Latest insolvency figures highlight concerning upward trend in struggling companies
Local businesses will be hoping for measures which boost economic activity in next week’s Budget, as latest insolvency figures highlight a concerning upward trend in struggling companies.
This is according to the Midlands branch of the UK’s restructuring, turnaround and insolvency trade body R3 and comes on the back of new statistics published by the Insolvency Service which show that corporate insolvencies in England and Wales increased by 2% in October to a total of 2,029 compared to the previous month, and by 17% against the October 2024 figure of 1,739.
R3 Midlands chair Stephen Rome, a partner at law firm Penningtons Manches Cooper in the region, said: “These latest statistics are being published against a background of economic uncertainty, with businesses and consumers alike delaying major financial decisions until they can assess the outcome of next week’s Budget.
“This hesitancy is creating a sense of stagnation, with business owners looking to the Chancellor for measures which boost growth and spending.
“The economic pressure remains considerable, as shown by several high-profile insolvencies announced over the past few weeks, including Pizza Hut, Tomato Energy, Sheffield Wednesday FC and Petrofac. For every failing business that hits the headlines, there are hundreds of small and medium-sized businesses struggling for survival.
“The recent increase in unemployment to 5% indicates companies are having to make difficult decisions about hiring and, potentially, redundancy. With GDP growth also stagnant at 0.1% last quarter, the trading environment is difficult, with higher employment, energy and materials costs.
“At the same time, creditors are becoming more proactive in forcing debts, borrowing costs remain elevated and consumer spending is subdued. These challenges underpin today’s insolvency rates and underline the need for positive, growth-focused measures in the upcoming Budget.
“Whatever this next Budget brings, R3 members remain committed to supporting and advocating for practical solutions which help businesses and individuals navigate these challenges. The profession plays a vital role in the economy, and these latest figures highlight just how important that role is in periods of uncertainty.”
Holcim expands regional footprint with new acquisition
Holcim UK has strengthened its position in the Midlands and East of England through the acquisition of P. J. Thory Limited, Gemmix Limited, and Pro Minimix Limited, a group supplying aggregates, recycled materials, and readymix concrete.
The businesses, based in Coates near Peterborough, employ around 130 people across nine sites. Their operations include sand and gravel facilities, a limestone quarry, several readymix concrete plants, and a recycling centre producing secondary aggregate. The network stretches across Market Harborough, Northampton, Wellingborough, Peterborough, Ely, Barnwel,l and St Ives, giving Holcim broader coverage across key construction markets.
Lee Sleight, Chief Executive Officer of Holcim UK, said: “This is a major acquisition which gives us much greater coverage in the East of England and I’m excited to be announcing the deal that will see the companies becoming part of Holcim in the UK.
“Not only does it align with our ongoing wider growth strategy, it increases our Readymix Concrete footprint, provides vital sand and gravel mineral reserves and bolsters our recycling offering as part of an ongoing drive to increase our circular construction materials.”
James Thory, Managing Director of TJ Thory Holdings which owned all of the acquired companies, said: “We’re really looking forward to taking the business forward with Holcim UK and harnessing its expertise and networks. It is really beneficial to be part of a leading UK and global company which has a clearly articulated vision for circularity and sustainability.”
The deal consolidates new reserves, production capacity, and recycling operations into Holcim’s wider materials network, supporting growing demand across the region.
Chamber outlines priorities for Autumn Budget
East Midlands Chamber has published its key asks ahead of the Chancellor’s Autumn Budget on 26 November, reflecting concerns raised by regional employers throughout 2025. The organisation reports fragile business confidence across the East Midlands and highlights stalled investment activity, based on data from its Quarterly Economic Survey.
Its submission identifies three areas, it says, that require immediate attention from policymakers. The first centres on tax and regulatory reform, calling for clearer processes, stable policy direction, and targeted incentives to unlock growth.
The second focuses on strengthening the labour market. Employers want sustained funding for apprenticeships, vocational routes, and adult training to help address persistent skills gaps and improve access to upskilling.
The third highlights the need for faster progress on the Industrial Strategy introduced earlier this year. The Chamber is pressing for firm delivery milestones, dedicated funding, and procurement pathways that allow SMEs to participate fully in upcoming opportunities.
These priorities reflect the themes raised most frequently by local firms preparing for the year ahead.
Historic Nottingham War Rooms regeneration gets green light
The historic Nottingham War Rooms is set to be transformed into a mixed-use community hub, with plans, led by developer Langcroft, gaining the green light.
The scheme designed by Nottingham-headquartered architectural practice CPMG Architects will unlock new commercial and community opportunities for Nottingham and includes the delivery of 104 affordable homes on behalf of East Midlands Housing Group (emh), also designed by CPMG.
Located close to the city centre, the former wartime bunker has long been recognised as one of Nottingham’s most distinctive heritage assets. The approval marks a major milestone for a project that blends heritage, housing and placemaking into one of Nottingham’s most exciting regeneration opportunities.
Following Langcroft’s appointment through the Homes England tender process in 2022, the development team has shaped the scheme, protecting the site’s extraordinary history while delivering significant social impact for the city.
Included within the approved plans is the transformation of the 4,563 sq m, Grade II listed bunker into a community hub set to provide viable and long-term use. The design plans include workspace opportunities, conference facilities, exhibition spaces, flexible commercial units, health and wellbeing amenities, food and beverage venues and media spaces.
CPMG Architects is also set to preserve a range of significant internal features within the War Rooms building. These include original 1950s and 1960s spaces such as the Lamson Tube Room, plant rooms, kitchen facilities, and the restoration of the former BBC recording studio.
Parmi Uppal MSc from Homes England, said: “We are pleased to support this important project, which delivers much-needed affordable housing while preserving a historically significant site.
“The partnership approach taken by Langcroft, CPMG Architects, EMH Group, Historic England and ourselves has been exemplary, and we look forward to seeing the scheme progress into delivery.”
Craig Cameron, land and partnerships at Langcroft, said: “This is an exceptionally proud moment for everyone involved. Delivering 104 affordable homes while bringing the historic War Rooms back to life is exactly the kind of development we believe in — one that blends heritage with community benefit.
“The support and collaboration from emh Group, CPMG, Historic England, Homes England and Owl Homes has been outstanding, and we’re thrilled to reach this milestone together.”
The fortress like structure, originally designed to prioritise protection in the event of a nuclear strike, will be significantly modernised to focus on accessibility through new entrances and a re-designed roof – as well as a re-imagined focus on natural lighting.
Sara Harraway, director and interior design lead at CPMG, said: “The plans for the Nottingham War Rooms and surrounding site showcases how the past and the present can align to create a desirable destination for living, working, wellbeing and leisure; it imbues modern design, inspired by its beautifully brutal architectural canvas, to create sustainable and tangible community facilities.
“As a design team with our HQ so close to the site, the regeneration of the War Rooms is an incredibly exciting project for us, and we’re really proud to be a part of it.”
Originally one of 17 Regional War Rooms across England and Scotland, the structure was constructed in the Cold War era to withstand nuclear strike. A second phase of construction commenced in the 1960s, as the Nottingham War Rooms became a Seat for Regional Government. The site then housed a BBC emergency broadcasting facility, later being utilised for storage following its decommission in 1969.
Victoria Robb, head of new business at EMH Group, said: “This is an exciting opportunity to provide 104 high-quality, affordable homes for Nottingham while giving the War Rooms a renewed community purpose.
“At emh, we’re passionate about creating homes and spaces that make a real difference, and our partnership and collaboration with Langcroft has helped us bring this vision to life for Nottingham.”
CPMG Architects is also set to preserve a range of significant internal features within the War Rooms building. These include original 1950s and 1960s spaces such as the Lamson Tube Room, plant rooms, kitchen facilities, and the restoration of the former BBC recording studio.
Parmi Uppal MSc from Homes England, said: “We are pleased to support this important project, which delivers much-needed affordable housing while preserving a historically significant site.
“The partnership approach taken by Langcroft, CPMG Architects, EMH Group, Historic England and ourselves has been exemplary, and we look forward to seeing the scheme progress into delivery.”
Craig Cameron, land and partnerships at Langcroft, said: “This is an exceptionally proud moment for everyone involved. Delivering 104 affordable homes while bringing the historic War Rooms back to life is exactly the kind of development we believe in — one that blends heritage with community benefit.
“The support and collaboration from emh Group, CPMG, Historic England, Homes England and Owl Homes has been outstanding, and we’re thrilled to reach this milestone together.”
The fortress like structure, originally designed to prioritise protection in the event of a nuclear strike, will be significantly modernised to focus on accessibility through new entrances and a re-designed roof – as well as a re-imagined focus on natural lighting.
Sara Harraway, director and interior design lead at CPMG, said: “The plans for the Nottingham War Rooms and surrounding site showcases how the past and the present can align to create a desirable destination for living, working, wellbeing and leisure; it imbues modern design, inspired by its beautifully brutal architectural canvas, to create sustainable and tangible community facilities.
“As a design team with our HQ so close to the site, the regeneration of the War Rooms is an incredibly exciting project for us, and we’re really proud to be a part of it.”
Originally one of 17 Regional War Rooms across England and Scotland, the structure was constructed in the Cold War era to withstand nuclear strike. A second phase of construction commenced in the 1960s, as the Nottingham War Rooms became a Seat for Regional Government. The site then housed a BBC emergency broadcasting facility, later being utilised for storage following its decommission in 1969.
Victoria Robb, head of new business at EMH Group, said: “This is an exciting opportunity to provide 104 high-quality, affordable homes for Nottingham while giving the War Rooms a renewed community purpose.
“At emh, we’re passionate about creating homes and spaces that make a real difference, and our partnership and collaboration with Langcroft has helped us bring this vision to life for Nottingham.” Deal ensures Biodiversity Net Gain requirements met at Queniborough housing development
A new housing development in Queniborough will meet its Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) requirements following the purchase of units from the Midlands’ off-site unit provider, The Habitat Bank.
Davidsons Homes has secured units at The Habitat Bank’s Ratcliffe-on-the-Wreake site, which is currently Charnwood’s only bank site.
The transaction enables Davidsons Homes to deliver its Willow Grove development, which will bring 47 homes to the Leicestershire village, as the firm’s land director, Richard Stevenson explains: “When it became clear it wouldn’t be possible to achieve the full BNG requirement on site at Willow Grove, we hoped to find a solution that would enable us to make meaningful environmental gains nearby.
“Through collaboration with The Habitat Bank, we were able to secure units at their bank site in Radcliffe-on-the-Wreake, which is less than 3km from our Willow Grove site. The Habitat Bank’s smooth handling of the transaction gave us confidence throughout the process, and we are pleased to be contributing to ecological restoration across Charnwood.”
The Habitat Bank’s Radcliffe-on-the-Wreake site represented Charnwood’s first statutorily established BNG offset site. Extending to over 70 acres and running adjacent to the River Wreake, the site will restore, create and enhance diverse habitats, including grassland, scrubland, traditional orchards and hedgerows.
Trevor Wells, director & co-founder of The Habitat Bank, negotiated the sale. He said: “It’s excellent news to have secured the sale of these units at Radcliffe-on-the-Wreake, marking a significant milestone in the delivery of nature-positive development in the region.
“The Davidsons team has been fully engaged throughout, truly taking the time to understand the mechanisms and long-term benefits of off-site BNG. Their proactive approach has been instrumental in achieving an outcome that will not only significantly benefit local biodiversity but also create high quality, sustainable homes for Leicestershire families.”
The Habitat Bank was advised by RammSanderson Ecology Ltd and Shakespeare Martineau, with support from Charnwood Borough Council to bring the site forward.
Major industrial sale completed in Enderby
Units 1–2, Feldspar Close, Enderby, totalling over 70,000 sq ft of industrial accommodation, have been sold.
Located within Warrens Business Park, the site comprises two modern, self-contained warehouse and distribution buildings on a 4.34-acre plot. Unit 1, built in 2004, offers extensive production space with mezzanine flooring and high-spec office accommodation. Unit 2, constructed in 2009, provides flexible storage and distribution space with scope for further office development.
Adding a layer of complexity to the deal, the transaction involved two separate owners. Andrew + Ashwell coordinated negotiations to deliver the sale to a single purchaser.
Kelvin Wilson, director at Andrew + Ashwell, said: “We received strong interest in these buildings, with multiple bids submitted. This level of demand highlights the continued appetite for well-located, good quality industrial space across the region.”
The sale reflects the strategic appeal of Leicester’s central UK location, motorway connectivity, and access to a strong local employment pool. The premises benefit from B2 and B8 planning consents, parking provision, and modern infrastructure.
Andrew + Ashwell acted on behalf of the vendors, while CPP Surveyors represented the purchaser.
Nottingham Venues partners with Doughnotts
Nottingham Venues has formed a new partnership with Doughnotts, the Nottingham-based handmade doughnut brand.
Doughnotts’ signature handmade doughnuts are now available at two Nottingham Venues locations: Deli Central at Castle Meadow Central and Spokes Café at Jubilee Hotel and Conferences.
The partnership reflects Nottingham Venues’ ongoing commitment to supporting local suppliers and working with the Nottingham business community. The company prioritises sourcing from suppliers within 30 miles of Nottingham and already works with local partners including 200 Degrees Coffee, which is also served alongside Doughnotts at its venues.
Stephanie Moss-Pearce, director of marketing at Nottingham Venues, said: “We’re excited to be partnering with Doughnotts, a brand that shares our values around quality and supporting the local community. Our guests tell us they want access to the best local produce and independent brands that Nottingham has to offer, and Doughnotts is exactly that.
“Supporting local suppliers is at the heart of what we do at Nottingham Venues. We believe in championing Nottingham businesses and showcasing the incredible talent and entrepreneurship in the city. This partnership with Doughnotts is another step in that journey, and we’re excited to see our guests enjoying their doughnuts across our venues.”
Megan Scaddan, co-director of Doughnotts, said: “We’re proud to have our Doughnotts doughnuts available at Nottingham Venues’ fantastic locations across the city. Since we started Doughnotts in 2015, we’ve been passionate about creating quality products and supporting the local community and this partnership allows us to reach even more people and be part of the excellent food and drink offering at Nottingham Venues.”
Site manager builds on success with promotion
An award-winning site manager has earned a promotion thanks to his excellence on a new homes scheme in Northamptonshire.
Lee Joyce, who has been leading the build project at Miller Homes’ Norwood Quarter development off Berrywood Road in Duston, has been promoted from senior site manager to contracts manager at the Northamptonshire-based housing firm.
The new role for Lee follows a successful year for both himself and his team at the Norwood Quarter development, earning the first ever NHBC Pride in the Job Award for Miller Homes’ South Midlands region. Lee and his team were awarded with a Quality Award.
Lee said: “2025 has been a brilliant year for me personally and more widely for the team at Miller Homes South Midlands, experiencing significant growth in our region with the number of sites being brought forward in a relatively short period.
“The NHBC award win for Norwood Quarter’s on site team was the culmination of a huge team effort and we feel very proud to now have that accolade and become the first award winning group for the South Midlands.
“I’m now really proud to have rounded off my year personally with a promotion to contracts manager, for which I’d like to thank everyone within the group who has helped me achieve this latest milestone. I’m looking forward to a very busy and productive year with the team in 2026.”
Lee’s promotion will provide him with the platform to have a wider role within the Miller Homes South Midlands region, overseeing the developer’s schemes across its patch.
Skills Relay gets underway to inspire next generation of construction talent
PfP Thrive, part of social enterprise Places for People (PfP), has launched the Skills Relay – a challenge to tackle the UK’s construction and housing skills crisis.
With demand for qualified workers at an all-time high and a shortfall of 250,000 needed to deliver the Government’s housing and construction plans, the Skills Relay supports apprentices, trainees, and professionals looking to upskill while inspiring the next generation of skilled workers to address the sector’s growing talent gap.
A bright pink baton stars as the symbol of the challenge. It was unveiled at the official opening of PfP Thrive’s Skills Centre in Derby and will now travel across the country, visiting construction sites, colleges, and skill centres. Each handover will connect learners, employers, and training providers, making the skills challenge visible across the industry.
Tom Arey, director at PfP Thrive, said: “The UK’s skills shortage is a crisis for construction and housing so that’s why we have launched the Skills Relay as a call to action for every organisation to step up. That includes our industry peers, the supply chain, education providers and the government, as we invite more collaboration to combat the biggest threat to our sector.
“This baton represents knowledge, progress, and opportunity. Every apprentice and learner who takes part is helping close the skills gap and secure the future of our sector.”
The initiative launched with Amplius as the first recipient of the Skills Relay baton in Derby. Zoe Ferris is head of organisational development and engagement at Amplius, which owns and manages almost 39,500 homes, and said: “Collaboration is key to tackling the skills crisis. We are proud to take another step forward in our partnership with PfP Thrive and commit to giving more people the chance to learn, upskill, and progress their careers.”
Officially opening the building and launching the Skills Relay, MP for Derby South, Baggy Shanker, said: “It’s a real privilege to open PfP Thrive’s Derby Skills Hub. The skills gap is one of the biggest challenges facing our economy, and this government is determined to work alongside industry to fix it.
“What’s happening here in Derby shows exactly how that can be done – employers, educators and local people joining together to equip the next generation with skills, grow talent and build a stronger future for our city and our country.”
Hospital service move paused after review
Plans to transfer nine outpatient services from Buxton to Stepping Hill Hospital in Stockport have been paused while NHS leaders carry out further scrutiny.
Derby and Derbyshire Integrated Care Board confirmed it had raised concerns after Stockport NHS Foundation Trust signalled in October that it intended to relocate ophthalmology, ENT, rheumatology, gynaecology, urology, respiratory care, surgical, diabetes, and pain management clinics.
The board said its issues related to the planning process and the level of engagement undertaken before the announcement. It has asked the trust to produce a full business case explaining the rationale for the proposal, alongside detailed impact assessments and an outline of required public involvement before any permanent changes can be authorised.
Discussions between the two organisations are ongoing, and the proposed changes remain on hold while further evidence is gathered.
