Barron McCann snaps up specialist software company Retail247
Derby property offers high-yield student investment opportunity
A fully let student accommodation complex in central Derby has been placed on the market, offering a strong income opportunity for investors. Located at 6 Mill Street, the freehold site spans 0.25 acres and comprises 23 one-bedroom apartments arranged across two converted Victorian blocks with a combined floor area of just over 10,000 sq ft.
The property has been refurbished to a high standard, retaining period features while integrating modern layouts and finishes. Several units include mezzanine levels to maximise space, and all residents benefit from secure off-street parking and landscaped communal areas.
Situated within Derby’s established student district, the development is half a mile from the city centre and close to the University of Derby’s main facilities, including the Cavendish and Law Buildings. Its location provides strong rental demand supported by proximity to public transport and local amenities.
The site produces a gross annual income of about £221,460 for the 2025/26 academic year. Offers are being sought in the region of £2.675 million, representing a net initial yield of 7.09% before VAT.
A killer PR campaign: Why Joe Wicks just gave the media a masterclass in standing for something – by Greg Simpson, founder of Press For Attention PR
The Keen in 15 Workout
Your PR & Positioning Plan- Warm up with purpose – If you don’t know what you stand for, neither will anyone else.
- Stretch your comfort zone – If it feels safe, it’s not newsworthy.
- Pick a fight (strategically) – Every sector has a villain; just choose one worth punching up at.
- Flip the script – Take a lazy assumption in your industry and expose it for what it is.
- Spot the story – Find the tension, the change, or the conflict. That’s where the headlines live.
- Lead, don’t lecture – Show people, don’t tell them. Use examples, evidence, and lived experience.
- Build your stamina – Visibility compounds. Keep showing up even when you’re bored of your own message.
- Use compound moves – Repurpose your story across platforms; a good hook works everywhere.
- Control your oxygen – When critics appear, stay calm and factual. Don’t feed the trolls — feed the press.
- Hold your core – Keep every story aligned with your key positioning point: what do you want to be known for?
- Fuel your thinking – Read beyond your niche; PR power comes from perspective, not echo chambers.
- Stay hydrated with humility – You can have a strong opinion without being a know-it-all.
- Monitor your form – Track what coverage, content, or commentary actually lands. Refine and repeat.
- Recover smartly – After a big story or stunt, pause. Reflect, then build the next chapter.
- Finish strong – Keep the conversation going. PR isn’t a moment; it’s a momentum game.
Revenue on the rise at Forterra
Revenue is on the rise at Forterra plc, the Northampton-based manufacturer of clay and concrete building products.
In a trading update for the ten-month period ended 31 October 2025, the business reported year to date revenue of £336m, 16% ahead of the prior year.
Forterra noted that tougher prior year comparatives and a recent moderation of demand from run rates seen in the middle of the year have resulted in revenue growth over the last four months reducing to 10% relative to the 20.4% reported in the first half of the year. New build housing continues to be the company’s strongest market segment, with RM&I remaining depressed.Second half despatches and revenue are expected to be at similar levels to the first half of the year.
Forterra said: “Whilst we remain mindful of the continued economic uncertainty and the impact it is having on current demand, the medium-term market fundamentals remain attractive with a shortage of housing, a strong desire within government to address this, and a constrained supply of essential building products.
“The Board remains confident that our recent investments in new production capacity leave the Group well placed to benefit from a future recovery of our markets.”
Production continues to ramp up at Forterra’s Desford factory, while construction at its Wilnecote factory is nearing completion.
East Midlands Mayor bids for stronger devolution powers
New Aurora trains set to enter East Midlands service in December
The first of East Midlands Railway’s £400 million Aurora trains will enter service this December, marking a key stage in the modernisation of intercity travel across the East Midlands and South Yorkshire.
Built by Hitachi Rail, the 33 bi-mode trains form part of the wider £1.5 billion Midland Main Line upgrade. They are designed to operate using both electric and diesel power, cutting carbon emissions by around two-thirds compared with existing models.
Each train features increased seating capacity, upgraded interiors, and improved accessibility. The new fleet also includes modern amenities such as enhanced air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, charging sockets at every seat, and advanced information screens.
The Aurora’s design incorporates specially coated glass to boost mobile signal reception and a multi-SIM Wi-Fi system to provide more consistent connectivity for passengers.
The rollout of the new fleet supports Transport UK’s and East Midlands Railway’s broader goal to deliver more efficient, lower-emission travel across the region’s intercity routes, aligning with national efforts to decarbonise the rail network.
Greater Nottingham development plan moves to government review
The Greater Nottingham Strategic Plan has been approved by councillors for submission to the Secretary of State, marking the next step in shaping the region’s long-term housing and economic growth.
The document outlines how thousands of new homes will be delivered over the next 16 years, alongside land allocations for offices, industrial use, and warehousing. It identifies large development sites exceeding 500 homes or five hectares and sets out policies to ensure infrastructure keeps pace with expansion.
Prepared jointly by Broxtowe and Rushcliffe borough councils, the plan replaces earlier collaborative work that had included Gedling Borough Council, which withdrew earlier this year. Its purpose is to provide a clear framework for housing and commercial development while limiting unplanned or speculative proposals.
The plan follows several rounds of consultation on previous drafts in 2024 and 2025, with feedback from statutory bodies, developers, community organisations, and residents. The final version reflects updated housing figures and partnership arrangements and will now undergo public examination before government approval.
Council secures full government grant to advance affordable housing plans
West Northamptonshire Council has received £300,000 in funding from the Government’s Council Housebuilding Support Fund, the maximum amount available under the scheme. The grant will be used to boost the council’s capacity to deliver more affordable housing projects across the region.
Cllr Charlie Hastie, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, said: “We’re really pleased to have secured the maximum funding available through this programme. This investment will help us strengthen our capacity and expertise so that we can bring forward more affordable homes for local people, faster.
“As demand for affordable homes continues to grow, this funding will play a key role in helping us deliver high-quality, sustainable homes that meet the needs of our residents and communities across West Northamptonshire and is an important step in ensuring we are well prepared to make the most of future Government funding opportunities and deliver the right homes in the right places.”
The national £5.5 million fund, managed by Homes England, was created to help local authorities strengthen their housing delivery teams and prepare for the forthcoming £39 billion Social and Affordable Homes Programme set to launch in 2026. The initiative aims to support councils in identifying land for future schemes, fast-tracking feasibility and design work, and developing expertise through training and recruitment.
West Northamptonshire Council plans to use the funding to build a pipeline of projects by assessing both public and private land for potential development, investing in specialist staff and consultancy services, and enhancing in-house knowledge to accelerate housing delivery. The move forms part of a wider effort by government and local authorities to expand affordable housing capacity nationwide through the Council Housebuilding Skills & Capacity Programme.
East Midlands sets out £70m transport infrastructure investment
A proposed £70 million programme to improve roads, pavements, and transport infrastructure across the East Midlands is being reviewed by the Cabinet this month. The funding will be delivered through the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), with final confirmation from the government expected in April 2026.
The current proposal allocates around £48 million to begin design and planning, ensuring projects are ready once full funding is released. The programme covers resurfacing, drainage, street lighting, traffic management, bridges, cycle routes, and public transport improvements.
Local councillors will help identify residential streets most in need of resurfacing, supported by a £3 million fund. The plan also introduces ‘fence to fence’ working, combining resurfacing with drainage and safety upgrades to minimise disruption.
Road condition monitoring will be expanded, with inspections of rural and residential roads increasing from once every 5 years to once every 2 years, complementing existing safety checks.
A separate £7 million landslip prevention programme has been outlined for key sites, including Bakewell, Beeley, Barlow, Holloway, and Edale.
Detailed allocations include £9.3 million for general road maintenance, £7.3 million for resurfacing, £4.6 million for surface dressing, £2.5 million for drainage and flood management, and £2.6 million for bridges and retaining walls. Additional funds will target street lighting, cycle routes, and air quality projects, with a 5% contingency to cover unforeseen costs.
Multi-disciplinary design practice makes raft of promotions
