Children’s charity secures support from scaffolding specialists
Big-hearted team mates at Midland Scaffolding Services have pledged to take on an ultra-marathon charity challenge in a bid to raise thousands of pounds to help disabled children.
Charity champions at the Northamptonshire-based business have been inspired to undertake the fitness feat after colleague Gary Rouse’s daughter Poppy was born with Down’s syndrome and a serious heart condition, TOF, for which she underwent urgent surgery in September.
Northampton father-of-15 Gary, who’s worked at Midland Scaffolding Services (MSS) for 26 years, welcomed the support shown by the business where contracts director Ben Ekins and estimator Jordan Harrison, have pledged to run 50 Miles for Poppy to raise thousands for the charity Caudwell Children.
Numerous businesses within the industry have also shown their support for the fundraising campaign, donating prizes for a charity raffle. The company will stage a special family fun day for its team and their families to welcome Ben and Jordan across the finish line at the end of their charity challenge, which will see the dynamic duo run from Birmingham to Northampton on September 19.
Doting dad Gary said since baby Poppy’s arrival in December it has been an emotional and anxious time for him and his partner Natalie, with months of ongoing hospital admissions, medical appointments with heart specialists and getting to grips with tube feeding.
He said: “Obviously our time with Poppy has been enjoyable, but it’s been hard work, the hardest time of our lives probably. We’ve known since day one she’d need to have her operation – it’s really tough but we are battling on through.”
The Northampton couple also have to juggle a hectic home life where the majority of their 15 children still live and are now coming to terms with the fact Poppy needed heart surgery in September, sooner than they had originally anticipated.
In the run up to the charity challenge, caring colleagues Ben and Jordan have been busy clocking up the miles training for the run of their lives.
Ben said: “We’re hoping to raise £20,000, however if we can beat that target it would be amazing. We chose the charity because it helps so many families and as Poppy progresses through her life the charity will be there to help with whatever she needs.
“We’re staging our family fun day at the finish line as we always hold an annual event for charity and this is very close to our hearts as it is for one of our own we are doing this for.”
Having recently become a parent for the first time, Poppy’s story particularly hit home for Jordan. He said: “This cause is so close to our hearts because Gary has served with us for so long and being a new father myself it very much resonates with me. We’ve got to finish this for Poppy – there’s a little girl we need to help fund money for so she and her family can have as good a life as possible in the future.”
Gary’s willing his team mates to cross the finish line. “It’s amazing what they are doing. I’d say to them both, good luck, believe in yourself. If you believe you will conquer it. It will be tough but I am sure somehow you will get across the line.”
The money raised will go to Caudwell Children; the charity strives to give disabled and autistic children the confidence and ability to reach their full potential.
Claire Marshall, CEO at Caudwell Children, said: “We are deeply inspired by Ben and Jordan’s incredible 50-mile challenge, and so grateful they chose to support Caudwell Children.
“Their generosity directly helps children like Poppy, helping them access the support, tools and opportunities they need to thrive. Whether it’s through autism assessments, short breaks, mobility and sensory equipment, or our Shaping Futures programme, we personalise our support to every child’s strengths and needs.
“We want to ensure that every disabled and neurodivergent child has the chance to achieve their dreams and reach their full potential, on their own terms.”
Gary added: “I knew it would be a tough year and the whole of this year has been tough. But if we can get to the end of it, Poppy’s had the operation, there’s some sort of improvement and we start going in the right direction, then it might feel a bit better.”
To support or donate visit 50 Miles For Poppy is fundraising for Caudwell Children
Amazon launches free innovation training for East Midlands businesses
Amazon is offering free training to East Midlands small and medium-sized businesses through its Innovation Accelerator programme. The event will take place at the company’s Kegworth fulfilment centre on 18 September.
The one-day programme provides in-person workshops led by Amazon leaders, focusing on innovation practices, operational efficiency, and leadership. Attendees will also tour the Kegworth fulfilment centre to observe Amazon’s technology and processes in action.
Participants gain access to an online learning platform covering AI, digitisation, innovation, leadership, and operational strategy. Businesses completing the programme may receive recognition as an AIA Innovation Leader.
Applications for the programme are open until 12 September. Spaces are limited and registration is required for participation.
Pelham
Pelham’s mission is to design high quality, sustainable developments across the East Midlands, shaping places that support people’s wellbeing.
Owned by Nottingham Community Housing Association (NCHA), the combined teams benefit from almost 50 years of knowledge and experience in delivering quality schemes throughout the region. And as a social enterprise business, any surplus made goes back into providing more homes in its communities.
Working in 33 different local authority areas, Pelham’s specialist architects and development services work with a range of clients to bring their plans to life, delivering creative, energy efficient housing solutions, including small infill projects, private housing, affordable housing, rural housing, care homes and large urban developments.
Pelham collaborates closely with clients and the local community to ensure that projects meet the agreed timescales, budget and aspirations of everyone involved.
A flagship development for Pelham has been the mixed-use regeneration scheme at Farnborough Road, Clifton, seeing the transformation of a former, derelict college site into a vibrant new community – delivering high-quality, affordable homes and a modern new workplace. The development showcases how thoughtful design can revitalise a neighbourhood.
The scheme provides 56 homes for older people (apartments and bungalows), 14 supported living apartments, and a brand-new office for NCHA. Existing sports facilities were retained and enhanced as a key community asset.
To learn more about Pelham, please visit https://www.pelham.co.uk/
Miller Knight
Miller Knight are a leading multi-discipline contractor, based in Mansfield, recognised for excellence in regional regeneration, refurbishment, facilities management and national remedial fire services.
Working across the public and private sectors, on schemes across education, health, commercial, blue light and residential, the firm’s specialised divisions work seamlessly together, providing comprehensive, full-turnkey solutions tailored to meet a project’s unique needs.
What sets Miller Knight apart is a commitment to providing a comprehensive, in-house workforce dedicated to supporting a client’s building needs from start to finish. With over two decades of experience in the construction industry, the firm continually invest in the skills and knowledge for their team, ensuring they remain at the forefront of industry standards and best practices.
Notably, they secured their flagship £17 million remedial fire project at The Gateway student accommodation in Lincoln, exemplifying their expanding capabilities and trust within the industry.
In hand with this, 2025 has seen Miller Knight win prestigious framework appointments, progress standout regeneration projects and deepen its commitment to safety, quality and social value. A major highlight has been the appointment to Fusion21’s national Building Safety and Compliance Framework, affirming the company’s role in helping public sector clients meet evolving fire safety obligations under the Building Safety Act.
In April, the company hosted the industry-leading Building Safety Forum, featuring keynote speaker Dame Judith Hackitt DBE and a panel of cross-industry experts. The event addressed critical challenges in fire safety, sparking discussion on product traceability, regulatory change and the urgent need for better collaboration across the supply chain.
The company’s regeneration credentials have continued to grow too, with a range of projects across diverse sectors, including the regeneration of the new Cornerstone Theatre in Sutton-in-Ashfield, involving the renovation and reconfiguration of the existing theatre and installation of specialist theatre fit-out works, including fly systems, rigging, project, lighting, and audio visual performance systems.
Growing their service offerings has allowed them to build strong working relationships with a range of clients across the East Midlands, including Center Parcs, Nottingham College, WQE College, and a range of local authorities, including Erewash, Broxtowe, Ashfield, and Mansfield.
Alongside project delivery, the company continues to exceed its social value targets, partnering with clients such as Ashfield District Council, Moat Homes and MHA to support local employment, skills development and community investment to create long-lasting positive impacts in the communities they serve.
To learn more about Miller Knight, please visit https://www.miller-knight.com/
Taziker appointed to lead Corporation Road Bridge restoration
Restoration work has resumed on Corporation Road Bridge in North East Lincolnshire, following the appointment of Taziker, a UK-based bridge restoration specialist.
The Chorley-headquartered company has over 50 years of experience in repairing and conserving historic and complex structures across the country. Its portfolio includes the Grade I listed Royal Albert Bridge in Cornwall, a National Trust Grade B listed bridge in Scotland, and the 1779 Iron Bridge in Shropshire, recognised as the world’s first iron bridge.
The project recently secured a £495,000 grant from Historic England to support the bridge’s restoration. Taziker’s appointment comes shortly after the funding announcement, positioning the firm to manage the next phase of works on the structure.
The restoration forms part of North East Lincolnshire Council’s broader efforts to maintain and preserve key transport infrastructure while ensuring heritage structures are carefully conserved.
North East Lincolnshire launches new business support guide
North East Lincolnshire Council has introduced a comprehensive Business Support Guide designed to assist enterprises across the borough in growth and development.
The borough hosts nearly 5,000 registered businesses, spanning a wide range of sectors. The guide provides practical information on funding opportunities, recruitment strategies, and marketing resources tailored to local companies.
Compiled by InvestNEL, the council’s economy and funding team, the guide features free and subsidised support from organisations including Business Lincolnshire, Job Centre Plus, and the Federation of Small Businesses. It will be regularly updated to ensure North East Lincolnshire companies have access to the latest tools and programmes.
The guide is accessible for download via the InvestNEL Business Support page. Council initiatives, such as the ongoing redevelopment of Freshney Place, aim to complement these resources by strengthening the local business environment and supporting sustainable economic growth.
ONYX Insight acquires blade specialist ELEVEN-I
ONYX Insight, the Macquarie Capital-backed provider of predictive analytics for the wind industry, has acquired ELEVEN‑I, a specialist in condition monitoring and advanced analytics for wind turbine blades.
Founded in 2019, ELEVEN-I specialises in performance, condition and structural health monitoring of wind turbine blades. This transaction strengthens ONYX Insight’s whole-turbine predictive maintenance platform with the addition of proven blade monitoring capability – giving operators a single place to monitor and manage whole turbine risk, avoid catastrophic failures, and optimise maintenance across their fleets.
“As wind turbines grow in size and complexity, blade reliability has become a critical operational risk. Failures don’t just drive unplanned O&M costs – they can escalate into catastrophic events, including blade detachment and full turbine collapse,” said Dr Zhiwei Zhang, chief commercial officer of ONYX Insight.
“Through years of research and testing, ELEVEN-I has developed cutting edge sensors and damage detection software allowing for quick data capture and analysis, ensuring difficult-to-detect structural changes are identified and blades can achieve optimal performance.”
Bill Slatter, CEO of ELEVEN‑I, said: “We founded ELEVEN‑I to help wind operators understand how their blades perform under real-world conditions. Becoming part of ONYX Insight allows us to scale that mission globally, combining ELEVEN-I’s deep technical expertise with ONYX Insight’s industry-leading predictive analytics to enhance blade reliability globally.”
College and housebuilder join forces to support construction students
Moulton College and Davidsons Homes have formed a strategic partnership as part of a national initiative to support young people entering the construction industry.
The Partner a College programme has been launched by the Home Builders Federation (HBF) as part of moves to bridge the gap between education and employment and strengthen practical skills development.
With less than 40 percent of construction students in Further Education entering the sector, the Construction Industry Training Board-funded initiative is set to strengthen links between building firms and colleges across the UK.
Midlands-based Davidsons Homes and Moulton College will work closely together to deliver training and skills development that will help fill the local skills gap and improve the progression rate of Moulton College’s students into the industry.
The partnership will include a range of opportunities for Moulton College’s construction students, including work experience and site visits to Davidsons Homes projects, alongside mentoring, careers advice, and student competitions.
Moulton College’s construction lecturers will also benefit from the donation of materials and products from the firm to enhance practical learning for their students. Davidsons Homes, which has head offices in Leicestershire and Northamptonshire, will also have a direct input on the College curriculum to ensure learning aligns with site demands.
Fran Beet, group HR director at Davidsons Homes, said: “As an industry, we have a huge opportunity through the Partner a College programme to work directly with colleges and shape the way young people prepare for careers in housebuilding.
“By combining classroom learning with real-world experience, we can give students the skills and confidence they need to succeed, while ensuring our sector has the talent it needs for the future. This collaboration is about inspiring the next generation and building a stronger pathway from education into employment.”
Oliver Symons, principal & chief executive of Moulton College, added: “We are proud to be part of the Partner a College pilot and to work alongside leading employers to shape the future of construction skills. At Moulton, we see firsthand the talent and ambition of our students. This initiative will give them the vital site-based experience and industry insight they need to thrive.
“By aligning what happens in the College with the reality of modern construction, we can equip people with the confidence, skills, and opportunities to build lasting careers, while helping the sector to address critical skills shortages. This is an exciting step forward for both education and industry, and we are delighted to be at the forefront of it.”
83 new homes approved in Sibsey
Planning and design consultancy Boyer has secured planning consent on behalf of Towey Homes for a new 83-home scheme in Sibsey, Lincolnshire. The development secured unanimous approval from East Lindsey District Council’s planning committee.
At the 3.8-hectare site in Sibsey, four miles north of Boston, the housebuilder will deliver 83 homes in a variety of types and styles, including four one-bedroom maisonettes, 11 two-bedroom homes, 44 three-bedroom homes and 24 four-bedroom homes.
The development will provide tree-lined streets, landscaped public spaces and a Local Equipped Area of Play (LEAP). In addition, the scheme will contribute to local infrastructure through Section 106 funding for the NHS and education provision.
Olivia Price, planner in Boyer’s Midlands office, said: “There were a number of significant viability challenges to overcome in bringing this scheme forward.
“We worked closely with the council and consultees to ensure that appropriate levels of infrastructure could be delivered to meet local need, including the additional requirements brought about by this new development. I’m delighted that we were able to achieve a viable and policy-compliant solution, which was unanimously supported by committee.”
SF Recruitment opens first German office in Frankfurt
SF Recruitment has launched its first international office in Frankfurt, targeting finance and accountancy recruitment across the Rhein-Main region. The move expands the company’s footprint beyond its established UK offices in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Nottingham, and Leicester.
The Frankfurt branch will support cross-border hiring, connecting UK businesses entering European markets with local talent, and helping German companies fill specialised finance roles. The office will be led by Lisa Drumm, a finance recruitment specialist with local market expertise, backed by SF Recruitment’s 26 years of sector experience.
To coincide with the opening, SF Recruitment is partnering with AICPA, CIMA, and the British Chamber of Commerce in Germany to host its first German event, The Power of Finance Storytelling, in Berlin on 18 September.
Founded more than 25 years ago, SF Recruitment operates across five sectors: Finance & Accountancy, Professional Services, Technology, Engineering, and Executive. The Frankfurt expansion marks the company’s first step into the European market.
