APSS named finalists in Lincolnshire Construction and Property Awards 2025

Tess Egginton
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APSS named finalists in Lincolnshire Construction and Property Awards 2025
Commercial design and fit out company APSS has been named as finalists in both the Design Consultant of the Year and Development Project of the Year (Under £5m) categories for the Lincolnshire Construction and Property Awards 2025, cementing its reputation as a leader in innovative design and development in the region. Organised by the Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce, the awards celebrate excellence, innovation, and sustainability in the construction and property sector. APSS’s nominations highlight its dedication to delivering creative, client-focused solutions that combine cutting-edge design with practical functionality. Recognition for Exceptional Design The nomination for Design Consultant of the Year in conjunction with Bainland Lodge Retreats, underscores APSS’s commitment to providing tailored, high-quality design services. “Our team takes immense pride in creating designs that not only look stunning but also enhance functionality and user experience,” said Laurence Barrass, Managing Director of APSS. “Being named finalists in this category is a testament to the creativity and hard work of our talented designers.” Spotlight on Development Excellence The second nomination, Development Project of the Year (under £5m), celebrates the standout project of LEW Electrical Distributors’ new headquarters in Gainsborough. It showcases APSS’s expertise in project management and execution. The project, completed earlier this year, exemplifies APSS’s ability to transform spaces while meeting the highest standards of sustainability and efficiency. Stuart Marsland, Sales Director for APSS, said: “This project truly reflects our ethos of combining visionary design with practical implementation. Being recognised in this category is a huge honour and validates the efforts of everyone involved.” Innovation and Collaboration at the Core At the heart of APSS’s success lies a dedication to fostering strong partnerships with clients and stakeholders. The company’s collaborative approach ensures that every project is tailored to the client’s unique requirements, resulting in spaces that are not only visually striking but also highly functional and future-ready. Over the past year, APSS has placed a particular emphasis on sustainable design and development, incorporating eco-friendly materials and practices into its projects. Laurence added: “We are thrilled to be finalists in these awards. It’s a reflection of the hard work, creativity, and passion that drives our entire team. At APSS, we strive to deliver excellence in everything we do, and these nominations highlight the impact we’re making in the Lincolnshire construction and property sector. Regardless of the outcome, we are incredibly proud to be recognised alongside some of the Lincolnshire’s best.”

Car repair duo secure growth funding

Tess Egginton
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Car repair duo secure growth funding
A rapidly expanding vehicle repair business has secured a £375,000 business loan from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II, through its appointed fund manager Frontier Development Capital (FDC), to help finance its further growth after taking on a fourth site. Evolve Automotive Repair Centre – which has sites in Coventry, Birmingham and Leicester – acquired PL Carbodies in Warwick a few weeks ago. Since then it has doubled turnover at the site and increased the size of the team from six to 11. Evolve’s founders Stefan Hill and Jack Thomas plan to continue growing the business and open new sites in other Midlands cities and aim to have 10 locations within the next four years. Stefan, a former professional motorcycle racer, and Jack, who has a first-class honours in Business Management, set up Evolve four years ago when they were both aged 22. They used funding from their families to open the first site in Coventry and went on to open two further sites in 2023. Following the acquisition of PL Carbodies, they now employ a total of 40 staff across the four locations. Evolve specialises in carrying out vehicle repairs on behalf of insurers and hire firms. The new site in Warwick has accreditations from BMW and Hyundai and the company aims to gain approvals from other manufacturers for Warwick and the other sites. It is also gearing up for the switch to electric vehicles (EVs), with the Leicester site already specialising in EV repairs. Stefan Hill, Director, said: “Evolve aims to bring a modern approach to the vehicle repair trade. We recognise that having the right people is key to success and aim to offer good jobs in a safe and comfortable working environment. “We also invest in technology and training. Evolve was set up with electric vehicles in mind as we believe they are the cars of the future and we are preparing for the changes ahead. “Our business has come a long way since Jack and I were knocking on doors in Coventry. The funding from Midlands Engine Investment Fund II will support the business in the next stage of its growth.” Ryan Cartwright of FDC added: “Stefan and Jack have gone from zero to four sites in just three years, demonstrating their ability to build a successful business from scratch. “There is potential for them to grow the business further by winning new approvals and new clients and opening new sites in Midlands cities where there is a shortage of capacity for vehicle repairs. We are pleased to be able to support their growth plans.” Adam Cooksley at Navigate Commercial Finance provided fundraising advice to Evolve.

Half of Midlands businesses experienced fraud in the last five years

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Half of Midlands businesses experienced fraud in the last five years
Almost half (42%) of Midlands businesses have experienced fraud in the last five years, a new survey from accountancy and business advisory firm BDO has found. Of those businesses, 78% said they had experienced fraud in the last 12 months. Additionally, more than a quarter (29%) said they had seen multiple fraud incidents in the last year. The results come from a BDO survey of 500 directors and business owners from entities with more than 200 employees, conducted to find out directly from the business community about their experience of fraud. In response to the increased fraud risk, Midlands businesses are taking proactive steps to tackle the issue. According to the BDO survey, around a third of businesses (34%) have increased investment in IT security, with 28% spending more on fraud detection tools such as AI and data analytics. The survey shows that anti-fraud-related expenditure has increased for three-fifths of regional businesses (64%). Commenting on the findings, Sat Plaha, a partner at BDO LLP in the Midlands and Head of Regional Forensic Services, said: “Fraud remains a significant problem for individual businesses and the wider economy. Fraud losses directly impact profitability and can have catastrophic knock-on effects. “It is clear that large businesses are particularly tempting targets for fraudsters who are lured by the prospects of higher gains and attracted by the potential vulnerabilities and entry points associated with organisations with high employee numbers. “However, this year there are some definite positive trends. Anti-fraud-related expenditure is increasing compared to the previous year, with 73% of Midlands businesses investing between £100,000 and £250,000. “Following the recent introduction of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act, we hope the coming year will see all businesses enhance their anti-fraud infrastructure, continue the drive to establish more robust preventative regimes, and proactively monitor and respond to new threats as they arise.” According to the BDO report, almost half of Midlands businesses (45%) have conducted a fraud risk assessment within the last year, with 35% of companies surveyed providing fraud awareness training for employees during the same period.

Light Science Technologies “confident” as revenue grows and losses shrink

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Light Science Technologies “confident” as revenue grows and losses shrink

Derbyshire-based Light Science Technologies Holdings, comprising three divisions: Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA); Contract Electronics Manufacturing (CEM); and Passive Fire Protection (PFP), has hailed record group revenues in a new trading update for the 12 months ended 30 November 2024.

Group revenue increased by approximately 29% to £12m for the period, up from £9.3m in the year prior, underpinned by strong trading across all divisions. Losses for the period reduced substantially to £0.2m, from £1.1m.

Light Science Technologies noted that “importantly, the business was net profitable during H2 2024, and management is expecting to sustain this momentum in FY 2025.”

Revenues from the CEM division grew by approximately 5% to £9.5m with continued strong traction from sports entertainment.

The CEA division generated revenues of £0.8m – up approximately 250% year-on-year – highlighting increased traction and the benefits of the firm’s Tomtech acquisition, which is helping drive increased cross selling opportunities.

The PFP division contributed £1.8m in sales, establishing an entirely new revenue stream for the group.

Simon Deacon, CEO of Light Science Technologies Holdings, said: “Our key focus is on continuing the profitability we have seen in H2 with increasing levels of margin contributions from PFP and CEA; and by realising further efficiency gains across the Group.

“We are an innovative business, and management has worked hard to stabilise and scale operations within growth markets. We believe that we are positioned to generate increasing levels of recurring revenue and cash and have a portfolio of well-balanced sustainable businesses that are positioned to benefit from broader market trends as we focus on long-term profitable trading.

“We have a number of exciting opportunities across all three divisions and are confident that the business will provide strong and growing returns.”

Midlands Regional Hub for Nuclear Skills launched

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Midlands Regional Hub for Nuclear Skills launched
A new Midlands Regional Hub for Nuclear Skills has been endorsed by the Nuclear Skills Delivery Board to help develop the future nuclear workforce. The Hub was launched at an event hosted by the University of Derby with Rolls-Royce as the prime sponsor.
  The government, in partnership with the civil and defence nuclear industry, are making significant long-term investments in nuclear skills, jobs and education to help the sector fill 40,000 new jobs by the end of the decade. The National Nuclear Strategic Plan for Skills (NNSPS) was launched in May 2024 to address the national nuclear skills shortage and sets out targeted action that the UK will take to ensure it has the required skills to support the UK’s nuclear ambitions. Ensuring the delivery of the NNSPS is the Nuclear Skills Executive Council (NSEC) which brings together CEOs from across key sector organisations. Key to the success of the NNSPS is the introduction of Regional Hubs that provide focal points of delivery and the opportunity to adapt to a region’s particular challenges around nuclear skills. Regional Hubs are already operational in the North West (sponsored by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and BAE Systems) and South West (sponsored by Babcock). Mark Rouse, Skills Director for the National Nuclear Strategic Plan for Skills (NNSPS), said: “While the Nuclear Skills Plan is a comprehensive national strategy, it must also resonate with communities across the country who are facing different skills challenges. For our joint success, we must work together, leveraging our combined strengths and capabilities. “The launch of the Midlands Hub provides an unparalleled opportunity to connect people in the Midlands and contribute to regional growth while supporting our national challenge of filling 40,000 new jobs by 2030 – doubling our current rate of recruitment – to deliver the UK’s priorities for national security, energy resilience and clean energy.” Rolls-Royce, in collaboration with the Nuclear Skills Delivery Board, is now launching the Midlands Hub to enable collaboration in the region around the nuclear skills challenge. The Hub will bring together stakeholders representing industry, learning providers and relevant local, regional and national groups. The Hub will collaborate with the NNSPS team and other Regional Hubs to ensure an effective plan of action is developed for the Midlands. Cllr Nadine Peatfield, Deputy Mayor of the East Midlands, and Leader of Derby City Council, said: “By working together, EMCCA is committed to building a future where young people in our region can develop world-class skills in nuclear energy, engineering, and green technology right here at home. “We are creating pathways for young people to get the training they need, find high-quality jobs, and build fulfilling careers without having to leave the place they know and love.” An event was held at the University of Derby’s Enterprise Centre on Thursday 28 November 2024 to mark the launch and identify interested stakeholders within the Midlands who would like to play their part in boosting nuclear skills in the region. The event included keynote speeches from organisations representing the NNSPS, East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), Derby City Council and Rolls-Royce. Lee Warren, Engineering & Technology Director, Rolls-Royce Submarines, said: “Derby is the home of Rolls-Royce and we’re proud of our Midlands roots. For over 60 years we have provided all of the nuclear reactors that power the Royal Navy’s submarine fleet from our home in Derby. “Boosting nuclear capability across the UK is critical to all of the important defence and civil programmes that this country wants to deliver and accessing regional talent is key to this. That’s why we launched our own Nuclear Skills Academy in Derby and we’re now proud to be launching the Midlands Regional Hub for Nuclear Skills.” Professor Warren Manning, Provost – Innovation and Research at the University of Derby, said: “The nuclear sector is rapidly growing and requires a skilled workforce in order to succeed. “The Midlands is at the cutting edge of engineering, manufacturing and innovation, and we are delighted to be playing a role in equipping the future workforce with the skills, experience and knowledge required.”

Derbyshire charity urges businesses to ‘adopt’ them and comfort poorly families

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Derbyshire charity urges businesses to ‘adopt’ them and comfort poorly families
Businesses have been urged to go local and make a huge impact on families going through the worst times by adopting Derbyshire’s “me&dee” as their Charity of the Year. Founded by Maria Hanson MBE, the charity is marking its 18th birthday in 2024 and helps hundreds of families a year when a life limiting or terminal condition is diagnosed. With its small team of five including Maria as its unsalaried CEO, me&dee runs a vast range of projects to provide comfort where it is most needed. These include comfort packs containing essentials for people rushed to children’s wards, who find themselves in the worst situations without supplies. The charity also gives highly valued and sensitive support to adult cancer units, palliative care departments and the children’s mortuary. Special memory making days out are organised for families facing short futures, and the charity also provides comforting ‘Hope’ the elephant keepsakes with hidden voice recorders for parents and children to leave a last memory and sound of a voice, along with support for hospital bereavement teams and a Baby Hope comfort blanket for families who have been through the agony of losing a child. Through its Continuing Care programme, me&dee also supports those who are going through – or have experienced – gruelling medical treatment, with a range of days out and activities for the whole family. These include monthly swimming sessions at Moorways in Derby for children with disabilities including dwarfism, brain tumours, cancer and amputated limbs, who are normally unable to access mainstream swimming. A regular attender is me&dee’s young ambassador, 10-year-old Taylor Lewis of Ilkeston, who has had all four limbs amputated after contracting meningitis as a baby – and who has also raised significant funds for the charity too, whilst facing five more imminent surgeries to add to the 89 he has already been through. Businesses who have adopted me&dee as their chosen charity have urged others to help make an even greater impact. Allison Kemp, managing director of Ripley-based A.I.M Commercial Services, is a big supporter of me&dee, sponsoring a monthly ‘Hope’ the elephant scheme and booking seats for its fundraising events. She said: “Having me&dee as our chosen charity works for me because it really makes a difference to so many people’s lives. You can see that your support is going somewhere.” Maria Hanson MBE said: “We are always blown away when businesses support our small charity with a big heart, and we would love to see more come forward and consider adopting us. “We know we do huge things with our small team and we can guarantee that when a business supports us, their money really does make a big difference to people who are going through some of the worst times. “Swimming sessions at Moorways cost hundreds of pounds a month but to see the smiles on the faces of children who otherwise wouldn’t be able to go into a public pool just melts our hearts – and that’s just one activity amongst dozens that we very carefully arrange. These are invaluable also for peer support for both children and parents. “We make sure we help the whole family too – as we know how often siblings can suffer when one child is receiving intense medical treatment. That’s why the treats we organise benefit everyone in the family. “Hope the Elephant provides such comfort to so many. She has helped grieving mothers when her voice recorder has kept precious last words and sounds of their loved ones. “From the bottom of our hearts, when businesses are considering which charity to support with Christmas approaching, please do think about me&dee. We promise your support will be appreciated. It will not go unnoticed and it will make a huge impact.” Shaun Jones, founder of Nottingham-based SJ Coaching & Advisory Ltd, provides a monthly sponsorship of “Hope” the elephant and regularly attends the charity’s annual charity golf days at Matlock Golf Club, often inviting clients to join him in supporting the cause. Shaun explained: “me&dee isn’t just a charity—it’s a lifeline for people who need immediate, meaningful support. Maria’s dedication is truly inspiring, and the personal, heartfelt impact me&dee delivers resonates deeply with my business principles of making a difference. “Supporting me&dee allows me to give back in a way that feels personal and impactful. ‘Hope’ the elephant brings comfort to families during incredibly challenging times. The charity’s work is unique, special, and deeply personal, and it’s a privilege to be part of their journey.” Shelly Orrill works for global company Pearce Signs, also a supporter of me&dee. The team at Pearce Signs organised a special ball for 100 people in aid of the charity, as well as sponsoring ‘Hope’. She said: “We just can’t believe the amount of work that me&dee does with such a small team. They have been going for 18 years and don’t get any funding. They work for the whole family giving people their support. They’re still in touch with people they helped in their first year. “You just don’t realise what people go through until you meet some of the families who have been helped through me&dee. “As a business, doing something for somebody else gives you such a good feeling. It feels great to support a charity that is helping so many people.”

Councils get powers to tackle the scourge of empty shops with ‘right to rent’ scheme

Stuart Pearcey
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Councils get powers to tackle the scourge of empty shops with ‘right to rent’ scheme
High streets could be revitalised as the government hands councils new powers to tackle the scourge of empty shops. From this week local authorities will be able to auction off leases for commercial properties that have been empty for long periods, helping bring business back to the high street and drive growth across the country. High Street Rental Auctions will create a ‘right to rent’ for businesses and community groups, giving them access to city, town and village centre sites. The changes will stop disengaged landlords sitting on empty lots for more than 365 days in a 24-month period, before councils can auction a one-to-five year lease. With growth a key mission for the government, it is committing over £1m in funding to support the auction process, which will create jobs for local people and boost trade by bringing local businesses back to the heart of our communities. Local Growth Minister Alex Norris said: “High streets lie at the heart of communities the length and breadth of this country. But in many areas, they are not what they used to be. “Small businesses need our support and that’s why we are creating a ‘right to rent’ so that high street lots that have been left empty for far too long can be brought back to life. We want shops and shoppers back on the high street – and that’s what these changes will help to bring.”

Let’s hear it for the girls: Derby-based finance organisation partners with UK Export Finance

Stuart Pearcey
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Let’s hear it for the girls: Derby-based finance organisation partners with UK Export Finance
UK Export Finance and Derby-based Female Founder Finance are working together to help more women-owned businesses get export finance support to help grow their business and compete on the international stage. Female Founder Finance, launched in June last year, has handed £115m in funding to women who have founded their own businesses and who have been disadvantaged when seeking access to finance. The partnership between UKEF and Female Founder Finance will streamline the process for referring eligible businesses into one another’s financing programmes, therefore reducing missed opportunities for women owners. For example, Female Founder Finance can introduce their clients to UKEF’s short-term products for small exporters, including capital guarantees, bond support guarantees and export insurance policies. In turn, UKEF can refer female clients to Female Founder Finance where appropriate. According to the Rose Review, only six percent of UK women run their own businesses, compared to around 15% of women in Canada, almost 11% of women in the USA, and over nine percent of women in Australia and the Netherlands. The report also estimates £250 billion could be added to the UK economy if women matched men in receiving business investment. Tim Reid, CEO of UK Export Finance, said: “Supporting small businesses is a priority at UKEF. Each year we support a large number of small businesses. Just last year, 88% of businesses to which we provided a loan, guarantee or insurance were small or medium-sized businesses.  By partnering up with Female Founder Finance we will reach out to more women-owned businesses, providing financing to support them to increase their exporting capacity. Roxanne Goodman, Founder of Female Founder Finance, which operates from Pride Park in the city, said: “By working in partnership with UK Export Finance we can equip women-led businesses with the knowledge and funding they need, and empowering them to reach new international markets, fuelling growth and innovation through export finance, and adding back to the growth of the UK. Together, we can open doors to new markets, drive innovation, and ensure that the voice of women entrepreneurs resonates worldwide.”

Workspace transformation for Promethean Particles

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Workspace transformation for Promethean Particles
Derby-based design, refurbishment and fit-out experts, DSP (Interiors) Ltd, have completed a significant transformation project for Promethean Particles, a chemical manufacturing company headquartered in Nottingham. This project transformed a mezzanine floor, previously only used for storage, into a functional and efficient workspace. Promethean Particles Ltd, renowned for its innovative approach to chemical manufacturing, wanted to upgrade its workspace to support its growing team and operations. The project involved a comprehensive reconfiguration of the mezzanine area, starting with the installation of fire-rated partitions to define the office layout and ensure compliance with safety standards. To improve access and functionality, the existing staircase was removed and reconstructed, seamlessly integrating it into the new design. Advanced mechanical and electrical systems were implemented to provide optimal lighting, ventilation, air conditioning and connectivity throughout the space, while the addition of a ceiling grid with quilt insulation enhanced both acoustic performance and temperature control. The transformation was completed with the specification and installation of ergonomic furniture, chosen to complement the modern design and create a workspace that enhances productivity. Darren Ward, director at DSP (Interiors) Ltd, said: “We are thrilled to have partnered with Promethean Particles on this exciting project. Our team worked closely with their vision to create a tailored workspace that enhances their operations whilst reflecting their innovative approach. “This project reinforces our commitment to delivering high-quality, innovative solutions tailored to our clients’ individual needs. We wish the team at Promethean Particles the best in their new space.” James Stephenson, chief executive officer of Promethean Particles, added: “The DSP team have done a brilliant job! We’re thrilled with the transformation of our mezzanine space – it’s modern, practical and perfectly aligned with our needs.”

CWA welcomes new Account Director as latest strategic appointment

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CWA welcomes new Account Director as latest strategic appointment
Leicester-based B2M full-service agency, CWA, has appointed Dan Holdsworth as Account Director within its Account Management team. Holdsworth brings a wealth of experience from a career that spans digital marketing, brand communications, and client-side leadership roles. His background includes working as Digital Marketing Manager for Derby County Football Club, two years as an Account Director at Linney Create, and serving as Head of Marketing at RST Moto. Most recently, Holdsworth was Brand Communications Manager at TravisMathew (Callaway Golf), where he managed major brand and product campaigns across multiple markets. The appointment of Holdsworth is the latest step in a period of strategic growth for the long-established international agency. This year CWA has bolstered its team with high-profile appointments across key areas, including David Leatham, at the beginning of the year, as Media and Communications Director, followed by Sam Ard as Media and Communications Manager, Mariam Malik as Media and Communications Executive, Tracey Whiskens as SEO Lead, Carl Perkins as Business Development Director, and Adam Spencer as Junior Artworker. Nicola Adams, Managing Director at CWA, said: “This year has been a transformative one for CWA, as we continue to build a team of outstanding professionals who strengthen our capabilities and enhance the agency services we offer. I’m really pleased with all of the appointments we’ve made during 2024. “We’re on track for very big 2025. Dan’s appointment is an important part of that journey… His diverse experience and strong track record in managing campaigns and building brand presence are a perfect fit for CWA and our ambitions as an agency. He’s settled in brilliantly already and I’m excited to have him onboard.” Holdsworth said: “I loved the background and long established history of CWA, but I was equally impressed by the strategic vision for the future outlined by Nicola. It’s exciting to join the agency at such an exciting time and I’m already enjoying the experience, including reaching out to my connections across many different sectors.”
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