Sodexo secures eight-year extension at Chesterfield Royal Hospital

April Lara
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Sodexo secures eight-year extension at Chesterfield Royal Hospital

Sodexo Health & Care has been awarded an eight-year extension to its patient dining contract with Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, taking the partnership to 33 years. The new contract, valued at £24.8 million, commenced on 1 April 2025 and follows a competitive tender process.

The company will continue providing a mix of in-house prepared meals and Apetito products, alongside an extensive range of special diets accommodating cultural, religious, and medical requirements. Meals are prepared in the hospital’s central production kitchen, transported via specialist regeneration trolleys, and served by Derbyshire Support and Facilities Services (DSFS) staff.

The refreshed inpatient menu, launched in May, introduces two specialised ranges. A finger food selection supports patients with dementia by enabling independent eating, while a high-energy mini meal range addresses reduced appetites and calorie-dense requirements for patients needing nutritional support.

Patient Service Assistants are undertaking training and sampling sessions to ensure the consistent handling and serving of the new meals. The extended agreement reinforces the hospital’s focus on providing nutritious, tailored food to support patient recovery, wellbeing, and overall dining experience.

Bidding opens to find operator for multi-million pound tech centre

Tess Egginton
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Bidding opens to find operator for multi-million pound tech centre
Bidding has opened to find an operator for the multi-million pound centrepiece of Ashfield’s Innovation and Technology Park. Ashfield District Council (ADC) has secured £21.5m from the Towns Fund programme to build the Automated Distribution & Manufacturing Centre (ADMC) on a site in Kirkby in Ashfield. The 3,000 square metre building will become a centre of excellence for automation. It will support both the specialist manufacturing and distribution/fulfilment sectors, including small and medium sized enterprises. The building is estimated to be completed in March 2027. Now, a tendering process has opened to find a contractor who will be responsible for delivering ADC’s vision for the centre. Preparatory works began on site earlier in the summer to lay the groundwork for construction of the building. Before construction of the building can commence, a new junction creating access to the site off Low Moor Road will be required along with other highways improvements. These are expected to start in the coming weeks and will be complete early next year. Council leader, Cllr Jason Zadrozny said: “I’m delighted to see we have now begun the tendering process for the operator for the ADMC. This is a fabulous opportunity to partner with us and others in helping fulfil our vision for regenerating Ashfield’s economy. “We believe the ADMC will become a magnet for businesses who recognise the need to embrace new technology to drive growth and improve.” The ADMC will provide independent, expert guidance and access to state-of-the-art technology and skills development. The ADMC will also offer space for networking, events, and collaboration. The deadline for submissions is 13 October 2025 and a decision will be made before the end of the year. The successful bid will lead to a contract of up to 15 years.

East Midlands Airport fuels growth in regional exports

April Lara
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East Midlands Airport fuels growth in regional exports

East Midlands Airport is driving expansion in the Midlands’ international trade through its growing cargo operations. More than half of regional exporters increased sales in the second quarter of this financial year, with East Midlands-based companies ranking second nationally for entering new markets. Recent trade data shows strong growth in sales to the US and rising demand for exports to China.

The airport handled over 100,000 tonnes of cargo between May and July, up 17.4% on the same period last year. This growth exceeded Heathrow, where cargo volumes carried in passenger aircraft have remained largely flat. East Midlands specialises in cargo-only flights, operating predominantly overnight, which reduces delays caused by passenger schedules. Its central location adjacent to the M1 provides access to 90% of the UK population within four hours, enhancing efficiency for freight carriers.

Major logistics firms, including DHL, UPS, and FedEx, have established UK operations at East Midlands, while four new cargo airlines have launched services since May. Several of these airlines operate routes to China, reflecting the growing demand from exporters targeting the Asian market.

To support rising cargo volumes, the airport has reconfigured aprons to accommodate additional wide-bodied aircraft. Long-term plans include four runway-side plots for redevelopment, offering 122,000m² of warehouse space, new taxiways, and stands for up to 18 aircraft. Forecasts anticipate a 54% increase in express freight over the next two decades, potentially creating more than 20,000 jobs and contributing nearly £4 billion to the economy.

Two sites hold Freeport tax status, and a third is designated for a logistics and advanced manufacturing park led by Prologis, expected to unlock £1bn in investment. These developments position East Midlands Airport as a strategic hub supporting regional exports, advanced manufacturing, and broader economic growth.

Acquisition sees Frasers Group enter leisure market

Tess Egginton
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Acquisition sees Frasers Group enter leisure market
Frasers Group has acquired a minority investment in UK leisure, retail, and hospitality experts, We Do Play. The investment marks Frasers Group’s debut into the leisure market. We Do Play is UK-headquartered specialist operator of experience-led brands including Flip Out, Activate, Putt Putt Social and Rumble Rooms. Building on the success of openings in London and Newcastle, Frasers plans to launch more than 40 Activate locations nationwide in the coming years. Frasers Group chief acquisition officer, James France said: “Today’s announcement marks a significant milestone in our strategy to diversify and create more dynamic consumer and leisure experiences. “We Do Play’s innovative brands align perfectly with our vision for a modern, experience-led consumer ecosystem. Together, we look forward to bringing these brands to more communities nationwide.” Rich Beese, CEO of We Do Play, added: “We’re incredibly proud to partner with Frasers Group as we enter this next phase. “Our mission has always been to create memorable, energy-filled experiences that bring people together — and with Frasers’ backing, we’re now able to scale that vision faster and further. This partnership gives us the platform to innovate, expand our footprint, and elevate leisure across the UK and beyond.”

Nottingham planning consultancy appoints new director

Tess Egginton
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Nottingham planning consultancy appoints new director
Nottingham-based planning consultancy Nineteen47 has appointed a new director of planning to strengthen its offer across the Midlands. Helen Knott brings more than 17 years’ experience, having most recently held the position of head of planning at Rushcliffe Borough Council. She has previously held key planning roles at Rutland County Council, Charnwood Borough Council, and Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council, giving her a strong and practical understanding of planning across the Midlands. In her new role, Helen will work closely with Nineteen47’s clients to provide expert, tailored planning advice and helping navigate the ever-changing policy landscape. Helen said: “Nineteen47 is known for giving honest, professional advice that gets results for clients. Having worked across the Midlands for many years, I understand the challenges and opportunities in the region and I am looking forward to using that knowledge to support our clients’ ambitions.” Welcoming Helen to the business, Nineteen47 director Richard Walshaw said: “Helen’s appointment is about strengthening the support we offer our clients. Her regional insight, combined with her depth of planning experience, will help ensure we continue to provide clear, effective guidance at every stage of the planning process. “She brings a wealth of experience in planning and strategic development within the region, as well as a strong understanding of working collaboratively with local authorities. I now look forward to working closely with Helen and seeing how her modern approach will make an immediate, positive impact on our clients and their projects.”

Futures Housing Group secures long-term investment through Affordable Homes Guarantee Scheme

Tess Egginton
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Futures Housing Group secures long-term investment through Affordable Homes Guarantee Scheme
Futures Housing Group, an affordable housing provider across the East Midlands, has secured £32m of long-term funding through the UK Government’s Affordable Homes Guarantee Scheme (AHGS). This funding will support a development of 114 affordable homes in Daventry and investment into existing homes to improve safety and energy efficiency. The loan, arranged via ARA Venn, is backed by the Government guarantee which enables the housing association to access competitively priced, long-term debt to support its home development and improvement programmes. A rate of less than 5.20% was achieved, which is below its long-term borrowing assumptions within its 30-year business plan. Chief executive Tim Mulvenna said: “This funding strengthens our financial position and allows us to continue building and investing in homes and communities where the need is greatest. The Affordable Homes Guarantee Scheme gives us certainty and flexibility to deliver new homes, improve existing stock, and support our long-term sustainability goals.” Raj Sharma, director of finance, added: “Accessing this funding means we can lock in long-term, low-cost finance to support our growth and efficiency, improve our liquidity and Regulator metrics. It’s a significant step forward in delivering our strategic objectives while maintaining strong financial control. “We have to thank ARA Venn, Anthony Collins Solicitors for their legal support, Devonshires Solicitors and JLL for their work on property charging and Savills Financial Consultants for their strategic advice. Their professionalism, responsiveness and guidance were instrumental in helping us secure this funding efficiently and successfully.”

Property Sense secures £2m to expand PropTech services nationally

April Lara
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Property Sense secures £2m to expand PropTech services nationally

Property Sense has extended its Series A funding round to £2 million after initial investment of £1 million was oversubscribed. The Stockport-based PropTech company reached its original crowdfunding target in July and attracted additional interest from early-stage venture capital investors.

The capital will fund enhancements to the company’s proprietary software, which automates lease-up operations for residential developments. The platform enables communication between residents, operators, and agents while integrating with a range of CRM and PMS systems.

The business plans to scale its technology nationwide across the build-to-rent sector and expand into co-living, single-family homes, and purpose-built student accommodation. Over the past year, Property Sense has grown operations beyond the North West and Yorkshire into the Midlands, London, Wales, and Scotland.

The funding round reflects strong investor confidence and supports Property Sense’s strategy to establish its platform as a central hub within the UK rental technology ecosystem.

Winvic drives forward fourth Lincolnshire County Council Highways Framework project

Tess Egginton
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Winvic drives forward fourth Lincolnshire County Council Highways Framework project
Winvic Construction Ltd has commenced works on the Carholme Road and A46/A57 roundabout scheme in Lincoln. Marking Winvic’s fourth project awarded under the Lincolnshire County Council Highways Framework, Winvic will deliver vital infrastructure improvements valued at £1.9 million. Scheduled to run until November 2025, the scheme involves complex civil engineering upgrades to Carholme Road – between Nelson Street and the A57 Saxilby Road – as well as the westbound carriageway of the A46 at Carholme Roundabout, including adjoining side roads. This key transport corridor sits in the heart of Lincoln city centre. Key elements of the upgrades include 9,000m² of resurfacing, along with constructing 800m² of new footway and installing 350 metres of new drainage featuring 37 new gullies. Additional works will involve carriageway realignment, kerb improvements, structural pavement replacement, and the application of new road markings and surface course finishes. The scheme will also address minor kerb maintenance and will be undertaken with full traffic management to ensure safety and minimise disruption. As part of its social value commitments to the region, Winvic will be supporting local employment through new roles on the project. Previously on other projects on the framework this has included labourers, groundworkers and traffic management roles. Winvic will also be engaging with local schools in the new academic year to deliver careers workshops and engaging STEM activities highlighting engineering and modern methods of construction. Winvic is furthering its community support through volunteering in the local area and is already looking to partner with Lincolnshire County Council to provide its expertise and time to support local community projects. Rob Cook, Winvic’s managing director for civils and infrastructure, said: “We are proud to be continuing our partnership with Lincolnshire County Council on this vital highways scheme. Carholme Road and the A46/A57 roundabout are key components of Lincoln’s Road network, and our experienced teams are committed to delivering these works safely, efficiently, and with minimal disruption to the local community.”

150 affordable homes completed as part of major Wellingborough development

Tess Egginton
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150 affordable homes completed as part of major Wellingborough development
Nearly 150 new low-carbon affordable homes have been completed at a major urban extension taking shape in Wellingborough. The 148 homes at Glenvale Park have been delivered by housing provider Stonewater, built on their behalf by contractor United Living and in collaboration with Briggs & Forrester Living Housing. The £23 million development, supported by £7 million of funding from Homes England, offers a range of affordable housing options, including homes for affordable and social rent, shared ownership and Rent to Buy. The homes include a mix of one- and two-bedroom flats and two-, three- and four bedroom houses. All of the houses on site have been fitted with air source heat pumps to reduce carbon emissions and help keep energy bills low, a key consideration for households on low incomes and facing rising fuel costs. The site also features electric vehicle charging points for communal use. Jennifer Bell, development manager at Stonewater, said: “We’re proud to see these high-quality, energy-efficient homes completed at Glenvale Park. This development offers much-needed affordable housing options in Wellingborough, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and futureproofing. We’re excited to welcome our new customers and help them settle into a thriving, well-connected new community.” The Stonewater homes form part of the wider Glenvale Park development, which will eventually deliver 3,000 homes in total. Of these, 675 are set to be made available at below market rates. The neighbourhood is designed to become a well-served community, consisting of two primary schools, a nursery, a local centre featuring shops and food and drink venues, a community hub, over 200 acres of parkland, and a 25,000 square metre business park, expected to create hundreds of jobs.

Frontier Software Payroll Services marks 25 years of growth and dedication

Tess Egginton
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Frontier Software Payroll Services marks 25 years of growth and dedication
Frontier Software is celebrating a significant milestone, with 25 years of payroll bureau operations in the UK. Over this time, its payroll services offering has grown steadily, earning a reputation for trusted and professional payroll outsourcing. Alongside this anniversary for the Quedgeley office, the Nottingham team is also marking 22 years of operations, underlining the company’s commitment to clients. Both payroll services teams are led by experienced managers, each with more than 20 years of service, ensuring stability, continuity and strong client relationships. Today, Frontier Software Payroll Services proudly supports 250 client organisations, from those with fewer than 10 to those with several hundred employees. Offering reliable, efficient, and personalised solutions, these anniversaries highlight not just years in business, but long-standing partnerships and client trust that define Frontier Software’s journey. The company, which also supplies payroll and HR software, celebrated 40 years in the UK in 2023. Managing Director Michael Howard said: “We look ahead to the future with pride in our past and confidence in continued success.” For more information on the services available from Frontier Software, contact sales@frontiersoftware.com or call 01276 456902.
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