Trentbarton submits demolition plans for Derby bus depot

Trentbarton has proposed demolishing its bus depot on Meadow Road in Derby as part of its long-term redevelopment plans. The company, which has been in operation for over 100 years, plans to demolish three buildings that no longer meet modern standards. The structures are described as outdated, poorly insulated, and containing non-notifiable asbestos.

The plans, now submitted to Derby City Council, outline that the depot will remain operational during the demolition process. Trentbarton’s fleet will continue to operate from Meadow Road while redevelopment takes place.

Previously, the company had sought approval to relocate its depot to a larger site in Stores Road, in the north-east of the city, but the permission appears to have lapsed due to a lack of development.

A decision on the latest demolition proposal is expected later this year.

Business leaders to gather at Kelham Hall for Chamber President’s Celebration

On 9 October 2025, the East Midlands Chamber will host its annual President’s Celebration at Kelham Hall. The event promises to unite over 500 business leaders from the region for an evening of networking, celebration, and inspiration.

Taking place at The Renaissance at Kelham Hall, the evening will begin with welcome drinks and networking in the Library and Music Hall, allowing guests to mingle and unwind. The venue also features a Billiards Room for those seeking a bit of fun before the formal proceedings begin.

The evening will feature keynote speaker Dr Jo Salter MBE, the UK’s first female fighter jet pilot, who will share her insights on leadership and high-performance in fast-paced environments. Dr Salter’s stories from her air force career will offer valuable lessons for business leaders looking to make an impact in their organisations.

Following the speeches, the finalists for the East Midlands Chamber Business Awards 2025/26 will be announced across 12 categories. A high standard of entries is expected this year, with judges facing a difficult task in selecting the winners.

£8m funding package secured for Loughborough student accommodation scheme

Paragon Bank has provided an £8m funding package to SME developer Six Degrees, part of 9 Property Group, to support the refinance and development of a 100-bed purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme in Loughborough. The facility has helped refinance the existing site and is supporting the development of a new, high-spec PBSA complex located in the heart of Loughborough town centre. Now three months into construction, the scheme is on track to welcome its first intake of students in September 2026. The accommodation will comprise of 100 en-suite bedrooms arranged across 22 cluster flats. The completed scheme is expected to deliver a Gross Development Value (GDV) of £12.2m. Taj Ubhi, founder and CEO of 9 Property Group which owns Six Degrees, said: “We’re excited to be bringing forward another PBSA development in a location we know well. Paragon’s understanding of the sector and agile approach to funding has made them an ideal partner, and we’re looking forward to delivering this scheme ahead of the 2025 academic year.” Karl Kent, relationship director at Paragon Bank, said: “We’re proud to support Six Degrees with this high-quality PBSA scheme in a town where demand for student accommodation continues to grow. “Taj and the team have a strong track record in delivering similar projects and we’re confident this development will be a welcome addition to Loughborough’s student housing offering. It’s been a pleasure to work with Six Degrees on their first deal with Paragon and we look forward to supporting them on future projects.”

Derby industrial investment sold

Acting on behalf of a private landlord client, NG Chartered Surveyors has completed the freehold sale of two modern industrial units on the Sir Francis Ley Industrial Estate in Derby. Units 26 and 26a Cottonbrook Road have been acquired by property investment firm Manston. Strategically located near the junction with Osmaston Road, the site offers excellent connectivity to both the inner and outer ring roads, providing access to the south of Derby city centre. The fully let investment includes long-standing tenants McDonald’s – operating the unit as a delivery hub – and auto parts. The transaction was led by NG’s head of agency, Thomas Szymkiw, who said: “This was a fantastic opportunity to bring to market a high-quality, income-producing asset in one of Derby’s most established industrial locations. We’re pleased to have achieved a successful outcome for our client and to have helped facilitate Manston’s latest acquisition.” Manston was advised by Phil Randle of Salloways commercial property consultants.

Derbyshire healthcare e-learning firm snapped up

Agilio Software, a Sheffield-based provider of healthcare software solutions, has acquired Blue Stream Academy, a Derbyshire healthcare e-learning solutions firm. This strategic acquisition brings together two well-recognised providers in Primary Care to create a comprehensive and complementary healthcare learning platform. The combined platform will integrate content from Blue Stream Academy, which covers the wider healthcare practice team, with Agilio’s GP-aligned courses. The acquisition significantly expands Agilio’s sector reach, taking the company into new healthcare sectors including Social Care, Urgent Care, and Hospice & Palliative Care. “We are excited to join forces with Agilio Software,” said Casey Braddock, Blue Stream Academy CEO. “Our combined expertise and resources will enable us to deliver even greater value to our customers, providing them a broader range of content and access to Agilio’s platform of market-leading HR tools.” Ben Betts, CEO of Agilio Software, added: “We are delighted to welcome Blue Stream Academy and all their customers to the Agilio family. “This acquisition aligns with our vision of providing comprehensive and innovative healthcare learning solutions as part of making our frontline healthcare services operationally excellent. Together, we will continue to support and empower healthcare professionals with the best tools and resources available.”

Fletchers expands in Midlands with acquisition of Shoosmiths’ Serious Injury practice

Fletchers Group has agreed to acquire the Serious Injury practice of national law firm Shoosmiths, in a deal that significantly expands the Group’s presence across the Midlands and South East. Around 80 colleagues, including eight partners, will join Fletchers – the serious injury and clinical negligence law firm. The move adds new bases in Birmingham, Northampton and the Thames Valley, complementing the Group’s existing hubs in Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Bolton, Southport, Newcastle, and Cambridge. Fletchers Group CEO Peter Haden said: “Shoosmiths’ Serious Injury practice has a strong track record in complex, high-value cases, including major birth injury and catastrophic injury claims. I am confident that they will make a major contribution to our business – not just in case volumes but through their deep experience of this area of the law.” The deal also includes a substantial number of Court of Protection clients, further strengthening Fletchers’ specialist legal services in this complex area. Shoosmiths’ Serious Injury lead partner Phil Barnes will lead the new business in the Midlands and South and oversee the integration over the next six months. He said: “From the outset, Fletchers stood out as a firm that not only shares our values but has the infrastructure, appetite and vision to take our practice to the next level. I’m incredibly proud of everything our team has achieved at Shoosmiths, and I’m excited about what we’ll be able to do together as part of Fletchers in the years ahead.” Shoosmiths’ CEO David Jackson added: “The serious injury market has evolved quickly, and continued success in this area demands substantial, specialist investment. After extensive discussions, we’re confident that Fletchers offers the right home for our people and our clients, with the focus, scale, and ambition needed to support long-term growth.” The deal brings Fletchers’ total legal headcount to over 800.

Midlands mid-sized businesses predict growth despite trade bottlenecks

Midlands mid-sized businesses are optimistic about plans to export overseas in the next year, despite recent turmoil in global trade and tough economic challenges. This is according to the latest research from accounting and business advisory firm, BDO. BDO’s survey of over 500 mid-sized businesses reveals that more than a third (35%) of regional companies are confident about their growth prospects over the next 12 months. Expansion plans also include opening new premises, recruiting new staff and investing in new technologies and R&D. Midlands businesses see exports as an important part of their growth strategy over the next year – with nearly two in five (39%) citing strong or growing demand as their main motivation. More than half (51%) said favourable trade agreements or government support in receiving markets makes them more attractive. Asked which regions would be the most appealing, 41% said Eastern Europe and Central Asia as businesses work to forge new trade corridors amid ongoing negotiations between the UK and other territories. Similarly, more than a third (34%) were most interested in Asia-Pacific. For nearly one in three (30%), the opportunity to diversify away from dependence on other markets, such as the European Union, was a deciding factor. As the Government continues to discuss favourable terms on trade with the United States, North America ranked as the most attractive export region for more than a third (35%). Despite optimism amongst Midlands businesses, major challenges could still stifle growth prospects. Nearly two thirds (60%) consider the combination of overseas trade complications and supply chain pressures, including changing tariffs and delays or shortages in distribution networks, as a top challenge. This follows continued uncertainty around trade tariffs for the US market. Kyla Bellingall, regional managing partner at BDO in the Midlands, said: “These findings show the resilience of the Midlands mid-market in the face of significant challenges and their potential to be a major international force for UK economic growth. “Mid-sized businesses in the region generate significant revenues and support hundreds of thousands of private sector jobs. Frictionless trade is crucial to help these companies power the UK economy forward. “Although the Trade Strategy published last week is welcome, targeted support for mid-sized businesses – whether that’s new hubs to support them to export or trade deals enabling their access to international markets – must build on this and create the right conditions to help them deliver their plans for growth and thrive.”

Financial and related professional services remain vital part of East Midlands economy

Financial and related professional services firms remain a vital part of the East Midlands economy, according to new research into the industry’s nationwide contribution to UK employment and output. TheCityUK’s ‘Enabling Growth Across the UK 2025’ report shows that the industry employed 88,000 people and contributed £7.2bn – or 5.6% – of the region’s GVA. Industry hubs in Nottingham, Leicester and Northampton underpin this growth, contributing almost four in ten of all financial and related professional services jobs in the region. The East Midlands has historic strength in banking, and nearly two fifths (38%) of the industry’s contribution to GVA comes from the local banking sector. This is almost twice the economic output of the legal services sector, the second largest sector within the industry in the region. The financial and related professional services industry benefits from major universities in the region with strong ties to the financial services. The University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University are home to research and career development centres in areas including banking, accountancy and law, supplying a pipeline of highly skilled talent. Sandra Wallace CBE, TheCityUK chair in the Midlands, said: “The East Midlands has deep roots in banking and legal services and is increasingly attracting firms looking for talent and new opportunities to invest. With targeted support for skills and investment, and a stronger local voice in policymaking, we can help the financial and related professional services industry continue to deliver jobs and prosperity.” TheCityUK’s report also sets out a practical policy framework to build on this success and enable the industry to further drive growth across the country. Its recommendations include:
  • Ensuring that the new Strategic Investment Opportunities Unit in the Office for Investment is built on a real and close partnership with the private sector, including, where appropriate, using secondees and other industry experts
  • Stimulating local growth by continuing work towards a devolution settlement across all English regions and sensible alignment with the UK nations, while creating a new Leadership Academy to gather expertise
  • Developing pipelines of local talent by ensuring Skills England works closely with businesses, including on a more flexible Growth and Skills Levy
  • Delivering on the government’s proposal to reform the planning system to encourage growth-enabling infrastructure through greater efficiency, predictability and resource allocation

Showcase sustainable developments at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025

With the nomination deadline looming for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025, there are 10 categories open for entry, providing a perfect opportunity to shine a light on outstanding businesses, teams and projects at the annual event celebrating the region’s property and construction industry. One such category is Sustainable Development of the Year, which can be entered here. The winner of this category will be the scheme that has displayed a true commitment to sustainable development in the East Midlands, whether this be in an environmental development, social enterprise or a scheme which will benefit the region in other ways, so long as it benefits the future generation. It’s completely free to submit a nomination and making the top three finalists in your category also wins you free tickets to the awards ceremony. Last year, Henry Brothers Construction Ltd scooped the award for Alfreton Park School, beating out stiff competition from CPMG (for the Sir Peter Rubin Centre for Veterinary Education) and Keepmoat (for Gedling Green). Upon winning, Henry Brothers Construction said: “We were absolutely thrilled to pick up the award for Sustainable Development at the East Midlands Bricks. Alfreton Park School was a very special project to us, we really enjoyed our engagement with the pupils and fundraising activities and hopefully this will have a lasting impact on the local communities. We are so pleased that this was recognised by the judges. It was great to attend such an informal and relaxed networking & awards evening hosted by East Midlands Business Link.” With this year’s Sustainable Development of the Year award once again sponsored by Viridis Building Services, a spokesperson for the company said: “We’re proud to once again sponsor the Sustainable Development of the Year award at the Bricks Awards. At Viridis Building Services, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword – it’s the foundation of everything we do, which is why we are so passionate about sponsoring this particular award. “Last year’s event was a fantastic showcase of innovation, collaboration and local talent, and it was inspiring to see so many projects delivering real, measurable impacts, having positive impacts on local social aspects, the environment and the local economy. We believe that building sustainably should also mean building smart, achieving environmental excellence without excessive cost, and this is what we saw last year. “This year, we’re especially looking forward to reviewing and understanding the amazing projects completed and in the pipeline, which promote sustainability in its greatest form. It allows opportunity for connecting with like-minded professionals, celebrating the power of local collaboration, and shining a spotlight on those who are pushing boundaries in sustainable design and construction. “We strongly encourage everyone in the industry to nominate the projects that are helping to shape a greener, more responsible future.” Submit your nominations for Sustainable Development of the Year here before entries close on Friday 15th August. Winners will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony on Thursday 2nd October, at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground (4:30pm – 7:30pm) – an evening also offering an opportunity to establish new connections with property and construction professionals from across the region, and hear from keynote speaker Councillor Nadine Peatfield – Leader of Derby City Council, Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Strategy and Policy, and Deputy Mayor of the East Midlands. Other award categories open for entry include: Most Active Agent, Developer of the Year, Responsible Business of the Year, Commercial Development of the Year, Contractor of the Year, Deal of the Year, Architects of the Year, Excellence in Design, and Residential Development of the Year. All entry forms can be accessed here. The Overall Winner award will also be presented at the event. This award cannot be entered, with the winner selected from those nominated for the event’s other awards. The Overall Winner of the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025 will also receive a grand prize of a year of marketing/publicity worth £20,000, with the opportunity to split or gift the marketing to a charity of your choice.  

The East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025

What: The East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025 When: Thursday 2nd October (4.30pm – 7.30pm) Where: Derek Randall Suite, Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, Nottingham Keynote speaker: Councillor Nadine Peatfield – Leader of Derby City Council, Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Strategy and Policy, and Deputy Mayor of the East Midlands Tickets: Available here Dress code: Standard business attire Thanks to our sponsors:                                                                

To be held at:

HSG UK extends partnership with Derby County for 2025/26 season

Derby County Football Club has confirmed the continuation of its partnership with HSG UK for the 2025/26 season. The family-run business, based in Pride Park, will maintain its presence on the back of the Men’s and Women’s First Team shirts and shorts, as well as the Men’s B Team and Under-21s.

This marks the third consecutive season of the collaboration, which began in the promotion-winning 2023/24 campaign and was renewed for Derby’s return to the Sky Bet Championship in 2024/25.

HSG UK, recognised for its innovative and award-winning washroom services and water-saving solutions, has earned a solid reputation in the industry. The company was honoured with the prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise in May 2024, alongside recognition at the Family Business Awards and East Midlands Chamber Business Awards.

The renewed agreement underscores HSG UK’s dedication to supporting local businesses and the community, reflecting both its deep ties to Derby and its mission to assist companies nationwide in reducing their environmental impact.