Wright Vigar makes senior promotions as part of continued investment in talent
Wright Vigar has promoted two long-standing team members to director, reinforcing the firm’s commitment to investing in its people.
Louise Lane, who joined Wright Vigar in 2004, has been promoted to director. With over 25 years of experience in accounting and taxation, Louise has built a reputation as one of the UK’s leading experts in cryptoasset taxation. She began her career in accounts and audit before specialising in tax and now heads up Wright Vigar’s cryptoasset team.
Since 2018, Louise has advised a wide range of clients on cryptoasset tax and accounting matters. She has worked closely with Recap.io to develop crypto tax software, author the Recap UK Tax Guide for Individuals, and liaise with HMRC on areas of uncertainty.
Louise is also an active member of various crypto tax and accounting working groups / committees coordinated by CryptoUK, Bitcoin Policy UK, the Chartered Institute of Tax and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales. She regularly contributes to HMRC and Treasury cryptoasset roundtables, helping shape the future of crypto tax policy in the UK and takes every opportunity to speak on panels on this niche area.
Louise said: “I’m incredibly proud to take this next step in my career with Wright Vigar. It’s been a privilege to grow alongside the firm and to help shape our approach to emerging areas like crypto taxation. I’m excited about what the future holds for our clients and our team.”
Darren Ashley, based in the Gainsborough office, has also been promoted to director. Darren joined Wright Vigar in 2005 following the acquisition of Wilshaw & Ellis and was appointed associate director in 2020. He plays a key role in managing the Gainsborough office alongside David Goodall and oversees a large, diverse client portfolio.
Darren has expertise in the property and construction sectors, as well as family businesses. Known for his open, honest, and friendly demeanour, Darren is highly regarded for his calm, down-to-earth approach and his ability to deliver clear, practical advice tailored to each client’s unique situation. He places great importance on listening and building strong, trust-based relationships, an approach that has led to many valuable client referrals.
“Being promoted to Director is a real honour,” said Darren. “I’ve always valued the relationships we build with our clients and the trust they place in us. I look forward to continuing to support businesses in Gainsborough and beyond as part of the leadership team.”
These promotions reflect Wright Vigar’s ongoing strategy to nurture talent and strengthen leadership across the firm.
Acquisitive professional services group swoops for debt advisory firm
East Midlands professional services group Cooper Parry has acquired Fellwood Advisory, a mid-market debt advisory firm.
This is the 16th deal in just over two years for Cooper Parry. It is also the fourth deal since partnering with New York-based Lee Equity Partners in December 2024 and lifts Cooper Parry’s turnover beyond £235m.
Founded in 2023, Fellwood Advisory’s senior team bring over three decades of corporate lending and advisory experience to Cooper Parry’s deals team.
Craig Cheetham, Fellwood Advisory founding partner & MD, said: “Cooper Parry’s dynamic model really appealed to us. CP’s ethos to be a disruptor in the professional services market and challenge the status quo really resonated with us. This brings a real opportunity for the debt advisory practice to continue to grow and attract high calibre people to meet the demand we’re seeing.”
Timothy Mahapatra, Cooper Parry partner & head of deals, added: “With Craig and his talented team coming on board, our end-to-end Deals offer is strengthened even further following on from the recently announced acquisition of Liberty Corporate Finance in July 25.
“Our Deals Team’s expertise offers clients a fully integrated solution to all their M&A needs – right across Corporate Finance, Debt Advisory, Management Incentive Advisory, Transaction Services and Transaction Tax delivered from one nationally integrated team of over 100 people.”
Ade Cheatham, CEO, Cooper Parry, said: “Fellwood’s a young firm with serious momentum – smart people, strong instincts, and a clear edge in the market. They bring specialist firepower to our Deals team and add even more depth to the integrated offer we’re building. This is another step in creating the next-gen professional services firm – bold, fast, and fuelled by culture.”
“Invest in Leicester is encouraging all our partners and businesses to get involved” – the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025
With nominations set to close on Friday 15th August for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025, Leicester businesses are being encouraged to enter the prestigious event.
Mike Denby, Director for Inward Investment and Place at Invest In Leicester, said: “The East Midlands Bricks Awards are a great way to highlight the innovation and high standards of Leicester and Leicestershire’s construction industry, a sector that we are incredibly proud of.
“That’s why Invest in Leicester is encouraging all our partners and businesses to get involved, as celebrating these achievements will motivate future projects that will ultimately benefit our residents and the wider economy.”
The East Midlands Bricks Awards, which will take place on Thursday 2nd October at Nottingham’s famous Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, celebrates the successes of the property and construction industry in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, and Northamptonshire.
Entering a company or project for the awards is a great way to showcase your successes, recognise your team’s efforts, bolster morale, and reach our audience of over 60,000 business readers, while also offering a chance to connect with respected professionals.
It’s completely free to enter and making the top three finalists in your category also wins you free tickets to the awards ceremony and networking event on Thursday 2nd October, which will welcome Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Leader of Derby City Council and Deputy Mayor of the East Midlands, as keynote speaker.
Take this chance to spotlight exceptional new commercial and residential developments, those demonstrating a leading position in sustainability and design excellence; gain recognition as outstanding developers, architects, contractors, and agents, as well as for significant deals; and ensure efforts in corporate social responsibility are rewarded, from eco initiatives to charity work, to social value schemes.
To make a nomination for the 10th annual East Midlands Bricks Awards, 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
Nominations will close on Friday 15th August.
Tickets can now be booked for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025, click here to secure yours.
Connect with local decision makers over nibbles and complimentary drinks while applauding the exceptional companies and projects in our region.
New for this year, all entrants will also have the opportunity to be featured on our dedicated nominee showcase on the East Midlands Business Link website, providing space for marketing your achievements.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:
Winding-up order issued against Nottingham NRS Healthcare
The UK Government has confirmed that a winding-up order has been issued for NRS Healthcare, a prominent supplier of community healthcare equipment. This follows reports of the company’s financial instability and imminent compulsory liquidation. The court has appointed the Official Receiver, Gareth Jonathan Allen, as Liquidator, with assistance from PwC’s Mark James Tobias Banfield and other Special Managers to support the process.
NRS Healthcare, which employed around 1,500 staff and provided essential healthcare equipment to the NHS and over 40 councils across England and Northern Ireland, is now under liquidation. The company supplied products such as wheelchairs, hoists, hospital beds, and fall-monitoring pendants, alongside offering maintenance and repair services.
The Official Receiver has a duty to investigate the cause of NRS Healthcare’s financial difficulties and the actions of its directors. Customers and suppliers affected by the liquidation are advised to contact the Special Managers to register as creditors and submit their claims for any unpaid goods or services.
With the liquidation process underway, stakeholders are urged to complete the necessary documentation to ensure their claims are processed.
Northamptonshire hospitals plan significant job cuts to reduce costs
Two hospitals in Northamptonshire are set to reduce their workforce by up to 800 positions as part of a cost-cutting strategy. The University Hospitals of Northamptonshire (UHN), which includes Northampton and Kettering General Hospitals, announced it is pursuing a Mutually Agreed Resignation Scheme (MARS) aimed at reducing salaries and overall operational expenses.
The voluntary resignation programme has already led to the departure of 329 staff members, with the remaining 450 expected to leave over the coming months. The scheme is designed to lower workforce costs without directly impacting patient care, as employees in patient-facing roles are excluded from the scheme.
The hospitals have confirmed that the plan, which aims to save significant sums in wages and agency costs, is progressing ahead of schedule. While this initiative is part of a broader effort to cut costs amid increasing financial pressure on the NHS, the trade union UNISON has expressed concerns that these job cuts may exacerbate existing pressures on the healthcare system.
With staffing costs making up about 60% of the hospitals’ annual expenditure, UHN is focused on reducing its workforce as part of its broader strategy to manage financial sustainability without sacrificing care quality.
Former beauty salon set for transformation into medical centre
A proposal to repurpose a former beauty salon in Northampton into a GP surgery and medical centre has been submitted to local authorities. The site, previously known as Imperium Beauty, would be converted into a facility run by the NHS.
The plans focus on internal renovations to accommodate the medical services, with no planned changes to the exterior of the building. The exact layout will depend on NHS specifications but will not alter the building’s outward appearance.
Patient parking is available nearby, offering easy access to the new healthcare facility. A decision on the planning application is expected by 4 September from West Northamptonshire Council.
Platform Housing Group shortlisted for national sustainability award
A Midlands housing association has been shortlisted in the Company of the Year category at the 2025 National Sustainability Awards.
The shortlisting recognises Platform Housing Group’s commitment to creating positive environmental and social impact – from cutting carbon and enhancing biodiversity to supporting the wellbeing of its customers and communities.
Winners will be announced at a gala ceremony on 1 October at the London Marriott Hotel, Grosvenor Square.
With a portfolio of 50,000 homes across the Midlands, key milestones from Platform’s sustainability in action journey include implementing a robust sustainability governance framework including a board-level committee to monitor and oversee progress against sustainability ambitions, plans and targets; and growing its electric vehicle (EV) fleet and EV charging infrastructure, while adopting smart driving technology to help cut carbon from business travel and promote greener transport options.
Platform has also introduced climate awareness and carbon literacy training across the organisation, empowering colleagues to understand the climate emergency and make informed decisions, and has supported 230 colleagues to volunteer more than 700 hours across green and community initiatives.
The firm has further upgraded hundreds of homes with energy-efficient improvements, including air source heat pumps and solar PV panels, and ended fossil fuel heating installations in all new homes, switching to low-carbon alternatives.
Lianne Taylor, director of sustainability at Platform Housing Group, said: “Sustainability isn’t a separate strand of our work, it’s embedded in everything we do, from building new homes to supporting local communities. Being recognised at a national level is a proud moment for everyone at Platform and underlines our commitment to building a greener, fairer future.”
Hydroscand Group snaps up 9,000 sq ft facility at Stud Brook Business Park
A 9,000 sq ft facility at Clowes Developments’ Stud Brook Business Park has been let to Hydroscand Group.
Hydroscand Group – an international family-owned business – established in Sandiacre, Nottingham, provides solutions and services for hoses, fittings and related products.
Hydroscand will be relocating from Sandiacre to Unit 3b at Stud Brook Business Park in Castle Donington, allowing the business to expand and operate its distribution functions and improve its business efficiencies.
Mark Carpenter at Hydroscand Group said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be taking on this new premises at Stud Brook Business Park. This move marks a significant milestone for Hydroscand in the UK, enabling us to expand our operations and enhance our distribution capabilities.
“The new facility will allow us to streamline our processes, improve efficiencies, and ultimately deliver an even higher level of service and product availability to our customers nationwide.
“Most importantly, this investment reinforces our commitment to our customers ensuring faster response times, greater stock availability, and a more agile service offering across the country. We’re excited about the opportunities this brings and look forward to the next chapter of growth from our new base in Castle Donington.”
The deal was put together by Tim Gilbertson, director of FHP Property Consultants, who added: “It was a pleasure dealing with Hydroscand and agreeing a deal on this unit to enable their continued expansion in the region. They were drawn to Stud Brook Business Park not only by the quality of space available, but also the location and we wish them well in their new home.
“With only the last couple of units remaining on the first phase hopefully we will bring news of new occupiers there shortly as our clients continue to press on with development of the second phase of small units on the site.”
Lincolnshire food and drink gift company secures £500k investment
Luxury food and drink gift company, IMP & MAKER, has secured a £500,000 investment in a deal that values the business at £2m.
The funding comes from an unnamed angel investor in exchange for a minority stake in the growing Lincolnshire-based business.
Sarah Louise Fairburn, who founded IMP & MAKER in 2020, hailed the investment as ‘game-changing’.
She said: “It’s a real validation in what we’re building at IMP & MAKER and me personally. The investor was impressed by the strength of our brand, the quality of our products, and the breadth and range of our customer base. They saw the amazing growth potential in eCommerce and B2B that will see us grow to over £2m this year.
“He shares our vision to disrupt the food and drink gift sector with our beautifully packaged and personalised gifts that our customers remember and savour – all underpinned by the best technology.”
The majority of IMP & MAKER’s business comes through its eCommerce platform, a growing list of corporate clients and its existing relationships with retailers like Costco and Not On The High Street.
The investment will be used to scale the business and repay £200,000 in funding from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II (MEIF II) and the Regional Growth Fund.
Fairburn, a single mum-of-four, said: “We’re debt-free and set for growth. Most startups have difficulty obtaining investment, especially in the eCommerce space, which requires large levels of money to gain brand recognition
“We’ve now got the right infrastructure and team in place to take IMP & MAKER to the next level and we’ve significantly increased our margins and reduced our customer acquisition costs.
“We’re on track to make our first profit this year and the £500,000 investment will enable us to take full advantage of the busy Christmas and New Year period. Thank you to our valued advisors – Franklins – in assisting with this investment and Collin Franklin for his continued belief and vision.”
IMP & MAKER employs eight people at its head office in Lincolnshire.
Fairburn previously worked at Fairburn’s Eggs, helping to grow the company’s turnover from £12m to more than £100m. She helped establish the firm as one of the UK’s largest independent egg packers, winning contracts with several major supermarkets, including Asda, Sainsbury’s and Iceland.
TextureJet secures six-figure backing
An innovator in advanced surface processing technology, TextureJet Limited, has secured a six figure debt funding package from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II through appointed fund manager for the East and South East Midlands, Maven Capital Partners.
Founded in 2019 as a spin-out from the University of Nottingham, TextureJet is changing the way metal surfaces are processed with its eco-friendly technology. Its patented system uses a precise jet process for edge shaping, surface preparation and part marking metal components.
Its core product, the Stat platform, is a portable, modular system that can be customised for robotic, multi-axis, or handheld use, enabling high-precision metal finishing. The Stat platform supports a number of industries, including aerospace, defence, automotive, energy and healthcare.
The loan from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II, along with additional equity investment from existing investor Foresight, who previously backed the business through the first Midlands Engine Investment Fund in 2022, will enable TextureJet to scale its production capabilities in support of several significant new contract wins.
The funding will also accelerate product development, particularly the completion of its 5-axis deburring machine for customer trials. In addition, the investment will allow TextureJet to increase inventory of its Stat systems for on-site demonstrations, participate in industry trade shows, and expand its marketing and technical sales teams to drive commercial growth.
Jonathon Mitchell-Smith, CEO, Texture Jet, said: “This funding from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II via Maven comes at a critical point in our journey. It allows us to significantly increase production capacity, deliver on major new customer contracts, and bring our next-generation 5-axis system to market.
“We’re proud to be building breakthrough technology right here in the Midlands, and this support enables us to scale our impact across global manufacturing sectors looking for cleaner, smarter, and more precise surface processing solutions.”
Jonathan Lowe, partner, Regional Debt Funds, Maven, said: “TextureJet is delivering a tooling platform with world leading capability, and we’re pleased to back Jonathon and the team at such a pivotal point in the company’s growth.
“A real local success story as a spinout of the University of Nottingham’s Faculty of Engineering, all machines are built in-house using suppliers in the Midlands, which is a credit to the materials available and workmanship in the region. We look forward to supporting the business as they accelerate their expansion plans.”
