NOVEMBER 2025 EAST MIDLANDS LEADING BUSINESS MAGAZINE www..co.uk WWW.EASTMIDLANDSBUSINESSLINK.CO.UK WWW.EASTMIDLANDSBUSINESSLINK.CO.UK £3.50 Every drop accounted forThe forgotten middle of the workforce Grow a mo, change a cultureArmstrong 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.As reports indicate declining business confidence once again, with firms dealing with expanding costs and uncertainty regarding policy, looming over the country this month is the Autumn Budget, set to take place on Wednesday 26 November. Whilst companies put off making decisions until the tax landscape becomes clearer, the headlines are full of speculation on how ‘painful’ the Budget will be as the rumour mill kicks into full swing. The fear is not unfounded, with last year’s Budget causing protestations over factors from its impact on raising employment costs, harming recruitment and business growth, to hitting family farms in inheritance tax changes. With expectations of tax rises of some kind for 2025’s Autumn Budget, anxiety is swelling. Corporate taxation is already highlighted by firms as amongst their greatest threats, as indicated by the British Chambers of Commerce, alongside inflation, which itself remains concerning month after month. Sticky, the latest figures (for September) show inflation remained at 3.8% (below expectations, but above the Bank of England’s target), and with increasing business costs and high interest rates, possible new tax rises will only add pressure to company budgets. Recently revealed, minor economic growth of 0.1%, meanwhile, will not be enough to ease the weight on firms, many of whom are reporting subdued demand against higher operating costs. The upcoming Budget will be pivotal, with groups calling on the Chancellor to seize an opportunity to put business first and avoid adding further pressure following measures unveiled last year. Whether it will follow the trend of Budgets across political parties over the past few years, all being relatively painful and most unable to stimulate the growth proclaimed, is to be seen. 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 Industrial and logistics schemes are marking key milestones across the East Midlands, as the ‘Golden Triangle’ continues to attract developers, investors, and businesses. The Bricks Awards 2025 20 With the East Midlands Bricks Awards complete for another year, it is time to reflect on the glittering event and reveal the winners. Accounting38 Michael Ball, tax partner at Streets, helps businesses prepare for this month’s Autumn Budget Engineering the future40 As automation, AI and sustainability redefine what it means to build, UK engineers are reshaping both industry and identity, designing a future that works smarter and greener. Men’s health awareness 44 Movember isn’t just about facial hair. It’s about breaking silence around men’s health. Local businesses are proving that a simple office challenge can spark lasting change. Public relations 48 Why Joe Wicks just gave the media a masterclass in standing for something (and why most ‘experts’ won’t dare copy him) Training and upskilling 50 They’re experienced, capable, and quietly keeping things running, yet mid- career employees are often overlooked when it comes to training. Investing in their growth could be the smartest move a business makes. Water efficiency and treatment 54 As scrutiny over pollution and waste intensifies, UK businesses are learning that water isn’t an endless resource — it’s a test of accountability and innovation. AutoLink58 Electrifying vehicles for executive adventures. • We put the Lamborghini Fenomeno through its paces. Events64 A timely look at forthcoming business events around the East Midlands. And finally...66 Here’s Frazer’s collection of the weird and wonderful ‘news’ that came his way over the last few weeks. Contents November 2025 40 50 5854 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/Kalyakan • Citroen • Richard Picksley •s tock.adobe.com/Anna • stock.adobe.com/Ian Luck 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.Derby’s Cathedral Quarter Hotel opens its doors this Christmas to help tackle loneliness in the city A Derby hotel is staying open this Christmas so people feeling lonely over the festive season can book a break. Owners at the Cathedral Quarter Hotel on St Mary’s Gate in Derby, are offering half price stays – with breakfast, lunch and a traditional Christmas dinner – for people who don’t have plans in December and January. Operations manager, Isuru Akalanka, said: “I don’t want people feeling lonely this Christmas so I would like to welcome them to the Cathedral Quarter Hotel. We will offer half price room deals and affordable food packages.” Iresh Samaradiwakara, the hotel’s Food and Beverage Manager, said: “There will be exciting menus and Christmas activities.” The Cathedral Quarter Hotel has undergone a huge refurbishment at the Grade II listed hotel in Derby. All 38 en-suite bedrooms have new beds and 43-inch TVs, and there is a new Starbucks coffee lounge. The lobby, restaurant and corporate meeting rooms have also been redecorated. A single room with full board will cost £80 a night and a double room with full board is £90. To book call the Cathedral Quarter Hotel in Derby 01332 850330. 6 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk GENERAL NEWS New generation takes the helm as Charles Bentley marks 165 years in business One of Leicestershire’s oldest family-run businesses, Charles Bentley & Son Ltd, is marking 165 years of trading, with a new generation taking the helm. James Bentley steps up to take the reins of the business, becoming the sixth generation of the Bentley family to lead the firm. James’ promotion signals a new era for the company, blending fresh ideas with the values and traditions that have guided the business for over a century and a half. James Bentley said: “Celebrating 165 years is an extraordinary achievement and a moment for us to reflect on how far we’ve come as a family and a business. “What began here in Loughborough with my great-great-great-grandfather making brushes for chimney sweeps in the Victorian era has grown into a company that now produces and supplies a wide range of products for households across the country. “I’m proud to be continuing our family’s legacy, and equally proud of the loyal team of colleagues who make Charles Bentley what it is today.” Midlands businesses prioritise social mobility as talent challenges intensify Improving social mobility is a priority for 96% of mid-sized businesses in the Midlands, with almost a third (31%) ranking it as their biggest priority, according to BDO’s latest survey of 500 UK mid-sized businesses. The Economic Engine survey revealed that businesses in the region are investing in practical ways to support young people and unlock talent. Over a third (36%) of companies polled in the Midlands are using work experience or insight programmes to improve social mobility, while 39% of businesses have employee- led advocacy groups in place. As Prime Minister Keir Starmer announces plans to increase the numbers of young people gaining a technical qualification, the research also found that 37% of businesses are leveraging the apprenticeship levy to improve social mobility. This focus on providing direct, hands-on support into the workplace is personal for Midlands business leaders, with many building their own careers on similar opportunities. Half (50%) stated that graduate programmes helped them get started in their career, and over four-in-ten (43%) benefited from work experience and placements to get on the ladder. James Bentleywww.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. Leicestershire to host new £35m Centrica Net Zero training academy Centrica is to develop a new £35m training academy and energy transition research laboratory in Lutterworth, which will open in May 2026. Centrica Energy Park will see thousands of engineers trained each year in the skills necessary to drive the energy transition including heat pumps, EV chargers, solar panels and battery storage. Centrica, owner of British Gas, Hive, and Bord Gais Energy, sees the academy as a key investment in the skills of its 7,000- strong engineer workforce and in the creation of new green jobs in the UK and Ireland. The academy will have a full size ‘eco house’ to demonstrate how all of the skills and capabilities of Centrica’s workforce come together to deliver the home of the future. Additionally, the academy will be home to research laboratories including a Net Zero Lab used to test existing and emerging Net Zero Energy & Heating Technologies. Centrica’s new training academy will officially open and welcome engineers from May 2026. The existing Leicester Academy will be integrated into the new facility as part of the transition. Acquisition sees Ideagen add specialised chemical management to EHS portfolio Ruddington- headquartered software company, Ideagen has acquired SafetyStratus, a Texas-based provider of enterprise environmental, health and safety (EHS) software. SafetyStratus offers a wide-ranging EHS platform with a distinct focus on sophisticated chemical management. Its specialised modules include chemical management, chemical inventory, radiation, hazardous waste and biosafety. The company serves a diverse customer base of university labs, commercial laboratories and large enterprises that rely on precise chemical handling and compliance. This acquisition adds advanced chemical management capabilities to Ideagen’s EHS and quality management (EHSQ) solutions and will allow the company to offer Ideagen Chemical Management as a specialised platform within and alongside its existing EHSQ portfolio. Ben Dorks, CEO of Ideagen, said: “Our customers in life sciences, healthcare, energy and manufacturing need sophisticated chemical management solutions that understand the complexity of their operations. SafetyStratus brings exactly that – deep expertise in chemical inventory, radiation safety and hazardous waste management that goes far beyond traditional EHS platforms. “This acquisition means we can now provide our existing customers with integrated chemical management capabilities, while offering new clients the specialized compliance solutions they’ve been seeking within a comprehensive EHS platform.” © stock.adobe.com/ dizain Ben Dorks, Ideagen CEOGilson Gray appoints head of residential conveyancing Law firm Gilson Gray has appointed seasoned property lawyer Jeremy Davy as partner and head of its residential conveyancing division for England and Wales. Based in Lincoln, Jeremy will oversee Gilson Gray’s residential conveyancing division across England and Wales. He will focus on expanding the team’s operations, enhancing efficiency through technology and AI, and growing its headcount in key locations. Jeremy brings a wealth of experience to the role and joins from Broadfield Law, where he was chief operating officer and partner, overseeing legal operations and driving business growth. Prior to that, Jeremy was director of conveyancing at Connells Group, where he first worked with Debbie McCathie, head of residential conveyancing at Gilson Gray, to develop strategic partnerships. Jeremy began his legal career at Shoosmiths, where he progressed to partner and played a key role in establishing and growing the firm’s conveyancing arm. He also served as an advisor to HM Government, RICS, The Law Society and Land Registry in relation to residential property matters and home buying reform. Rothera Bray expands team with head of insolvency East Midlands law firm Rothera Bray has appointed Ruth Ball as managing associate and head of insolvency in its expanding Insolvency and Restructuring team. With over 20 years’ experience, Ruth is recognised by Legal 500 as a Next Generation Partner and is known for her practical, client-focused approach to complex insolvency matters. She advises on a wide range of issues, including contentious corporate and personal insolvency, director claims and antecedent transactions, creditors’ retention of title claims, enforcement of personal guarantees, unlawful dividend claims, winding up petitions, bankruptcy petitions and more. Ruth will work closely with insolvency and restructuring consultant Nicky Calthrop-Owen, strengthening the firm’s expertise in this area. “I’m passionate about helping clients find clarity and solutions during what can be a stressful time,” said Ruth. “I look forward to working with the talented team at Rothera Bray to support businesses and individuals across the region.” Actons makes director promotion Actons, the independent law firm in Nottingham, has promoted Alastair Rose in its corporate & commercial team to director. Alastair joined the firm’s corporate & commercial team in 2019 and stepped up as an associate in January 2023. His progression from newly qualified solicitor to director in just six years reflects his legal expertise, commercial insight, and leadership qualities. Beyond his legal work, Alastair has been instrumental in driving innovation within the team and wider firm, championing new technologies and improving internal processes. He is also a committed mentor and training supervisor. Peter Flowerday, director and head of corporate & commercial at Actons, said: “I’m delighted to see Alastair become a director with the firm. Since joining us, he has been an integral part of the corporate and commercial team, consistently delivering excellent results.” Simon Dakin, chairman at Actons, added: “Alastair’s promotion is thoroughly deserved, and I’m delighted to formally welcome him to the partnership. He brings energy, clarity and commerciality to everything he does. His ability to build strong relationships, both internally and externally, has made a real impact.” Jeremy Davy Ruth Ball 8 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk APPOINTMENTS Simon Dakin, Alastair Rose, Peter FlowerdayPromethean Particles appoints first CFO Nottingham chemical manufacturer Promethean Particles has strengthened its senior leadership team by appointing its first chief financial officer, Paul Denney. Paul brings a wealth of financial management and leadership experience to the role having built an impressive career starting with IT outsourcing business, Electronic Data Systems Inc. (now part of Hewlett Packard), before managing in-house M&A teams at both Experian plc and Callcredit Information Group. Most recently, Paul, who is a CIMA- qualified accountant and has an MBA from the London Business School, was CFO for six years at Xeros Technology Group plc, an AIM-listed green tech business, and at an early-stage life sciences spin-out from Newcastle University. His role at Promethean Particles will involve acting as a key strategic partner to the firm’s chief executive officer, James Stephenson, balancing the management of day-to-day finances with seeking new investment and taking on legal, procurement, and HR responsibilities. Paul described his new role as the right opportunity at the right time, thanks to the significant investment Promethean Particles has attracted and its position as a market leader in the manufacture and supply of metal-organic frameworks. Paul Denney 1284 Communications appoints content director 1284 Communications has appointed Emma Oliver as its first content director. Emma will lead 1284’s content strategy, both internally and externally. She will manage all aspects of the Loughborough consultancy’s digital marketing, while overseeing the rollout of a new operations management platform, optimising workflows and strengthening content marketing. She will also act as an in-house content editor, using her extensive experience as a news editor at large regional newspaper titles to increase and enhance content going out on client accounts. More recently, Emma taught digital media production, brand building, and business planning at the University of Sheffield’s Information, Journalism and Communication School. Emma lectured at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. Previously, she worked as a journalism lecturer at the University of Derby, having prior to that spent more than a decade in industry, honing her expertise in content management and digital strategy, as well as working in the PR and communications sector in Manchester. HR Consulting appoints new CEO Impact HR Consulting Limited has appointed experienced business leader and HR professional Greg Guilford as its new Group CEO. Greg joins Impact HR Consulting with more than 20 years’ experience in senior leadership, consultancy and HR. At his previous consultancy in Northants he spent 17 years as CEO. Since leaving his previous consultancy in 2024, Greg founded a consultancy business, Aeon Nexus Growth Partners, which supports small to medium- sized enterprises (SMEs) with business growth strategy, investment advice and practical leadership and operations support. Greg has also volunteered as a business mentor with Enterprise Nation and taken on an advisory board member role with TechSkills. Founded in 2018 as Kingswood Group, Impact HR Consulting recently rebranded following a series of acquisitions in Essex, Leeds and Leicester. Greg said: “I am delighted to be joining Impact HR Consulting at such an exciting time in its journey. The business has built an excellent reputation for delivering high-quality HR services, and the new brand reflects its ambition to make a real impact for clients, which I am a firm believer in.” Greg Guilford www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 9 APPOINTMENTS Emma Oliver. Credit: Beth WalshNext >