Derbion, a prominent shopping centre in Derby, has attained BREEAM In-Use Outstanding certification, distinguishing itself as a sustainability leader within the retail sector. The certification highlights the centre’s strategic efforts in carbon reduction, energy efficiency, and community-focused initiatives.
The BREEAM In-Use certification is a global standard that evaluates both the physical performance of a building and how it’s managed to meet sustainability goals. Derbion’s results stand out with an Outstanding rating for management practices, including effective energy use and water conservation, and an Excellent rating for asset performance, which measures the physical infrastructure.
The centre has invested in energy-saving measures, such as upgrading to LED lighting, switching to a heat pump system, and using natural ventilation to minimise the need for cooling. These changes have led to a significant 30% reduction in energy consumption, saving 1.4 million kWh annually.
Alongside its environmental efforts, Derbion has enhanced its community impact through initiatives like Derbion Cares, which supports local charities, and employee volunteer programs. With a long-term vision of reaching Net Zero by 2030, the centre is also exploring solar energy and water-saving initiatives to further bolster its sustainability credentials.
This recognition underscores Derbion’s commitment to sustainability and positions it as a model for future retail developments aiming to meet both environmental and community-driven goals.
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.
Property and construction professionals gather for 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, 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 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:
Nottingham Forest’s City Ground will undergo a significant transformation, with plans to redevelop the iconic stadium officially approved. Following unanimous backing from the Rushcliffe Borough Council, the project will see the demolition and replacement of the Peter Taylor Stand, with the new structure boosting the stadium’s capacity to around 35,000 seats.
The new stand, rising 38 metres, will be the tallest in the stadium and will feature advanced infrastructure, including improved facilities for staff, players, and fans, as well as premium hospitality suites. The £130m redevelopment will modernise the venue to meet top-tier football standards, aligning with the club’s ambitions for future success.
The planning approval also includes provisions for a residential development next to the stadium, featuring 170 one- and two-bedroom apartments and commercial spaces, with parking for 67 vehicles. With this redevelopment, Nottingham Forest aims to enhance both the fan experience and the economic impact on the local area.
A strategic partnership between Network Rail, Freshwave, and Neos Networks aims to improve the UK’s rail telecoms network by eliminating signal blackspots and modernising the infrastructure. Neos Networks will be responsible for deploying 1,000 kilometres of fibre optic cable along key railway lines, including the East Coast Main Line, Chiltern Main Line, and West Coast Main Line. The initiative will also commercialise spare fibre capacity, creating a robust digital connectivity backbone for businesses. The partners have plans to extend this network to over 5,000 kilometres in the future.
The collaboration addresses the growing demand for high-performance digital infrastructure, driven by factors such as AI growth and data centre capacity. Freshwave will address signal gaps by deploying mobile infrastructure in 57 tunnels along major rail routes, including the 4 km-long Chipping Sodbury tunnel. Mobile connectivity will also be enhanced at 12 key stations, such as Birmingham New Street, Glasgow Central, and King’s Cross, with installations expected to begin in 2026.
These upgrades are crucial for improving Network Rail’s asset monitoring capabilities and enabling advanced technologies like trackside sensors and CCTV. The enhanced network is expected to bring long-term economic benefits, contributing to the UK’s digital future and supporting the formation of Great British Railways.
Developer HBD, part of Henry Boot, has submitted a planning application for the second phase of ARK, a £27m GDV scheme at its flagship M1 industrial and logistics development, Markham Vale.
ARK is being delivered by Origin, a joint-venture partnership between HBD and Feldberg Capital.
Work began earlier this year on the first phase of the new development, which consists of four units from 17,000 sq ft to 36,000 sq ft. Henry Boot Construction is the contractor for phase one, with the first four units due to complete late 2025.
The second phase of ARK will deliver the final 53,000 sq ft unit, with work expected to start on-site in Q4 subject to planning permission being granted. Origin is committed to delivering ESG-compliant I&L space, with ARK meeting stringent sustainability benchmarks, targeting BREEAM Excellent and an EPC A rating.
Markham Vale is a 200-acre industrial and logistics scheme delivered by HBD in joint venture with Derbyshire County Council. It has created more than 2,600 jobs since work began and counts Bilstein Group, Great Bear, Smurfit Westrock and Sterigenics among its occupiers.
Vivienne Clements, executive director at HBD, said: “Working with Derbyshire County Council, HBD has delivered 2.5 million sq ft at Markham Vale, creating a very successful industrial and logistics destination. With established demand from logistics and manufacturing businesses, it’s very positive to be able to bring forward a further 53,000 sq ft unit at ARK.”
Jamie Acheson, managing director of Feldberg Capital, said: “The submission of planning for ARK’s second phase represents a significant milestone in our strategic partnership with HBD.
“This 53,000sq ft unit will complete our vision for a best-in-class industrial development at Markham Vale, addressing the clear market demand we’re seeing in this prime logistics location.
“As Origin continues to expand its portfolio of ESG-compliant assets across the UK, ARK exemplifies our commitment to developing sustainable, future-proof industrial spaces that meet the evolving needs of modern businesses.”
The agents for ARK are JLL and CPP.
UK businesses are facing heightened cybersecurity risks, particularly due to a surge in cyberattacks linked to Iran, following the escalation of the Middle East conflict. Cybersecurity experts have warned of an uptick in attacks from online groups associated with Tehran, targeting both UK-based organisations and entities in the US and Israel.
Analysis by cybersecurity firm EclecticIQ shows a significant increase in cyberattacks since the Israel-Iran conflict began. The firm also reported a growing collaboration between pro-Iranian and pro-Russian hacktivist groups, amplifying the threat to UK businesses.
The UK government has urged businesses to strengthen their cyber defences in light of the growing threat. While some companies are already taking action, authorities stress that all organisations, regardless of size or sector, must urgently review and enhance their cybersecurity measures.
The recent wave of attacks has included Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) assaults on key British businesses, including those in the defence sector. These attacks aim to overwhelm a company’s computer networks with excessive traffic, causing disruptions. In addition to DDoS attacks, businesses have also faced data-deleting malware and an increase in disinformation campaigns.
As the cyber threat landscape evolves, UK businesses are urged to adopt comprehensive resilience and incident response strategies, ensuring they are prepared for potential cyber operations, which may not be immediately obvious or proportional.
West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) is set to take a significant step towards enhancing its social housing services. The Council has approved a proposal to consult tenants on bringing the management of housing services, currently run by Northamptonshire Partnership Homes (NPH), back under direct Council control. This move comes after a review of housing management models and in response to updated regulations under the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023, which requires local authorities to have direct accountability for housing stock management, even when outsourced.
NPH, an Arm’s Length Management Organisation (ALMO), has been responsible for approximately 11,500 council-owned homes since 2015. However, many local authorities are shifting back to in-house management in recent years, aiming to improve oversight, integration, and resident engagement. WNC’s Cabinet has decided on a phased approach to transfer the service, with a clear plan for the next two years to ensure a smooth transition and continuous service delivery for residents.
A comprehensive consultation will take place, involving tenants, leaseholders, and other key stakeholders to gather feedback and shape the final decision. The goal is to streamline operations, improve service coordination across departments, and ensure better outcomes for West Northamptonshire’s residents.
Derbyshire-based Peak Pharmacy has secured an eight-figure refinancing package from HSBC UK to help power its growth plans.
The funding will support the company’s automation strategy following the development of a new 113,000 sq ft warehouse, known as ‘Horizon’. The facility is designed to boost operational efficiency and increase workforce capacity at their branches by over 50 per cent, allowing pharmacy teams to dedicate more time to patient care.
With over 130 pharmacies nationwide, Peak Pharmacy currently supplies approximately 1.5 per cent of the prescriptions in England. The new investment will help the business grow further, with plans for strategic acquisitions and service improvements already underway.
The company is also on track to reach a milestone – £200 million in turnover by the end of the year, its highest to date.
Joe Cattee, managing director at Peak Pharmacy, said: “HSBC UK really understood what we were looking for and invested time with us. After a very longstanding relationship with our previous banking partner, we felt it was time to explore new opportunities and take the next step in growing our business.
“As we invest more in automation and continue prioritising patient service, having HSBC UK by our side gives us the confidence and support to build for the future.”
Philip Carr, senior relationship director at HSBC UK, said: “It’s a pivotal time for pharmacies and the role they play in supporting primary healthcare. Businesses like Peak Pharmacy need the headroom and financial flexibility to grow, adapt and keep their patients at the heart of what they do.”
Dave Ramsden, head of East Midlands corporate, at HSBC UK, added: “Working with Peak Pharmacy underscores HSBC UK’s commitment to offering tailored solutions that help businesses grow and improve. We’re looking forward to seeing the business continue to thrive and bring even more value to the communities they serve.”
With the 10th annual East Midlands Bricks Awards taking place this October, excitement is building for the event, with just one sponsorship spot left for the celebration of the region’s property and construction industry.
Attracting leaders from across the East Midlands, the event is the perfect way for businesses to raise their profile, showcase the work they are completing, and create more buzz. With only one spot remaining in the sponsor line-up, Angie Cooper can be contacted at a.cooper@blmgroup.co.uk to learn more.
This year’s eagerly anticipated ceremony will make its return on Thursday 2nd October (4.30pm – 7.30pm) at the famous Trent Bridge Cricket Ground in Nottingham – an evening that will also provide plenty of opportunities to forge new contacts with property and construction professionals from across the region.
Guests network at the East Midlands Bricks Awards
The event will additionally welcome Councillor Nadine Peatfield – Leader of Derby City Council, Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Strategy and Policy, and Deputy Mayor of the East Midlands – as keynote speaker.
Recognising those behind the changing landscape of the East Midlands, the occasion will highlight development projects, businesses, and people in commercial and public building – from office, industrial and residential schemes, through to community projects such as leisure schemes and schools. It will also toast the work of architects, agencies, and those behind large schemes.
Make a nomination
The East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025 is completely free to enter, and making the top three finalists in a category will win you free tickets to the awards ceremony.
To nominate your (or another) business/development for one of our awards, please click on a category link below or visit this page.
Categories include:
All finalists will have the chance to take home the Overall Winner award, which this year comes with 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.
Nominations will close on Friday 15th August.
New for this year, all entrants will also have the opportunity to be featured on our dedicated nominee showcase on the East Midlands Business Link website, providing space for marketing your achievements.
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:
The Bobby Dhanjal Foundation, the charity arm of Leicester-based independent financial adviser BDWM, has donated £3,500 to five local causes which do vital work for communities in and around the city.
The organisations it supported during the latest round of giving were:
Baby Basics Leicester (£500) – A Wigston-based charity, which collects, sorts and distributes Moses basket starter kits, clothing, toiletries and other essential equipment to vulnerable local families who are struggling to provide for their newborn baby or young child.
Wishes 4 Kids (£1,000) – A local organisation which makes wishes come true for children and youngsters in Leicestershire who are life-limited, terminally ill, have experienced life-changing physical or emotional traumas or have suffered major abuse.
Leicester Children’s Holidays (£1,000) – The foundation continued its longstanding support for this local organisation, which takes vulnerable city children away on a traditional seaside holiday in Mablethorpe, when their families are struggling to afford a break.
Treehouse Wellbeing(£500) –A children’s mental health charity which will use the funding to offer accessible therapy and support to children, young people and families in Lutterworth, to enhance the lives of the local community.
Thin Blue Paw – An animal welfare charity, which protects, supports and rehabilitates serving and retired police dogs from across the UK.
Bobby Dhanjal, BDWM’s company director and founder, said: “Looking after the communities we serve is a big part of our ethos here at BDWM.
“So, we were delighted to be able to support five more local charitable organisations with financial donations from the Bobby Dhanjal Foundation.
“All these organisations do such vital work for vulnerable people and groups here in Leicestershire and further afield, and these donations will help them continue to deliver this essential support.”
The Bobby Dhanjal Foundation was founded in 2012, with the initial aim of ensuring that all children, from any background, race or religion, have the experience of playing and making new friends in a safe environment. Bobby, who grew up in the city, was eager to give something back to the next generation and invest in its future.
The Foundation is made up of funds from personal donations and staff activity and is managed in partnership with the Leicestershire & Rutland Community Foundation. It selects different community groups and local charities to support with fundraising and other activities each year. Over the years, it has helped to raise and distribute more than £80,000 to local good causes.
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