Nomination categories in detail: The East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025

If you are yet to make your entries for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025, now is the perfect time to do so before nominations close on Friday 15th August! Here we go through each category’s criteria – which can also be found with nomination forms here. A highlight in the business calendar, winners will be announced at a glittering awards ceremony and networking event on Thursday 2nd October, at the famous Trent Bridge Cricket Ground. The 10th annual celebration of the property and construction industry will run from 4:30pm – 7:30pm. Take this chance to showcase exceptional new commercial and residential developments, those demonstrating a leading position in sustainability and design excellence; gain recognition as outstanding developers, architects, contractors, and agents, as well as for significant deals; and ensure efforts in corporate social responsibility are rewarded, from eco initiatives to charity work, to social value schemes. Contractor of the Year Celebrating the contractors who work on the project, this award celebrates builders, construction companies and the contractors themselves, and nominees should be those who have gone above and beyond the word of the contract to deliver a truly exceptional service. Contracts must have been within the last 12 months. Developer of the Year The winner of this category will be the developer that has truly pushed the limit over the last 12 months. Their scheme(s) will have shown to not only be a success, but that there was true demand for them. The winning developer will have displayed courage in a tough market to deliver award winning results. There is no size limit, but schemes must have been completed over the last 12 months. Architects of the Year The winner of this award will be the architects who have had the greatest impact on the region, be it in a single development or a series of them. Originality, the ability to rise to a challenge or initiative shown in accomplishing a difficult brief, this award celebrates our architects. Schemes must have been completed over the last 12 months. Most Active Agent The winner of this category will be the estate agents / property consultants who have had the biggest impact on the commercial property sector over the last 12 months, whether that be in deals done, quality of any given deal, or excellent customer service. Deal of the Year The winner of this category will be the deal that has truly pushed the boundaries over the last 12 months – from jobs created to complexity, size and scale. However, that’s not to say the biggest deal will automatically win; the deal which has had most impact in the East Midlands is what we’re looking for. The winning deal will have displayed courage in a tough market to deliver a great outcome for all concerned. Deal must have been completed over the last 12 months. Residential Development of the Year The winner of this category will be the scheme that has displayed a true commitment to providing much-needed housing in the East Midlands. There is no size limit, but schemes must have been completed over the last 12 months. Sustainable Development of the Year The winner of this category will be the scheme that has displayed a true commitment to sustainable development in the East Midlands, whether this be in an environmental development, social enterprise or a scheme which will benefit the region in other ways, so long as it benefits the future generation. Schemes must have been completed over the last 12 months. Commercial Development of the Year The winner of this category will be the commercial development that has gone above and beyond in fulfilling the criteria of the build, in terms of design and construction. This can include special requirements, features or elements that make the commercial development stand out from the crowd. Developments must have been completed within the last 12 months. Excellence in Design The winner of this category will have shown true originality in design excellence across a scheme or schemes over the last 12 months, whether this be aesthetically, functionally or in any other manner. Responsible Business of the Year The winner of this award will have demonstrated corporate responsibility in their field, working in harmony and for the betterment of the local community in which it operates and setting a shining example for the rest of the supply chain. Overall Winner This award cannot be entered, with the Overall Winner selected from those nominated for the occasion’s 10 other categories and receiving a grand prize of a year of marketing/publicity worth £20,000, with the opportunity to split or gift the marketing to a charity of your choice.   Submitting a nomination couldn’t be easier – simply click here and click on a category’s heading to access its form. Nominations end Friday 15th August. Entry is free – with finalists also winning free tickets to the awards ceremony.

Book your tickets now

Tickets can now be booked for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025, click here to secure yours.

The special awards evening and networking event will be held on Thursday 2nd October in the Derek Randall Suite at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground from 4:30pm – 7:30pm.

Connect with local decision makers over nibbles and complimentary drinks while applauding the outstanding companies and projects in our region. Attendees will also hear from keynote speaker Councillor Nadine Peatfield – Leader of Derby City Council, Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Strategy and Policy, and Deputy Mayor of the East Midlands. New for this year, all entrants will also have the opportunity to be featured on our dedicated nominee showcase on the East Midlands Business Link website, providing space for marketing your achievements.

The East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025

What: The East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025 When: Thursday 2nd October (4.30pm – 7.30pm) Where: Derek Randall Suite, Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, Nottingham Keynote speaker: Councillor Nadine Peatfield – Leader of Derby City Council, Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Strategy and Policy, and Deputy Mayor of the East Midlands Tickets: Available here Dress code: Standard business attire Thanks to our sponsors:                                                                                          

To be held at:

Next stage of construction begins at Stud Brook Business Park

Clowes Developments, in partnership with contractor Roe Developments, has commenced enabling works for the next phase of Stud Brook Business Park in Castle Donington. The project will deliver five new trade counter, warehouse, and industrial units ranging in size from 3,229 sq ft to 4,606 sq ft, following planning approval from North West Leicestershire District Council. Located on Plot 1, the units will be built around the Starbucks Drive-Thru, which sits at the entrance of the business park. The site is also adjacent to a newly opened Sainsbury’s Local. Designed primarily for trade counter operators, the new units are part of a strategic expansion of the park. Occupier announcements are expected in the coming months. Roe Developments has been appointed as the main contractor and will deliver the scheme under a 30-week build programme. Units are scheduled for handover around Christmas 2025, with occupiers anticipated to begin trading in the New Year. James Richards, development director at Clowes Developments, said: “We’re excited to move forward with the next phase at Stud Brook Business Park. The development has seen strong demand from trade operators since its launch, and Plot 1 represents a key opportunity to build on that momentum. “With its prime location and excellent amenities, this phase is set to attract high-quality occupiers. Our ongoing collaboration with IMA Architects and local stakeholders ensures the scheme supports both commercial needs and the broader Castle Donington community.”

Apollo injects £80m into Nottingham Forest’s finances

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Apollo Management has provided an £80 million loan to Nottingham Forest Football Club, marking the company’s first foray into English Premier League financing. The three-year loan, agreed upon in December, carries an interest rate of 8.75%.

The loan includes £55 million to refinance existing debt, previously owed to Rights and Media Funding Group, which has also financed other clubs, including Everton. The remaining £25 million will be used for working capital.

Nottingham Forest, owned by Greek shipping magnate Evangelos Marinakis, posted a £73 million operating loss last year but managed to secure an overall profit through player sales exceeding £100 million. The club is set to compete in next season’s Europa League after finishing seventh in the Premier League, aided by Crystal Palace’s exclusion from European competition.

This move is part of a wider trend in European football, with US-based lenders increasingly offering high-interest loans to clubs in need of financial support.

North Northamptonshire approves cultural masterplan to boost local economy

North Northamptonshire Council has greenlit a new cultural masterplan aimed at bridging the region’s funding gap in the cultural sector. Currently, North Northamptonshire receives only £1.80 per capita in Arts Council funding, compared to the £6.19 in West Northamptonshire and £12.16 nationally. Despite this disparity, the area has a higher concentration of cultural and creative businesses than the wider East Midlands, contributing over £249 million to the local economy annually through cultural tourism.

The masterplan seeks to attract additional investment into theatres, art galleries, museums, and community cultural programmes. It aims to foster community cohesion, economic development, and placemaking, while aligning resources and efforts within the cultural and creative industries. The strategy will rely on central government funding, but external funding sources are expected to play a key role in its execution.

The plan is designed to cultivate a more vibrant and sustainable cultural landscape in North Northamptonshire, with a central vision for the next five years. The council has committed to working with local cultural and creative partners to realise this vision, but the funding for specific projects will be sourced externally. The council is now focusing on developing a detailed action plan and securing further funding for the local cultural sector.

Frasers Group achieves record profits despite external pressures

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Frasers Group, the parent company of Sports Direct, has reported record profits for the year ending 27 April, despite facing a £50m financial impact from National Insurance increases. The company saw a 3% rise in adjusted profit before tax, reaching £560.2m. The second half of the year proved particularly fruitful, with a profit increase of 8.3%.

Sports Direct’s UK operations led the charge, contributing a 1.6% profit rise to £475.8m. Despite a 7.4% dip in overall revenue, totalling £4.93bn, Frasers managed significant cost savings of £127.2m from eliminating low-margin sales in its Studio and Game segments. Further operational efficiencies added another £224.7m to its savings, bolstering overall performance.

Frasers also made strategic strides in international markets, expanding in Australia, Asia, and EMEA. Stronger partnerships with global brands such as Nike, Adidas, and Hugo Boss are key to these efforts, while the group’s real estate investments continue to deliver value. Frasers Plus has shown promising growth, meeting long-term targets as part of the group’s broader ambitions.

Looking ahead to FY26, Frasers expects adjusted profit before tax to fall within a range of £550m-600m, with continued progress expected despite external challenges.

Chesterfield festival connects students with future career opportunities

The Made in Chesterfield Festival returns this autumn, running from 25 September to October, offering local students hands-on experiences in the manufacturing and property sectors. The festival, organised by Destination Chesterfield and Direct Education Business Partnership, partners with Chesterfield College to link businesses with future talent.

This initiative aims to help schools meet updated career education requirements and connect students with local career opportunities. The festival introduces a new Innovation Challenge programme, which pairs schools with local employers to solve real-world business problems. Students will visit workplaces, collaborate in teams, and present solutions, gaining practical insight into the relevance of classroom learning to future careers.

The festival, which has engaged over 3,500 students since its 2014 launch, challenges outdated perceptions of careers in manufacturing and property. It strengthens collaboration between education and industry, ensuring local businesses have access to the skilled workforce they need. Local businesses supporting the festival include United Cast Bar Ltd, MSE Hiller, and Penny Hydraulics, among others.

Chesterfield College, the festival’s headline sponsor, is committed to connecting students with industry to equip them with the skills needed for success in local careers.

Only 4 weeks until nominations close for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025!

With the nomination deadline (Friday 15th August) approaching quickly for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025, there’s only four weeks left to make your submissions for the 10th annual celebration of the property and construction industry. Scheduled to take place on Thursday 2nd October at the spectacular Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, the Bricks shine a light on the work of those shaping the landscape of our region, recognising development projects and people in commercial and public building across the East Midlands – from offices, industrial and residential, through to community projects such as leisure schemes and schools. We also showcase the work of architects, agencies and those behind large schemes. The glittering awards ceremony revealing winners will additionally offer the perfect opportunity to forge new contacts with property and construction professionals from across the region. Attendees will also hear from keynote speaker Councillor Nadine Peatfield – Leader of Derby City Council, Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Strategy and Policy, and Deputy Mayor of the East Midlands. To nominate your (or another) business/development for one of our awards, please click on a category link below or visit this page. Entry is free – with finalists also winning free tickets to the awards ceremony. Take this chance to highlight exceptional new commercial and residential developments, those demonstrating a leading position in sustainability and design excellence; gain recognition as outstanding developers, architects, contractors, and agents, as well as for significant deals; and ensure efforts in corporate social responsibility are rewarded, from eco initiatives to charity work, to social value schemes.
Categories include:

Nominations will close on Friday 15th August.

Tickets can now be booked for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025, click here to secure yours.

Connect with local decision makers over nibbles and complimentary drinks while applauding the exceptional companies and projects in our region.

New for this year, all entrants will also have the opportunity to be featured on our dedicated nominee showcase on the East Midlands Business Link website, providing space for marketing your achievements.

The East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025

What: The East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025 When: Thursday 2nd October (4.30pm – 7.30pm) Where: Derek Randall Suite, Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, Nottingham Keynote speaker: Councillor Nadine Peatfield – Leader of Derby City Council, Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Strategy and Policy, and Deputy Mayor of the East Midlands Tickets: Available here Dress code: Standard business attire Thanks to our sponsors:                                                                                          

To be held at:

Grant awarded for investigative work at Buxton Opera House ahead of restoration

High Peak Borough Council, owner of the historic Matcham-designed Buxton Opera House, has been awarded a grant of £174,020 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to undertake vital investigative work into the condition of its historic building. The funding is a crucial first step in preparing the ground for a major capital project that will make the Grade II* listed theatre fully fit for purpose in the 21st Century. High Peak Borough Council are providing partnership funding bringing the total raised to £190,000. The grant will support conservation statements, structural and building condition surveys, and analysis of findings for greater long-term sustainability opportunities. These investigative studies will provide an in-depth understanding designed to inform, de-risk and streamline the design processes that will be required to prepare the major capital project. High Peak Borough Council and High Peak Theatre Trust thanked Dr David Wilmore of TheatreSearch for his Matcham Theatre expertise and his key role in securing this primary grant. Leader of High Peak Borough Council, councillor Anthony McKeown, said “Buxton Opera House is one of the jewels of the High Peak, the impact of which is felt both within the High Peak and nationally. “As a Council we are delighted that this famous building owned by the Council and ably managed on our behalf by the High Peak Theatre Trust has attracted this national funding support, so that we make sure the building is fit and proper for generations to come. “The grant is enabling us to appoint a project officer on a 12-month contract to support David, and Paul Kerryson as the Trust’s CEO, to carry out the work identified, along with developing the partnership which we hope will lead to developing the needed plans to enable both restoration and appropriate modernisation of this very special place.” Paul Kerryson, High Peak Theatre Trust CEO, said: “We are grateful for this grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and the continued support from High Peak Borough Council. This award will be the first step towards what we anticipate will be a major restoration of the iconic and internationally admired Buxton Opera House. “This essential restoration will include improvements to access, audience and technical facilities which will secure the continuing success of the Opera House for future generations of theatre goers and theatre makers.”

Jobs saved as excavator attachments manufacturer sold

PKF Smith Cooper’s business recovery and restructuring team have secured a sale of the business and assets of Abiljo Excavator Services Limited, preserving the future of the business and all jobs.

Dean Nelson, head of business recovery and restructuring has overseen the pre-pack administration and sale of Abiljo Excavator Services Limited, a long-established Midlands-based manufacturer of excavator attachments. The transaction ensures the continuity of the business and the protection of all 19 employees. Founded in 1979, Abiljo Excavator Services Limited is a family-owned business known for designing and manufacturing excavator buckets. However, in recent years, the company faced mounting financial pressures due to supply chain disruptions, cost volatility, and unpredictable order volumes following the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite efforts to secure additional funding, the business experienced sustained trading losses, increasing arrears to HMRC and growing cash flow challenges. Following a strategic review, an accelerated merger and acquisition process was initiated to preserve the business as a going concern. After a competitive bidding process and advice on the offers received from professional valuation agents, the highest offer was accepted from Abiljo Limited. Matthew and James Walker are the directors of Abiljo Limited, having been joined by a new investor in the company. Dean Nelson said: “I am delighted with the outcome we have achieved for Abiljo Excavator Services Limited. It is incredibly rewarding to secure the future of a respected local business and safeguard the livelihoods of its dedicated workforce. We wish the new owners and the team every success moving forward.”

Time Out: Asma Maya Joseph-Hussain, CEO at Cynthia Spencer Hospice

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 Asma Maya Joseph-Hussain, CEO at Cynthia Spencer Hospice, who in another life might have been an archaeologist! What is the first thing you do to get the weekend started? On a Saturday morning at 5.45am I go for a five-mile walk in my local forest. It’s my time to relax, reconnect with myself and get ready for a weekend full of family fun. What is your hobby? Walking, yoga and painting. I do watercolours and pottery painting. What is your favourite movie? The classic would have to be The Godfather trilogy, I could watch that on repeat. If you hadn’t been successful at what you do, what would you be doing instead as a career? When I was younger, I wanted to be an archaeologist. I don’t know why I didn’t pursue it. I wanted to find new discoveries. If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Definitely flying. You could see everything from above and go anywhere. What is your secret talent? I’m a really good cook. I love making lots of Asian curries. What is your favourite genre of music? I have a very eclectic music taste, depending on my mood. I love funky jazz, Brit Pop, RnB, British Asian music, a real mix. If you could travel to any moment in time, where would you go?  I’d go back to when my Dad bought a new car when I was a child. It was a big estate car with a massive boot. I have four sisters and one brother, it was a big houseful growing up, and when Dad got the car, we all piled in and went for a drive. It is my best family moment.