Business confidence in the East Midlands fell 13 points during June to 53%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds. Companies in the East Midlands reported lower confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, down 14 points at 53%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, down 12 points to 54%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 53% (vs. 66% in May). However, a net balance of 57% of businesses in the region expect to increase staff levels over the next year, up 13 points on last month. Looking ahead to the next six months, the East Midlands businesses identified their top target areas for growth as investing in their team, for example by investing in training (67%), introducing new technology, such as AI or automation (49%) and entering new markets (27%). The Business Barometer, which surveys 1,200 businesses monthly and which has been running since 2002, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide. National picture Overall, UK business confidence increased one point in June to 51%. Firms’ optimism in their own trading prospects strengthened one point to 57%, while their confidence in the wider economy also rose one point to 45%. Wales was the most confident UK nation or region in June (67%), followed by London (64%). Sector highlights Business confidence in the manufacturing and retail sectors saw significant gains this month, with 12-point rises in both sectors to 52%. For manufacturing, this demonstrates an 11-month high. Construction and services however saw decreases in confidence, with falls by five points and four points respectively. Dave Atkinson, regional director for the East Midlands at Lloyds, said: “While confidence has dipped this month, more than half of East Midlands businesses are planning to hire, and firms are clearly setting out intentions to invest in areas like new technology and expansion. “This reflects a local business community that remains focused on growth – and we’ll continue to be supporting firms’ plans as they take the next steps to achieve their ambitions.”

Derby City Council has launched a new AI-powered messaging service to improve debt collection for local businesses. The service integrates an advanced dashboard that provides a detailed overview of outstanding debts by analysing data across multiple Council systems.

From 26 June, businesses in the city that do not pay their business rates via Direct Debit will receive timely email reminders about upcoming payments and overdue instalments. This proactive service aims to help businesses avoid falling into arrears, minimise the risk of expensive recovery actions, and support financial stability.

The service is designed to offer a more tailored and compassionate approach to debt collection, ensuring that businesses get the support they need while maintaining a fair and effective process. By identifying cases that require additional assistance, the system enables the Council to address issues before they escalate, improving the overall debt management experience for businesses.

This is part of a wider effort by the Council to adopt smart technology in debt management, with similar services soon to be available for Council Tax payers and other debtors. The initiative reflects the Council’s commitment to responsibly managing public finances and supporting local businesses through AI-driven solutions.

East Midlands Chamber has cautiously welcomed measures announced in the government’s Trade Strategy, which seeks to ease barriers for businesses that export overseas. Key points in the Trade Strategy include:

• £20bn into UK Export Finance
• £5bn into a new ‘Ricardo Fund’ to support UK regulators and overseas trade teams in removing regulatory barriers for UK businesses trading abroad
• Flexible trade arrangements that are sector and industry specific
• Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRA’s)
• Mutual Recognition of Professional Qualifications (MRPQ’s)
• Support for SME’s with export
• A ‘proactive approach’ to imports

East Midlands Chamber head of international trade, Lucy Granger said: “With export of goods and services having been a painfully slow, costly and drawn-out process for firms since the UK’s exit from the EU, coupled more recently with the ongoing, changing tariffs imposed by the US, any initiatives to reduce the burden on exporters is something I welcome but what matters here is the detail. “How and when exactly might these measures be implemented and will the results actually speed things up in practice – that’s what businesses will want to see. “Right now, there are barriers that complicate processes that should really be quite simple – like what country does a product you’re exporting originate in, what differing rules might each country have on recognition of that product’s origin. For someone wanting to do business overseas, are their qualifications recognised in that country? “Working to remove some of those hurdles, if successful, would be a good forward step and less time consuming for firms that export. “Further Free Trade Agreements, if they happen would certainly help, too, however there needs to be support in place for firms in how to use them to make the export process as smooth as it can be. Likewise, if SME’s are to be supported, as proposed in the Trade Strategy, how might that work? “For businesses exporting overseas, the Chamber’s International Trade department can offer guidance on how best to handle all the elements involved as we go forward.”

Mansfield District Council has appointed Nottinghamshire-based fire and security system specialists Tecserv UK to provide maintenance and compliance services across all public access buildings within its portfolio. Under the agreement, Tecserv UK, which has its head office in Underwood, will carry out a programme of fire risk assessments and system upgrades across a range of sites, including the Civic Centre and the Old Town Hall. This will involve the installation or replacement of fire extinguishers, access control systems, intruder alarms, and emergency lighting. The company will also provide ongoing maintenance and inspections to ensure full compliance with fire safety regulations. Liam Clifford, national sales manager at Tecserv UK, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Mansfield District Council to help protect the people and properties within their care. “As a local business, we’re proud to contribute to the safety of our community by delivering compliant, reliable fire and security systems. Our experienced engineers and support teams are committed to providing the highest standards of service and expertise.” Portfolio holder for corporate and finance, councillor Craig Whitby, added: “Whilst cost and value are important factors, we cannot underestimate the economic benefits of making the very most of local skills and services. “Tecserv UK was able to demonstrate a thorough understanding of our requirements and has demonstrated to us that they have a trusted reputation of providing reliable services to public organisations and high-profile buildings.”

With nominations OPEN until Friday 15th August for East Midlands Business Link’s 10th annual Bricks Awards, shining a light on the region’s property and construction industry, there are 10 categories available to enter, offering an opportunity to showcase outstanding businesses, teams and projects at the prestigious event. One such category is the ever-popular Contractor of the Year, which can be entered here. 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. Celebrating the contractors who work on the project, this award celebrates builders, construction companies and the contractors themselves, and nominees should be those who have gone above and beyond the word of the contract to deliver a truly exceptional service. Last year the award was won by Clegg Construction, beating out stiff competition from Cawarden and Winvic. Upon winning, Michael Sims, Managing Director at Clegg Construction, said: “Clegg is a 92-year-old company whose head office has been based in Nottingham city centre for over 25 years, and we are so proud to have been recognised at this year’s Bricks Awards for our contributions to the built environment in the East Midlands region. We dedicate this award to our teams and partners, whose unwavering commitment to delivering an exceptional service on each of the projects we deliver is fundamental to the company’s continued success.” With this year’s Contractor of the Year award sponsored by environmental consultancy EMEC, Ed Tripp, Consultancy Director at EMEC, said: “We’re proud to once again sponsor the ‘Contractor of the Year’ category at the Bricks Awards, which continues to be a fantastic celebration of the region’s construction and property sectors. “Last year’s event was a brilliant showcase of talent, innovation and collaboration, and we thoroughly enjoyed connecting with so many like-minded professionals who are helping shape the future of our built environment. “At EMEC, we work closely with contractors across a wide range of projects, so it’s a real pleasure to help shine a spotlight on those delivering excellence on site. As an environmental consultancy, we believe it’s vital for contractors to take a responsible and forward-thinking approach to sustainability, and this year’s winner will be someone who goes above and beyond to embrace biodiversity within their developments. “We’re looking forward to another inspiring evening and encourage all within the industry to get their nominations in—it’s a great opportunity to recognise hard work, dedication and impact across the industry.” Submit your nominations for Contractor 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, Commercial Development of the Year, Responsible Business of the Year, Residential Development of the Year, Developer 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: