The University of Leicester has named a new CEO to lead Space Park Leicester, its £100 million science and innovation park.
The University has appointed Will Wells as chief executive officer of Space Park Leicester, who will take up the role from his current position as director of commercialisation and knowledge exchange within the research and enterprise division.
Working at the juncture between business, universities and government, Will’s career has spanned senior roles in global corporations (Anglo-American and Cummins), the Civil Service and high growth SMEs.
Will led on the commercial and government engagement themes of Space Park Leicester’s development from the initial concept through to its delivery. Nationally he has been the architect and executive lead on major national innovation programmes, including the Space Research Innovation Network & Technology (SPRINT), VentureVersity and, latterly, Forging Beyond. He is director of the European Space Agency Business Incubation Centre Leicester. He has an MBA and is Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute.
He takes on leadership of Space Park Leicester as professor Richard Ambrosi moves on from the role of executive director to focus his attention on the spinout company Perpetual Atomics, while continuing in his role as professor of Space Instrumentation and Space Nuclear Power Systems at Leicester.
Will Wells, CEO of Space Park Leicester, said: “I am absolutely delighted to be leading Space Park Leicester in this next phase of its development and working with colleagues to deliver on our vision for a world leading beacon of Research, Knowledge Exchange and Innovation for the whole institution.
“I am passionate about research and building partnerships that deliver impactful and inclusive growth for the University and our region. Beyond this, Space Park can lay claim to global reach and reputation, aligned with our international prominence in Space and Earth Observation.”
Revenue and profit dip at Dr. Martens as its sets out ‘Levers For Growth’
Revenue and profit are down at Dr. Martens, as the iconic Northamptonshire shoe brand shares its ‘Levers For Growth’ to establish the business “as the world’s most-desired premium footwear brand.”
According to preliminary results for the 52 weeks ended 30 March 2025, group revenue was down 8% at £787.6m, against a challenging macroeconomic and consumer backdrop in several of the firm’s core markets. Meanwhile, adjusted profit before tax dropped to £34.1m from £97.2m.
The company, however, highlighted its “strong delivery” against its FY25 objectives, which are guiding towards a return to profit growth in FY26.
The year saw Dr. Martens return its direct-to-consumer channel in the Americas back to growth, its marketing approach reset to focus on product, £25m of annualised cost savings delivered, and the business’s balance sheet strengthened ahead of target. Ije Nwokorie, CEO, said: “Our single focus in FY25 was to bring stability back to Dr. Martens. We have achieved this by returning our direct-to-consumer channel in the Americas back to growth, resetting our marketing approach to focus relentlessly on our products, delivering cost savings, and significantly strengthening our balance sheet.“We are today sharing our Levers For Growth, which will increase our opportunities by shifting the business from a channel-first to a consumer-first mindset.
“We will give more people more reasons to buy more of our products, whether that’s our iconic boots and shoes, newer product families such as Zebzag and Buzz, or adjacent categories such as sandals, bags and leather goods. And we will tailor distribution to each market, blending DTC and B2B, optimising brand reach and ensuring a better use of capital.
“I am laser-focused on day-to-day execution, managing costs and maintaining our operational discipline while we navigate the current macroeconomic uncertainties. Looking ahead, there are significant markets for us to grow into, and we currently own just 0.7% of a total relevant market of £179bn.
“This, combined with the enduring demand for our products, the robustness of our operations, the strength of our cashflow generation and balance sheet and the expertise of our people, gives me confidence that we will deliver the sustainable, profitable growth that this brand is capable of.”
SMEs driving green growth but face barriers to scale
A new report from the government-backed Willow Review has found that UK small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that are embracing sustainability are already seeing measurable business benefits, including cost savings, new customer acquisition, and improved customer loyalty. However, the report warns that persistent barriers are hindering wider adoption, thereby threatening the UK’s green growth potential.
With SMEs representing 99% of UK businesses and accounting for around half of all business-related carbon emissions, their role in achieving national climate targets is crucial. The Review surveyed 425 small businesses and found that 67% of those implementing sustainability practices reduced operational costs, 52% gained new customers, and 33% improved customer loyalty. Many reported using sustainable materials, cutting waste, limiting travel, and sourcing from greener supply chains.
Despite these advantages, many SMEs struggle to take action due to upfront costs, time constraints, and difficulty accessing financial or advisory support. To address this, the Willow Review issued 14 recommendations across three key areas: simplifying sustainability guidance, expanding access to finance, and creating a more supportive policy environment.
The report calls for clearer signposting to existing funding options, the creation of tailored ‘Green-Up Loans’, and reforms to government schemes like the Growth Guarantee Scheme to support green investments. It also urges integration of sustainability into core services such as the Business Growth Service, alongside incentives for landlords to improve energy efficiency in SME premises.
Student accommodation developer sells nine properties for £212m
Unite Students, the owner, manager and developer of student accommodation, has sold a portfolio of nine properties, comprising 3,656 beds for £212 million, to an affiliate of Lone Star Funds.
The disposal portfolio includes assets in Aberdeen, Leicester, Leeds, Nottingham and Sheffield. It includes St. Martins House, Newarke Point and Grange Lane Apartments in Leicester and Curzon House in Nottingham.
The disposal is part of the group’s strategy to increase alignment to high and mid-ranked universities and those properties with the strongest prospects for sustainable long-term rental growth.
Contracts have been exchanged with completion due in August 2025.
Since 2022, the group has now sold 12,000 beds, recycling over £700 million into its strongest markets and new investment opportunities.
Joe Lister, Unite Students chief executive, said: “These disposals increase the alignment of our portfolio to the strongest university cities and continues our disciplined approach to recycling capital.
“Purpose-built student accommodation continues to attract institutional capital as the growing UK 18-year-old population and improving trends in international recruitment underpin demand for high-quality student accommodation.”
Investment zone minister visits hydrogen propulsion systems lab site in Nottingham
A senior delegation led by Investment Zone Minister Alex Norris MP attended a hard hat tour of the University of Nottingham’s new Hydrogen Propulsion Systems Lab last week, marking an important step in strengthening the region’s role within the UK’s research and innovation ecosystem.
The visit was attended by Claire Ward, Mayor of the East Midlands and Professor Jane Norman, President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Nottingham. The visit brought together leaders from G F Tomlinson – the regional contractor delivering the scheme, the University of Nottingham and East Midlands Freeport, to highlight the progress of the laboratory and the infrastructure supporting the UK’s green industrial strategy.
The Hydrogen Propulsion Systems Lab is funded through over £70 million of investments including Research England’s flagship UK Research Partnership Investment Fund (UKRPIF) and industry partner co-investment. Once fully operational in mid-2026, it will enable research and safe high-power testing of propulsion systems for transport industries.
Featuring cryogenic test capabilities and environmental chambers suitable for altitude testing, the facility will enable the safe high-power testing of propulsion systems using gaseous hydrogen, ammonia, and other green fuels – to support the decarbonisation of industries including aerospace, automotive, marine and power generation.
The visit coincided with the completion of EMIZ’s first intake of grantees – 15 industry university collaborations which were awarded over £500,000 in ‘fast start’ funding to accelerate clean technology innovation.
The projects were part of the first phase of the government’s £160 million ten-year commitment to positioning the East Midlands region as a hub for net zero industries and span four highlighted priority sectors for EMIZ including zero emissions propulsion, clean energy, sustainable advanced manufacturing and green construction.
Adrian Grocock, Group Managing Director for G F Tomlinson, said: “It was a privilege for our team to join Minister Alex Norris and Mayor Claire Ward on the tour to showcase the progress being made on this pioneering facility.
“We are proud to play a key role in delivering this landmark project that will position the University of Nottingham as a regional leader in driving economic growth through green industries and advanced manufacturing.
“Our longstanding relationship with the university spans over seven capital projects including the delivery of the Advanced Manufacturing Building on Derby Road, close to the new hydrogen propulsion lab site.”
Minister for Investment Zones Alex Norris MP said: “The East Midlands has an incredible industrial history. Now we want to build an amazing future for the region, realising its potential and putting it at the heart of our mission to grow the national economy.
“Visiting the Hydrogen Propulsion Systems Lab construction site in Nottingham this week, I saw first-hand the amazing work already underway to build on the area’s strengths in green technology. And the East Midlands Investment Zone, backed by government funding, is supporting brilliant projects across the region, giving them the tools they need to create jobs and drive growth.”
The fast start projects were developed in partnership with researchers from the University of Nottingham, Nottingham Trent University, and the University of Derby. All are designed to help companies translate cutting-edge research into commercially viable solutions with a strong emphasis on regional deployment and supply chain development.
Professor Jane Norman, President and Vice Chancellor, University of Nottingham, said: “These projects show the East Midlands at its best – bringing together ambition, research excellence, and industrial know-how to unlock new opportunities. At the University of Nottingham, we’re not just solving technical challenges, we’re helping define the region’s future. That’s what it means to be not just good at something, but good for something.”
Claire Ward, Mayor of the East Midlands, said: “The East Midlands has been a powerhouse for technological innovation in technology since the industrial revolution. As Mayor, I am honouring and building on that legacy by investing £160 million into the East Midlands Investment Zone, which is making and sustaining crucial links between research and actual business practice.
“During the first year of the programme, we have seen huge progress across growth sectors such clean energy, green construction, and sustainable manufacturing. This translates into exciting, skilled, and well-paid jobs for the people of the East Midlands.
“Today shows what is possible when government backs local organisations and give them the tools they need to succeed. This is how we make our region the best place in the UK for businesses to start, scale, and stay.”
The University of Nottingham is also leading the development of technology roadmaps for each sector, identifying areas of competitive advantage and guiding future investment decisions. These roadmaps, including focus on zero emissions propulsion and fusion, will be published in summer 2025 as part of the EMIZ Investment Strategy.
The university has worked closely with design teams, including G F Tomlinson, YMD Boon, Turner and Townsend, CPW and Derry’s, and Price & Myers to develop the forthcoming Hydrogen Propulsion Systems Lab.
Construction of landmark rail innovation centre begins
Construction of a modern rail innovation and training centre in Barrow Hill – which will create jobs and skills opportunities for local people, and bolster Chesterfield’s ambitions to be a leading destination for the rail sector – has started on site.
The Derbyshire Rail Industry Innovation Vehicle (DRIIVe) will sit next to the historic Barrow Hill Roundhouse and will provide classroom and training areas, specialist research and development facilities including a digital laboratory, and commercial workshop space.
DRIIVe is part of the multi-million-pound Staveley Town Deal programme and has received additional funding from Chesterfield Borough Council and East Midlands Combined County Authority.
Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and vice chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board, said: “This is an exciting project for Staveley, our borough and our region, that will allow both our residents and our businesses to access high-quality skills and jobs – whilst also strengthening our borough’s position in the rail sector.
“It has taken a lot of work to get to this point, but it is great to see works getting started on site. This now means that all but one Town Deal project is either in construction or already delivering benefits for residents. I look forward to seeing this project completed and welcoming the buildings first users in 2026.”
The DRIIVe project is being delivered by Chesterfield Borough Council in collaboration with Barrow Hill Engine Shed Society.
Mervyn Allcock, manager of the Barrow Hill Roundhouse and Staveley Town Deal Board member, said: “This is a significant project for the whole rail sector, and we are proud to be able to have this facility located next to the historic Roundhouse. We’re already seeing interest from the rail sector in using this space because the state-of-the-art innovation and research facilities will help set us apart from other locations.”
Complete construction partner Stepnell will be carrying out construction of the building on behalf of Chesterfield Borough Council.
Tom Sewell, regional director at Stepnell, said: “The commencement of DRIIVe is a milestone moment for rail innovation, undertaken as part of the Staveley Town Deal. As we start on site, community engagement remains a vital aspect of the building’s progression, imperative to projects we have supported Chesterfield Borough Council on.
“Beyond its fundamental aim of creating opportunities in the rail sector, we want to ensure the specialist facility will be built to the highest standards while generating immense value for the community through local spend and employability opportunities during construction.”
Primarily funded through the Staveley Town Deal, DRIIVe has also received a funding boost from East Midlands Combined County Authority.
Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward said: “EMCCA is proud to help fund the development of a state-of-the-art rail innovation and training centre in Barrow Hill. This exciting project will not only create jobs and skills opportunities for residents but also inspire the next generation of rail professionals.
“It will also strengthen Chesterfield’s position as an innovative destination for the rail sector, offering our young people a path into a rewarding career. We are excited to see the impact this will have on Chesterfield and the region upon its opening in 2026 as we continue to deliver for our residents.”
DRIIVe will include classroom and training areas, specialist research and development facilities including a digital laboratory, and commercial workshop space. The centre will support a network of specialist training providers – offering rail-related education from level two through to postgraduate training and research.
Becoming a prominent location for rail technology, DRIIVe will also serve as a base for rail-related supply chain businesses which will have access to the very latest research and innovation.
Funding for the project is mostly being provided through the Staveley Town Deal – the Staveley area was one of 101 towns across England invited to submit an investment plan to the Government’s Towns Fund and received £25.2 million.
SEV joins the sponsor line up for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025: “We encourage businesses of all sizes to enter and showcase their achievements”
SEV has joined the sponsor line up for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025, backing the Overall Winner award!
SEV is a leading bespoke joinery manufacturer based in Nottingham, delivering exceptional craftsmanship and tailored solutions to the commercial, retail and residential sectors across the UK. Established in 1997, the business has built a strong reputation for quality, reliability, and collaborative working, making it a trusted partner for designers, contractors, and developers alike.
Operating from its modern manufacturing facility, SEV offers a full end-to-end service — from design support and technical detailing through to precision manufacturing, finishing, and installation. Highly skilled craftsmen and project managers work closely with clients to bring your creative concepts to life, whether it’s a flagship retail fit-out, executive apartments, or high-specification residential joinery.
Speaking with Business Link, Gary Pearce, Managing Director at SEV, said: “We’re proud to be sponsoring the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025. As a company committed to supporting sustainable growth and delivering innovative energy and infrastructure solutions, SEV is excited to celebrate the organisations and individuals shaping the future of the East Midlands’ built environment.
“The Bricks Awards are a fantastic platform to recognise the remarkable work happening across the region — from transformative developments to outstanding community projects. We’re particularly looking forward to connecting with like-minded professionals and celebrating the ingenuity and impact of this year’s finalists.
“We encourage businesses of all sizes to enter and showcase their achievements. Whether you’re driving regeneration, delivering infrastructure, or pioneering sustainability, this is your moment to be recognised.”
The East Midlands Bricks Awards, which will take place on Thursday 2nd October at Nottingham’s famous Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, celebrates the successes of property and construction companies in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, and Northamptonshire.
Recognising those behind the changing landscape of the East Midlands, the occasion highlights development projects, businesses, 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. It also toasts the work of architects, agencies, and those behind large schemes.
Welcoming almost 150 professionals, nominating a company or project for the awards is a great way to showcase your successes, recognise your team’s efforts, bolster morale, and reach our audience of over 60,000 business readers, while also offering a chance to connect with respected professionals. It’s completely free to enter and making the top three finalists in your category also wins you free tickets to the event.
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. Upon submitting a nomination, we will get in touch for any information, imagery, and video nominees would like to be featured on their showcase page.
With a limited number of sponsorship opportunities remaining, please contact Angie Cooper at a.cooper@blmgroup.co.uk to learn more if you are interested in becoming an East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025 sponsor.
Operating from its modern manufacturing facility, SEV offers a full end-to-end service — from design support and technical detailing through to precision manufacturing, finishing, and installation. Highly skilled craftsmen and project managers work closely with clients to bring your creative concepts to life, whether it’s a flagship retail fit-out, executive apartments, or high-specification residential joinery.
Speaking with Business Link, Gary Pearce, Managing Director at SEV, said: “We’re proud to be sponsoring the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025. As a company committed to supporting sustainable growth and delivering innovative energy and infrastructure solutions, SEV is excited to celebrate the organisations and individuals shaping the future of the East Midlands’ built environment.
“The Bricks Awards are a fantastic platform to recognise the remarkable work happening across the region — from transformative developments to outstanding community projects. We’re particularly looking forward to connecting with like-minded professionals and celebrating the ingenuity and impact of this year’s finalists.
“We encourage businesses of all sizes to enter and showcase their achievements. Whether you’re driving regeneration, delivering infrastructure, or pioneering sustainability, this is your moment to be recognised.”
The East Midlands Bricks Awards, which will take place on Thursday 2nd October at Nottingham’s famous Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, celebrates the successes of property and construction companies in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, and Northamptonshire.
Recognising those behind the changing landscape of the East Midlands, the occasion highlights development projects, businesses, 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. It also toasts the work of architects, agencies, and those behind large schemes.
Welcoming almost 150 professionals, nominating a company or project for the awards is a great way to showcase your successes, recognise your team’s efforts, bolster morale, and reach our audience of over 60,000 business readers, while also offering a chance to connect with respected professionals. It’s completely free to enter and making the top three finalists in your category also wins you free tickets to the event.
To make a nomination for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025, please click here.
Supporting imagery, video, documents, or links to these, can be sent to bricks@blmgroup.co.uk. Video nomination pitches are also welcome as an alternative or companion to written entries. Categories include:- Contractor of the Year
- Developer of the Year
- Architects of the Year
- Most Active Agent
- Deal of the Year
- Residential Development of the Year
- Sustainable Development of the Year
- Commercial Development of the Year
- Excellence in Design
- Responsible Business of the Year
- Overall Winner
Nominations will close on Friday 15th August.
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:
With a limited number of sponsorship opportunities remaining, please contact Angie Cooper at a.cooper@blmgroup.co.uk to learn more if you are interested in becoming an East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025 sponsor. 200 Degrees expands into southern England with new outlet
Coffee roaster and retailer 200 Degrees will open its first site of 2025 this summer at the Cotswolds Designer Outlet, creating 15 new jobs. The move marks the Nottingham-based company’s 23rd location and its southernmost presence in England to date.
The new 2,280 sq ft site will feature 102 indoor seats and 24 outside. It continues the company’s nationwide growth strategy, with further openings planned later in the year. The site will be staffed by a newly trained team delivering on the company’s in-house roasting and service standards.
The expansion aligns with the broader trend of regional food and beverage brands targeting high-footfall retail destinations to grow market share and brand visibility across the UK.
D&D Transport relocates to larger Derbyshire hub
Midlands-based logistics firm D&D Transport has moved its operations from Nottingham to a larger site in Alfreton, Derbyshire, in a move designed to scale up its haulage and warehousing capabilities.
The new site features expanded warehousing capacity, accommodating up to 10,000 pallets, as well as external storage options. The relocation is part of the company’s broader strategy to streamline operations across general haulage, courier, and storage services under one roof.
The facility is also equipped with warehouse management systems that provide clients with real-time stock visibility and control, allowing them to manage inventory and dispatch from a single platform. The upgrade aims to offer a more integrated logistics solution to business customers across the region.
The company’s expansion reflects the rising demand for flexible, end-to-end logistics support, particularly among clients requiring scalable storage and efficient last-mile distribution.
Embroidery and print specialist secures funding boost for expansion
Bingham-based embroidery and print specialist LogoMeUp, has received a funding boost from the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) to expand its operations, enhance production and create new local jobs.
Rushcliffe Borough Council (RBC) awarded £8,000 of REPF to LogoMeUp, match-funded by the business, to support their expansion plans by installing a new mezzanine floor to enlarge their print department, enhancing their production capabilities in both printing and embroidery services.
The expansion has enabled LogoMeUp to double their production of daily printed garments. To manage the increased volume, they have recruited two new staff members with plans to expand its team further as demand continues to grow.
Founded in a Radcliffe on Trent garage in 2014, LogoMeUp has grown by at least 20% annually, relocating first to East Bridgford and then settling into its current home at Moorbridge Industrial Estate in Bingham.
As part of the new upgrade, a new Direct to Film (DTF) printing machine has been installed, offering a greener, water-based alternative to vinyl printing.
LogoMeUp managing director Mark Ingram said: “With support from RBC and the REPF grant, LogoMeUp has installed a new mezzanine floor and state of the art print room to underpin our growth trajectory and sustain our commitment to environmentally conscious manufacturing practices at our Bingham factory.
“The foundation of our business was laid on supplying to local businesses, schools, groups, and charities. And while we now dispatch our products across the UK, our local work remains a vital aspect of our operations and is integral to our identity.
“We are proud to consider LogoMeUp a Rushcliffe success story, and we are committed to employing individuals from the local area and we intend to maintain this practice.”
RBC’s deputy leader and cabinet portfolio holder for business and growth cllr Abby Brennan said: “Through our REPF grant scheme, we’re pleased to support local businesses that are driving economic growth in Rushcliffe.
“LogoMeUp is an ambitious company that are rapidly growing, and their new mezzanine floor has unlocked greater capacity for their print and embroidery services.
“It was great to meet Mark and see how the funding has helped him and the team to adapt to their fast growth, increase production and employ even more local people.
“It’s also encouraging to see their investment in sustainable DTF printing technology allowing more environmentally friendly printing methods that are better for our planet.”
