Derby city centre redevelopment plans move to next consultation phase

April Lara
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Derby city centre redevelopment plans move to next consultation phase

Developers have released updated proposals for the regeneration of Derby’s Market Place as the project enters a fresh round of public engagement. VINCI UK Developments and Ion Developments, working with Derby City Council, are seeking further input before submitting an outline planning application in early 2026.

The masterplan focuses on redeveloping the former Assembly Rooms site and surrounding streets, with plans for new commercial, cultural, and hospitality assets. DerbyWORKS is set to introduce Grade A office space aimed at strengthening the city’s business environment, while DerbyHOTEL is proposed as a full-service four-star hotel to support local tourism and corporate travel.

DerbyMADE, the cultural hub first consulted on earlier this year, has been updated in response to public feedback. The latest concept includes flexible public space for studying, meeting, or working, a small music venue, cultural and exhibition areas, a dedicated co-working space, an additional family-focused library, and a range of food and beverage units, including a rooftop bar.

Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Leader of Derby City Council and Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Strategy and Policy, commented: “The Market Place is an important part of Derby’s identity, and we know that our residents are eager to share their thoughts and help shape the future of the site. This is an opportunity for everyone who works, lives or visits Derby to share have their say on the latest plans before a full planning application is submitted in the new year.

“We’re excited to move into this next part of the process to transform the space into a vibrant part of the city centre that connects communities, supports local businesses, and celebrates the best of Derby.”

Richard Fagg, Development Director from VINCI UK Developments, commented: “These plans build on the exciting DerbyMADE vision and will form a key part of Derby’s ongoing city centre transformation. This part of the city centre has huge potential, and our partnership aims to deliver a place that reflects Derby’s ambition and creativity. Our goal is to create a destination that residents can be proud of, one that attracts investment, delivers new jobs and brings new life to the heart of the city.”

The consultation will open online from 21 November to 19 December. A drop-in event will take place on 21 November at Derby City Lab in the Market Hall, giving businesses and residents the chance to explore the proposals and speak with the project team before the planning submission is prepared.

8-acre site acquired for residential development in historic Leicestershire village

Tess Egginton
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8-acre site acquired for residential development in historic Leicestershire village
Cameron Homes has acquired a 7.9-acre site in the west Leicestershire village of Witherley with outline planning for 50 houses. Accessed from Kennel Lane, the site is close to the A5 and M42 and equidistant from Birmingham and Leicester city centres. The open pasture land was brought to market by Fisher German, having been promoted through the planning system by Hollins Strategic Land. Cameron Homes has appointed White Ridge Architecture to prepare a Reserved Matters Planning Application for submission during Q1 2026. John Hickman, group land director for Tara Group and Cameron Homes, said: “We have a long history of developing quality homes around Atherstone and across the Borough, so we’re delighted to acquire this prime site. As we make strategic moves to expand our area of operation and increase the number of homes we deliver year on year, the popular Leicestershire and North Warwickshire commuter villages are a key target. “This land is a natural extension to Witherley village and convenient for amenities and schooling. We look forward to submitting a Reserved Matters application early next year and working with the Borough Council, stakeholders, elected members and local people as it progresses through the planning system.” The exterior elevations of the 50 homes will be traditionally styled with red and brown brickwork to complement the Georgian architecture prevalent within Witherley. The latest green energy features will be incorporated into the scheme, with a high EPC rating targeted. Specification highlights will include Smart Hive thermostats, electric vehicle car chargers, and solar PV panels.

WBR Group strengthens tax proposition with key promotion

Tess Egginton
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WBR Group strengthens tax proposition with key promotion
WBR Group (WBR), the independent provider of SSAS administration and integrated professional services, has appointed Callum James as tax director. Callum joined WBR Group in 2024 as senior tax manager, bringing over 10 years of experience in accountancy and tax advisory. He started his career at Mark J Rees, where he became a qualified accountant and tax adviser, before moving to Cottons Group, where he specialised in tax advice. Since joining WBR Group, Callum has delivered expert guidance on a broad spectrum of tax planning strategies, leveraging his technical expertise to craft tailored solutions for business owners and high-net-worth individuals, particularly focused on estate planning. In his new role, Callum will be responsible for driving the continued development of WBR Group’s tax advisory services and ensuring the continued delivery of excellent client service. This appointment reflects WBR Group’s commitment to investing in talent and strengthening its leadership team as the business continues to expand its market presence. Lucas Harding-Cox, chief technical officer of WBR Group, said: “We are delighted to see Callum step into the role of director. His dedication to our clients and forward thinking approach has already made a significant impact at WBR Group. We look forward to seeing him help shape the future of our tax advisory services and further strengthen the value we deliver to our clients.”

Demolition starts on dilapidated Kirkby building to make way for new apartments

Tess Egginton
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Demolition starts on dilapidated Kirkby building to make way for new apartments

This week, the demolition of the dilapidated former factory shop on Ellis Street, Kirkby, has begun.

Ashfield District Council purchased the building earlier this year with plans to construct a more attractive building. The site will welcome a modern apartment complex featuring a flexible ground floor space, bringing town centre living to Kirkby.

Demolition is expected to be completed by the new year, allowing work to start on the new building. During the demolition, the wood, metal, bricks and concrete will be separated out to be recycled and reused in the new build, wherever possible.

The project is one piece of the Council’s wider aims of regenerating town centres across the District to attract more investment, support local businesses, provide more jobs for local people, more quality housing, and to improve quality of life.

Councillor Matthew Relf, executive lead for growth, regeneration and local planning, said: “It’s fantastic to see progress on this project now with demolition well underway. This site has been steadily deteriorating over the years, and its central location made it one of the top contenders for our regeneration plans.

“The North Kirkby Gateway project will bring a wonderful new building looking out across the plaza, bringing new commercial and residential spaces right into our town centre. This will help increase footfall in the town centre and help frame the plaza, bringing more buzz and activity back to Kirkby.

“This is yet another of our many regeneration projects moving through to delivery, helping make Ashfield a fantastic place to live, work, study, shop, and play.”

This project is one of 21 which are funded by the Council’s combined £70m Towns Fund and Future High Streets Fund.

Sports marketing agency moves HQ to Silverstone Park

Tess Egginton
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Sports marketing agency moves HQ to Silverstone Park
Ignition Collective, a marketing agency specialising in sports and entertainment, has relocated its head office to Silverstone Park, positioning the business at the centre of the UK’s motorsport ecosystem. The move, the agency says, reinforces its motorsport roots as it broadens its creative capabilities across other sectors. Carrie Russell, founder of Ignition, said: “We’re a team that thrives on energy, momentum and big ideas, and what better place to reflect that than Silverstone Park? “We wanted a space that inspires creativity and collaboration, and, frankly, somewhere that has the ‘wow factor’ every time you walk through the door. Mission accomplished.” With a track record in managing campaigns in sectors such as Formula One, with major brand clients like Ford and Castrol, the relocation counters the trend of London-centric creative services.

Nottingham chemical manufacturer assists energy transition with largest-ever order

Tess Egginton
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Nottingham chemical manufacturer assists energy transition with largest-ever order
A Nottingham chemical manufacturer has declared that its technology is “ready to make a difference” after it delivered its largest-ever order to a firm which is looking to develop a cheaper and more energy-efficient way to store gas. Promethean Particles, which is based in Midland Way, says that the deal, which involved shipping four tonnes of a material called metal-organic framework (MOF) to a customer on mainland Europe, is a breakthrough which could help in the fight against climate change. MOFs are crystalline structures which are capable of trapping and holding vast quantities of gases, including carbon dioxide, making them ideal for use in storing gases and in carbon capture technologies. However, issues with manufacturing them reliably and cost-effectively in large quantities have so far prevented them from being used on an industrial scale. Promethean Particles has developed its own proprietary manufacturing process, which has drastically increased the quantities of MOFs it can produce while reducing the cost. It means that the firm is now able to supply companies which want to use MOFs for different applications including, in this case, finding innovative ways of storing larger volumes of gas in tanks to increase energy efficiency and reduce costs. James Stephenson, chief executive officer of Promethean Particles, said: “This four-tonne order represents the accomplishment of a major milestone in our MOF manufacturing and is something our entire team is incredibly proud of. “Until recently, MOFs have largely only ever been produced in the grams and kilograms scales. We have now shown that it is possible to manufacture them affordably and rapidly at the tonnes scale, and without sacrificing the critical performance quality our customers are looking for in their applications. “Our company has spent many months expanding our team and developing our production capabilities to make MOFs at this scale. “Bearing in mind the huge potential MOFs have for tackling climate change, we’ve proven that our technology is ready to make a difference, which is why there was a great deal of excitement when the final consignment left our site.” The past 12 months have seen significant growth at Promethean Particles, following the closure of an £8 million Series A funding round led by Mercia Ventures and Aramco Ventures. The investment has been used to scale up manufacturing capacity, expand the team, and demonstrate MOFs’ role in carbon capture and other energy-sensitive applications in support of the wider energy transition.

Affordable housing scheme moves towards approval in Nottingham

April Lara
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Affordable housing scheme moves towards approval in Nottingham

A revised plan to redevelop a former plastics factory in Bestwood is expected to secure approval this week, paving the way for more than 100 affordable homes on a long-disused site. Nottingham City Council’s planning committee is set to consider the proposals for the former Chronos Richardson site off Wyton Close, with officers recommending approval.

The scheme, submitted by MyPad and Nottingham Community Housing Association, outlines 113 affordable units made up of 95 two-storey houses and 18 flats across three low-rise blocks. It replaces an earlier 2022 consent for 62 homes and a supermarket that was never progressed.

Planning documents state the project would include new public spaces and landscaping to support future residents and improve the wider area. The development is positioned to expand local housing supply and bring the brownfield site back into productive use, offering benefits for construction firms, suppliers, and service providers once work begins.

Alliance Automotive Group acquires Chesterfield’s Autosupplies

Tess Egginton
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Alliance Automotive Group acquires Chesterfield’s Autosupplies
Alliance Automotive Group UK and Ireland (AAG) has acquired Autosupplies, a Chesterfield-based motor factor and paint mixing specialist. Established in 1990, Autosupplies provides automotive parts and accessories to garages and trade customers across Yorkshire, the Midlands, and beyond. Its acquisition by Alliance Automotive Group marks another significant step in AAG’s continued expansion in the UK aftermarket sector. AAG operates a network of more than 300 local stores and 20 regional distribution centres across the UK and Ireland, supported by a 1,000,000 sq ft National Distribution Centre. The acquisition further expands its presence and capabilities within the independent aftermarket. David Clarke, the founder of Autosupplies, was advised on the transaction by Flint Bishop. Mark Wilcock, partner in Flint Bishop’s Corporate Finance team, said: “Autosupplies has been a trusted name in the automotive sector for over 30 years, and joining Alliance Automotive Group opens an exciting new chapter for the business. “Personally, having acted for David and Autosupplies for a number of years, I was delighted that Flint Bishop and I could support him through this important milestone. Congratulations to everyone involved on completing this deal.”

Acquisition sees Boots expand testing and diagnostics offer

Tess Egginton
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Acquisition sees Boots expand testing and diagnostics offer
Boots has completed its acquisition of Concepta Diagnostics, an at-home healthcare and wellness test company, from MyHealthChecked PLC as it seeks to expand its private testing and diagnostics offer. The development will enable Boots to offer customers an end-to-end testing journey that empowers them to learn more about their health through at-home testing kits and act on the results by connecting them to expert advice from a clinician alongside products and services that could help. Concepta has a range of over 20 at-home health and wellness test devices within its portfolio, alongside a proprietary digital platform that can connect with laboratories, point of care test devices and wearables. The platform also allows expert clinicians to share personalised advice to customers in line with their test results. Additional functionality enables customers to easily share their test results with their GP through integration with Patient Knows Best and the NHS App. Jamie Kerruish, chief healthcare officer at Boots, said: “We know our customers increasingly want to better understand their health through testing services. Our ambition is to offer a best-in-class service that not only provides customers with valuable insights but also recommends products and services that can support their personalised needs. “Our acquisition of Concepta Diagnostics will help us to realise this ambition. We have had a fantastic partnership with MyHealthChecked ever since the important work we did together through COVID. We are so excited to make this new phase even stronger, helping more people across the UK take control of their health to achieve better health outcomes that will improve their lives. “The development will also support our partners across the NHS by offering personalised support to customers based on their test results, potentially saving GP appointments, as well as by allowing customers to more easily share their private test results with NHS providers.” Boots will integrate Concepta Diagnostics’ products and services into its own. The acquisition will boost the health, wellness and beauty retailer’s expertise in testing and diagnostics. MyHealthChecked PLC CEO Penny McCormick will join the Boots team to lead testing and diagnostics.

Marks Electrical reports interim loss but signals stabilisation

April Lara
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0
Marks Electrical reports interim loss but signals stabilisation

Marks Electrical has reported a pre-tax loss of £574,000 for the six months to 30 September 2025, narrowing from £1 million a year earlier. Revenue for the period fell from £58.8m to £53m as the retailer navigated intense competition and rising operating costs.

The company attributed higher cost pressures to increases in the National Minimum Wage, National Insurance contributions, and the ongoing rollout of its D365 system. Management outlined steps already taken to offset these additional costs.

The business recorded a return to revenue growth and improved profitability in October, aligning with internal forecasts. Leadership said these early signs support confidence in the full-year performance and the longer-term operational plan.

Marks Electrical stated it has invested in strengthening its internal infrastructure to support future growth, highlighting ongoing efforts to reinforce service standards and operational resilience.

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