Planning applications signal HMO growth and flexible living space in Northamptonshire

April Lara
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Planning applications signal HMO growth and flexible living space in Northamptonshire

West Northamptonshire Council has received two planning applications that could alter the residential landscape in Northampton and Weston. One proposal seeks to expand an existing house in multiple occupation (HMO) at 28 St Michaels Avenue, Northampton. The plan would increase the property from five bedrooms to eight, enabling a higher tenant density. The change reflects ongoing demand for shared rental accommodation in the area and could have implications for local property management and housing providers.

In Weston, a second application proposes the construction of a detached double garage at 5 Grove Place on Helmdon Road, incorporating living accommodation above. This development would add functional space for both storage and residential use, demonstrating how property owners are increasingly exploring multi-purpose extensions.

Both applications were validated by West Northamptonshire Council this week and are now open for public comment. Stakeholders in property development, estate management, and local housing planning may find these applications indicative of trends in urban housing adaptation and the evolving use of residential property assets.

Phenna Group expands into geospatial intelligence with ISGroup acquisition

April Lara
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Phenna Group expands into geospatial intelligence with ISGroup acquisition

Phenna Group has acquired ISGroup, a Perth-based provider of integrated geospatial solutions. The deal marks Phenna Group’s 15th acquisition in 2025 and represents its first major investment in the geospatial sector.

ISGroup, established in 1997, delivers spatially enabled data and analytics to clients in infrastructure, resources, and urban planning. The company operates across Australia and the UK, offering technology-driven solutions for complex spatial challenges.

The acquisition is expected to enhance Phenna Group’s TICC (Testing, Inspection, Certification, and Compliance) portfolio by adding geospatial capabilities. ISGroup’s services include data-driven insights for infrastructure management, environmental monitoring, asset tracking, and digital transformation initiatives.

The deal positions Phenna Group to address growing global demand for geospatial solutions and expand its presence in the Asia-Pacific region.

University spinouts drive UK business resilience

April Lara
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University spinouts drive UK business resilience

UK businesses continued to expand in the second quarter, reaching 5.46 million registered companies, up slightly from 5.45 million in Q1. New business formations totalled 211,000, marking a minor decline from the previous quarter. Data from Barclays Eagle Labs and Beauhurst indicate that equity investment and university spinouts are key contributors to this stability.

Spinouts remain concentrated in regions with strong research institutions and investment networks. London and the South East host the largest clusters, with 686 active ventures. Over the past five years, the spinout sector has grown almost 8 per cent nationally. The South West recorded the fastest expansion at more than 20 per cent, while the East of England saw growth above 17 per cent.

Scotland is also establishing itself as a prominent hub, with 248 active spinouts. Major universities, including Edinburgh, Glasgow and Strathclyde, focus on sectors such as artificial intelligence, photonics and energy systems, contributing to the region’s entrepreneurial activity.

These figures underline the strategic role of university-backed ventures in regional economic growth and highlight how innovation-driven businesses are supporting the wider UK corporate landscape despite economic uncertainty.

StudioTwenty

Tess Egginton
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StudioTwenty
StudioTwenty is a Nottingham-based architectural and interior design studio recognised for its creative, forward-thinking approach. Their portfolio spans a wide range of sectors — from residential and commercial to hospitality and retail — giving them a unique ability to approach each project with fresh perspective and cross-sector expertise. At the heart of StudioTwenty’s ethos is the belief that great design connects people and places. Every project is approached with this in mind, combining creativity, technical precision, and a deep respect for context to deliver spaces that inspire and endure.
The studio’s diverse body of work includes sensitive heritage conversions, bold contemporary developments, and award-shortlisted residential projects such as the Edwalton House, alongside landmark transformations like Riber Castle in Matlock. Whether restoring historic character or pushing modern design boundaries, StudioTwenty consistently balances creativity with functionality. Their growing recognition in the industry — including multiple award shortlists — reflects the studio’s commitment to excellence and its ability to deliver projects that are both visionary and practical.
To find out more about StudioTwenty, please visit studiotwenty.org or connect with them on LinkedIn.

Buxton regeneration enters second consultation phase

April Lara
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Buxton regeneration enters second consultation phase

Social impact developer Capital&Centric has opened a second round of consultation on its £100 million redevelopment of The Springs in Buxton. The updated masterplan follows an initial public consultation in May, which received input from more than 600 local residents.

The revised proposals incorporate feedback on accessibility, architecture, and public amenities. Plans include a cascading staircase and boulevard connecting the railway station to the town centre, a feature lift for improved navigation, and contemporary buildings that use local stone and heritage-inspired design elements.

The project emphasises green spaces and public areas, with the River Wye exposed as a central riverside feature. Seating, landscaped areas, and spaces for independent bars and restaurants are included, alongside new public toilets.

High Peak Borough Council has collaborated on the proposals to ensure alignment with local priorities and town character. A second drop-in event is scheduled for 3 September, giving residents a final opportunity to review and comment on the updated designs before the project progresses.

Light Science expands passive fire protection contracts

April Lara
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Light Science expands passive fire protection contracts

Light Science Technologies Holdings plc has signed two new contracts in its Passive Fire Protection division.

The projects cover a hotel in Manchester operated by a multinational chain and a school building in Birmingham for a leading UK construction company. Both contracts include opportunities to extend services across additional properties in the clients’ portfolios.

The projects are scheduled for completion in the second half of 2025 and respond to growing demand for cost-effective, minimally disruptive fire safety solutions. Regulatory updates and government-backed remediation programmes are driving increased activity in the sector.

Recent reforms under the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government aim to accelerate approvals for new builds and remediation projects. Light Science is in discussions with multiple potential and existing clients and expects further contract wins in the near term.

Aurrigo takes off with £700,000 at East Midlands Airport project

Tess Egginton
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Aurrigo takes off with £700,000 at East Midlands Airport project
An autonomous technology specialist has secured nearly £700,000 of funding from The Connected and Automated Mobility (CAM) Pathfinder – Enhancements programme to extend its ‘autonomous cargo’ work at East Midlands Airport. Aurrigo International plc, which employs over 110 people at its advanced engineering centre in Coventry, will accelerate its Ramp Ready project that will see it deploy two of its Auto-Cargo autonomous vehicles and one eight-passenger Auto-Shuttle. The objective is to refine a multi-vehicle fleet framework for airside logistics over the next nine months, enabling simultaneous cargo and aircrew transport. Innovations include improved environmental testing, expanded simulation capabilities, and modular, low-volume manufacturing to reduce costs and accelerate scalability. The project supports the commercial readiness of both cargo and passenger autonomous vehicles, whilst generating critical operational data for ongoing development. David Keene, CEO of Aurrigo International plc, said: “Auto-Cargo® is our largest aviation vehicle to date and is set to transform airside logistics by autonomously carrying a total payload of 16,500kg. The vehicle is a fully electric, zero emission alternative to existing diesel-powered models. “The latest funding will allow us to accelerate deployment at East Midlands Airport, as well as integrating our Auto-Shuttle® to cater for short distance passenger and staff transport. It’s about proving out a multi-fleet approach, as well as gaining valuable insights into real-world situations that we can build into our solutions as we scale.” Ramp Ready is one of four Aurrigo International projects that have been awarded a total of £1m of funding to accelerate sustainable airport and transport innovations. Grants from The Connected and Automated Mobility (CAM) Pathfinder – Enhancements programme and Innovate UK’s Launchpad programme will see the company deliver simulation, feasibility studies and real-world vehicle trials in The Orkney Islands and closer to home in the West Midlands. They will involve close collaboration with industry partners International Airlines Group (IAG), Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership (HITRAINS) and Urban Foresight. David Keene added: “These awards reflect our commitment to building the next generation of intelligent, sustainable, and scalable transport systems that operate in both urban and airside operations. “From immersive VR for airside training to real-world AV deployments and rural mobility innovation, we’re proud to be working with exceptional partners across the UK to bring transformative change to both aviation and ground transport.”

Melton Mowbray council to approve large housing scheme

April Lara
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Melton Mowbray council to approve large housing scheme

Melton Borough Council is poised to approve a 290-home development at Sysonby Farm on Nottingham Road.

The scheme includes 51 affordable homes and a range of property types intended to address local housing demand.

The broader project also plans a primary school, retail units, and office space, though detailed approvals for these non-residential elements are still under review.

The development forms part of a wider strategy to expand housing and community infrastructure in the area.

Newark energy specialist sold to Hertfordshire group

Tess Egginton
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Newark energy specialist sold to Hertfordshire group
Renewable energy specialist Greenio is embarking on a new chapter as a part of TLS Energy. Founded in 2013 by Anna Wooster-Mann and based in Newark-on-Trent, Greenio provides consultancy, installation and maintenance services for commercial and domestic renewable energy projects. Greenio has now joined forces with Hertfordshire-based TLS Energy, a group of renewable energy businesses spanning the hydro, wind and solar power sectors. The transaction was overseen by Charlie Neville, KBS Corporate Deal Executive. Announcing the link-up, Greenio said: “After many years building and leading the business, our much-loved Managing Director, Anna, has stepped away and moved on to her next adventure. “Anna’s energy and dedication has shaped who we are today, and we are so grateful for everything she’s done for our team and our customers. “With that, we are opening a new chapter and are delighted to announce that Greenio has become part of TLS Energy, bringing us together with a team that’s leading the way in renewable energy. “We are excited about the future and can’t wait to help more businesses save money, lower their carbon footprint and embrace a greener future.” KBS Corporate’s Charlie Neville expressed thanks to Guvvy Sandhu and the team at law firm Mackrell LLP “for their hard work and effort to get the deal over the line under a compressed timeframe.”

New operations manager for asbestos consultancy

Tess Egginton
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New operations manager for asbestos consultancy
Asbestos management consultancy, Acorn Analytical Services, has appointed a new operations manager. The appointment follows a period of significant growth for the company, which relocated to larger premises in Northampton in April. This latest office move is the company’s third in the last two years, following a 20% increase in staff numbers during that time. In his role of operations manager, Kieran Clare works alongside a second operations manager, Richard Crockett. Day-to-day, the duo work with Dan Crask, head of operations, to manage the workload and jobs for the asbestos surveyors and the reporting and laboratory teams. They are also focused on ensuring that internal processes are working as well as they can be, and that the business is hitting its operational targets. Kieran joined Acorn Analytical Services after amassing 10 years of experience in the asbestos industry, working his way up from report writer to management. He said: “Acorn Analytical Services is an industry leader, so I was aware of the company and excited by the growth journey the business is on. I jumped at the opportunity to work at Acorn, bring my experience on board, and learn and grow from the other members of the team. “It also feels like things have gone full circle as our Managing Director, Sam Savage, was actually a director at the first asbestos company I worked for at aged 21!” Sam Savage, MD of Acorn Analytical Services, said: “We are currently experiencing exponential growth, with 15 new team members joining us so far this year alone. We have also won substantial contracts with household names that we are looking forward to carrying out. “We’re delighted to welcome Kieran to the team at such an exciting time for the business. He has already hit the ground running and proven to be a great hire for Acorn.”
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