Cooper Parry Wealth eyes national expansion
Peritus Learning joins East Midlands Chamber patron network
Leicester-based online training provider Peritus Learning has joined the East Midlands Chamber as a patron, strengthening ties with the regional business community.
The move positions Peritus Learning to contribute to local workforce development and policy dialogue while expanding access to its digital learning platform across the Chamber’s network. Founded in 2004, the company delivers more than 180 online courses in leadership, compliance, IT, and professional development. Its programmes have supported over 100,000 users across multiple sectors.
Peritus Learning operates the Improve Training platform, which enables organisations to manage compliance and upskill staff through a single system. The firm’s approach emphasises cost-efficient, scalable access to training resources, aiming to simplify how businesses deliver learning across teams.
East Midlands Chamber Chief Executive Scott Knowles said: “Peritus Learning adds significant value to the Chamber’s operations, supporting workforce development, compliance and leadership growth. Through its online courses and Improve Training platform, Peritus Learning provides engaging, high-quality training that offers a one-stop solution for businesses to meet their regulatory, legislative and skills development needs.
“The Chamber has benefited from Peritus Learning courses for many years and they remain a key part of our internal learning and training toolkit. I’m delighted Peritus Learning is to become a patron, strengthening our longstanding collaboration.”
The partnership is expected to enhance opportunities for Chamber members to strengthen leadership and training capacity while promoting a culture of continuous learning within East Midlands businesses.
Midlands businesses prioritise social mobility as talent challenges intensify
DJH Commercial completes complex overseas acquisition of Duke of York Pub & Holiday Campsite
Sales rise at Dunelm
Sales are on the rise at Dunelm, the Leicester-headquartered homewares retailer has highlighted in a new trading update.
For the 13-week period ended 27 September 2025, the business showed “strong sales growth,” up 6.2% year-on-year to £428m.
Dunelm noted that it has delivered broad-based growth across categories. As customers prepared their homes for the colder, darker months, the firm saw strong demand for warming textiles, with rugs and throws trading particularly well.
Meanwhile, during the quarter Dunelm delivered its biggest ever student offer, driving 40% year-on-year growth in the campaign overall, broadening Dunelm’s appeal to new and younger audiences.
The business shared that it continues to make good progress against strategic priorities and invest for future growth. It added that the timing of investments, alongside inflationary impacts, means profits are expected to be more heavily weighted towards the second half of the year.
Clo Moriarty, CEO, said: “After a few weeks immersing myself in the business, I’m delighted to see up close the qualities that attracted me to Dunelm: an inclusive culture, committed colleagues, and a genuine passion for the role we play in our customers’ lives.
“It’s a great time to be joining Dunelm. The business has delivered another strong performance in the first quarter, which reflects both the appeal of our customer offer and the strength of our business model. Building on this, I see real energy across the business – from the launch of our new app, to a vibrant brand campaign celebrating colour choices across our ranges – driving improvements to our proposition.
“These initiatives, and many more, show the potential we have to build even deeper connections with a broad and diverse customer base. With the reach of our national store footprint, a growing digital presence, and a growth mindset that brings together people and technology, I’m genuinely excited about what’s ahead.”
Revenue and profits fall at Shoezone amidst decline in consumer confidence
Revenue is down and pre-tax profits have more than halved at Shoezone, the Leicester footwear retailer.
According to an unaudited full year trading update for the 52 weeks to 27 September 2025 (FY 2025), revenue was £149.1m, down 7.6% on the year prior. Shoezone pointed to a decline in consumer confidence and general negativity in the UK, as well as trading out of 28 fewer stores.
The key weeks of Back-to-School trade, however, were in line with expectations, with digital revenue up 2.3% year-on-year.
Profit before tax is expected to be approximately £3.3m for FY 2025, down from £10.1m in the year prior. Adjusting for a £0.9m foreign exchange revaluation gain, adjusted profit before tax will be approximately £2.4m (FY2024: £10m).
The decline, compared to last year, is due to a sales reduction, year-on-year increases in National Insurance, depreciation, National Living Wage and first half container prices, Shoezone said.
Management continue to be cautious about the near-term outlook, with trading conditions expected to remain subdued.
Charles Smith, chairman, said: “This was a challenging year, particularly in the second half, as consumer confidence fell following the Government’s October 2024 budget, with persistent inflation, higher interest rates and reduced levels of disposable income all contributing to general negative economic and consumer sentiment in the UK.
“Sales were good when there was a clear reason to buy, such as the warm summer and the Back-To-School season. However, overall discretionary spending remains subdued as consumers exercise greater caution in their expenditure.
“Digital revenue outperformed last year and the ongoing strategy of refitting and relocating stores to our larger format continued, with 201 conversions completed, alongside net cash levels improving year-on-year.”
Plans to demolish car park to make way for student accommodation approved in Nottingham
Nottingham progresses bid to host FIFA Women’s World Cup 2035 matches
Nottingham City Council has endorsed plans for the city to take part in the UK’s joint bid to host the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2035. The council’s Executive Board has approved the signing of a host city agreement by October 2025, ahead of the UK’s formal submission to FIFA later that year.
If the bid succeeds, Nottingham could be one of up to 20 shortlisted cities before FIFA finalises 14 to 16 host venues in 2030. The city’s participation will depend on redevelopment work at the City Ground meeting FIFA’s stadium standards.
Nottingham Forest has secured planning approval to redevelop the Peter Taylor Stand, increasing its seating capacity by approximately 5,000 to reach 10,000 in that section. The wider project includes new public spaces, a club shop, car parking, and approval for residential units nearby. Updated proposals could increase total stadium capacity from 30,000 to between 43,000 and 45,000, positioning it among the largest football grounds in England.
The host city bid aligns with broader regional regeneration goals. It reflects growing commercial and sporting interest in women’s football, which continues to attract major investment, sponsorship, and tourism opportunities across the UK.
Leicestershire site sold with plans for 160 homes
Derby accountancy firm completes rebrand after growth milestone
Derby-based accountancy firm Ashgates has completed its rebrand to DJH following a merger that expands the group’s national presence. The firm, established in 1991, is now part of a professional services network operating 16 offices and employing more than 750 staff across England and Ireland.
The transition follows a record year for the Derby office, which achieved £6 million in annual revenue and experienced increased demand for its extended range of business services. These include research and development tax relief, capital allowance support, commercial funding, estate planning, and human resources advisory.
Scott Heath, Chief Executive Officer of DJH, said, “We’ve already achieved so many great things with the Derby team, both for our clients and local community. They always deliver exceptional business advice and are a brilliant addition to the team.”
The rebrand aligns with DJH’s wider growth strategy and recent recognition as a certified B Corporation. The group achieved a B Lab assessment score of 83.5, marking a formal commitment to meeting verified standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.
Steve Martin, Director at Ashgates, added, “Aligning our brand with DJH allows us to leverage our combined strengths, whilst maintaining our trusted relationships with clients. We’re looking forward to continuing to work together as one team!”
DJH now ranks among the UK’s top 30 accountancy firms. Its Derby branch will continue to serve owner-managed businesses and SMEs across the East Midlands, offering advisory and compliance support through the expanded resources of the wider network.
