- Phase two of the Pensions Review to explicitly examine how workplace pension changes impact small employers and learn from how auto-enrolment has been rolled out until now. The review must look closely at the financial and admin burden on small businesses, including the cost of advice, running payroll, and getting to grips with the rules before bringing in any new proposals.
- Ministers to commission a full cross-cutting economic assessment before any changes to pension rules are made, which includes the impact of recent rises in National Insurance and the National Living Wage, to ensure small firms are not hit with unaffordable costs or forced into tough choices like raising prices or cutting jobs. Last November, the Labour Government said it would only make changes to auto-enrolment if the impact on businesses was fully considered.
- No changes be made to the earnings threshold, no increase to employer contributions and no lowering of the age limit before the economic assessment is complete.
- The Government to convene regulators, including The Pensions Regulator and the Financial Conduct Authority, and industry stakeholders, to simplify pension rules and provide clearer guidance for small employers, reducing complexity and unnecessary admin. This would be a pro-growth, pro-employment move.
- When considering pensions adequacy, the Government should look beyond just increasing contributions – considering scheme performance, investment returns and the real-world impact on small employers and employees. Poor fund performance leading to lower pensions later in life should not be masked by simplistic debates on contribution levels.
Pension reforms risk higher prices, fewer jobs and slower growth, warns FSB
Prospective pension reforms could see small firms raise prices, cut jobs or slash profits, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has warned.
New research looks at how the current rules relating to auto-enrolment are already piling cost and complexity onto small employers. It also exposes how possible changes expected in the second phase of the Government’s Pensions Review – due later this year – could heap much further pressure on small firms already dealing with soaring wage bills and mounting National Insurance contributions (NICs).
Most employers already say that decoding pension rules is a headache (53%), and a quarter (24%) are paying over £500 a year for advice – even before new changes are introduced.
Small employers want to do right by their staff – but 79 per cent are concerned about the rising cost of employment, and reforms must reflect that pressure.
FSB’s report, Backing the Future, lays bare the full impact of potential pension reforms being promoted by the Government.
If employer pension contributions were to double to six per cent, 92 per cent of small employers would have to change their business negatively to cope, raising prices (52%), recruiting fewer workers (38%), cutting profits or absorbing costs (34%), and reducing the number of employees (14%).
One of the proposals could see pension contributions applied from the very first pound earned, instead of the current £6,240.
This would see 82 per cent of small employers affected negatively, raising prices (36%), cutting profits or limiting earnings (32%), recruiting fewer workers (28%), reducing pensions to a minimum of three per cent (19%), and cancelling/scaling down plans for investing in the business (19%).
FSB is now calling for:
Phenna Group makes strategic acquisition
Nottingham-headquartered Phenna Group, a global provider of testing, inspection, certification and compliance (TICC) services, has made its 11th deal in 2025, acquiring Construction Testing Services.
The provider of construction materials testing services in Northern Ireland is the 22nd business within Phenna’s highly integrated Infrastructure Division. It marks another significant step in expanding the division and supports the group’s strategy of building a strong, geographically diverse network of testing, inspection, certification, and compliance (TICC) companies.
Construction Testing Services will be incorporated into Simtec, one of Phenna’s specialist materials testing businesses. This move follows Simtec’s expansion, with the opening of new locations in London and East Anglia earlier this year.
Roy Browne and Michael Craig, directors of Construction Testing Services, said: “We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved to date and are excited about this next chapter as we join Phenna Group and become part of Simtec.
“From our first discussions, it was clear that our values were closely aligned, and we see great potential in combining our strengths to continue delivering excellent service to our clients across Ireland and beyond.”
Chris Simmons, managing director of Simtec, added: “We are very pleased to welcome Roy, Michael and their team into Simtec. Their expertise and strong local presence in Northern Ireland are a perfect complement to our recent growth in London and East Anglia.
“This acquisition significantly enhances our geographic reach and gives us the platform to better support clients across the region with high-quality, responsive testing services.”
Stuart Abbs, divisional MD of Phenna Group’s Infrastructure Division, said: “Construction Testing Services is a strong strategic addition to our Infrastructure Division. Their technical capability, well-regarded brand, and regional strength in Northern Ireland align well with Simtec’s growth ambitions.
“We’re confident that together, they will create even greater value for our customers and continue to deliver industry-leading standards of service.”
Phil Marshall, CEO of Phenna Group, said: “It’s an absolute pleasure to welcome Roy and Michael, and their team to Phenna Group. We’ve been impressed by their team, culture, and quality of service. This acquisition supports our long-term growth strategy and further strengthens our Infrastructure Division’s presence across the UK and Northern Ireland.
“I look forward to seeing the business thrive as part of Simtec, and I’m excited about the future opportunities this creates for our customers, colleagues, and partners.”
Phenna Group were advised by Browne Jacobson and Johnston Carmicheal.
Construction Testing Services was advised by Carson McDowell and the team at D.N. Mawhinney & Co.
Matt Bolton, partner in the corporate team at Browne Jacobson, said: “We are very pleased to have supported Phenna Group on this strategic acquisition. Construction Testing Services has built a strong reputation as a leading provider of construction materials testing services in Northern Ireland and will augment the growth of Phenna Group’s Infrastructure Division as part of Simtec.”
Enter outstanding schemes for Commercial Development of the Year at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025
Shining a light on the region’s property and construction industry, nominations will close on Friday 15th August for East Midlands Business Link’s 10th annual Bricks Awards.
With 10 categories available to enter, the independent awards and publicity programme recognises development projects 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. We also showcase the work of architects, agencies and those behind large schemes.
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.
Amongst this year’s categories is Commercial Development of the Year, which can be entered here. 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.
Last year the award was won by G F Tomlinson, for The Air and Space Institute, Newark, with Brackley Property Developments (for The Dock Extension, Leicester) and Pick Everard (for Nottingham Central Library) runners up.
Adrian Grocock, Group Managing Director at G F Tomlinson, said: “It’s a fantastic awards event that we enjoy being part of and have had previous success, including winning the Commercial Development of the Year for the Air and Space Institute in Newark last year and receiving the accolade of overall winner from all the categories a few years previous. The East Midlands Bricks Awards brings together hard-working individuals and colleagues to celebrate all that is good in the local construction industry, and we are proud to have been recognised amongst our peers for our work in the region. We congratulate the Bricks team on the 10th year anniversary of the awards.”
With this year’s Commercial Development of the Year award sponsored by Global HSE Group, Andrew Cooper, Managing Director, said: “We’re really proud to be returning as a sponsor of the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025, once again sponsoring the ‘Commercial Development of the Year’ category. Last year’s event was a brilliant celebration of the region’s property and construction talent, and it was fantastic to see so many inspiring projects and passionate people under one roof.
“Sponsoring this category for the second-year running was an easy decision for us. At Global, we’re committed to supporting excellence in property and construction, and the East Midlands Bricks Awards is a perfect platform to do that. We’re especially excited to see the nominations this year, there’s no doubt the standard will be incredibly high again.
“We’d encourage anyone who has delivered an exceptional project to complete a nomination form. It’s a great opportunity to shine a spotlight on the teams, collaborations and achievements within the region, and we’re looking forward to another memorable evening of celebrating success and connecting with peers across the industry.”
Submit your nominations for Commercial Development of the Year here before entries close on Friday 15th August.
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, Residential 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.
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, Residential 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:
Midlands leads new era of clean energy growth as potential sites assessed for nuclear power stations
Midlands Nuclear has taken a significant step toward integrating nuclear power into the region’s future low-carbon energy mix by examining and assessing potential sites for new power stations.
The siting study, commissioned and funded by Midlands Net Zero Hub on behalf of Midlands Nuclear, delivered by Equilibrion and supported by Portinscale Consulting, assesses where and how nuclear energy could supply low-carbon electricity, hydrogen, and sustainable fuels for industry, transport, and homes.
The UK Government outlined its commitment to clean energy in the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy published on 23rd June. The strategy focuses on clean energy, industrial decarbonisation, and lowering energy costs, pledging to double investment in clean energy to over £30 billion by 2035.
Alongside this, up to 24GW of new nuclear capacity is planned by 2050, backed by £20billion of investment in Sizewell C and the Rolls-Royce Small Modular Reactor development being led by Great British Energy – Nuclear. Midlands Nuclear believes the Midlands could attract similar investment, strengthening energy security, advancing net zero goals, and establishing the region as a key player in the energy transition.
Forthcoming projects would support regional jobs and industrial growth enabling the Midlands to capture more of the potential 3,000 jobs at peak construction for a single Small Modular Reactor and £500-660m increase in local Gross Value Add from a two-unit deployment delivering almost 1GW of clean electricity.
The Midlands is already home to nuclear facilities, including the Rolls-Royce Submarines nuclear licensed operations at its site at Raynesway, Derby, and possesses a strong and capable workforce already involved in delivering and supporting nuclear projects.
The region is also rich in natural assets including the River Trent and strategic coastal and inland infrastructure. At its peak, “Megawatt Valley” generated 25% of the UK’s electricity, but with the closure of coal-fired power stations, this much needed local capacity has been lost.
Restoring the Midlands’ role in energy generation could revitalise local economies, bring energy production closer to where it’s used, and help reduce energy bills nationwide.
New nuclear power station proposals must meet strict regulatory and planning requirements and pass through rigorous processes including public engagement and consultation. However, the siting study demonstrates that sites in the Midlands could pass the siting criteria including on population density, proximity to military activities and access to essential cooling water.
Nuclear applications could support the region by delivering consistent, reliable power for data centres, hydrogen for transport and industrial use, and heat for manufacturing and networks.
Lord Ravensdale, chair of Midlands Nuclear, said: “This study represents a pivotal step toward future expansion of clean, secure energy capacity in the Midlands through consideration of siting options for nuclear power in the region. Coming alongside a more flexible siting policy for new nuclear from the government, it is an exciting opportunity for the region to capitalise on the revival of nuclear energy across the UK.”
Jack Hayhoe, head of net zero programmes at Midlands Net Zero Hub, said: “The Midlands Net Zero Hub is delighted to have supported the development of this study, it marks a significant milestone in the Midlands’ journey toward becoming a key player in the UK’s clean energy future.
“By exploring how nuclear energy can support low-carbon electricity, hydrogen production, and sustainable fuels, the region is stepping forward as a serious contender to host new nuclear developments. The Midlands is now well-positioned to attract investment, unlock industrial growth, and deliver long-term benefits for communities, businesses, and the environment.”
Professor Martin Freer, co-director of Midlands Nuclear and CEO of the Faraday Institute, said: “Now is a fantastically good time for the development of nuclear energy sector, with government support for both small- and large-scale designs. This report puts the Midlands on the front foot regarding seizing the opportunity, creating the evidence base to build on, allowing an understanding of how nuclear energy may play into the future energy system of the region.”
Dr Phil Rogers, project director at Equilibrion, said: “We are delighted our siting study has contributed to the Midlands understanding of how the region could be a participant in the UK’s nuclear renaissance. The extensive study underpins Equilibrion’s growing capability and skills in new nuclear project and programme development at what is a pivotal moment for UK nuclear and the Midlands.
“We look forward to continuing our support to deliver the growth opportunities presented by new nuclear siting policy and the resurgence in demand for nuclear as a major contributor to prosperity, growth and decarbonisation.”
KPMG expands Nottingham footprint with new city centre office
Professional services firm KPMG UK has relocated its more than 200-strong Nottingham-based team to a new office in the heart of the city centre.
The move, to fully refurbished 8,000 sq ft premises on the 7th floor of the EastWest building on Tollhouse Hill, forms part of KPMG’s long-term regional growth strategy.
The new EastWest office brings the firm’s entire Nottingham-based operation together all on one enlarged floor, with more meeting rooms and communal space for collaborative working, as well as a newly designed area to host events.
Marc Abrams, senior office partner at KPMG UK’s Nottingham office, said: “The East Midlands remains a key area of focus for KPMG UK, and this move to our new office with increased space in Nottingham’s EastWest building demonstrates our long-term commitment and drive to continue working with businesses across the region.
“Having already been part of the East Midlands business community for nearly 100 years, this move is a milestone for the local team, and we are all looking forward to welcoming clients and contacts to our new home in the coming weeks.”
KPMG’s history in Nottingham dates to the 1930s, when the firm’s London office needed a local team to audit several collieries and coal storage depots across the East Midlands. To resource the work, a new office was opened in Nottingham at Milton Chambers, 19 Milton Street. The building still exists to this day and can be found on the opposite corner to the main entrance of the Victoria Shopping Centre.
Government steps in to support at-risk jobs following refinery insolvency
The UK government is stepping in to support the continued operation of the Prax Lindsey Oil Refinery in Immingham, North East Lincolnshire, after its owner went into administration, putting 420 jobs at risk. Prax Group, which acquired the refinery from Total in 2021, filed for insolvency last Sunday, prompting concerns from union representatives that as many as 1,000 jobs, including those of contractors and supply chain workers, could be affected.
The government has allocated funding to the official receiver to ensure the refinery’s safe operation. The Department for Energy Security has confirmed the refinery suffered losses of approximately £75 million from the 2021 acquisition to February 2024. Despite reassurances from Prax that no immediate closure was imminent, the company shifted its position last week, stating that it could no longer continue as a going concern.
Energy Minister Michael Shanks criticised Prax’s lack of transparency about its financial gap and its failure to cooperate in finding a solution. The government is now looking for potential buyers for the refinery and other uses for the site if a sale cannot be secured. The government has pledged to maintain energy supplies and protect the local community while supporting affected workers.
Trade unions, including Unite, are calling for immediate action to protect jobs and ensure the refinery’s continued operation. Concerns have been raised about the long-term future of the site, which is strategically important for both fuel production and local employment.
Chesterfield businesses urged to tap into £165bn industrial strategy
The UK Government’s newly unveiled Modern Industrial Strategy offers Chesterfield businesses a wealth of opportunities across sectors like advanced manufacturing, clean energy, life sciences, and digital innovation. The £165bn investment plan sets out a ten-year vision designed to fuel long-term growth.
Key measures include large-scale investments: £39bn for advanced manufacturing, £30bn for clean energy, and £31bn for creative industries, alongside £65bn directed at professional and business services. A significant £1.2bn per year is allocated for skills development, and £99m is earmarked for SME manufacturers through the expansion of the Made Smarter programme.
The Government has also introduced a new Business Growth Service, aiming to enhance access to support and funding, as well as reforms to planning procedures for faster project delivery.
Chesterfield’s established manufacturing sector and reputation for innovation make it a prime candidate to benefit from this strategy. However, the East Midlands Chamber is calling for further clarity on how the strategy will be delivered to ensure regional businesses can capitalise on these opportunities.
Cosy CEO “honoured” as UK Chancellor pays a visit
The founder of a Midlands firm has spoken of his company’s pride after it was hailed by UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves MP as a shining example of the country’s medium-sized enterprises.
Peter Ellse, CEO of Cosy Direct, made the comments following a visit by the Chancellor to his company – which supplies sustainable, open-ended educational resources for schools and nurseries – to officially launch the Government’s Trade Strategy.
During her morning-long visit, Ms Reeves was given a tour of Cosy’s premises, located on the Derbyshire/Staffordshire border near Tutbury, for a behind-the-scenes look at its operations.
The visit included a meet-and-greet with staff, including the firm’s managing director David Hook and co-founder Amanda Ellse, as well as a tour of the warehouse, an introduction to Cosy’s product design capabilities, and demonstrations of its use of technology and AI.
She also enjoyed tea with employees, including apprentices and former prisoners employed through the Jobs on Release scheme, and was presented with her very own pot of Chancellor’s Honey, harvested from the company’s own beehives.
Founded in Derby in 2011, Cosy now employs 110 people and sells more than 6,000 products. It exports to 45 countries and has seen the value of its overseas business rise to £3.2 million this year.
This international success earned Cosy a King’s Award for Enterprise for International Trade in 2025, adding to its Queen’s Award for Enterprise for Sustainable Development, which it received in 2022.
During her tour, Ms Reeves praised the company’s success and operations and holding it up as the kind of company the new Trade Strategy is designed to benefit.
Peter Ellse said: “It was an honour to be chosen to host a visit from the Chancellor for the launch of the Government’s industrial strategy, featuring a focus on our favourite subject – export.
“Among the subjects we discussed during her visit was our story of export hyper-growth, of both the goods we sell overseas and the increase in the tech-led services we are using to increase that activity across North America and Europe.
“At the same time, we’ve created a low-carbon network of 70 suppliers, who we care for and offer free finance in order to protect them, and us, and we have built a COSY family of incredible hard-working staff from across the social spectrum.
“We strongly believe that our approach as a medium-sized business which is large enough to make an impact but remains close enough to connect with its community, is a model other companies could follow and can create export opportunities which will help the UK to pay for itself.”
Ms Reeves said: “Cosy is a great success story and I want more businesses to take that plunge and to export and to grow jobs and to create investment here in Britain.”
Nottingham builder avoids jail after gas explosion leaves worker with serious burns
A Nottingham builder has avoided jail after his failures resulted in a gas explosion leaving a worker with burns so serious, he has been unable to work since.
Barry Newman, the sole trader of Foster Brother Builders, was given a 12-month suspended sentence and told to complete 240 hours of unpaid work.
Mr Newman had contracted a Nottingham man to carry out refurbishment works on a property in Bulwell. As part of those works, Newman, 58, had placed a faulty portable space heater, connected to a propane gas (LPG) cylinder, in the property’s cellar to dry out damp.
However, on 22 November 2022, a gas leak from the heater resulted in a violent explosion – causing the 51-year-old man to suffer severe burn injuries to his hands, legs, face and scalp. Footage taken by a member of the public in the immediate aftermath shows the extent of the damage caused to the property, with explosion debris also being propelled onto the pavement and residential road, putting members of the public at risk.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that Newman failed to carry out a risk assessment and provide suitable and adequately maintained equipment for the work being undertaken.
The manufacturer’s instructions for the type of heater used clearly state that it is only for use in well-ventilated areas and that LPG cylinders should not be kept below ground. This is because the gas is heavier than air and will collect at the lower level if there is a leak. HSE guidance states that employers should ensure that work equipment is used only for operations for which, and under conditions for which, it is suitable.
Barry Newman of The Quay, Beeston Marina, Nottingham pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 4(3) of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. At Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on 19 June 2025 he was sentenced to twelve months imprisonment, suspended for two years, was ordered to complete 240 hours of unpaid work in the community, and required to pay costs of £2,000.
HSE inspector Roy Poulter said: “This gas explosion has left one man unable to work due to the seriousness of the injuries sustained and it could have easily resulted in someone losing their life.
“This case should serve as a strong reminder to those in the building trade on the dangers of working with gas and the need to assess the risk, and just how serious both HSE and the courts take failures like this.
“HSE will take action against those who do not do all that they can to keep people safe.”
The prosecution was brought by HSE enforcement lawyer Samantha Wells.
Oberoi Consulting appoints new partnership development director
Oberoi Consulting has appointed Mark Dodd as partnership development director. In this pivotal new role, Mark will lead the development of strategic relationships across the NHS and pharmaceutical sectors, supporting the continued expansion of Oberoi Consulting’s population health tools and clinical services.
With a strong background in business development and stakeholder engagement, Mark brings a wealth of experience in forging impactful partnerships that deliver measurable outcomes.
Kavita Oberoi OBE, founder and managing director of Oberoi Consulting, said:
“We are thrilled to welcome Mark to our leadership team at such an exciting stage of growth.
“His expertise in developing NHS and pharmaceutical partnerships aligns perfectly with our mission to improve patient outcomes and support service transformation. Mark will play a key role in helping us scale our work nationally.”
Vivek Patel, operations director, added: “Mark’s strategic insight and relationship-building skills will be instrumental as we deepen our engagement with NHS and industry stakeholders. His appointment strengthens our leadership capacity as we broaden our service delivery footprint across the UK.”
Mark Dodd said: “I am honoured to be joining Oberoi Consulting, a company with a reputation for excellence and impact.
“I’ve long admired their innovative approach to supporting the NHS and pharmaceutical industry with real-world tools and services that make a difference. I look forward to working with the team to drive meaningful partnerships that help deliver better outcomes for patients and providers alike.”
