Leicester outlines boundary enlargement plan

April Lara
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Leicester outlines boundary enlargement plan

Leicester City Council is preparing to submit its final proposal to the government for a significant boundary expansion, positioned as part of England’s wider move towards larger unitary authorities.

The plan responds to the government’s timetable requiring Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland to present reorganisation proposals by late November 2025. Financial modelling commissioned with Leicestershire County Council indicates that the city’s preferred structure would produce efficiency savings of around £46 million a year across the region. The projected savings reflect the creation of two new unitary councils covering both Leicester and the surrounding counties.

Under the proposal, Leicester’s boundary would extend into parts of Blaby, Charnwood, and Harborough districts, as well as incorporate Oadby & Wigston. The expansion would increase the city’s population from 372,000 to an estimated 622,000 by 2028. The second unitary authority, covering the wider rural and market town areas, is projected to serve around 584,000 residents.

The city council argues that the proposed geography aligns with government expectations for unitary authorities capable of delivering improved service resilience and long-term financial stability. The expansion would also give the city the capacity to accommodate its assessed housing need of 30,000 additional homes by 2046.

The proposal has been reviewed by the council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee and is due for consideration by Full Council ahead of the government’s submission deadline of 28 November.

New panel formed to guide Greater Lincolnshire’s economic direction

April Lara
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New panel formed to guide Greater Lincolnshire’s economic direction

Greater Lincolnshire’s new Combined County Authority has held the first meeting of its Economic Advisory Panel, signalling a formal step toward closer collaboration between local government, industry and education. The panel has been created to inform the Authority’s economic strategy and provide structured input on the issues affecting businesses across the region.

Its remit includes advising on policy development, identifying barriers to growth, and contributing expertise on areas such as skills, transport, and housing. The group is expected to support both short-term decision-making and longer-term planning as the Authority shapes its devolution agenda. The Mayor said: “Devolution must deliver benefits for every business. As Mayor, I will champion the businesses of Greater Lincolnshire. I want to harness the expertise of the panel to help tackle key challenges such as transport, housing and skills. Together, we can close the productivity gap and ensure that Lincolnshire starts to compete on a national level.”

The panel brings together senior leaders from a range of sectors, with Lincolnshire Co-op Chief Executive Alison Hands appointed as chair. Members are tasked with acting as sector representatives, strengthening links with regional business networks, and helping to raise Greater Lincolnshire’s profile to potential investors.

The initiative follows recent activity by the Authority to showcase local innovation and reinforce the area’s ambitions for national competitiveness. The panel will continue meeting to guide priorities, support policy development, and help position Greater Lincolnshire for sustained economic growth.

Obsequio expands to Northern Ireland with Atlas World deal

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Obsequio expands to Northern Ireland with Atlas World deal
Expanding compliance services group Obsequio has added Northern Ireland to its location map with the acquisition of a majority stake in Atlas World. Based in Belfast, Atlas World has been operating for over four decades and undertakes the complete design, supply, installation, commissioning and ongoing maintenance of fire and security systems. In addition to those core services which are also offered throughout the Obsequio Group, the 71-strong Atlas team now also enables the provision of renewable energy solutions such as solar PV, EV charging and air source heat pumps, along with assistance technologies such as warden and nurse call systems and home automation. The deal, advised on by KBS Corporate, means the Leicester-based group obtains a more geographically diverse client base, with a presence in Northern Ireland and access to EU markets via Atlas’ established relationships with customers in the Republic of Ireland. Atlas World’s leadership team will all remain with the business and maintain a significant shareholding. Graeme White remains as managing director, with support from Stephen McConnell, Patrick Dickson, Peter Gibson and Gavin Nesbitt, while founder John Nesbitt will continue to support the business as a consultant. “We are delighted to become part of the Obsequio Group,” said Graeme White. “Being part of a larger compliance-focused organisation will enable us to offer our existing customers a wider selection of services and to forge new commercial relationships across Northern Ireland and beyond.” Obsequio group chairman Simon Cashmore said: “We are very excited about establishing a presence in Northern Ireland, with a view of building into the Republic of Ireland, and about offering a remote metering service which enables organisations to reduce their carbon footprints and utilities expenditure across the mainland.” Daniel DiMarco, KBS Corporate deal executive, who advised on the transaction, said: “There are great synergies between Atlas World and Obsequio, and I’m certain both companies will continue to go from strength to strength.”

New affordable housing scheme completes in Grantham

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New affordable housing scheme completes in Grantham
Representatives of emh, MyPad and Homes England have gathered to celebrate the completion of a new, affordable housing scheme in Grantham. The scheme, known as Scholars Place, provides a mix of shared ownership and social rent homes built on land which formerly held St Wulfram’s Secondary School, which had been unused for a number of years. The development consists of 40 homes, with a mix of 1-bedroom maisonettes, and 2-4 bedroom family homes. Scholars Place was delivered by emh through its Strategic Partnership 2 Programme with Homes England and development partners MyPad. Charley Gibbons, group chief executive of emh, said: “It has been wonderful to celebrate the completion of this new scheme with our partners, which provides much-needed homes for local people. “We believe that high-quality homes built in the right places enable communities to thrive and grow. We are proud of having strong partnerships that help us to deliver our place-shaping ambitions for Grantham.” Tom Spink, managing director at MyPad, said: “We’re delighted to have worked with emh, Homes England and South Kesteven District Council to bring Scholars Place to life. This development reflects what can be achieved through strong partnerships, transforming a disused site into high quality, affordable homes that meet the needs of local families. “Delivering schemes like this is at the heart of MyPad’s commitment to creating sustainable, well-designed communities across the region.” Christine Seaton, senior manager – affordable housing growth at Homes England, added: “This is another example from emh of a high-quality development which will provide a range of affordable housing at Scholars Place in Grantham. “Homes England recognises and supports homes that make a meaningful contribution to people’s lives and their community. The homes, which are offered for rent and shared ownership, will help to build a thriving community. I am delighted to work in partnership with emh, MyPad and South Kesteven District Council to make these homes happen.” Philip Rewcroft, planning policy officer (affordable housing) at South Kesteven District Council, said: “SKDC is always keen for developers to utilize unused Brownfield Land for the benefit of all the community. “This development helps to strengthen the community by ensuring a mixture of affordable tenures and house sizes without neglecting a high quality of design principles. Having visited the site during the construction stage, it is clear that the success of the project was enhanced by the positive working relationship between emh and MyPad.”

Full occupancy achieved at Nottingham city centre office building

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Full occupancy achieved at Nottingham city centre office building
Clearbell UK Strategic Trust (CST), advised by Clearbell Capital LLP, has fully let 55 Maid Marian Way in Nottingham, following the agreement of a new lease with education recruitment agency Affinity Workforce Solutions. Affinity Workforce specialises in supplying temporary and long-term teaching and support staff to primary, secondary and SEND schools, as well as colleges, universities and prisons. The organisation has taken 2,881 sq ft of office space on a five-year lease, meaning the property now stands fully occupied across its five floors totalling over 14,600 sq ft. The firm’s new workspace achieved an EPC B rating following a comprehensive refurbishment. Works included installing energy-efficient LED lighting throughout, new carpets, adding a fully equipped kitchenette and a roof terrace that staff can access. Additional improvements include a new suspended ceiling grid and fully refurbished toilets, while the building’s rear stairwell has also been upgraded. Rhys Jones, asset manager at Clearbell Capital, said: “Achieving full occupation at Maid Marian Way demonstrates the success of our comprehensive refurbishment programme and hands-on approach to asset management, which continues to create exceptional working environments that deliver strong results for our investors. “We’re delighted to welcome Affinity Workforce Solutions to the building and look forward to supporting their business as they establish themselves in this prime city centre location.” Esme Bianchi-Barry, CEO at Affinity Workforce Solutions, said: “Our professional space at Maid Marian Way reflects our commitment to excellence in serving the education sector. “The refurbished features and excellent city centre location will benefit our team, candidates and clients we serve as we continue to grow our UK presence.” Amy Howard, surveyor from FHP Property Consultants, said: “It was a pleasure to work with all parties involved in bringing this deal to completion. Having collaborated with Rhys from Clearbell over the past few years, it is rewarding to secure another strong tenant for our client. “This traction reinforces the appetite for high-quality office space and offers reassurance to landlords that demand remains strong in the city centre, especially of this size bracket.”

Electrical contractors charge up growth with new unit at Merlin Park

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Electrical contractors charge up growth with new unit at Merlin Park
Electrical contractors MPS Group has snapped up Unit 11 at Ivygrove Developments’ Merlin Park in Derby on a new five-year lease. Unit 11 extends to 2,713 sq ft and was completed to a shell specification, with the tenant undertaking their own fit-out works to create a modern operational base to support the business’s continued growth. Chris Keogh, director at Salloway Property Consultants, said: “This estate is now nearing full occupation and has once again proven to be highly popular with tenants, owner-occupiers, and investors alike who are seeking good quality industrial units. “The tried and tested model that Ivygrove have in delivering new-build industrial units ranging from 1,500 sq.ft to 10,000 sq.ft shows no signs of slowing down, with the former Albert Looms site being the next key scheme on the horizon.” Marc Sargeant, director at MPS Group, said: “We are delighted to secure new premises at Merlin Park, which provide the ideal base for our expanding operations. The quality and location of the development make it a perfect fit for our business as we continue to grow and serve clients across the region.” The landlords were represented by Connor Walker of Underwood Vinecombe, with the tenants’ legal representation provided by Harry Farmer of Bradley and Jeffries.

Third cohort of entrepreneurs announced for innovative business incubation programme

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Third cohort of entrepreneurs announced for innovative business incubation programme
Northamptonshire’s Vulcan Creatives business incubation programme has welcomed 11 new aspiring entrepreneurs as part of its third cohort. First launched in 2023 by the team at Northampton’s serviced workspace, Vulcan Works, the free six-month innovative programme offers successful applicants the opportunity to kick start a new business or grow an existing idea with specialist support. The programme is led by Vulcan Works’ on-site business growth manager Darren Smith and applications opened in the summer, with 11 businesses chosen from almost 50 entries. Those who were successful are:
  • Anna Hamilton, a website developer
  • Danny Langford, a former primary school teacher who has created a mobile app to motivate children to build meaningful reading habits
  • Deepak Chawla, providing software solutions to the travel industry
  • Helen Staniforth, a training business specialising in public speaking
  • Jack Young, owner of an indie games studio focusing on improving accessibility in gaming for disabilities including dyslexia, cognitive and visual input disorders
  • Joe Benno, who runs a video production company
  • Mikaella Rees, who offers laser tattoo removal alongside a range of vegan friendly, chemical-free, natural skincare products
  • Oluwatoni Oluwole, offering content creation for small businesses
  • Rebecca Timmins, who has developed an online resource for families in Northampton, helping them to discover local events, attractions, activities and nearby businesses and services
  • Simeon Worrell, providing nutrition and fitness solutions for individuals
  • Tom Myers, the creator of a UK-based app designed to boost the use of sports courts – such as basketball – by enabling users to easily book facilities and connect with friends to play.
Throughout the six-month programme, the cohort will receive dedicated workshops and business support activities, learning the skills needed to succeed in the world of entrepreneurship. Speaking of the launch of the third cohort, Darren said: “As someone who has started and sold businesses alongside mentoring firms for more than 20 years, it’s great to work collaboratively to help individuals start up a new business, create a new product or service or take on staff in West Northamptonshire. “We choose new businesses that are either start-ups or just established and are predominantly based in Northamptonshire or the surrounding areas. “It’s lovely to see the range of sectors that are represented this time round. From skincare brands to basketball apps, to nutrition and fitness, it’s going to be really exciting for us all to be working together. “We also invited members of the previous two cohorts to come along to the launch to support everyone at the start of their journey. It was fantastic to see old and new faces in the room together, sharing experiences and ideas. “I can’t wait to see how our 11 new entrepreneurs develop as we move through the six-month programme.” Those enrolled on the Vulcan Creatives initiative also receive free access to the Vulcan Works facilities during the course of the programme.

Gateley partners with GB Snowsport ahead of Winter Olympics and Paralympics

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Gateley partners with GB Snowsport ahead of Winter Olympics and Paralympics
Professional services group Gateley has agreed a deal with GB Snowsport to become its official legal partner ahead of the 2026 winter season, which culminates with the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Milan-Cortina, Italy. The deal will see Gateley support the athletes in their preparations by funding a series of final training camps to give them the best level of preparation ahead of the season, which continues with the Alpine Slalom World Cup in Levi, Finland, on 16th November. In addition, Gateley will also work with GB Snowsport and its community partners to broaden access to the sport across the country. GB Snowsport is the national governing body for high-performance snowsports in the UK, managing 12 Olympic and Paralympic Snowsport disciplines, to help athletes to reach World Cup podiums and win Olympic and Paralympic medals. As part of the partnership, Gateley will provide legal support for GB Snowsport across a variety of practice areas, including commercial and personnel, throughout the 2025/26 season. Chris Kisby, partner at Gateley’s Nottingham office, said: “This is a partnership founded on a shared commitment of performance, inspiration and community, and we are incredibly proud to support GB Snowsport and its elite athletes on the snow throughout this season and into the Milan-Cortina Olympic and Paralympic Games next year. “As a nation, there is a misconception that we have no right to be competing at the level we do in snowsports, yet we have world champions across multiple disciplines. GB Snowsport and its athletes are true disruptors in the sporting world and it is this high-performance culture that resonates so much with our people and our clients, making this the perfect partnership for us.” Vicky Gosling, GB Snowsport chief executive, added: “We are delighted to welcome Gateley to the GB Snowsport team. With the new season already upon us and an Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games on the horizon, this has the potential to be a momentous season for British skiers and snowboarders. “We have been deeply impressed with Gateley’s commitment to our sport and to our athletes, and having their support and expertise heading into the new season will be a real game changer for all of us involved in British elite snowsport.”

State-of-the-art endoscopy unit delivered at Leicester General Hospital

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State-of-the-art endoscopy unit delivered at Leicester General Hospital
Henry Brothers Construction has delivered a new endoscopy unit at the Leicester General Hospital. The unit includes six procedure rooms and 20 private pods for patients before and after their procedures, each with an en-suite. Ian Taylor, managing director of Henry Brothers Construction, said: “We are delighted to have successfully completed our first project for the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust and look forward to more successful partnerships in the future. “The new Endoscopy Unit at the Leicester General Hospital will improve the diagnostic and treatment experience of patients and provide staff with a modern facility in which to work. Henry Brothers Construction is very proud to have delivered this new Endoscopy Unit which will play a key role in enhancing healthcare for the local community.” The endoscopy team at the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust already provides a wide range of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures to more than 30,000 patients every year and this new facility will help patients to be seen sooner in a purpose-built environment. The unit will have the capacity to see an extra 9,000 patients every year, which will play an important part in reducing waiting lists. Associate director of operations, Rachael Briggs, said: “We know how important earlier diagnosis is for conditions such as cancer, which endoscopy procedures help to detect. We are delighted that this new facility is open to help our teams see and treat more patients, as well as bringing some of our services closer to this area of Leicester. “As part of the new unit, we have used digital solutions to replace paper forms, allowing our clinical teams to have more time to care for patients. The new facility is bright, open, and modern, which will make a big difference to those working here and visiting. “I would like to thank everyone who has been involved in this project for making it a reality. Our patients are at the heart of everything we do, and this new unit will go a long way towards improving their experience, and that of our team.” Work to deliver the one-storey unit started in March 2024 and was carried out by Henry Brothers Construction, along with project manager Selcon, quantity surveyor Rider Levitt Bucknall, principal designer Stephen George & Partners, architect P+HS, structural engineer Curtins, and mechanical and electrical engineer CPW. James Almond, managing director, P+HS Architects, said: “We’re delighted to have worked with Henry Brothers Construction and the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust on this important project. The new endoscopy unit is a fantastic example of how well-designed environments can enhance both patient experience and staff wellbeing. It’s a credit to everyone involved and we’re proud to make a real difference to healthcare provisions in the region.”

Loughborough College Group and Melton Borough Council explore development of Cultural Hub

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Loughborough College Group and Melton Borough Council explore development of Cultural Hub
Following a consultation on the future of its Melton Campus, Loughborough College Group has revealed plans in partnership with Melton Borough Council to explore the development of a Cultural Hub at The Stockyard. Loughborough College Group invited views from the public on the future of Melton Theatre from 3rd to 31st October, which covered the teaching provision at Melton, and the ownership of the wider campus, which includes Melton Library. The College Group will continue to work with key partners on the future of the current Melton Theatre site and are exploring options for its redevelopment. Loughborough College Group and Melton Borough Council have joined forces to actively pursue a Cultural Hub in The Stockyard. Following the transfer of the £2m previously allocated through the Levelling Up Funding (LUF), the Council has safeguarded the money for cultural and events space on The Stockyard. When developed, the new Cultural Hub will feature spaces suitable for theatre performances and provide students with access to modern cultural spaces for rehearsal and performance. Corrie Harris, CEO of Loughborough College Group, said: “We are delighted to continue delivering our thriving Performing Arts provision here in Melton Mowbray, where so many talented young performers begin their journey. “This partnership with Melton Borough Council and the new Cultural Hub represents an exciting step forward; not only for our Performing Arts students, but for all our students, who will benefit from new opportunities to engage with the wider community. “At Loughborough College Group, our priority is always to invest in our students and their futures. Once in place, the Cultural Hub will provide a fantastic, sustainable facility for our Performing Arts courses and theatre performances alike, ensuring our students continue to receive the outstanding academic and pastoral support that we are proud to deliver.” Cllr Pip Allnatt, leader of Melton Borough Council, said: “We are excited about the development of a Cultural Hub at The Stockyard. We are committed to working with Loughborough College Group as well as our local communities and cultural organisations to turn this concept into a reality and continue to offer high quality Performing Arts education in Melton Mowbray. “Having this facility will provide excellent opportunities for young people to access inspiring cultural activities, supporting them to achieve their aspirations and engage with a rich, creative curriculum. I want to thank local groups and individuals for their enthusiasm and continuing support to create something of value for the next fifty years and retain a vital teaching venue in Melton. “We look forward to involving them in future and updating everyone further as things progress.”
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