Derby prepares contract for new food waste service

April Lara
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Derby prepares contract for new food waste service

Derby City Council is moving toward appointing a contractor to handle the city’s incoming weekly food waste collections, scheduled to start on 31 March 2026. The procurement decision will cover the management and processing of household food waste in line with the Environment Act 2021.

Councillor Ndukwe Onuoha, Cabinet Member for Streetpride, Parks and Leisure, said: “This contract is essential for introducing weekly food waste collections in Derby. Anaerobic digestion provides a cleaner and more efficient method of recycling food waste, converting it into renewable energy and natural fertiliser. Now that the key elements of the service are coming together, we are well on our way to providing our residents with a greener, more efficient waste system.”

The contract, valued at approximately £750,000, will secure a local tipping site within the city boundary and a specialist operator capable of processing food waste through anaerobic digestion. This treatment route will generate renewable energy and produce digestate suitable for agricultural use.

The agreement is planned to run for two years from March 2026, with an option to extend for up to three further years. The extension would support any operational changes linked to future local government reorganisation across Derbyshire.

The council expects the new service to divert around 4,845 tonnes of food waste annually. Food waste recycling is projected to cost significantly less than disposal through general waste. The shift will also lower garden waste processing costs, as brown bins will move to garden-only collections with material composted outdoors. This change is forecast to save roughly £240,000.

Households will receive printed information and new food waste containers from January 2026, ahead of the rollout.

Finch appoints new consultant

Tess Egginton
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Finch appoints new consultant
Finch Consulting, the Leicestershire-based engineering risk management specialists, has appointed David Littlefair as consultant. David brings over 25 years of hands-on experience in the manufacturing sector, having worked across a diverse range of innovative products including robotic garden care systems, energy-efficient lighting solutions, and high-speed rail technologies. Starting his career on the factory floor maintaining injection moulding machines, David quickly progressed after earning his engineering degree, moving into specialised roles in design, project management, and commissioning of bespoke automated systems. His expertise lies in integrating automation to boost productivity, streamline complex production lines, and ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards. In his new role at Finch, David will be a part of growing the Asset Management capability, leveraging his extensive knowledge of robotics, PLC control, and functional safety systems to help clients meet stringent application requirements. David said: “Having worked on and designed bespoke automated equipment for the last 25 years, I’m excited to use my experience to strengthen Finch’s Asset Management offering. What really drew me to Finch was the sense of community, it doesn’t feel like just a workplace. Everyone is approachable, happy to help, and treated with the same level of respect, whether they’re clients or colleagues. “That culture of collaboration is something I value deeply. I’m keen to further my skills in functional safety, particularly around safety PLCs, and explore applications involving Cobots. I’m also fascinated by how Artificial Intelligence will shape the future of industrial equipment and robotics, and I look forward to being part of that journey with Finch.” Dom Barraclough, managing director at Finch Consulting, added: “David’s appointment enhances our expertise in functional safety and robotics. His passion for safety PLCs, collaborative robotics, and emerging AI applications aligns perfectly with our vision to help clients innovate while managing engineering risk. We’re confident his skills and forward-thinking approach will make a significant impact on our consultancy team.”

Leicestershire business, civic and political leaders unite behind call for a positive mayoral devolution deal

Tess Egginton
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Leicestershire business, civic and political leaders unite behind call for a positive mayoral devolution deal
Leicestershire Business Voice (LBV), the business advocacy group for Leicester and Leicestershire, has brought together senior business, civic and political leaders to back a positive, long-term devolution settlement for the region. Momentum has grown following a major devolution summit held by LBV and East Midlands Chamber at MIRA Technology Park in September 2025, where city, county, district and borough leaders joined enterprise zone representatives, business leaders and universities to debate the future of regional governance. Following the devolution event, LBV has developed a comprehensive white paper highlighting the impacts of a possible devolution deal for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. The paper focuses on the critical decisions around devolved powers over transport, skills, infrastructure, housing and net-zero investment, and how a positive outcome could enable the region to benefit from mayoral governance and dedicated funding streams. The white paper will form the cornerstone of a lobbying campaign with the UK government, local MPS, the local and regional business community, and more to affirm support and accelerate a mayoral devolution settlement for the region. The white paper is co-signed by the East Midlands Chamber, Leicestershire County Council, the Borough and District Councils of Leicestershire, Confederation of British Industry (CBI), Institute of Directors (IoD), Loughborough University, De Montfort University, University of Leicester, MIRA Technology Park, Space Park Leicester, Charnwood Campus and Loughborough University Science and Enterprise Partnership. Sue Tilley, chair of Leicestershire Business Voice, said: “Devolution is a critical opportunity to strengthen Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland’s economic future. “We support a deal that secures fair investment for our region, ensures a strong voice for local businesses in decision-making, and accelerates delivery on priorities such as skills, infrastructure, innovation and inclusive growth. “LBV is committed to working with political leaders, partners and businesses of all sizes to shape a devolution settlement that is locally driven, commercially aware and focused on long-term prosperity for our communities.” Scott Knowles, chief executive of East Midlands Chamber, added: “Devolution is vital for ensuring Leicester and Leicestershire remain competitive with neighbouring areas that already benefit from mayoral powers. “Alongside this, strong business support and the ability to make decisions at a regional level are essential if we are to compete, not only across the UK but also internationally. With the right tools and powers, our region can attract greater inward investment, create jobs and unlock long-term growth opportunities.”

First Enterprise reports rapid SME lending growth

April Lara
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First Enterprise reports rapid SME lending growth

First Enterprise has channelled £10 million in finance to UK small and medium-sized businesses within the first half of the 2025/26 financial year. The organisation, which operates as a Community Development Finance Institution, has seen a marked rise in lending activity compared with the same period last year.

The loans, typically ranging from £25,000 to £250,000, have been delivered through programmes backed by the British Business Bank, including the Start Up Loans initiative, the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II, and the Community ENABLE Fund. The expanded funding pipeline has strengthened First Enterprise’s capacity to work with firms seeking alternatives to mainstream lenders.

The organisation’s portfolio continues to target businesses facing barriers to traditional finance. The current investment level is supporting job creation and business growth across a range of sectors. First Enterprise has signalled that it will maintain its focus on inclusive lending and widen its reach to more SMEs through the remainder of the financial year.

10 projects in line to receive share of East Midlands mayor’s £25m investment fund

Tess Egginton
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10 projects in line to receive share of East Midlands mayor’s £25m investment fund
Ten schemes are in line for millions of pounds of investment as part of Mayor Claire Ward’s plans to boost growth, create jobs and improve the region.
Funding has been earmarked for a string of projects set to bring benefits to places and people across the region, by improving town centres, supporting small businesses, creating jobs and helping communities grow in a greener, more sustainable way. East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) board members have now approved the schemes to enter EMCCA’s £25m Investment Fund pipeline. Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward said: “This funding marks another major step forward in our shared ambition to unlock the potential of the East Midlands. “Inclusive growth is at the heart of everything we do and we’re ensuring the benefits of investment reach every part of our region, from our cities to our towns and villages. “These projects will help create new opportunities, drive innovation, and support local jobs, all while strengthening the foundations of our communities.” The projects under consideration for funding are:
  • Stapleford Pencil Works (Nottinghamshire) – Construction of a business centre in the heart of Stapleford, housing coworking space, retail units, small offices, and makers spaces/workshops;
  • Greening Growth in Giltbrook (Nottinghamshire) – Nine new-starter business units for small and micro-businesses in the area;
  • Yorke Drive Housing, Newark (Nottinghamshire) – Redeveloping the existing Yorke Drive housing estate with new mixed tenure homes for sale and rent alongside improvements to sport and leisure, public realm, safety, accessibility, and electric vehicle charging points;
  • Sherwood Revival, Ollerton (Nottinghamshire) – Regenerating the town centre with an enhanced and better connected new public sector hub, business units, housing, public realm space, and cinema;
  • Becketwell Enabling (Derby) – Enabling works at the third phase of development at Becketwell, a flagship regeneration scheme in Derby City Centre and home to a Grainger 260-apartment build-to-rent development and 3,500-capacity Vaillant Live events and conferencing destination;
  • Staveley Investment Programme (Derbyshire) – Delivery of the Barrow Hill Memorial Hall which will create community spaces, health provision, and early years activities and contribute to the Staveley Moorings project to deliver the final works to the project and complete the Staveley Basin project;
  • Chesterfield Town Centre Masterplan (Derbyshire) – Supporting the delivery of housing in the Spire Neighbourhood alongside spaces for businesses, and further works to the Stephenson Memorial Hall refurbishment project to create a modern visitor experience in the heart of the town, with an extended theatre, a reconfigured modern museum, alongside new gallery space, a café bar, education and community facilities;
  • Ashbourne Reborn (Derbyshire) – Improving access to Ashbourne Town Centre, supporting the Ashbourne Reborn Programme through targeted public realm enhancement, safety and drainage solutions, and sustainable transport measures;
  • Long Eaton Town Deal (Derbyshire) – Supporting the development of high-quality infrastructure and enhancement of the Long Eaton Town Deal as part of a wider programme of works led by Erewash District Council;
  • Clay Cross Town Deal (Derbyshire) – Developing the town centre including new-build public realm, retail space, improved library facilities, and refurbished adult education centre.
Mayor Claire said: “We’re working with partners to build a region that celebrates its heritage while looking confidently to the future. I’m committed to making the East Midlands a place where everyone has the chance to thrive, contribute, and feel proud to call home.” Board members discussed the proposal at their meeting on Monday 24 November 2025, and each project will now go through final due diligence to secure the funding.

High Street offices set for residential conversion

April Lara
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High Street offices set for residential conversion

Plans to transform vacant upper-floor offices in Scunthorpe’s town centre into new housing have been cleared by North Lincolnshire Council. The scheme will create 26 self-contained one, two, and three-bedroom flats above the Ellko supermarket on High Street.

The approval confirms a shift from commercial to residential use across the first, second and third floors of the property. A noise assessment supported the application and the development will not function as an HMO.

No public consultation was required due to the type of planning request. The building, a prominent multi-storey structure on the street, will now form part of efforts to increase town centre living and reuse underutilised space.

Co-op invests £4m in digital shelf labelling across food estate

April Lara
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Co-op invests £4m in digital shelf labelling across food estate

Lincolnshire Co-op is replacing paper price tags with Electronic Shelf Edge Labels across all 100 of its food stores under a £4m technology upgrade. The shift eliminates the need for staff to manually update hundreds of labels each week, freeing up time during high-volume promotional periods and reducing operational workload.

The system is expected to cut more than £100,000 a year in paper, toner, and printing costs, supporting the society’s wider sustainability commitments. It also forms part of its long-term Purpose Beyond Profit 2030 strategy, which includes investing in digital infrastructure to strengthen store operations.

The rollout began with a trial at The Bridge Food Store in Newark in October 2025. The Co-op plans to complete installations across the full estate by the end of 2025 and intends for all future food stores to launch with the digital platform in place.

The new electronic labels are designed to improve price accuracy, speed up promotional changes, and give customers clearer product and offer information. Mark Duckworth, Country Manager at SOLUM UK & Ireland, said: “Our partnership with Lincolnshire Co-op reflects a shared commitment to putting customers first and driving meaningful retail innovation.

“At SOLUM, we’re dedicated to delivering high-quality products and smart retail solutions that support our customer’s digital transformation and contribute to the ongoing advancement of the UK retail sector.”

Smart parking management solutions provider acquires Kettering-based firm

Tess Egginton
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Smart parking management solutions provider acquires Kettering-based firm
Smart parking management solutions provider Intelli-Park has acquired Kettering-based Total Parking Solutions (TPS), a specialist operator with a long-established presence across universities, retail, healthcare, residential, hospitality, corporate estates, local authorities and transport hubs. The acquisition brings together Intelli-Park’s national operations, data analytics and AI driven technologies with TPS’ deep sector expertise and trusted client relationships. It will enable Intelli-Park to deliver a broader suite of integrated services including ANPR, smart monitoring, digital permits, compliance support and insights. Ben Cooke, group CEO at Intelli-Park, said: “TPS is a respected provider with deep sector expertise. By combining their existing client relationships with our industry leading tech and nationwide scale, we’ll help clients simplify parking, reduce unauthorised use and improve the experience for drivers.” Rachel Baxter, operations director at Total Parking Solutions, added: “Joining Intelli-Park gives our clients access to market leading solutions, analytics and permit systems while preserving the service continuity they value. It’s a natural next step for our team and customers.”

Next sells land intended for consolidation of regional distribution centres

Tess Egginton
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Next sells land intended for consolidation of regional distribution centres
Leicester-headquartered retailer Next has sold land near Waltham Abbey, Essex, intended to be used to consolidate two Regional Distribution Centres.

The company purchased the land in 2021. Since then, the business has noted, Next’s plans for its Distribution Centre network have changed, with plans no longer in place to use the site. As a result, the company sold the land in a transaction which was completed on 21 November 2025.

The sale generates net cash proceeds after costs of £54.1m and an exceptional profit of £16.3m.

Next has said the additional cashflow increases the surplus cash available for shareholder distributions in the current year.

In the absence of any acquisitions or further share buybacks this year, Next is set to pay a special dividend of around £3.10 per share, with the £54m additional cash inflow to increase that dividend by 45p.

Swadlincote manufacturer fined after worker injured in lathe incident

April Lara
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Swadlincote manufacturer fined after worker injured in lathe incident

A Swadlincote-based conveyor systems manufacturer has been fined after an 18-year-old employee sustained a broken arm during a manual deburring task.

The incident happened on 1 December 2023 at Isoma Limited’s site at George Holmes Business Park. The employee was using emery cloth on a rotating manual lathe without a protective aid when his arm became caught in the machinery. HSE investigating inspector Nicole Riley said: “Every year there are accidents involving the use of emery cloths on metalworking lathes, resulting in serious injuries. This incident could have been avoided if Isoma Limited had put in place a suitable safe system of work for employees deburring workpieces on manual lathes. There is clear guidance available to companies who undertake this work.”

An investigation found that the company had neither completed a risk assessment for the task nor established a safe system of work for deburring components. Employers are required to assess the risks involved in using emery cloth on rotating equipment and adopt methods that eliminate the need for the practice or control the hazards where elimination is not feasible.

Isoma Limited pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The business was fined £16,000 and ordered to pay £4,357.77 in costs and a £2,000 victim surcharge following a hearing at Chesterfield Magistrates’ Court on 20 November 2025.

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