Businesses in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire with a track record of at least 20% annual growth over the past three years can access a new programme providing tailored academic and business support alongside funding opportunities.

East Midlands Chamber delivers the High Growth Academy on behalf of the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) in partnership with the University of Derby, University of Nottingham, and Nottingham Trent University. It forms part of the High Growth Accelerator project, funded with £450,352 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The programme includes workshops designed for different growth stages. Early-stage businesses can attend sessions on sales, leadership, and emerging markets, while established firms can focus on governance, organisational structure, and performance management. Monthly High Growth forums offer access to industry experts and peer networking, with the first event scheduled for 6 November covering strategy, systems, and scaling operations while maintaining a human-centred approach.

Additional support options include one-to-one guidance from High Growth Advisers, innovation vouchers of up to £5,000 for specialist university support, student placement funding of up to £2,000 for eight-week internships, and training bursaries of up to £2,000 to attend the Chamber’s Commercial Training courses.

Space Park Leicester is seeking UK space sector companies to host undergraduate micro-interns this autumn through the University of Leicester’s Micro-Internship Programme. The placements run from October to November 2025 and involve students contributing eight to ten hours per week over four weeks on defined projects designed to deliver tangible business outcomes.

Interns can support activities across satellite applications, Earth observation, data science, space hardware, and downstream commercialisation. Projects may include digital analysis, technical research, content development, or feasibility assessments. Businesses can choose to host interns in-person, remotely, or through a hybrid model.

Space Park Leicester operates as a collaborative hub connecting industry and academia, focusing on research, enterprise, and education in space and Earth observation. Companies taking part in the programme gain access to student expertise on specific business challenges while contributing to workforce development in the UK space sector.

Businesses interested in hosting a micro-intern should register by Friday, 5th September 2025. Detailed application guidance will be provided upon registration.

Grosvenor has formed a partnership with York Ward & Rowlatt to provide Leapmotor electric vehicles for UK fleets. The collaboration makes the T03 and C10 models available through both Personal and Business Contract Hire agreements.

Grosvenor manages the leasing terms, while York Ward & Rowlatt supplies the vehicles, simplifying the procurement process for corporate clients. The arrangement supports Leapmotor’s UK launch, delivered through a joint venture with Stellantis, and leverages York Ward & Rowlatt’s nationwide network of retailers.

The partnership gives businesses access to competitively priced EVs, supporting fleet electrification and offering low-emission vehicle options for companies aiming to meet sustainability goals.

Sills & Betteridge LLP has merged with historic Sheffield law firm Bell & Buxton Solicitors. Sills & Betteridge Solicitors, established in 1759, already has 16 offices across Lincolnshire, the East Midlands and Yorkshire and over 400 partners and staff. Their expansion into South Yorkshire began in 2019 with the acquisition of Bridge Sanderson Munro Solicitors of Doncaster, Bawtry, Thorne and Wath upon Dearne. The firm then extended its presence into Sheffield in 2021 with the acquisition of Rawson Family Law. Two years later, they acquired Acclaimed Family Law and the team now occupy offices at New Oxford House, Barker’s Pool in the regenerated ‘Heart of the City’ quarter. Bell & Buxton Solicitors has been a pillar of legal excellence in Sheffield for 150 years, renowned for its litigation and corporate law practices and over the years, the firm has built a reputation for delivering top-tier legal services and fostering long-term client relationships. The Bell & Buxton team will remain at Telegraph House for the foreseeable future. The merger of these two Legal 500 ranked law firms will create one of the largest law firms in Sheffield with a turnover of over £25 million. The merged firm will create a new force in the Sheffield legal market, offering a comprehensive suite of services across multiple practice areas. The combined firm, to be known initially as Sills & Betteridge incorporating Bell & Buxton, will leverage the strengths of both firms to provide unparalleled legal services in the city. Martyn Hall, Chief Financial Officer of Sills & Betteridge Solicitors, said: “Our firms share a common vision of excellence and client service and by combining our talents and resources, we will enhance our ability to deliver innovative and effective legal solutions in the city of Sheffield. Sills & Betteridge have ambitious growth ambitions, and this merger marks a major step forward in our regional expansion strategy.” “We are thrilled to join forces with Sills & Betteridge Solicitors,” commented Matthew Rodgers, Partner of Bell & Buxton Solicitors. “This merger represents a significant step for both firms as we respond to the changing legal landscape and the evolving needs of our clients. “By coming together, we can offer a wider range of services while maintaining the trusted, personal relationships that both firms have built with generations of clients. With a strong cultural fit and shared values, we look forward to reinforcing the Sills & Betteridge brand in the Sheffield market, building on their previous successful merger with Acclaimed Family Law.” Partner, Alex Ross adds: “We would also like to acknowledge the help and support given to us by Adam Ames, Jo Cresswell and Alicia Williams of Shorts Accountants throughout the merger process. They have been an integral part of the process.”

Derby City Council is set to review proposals for a new private sector leasing scheme aimed at reducing reliance on temporary accommodation. The initiative would allow the council to lease up to 50 privately owned 2- and 3-bedroom properties for periods of one to five years, or for more than ten years. Longer-term leases enable the council to claim the full housing benefit subsidy, lowering costs associated with providing temporary accommodation.

Costs for temporary housing have risen sharply, from £0.6 million in 2022/23 to an estimated £8.1 million in 2024/25. The proposed leasing scheme is designed to provide more stable, secure, and private accommodation for households in need while mitigating these financial pressures. The council may expand the scheme beyond 50 properties if demand increases.

As of 30 September 2024, 8,030 households were actively seeking affordable housing via the council’s Homefinder system. The council has also invested in developments such as Abbey Lodge, which offers secure flats to meet local housing needs.

Implementation of the scheme would require approval of a £150,000 capital budget and a one-off revenue allocation of £200,000 in the 2026/27 Medium Term Financial Plan. Landlord engagement will form a key part of the rollout, with property owners given the opportunity to participate under clearly defined terms.

The initiative aligns with national trends, as other local authorities have used private leasing arrangements to provide quality accommodation, reduce costs, and support households with greater stability.