Nottingham caravan retailer secures support to drive growth and sustainability efforts

Tess Egginton
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Nottingham caravan retailer secures support to drive growth and sustainability efforts
Kimberley Caravan Centre, a family-run business established in the early 1980s, is preparing for its next phase of growth with the support of a £500,000 working capital package from Lloyds. Founded by Mike Lowe, the business started life on a small Mansfield site before expanding to its current home in Nottingham. Over the years it has steadily grown to employ 75 people across two branches in Nottingham and Darlington and now generates more than £33m in annual turnover. Sustainability is central to the firm’s long-term strategy. It has installed electric vehicle (EV) charging points at both its branches, transitioned its company fleet to electric cars, and updated recycling processes in line with new legislation. The Lloyds funding will enable further investment in operations by consolidating all financial services through Cardnet. This streamlining will accelerate payments, provide faster access to working capital, and support reinvestment into stock, site improvements and customer service. As part of its growth journey, the firm has invested in modern facilities, including state-of-the-art workshops, offices and showrooms at its Nottingham site, and a major upgrade to the Darlington branch. Oliver Burton, group management accountant at Kimberley Caravan Centre, said: “Kimberley has always been about more than just caravans and motorhomes, we’re here to give families unforgettable holiday experiences. “Many of our customers first came to us as children on trips with parents or grandparents, and it’s rewarding to see them returning with families of their own. Lloyds has been brilliant in supporting us through our first business banking switch, guiding us step by step. Having everything under one roof, from overdraft to card services, gives us the confidence to keep investing in our future growth.” Khush Johal, relationship manager at Lloyds, added: “Kimberley Caravan Centre has a proud heritage in the East Midlands as a family business that has successfully adapted to changing customer needs over decades. We’re delighted to welcome them to Lloyds and provide the funding and financial tools that will help the firm continue growing sustainably while delivering for its customers.”

Wright Vigar makes associate director promotion

Tess Egginton
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Wright Vigar makes associate director promotion
Regional accountancy firm Wright Vigar has promoted Darren Calvert to the position of associate director. The move recognises Darren’s significant contribution to the firm and highlights Wright Vigar’s commitment to supporting the career progression of its team members. Darren Calvert, based in the firm’s Lincoln office, has quickly established himself as a key figure within the firm. He first joined Wright Vigar in February 2021 as a manager, moving up to senior manager in September 2022. In his new role as associate director, Darren will continue to play an integral role in the Lincoln Accounts team, looking after a significant number of clients and helping to drive the firm’s continued growth across the region. He also heads up and chairs Wright Vigar’s internal Accounts Committee and is a key contributor of ideas to improve business processes. The promotion is a clear testament to Wright Vigar’s ethos of developing and rewarding talent from within. On his new role, Darren Calvert said: “I am delighted about this promotion and excited to take on the new challenges that come with being an Associate Director. Wright Vigar has given me the platform to grow, and I am committed to continuing the good work we are already doing for our clients. I look forward to working with the leadership team to maintain our momentum and help the firm achieve its future goals.” Darren will continue his work with clients from the firm’s Lincoln hub, contributing to Wright Vigar’s strong presence across the East Midlands region.

Bates Weston welcome seven new starters

Tess Egginton
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Bates Weston welcome seven new starters
Derby-based accountants and business advisors Bates Weston has welcomed seven new starters as they look to nurture the next generation of financial professionals. Quiana Cole and Reinis Dobelnieks are both third year students at the University of Derby, studying BA (Hons) in Accounting and Finance, and join the firm for placement years as trainee accountants. Also joining the team is Tianna Rai, a First-Class Honours Accounting & Finance Graduate from Nottingham Trent University, Ben Halliday, a graduate from the University of Leeds with a 2:1 in Economics, Matthew Bates a First-Class Maths graduate from University of Leeds and Jessica Eldridge, a First-Class graduate in Accounting and Finance from Nottingham Trent University. All four join the firm as graduate trainee accountants, and each will be working towards their ACA qualification. Finally, the firm have appointed Rebecca Thompson as marketing manager. Rebecca is a technical communication and marketing specialist with a background in Professional Services and Higher Education and will be working alongside the firm’s multi-disciplinary team to strengthen their presence in the market. Wayne Thomas, managing partner at Bates Weston, said: “We’re proud to welcome this talented group of future accountants and professionals to Bates Weston. Supporting early-career professionals has always been a key part of our growth strategy, and we are committed to providing them with the tools, training, and mentorship they need to succeed. “Our training contract programme is designed to offer hands-on experience, structured training, and direct access to experienced mentors and clients. We’re committed to supporting each trainee as they develop their skills and grow within the firm. “Many of our current partners and senior team leaders started their journey here as trainees, so we really look forward to seeing what each of our new starters achieve and have no doubt that they will each thrive and be a real asset to the Bates Weston team.”

1284 Communications appoints content director

Tess Egginton
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1284 Communications appoints content director
1284 Communications has appointed Emma Oliver as its first content director. Emma will lead 1284’s content strategy, both internally and externally. She will manage all aspects of the Loughborough consultancy’s digital marketing, while overseeing the rollout of a new operations management platform, optimising workflows and strengthening content marketing. She will also act as an in-house content editor, using her extensive experience as a news editor at large regional newspaper titles to increase and enhance content going out on client accounts. More recently, Emma taught digital media production, brand building, and business planning at the University of Sheffield’s Information, Journalism and Communication School. Emma lectured at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. Previously, she worked as a journalism lecturer at the University of Derby, having prior to that spent more than a decade in industry, honing her expertise in content management and digital strategy, as well as working in the PR and communications sector in Manchester. George Oliver, managing director of 1284 Communications, said: “1284 has grown every year since launch, and this year will be no different. “For this reason, it was important to bring in someone who has made their mark in the industry, with the ability to manage our content quickly and effectively across every platform, both internally and externally. “Emma’s background as a content manager and digital development editor, combined with insights from academia, means she’ll play a key role in shaping our approach and delivering value for our clients.” Emma said: “This was an opportunity to join 1284 Communications at such a dynamic stage in its growth. There’s masses of potential to tell powerful stories and drive meaningful engagement for our clients. “I’m looking forward to working with the team to build on 1284’s reputation for delivering impactful, strategic communications.”

Clowes Developments drives forward roadside trade counter units at Castle Donington business park

Tess Egginton
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Clowes Developments drives forward roadside trade counter units at Castle Donington business park
The latest phase of development at Stud Brook Business Park in Castle Donington is making rapid progress, with a new set of trade counter units taking shape at the front of the site. Spearheaded by Clowes Developments and their construction contractor Roe Developments, the scheme continues to build on the momentum of earlier phases. Positioned alongside the new Castle Donington bypass, and adjacent to established occupiers including Starbucks and a Sainsbury’s Local, the new trade counter / distribution / manufacture units range from 3,000 to 9,000 sq ft and are expected to be ready for occupation in early 2026. This next phase follows the initial development of nine industrial and warehouse units, where over two-thirds were let prior to practical completion. Richard Sutton of NG Chartered Surveyors said: “These roadside trade counter units will be the icing on the cake at Stud Brook. Their visibility and prominence at the gateway to the development is second to none. They’re ideal for traditional trade counter operators, but also perfectly suited for alternative uses such as gyms, fitness centres, offices, dental practices or medical facilities.” Tim Gilbertson of FHP Property Consultants added: “It’s fantastic to see Clowes continuing to invest in Stud Brook and Castle Donington as a thriving business location. The speculative delivery of these trade counter units is a welcome boost, especially given the flexibility of use for trade, industrial, or distribution purposes. “With Starbucks and Sainsbury’s already trading and just two of the original nine industrial units remaining, this new phase will only add to the park’s appeal.”

Demolition work completes on derelict Long Eaton cinema

Tess Egginton
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Demolition work completes on derelict Long Eaton cinema
The demolition of a derelict cinema in an Erewash town has been completed by the borough council. A development of smart affordable homes is to be built where Long Eaton’s Galaxy picture house used to stand. There will also be three commercial units. The clearing of the site on Derby Road means survey work is now taking place ready for foundations to go in. Local businessman Richard Ledger, who chairs the Long Eaton Town Deal Board, shared how the cinema, on what is called Galaxy Row, had been a crumbling blight on the streetscape since it closed more than a decade ago. He said: “After considerable effort to secure the property and a disused nightclub next door so they could be demolished the scene is now set to create a vibrant new hub of homes and businesses on the site. We even managed to reclaim some half a million bricks.” The land will become home to 16 flats and four townhouses thanks to a council partnership with affordable housing developer MyPad. It follows four months of demolition work.

Work begins to build new industrial site in Staveley

Tess Egginton
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Work begins to build new industrial site in Staveley
Work has begun to build a new industrial site in Staveley that will help attract new businesses and create more jobs as part of a regional growth strategy. Hartington Commerce Park is a 20-hectare site with outline planning permission for industrial and warehouse development. Work has started with a new access road which will connect the site with Hall Lane. The project is led and owned by Tawnywood Ltd. While primarily funded by the private sector, funding from the Staveley Town Deal is being used for enabling works on the site, including the creation of the new access point and connecting the site with utilities. Once complete Hartington Commerce Park will form part of the Staveley, Chesterfield East Midlands Investment Zone which will support the growth of the advanced manufacturing and clean technology sectors.

Richard Kenyon to lead Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club

April Lara
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Richard Kenyon to lead Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club

Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club has appointed Richard Kenyon as its new Chief Executive, with his tenure set to begin in December.

Kenyon brings extensive leadership experience from his time at Everton Football Club, where he held senior roles including Chief Commercial & Communications Officer and Chief Executive of Everton in the Community. His background includes overseeing large-scale projects such as the development of Everton’s new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock and driving commercial and brand growth initiatives.

“Throughout his career, Richard has demonstrated the ability to lead large, complex organisations through significant transformation while maintaining a strong focus on values, governance, and performance,” said Nottinghamshire Chair Andy Hunt. “His leadership at Everton spanned critical areas including commercial strategy, global brand development, major infrastructure projects, and multi-stakeholder consultation – all directly relevant to the current and future ambitions of our Club.”

Kenyon’s appointment follows the departure of former Chief Executive Lisa Pursehouse. The club is entering a key phase marked by its 2025 County Championship victory, the integration of a tier-one women’s professional team, and ongoing redevelopment work at the historic Trent Bridge Pavilion. Nottinghamshire has also maintained a majority stake in the Trent Rockets.

Until Kenyon’s arrival, Commercial Director Michael Temple will serve as Interim Chief Executive. The appointment marks a strategic move to strengthen the club’s leadership during a period of transformation across English cricket.

Former Derby police station set for major residential conversion

April Lara
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Former Derby police station set for major residential conversion

The former police station on Cotton Lane in Derby is set to be redeveloped into 102 apartments following approval by Derby City Council’s planning committee.

The application, submitted by DCG Investments Ltd, includes 55 one-bedroom and 47 two-bedroom units. Plans also feature 51 on-site parking spaces and 120 cycle spaces.

The building, vacated by Derbyshire Police in 2022 when operations moved to the new Ascot Drive station, has been unused since and described as being in poor condition. It was closed originally in 2017 after being deemed no longer suitable for operational use.

The proposed conversion aims to revitalise a site that has suffered from neglect and vandalism, with developers expected to contribute to local infrastructure and community services under a Section 106 agreement.

The project will add to Derby’s housing supply and forms part of ongoing efforts to repurpose redundant public buildings for residential use.

Forest expand City Ground redevelopment plans

April Lara
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Forest expand City Ground redevelopment plans

Nottingham Forest has lodged new proposals with Rushcliffe Borough Council for a major redevelopment of the City Ground, which would increase its capacity to around 45,000.

The club’s earlier plan to rebuild the Peter Taylor Stand was approved earlier this year, raising capacity from 30,000 to 35,000. The revised submission outlines a larger expansion, including infilling the corners of the Trent End Stand and upgrading the surrounding infrastructure.

Under the proposal, the Peter Taylor Stand would deliver about 10,000 additional seats, with nearly half allocated to corporate hospitality. The Trent End extensions would accommodate a further 5,000 supporters. The scheme also features new pedestrian access routes, car parking areas, and landscaping improvements.

Plans to include 170 residential units near the stadium have been removed. The redevelopment will involve demolishing several existing structures, including the Sims and Britannia boathouses, residential buildings, and previously approved facilities such as the Peter Taylor Stand, Champion Centre, and club shop.

Savills is overseeing the planning process for Forest, which has not yet confirmed a final capacity figure pending completion of the final designs.

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