JULY 2025 EAST MIDLANDS LEADING BUSINESS MAGAZINE www..co.uk WWW.EASTMIDLANDSBUSINESSLINK.CO.UK WWW.EASTMIDLANDSBUSINESSLINK.CO.UK £3.50 The silent services powering business resilience Fuelling the future workforce Creative marketing strategies drive successWhether it’s banner ads, headers, newsletters, podcasts or print campaigns from as little as £60 a month, please contact Angie Cooper T: 01472 310310 E: a.cooper@blmgroup.co.uk www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.ukWith new strategies abound, from industrial to infrastructure and trade, the past month has seen a wave of proposals come forth, setting out the government’s ambitions and plans for growth, to deliver the stability businesses need to invest and create a competitive economy. Boosting business support, addressing late payments, backing exporting, fast-tracking planning, investing in skills, and injecting investment into sectors such as advanced manufacturing, clean energy, creative industries, and professional services are all amongst key points raised, providing a welcome blueprint for businesses to build on and plan from. Firms of all sizes have been clamouring for any certainty that can be granted to them in an increasingly unpredictable world. But while these strategies are all well and good on paper, now the focus should be on implementation. Behind each pledge, we need to see the true details, how and when measures will be applied, and how they will play out in practice. Whether effective results will be achieved is of course yet to be seen. If there is any hope of turning around fragile confidence amongst companies, a meaningful improvement in business conditions is vital, as pressures from all directions curb investment plans, and the forthcoming Employment Rights Bill looms as a further barrier to growth. Good reading, as always. Tess Egginton Editor www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 3 EDITOR’S NOTES welcome…@BLMEastMidlands BLMEastMidlands Latest news 6 A round-up of the latest news from our region. Commercial property 16 Significant, job-creating developments are getting underway across the East Midlands, from new centres of excellence to major employment parks. Business spotlight 20 Behind every thriving workplace are cleaning teams, security staff, IT specialists, and maintenance crews keeping operations seamless. These often unseen services form the backbone of business continuity in a world demanding higher standards than ever. Accounting 24 James Pinchbeck, partner at Streets, dissects the often-misunderstood art of marketing. Apprenticeships 26 With growing demand for skilled workers, apprenticeships are increasingly seen as a viable path to success. Government initiatives and regional partnerships are helping bridge skills gaps and offering young people valuable opportunities to earn, learn, and progress in industries like renewable energy and manufacturing. Design and marketing30 As businesses in the East Midlands adopt innovative design and marketing tactics, they are capturing consumer attention and building lasting connections. From bold campaigns to cutting-edge technologies, companies are finding new ways to stand out in a competitive market. Public relations 34 Good PR is like a good holiday, as Greg Simpson, founder of Press For Attention PR, explains. Contents July 2025 26 30 46 IT and telecommunications 36 As the East Midlands advances its digital infrastructure with initiatives like Made Smarter and the rollout of fibre-optic networks, businesses are unlocking new opportunities. These efforts are bridging the connectivity gap and supporting growth across the region, empowering companies to thrive in the evolving digital economy. Engineering 40 As the East Midlands engineering sector navigates sustainability, technological advancements, and a growing talent gap, businesses are embracing innovative solutions. From digital transformation to workforce development, companies in the region are shaping the future of engineering with cutting-edge strategies. Corporate hospitality 44 In a tough time for recruitment, it’s more important than ever to show you appreciate your employees. AutoLink 46 In the car market, premium brand vehicles represent sophistication, comfort, and advanced technology. For buyers in Britain, these cars reflect success and personal style. This article examines three new premium brand models currently available, each offering a unique blend of performance, luxury, and innovative features. • We put the Lotus Evija through its paces. Events52 A timely look at forthcoming business events around the East Midlands. And finally...54 Here’s Frazer’s collection of the weird and wonderful ‘news’ that came his way over the last few weeks. 36 Group Editor Steve Fisher s.fisher@blmgroup.co.uk Editor Tess Egginton t.egginton@blmgroup.co.uk Sales Director Angela Cooper a.cooper@blmgroup.co.uk Tel: (01472) 310310 Accounts & Subscriptions Angela Sharman accounts@blmgroup.co.uk Tel: (01472) 310301 Fax: (01472) 310311 Design & Production Gary Jorgensen, Mark Casson studio@blmgroup.co.uk Tel: (01472) 310304 E-Mail: eastmidlands@blmgroup.co.uk Publisher Haychart Ltd, t/a Business Link Magazine Group, Huntingdon House, 278-290 Huntingdon Street, Nottingham NG1 3LY Cover photographs courtesy: stock.adobe.com/Ian Law • Mercedes • SKW • Rama • AI Background All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, photocopied, recorded or otherwise without express permission of the copyright holder, for which application should be addressed first to the publisher. While every reasonable care is taken, neither the publisher nor its participating agents accept liability for loss or damage to prints, colour transparencies, negatives or other material of whatever nature submitted to this publication. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily the views of those held by the publisher.Leadership change for employment law team at Sills & Betteridge LLP Sills & Betteridge LLP has appointed Melanie Morton as their new Head of Employment Law. Melanie succeeds Stephen Britton, who has transitioned into a Consultancy role with the firm, as part of a phased step back from full- time practice. Melanie who joins as a Partner, supports businesses of all sizes and sectors, charities, public sector bodies and individuals on the full range of employment matters. Her work includes strategic HR advice, large-scale HR project delivery, severance negotiations, complex grievance procedures, TUPE matters, and employment litigation. She also has a keen interest in delivering bespoke employment law training, helping clients stay ahead of legislative changes and minimise legal risk. Melanie is a member of the Employment Lawyers Association and has been recognised as a Rising Star by The Legal 500 for her excellence and innovation in the field. Stephen Britton will continue to support the department by focusing on business development and ensuring a smooth transition of client relationships to Melanie and the wider team. He has served as a fee-paid Employment Judge since 2003 and continues to hold this office in the Midlands West Region. 6 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk GENERAL NEWS Derbyshire tech company Flying High after partnering with multi- academy trust A Derby educational technology firm that is supporting schools across the UK with their IT has partnered with a top performing multi academy trust. L.E.A.D. IT Services in Pride Park has signed up to partner with Flying High Trust which runs 35 schools across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Nottingham City. L.E.A.D. IT and Flying High are now working together to strategically invest in IT across the next three years to ensure digital equity across all its schools, with L.E.A.D. IT Services on board as the main service delivery partner. L.E.A.D. IT Services has audited all 35 primary phase schools in the Flying High family to establish their IT requirements moving forward. Now each school has begun working with Flying High Trust and L.E.A.D. IT Services on creating a comprehensive IT investment and development plan. The plans involve fitting schools with high-speed broadband to ensure smooth teaching, learning and business operations. Derbyshire healthcare e-learning firm snapped up Agilio Software, a Sheffield-based provider of healthcare software solutions, has acquired Blue Stream Academy, a Derbyshire healthcare e-learning solutions firm. This strategic acquisition brings together two well-recognised providers in Primary Care to create a comprehensive and complementary healthcare learning platform. The combined platform will integrate content from Blue Stream Academy, which covers the wider healthcare practice team, with Agilio’s GP-aligned courses. The acquisition significantly expands Agilio’s sector reach, taking the company into new healthcare sectors including Social Care, Urgent Care, and Hospice & Palliative Care. “We are excited to join forces with Agilio Software,” said Casey Braddock, Blue Stream Academy CEO. “Our combined expertise and resources will enable us to deliver even greater value to our customers, providing them a broader range of content and access to Agilio’s platform of market-leading HR tools.” Ben Betts, CEO of Agilio Software, added: “We are delighted to welcome Blue Stream Academy and all their customers to the Agilio family. “This acquisition aligns with our vision of providing comprehensive and innovative healthcare learning solutions as part of making our frontline healthcare services operationally excellent. Together, we will continue to support and empower healthcare professionals with the best tools and resources available.” Ed Hewes, early years lead and IT lead for Beeston Fields Primary and Nursery School, Sam Coy, director of quality assurance and school improvement for the central education team, Graham Livesey, IT service and development manager for Flying High, Nick Layfield, operations manager for Flying High, Chris Stevens, senior finance business partner for Flying High, Dan Houghton, senior IT support engineer for LEAD IT, Lee Jepson, managing director of LEAD IT, Richard Jones, headteacher for Killisick Junior Schoolwww.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 7 GENERAL NEWS • Commercial • Events • Headshots • Automotive • Fashion CALL OR EMAIL FOR A QUOTE 07506 998855 STEVE@STEVEEDWARDSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM STEVEEDWARDSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM Creating eye-catching images to help businesses build their brands and engage with clients. Mansfield District Council recruits Tecserv UK to deliver fire and security system maintenance Mansfield District Council has appointed Nottinghamshire- based fire and security system specialists Tecserv UK to provide maintenance and compliance services across all public access buildings within its portfolio. Under the agreement, Tecserv UK, which has its head office in Underwood, will carry out a programme of fire risk assessments and system upgrades across a range of sites, including the Civic Centre and the Old Town Hall. This will involve the installation or replacement of fire extinguishers, access control systems, intruder alarms, and emergency lighting. The company will also provide ongoing maintenance and inspections to ensure full compliance with fire safety regulations. Liam Clifford, national sales manager at Tecserv UK, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Mansfield District Council to help protect the people and properties within their care.” Nadine Peatfield, Leader of Derby City Council, revealed as keynote speaker for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025 The keynote speaker for the 10th annual East Midlands Bricks Awards, taking place on Thursday 2nd October at Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, has been revealed. Councillor Nadine Peatfield is the Leader of Derby City Council and Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Strategy and Policy, as well as Deputy Mayor of the East Midlands. Speaking with Business Link, Councillor Nadine Peatfield said: “2025 is a landmark year for Derby. We’re not just planning, we’re actively building a vibrant and welcoming city for everyone to enjoy. This vision has been brought to life thanks to the crucial partnerships with our talented development partners. “The East Midlands Bricks Awards is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the exceptional skills and expertise within our region’s property and construction sector, and I’m very excited to see their achievements recognised.” Celebrating the property and construction industry, the East Midlands Bricks Awards showcase the outstanding work of those shaping the landscape of our region. Entering the awards is completely free and making the top three finalists in your category also wins you free tickets to the event. To nominate your (or another) business/development for one of our awards, please visit www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk/ mag/bricks-2025-nominations/ © stock.adobe.com/mariyana_117Nottingham-based architect adds talent to scale new heights Architectural practice CPMG has showcased significant growth as it continues to bolster its expertise across its studios in Nottingham, Birmingham and London. In support of its sustainable growth strategy, CPMG strengthened its team at a range of levels through several appointments in all three of its UK locations. Now contributing to CPMG’s studios in Birmingham and London respectively is part 2 architectural assistant Saad Thobani and architectural student Alice Rallo. Both are working to enhance their growing knowledge with a focus on BREEAM, design and concept development, collaboration with suppliers, client consultation and regulations. Reinforcing the foundations at CPMG’s Nottingham headquarters are senior architectural technologist Gary Matthews, with over 20 years of experience in the sector, and senior architect Chris Goodwin, who is returning to the practice after 23 years. An ARB and RIBA member, as well as part time tutor at the University of Nottingham, Chris works across multiple focus sectors for the business including schools, residential, leisure and the voluntary sector. East Midlands auditor promoted to director at Ashgates An East Midlands auditor is celebrating 18 years at Ashgates by being promoted to director. Arron Anderson, who started as a trainee in 2007, joins the senior management team at an exciting time in Ashgates’ expansion after it joined the accountancy and professional services group, DJH, last year. The business achieved its best-ever twelve months after it exceeded £7m of annual revenue and aims to continue growing its SME and owner-managed client base. Promotion is a just reward for Arron, who began his journey as a trainee accountant in the accountancy and business services (ABS) department, successfully passing his final ACCA exams in 2013 and moving to manager three years later. Prior to becoming a director, the Derby-born finance expert has been a successful senior manager, working closely with the directors to strengthen client relationships and support the firm’s expansion in the region. Rothera Bray makes record 15 promotions across the firm Rothera Bray has made a record number of internal promotions, with fifteen team members from across the firm’s office locations being promoted. Among the promotions, five solicitors have been appointed to the newly introduced managing associate role, a testament to their leadership and specialist expertise. The new managing associates are: * Eleanor Robinson, private client – West Bridgford * Kiran Phagura, conveyancing – Leicester * Lucy Walsh, conveyancing – Derby * Ruth Tarr, mental capacity and court of protection – Nottingham * Sarah Soo, private client – West Bridgford In addition, four solicitors have been promoted to the position of senior associate: * Amy Moore, commercial property – Leicester * Emma Adcock, family law – West Bridgford * Marneya Chauhan, commercial property – Leicester * Sade Love, conveyancing – Nottingham Chris Goodwin and Gary Matthews Top row L-R: Eleanor Robinson, Kiran Phagura, Lucy Walsh, Ruth Tarr. Second row L-R: Sarah Soo, Jasmin Marshall (centre left), Sarah Singh (centre right), Emily Sherwood. Third row L-R: Amy Moore, Georgina Power. Bottom row L-R: Emma Adcock, Marneya Chauhan, Abbey Freeman, Arron Halait Arron Anderson 8 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk APPOINTMENTS Six solicitors have also been recognised with promotion to associate: * Abbey Freeman, conveyancing – West Bridgford * Arron Halait, corporate – Leicester * Emily Sherwood, family/child care – Nottingham * Georgina Power, transport – Nottingham * Jasmin Marshall, private client – Mapperley * Sarah Singh, private client – West Bridgford Oberoi Business Hub embarks on new phase of growth Oberoi Business Hub, based in Derby, is embarking on a new phase of growth with the expansion of its call handling team, the secondment of a long-serving team member into a key leadership role, a senior internal promotion, and the launch of a recruitment campaign to strengthen its business development function. The company, founded by entrepreneur Kavita Oberoi OBE, has welcomed Julie Smith and Tallulah Harris to its call handling division. At the same time, long-standing team member Jodie Brady, who began her journey with the company as an apprentice seven years ago, has been promoted from team leader to head of operations, a newly created strategic leadership role. To support the growing team, Collette Hall has been appointed on secondment to the role of team leader. Collette has also been with the business for seven years and brings deep operational insight and a strong understanding of the Oberoi ethos to the role. Kavita Oberoi OBE, founder and managing director of Oberoi Business Hub, said: “We are in a period of significant growth as more organisations turn to us for our professionalism, reliability and client-first approach.” Gateley makes 15 Nottingham promotions Professional services group Gateley has made 15 promotions across its legal and consultancy businesses in its Nottingham office. Headlining the promotions is corporate lawyer Will Bowler, who has been made partner. He is joined by real estate lawyer Alex Smith who becomes legal director, banking lawyer Megan Kirby who is promoted to senior associate, and corporate lawyers Rosie Butler and Sophie Holdsworth, as well as commercial dispute resolution lawyer Katie Shaw, all of whom are promoted to associate. In addition, there have also been a raft of promotions across Gateley’s consultancy businesses. Within Adamson Jones, Gateley’s dedicated patent and trade mark practice, Chris MacDonald and Natasha Walker have been promoted to legal director, focusing on patents and trade marks respectively, as well as Cory Stobart who becomes senior associate. There have also been five promotions for Gateley Smithers Purslow, the multi-disciplinary surveying, engineering and architecture consultancy arm of Gateley, including Jonathan Marshall and Kartar Soar being promoted to regional manager, Andrew Maude to head of expert witness, Fraser Galloway to technical standards manager and Zoe Hiller to senior building surveyor. Meanwhile, Jonathan Aldridge has been promoted to senior quantity surveyor at Gateley RJA, the chartered quantity surveying consultancy. Senior planning officer joins growing Fisher German team in Ashby A property consultancy has appointed a senior planning expert to its expanding team following a 13-year career in local government and the public sector. Andrew Johnson has joined Fisher German from Erewash Borough Council in Derbyshire where he began his planning career in 2012. He brings his wealth of experience in the planning sector, including managing planning applications and decision-making processes, to the ever-growing planning team in the Ashby office. However, it is in strategic planning and policy development where Andrew’s expertise will benefit Fisher German’s clients across the UK. He said: “I’ve always enjoyed the theoretical and long-term side of planning – looking at how places evolve and what we can do today to shape their future. “Having worked on the forward-thinking side of development management, I’m now keen to support landowners and promoters, and to work closely with Fisher German’s development agency team, to bring together strategy and delivery.” Partner Angela Brooks, who heads up the strategic planning team at Fisher German, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Andrew to the team. “His strong foundation in public sector planning and clear enthusiasm for strategic policy will add real value to the work we do across the country.” Fisher German’s Andrew Johnson with Angela Brooks Julie Smith, Tallulah Harris, Jodie Brady, Kavita Oberoi, Collette Hall www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 9 APPOINTMENTSNext >