WTR Group acquires Hydromarque to expand water infrastructure capabilities

April Lara
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WTR Group acquires Hydromarque to expand water infrastructure capabilities

WTR Group has completed the acquisition of UK-based Hydromarque, adding one of Europe’s most established industrial pump distributors to its expanding water and wastewater portfolio. The deal brings together two specialists operating in critical infrastructure markets as the UK enters a significant period of capital investment.

Hydromarque supplies self-priming centrifugal, submersible, and gear pumps used across sewage transfer, wastewater handling, and aircraft refuelling. It also distributes pumps for the transport of hot oil and vegetable products, positioning it as a key equipment partner for food manufacturers. Since receiving investment from BCF Equity Partners in 2021, the business has expanded its role within the UK water sector and strengthened ties with major utilities.

The acquisition comes ahead of AMP8, the £104 billion investment cycle driving widespread upgrades across the UK water network. Hydromarque’s established position as a distributor of Gorman-Rupp pumps positions it well to support deliveries during this programme.

Simon Stephenson – BCF Equity Partners, said, “It has been a pleasure working with the Hydromarque team, led by the MD Rob Newcombe and we wish them well in their next chapter of growth. We would like to thank the lead advisors Ed Wesson and Cameron Rothwell of Bishopsgate Corporate Finance, John Heaphy and Grace Hill of Freeths for legal advice and Peter Hully of Claritas for tax support.”

WTR Group, backed by Aspira Partners, operates across Northern Europe with a focus on water and wastewater technology. The addition of Hydromarque enhances its technical capability and broadens its reach within a market facing sustained regulatory and investment pressure.

Plans to unlock £20m of government funding to regenerate Worksop submitted

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Plans to unlock £20m of government funding to regenerate Worksop submitted

Plans to unlock £20m of government funding to regenerate Worksop town centre over the next ten years have been submitted.

The Vision and Regeneration Plan, put together by the Worksop Together Board in partnership with Bassetlaw District Council, has been handed to government.

It aims to deliver improvements that matter to the community including safer streets, revitalised public spaces, a vibrant town centre, opportunities for young people, and stronger neighbourhoods.

Andria Birch, CEO of Bassetlaw Community Voluntary Service (BCVS) and chair of the Worksop Together Board, said: “We have worked hard as a Board to ensure that the views of people who live, work and learn in Worksop have directly shaped the plans submitted to the government.

“The plans represent another great example of how communities sit at the heart of effective partnership working in Bassetlaw.

“Pending the decision, the Worksop Together Board is now looking forward to cracking on with delivery and making a positive difference to the priorities that matter most to local people.”

The proposal follows independent consultation and engagement over the summer in which nearly 700 residents, businesses and partners shared their views, concerns and preferences for where the money should be spent.

Cllr Steve Scotthorne, Bassetlaw District Council cabinet member for identity, planning and place, said: “This Vision and Regeneration Plan provides a chance to make real improvements that help Worksop grow into a more thriving, welcoming and sustainable place that people are proud to live in, work in and visit. “Residents, local businesses and community partners have all had their say, sharing ideas and concerns through the consultation process which has played an important part in guiding the direction of the plan to make sure it reflects what the community really wants and needs.”

The government will now consider the submission from the Worksop Together Board and if approved funding will be unlocked from April 2026 onwards.

The £20m government funding over a 10-year period, previously known as Plan for Neighbourhoods has been renamed Pride in Place and aims to build stronger communities, creative thriving places and empower local people.

Center Parcs secures approval for £450m Scottish Borders village

April Lara
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Center Parcs secures approval for £450m Scottish Borders village

Center Parcs has received planning consent to develop a £450 million holiday village near Hawick, marking the company’s first site in Scotland. The project shifts the brand’s footprint into a new region. It introduces a large-scale tourism asset with direct implications for local supply chains, construction partners, and long-term service contracts.

The development will deliver up to 700 accommodation units supported by leisure amenities, retail spaces, food and beverage outlets, a Subtropical Swimming Paradise, and an Aqua Sana Forest Spa. Construction and operational phases are expected to generate multi-year procurement needs across facilities management, engineering, hospitality, logistics, and visitor services.

The site, named Center Parcs Scottish Borders, is targeting an opening date in summer 2029. The project team includes consultancy firm Edmond Shipway, which will oversee project management, cost planning, and mechanical and electrical advisory work.

Local authorities have positioned the scheme as a catalyst for economic activity in the region. The scale of the investment is expected to create new contractor opportunities, expand regional tourism capacity, and provide a long-term anchor for business growth linked to accommodation, infrastructure, and visitor spend.

Nottingham bar and restaurant sold

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Nottingham bar and restaurant sold
Waterside Bar & Kitchen, a well-established hospitality venue in Nottingham city centre, has been sold, returning to the Great Northern Group. Located on the banks of the River Trent and visible from Trent Bridge, Waterside Bar & Kitchen serves a range of beers, cocktails, classic pub meals and small plates. The two-section bar and restaurant seats around 130 people inside, with a large riverside terrace for al fresco dining and drinking. The site is a popular spot for match-goers, sitting in view of the sporting homes of Nottinghamshire Cricket Club, Nottingham Forest, and Notts County. Waterside Bar & Kitchen has been sold to Great Northern Group, who commented: “We are delighted to welcome The Waterside Bar & Kitchen back to the Great Northern Group. In addition to our nearby venues, The Trent Navigation and our newest venue The Big Shed, Waterside will offer a great range of beers, ales and craft beers, a new food menu, met with our high standards of service to create a fantastic customer experience.” Jonty Green, business agent at Christie & Co, managed the sale process and added: “I am delighted to see Waterside return to the Great Northern Group. We knew that we would receive a lot of interest in the site, given its history and location, and following multiple bids from several high quality operators, we are delighted to have completed on this sale and I look forward to seeing the venue thrive.”

Corporate tax director appointed at Rowleys

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Corporate tax director appointed at Rowleys
Leicester-based accountants Rowleys has strengthened its tax advisory offering with the appointment of Matt Allen as corporate tax & OMB director. Matt joins the firm from Azets, bringing extensive experience in corporate tax advisory, transaction tax, mergers and acquisitions, company structuring, and succession planning. Matt began his career training as an accountant and auditor, a role he held until 2015 before moving into tax. He worked as a personal tax compliance manager before moving into tax advisory in 2017. Since then, he has developed deep expertise across a broad range of tax matters, with a particular focus on helping owner-managed and family-run businesses deal with complex tax issues. Matt said: “I’m really excited to be joining Rowleys. Everyone I met during the interview process was incredibly friendly, and the vision for both the firm and my own development really stood out. The team feels like a big family, and after working in a large organisation for several years, I was ready to return to a more close-knit environment where people truly know and support one another. “Rowleys works with many of the clients I love supporting – smaller, owner-managed businesses where specialist tax advice can have a real impact on people’s lives. And of course, the opportunity to work with Clare again was a huge draw. She gave me my first opportunity in tax, and I learned a lot from working with her.” In his new role, Matt will support the firm across a variety of areas, including delivering corporate tax advisory projects, providing general tax support to the wider team, reviewing complex corporation tax returns, leading and developing colleagues, and contributing to Rowleys’ continued growth through networking and client engagement. Clare Clifford, tax partner at Rowleys, said: “Having worked with Matt for several years earlier in his career, I’m absolutely delighted to welcome him to Rowleys. He has a fantastic ability to translate complex tax matters into clear, practical advice that genuinely helps clients move forward. “Matt’s commitment to doing the right thing for owner-managed businesses shines through in everything he does, and I know he will make a hugely positive contribution to both our clients and our team.” Matt is ACCA qualified, having completed his qualification in 2014, and achieved his CTA in 2020.

Champneys purchase secures Buxton Crescent Hotel business and repays council loan

April Lara
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Champneys purchase secures Buxton Crescent Hotel business and repays council loan

The sale of the Buxton Crescent Hotel business to Champneys, working alongside Cheyne Capital, has resulted in the full repayment of a Derbyshire County Council loan linked to the site’s redevelopment. The move provides financial certainty for the authority and marks a new phase for one of the region’s most high-profile hospitality assets.

Champneys will continue operating the hotel and retain its current workforce. The company plans to work with local partners to strengthen Buxton’s visitor economy, offering continuity for businesses and organisations that rely on the venue’s draw.

Councillor Graves said, “This is a great day for Buxton and Derbyshire. The future of this iconic hotel is secure, protecting jobs in the town and continuing to attract visitors to the area. And I’m pleased to confirm that the original loan provided by Derbyshire County Council to support the restoration of the Grade I Listed Crescent and adjoining Natural Baths has now been fully repaid.”

Only the hotel business has changed hands. The building remains in joint public ownership between Derbyshire County Council and High Peak Borough Council, ensuring continued stewardship of the Grade I Listed property as Champneys takes over day-to-day operations.

Frasers Group acquires Swindon Designer Outlet

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Frasers Group acquires Swindon Designer Outlet

Shirebrook-headquartered Frasers Group has acquired Swindon Designer Outlet as it works toward a vision of building “the planet’s most admired and compelling brand ecosystem.”

Through acquisitions of strategic physical retail locations like Swindon, Frasers Group aims to support key brand partners’ outlet strategies – including Nike, adidas, BOSS.

Swindon Designer Outlet, which opened in 1997, totals 250,000 sq ft and attracts over 3 million visitors annually. This deal comes just a month after the Group’s strategic acquisition of Braehead Shopping Centre.

Michael Murray, CEO of Frasers Group, said: “Physical retail is central to our Elevation Strategy and investing in Swindon – one of the UK’s top five outlets by footfall – strengthens our position as both retailer and landlord. This acquisition reinforces our property strategy and unlocks new opportunities for our brands and our partners.”

Frasers Group was advised by James Keany, executive director, head of national agency at CBRE on the acquisition.

Revenue on the rise at Gateley despite £3m pre-Budget hit

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Revenue on the rise at Gateley despite £3m pre-Budget hit

Revenue is on the rise at Gateley, the professional services group, despite taking an estimated £3m hit due to pre-Budget transactional inertia.

According to unaudited half year results for the six months ended 31 October 2025, group revenue reached £94.3m, growing from £86.3m in the same period of the year prior.

Group profit before tax, meanwhile, increased to £6.3m from £3.3m. The results follow Gateley’s acquisition of Groom Wilkes & Wright (GWW) in September for an initial consideration of £5.73m, with GWW performing ahead of initial expectations. Overall, Gateley noted that activity levels are ahead of last year, despite the material pre-Budget deceleration in transactional services activity.  

Rod Waldie, CEO of Gateley, said: “I am very pleased with the Group’s trading performance in H1 26. Each of our Platforms grew revenue despite inertia in transactional activity, induced by pre-Budget uncertainty as we progressed through Q2, as compared with very strong transactional activity throughout Q2 FY 25.

“Overall, we are very pleased with the Group’s organic revenue growth (8.6%). This primarily resulted from, firstly, focusing on higher value work alongside the implementation of our previously announced enhanced pricing and conversion-to-fees policies and procedures and, secondly, solid returns from recent investments in some of our established, market-leading services.

“These strong organic improvements validate our ongoing patient investment in new systems and service lines and underpins our confidence in delivering margin expansion despite the shorter-term impact of pre-Budget inertia. Our balance sheet provides a strong foundation to further invest in both legal and consultancy services.

“As always, I would like to thank our clients for their support and our dedicated people for their ongoing hard work, commitment and can-do attitude.”

Capacity to double at Glossop’s Victoria Hall following council funding

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Capacity to double at Glossop’s Victoria Hall following council funding
Building work starting in the New Year will make Glossop’s Victoria Hall accessible for all users for the first time, allowing for bigger and more inclusive events and activities. High Peak Borough Council is committing capital spending of just over £487,500 to support the hall’s development, an amount that is being supplemented with £125,000 funding from the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). The historic venue, built to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1887, will regain use of its original west entrance/exit on Fauvel Street and get new ground-floor toilets, including disabled facilities, enabling it to double its capacity from 60 to 120 people. Contractors for the council will continue the first phase of refurbishments to Victoria Hall, adding to a recently upgraded kitchen. The ground floor will gain an accessible toilet and new male and female toilets. Reinstating an exit door to the west flank of the main hall will enable better fire-safe exits from the hall. Works to improve the basement are also being planned. The hall will re-open to the public in spring 2026. Its volunteer management company is now calling for local people who can contribute time or expertise to help run the hall’s community arts programme and realise its next phase of development – the reopening of the original first-floor theatre and ballroom space. Councillor Damien Greenhalgh, deputy leader and executive member for regeneration, tourism and leisure, said: “Victoria Hall is a fantastic community venue, and our community partners the Friends Group do an amazing job organising and coordinating the wide range of activities that take place here. “It’s one of Glossop’s most important heritage buildings, and I know from my own happy memories here just how special it is to local people. That’s why I’m delighted the Council is investing in the facilities and amenities, so that it can accommodate more people and more of the events that people so enjoy. “We’re safeguarding the future of the building, enabling it to continue to be a place that all the community can use now and for years to come. It’s another project we can be proud of and more good news for our town.” Sonja Quirk from the CIC said: “The necessary and essential health and safety and accessibility enhancements should allow the Council and Friends to offer inclusive access to the well supported community activities currently enjoyed in the ground floor hall. “It is hoped the larger capacity will greatly improve the Glossop offer for larger performance and artistic events in this important local heritage landmark building. “This progress and the local demand for good performance space should go a long way to assist our partners’ use of the building. It will also support external funding bids to recognise this unique historic building and help us bring back into use the impressive larger first floor performance space. This area alone will require substantial investment.”

2026 Business Predictions: Nick Taylor-Ward ACII, Chartered Insurance Broker and Client Director at Konsileo

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2026 Business Predictions: Nick Taylor-Ward ACII, Chartered Insurance Broker and Client Director at Konsileo
It’s that time of year, when Business Link Magazine invites the region’s business leaders to offer up their predictions for the year ahead.  It has become something of a tradition, given that we’ve been doing this now for over 30 years. Here we speak to Nick Taylor-Ward ACII, Chartered Insurance Broker and Client Director at Konsileo. It’s easy to paint 2026 as doom and gloom, but the reality is more nuanced. I expect the economy to remain fairly flat, with modest growth. Consumer spending will likely stay subdued, largely due to the ongoing cost pressures of energy and food driven by inflation. The talent shortage across the UK is expected to persist, which means businesses will increasingly turn to AI tools to support all aspects of their operations, including:
  • Customer service
  • Sales automation
  • Risk analytics
  • Design
As organisations rely more on computing power and digital systems, cyber risk grows. Advanced phishing, social engineering, AI-generated fraud, and supply-chain cyber incidents will become more frequent. Ransomware, in particular, will remain one of the largest operational threats for organisations of all sizes. I anticipate some very large, record-breaking cyber-attacks with substantial financial losses. The cyber insurance market is set to surge in response. Insurers will increasingly use AI to tighten underwriting requirements, scrutinise supply chains, and ensure organisations demonstrate robust cyber defences and adequate insurance coverage. Legislative changes to watch The Cyber Security and Resilience Bill is expected to come into force in 2026, introducing significant new obligations. Organisations should start preparing now by:
  • Conducting a comprehensive cyber risk assessment
  • Building or updating an incident response plan
  • Strengthening cyber controls such as multi-factor authentication and least-privilege access
  • Developing a supply chain resilience plan
  • Training all staff and updating internal policies
Equally important is the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 (DUAA), often referred to as the UK’s “new GDPR.” This Act covers access to both customer and business data, not just personal data. Key elements include:
  • Protecting children and vulnerable groups
  • A new lawful basis for processing: Recognised Legitimate Interests, allowing processing for purposes such as crime prevention, safeguarding, or emergencies
  • Replacement of the ICO with a new Information Commission, which will have stronger enforcement powers, including expanded audit and inspection authority
Implications for the insurance sector In the insurance world, cyber insurance claims are expected to increase significantly, reflecting the growing frequency and severity of cyber events. However, businesses that demonstrate strong resilience and risk management practices may see improved rates in other lines, such as property, professional indemnity, and general liability. Overall, while 2026 brings challenges, it also presents opportunities for organisations to strengthen their resilience, adopt advanced technologies, and engage proactively with new regulatory frameworks. If there are any niggles keeping you awake at night concerning your organisation’s resilience, then reach out to me for a friendly chat. All the best for 2026 and beyond.
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