Large supermarkets face cost pressures from business rates changes

April Lara
-
0
Large supermarkets face cost pressures from business rates changes

The UK government’s planned increase in business rates for high-value properties will put significant financial pressure on major supermarket chains. Stores with rateable values above £500,000 are most exposed, creating potential losses across large-format estates.

Sainsbury’s and Tesco are expected to absorb the impact more easily due to previous strong profits, though multiple stores in both portfolios could see margins shrink. Morrisons and Asda face broader exposure, with a substantial proportion of stores likely to experience higher property costs. Discount grocers such as Aldi and Lidl are mostly unaffected because of smaller property footprints.

Industry analysts predict the changes may influence store operations, investment decisions, and expansion strategies, while potentially shifting competitive advantage toward smaller retailers and convenience formats. Property specialists highlight that the reform could reshape location strategies for large chains and prompt efficiency reviews to offset rising overheads.

The Treasury describes the adjustments as part of a wider plan to reduce rates for smaller retailers and hospitality outlets while maintaining long-term investment incentives for the high street.

Last chance to enter the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025 – nominations close TODAY

Tess Egginton
-
0
Last chance to enter the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025 – nominations close TODAY
With nominations closing TODAY (Friday 15th August) for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025, this is your last chance to shine a light on property and construction businesses, professionals, and projects in our region! An opportunity to reward your team, boost morale, and showcase your successes, the Bricks celebrate the outstanding work of those shaping the landscape of the East Midlands, recognising developments and people in commercial and public building across the region – from offices, industrial and residential, through to community projects such as leisure schemes and schools. We also highlight the work of architects, agencies and those behind large schemes. A glittering awards ceremony revealing winners will take place on Thursday 2nd October (4:30pm – 7:30pm) in the Derek Randall Suite at the famous Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, also offering the perfect forum to forge new contacts with property and construction leaders from across the region. The 10th annual event 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. Nominations for the awards close TODAY. It’s completely free to enter and making the top three finalists in your category also wins you free tickets to the awards ceremony.

To make a nomination for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025, please click here, or on the category headings below.

Categories include: All finalists will have the chance to take home the Overall Winner award, which this year comes with a grand prize of a year of marketing/publicity worth £20,000, with the opportunity to split or gift the marketing to a charity of your choice. Adrian Grocock, Group Managing Director at last year’s Commercial Development of the Year winner, G F Tomlinson, said: “It’s a fantastic awards event that we enjoy being part of and have had previous success, including winning the Commercial Development of the Year for the Air and Space Institute in Newark last year and receiving the accolade of Overall Winner from all the categories a few years previous. The East Midlands Bricks Awards brings together hard-working individuals and colleagues to celebrate all that is good in the local construction industry, and we are proud to have been recognised amongst our peers for our work in the region. We congratulate the Bricks team on the 10th year anniversary of the awards.”
Tickets can now be booked for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025, click here to secure yours. Connect with local decision makers over nibbles and complimentary drinks while applauding the outstanding companies and projects in our region. New for this year, all entrants will also have the opportunity to be featured on our dedicated nominee showcase on the East Midlands Business Link website, providing space for marketing your achievements.

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 Thanks to our sponsors:                                                                              

To be held at:

 

New ownership for Matlock environmental engineering consultancy

Tess Egginton
-
0
New ownership for Matlock environmental engineering consultancy
Merebrook Consulting is moving forward as an independent environmental engineering consultancy following its disinvestment from IDOM Group. Established in 1997 and based in Matlock, Derbyshire, Merebrook operates mainly in the construction industry. It provides consultancy in the fields of air quality and odour, asbestos in the ground, civil engineering, contaminated land, environmental compliance, geotechnical engineering, health and safety, and materials management and waste. The company was acquired by Bilbao-based IDOM Group in 2008, but its future will be with M&L Holdings following a transaction led by Matthew Sibley, KBS Corporate Associate Director. M&L Holdings is a portfolio of businesses within the construction, building products and associated industries headed by Mark Lavender, who brings over 30 years of leadership, management, sales and commercial expertise across B2B environments. Mark was attracted by the type of opportunity Merebrook presented and explained: “The initial appeal was that this was a corporate disinvestment from IDOM, of which I’m familiar due to my corporate background. “Soon after negotiations and meeting the Merebrook team, it was evident this business had a solid foundation based on its people, its technical reputation in the market and a strong focus on customer service. “It was very evident that Merebrook would be an excellent platform to build a multi-disciplined environmental and engineering consultancy business to serve the construction and built environment industries.” In announcing its new ownership, Merebrook said the change means it will “have more freedom to expand the services we offer, while keeping our focus on what matters most to us: reliability, technical expertise and a balanced, practical approach.” The statement added: “A big thank you to IDOM for their support during our time together. We wish them every success for the future. Rob Glavin will continue to lead the team as Managing Director, bringing knowledge and excellent leadership to guide us through this exciting new phase.” Rob Glavin, who will also own a small fraction of the company, said: “We will miss our former colleagues at IDOM and thank them for their support and friendship. “Under our new ownership, we will strive to offer ongoing high-quality consultancy support, enhance our client relationships and to forge a first-class and supportive working environment. “This marks a return for Merebrook Consulting as an independent consultancy and we are excited for the future.” For KBS Corporate’s Matthew Sibley, this was a transaction which presented a different experience given its cross-border nature, negotiating with a Spanish-based group. “It’s great to work with an international client and fulfil an uncommon transaction with a global company exiting a company from its own group,” said Matthew. “This broadened my experience while also using tried and tested valuation principles to achieve a successful outcome.” Matthew gave credit to Emmanuella Tologiwa, KBS Corporate Transaction Support Executive, for being instrumental in the Due Diligence process, and to Rachel Bailey of K3 Law.

Giltbrook development land acquired for industrial units

Tess Egginton
-
0
Giltbrook development land acquired for industrial units
Broxtowe Borough Council has acquired over an acre of land in Giltbrook, with plans to create industrial units. Work on the designs for nine new light industrial units is underway, and planning permission is being sought for Autumn 2025. Units will range in size from 850 to 2,100 square feet on the site close to IKEA in Giltbrook. Prior to securing the land from Peter James Homes, work had been carried out to divert sewage, ensuring work can begin on site as soon as possible. These plans follow the start of works on a further five industrial units at a site close to the new Visitor Centre at Bennerley Viaduct earlier this month. Portfolio holder for asset management and development, councillor Milan Radulovic MBE said: “New businesses and growth are vital to areas like Kimberley, who have seen large scale job losses in traditional industries. “This is part of our revised plan for job creation in the area, showing that we are doggedly determined to deliver in the north Borough and will leave no stone unturned to achieve growth. We are grateful for the support of PJ Homes and their directors who facilitated the deal and with whom we have worked in partnership to accelerate development.”

Leicester advisory firm in liquidation

April Lara
-
0
Leicester advisory firm in liquidation

Trust Financial Planning, based in Leicester, has entered voluntary liquidation under joint liquidators Paul Stanley and Dean Watson of Begbies Traynor (Central) LLP.

The company stopped all regulated financial activity in March 2025 following FCA action that found it failed to meet the required regulatory Threshold Conditions. After assessing its financial position, the firm’s director decided liquidation was necessary.

The liquidators are now responsible for closing the company, addressing outstanding liabilities, and managing claims from creditors and shareholders.

BGF exits Brisant Secure following Allegion acquisition

April Lara
-
0
BGF exits Brisant Secure following Allegion acquisition

BGF has completed its investment exit from Brisant Secure Limited after the company was acquired by a subsidiary of global security provider Allegion plc.

Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Dewsbury, with additional operations in Nottingham, Brisant Secure designs and supplies premium security hardware for the residential door market. The company gained recognition for products including the Ultion Lock and Ultion Smart, establishing a reputation for both innovation and quality in fenestration and locksmith sectors.

BGF invested in Brisant in 2021 to support its growth ambitions and scale its market presence. During this period, the firm provided strategic guidance on leadership, acquisitions, and supply chain diversification. Governance was strengthened with the appointment of Colin Sykes as Non-Executive Chair.

Since BGF’s investment, Brisant expanded its product range, grew its workforce, and solidified its position in the UK security hardware market. The partnership facilitated operational scaling to meet increasing demand and reinforced the company’s influence on industry standards for residential security and design.

The acquisition by Allegion provides a platform for further growth within a global network, marking the completion of BGF’s exit from the business.

Transport company ordered to pay over £167,000 for dumping waste in Lincolnshire

Tess Egginton
-
0
Transport company ordered to pay over £167,000 for dumping waste in Lincolnshire

A transport company must pay £167,587.13 for delivering controlled waste to an illegal site in Long Bennington, Lincolnshire.

The sentence imposed on Sheffield’s Fletcher Plant Limited is the latest result from a major investigation by the Environment Agency. At Nottingham Crown Court on Friday 8 August 2025, the company was fined £80,000, ordered to pay costs of £50,000 and a confiscation order of £37,587.13. The company had previously been found guilty in June 2024 after a trial of failing to comply with duty of care regulations for controlled waste between 1 October 2019 and 1 May 2020. Named Operation Lord, the investigation saw Environment Agency officers spend months building evidence of the illegal waste site. The findings led to 12 people and 1 company, Fletcher Plant, being charged, of which 10 pleaded guilty. Following an 8 week trial which concluded on 28 June 2024, the remaining 3 defendants were found guilty. So far, 11 people have been sentenced to a total of 14 years’ imprisonment for their involvement in this illegal operation. The court was told that intelligence gathered revealed lorry-loads of shredded waste were regularly being accepted onto the site, the size of a football pitch. It was calculated that Fletcher Plant, over a period of 6 months, organised the transport of over 1,400 tonnes of controlled waste. The judge accepted that the company did not know the site was operating illegally, but its officers had a legal requirement to carry out a duty of care. The company said it had built a good reputation and it was the first time it had been prosecuted in over 40 years. A new management team had also been put in place. Peter Stark, enforcement team leader for the Environment Agency in Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire, said: “This sentence shows that all businesses involved in the removal of controlled waste must make all reasonable checks to ensure that waste is being dealt with appropriately and not illegally. “If simple and continued due diligence checks had been made by Fletcher Plant they would have flagged up that the site operators did not have the appropriate authorisations. “Due diligence checks are not something that should only occur prior to starting a contract, they should occur regularly during a contract. “The duty of care in relation to waste is a legal requirement under Environmental Protection Act 1990.

“Anyone who suspects illegal waste activity should report it to our 24-hour hotline on 0800 80 70 60, or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Explore Transport divides up business units

Tess Egginton
-
0
Explore Transport divides up business units

Explore Transport Limited (ETL), a joint venture between Laing O’Rourke’s Select Plant Hire and WS Transport, has divided its business units.

Worksop-headquartered ETL has previously operated as one entity with three distinct internal business areas.

To “enable both shareholders to focus on their core strengths” an agreement has been reached to divide the business units, with Select Plant Hire acquiring the civil plant and tool hire business, and WS Transport taking sole control of the transport and rail plant businesses.

This decision will enable both businesses to focus on their distinct core strengths, whilst continuing a strong strategic partnership with Explore Transport remaining the exclusive transport and haulage provider for both Select Plant Hire and Laing O’Rourke.

Mark Herlihy from Select Plant Hire said: “Following the sale of the plant and tools business to ETL in 2017, the business has continued to prosper as part of Explore Transport Limited. Select Plant Hire is delighted to be bringing this business back, and further enhancing Select’s plant capability, whilst continuing to work in an exclusive logistics partnership with Explore Transport.”

David Cox from WS Transport Limited said: “We are delighted to confirm that Explore Transport will be continuing the strategic partnership with Laing O’Rourke and Select. Throughout the last ten years we have seen the business develop into three very distinct streams and this transaction will enable both businesses to continue to develop and benefit from the individual strengths of our organisations.”

Northampton fleet management software solutions provider snapped up

Tess Egginton
-
0
Northampton fleet management software solutions provider snapped up

Verilocation, a Northampton-based provider of fleet management and telematics software solutions, has been acquired by Canadian firm Omegro.

Verilocation delivers data-driven solutions that help businesses optimise performance, improve safety, and stay ahead.

Founded in 1999, Verilocation serves over 1,000 customers through its product suite of telematics, temperature monitoring and AI-powered camera systems.

Omegro Group leader, Andy Nelson said: “This acquisition is a great opportunity for both Omegro and Verilocation to work together and continue providing quality solutions for UK vehicle fleets.

“We are excited to explore how we can further support product innovation, talent, and growth to help Verilocation on its journey to expand their reach within the telematics industry overall.

“We were impressed with the strong customer relationships that Verilocation has built, and we believe that there is a good opportunity to further strengthen relationships with existing customers as well as expand into new clients.”

“We are incredibly excited about the opportunities that joining Omegro can bring,” said Paul Lawrence, managing director of Verilocation. “We’re particularly excited about their long-term vision and opportunity to further develop our people, our products, and our business overall.” Verilocation will continue to operate independently under the leadership of Omegro Group leader Andy Nelson.

New tenant tumbles into Derbyshire business park

Tess Egginton
-
0
New tenant tumbles into Derbyshire business park
Commercial property agents Rushton Hickman have secured a new letting at Astron Business Park. The industrial unit, Unit 4, is predominantly an open plan warehouse with a reception area, separate offices, kitchen and WC facilities. Externally, the unit has the benefit of dedicated car parking along with a self-contained rear yard. The new tenant, Sharecroft Gymnastics Club, has been established for 41 years. This move will enable the club to have a permanent premises, which they can make their own, and the opportunity to expand their current timetable. Richard Fairey, director at Rushton Hickman, said: “We knew the unit would be popular when we brought it to the market and were delighted to agree terms with Georgia very quickly. The unit is ideal for her use, and we fully expect her to see the long-term benefits of the business relocation.”
1...222324...1,112Page 23 of 1,112