200,000 sq ft industrial redevelopment completed in Corby
Large supermarkets face cost pressures from business rates changes
The UK government’s planned increase in business rates for high-value properties will put significant financial pressure on major supermarket chains. Stores with rateable values above £500,000 are most exposed, creating potential losses across large-format estates.
Sainsbury’s and Tesco are expected to absorb the impact more easily due to previous strong profits, though multiple stores in both portfolios could see margins shrink. Morrisons and Asda face broader exposure, with a substantial proportion of stores likely to experience higher property costs. Discount grocers such as Aldi and Lidl are mostly unaffected because of smaller property footprints.
Industry analysts predict the changes may influence store operations, investment decisions, and expansion strategies, while potentially shifting competitive advantage toward smaller retailers and convenience formats. Property specialists highlight that the reform could reshape location strategies for large chains and prompt efficiency reviews to offset rising overheads.
The Treasury describes the adjustments as part of a wider plan to reduce rates for smaller retailers and hospitality outlets while maintaining long-term investment incentives for the high street.
Last chance to enter the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025 – nominations close TODAY
To make a nomination for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025, please click here, or on the category headings below.
Categories include:- Contractor of the Year
- Developer of the Year
- Architects of the Year
- Most Active Agent
- Deal of the Year
- Residential Development of the Year
- Sustainable Development of the Year
- Commercial Development of the Year
- Excellence in Design
- Responsible Business of the Year
- Overall Winner
The East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025
What: The East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025 When: Thursday 2nd October (4.30pm – 7.30pm) Where: Derek Randall Suite, Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, Nottingham Keynote speaker: Councillor Nadine Peatfield – Leader of Derby City Council, Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Strategy and Policy, and Deputy Mayor of the East Midlands Tickets: Available here Dress code: Standard business attire Thanks to our sponsors:
To be held at:
New ownership for Matlock environmental engineering consultancy
Giltbrook development land acquired for industrial units
Leicester advisory firm in liquidation
Trust Financial Planning, based in Leicester, has entered voluntary liquidation under joint liquidators Paul Stanley and Dean Watson of Begbies Traynor (Central) LLP.
The company stopped all regulated financial activity in March 2025 following FCA action that found it failed to meet the required regulatory Threshold Conditions. After assessing its financial position, the firm’s director decided liquidation was necessary.
The liquidators are now responsible for closing the company, addressing outstanding liabilities, and managing claims from creditors and shareholders.
BGF exits Brisant Secure following Allegion acquisition
BGF has completed its investment exit from Brisant Secure Limited after the company was acquired by a subsidiary of global security provider Allegion plc.
Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Dewsbury, with additional operations in Nottingham, Brisant Secure designs and supplies premium security hardware for the residential door market. The company gained recognition for products including the Ultion Lock and Ultion Smart, establishing a reputation for both innovation and quality in fenestration and locksmith sectors.
BGF invested in Brisant in 2021 to support its growth ambitions and scale its market presence. During this period, the firm provided strategic guidance on leadership, acquisitions, and supply chain diversification. Governance was strengthened with the appointment of Colin Sykes as Non-Executive Chair.
Since BGF’s investment, Brisant expanded its product range, grew its workforce, and solidified its position in the UK security hardware market. The partnership facilitated operational scaling to meet increasing demand and reinforced the company’s influence on industry standards for residential security and design.
The acquisition by Allegion provides a platform for further growth within a global network, marking the completion of BGF’s exit from the business.
Transport company ordered to pay over £167,000 for dumping waste in Lincolnshire
A transport company must pay £167,587.13 for delivering controlled waste to an illegal site in Long Bennington, Lincolnshire.
Explore Transport divides up business units
Explore Transport Limited (ETL), a joint venture between Laing O’Rourke’s Select Plant Hire and WS Transport, has divided its business units.
Worksop-headquartered ETL has previously operated as one entity with three distinct internal business areas.
To “enable both shareholders to focus on their core strengths” an agreement has been reached to divide the business units, with Select Plant Hire acquiring the civil plant and tool hire business, and WS Transport taking sole control of the transport and rail plant businesses.
This decision will enable both businesses to focus on their distinct core strengths, whilst continuing a strong strategic partnership with Explore Transport remaining the exclusive transport and haulage provider for both Select Plant Hire and Laing O’Rourke.
Mark Herlihy from Select Plant Hire said: “Following the sale of the plant and tools business to ETL in 2017, the business has continued to prosper as part of Explore Transport Limited. Select Plant Hire is delighted to be bringing this business back, and further enhancing Select’s plant capability, whilst continuing to work in an exclusive logistics partnership with Explore Transport.”
David Cox from WS Transport Limited said: “We are delighted to confirm that Explore Transport will be continuing the strategic partnership with Laing O’Rourke and Select. Throughout the last ten years we have seen the business develop into three very distinct streams and this transaction will enable both businesses to continue to develop and benefit from the individual strengths of our organisations.”
Northampton fleet management software solutions provider snapped up
Verilocation, a Northampton-based provider of fleet management and telematics software solutions, has been acquired by Canadian firm Omegro.
Verilocation delivers data-driven solutions that help businesses optimise performance, improve safety, and stay ahead.
Founded in 1999, Verilocation serves over 1,000 customers through its product suite of telematics, temperature monitoring and AI-powered camera systems.Omegro Group leader, Andy Nelson said: “This acquisition is a great opportunity for both Omegro and Verilocation to work together and continue providing quality solutions for UK vehicle fleets.
“We are excited to explore how we can further support product innovation, talent, and growth to help Verilocation on its journey to expand their reach within the telematics industry overall.
“We were impressed with the strong customer relationships that Verilocation has built, and we believe that there is a good opportunity to further strengthen relationships with existing customers as well as expand into new clients.”
“We are incredibly excited about the opportunities that joining Omegro can bring,” said Paul Lawrence, managing director of Verilocation. “We’re particularly excited about their long-term vision and opportunity to further develop our people, our products, and our business overall.” Verilocation will continue to operate independently under the leadership of Omegro Group leader Andy Nelson.

