Nottingham tram operator raises over £15,000 for local charities
Throughout 2024, Nottingham Express Transit (NET) raised more than £15,000 for a range of local charities and community initiatives in Nottingham, as part of its pledge to celebrate its 20th anniversary through an acts of kindness campaign.
As NET’s 2024 charity of the year, Nottingham Central Women’s Aid was a key focus for NET’s charity initiatives throughout the year. This included raising nearly £2,000 during a ‘walk the network’ initiative in May, which saw 30 members of the team walking along the tram network for over 13 miles from Hucknall to Clifton South.
NET also raised funds from its family fun day in August, and this Christmas, transformed a tram into a Santa’s grotto which welcomed 14 children and their mothers who are supported by the charity, for an afternoon of festive fun.
Alongside the charity of the year, NET team members were also encouraged to nominate their own chosen charities and take part in individual fundraising efforts.
Their efforts included supporting a fundraiser by 13-year old Lillie for the Brain Tumour Charity, a cause nominated by network controller Lee Wood. Meanwhile, experience agent John-Paul Redman raised £950 for When You Wish Upon a Star by walking 1,815 miles in 127 days.
The network also supported external fundraising efforts by Jacob Gadd, son of tram driver Alun Gadd, helping him to raise more than £2,000 for Our Dementia Choir. This charity has now been named as NET’s 2025 charity of the year.
Other group-wide donations included £700 towards Step Out Stay Out, giving more than £1,200 to Aspley food bank, and two separate donations of £1,000 to the Strelley Family Fun Day and Operation Polarised, an initiative in partnership with Nottinghamshire Police to support Nottingham’s youths ages seven to 17.
Rebecca Horne, business engagement manager at NET, said: “2024 has been a really strong year for us in terms of fundraising and we’re incredibly proud of the amount raised for so many worthy local causes.
“Central Women’s Aid, our charity of the year for 2024, was chosen by our colleagues and it’s been fantastic to see how much of a collaborative effort the team has put in to support them.
“Last year we also saw many of our colleagues undertake their own charitable work in support of a range of causes, and we will continue to champion this in years to come.”
Charge Cars acquired by consortium of private investors
Charge Cars, which was placed into administration on 31 May 2024, has been acquired by a consortium of private investors.
The creator of the ’67 – the all-new luxury, bespoke, electric muscle car – now plans to accelerate final development of the vehicle at its new global HQ in Silverstone.
Paul Abercrombie, CEO of Charge Cars, said: “On behalf of the consortium, I am delighted to announce the acquisition of Charge Cars.
“The ‘67 establishes a new class of EV – and we will now accelerate final development at our new global HQ in Silverstone, UK, rapidly delivering this exciting luxury vehicle to customers.
“The Charge brand has huge global potential, and we look forward to revealing more details very soon.”
The ’67 is designed and engineered from the ground up to create a new high performance luxury vehicle.
It is a hand-crafted car, with a body licensed by Ford Motor Company, combining American muscle car styling with an entirely new platform and the latest technology to captivate a new generation of sustainability-conscious automotive aficionados.
Toyota puts Derby’s Mayor and Deputy Mayor on the road in hydrogen-powered car
Toyota has lent Derby’s Mayor and Deputy Mayor a cutting-edge Mirai hydrogen fuel cell vehicle as their official car.
Toyota has been developing and trialling hydrogen fuel cell technology in a range of vehicles, including the prototype Hilux fuel cell pick-up truck designed and built at Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK in Burnaston.
Darius Mikolajczak, MD of Toyota Motor Manufacturing in the UK, said: “It is an honour for Toyota to support Derby City Council’s civic activities with the provision of a hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle.
“We believe hydrogen plays a crucial role in decarbonising transport and is a key part of Toyota’s multipath approach to mobility. The Toyota Mirai, with its zero-carbon dioxide and no harmful tailpipe emissions, represents our commitment to sustainable technology and innovation. We are excited to see the positive impact this vehicle may have on inspiring the city’s journey towards a more sustainable future.”
Fuelled by hydrogen – extracted from water using zero carbon renewable energy produced at TMUK – the Mirai emits no carbon dioxide or harmful tailpipe emissions when in use. It is estimated that it will save a tonne of CO2 emissions over the trial, and with zero nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide it will be supporting the city’s shift to zero and low emissions vehicles in their fleet.
Cllr Carmel Swan, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Transport and Sustainability, praised the move. She said: “Our Climate Change Action Plan is all about how we can make changes to build a greener city and encourage partners and residents to do so as well. It’s only right that we lead by example, and I’m delighted that we’ve been able to work with Toyota to provide this brand new, zero emissions civic car at no cost to the Council.
“Our links with hydrogen go back centuries, with Henry Cavendish, who discovered the element, being buried in Derby Cathedral. Now, more than two and half centuries since that discovery, the use of this hydrogen powered car is another reminder of our place as a leader for sustainable fuel technologies.”
Hospitality business next to Nottingham’s Trent Bridge to be sold
Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, has been instructed to market Brewhouse & Kitchen bar and restaurant in Nottingham.
Situated in a prominent position on the A60 London Road into Nottingham city centre, adjacent to the River Trent and the iconic Trent Bridge cricket ground, Brewhouse & Kitchen is a large pub and restaurant housed within a characterful detached Victorian building.
The pub/restaurant is spread across four open-plan areas and seats 180 people inside, with an additional function facility on the first floor, seating a further 150 people, plus a large outdoor riverside terrace licensed for over 400 people.
There is scope to further develop the upper floors, including the two-bedroom owners’ apartment and the function space, into letting bedrooms (subject to planning consents).
The business currently operates as a wet-led establishment, which attracts trade from the surrounding districts and suburbs of Nottingham, as well as trade from visitors to Trent Bridge and Nottingham Forest FC City Ground on match days.
Neil Morgan, Senior Director – Pubs & Restaurants at Christie & Co, who is managing the sale, said: “This is a substantial character property, offering large internal trading areas as well as generous outside space, with seating for 200 on the riverside terrace and a customer car park.
“Due to its size and location, this opportunity will undoubtedly attract a broad range of buyers, from the traditional pub operators to casual dining/restaurant and ‘pubs with rooms’ buyers.”
The business is being sold as a virtual freehold with an asking price of offers in excess of £1,000,000.
Former Northampton Town FC chairman appears in court over fraud case
The former chairman of Northampton Town FC appeared in court yesterday (January 16) in connection with an investigation into an alleged £10.25m theft and fraud case.
David Cardoza was one of five men with former links to the redevelopment of the League One club due to appear at Northampton Magistrates’ Court on several counts of fraud and money laundering.
The other four included his father – 80-year-old former director Anthony Cardoza, who was excused from appearing at court in person.
Also in the dock was Howard Grossman, a 63-year-old property developer, his son – 37-year-old Marcus Grossman, and 54-year-old Simon Patnick.
No pleas were entered at the hearing and all five men were bailed to appear at Northampton Crown Court on 27 February, 2025.
The charges against the five defendants are as follows:
- All five are charged with conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation between September 2013 and April 2015. These relate to false representations, allegedly made to Northampton Borough Council, that money loaned by the authority to the football club would be used solely for developing Sixfields Stadium and an adjoining hotel, which were “untrue or misleading.”
- The Cardozas are also both charged with fraud by abuse of position, contrary to section 1 of the Fraud Act, which relates to a sum of £8.75m being paid from the football club to 1st Land Limited, a company owned by Howard Grossman.
- David Cardoza is further charged with transferring criminal property, namely £166,000 in a credit balance via a bank transfer from the bank account of Northampton Town Football Club Limited, knowing or suspecting it to constitute or to represent, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, the benefit from criminal conduct.
- In addition to fraud, Howard Grossman faces three charges of transferring criminal property, specifically amounts of £650,000 from the bank account of his company County Homes (Herts) Ltd to his son and fellow director, Hayden Grossman, as well as transferring £10,000 from 1st Land Limited to Simon Patnick and £15,000 from 1st Land Limited to Simpa Investments Limited, a company owned by Simon Patnick.
- Mr Grossman and his son Marcus are further charged with transferring criminal property, namely £20,000, from Marcus Grossman’s account to Simon Patnick, knowing or suspecting it to constitute or to represent, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, the benefit from criminal conduct.
- As well as fraud, Patnick is accused of acquiring criminal property contrary to the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, namely £61,800 in credit balances via bank transfers from or on behalf of Howard Grossman and Marcus Grossman knowing or suspecting it to constitute or to represent, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, the benefit from criminal conduct.
- Howard Grossman faces the same allegation, relating to a sum of £10,000 transferred to Margro Properties Ltd, a company run by Marcus Grossman.
2025 Business Predictions: Iain Hibbert, CEO, Devello Group
It’s that time of year, when Business Link Magazine invites the region’s business leaders to offer up their predictions for the year ahead.
It has become something of a tradition, given that we’ve been doing this now for over 30 years.
Here we speak to Iain Hibbert, CEO at Devello Group.
In 2025 the UK property market is projected to experience moderate growth, influenced by factors such as easing borrowing costs, stamp duty changes and regional variations. However, these factors are susceptible to change as the impact of the Autumn budget works its way through. Key predictions include:
Mortgage Rates: Average two- and five-year fixed mortgage rates are projected to decrease to around 4% by the end of 2025, enhancing buyer affordability and confidence.
House Price Growth: House prices are expected to rise by 2% to 4% in 2025, driven by reducing mortgage interest rates.
Stamp Duty Land Tax Changes: From 1 April 2025 SDLT thresholds will be lowered, increasing moving costs for many buyers. This may lead to a surge in transactions before the deadline followed by a potential slowdown.
Investor Considerations: Increased SDLT surcharges for second homes and potential regulatory changes may influence investment decisions, particularly in the buy-to-let sector.
Rental Market: Rents are forecasted to rise by approximately 17.6% between 2025 and 2029, outpacing wage growth, due to persistent supply-demand imbalances.
Planning and Development: Due to the significant “shake up” introduced in the form of the new National Planning Policy Framework 2024, and the Government’s pledged commitment to delivering 1.5 million new homes, activity in this sector is expected to be both significant and buoyant with land promotion taking centre stage. This may be hampered however by the ability of the planning system to cater for the increased volume of applications and appeals.
Overall, we think the 2025 UK property market is set for steady growth, with regional disparities and policy changes playing significant roles in shaping market dynamics, despite what is expected to be a year of general economic stagnation.
Full steam ahead for Loughborough Town Deal following delivery of £27m of investment
Loughborough Town Deal is on track for a big 2025 as more projects are due to be completed and get underway, meaning more millions of pounds of investment for the area.
The Town Deal is backing 11 projects after securing £16.9 million from the Government’s Towns Fund and, in total, they are worth more than £40 million of investment.
Last year marked the completion of key schemes including the restoration of the John Taylor & Co Bellfoundry, new market stalls for Loughborough Market, a revamp of the outdoor space at Queen’s Park café and new events like Music in the Park being held in Southfields Park.
Work also started on the Generator arts and culture hub and the installation of the Hope Bell in Queen’s Park.
With other completed projects, including the upgrading of two kilometres of canal footpaths, the expansion of SportPark, and the regeneration of Bedford Square, almost £27 million has been invested into the area through Town Deal projects. This includes Government and partner funding.
Town Deal Board chair Martin Traynor OBE recently visited the Great Central Railway in Loughborough, which is also due to benefit from Town Deal support to the tune of £280,000.
Great Central Railway is using the funding to create a new space for school visits, improve welfare facilities for staff and volunteers, and add a train-driving simulator.
Martin said: “We are really excited for 2025 as Loughborough Town Deal projects continue to progress.
“We are anticipating work starting on the Digital Skills Hub at Loughborough College, the completion of the Generator and improvements at Great Central Railway.
“It was great to visit the railway and hear more about the project. It is a fascinating place and something Loughborough is proud of. I am pleased the Town Deal can invest in its future and support the visitor economy and preserve our heritage.”
Malcolm Holmes, Great Central Railway’s general manager, said: “We are investing in the future of Great Central Railway by improving the visitor and educational experience, which will help young people understand the country’s steam train heritage.
“We are grateful for the support from Loughborough Town Deal and look forward to completing the works, which are focused on the Locomotive Shed. We believe it will greatly improve the site for staff, volunteers and visitors.”
The Digital Skills Hub at Loughborough College will help to enhance the digital skills of the local workforce. It is receiving £2.6 million of Town Deal funding.
The Generator project is transforming a derelict 1930s building in Packe Street into a vibrant cultural centre for creative industries and community arts. The project received £1.6 million of Town Deal funding.
The Living Loughborough and Lanes and Links projects being led by the Council also continue and involve a number of different schemes. This year will see the completion of the Hope Bell and improved footpaths in Queen’s Park, a new canopy installed in Southfields Park and the addition of information screens in the town centre, alongside improved electrical infrastructure in the centre to support events.
Medical company lets over 40,000ft² at Junction 28 of M1 for new distribution centre
Over 40,000ft² of prime space has been let just off Junction 28 of the M1 Motorway to an expanding medical company.
Medequip, a leading provider of community equipment services to local authorities and the NHS throughout the UK, has taken the space, in a deal agreed by Tim Gilbertson, Director at FHP Property Consultants, acting on behalf of Legal & General.
Medequip required a new distribution centre to consolidate operations from sites in Alfreton and Derby, and as a net zero carbon property, the space will also contribute to the business’s own decarbonisation.
Tim Gilbertson, Director at FHP Property Consultants, who concluded the deal on behalf of the Landlord, said: “What a lovely start to 2025 this is, this prime Grade A refurbished space at Junction 28 has created a lot of interest and I am delighted to see that we have now completed the letting to a strong covenant as they expand and relocate to continue their position as the UK’s leading supplier of community equipment services to both the local authorities and the NHS.
“A long term lease has been secured on the building which created good interest after extensive marketing with its recent net zero carbon refurbishment adding attraction to the occupier eventually secured.
“This again shows a lack of similar available stock now in the marketplace but hopefully as the year progresses there will be more opportunities of similar calibre available in the market.”
Andrew Firth, Medequip’s Operations and Commercial Director, said: “Medequip required a new distribution centre to consolidate our operations from existing sites in Alfreton and Derby which service our Derbyshire and Derby City Community Equipment Service contracts.
“The net zero carbon property will contribute to our own decarbonisation aims as well as providing a more efficient and convenient centre for our local colleagues and customers.”
Tim Gilbertson concluded by adding: “Hopefully, this letting is a good sign of a successful year to come for the industrial and distribution market throughout the East Midlands and with ongoing demand and limited space, we hope to bring news of further similar deals shortly but as ever, there is a demand for more space to come to the market to meet ongoing enquiries.”
PEAK gateway resort breaks ground
The PEAK gateway resort on the eastern boundary of the Peak District has broken ground, with Phase One scheduled to open to visitors in 2027/8.
Consented on 283 acres of reclaimed former opencast land, PEAK proposes the UK’s first purpose built national park gateway ‘resort town’.
PEAK Gateway will offer visitors facilities and services as a base from which to access the trails and attractions of the 550 square mile National Park. Similar to a ski resort, PEAK Gateway has visitor mobility at its heart. PEAK’s mobility system will link up the trails and country lanes of the Peak District without the need for a car and help establish the area as the largest integrated off and on road cycling and hiking region in the UK.
Planning approvals totalling 1.8m sq ft have been granted to facilitate a multi-branded mixed use development available to both day and stay visitors. The approvals offer extensive experiential retail, a wide range of leisure and educational facilities, a wellness clinic with operating theatres, 2,850 car parking spaces and up to 2,000 hotel rooms and 250 holiday lodges. The development has consent for its own energy park.
PEAK Gateway will be delivered by way of an incremental and phased ground leasing strategy. Heads of terms have already been agreed for the first two anchor plots with Colliers acting as Real Estate Adviser and leasing agents for Birchall Properties, the land owner. Phase One represents in the region of 30% of the consented development and is scheduled to open 2027/8.
Fully implemented PEAK has the potential to achieve a development value of over £1bn and sustain thousands of jobs. Around 70% of the reclaimed estate will be set aside for continued biodiversity gains as well as offer nature connectivity to encourage people’s engagement and delight in nature.
Sheffield City Region granted £2.85m for the construction of the now completed resort public highway access from A61 interchange at Sheepbridge and the new public rights of way around the resort estate.
The commencement of land formation works continues the delivery of the outcomes promised by the grant. Booths Group have been appointed lead contractor for the land formation activity.
Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and Acting Chair of Destination Chesterfield, said: “PEAK offers an opportunity to use formerly open cast land in a way that supports nature but also creates new opportunities for our residents and increases the number of visitors coming to Chesterfield. It is great to see work starting on site and I look forward to seeing the development progress.”
Scott Knowles, CEO of the East Midlands Chamber of Commerce, said: “PEAK’s gateway manifesto provides the opportunity for regional businesses to participate in the construction and operation of a world class ESG exemplar enterprise celebrating and making available the cultural and natural assets of our region.”
Jo Dilley, Managing Director, Visit Peak District and Derbyshire, said: “The PEAK Gateway development, is a transformative project that will redefine the visitor experience in the Peak District. With the introduction of high quality serviced hotels, we will be able to cater to more groups and international visitors, offering world-class accommodations and amenities.
“The sustainable transport solution at the heart of PEAK will not only enhance the visitor experience by providing seamless access to the park’s trails and attractions but also significantly reduce car traffic in busy hotspot areas, a change that will be warmly welcomed by local residents. This development marks a significant step towards a more sustainable and enjoyable future for all who visit and live in and around the Peak District.”
James Shorthouse, Head of Alternative Markets at Colliers Real Estate, said: “We are delighted to have advised PEAK, and to be delivering exciting new developments bringing visitors and employment to Chesterfield and the East Midlands region of the UK.”
Matthew Booth, Founder of The Booth Group, said: “This is a three year programme for Booth’s and perfectly complements our specialism of regenerative land solutions bringing challenging landscapes back into beneficial use. We are thrilled to be part of the iconic Peak Gateway development, activating the UK’s growth potential through the regeneration of land for local communities and legacy value.”
Rupert Carr of Birchall Properties said: “From the outset PEAK has been a land first business, over 30 years and millions of pounds has been invested in the revival of the former opencast estate and the obtaining of now implementable planning permissions.
“It’s great to finally be underway and to be involved in a regenerative enterprise capable of activating and sustaining clean growth in the regional visitor economy.”
Sixth new recruit for Link ICT
Link ICT has expanded its team further following the appointment of Daniel Woodward as an IT Technician. This will be the company’s sixth new addition in just under a year, increasing the total number of employees to 17 people.
In his new role, Daniel, who lives in Chesterfield, will be providing on-site IT support to Link ICT’s growing client base of schools, academy groups, and businesses based across the East Midlands region.
Daniel previously worked for Currys Plc where he started as an instore IT support technician helping customers define their needs, setting up laptops and giving customers one-to-one tutorials on their new devices.
He later transferred to the regional hub in Newark and became a regional repair technician where he worked as part of a team repairing IT equipment and recycling components from many different devices including laptops, desktop towers, all-in-one PCs, and televisions.
Prior to this he was the IT Systems Administrator for a small chain of local hotels, where he helped to design networks, implement solutions for complex issues, and train staff how to use the equipment. His role also included a project to install in-room wifi access.
Commenting on his new role, Daniel said: “I have loved working IT ever since I did my work experience years ago when I visited local schools and helped the local IT technician with similar tasks to the role I will be doing at Link ICT. This was a wonderful experience, and I have never once regretted my career choice.
“Obviously, there are now huge technological differences, such as working with Cloud Servers and Mobile Device Management systems, but I am sure I will thoroughly enjoy the role, and I look forward to helping clients and adding to my skills and experience.”
In his spare time Daniel has a huge number of interests, from quizzing to creating websites, digital design, mobile application development and desktop application development. He also has a keen interest in motorcycles and helicopters.
Link ICT was founded in 2004 and recently re-located to new offices in Pride Park, Derby.
