Lincolnshire estate planning firm secures funding to expand outreach

April Lara
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Lincolnshire estate planning firm secures funding to expand outreach

Westwood Estate Planning, a Lincolnshire-based estate planning business, has received £8,000 in funding from First Enterprise through the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme. The funds will support marketing efforts to raise awareness of estate planning and financial wellbeing.

The business provides legal services including will writing, lasting power of attorney, probate, and estate administration. Founder Gary Tonsley established the company after experiencing firsthand the challenges of inadequate financial planning when his mother passed away without arrangements in place.

The funding will enable Westwood Estate Planning to expand its client education initiatives, including seminars, newsletters, and partnerships with financial advisers. First Enterprise – Enterprise Loans, a not-for-profit lender, provides loans between £500 and £150,000 to start-ups and SMEs unable to access traditional bank financing.

Representatives from First Enterprise and the British Business Bank praised the company’s efforts to improve financial literacy and support local families in securing their futures.

Lincoln footbridge to be demolished for hotel development

April Lara
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Lincoln footbridge to be demolished for hotel development

A pedestrian bridge over Melville Street in Lincoln is set to be demolished in May as part of a multi-million-pound hotel project by Lincolnshire Co-op. The bridge, previously part of the former City Square shopping centre, has been deemed an obstacle to development both logistically and visually.

Lincolnshire Co-op, which has outline planning permission for the hotel, is working with the Department for Transport and other stakeholders to finalise the demolition timeline and road closures. Notices have been issued under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, confirming the planned removal.

The demolition is expected to take place over a weekend to reduce disruption. The bridge, a popular location for city and cathedral views, will be permanently removed as part of the site’s redevelopment.

Compleat Food Group acquires The Real Yorkshire Pudding Co amid job cuts

April Lara
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Compleat Food Group acquires The Real Yorkshire Pudding Co amid job cuts

The Compleat Food Group has acquired The Real Yorkshire Pudding Co for an undisclosed amount, shortly after announcing plans to cut nearly 200 jobs across its Nottingham and Crewe sites.

The Yorkshire-based Real Yorkshire Pudding Co, which generates £33 million in revenue, supplies both own-label and branded chilled Yorkshire puddings.

This acquisition follows Compleat’s 2024 purchases of SK Foods and Zorba Foods, which specialise in private-label party foods, dips, and deli fillings, and Harvey & Brockless, a specialty food producer and distributor.

Backed by private equity firm PAI Partners, The Compleat Food Group was formed in 2021 and employs over 5,000 staff across 15 locations. Its portfolio includes brands such as Pork Farms, Wall’s Pastry, unearthed, Vadasz, Squeaky Bean, Wrights, and Palace Culture.

ATS Euromaster closes Kettering branch as part of UK-wide restructuring

April Lara
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ATS Euromaster closes Kettering branch as part of UK-wide restructuring

ATS Euromaster has permanently closed its Kettering service centre, one of 86 locations shutting down as parent company Michelin shifts to a mobile servicing model. The nearest remaining branch is in Northampton, with 235 centres operating across the UK.

Employees affected by the Kettering closure have been offered interviews at Halfords, which has also committed to prioritising MOT and service bookings originally made with ATS to minimise customer disruptions.

An ATS Euromaster spokesperson previously cited overcapacity, rising costs, and sluggish market growth as reasons for the restructuring. The closures are expected to impact up to 400 employees across the UK.

Humber businesses urge mayoral candidates to unify for regional growth

April Lara
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Humber businesses urge mayoral candidates to unify for regional growth

Business leaders across the Humber call on mayoral candidates in Hull, East Yorkshire, and Greater Lincolnshire to adopt a coordinated economic strategy to maximise the region’s potential. A joint letter, signed by major companies including ABP, Drax, Reckitt, Arcadis, Able, and Smith-Nephew, as well as organisations like the Humber Energy Board and Hull University, highlights challenges and opportunities for the area.

Concerns include the uncertainty surrounding the Scunthorpe steel plant and the Humber’s absence from the Chancellor’s recent growth speech. Business leaders argue that a unified approach is essential to securing investment and maintaining the region’s economic competitiveness.

The letter emphasises the Humber’s strengths in renewable energy and advanced manufacturing, citing the potential for 28GW of offshore wind energy and £15 billion in private investment for carbon capture and hydrogen projects. It calls for a Humber Estuary Growth Zone to align Freeport development with other key infrastructure projects, ensuring a streamlined approach to attracting investors.

Mather Jamie welcomes graduate commercial surveyor

Tess Egginton
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Mather Jamie welcomes graduate commercial surveyor
Mather Jamie has appointed Matthew Egglenton as its new graduate commercial surveyor. Matthew joins the East Midlands property consultancy after completing a BSc (Hons) in Real Estate at Nottingham Trent University. He will now be working towards his Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) while supporting Mather Jamie’s senior surveyors across a range of commercial property transactions. In his role, Matthew will be gaining valuable hands-on experience including property viewings, advising clients on leasehold and freehold sales & lettings, valuation, carrying out marketing inspections, researching market comparables and assisting with negotiations. Speaking about his decision to join Mather Jamie, Matthew said: “The company has a proven track record of successfully guiding graduates through the APC process, and I was keen to be part of a respected firm with a strong reputation in the East Midlands. I’m looking forward to developing my skills and progressing my career in commercial property.” Alex Reid, commercial director at Mather Jamie, added: “We are very pleased to welcome Matthew to our commercial team. His enthusiasm and commitment to developing his expertise in the property sector align perfectly with our values. We look forward to supporting him through his APC and helping him build a successful career with us.”

Melton Building Society appoints Non Executive Director

Tess Egginton
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Melton Building Society appoints Non Executive Director
Melton Building Society has welcomed Ashraf Piranie to its Board of Directors. Ashraf will in addition sit on the Society’s Audit Committee and assume the role of Chair of subsidiary Nexa Finance Ltd. The Society will benefit from the vast knowledge and guidance that comes with Ashraf’s long and successful career in financial services. Ashraf brings valuable experience from his sixteen years within the Building Society sector, having held the position of Group Finance and Operations Director at West Bromwich Building Society and Deputy Chief Executive and Finance Director at Nottingham Building Society. In addition, Ashraf has held senior positions as Chief Financial Officer at Redwood Bank, Finance Director and Joint Managing Director at Al Rayan (formerly Islamic Bank of Britain) and Director of Finance at Santander (formerly Alliance & Leicester). Ashraf also brings valuable experience in strategy (including acquisition and mergers), change management, finance and treasury. An experienced Non Executive Director, Ashraf is currently Chair of the Risk Committee at both Monument and GB Bank and sits on their main Boards. Commenting on his appointment Ashraf said: “I’m thrilled to be joining Sue and the rest of the Board, in what is a landmark 150th year for the Society. “With my experience I’m keen to guide and support the business as they enter the next phase of their digital transformation. I look forward to representing the views of our membership as we progress with our aims of making a Society fit to serve our members for the next 150 years.” Sue Douthwaite, Chair of the Board, said: “We are delighted to welcome Ashraf as he joins us on the Board of directors at Melton Building Society. “His expertise and experience in financial services, particularly his years spent within the Building Society sector will be incredibly valuable as we shape our aspirations for our Society and continue to strive to fulfil the needs of our members now and into the future.”

Work starts on next phases of sustainable Nottingham housing development

Tess Egginton
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Work starts on next phases of sustainable Nottingham housing development
The Fruit Market housing development in Nottingham’s Sneinton Market has entered phases 2 and 3 of construction. Delivered by igloo Regeneration, phases 2 and 3 will see the construction of 26 new homes clustered around two large communal gardens. The milestone follows the completion of phase 1 which saw a sustainable, garden neighbourhood of 13 design led homes. Phases 2 and 3 will continue the scheme’s sustainable ethos. The development is completely gas-free, utilising air source heat pumps, underfloor heating and high levels of thermal insulation to make the scheme one of the most energy-efficient and future proofed in the city. Sam Veal, Director at igloo Regeneration, said: “This milestone marks a key moment for the Fruit Market development and its positive impact on the wider Nottingham city centre, as we move forward with the delivery of much needed, high-quality homes for the community. “With Phases 2 and 3, we remain dedicated to providing sustainable, community-focused homes that are thoughtfully designed to meet the needs of residents, creating spaces where people can truly feel at home. “The continued growth of the Fruit Market community will ensure that these new homes will make a lasting positive impact on this vibrant area and the wider city centre, and we look forward to seeing the full development come to life.” Construction is underway on the scheme, with completion scheduled for summer 2026.

East Midlands Combined County Authority approves £175m in funding to improve roads and public transport

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East Midlands Combined County Authority approves £175m in funding to improve roads and public transport
The East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) Board has approved nearly £175 million in funding for transport in the region in the next year (2025/26) – with a further £19m also being consider down the line. The money will be used for urgent road repairs, better transport connections, and projects that help people travel by foot or bike and will be divided between EMCCA and four local councils – Derby City Council, Derbyshire County Council, Nottingham City Council and Nottinghamshire County Council. EMCCA will manage funding for large regional projects, such as junction improvement works which are a key planning condition for enabling the new A50 junction (South Derby Growth Zone). Plus, EMCCA funding will support the works on the A614/A6097 scheme (Nottinghamshire). A commissioned study will start the work to review the potential for expanding the Nottingham Express Transit system to support housing and job growth.  Notable projects include:
  • Derby City Council will receive funding for several key projects, including the A52/A52T Spondon Interchange to allow better traffic flow and support active travel initiatives, making it easier and safer for pedestrians and cyclists. 
  • Nottingham City Council will focus on improving major roads for walking and cycling, as well as upgrading real-time parking information systems. 
  • Derbyshire County Council will invest in repairing roads and works to help prevent landslips, particularly on key routes. 
  • Nottinghamshire County Council will focus on maintaining and upgrading its roads, along with planning for future transport projects.  
Funding allocations include: 
  • £66 million for City Region Sustainable Transport Settlements 2 (CRSTS2): This funding will support road repairs, improvements to highways, and projects to make walking, cycling, and public transport easier. 
  • £21 million for Bus Service Improvement Plans (BSIP): This funding will be used to make bus services more reliable, affordable, and accessible across the East Midlands. 
  • £75 million for Highways Maintenance Block: EMCCA will receive this funding, £22m of which is extra money the region is getting because it has a Mayoral Combined Authority. This will go on road repairs in 2025/26.  
  • £12.86 million for Integrated Transport Block Funding: EMCCA is expecting this funding to deliver activities across the local transport network. 
  • £7.27 million for Active Travel Fund: The region has been awarded this funding to improve walking, wheeling and cycling and infrastructure. 
Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, said: “By working closely with our local councils and partners, we will ensure every pound is spent wisely to improve transport links, reduce congestion, and support greener, more sustainable ways to travel. This is about more than just infrastructure – it’s about connecting people to opportunities, whether that’s jobs, skills training, education, or our fantastic local attractions. “Our ambition is clear: to create a transport system that not only meets the needs of today but also lays the foundations for a stronger, more prosperous East Midlands in the future. We want this region to be a place where people and businesses can thrive, and this funding, when approved, will be a major step toward achieving that vision.”

Loughborough University to drive business innovation at Leicester Innovation Festival

April Lara
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Loughborough University to drive business innovation at Leicester Innovation Festival

Loughborough University will play a key role in the 2025 Leicester Innovation Festival (LIF), hosting events to strengthen local business growth through innovation, research, and collaboration. The festival, organised by the Business Gateway Growth Hub, runs from 31 March to 4 April and brings together public, private, and academic partners to support businesses in Leicester and Leicestershire.

One of the university’s key events, held online on 2 April, will focus on adopting digital technology in manufacturing. Led by Dr Kate Broadhurst from Loughborough Business School, the session will present findings from the £4.4 million InterAct programme, which explored the human impact of new technologies in the sector. The event will offer practical strategies for businesses integrating digital solutions into their operations.

On the same day, the university will co-host a business engagement event at Harborough Innovation Centre, showcasing opportunities for companies to collaborate with local universities. The session will cover industry placements, graduate recruitment, consultancy, and Innovate UK-funded Knowledge Transfer Partnerships, which help businesses access academic expertise to drive innovation.

A Clean Tech networking event will occur on 4 April at Loughborough University Science and Enterprise Park. Organised by the LUinc. team, the event will connect Clean Tech entrepreneurs with investors, mentors, and industry professionals through networking sessions, tech talks, and startup introductions.

Other organisations involved in LIF 2025 include De Montfort University, the University of Leicester, Innovate UK, the British Business Bank, and Charnwood Campus. All events are free to attend.

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