Elite Electronic Systems, a provider of electronic manufacturing solutions (EMS), has acquired Kingfield Electronics, a Chesterfield-based EMS provider.
Founded in Enniskillen, Northern Ireland, Elite Electronic Systems delivers electronics manufacturing services to customers in demanding sectors such as medical, industrial, and energy. The acquisition of Kingfield Electronics expands Elite’s manufacturing footprint, adding a third strategic location alongside its existing facilities in Northern Ireland and Scotland.
Kingfield Electronics brings over 40 years of experience in complex electronic assemblies and high-reliability manufacturing, with particular expertise in aerospace, defence, and industrial applications. The addition of Kingfield enhances Elite’s technical depth and geographic reach.
Jonathan Balfour, CEO of Elite Electronic Systems, said: “We are delighted to welcome Kingfield Electronics to the Elite family. This acquisition strengthens our position across the UK, enhances our technical capability in multiple markets, including aerospace and defence, and supports our mission to deliver exceptional service and quality to customers in critical industries.”
Stefan Smith, investment director at Lonsdale Capital Partners, which supports Elite’s growth strategy, said: “We’re delighted to support Elite in this important acquisition. Bringing Kingfield Electronics into the fold enhances Elite’s capacity to scale, diversify its capabilities, and expand its reach across key growth markets. This deal further reinforces our confidence in Elite’s strategy and future performance.”
Nick Taylor, managing director and owner of Kingfield Electronics, said: “Kingfield’s success has been built on engineering expertise and trusted customer relationships. Becoming part of Elite marks an exciting new chapter for our business. Our customers will benefit from expanded resources, increased capacity, and the backing of a national EMS group with proven strength across multiple sectors.”
New education centre at heritage railway receives Loughborough Town Deal backing
A new education centre has been opened at the Great Central Railway following a project supported by Loughborough Town Deal with £280,000 of funding.
The Robinson Centre will be used to educate apprentices at the heritage railway and host engagement programmes with local schools.
The Town Deal secured £16.9 million from the Government’s Towns Fund. It has backed 11 projects which in total are worth more than £40 million of investment for the town.
Martin Traynor OBE, chair of Loughborough Town Deal, said: “The Great Central Railway is a historic site in the heart of Loughborough and a key part of the town’s local tourism economy.
“The education centre is a state-of-the-art building with modern technology to teach the next generation of engineers whilst also demonstrating the heritage of the site.
“We are proud to have supported a project which will help continue their work for years to come.”
The Robinson Centre is located at the railway’s locomotive repair works at the north end of Loughborough station on Great Central Road.
The project also included the refurbishment of the existing locomotive shed where the restoration and maintenance to historic steam locomotives takes place.
The refurbishment includes resurfacing of walkways and creating designated routes for visitors, new racking to store materials and replace damaged and missing cladding to provide better weather protection.
The total cost of the project is £780,000.
Malcolm Holmes, general manager at the Great Central Railway, said: “We are incredibly grateful for this investment and the continued support from the Loughborough Town Deal.
“As a not-for-profit, volunteer-led organisation, this backing is vital. It helps us protect the railway for generations to come, preserve traditional engineering skills and inspire the young people who will carry this heritage forward. The Robinson Centre will play a key role in ensuring our history remains alive for the future.”
Leicestershire outlines commercial vision for its rural estate
Leicestershire County Council has set out a new management strategy for its 7,400-acre rural estate, signalling a more structured approach to the commercial, environmental, and operational performance of one of the largest local-authority estates in the UK.
The portfolio includes 65 farms, nearly 7,000 acres of productive farmland, and 275 acres of woodland, as well as designated biodiversity sites. The council now owns more farmland than it did a decade ago, while many authorities have been divesting similar assets.
Councillor Harrison Fowler, cabinet member for resources, said “This strategy is about two things – supporting our farmers and making the best use of our rural estate.
“Farmers are our backbone and we recognise how important they are to everyone in Leicestershire. As a landowner of over 60 farms across the whole county, we want them to thrive.
“Making sure our existing farmers continue to be sustainable is a key part of the strategy, as is supporting the next generation of farmers, and giving them a chance to be a success.
“We’re being proactive and talking to lots of people in the farming industry about this strategy, but your views are important, too, so I’d encourage everyone to have a say.”
The strategy positions the estate as a long-term asset capable of supporting rural business growth while contributing to the county’s environmental targets. Plans include creating a more efficient mix of farm sizes, improving agricultural buildings where needed, and supporting tenants in diversifying, adopting new technology, and pursuing resilient business models. Woodland and biodiversity areas will continue to play a role in land management and value creation.
The council notes that the estate will evolve in line with commercial performance. Land disposals will be considered only where plots are uneconomic or carry a stronger alternative use case. Adjacent land that strengthens the operational viability of neighbouring farms may be retained and absorbed instead.
A formal consultation will invite feedback from residents, tenants, farming organisations, and the National Farmers Union. Insights gathered will influence how the council structures future support for farm businesses and maximises the estate’s economic potential across the county.
10-year, £20m transformation plan unveiled for Greater Carlton
Gedling Borough Council and the Greater Carlton Neighbourhood Board have unveiled a 10-year, £20m Regeneration Plan for Greater Carlton.
The plan, developed with residents, local businesses, community groups and strategic organisations across Nottinghamshire, sits within the Government’s Plan for Neighbourhoods and the wider Pride in Place programme. It sets out a roadmap to improve opportunity, strengthen community pride, and deliver long-term change for more than 53,000 residents.
Across all engagement activity, residents consistently emphasised the same priorities: safer neighbourhoods, more opportunities for young people, improved health and wellbeing, vibrant high streets, and investment in green spaces and community assets.
Leader of Gedling Borough Council, John Clarke said: “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape a brighter future for Greater Carlton. Our communities have been clear about what matters most to them, and this plan reflects their voice at every stage. Over the next decade, this investment will help create safer streets, stronger neighbourhoods, and more opportunities for our residents to thrive.”
At the heart of the plan are five missions that reflect those priorities, and which will inform investments made by the Board over the next decade. These focus on; raising skill levels and creating opportunities for learning, improving youth provision and aspirations, tackling health inequalities through better green spaces and community facilities, strengthening the local economy and high streets, and improving safety and the feeling of safety across neighbourhoods.
Each mission translates into a series of targeted interventions designed to address the specific needs of local communities, particularly in areas where inequality is most concentrated.
The plan recognises the distinct character of Greater Carlton’s neighbourhoods and balances investment across the whole footprint with more targeted support for areas facing the most significant challenges, including parts of Netherfield, Carlton Hill and Cavendish. It also reflects the area’s rich industrial, cultural and natural heritage.
Chair of Greater Carlton Neighbourhood Board, David S Stewart OBE DL said: “This ten-year plan is a wonderful opportunity for the residents of Greater Carlton to work together to enhance and regenerate the community. We want everyone to have a say in shaping the future so that there is a real sense of pride in place.”
Additional match funding and partnership opportunities will be explored with external organisations to maximise the impact of the £20m core investment.
By 2036, the plan aims to have delivered a measurable shift in the confidence, opportunity and wellbeing of Greater Carlton.
Rolls-Royce secures large European order for Leopard 2 power systems
Rolls-Royce has strengthened its role in Europe’s defence supply chain after securing an order for more than 300 mtu MB 873 Ka-501 engines for new Leopard 2 battle tanks. The multi-country procurement covers Germany, Lithuania, Sweden, the Netherlands, and the Czech Republic, with deliveries set to begin in 2026.
Demand for heavy land systems has risen as European governments respond to a more volatile security landscape, and government contracts accounted for a quarter of the company’s Power Systems division’s turnover last year.
Dr Jörg Stratmann, CEO of Rolls-Royce Power Systems AG, said, “This order is not only one of the largest of its kind in recent decades, but also reflects the challenging security situation we find ourselves in. We have recently significantly expanded our capacity for the development and production of urgently needed mtu drive systems for military vehicles and will continue to expand it significantly in order to contribute to improving security in Europe and around the world.”
The supply agreement sits alongside continued upgrades to the Leopard 2 platform, including the 2A8 model, which brings enhanced protection and updated systems to match current operational needs.
Rolls-Royce is also broadening its mtu land systems portfolio through a new engine family for military vehicles. The expanded mtu 199 series will include variants with up to twelve cylinders and outputs above 1,300 kW, designed for both new platforms and repowering programmes as European fleets transition to modernised equipment.
Ollerton regeneration plans move into formal review
A major redevelopment proposal for Ollerton town centre is now with planners, marking another step in a multi-year regeneration effort backed by £20 million in levelling up funding.
The submission outlines a mixed-use scheme incorporating a three-screen cinema, café space, a public-sector hub, and new housing. The project is designed to modernise the town centre offer and create conditions that support local services, business activity, and long-term economic resilience.
Councillor Claire Penny, Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Economic Development, said: “This is a landmark moment for Ollerton! The submission of planning permission marks the beginning of a new chapter for the town, one that reflects the aspirations of our community and the feedback we’ve received throughout our consultations.”
She continued, “We’re excited to see this vision come to life. This regeneration project is not just about physical transformation – it’s about creating a town centre that truly serves the people who live and work here. From improved public services and leisure facilities to new homes and business opportunities, every element of the plan has been shaped with our residents in mind. We’re committed to delivering a space that celebrates Ollerton’s heritage while embracing its future, and I’m proud to be part of the team driving this change forward.”
The application follows several rounds of public engagement led by Newark and Sherwood District Council. The authority intends to have the plans reviewed by its planning committee early next year. If the scheme progresses as anticipated, construction is expected to begin in the summer, with completion targeted for 2028.
For the regional business community, the redevelopment signals emerging opportunities linked to construction, future service provision, supply chain activity, and increased footfall once the scheme opens. The project forms part of broader efforts to strengthen the economic foundations of towns across North Nottinghamshire.
Leicester firms strengthen operations with digital and sustainability support
Leicester businesses are increasing their investment in digital capability and low-carbon practices through a local accelerator programme designed to support growth. The initiative, delivered by East Midlands Chamber for Leicester City Council, offers fully funded consultancy, training, and energy audits to organisations seeking to modernise their systems and reduce emissions. It runs until March 2026 and is backed by £119,110 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
More than 100 companies have taken part so far. Workshops have focused on AI adoption, social media content, data analytics, and broader digital processes. Participating firms can also access Growth Vouchers of up to £2,000 to support the implementation of new tools and technologies. Dedicated advisers provide one-to-one guidance across digital transformation and sustainability planning.
East Midlands Chamber Deputy Chief Executive Diane Beresford said: “I’m delighted that the support offered by the Accelerator project has been so well received by businesses in Leicester. We’ve worked with the Council to deliver the right type of interventions to help businesses address common challenges that present themselves when it comes to growth and sustainability. Often, businesses simply need a sounding board for their plans. Once we know what they’re trying to achieve, we can explore the options for bringing in expert support – whether that be the fully funded training, consultancy and sustainability audits through the Accelerator project or by signposting them to national support. An exciting journey of growth inevitably follows.”
Recent case studies reflect the variety of support in action. A Leicester-based sports education provider used the programme to complete a business review, install a CRM system, and act on energy-efficiency recommendations.
An international health procurement organisation switched energy suppliers following its audit, meeting its renewable energy target and securing annual savings of around £8,000. A long-established manufacturing firm created a sustainability action plan for a new facility, integrating efficiency measures during the design stage.
The project continues to attract firms across multiple sectors as organisations refine operations, streamline digital processes, and progress their decarbonisation plans.
Purple House Clinic Lincoln launches intensive trauma therapy to support workforce resilience
Purple House Clinic Lincoln has launched a new one-day intensive trauma therapy service, designed to help employers, executives, and professionals across Lincolnshire access fast, effective psychological support that reduces downtime and promotes long-term workforce resilience.
The new intensive Eye Movement Desensitisation & Reprocessing (EMDR) approach addresses a major challenge faced by businesses today; the rising impact of stress, burnout and trauma-related difficulties on employee wellbeing and productivity. By offering accelerated trauma recovery over one or two days either in-person or online, the clinic aims to provide a practical solution for individuals whose work or leadership responsibilities make traditional weekly therapy difficult to maintain.
EMDR is a globally recognised, evidence-based therapy that helps the brain reprocess distressing experiences. The intensive format, which is commonly used in high-performing sectors such as the military, emergency services and elite sport, enables deeper therapeutic progress within a compact time frame, supporting quicker returns to work and improved performance sustainability.
“Across the East Midlands, businesses are increasingly recognising that emotional wellbeing is not just a personal issue, but a strategic one,” said Alice Vine, Clinical Director and Forensic Psychologist at Purple House Clinic Lincoln. “Over the past six months we’ve seen substantial demand from professionals who need effective support delivered efficiently. Intensive EMDR meets that demand, helping people regain clarity, capacity and confidence without stepping away from work for months at a time.
“As an accredited EMDR Practitioner, Consultant and Facilitator, I know how transformative this therapy can be when delivered well. High-performing professionals often carry heavy emotional loads. When addressed early and effectively, organisations benefit from better leadership stability, fewer absences, improved decision-making and more engaged teams.”
Since its founding in 2018, Purple House Clinic Lincoln has built a reputation for excellence in evidence-based psychological support, offering a broad range of services including therapies for depression, anxiety, trauma, and neurodiversity assessments. With a growing multidisciplinary team of 18 therapists, the clinic delivers more than 415 hours of tailored therapeutic care per month, reflecting its strong commitment to kind-hearted mental health care.
Intensive EMDR is not suitable for everyone. Clients must be emotionally ready and able to engage deeply in one day of work. It is not recommended for individuals with active substance use, severe avoidance coping or where the emotional load would be overwhelming. The therapy is currently available for adults, with the potential to extend to children and adolescents where clinically appropriate.
As demand for proactive mental health investment grows across the region, the launch of Purple House Clinic’s intensive programme provides a timely resource for local businesses committed to safeguarding staff wellbeing and sustaining organisational performance.
For more information about the Purple House Clinic Lincoln and the different therapy, assessments and support it offers, visit www.purplehouseclinic.co.uk/psychologists-lincoln/ or contact 01522 868616.
Ongo strengthens regional ties with new Lincoln City partnership
Ongo has expanded its presence in Greater Lincolnshire through a new partnership with Lincoln City Football Club, extending its community activity linked to local sport and widening access to match-day opportunities for residents.
Kevin Hornsby, Director of Customer Services at Ongo, said “We’re excited to be working with Lincoln City Football Club. Working with the Club was a natural choice for us, as we look to connect as many of our customers as possible with opportunities to enjoy sporting events for free.
“With a growing number of tenants and customers in the area, the sponsorship also provides a great opportunity to promote our support services, including mental health support and projects to help people into work and training—many of which are free to access.”
The partnership is funded by Hales & Coultas, Ongo’s commercial arm, and extends the organisation’s portfolio of sporting links across the region, which includes relationships with clubs in Scunthorpe, Doncaster, and the local rugby sector.
For Lincoln City FC, the agreement strengthens the club’s business network. Ruby Crick, Commercial Executive for Lincoln City Football Club said: “We’re really pleased to welcome Ongo to our ever-growing network of club sponsors. We are really proud as a club to be involved with the work they are doing in the community and I’m looking forward to see what we can achieve together.”
Ongo continues to grow its footprint across key local authority areas, with 106 homes in the Lincoln City area, 162 in West Lindsey, and 41 in North Kesteven, alongside a range of customer support services geared towards employment, wellbeing, and community engagement.
Loughborough College Group set to sell Melton site
Loughborough College Group is set to sell its Melton site following the closure of a consultation. Whilst the Group received three proposals, none had the financial backing that would allow the site to operate as a viable, sustainable venture.
The College Group inherited historic financial liabilities, following its merger with SMB College Group, making it vital that any future use of the site not only offers community benefit but also delivers strong value for money.
Whilst the planned sale means the future of the theatre is uncertain, the College Group has announced a new partnership with Melton Borough Council to develop a dedicated Cultural Hub at The Stockyard. This initiative will mark a new chapter in securing the future of Performing Arts in Melton Mowbray and investing in community culture in the town.
Corrie Harris, CEO at Loughborough College Group, said: “Throughout this merger, our priority has been to secure high-quality education for young people in Melton Mowbray and to safeguard the experience of our current students.
“By working closely with Melton Borough Council, we are now able to do exactly that. The exciting plans for a Cultural Hub at The Stockyard offer a financially sustainable way to protect and grow the future of Performing Arts.
“Although we are not discounting any proposals previously submitted, we are now encouraging a wider range of bidders to come forward with strong, sustainable offers that provide the best long-term value for the College Group and for our community.”
Any revenue generated from the site will be reinvested directly back into the College Group.
“As a public sector organisation, we have a responsibility to secure the best value for money,” Corrie added. “But equally, we hope the redevelopment of this site will provide something meaningful back to the community.”
Responding to the College’s announcement, Cllr Pip Allnatt, leader of Melton Borough Council, added: “We deeply regret the closure of the college campus and sale of the site, but recognise the challenging financial position the college is in.
“Following their decision, we will work with them to secure the best possible future use for the site and our community. Given the anticipated closure of the theatre, we will do all we can to safeguard a cultural offer within Melton and will work with them and other stakeholders to develop a new cultural hub proposition, and one that can attract additional government funding to bring it to life.
“We will formally be considering an update on the Stockyard project at our Special Cabinet meeting on 17th December and will be considering how best to support the development of the Cultural hub as part of that process. We will be inviting anyone who wants to help shape and support the establishment of a new cultural offer in Melton to meet with us and potential funders, in the new year.”
The College Group is now inviting new expressions of interest and comprehensive proposals that clearly demonstrate sustainability, community benefit, and financial viability.
