Double letting for event production specialist in Castle Donington
On Event Production Co., a live, virtual and hybrid event production specialist, has let Units 27 and 28 at Trent Lane Industrial Estate.
The deal sees On expand its footprint on Trent Lane Industrial Estate, where it is headquartered, enhancing its capacity to deliver large-scale event productions and bespoke scenic fabrication projects.
The acquisition of two further 10,500 sq ft units will allow the company to scale its operations, increase workshop capacity, and further develop its technical and scenic production services.
Brokered by Thomas Szymkiw, NG Chartered Surveyors’ head of agency, the lettings were arranged on behalf of a private landlord client.
Thomas Szymkiw said: “We are delighted to welcome On Event Production Co. to Units 27 and 28 at Trent Lane Industrial Estate. Their move underscores the appeal of modern, flexible space in highly connected locations. It also reflects the ongoing strength of demand from creative and logistics-focused businesses across the East Midlands.”
East Midlands has emerging employment hub shows PwC Good Growth for Cities Index
The 2025 Demos-PwC Good Growth for Cities Index indicates that the East Midlands has an emerging employment hub, with Derby and Lincoln both performing above average for jobs, measured by unemployment rates. Leicester and Northampton all performed above the UK average for the number of new businesses established per head.
Lincoln ranks 20th in this year’s Index due to improvements in job opportunities, higher educational attainment for 16 to 24 year olds, and more equal income distribution, compared to last year. Nottingham was the lowest performing city in the region, ranking 40th.
The Index ranks 50 of the UK’s largest cities, excluding London, based on both the public’s assessment and the actual performance of 12 economic measures, which this year, in order of public importance, were: income; income distribution; safety; work-life balance; health; jobs; housing; environment; transport; high streets; skills and new businesses. The higher the city scores on the public’s top priorities, the better the city performs on the Index.
Financial measures such as income and jobs have previously led in their importance to the public by a wide margin, but results from this year’s survey reveal a rise in the importance of non-financial measures. Skills, high streets, housing and transport have all risen on the public agenda. Income and income distribution remain the top two priorities but have seen their sharpest year-on-year decline.
The East Midlands performance
The six Good Growth Cities in the East Midlands generally performed below the national average when measured against public priorities.
Rankings in the Index are as follows:
The six Good Growth Cities in the East Midlands generally performed below the national average when measured against public priorities.
Rankings in the Index are as follows:
- Lincoln: ranked 20th (24th last year)
- Derby: ranked 24th (23rd last year)
- Leicester: ranked 32nd (20th last year)
- Northampton: ranked 36th (39th last year)
- Nottingham: ranked 40th (25th last year)
Gi Group helps 50% of candidates secure new roles in seven days
Gi Group UK, part of Gi Group Holding, has helped 50% of unemployed and redundant candidates in the East Midlands secure new roles within a week of first contact.
The region recorded an unemployment rate of five percent from March to May 2025, the third highest in the UK. Candidates have been connected with employers across manufacturing, logistics, industrial, pharmaceutical, engineering, and automotive sectors, supporting workforce continuity during periods of job transition.
Working alongside its sister brand, INTOO UK & Ireland, Gi Group provides career coaching, financial guidance, CV development, and outplacement services. Redundancy is viewed as an opportunity for upskilling, enabling individuals to transition into new roles with confidence.
From Nottingham, Gi Group engages with a network of 25 local businesses. Across the UK, it employs around 240 staff in 69 locations, supporting over 1,000 clients.
Expansion in East Midlands business activity accelerates to fastest since February 2024
Output grew at the sharpest pace in 18 months during August, despite a further contraction in new business, according to the latest NatWest Regional Growth Tracker.
At 53.3 in August, the headline NatWest East Midlands Business Activity Index was up from 50.1 in July and signalled a solid upturn in output at firms in the East Midlands.
Meanwhile, new orders continued to fall but at the slowest pace in nine months.
Firms were buoyed by less subdued demand conditions, as business confidence ticked up to the strongest in 2025 so far. Nonetheless, the pace of job shedding accelerated amid lower new order intakes.
On the price front, inflationary pressures picked up as input costs and output charges rose at the fastest rates since May and April, respectively.
Lisa Phillips, regional managing director, Midlands and East, commerical mid markets, said: “August data signalled a more upbeat performance in the East Midlands private sector as output rose at the fastest pace since February 2024. The decline in new orders softened notably amid signs of less hesitancy at customers, which spurred a boost to business confidence.
“Underlying business conditions remained tricky, however, as cost-cutting measures and spare capacity led to a faster drop in employment.
“Meanwhile, strain on margins remained as an acceleration in input cost inflation pushed firms to hike selling prices at a sharper pace. Fragile purchasing power at customers may hamper tentative signs of improvements in demand if inflationary pressures continue to intensify.”
Performance in relation to UK
The rate of increase in business activity at East Midlands firms was the quickest since February 2024 and broadly in line with the UK average.
Private sector firms in the East Midlands indicated a further decline in new work midway through the third quarter, as has been the case in each month for almost a year. The pace of contraction eased, however, to only a modest rate that was the softest since November 2024. Nonetheless, the decrease in new sales contrasted with an expansion seen at the UK level.
The level of confidence rose to the highest in 2025 so far and was broadly in line with the long-run series average. Companies in the East Midlands were among the most upbeat of the 12 monitored UK areas, with only the West Midlands, London and the South East recording greater positive sentiment.
August data signalled a sharper fall in employment at East Midlands firms. The rate of contraction in staffing levels was the steepest since April and strong overall. Lower workforce numbers were commonly linked to cost-cutting measures. The pace of decline in headcounts was quicker than the UK average.
Private sector firms in the East Midlands indicated a quicker increase in operating expenses midway through the third quarter. The pace of cost inflation was the fastest since May and steeper than the long-run series average, but slightly softer than the UK trend.
In line with the trend for input costs, companies registered a historically elevated rise in selling prices in August, but the rate of inflation was softer than the UK average. The pace of increase was the sharpest since April, with firms noting that greater costs were passed on to customers via a hike in output charges.
Acquisitive Phenna Group expands presence in Europe
Marking its 17th acquisition of 2025 and expanding its presence in continental Europe, Phenna Group has snapped up AC&E, a global specialist in machinery compliance, certification, and technical safety services.
AC&E brings a complementary offering to Phenna Group’s Testing, Inspection, Certification, and Compliance (TICC) portfolio. Headquartered in Verona, Italy and with locations across Spain, North America, China and Brazil, AC&E supports manufacturers and end users in navigating complex compliance landscapes across diverse regulatory environments.
Gino Zampieri, managing director of AC&E, said: “Joining Phenna Group represents a pivotal milestone for AC&E. Our mission has always been to support our clients in delivering safe, compliant products to market and with Phenna’s support, we’ll be able to scale that mission further and faster.
“Their investment enables us to enhance our service offering while staying true to the technical standards and commitment to compliance that define our brand.”
Phil Marshall, CEO of Phenna Group, added: “I’m delighted to welcome AC&E into the group. Their highly specialised compliance and certification services add a critical capability to our global platform.
“This acquisition not only expands our geographic reach but also deepens our technical expertise in regulated equipment and international standards. Together, we’ll continue to offer our clients peace of mind in navigating complex, evolving regulatory environments.”
Transpennine Route Upgrade adds financial wellbeing support for workforce
Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU), the multi-billion-pound railway programme connecting Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds and York, has partnered with Northampton’s Commsave Credit Union to offer financial wellbeing support to its workforce.
The initiative provides TRU staff with access to ethical savings accounts, affordable loans, and financial education resources. Employees can participate in workshops, webinars, and use the Commsave Educates app for budgeting and money management guidance.
The partnership forms part of TRU’s broader employee benefits strategy, recognising the long-term nature of the project, with some staff engaged for up to ten years. By supporting financial resilience, the programme aims to maintain focus and stability among employees while delivering a major infrastructure upgrade on time and on budget.
Commsave Credit Union, a UK-based not-for-profit co-operative, specialises in providing members with secure savings, responsible credit, and financial literacy resources. The collaboration marks a strategic move to integrate workforce wellbeing into the delivery of complex infrastructure projects and could serve as a model for the wider construction and transport sectors.
Expand your network at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025
As judging for the highly anticipated, 10th annual East Midlands Bricks Awards takes place, tickets for the prestigious event can now be secured.
Recognising development projects 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 – attend the Bricks on Thursday 2nd October at Trent Bridge Cricket Ground to celebrate the region’s property and construction industry while connecting with local decision makers.
With time for networking before and after the glittering awards ceremony revealing the winners of Most Active Agent, Commercial Development of the Year, Responsible Business, Residential Development of the Year, Developer of the Year, Deal of the Year, Architects of the Year, Excellence in Design, Sustainable Development of the Year, Contractor of the Year, and Overall Winner, don’t miss this opportunity to forge new contacts and strengthen existing ones.
The Overall Winner of the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025, sponsored by SEV, will also be awarded a grand prize – a year of marketing/publicity with Business Link worth £20,000, with the opportunity to split or gift the marketing to a charity of their choice.
The event, which will begin at 4:30pm and continue until 7:30pm, will additionally feature Councillor Nadine Peatfield – Leader of Derby City Council, Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Strategy and Policy, and Deputy Mayor of the East Midlands, as keynote speaker.
Tickets for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025 can be booked here.
Complementary drinks and nibbles will be served on arrival. Dress code is standard business dress.With the shortlist now announced, see who the finalists are here.
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 Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with property and construction professionals while applauding the exceptional companies and projects in the region. Thanks to our sponsors:
To be held at:
AGG Electrical Safety Testing sold to private investment firm
AGG Electrical Safety Testing Limited, a Mansfield-based provider of electrical safety testing and facility management services, has been sold to Rose Street Partners, a private investment firm.
Starting in 2006, brothers Andy and Gavin Griffiths established AGG to provide cost-effective and hassle-free Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) for local businesses and schools. Just a few years later, the company moved into offering full property maintenance services, and in 2018, it expanded to provide nationwide coverage by employing engineers across the UK.
The sale was the culmination of a collaborative effort, with Gavin and Andy Griffiths receiving guidance from local firms Mitchells Chartered Accountants & Business Advisers and CMP Legal.
Mitchells Chartered Accountants & Business Advisers, who had a long-standing relationship with AGG, initiated the process by helping Gavin and Andy explore potential exit strategies.
“Choosing the right team for this journey was crucial,” said Gavin and Andy Griffiths. “The collaboration between Mitchells and CMP Legal made what could have been a stressful process incredibly smooth. Their combined expertise and coordinated effort meant we could focus on our business, knowing the transaction was in safe hands.”
Andrew McDaid, partner at Mitchells, said: “Having worked with Gavin and Andy for years, it was a pleasure to guide them through this significant milestone. Their success is a reflection of the hard work they’ve put into building AGG.”
Anna Cattee, a co-founder of CMP Legal who heads the Company and Commercial Department, said: “We were delighted to work with the team at Mitchells and the Griffiths to ensure the legal aspects of this transaction were handled efficiently. The strong communication between all parties was key to delivering a positive result for everyone involved.”
Unlike traditional private equity firms that operate on a fixed time horizon, Rose Street Partners is structured to be a permanent home for enduring businesses, focusing on a “forever” time horizon.
“We are thrilled to welcome AGG into our family of companies,” said Daniel Skyte from Rose Street Partners. “Andy and Gavin have built a phenomenal business with a strong reputation for excellence and a commitment to its customers. Their dedication to quality and service is exactly what we look for in our partners.
“Our long-term approach means we are not just acquiring a company; we are becoming a custodian of its legacy and a partner in its future growth. We look forward to supporting the AGG team as they continue to serve clients and expand their services.”
Freeths advises automotive charity on strategic multi-site disposal
Law firm Freeths Leicester has advised Ben-Motor and Allied Trades Benevolent Fund (Ben) on its strategic disposal of three care home and retirement village sites.
Founded in 1905, Ben is a UK-based charity that supports people and their family dependents who work, or have previously worked, in the UK automotive industry. The charity offers a range of services including mental and physical health support, wellbeing programs, crisis support and residential care. Ben also supports individuals later in life.
Freeths advised Ben on the disposal of three sites – Lynwood Care Centre and Village in Ascot, which was sold to Gold Care Homes, Town Thorns Care Home in Easenhall, Rugby, which was sold to Capital Care Group, and Birch Hill Care Home in Norham, Northumberland, which was sold to Lenore Care Group.
The care and village services have been an integral and valued part of Ben for over 70 years, but these deals will now enable Ben to become a single-focused charity fully committed to the health and wellbeing of those in the automotive industry.
Leading the Freeths team on this transaction were partners and joint heads of Care Phil Baigent and Thomas Golding. The wider advisory team at Freeths consisted of senior associates Raman Virk and Robbie Kenney, associate Thomas Robinson and managing associate Nathan Greaves.
Commenting on the deal, Phil Baigent said: “We are delighted to have advised Ben on these milestone transactions, helping the charity to deliver on its strategic commitment made in 2023 to sharpen its focus on delivering health and wellbeing support to the automotive community.
“We’re looking forward to seeing Ben thrive following this strategic realignment, and delivering on its mission to make the greatest difference within the automotive industry.”
Planning consent secured for over 500,000 sq ft of commercial space at Harrier Park, Hucknall
Clowes Developments has received reserved matters planning consent from Ashfield District Council to deliver over 500,000 sq ft of new commercial and industrial space at Harrier Park, Hucknall.
The milestone approval paves the way for the development of six commercial/industrial units ranging in size from 60,000 sq ft to 206,000 sq ft. The units will be delivered across two plots within the 31-acre site, which is currently undergoing remediation and preparatory works to ready the former brownfield land for its transformative redevelopment.
The planning consent follows Clowes’ acquisition of the historic Harrier Park site in 2024 and the recent launch of the comprehensive, multi-million-pound enabling groundworks programme.
Located on the former Rolls-Royce aerospace site, Harrier Park represents one of the most significant regeneration opportunities in Nottinghamshire. The new development will support local economic growth and job creation, bringing prime industrial and logistics space to a high-demand regional market.
Kevin Webster, associate director at Clowes Developments, said: “Securing planning permission is a significant step forward for Harrier Park. We’re transforming a landmark site into a vibrant commercial hub that will deliver lasting economic benefits to Hucknall and the wider Ashfield area. With enabling works already underway, we are committed to progressing the scheme at pace and attracting top-tier occupiers to the development.”
Clowes Developments are working in partnership with FHP Property Consultants and Fisher German to market the site with units available from 60,000 to 206,000 sq ft. Opportunities are available on both a freehold and leasehold design-and-build basis.
