Thursday, May 15, 2025

Business leaders invited to help shape Greater Lincolnshire’s economic future

Businesses have been invited to play a key role in the future growth of Greater Lincolnshire by becoming part of the Economic Advisory Panel.

The Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority (GLCCA) has opened applications for membership and a chair of the panel, which will help build a strong and successful future for the area. This is an opportunity for those who lead or own businesses across the region to provide advice, recommendations and guidance to the GLCCA board and the new mayor. It is a statutory requirement of the new devolved authority to bring together these key people as part of a formal board, comprising of 10 panel members from the private sector. They will serve a three-year term with one selected as chair. Shaping and influencing the development of economic strategy and policy within Greater Lincolnshire, membership is also an opportunity to provide a business voice. This will allow a new elected mayor to ensure that future economic plans for the GLCCA are heard in Westminster. It is hoped the panel will see a range of businesses represented. All of them will be vital to Greater Lincolnshire’s future and align to the GLCCA’s priority growth sectors of agri-tech and food, clean energy, ports & logistics, defence, and advanced manufacturing, along with the core sectors of education, housing and construction, transport and infrastructure, small business, and the visitor economy. Key priorities of the GLCCA are to turbo charge business growth, improve the adult skills offer across the authority footprint, support the building of good quality homes, and improve infrastructure and public transport. The investment to support the development of these priorities is now being devolved down from central government with a £720m pot over the next 30 years.

Derby secures £3.3m in government funding for economic growth

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Derby City Council has approved nearly £3.3 million in government funding to support local economic growth in the 2025/26 financial year. The funds come from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and will be distributed through the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA).

The UKSPF, initially launched in 2022 with a £2.6 billion budget, aims to support communities, local businesses, and workforce development. The government has extended the programme for another year, allocating £902 million nationwide as part of a transition agreement.

Derby’s funding allocation remains in line with previous years, reflecting a redistribution based on deprivation levels. The funds will strengthen local businesses, improve employability and skills, and support community initiatives.

Derby City Council emphasised the funding’s importance in maintaining economic stability and continuing investment in key areas amid ongoing budget pressures and potential future funding reforms.

UK government halts key farm payment scheme, sparking industry backlash

The UK government has stopped accepting new applications for the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI), citing full budget allocation for the year. The scheme, part of the Environmental Land Management (ELM) programme, pays farmers for nature-friendly practices such as maintaining hedgerows and reducing pesticide use.

Defra stated that 50,000 farm businesses—covering over half of England’s farmland—are now enrolled in environmental land management schemes, which have a £5 billion budget over two years. However, the suspension of new applications has drawn strong criticism from farming groups.

The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) called the move a “shattering blow,” warning that farmers left out of the scheme may have to abandon environmental efforts to stay financially viable. The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) described the decision as harmful to both farming and nature. The Nature Friendly Farming Network (NFFN) raised concerns that delays in the next SFI rollout, expected in spring 2026, could leave many farmers without support for 18 months.

Political figures, including Alistair Carmichael, chair of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee, criticised the abrupt decision, warning it could further destabilise the sector. The government has defended its funding approach, stating that more farmers are now receiving payments than ever before.

Paragon Bank funds £2.9m housing project in Kettering

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Paragon Bank has provided a £2.9 million funding package for the Maplefields housing development in Kettering, Northamptonshire. The project, a joint venture between Castlegate Homes and Craneview EM Ltd, will deliver 14 new homes on the former Maplefields school site on Beatrice Road.

The development includes a mix of two- to four-bedroom bungalows and detached houses, with prices ranging from £350,000 to £435,000. Properties feature garages, additional off-road parking, and large gardens. The site is located near Kettering town centre and train station, offering a 50-minute rail connection to London St Pancras.

Chris Wardrop, co-owner of Castlegate Homes and managing director of Craneview EM Ltd, led the project, with Craneview acting as the main contractor. Paragon Bank’s senior relationship director Steve Hallam and senior portfolio manager Ashling Quinn structured the funding deal.

Luxfer Gas Cylinders welcomes industry expert to drive global growth

A gas industry expert has joined Luxfer Gas Cylinders as its Global Director of Sales, Aluminum Cylinders – thanks to a longstanding connection with the Nottingham-based manufacturer. Chris Street, who also serves as President of the British Compressed Gases Association (BCGA), not only brings extensive experience to his new role, but has the added benefit of having been a customer of Luxfer himself when he owned a gas business nearly 20 years ago. It is a unique journey for the specialty and calibration gases expert, following a distinguished career spanning over 40 years; he started his journey as an engineer, followed by senior roles with leading gas companies. In 2006, Chris acquired his own successful specialty gases business, Scientific and Technical Gases (StG) – growing the team from 6 to 72 employees in eight years. Chris has proudly been a champion of Luxfer Gas Cylinders throughout his career. “I have travelled to over 60 countries in this industry, and no matter where I go, everyone knows Luxfer makes the best cylinders. I believe the quality of the gas is only as strong as the cylinder that holds it, and Luxfer’s products have proven, time and again, to be the gold standard in reliability and performance.” His passion for the company goes beyond merely the professional, though. “I have always had a deep emotional connection to Luxfer. When StG was in a tough spot, Luxfer supported us through a critical supply shortage, and that’s something I’ll never forget. It cemented my admiration for the company and means that this role, to me, is the perfect blend of head and heart. Luxfer is an exceptional company with a world-class range of products, and I’m honoured to contribute to its next chapter.” Reflecting on his appointment, he said: “Joining Luxfer feels like coming home. My ambition is to strengthen our core aluminum cylinder business, explore new markets, and ensure the company remains the benchmark for excellence in the industry. The focus will be on being bold, agile, and always putting our customers first.”

Go-ahead given to Newark primary school extension plans

An expansion scheme that would double the size of a Nottinghamshire primary school has been approved. Nottinghamshire County Council’s Planning and Rights of Way Committee have given the green light for a single-storey extension to be built at Chuter Ede Fernwood Primary School in the Fernwood area of Newark. The expansion project will see pupil numbers increase from 210 to 420 and will help meet growing demand for school places in an area where new housing continues to be built. Eight classrooms will be built as part of the application at the Hunters Road school, which also includes additional sports pitches for rounders and football, a running track and two hard PE courts. The development would include extending the existing staff car park from 16 to 39 spaces, while there will be provision for EV charging points. Solar panels are also proposed on the extension’s roof. The project will be led by the county council with its partner Arc Partnership, a joint venture between the council and SCAPE, which will design, deliver and cost manage the improvement scheme. Chuter Ede Fernwood, which is an annex of Chuter Ede Primary School at Balderton, was built in 2012 to service the growing number of children from the new Fernwood estate and is being developed in three phases – with the application for this extension the third phase. The first two phases have been implemented and, in addition to the original school building in phase one, have seen the creation of a sports field, outdoor play area, car parking and landscaping. Councillor Keith Girling, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Asset Management, said: “There is no better investment in our children’s future than ensuring they get a good education. “We have a proven track record in delivering projects which has seen millions of pounds invested in building and expanding schools to provide pupils with the best facilities to allow them to learn in modern, well-equipped buildings. “This is yet another development I’m fully supportive of and the approval of this expansion scheme will provide the best environment for education and help to bring more school places to Nottinghamshire.”

Cleaning products supplier expands with new Chesterfield facility

Paragon, a supplier of advanced cleaning products and solutions, has expanded with a new facility in Chesterfield. The warehouse provides a 300% increase in pallet storage capacity, to support the company’s growing operations. This sits alongside a modern office space for the team as well as a dedicated zone for Paragon Labs, the company’s innovation hub encompassing product development, online and on-demand training, a cleaning manual builder and comprehensive data platform. Paul Urquhart, Managing Director at Paragon, said: “This is a pivotal moment for Paragon. The Chesterfield location not only underscores our commitment to growth and innovation but also strengthens our position as a trusted partner to customers across the UK. “We have an ambitious long-term sustainability plan, and this expansion is a key step in delivering it. We estimate that this centrally located distribution hub will reduce CO2e emissions by 50% to 60%, primarily through fewer delivery miles, significantly lowering our carbon footprint. “The facility has been designed with sustainability at its core, enabling us to operate more efficiently while expanding our capacity to better support our customers’ needs.”

Widespread project delays to impact profits at Van Elle

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Widespread project delays are hitting profits at Van Elle, the Nottinghamshire-based ground engineering contractor has revealed in a new trading update for the year ending 30 April 2025.

In interim results the company shared that market conditions had proved challenging. Despite benefitting from a strong order book, the trading environment and volumes remained supressed throughout January and February.

The business has seen widespread project delays, including the ongoing impact of delays to Building Safety Act approvals. These have primarily impacted trading for Rock & Alluvium, which is focused on taller residential schemes in London and the Southeast.

With over 40 projects currently in the approvals process, the majority of these are now expected to commence in FY26 and will result in a FY25 performance for Van Elle’s UK operations slightly below expectations.

At Van Elle Canada, meanwhile, further delays have been experienced as a strategic supply partner to the major infrastructure upgrade programme for the Toronto rail network. The division’s trading performance will now be weaker than anticipated.

While Van Elle has secured several key frameworks throughout FY24 and FY25 in Canada, with near-term uncertainty around the timing of key investment programmes, the business is reviewing its strategic options with its Canada operations.

As a result of the impact of the Rock & Alluvium and Canada trading performance, Van Elle now expects underlying profit before tax for the second half of FY25 to be similar to the first half.

Digital innovation company finds oasis at new Chesterfield office

Digital innovation company, Oasis Studio has expanded into a new office at Tapton Innovation Centre in Chesterfield following significant growth in 2024. Specialising in digital property marketing, Oasis Studio has gained recognition for its  EyeSiteView platform, which enhances the home-buying experience through digital strategies. Jade Chinn, Business Development Manager at Oasis Studio, said 2024 had been a fantastic year: “We’ve had the privilege of working with more housebuilders, helping them bring new homes to market faster and more effectively. Our expansion into Tapton Innovation Centre is a key step forward, providing us with the space and facilities to continue delivering top-tier digital marketing solutions.” The relocation to Tapton Innovation Centre was driven by the need for a scalable workspace that encourages collaboration and creativity. “What stands out about Chesterfield is how much the town invests in its businesses,” added Jade Chinn. “It creates real opportunities for networking and collaboration, helping companies connect and grow together. It’s a place where you can truly thrive, supported by a community that values innovation and partnership.”

EY boosts Midlands Private team with two appointments

EY has strengthened its Private team in the Midlands with two new appointments. Olivia Prew joins as Head of Private in the Midlands and Hannah Al-Anazi joins as Associate Director for Private and Mid-market. Olivia brings nearly two decades of experience, working extensively with private businesses, entrepreneurs and mid-market private equity clients, helping them to achieve their strategic aspirations and create long-term value. Prior to joining EY, she was Head of Origination at international corporate finance advisor, Clearwater. Olivia Prew, EY Head of Private in the Midlands, said: “I am delighted to join EY in the Midlands – the region is home to a range of dynamic businesses, management teams and entrepreneurs. “In this ever-changing and complex business environment, there is increasing demand from entrepreneurs and management teams to partner with advisors who understand their needs and are able to offer high quality advice and solutions. “The strength and experience of EY’s team, understanding of the local market and international reach, means we are ideally positioned to support clients in navigating their individual challenges and growth journeys.” Hannah Al-Anazi joins EY as Associate Director, bringing experience in Executive Search and Leadership advisory. Hannah has spent over a decade working on global mandates focusing on positions spanning across Finance, Cyber, ESG/Sustainability and Life Sciences. Most recently, Hannah worked in a strategic leadership consultancy that provided advisory-led services for owner managed businesses, as well as private equity funds and their portfolio companies, pre-deal and post-deal. Hannah Al-Anazi, EY Associate Director for Private and Mid-Market, said: “I am excited to contribute to the expansion of our presence in the Midlands and look forward to collaborating with our team to provide insights and strategies that drive growth and enhance operational effectiveness for privately-owned businesses.” Olivia and Hannah join Anisha Patel in the Private team, focusing on originating and building relationships with both new and existing clients in the mid-market. Simon O’Neill, EY’s Managing Partner for the Midlands, said: “Olivia and Hannah’s appointments come at a pivotal time as EY continues to strengthen its Private team in the Midlands. “Their extensive experience and strong networks in the Midlands will be invaluable as we continue to support our clients in executing their strategies in an ever-evolving market. We are thrilled to welcome them to the team.”

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