First Enterprise reports rapid SME lending growth

April Lara
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First Enterprise reports rapid SME lending growth

First Enterprise has channelled £10 million in finance to UK small and medium-sized businesses within the first half of the 2025/26 financial year. The organisation, which operates as a Community Development Finance Institution, has seen a marked rise in lending activity compared with the same period last year.

The loans, typically ranging from £25,000 to £250,000, have been delivered through programmes backed by the British Business Bank, including the Start Up Loans initiative, the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II, and the Community ENABLE Fund. The expanded funding pipeline has strengthened First Enterprise’s capacity to work with firms seeking alternatives to mainstream lenders.

The organisation’s portfolio continues to target businesses facing barriers to traditional finance. The current investment level is supporting job creation and business growth across a range of sectors. First Enterprise has signalled that it will maintain its focus on inclusive lending and widen its reach to more SMEs through the remainder of the financial year.

10 projects in line to receive share of East Midlands mayor’s £25m investment fund

Tess Egginton
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10 projects in line to receive share of East Midlands mayor’s £25m investment fund
Ten schemes are in line for millions of pounds of investment as part of Mayor Claire Ward’s plans to boost growth, create jobs and improve the region.
Funding has been earmarked for a string of projects set to bring benefits to places and people across the region, by improving town centres, supporting small businesses, creating jobs and helping communities grow in a greener, more sustainable way. East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) board members have now approved the schemes to enter EMCCA’s £25m Investment Fund pipeline. Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward said: “This funding marks another major step forward in our shared ambition to unlock the potential of the East Midlands. “Inclusive growth is at the heart of everything we do and we’re ensuring the benefits of investment reach every part of our region, from our cities to our towns and villages. “These projects will help create new opportunities, drive innovation, and support local jobs, all while strengthening the foundations of our communities.” The projects under consideration for funding are:
  • Stapleford Pencil Works (Nottinghamshire) – Construction of a business centre in the heart of Stapleford, housing coworking space, retail units, small offices, and makers spaces/workshops;
  • Greening Growth in Giltbrook (Nottinghamshire) – Nine new-starter business units for small and micro-businesses in the area;
  • Yorke Drive Housing, Newark (Nottinghamshire) – Redeveloping the existing Yorke Drive housing estate with new mixed tenure homes for sale and rent alongside improvements to sport and leisure, public realm, safety, accessibility, and electric vehicle charging points;
  • Sherwood Revival, Ollerton (Nottinghamshire) – Regenerating the town centre with an enhanced and better connected new public sector hub, business units, housing, public realm space, and cinema;
  • Becketwell Enabling (Derby) – Enabling works at the third phase of development at Becketwell, a flagship regeneration scheme in Derby City Centre and home to a Grainger 260-apartment build-to-rent development and 3,500-capacity Vaillant Live events and conferencing destination;
  • Staveley Investment Programme (Derbyshire) – Delivery of the Barrow Hill Memorial Hall which will create community spaces, health provision, and early years activities and contribute to the Staveley Moorings project to deliver the final works to the project and complete the Staveley Basin project;
  • Chesterfield Town Centre Masterplan (Derbyshire) – Supporting the delivery of housing in the Spire Neighbourhood alongside spaces for businesses, and further works to the Stephenson Memorial Hall refurbishment project to create a modern visitor experience in the heart of the town, with an extended theatre, a reconfigured modern museum, alongside new gallery space, a café bar, education and community facilities;
  • Ashbourne Reborn (Derbyshire) – Improving access to Ashbourne Town Centre, supporting the Ashbourne Reborn Programme through targeted public realm enhancement, safety and drainage solutions, and sustainable transport measures;
  • Long Eaton Town Deal (Derbyshire) – Supporting the development of high-quality infrastructure and enhancement of the Long Eaton Town Deal as part of a wider programme of works led by Erewash District Council;
  • Clay Cross Town Deal (Derbyshire) – Developing the town centre including new-build public realm, retail space, improved library facilities, and refurbished adult education centre.
Mayor Claire said: “We’re working with partners to build a region that celebrates its heritage while looking confidently to the future. I’m committed to making the East Midlands a place where everyone has the chance to thrive, contribute, and feel proud to call home.” Board members discussed the proposal at their meeting on Monday 24 November 2025, and each project will now go through final due diligence to secure the funding.

High Street offices set for residential conversion

April Lara
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High Street offices set for residential conversion

Plans to transform vacant upper-floor offices in Scunthorpe’s town centre into new housing have been cleared by North Lincolnshire Council. The scheme will create 26 self-contained one, two, and three-bedroom flats above the Ellko supermarket on High Street.

The approval confirms a shift from commercial to residential use across the first, second and third floors of the property. A noise assessment supported the application and the development will not function as an HMO.

No public consultation was required due to the type of planning request. The building, a prominent multi-storey structure on the street, will now form part of efforts to increase town centre living and reuse underutilised space.

Co-op invests £4m in digital shelf labelling across food estate

April Lara
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Co-op invests £4m in digital shelf labelling across food estate

Lincolnshire Co-op is replacing paper price tags with Electronic Shelf Edge Labels across all 100 of its food stores under a £4m technology upgrade. The shift eliminates the need for staff to manually update hundreds of labels each week, freeing up time during high-volume promotional periods and reducing operational workload.

The system is expected to cut more than £100,000 a year in paper, toner, and printing costs, supporting the society’s wider sustainability commitments. It also forms part of its long-term Purpose Beyond Profit 2030 strategy, which includes investing in digital infrastructure to strengthen store operations.

The rollout began with a trial at The Bridge Food Store in Newark in October 2025. The Co-op plans to complete installations across the full estate by the end of 2025 and intends for all future food stores to launch with the digital platform in place.

The new electronic labels are designed to improve price accuracy, speed up promotional changes, and give customers clearer product and offer information. Mark Duckworth, Country Manager at SOLUM UK & Ireland, said: “Our partnership with Lincolnshire Co-op reflects a shared commitment to putting customers first and driving meaningful retail innovation.

“At SOLUM, we’re dedicated to delivering high-quality products and smart retail solutions that support our customer’s digital transformation and contribute to the ongoing advancement of the UK retail sector.”

Smart parking management solutions provider acquires Kettering-based firm

Tess Egginton
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Smart parking management solutions provider acquires Kettering-based firm
Smart parking management solutions provider Intelli-Park has acquired Kettering-based Total Parking Solutions (TPS), a specialist operator with a long-established presence across universities, retail, healthcare, residential, hospitality, corporate estates, local authorities and transport hubs. The acquisition brings together Intelli-Park’s national operations, data analytics and AI driven technologies with TPS’ deep sector expertise and trusted client relationships. It will enable Intelli-Park to deliver a broader suite of integrated services including ANPR, smart monitoring, digital permits, compliance support and insights. Ben Cooke, group CEO at Intelli-Park, said: “TPS is a respected provider with deep sector expertise. By combining their existing client relationships with our industry leading tech and nationwide scale, we’ll help clients simplify parking, reduce unauthorised use and improve the experience for drivers.” Rachel Baxter, operations director at Total Parking Solutions, added: “Joining Intelli-Park gives our clients access to market leading solutions, analytics and permit systems while preserving the service continuity they value. It’s a natural next step for our team and customers.”

Next sells land intended for consolidation of regional distribution centres

Tess Egginton
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Next sells land intended for consolidation of regional distribution centres
Leicester-headquartered retailer Next has sold land near Waltham Abbey, Essex, intended to be used to consolidate two Regional Distribution Centres.

The company purchased the land in 2021. Since then, the business has noted, Next’s plans for its Distribution Centre network have changed, with plans no longer in place to use the site. As a result, the company sold the land in a transaction which was completed on 21 November 2025.

The sale generates net cash proceeds after costs of £54.1m and an exceptional profit of £16.3m.

Next has said the additional cashflow increases the surplus cash available for shareholder distributions in the current year.

In the absence of any acquisitions or further share buybacks this year, Next is set to pay a special dividend of around £3.10 per share, with the £54m additional cash inflow to increase that dividend by 45p.

Swadlincote manufacturer fined after worker injured in lathe incident

April Lara
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Swadlincote manufacturer fined after worker injured in lathe incident

A Swadlincote-based conveyor systems manufacturer has been fined after an 18-year-old employee sustained a broken arm during a manual deburring task.

The incident happened on 1 December 2023 at Isoma Limited’s site at George Holmes Business Park. The employee was using emery cloth on a rotating manual lathe without a protective aid when his arm became caught in the machinery. HSE investigating inspector Nicole Riley said: “Every year there are accidents involving the use of emery cloths on metalworking lathes, resulting in serious injuries. This incident could have been avoided if Isoma Limited had put in place a suitable safe system of work for employees deburring workpieces on manual lathes. There is clear guidance available to companies who undertake this work.”

An investigation found that the company had neither completed a risk assessment for the task nor established a safe system of work for deburring components. Employers are required to assess the risks involved in using emery cloth on rotating equipment and adopt methods that eliminate the need for the practice or control the hazards where elimination is not feasible.

Isoma Limited pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The business was fined £16,000 and ordered to pay £4,357.77 in costs and a £2,000 victim surcharge following a hearing at Chesterfield Magistrates’ Court on 20 November 2025.

Two offices, one vision: Proici Commercial Interiors create an inspiring workplace that supports collaboration and growth

Tess Egginton
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Two offices, one vision: Proici Commercial Interiors create an inspiring workplace that supports collaboration and growth
Proici Commercial Interiors have recently transformed two separate office buildings, for a leading energy data company, into a single, modern workplace that blends their core values of collaboration, sustainability, and wellbeing. Over a 27-week period, Proici designed and delivered a full refurbishment programme covering more than 13,000ft², transforming two neighbouring office buildings into one cohesive, connected workplace. Working closely with the client, Proici was able to define how each space should look, feel and perform – all while ensuring a consistent experience for staff, irrespective of which building they are in. Each floor features a calming palette of greens and neutrals, brightened with pops of colour, along with branded wall graphics and matching tea points to create a consistent, welcoming experience. Sustainability and biophilic design were central to the project. Preserved moss walls, hanging greenery, and integrated planters were used to bring nature inside, softening the office environment and boosting staff wellbeing. Entrances now make a striking first impression, with softly lit logos set against moss backdrops that signal a people-focused, eco-conscious workplace. Open-plan layouts were balanced with acoustic solutions which include ceiling baffles, pendant lights, desk dividers, and wall-mounted panels, all helping to keep the workplace environment productive and comfortable. Moveable partitions add flexibility, allowing spaces to adapt as needs change. Modern upgrades to HVAC, lighting, power, and data systems ensure the offices meet current standards and support a growing workforce. A standout feature is a new social hub, designed as a relaxed lounge for staff and visitors alike, with dark wood finishes, muted tones, and custom neon signage. The space encourages informal meetings, collaboration, and social connection, helping staff from both buildings feel part of one wider community. The results speak for themselves: improved collaboration, higher engagement, and a more enjoyable, inspiring work environment. Proici Commercial Interiors successfully turned two separate buildings into a unified, future-ready workplace where people and ideas can thrive. Click here for the full case study – https://proici.co.uk/case-studies/stark-horley

Startup wins $1m US investment to tackle global skin health

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Startup wins $1m US investment to tackle global skin health
A UK-based company that created the ‘world’s first’ safe scratching medical devices has received a $1m investment in its bid to become a global brand. Cosi Care has secured the investment as one of the five winners of the 43North startup competition, which attracts thousands of applicants from across the globe. Lauren Bell, from Swansea, and Sandip Leihal, from Nottingham, founded the brand in 2018 after designing a medical device offering instant itch relief and soothing painful symptoms of skin conditions such as eczema. Lauren came up with the idea for the device after her brother, Rhys, was confined to bed for three months with an agonising eczema flare-up that led to topical steroid withdrawal. Now, the brand has been recognised for its breakthrough product development for eczema and skin relief with over 50,000 customers in the UK. The revenue to date across the Cosi Care Group has now exceeded £3m. The company’s technology delivers targeted cooling and soothing sensations to the skin, helping users to reduce scratching to prevent damage and infections. The products have helped thousands of customers across the UK – and now the plan is to go global and help more people suffering with their skin. As one of five winners of the 43North competition, the $1m investment will allow the brand to expand to the US market. Cosi Care was also the only UK company to win the investment. It also won the People’s Choice Award, adding $25,000 funding to their prize. Cosi Care’s co founder Lauren Bell said: “Receiving this investment is a true testament to how universal our solution is – everyone knows someone with itchy skin. The response from our customers in the UK has been incredible, and we couldn’t be more excited to launch Cosi Care in the US. “Our mission is to offer relief and support to families raising children with eczema, and we believe everyone deserves to feel comfortable and confident in their skin – but that requires having access to products that really help. We are on a mission to outmatch the scratch globally!” Co founder and CFO Sandip Leihal added: “This is a major milestone for Cosi Care and for UK healthtech proving it can scale globally. We have built a medical grade device with real demand, strong unit economics and a model that can grow across markets. “Securing US investment allows us to take a British innovation into one of the biggest healthcare markets in the world and build a category defining brand in a space that has seen little change for decades.” Cosi Care confirmed that elements of its supply chain and product development will continue in the UK, with further hiring planned.

East Midlands commits £4.8m to strengthen regional investment and tourism

April Lara
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East Midlands commits £4.8m to strengthen regional investment and tourism

The East Midlands Combined County Authority has approved £4.8 million in baseline funding to launch two programmes designed to raise the region’s economic profile over the next two years. The investment sits within the wider East Midlands Growth Plan, which outlines a £13 billion ambition for Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.

Two new region-wide initiatives — Visit East Midlands and Invest East Midlands — will be established to build a clearer regional identity, attract more visitors, and support new business activity. Visit East Midlands will promote the area’s tourism offer, help develop new attractions, and coordinate campaigns to increase domestic and international visitor numbers.

Invest East Midlands will work with local partners to secure new investment and support business expansion. The programme follows a review that identified fragmented economic development activity across the region and highlighted the need for a more unified approach as the UK Shared Prosperity Fund comes to an end.

Mayor Claire Ward said: “I will continue fighting for more investment to come into this region so we can deliver real change. This new approach will ensure the East Midlands gets the attention, recognition and money it needs to help me do that.”

Alongside these initiatives, an East Midlands Growth Hub will be created to provide business support, linking firms with university expertise and private-sector networks. The hub will help strengthen the region’s economic foundation by offering practical advice to both new and established businesses.

David Williams, Chair of EMCCA’s Business Advisory Board, said: “I welcome the Mayor’s decisive action to use EMCCA funds to invest in the future of the East Midlands. In a time where funding is challenging, this commitment will enable us to strengthen our regional economy, enhance our visitor offer and create the conditions for sustainable business growth, driving prosperity for communities and businesses alike, strengthening the positioning of the East Midlands as a leading destination for investment and tourism.”

Detailed delivery plans for each programme will be developed in collaboration with councils, universities, business groups, and regional partners.

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