UK goods exports to US fall sharply

April Lara
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UK goods exports to US fall sharply

UK goods exports to the United States fell by 13.5% over the past year, a decline of approximately £2 billion, according to the Office for National Statistics for Q2 2025. Exports to European Union countries also decreased, dropping 2.1% in June compared with the same month in 2024.

The East Midlands Chamber highlighted that the reduction in US-bound exports coincides with the introduction of fluctuating tariffs on UK goods. While direct causation cannot be confirmed, the tariffs are likely to have affected trading patterns and added complexity for exporters.

Exporters report ongoing challenges in moving goods to EU markets, citing extensive paperwork requirements that increase operational costs and processing time.

The UK government’s Trade Strategy includes measures intended to support businesses, including SME-focused initiatives and investment in UK Export Finance. Details on implementation remain limited, leaving firms seeking clarity on how these measures will function in practice.

The Chamber’s International Trade Department continues to provide guidance to businesses pursuing overseas markets, aiming to reduce administrative burdens and streamline export processes.

Economic growth slows, raising pressures on East Midlands businesses

April Lara
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Economic growth slows, raising pressures on East Midlands businesses

The UK economy grew by an estimated 0.3% between April and June, down from 0.7% in the previous quarter, according to the Office for National Statistics. The slowdown highlights ongoing pressures for firms across the East Midlands.

Recent survey data indicates nearly one in three businesses in the region expect profits to decline over the next 12 months. Rising costs, including National Insurance contributions and higher minimum wages, continue to strain operations. Inflation remains above the government’s 2% target, with corporate taxation among the top concerns for companies.

Businesses report that challenging trading conditions are limiting their ability to invest and expand. Policymakers are under pressure to consider supportive measures to reduce operational burdens, including reviewing proposed employment legislation and ensuring upcoming budgets do not further increase taxation.

The combination of slower economic growth, persistent cost pressures, and regulatory changes underscores the need for targeted interventions to help businesses navigate a difficult trading environment and maintain competitiveness.

Scope Construction

Tess Egginton
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Scope Construction
Scope Construction is a fast-growing SME contractor in Loughborough with operations and projects across the East Midlands. Launched by two directors in 2019, providing construction services to high-end residential, commercial and development markets, the company has achieved outstanding growth and gone from strength to strength, delivering high-quality schemes and developments, and providing clients with bespoke, professional services delivered on time, on budget and to the highest quality. Their niche is the repurposing of existing buildings and most recently they have diversified into the public sector delivering both residential and non-residential schemes for clients including Leicester City Council and Nottingham Community Housing Association. Scope aspires to be the construction partner of choice for construction projects in the East Midlands, helping people, businesses and communities to thrive and grow in the built environment. Its dedicated teams work in collaboration with clients to gain a robust understanding of their vision and goals and deliver excellence through ownership, management and execution. Caring for the local community, supporting charity and enabling an inclusive and diverse workplace are fundamental to Scope, ensuring that its projects and wider business activities deliver meaningful benefits. As part of this, Scope acts with care and responsibility in its day-to-day decision making and actively engages its supply chain in social value initiatives, encouraging a shared commitment to long-term, positive change. Scope’s efforts have included raising over £22,000 for local charities such as Wishes for Kids and Hope Against Cancer, supporting careers fairs, sponsoring a local U7s football team, and providing work placements and site visits for students from De Montfort University, Nottingham Trent University and local colleges. Most recently they have formed a partnership with Leicester and Leicestershire Careers Hub to deliver an Unbox Your Future Programme to schools and colleges, as well as initiating a programme with Leicester City Council to give opportunity to care leavers. In addition, Scope has a focus on making environmentally sustainable decisions and as part of the Nottingham Trent University Small Contractors Framework, they committed to adopting a Net Zero Tool and Carbon Reduction plan with particular emphasis on energy, transport and waste. Scope also sources materials locally, uses local suppliers and already 95+% of waste is diverted from landfill. From children’s homes to affordable homes, offices to leisure venues, schools and colleges to charity projects, Scope’s impact can be felt across the region. To find out more, please visit https://www.scope-group.co.uk/

Losses cut at Light Science Technologies

Tess Egginton
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Losses cut at Light Science Technologies

Light Science Technologies Holdings (LSTH), the technology and manufacturing business targeting global food security and fire safety, has reduced its losses in “another period of positive progress.”

According to unaudited interim results for the six months ended 31 May 2025, loss before tax reduced by 51.2% to £0.16m, compared to a £0.33m loss in the same period last year.

Revenue, meanwhile, slid slightly to £5.1m from £5.2m.

By division, an 18.8% revenue contribution came from Passive Fire Protection (PFP) – up from 5.7% last year; 10.9% from AgTech (AGT) – up from 7.3% last year; and 70.3% from Contract Electronics Manufacturing (CEM) – down from 87% last year, reflecting a changing sales mix and focus on higher margin opportunities.

Simon Deacon, CEO of LSTH, said: “This was another period of positive progress as we continued to target high margin opportunities across our divisions, underpinning strong gross margin growth. Combined with a growing Group quoted sales pipeline and continued overhead cost control, we are increasingly well positioned for the future.

“Further scaling of the PFP and AGT divisions, in particular, is expected and the Board remains confident that the Group is well-placed to achieve its short-term objectives of delivering sustained net profitability. We look forward to providing additional updates that will further underpin the Board’s full year expectations.”

Work starts on industrial & logistics employment space at Bennerley

Tess Egginton
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Work starts on industrial & logistics employment space at Bennerley

Harworth Group and Broxtowe Borough Council have started construction on 13,680 sq ft of industrial & logistics (I&L) employment space designed for start-ups and SMEs.

The development, at Bennerley in Nottinghamshire, is funded by Kimberley Means Business, a funding facility from the UK Government.

Harworth will deliver five I&L units across two buildings, on behalf of Broxtowe Borough Council, under a forward funding agreement. The appointed design and build contractor is Britcon. The project received planning permission in February 2025, and the buildings are due to complete in 2026, with BREEAM ‘Very Good’ accreditation and will meet the Council’s Biodiversity Net Gain requirements. Additional amenities will include the creation of a new access road, serving both the employment scheme and Friends of Bennerley Viaduct Visitor Centre, alongside landscaping to improve connectivity for vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists from Shilo Way into the site. The employment units form part of the wider transformation of the former Bennerley Coal Disposal Point and surrounding land, with the potential to deliver up to 1.8 million sq ft of employment space, when complete, creating around 1,000 full-time equivalent jobs once fully operational. Stuart Ashton, head of strategic planning at Harworth Group, said: “The creation of these five units will provide much needed employment space for start-ups and SMEs, supporting early-stage business growth in the area. “This marks an important milestone in the transformation of Bennerley, with our vision for the wider site focused around creating space that supports local employment opportunities and economic growth, whilst also benefiting the local environment. We look forward to continuing to develop our plans for the site in the months ahead.” Councillor Milan Radulovic MBE, portfolio holder for economic development and asset management, added: “I’m delighted to be able to get construction underway for these new business units as part of the Kimberley Means Business project. “Providing spaces for local start-ups to establish themselves, and existing SMEs to grow and develop, the units will help to drive economic growth in the area. Together with the new Bennerley Viaduct Visitor Centre, due to be completed in September, these new developments will create a new economic hub in the north of the Borough.” Matt Searston, commercial director at Britcon, added: “We are excited to have been awarded this contract and to be starting construction of this project at the Bennerley development, continuing our successful collaborative relationship with Harworth Group. “This important strategic site presents a fantastic opportunity to deliver high-quality, sustainable employment space that will support long-term local employment and economic growth. Our focus is always on maximising opportunities for local employment and regional suppliers. We look forward to working closely with all stakeholders to bring this important development to life.”

Nominations close TOMORROW for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025

Tess Egginton
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Nominations close TOMORROW for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025
With nominations closing TOMORROW (Friday 15th August) for East Midlands Business Link’s 10th annual Bricks Awards, don’t miss this opportunity to raise the profile of your business by submitting an entry! Celebrating the region’s property and construction industry, its people, and outstanding developments, the prestigious awards attract leaders from across the East Midlands and are the perfect way for businesses to promote the work they are completing and create more buzz. Award categories include: 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. A highlight in the business calendar, winners will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony on Thursday 2nd October (4:30pm – 7:30pm) in the Derek Randall Suite at the famous Trent Bridge Cricket Ground – an evening that will also provide plenty of chances to forge new contacts with property and construction professionals from across the region. The 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. 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.

Nominations will close on Friday 15th August.

Tom Sewell, regional director at Stepnell, winner of Responsible Business of the Year at last year’s event, said: “Winning the Responsible Business award at the 2024 East Midlands Bricks Awards was an incredibly proud moment for the Nottingham team at Stepnell, recognising our dedication to responsible practices and commitment to sustainable development in the region. The awards are a fantastic opportunity to connect with others in the industry and celebrate regional excellence. I would wholeheartedly encourage businesses from across the East Midlands property and construction landscape to get involved.”
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:

 

East Midlands professional services experts raise nearly £1,500 for PWSA on the padel court

Tess Egginton
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East Midlands professional services experts raise nearly £1,500 for PWSA on the padel court
More than 40 specialists from the East Midlands finance and professional services sector swapped their laptops and spreadsheets for padel rackets as part of a major Derby fundraiser. Ashgates, which employs 90 people at its offices in Pride Park, announced the Prader-Willi Syndrome Association UK (PWSA) as its official charity partner earlier this year and the first event successfully raised nearly £1,500. Players from Barclays, Gateley, NatWest, Rothera Bray and Handelsbanken did battle for the inaugural trophy at We Are Padel, with Stanton Environmental eventually lifting the title after defeating partners from the hosts in a tense final. Ashgates’ audit and business services assistant Bethany Walker put forward the charity for personal reasons, as her sister Izzy currently lives with the rare genetic condition, which causes an overwhelming and uncontrollable drive to eat that can be life-limiting, as well as causing learning and physical disabilities. “PWSA do amazing work, providing a dedicated helpline, information hub, peer support groups and community events for the 2000 people who live with this syndrome in the UK,” explained Ashgates director Steve Martin, who was joined at the Padel competition by Izzy and father Neil. “As well as raising vital funds for research and other activities, it importantly raises awareness, so more people understand what is involved and what people have to live with.” He continued: “Everyone is talking about Padel and we’ve been asked by a few stakeholders and clients for a game. I couldn’t think of a better way of rising to the challenge than putting on a competition at nearby We Are Padel and raising lots of money for a great charity.” Karen Wilkinson of PWSA said: “We are most grateful to Ashgates and DJH for their fundraising event on behalf of the Prader-Willi Syndrome Association UK. “The padel tournament was a great way for professionals to relax and do battle on the court, whilst raising much-needed awareness of the condition, a condition that affects more than 2,000 people in the UK. “We’ve achieved so much, but this is just the start. The funding will go into the next steps, which include more age-appropriate support and social activities for adults with PWSA, expanding our information hub and training more professionals in helping people to live with the syndrome.”

Nottingham among UK’s highest corporate fines

April Lara
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Nottingham among UK’s highest corporate fines

Analysis by risk management software provider Protecht has ranked UK cities by corporate offence rates, reviewing over 36,000 fines from 2020 to 2024 via the Good Jobs First Violation Tracker and adjusting for local business populations.

Nottingham emerged as a notable hotspot, with 5.80 fines per 1,000 businesses. The city recorded 61 total offences over five years, costing local companies £6.3 million, placing it second for offence rate and seventh for total fines nationally. Belfast recorded the highest rate at 7.29 fines per 1,000 businesses, with Southampton, Lincoln, Glasgow, Preston, Oxford, Newport, Manchester, and Newcastle also in the top ten.

At the opposite end, Winchester had the lowest rate at 0.35 fines per 1,000 businesses, with just three offences totalling £61,000. Chichester, Wrexham, Salford, St Albans, Stirling, Brighton and Hove, Southend-on-Sea, Sunderland, and Lichfield also ranked among the best-performing cities.

The study underscores the uneven regulatory landscape across the UK. Nottingham’s high penalties highlight governance and compliance pressures in mid-sized business hubs, emphasising the financial and reputational risks of corporate mismanagement.

UK economy sees modest growth

Tess Egginton
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UK economy sees modest growth
The UK economy saw modest growth in June, though conditions remain volatile. According to new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), GDP (gross domestic product), a key measure of economy growth, is estimated to have risen 0.4% month-on-month in June, ahead of expectations, following a 0.1% fall in May. It reflects, across key sectors, services output growing 0.3% month-on-month, construction output increasing by 0.3%, and production output rising by 0.7%. In the quarter, GDP rose 0.3%, also beating market expectations, but lagging behind growth seen during the first three months of the year. Ben Jones, CBI lead economist, said: “A modest rebound in June brought Q2 to a positive close — but today’s figures confirm that the strong growth seen earlier this year was a one-off and underlying conditions remain fragile. “With business costs mounting, the labour market cooling, investment intentions weakening and confidence generally subdued, the UK is walking a narrow path between resilience and stagnation. “Policy uncertainty in the run-up to the Autumn Budget risks tipping the balance. With the business tax burden already at a 25-year high, the government must chart a steadier course by ruling out further tax rises and prioritising policies that can quickly lift investment and productivity.”

Residential development site sold in Alfreton

Tess Egginton
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Residential development site sold in Alfreton
A residential development site in Alfreton, Derbyshire, has been sold to Yorkshire-based developer Harron Homes. The 12.5-acre site, located off Lower Somercotes, benefitted from Outline Planning Permission for the development of 99 new homes with associated landscaping and recreational open space. A subsequent Reserved Matters application secured the development of 90 new homes. The land was brought to market by Mather Jamie and attracted interest from a range of housebuilders due to its strategic location, planning status and proximity to key transport links. The approved planning includes a Section 106 Agreement requiring 30% of the homes to be delivered as affordable housing, comprising 90% Affordable Rent and 10% Shared Ownership. Robert Cole, director at Mather Jamie, said: “We’re pleased to have concluded this sale to Harron Homes, who are well placed to bring this opportunity forward and deliver a high-quality new neighbourhood in Somercotes. The site’s location and planning status made it particularly attractive, and we’re proud to have secured a successful outcome on behalf of our client.” A spokesperson for Harron Homes added: “We’re delighted to have acquired this well-located site in Lower Somercotes. The development will form part of our ongoing strategy to provide high-quality, desirable homes in sought-after locations. We look forward to working with the local authority and community as we bring forward our plans for the site.”
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