< Previous10 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk FINANCE NEWS Pharmacy secures funding for healthy growth Derbyshire-based Peak Pharmacy has secured an eight-figure refinancing package from HSBC UK to help power its growth plans. The funding will support the company’s automation strategy following the development of a new 113,000 sq ft warehouse, known as ‘Horizon’. The facility is designed to boost operational efficiency and increase workforce capacity at their branches by over 50 per cent, allowing pharmacy teams to dedicate more time to patient care. With over 130 pharmacies nationwide, Peak Pharmacy currently supplies approximately 1.5 per cent of the prescriptions in England. The new investment will help the business grow further, with plans for strategic acquisitions and service improvements already underway. The company is also on track to reach a milestone – £200 million in turnover by the end of the year, its highest to date. Joe Cattee, managing director at Peak Pharmacy, said: “HSBC UK really understood what we were looking for and invested time with us. After a very longstanding relationship with our previous banking partner, we felt it was time to explore new opportunities and take the next step in growing our business.” Live event production company secures £300k investment Creative UK’s investment fund, Creative Growth Finance has invested over £300,000 into DC Promo. Established in the East Midlands in 2010 by husband-and- wife duo Dan and Sarah Chantrey, DC Promo Ltd is a live event production company with strong international credentials. The investment will support the launch of Gignite, an innovative AI-driven platform that aims to disrupt the live music touring industry and empower the next generation of artists. As a former touring rock drummer and host of rock radio shows in both the UK and US, Dan understands the barriers artists face on tour. Gignite was built in response to those challenges – combining tour planning tools, real-time data, AI recommendations and a multisided marketplace to help artists make smarter decisions, connect with venues and suppliers, and tour more successfully and sustainably. The funding will allow DC Promo to complete platform development, onboard a full team, and fund a European beta tour in collaboration with an emerging band. This is the first Creative Growth Finance investment that has been supported by the Growth Guarantee Scheme, in partnership with the British Business Bank. Derby PropTech platform secures investment Growth Capital Partners (GCP) has signed an agreement to invest in Nurtur Group, a provider of lead generation, marketing automation, and data insight software to the estate agency and home mover market. Under the leadership of CEO Damon Bullimore and alongside majority shareholder, Toscafund, Derby-headquartered Nurtur has grown its SaaS solution, extended its product offering and grown headcount to over 200 people across Derby and Coimbatore, India. Nurtur has developed commercial relationships with the largest estate agency groups in the UK, helping to generate and convert more leads, increase operational efficiency, and deliver tangible ROI on sales and marketing spend. Damon Bullimore, CEO, Nurtur, said: “We are delighted to have received investment from GCP. We specifically targeted GCP as a partner due to their specialism in investing in technology businesses, excellent track record of supporting value creation and the supportive partnership style they offer. “Nurtur is at a critical point of its evolution. Our products deliver efficiency, ROI and insight for clients, enabling them to become data driven and automated. We are extremely excited about our new innovations which are already driving value for clients.” L-R: Phil Carr (senior relationship director, HSBC UK), Joe Cattee (managing director, Peak Pharmacy), Sarah Jones (chief financial officer, Peak Pharmacy), Liz Fuge (deputy head of East Midlands corporate, HSBC UK), Dave Ramsden (head of East Midlands corporate, HSBC UK), Rob Bradley (director, corporate banking origination, HSBC UK)www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 11 FINANCE NEWS © stock.adobe.com/Ammar Merger sees Streets expand North West presence Streets, a Lincolnshire accountancy, audit, assurance and advisory practice, has announced a new merger with the Burnley-based firm MacMahon Leggate. The merger sees MacMahon Leggate become part of Streets. It also further extends Streets’ footprint across the North West, adding to its growing number of offices nationally. The merger coincides with the launch of Streets’ refreshed brand and visual identity. Richard Robinson, director at Streets MacMahon Leggate, said: “Merging with Streets is a hugely positive move for both our clients and our team. As a larger, people-centric firm with a small-office feel, Streets gives us the backing and bandwidth to offer clients an even more proactive, tailored and knowledgeable service with faster response times and a broader range of expertise. “For our clients in Burnley and East Lancashire, the merger opens the door to a truly comprehensive advisory service. Everything from business start-up support to scale up advice, corporate and personal life tax planning, and personal wealth management is now available under one roof. “Our team is equally excited about the future as they now have the opportunity to learn from a multidisciplinary group of professionals, progress their careers locally, and collaborate with like-minded colleagues who share a clear purpose and vision.” SSAS Loan Backs: A Flexible Funding Option for SMEs For business owners seeking more control over their pension savings, Small Self- Administered Schemes (SSAS) continue to offer significant advantages. One standout feature that sets a SSAS apart from a SIPP is the Loan Back — a unique mechanism that allows the company to borrow from its own pension scheme. A SSAS Loan Back enables the sponsoring employer to borrow up to 50% of the scheme’s net assets for commercial purposes. It can offer a faster and more flexible funding solution than traditional business loans, with a key benefit: interest repayments go into the pension fund (not a third party lender), boosting its value. Even better, these returns are treated as investment income — not contributions — so they don’t affect the member’s annual allowance. Key Criteria for a Compliant Loan Back: •Maximum term of five years •Equal, regular repayment of capital and interest •Fixed interest rate (minimum Bank of England base rate + 1%) •First legal charge over a tangible asset of equal or greater value In most cases, the loan is secured against commercial property. No other charge can take precedence over the SSAS’s interest. For trustees and members, a Loan Back offers a fixed, secured return — often helping to generate liquidity for future pension payments. When structured correctly , a SSAS Loan Back is a powerful tool: helping to fund business growth while supporting long- term retirement planning. Professional advice is essential to ensure everything is in order and HMRC rules are adhered to. For further information call 0333 320 9230 or visit wbrgroup.co.uk Caitlin Southall – Director of SSAS at WBR Group L-R: Sam Rumens, Paul Tutin, Kay Flanagan, Richard Robinson and Daniel Jones. ©Andy Ford12 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk MANUFACTURING NEWS Loughborough hydrogen fuel cell manufacturer secures £17m programme to power zero-emission flight Intelligent Energy (IE), a Loughborough-based hydrogen fuel cell manufacturer, has secured a £17m programme to fast-track development of a new zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell system. The award is from the ATI Programme, a partnership between the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI), the Department for Business & Trade and Innovate UK. It will support Project HEIGHTS – a three-year drive to develop IE’s current 300kW modular aviation fuel cell platform for use in next-generation aircraft. Initial applications include Electric Vertical Take-off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft and short-range commuter planes. IE’s new fuel cell system – IE- FLIGHT™ 300 – is expected to enter early service in Part 23 aircraft (with up to 19 seats) by the end of the decade, with scale-up plans targeting larger (Part 25) regional aircraft in the 2030s. A switch to fuel cell systems across eVTOL, sub-regional and regional aircraft, as well as Auxiliary Power Units (APUs) on larger aircraft, could reduce CO? emissions by up to 25.6 million tonnes per year. IE estimates the total market value – encompassing both sales and servicing revenue – is £19.6 billion, and scaling up production could create as many as 1,600 new jobs. BRUSH to be acquired by energy investor BRUSH Group, a Loughborough-based engineering solutions provider for UK electrical infrastructure projects, is set to be acquired by funds managed by Greenbelt Capital Management L.P., from funds managed by OEP Capital Advisors, L.P (One Equity). BRUSH has contributed to the UK’s electrical energy infrastructure for almost 150 years and operates from multiple locations across the UK as well as in Italy. BRUSH is a provider of power transformers, electrical switchgear, and engineering solutions for the transition to net zero, and this transaction will see the firm build on the strong and sustained growth it has achieved in recent years, with reported revenue of circa £150 million annually. Nicolas Pitrat, CEO of BRUSH, said: “This deal represents a brilliant opportunity for BRUSH. From the outset, Greenbelt has liked what we do, and they are committed to supporting us as we continue to build on our enviable reputation for engineering excellence and technical know-how. “What makes this deal genuinely exciting is that Greenbelt has a wealth of expertise in the energy sector and are experts on growing businesses operating within the energy transition.” Industrial Strategy provides Fusion and Trent Valley Super Cluster boost Bassetlaw District Council has welcomed proposals set out in the Government’s Industrial Strategy that could boost the development of the Clean Energy Super Cluster sites of former power stations along the Trent Valley in Bassetlaw. As well as locking in the commitment to investing in Fusion through the STEP project at West Burton, the Government has also announced The Strategic Industrial Sites Accelerator. This will identify and prepare strategically significant industrial sites in the Industrial Strategy’s growth-driving sectors such as Clean Energy Industries to attract major investment. It addresses specific barriers to these sites through support on land remediation, grid connections, transport, and planning. Councillor Charles Adams, cabinet member for business and skill at Bassetlaw District Council, said: “It’s great to see the STEP Fusion project at West Burton in Bassetlaw feature as a case study in the Government’s Industrial Strategy and that the Government’s commitment to the UK’s fusion energy programme can drive economic growth not just in Bassetlaw, but across the wider region.” Intelligent Energy future eVTOL concept image Caption: BRUSH Group employees gather at the firm’s transformer ‘test cell’ facility in Loughborough © BRUSH Groupwww.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 13 MANUFACTURING NEWS Manufacturing output weakens in three months to June Manufacturing output volumes fell in the quarter to June, at a similarly steep pace to the three months to May, according to the CBI’s latest monthly Industrial Trends Survey (ITS). Looking ahead, however, firms anticipate that the pace of decline will slow over the three months to September. Total and export order books remained weak in June, with both balances broadly unchanged from last month and below their long- run averages. Manufacturers indicated that stock adequacy for finished goods fell slightly relative to May, with the balance dipping below the long-run average. Expectations for selling price inflation eased this month relative to May but remain above the long-run average. Ben Jones, CBI lead economist, said: “The UK’s manufacturing sector is under significant pressure, contending with high energy costs, rising labour costs, pervasive skills shortages, and a volatile global economic environment. With departmental budgets now set following the Spending Review, businesses are looking to the government to dismantle barriers to growth ahead of the Autumn Budget.” 20-year collaboration to bolster fusion energy skills in East Midlands The UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) and East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) have announced a 20-year collaboration to advance fusion energy training and skills development. The collaboration will focus on developing and delivering fusion related skills, including apprenticeships and wider vocational training programmes, to support the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) project – the UK’s first prototype fusion energy power plant that will be built on the West Burton site in Nottinghamshire. This new collaboration will not only provide crucial skills for STEP but also support a growing fusion industry across the region. An Economic and Wider Impact Assessment commissioned by relevant local authorities has calculated that by the time it is fully operational, the West Burton site is anticipated to accommodate 6,500 full-time jobs across STEP and the surrounding business park, equivalent to 12.5 percent of the current total workplace jobs in Bassetlaw. Around half of the forecast STEP Campus construction jobs are expected to require Level 3+ qualifications, and it is estimated that nearly three quarters of the on-site jobs on the STEP Campus are expected to require individuals with Level 4+ qualifications. © stock.adobe.com/Surasak Government steps in to support at-risk jobs following refinery insolvency The UK government is stepping in to support the continued operation of the Prax Lindsey Oil Refinery in Immingham, North East Lincolnshire, after its owner went into administration, putting 420 jobs at risk. Prax Group, which acquired the refinery from Total in 2021, filed for insolvency, prompting concerns from union representatives that as many as 1,000 jobs, including those of contractors and supply chain workers, could be affected. The government has allocated funding to the official receiver to ensure the refinery’s safe operation. The Department for Energy Security has confirmed the refinery suffered losses of approximately £75 million from the 2021 acquisition to February 2024. Energy Minister Michael Shanks criticised Prax’s lack of transparency about its financial gap and its failure to cooperate in finding a solution. The government is now looking for potential buyers for the refinery and other uses for the site if a sale cannot be secured. The government has pledged to maintain energy supplies and protect the local community while supporting affected workers. © stock.adobe.com/Kostiantyn © stock.adobe.com/photollurg © stock.adobe.com/tynzaIndustrial unit extension complete for packaging machinery manufacturer Goodward Construction has completed an industrial unit extension at Line Equipment’s headquarters in Nottingham. The project has enabled Line Equipment to significantly expand their operations. Line Equipment, a packaging machinery manufacturer specialising in VFFS machines, sought to increase their warehouse capacity and enhance workflow efficiency to meet growing customer demand. With operational continuity being a top priority, Goodward Construction designed and executed a phased expansion strategy that allowed business to carry on as usual while integrating the new space. The 1,291 sq ft extension was completed in just under 3 months and included structural steelwork, insulated cladding, new personnel and loading doors, upgraded electrical systems, and improved internal logistics flow. The result is a modern, energy-efficient space that supports Line Equipment’s future growth ambitions. “Partnering with Goodward Construction gave us the confidence to expand without halting our day-to-day operations,” said John Blashkiw, director at Line Equipment. “Their team was professional, proactive, and incredibly well-organised. This extension has already made a significant difference in how we work and serve our customers.” Step forward for major East Midlands solar farm Environment led multi-disciplinary planning consultancy Lanpro has secured acceptance for a Development Consent Order (DCO) application on behalf of Island Green Power (IGP) for Green Hill Solar Farm in the East Midlands. Located to the west and south of Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, and north of Milton Keynes, the proposed circa 1200-hectare site is designed to deliver up to 500 MW of electricity – enough to power approximately 115,000 homes. A Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP), Green Hill Solar Farm’s DCO acceptance confirms that the application meets the required standards to progress to the examination phase – a key milestone for the scheme. Proposals include approximately 550 hectares earmarked for solar photovoltaic panels and associated infrastructure, and around 190 hectares designated for environmental mitigation and enhancement. Tom Pike, director of planning, said: “We are delighted that the Green Hill Solar Farm has been accepted by the Planning Inspectorate for Examination. “The scale and ambition of this scheme underlines the vital role solar energy will play in achieving the UK’s net zero targets. Lanpro is proud to be continuing a successful partnership with IGP by supporting in the delivery of yet another nationally significant infrastructure project.” KPMG expands Nottingham footprint with new city centre office Professional services firm KPMG UK has relocated its more than 200- strong Nottingham-based team to a new office in the heart of the city centre. The move, to fully refurbished 8,000 sq ft premises on the 7th floor of the EastWest building on Tollhouse Hill, forms part of KPMG’s long-term regional growth strategy. The new EastWest office brings the firm’s entire Nottingham-based operation together all on one enlarged floor, with more meeting rooms and communal space for collaborative working, as well as a newly designed area to host events. KPMG’s history in Nottingham dates to the 1930s, when the firm’s London office needed a local team to audit several collieries and coal storage depots across the East Midlands. To resource the work, a new office was opened in Nottingham at Milton Chambers, 19 Milton Street. The building still exists to this day and can be found on the opposite corner to the main entrance of the Victoria Shopping Centre. 14 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk PROPERTY NEWS Marc Abrams, senior office partner at KPMG UK’s new Nottingham office, at the EastWest building on Tollhouse Hill in NottinghamHarold Potter acquires 14,136 sq ft industrial property in Mansfield Woodhouse for HQ FHP has completed the off-market sale of Millway at Old Mill Lane Industrial Estate, Mansfield Woodhouse, to Harold Potter. Harold Potter is one of the country’s leading heavy lifting equipment and overhead crane specialists and has taken on the site as its HQ. The property extends to 14,136 sq ft and comprises a detached warehouse with a two storey office block, car park, and yard. Surrounding occupiers include Howdens, Screwfix, Royal Mail and Jewsons. Anthony Barrowcliffe of FHP said: “It is always particularly great to sell a building off-market. This was not an easy sale due to having tenants in the offices to the front elevation, which we serviced notice on to obtain vacant possession of the building, alongside other various issues which we overcame throughout the process to sell this asset. “Our client (W.H Davies) were exceptionally good to work with and between myself and them we worked very hard to secure this sale. This transaction being a total team effort! “I wish Harold Potter Ltd all the success for the future and I know this building will be a fantastic HQ for their business.” Rotherhill acquires modern Leicestershire industrial unit Midlands-based property developer and asset manager, Rotherhill, alongside long- term funding partners DSC 452 Ltd, has completed the acquisition of a modern industrial unit on the Whiteacres Estate in Whetstone. The property comprises a detached, single-storey warehouse with integral two-storey offices, totalling approximately 13,350 sq ft, and occupies a 0.79-acre plot. It is currently let to Tyresure Ltd, with the lease set to expire on 24th August 2026. This acquisition aligns with Rotherhill’s ongoing strategy of acquiring high-quality industrial and logistics assets, whether income-producing or vacant, with potential to add value in the short to medium term through proactive asset management initiatives. Stuart Waite, associate director at Rotherhill, said: “We are pleased to have completed this acquisition which aligns perfectly with our strategy of buying well positioned assets with strong underlying fundamentals in a sector of the market which we believe will continue to experience rental and capital growth in the short to medium term.” Nottingham Forest’s City Ground will undergo a significant transformation, with plans to redevelop the iconic stadium officially approved. Following unanimous backing from the Rushcliffe Borough Council, the project will see the demolition and replacement of the Peter Taylor Stand, with the new structure boosting the stadium’s capacity to around 35,000 seats. The new stand, rising 38 metres, will be the tallest in the stadium and will feature advanced infrastructure, including improved facilities for staff, players, and fans, as well as premium hospitality suites. The £130m redevelopment will modernise the venue to meet top-tier football standards, aligning with the club’s ambitions for future success. The planning approval also includes provisions for a residential development next to the stadium, featuring 170 one- and two-bedroom apartments and commercial spaces, with parking for 67 vehicles. With this redevelopment, Nottingham Forest aims to enhance both the fan experience and the economic impact on the local area. Nottingham Forest’s City Ground set for major redevelopment www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 15 PROPERTY NEWS © stock.adobe.com/ABCDstock © stock.adobe.com/Thomas16 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk COMMERCIAL PROPERTY A raft of job-creating schemes are progressing across the East Midlands, positioning it as a key destination for businesses to invest. Delivered by Chesterfield Borough Council in collaboration with Barrow Hill Engine Shed Society, construction has started on site on a modern rail innovation and training centre in Barrow Hill. Set to create jobs and skills opportunities for local people, and support local ambitions to become a leading destination for the rail sector, the Derbyshire Rail Industry Innovation Vehicle (DRIIVe) will sit next to the historic Barrow Hill Roundhouse and provide classroom and training areas, specialist research and development facilities including a digital laboratory, and commercial workshop space. Stepnell will be carrying out construction Job-creating schemes mark progress Significant, job-creating developments are getting underway across the East Midlands, from new centres of excellence to major employment parks. An artist’s impression of DRIIVewww.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 17 COMMERCIAL PROPERTY of the building, which is expected to complete and start welcoming its first users in 2026. Tom Sewell, regional director at Stepnell, said: “The commencement of DRIIVe is a milestone moment for rail innovation, undertaken as part of the Staveley Town Deal…. Beyond its fundamental aim of creating opportunities in the rail sector, we want to ensure the specialist facility will be built to the highest standards while generating immense value for the community through local spend and employability opportunities during construction.” Meanwhile, Winvic Construction has been appointed by IM Properties (IMP) to commence construction work at a major new employment park. Towcester Park is expected to create 1,500 jobs when fully occupied, will provide skills and training opportunities for local people, and fund projects through a dedicated £100,000 community fund. Commenting on starting the initial phase of the 1.1 million sq ft development, Danny Nelson, managing director – industrial, distribution & logistics at Winvic, said: “We’re proud to continue our long- standing partnership with IM Properties and work together to deliver the first stages of this high-quality employment space with industry-leading sustainability credentials.” A mix of sustainable employment space — targeting EPC A and BREEAM Excellent ratings — will be available on a Design & Build basis at Towcester Park. The site will also include 15 acres of green space, amenity land and retained and enhanced landscaping. For businesses looking to scale up, IMP is offering its ‘Kick Start’ scheme, with reserved matters submitted for a range of units to accommodate space requirements from 13,500 to 22,000 sq ft. To retain larger operators in the region and attract businesses looking to relocate, Towcester Park will offer warehouse space of up to 464,000 sq ft. Buildings will feature HQ style office space, roof terraces on outboard offices, contemporary reception areas and modern working environments. Furthermore, in Sutton-in-Ashfield, Lindum Group is set to build the Automated Distribution and Manufacturing Centre (ADMC) for Ashfield District Council. The national centre of excellence for automation will be the flagship component of the wider £100m Ashfield Innovation and Technology Park on Lowmoor Road. Construction will begin this summer, with completion expected in late 2026 and 18 Á Winvic Construction has been appointed to commence construction work at Towcester Park18 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk COMMERCIAL PROPERTY occupancy from early 2027. The 30,000 sq ft, purpose-built, multifunctional centre will support businesses of all sizes to design and implement bespoke automation strategies, boosting productivity, competitiveness, and long- term economic growth. The ADMC will provide independent, expert guidance and access to state-of-the-art technology and skills development, as well as space for networking, events, and collaboration. Shaping the centre’s offer to align with industry needs are strategic partners including Nottingham Trent University, Vision West Nottinghamshire College, Swiftool Precision Engineering, and ECS Engineering. Cllr Jason Zadrozny, leader of Ashfield District Council, said: “Once the ADMC is completed and functioning, it will become a magnet for businesses who recognise the need to embrace new technology to drive growth and improve. It should provide a legacy for generations to come and one we firmly believe will attract more high skilled jobs to Ashfield. The economic benefits of this project are incredible and will allow the Council to unlock the district’s true potential. This is all part of our broader regeneration strategy to make Ashfield a fantastic place to live, work, study, play and visit.” Finally, at Markham Vale, developer HBD has submitted plans for the second phase of ARK, a £27m GDV scheme at the flagship M1 industrial and logistics development. ARK is being delivered by Origin, a joint-venture partnership between HBD and Feldberg Capital. Work began earlier this year on the first phase of the new development, which consists of four units from 17,000 sq ft to 36,000 sq ft. Henry Boot Construction is the contractor for phase one, with the first four units due to complete late 2025. The second phase of ARK will deliver the final 53,000 sq ft unit, with work expected to start on-site in Q4 subject to planning permission being granted. Origin is committed to ESG-compliant space, with ARK targeting BREEAM Excellent and an EPC A rating. Vivienne Clements, executive director at HBD, said: “Working with Derbyshire County Council, HBD has delivered 2.5 million sq ft at Markham Vale, creating a very successful industrial and logistics destination. With established demand from logistics and manufacturing businesses, it’s very positive to be able to bring forward a further 53,000 sq ft unit at ARK.” Markham Vale is a 200-acre industrial and logistics scheme delivered by HBD in joint venture with Derbyshire County Council. It has created more than 2,600 jobs since work began and counts Bilstein Group, Great Bear, Smurfit Westrock and Sterigenics among its occupiers. ARK, Markham ValeArmstrong house Armstrong House, Armstrong Street, Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire DN31 2QE Tel: (01472) 310301 Email: s.fisher@blmgroup.co.uk Superb Location - - Close to the ports of Grimsby & Immingham - Great motorway links - Close to the town centre Secure off street parking High speed internet availability A range of affordable office sizes 3 3 3 3 Last remaining office suites Prime location in Grimsby Offering a prime position in Grimsby, Armstrong House on Armstrong Street is ideally located. Close to the ports of Grimsby and Immingham, motorway links and the town centre, off-street parking is also available for all staff and visitors, meaning it’s convenient too. Our spacious, welcoming offices are located on the ground floor and are both secure and CCTV-monitored, giving you the ultimate peace of mind. At Armstrong House, when it comes to affordability and with a range of office sizes there are opportunities for all types of business. If you require virtual office services, prices start from just £15 per month. For more information, or to discuss your office requirements call 01472 310301.Next >