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LATEST ARTICLES
Landmark rail innovation centre plans steam ahead
Plans to create a modern rail innovation and training centre in Barrow Hill, Staveley – which will create jobs and skills opportunities for local people, and bolster Chesterfield’s ambitions to be a leading destination for the rail sector – have reached a major milestone.
Proposals to create the Derbyshire Rail Industry Innovation Vehicle (DRIIVe) next to the historic Barrow Hill Roundhouse are pressing ahead after Chesterfield Borough Council appointed a contractor to lead the scheme.
It follows consideration of a report at meetings of Cabinet and Full Council last week which agreed the final elements of the funding package required to support the delivery of the project, and to appoint Stepnell Ltd as the contractor to lead the work.
The plans have been drawn up as part of the multi-million-pound Staveley Town Deal and will see the creation of a new facility providing specialist rail industry training, research and development facilities, and commercial space for rail-related businesses.
Work on site is expected to start in early 2025.
Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and vice chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board, said: “This is a really exciting, landmark project that will create new opportunities for local people to access high-quality skills and jobs, while bolstering Chesterfield’s position as a leading destination for future innovation and investment in the rail sector.
“The DRIIVe project will also play a key role in the emerging East Midlands Investment Zone (EMIZ) with its focus on advanced manufacturing and green technology industries, by attracting the rail sector and associated supply chain to the nearby Chesterfield EMIZ sites.
“It’s great to see the project continue to gather pace, and we look forward to working with the contractor, and our partners, to progress construction of DRIIVe early next year. The facility will be completed by the end of 2025.”
Tom Sewell, regional director at Stepnell, said: “The DRIIVe project adds to our public sector expertise of infrastructure and education projects, and will enhance our partnership with Chesterfield Borough Council as part of the Staveley Town Deal.
“Through committing to delivering early community engagement in the project, the specialist facility will be built to the highest standards of railway training and have an important impact on developing talent in STEM in the region.”
The project will see the creation of 22 job opportunities for local people and a hub from which to increase awareness of rail-related career opportunities, developing STEM skills required to access the industry through a community outreach programme that will support 1,000 individuals each year.
Ivan Fomin, Chair of the Staveley Town Deal, said: “This is a scheme delivered locally but of national significance, which will open the door to new, high-quality skills and career opportunities for people in Staveley – something which is right at the heart of what we are aspiring to achieve as part the Town Deal programme.
“It’s the latest positive news for Staveley, with our Town Deal projects really gathering pace, and almost all now being delivered on site. This is a fantastic achievement involving lots of different partners, and people will soon start to see the impact of these projects in their communities. Staveley will truly be a place to start, stay and grow.”
The DRIIVe project is being delivered by Chesterfield Borough Council in collaboration with the University of Derby, Chesterfield College and Barrow Hill Engine Shed Society.
Mervyn Allcock, Manager of the Barrow Hill Roundhouse and Staveley Town Deal Board member, said: “This is a project of national significance for the Rail sector, and we are so proud to be creating this fantastic facility here at Barrow Hill.
“The siting of these state-of-the-art innovation and research facilities right next to this amazing venue of international significance will greatly benefit the area and improve the quality of life of local people.”
DRIIVe will include classroom and workshop training areas, specialist research and development facilities including a digital laboratory, and commercial offices.
The centre will support a network of specialist training providers – offering rail-related education from level two through to postgraduate training and research.
Becoming a prominent location for rail technology, DRIIVe will also serve as a base for rail-related supply chain businesses which will have access to the very latest research and innovation.
Funding for the project is mostly being provided through the Staveley Town Deal – the Staveley area was one of 101 towns across England invited to submit an investment plan to the Government’s Towns Fund and received £25.2 million.
Rushcliffe businesses invited to apply for up to £500 of low carbon grants
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and sole traders across Rushcliffe can now apply for low carbon grants of up to £500, to help them improve their energy efficiency and reduce their carbon footprint.
Rushcliffe Borough Council’s (RBC) Low Carbon Grant is supported by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and will assist businesses to make more sustainable upgrades to their premises.
Examples of changes which could reduce energy costs and improve efficiency include:
- replacing lightbulbs with LED lighting
- fitting secondary glazing
- upgrading insulation
- installing smart meters or thermostats
- installing low flow taps & toilet measures
- upgrading heating with air curtains
- Carbon Literacy for SMEs on Tuesday January 21, from 9am to 5pm, online
- Low-Cost Carbon Cuts: Affordable Tech, Savvy Procurement, and Smart Behaviour on Wednesday January 22, from 10am to 11am, online
- Net Zero Journey: Understanding & Implementing Carbon Reduction Planning with Science-Based Targets on Wednesday February 5 from 10am to 11am, online
- How environmental responsibility can bring your business alive on Thursday February 6 from 10am to 11am, online
Revamp completes for historic Leicester hotel and shopping street
Main works to revamp one of Leicester’s busiest shopping streets and refurbish the street-facing ground floor of the landmark Grand Hotel building are now complete.
Leicester City Council has carried out a range of improvements to part of Granby Street – between Dover Street and Belvoir Street – to create more space for cyclists and pedestrians and the potential for outdoor café-style seating areas.
Former pay-and-display parking bays – which have been out of use for more than three years – have now been converted into wider, high-quality footpaths and cycleways to help improve the route between the railway station and the city centre. The main carriageway, which is still open to general traffic, has also been completely resurfaced.
New on-street parking bays have been created on nearby Chatham Street, York Street and Calais Street.
The works are part of wider, ongoing heritage-led investment to improve the shopping environment on Granby Street.
This includes the refurbishment of the Grade II-listed Grand Hotel’s street-facing ground floor and historic shopfronts, which have undergone a year-long revamp and renovation programme as part of Historic England’s High Street Heritage Action Zones.
The shopfronts that line the hotel building’s Granby Street ground level have been restored to as close to the building’s original design as possible, using sustainable hardwood and toughened glass.
Recessed doorways have been fitted with bespoke iron gates and all shops now have new signage that complements the architectural heritage of the building.
Improvements have been made to the hotel’s oriel windows and balcony. The distinctive canopy above the Grand Hotel’s main Granby Street entrance has also been restored to its former glory.
The work was funded by a £700,000 award from the High Street Heritage Action Zones programme, with the hotel owners contributing a further £200,000 towards the costs.
City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “The Grand Hotel is a fine example of Leicester’s Victorian past and the city’s rich architectural heritage. With support from Historic England, this landmark building and its historic shopfronts have been restored to their former glory.
“Alongside this, we have made major improvements to this part of Granby Street, creating more space for pedestrians and for outdoor café-style seating along this important and well-used gateway into the city centre.
“It is important that we continue to invest in these sorts of ambitious improvement schemes, working with property owners and businesses to improve shopfronts, preserve the architectural heritage of our historic buildings, and help ensure our shopping streets continue to be welcoming and attractive places to visit and enjoy.
“We have seen how this approach can be a catalyst to transform areas like the Old Town and help attract millions of pounds of private investment into the city centre.”
Andrew Pring asset and investment manager at Jupiter Hotels, the owners of the Grand Hotel, said: “We are delighted with the improvements made to the façade of the hotel and would like to thank all those that have been involved with this project.
“Work has now commenced to completely refurbish the internal areas of the hotel with all 104 bedrooms being extensively upgraded along with all the public areas. We are looking forward to reopening the hotel and welcoming guests in the spring of 2025.”
Louise Brennan, Historic England Regional Director (Midlands), said: “The Grand Hotel scheme is a brilliant example of how heritage can contribute to the regeneration of our towns and cities. Our past is part of our future, and it’s great to see the results of our work with Leicester City Council and the owners of the hotel.
“The restoration and public realm works are a triumph for this part of Leicester, giving new life to a Victorian icon of the city.”
Work to restore the Grand Hotel was led by Leicester-based Hickman & Smith Architects and carried out by specialist contractors Trinity. Early survey and design work was undertaken by conservation experts Conception Architects.
Improvements to Granby Street itself were carried out by the city council’s in-house team of expert stone masons and highways engineers. Final works to close off Dover Street are planned in the new year.
BRUSH supports Leicestershire children’s charity this Christmas
Leicestershire’s most disadvantaged children could receive a special gift or two this Christmas thanks to local charity Toys On The Table, supported by Loughborough-headquartered BRUSH Group.
Employees of the energy engineering solutions company have gathered together a vast collection of new toys and games for the charity to distribute to children who might otherwise not have anything to open on Christmas day.
Besides the generous gifts from its workforce, coordinated by the BRUSH sponsorship committee, the company has also contributed a substantial sum to buy even more toys, and also donated copies of Loughborough Edition Monopoly featuring BRUSH as the Electric Company.
Nicolas Pitrat, BRUSH Group CEO, said: “We first got involved with Toys On The Table last year and, having seen the positive impact the charity is making, we wanted to extend our support for this year.
“I would like to thank everybody in BRUSH who has donated to this year’s collection, and I hope our contribution goes some way to helping more children and their families to enjoy a happy Christmas.”
MP visits Derby vehicle conversions specialists
Mackworth Vehicle Conversion Specialists (VCS), part of Motus Vehicle Solutions, recently welcomed Catherine Atkinson MP, Member of Parliament for Derby North and a member of the Transport Committee, to its Derby site.
Catherine’s visit offered a chance to shine a spotlight on the people behind the work at Mackworth VCS. She met team members across the business, learning about their roles and seeing first-hand the skill that goes into each project. Her visit highlighted the dedication of the workforce and the important contributions they make to the transport sector.
Phil Taylor, Quality and Compliance Inspector at Mackworth VCS, shared his enthusiasm for the visit: “It’s not every day you see an MP taking such an active interest in what we do. It’s easy for companies like ours, tucked away on industrial estates, to be overlooked. Catherine’s visit showed she really understands the importance of businesses like ours in driving the economy and supporting the country’s infrastructure.”
A highlight of the visit was the Q&A session with Mackworth’s shop floor team. Catherine faced direct and insightful questions from employees on topics like sustainability, public transport, and local infrastructure.
Phil reflected on the discussion: “We asked her some tough questions about going green and reducing carbon footprints for businesses like ours. I even brought up the idea of hydro energy, and she told us about Darley Abbey potentially becoming the first hydro-powered town. That was such a positive response and shows she’s really thinking about innovative solutions.”
Andrew Kent, General Manager at Mackworth VCS, emphasised the value of Catherine’s visit: “It’s a privilege to welcome someone who not only listens but genuinely engages with our team. Catherine’s responses were thoughtful and honest, and she clearly recognises the critical role we play in the local economy and the transport sector.”
The challenges of public transport were also on the agenda, with Catherine addressing concerns about reduced bus routes in the Midlands.
Phil explained why this resonated with the team: “Public transport has such a big impact on people getting to work, especially when owning a car isn’t affordable for everyone. Catherine admitted she’s not happy with the current reductions in bus routes and is fighting to address this in Parliament. That honesty and commitment were really encouraging to hear.”
Peter Glover, Managing Director at Motus Vehicle Solutions, echoed the team’s sentiments: “Visits like this are so important. They strengthen the connection between policymakers and businesses like ours, giving us a platform to highlight both the challenges we face and the innovative work we’re doing to solve them. It’s inspiring to see Catherine championing priorities like sustainability and local business growth.”
The discussion also touched on traffic congestion, housing developments, and the ripple effects they have on infrastructure.
Phil commented: “One of my colleagues asked about the backlog of traffic on the A38 due to all the new housing developments. Catherine admitted she didn’t have all the answers right now, and honestly, that’s what you want to hear – it’s refreshing to see that kind of transparency from an MP.”
Catherine’s visit ended on a high note, with her praising Mackworth for its commitment to training and developing skilled workers through apprenticeships and internship programmes.
Andrew summed up the day: “This visit wasn’t just about showcasing what we do; it was about creating a real dialogue. Catherine’s interest and engagement mean a lot to us as a business, and we’re excited about the possibilities this connection could bring in the future.”
Chesterfield firm names man to drive sales in America
Steve Noel has been appointed as US General Manager, a strategic role designed to lead the expansion efforts of hot tub manufacturer Superior Wellness in the United States.
Steve previously held key roles in distribution and operations, including as Senior Operation Manager at Target Corp., where he managed operations across over 100 Target stores in the Southeast. Additionally, he spent seven years with Sleep Number Inc., overseeing essential functions in manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution. This extensive experience equips him well for his new role at Superior Wellness, where he will be instrumental in establishing and leading the company’s facility in Cameron, South Carolina.
Steve said: “I could not be prouder or more excited to join the Superior Wellness team, especially as part of launching the facility in Cameron. I’m thrilled to help build something sustainable here in the States that will drive the company’s growth for years to come. We have a beautiful facility in South Carolina that will soon be a showcase for excellence.”
In his new role, Steve will focus on building a strong foundation in warehousing and distribution at the Cameron facility, setting the stage for long-term operational excellence and sustainable growth.
Gareth Ward, Global Sales Director, added: “We are thrilled to welcome Steve to the US team. His operational expertise and leadership experience are invaluable assets as we expand our presence in the US. I look forward to working closely with Steve as we drive Superior Wellness forward.”
Entrepreneur Nathalie scoops ‘highly commended’ award
Chesterfield entrepreneur Natalie Burkinshaw has been won a ‘highly commended’ award at a ceremony celebrating female business leaders.
The founder of design agency Crush had been shortlisted as a finalist for Female Entrepreneur of the Year at the Novi Awards, dedicated to ‘championing female business leaders who are breaking barriers across the business world’.
Natalie said: “I am blown away with winning this accolade from Novi. The awards day was absolutely energising, an experience like no other for female business leaders. I had the privilege of meeting some awe-inspiring women who came from every walk of life.”
A female-owned and founded design agency, in an industry where 97% of creative directors are male, Crush has been working on branding, design and website projects for over two decades from its Chesterfield-based studio.
Having already been over the moon to have been shortlisted in the first place, Natalie came away from this year’s Novi Awards with a special prize of Highly Commended, just missing out on top spot.
The judges noted her 20 plus years of business leadership and innovation within the design sector as a significant achievement that they felt shouldn’t go unnoticed, along with her charitable activities outside of the workplace.
2025 Business Predictions: Marc Abrams, Nottingham Office Senior Partner at KPMG UK
It’s that time of year, when Business Link Magazine invites the region’s business leaders to offer up their predictions for the year ahead.
It has become something of a tradition, given that we’ve been doing this now for over 30 years.
Here we speak to Marc Abrams, Nottingham Office Senior Partner at KPMG UK.
Getting back to sustained economic growth will be a defining issue in 2025 and with the new East Midlands Combined County Authority in power, there’s plenty to play for. Access to its £4billion spending pot will help to boost growth opportunities for our region’s great businesses and universities, and bring the East Midlands onto a more equal footing with other devolution areas.
As home to some of the country’s leading manufacturers, how the East Midlands embraces the green agenda to develop its manufacturing strengths will be essential in driving change and boosting our vibrant health and agri-tech sectors. As a region, we already have much to be proud of in this space, and as the new Combined Authority grows and develops, the role of local businesses will be critical to its success.
Innovation in tech will also continue to accelerate at pace in 2025, with generative AI leading the charge both at home and in the workplace. Technology has the power to revolutionise industries across the East Midlands, and those businesses that are bold and invest in digital transformation will be best-placed to capitalise on new opportunities.
The digital economy will continue to expand, driven by e-commerce, digital payments, and online services. Every new year brings new opportunities, and ambitious businesses are already making moves to enhance their digital presence and leverage technology to reach and serve customers effectively – for those that follow suit, the sky is the limit.
Trade associations unite to call for consultation over inheritance tax changes
Collectively, these associations represent more than 160,000 family businesses, who warn that the changes to agricultural property relief and business property relief announced in the Autumn Budget will have ‘a severe and long-lasting impact on these businesses and the livelihoods of the millions of people they employ’.
In the open letter, published by Family Business UK, leaders warned that the policy changes will ‘starve’ these businesses and the economy of much-needed investment, ‘leading to forced, premature business sales and the loss of jobs in constituencies across the country’.
They add that BPR and APR ‘are not loopholes’ but measures that exist to ‘allow profitable businesses to continue trading, without penalty, when the owner dies’.
Economic impact analysis commissioned by FBUK and produced by CBI Economics has revealed that between 2026/7 – 2029/30 the changes to BPR could reduce economic activity by £9.4bn, lead to more than 125,000 job losses – including among the SMEs the government is trying to support and protect – and result in a net fiscal loss to the Exchequer of £1.25bn.
The NFU’s own impact analysis, produced in consultation with former Treasury and Office for Budget Responsibility economists, found that 75% of commercial family farms will be above the £1m threshold.
NFU President Tom Bradshaw said the Family Business UK letter further showed just how poorly thought through the inheritance tax changes were. He said: “As a signatory of the letter, alongside 31 other trade organisations representing the industry and associated businesses, we strongly echo the sentiment that the proposed tax could have far reaching consequences for the broader economy, employment and public finances.
“No one thinks this is a good policy, not even the government’s own advisers. It’s time for Treasury to listen to farmers and the multiple other organisations calling for these proposals to be opened up for consultation.”
CEO of Family Business UK Neil Davy said: “The model of family business ownership is unique. It powers the entire economy from farming to finance and everything in between. This letter, and those who have chosen to sign it, are testament to just how widespread family ownership is, and how committed we are to speak up on behalf of our members.
“Already, family business owners are taking decisions to withhold planned investments and are putting recruitment on hold.”
According to CBI Economics, family businesses mitigating the cost of a potential future Inheritance Tax bill would be most likely to reduce investment and employment leading to an:
- average reduction in investment of 16.5%
- average reduction in headcount of 10.2%
- average loss of turnover of 7.4%.
Historic Nottingham War Rooms to get new lease of life with regeneration plans submitted
Regeneration plans for Nottingham War Rooms on Chalfront Drive in Beechdale have been submitted by Aspbury Planning alongside Nottingham-headquartered practice CPMG Architects ahead of the historic, derelict site being transformed into a mixed-use community hub.
The building was originally constructed in the Cold War era as one of 17 Regional War Rooms across England and Scotland to withstand a nuclear strike, before becoming a Seat for Regional Government in the 1960s following a second phase of construction.
The structure also housed a BBC emergency broadcasting facility for use in a national emergency, prior to being used solely for storage since it was decommissioned in 1969.
Redevelopment of the 4,563 sq m, Grade II listed concrete building includes the preservation of important historic spaces developed in the 1950s and 1960s, such as the Lamson Tube Room, plant rooms and kitchen facility.
CPMG will being using its architecture and interior design expertise to transform the site into a community hub offering long-term and viable use, while including designated heritage zones.
The design plans also include exhibition spaces, media spaces, co-working and conference facilities, health and wellbeing amenities, café and restaurant, and a roof terrace.
Sara Harraway, director and interior design lead at CPMG, said: “The Nottingham War Rooms site offers an opportunity to create a truly unique destination by combining heritage, modern interior design and tangible community benefit.
“While the existing brutalist design will be loved by some and deemed not so visually appealing to others, this ‘brutal beauty’ will be set to make a real difference.
“Our plans centre around enhancing the usability of the site and the creation of a visual dialogue between past and present to respect both the functionality and the significance of the building and its place in the UK’s Cold War history.
“We’ll take a sensitive approach to the interior design, respecting it’s features and seeking to retain its character, using its colour palette, detailing and materials to influence our design development. Lighting will be a critical factor in its success, creating sensitive museum quality environments, to inspirational workspaces and desirable coffee bars and restaurants.
“Following a thorough consultation process prior to the planning submission being submitted, the scheme has come to life. It is incredibly clear how positive and influential the project will be in transforming the building, surrounding area and the local community in Beechdale – which currently does not have adequate provision of available services.
“The Nottingham War Rooms and its history may take centre stage from an outside perspective, but the most value will be gained from the way the repurposed space serves the community and educates future generations.”
The project is being led by property developer Hamilton Russell, in collaboration with landowner Homes England, and includes plans to align all work to local authority targets and environmental plans.
Regeneration and community value will be prominent within the creation of a new 104-affordable home development on the 2.1 hectares of developable land surrounding the war rooms, also being designed by CPMG and backed by East Midlands Housing Group (emh).
The current proposals have provision for two tenure types, shared ownership and social rent. 37% of the proposed homes will be allocated for shared ownership and 63% will be allocated for social rent.
Key project partner and Nottingham-based young people’s charity Base 51 is set to call the War Rooms building its new home if plans are approved, while further partners are set to be confirmed.
Craig Cameron at Hamilton Russell said: “We have been working on this project for a number of years with Nottingham Planning, and are looking forward to getting the planning submitted, and are very excited about the getting started on site in 2025.”
