Northampton-based ABDA Design is celebrating success at the CEDA (Catering Equipment Distributors Association) Awards 2025, where the company was recognised for its outstanding contributions to the catering and design industry.
This achievement is particularly meaningful as it comes just three months after the management buy-out by Claire Smith and Richard Steade, marking an exciting new chapter for the company.
Operations co-ordinator, Amie Rice, was honoured with the Rising Star Award, an accolade that celebrates emerging talent within the sector. Amie’s achievement recognises her dedication and exceptional work ethic, having joined ABDA Design only two years ago from a completely different profession. During this time, she has quickly established herself as a vital member of the team taking the lead on wellbeing and introducing new initiatives to support the business.
In addition to Amie’s individual success, ABDA Design was also shortlisted for the Project Management Award for its work on the Charnwood Bakery project. This complex piece of work required detailed project management skills to complete within a tight eight-week timeline. With it being a live site, operating around the clock, the ABDA team had to collaborate with other contractors and demonstrate their flexibility to manage and co-ordinate all aspects of the build.
Claire Smith, managing director of ABDA Design, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have been recognised by CEDA this year. Being shortlisted for the Project Management Award for our work on Charnwood Bakery is a fantastic achievement for the whole team, but I’m especially proud of Amie for winning the Rising Star Award.
“She has gone above and beyond to learn and understand a completely new industry, and her dedication to not only our business, but the whole sector in such a short time is incredible. This recognition is so well-deserved, and we’re all incredibly proud of her.”
The closed Churchfield Care Centre in Rainworth, Nottinghamshire, has been sold.
Situated in a predominantly residential area in the village, the former care centre occupies a 1990s purpose-built nursing home and a converted property on the same 1.27-acre site. Together, they provide 56 beds, of which 22 have en-suite facilities.
Following a sales process with Sam Fazackerley at Christie & Co, the home has been purchased by Cygnet Health Care, an independent provider of social care services for young people and adults with additional needs, with 150 services across the UK. The company plans to reopen the centre as a complex mental health facility in the next 12 months.
Sam Fazackerley, business agent at Christie & Co, said: “I’m delighted to announce the successful sale of Churchfield to Cygnet Health Care. The opportunity produced a lot of interest and subsequently multiple offers from specialist care operators who were looking to redevelop the site.
“I look forward to the site being reopened to provide much-needed housing, care, and support for people recovering from complex mental health needs.
“We continue to receive high levels of interest for closed care homes across the country from a variety of care operators who want to either repopen the sites or redevelop into supported living, children’s homes, or specialist care services.”
N4 Pharma, the Derbyshire-based, AIM-listed biotech developing Nuvec, its gene delivery system to enable advanced therapies for cancer and other diseases, has appointed Edward Wardle as a non-executive director of the company.
Edward is joining the board as a representative of Northern Standard Limited, which is the company’s largest shareholder. Edward brings board-level experience of strategy, corporate governance and business development.
Having founded and led multiple businesses, he is currently an investment adviser with Tracarta Limited and Northern Standard Limited, focusing on critical industries and cutting-edge technologies, as well as a senior business development executive at Ironveld plc.
He joined the board of AIM-listed TheraCryf plc, the clinical stage drug development company focusing on neuropsychiatry and oncology, as a non-executive director in May 2025.
Nigel Theobald, chief executive officer of N4 Pharma, said: “We are delighted to welcome Ed to the Board of N4 Pharma, representing our largest shareholder.
“His experience in strategy, corporate governance, business development, and his background in innovative technologies will be invaluable as N4 Pharma develops its Nuvec® platform and continues to build out its data packages to secure licensing opportunities.”
Edward Wardle said: “Northern Standard sees a future where N4 Pharma’s Nuvec® platform shifts the paradigm of drug delivery by enabling the evolution of advanced RNA therapies; where time-consuming, in-clinic injections become something as small as a pill.
“We believe N4 Pharma has the technology, IP, and world-class team necessary to deliver this future, and are honoured to support them as they do.”
Confidence is starting to return among East Midlands entrepreneurs after a steep fall in the number of businesses set up in the region in April and May, but a sudden hike in the number of local companies with late payments highlights the perilous financial position many are forced to navigate due to current economic challenges.
This is according to the Midlands branch of national insolvency and restructuring trade body R3 and is based on a monthly analysis of regional data from business intelligence provider Creditsafe.
R3’s figures show there were 2,519 businesses set up in the East Midlands in June, which is a 17.77% increase compared to the 2,139 new businesses registered in May. The June figure is the highest percentage rise in the UK and is also almost one fifth higher (17.66%) than the 2,141 start-ups established twelve months previously in June 2024.
In contrast, however, the number of companies in the region with late payments on their books rose sharply in June to 25,710 from 24,269, which is the highest monthly total for the East Midlands over the past 12 months.
R3 Midlands chair Stephen Rome, a partner at Penningtons Manches Cooper in the region, said: “It is encouraging to see East Midlands entrepreneurs rallying against the effects of a very uncertain economic outlook, which includes tax rises, tariffs and spiralling fuel and energy costs.
“At the same time, however, it is concerning to see the rise in the number of local companies with invoices on their books which are overdue for payment. This is leaving many businesses in an increasingly perilous cashflow position and highlights the importance of taking sound steps to minimise financial exposure at all stages of a company’s lifecycle.
“For those directors with serious cashflow concerns, whether the business is a start-up or more established, R3’s advice is to seek professional help and to do it as soon as possible. The sooner support is sought, the more opportunities there may be to assure a company’s survival and future success.”
Shining a light on the region’s property and construction industry, nominations are OPEN until Friday 15th August for East Midlands Business Link’s 10th annual Bricks Awards.
With 10 categories available to enter, make sure to take this opportunity to showcase outstanding businesses, teams and projects at the prestigious event.
One such category is Deal of the Year, which can be entered here.
Sponsored by Frank Key, 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.
It’s completely free to submit a nomination and making the top three finalists in your category also wins you free tickets to the awards ceremony.
Last year the award was won by heb Surveyors for their deal at The Oaks, Mansfield, with FI Real Estate Management (for their deal at The Quad, Chesterfield) and Freeths (for their deal at the former Boots factory site, Beeston) runners up.
Robert Maxey, partner at heb Surveyors, said: “It was an honour to take home the Deal of the Year award at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024, especially because the other nominees in the category were so strong! It was extremely pleasing to see recognition of our team’s efforts and the event provided a great boost to morale.
“Celebrating excellence in our region’s property and construction sector, and offering a great chance to catch up with local professionals, I’d encourage other businesses to get involved with an entry, to showcase your business and the impact it is making in the industry.”
Submit your nominations for Deal of the Year here before entries close on Friday 15th August.Guests network at the East Midlands Bricks Awards
Winners will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony on Thursday 2nd October,at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground (4:30pm – 7:30pm) – an evening also offering an opportunity to establish new connections with property and construction professionals from across the region, and 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.
Other award categories open for entry include: Responsible Business of the Year, Developer of the Year, Sustainable Development of the Year, Commercial Development of the Year, Contractor of the Year, Excellence in Design, Architects of the Year, Most Active Agent, and Residential Development of the Year. All entry forms can be accessed here.
The Overall Winner award will also be presented at the event. This award cannot be entered, with the winner selected from those nominated for the event’s other awards. The Overall Winner of the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025 will also receive agrand 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.
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 hereDress code: Standard business attire
Thanks to our sponsors:
Business activity across the East Midlands neared stabilisation during June, according to the latest NatWest Regional Growth Tracker, as the decline in new orders eased.
At 49.7 in June, the headline NatWest East Midlands Business Activity Index picked up from 49.3 in May to signal the slowest decrease in output levels since January. Although companies reported that economic uncertainty and lower new order inflows dampened activity levels, others saw some signs of improving demand conditions.
Nonetheless, a ninth successive monthly drop in new business weighed on hiring decisions, as employment was cut further. The modest decrease in new sales reportedly stemmed from economic uncertainty and the non-renewal of contracts. At the same time, business optimism dipped from May’s recent high and was historically subdued.
On a more positive note, inflationary pressures softened as input costs and output charges rose at weaker rates. Moreover, muted demand conditions led to the weakest increase in selling prices since January 2021.
Lisa Phillips, regional managing director, Midlands and East, commercial mid market, said “Although still signalling a decline in new orders, firms in the East Midlands recorded a near-stabilisation in output in June. A less marked drop in new sales coincided with further expectations of greater activity in the coming year.
“That said, cost pressures relating to the recent hike in the Minimum Wage and National Insurance contributions continued to influence business decisions, as employment fell at a solid pace and business confidence in the outlook was dented.
“On a more positive note, rates of increase in input costs and output charges softened. In fact, selling prices were raised to the smallest extent since the start of 2021 as firms sought to entice customers amid challenging demand conditions.”
Performance in relation to UK
The slight decrease in business activity in the East Midlands contrasted again with an expansion across the UK as a whole.
The pace of decline in new orders eased from May and was the second-slowest since December 2024. Nonetheless, the modest decrease in new sales reportedly stemmed from economic uncertainty and the non-renewal of contracts. Of the 12 monitored UK regions and nations, the East Midlands recorded the second-fastest fall in new orders (slower than only Northern Ireland).
June data signalled further optimism at East Midlands firms regarding the outlook for output in the coming year. Panellists stated that hopes of stronger demand conditions and planned product releases underpinned confidence.
The latest drop in employment extended the current sequence of contraction that began two years ago. The pace of job cutting accelerated and was slightly quicker than the UK average, as firms attributed the fall in headcounts to the non-replacement of voluntary leavers amid cost control measures.
Meanwhile, the pace of cost inflation softened to the weakest since December 2024 and was slower than the UK average.
A new state-of-the-art rail innovation centre is taking shape in Derbyshire, poised to redefine research, development, and training within the UK’s rail sector. Located near Chesterfield, the DRIIVe Rail Innovation Centre will combine advanced research facilities with a comprehensive training ecosystem, enabling rail businesses to stay at the forefront of technology and talent development. Slated for completion in 2026, the centre will provide a mix of digital labs, practical workshops, and dedicated spaces for cutting-edge projects.
The centre will cater to a range of training needs, offering everything from technical qualifications to postgraduate programs. Its collaborative environment will also foster connections between suppliers and businesses developing the next generation of rail solutions.
Supported by local authorities through the Staveley Town Deal, the centre will play a key role in strengthening the region’s rail ecosystem, benefiting both regional suppliers and national projects. The strategic location will enable businesses to engage with a skilled workforce, while the centre’s focus on innovation will position the UK rail industry to compete globally.
This development reflects an ongoing commitment to skills training, technological advancement, and industry collaboration in the railway sector.
East Midlands Airport is revamping its layout to boost capacity for both cargo and passenger operations, responding to increasing demand in both sectors. The airport has initiated changes to its aircraft stand spaces as part of its long-term strategy to support growth across its operations.
The new layout includes optimising the east and west aprons to accommodate more wide-bodied cargo planes, with capacity now doubled to seven stands. Additionally, the central apron will gain four new stands to accommodate the increasing passenger traffic, with a focus on expanding existing infrastructure to meet future needs. This includes updating apron markings, enhancing ground service areas, and improving lighting systems to support increased operations.
As cargo volumes continue to rise and more airlines like SunExpress begin services, the changes are crucial in ensuring the airport can handle both sectors without compromising operational efficiency. By making better use of available space and enhancing airfield functionality, East Midlands aims to remain competitive in both logistics and passenger services.
These developments are designed to future-proof the airport’s position as a vital hub for air cargo while accommodating the growing demands of air travel.
Hortons, the estate agency brand founded in Leicester by local entrepreneur Adam Horton, has expanded into Essex, as it takes a step toward becoming a national brand.
Launched in 2016, Hortons was one of the first brokerages in the UK to pioneer the self-employed estate agency model. Today, the firm operates across more than 30 areas nationwide and continues to grow.
“Our agents are fully invested in the success of every sale because it’s their business too,” Horton explained. “That creates a different level of service and commitment, and it’s a big part of what’s driven our growth.”
The latest expansion sees Hortons launch in Essex, led by new partner Danielle, and follows moves into Sussex, Surrey, and London. Horton says the brand’s growth has been driven not by loud recruitment campaigns, but by building a high-performance culture that attracts ambitious professionals.
“We’ve stayed true to our values throughout,” Horton said. “We’re focused on building a credible brand with productive, high-quality agents who are proud to represent it – and that approach is working.”
Midlands Connect’s flagship scheme, a transformational rail improvement which will benefit 7 million people across the region, has been given the green light.
Midlands Rail Hub is a blueprint for faster, better and more frequent connections across the Midlands.
Two new ‘chords’ and 10+ engineering interventions throughout the region will allow more than 20 million extra seats for passengers and up to 300 extra trains every day.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves highlighted the scheme in her Comprehensive Spending Review in June. Today’s announcement goes beyond this, providing the capital investment needed to make it a reality.
Maria Machancoses, chief executive of Midlands Connect, said: “This is a breakthrough moment for our region, one which will led to a fundamental shift in opportunities and investment, and we will see growth in jobs, housing and in our economy as a direct result.
“We are beyond thrilled to welcome this Government commitment, and it is a testament to the determination of our mayors, leaders, MPs and partners across the region who have championed this scheme.
“Midlands Rail Hub is a once in a generation chance to change our collective future for the better.”
The scale of this announcement is a huge step forward in delivering the overall ambition of Midlands Rail Hub – to boost frequency and capacity to as many places as possible across the region.
It is a vote of confidence in a project which is expected to create nearly 13,000 construction jobs and serve up to 50 stations and destinations across the Midlands and beyond.
Thanks to the work of the co-sponsor partners involved – Midlands Connect, the Department for Transport, Network Rail and West Midlands Rail Executive, it will progress to Full Business Case completion in 2028, with parts of the scheme entering into service in the early 2030s.
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