The region’s Residential Development of the Year to be revealed at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025

Tess Egginton
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The region’s Residential Development of the Year to be revealed at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025
With the nomination deadline moving closer for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025, shining a light on the region’s property and construction industry, there are 10 categories open for entry, offering a prime opportunity to showcase outstanding businesses, teams and projects at the prestigious event. One such category is Residential Development of the Year, which can be entered here. 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. 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 Distinctive Developments for Woodwell and Meadow Barn, with Chevin Homes (Chevin Close) and Phoenix Brickwork UK LTD (IQ Nelson Court) runners up. Upon winning, Richard Evans of Distinctive Developments said: “Winning the Bricks award for our Woodwell and Meadow Barn project is a huge honour for the Distinctive Developments team. This project truly reflects our passion for blending traditional design with sustainability. “We’re so grateful to the judges for recognizing our hard work and commitment to quality design and craftsmanship. What a super event as well for networking and business connections, thank you Business Link.” With this year’s Residential Development of the Year award sponsored by Build Manager, Matthew Jones, director, said: “We are delighted to sponsor this year’s East Midlands Bricks Awards and to champion the Residential Development of the Year category. “At Build Manager, we bring over 50 years of combined industry experience to every project, offering a comprehensive suite of services, from construction consultancy and project management, supporting SME developers with project viability and finance process, through to full turn-key design and build solutions. “Our team, comprising former senior managers from one of Lincolnshire’s largest main contractors, provides the expertise and professionalism of a major firm, while delivering a friendly and personalised service our clients can rely on. “The Bricks Awards are a celebration of the people and projects shaping the East Midlands, and that resonates strongly with us. We’ve chosen to sponsor Residential Development of the Year because we understand the challenges and opportunities in this space, and we’re passionate about recognising innovation, quality, and the commitment it takes to deliver homes that meet the needs of growing communities. “We look forward to an evening of acknowledging outstanding achievements, connecting with fellow professionals, and sharing insights that contribute to the growth and success of the East Midlands construction community.” Submit your nominations for Residential Development 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: Most Active Agent, Developer of the Year, Responsible Business of the Year, Commercial Development of the Year, Contractor of the Year, Deal of the Year, Architects of the Year, Excellence in Design, and Sustainable 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 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.
 

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:

EY appoints new Midlands managing partner

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EY appoints new Midlands managing partner
EY has appointed Adrian Roberts as its new Midlands managing partner and markets leader. Adrian takes over from Simon O’Neill who has been in the role since 2017 and has recently taken on a new role as the EY deputy assurance service line leader. Adrian joined EY as a graduate from Birmingham University in 1997 and was admitted to the partnership in 2009. He has held various leadership positions at the firm, including head of audit quality for the UK&I and partner sponsor for EY’s Entrepreneur Of The Year programme in the Midlands. He also has broad international experience, gained from both a secondment in Seattle in the US and through his audit partner roles on global accounts. Adrian has deep experience of working with private and mid-market companies across a range of industries. Adrian said: “I’m incredibly proud to have been appointed to this role to lead our business in the Midlands. We have exceptional talent across the region, with over 1,200 colleagues and 55 partners based in our Birmingham office. With the help of this team, I’m confident that we will continue to grow the business, create fulfilling careers for our people and provide an exceptional service to our clients. “Finally, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Simon for his leadership over the past eight years, during a period which has seen EY achieve significant growth and make a positive contribution across the region.” Simon O’Neill added: “As an EY ‘lifer’, Adrian brings a remarkable blend of expertise, dedication, and vision to the role of Midlands Managing Partner. Under Adrian’s leadership, I have no doubt that our Midlands’ practice will continue to go from strength to strength.”

Sixth Silverstone Soccer sees success

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Sixth Silverstone Soccer sees success
The sixth annual Silverstone Soccer charity event has raised more than £3,000 for a local charity. Over the past six years, fundraising footballers have collected enough money to cover a whole month’s worth of patient care at Cynthia Spencer Hospice. On Sunday 22nd June, 10 determined teams went head-to-head in a five-a-side tournament at Daventry Town Football Club. First-time entrants Northampton Town Football Club won the much-coveted winner’s trophy, with Asset Engineering as runner-up. As well as the football fun, visitors also enjoyed a bouncy castle and Silverstone Leasing’s managing director Scott Norville’s car wash service. The event, which is hosted by vehicle leasing firm Silverstone Leasing, has now raised more than £19,500 over the years for its nominated charity partner Cynthia Spencer Hospice, since its conception in 2020. With £504 being enough to cover one day of palliative care in the hospice, the current total could pay for more than 30 days’ worth of patient care. The money could alternatively fund more than 1,000 Hospice@Home nurse visits or 235 trips to a Wellbeing appointment for a palliative patient. Organiser of the event and Silverstone Leasing sales manager Ryan Bishop said: “I believe Sunday’s Silverstone Soccer is the best one we’ve done so far! It was an incredible day, and we are very grateful for the fantastic support from the local community. “It was wonderful to see some new entrants in the tournament as well as our regular competitors, who support us over and over again to get the best possible result for the hospice. “To know that our efforts have now funded more than a month’s worth of palliative care for such an amazing cause is truly humbling. “Thank you to our supporters and sponsors for making this impactful and inspiring event possible.” Nina Gandy, corporate partnerships fundraiser at Cynthia Spencer Hospice, said: “Silverstone Leasing have supported us as their chosen charity since 2018 and prior to this had already taken part in spontaneous fundraisers. “To date, the team have raised more than £19,500 for the hospice through various events including their own flagship event, Silverstone Soccer, as well as Cycle4Cynthia, abseiling challenges, marathon running and the viral LinkedIn campaign #sing4Cynthia. “We are immensely grateful for the support we receive from Scott, Ryan and the rest of the Silverstone Leasing team and appreciate all the hard work that goes into putting on an event of this scale and making it such a resounding success. “The funds raised will allow our hospice to continue to provide our vital palliative care to the people of Northamptonshire. Thank you.”

YMCA Derbyshire partners with Vaillant for community transformation

April Lara
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YMCA Derbyshire partners with Vaillant for community transformation

YMCA Derbyshire and Vaillant are strengthening their collaboration to drive lasting community impact. Since their partnership began in August 2024, the two organisations have made significant strides in supporting local residents, with Vaillant providing both financial aid and technical assistance to vulnerable groups.

Vaillant, a leader in heating and renewable energy, has had a strong presence in the region for over 90 years, with its UK headquarters in Belper since 1966. Recently, the company expanded its manufacturing capabilities with a new facility in Derby to meet the increasing demand for low-carbon heating solutions.

Vaillant’s support includes a £20,000 donation to YMCA Derbyshire’s Padley@YMCA Resilience Hub, aimed at assisting individuals and families facing homelessness and poverty. Additionally, Vaillant responded promptly when YMCA’s main campus faced boiler failures, ensuring 87 residents had access to heating and hot water.

The partnership has also extended to fundraising, with Vaillant volunteers raising nearly £3,000 for YMCA Derbyshire’s Sleep Easy event, contributing to a total of £37,429. Looking forward, Vaillant plans to continue its support through employee volunteering in local community projects.

Together, YMCA Derbyshire and Vaillant are creating tangible, long-term change, with a shared focus on enhancing social well-being and community resilience.

Leicester and Leicestershire’s Local Skills Initiative drives business growth and skill development

April Lara
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Leicester and Leicestershire’s Local Skills Initiative drives business growth and skill development

Leicester and Leicestershire’s Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) has made significant strides since its launch in 2023, with progress reported in improving facilities and aligning educational offerings with industry needs. The initiative, aimed at positioning the region as a leader in workforce development, received strong backing from the Department for Education and is spearheaded by East Midlands Chamber.

Among its successes, the programme saw 99.25% of a £1.5 million funding allocation utilised by local colleges to enhance training facilities and develop courses aligned with industry demands. Leicester College has integrated sustainable energy solutions, including electric vehicle charging stations, solar panels, and battery storage systems, into its training facilities. Loughborough College has also refurbished its premises and expanded electric vehicle training offerings. Additionally, 148 learners completed new short courses designed to meet business needs, with 11 more planned by March 2025.

Looking ahead, the LSIP recommends expanding professional development frameworks, creating SME-focused leadership programmes, and increasing high-quality English language training. Plans also include raising awareness of T-Level qualifications and strengthening local apprenticeship networks.

With many businesses struggling to fill roles with qualified candidates, these initiatives are critical in bridging skills gaps and fostering economic growth across Leicester and Leicestershire.

Research centre launched by universities of Sheffield, Newcastle and Nottingham to position UK as a global leader in clean technology

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Research centre launched by universities of Sheffield, Newcastle and Nottingham to position UK as a global leader in clean technology

A major new research centre set to position the UK as a global leader in clean technology by replacing fossil petrochemicals and recycling industrial waste using sustainable chemistry, is being launched by researchers at the universities of Sheffield, Newcastle and Nottingham.

As referenced in the UK government’s recent Industrial Strategy, Great British (GB) Chemicals brings together researchers from a total of 10 universities who will work with stakeholders throughout the chemical industry to produce cleaner versions of the chemicals that we depend on in our modern lives, to reduce pollution, ensure resilience, and secure economic sustainability.

The centre is funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the Natural Environment Research Centre (NERC).

Led by Professor Peter Styring from the University of Sheffield, and Professors Libby Gibson from Newcastle University and Mike George from the University of Nottingham, GB Chemicals aims to accelerate the deployment of world-leading laboratory research through real-world demonstration and validation, and promote UK investment, job creation and potential export markets for the chemical industry.

Kedar Pandya, executive director for strategy at EPSRC, said: “This investment by EPSRC and NERC will drive a sustainable chemical industrial future, shifting the UK away from environmentally harmful processes towards circular alternatives that improves peoples’ lives and drive economic growth.

“Working closely with industry partners, this will be a systems approach that optimises the interdependencies between environmental net gain, decarbonisation, and resource efficiency.

“By embedding environmental science within manufacturing solutions, we’re enabling an environmentally sound net zero transition that has a positive impact on biodiversity, ecosystems, and natural resources – aligning with priorities in the clean energy industries sector plan.”

Professor Peter Styring, professor of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry at the University of Sheffield and co-director of GB Chemicals, said: “The award of Great British Chemicals reflects a great effort by our 10-university team to put a sustainable chemicals industry at the forefront of a long-needed transition.

“We will take emissions from foundation industries to provide the feedstocks to drive future chemicals production. One of the things that shone through during the process was the enthusiasm of the team to succeed and to help develop a world-leading new chemicals sector.

“There will be challenges: technical, economic and social, however we have the right team to deliver that to where there are currently gaps, and we have the flexibility in funding to bring in new partners and stakeholders.

“We already have combined experience in developing technologies to pre-commercial systems and we have shown that working as teams on a consolidated whole systems approach can deliver results at an accelerated pace. Co-creation with our stakeholders can drive that even more when we work together as a focused team.”

Professor Libby Gibson, professor of Energy Materials at Newcastle University, and co-director of GB Chemicals, said: “I’m delighted that we have been awarded the opportunity to lead Great British Chemicals. Carbon from the petrochemical industry is embedded in almost every manufactured product.

“If we want to cut pollution, improve health outcomes, become more resilient, grow the economy, provide jobs and keep products affordable, we need to urgently accelerate the deployment of smarter technology that keeps carbon in use rather than digging it up and then discarding it.

“This award enables us to unlock that opportunity, by driving innovation from the lab bench to the industrial backbone through our partnerships, pilots, data, and training. Ultimately, this will enable the community to secure investment, strengthen policy and create a lasting benefit for the planet.”

Professor Michael George, professor of Chemistry at the University of Nottingham, and co-director of GB Chemicals, said: “The UK chemical using industries are an under-appreciated jewel in our country’s economy. I am thrilled to be part of Great British Chemicals, helping to shift this sector towards sustainable operations. Success needs the participation of our wide range of university and industrial stakeholders focusing on the skills agenda.

“Our centre recognises the vital role of technical professionals in research across academia and industry. This includes partnership with the UK Institute for Technical Skills and Strategy, aligning with the Technician Commitment to support visibility, opportunity and the sustainability of skills.”

Great British Chemicals is funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and the Natural Environment Research Council, both part of UKRI. The centre will be funded at a full economic cost of £22.5 million for seven years.

GB Chemicals will begin officially on 1 August 2025, although work has already begun to ensure the consortium hits the ground running.

Rotherhill acquires modern Leicestershire industrial unit

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Rotherhill acquires modern Leicestershire industrial unit
Midlands-based property developer and asset manager, Rotherhill, alongside long-term funding partners DSC 452 Ltd, has completed the acquisition of a modern industrial unit on the Whiteacres Estate in Whetstone. The property comprises a detached, single-storey warehouse with integral two-storey offices, totalling approximately 13,350 sq ft, and occupies a 0.79-acre plot. It is currently let to Tyresure Ltd, with the lease set to expire on 24th August 2026. This acquisition aligns with Rotherhill’s ongoing strategy of acquiring high-quality industrial and logistics assets, whether income-producing or vacant, with potential to add value in the short to medium term through proactive asset management initiatives. Stuart Waite, associate director at Rotherhill, said: “We are pleased to have completed this acquisition which aligns perfectly with our strategy of buying well positioned assets with strong underlying fundamentals in a sector of the market which we believe will continue to experience rental and capital growth in the short to medium term. “Occupier demand remains robust and supply of similarly sized existing properties across Leicester and the wider Midlands region is extremely limited, particularly where self-contained and with large car parking and service yard provisions. This asset provides scope to secure rental and capital growth in line with market evidence upon lease expiry in 2026. “Thank you to Luke Symonds and Richard Wright of NorthCap who advised us in respect of this acquisition.”

Leicester hospital submits plans to expand cancer treatment facilities

April Lara
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Leicester hospital submits plans to expand cancer treatment facilities

University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust has put forward a proposal to extend the Osborne building at Leicester Royal Infirmary, aiming to boost its cancer treatment capacity. The extension would accommodate a new aseptic pharmacy, designed to enhance the preparation of injectable medicines in sterile environments.

The existing pharmacy facilities are unable to meet the growing demand for cancer treatments and clinical trials. With cancer diagnoses rising at a rate surpassing the national average, the proposed first-floor extension will support an increase in treatment production to keep pace with both current and future demand. This expansion is considered essential for sustaining the hospital’s cancer services and enhancing patient care.

UK Government drives future of manufacturing with 3D printing investment

April Lara
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UK Government drives future of manufacturing with 3D printing investment

The UK Government is ramping up its focus on advanced manufacturing, with a new initiative aimed at enhancing productivity and positioning the country as a global leader. The Modern Industrial Strategy introduces a £4.3 billion investment, targeting a variety of sectors, including aerospace, automotive, and agricultural technology, with a strong emphasis on 3D printing.

By 2035, the UK is set to double its investment in advanced manufacturing, specifically in additive manufacturing technologies like 3D printing. This initiative aligns with the government’s broader strategy to reduce dependency on international supply chains and boost domestic production capacity.

Among the notable measures is £86 billion in funding for research and development across multiple industries, including a considerable portion allocated to digital and manufacturing innovations. Specifically, £2.8 billion will be dedicated to advancing R&D in the manufacturing sector, ensuring that businesses adopt cutting-edge solutions in automation and digital fabrication.

One significant aspect of the plan is the commitment to Made Smarter Innovation (MSI), which has already attracted £202 million in private investment, driving the development of digital technology solutions for the manufacturing industry. Public-private collaborations will continue to support efforts to expand 3D printing applications, helping to reshape industries such as aerospace and automotive.

The UK government is also addressing the skills gap with investments in STEM education and training, ensuring that the workforce is prepared for the demands of advanced manufacturing. This includes £395 million for the Henry Royce Institute, which will continue to spearhead materials research and innovation.

The strategic focus on additive manufacturing is further exemplified in defence, with the Ministry of Defence integrating 3D printing into its long-term plans to enhance supply chain resilience. The UK Government’s investment in aerospace 3D printing initiatives also promises to make significant strides in reducing costs and improving sustainability in the sector.

In response to these developments, industry leaders have highlighted the potential for these investments to reshape UK manufacturing, reduce reliance on overseas production, and lead the way in advanced manufacturing technologies. The strategy reflects a shift towards long-term planning, with the UK positioning itself for continued leadership in the global manufacturing landscape.

Recognise Bank completes £1.79m bridging loan for Lincolnshire developer

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Recognise Bank completes £1.79m bridging loan for Lincolnshire developer
Recognise Bank has completed a gross £1.795 million bridging loan across multiple industrial sites and land in Lincolnshire for an established development and construction business. Completed in partnership with Archway Capital Partners, the facility will allow the developer to maximise sales values across the commercial units on the sites. The borrower, part of a long standing and family owned group, recently completed two industrial sites across Lincolnshire as well as two landbank sites with planning permission in place. The bespoke bridging facility structured by lending managers, Ian Fields & Heather Mitchell, provided the client with a short-term solution to allow time for asset sales and to support their strategic development pipeline in the future. Sam Monk, director at Archway Capital Partners, said: “It has been a great pleasure to work with Ian, Heather and Stephen to complete this deal and support our client. The Recognise Bank team crafted a bespoke solution, provided timely responses, and maintained great communication throughout. We look forward to working with the team again in the future.” Ian Fields, senior lending manager at Recognise Bank, said: “We are delighted to have worked with Sam and the Archway Capital team to facilitate the next phase of growth for another successful UK SME. Providing bespoke financial solutions is at the very core of what we do and this deal is a great example of what can be achieved when lender, broker and borrower work together.”
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