Martin Sartorius, principal economist, CBI, said: “June’s stronger-than-expected inflation print will raise concerns that recent price pressures – driven by higher household energy prices and the passthrough of increased employment costs – could potentially re-entrench inflation in the economy.
“While we still expect the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee to continue gradually cutting rates, today’s upside inflation surprise means its August decision will be finely balanced. Underlying price pressures show signs of easing as the labour market cools, which should support a rate cut. However, some members of the MPC will be wary of loosening too quickly and, consequently, risk inflation remaining above target for longer.”
Inflation sees June jump
Inflation ticked up in June, according to new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
Measured by the Consumer Prices Index (CPI), inflation was stronger than expected at 3.6% in the 12 months to June, up from 3.4% in the 12 months to May.
On a monthly basis, CPI rose by 0.3% in June 2025, compared with a rise of 0.1% in June 2024.
Transport, particularly motor fuels, made the largest upward contribution to the change.
Core inflation, meanwhile, which takes out volatile factors like energy, food, alcohol and tobacco to give a clear picture of underlying trends, came in at 3.7% in the 12 months to June, up from 3.5% in the 12 months to May.
Frank Key backs Deal of the Year at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025
Frank Key has joined the sponsor line up for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025, backing the Deal of the Year category.
Since 1907 Frank Key has been renowned for supplying market-leading building, plumbing and timber materials. Built on family values, the business has grown to stock interiors, landscaping, civils and drainage products, as well as providing high-quality plant and tool hire equipment, making Frank Key a true one-stop shop for all your project requirements.
Frank Key’s reputation is not only built on the wide range of products sold, but how it does business. Given its experience within the industry and with many of the Frank Key team being long-standing members of staff, the firm is in the best position to provide you with the expert advice and service you need. Frank Key will order non-stocked items, stick to delivery dates and honour agreements.
Speaking with Business Link, Ben Sansom, Group Sales & Marketing Director at Frank Key, said: “Frank Key is delighted to sponsor the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025.
“With over 110 years of experience supplying the building trade, we are proud to support an event that celebrates the incredible achievements in the property and construction sectors across our region. We wish all the nominees the very best of luck and look forward to seeing the innovative projects shaping the East Midlands.”
The East Midlands Bricks Awards, which will take place on Thursday 2nd October at Nottingham’s famous Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, celebrates the successes of property and construction companies in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, and Northamptonshire.
Recognising those behind the changing landscape of the East Midlands, the occasion highlights development projects, businesses, and people in commercial and public building across the region – from office, industrial and residential schemes, through to community projects such as leisure schemes and schools. It also toasts the work of architects, agencies, and those behind large schemes.
Welcoming almost 150 professionals, nominating a company or project for the awards is a great way to showcase your successes, recognise your team’s efforts, bolster morale, and reach our audience of over 60,000 business readers, while also offering a chance to connect with respected professionals. It’s completely free to enter and making the top three finalists in your category also wins you free tickets to the event.
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.
“With over 110 years of experience supplying the building trade, we are proud to support an event that celebrates the incredible achievements in the property and construction sectors across our region. We wish all the nominees the very best of luck and look forward to seeing the innovative projects shaping the East Midlands.”
The East Midlands Bricks Awards, which will take place on Thursday 2nd October at Nottingham’s famous Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, celebrates the successes of property and construction companies in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, and Northamptonshire.
Recognising those behind the changing landscape of the East Midlands, the occasion highlights development projects, businesses, and people in commercial and public building across the region – from office, industrial and residential schemes, through to community projects such as leisure schemes and schools. It also toasts the work of architects, agencies, and those behind large schemes.
Welcoming almost 150 professionals, nominating a company or project for the awards is a great way to showcase your successes, recognise your team’s efforts, bolster morale, and reach our audience of over 60,000 business readers, while also offering a chance to connect with respected professionals. It’s completely free to enter and making the top three finalists in your category also wins you free tickets to the event.
To make a nomination for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025, please click here.
Supporting imagery, video, documents, or links to these, can be sent to bricks@blmgroup.co.uk. Video nomination pitches are also welcome as an alternative or companion to written entries. Categories include:- Contractor of the Year
- Developer of the Year
- Architects of the Year
- Most Active Agent
- Deal of the Year
- Residential Development of the Year
- Sustainable Development of the Year
- Commercial Development of the Year
- Excellence in Design
- Responsible Business of the Year
- Overall Winner
Nominations will close on Friday 15th August.
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:
East Midlands Chamber urges Chancellor to restore confidence in financial sector
The East Midlands Chamber is calling on Chancellor Rachel Reeves to take swift action in her upcoming Mansion House speech to address the growing concerns within the region’s financial sector. The Chamber’s latest Quarterly Economic Survey for Q2 2025 reveals a concerning drop in overseas sales, which have fallen by 10%, and a 3% decline in orders. Furthermore, only 30% of businesses expect profitability to improve shortly.
With businesses facing mounting pressure, the Chamber is urging the Chancellor to consider measures that reduce the burden of regulation and costs, allowing for more calculated risk-taking within the financial services sector. Firms are seeking a clear and supportive plan, particularly regarding tax policies, to ensure they can continue to plan for growth without fear of additional obstacles.
The Chamber stresses that firms in the region are seeking proactive, tangible actions from the government to support growth. Businesses need a stable and positive environment to thrive, and the Chamber is calling for policies that clear the path to recovery and expansion.
Policies in Employment Rights Bill are barriers to growth says Chamber
East Midlands Chamber has reinforced calls for parts of the Employment Rights Bill to be reconsidered after UK-wide research revealed significant concerns from businesses across a number of areas, such as the speed at which the Bill is travelling through Parliament and the impact of policies on tax, employment and regulation seen as a ‘barrier to growth’.
Nearly 8 out of 10 businesses that took part in the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) study felt the impact of policies is not being adequately assessed, while a third said trade union proposals would have a negative impact.
Measures outlined in the Bill, currently going through the report stage in the House of Lords, include removing the lower earnings limit from statutory sick pay; requiring employers to take ‘reasonable steps’ to prevent sexual harassment of employees; ‘day one’ rights given to employees for parental or paternity leave and protection against unfair dismissal.
Findings from the British Chambers of Commerce research on business views on the Employment Rights Bill:
- One third (33%) said trade union proposals would have a negative impact
- Only 2% of firms believe the proposals would be positive
- Nearly 8 out of 10 (79%) of firms don’t feel the impact of new government policies is being properly assessed
- 77% don’t think policy change is moving at the right pace
- Nearly 7 out of 10 (69%) think government policies such as tax, employment and regulation are barriers to growth
Nottingham Venues to open Castle Meadow Central following two-year refurbishment
Nottingham Venues has been appointed to operate Castle Meadow Central, the iconic Grade II listed building in Nottingham city centre. The building will reopen in early September following a significant two-year refurbishment and will serve as a new destination for conferences, events and flexible working.
It will also be home to a new deli which will be open to the public, offering a range of locally sourced fresh food and 200 Degrees Coffee.
Nottingham Venues, which also operates the East Midlands Conference Centre, Orchard Hotel and Bramleys Restaurant, as well as the Jubilee Hotel and Conferences on the University of Nottingham campus, will operate Castle Meadow Central as the city’s newest location for conferences and events.
With the capability to host events for up to 300 people Castle Meadow Central will become an integral part of the company’s portfolio of venues across Nottingham.
Castle Meadow Central is part of the wider Castle Meadow Campus and is located just a short walk from Nottingham Train station and Castle Wharf on the banks of the Nottingham and Beeston Canal.
Originally completed in 1994, Castle Meadow Central is widely regarded as a landmark of 1990s British architecture. Its distinctive tensile fabric roof, supported by four steel masts, remains a defining feature. The building was one of the first in the UK to achieve the highest possible BREEAM rating and was awarded both a Brick Award and a Concrete Society Certificate of Excellence in the 1990s.
The building has now been adapted for public and commercial use following a two-year renovation. It will offer a variety of flexible spaces, including five meeting rooms and a large central atrium suitable for conferences and larger events.
The ground floor will feature Deli Central, a café open to the public, providing locally sourced food and refreshments in a relaxed setting. The café will also serve the wider business community based at Castle Meadow Campus.
Tom Waldron-Lynch, CEO of Nottingham Venues, said: “Castle Meadow Central is one of the region’s most recognisable buildings. For many years it was home to HMRC, and while people in Nottingham have always known the building, very few have had the opportunity to step inside and experience it.
“That is now changing. We are delighted to be operating this iconic venue and opening it up for meetings, events and public use for the first time.
“Our aim is for Castle Meadow Campus to become a real asset to Nottingham, not just for the businesses based here, but for the wider community. With its unique design, central location and high-quality facilities, we hope it will become a valued part of Nottingham life for years to come.”
The opening will also create new local employment opportunities, with Nottingham Venues recruiting staff across hospitality, events and facilities roles.
With the capability to host events for up to 300 people Castle Meadow Central will become an integral part of the company’s portfolio of venues across Nottingham.
Castle Meadow Central is part of the wider Castle Meadow Campus and is located just a short walk from Nottingham Train station and Castle Wharf on the banks of the Nottingham and Beeston Canal.
Originally completed in 1994, Castle Meadow Central is widely regarded as a landmark of 1990s British architecture. Its distinctive tensile fabric roof, supported by four steel masts, remains a defining feature. The building was one of the first in the UK to achieve the highest possible BREEAM rating and was awarded both a Brick Award and a Concrete Society Certificate of Excellence in the 1990s.
The building has now been adapted for public and commercial use following a two-year renovation. It will offer a variety of flexible spaces, including five meeting rooms and a large central atrium suitable for conferences and larger events.
The ground floor will feature Deli Central, a café open to the public, providing locally sourced food and refreshments in a relaxed setting. The café will also serve the wider business community based at Castle Meadow Campus.
Tom Waldron-Lynch, CEO of Nottingham Venues, said: “Castle Meadow Central is one of the region’s most recognisable buildings. For many years it was home to HMRC, and while people in Nottingham have always known the building, very few have had the opportunity to step inside and experience it.
“That is now changing. We are delighted to be operating this iconic venue and opening it up for meetings, events and public use for the first time.
“Our aim is for Castle Meadow Campus to become a real asset to Nottingham, not just for the businesses based here, but for the wider community. With its unique design, central location and high-quality facilities, we hope it will become a valued part of Nottingham life for years to come.”
The opening will also create new local employment opportunities, with Nottingham Venues recruiting staff across hospitality, events and facilities roles. Asbestos management consultancy raises £3,000 at halfway point of charity challenge
The mammoth fundraising mission of a Northampton-based asbestos management consultancy has already raised more than £3,000 for a trio of charities.
In April, Acorn Analytical Services pledged to complete 10 events in six months to raise much-needed cash for local cause Cynthia Spencer Hospice, plus Mesothelioma UK and Muscular Dystrophy UK.
Already, after just three months, the dedicated team have completed six fundraising events including the London Moonwalk, the Northampton Dragon Boat Festival and Cynthia Spencer’s annual Northampton Colour Run, as well as a parachute jump and boxing match.
Two courageous colleagues, Viviana Pista and Abbie Bruce, from sister company Acorn Safety Services, also abseiled down the Northampton Lift Tower.
Collectively, the efforts of the whole Acorn Analytical team have taken their charity collection so far to £3,255 – more than half of their £6,000 target.
The final four fundraisers – the Pretty Muddy course, the first ever Acorn coffee morning, the Northampton Half Marathon and a gruelling 100 miles in 24 hours trek attempt – will complete the gargantuan challenge by September.
Alongside the 10 charity events, Acorn Analytical have also raised an additional £3,500 for the charities involved with the actual events, for example the Moonwalk also raised £2,000 for Breast Cancer Awareness and the Dragon Boat and boxing events both raised cash for smaller local charities.
It is hoped that at the end of the challenge, the team will have raised £10,000 in total, £2,000 of which Acorn Analytical has donated as a company through entry fees.
Acorn Analytical Services managing director, Sam Savage said: “It has been an amazing start to our charity challenge. The dedication and enthusiasm of the team has been contagious and to watch them all in their fundraising efforts has been inspiring.
“Six events down and four to go and we are more determined than ever to reach that £6,000 target for our three fantastic charities. These causes make such an incredible difference in their vital work and we’re proud to be able to show our support.
“If you’re able, please do back our charity campaign as we hurtle towards the finish line.”
A Go Fund Me page has been set up to cover all events. All proceeds from the page will go to the three partner charities. Anyone can donate by visiting: https://gofund.me/0ee714e7
East Midlands businesses face new challenges with upcoming changes to employment rights
The government has outlined a timeline for implementing its Employment Rights Bill, which will bring several significant changes to employment law, affecting businesses in the East Midlands. Companies will need to prepare for increased administrative tasks, including updating staff contracts, managing higher costs, and addressing new paperwork requirements.
Starting in April 2026, the Bill will grant workers “day one” rights for paternity and unpaid parental leave. Statutory sick pay will be extended, with the removal of the lower earnings limit. By October 2026, businesses will no longer be able to use “fire and rehire” practices, and employers will be required to take all reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace.
By 2027, additional protections will be introduced for pregnant women and new mothers, including enhanced dismissal protections. Employers will also face new measures to prevent unfair dismissal from the very first day of employment. These changes will require businesses to adjust their practices and ensure compliance with the new legal landscape.
Northampton launches masterplan to revitalise its town centre
West Northamptonshire Council is inviting local residents, businesses, and community groups to help shape the future of Northampton town centre through the draft Northampton Town Centre Masterplan. This initiative aims to provide a long-term vision for the area, focusing on enhancing streets, public spaces, housing, and supporting local businesses.
Building on significant ongoing projects such as the revitalisation of Market Square and plans to redevelop former M&S and BHS stores, the masterplan offers a cohesive approach to guide future investments. The goal is to ensure these developments meet the needs of the community and align with their aspirations.
Key to the plan is a focus on making the town more walkable and better connected, improving the riverside to boost leisure and nature spaces, and restoring heritage buildings to their former glory. The vision also includes creating more housing options in the town centre to foster a vibrant, mixed-use community that supports local shops, promotes pedestrian and cycling access, and increases the area’s overall vibrancy.
To gather community input, the council has launched a dedicated website, northamptonforward.com, where people can review the proposals, explore different ideas, and share their feedback through a brief survey. This initial round of engagement will inform the final version of the masterplan, which will be published later this year, ensuring that future changes reflect the priorities of those who live and work in Northampton.
Another year of revenue growth for Gateley
Professional services group Gateley has seen another year of revenue growth – its tenth consecutive year since IPO – against an unpredictable economic backdrop.
According to audited results for the year ended 30 April 2025 (FY25), the business delivered revenue growth of 4.1%, increasing to £179.5m from £172.5m in the year prior.
Meanwhile, group underlying profit before tax rose to £23.3m from £23m, though reported group profit before tax dropped to £6.4m from £14m.Rod Waldie, CEO of Gateley, said: “FY25 represents another year of revenue and underlying profit growth for Gateley, set against an unpredictable economic backdrop for much of the year. We are particularly pleased that this growth was driven by the combination of positive returns on our recent investments with an increase in activity levels and active management of cost inflation.
“In-Period highlights include the renewal and increase of our revolving credit facility to £80m. This is primarily to support further investment in our diversified growth strategy and our Employee Benefit Trust in facilitating our equity incentivisation and recirculation strategy.
“We remain ever alert to acquisition opportunities that will add value to our diversified portfolio and build on our successful M&A track record. Despite an increasingly competitive backdrop, we are confident in the quality of our pipeline, the rigour of our selective process and we look forward to updating shareholders in due course.
“Looking forward, the resilience of our diversified model, our strong financial foundations, and our unbroken track-record of revenue growth, underpins our confidence. Our long-term strategy of client-focused investment in people augmented by continued improvements in our internal structure and technology, will ensure the Group is positioned well to deliver profitable growth in FY26 and beyond. Whilst we continue to monitor and adjust in response to the unpredictable environment, the Group is carrying good momentum into the current financial year.”
Burton testing, inspection and certification services provider acquires Scottish firm
Burton-based provider of testing, inspection and certification services, SOCOTEC UK and Ireland has acquired United Kingdom Testing and Certification (UKTC), an independent fire testing laboratory based in East Kilbride.
The acquisition significantly expands SOCOTEC’s capabilities in fire safety and compliance, while reinforcing the company’s growing presence in Scotland, with its second acquisition in the country, following the purchase of Aspect Land & Hydrographic Surveys.
Matthew Marriott, CEO of SOCOTEC UK and Ireland, said: “The acquisition of UKTC represents a significant milestone in our growth strategy and commitment to enhancing building safety across the UK.
“This marks our second acquisition in Scotland within the last 12 months, demonstrating our intention to continue investing in this important region, as well as developing our capabilities to serve clients throughout the UK and Ireland.”
David Brown, director at UKTC, will continue to lead the laboratory operations under SOCOTEC ownership, and added: “Joining forces with SOCOTEC UK and Ireland provides an exciting opportunity to invest and expand our testing provisions and deliver enhanced services to our clients.
“Our East Kilbride facility has become the centre of excellence for fire testing in UK, and as part of SOCOTEC, we look forward to building on that legacy while accessing wider resources and expertise.”
