- 15+ beautifully backdated stories (2024’s EC Awards, Events, Budget reactions, EC highlights… all rewritten through a media lens)
- Proper images that show energy, not just headshots on a beige wall. Pictures of the members that made the news and the guests on stage and screen
- A downloadable Press Pack packed with stats, bios, and tasty soundbites
Why I wouldn’t let one of the UK’s biggest business gurus send out ANYTHING to the press…until he’d done his homework: by Greg Simpson, founder of Press For Attention PR
Greg Simpson, founder of Press For Attention PR, shares the importance of doing your homework before going to the press.
Before we talk about PR, I need to discuss the laundry. Or at least a little light housework. You see, when I started working with Nigel Botterill on the PR for Entrepreneurs Circle (last month), the first thing I did was hit the brakes.
You see, Entrepreneurs Circle is a big deal. There’s well over 3,000 members and Nigel is a major figure in the business world. He’s created 10+ £1m businesses for a start and written 3 best-selling business books.
So, after a merry dance in the office and BELLOWING upstairs to Mrs S that I’d won the account, I immediately STOPPED EVERYTHING. No press release. No announcement. No shouting from the rooftops. I didn’t even mention I’d won it. Why did I do this? Why pause? Well, because PR isn’t something you do once, when you’ve “got news.” It’s a process. A system. A cycle. And like any good cycle, it starts with a rinse. A Pre-Rinse, in fact.
That’s the first step in my SpinCycle™ methodology — and before we went public with anything, we had to get EC’s house in order. I audited every media asset they had. Nigel’s showreel? Needed sharpening. The bio page? Tweaked. Random bits scattered across the site? Pulled together with purpose. Then we got to work building a fully loaded Press Page — the kind that makes journalists go “Ah, these guys get it.”
It’s now home to:
Council backs large-scale HMO despite local objections
A former accountancy office in central Grimsby is set to be converted into an 18-bed house in multiple occupation (HMO) following planning approval from North East Lincolnshire Council. The development, located on Dudley Street, was passed by a narrow margin of five votes to three.
The property will require only six parking spaces, according to the applicant’s agent, due to its central location and access to public transport. However, the project drew criticism from local councillors, who cited concerns over overdevelopment, limited parking on surrounding roads, and the growing concentration of HMOs in the area.
This marks the third HMO on the street, raising further questions around infrastructure strain and long-term impact on community dynamics. Despite opposition, the application was supported because it would meet the growing demand for single-person housing, particularly near town centres.
The decision highlights ongoing tensions between the intensification of urban housing stock and local quality-of-life considerations, particularly in areas already home to similar developments.
Private equity firm acquires UK clay pipe manufacturer
4D Capital Partners has acquired Hepworth Clay, the UK’s last remaining producer of vitrified clay drainage systems, in a move that signals renewed investor interest in vertically integrated manufacturing assets.
The firm, formerly part of Orbia subsidiary Wavin, operates across two production sites at Hazlehead (Yorkshire) and Forest Works (East Midlands) totalling over half a million square feet.
Its operations span the full value chain, drawing raw materials from its own 18-million-tonne clay reserves, an increasingly rare advantage in UK industry. Alongside its core drainage systems, Hepworth also produces terracotta components for flue and chimney ventilation.
The acquisition positions Hepworth as a standalone business under private equity ownership, with 4D Capital expected to focus on expanding its capacity, modernising operations, and driving long-term value through operational independence.
The deal was supported by advisers including Quantuma, Shoosmiths, Dickson Minto, K3, and Ford Campbell Freedman.
Alex Silk, founder of 4D, said: “We are delighted to have invested in Hepworth Clay and very proud to become the custodians of this heritage brand. There is an excellent team in place with some exceptionally talented people who share our passion for high-quality manufacturing. We look forward to working with them to realise the full potential of Hepworth Clay.”Workplaces under pressure to prepare for Gen Alpha and neurodivergent talent
UK employers are being urged to make practical workplace changes to better support emerging generations, particularly neurodivergent individuals expected to make up a significant share of the future workforce.
According to new findings from Benenden Health and Neurodiversity in Business, 77% of surveyed HR professionals are already taking steps to adapt office environments and policies with neurodiversity in mind. Recommendations include integrating flexible working patterns, quiet zones, mental health days, and mentorship programmes to foster inclusion and psychological safety.
The report frames these adjustments as essential, not optional, as diagnoses for conditions such as autism continue to rise rapidly. Businesses that fail to evolve their workspaces and culture may struggle to attract and retain the next generation of skilled workers, particularly as expectations for inclusivity and support increase.
While many organisations have made progress, the study highlights the need for ongoing structural and cultural improvements to accommodate a workforce that is not only more diverse but also more vocal about their needs.
The Nottinghamshire Golf Club awarded England Golf Championship status
Having recently hosted the English Senior Women’s Amateur Championships (ESWAC), The Nottinghamshire Golf Club has been officially named as an England Golf Championship venue.
The ESWAC was hosted by The Nottinghamshire from 12-16 May and saw over 80 ladies aged over 50 with handicaps lower than 16 from golf clubs across England take part. Sarah Naden and Carol Simpson were crowned champions of the Wendy Taylor Salver and Ann Howard Trophy.
This is the second England Golf event The Nottinghamshire has hosted having previously been the venue for the England Girls’ Open Championships in 2016, which included the Under 18, 15, and 13 age groups.
The championship venue plaques were presented to Club President Hilary Smalley who commented: “The feedback from the England Golf officials and the players taking part in the ESWAC has been really positive, especially considering the challenges the lack of rain over recent weeks has caused.
“We have had many very positive comments about the many improvements that have been made to both courses and the clubhouse, and how welcoming the staff and members have been.”
Located in South Nottinghamshire, the golf club was acquired by The Club Company in January 2025 and became its 18th country club venue in the UK.
Language course cuts at Nottingham raise concerns over financial priorities
The University of Nottingham has cut casual teaching staff from its Language Centre, citing financial pressures and the need to prioritise core academic services. The decision affects staff delivering evening language courses to the public as well as supplementary language options for undergraduate students.
According to the university, these offerings did not generate a financial surplus, prompting a review of resource allocation. The cuts are part of broader cost-saving measures aimed at stabilising the institution’s financial position.
The affected staff were employed on casual contracts, which required no notice or consultation prior to termination. This has sparked concern among some educators, particularly those who had relied on the work for income stability.
The move has drawn criticism from members of the University and College Union and the wider community, with concerns about access to British Sign Language education and the erosion of the university’s community-facing initiatives. An open letter opposing the decision has gathered hundreds of signatures.
The university stated that it may reconsider community language programmes once its financial situation improves. For now, it is focusing its investment on undergraduate and postgraduate student experiences.
Nottingham accountant accelerates growth with South Yorkshire office
Nottingham-based Botham Accounting has continued its expansion, following its London launch in May, with a new office in Sheffield.
The new office, located at the Sheffield Innovation Centre, is positioned to serve a growing client base across Sheffield, Rotherham, Barnsley, Doncaster, and Chesterfield.
The Sheffield office is led by director Tim Baum-Dixon FCA. Tim has a distinguished career that includes leadership roles at both regional and national firms and brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the local economic landscape.
“Our Sheffield office is more than just a new location – it’s a commitment to the businesses and entrepreneurs of South Yorkshire,” said Baum-Dixon. “We’re here to provide hands-on, strategic support that helps our clients thrive.”
“This expansion is a testament to the trust our clients place in us and the hard work of our incredible team,” added Andrew Botham, CEO of Botham Accounting. “Our whole team are excited about what the future holds and look forward to supporting even more businesses across the UK.”
Student lettings agency loc8me launches Lincoln branch
Student property specialist loc8me has opened a new office in Lincoln, marking its 14th UK location as part of an ongoing national expansion strategy.
The move introduces four new jobs to the area and aims to serve the city’s approximately 15,000 university students from the University of Lincoln and Bishop Grosseteste University. The Lincoln launch follows recent openings in Bristol, Cardiff, and Bath.
Loc8me currently manages over 2,500 student properties and accommodates nearly 7,000 tenants nationwide. The Lincoln branch will contribute to the company’s portfolio growth while extending its regional footprint in the East Midlands.
As part of its operational rollout, loc8me has appointed a compliance specialist dedicated to ensuring all properties in the Lincoln market meet national safety and quality standards. The company has positioned this as a key part of its service commitment to both landlords and student tenants.
Loc8me’s latest move reflects continued investment in student accommodation markets with strong growth potential and established university populations.
L&G makes £250m Magnavale cold storage investment
L&G has completed a £250m private debt investment with Chesterfield-based Magnavale over a 10-year period.
Magnavale is a provider of temperature-controlled storage and value-added services for the food industry operating from four strategically located cold storage facilities.
The debt facility totals £500m, co-arranged by L&G and a US institutional investor. L&G invested on behalf of a number of internal and external client mandates, in a transaction which marks an expansion of the firm’s real estate debt portfolio into new logistics sectors.
James Spencer-Jones, head of real estate debt, UK & Europe, L&G, said: “I’m delighted to announce we’re expanding into cold storage within our real estate debt portfolio, in particular with a market-leading provider such as Magnavale. This investment provides an opportunity to support critical infrastructure within our supply-chains, to reduce food waste and potential supply shortages.”
Magnavale Ltd is owned by Sadel Group, a Luxembourg-based family office.
Andrew Lawrence, director, Sadel and Magnavale, said: “We are proud to partner with L&G and our US institutional co-investor to support Magnavale’s continued growth. Their backing is a strong endorsement of both our strategy and the critical role that cold chain infrastructure plays in securing the future of the UK’s food supply chain.
“This investment reinforces Sadel’s approach of building best-in-class operations and prioritising efficiency through targeted, long-term investment. This partnership enables us to accelerate our expansion, enhance resilience across our national network, and deliver energy-efficient, future-ready facilities that meet the evolving needs of our customers and the wider economy.”
Patrick Sweeney, investment manager, real estate debt UK & Europe, L&G, said: “We have high conviction for the U.K cold storage sector which demonstrates unique and compelling investment fundamentals. Magnavale has invested a significant amount in future proofing their portfolio and we are delighted to be supporting them in their next phase of growth.”
The lender group was advised by Clifford Chance and CBRE. Macfarlanes advised the company.
In February 2025, Magnavale opened the UK’s largest single cold store, with 101,000 fully automated pallet spaces at it’s Easton site. In addition to this, the company has recently upgraded its other facilities across Chesterfield, Scunthorpe, and Warrington.
Industrial alliance targets UK infrastructure pipeline
Blackrow Group and On Line Group Ltd (OLG) have entered a strategic partnership aimed at delivering integrated engineering solutions across the UK’s industrial heartlands. The move positions both firms to capitalise on growing public and private investment in energy and transport infrastructure, following the 2025 Spending Review.
Combining over 100 years of industry experience, the two companies generate a joint annual revenue exceeding £75 million and employ more than 600 staff. Their six-site footprint, including key locations in Grimsby, Immingham, and Leicester, offers more than 250,000 square feet of manufacturing space.
The partnership offers a comprehensive suite of services, encompassing design, engineering, fabrication, installation, and mechanical services. Blackrow will lead on mechanical and installation services, while OLG will handle design and project management, creating a unified delivery model from concept to completion.
Workforce development is a priority for the alliance, with over 50 apprentices in training across six disciplines. Both firms are working towards ISO 44001 certification to formalise a collaborative approach centred on client value.
Sustainability is also a core focus. Blackrow contributes to the renewables sector through the fabrication of components for wind, solar, and biofuel infrastructure. The partnership is aligned with government-backed industrial decarbonisation initiatives in the Humber region, including hydrogen, carbon captur,e and clean energy projects.
The alliance reinforces the UK’s industrial supply chain at a time when scale, specialisation, and collaboration are increasingly essential for delivering national infrastructure.
