Output grew at the sharpest pace in 18 months during August, despite a further contraction in new business, according to the latest NatWest Regional Growth Tracker. At 53.3 in August, the headline NatWest East Midlands Business Activity Index was up from 50.1 in July and signalled a solid upturn in output at firms in the East Midlands. Meanwhile, new orders continued to fall but at the slowest pace in nine months. Firms were buoyed by less subdued demand conditions, as business confidence ticked up to the strongest in 2025 so far. Nonetheless, the pace of job shedding accelerated amid lower new order intakes. On the price front, inflationary pressures picked up as input costs and output charges rose at the fastest rates since May and April, respectively. Lisa Phillips, regional managing director, Midlands and East, commerical mid markets, said: “August data signalled a more upbeat performance in the East Midlands private sector as output rose at the fastest pace since February 2024. The decline in new orders softened notably amid signs of less hesitancy at customers, which spurred a boost to business confidence. “Underlying business conditions remained tricky, however, as cost-cutting measures and spare capacity led to a faster drop in employment. “Meanwhile, strain on margins remained as an acceleration in input cost inflation pushed firms to hike selling prices at a sharper pace. Fragile purchasing power at customers may hamper tentative signs of improvements in demand if inflationary pressures continue to intensify.” Performance in relation to UK The rate of increase in business activity at East Midlands firms was the quickest since February 2024 and broadly in line with the UK average. Private sector firms in the East Midlands indicated a further decline in new work midway through the third quarter, as has been the case in each month for almost a year. The pace of contraction eased, however, to only a modest rate that was the softest since November 2024. Nonetheless, the decrease in new sales contrasted with an expansion seen at the UK level. The level of confidence rose to the highest in 2025 so far and was broadly in line with the long-run series average. Companies in the East Midlands were among the most upbeat of the 12 monitored UK areas, with only the West Midlands, London and the South East recording greater positive sentiment. August data signalled a sharper fall in employment at East Midlands firms. The rate of contraction in staffing levels was the steepest since April and strong overall. Lower workforce numbers were commonly linked to cost-cutting measures. The pace of decline in headcounts was quicker than the UK average. Private sector firms in the East Midlands indicated a quicker increase in operating expenses midway through the third quarter. The pace of cost inflation was the fastest since May and steeper than the long-run series average, but slightly softer than the UK trend. In line with the trend for input costs, companies registered a historically elevated rise in selling prices in August, but the rate of inflation was softer than the UK average. The pace of increase was the sharpest since April, with firms noting that greater costs were passed on to customers via a hike in output charges.

Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU), the multi-billion-pound railway programme connecting Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds and York, has partnered with Northampton’s Commsave Credit Union to offer financial wellbeing support to its workforce.

The initiative provides TRU staff with access to ethical savings accounts, affordable loans, and financial education resources. Employees can participate in workshops, webinars, and use the Commsave Educates app for budgeting and money management guidance.

The partnership forms part of TRU’s broader employee benefits strategy, recognising the long-term nature of the project, with some staff engaged for up to ten years. By supporting financial resilience, the programme aims to maintain focus and stability among employees while delivering a major infrastructure upgrade on time and on budget.

Commsave Credit Union, a UK-based not-for-profit co-operative, specialises in providing members with secure savings, responsible credit, and financial literacy resources. The collaboration marks a strategic move to integrate workforce wellbeing into the delivery of complex infrastructure projects and could serve as a model for the wider construction and transport sectors.

As judging for the highly anticipated, 10th annual East Midlands Bricks Awards takes place, tickets for the prestigious event can now be secured. Recognising development projects 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 – attend the Bricks on Thursday 2nd October at Trent Bridge Cricket Ground to celebrate the region’s property and construction industry while connecting with local decision makers. With time for networking before and after the glittering awards ceremony revealing the winners of Most Active Agent, Commercial Development of the Year, Responsible Business, 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, don’t miss this opportunity to forge new contacts and strengthen existing ones. 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 their choice. The event, which will begin at 4:30pm and continue until 7:30pm, 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.

Tickets for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025 can be booked here.

Complementary drinks and nibbles will be served on arrival. Dress code is standard business dress.

With the shortlist now announced, see who the finalists are here.

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:

Grimsby has advanced a major community-led initiative set to invest up to £20 million in the town over the next decade. The project, ‘Grimsby Together’, is guided by local residents, business leaders, and community organisations, with support from Our Future, a group that specialises in long-term community development.

The programme aligns with the Government’s Plan for Neighbourhoods funding, which replaced the Long-Term Plan for Towns last year. Grimsby is one of 75 areas receiving grant allocations, with total funding of £1.5 billion nationally and a potential £20 million per town over ten years. The scheme prioritises community input on how funds are spent to maximise local impact.

Current activity includes a series of workshop sessions examining opportunities across key areas such as town centre vitality, business growth, housing, and environmental improvements. One working group, led by E Factor Director Mark Webb, is focusing on enhancing physical and digital connectivity to support commercial activity.

The initiative engages 80 local leaders across eight working groups and a taskforce, representing multiple sectors. Workshops will continue through September, culminating in a public consultation event at Grimsby Central Hall on 25 September, where residents can contribute ideas on the town’s development.

Grimsby Together is designed to channel investment into locally driven projects, supporting business growth, improving public spaces, and enhancing the overall quality of life in the town.

Aldi is increasing wages for more than 28,000 UK store staff and expanding opportunities for young people through a free online work experience programme. Entry-level hourly pay will rise to £13.02 nationwide, reaching £14.35 within London, with increments for length of service. The latest increase follows previous pay rises in March and July, positioning Aldi above competitors including Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Morrisons.

The supermarket plans to create 1,000 additional store roles across the UK in 2025. In parallel, Aldi will provide 10,000 free virtual work experience placements for students aged 13 and older. The programme delivers insights into retail careers through videos, interactive exercises, and quizzes. Participants receive a certificate upon completion, supporting CV development, UCAS applications, or early employment applications.

Aldi’s combined focus on staff remuneration and youth engagement reflects a strategic effort to strengthen workforce retention while cultivating the next generation of retail talent. The company has also published step-by-step guidance for online job applications, streamlining access for prospective employees and programme participants.