A specialist training provider for childcare and education professionals has secured funding for growth from the Community Investment Enterprise Fund (CIEF) delivered by BCRS Business Loans.
Orange Moon Training has secured £100,000 to support its strategy of enhancing the delivery of skills training for early years staff and teaching practitioners, which ranges from apprenticeship courses through to senior leadership development.
Led by director Barrington Oliver-Mighten, the business plans to increase its headcount and deliver teaching in more efficient ways including e-learning platforms.
Orange Moon Training is also branching out into international services, having started to deliver pre-school training in India.
Originally launched as a childcare provider in 2005, the business, which has its premises in Sherwood Rise, Nottingham, has expanded to offer training beyond the Midlands to the South West of England, London and the North West.
Barrington Oliver-Mighten said: “The funding from BCRS Business Loans will enable us to deliver on our strategy to grow our business through delivering quality services in more efficient ways. We can position ourselves as an innovative training provider by making use of technology such as e-learning platforms.
“We were recommended to speak to BCRS Business Loans through another business loan provider, our neighbour First Enterprise. BCRS Business Loans were very thorough and we were given good support throughout the application process which helped secure the amount we needed.
“The outlook is positive for our business as we can see there will be greater demand for childcare training with more free places being made available under the Government policy. Our sector is always evolving but we can navigate the nuances as we grow.”
Mixed picture for Travis Perkins
Travis Perkins plc, the distributor of building materials, has seen revenue decline in its half year results for the 6 months to 30 June 2025.
The Group delivered revenue of £2.3bn, down 2.1% versus the same period of 2024. This was driven by the Merchanting segment, with activity across the majority of end markets remaining subdued. Toolstation, however, delivered a robust revenue performance with further market share gains.
Adjusted operating profit of £63m was £20m lower than the first half of 2024. This was impacted by factors including an £18m decline in gross profit – primarily driven by lower trading volumes, greater promotional activity and one less trading day in the Merchanting businesses – and property profits being £2m lower than the prior year.
Pre-tax profits, however, increased to £37.1m from £26.6m.Chair Geoff Drabble said: “The first quarter was difficult with a continued trend of market share loss and revenue decline in Merchanting. However, I was encouraged by the response of the business to management actions to drive a more customer-focused approach. In the second quarter we delivered improved revenue performance and stabilised Merchanting market share and these trends have continued into July.
“We will build on this momentum in the second half as we deploy further system enhancements that put the difficult Oracle implementation behind us. The strong performance of Toolstation UK, which operates in similar markets to the Group’s other businesses, demonstrates our potential without internal distractions.
“Whilst the market outlook for the second half remains uncertain, the Board anticipates that the Group will deliver a full year result broadly in line with current market expectations.”
Only 10 days left to make nominations for the esteemed East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025
With just 10 days remaining until nominations close for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025 ensure to submit your entries for the 10th annual celebration of the property and construction industry by Friday 15th August.
It’s completely free to enter and making the top three finalists in your category also wins you free tickets to the awards ceremony.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to promote your business, showcase your successes, reward the hard work of your team, and boost morale.
Scheduled to take place on Thursday 2nd October the Bricks shine a light on the outstanding work of those shaping the landscape of our region, recognising development projects and people in commercial and public building across the East Midlands – from offices, industrial and residential, through to community projects such as leisure schemes and schools. We also highlight the work of architects, agencies and those behind large schemes.
The glittering awards ceremony revealing winners, at the famous Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, will also offer the perfect chance to forge new contacts with property and construction professionals from across the region. The event will additionally feature Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Leader of Derby City Council and Deputy Mayor of the East Midlands, as keynote speaker.
To enter the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025, please click here, or on the category headings below.
Categories include:- Contractor of the Year
- Developer of the Year
- Architects of the Year
- Most Active Agent
- Deal of the Year
- Residential Development of the Year
- Sustainable Development of the Year
- Commercial Development of the Year
- Excellence in Design
- Responsible Business of the Year
- Overall Winner
Nominations will close on Friday 15th August.
Lee Parry, MD for Vistry East Midlands, which won Developer of the Year in 2024, shared: “It was a real honour to be given the title of Developer of the Year at the East Midlands Bricks Awards in 2024. These awards celebrate all that is good in property and construction across our region, and I’d encourage everyone to get involved to show how your business is making a difference in the sector.”Tickets can now be booked for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025, click here to secure yours.
Connect with local decision makers over nibbles and complimentary drinks while applauding the exceptional companies and projects in our region.
New for this year, all entrants will also have the opportunity to be featured on our dedicated nominee showcase on the East Midlands Business Link website, providing space for marketing your achievements.The East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025
What: The East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025 When: Thursday 2nd October (4.30pm – 7.30pm) Where: Derek Randall Suite, Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, Nottingham Keynote speaker: Councillor Nadine Peatfield – Leader of Derby City Council, Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Strategy and Policy, and Deputy Mayor of the East Midlands Tickets: Available here Dress code: Standard business attire Thanks to our sponsors:
To be held at:
Greggs takes a slice of Merlin Park
Food-on-the-go retailer Greggs has signed a lease for Unit 21 at Merlin Park, Osmaston Road, Derby — a key milestone in the ongoing development of the commercial estate.
The new unit marks another strategic addition to Greggs’ rapidly expanding portfolio of stores. With a focus on convenience and high footfall, this new outlet is expected to cater to both local residents and the growing number of workers and commuters in the area.
Merlin Park is a mixed-use development offering industrial, retail, and trade counter space developed by Ivygrove. Unit 21 provides a modern, purpose-built unit with roadside frontage and parking.
The deal was brokered by William Speed of Salloway Property Consultants who said: “We’re delighted to have facilitated this letting to Greggs. Their presence will significantly enhance the tenant mix at Merlin Park and is a clear indicator of the estate’s strength as a commercial destination in Derby.”
Simon Smith of Wright Silverwood acted on behalf of Greggs and said: “Greggs are always on the lookout for suitable units within industrial/trade counter estates and Merlin Park just provided the perfect opportunity.”
MuscleFood bought back by ex-CEO and Good Food Group founder
E-commerce retailer MuscleFood is under new ownership with former CEO Nick Preston and business partner Ross Carlin taking full control of the brand.
The duo have brought MuscleFood into their suite of businesses alongside The Good Food Group and several other brands after closing the deal just three days after agreeing to buy the company.
The new group of companies constitutes one of the largest health nutrition brands in the UK and the biggest to be headquartered in Nottinghamshire.
MuscleFood currently employs 85 people and the new owners are committed to delivering future growth.
Nick Preston and Ross Carlin acquired MuscleFood for an undisclosed sum, from previous owners The GPS Food Group, in a deal which also saw the writing-off of much of the brand’s debt.
Their arrival has already boosted morale with trading revenue up by 37% in their first week compared to the previous week.
Nick Preston has a long history with MuscleFood having been on board since the early days of the company in 2014, with a variety of roles including spells as co-CEO and CEO.
He left the business in September 2024 but has now returned as co-owner with Ross Carlin, founder of The Good Food Group.
Both Nick and Ross are committed to elevating every aspect of the business starting with customer service and communication before focusing on the product offer. They’re already assembling a senior management team including several former MuscleFood executives.
Nick said: “It’s fantastic to return to MuscleFood and we’re both incredibly proud to be the owners. MuscleFood has a history of being such an innovative business and it’s inspired so many entrepreneurs to launch their own brands over the years.
“I’m really proud of the work the team here have done and we are looking forward to elevating the offer once again and bringing back that spirit of innovation which made MuscleFood such a leader in the market.
“I have been associated with MuscleFood since pretty much the start so it seems poignant to come full circle and return as co-owner.
“Walking back into the office on the first day was something of a pinch myself moment, particularly because the entire deal had been completed so quickly, with the paperwork signed just three days after the opportunity was first presented.
“I’m grateful for all the work the previous owners and board did and for the opportunity we have been given to come in and effectively make a fresh start and begin a whole new chapter for MuscleFood.”
Co-owner Ross Carlin said it was exciting to be able to bring Musclefood into a group of companies including The Good Food Group, which he founded.
The Good Food Group is an official supply partner to major UK retailers such as Boots, Superdrug and Holland & Barrett, helping them to drive innovation within their businesses.
Ross Carlin said: “We want to show the world who MuscleFood is. The brand made its name through innovating the industry so it sits very well alongside The Good Food Group which is also known for innovation.
“It’s early days but we have already started work on a new customer service improvement plan to make sure our customers get the best service possible. There’s so much potential for growth.
“We will be elevating everything about the brand in terms of quality, service and communication. Persistence beats resistance and we will deliver what we say we will deliver.
“MuscleFood has a great history of innovation within the food industry but we are definitely planning forward, not looking back.”
East Midlands Airport launches new training academy to boost operational excellence
East Midlands Airport has unveiled a new state-of-the-art training academy, reinforcing its commitment to enhancing operations and service quality. Located adjacent to the airport’s main administrative building, the facility is designed to accommodate 68 learners at a time, with dedicated spaces for in-person and remote training.
The training academy is part of a £120m investment programme at the airport and features four training rooms, a remote learning space, and facilities for staff, including a new kitchen and rest area. The academy’s primary focus is on training airport staff in areas such as security, customer services, landside and airfield operations, with courses also available for partner organisations working at the airport.
The in-house training team runs refresher courses for existing employees as well as onboarding sessions for new recruits. Core modules include customer service training, security protocols, and the use of advanced equipment, such as the next-generation scanning systems in the airport’s updated security hall. These improvements enable passengers to keep electronics and liquids in their cabin bags during screening.
This move is part of the airport’s broader strategy to maintain top-tier service and safety standards, ensuring that both staff and passengers benefit from a seamless, efficient travel experience.
Pulse Clean Energy secures £220m financing for UK battery storage expansion
Pulse Clean Energy, a UK-based battery storage developer, has secured £220 million in debt financing to advance its energy storage infrastructure. The funding, provided by a consortium of six banks including Santander, NatWest, and ABN AMRO, will support the development of six new battery energy storage system (BESS) sites across the UK, in addition to continuing operations at seven existing locations.
The financing marks a significant milestone for the UK’s battery storage sector, with the deal structured in accordance with the Green Loan Principles. It reflects growing commercial confidence in energy storage solutions, as the UK looks to strengthen grid resilience and increase the integration of renewable energy.
Pulse Clean Energy plans to use the capital to develop sites in key locations such as Devon, Manchester, and Aberdeen, collectively adding 700MWh of capacity to the grid. These projects are expected to generate over £200 million in savings from reduced gas consumption and lower emissions for UK consumers.
The company’s portfolio includes several operational sites across Greater Manchester, South Wales, and Tyne & Wear, with all financed systems slated to be operational by the end of 2027. The investment will also contribute to the ongoing growth of Pulse Clean Energy’s presence within the UK’s energy network, transforming former fossil fuel sites into renewable energy assets.
Legal counsel for Pulse Clean Energy was provided by Eversheds Sutherland, with additional advisory support from Watson Farley & Williams, Chatham Financial, and other industry experts.
Clegg Construction appointed on two new supplier agreements
Contractor Clegg Construction has been appointed onto two new supplier agreements, which could open up a new pipeline of opportunities for the business.
The Nottingham-headquartered company has been named as an approved supplier on the Constellia Marketplace and appointed onto two Dynamic Purchasing Systems with the Procurement Hub – the Development Contractors DPS and the Property Works DPS.
Pre-construction director Christian White said: “The successful appointment of Clegg Construction onto these two supplier agreements is good news for the business, as it will open up a new stream of potential work for our teams across a wider geographical area.
“Clegg Construction is an experienced contractor that works in a variety of sectors, but this opportunity will not only allow us to expand our portfolio, it will also be a convenient way for clients to procure our services.”
Wright Vigar makes senior promotions as part of continued investment in talent
Wright Vigar has promoted two long-standing team members to director, reinforcing the firm’s commitment to investing in its people.
Louise Lane, who joined Wright Vigar in 2004, has been promoted to director. With over 25 years of experience in accounting and taxation, Louise has built a reputation as one of the UK’s leading experts in cryptoasset taxation. She began her career in accounts and audit before specialising in tax and now heads up Wright Vigar’s cryptoasset team.
Since 2018, Louise has advised a wide range of clients on cryptoasset tax and accounting matters. She has worked closely with Recap.io to develop crypto tax software, author the Recap UK Tax Guide for Individuals, and liaise with HMRC on areas of uncertainty.
Louise is also an active member of various crypto tax and accounting working groups / committees coordinated by CryptoUK, Bitcoin Policy UK, the Chartered Institute of Tax and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales. She regularly contributes to HMRC and Treasury cryptoasset roundtables, helping shape the future of crypto tax policy in the UK and takes every opportunity to speak on panels on this niche area.
Louise said: “I’m incredibly proud to take this next step in my career with Wright Vigar. It’s been a privilege to grow alongside the firm and to help shape our approach to emerging areas like crypto taxation. I’m excited about what the future holds for our clients and our team.”
Darren Ashley, based in the Gainsborough office, has also been promoted to director. Darren joined Wright Vigar in 2005 following the acquisition of Wilshaw & Ellis and was appointed associate director in 2020. He plays a key role in managing the Gainsborough office alongside David Goodall and oversees a large, diverse client portfolio.
Darren has expertise in the property and construction sectors, as well as family businesses. Known for his open, honest, and friendly demeanour, Darren is highly regarded for his calm, down-to-earth approach and his ability to deliver clear, practical advice tailored to each client’s unique situation. He places great importance on listening and building strong, trust-based relationships, an approach that has led to many valuable client referrals.
“Being promoted to Director is a real honour,” said Darren. “I’ve always valued the relationships we build with our clients and the trust they place in us. I look forward to continuing to support businesses in Gainsborough and beyond as part of the leadership team.”
These promotions reflect Wright Vigar’s ongoing strategy to nurture talent and strengthen leadership across the firm.
Acquisitive professional services group swoops for debt advisory firm
East Midlands professional services group Cooper Parry has acquired Fellwood Advisory, a mid-market debt advisory firm.
This is the 16th deal in just over two years for Cooper Parry. It is also the fourth deal since partnering with New York-based Lee Equity Partners in December 2024 and lifts Cooper Parry’s turnover beyond £235m.
Founded in 2023, Fellwood Advisory’s senior team bring over three decades of corporate lending and advisory experience to Cooper Parry’s deals team.
Craig Cheetham, Fellwood Advisory founding partner & MD, said: “Cooper Parry’s dynamic model really appealed to us. CP’s ethos to be a disruptor in the professional services market and challenge the status quo really resonated with us. This brings a real opportunity for the debt advisory practice to continue to grow and attract high calibre people to meet the demand we’re seeing.”
Timothy Mahapatra, Cooper Parry partner & head of deals, added: “With Craig and his talented team coming on board, our end-to-end Deals offer is strengthened even further following on from the recently announced acquisition of Liberty Corporate Finance in July 25.
“Our Deals Team’s expertise offers clients a fully integrated solution to all their M&A needs – right across Corporate Finance, Debt Advisory, Management Incentive Advisory, Transaction Services and Transaction Tax delivered from one nationally integrated team of over 100 people.”
Ade Cheatham, CEO, Cooper Parry, said: “Fellwood’s a young firm with serious momentum – smart people, strong instincts, and a clear edge in the market. They bring specialist firepower to our Deals team and add even more depth to the integrated offer we’re building. This is another step in creating the next-gen professional services firm – bold, fast, and fuelled by culture.”
