limited

Journeo, a provider of information systems and technical services to transport operators, local authorities, and the public transport networks that connect them, has acquired Crime and Fire Defence Systems Limited (CFDS), a specialist infrastructure protection systems integrator in physical and cyber security solutions to the UK Critical National Infrastructure, Defence and Utilities markets.

Journeo’s strategic acquisition of CFDS will add depth and breadth to capabilities in critical ‘cost of failure’ solutions across public transport, passenger information and vital national infrastructure installations, such as those at major railway stations, international airports and nuclear power generation facilities.

The total consideration comprises approximately £10.7m in cash from existing resources, £2m in deferred cash payments repayable in equal amounts after 12 and 24 months following completion and £1m through the issue of new ordinary shares of 6.5p each in the company to the vendors of CFDS with a 24-month minimum holding period.

It is expected that CFDS will have over £1m of cash on completion, resulting in an aggregate cash balance of £9m for the enlarged group post completion of the acquisition.

For the 12 months ended 30 April 2025, CFDS reported audited revenue of £17.33m, PBT of £1.36m and had net assets of £3.93m.

Russ Singleton, CEO, Journeo, said: “We are delighted to announce the acquisition of CFDS, a recognised leader in utility Infrastructure Protection solutions. This acquisition aligns with our strategy of taking our core capabilities into adjacent markets and strengthens our offering and broadens our reach. We look forward to working closely with the CFDS team to unlock value and deliver enhanced integrated solutions to a broader client base.”

KPMG Corporate Finance and Squire Patton Boggs advised Crime and Fire Defence Systems Ltd on its investment from Journeo Plc. Sell-side support was also provided by Navig8 Avisory. Giles Taylor, partner at KPMG, said: “We are delighted to have advised the shareholders of Crime and Fire Defence Systems on its investment from Journeo Plc. It’s a great example of a thriving Infrastructure Services M&A market and the quality of Yorkshire private enterprise businesses. This transaction represents an exciting next chapter for Crime and Fire’s development.”

Roberts Bakery to close Ilkeston site putting 38 jobs at risk

April Lara
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Roberts Bakery to close Ilkeston site putting 38 jobs at risk

Roberts Bakery has announced plans to close its Ilkeston manufacturing facility in Derbyshire, affecting 38 employees.

The site, which produces speciality breads and morning goods, was reviewed as part of a broader assessment of the company’s product portfolio, operational footprint, and long-term strategy.

The closure reflects a strategic shift in the company’s operations.

A formal consultation period with staff is set to begin in the coming weeks as the business considers next steps.

Shawbrook Group swoops for specialist lender

Tess Egginton
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0
Shawbrook Group swoops for specialist lender

Shawbrook Group is set to acquire ThinCats, a specialist lender.

The acquisition of ThinCats represents a strategic investment in accelerating the growth of Shawbrook’s existing presence in the specialist SME lending market.

ThinCats has an established market position, proven origination capabilities and a technology-enabled business model that is strategically aligned to Shawbrook’s. It will continue to operate as a separate brand with independent teams.

Marcelino Castrillo, CEO at Shawbrook, said: “ThinCats is a leading UK FinTech with an excellent track record for delivering bespoke funding to growth-focused SMEs, whose owners, management teams and sponsors value speed, flexibility and certainty.

“ThinCats’ approach is aligned to our own strategy of leveraging technology, credit excellence and an entrepreneurial culture to deliver a premium proposition to established UK SMEs.

“This acquisition will serve to further scale-up and deepen our presence in the very large and growing SME market. As part of the Shawbrook Group, the ThinCats proposition will benefit from our platform, including distribution channels, investment and funding structure, which will allow us to scale the brand more efficiently and serve even more UK SMEs with highly tailored funding solutions.“

Amany Attia, CEO at ThinCats, said: “Becoming part of Shawbrook represents an exciting step for ThinCats and a strong endorsement of our model, supporting established and growth-focused SMEs. “Underpinned by the significant technology, data and capital resources of the wider Shawbrook Group, ThinCats will continue to offer the high levels of coverage, innovation, service, and ongoing borrower relationships that business owners, professional advisers and financial sponsors have come to expect.“

G F Tomlinson selects Treetops Hospice as charity partner

Tess Egginton
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G F Tomlinson selects Treetops Hospice as charity partner
Contractor G F Tomlinson has partnered with Treetops Hospice as the company’s chosen charity for 2025. The partnership marks the continuation of a valued relationship, with the contractor having supported the hospice through various initiatives in previous years, following the Local Communities Partnership Programme back in 2021. The programme was launched in conjunction with partners Arc Partnership – which is a joint venture between Nottinghamshire County Council and SCAPE, as well as Perfect Circle to support communities in the Midlands with an impactful community project on a pro bono basis and G F Tomlinson provided ongoing support and construction-based assistance for the end-of-life care charity – as part of the company’s ongoing commitment to social, economic and environmental benefits in the local communities. Treetops Hospice provides compassionate care and support for adults with life-limiting conditions, and their families, across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. The charity’s vital services include emotional and therapeutic support, end-of-life care, and wellbeing initiatives. As part of its commitment to supporting this local charity, G F Tomlinson has been an integral contributor to Treetops’ annual Treecycling scheme. This initiative allows households to recycle their real Christmas trees while raising funds for the hospice. For two consecutive years, G F Tomlinson has donated vans, drivers, and volunteers to facilitate the campaign. The collected donations directly support Treetops’ services, and the partnership ensures the continued success of the scheme. In addition to Treecycling, G F Tomlinson has provided pro bono support by assessing and advising on crucial refurbishment projects at the hospice. The team worked closely with Treetops to determine detailed costings for repurposing a spa room into a therapy room and updating their Cheetham Centre. This support has been instrumental in enabling the hospice to apply for funding for these essential upgrades, ensuring a high standard of care and facilities for its beneficiaries. The contractor plans to continue its support of the end-of-life charity over 2025, with a series of planned activities and events to raise its profile and much-needed funds for vital support work in the community. Adrian Grocock, managing director at G F Tomlinson, said: “We are delighted to announce Treetops Hospice as our chosen charity for 2025. The work they do to support individuals and families during difficult times is truly inspiring and we are proud to continue our partnership.” Natalie Godrich, relationship manager, community engagement at Treetops Hospice, said: “We are incredibly grateful to G F Tomlinson for their ongoing support. Their contributions to our Treecycling scheme and expertise in refurbishment projects has been invaluable. Partnerships like this help us provide the best possible care to those who rely on our services.”

Weightmans opens new Nottingham office to grow Midlands operations

April Lara
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Weightmans opens new Nottingham office to grow Midlands operations

Weightmans has opened a new office in Nottingham as part of its strategy to expand its presence across the Midlands. The office will serve as a regional hub alongside the firm’s existing locations in Birmingham and Leicester.

Two corporate partners, Freya Summers and Mallory Coxe, have joined from Wright Hassall to strengthen the firm’s corporate practice in the region. Equity Partner Jane Price will lead the Nottingham office, working with the new partners to develop the team and client offerings.

The Nottingham office is located at Cubo, Standard Court, close to Nottingham Castle. The move is intended to increase the firm’s access to local talent and support growth in priority sectors, including Healthcare, Public Bodies, Owner-Managed Businesses, and Private Clients.

This expansion extends Weightmans’ geographical footprint across the Midlands and reinforces its position as one of the region’s leading law firms, with a focus on corporate services and regional business development.

IMA’s Tasawar Rahim qualifies as an architect

Tess Egginton
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0
IMA’s Tasawar Rahim qualifies as an architect
IMA Architects’ Tasawar Rahim has successfully qualified as an architect, marking the culmination of years of dedicated study and professional development. Tasawar has completed his final examinations and is now registered with the Architects Registration Board (ARB), as a fully qualified architect. His achievement represents the successful completion of a rigorous pathway that combines academic study, practice-based experience and professional assessment. Tasawar first joined IMA in 2022 as a Part 2 architectural assistant, but his journey has seen him study at three institutions. He gained a BA Hons in Architecture at the Kent School of Architecture and Planning, completed his Master of Architecture at the Manchester School of Architecture prior to joining IMA, then undertook Part 3 at the Welsh School of Architecture, Cardiff University whilst working at IMA. Tas is the second member of the IMA team to qualify as an architect this year, following director Joe Travers who completed his RIBA qualification in June. Speaking about the achievement, Ben Hall, managing director of IMA Architects, said: “We are incredibly proud of Tas and the dedication he has shown in reaching this important milestone. “Qualifying as an Architect requires a great deal of hard work and persistence, and Tas has balanced this brilliantly with delivering high-quality work for our clients. Following Joe’s qualification earlier this year, it is fantastic to see another member of our team achieve success, and it underlines the strength and ambition of the people who make up IMA.” Tas has played an important role in a number of high-profile industrial and commercial projects during his time at IMA. His work has spanned design development, planning applications, and client liaison, building a strong foundation of experience that he will now carry forward as a qualified architect. Tasawar said: “I am extremely proud to have achieved my Part 3 and become an Architect. It has been a long journey with many challenges along the way, but also a hugely rewarding experience. “Balancing my studies with project work at IMA has given me invaluable skills and confidence, and I am grateful for the support of my colleagues throughout. Qualifying as an Architect has been a personal ambition for many years and I am excited to take this next step in my career.”

Work completes on theatre transformation for Sutton

Tess Egginton
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0
Work completes on theatre transformation for Sutton
Work is complete on a new venue for theatre, cinema and live music in Sutton. Sutton Community Academy has been handed the keys to Cornerstone Theatre, following a 15-month programme of work. Ashfield District Council oversaw the project to transform the old theatre into a vibrant events space, with the works undertaken by building contractor Miller Knight. The project was funded through the £6.27m Future High Streets Fund secured by the Council and is central to its ongoing work to revitalise Sutton town centre and to develop the evening economy. Cornerstone will open to the public in March next year with residents and visitors able to enjoy professional theatre performances, cinematic experiences, music and comedy nights. A number of test performances are being held as the college builds expertise and resources to manage the theatre. Students at the college will also use the facility for their rehearsals and performances. Cllr Matthew Relf, executive lead for growth, regeneration, and local planning, said: “It is fantastic to see another of our regeneration projects reaching completion. Access to great arts and culture is such an important part of a thriving community that is often overlooked, so we are very proud to be able to bring more to Ashfield. “An exciting programme of events is taking shape with something for everyone, from community dance through to large music acts, serious drama through to stand-up comedy. It will be a space welcoming shows from our community through to hosting national touring shows. With great local parking and access to great public transport this is yet another great facility within easy reach of all in Ashfield and surrounding areas. “This is yet another part of our plan to reinvent our town centres as places to not only shop but to live, work, study and play.” Liz Barrett OBE DL, principal of ATTFE College, said: “Everyone is incredibly grateful for the fantastic collaboration that has taken place to create Cornerstone Theatre. We are looking forward to ensuring it rapidly becomes another beating heart within the community of Ashfield for residents and people further afield to enjoy.” Work on transforming the theatre has included new dressing rooms and a green room, toilets – including a changing places room – foyer and box office. The auditorium has been completely refurbished with new flooring, ceiling, acoustic wall treatments and doors. It has a retractable seating system and specialist lighting.

New masterplan to be created for the future development of Swadlincote town centre

Tess Egginton
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0
New masterplan to be created for the future development of Swadlincote town centre
A new Masterplan for the future development of Swadlincote town centre is to be created. South Derbyshire District Council has appointed experts BDP to lead the project. Trends such as the growth in online shopping, increase in home working and expansion of leisure activities are all changing the way people use town centres. The Masterplan will cover the whole of the town centre, with a particular focus on the local authority land ownership at the western end of the centre. Within this area there is a concentration of ageing public buildings, in particular Green Bank Leisure Centre and the Civic Offices. BDP, supported by AspinallVerdi, will be undertaking a programme of work during 2025, including seeking the views of members of the public, businesses and property owners during the Autumn. Dr Justin Ives, chief executive of South Derbyshire District Council, said: “Swadlincote Town Centre is an incredibly important part of our District, providing a hub for local residents and visitors alike. We host many community events within the town centre, support local businesses and also celebrate the heritage of the area, with popular landmarks such as Sharpe’s Pottery Museum. “A Town Centre Masterplan will help us to preserve the best of what the town centre already offers, while looking to the future of what it could be, and how we could make meaningful improvements. “Over the last few years, the District Council has undertaken lots of improvements to the town centre, including refurbishing the market square and public toilets, creating the new Midland Road car park, improving shopfronts, and supporting numerous events – now we are keen to hear what the public and businesses would like to see next.” Stephen Marshall, architect director, BDP, added: “This is a really exciting opportunity to help shape the next chapter for Swadlincote’s town centre. We will be considering the town centre as a whole, with a focus on creating a new vision for the ‘Civic Site’, which is currently home to the leisure centre and council offices. “We will help to reimagine this important piece of land, creating new spaces and uses that connect with the high street, welcome the community, and attract new life and investment. We will be working closely with the council, local people, and partners to deliver a design that’s ambitious, achievable, and brings vibrancy and prosperity to the town.”

Stanton Cross to gain 60 new homes after appeal approval

April Lara
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0
Stanton Cross to gain 60 new homes after appeal approval

Plans for 60 homes at Stanton Cross, near Wellingborough, have been approved on appeal, allowing the demolition of existing farm buildings to make way for the development.

The project forms part of a wider 3,650-home scheme in the area. North Northamptonshire Council’s planning committee initially rejected the proposal in March 2024, citing concerns over infrastructure and affordable housing provision, despite planning officers recommending approval.

The government’s Planning Inspectorate overturned the committee’s decision, ruling that the project could proceed. The developer, Grace Homes, will provide financial contributions under a section 106 agreement, covering education, libraries, sports facilities, and local healthcare services.

Planning guidance adopted for Derby Station Quarter redevelopment

Tess Egginton
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0
Planning guidance adopted for Derby Station Quarter redevelopment
Derby City Council has formally adopted new Interim Planning Guidance (IPG) for a new quarter around the city’s main train station. The proposed Station Quarter will create a sustainable urban community, and a transport hub fit for the 21st Century. Adopting the IPG paves the way for the Council to bid for funding to deliver what would be a major scheme at one of the city’s main gateways for visitors. Derby City Council is currently working on its new Local Plan, so the IPG document will set the direction for the redevelopment of the area in the meantime. This will ensure a coordinated approach to any planning applications in the area. At the heart of the proposals is the restoration of historic buildings, allowing the delivery of new and improved spaces for hospitality, meeting up, and entertainment. Coupled with this is the construction of up to 1,500 new city centre homes. Councillor Shiraz Khan, cabinet member for housing, strategic planning and regulatory service, said: “The IPG document sets the direction of travel for planning policy in the station quarter, one of the most exciting, developments planned for our city. We know how important it is that any development here is done right, and this guidance will help to ensure any work is done appropriately and in keeping with the heritage of the area.” Councillor Nadine Peatfield, leader of Derby City Council and cabinet member for city centre, regeneration, strategy and policy, added: “Adopting this IPG document is a significant step in the Station Quarter project. With this guidance, we will now be able to begin seeking funding to develop the plans further. “As one of the main gateways to our city for millions every year, it’s crucial that the area around Derby Railway Station offers an attractive and welcoming environment. These plans will create a vibrant and thriving hub for living, working, and leisure that can serve as a catalyst for wider growth in the city.”
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