Lincoln council expansion plan to be debated amid local government shake-up

April Lara
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Lincoln council expansion plan to be debated amid local government shake-up

Lincoln City Council is set to discuss a proposal to expand its boundaries, merging with parts of West Lindsey and North Kesteven to form a new “Greater Lincoln” authority. The plan will be reviewed in emergency meetings this week ahead of the government’s deadline for local government reform proposals.

The proposed authority would incorporate Lincoln alongside several neighbouring wards, aligning with urban interests rather than the surrounding rural areas. The council argues this would preserve Lincoln’s historical self-governance while creating efficiencies.

The government is encouraging councils to consolidate into larger single-tier authorities, with a suggested population target of 500,000. Lincoln’s proposal, which includes three separate authorities for the region, would not meet this threshold but is projected to save between £4 million and £26 million annually, with an estimated one-off transition cost of £15 million.

The council will submit its initial proposal to the government this week, with final plans due in November.

Bank of England holds interest rates at 4.5%

Tess Egginton
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Bank of England holds interest rates at 4.5%
The Bank of England has held interest rates at 4.5%, in line with expectations. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), which sets monetary policy to meet the 2% inflation target, voted by a majority of 8–1 to maintain Bank Rate at 4.5%. One member preferred to reduce Bank Rate by 0.25 percentage points, to 4.25%. Alpesh Paleja, Deputy Chief Economist, CBI, said: “Today’s announcement was in line with the ‘cut/hold’ tempo on interest rates that we expect for the rest of this year. “This understandable caution largely reflects a growing trade-off facing the Monetary Policy Committee in setting borrowing costs. Activity remains weak, but this doesn’t seem to be having much of an impact on inflationary pressure yet. Indeed, our own surveys show that pricing intentions have picked up again, at least in part reflecting businesses reacting to higher employment costs. “The MPC have also become more split on whether the persistence in inflationary pressure is driven by a deterioration in the economy’s supply capacity, which means that weaker demand may not have much of an impact in taking the heat out of pricing and wage intentions. The upshot of all this uncertainty is that while interest rates are likely to be cut further this year, the path down will remain gradual.”

Nottinghamshire rum brand appoints former Diageo executive as new CEO

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Nottinghamshire rum brand appoints former Diageo executive as new CEO
DropWorks, the Nottinghamshire-based rum brand, has appointed Graham Appleyard as its new Chief Executive Officer as the brand continues to strengthen and attract industry talent. With a career spanning over two decades in the drinks industry, including key marketing leadership roles at global drinks giant Diageo, Appleyard’s expertise will be instrumental in continuing to drive the company’s ambitious growth strategy. Since it was founded by rum expert Lewis Hayes in April 2023, DropWorks has been at the forefront of the British rum category, producing small-batch distillations from its 17,000 sq ft distillery in Nottinghamshire’s Sherwood Forest. Appleyard, who also co-founded Flintlock Brand Marketing Consultancy, has an enviable track record of revitalising global brands and driving commercial success. His work with Diageo spearheading brand strategies for Guinness, Baileys and Pimm’s, among others, and leading the joint venture with Moët Hennessy, demonstrates his ability to blend strategic vision with practical execution. At DropWorks, Appleyard is focused on guiding the brand’s next phase of growth from start-up to scale-up, and working to establish it as the number one British-distilled rum brand. Commenting on his appointment, Appleyard said: “I’m incredibly excited to join DropWorks at such a pivotal moment. The brand is already challenging the status quo and redefining the rum category by producing premium British-distilled rum – not just rum bottled in Britain, but truly crafted here by a team of passionate experts. “My goal is to drive wider appreciation for premium British rum, elevate quality standards across the entire category, and ultimately make DropWorks a household name.” As Appleyard steps into his new role, Lewis Hayes continues his role as Founder & Master Distiller. Hayes will focus on overseeing the production of innovative small-batch rums at the distillery, leveraging his extensive networks to expand the brand’s reach and share his passion for exceptional rum with a growing customer base. “Bringing Graham on board is a game changer for DropWorks and is testament to the quality of our products and team,” said Hayes. “His deep understanding of brand strategy and ability to drive growth will be invaluable as we enter our next phase. This transition allows me to dedicate more time to what I love most – crafting exceptional rum and connecting with our community.”

Leicester mayor proposes boundary expansion to support housing growth

April Lara
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Leicester mayor proposes boundary expansion to support housing growth

Leicester Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby has proposed expanding the city’s boundaries to include parts of neighbouring councils, increasing the population from 372,000 to 623,000 by 2028. The plan aims to address land shortages for housing development.

The proposal would merge areas from Charnwood, Harborough, Oadby and Wigston, and Blaby councils into a new unitary authority. Soulsby argues Leicester’s current boundaries are too restrictive for growth and must be revised.

Meanwhile, Leicestershire County Council has proposed an alternative plan to create a single unitary authority for the entire county, while district councils favour splitting the area into three separate authorities.

Both proposals are open for public consultation, with final recommendations due by 28 November 2025. Further public engagement is expected in the summer.

Superdrug to open 25 UK stores in 2025, creating 600 jobs

April Lara
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Superdrug to open 25 UK stores in 2025, creating 600 jobs

Superdrug plans to open 25 new stores across the UK in 2025, creating around 600 jobs. The health and beauty retailer will also refurbish 65 existing locations and expand several stores, including Luton and Dundee.

The company focuses on larger-format stores in high-footfall shopping centres and retail parks. The new locations will feature expanded beauty treatment services, including manicures, eyebrow threading, ear piercing, and a wider range of luxury fragrances.

Superdrug has seen a 25% increase in sales from investments in its largest stores. Recent openings include Leeds Briggate, with upcoming launches in Guernsey, Cribbs Causeway (Bristol), and a significant expansion at Meadowhall (Sheffield).

The retailer aims to enhance in-store experiences as part of its bricks-and-mortar growth strategy.

Phoenix Brickwork supports HMP Bullingdon expansion

April Lara
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Phoenix Brickwork supports HMP Bullingdon expansion

Derbyshire-based Phoenix Brickwork provides brickwork and scaffolding services to expand HMP Bullingdon in Oxfordshire. The project includes a new fully electric, four-storey T60 houseblock, increasing the prison’s capacity by 247 places.

The expansion is part of the UK’s Accelerated Houseblocks Development Programme (AHDP), which aims to add 20,000 prison places across six sites. The initiative will create over 2,000 construction jobs and 750 roles within the new facilities.

The T60 houseblock, built using Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), features off-site manufactured components to reduce carbon emissions. The design improves visibility and access to rehabilitation services while aligning with the Ministry of Justice’s sustainability goals.

Phoenix Brickwork’s subsidiary, BMH Scaffolding, is also supporting the project. The expansion includes additional facilities such as a workshop, a programme building, and an extended recreation area.

Eurocell hails “resilient” year

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Eurocell hails “resilient” year

Eurocell, the Alfreton-based manufacturer, distributor and recycler of window, door and roofline products, has hailed a “resilient” year amidst weak macroeconomic conditions and declining consumer confidence.

According to preliminary results for the year ended 31 December 2024, pre-tax profits reached £13.8m, growing from £11.7m in 2023. Meanwhile, with “demand more subdued than expected,” revenue came in 2% below 2023, at £357.9m. The results follow Eurocell’s acquisition of Alunet in a £29m deal, announced in March 2025.

Darren Waters, Chief Executive of Eurocell plc, said: “Our financial performance in 2024 was resilient, in the context of trading conditions that remained challenging.

“We delivered an increase of 32% in adjusted profit before tax, as we continued to proactively manage gross margin and benefited from a reduction in input cost pricing. Our cash generation was solid and our financial position remains strong, following completion of a £15 million share buyback programme.

“We invested to generate momentum with our strategy, and I am pleased with the good early progress we have made across a broad range of initiatives.

“The recent acquisition of Alunet is a compelling strategic fit for Eurocell: it addresses a growing trend towards aluminium fabrication across the fenestration sector, significantly strengthens our position in composite doors, and adds aluminium garage doors to our home improvement product portfolio.

“Demand in our core RMI market remains sluggish. We have seen some early signs of an improving picture in new build housing, albeit from a very low base. We will therefore continue to focus on cost reduction and operational improvements to drive efficiencies, to mitigate against the impact of a slower market recovery.

“We are confident in delivering another year of good progress in 2025, as we continue to execute on our growth strategy. The medium and long-term growth prospects for the UK construction market remain attractive and we are well positioned to drive sustainable growth in shareholder value.”

Derbyshire pharmacy sold to online clinic

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Derbyshire pharmacy sold to online clinic
Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, has sold Omega Pharmacy in Derbyshire.
Omega Pharmacy is a standard-hours community pharmacy that dispenses an average of 3,000 items per month. It is located opposite a large modern medical centre on St Thomas Road, a densely populated residential area two miles south of Derby. The pharmacy was owned by husband-and-wife, Manny and Poonam Rai, who, after a short period of ownership, decided to sell to focus on their other pharmacy in Coventry. Following a confidential sales process with Carl Steer at Christie & Co, it has been sold to an online clinic and prescription service based in the East Midlands. Carl Steer, Director – Pharmacy at Christie & Co, said: “From offer to completion, this sale took just 18 working days which is not only my fastest ever sale in 20 years with Christie & Co, but is also four to six months quicker than a typical sale and we achieved over the guide price. “Since marketing commenced, we saw good levels of interest from first-time buyers, distance-selling contractors, and some existing pharmacy operators. This shows that even if you have a pharmacy with quite low dispensing numbers, the market is active and it will be a perfect buy for someone.” Omega Pharmacy was sold for an undisclosed price.

Green light for 30 new business units in Nottinghamshire

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Green light for 30 new business units in Nottinghamshire
Planning permission has been granted to develop a former underused site at Clipstone Holdings into high-quality space for businesses.
The project has already seen the demolition of most of the existing old industrial units at the site, which is understood to have formerly been the train yard for the Clipstone colliery, for which the old powerhouse and headstocks (Grade II listed) still stand to the east of the site. Work will now begin towards the end of Spring to develop 30 brand new units on the site, the plans for which were last week unanimously approved by members of Newark and Sherwood District Council’s Planning Committee. The proposals include eight blocks of development, comprising 30 units of four different sizes. The new units will create new jobs, during both the construction and when operational. The District Council’s environmental strategy was embedded within the plans, with Solar PV panels to be installed on all units, a garden to utilise rainwater and cycle stores built to promote sustainable travel. The landscape and greenery will also be developed to increase biodiversity and bring character to the area, and permeable surfacing will be used in parking areas to reduce surface water run-off into storm drains. Councillor Paul Peacock, Leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “This is a big milestone in our plans to regenerate Clipstone. The new energy-efficient office and workshop spaces will bring huge economic benefits – from providing modern facilities to attract businesses, to increasing the opportunities for employment and skills for local people, while also sustaining the overall character and appearance of the area, which is the setting of landmark nearby listed buildings. “The units have already received lots of interest and we have received several enquiries about renting these, which just goes to show how in demand modern business spaces such as these are for the community.”

East Midlands to unveil investment vision at UK real estate forum

April Lara
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East Midlands to unveil investment vision at UK real estate forum

The East Midlands will launch a new economic vision at the UK Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) in Leeds from 20-22 May. East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward will lead a delegation of regional partners to outline major commercial opportunities and long-term growth plans.

The region will host an East Midlands Pavilion for the first time, providing investors, developers, and businesses with direct access to the Mayor and local investment teams. Key topics will include the East Midlands Freeport, the East Midlands Investment Zone, and the region’s appeal as a tourism destination through the Visit East Midlands initiative.

Investment showcases will highlight opportunities in Derby and Nottingham, focusing on advanced manufacturing, life sciences, creative industries, food production, and logistics.

Mayor Ward will be joined by representatives from the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), East Midlands Freeport, Marketing Derby, Invest in Nottingham, Invest in Derbyshire, and Destination Chesterfield.

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