Nottingham-headquartered Phenna Group, which invests in and partners with selected niche, independent Testing, Inspection, Certification and Compliance (TICC) companies, has made its 9th deal of 2025, acquiring its 15th business in the APAC region – Civiltest.
The deal is complementary to Phenna’s acquisition of Australian Soil and Concrete Testing (ASCT) in November 2023, further strengthening its geotechnical and construction materials testing capabilities across Australia.
Civiltest is a geotechnical engineering, consulting, and soil testing business that has been operating for over 30 years. Headquartered in Melbourne, it provides services throughout Victoria and Western Australia to the mining, infrastructure, commercial, and residential industries.
Grant Gibbs, CEO of Civiltest, said: “We are very excited to be joining Phenna Group. We believe that Phenna provides the right partner to support our future growth aspirations.
“Over the past three decades, we have built a strong business and feel that Phenna provides the right cultural fit to continue that growth. The engagement with the Phenna team has been very positive, and we look forward to working with Brett and his team.”
Brett Coleman, divisional MD Asia at Phenna Group, said: “I am excited to welcome Grant and the team to Phenna Group. Over the past 30 years, Civiltest has built an enviable reputation for providing services and solutions to its customers.
“Alongside ASCT, which we welcomed into the Group in late 2023, Civiltest further enhances our specialist geotechnical and materials testing offering across Australia. I look forward to working with Grant and his team to continue their exciting growth.”
Phil Marshall, CEO of Phenna Group, added: “I am very pleased to welcome Civiltest to Phenna Group. Their experienced team and technical capability support and expand our fast-growing operations in the region.
“Combined with the expertise of ASCT, we are building a powerful platform to serve the infrastructure and construction sectors across Australia. We look forward to supporting Grant and his team and seeing them continue their growth journey within Phenna Group.”
Phenna Group were advised by RSM Melbourne and Squire Patton Boggs. Civiltest were advised by Shepard Webster & O’Neill and Carroll Goldsmith Lawyers.
Midlands identified as fraud hotspot
New data has identified the Midlands as a top fraud hotspot, with the region ranking as the UK’s third most prevalent for fraudulent activity by total value. Fraud totalling £24 million in value was reported in the region during 2024, according to BDO’s latest FraudTrack survey.
This total includes a case against a Worcester-based supervisor, alleging around 4,000 fraudulent furlough claims totalling £7 million. Such false claims and overpayments ranked as the second largest granular fraud type by value nationally, totalling £60 million of reported frauds across the UK in 2024.
Only London and the South East, and the North West, recorded higher levels of reported fraud value than the Midlands in 2024. Nationwide, money laundering was the largest overall type of fraud and economic crime by value, with the average value of individual cases jumping 10-fold versus the previous year. BDO’s research found that money laundering cases totalled £337 million, representing 61% of the total 2024 reported value of fraud and economic crime.
Overall, the value of reported fraud and economic crime in the UK fell 76% compared to 2023 amid a 63% drop in high-value fraud cases. The fall in fraud values broadly follows the five-year downward trend in reported fraud.
While money laundering represented the highest number of frauds by value, ‘non-corporate fraud’ such as phishing scams and identity theft were the most common fraud type by number, representing 41% of fraud cases reported in 2024.
Commenting on the latest report, Ian Bennington, partner and national lead for governance, risk and compliance services, said: “While there are some signs of optimism in our data – notably the decline in overall reported fraud values on a national scale – it’s important that we identify regional hotspots to develop more effective fraud prevention and detection strategies.
“The latest edition of our FraudTrack survey highlights that fraud is not evenly distributed across the UK, with the Midlands coming out as the third most prevalent region for fraudulent activity.
“By better understanding the dynamics and propensity of fraudulent activities in the region, we can help businesses become better prepared in the face of evolving threats. Indeed, regional fraud trends are something businesses should pay particularly close attention to given that, from September this year, the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act (ECCTA) introduces a new corporate criminal offence for failing to prevent fraud.”
The failure to prevent fraud offence to be introduced under ECCTA is designed to incentivise large organisations to step up their fraud prevention strategies by holding organisations criminally responsible for failing to prevent fraud committed by their employees or associates for the organisation’s benefit.
The BDO Fraud Survey 2024 found that 78% of business had begun preparing for the legislation, with 43% reporting an increase in fraud awareness.
Sat Plaha, partner and head of regional forensic services, continued: “It’s encouraging to see organisations taking ECCTA seriously and enhancing their fraud risk management strategies accordingly. However, there are still many businesses that are underprepared and will need to take urgent action to ensure they are compliant.”
East Midlands leads UK business confidence in May
Business confidence in the East Midlands was the highest of any UK nation or region in May, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds.
Companies in the region reported higher confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, up 29 points at 67%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, up 31 points to 66%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 66% (vs. 36% in April).
A net balance of 44% of businesses in the region also expect to increase staff levels over the next year, up six points on last month.
Looking ahead to the next six months, East Midlands businesses identified their top target areas for growth as entering new markets (61%), evolving their offering, for example by introducing new products and services (50%) and investing in their team, for example through training (47%).
The Business Barometer, which surveys 1,200 businesses monthly and which has been running since 2002, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide.
National picture
Overall, UK business confidence increased 11 points in May to 50% – its highest level since August 2024.
Firms’ optimism in their own trading prospects strengthened six points to 56%, while their confidence in the wider economy also climbed 16 points to 44%.
The North East (65%) was the second-most confident UK nation or region in May.
Sector insights
Construction firms’ confidence rose to a nine-month high of 56%, while those in the service sector reported a one-year high of 54%. Manufacturing confidence also rose by two points to 40%. However, retail confidence fell by five points to 40%, the lowest level since January this year.
Dave Atkinson, regional director for the East Midlands at Lloyds, said: “It’s fantastic to see local confidence grow, to the extent that the East Midlands is now leading the country.
“We’ll continue to support local firms as they work to translate this outlook into action and long-term growth – whether that’s through advice, insight or lending.”
526 new homes get green light for Boulton Moor, Derby
Vistry Group, the provider of mixed-tenure homes, has received planning permission to build 526 new homes on a 47-acre site in Boulton Moor, Derby.
The new development proposes a mix of family homes for the area, including 63 affordable homes and 463 homes for the open market and private rental sector.
Dave Bradley, managing director of Vistry North Midlands, said: “We are delighted to receive planning permission for the construction of 526 high-quality new homes at Boulton Moor.
“This marks a significant step forward in bringing much-needed housing to the area, including a blend of affordable, PRS and private homes designed to create a vibrant and sustainable community. We look forward to working with our partners and stakeholders to bring this development to life and provide homes that cater to the needs of local people.”
This development forms the third phase of Derby’s Strategic Urban Extension, designed to create a 2,600-home village attached to the city. It will incorporate facilities including schools, shops, a care home, businesses, a transport hub, and electric charging stations.
Work is expected to start later this year.
Buxton Training secures 2,868 sq ft facility
Buxton Training Enterprises, a training provider supporting students primarily in Years 9 to 11, has expanded its operations with the acquisition of a new facility in Arnold, Nottingham.
The company has moved into Unit 2 Catton Road, a refurbished industrial warehouse located adjacent to its existing premises at Unit 4 Catton Road. This strategic expansion will enable Buxton Training Enterprises to increase its capacity and enhance its service offering to young learners across the region.
Known for delivering vital vocational and skills-based training, Buxton Training Enterprises plays a key role in bridging the gap between mainstream education and future employment for young people. The new facility will support the company’s continued growth and commitment to providing high-quality, hands-on learning opportunities.
The property deal was completed by Alicia Lewis, surveyor at NG Chartered Surveyors.
Alicia said: “We’re proud to have helped Buxton Training Enterprises secure a facility that supports their important mission. Their expansion into 2 Catton Road is a great example of how the right space can help a growing organisation scale its impact in the community.
“This was the first viewing we carried out at 2 Catton Road and the property went under offer in record time. The deal was completed in just one week to ensure a quick turnaround for the Buxton Training team.”
Richard Harpham, director at Buxton Training Enterprises, said: “This move marks an exciting new chapter for Buxton Training. With this additional space, we can extend our reach and invest further in our students’ futures.
“We’re deeply committed to providing an environment where young people can thrive through tailored, practical education – and this new facility allows us to do just that.”
Board change at Willmott Dixon sees new Midlands commercial director
Contractor Willmott Dixon has made a key change to its senior leadership team, with Catherine Payne appointed as the new commercial director for the Midlands, succeeding Stephen Keach who is retiring after a 31-year career with the company.
Stephen joined Willmott Dixon as an assistant project surveyor in 1994 and progressed through the business, before being appointed to the board as a commercial director in 2008.
During his tenure as commercial director he has played a pivotal role in Willmott Dixon’s success and growth across the Midlands, overseeing numerous projects across multiple sectors, and establishing the East Midlands region, raising their profile to become one of the largest, most successful contractors in this area.
Stephen said: “My career with Willmott Dixon has been incredibly rewarding. The UK construction industry is one of the best in the world and I’ve been fortunate to play a part in improving the living environment for hundreds of thousands of people across the Midlands and creating a positive legacy that will last for many decades.
“As I look back on my long and happy career, my advice to anyone starting out is quite simple; make the most of the opportunities that come your way, stay positive, work hard and make it happen.
“It has been a privilege to be part of Willmott Dixon, and I’m confident Catherine will bring a fresh perspective and energy to the role. I’m looking forward to working together in the next few months during this transition phase, and I wish her every success as part of the team.”
Catherine brings over 20 years of experience to the role, having worked across the public and private sector, for Tier 1 contractors across the UK. During the past 15 years working in the Midlands, Catherine has held commercial director positions for several years with both Wates and Bouygues UK.
Her new role will see her responsible for a portfolio of projects across the region, currently turning over in excess of £200 million. Her responsibilities will include focusing on work winning, negotiating new contracts, assisting with framework renewals and general support in project delivery, along with managing the commercial team.
Catherine said: “I’m honoured to be taking on this role at such an important time for Willmott Dixon. Stephen is leaving behind an exceptional legacy and I look forward to hitting the ground running to build on that strong foundation and help drive forward the company’s excellent reputation for commercial excellence and innovation.”
Catherine’s experience spans a variety of sectors and she has been involved with a number of high-profile projects in the Midlands, including the Highcross shopping centre, Leicester, Resorts World at the NEC and the final phases of the Sandwell Aquatics Centre as part of the Commonwealth Games.
As a judge for the Women in Construction Awards and a regular mentor for apprentices and those starting out in their career, Catherine is passionate about championing professional careers in construction.
Catherine continued: “I’ve always had an active involvement in the journey of those beginning their career and I would love to see construction professions at the forefront of school leaver options. I hope my new role will provide a platform to continue my efforts to encourage more understanding of what a career in the industry can look like.”
Single-use vape ban prompts enforcement push for retailers
Leicestershire’s Trading Standards team is preparing to enforce new legislation banning the sale and supply of disposable vapes from 1 June. The law applies to all businesses, including online and in-store retailers.
Roughly 400 independent vape sellers across the county have been contacted by Trading Standards to help them prepare for compliance. The clampdown follows rising concerns over youth vaping rates and environmental waste linked to single-use products.
Retailers found selling banned items after the deadline risk unlimited fines or up to two years in prison. They are also legally required to dispose of remaining stock via registered vape recycling services; disposing of them in general waste is prohibited. Only reusable, refillable, or rechargeable vapes will remain legal to sell.
This move comes as national data shows a significant increase in underage vape use, with the percentage of 11-to-15-year-olds using vapes now at nine per cent, triple the figure from three years ago.
Leicestershire businesses seeking compliance support can contact the local Trading Standards office. Residents are also being encouraged to report non-compliant retailers through the council’s reporting platform.
Government shifts apprenticeship focus, raising concerns over higher-level training access
The UK Government has announced plans to shift funding away from Level 7 apprenticeships to lower-level schemes as part of a broader £3 billion investment in skills training, aimed at creating 120,000 new opportunities by January 2026.
While this move is intended to boost early-career pathways and support individuals entering the workforce without academic qualifications, the reallocation of funding has prompted concern among business groups in the East Midlands. The region’s business community is wary that prioritising entry-level apprenticeships could limit routes for workers to develop advanced capabilities through work-based learning, particularly in sectors that demand specialist knowledge.
With skills shortages continuing to hamper recruitment, seven in ten East Midlands firms report difficulties in finding qualified candidates. As a result, employers are increasingly turning to apprenticeships as a means of building industry-specific talent pipelines. Business leaders warn that narrowing access to higher-level schemes could reduce flexibility for companies seeking to upskill existing employees or attract candidates into technical and leadership roles through non-academic means.
The business case, they argue, is not just about volume but about aligning training investment with real-world workforce needs, whether at Level 2 or Level 7. As the government reforms the apprenticeship system, maintaining a balanced approach to skills development will be critical for long-term business resilience.
Phenna Group makes eighth acquisition of 2025
Nottingham-headquartered Phenna Group, which invests in and partners with niche, independent Testing, Inspection, Certification, and Compliance (TICC) companies, has made its eighth acquisition of 2025.
Swooping for Statutory Inspections Limited, a provider of forklift inspections and compliance services, the acqusition further strengthens Phenna’s position in the UK’s Built Environment sector.Statutory Inspections Limited will join Phenna’s Built Environment division and be integrated into BTIS, enhancing its capabilities and regional reach.
Julia Willis, managing director of Statutory Inspections Limited, said: “We’re very proud of the business we’ve built and are delighted to be joining Phenna Group and BTIS.
“From our first conversations, it was clear that they share our commitment to quality, integrity, and customer service. We’re also excited to be joining forces with the BTIS team; this is a fantastic opportunity for our people and clients alike.”
David Blanchard, managing director of BTIS, added: “We’re thrilled to welcome the team at Statutory Inspections into BTIS.
“Their experience and knowledge will strengthen our existing capabilities and allow us to broaden our reach and service offering. I’m looking forward to working closely with them as we continue to grow and deliver best-in-class services to our clients.”
Brian Shannon, Built Environment divisional MD at Phenna Group, said: “Statutory Inspections Limited is a great strategic fit for our Built Environment division.
“Their strong track record and technical expertise enhance the robust services already offered by BTIS. We are excited about the opportunities this brings to better serve our customers nationwide.”
Phil Marshall, CEO of Phenna Group, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Statutory Inspections Limited into Phenna Group. This acquisition is another strong step in our journey to build a best-in-class network of TICC businesses.
“Their culture, commitment to quality, and customer focus mirror our own, and I’m excited to see what we can achieve together as part of our Built Environment division.”
Phenna Group was advised by Browne Jacobson LLP and Johnston Carmichael. Statutory Inspections was advised by HCR Legal LLP.
Matt Bolton, partner at Browne Jacobson, said: “The strategic acquisition of Statutory Inspections is a fantastic addition to Phenna Group’s market-leading Built Environment division as part of BTIS. We’re proud to have advised Phenna Group on yet another deal – its eighth of 2025!”Showcase exceptional property and construction businesses at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025
Applauding the achievements of the region’s property and construction industry, the East Midlands Bricks Awards are back for 2025, and now is your chance to showcase outstanding businesses and projects by submitting an entry for the esteemed event.
The annual celebration, now in its 10th year, shines the spotlight on those behind the changing landscape of the East Midlands, highlighting development projects, businesses, 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.
It also toasts the work of architects, agencies, and those behind large schemes, with categories including Contractor of the Year, Developer of the Year, Architects of the Year, Most Active Agent, Deal of the Year, Residential Development of the Year, Sustainable Development of the Year, Commercial Development of the Year, Excellence in Design, Responsible Business of the Year, and Overall Winner.
Providing an ideal opportunity to showcase achievements, recognise teams, boost morale, and reach our audience of over 60,000 business readers, the East Midlands Bricks Awards are completely free to enter, and making the top three finalists in your category will win you free tickets to the annual awards ceremony.
Winners will be revealed on Thursday 2nd October at Nottingham’s famous Trent Bridge Cricket Ground. Running from 4.30pm – 7.30pm, the evening will also provide opportunities to establish new connections with property and construction professionals from across the region over complementary drinks.
Reflecting on last year’s awards, Robert Maxey, partner at heb Surveyors, said: “It was an honour to take home the Deal of the Year award at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024, especially because the other nominees in the category were so strong! It was extremely pleasing to see recognition of our team’s efforts and the event provided a great boost to morale.
“Celebrating excellence in our region’s property and construction sector, and offering a great chance to catch up with local professionals, I’d encourage other businesses to get involved with an entry, to showcase your business and the impact it is making in the industry.”
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. Upon submitting a nomination, we will get in touch for any information, imagery, and video nominees would like to be featured on their showcase page.
With a limited number of sponsorship opportunities remaining, please contact Angie Cooper at a.cooper@blmgroup.co.uk to learn more if you are interested in becoming an East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025 sponsor.
To make a nomination for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025, please click here, or on one of the categories below.
Categories include:- Contractor of the Year
- Developer of the Year
- Architects of the Year
- Most Active Agent
- Deal of the Year
- Residential Development of the Year
- Sustainable Development of the Year
- Commercial Development of the Year
- Excellence in Design
- Responsible Business of the Year
- Overall Winner
Nominations will close on Friday 15th August.
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:
With a limited number of sponsorship opportunities remaining, please contact Angie Cooper at a.cooper@blmgroup.co.uk to learn more if you are interested in becoming an East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025 sponsor. 