Warner Hotels commits £15.5m to Thoresby Hall redevelopment

April Lara
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Warner Hotels commits £15.5m to Thoresby Hall redevelopment

Warner Hotels will invest £15.5 million to refurbish Thoresby Hall in Nottinghamshire. The project will upgrade 221 rooms, add new accommodation, renovate 51 patios and introduce a wellness facility within the historic estate.

The estate’s layout will be restructured to improve circulation and communal areas. Food and beverage operations will be expanded, including updated dining venues and seasonal refreshment points.

This forms part of Warner Hotels’ wider investment programme, which has seen £120 million spent since 2021 on UK country and coastal properties. Past projects include Studley Castle, Heythrop Park, The Runnymede on Thames, and acquisitions of Dalmahoy Hotel and Country Club and The Forest of Arden Country Club.

The investment is backed by Blackstone and aligns with continuing demand for UK domestic short‑breaks. Thoresby Hall will serve as a flagship property within Warner’s portfolio.

Nottinghamshire reports strong growth in investment, tourism, and business sectors

April Lara
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Nottinghamshire reports strong growth in investment, tourism, and business sectors

Marketing Nottingham & Nottinghamshire (MNN) has published its 2024/25 annual review, outlining significant achievements across tourism, investment, and business engagement in the region.

Visit Nottinghamshire recorded 34.96 million visitors, generating more than £2.53 billion in economic activity and supporting 22,557 full-time equivalent jobs. Growth was driven by the county’s cultural, sporting, heritage, leisure, and hospitality offerings.

Invest in Nottingham reported £74 in economic return for every £1 spent. Initiatives delivered 1,183 new jobs and contributed £62.8 million to gross value added, reinforcing the region’s business competitiveness. Meet in Nottingham hosted 15 major events, including the Touch Rugby World Cup 2024, which involved 3,000 participants from 39 countries and added £10 million to the local economy. More than 1,500 bed nights were booked through the Convention Bureau.

The Nottingham Tourism Centre welcomed over 100,000 visitors, providing guidance that enhances stays and supports international tourism, retail, and major sporting events, including ongoing collaboration with Nottingham Forest.

The Nottingham Partners network expanded its membership, connecting senior leaders with the East Midlands Combined County Authority to drive regional collaboration and economic growth.

Marketing, PR, and communications campaigns reached a combined audience of 794 million across print, digital, broadcast, and social media channels, with an advertising value of £7.34 million. Visit Nottinghamshire’s consumer campaigns alone reached 765 million, reflecting a 738 per cent increase year on year.

MNN’s focus for the year ahead includes delivering a ten-year Destination Management Plan, enhancing inward investment pipelines, and strengthening Nottinghamshire’s presence in domestic and international markets.

£415,000 funding to develop skills and employment in West Northamptonshire

April Lara
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£415,000 funding to develop skills and employment in West Northamptonshire

West Northamptonshire Council is allocating £415,000 through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to support 15 community-led projects aimed at boosting skills, wellbeing, and employment prospects.

The funding will enable local charities, voluntary organisations, and social enterprises to deliver training, coaching, and wellbeing initiatives. Programs are designed to help residents access work, education, and volunteering while fostering stronger community networks.

Supported projects cover a wide spectrum of needs. Initiatives include vocational training and enterprise support for adults with learning difficulties, wellbeing and employability programmes for vulnerable residents, mentoring for isolated individuals, and targeted employment pathways for women and young people. Specialist services such as IT training, trade skills development, and mental health support are also included.

Examples of initiatives receiving funding include artisan bakery and café programmes offering coaching toward employment, structured volunteer and work placement schemes, career planning support for young people with additional health needs, and expanded wellbeing services to help adults move from crisis to independence. Several organisations will employ coordinators and mentors to increase the scale and consistency of their support.

The programme is part of West Northamptonshire Council’s broader strategy to strengthen workforce skills, enhance community resilience, and provide local residents with access to opportunities that support long-term economic growth.

Leanne Bonner-Cooke joins Leicestershire Business Voice board

April Lara
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Leanne Bonner-Cooke joins Leicestershire Business Voice board

Leicestershire Business Voice has expanded its board with the appointment of Leanne Bonner-Cooke MBE. She joins ten other directors in steering the organisation’s work representing businesses across Leicester and Leicestershire.

Bonner-Cooke has more than three decades of experience in business and technology. She founded LBC Mentoring Ltd, supporting SMEs with governance, commercial strategy, digital transformation and leadership. She also holds leadership positions at The People Reader, Shine Together CIC, and Leicestershire County Cricket Club.

Her background includes founding two UK tech companies and raising over £5 million in private investment. She brings expertise in scaling businesses, driving digital innovation and advising on organisational growth.

At LBV, she will work with the board to guide initiatives that strengthen the regional business environment, influence policy, and provide support to the organisation’s growing membership.

Grimsby-based Splash About announces acquisition and turnaround of reusable nappy brand

Tess Egginton
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Grimsby-based Splash About announces acquisition and turnaround of reusable nappy brand
Grimsby-headquartered Splash About, a leader in the early years swimwear and learn-to-swim market, has announced its acquisition and turnaround of Bambino Mio, which has been at the forefront of the reusable nappy market for over 25 years. Bambino Mio will operate as a ‘sister’ brand to Splash About, leveraging its operational expertise, innovation and strong multi-channel distribution. With a shared ethos and complementary strengths, the deal strategically positions the brands to accelerate international growth and capture a greater share of the eco-conscious parenting market. The deal has created more investment in the area with Splash About taking on a lease for a 30,000 sq ft warehouse and office space to accommodate the new acquisition. Bambino Mio’s logistics and distribution have all been moved to Stallingborough, creating new employment and further opportunities in the region. Splash About acquired Bambino Mio from administration in December 2024 and has spent the past 8 months implementing a focused strategy that has resulted in returning the business to profitability. Group managing director Lesley Beach explained: “A deep dive financial diagnostic of the business identified the profit and loss drivers, which in turn resulted in a complete overhaul of the product range – returning to what Bambino Mio always did best; beautiful mix and match designs of eco-friendly developmental products.” Lesley continued: “We have taken this starting point but gone one step further, creating an improved technical spec at reduced cost prices. We are now confident this range of reusable nappies and potty training pants are best in class in their market category – and we will be unveiling our new collection to retailers attending the Kind + Jugend Baby and Toddler International Trade Fair in Cologne this September.”

16th acquisition of 2025 sees Phenna Group go down under

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16th acquisition of 2025 sees Phenna Group go down under
Nottingham-headquartered Phenna Group, which invests in and partners with selected niche, independent Testing, Inspection, Certification and Compliance (TICC) companies, has snapped up Prensa Pty in its 16th acquisition of 2025. The Australian business provides tailored, strategic and practical solutions to all clients’ property risks, including asbestos management, environmental testing, risk management, occupational hygiene, and emergency management services. Led by Cameron Hunter and William Meszaros, Prensa is a trusted partner to clients in both the public and private sectors, operating from locations across Australia in Melbourne, Geelong, Sydney, Newcastle, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Perth, Canberra, and Hobart. Cameron Hunter, director of Prensa, said: “Over the years, Prensa has grown by focusing on developing our people who are able to provide practical and effective solutions that help our clients manage HSE-related risks. “Joining Phenna Group will give us access to additional resources, expertise, and networks that will provide further career growth opportunities to our highly professional team. I’m excited about the opportunities this partnership will open up for all staff and our clients across Australia.” William Meszaros, director of Prensa, said: “This is a proud moment for Prensa and our team. We’ve built our reputation on technical excellence, reliability, and strong client relationships, and becoming part of Phenna Group is a natural next step in our journey. “With their backing, we’ll be able to offer staff further professional growth opportunities, invest in new capabilities, and continue providing the highest standards of service to our clients nationwide.” Brett Coleman, divisional managing director for Phenna Group, said: “Prensa’s capabilities and market coverage make them a natural fit for our Food and Life Sciences Division. Their strong technical expertise and outstanding reputation complement our existing services in Australia perfectly, and I’m delighted to welcome Cameron, William, and their talented team into the group.” Phil Marshall, CEO of Phenna Group, said: “I’m thrilled to welcome Prensa to Phenna Group. Their exceptional track record in property risk management and extensive geographic presence will strengthen our offering in Australia and the wider Asia-Pacific region. “This acquisition reflects our commitment to partnering with high-quality businesses that share our focus on technical excellence, customer service, and sustainable growth.” Phenna Group were advised by RSM and Squire Patton Boggs. Prensa were advised by TCA and Gadens.

Gateley to support Go Beyond as Nottingham charity partner

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Gateley to support Go Beyond as Nottingham charity partner
Professional services group Gateley has named Go Beyond as the chosen charity partner for its Nottingham office, following an internal nomination and voting process. The charity, which has a centre in Daleside in Derbyshire, gives children and young people aged 8-13 facing serious challenges in their lives the opportunity to experience a week-long break in the outdoors intended to encourage self-belief and inspire adventure. Many of the children and young people supported by the charity have been bereaved, abused or bullied, or are living in poverty or caring for loved ones. In 2024, the charity provided more than 1,000 breaks with the ambition of giving attendees the chance to escape their worries and pressures and give them the experiences they need to increase their self-belief and see the world in a different light. As part of the partnership, Gateley will host a series of fundraising activities throughout the year in a bid to raise crucial funds to support the hosting of future breaks. In addition, the office will also arrange volunteering days for colleagues to help with the renovation of existing spaces and support wherever else it may be needed. Go Beyond’s summer fundraising campaign “Ice Cream Moments” encourages people to donate £3.50 – the average cost of a scooped treat – to go towards their residential breaks. To support this, Gateley recently paid for an ice cream van to visit its office, with colleagues and other local businesses asked to donate to Go Beyond instead of paying for their frozen delight. Helen Burgess, partner at Gateley, said: “We are very proud to be supporting Go Beyond as our chosen office charity this year. With so many colleagues in the office also parents of young children, they were the overwhelming choice of the team who are in awe of the incredible work they do to help children and their families, as well as providing opportunities to spend time in nature.” Vanessa Fairfax-Woods, business development manager at Go Beyond, added: “Go Beyond are thrilled that Gateley have chosen to support us as their charity partner. They have started strong and thrown themselves into fundraising for us with Ice Cream Moments and some challenge events. They are already making a difference to children who desperately need a break.”

Nottingham CRO Platelet Services appoints director of business development

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Nottingham CRO Platelet Services appoints director of business development
Nottingham-based contract research organisation (CRO) Platelet Services has appointed Payash Bahuguna as director of business development in order to drive growth for the company’s platelet function testing services. Platelet Services is a contract research organisation providing full-range pre-clinical services in platelet testing, supporting both small biotech companies and large pharmaceutical corporations worldwide in drug discovery and development. With decades of collective expertise, the company continues to expand its capabilities in assay development and high-throughput testing formats to better serve early-stage research. As director of business development, Payash will bring a unique blend of scientific expertise and commercial acumen to the role. She has extensive experience in marketing and business partnerships spanning drug discovery contract research, artificial intelligence, and academic sectors. Her professional journey with platelets began nearly a decade ago at Platelet Solutions, a University of Nottingham spin-out company. Holding a Master’s degree in Biotechnology and Business Entrepreneurship from the University of Nottingham and accreditation as a Chartered Marketer, Payash will focus on identifying new business opportunities, building strategic partnerships, and driving company growth. Natalia Dovlatova, CEO of Platelet Services, said: “It is a pleasure to welcome Payash to the Platelet Services team. Some of us had the chance to work alongside her at Platelet Solutions, so we know first-hand the skill, business expertise and enthusiasm she brings. “I am confident that Payash’s experience and energy will play a key role in strengthening our relationships with clients and opening new doors for future collaboration.”

Midlands mid-market outperforms expectations but challenges persist

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Midlands mid-market outperforms expectations but challenges persist
Midlands mid-sized businesses are reporting stronger-than-expected performance in 2025, fuelled by resilient customer demand, AI adoption and an improving skills outlook, according to the latest Economic Engine research from accounting and business advisory firm, BDO. The survey of over 500 mid-sized business leaders shows more than three-quarters (76%) have already beaten growth targets set at the start of the year, with one-fifth (20%) saying they have significantly exceeded expectations. Better-than-expected staff recruitment and retention (49%) and rising customer demand (47%) were key drivers of outperformance, supported by productivity gains from technology and AI (43%). This positive trading picture is translating into continued capital commitment. Over half (51%) are holding investment steady, with more than a third (37)% stepping it up. Only one in 10 (11%) are delaying or scaling back UK investment. These figures suggest regional companies are backing their own pipelines and balance sheets, even as wider economic sentiment remains subdued. Despite their strong performance, confidence in the UK as a place to grow remains limited for some Midlands businesses. Nearly two-fifths (39%) of mid-sized companies surveyed describe the UK as a “strong environment” for long-term business growth, while 61% say conditions have become more challenging. One in five (20%) are already shifting operations or investment overseas. That caution reflects persistent structural pressures. On workforce issues, a third (33%) cite plugging skills gaps as their biggest challenge. Rising wage expectations are another significant pressure (17%), reflecting the ongoing effects of inflation and higher National Insurance contributions. Operationally, managing supply chain disruption is one of the most pressing barriers to growth (24%). At the same time, while AI is seen as a driver of productivity, more than a quarter of Midlands companies (26%) cite adopting new technologies as a challenge, highlighting the uneven pace of digital transformation across the mid-market. To fuel their growth, Midlands mid-sized businesses are looking to secure new investment or finance (53%) and investing in automation, technology or AI (51%). A further 36% are launching new products or services. Kyla Bellingall, regional managing partner at BDO in the Midlands, said: “These findings highlight the strength of the Midland’s mid-market – businesses are delivering growth and continuing to invest despite challenging conditions. But they also carry a warning; confidence in the UK as a place to scale is not guaranteed. “With mid-sized businesses continuing to contribute significantly to the regional economy, creating a wealth of additional jobs to boost the future outlook in the Midlands, the government will want to use the Autumn Budget to reassure this segment of the market and address persistent barriers around skills, costs and competitiveness. Only with the mid-market firmly and confidently anchored in the Midlands, will we see the growth the regional economy needs.”

G F Tomlinson secures position on NEUPC refurbishment framework for the Midlands

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G F Tomlinson secures position on NEUPC refurbishment framework for the Midlands
Midlands-based contractor, G F Tomlinson, has been appointed to the North Eastern Universities Purchasing Consortium (NEUPC) ‘Building Refurbishment Services’ framework for Lot 4C – Midlands region. The contractor will be covering refurbishment projects valued between £4 million and £10 million across higher education and public sectors throughout the East and West Midlands as part of the framework, which will run for an initial four-year term from June 2025 to June 2029, with the potential for a two-year extension. The NEUPC framework provides a procurement route for refurbishment works to a wide range of public sector institutions, including universities, further education colleges and schools, NHS Trusts, charities, and other public sector bodies that are members of the consortia. G F Tomlinson is one of only two contractors appointed to the £4m – £10m Midlands Lot. Works under the framework will cover all aspects of refurbishment typically required in university and education buildings. These include improvements to laboratories, lecture theatres, libraries, commercial kitchens, accommodation, meeting and conference rooms, and plant areas. Adrian Grocock, managing director at G F Tomlinson, said: “We are delighted to have been successful in our bid for the new NEUPC Framework. Being appointed to Lot 4C in the Midlands reflects our continued commitment to quality, safety, and adding social value through our work. “This framework opens the door to some of the region’s most respected educational and public sector clients, and we are proud to be part of a collaborative approach that supports sustainable, impactful refurbishment of vital educational infrastructure. “This appointment builds on our extensive track record with clients such as the University of Nottingham, Nottingham Trent University, University of Lincoln, Keele University and Nottingham College.” Andy Hughes, deputy head of operational procurement and category manager at NEUPC, said: “We are pleased to award a long-term framework that is open to all members of the NEUPC, covering a diverse range of requirements in refurbishment works that we hope will provide savings as well as quality work for our members.”
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