Aurora fleet enters service

April Lara
-
0
Aurora fleet enters service

A new £400 million fleet has begun operating on the Midland Main Line, marking a significant shift in capacity and reliability for business travel across the East Midlands and South Yorkshire. The first unit has now completed its initial passenger journey between Sheffield and London, signalling the start of a phased rollout that will see 33 bi-mode trains enter full service.

The introduction of the fleet aligns with the wider £1.5 billion upgrade of the Midland Main Line. The new trains can operate on overhead electric lines, supporting lower emissions and reduced noise on key intercity routes. Each five-carriage formation offers a sizeable increase in capacity compared with the outgoing Meridian stock, with more seats, additional legroom, and modernised on-board facilities designed to improve productivity for business travellers.

The fleet incorporates revised seating, developed with a Derby-based design team to meet current expectations for comfort and functionality. Power outlets, USB charging, expanded tables, and under-seat storage form part of the updated interior specification.

Connectivity has been strengthened through an upgraded Wi-Fi system that uses multiple SIM profiles to maintain consistent service. Newly engineered glass also enables better mobile signal penetration, improving access to digital tools during journeys.

Once all units are deployed, the fleet will significantly expand total seating availability on the Midland Main Line and support increasing demand for efficient regional and intercity rail services.

Planning approval granted for new 89-home scheme in Fishtoft

April Lara
-
0
Planning approval granted for new 89-home scheme in Fishtoft

A major residential scheme has secured detailed planning permission for 89 new homes on land off Gaysfield Road in Fishtoft, Lincolnshire. The project covers roughly nine acres and is positioned to serve growing demand for housing close to Boston and its surrounding employment centres.

Construction is scheduled to begin in 2026 and will deliver a mix of two-, three-, and four-bedroom properties, with around 20% allocated to affordable rent and shared ownership. Open-market homes are expected to start from about £185,000.

Plans include community green space, landscaping, and a play area. The developer will provide £400,000 in Section 106 contributions to support local education, NHS provision, and travel initiatives.

Allen Marshall, Regional Managing Director at Gleeson Homes, said, “We’re proud to be bringing Pilgrims Gate to Fishtoft. This development reflects our ongoing commitment to building homes that are not only high-quality and great value, but also rooted in the needs of the local community. We’ve listened carefully to feedback and made thoughtful adjustments to ensure the scheme complements its surroundings and delivers real value to local people.”

The scheme’s design and infrastructure have been shaped through stakeholder consultation to support long-term sustainability and integrate effectively with the surrounding area.

Frasers Group hails “solid first half” against Elevation Strategy success

Tess Egginton
-
0
Frasers Group hails “solid first half” against Elevation Strategy success

Frasers Group has hailed a “solid first half” as continued success is seen in its Elevation Strategy, with progress on margins, cost savings and international expansion against tough market conditions.

According to unaudited half year results for the 26 weeks ended 26 October 2025 (FY26 H1), revenue grew 5% on the same period last year to £2.58bn, driven by international revenue growth of 42.8%. Meanwhile, pre-tax profits jumped to £412.1m from £209m.

The period saw a number of acquisitions and investments, including completing the acquisitions of Holdsport in South Africa, XXL in the Nordics and recently opening the business’s first stores with partners in Malta, Australia and the Middle East.

UK property investments have seen shopping centre and retail park acquisitions including sites at Greenock and Almondvale. The company has also invested in The Webster, a luxury multi-brand retailer in the US.

Michael Murray, chief executive of Frasers Group, said: “We’ve made a solid start to FY26 even though market conditions are tough, consumer confidence is very subdued and excess inventory continues to weigh on the industry, leading to increased promotional activity.

“While we remain cautious into the second half, our focus is unwavering as we confront these challenges head-on, and we are today re-iterating our FY26 APBT guidance of £550m to £600m.

“We are continuing to invest boldly in our Elevation Strategy-deepening brand partnerships, elevating our product mix, opening new Sports Direct stores internationally, and acquiring strategic properties to strengthen our portfolio. These steps reinforce our ambition and give us real confidence in the substantial long-term opportunities ahead for the Group.”

Robotic welding research receives fresh investment

April Lara
-
0
Robotic welding research receives fresh investment

A new round of government funding is supporting work to create the UK’s first robotic welding system designed for use in orbit. The project is led by the University of Leicester with technical input from TWI, following a successful bid to the UK Space Agency’s National Space Innovation Programme.

The initiative, known as ISPARK, has secured £560,000 to advance a robot-mounted arc-welding platform built for in-space repair and component joining. The technology is intended to support future servicing missions and the wider growth of in-orbit manufacturing, a priority area highlighted in the UK’s National Space Strategy.

Principal Investigator Dr Daniel Zhou Hao, from the University of Leicester School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences, said: “ISPARK advances the UK’s and the world’s capability for in-space repair and manufacturing. By combining Leicester’s strengths in AI robotics and space engineering with TWI’s world-leading welding expertise, we are developing an enabling technology that could redefine how large structures are built and maintained in orbit.”

Testing will begin in controlled vacuum environments, supported by digital-twin modelling to assess performance under orbital conditions. The project brings together Leicester’s work in robotics, autonomous systems, and space engineering with TWI’s expertise in welding and materials science.

ISPARK sits within a wider £17 million package backing 17 space technology projects across the UK. The funding targets capabilities linked to satellite communications, Earth observation, in-orbit servicing, space domain awarenes,s and navigation technologies.

Homes England agreement strengthens East Midlands housing delivery

April Lara
-
0
Homes England agreement strengthens East Midlands housing delivery

A new agreement between the East Midlands Combined Authority (EMCCA) and Homes England has set the stage for accelerated housing growth across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham, and Nottinghamshire.

Mayor Claire said: “This new partnership marks an important moment for the East Midlands. By working hand in hand with Homes England, we are ensuring that our ambition to deliver 100,000 new homes is based on a solid foundation.

“Building these homes is one of the most important ways that our investments will benefit local people. It is how we will deliver, which is at the heart of my mission as Mayor. That means building more homes and creating stronger, more connected communities with the jobs, infrastructure, and regeneration our local people deserve.

“Our partnership with Homes England is a long-term investment in our future. Together, we are building an East Midlands that is vibrant, fair, and forward-looking – a place we can all be proud to call home.”

The Strategic Place Partnership places long-term support from the national housing agency behind regional plans to increase supply and progress large-scale developments already underway. The framework is designed to streamline delivery and attract further private and public investment.

Several regeneration schemes have shaped the existing relationship between EMCCA and Homes England. In Nottingham, the Broad Marsh project continues to redevelop the former shopping centre site, with plans for around 1,000 homes, commercial space, and thousands of future jobs. Recent activity has included major demolition works, new public assets, and transport improvements around Maid Marian Way.

In Derbyshire, the planned Infinity Garden Village near Infinity Park forms part of the region’s Investment Zone. Proposals include 4,500 homes, five million square feet of mixed-use space, and up to 5,000 jobs.

The partnership builds on recent government funding for brownfield development across the region, supporting about 2,000 homes through more than £36 million in investment. EMCCA continues to prioritise housing delivery, land regeneration, and long-term economic growth to meet rising demand for high-quality, accessible homes.

East Midlands energy provision, storage and decarbonisation explored at conference

Tess Egginton
-
0
East Midlands energy provision, storage and decarbonisation explored at conference
Businesses and academics from across the region joined to address challenges, highlight opportunities and share best practice at the Midlands Energy Conference on 3rd December.  Delivered by East Midlands Chamber in partnership with the University of Nottingham Energy Institute and sponsored by Flogas, part of DCC Energy, the conference was held at Derwent Electric Hydropower at Masson Mills, Matlock Bath. Panel discussions and keynote speakers shared insight on technological developments in areas like fission, fusion and hydrogen as well as future production, storage and distribution of energy. East Midlands Chamber director of policy and insight Richard Blackmore opened the conference and chaired a panel discussion looking at incentivising business to prioritise renewable investment. Speaking afterwards he said: “The determination of business in the East Midlands to look closely at energy storage and carbon reduction is encouraging but the evolving journey brings as many challenges as opportunities. How best do we address our future approach to sustainable energy storage, its production and evolving technology while incentivising firms to embrace the journey – these are questions that should be addressed. “The detailed research around energy produced by the region’s leading universities, combined with the experiential findings of firms and Chamber members across the East Midlands gives valuable insight and springboards useful discussion. “There is tremendous potential in the East Midlands to lead on a world stage and shape the future of energy and that’s why the Chamber’s recently launched Framework for Growth highlights the need for energy support packages and the weight that should be placed on giving incentives for firms to invest in renewables and energy efficiency.” University of Nottingham Energy Institute director prof David Grant gave a talk on the future of energy creation and storage. Afterwards he said: “We can’t live in a bubble. We can’t just lecture people on how important climate change is. We have to act on it and work with the communities, explain what the challenges are and how we can help solve them and we need communities to work with us and tell us what the issues are. That must include both big and small businesses so all of it comes together. “The Energy Institute’s role is to try and pull that all together and do our bit to try and solve what is a big problem. The Midlands Energy Conference is important because there’s a chance to talk, not just among academics or own research fields, but to people and businesses about their work. It’s really important to get research out there so I’m really pleased East Midlands Chamber ran this event.” Flogas, part of DCC Energy, strategic energy partner Jaz Aujla gave a talk on the transition from fossil fuels to lower carbon alternatives. Speaking afterwards she said: “Supporting this event was important in building awareness of how we are supporting not just SME businesses but large industrials, helping them meet their sustainability targets. The message from me was that regardless of where an organisation is on their net zero journey, there is always something or a mix of technologies they can explore to help reach those targets. “It could be as simple as behavioural change or quick wins such as lighting or solar PV but then you start getting into more complex solutions. Regardless of where a customer is on their journey, there’s surely something they can explore. “I was amazed at some of the research being done by researchers at Nottingham University. Partnerships between academia and industry will lead to cleaner and more commercially viable solutions going forward and we must keep having these conversations.” 1Energy, Derby Energy Network project director Fei Zheng gave a talk on an initiative to reshape the way Derby heats homes and buildings. Speaking afterwards she said: “Everyone now, certainly the majority of us are using gas generated heating and hot water systems and we need to all come together, work together so we can find a solution to decarbonise on a larger scale because decarbonising individually, one by one, is costly and time consuming.” East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) director of green growth and climate resilience Michael Gallagher gave a talk on recent completed projects and delivering change for the region. Speaking afterwards he said: “There are huge opportunities to create significant jobs in the region, to support people to come out of fuel poverty and to create the opportunities in the region that have been lacking for so long, for which the potential is so significant. We really want to harness the heft of the region and help drive those opportunities forward and of course support clean energy transition. “Conversations like this with business and academics are critical. We can’t do anything as individual organisations when it comes to achieving the overall target of net zero by 2050; we can only do it by working in collaboration across the public-private sector, working with our universities and others as well. It’s only with proper collaboration and shared vision we are going to achieve our overall objectives and aims.” R&P Clean Power director Adam Hinds gave a talk on a new Energy from Waste project in Swadlincote. Speaking afterwards he said: “It’s really useful to have various stakeholders in one room together. Often people work in silos but having various businesses representing different parts of the supply chain all coming together is really good. Making people aware of the opportunities throughout the supply chain is really important to do in one forum.”

Derby enhances digital access to support the city’s property market

April Lara
-
0
Derby enhances digital access to support the city’s property market

Derby City Council has moved its Local Land Charges data onto HM Land Registry’s national digital register, giving businesses faster access to essential information needed during property transactions. The transition supports the council’s wider digital modernisation programme and aims to make the buying process more efficient across the city.

Councillor Shiraz Khan, Cabinet Member for Housing, Strategic Planning and Regulatory Services said, “Moving Derby’s local land charges onto HM Land Registry’s national digital register is an important step in our wider ambition to make buying a property easier – it will also support a stronger and more efficient property market.

Derby is a growing city with a thriving housing sector and streamlining the way that property information is accessed will make a real difference for residents, businesses and developers. Whether someone is purchasing their first home or businesses are investing in new homes, this improved service helps to ensure that Derby remains a great place to live, work and build for the future.”

The national register centralises details on planning constraints, listed status and other legal charges that affect land or property use. Companies involved in conveyancing, development, or commercial acquisition can now access this data instantly, reducing delays and strengthening early due diligence.

Business users can search the register through standard online tools, portal accounts, or Business Gateway integrations. Results are available as free personal downloads or as official reports priced at £15, which provide unlimited access for six months. All searches are delivered in a consistent, map-based format to support clearer risk assessment.

Derby joins a growing number of local authorities already operating on the national platform. When fully adopted across England and Wales, the system will hold more than 25 million records, providing a unified data source designed to support faster transactions and unlock further commercial and technical innovation.

New council–industry collaboration supports manufacturers through upcoming reforms

April Lara
-
0
New council–industry collaboration supports manufacturers through upcoming reforms

North Lincolnshire Council has brought together senior leaders from the region’s major manufacturers to outline the operational impact of employment law changes scheduled for 2026.

The session, held at Normanby Gateway in Scunthorpe, focused on new requirements linked to redundancy procedures, dismissal processes, and union engagement. Attendees received guidance on how these reforms may affect workforce planning, cost structure,s and HR compliance.

Cllr Waltham said: “Businesses across North Lincolnshire are facing real pressures in the national economic climate, and we know that uncertainty makes planning even harder. Today was about giving manufacturers the clarity and confidence they need to prepare for what’s coming – delivering what matters so they can protect jobs, invest in skills and continue driving our local economy.” He added: “Manufacturing is the backbone of the economy here in North Lincolnshire. By working with organisations like Make UK, we’re making sure local employers have the expert insight they need to stay ahead of upcoming legal changes and remain competitive.”

The event attracted HR, finance, and operational leaders from a wide cross-section of local firms. Participants used the session to review potential risks, compare current practices and identify areas where early preparation could reduce disruption. The council confirmed that further support will be provided through its partnership with Make UK to help businesses adjust to shifting labour regulations and wider economic pressures.

In transport news, a new fleet of bi-mode trains has entered service on the Midland Main Line. The introduction of 33 units follows extensive infrastructure investment and enables operation on electric overhead lines.

The trains provide increased capacity, improved energy efficiency, and upgraded onboard facilities, including better connectivity and redesigned seating. The full rollout will increase total available seats on the route and modernise long-distance rail travel for the region’s workforce and business travellers.

Work underway to prepare Grimsby’s new Alexandra Dock housing site for construction

Tess Egginton
-
0
Work underway to prepare Grimsby’s new Alexandra Dock housing site for construction
Work is undeway to prepare Grimsby Town Centre’s new Alexandra Dock housing site for full construction to start early in 2026. Ahead of the main build beginning, North East Lincolnshire Council leader councillor Philip Jackson and the portfolio holder for housing, infrastructure and transport, councillor Stewart Swinburn visited the Fishermen’s Wharf land, off Garth Lane. They were joined by senior members of the team from developers Keepmoat, and Peter Taylor, Homes England senior manager for partnership and business development. Ground clearance is now well underway, with the site fenced off and other enabling works going ahead. This will pave the way for Keepmoat’s construction of all electric multi-tenure homes, green spaces and maintain an area for retail investment. The development will comprise of 100 houses, 20 flats and three commercial units. This will include 54 affordable homes. Cllr Jackson said: “I am delighted to see these enabling works now underway. This is a great opportunity as we move forward with another of our Towns’ Fund schemes – bringing new houses into our town centre for the first time in many years.” Richard Gough, operations director at Keepmoat, Yorkshire East, added: “We’re thrilled to be working alongside the Council to breathe new life into Alexandra Dock, a fantastic regeneration project that is set to create a vibrant community. At Keepmoat, we’re committed to investing in brownfield sites to create much needed, high quality homes. “As we continue to invest in the wider regeneration of Grimsby, including our nearby site Cambridge Green, we’re proud to also create apprenticeship and job opportunities for local people.”

Homes plan in Swadlincote moves toward approval

April Lara
-
0
Homes plan in Swadlincote moves toward approval

A major housing proposal in Swadlincote is set for discussion as South Derbyshire District Council reviews a scheme for 187 new homes on land off Swadlincote Lane. Planning officers have recommended approval, subject to the developer increasing the number of affordable units from 19 to 25 before consent is granted.

The application, lodged by David Wilson Homes, outlines a mixed portfolio of one to four-bed properties supported by on-site green space and a central play area. Council papers describe the location as suitable for new housing based on existing infrastructure and projected local need.

Thirty-six objections have been submitted, with concerns centred on the loss of open space and pressure on local roads. The scheme would be tied to planning conditions and developer contributions to address potential environmental and infrastructure impacts.

Councillors will examine the proposal on 9 December at the Civic Offices in Swadlincote.

1...345...1,194Page 4 of 1,194