Nottingham set to host UK’s first fusion energy prototype

April Lara
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Nottingham set to host UK’s first fusion energy prototype

Invest in Nottingham and Marketing Nottingham toured the West Burton site, preparing to become the UK’s first prototype fusion energy plant under STEP Fusion. The project aims to deliver operational fusion energy by 2040.

STEP Fusion is converting the former power station into a hub for advanced clean energy research and development. The programme forms part of the Trent Clean Energy Supercluster and is projected to generate high-skilled employment across construction, engineering, and research sectors.

Local partnerships are central to the project, with organisations working to connect regional businesses to opportunities arising from the fusion programme. STEP Fusion anticipates contributing to Nottinghamshire’s economy through job creation, skills development, and investment attraction, while supporting the UK’s broader clean energy targets.

The West Burton site will play a key role in demonstrating safe, scalable, and sustainable fusion energy. The project is positioned to advance national energy innovation and strengthen the UK’s position in next-generation power technologies.

Clinic expansion spurs duo’s career climb

Tess Egginton
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Clinic expansion spurs duo’s career climb
A growing Nottinghamshire podiatry clinic is celebrating the internal career leaps of two team members who’ve retrained from completely different industries — one from a chip shop, the other from facilities management — into fully qualified clinical roles. We Fix Feet, which operates in Beeston and Ilkeston, will open its new seven-room clinic and rehabilitation centre in central Beeston later this year. As part of its growth, the business has doubled down on its commitment to developing local talent — and two standout stories are already drawing attention. Jess Bradshaw, who joined the business in 2023 from a local fish and chip shop, began as a client experience officer at the front desk. Just 12 months later, she has completed her Level 4 qualification in Foot Health Practice and now works in the clinical team. In September 2025, Jess will begin a BSc (Hons) Podiatry Apprenticeship Degree at the University of Plymouth — with full backing and placement support from We Fix Feet. “I never expected to be doing anything clinical,” said Jess. “But Steve and the team believed in me before I believed in myself. It’s completely changed my future.” Meanwhile, Darren Bloore, a former facilities manager, has just graduated with First-Class Honours in Podiatry from the University of Huddersfield — and is now a fully HCPC-registered podiatrist and director at We Fix Feet. “I’d always wanted to do something more people-focused,” Darren said. “Going back to university in my 50s wasn’t easy, but the team here made it possible. I’m proud to now give back through clinical care — and help others grow too.” “Jess and Darren are proof that with the right attitude and the right support, people can do extraordinary things,” said Steve Carter, director at We Fix Feet. “As we expand, we’re not just building new facilities — we’re building careers.” The new Beeston facility will feature seven treatment rooms, a rehabilitation gym, and advanced technologies. The business has also introduced a Male Health Clinic.

Demolition work begins to make way for new transport hub

Tess Egginton
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Demolition work begins to make way for new transport hub
Demolition has begun on the site of a planned new transport hub in Grimsby, with phase one works underway at the Osborne Street units. The old units in Grimsby Town Centre are being taken down piece by piece, in a similar way to the work at Freshney Place. The plan is ultimately to use this 1.6 acre site to deliver a transport hub which connects with the railway station, encouraging public transport use and supporting the wider Grimsby Town Centre regeneration ambitions.
The businesses on Osborne Street will all be open as usual during the works, which  involves full recycling of all demolished materials including green waste, wood and metal. After demolition and phase one, the project will then move into the design stage, which will include consultation with stakeholders and the wider public with an ambition to seek funding for further development. Cllr Stewart Swinburn, portfolio holder for housing, infrastructure and transport, said: “It’s great to see this project start on the ground, and the view around here will really be opened up once these buildings go.” Council leader, cllr Philip Jackson, added: “As we see the progress now being made on the transformation of our town centre, for example our Freshney Place Leisure Scheme, the new Alexandra Dock housing and the OnSide Horizon Youth Zone, it is important that we make peoples’ travel to and from here easy and safe. “Having bus stops dispersed around the town centre, as they have been for many years now, does not work well and makes life more difficult for public transport users – proving a barrier for people visiting our town centre. From the comments I hear, there is no doubt that local people want a proper bus station in Grimsby Town Centre. “About three years ago, we were far-sighted and purchased this site which is ideally located for a new transport hub. Now we have some funding to make a start on the project, we are able to demolish the ugly, empty retail premised on Osbourne Street and kick off this exciting development.”

New Leicester workspace secures first tenants

Tess Egginton
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New Leicester workspace secures first tenants
The first tenants to secure workspaces in the new Spaces Guildhall Leicester building in the city centre have been revealed as workforce solutions firm Adecco, cybersecurity solutions provider Heimdal, financial protection and security provider Lincoln Financial Group, and Newclip Technics, a producer of osteosynthesis instruments and implants. Manny Singh, managing director of Celvista Limited, which manages the workspace, under a franchise agreement with International Workplace Group (IWG), said: “We’re delighted to be able to welcome the first tenants moving into the new Spaces Guildhall Lane building after the recent opening, with several more to follow shortly. “Adecco and Heimdal are highly professional companies and we’re so proud to have them on board as tenants in the new workspaces. “Spaces Guildhall Lane is a high quality workspace and is also a catalyst for productivity. This whole building has been curated to bring the very best out of people, so if you are an ambitious business focused on growth, this is the place for your workspace.” Spaces Guildhall Lane covers 9,028 square feet across five floors with a modern fit-out that regenerates the historic properties of the building, whilst preserving its original factory character. It offers accessible co-working spaces, private offices, meeting rooms and creative areas for start up and established businesses.

Solar farm plans move closer to approval

April Lara
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Solar farm plans move closer to approval

Plans for an 87-hectare solar farm on the Leicestershire–Rutland border are progressing through local planning processes. The development, located at Stygate Lane near Pickwell, Somerby and Whissendine, aims to generate enough electricity for more than 25,000 homes.

Melton Borough Council officials have recommended approval, subject to concurrent consent from Rutland County Council, as the project spans both jurisdictions. Submitted documents estimate the scheme could reduce carbon emissions by approximately 43,000 tonnes annually, contributing to broader decarbonisation targets for the national power supply.

The proposal is scheduled for discussion by Melton’s planning committee on 28 August, while Rutland County Council continues its assessment.

Rising demand shapes rental market in Lincolnshire and Rutland

April Lara
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Rising demand shapes rental market in Lincolnshire and Rutland

The private rental sector has expanded across Lincolnshire and Rutland over the past decade, reflecting shifting housing patterns. Data from the Office for National Statistics shows Lincoln’s privately-rented homes increased from 21% in 2011 to 27% in 2021, while Leicester led the East Midlands with a rise from 23% to 29%.

Other Lincolnshire districts followed a similar trajectory. South Holland moved from 13% to 17%, South Kesteven from 15% to 18%, East Lindsey from 17% to 20%, West Lindsey from 14% to 18%, North Kesteven from 14% to 16%, and Boston from 16% to 20%. Rutland recorded a smaller increase, from 16% to 17%.

Market insight points to growing rental demand. Homeowners increasingly list properties for rent when sales stall, intensifying competition for available units. Local letting agencies report consistently high enquiry volumes, with interest in rentals rising alongside active property sales.

The trend highlights the private rental sector’s growing role in the regional housing market, presenting opportunities for investors, property managers, and developers seeking to meet evolving demand.

Marks & Spencer to build 1.3 million sq ft Northamptonshire distribution centre

Tess Egginton
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Marks & Spencer to build 1.3 million sq ft Northamptonshire distribution centre
Marks & Spencer is set to make a £340m investment in its food supply chain – the largest in its history. This multi-year investment will fund the development of an automated National Distribution Centre (NDC) in Northamptonshire. Spanning 1.3 million square feet, the new facility will feature advanced automation to significantly enhance operational efficiency, improve product availability on shelf and support a growing number of customers. Based at Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal, the depot is expected to open in 2029. The construction phase of the new NDC will create over 2,000 jobs, with around 1,000 permanent roles once the site is fully operational, covering driving, logistics, management and more technical roles such as automation technicians. Prologis is the development partner and TGW Logistics has been appointed as the automation partner for the project. Alex Freudmann, MD at M&S Food, said: “We’re transforming M&S into a destination for the weekly shop and modernising our supply chain is central to that ambition. “This investment will boost capacity for future growth, lower our cost to serve over the long-term, and improve product availability – ensuring customers find the right products in the right place at the right time. “Our new site will strengthen our network and help us get ahead of the volume curve as we build a bigger, better Food business. By using the latest, proven automation, we are future-proofing both our business and UK retail logistics, as well as creating 1000 jobs permanently on site and 2000 during the construction phase.”

Mayors plan bold new future for Peak District

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Mayors plan bold new future for Peak District
In a major boost to the Peak District, the Mayors of the East Midlands, Greater Manchester, and South Yorkshire are joining forces to launch a new agreement: The Peak Partnership. Mayor of the East Midlands Claire Ward, Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, and Oliver Coppard, Mayor of South Yorkshire, have come together in Buxton to kickstart a partnership that will work in service of the Peak District, an area of rich heritage, industry, and natural beauty which all three regions take value from.  The three Mayors, and their authorities, will work with each other, local councils, and other stakeholders to develop a joined-up, holistic approach to the future of the National Park. Their initial discussion will focus on several key areas that bind the regions together, including transport, stronger rural communities, housing and skills, and a thriving visitor economy. The Peak District consistently ranks in the top three most visited destinations in the UK, with nearly 14 million international and domestic visitors each year, supporting 30,000 direct and indirect jobs across the three regions and delivering a near £3bn annual economic impact.  The Peak Partnership was announced earlier in 2025 and recognises that while the Peak District is located predominately in Derbyshire, parts of it stretch into Greater Manchester and South Yorkshire, with people living, working and travelling between the regions daily – by rail, by bus and along the main road linking the three regions, the Peak Pass. The initial focus of the Partnership will be transforming the Snake Pass and rural network, boosting the visitor economy, and improving rural access and active travel. Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, said: “This is a landmark moment for the East Midlands and our neighbours in Greater Manchester and South Yorkshire. The Peak District is one of the UK’s most iconic landscapes and it is a shared treasure for us all. “By working together through the Peak Partnership, we can tackle long-standing challenges like the resilience of the Snake Pass, improve transport links, and unlock new opportunities for visitors and residents alike. This is about thinking bigger than our own boundaries, protecting what makes the Peaks special while making it easier for people to live, work, and thrive here for generations to come.” Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: “The Peak Partnership is about recognising that our regions are stronger when we work together. The Peak District connects us geographically, but it also connects our ambitions – for better transport, stronger communities, and a growing economy that works for everyone. “By investing in rural infrastructure and improving sustainable travel links, we’re not only making it easier for people to get around, we’re unlocking new opportunities for tourism, business, and local jobs. This is about building a future where the beauty of the Peaks is matched by the strength of the connections between our people and our economies.” South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard said: “My job is to bring investment, opportunity and growth to every corner of South Yorkshire, tackling the challenges which have held us back for far too long. Infrastructure projects on the Snake Pass and Woodhead Pass will create better connections across the Peak District and between the big cities of the North, helping build a bigger, better economy. “Alongside the work we’re doing through our Great North Partnership, White Rose Agreement and South Yorkshire Local Visitor Economy Partnership, the Peak Partnership will again show what real collaboration looks like – putting people, places, and potential at the heart of everything we do.”

Majority stake in Leonard Curtis sold

Tess Egginton
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Majority stake in Leonard Curtis sold
Leonard Curtis has sold a majority stake in its business to Pollen Street Capital, a private capital asset manager with specialist experience in the financial and business services sectors and real estate. Leonard Curtis, which has offices in Loughborough, has over 30 years’ experience in providing restructuring, legal, funding, M&A advisory and business services to SMEs and corporates throughout the UK and offshore. The business has expanded rapidly through organic growth, geographical expansion and acquisitions, resulting in headcount increasing to over 330 employees across 30 offices. The group will continue to be led by current CEO Dan Booth and Pollen Street’s investment will accelerate growth across the platform through product expansion, technology and M&A. Pollen Street was supported by private credit investor TDC, and the deal will see the successful exit for family investment office Arete Capital Partners and SVELLA Plc, who took a significant stake in August 2021. Jonathan Guest, investment director at Pollen Street, said:  “Leonard Curtis is a high-quality business with a proven model, experienced leadership, and has demonstrated strong organic growth in the UK and offshore. “We are proud of our track record of supporting fast-growing players in the financial and business services ecosystems and are looking forward to partnering with the team for the next stage of Leonard Curtis’s growth, as it diversifies and scales organically, and further consolidates the fragmented UK professional services market.” Leonard Curtis CEO Dan Booth said: “The partnership and investment from Pollen Street Capital, together with support from TDC, will allow the business to move forward and better execute our plans to grow and develop the group. “We have our sights on building a business that is sustainable for many years to come and to represent something that we can all be proud to be a part of. “None of this would be possible without the hard work, commitment and brilliance of our people. We are building something very special here, and I truly hope we all continue this journey together to be better every day. In years to come, we all want to be able to look back and know we played a positive part.” Advisors for Leonard Curtis included KPMG Corporate Finance, Hill Dickinson on legals, PwC on tax, BDO on financial due diligence and Graph on commercial due diligence.

Get your tickets for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025 – an evening of celebration and networking

Tess Egginton
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Get your tickets for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025 – an evening of celebration and networking
With nominations now CLOSED for the 10th annual East Midlands Bricks Awards, secure your tickets for the prestigious event! Taking place on Thursday 2nd October (4:30pm – 7:30pm) in the Derek Randall Suite at the famous Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, the highly anticipated East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025 will celebrate the region’s property and construction industry while providing a prime opportunity to connect with local decision makers over nibbles and complimentary drinks. A key event in the business calendar since 2015, the glittering awards ceremony 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. Speaking with Business Link, Councillor Nadine Peatfield said: “2025 is a landmark year for Derby. We’re not just planning, we’re actively building a vibrant and welcoming city for everyone to enjoy. This vision has been brought to life thanks to the crucial partnerships with our talented development partners. “The East Midlands Bricks Awards is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the exceptional skills and expertise within our region’s property and construction sector, and I’m very excited to see their achievements recognised.” Tickets can now be booked for the event – click here to secure yours. Attend to forge new contacts and see who takes home Most Active Agent, Commercial Development of the Year, Responsible Business of the Year, 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. 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 your choice.

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:

 
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