National Entrepreneur of the Year brings keyhole heart surgery “home” with launch of Nottingham base
The Keyhole Heart Clinic has expanded to The Park Hospital — led by University of Nottingham graduate and national Entrepreneur of the Year, Dr Inder Birdi.
Patients across the Midlands can now access world-class keyhole heart surgery closer to home, after The Keyhole Heart Clinic officially launched its regional base at The Park Hospital, Nottingham.
The milestone was marked by the successful completion of a minimally invasive aortic valve replacement, carried out by Dr Inder Birdi and the hospital’s cardiac team, the first of many advanced procedures planned for the region.
For Dr Birdi, who trained at the University of Nottingham, the launch represents a proud homecoming.
“This moment means a great deal to me personally,” said Dr Birdi. “I began my medical journey here in Nottingham, so to return and introduce these pioneering keyhole techniques with such a skilled local team feels incredibly special.”
Dr Birdi, who was recently named UK Entrepreneur of the Year at Entrepreneurs Circle’s National Entrepreneurs Awards, founded The Keyhole Heart Clinic in London to make advanced, minimally invasive heart surgery more accessible to patients across the UK.
“Scaling excellence means stepping back and letting great teams step forward,” Dr Birdi added. “True growth — in medicine or any field — comes from trust, systems, and shared values that allow excellence to happen everywhere, not just in one place. That begins here in Nottingham but this is just the start.”
Over the next 12 months, the partnership at The Park Hospital will expand to offer the full range of keyhole heart procedures, ensuring patients across the Midlands can benefit from the latest innovations in cardiac care without needing to travel to London.
Plans unveiled for 320-bed co-living scheme near Nottingham Railway Station
Plans have been unveiled for a co-living scheme with 320 studio apartments, just south of Nottingham Railway Station and tram stop. Wavensmere Homes has published its plans for the redevelopment of the Waterway House site to seek feedback from local people, prior to submission of a full planning application.
Accessed off Crocus Street in the city’s Canalside Quarter, the facilities proposed for the new residential building include a gym, padel court, communal dining area, games room, lounges, co-working space and meeting rooms.
Designed by Corstorphine & Wright, Wavensmere has selected national co-living specialist VervLife as the operator for the scheme. Redford Developments Limited selected Wavensmere to bring the site forward earlier this year.
Nottingham City Council previously awarded planning consent for an eight-storey apartment scheme with car parking at ground level. The new plans being put forward by Wavensmere include five habitable storeys, together with a roof level for a padel court and open air social space. The entire ground floor of the brick-built building is proposed for additional amenity provision.
Ben Clarke, technical director for Wavensmere Homes, said: “We are excited to unveil our plans for this outstanding addition to Nottingham city centre’s residential offering. High-quality, amenity-rich co-living developments offer a unique opportunity to foster a new community, whilst providing a bridge for a wide range of people until they are in a position to get onto the property ladder.
“The scheme has been designed in partnership with VervLife who have extensive operational experience in both co-living and BTR markets across the UK. While each studio apartment at Waterway House will be self-contained with an en-suite bathroom and kitchenette, the masterchef-style communal kitchen, dining area, games room and lounges, co-working space, meeting rooms and fitness facilities will bring people together.
“We are consulting with stakeholders and welcome comments and feedback from local people to ensure this brownfield site is redeveloped in the most sustainable way.”
The existing site comprises Waterway House – a vacant 1970s two-storey office building with around 750 sq m of floorspace – and cleared hardstanding areas. Previously owned by Nottingham City Council, the site has lain largely vacant and unoccupied since 2021.
Nottingham City Council previously awarded planning consent for an eight-storey apartment scheme with car parking at ground level. The new plans being put forward by Wavensmere include five habitable storeys, together with a roof level for a padel court and open air social space. The entire ground floor of the brick-built building is proposed for additional amenity provision.
Ben Clarke, technical director for Wavensmere Homes, said: “We are excited to unveil our plans for this outstanding addition to Nottingham city centre’s residential offering. High-quality, amenity-rich co-living developments offer a unique opportunity to foster a new community, whilst providing a bridge for a wide range of people until they are in a position to get onto the property ladder.
“The scheme has been designed in partnership with VervLife who have extensive operational experience in both co-living and BTR markets across the UK. While each studio apartment at Waterway House will be self-contained with an en-suite bathroom and kitchenette, the masterchef-style communal kitchen, dining area, games room and lounges, co-working space, meeting rooms and fitness facilities will bring people together.
“We are consulting with stakeholders and welcome comments and feedback from local people to ensure this brownfield site is redeveloped in the most sustainable way.”
The existing site comprises Waterway House – a vacant 1970s two-storey office building with around 750 sq m of floorspace – and cleared hardstanding areas. Previously owned by Nottingham City Council, the site has lain largely vacant and unoccupied since 2021. Developers asked to help shape new Infrastructure and Developer Contributions document for West Northamptonshire
Residents and developers are being asked to help shape West Northamptonshire Council’s (WNC) new Infrastructure and Developer Contributions document, aimed at providing clearer, more consistent guidance to inform planning decisions.
The proposed Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) will replace the three existing versions inherited from the former district and borough councils and will provide one document for West Northamptonshire.
A new SPD will provide up to date guidance in a single document, offering clarity on how contributions are calculated, delivered, and monitored. It will also explain the rules and policies that guide how developers are asked to contribute to things like affordable housing, parks, health services and local infrastructure.
Cllr Thomas Manning, WNC’s cabinet member for planning, said: “This new SPD is an important step in ensuring that development across West Northamptonshire is supported by the right infrastructure and community benefits.
“By streamlining and updating our guidance, we’re making it easier for developers to understand their responsibilities and for communities to see how growth is being managed responsibly. We encourage residents, developers, and stakeholders to have their say and help shape the future of planning in our area.”
The consultation will run until 21 December, and people can share their views via the Council’s Consultation Hub. The final SPD will then be shaped following feedback and published in early 2026.
Lincoln-based steel fabrication company sold
T.R. Weston & Son Limited, a Lincoln-based steel fabrication company, has been sold to MIA Holdings (Notts) Limited.
With over four decades of experience, T.R. Weston & Son Limited specialises in architectural and structural metalwork, offering aluminium and stainless-steel solutions for commercial and domestic projects.
Operating from its premises in North Hykeham, the company’s work spans bespoke staircases, fire escapes, and general fabrication, serving clients across Lincolnshire and beyond.
AG Corporate Law acted for Glynn Weston and Claire Weston in the sale of the company.
Adam Gilbert, MD at AG Corporate Law, said: “It was a pleasure to support Glynn and Claire Weston in the sale of their business. We’re proud to have played a part in helping them achieve a successful outcome and transition, and we wish them all the best in their next chapter.”
BDO promotes 125 in the Midlands
Accountancy and business advisory firm BDO LLP has promoted 125 people across the Midlands region. This includes the appointment of Kristi Middleton as tax partner.
Kristi’s appointment follows 10 years at BDO, with expertise in private client taxation – from tax compliance to sale of business, bereavement and succession planning. In her new role, her focus will be supporting wealthy individuals with their personal tax affairs and assisting them with generational wealth transfer.
BDO has promoted 102 people in its Birmingham office, with a further 22 in Nottingham.
Additionally, Grame Hurst, established London deals advisory partner, has transferred to the Midlands region. Graeme has provided due diligence services in the life sciences & healthcare sector for over 14 years completing more than 150 deals.
Kyla Bellingall, regional managing partner in the Midlands at BDO, said: “These promotions demonstrate BDO’s investment in our people. Their talent, commitment to clients and hard work are critical to the overall success of the Midlands team.
“Our strength as a business comes from the impact our people deliver to their clients, to the communities we operate in, to our planet, and always through a lens of good governance. I look forward to seeing the careers of our people continue to develop and grow and want to congratulate the 125 new promotions.”
Green light given to transform former Raleigh bike HQ into new residential development
Housebuilder Honey will build 125 new homes in Eastwood after being granted planning permission for a £41m development on the site of bike manufacturer Raleigh’s former headquarters.
Located off Church Street and called Raleigh in recognition of the site’s heritage, the development will comprise a mix of two-, three-, and four-bedroom homes and include terraces, semi-detached and detached properties.
Of the 125 homes, 10 per cent have been designated to affordable housing. Honey has also committed to contributions of more than £1m toward development of education, healthcare and bus services in the local community.
Work at Raleigh is scheduled to start this month, with the first homes expected to be released for sale in January. Honey anticipates that the first residents will move into their new homes in summer 2026.
Honey chief executive officer, Mark Mitchell, said: “Raleigh is a fantastic addition to our growing development footprint across the East Midlands.
“Our development will once again turn the site into a vibrant part of town and give local buyers the opportunity to own one of our thoughtfully designed homes.
“Raleigh will meet the strong demand for high specification new homes in Eastwood and we have already seen a positive response since first announcing our plans for the site.
“With planning now granted, we’re excited to start work.”
Loughborough launches new hub to expand regional digital talent
A new Digital Skills Hub has opened at Loughborough College, marking a significant investment in strengthening the region’s digital capabilities. The facility is part of a wider programme supported by Loughborough Town Deal, which has allocated £2.6 million to the project from the £16.9 million secured through Government funding. Across all initiatives, more than £40 million is being invested into the town.
Martin Traynor OBE, Loughborough Town Deal Chair, said: “The Town Deal is proud to have supported the creation of the Digital Skills Hub, and it’s fantastic to see this world-class facility open at Loughborough College.
“The Hub will help residents thrive in an increasingly digital world by teaching vital skills for the future, while boosting employment opportunities and strengthening links with local businesses.”
The hub forms one of 11 projects backed by the Town Deal and is designed to boost digital proficiency among local residents and improve employability. It features six IT-equipped classrooms and a breakout space intended for collaborative work.
The centre will become a base for delivering T Levels, apprenticeships, industry placements and higher technical qualifications. The expansion aims to help employers access a stronger talent pipeline as businesses continue to require more digitally skilled workers.
Rosegarth Square regeneration hits key construction milestones
The redevelopment of Rosegarth Square in Boston has reached several important stages, signalling steady progress on a scheme designed to reshape a significant part of the town centre.
Contractors have finished piling and installed the steel frame for the new multi-purpose building. The structure has been fireproofed and fitted with floor planks, forming the base of what will become a modern community facility.
Activity across the wider public realm is advancing. Groundworks are underway for new seating areas and public art installations. Tree pits have been prepared for future planting, and kerbing is being laid on the eastern side of the site near St Botolph’s Bridge. New walls are also emerging to guide pedestrian routes through the area.
Councillor Dale Broughton, Leader of Boston Borough Council said: “It is great to see so much progress on site since work began on the development at the start of the year.
“This project marks our commitment to bring positive change into Boston and can help breathe new life into our town and borough, turning an unused and unutilised area into an attractive and enjoyable space with new offers, opportunities and services for our residents and visitors to access.”
The next phase will see brickwork begin on the main building and the installation of major artworks. The regeneration is supported by £14.8m in government funding and will create a multifunctional public space running from the St Botolph’s footbridge to the Len Medlock Centre, targeting improved footfall, stronger placemaking and wider economic activity for businesses operating in the town centre.
Nottingham-headquartered home care provider secures £5.5m to accelerate growth
Care Santé, a Nottingham-headquartered home care provider delivering domiciliary and extra care services across the UK, has secured a £5.5m loan from OakNorth.
Founded in December 2020, Care Santé provides tailored home care to individuals with a wide range of needs, including elderly clients, adults with physical disabilities, learning difficulties, or long-term and life-limiting illnesses, such as dementia and cancer.
The group currently operates 20 locations across South Yorkshire, Humberside, the East Midlands, Central England, London, and Kent, and delivers more than 17,000 weekly care hours through its network of branches.
Operating through its brands Care Santé, Valley Care, Helpers Homecare, and Complete Care Chesterfield, since inception London-based family office Vitry Enfants Limited has backed Care Santé’s buy-and-build strategy.
The £5.5m loan from OakNorth will enable Care Santé to accelerate its growth strategy through selective acquisitions of leading domiciliary care providers and the development of new services.
Anna Hodgson, CEO of Care Santé, said: “We’re deeply committed to supporting people to live independently in their own homes for as long as possible. Over the past four years, Care Santé has grown rapidly to meet rising demand for high-quality, person-centred care. OakNorth’s funding will give us the flexibility to pursue strategic acquisitions, enhance our regional infrastructure, and continue building a sustainable, nationally recognised care platform.”
Ian Fairclough, director of debt finance at OakNorth, added: “Care Santé is an excellent example of a mission-driven business with strong fundamentals, experienced leadership, and a proven operating model.
“Under previous CEO, Roger Booker, and Anna’s stewardship, with the additional expertise of Prateek Trehun of Vitry Enfants, the group has built a scalable platform with robust compliance, minimal reliance on agency staff, and long-standing relationships with local authorities and NHS partners. We’re delighted to support its next phase of growth as Care Santé continues expanding and strengthening its impact across the UK.”
David Doogan, Pinsent Masons, advised OakNorth on the transaction. David Adams, Shakespeare Martineau, advised Care Santé on the transaction. Grant Thornton provided debt advisory to Care Santé. Hazelwoods advised on the Financial Due Diligence.
New supported living scheme boosts local capacity in Northamptonshire
A new supported living development in Moulton has begun housing adults with complex needs after West Northamptonshire Council appointed National Care Group to run the service. The provider secured the contract through a competitive tender and will support up to 15 tenants as part of personalised care plans.
The facility consists of specialist self-contained flats designed to help residents maintain independence while staying close to family networks. National Care Group has hired 30 staff from the local area to deliver day-to-day support and tenancy management.
The scheme expands the organisation’s footprint in the Midlands. It becomes the fifteenth supported accommodation service the group operates in Northamptonshire, contributing to the more than 280 people it already supports across the wider region.
Specialist Supported Housing developed the building in partnership with the council, commissioners, and a housing provider. The project aims to reduce reliance on out-of-area placements and increase local capacity for people requiring long-term supported accommodation.
