Clowes Developments has completed the sale of Unit F2 at Beauchamp Business Park to ProTec Automotive.
ProTec Automotive is a local, family-run, independent company specialising in bespoke automotive solutions. The acquisition of the 2,540 sq ft unit supports ProTec Automotive’s continued growth and will facilitate the expansion of its operations.
Jack Brown of TDB Real Estate, one of the joint agents on the scheme, said: “We’re pleased to have concluded another sale to a local business that will use the space for its own operations. This transaction highlights the strong demand for small freehold units from both local and regional occupiers.”
Following the latest sale and with additional units currently under offer, only two freehold or leasehold opportunities remain at Beauchamp Business Park.
Making Tax Digital: less paper, more peace of mind – by Tracy Priest, associate director at Streets
Tracy Priest, associate director at Streets, breaks down the Making Tax Digital initiative.
Making Tax Digital (MTD) is HMRC’s initiative to modernise the UK tax system by requiring digital record-keeping and quarterly reporting. If you are a sole trader or landlord with income over £50,000, MTD will apply to you from 6 April 2026.
This change is the most significant change to UK tax reporting since self-assessment was introduced nearly 30 years ago and will affect how you manage your tax affairs.
Who will be affected?
You will need to comply with MTD if:
- You are registered for self-assessment
- You earn income from self-employment, rental property or both
- Your combined income from these sources exceeds £50,000 (based on your 2024/25 tax return)
- Use HMRC-approved software to maintain digital records
- Submit quarterly updates of income and expenses
- Finalise your annual tax position digitally, including other income, allowances and reliefs
- Choose and set up compatible software
- Register for MTD with HMRC
- Keep digital records for each business or property
- Consider using a separate bank account for business/rental transactions to simplify record-keeping
- Standard Package: you manage your own digital records and software. We assist with your annual tax return based on your quarterly submissions and other income details.
- Premium Package: we handle everything—from software setup and bookkeeping to quarterly submissions and your final return.
- Tailored Options: If you need support somewhere between these two, we can customise a package to match your level of involvement, budget and business complexity.
Nottingham digital marketing agency secures £30,000
Axon Point, a Nottingham-based digital marketing agency, has secured £30,000 in funding through the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II, delivered by appointed fund manager First Enterprise.
Founded in 2021 by experienced digital marketer Jave Singh, Axon Point helps brands grow through data-led, content-first strategies. The agency supports small and independent businesses with SEO, local marketing, CRM, and email campaigns, alongside conversion audits, paid media, and data analysis to boost visibility, ROI, and tackle business challenges.
The funding will be used to help the business grow and innovate by investing in lead generation tools, IT equipment, staff training, marketing campaigns, and contractor support. These investments will enable Axon Point to expand its reach, improve service delivery, and create new employment opportunities.
Axon Point has worked with over 100 independent businesses across various sectors, including automotive, health and beauty, fashion, and financial services, with clients in the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and South Africa.
Its portfolio includes brands such as Fight City Gym, Global Funeral Repatriation, and Clipper Marine.
Axon Point also has a long-term partnership with Nottingham Trent University and offers internships to students, two of whom have gone on to secure full-time roles within the company.
Jave Singh, founder and director of Axon Point, said: “The funding has allowed us to invest in systems and resources that were previously out of reach, and we’ve already secured a public sector contract as a direct result. It’s been a game-changer for this part of the business.”
Nabeel Akhter, investment manager at First Enterprise, said: “Jaivinder’s passion for helping small businesses grow through strategic, data-driven marketing is inspiring. Axon Point’s innovative approach and strong track record made this a compelling investment. We’re proud to support their continued growth and impact.”
FedEx launches dedicated freight facility at East Midlands Airport
FedEx has opened a 19,000-square-foot freight facility at East Midlands Airport, designed to handle large cross-border air shipments separately from its parcel sorting operations. The site includes multiple trailer docks and recessed pits to improve pallet handling and overall freight processing efficiency.
The facility increases FedEx’s freight capacity to meet growing import and export demand from businesses across the East Midlands. It forms part of the company’s broader Tricolor strategy, which separates express parcels from less-urgent heavy freight to optimise asset use and reduce costs.
The East Midlands investment follows the July opening of a 38,000-square-foot replacement logistics centre near Manchester Airport, which incorporates automated sorting and x-ray scanning to support both freight and e-commerce shipments. FedEx also upgraded its Stansted Airport terminal in December 2023 with a new parcel sorting system for imports.
These developments complement FedEx’s international expansion, including a move to a larger facility at Istanbul Airport and plans to establish a regional air hub in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The company operates three air hubs in the United Kingdom and continues to increase capacity to support cross-border trade for UK businesses.
Land acquired for 526 new homes in Boulton Moor, Derby
Vistry Group, the provider of mixed-tenure homes, has completed on the land acquisition to deliver 526 new homes on a 47-acre site in Boulton Moor, Derby.
This new development promises a mix of family homes for the area, including affordable homes, homes for the private rental sector and properties for sale on the open market. The site will also feature a playground for the younger members of the new community.
Dave Bradley, managing director of Vistry North Midlands, said: “I am delighted that our land team has completed the acquisition of land to build 526 high-quality new homes at Boulton Moor.
“This marks a significant step forward in bringing much-needed housing to the area, including a blend of affordable, PRS and private homes designed to create a vibrant and sustainable community. We look forward to working with our partners and stakeholders to bring this development to life and provide homes that cater to the needs of local people.”
This development forms the third phase of Derby’s Strategic Urban Extension, designed to create a 2,600-home village attached to the city. It will incorporate facilities including schools, shops, a care home, businesses, a transport hub, and electric charging stations.
Planning permission was granted in May 2025 with work expected to start later this year.
Unemployment fall in East Midlands offers limited relief for businesses
Unemployment in the East Midlands has fallen slightly to 4.7% for over-16s, according to the latest Office for National Statistics figures covering May to July 2025. This follows a decline from 5% to 4.8% in April to June, marking a gradual downward trend.
Despite the decrease, businesses in the region continue to face staffing pressures. Recruitment activity has slowed, with only half of local companies attempting to hire and six in ten reporting difficulties securing suitable candidates. Rising staff costs, including higher National Insurance contributions and increases to the national living wage, have compounded challenges alongside ongoing inflationary pressures.
Companies are also preparing for changes under the Employment Rights Bill, which is expected to introduce additional administrative and compliance obligations. Industry representatives have called for amendments to limit the financial and operational impact on firms.
Expectations of potential tax increases in the upcoming Autumn Budget further complicate economic conditions. Business groups stress that without supportive measures, the combination of staffing shortages, higher costs, and new legislative requirements could strain regional employers.
Nottinghamshire firm secures six-figure investment to scale ESG software platforms
Vision Zero Connect (VZC), a high-growth SaaS business at the forefront of ESG and energy performance management for the property sector, has secured a six-figure funding package from the British Business Bank’s Midlands Engine Investment Fund II through appointed fund manager for the East and South East Midlands, Maven Capital Partners.
The funding will accelerate the Nottinghamshire company’s product development, support the rollout of a major national contract win, and enable the creation of new jobs.
Vision Zero Connect was founded by Richard Ford, who brings over 30 years of experience in sustainable energy and utility infrastructure consultancy across global markets.
The company has developed two international proprietary platforms: ESG Navigate, an end-to-end ESG reporting software, and Portfolio One, a live building performance platform that captures, monitors and reports real-time building performance data across property portfolios.
Both platforms have been developed largely in-house, with limited outsourcing, allowing the company to retain full ownership of its intellectual property.
The funding will enable Vision Zero Connect to support working capital requirements during the rollout of its platforms across new customer portfolios, accelerate further product enhancements including the integration of AI features, and facilitate strategic growth with the creation of new roles across the business.
Richard Ford, CEO of Vision Zero Connect, said: “This funding marks an important milestone in our growth journey. With the support of Maven and the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II, we can accelerate product innovation and deliver on a major national contract that will showcase the capabilities of our platforms at scale.
“Our mission is to support property portfolios in meeting increasingly complex ESG and energy performance requirements with technology that drives efficiency, transparency and sustainability.”
Sajid Sabir, investment manager at Maven, said: “Supporting businesses like Vision Zero Connect is key to driving meaningful progress in sustainable real estate. Their cutting-edge platforms address critical energy and ESG reporting challenges that are becoming essential for institutional investors and asset managers.
“We are pleased to provide funding that will enable them to scale operations and accelerate product innovation, reinforcing Maven’s commitment to backing forward-thinking companies.”
UK inflation stood stubborn at 3.8% in August
Inflation remained at 3.8% in the 12 months to August, in line with July, according to new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), measured by the Consumer Prices Index (CPI).
On a monthly basis, CPI rose by 0.3% in August 2025, the same rate as in August 2024.
Air fares made the largest downward contribution to the monthly change; restaurants and hotels, and motor fuels made large, partially offsetting, upward contributions.
Core inflation, meanwhile, which takes out volatile factors like energy, food, alcohol and tobacco to give a clear picture of underlying trends, came in at 3.6% in the 12 months to August, down from the 3.8% in July and in line with forecasts.
Martin Sartorius, principal economist, CBI, said: “Inflation remained elevated in August, consistent with the Bank of England’s projections. Higher food and energy prices, alongside the passthrough from increased labour costs, are expected to keep price growth firm in the near term.
“The Monetary Policy Committee looks set to keep interest rates unchanged tomorrow and, going forward, the MPC faces a delicate balance between signs of a cooling labour market and the risk of price pressures remaining stubbornly high. Its rate decision in November will likely hinge on whether future data give the MPC confidence that a further cut will not contribute to inflation staying elevated for longer.”
Major student accommodation scheme completes in Nottingham
McLaren Construction Midlands and North has reached practical completion on a landmark 323-bedroom student accommodation scheme in the heart of Nottingham.
Delivered on behalf of McLaren Property, the £26m scheme now known as Fabric, which is located at 77 Talbot Street, has transformed the site of a former office block into high-specification student living, ready for occupation ahead of the 2025/26 academic year.
Designed by Leonard Design Architects, the nine-storey building offers a mix of en-suite cluster bedrooms and premium studios, alongside amenities including a gym, yoga studio, cinema room and social study spaces. The top floor features large-format studios with panoramic views across the city.
The development has achieved BREEAM Excellent and incorporates traditional foundations into the city’s sandstone bedrock, alongside specialist works which have included cave probing to meet complex planning conditions. Around 40% of the workforce has been sourced locally, supporting regional employment and skills.
Luke Arnold, regional director at McLaren Construction Midlands & North, said: “Talbot Street now known as Fabric, has been a flagship project for our Midlands and North business – combining sustainable construction methods, collaborative delivery, and a strong commitment to community engagement. We are proud to bring the scheme to fruition, handing over in time for students in the September intake.”
Ed Court, development director at McLaren Property, said: “Fabric is a great example of our purpose-built student accommodation and we’re delighted to see Talbot Street completed to such a high standard. Working closely with McLaren Construction, we’ve delivered a scheme that reflects the evolving expectations of students – offering high-quality amenities, great design, and a strong focus on sustainability.”
1 in 3 transport managers do not know how to achieve fleet net zero requirements by 2050
For International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer (16 September), industry research conducted by Nottingham technology solutions provider Microlise has revealed that 34% of transport managers do not know how to achieve net zero requirements for their fleets by 2050.
Only 38.5% of respondents to the survey admitted that they knew how to reach the emissions targets, which is part of the government’s Build Back Greener initiative. The remaining respondents said they had an idea but did not know for certain how to reach the target.
Reassuringly, all respondents said that sustainability and environmental impact was considered by their company, although it was clear from the research that some organisations are further along with plans than others.
Tracking emissions is the first port of call for transport managers looking to address the environmental impact of their fleets. Using technology to examine long-term trends, along with vehicle utilisation and route plan optimisation tools, offers indications of ways in which emissions can be drastically reduced.
As well as focusing on the fleet manager’s responsibility for environmental compliance, Microlise’s industry report, which details the research findings, also takes a wider view of the transport or logistics manager’s role in 2025.
The research also revealed that manually processing proof of delivery (POD) documents is costing companies around the country an average of around £51,000 per year and 1.7 hours a day of employee time.
Respondents were also asked about the tools that they use to ensure customers receive their deliveries on time and whether these tools were all in one system or spread across multiple platforms.
Microlise CEO, Nadeem Raza, said: “Awareness days such as International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, combined with the government’s commitment to achieving net zero by 2050, make it clear that reducing emissions is no longer something that is ‘nice to have’. It is now an essential process.
“While the government’s deadline is drawing closer, it is not too late to start the journey to net zero. It is easier than ever to begin analysing your fleet and start seeing where adjustments can be made which can simplify the process for transport managers.”
