Hockley Developments, the supported living and residential developer, has secured planning permission for four schemes across the East Midlands and South Yorkshire in the last three weeks.
At Smith Crescent in Coalville, the green light has been granted for the construction of six three-bed houses, one two-bed supported living bungalow, two one-bed supported living bungalows, and 14 one-bed supported living apartments, with associated private highway, off-street parking and amenity spaces.
Meanwhile, on Sheffield’s Mansfield Road, Hockley Developments has received the go-ahead for two four-bed semi-detached houses and 15 supported living apartments in a two-storey block with communal/staff spaces, supplementary parking and cycle storage facilities.
Mansfield Road, Sheffield
On Regent Street in Kimberley, permission has been given for the construction of a three storey building comprising 12 supported living flats with external areas to provide parking and amenity space including bin and cycle stores.
Finally, in Leicester, at Dupont Gardens/Liberty Road/Tatlow Road, plans have been approved for the demolition of existing garages at the site and the construction of four two-bed supported living dwellings, and associated access, parking and landscaping.
Coming in quick succession, three of the approvals have been granted in the last week alone.
Leicester and Derby have emerged as top UK cities for commercial property investment in 2025, according to a survey by the Alan Boswell Group. The study ranked 31 major cities based on business closure rates, crime levels, retail sales performance, and rateable property values.
Leicester secured the top spot with a score of 7.06/10, benefiting from retail sales reaching 100.3% of 2019 levels and a modest 3.79% increase in rateable value over five years. The city also reported low crime rates, with only six shoplifting cases and around one non-residential burglary per 1,000 businesses, making it an attractive location for investors.
Derby ranked third with a score of 6.99/10, supported by strong retail sales at 102% of 2019 levels and a low non-residential burglary rate of one per 1,000 businesses. The city’s commercial property market appears stable, with a lower level of empty premises relief (£193,291 per 1,000 businesses) compared to Leicester (£261,469 per 1,000 businesses), suggesting higher occupancy rates.
Both cities offer a favourable environment for commercial property investment, with steady demand and low business closure rates contributing to their strong rankings.
Too Good To Go and partner CEVA Logistics have hit an impressive milestone, distributing 100,000 Too Good To Go Parcels in just four months. The achievement underscores the growing success of the collaboration, providing a sustainable solution for FMCG brands to manage surplus food and reduce food waste.
To celebrate this milestone, Rosie Wrighting, MP for Kettering, visited CEVA Logistics’ Midlands facility, where Too Good To Go Parcels are processed and packed for delivery. This visit highlighted the role CEVA Logistics plays in ensuring brands, including Tony’s Chocolonely, Heinz, and many others, can easily and effectively distribute their surplus products through Too Good To Go.
Rosie Wrighting, MP for Kettering said: “It is brilliant to see Too Good To Go and CEVA Logistics working together to provide a sustainable solution to surplus food, create jobs for local people and distribute an impressive 100,000 Parcels in such a short space of time. Tackling food surplus is so important – nobody wants to see good food go to waste.”
A spokesperson at Tony’s Chocolonely said: “Partnering with Too Good To Go has given us a powerful, sustainable way to manage our surplus and stay connected with our conscious consumer base.
“We’re proud to be part of this growing movement, especially as Too Good To Go Parcels continues to make a positive impact, having already hit the 100,000 milestone. This collaboration benefits both the environment and our customers in meaningful ways.”
A spokesperson at Heinz said: “We’re thrilled to see the incredible success of the partnership between Too Good To Go and CEVA Logistics, reaching the impressive 100,000 milestone for parcels produced. This collaboration underscores the importance of sustainable solutions in managing surplus food and reducing waste.
“In each Parcel, consumers can expect to find a variety of their favourite Heinz products, including baked beans, soups, pasta sauces, and ketchup, along with other pantry staples. These items help reduce surplus stock while ensuring people have access to nutritious, familiar food options. It’s exciting to be part of such a positive movement that’s a win for everyone involved.”
Through Too Good To Go Parcels, brands can directly reduce food waste caused by excess stock, packaging changes, or cosmetic imperfections. This service not only reduces waste but also allows brands to recoup profits on products that would otherwise go unsold or discarded, turning potential losses into environmental and financial wins.
The Too Good To Go app now connects over 17 million registered users in the UK with brands committed to sustainability.
Steve Barry, Senior General Manager from CEVA Logistics, said: “Reaching 100,000 Parcels shipped across the UK with Too Good To Go shows the power of collaboration in tackling food waste by driving sustainable change, not just in our local community but across the globe.
“MP Wrighting’s visit to our Northamptonshire operation underscores this milestone and acknowledges not only the hard work of our team but also the positive impact we can make together.”
Sid Baveja, VP Operations for Central Europe at Too Good To Go, said: “We’re really proud to have reached this milestone with our partners at CEVA Logistics.
“Globally, 40% of food produced is still being wasted, so knowing that we can successfully provide technology enabled solutions to manufacturers that help them manage surplus food items and redistribute them to consumers with convenient delivery is a promising step in the right direction.”
Plans for nearly 1,300 new homes on brownfield sites across the East Midlands have moved a step closer. East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) has now identified 13 potential schemes that could deliver these homes across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.EMCCA has £16.8 million from the Brownfield Housing Fund (BHF) to support projects that meet funding rules and can be completed on time. The 13 housing projects in the pipeline include developments in New Balderton, Langley Mill, Heanor, Shirebrook, Ilkeston, Arnold, Derby, Chesterfield, and Nottingham.The total cost for these 12 projects is £15.485 million, leaving £1.315 million still available. EMCCA is looking at other projects to make sure all the funding is used before the March 2026 deadline.As part of this ongoing process, EMCCA has agreed to work with local councils to approve plans for the preferred schemes before the next board meeting in June 2025.
Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, said: “These are crucial plans that allow us to transform underused sites into thriving residential communities. “We have some exciting projects in the pipeline and it is vital we invest in new homes and affordable homes in our cities and communities to help address the housing shortages.”EMCCA received 50 expressions of interest in bidding for funding for schemes across the region. Independent experts Cushman and Wakefield assessed the applications based on criteria including the ability to get schemes underway quickly.
WBR Group, the independent provider of SSAS administration and tax advisory services, has published the results of a recent survey conducted over the last two weeks and during a webinar on inheritance tax (IHT) and pensions which has revealed overwhelming opposition to the proposed introduction of IHT on unused pensions.
The survey, which gathered responses from industry professionals, highlights significant concerns about the fairness and practicality of the proposals.
Caitlin Southall, Head of SSAS Proposition at WBR Group said: “The proposed introduction of IHT on unused pensions is not just a concern, it is a looming disaster for the pensions industry. These changes are not only impractical but also a grave injustice to those who have diligently and responsibly saved for their retirement.
“We implore the Government to reconsider these draconian proposals and collaborate with pension experts such as us to forge a more balanced and equitable solution that truly supports long-term pension savings. The future financial security of countless individuals hangs in the balance.”
90.41% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that the introduction of IHT on unused pensions is both retrospective and unfair.
One respondent commented: “Our strategy over many years has been to leave our home and pension so that our son can look after his severely disabled brother. These plans are ruined and at our age, there is no time to make effective alternative arrangements. Our IHT bill has gone from around £100k to around £800k as a result of the budget.
“The impact on our family is catastrophic and if our son cannot afford to be a 24/7 carer his brother will have to go into care, where he is likely to be miserable, and the cost will end up with the local authority. This has not been properly thought through for families with caring responsibilities.”
Furthermore, an overwhelming 97.26% of participants agree or strongly agree that the proposals force pensions into an IHT regime that does not accommodate the practicalities of current pension rules or administration processes.
The timescales for payment of any IHT are deemed unworkable, failing to acknowledge the complexities of discretionary death benefits. This sentiment reflects the industry’s concern that the proposed changes are impractical and could lead to significant administrative challenges.
One professional noted: “A change of this nature and in the manner proposed undermines the merits of undertaking long-term personal financial planning. Which does not serve the interest of individuals or the state.”
Additionally, 97.26% of respondents agree or strongly agree that trustees and providers will incur additional costs to administer the proposals, which will likely be passed on to consumers.
This burden is considered unfair and is expected to reduce pension engagement, contrary to Government policy. The increased costs and administrative burden are seen as significant obstacles that could discourage individuals from engaging with pension schemes.
One respondent said: “The proposals are terrible and have not been thought through. All client feedback has been negative and the retrospective nature of this is unreasonable.”
The survey also reveals that 100% of those surveyed agreed or strongly agreed (82.19% strongly agree) that the proposals assume personal representatives will have the necessary information to pay discretionary benefits immediately after a member’s death and that the pension has sufficient liquidity to cover any IHT due. These assumptions are seen as unreliable, further highlighting the impracticality of the proposed changes.
One comment emphasised: “The pension/IHT proposals are highly retrospective and consequently potentially Ultra Vires and subject to future legal challenge and the biggest mis-selling of pensions proffered by UK governments since pension simplification in 2006.”
Taken as a whole, 82.19% of respondents strongly agree (and 16.44% agree) that the proposals, along with the potential unexpected tax burden and increased complexity, will act as a major disincentive for consumers to engage with pensions.
The survey results underscore the industry’s strong opposition to the proposed IHT on pensions, highlighting the need for a more practical and fair approach that aligns with current pension rules and administration processes.
In response to these findings, Caitlin from WBR Group has published an open letter to the pensions minister, Torsten Bell, urging a reconsideration of the proposed IHT changes. The letter emphasises the industry’s concerns and calls for a more thoughtful and equitable approach to pension taxation.
Reuseabox, the new, recycled, and used cardboard boxes and packaging solutions firm, has purchased a 78,000 sq ft warehouse in North Hykeham, Lincoln.
After renting two warehouses in Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire, the move marks a significant leap from the business’s previous 20,000 sq ft of space, providing nearly four times the capacity to scale its operations.
With the additional space, Reuseabox has also been able to welcome more suppliers on board and introduce more lines of used boxes.
The new site will now serve as Reuseabox’s main headquarters.
While the move follows the closure of Cartwright Brothers after over 100 years in business, Reuseabox sees this as an opportunity to breathe new life into an historic site.
Founder, Jack Good, said: “It’s always sad to see a long-standing business like Cartwright Brothers close its doors. They played a vital role in the community for over a century, and we hope to carry forward a legacy of service and sustainability from this site.
“Purchasing our own site after 10 years of operating has taken sheer determination and continuous reinvestment into scaling our operations. This move marks a new chapter for Reuseabox, giving us the space and infrastructure to grow even further.
“There’s plenty of work ahead to make this site our own, but we’re excited to get started. We can’t wait to welcome suppliers and customers in the autumn as part of our 10-year anniversary celebrations.”
The new site will allow Reuseabox to improve its operations and services for businesses looking to cut waste, expand its team, meet the growing demand for sustainable packaging solutions and help businesses reduce their Scope 3 emissions.
Reuseabox is working towards making its warehouse carbon neutral by 2030.
The East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) has approved £3.39 million to fund the demolition of Nottingham’s Broad Marsh shopping centre, clearing the way for a mixed-use development.
The funding will remove the centre’s remaining concrete frame, with demolition scheduled to begin in July and take a year to complete. Once cleared, the site is set to include up to 1,000 new homes and 20,000 square metres of employment space.
The project, expected to cost £29.3 million in total, aims to attract further public and private investment. Nottingham City Council, which took control of the site in 2020 after former owner Intu collapsed, has faced multiple funding rejections from the previous government.
A new green space opened on part of the site last year, and additional details on the redevelopment plan are expected in the coming weeks. The council hopes to complete the full transformation by 2027.
Transport Made Simple (TMS) has joined FlixBus UK’s network, adding five Yutong GT12 coaches to its long-distance service. The first routes under this partnership will launch in mid-April.
TMS, formerly known as Vectare, has grown significantly since its 2016 launch and now operates a fleet of 200 vehicles. The company will manage the new FlixBus services from its Nottingham depot under the Central Connect division. It also runs school and local bus routes in the East Midlands, Essex, and Hertfordshire.
The partnership aligns with TMS’s strategy of integrating coach and bus services into a broader multimodal transport system. It also follows TMS Group’s recent acquisition of Simonds, a Norfolk-based coach operator with a 96-year history.
Native Communities, the third party operator of large-scale mixed-use and living assets in the UK, has been appointed by Lloyds Living to operate its tall building BTR portfolio, currently totalling 631 rental apartments in Nottingham, Stevenage and Cardiff.
Development of the assets is underway and the portfolio will be delivered by Native Communities’ specialist head office team with experts across the disciplines of Mobilisation, Operational Delivery, Finance, Systems, ESG, Building Performance, Brand & Digital, Leasing, Research, Asset Management & Reporting, Facilities Management, Building Safety and People & Culture.
The schemes are scheduled to complete in 2025 and 2026.
Lloyds Living’s assets operated by Native Communities include British Waterways in Nottingham, a Grade II listed warehouse converted to 95 apartments, developed by H2O Urban.
Alec Newton, Director of Origination, Native Communities, said: “We are pleased to announce this new partnership and are greatly looking forward to working with Lloyds Living to create communities that deliver high-levels of satisfaction for their customers.”
The East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) is moving forward with six key projects for funding from the 2024/25 Investment Fund. These projects aim to support long-term economic growth, create jobs, and drive sustainability across the region.EMCCA’s Devolution Deal includes an allocation of £38 million per year for the East Midlands Investment Fund, with £9.5 million earmarked for capital projects in the 2024/25 financial year. The projects include:
South Derbyshire Growth Zone (SDGZ) (South Derbyshire) – Funding to help facilitate a new junction on the A50 Trunk Road, which would enable plans to build 4,500 homes (with Garden Village status) and 3.45 million square feet of commercial floorspace, plus supporting infrastructure including a secondary school.
Trent Clean Energy Supercluster (Bassetlaw) – Funding to move delivery forward for the Trent Clean Energy Supercluster, which centres on three former coal-fired Power Stations located alongside the River Trent: West Burton, High Marnham and Cottam, all in Bassetlaw. The West Burton power station site will be home to the ground-breaking STEP prototype fusion energy plant.
Derby City Urban Quarter (Derby) – Funding to transform priority areas to create a vibrant, sustainable, and accessible urban quarter. The funding will enable the wider project work to revitalise historic buildings, enhance transport infrastructure, create new homes and improve public realm.
Broad Marsh (Nottingham) – Funding to carry out demolition of part of the frame on the land near to the newly opened Green Heart. This will be an important step in helping to bring forward work on Broad Marsh which will, when complete, provide 1,600 homes and create just over 2,000 jobs, whilst providing a wide range of facilities, entertainment, and attractions.
Infinity Park (Derby) – Funding for a Research and Development Facility within EMCCA’s Investment Zone to support advanced manufacturing and nuclear sectors. The project will provide services, facility hire and collaborative space to attract new supply chain businesses and inward investment. The funding from the Investment Fund will be used to repurpose existing space available on the Investment Zone site to enable the delivery of new research and development activities which would mean more jobs created.
Avenue Site Southern Access (North-East Derbyshire) – Fundingfor The Avenue (Wingerworth), which continues the delivery of one of the most ambitious and effective remediation projects ever undertaken in the UK. This funding will go towards creating a southern access to the sites to deliver improved access for vehicles and pedestrians and enable future development.The six projects are part of a broader pipeline of investments that were identified through collaboration with local councils. These projects are expected to play a significant role in boosting the local economy and ensuring that the region remains competitive and forward-looking. EMCCA’s Board recommended that the final approval of these business cases be delegated to the Mayor.
Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward said: “These projects have been chosen for funding this year because their delivery will help boost the region’s economy. They will create jobs, help towards building homes, boosting local businesses and manufacturing, and produce cleaner energy.
“We want to support and enable them to continue their work and help us towards achieving our vision for an East Midlands full of opportunities, from having good jobs, quality education, and thriving local economies.
“We want to invest in vital projects, we can’t achieve the vision on our own, we need to work with partners across the region to invest in the right projects, projects that will make a real difference and this funding is just the start for the East Midlands.”
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