Realise Training Group expands with Smart Gas acquisition

April Lara
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Realise Training Group expands with Smart Gas acquisition

Realise Training Group, backed by private equity firm Endless’ Enact fund, has acquired Smart Gas Training and Assessment Centre for a seven-figure sum. The move strengthens Realise’s position in regulated training sectors, particularly in gas, plumbing, and renewable energy.

Based in Ashbourne, Derbyshire, Smart Gas offers training in air source heat pumps, gas engineering, plumbing, and heating. This acquisition marks Realise’s third in three years and aligns with its strategy to diversify into high-demand, regulated industries.

Since securing Enact Fund investment in 2020, Sheffield-based Realise has grown to over 500 staff supporting 16,500 learners. The company is formalising a new group structure to broaden its commercial offering and enhance its training solutions beyond apprenticeships and skills bootcamps.

The acquisition comes as the UK government invests £600 million to train 60,000 skilled construction workers, positioning Realise to support workforce development in critical infrastructure and green energy sectors.

Legal and financial advisors on the deal included Womble Bond Dickinson, Tax Advisory Partnership, and Fox Lloyd Jones. Realise recently secured a multi-million-pound facility from OakNorth to support further expansion and innovation.

UK gig economy employers face jail for failing worker checks

April Lara
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UK gig economy employers face jail for failing worker checks

The Home Office has announced that the UK government will require all employers in the gig economy and zero-hour contract sectors to verify that workers have legal employment status. Company directors who fail to comply could face up to five years in prison, business closures, bans from directorship, and fines of up to £60,000 per worker.

The policy change, part of amendments to the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill, aims to curb illegal working and disrupt people-smuggling networks. The Home Office says the checks, which take minutes to complete, will be provided free of charge.

Major gig economy firms like Deliveroo, Just Eat, and Uber Eats already conduct voluntary worker eligibility checks, but thousands of other businesses currently have no legal obligation to do so. The government argues the new rules will create a level playing field for compliant companies.

The announcement comes ahead of an international summit in London, where ministers from 40 countries will discuss strategies to combat human trafficking and illegal migration routes. The UK government also plans to expand enforcement powers against people-smuggling networks.

Loughborough Building Society upgrades digital strategy with Finastra partnership

April Lara
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Loughborough Building Society upgrades digital strategy with Finastra partnership

Loughborough Building Society is implementing Finastra’s Essence platform to enhance digital banking operations and speed up product launches. The system will support both retail and commercial banking services while improving operational efficiency.

The society will also integrate Finastra’s Retail Analytics module, which will enable data-driven decision-making through real-time performance tracking. Loughborough brought Fairmort, a financial software provider, to manage data migration and regulatory compliance.

The initiative is part of the society’s strategy to modernise its services, adapt to changing customer expectations, and ensure long-term growth.

Archimedia builds momentum with new hire

Tess Egginton
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Archimedia builds momentum with new hire

A Nottingham accountancy firm is continuing its growth journey with another key appointment. Archimedia Accounts, based at Nottingham Science & Technology Park, has welcomed skilled finance professional Chloe Hooton to the team as an accountant. Chris Demetriou, co-owner and finance director, says Chloe is the ideal next hire as the firm continues to grow. He said: “Chloe has a great character, she’s a very capable accountant and incredibly hard working. But more than that — she truly cares about our clients and their success. That’s what matters most at Archimedia.” The appointment follows the hiring of well-known city finance professional Jill Fox as client manager just a few months ago — a move that marked the start of an ambitious growth phase for the business. Chris added: “We’re growing and needed another team member who shares our values. Someone we can rely on to put clients first — and Chloe fits the bill perfectly. She’s a fantastic addition to our expanding team.” Speaking about her new role, Chloe said: “Archimedia has a brilliant reputation for building strong relationships with clients and genuinely caring about their goals. That really stood out to me. I’m excited to be joining a team that’s growing with purpose and staying true to its values.” Chloe joins Archimedia during a period of positive momentum, with further growth and recruitment planned for later in the year.

David Lloyd submits plans for major leisure complex in Kettering

April Lara
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David Lloyd submits plans for major leisure complex in Kettering

David Lloyd Clubs has submitted plans to North Northamptonshire Council (NNC) for a large health, racquets, and wellness club in Kettering, Northamptonshire. The proposed facility, located off Hanwood Park Avenue near junction 10 of the A14, is part of the wider Hanwood Park development.

The complex would include indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a luxury spa, four exercise studios, an indoor sports hall, padel courts, tennis facilities, lounge areas, and a 234-space car park. Developers state the project will address growing demand for sports facilities and create 100 full-time jobs.

The proposal aligns with the Hanwood Park masterplan, which designates the area for employment and leisure use. A public consultation is open until 19 April, with a final decision expected in June.

Construction consultancy restructures to support ongoing growth

Tess Egginton
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Construction consultancy restructures to support ongoing growth
Construction consultancy Bentley has undergone a significant organisational restructure in support of its ongoing growth plans. Following a comprehensive review of its operating model, Bentley has introduced a new structure that will enhance regional growth, improve operational efficiency, and create newly developed career progression pathways for its team. The restructure aims to enable scalability, sustainability, and adaptability across multiple sectors, ensuring the company remains responsive to evolving market conditions. As part of this transformation, several key leadership appointments have been made, which include director Matt Morrell taking on a new focus, to enhance Bentley’s technical expertise, project delivery, and upskilling of staff within the business. Director, Sue Hunter takes on an expanded role as regional director for Bentley’s Midlands activity, as well as managing the business’s growing project management team. Previously head of people, Melanie Noble has been appointed to people and operations director, supporting the company’s strategic initiatives and helping increase ESG activity and social value delivery. Speaking on her new role, Sue said: “This restructure marks an exciting new chapter for Bentley as we position ourselves for long-term growth. By refining our structure and strengthening leadership across key sectors, we are ensuring that our clients continue to receive the highest level of expertise and service. “I’m looking forward to doing my part to ensuring excellence remains at the core of everything we do, and to playing a pivotal role in driving this next stage of Bentley’s success.” Jonathon Bentley, managing director at Bentley, added: “Our business has evolved significantly over the past decade and to achieve our long-term vision, we need a structure that is fit for purpose. “This restructure provides the foundations for our next phase of growth, allowing us to strengthen our regional presence, particularly in the North West, Midlands and beyond, while improving collaboration and cohesion across the business. “Through this new governance structure, our team will be positioned to continue their work in delivering outstanding results for our clients, in line with ongoing sector changes and pressures.”

Rushton Hickman takes on management of Maltings Industrial Estate

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Rushton Hickman takes on management of Maltings Industrial Estate
The Rushton Hickman Property Management team has been appointed at Maltings Industrial Estate. Situated on Derby Road in Burton upon Trent, the estate comprises seven industrial units catering to a diverse array of local businesses. Currently, only one unit is unoccupied, recently becoming available. It is now being actively marketed by the Agency Team at Rushton Hickman. Richard Fairey, director at Rushton Hickman, said: “We are honoured to have been entrusted with the management of this estate, especially after many years of working with both the client and the site.” Jade Martin, associate director, added: “It’s a privilege to be actively working with Maltings Industrial Estate and our long-standing relationship has equipped us with a deep understanding of their needs and vision, allowing us to enhance the site’s potential even further.”

New Green Technology Hub opens at Leicester College

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New Green Technology Hub opens at Leicester College
Leicester College has opened a new Green Technology Hub at its Freemen’s Park Campus. The Hub will enable construction students, staff and employers to gain hands-on, practical experience with the latest green technologies. The new state-of-the-art green tech equipment in the Green Tech Hub includes air source heat pumps, solar panels, battery storage systems and EV charging stations. The Green Technology Hub will support a range of Leicester College courses from Level 2 to Level 4. Nick Allen, Construction Area Manager at Leicester College, said: “Green technology is already having and will continue to have an increasing impact on the UK construction sector. It’s vital that our students have access to this equipment, to learn how to use the technology and understand the impact it will have when they get into the workplace. “The new Green Tech Hub will provide students with a strong foundation to learn more about these technologies and incorporate that knowledge into their future work with employers.” The Hub is funded by the Government’s Local Skills Improvement Fund and has been fitted out by Quantum Training, a UK renewable training provider, which also trains Leicester College staff on the equipment.

Long Eaton cinema to be demolished as part of £25m regeneration

April Lara
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Long Eaton cinema to be demolished as part of £25m regeneration

Demolition of the former Galaxy cinema and Stage One nightclub in Long Eaton will begin in April as part of a £25 million town centre redevelopment. Erewash Borough Council has secured funding for the project, which includes new homes, business premises, and retail spaces.

The Galaxy Row development will feature 16 flats, four townhouses, and three commercial units, and construction is set to be completed by August 2026. The broader regeneration plan also includes a £10 million refurbishment of the High Street and transforming the former Stable Block into modern office space.

With ownership of the derelict site secured, the council avoided a lengthy public inquiry, ensuring the project moves forward without further delays. Demolition is expected to take four months, with construction beginning immediately after.

Devonshire Property Group expands with industrial acquisitions in Dorchester and Norwich

April Lara
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Devonshire Property Group expands with industrial acquisitions in Dorchester and Norwich

Devonshire Property Group, the commercial arm of the Devonshire Group, has acquired the Poundbury West Industrial Estate in Dorchester for an undisclosed sum. The estate, spanning over 18,000 sq ft, is occupied by Jewson and Screwfix.

The company has also purchased the 40,000 sq ft City Trading Estate in Norwich from a UK-based fund. The site includes six units ranging from 4,970 to 8,720 sq ft and houses tenants such as Screwfix, CEF, and Easy Bathrooms.

The acquisitions align with Devonshire Property Group’s strategy of expanding its portfolio with multi-let revisionary assets. This follows last year’s sale of two properties, including a 102,000 sq ft warehouse at Markham Vale. The firm aims to grow its portfolio by a third by year-end.

CBRE Bristol advised on the Dorchester deal, while Cushman & Wakefield London facilitated the Norwich transaction.

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