Supported living development handed over in Leicestershire

Hockley Developments, an East Midlands-based supported living and residential developer, has handed over Hawthorn House, in Wigston, Leicestershire. This development has created 14 ground floor self contained apartments, plus staff and common areas, as well as a courtyard and private parking a five minute walk from local amenities. This is now being managed by Fosse Healthcare, with Westmoreland Supported Housing the Registered Provider. Westmoreland Supported Housing Managing Director, Tom Hodgson, said: “At Westmoreland we are really pleased to be involved in this project – it is our first supported living development in Leicestershire and we are proud to partner with Hockley Developments, Fosse Healthcare and Leicestershire County Council to deliver this high quality site.” Hockley Developments Managing Director, Alan Forsyth, said: “We are delighted to have handed over this quality development in Leicestershire, and it has been a pleasure to work with Leicestershire council, Westmoreland Housing and Fosse Healthcare again. We look forward to delivering more qualiy developments across the East Midlands over the next few years.” Fosse Healthcare CEO, Volt Sacco, said: “This is a high-quality specialist supported living site in a fantastic location, which has become a beautiful home for people in need of care and support from the local community. “Delivered in partnership with Leicestershire County Council and Westmoreland, this project reflects our shared commitment to providing outstanding care and accommodation for those who need it most.”

Inclusive Growth Commission calls for step change in investment in East Midlands with strengthened devolved powers

The Inclusive Growth Commission has set out bold recommendations to transform the East Midlands economy at an event at Nottingham Trent University’s Mansfield University Centre co-hosted by Chair of the Commission and CEO of the Royal Society of Arts (RSA), Andy Haldane, and Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward. In its interim report, published today, the commission called for a step change in investment in the East Midlands, underpinned by strengthened devolved powers to better reflect the needs and opportunities of a region that boasts a population of more than 2.2 million people, an economy worth £50bn in GVA annually, and which is spread over more than 1,800 square miles. To realise the untapped potential of the region, the commission argued that the Combined Authority needs to quickly be placed on a fast-track for more powers, funding and flexibility like those seen in places like Greater Manchester and the West Midlands. Revealing its interim findings, the commission drew on the East Midlands’ unique geography and economic landscape, identifying the strengths, challenges, and opportunities that will shape its final report, and subsequent strategy, to be published in September 2025. It acknowledged the historic underinvestment that has put the East Midlands on the back foot to date, with public spending per person being the lowest in the UK, and called for more investment to be committed in the government’s next spending review. Underpinning the commission’s interim recommendations was the concept of an “opportunity escalator” – an integrated approach combining practical, step-by-step skills development with work experience and career guidance to help more people onto and up an escalator of well paid, secure jobs across the region. Creating these jobs must go beyond simply bolstering high-tech, high-growth industries set out in the UK Government’s Industrial Strategy Green Paper. For the region to have a truly inclusive growth strategy, this must sit alongside a plan to nurture a broader range of industries that offer large numbers of secure and rewarding job opportunities in manufacturing, logistics, construction, health and social care, and modern services, including the visitor economy. The commission also identified some of the key barriers that stand in the way of people in the East Midlands accessing jobs and progressing in work. These included a rise in long-term ill health, a fraying social fabric that leaves people and communities feeling isolated, access to transport, and acute housing needs that prevent people from locating or commuting to the places where good quality jobs are on offer. Other interim recommendations include:
  • Forging a region-wide skills partnership – A new, deeper partnership between businesses, educators, and government is needed to help people “get on and get up” the opportunity escalator, supporting career progression from entry-level to higher-paid work – increasing access to jobs and training opportunities.
  • Integrated health and employment support – A step change in the connection between health services and employment support is necessary to break the cycle of health issues leading to economic inactivity, particularly among younger and older workers.
  • Building aspiration from an early age – Strengthening community networks and increasing social mobility by addressing social and economic inequalities early on, including though much earlier careers guidance and work experience in schools.
  • Access to affordable housing and transport – Some areas of the East Midlands will require improved housing options and better transport links to widen access to job opportunities across the region.
The Commission was launched in November 2024 by the RSA and the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), and was tasked by the mayor with generating ambitious, long-term plans to drive prosperity and reduce inequalities across the region. Mayor Claire Ward said: “The East Midlands economy is shaped by people and places – but the economy also shapes people and places. It’s a feedback loop, and some of those loops are not working for our region as they should. This is not inevitable – and I became Mayor precisely because I know that there is potential in every part of this region that can be unleashed. “We know how important economic growth is, but it is also important that we hold that growth to high standards: it should enable people to live healthy, fulfilling lives as part of connected communities and thriving places. This is easy enough to say, but we must work and invest differently to bring this about in practice – and that change will take sustained effort on our part. “I convened the Inclusive Growth Commission for this purpose, to coalesce insight from the region and beyond to lay out how we should be working and investing to deliver inclusive growth – and I am pleased to have reached a point at which we can share some of its findings for the people of this region to consider.” Andy Haldane, CEO of the RSA and Chair of the Commission, said: “The East Midlands has all the ingredients for economic success—an innovative business community, strong leadership, and a deep well of talent. “But unlocking that potential requires more power to be put into local hands, combined with the resources they need to forge a lasting strategy for growth. I look forward to continuing our work with leaders and residents across this dynamic region as we work towards our final recommendations later this year.” The next phase of work will involve close collaboration and engagement with businesses, community leaders, and residents across the region and will put forward practical steps to implement its findings to create a more inclusive, resilient economy and help determine where more than £4bn of public investment will be spent.

Spring forward: How businesses can make the most of the clock change – A PRspective by Greg Simpson, founder of Press For Attention PR

Greg Simpson, founder of Press For Attention PR, showcases how businesses can make the most of the upcoming clock change. As the clocks go forward this spring, many people will grumble about losing an hour’s kip. But for businesses—and particularly those in marketing—this shift presents a golden opportunity. Rather than moaning about what’s lost, why not flip the script and focus on what’s gained? Longer days, renewed energy, and a fresh perspective on storytelling and audience engagement all await. Here’s how businesses can make the most of the clock change and turn one less hour of sleep into a season of opportunity.
  1. Capitalise on the ‘psychological reset’ in PR campaigns
Spring signifies renewal and growth, making it the perfect time for businesses to shake off the winter cobwebs and refresh their messaging. Journalists, audiences, and clients are emerging from their seasonal hibernation—so this is the ideal moment to introduce fresh angles and reinvigorate PR campaigns. 🔹 PR tip: Use the ‘spring forward’ concept as a metaphor in press releases and storytelling. Tap into themes of growth, innovation, and fresh starts to make your pitches more timely and relevant. 🔹 Actionable idea: Pitch a “spring clean your brand” feature to media outlets, offering expert insights on decluttering messaging, sprucing up PR strategies, and staying ahead of industry trends.
  1. Harness the power of more daylight for PR events & engagement
With the evenings stretching longer, we Brits start to emerge blinking into the daylight, and consumer habits shift accordingly. PR pros can seize this seasonal change to increase brand visibility, engagement, and in-person networking opportunities. 🔹 PR event strategy: Host a spring sundown networking event or an outdoor media showcase, capitalising on the extra daylight to enhance visibility and footfall. 🔹 Social media PR angle: Encourage brands to share ‘golden hour’ content, when the lighting is at its most flattering and engagement rates tend to soar.
  1. Use the time change to drive PR & marketing campaigns
The clock change is a universal experience, making it the perfect narrative hook for storytelling and PR campaigns. Brands that tap into seasonal shifts automatically feel more relevant and engaging to audiences. 🔹 PR stunt idea: Position your business as an ‘efficiency expert’ and release a list of “top PR hacks for making the most of the extra evening hour.” 🔹 Thought leadership pitch: Frame the time change as a metaphor for business transformation—pitch a piece on “why spring is the perfect time for XYZ.”
  1. Reignite media and audience engagement
Longer days and brighter evenings boost mood and motivation, so use the clock change as a springboard (pun intended) to inject fresh energy into brand communications and PR campaigns. 🔹 Actionable idea: Launch a ‘spring reset’ media push, announcing new initiatives, products, or brand refreshes that align with the changing season. 🔹 Influencer & media engagement: Offer journalists and influencers ‘spring forward’ survival kits—including coffee, sunlight lamps, or branded eye masks—tied to a light-hearted pitch about your business. Conclusion: one hour less but a season more for PR wins Instead of mourning the lost hour of shut-eye, embrace the momentum that comes with the clock change. It’s a unique chance to refresh strategies, create timely campaigns, and capture media attention—all while making the most of the brighter days ahead. So, this spring, don’t just move the clock forward—move your PR game forward too.   A former business journalist, Greg Simpson is the author of The Small Business Guide to PR and has been recognised as one of the UK’s top 5 PR consultants, having set up Press For Attention PR in 2008. He has worked for FTSE 100 firms, charities and start-ups and conducted press conferences with Sir Richard Branson and James Caan. His background ensures a deep understanding of every facet of a successful PR campaign – from a journalist’s, client’s, and consultant’s perspective. See this column in the March issue of East Midlands Business Link Magazine here.

New affordable housing development named after Bletchley Park codebreaker completes

Colleagues from housing association Futures Housing Group, housebuilder Cameron Homes and Erewash Borough Council have joined together to celebrate the completion of 38 family friendly homes in Sandiacre, Derbyshire. The two streets at the site are called Enigma Close and Bletchley Gardens Way, chosen to honour Bletchley Park codebreaker, Rolf Noskwith. Noskwith, who died in 2017, used to live in the house which was demolished to make way for the development. With funding from Homes England, the site is made up of 22 social rent and 16 shared ownership homes, helping bring affordable housing to the Erewash community. There’s a mixture of two, three and four-bedroom houses and bungalows, and each has an electric car charging point, solar panels and increased insulation to help make the homes more comfortable and affordable to heat. Neil Laws, Head of Programme Delivery at Futures, said: “We’re committed to building and acquiring as many new homes as we can at Futures as we know the shortage of affordable, high quality homes is at the heart of the housing crisis. “So this has been a fantastic scheme to work on with Cameron Homes and Erewash Borough Council, which has now moved families waiting on the housing register into high quality, modern, affordable homes.” Paul Morrissey, Operations Director at Cameron Homes, added: “It’s been fantastic to have worked with Futures Housing Group and Erewash Borough Council on this project in Sandiacre. We’re delighted to have been involved in constructing these high-quality homes to help meet the housing needs of the local community.” Cllr Curtis Howard, who is Erewash’s Lead Member for Town Centres, Regeneration and Planning, said: “We are excited to see this new development being completed. Our thanks go to all those involved – including Futures Housing and Cameron Homes. At the same time as families move into these precious affordable homes it is fantastic to honour our local Bletchley Park hero.”

Local authorities join Vistry to celebrate start of work on new bypass and bridge in Walton-on-Trent

Vistry Group, the provider of mixed-tenure homes, was joined by stakeholders from South Derbyshire District Council, East Staffordshire Borough Council, Derbyshire County Council and Staffordshire County Council to celebrate the start of work on the new bypass and road bridge in Walton-on-Trent. Phil McHugh Divisional Director of Vistry North West Midlands, said: “I want to extend a big thank you to the four local authorities, Environment Agency and numerous other stakeholders who have been instrumental in getting us to this important milestone. The new Walton bridge will provide much improved transport links across the River Trent for both current and future residents alike. “The bridge and bypass scheme forms an important part of our Dracan Village Development and shows that Vistry is committed to doing more than regenerating the former Drakelow power station into 2,000 beautiful new homes. “We are building a new community providing investment in education, healthcare, and highways as well as building new infrastructure including a local centre, a new school later this year and large areas of public open space with play areas along with the new bridge which will really drive employment and economic growth in the region.” The new bridge and bypass will provide vital two-way vehicular access over the River Trent, replacing the inadequate one-way bailey bridge which has acted as a bottle neck for traffic in the area for many years. The new bridge will provide better access for current inhabitants and for the 2,000 current and expected residents of the new development on the site of the former Drakelow power station. Justin Ives, CEO at South Derbyshire District Council, said: “It’s fantastic to see the start of the new bridge at Walton, this vital piece of infrastructure will not only assist the residents of the new development at the former Drakelow power station but also relieve congestion for the entire area” Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways Assets and Transport, Councillor Charlotte Cupit, said: “We are pleased work has started on this long-awaited new bridge and that it will be completed as soon as possible, as we know it will provide an important additional route over the Trent for local communities.” Cllr Michael Fitzpatrick, Leader of East Staffordshire Borough Council said: “I was delighted to be invited to this ‘commencing event’, a milestone reached at long last. Along with our local authority partners, stakeholders and engineering experts it was great to see that diggers have indeed broke the ground, and a spade of course. “An exciting village is starting to emerge and with much needed homes and the infrastructure and community facilities planned, I can only welcome and support the significant progress made. I would like to thank Vistry for their vision and commitment to delivery. “I am very grateful for the work of our planning teams in East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire who working together have, in a relatively short time, turned proposals for this by-pass and bridge, into a deliverable scheme. It now seems highly likely that we will be invited to an opening ceremony in the very near future and this would be a momentous occasion. “The economic, social and environmental benefits for our area, together with the relief for the residents of Walton, Dracon Village and for Stapenhill will be most welcomed. This will be the time, working with our Highway Authority, to restrict HGV traffic using our Stapenhill Main Street and Rosliston Road and at the same time protect the Leicester Line Bridge from the weight it has carried for several years.” Staffordshire County Council Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills, Philip White added: “I am pleased that Vistry Group is committing to the start of work on this very important piece of infrastructure, and I welcome the start of works. However, we are clear that there is still a lot to do to get the detailed design and approvals in place before we know it is safe, and that it will be built in its entirety. “The county council will work tirelessly with partners to ensure the Vistry Group keeps its promises to the local community to build this bridge and that the cost and burden does not fall on local taxpayers.” Vistry is already working in earnest on the bridge and anticipates seeing the main structure of the bridge installed later this year with the commissioning and opening to follow shortly after.

East Midlands manufacturers see strong start to the year

East Midlands manufacturers have seen a strong start to the year according to a survey published by Make UK and business advisory firm BDO. The Make UK/BDO Manufacturing Outlook Q1 survey shows that both output (+13%) and orders (+19%) were very positive, with the forecast set to improve further in the next quarter with forward looking balances of +38% and +25% respectively. This reflects the fact that automotive plants in the region will be coming back on stream having been re-tooling for the introduction of new models, while the aerospace and food and drink sectors in the region are also experiencing strong demand. In response to this positive picture companies are looking to take on more people with recruitment intentions increasing from +0% to +13% in the next quarter. Capital expenditure plans however suffered a significant drop at a balance of -31% which reflects the national picture of either frozen or cancelled investment plans in response to the Autumn Budget. To build on this buoyant sentiment Make UK is calling on the Government to bring forward a comprehensive, fully funded and modern, long term industrial strategy which has advanced manufacturing at its heart, something it has committed to do before the summer. This must be aligned across Government to include a defence industrial strategy as well as energy, trade and skills strategies that demonstrate to business and foreign investors that there is a cohesive plan to grow the UK economy. Make UK is forecasting that manufacturing will contract by -0.5% in 2025, down from a forecast of -0.2% in the last quarter, before growing by 1% in 2026. GDP is forecast to grow by 1% in 2025 and 1.5% in 2026. Chris Corkan, Region Director at Make UK in the Midlands, said: “This has been a strong start to the year for manufacturers in the East Midlands with the region bucking the national picture. To build on this it’s now essential that Government brings forward an industrial strategy at the earliest opportunity. This will give manufacturers the confidence to plan for the future with a stable, supportive policy environment.” Paul Fenner, Head of Manufacturing at BDO in the Midlands, said: “The economy in the East Midlands relies heavily on manufacturing, in particular the strength of the automotive sector. It’s encouraging to see the region have a strong start to the year, but we cannot be complacent – our manufacturers are resilient but they’re not invincible. “Manufacturers across the East Midlands now need targeted support from government, whether that be reducing complexity, streamlining trade or boosting access to capital to enable them to focus on growth.”

IT company to support Children’s Air Ambulance

An IT consultancy based in Irthlingborough has announced its Charity of the Year following an appeal. Back in December, 3RS IT Solutions made a public appeal for children’s charities in the area to apply to be the company’s Charity of the Year for 2025/26. With company directors Steve and Leila Souch being parents to three boys themselves, and having a daughter on the way, they wanted to work with a charity that supported children and made a real difference to young lives and future generations. After going through the many applications, the team have chosen to support Children’s Air Ambulance as its Charity of the Year for the next 12 months. The partnership will run from 1st March 2025 to the end of February 2026 and will see 3RS IT Solutions undertake various fundraising and volunteering activities to help support the charity. These will include completing a survival challenge in June, conquering the Three Peaks in August and running a Half Marathon in September, as well as offering free IT and marketing support, volunteering at events and donating £5 from every laptop sold during the course of the year. The company hopes to raise around £10,000 for the charity over the next 12 months. Leila Souch, Marketing Director at 3RS IT Solutions, said: “3RS IT Solutions is proud to announce the Children’s Air Ambulance as its official Charity of the Year for 2025/26. This partnership reflects 3RS IT Solutions’ ongoing commitment to supporting vital community initiatives and making a meaningful impact on children’s healthcare services. “When we had our son Reuben, there were some complications that left him without oxygen for a considerable amount of time. He is now nonverbal and we do wonder if there is a connection to that trauma he experienced at birth. “Hearing how quick and responsive the Children’s Air Ambulance is and how many babies, children and families they can help in an emergency situation each month, really hit home for us. Knowing that the charity doesn’t receive any government or NHS funding to carry out this work too made us want to do what we can to support them and – by extension – families in the local area. “We are looking forward to getting started and raising vital funds over the coming months.” Robert Oram, Community Fundraising Executive for Children’s Air Ambulance (South), said: “We are delighted to have been selected as 3RS’s Charity of the Year. Their support genuinely means so much. “The Children’s Air Ambulance is committed to saving lives, improving outcomes, and supporting families during some of the most challenging moments of their lives – all while being entirely funded by public donations and charitable support. “Critically ill children require urgent specialist care, and time is often the difference between life and death. Flying by helicopter, we can get most babies and children to Great Ormond Street Hospital or other specialist centres in as little as 45 minutes, giving them the best chance of recovery. “All of our equipment on board is specialist too – from incubators for neonatal babies to child-sized oxygen masks, splints and ear defenders. This equipment and speed comes at a price though, as each flight costs around £3,600. This is why support like this is invaluable.” Steve Souch, Managing Director at 3RS It Solutions, added: “At 3RS IT Solutions, we believe in using our resources, influence and commitment to community welfare to make a real difference. “Now, as proud supporters of the Children’s Air Ambulance, we can help to raise essential funds to keep the Children’s Air Ambulance service operational, so it can continue its lifesaving work for critically ill babies and children across the region.”

New independent market set to launch in Hinckley

A new independent market will open in Hinckley town centre later this month. It will feature more than 30 stalls selling baked goods, handmade products, and personalised items. The market, organised by local non-profit group All Communities Matter, aims to support small businesses and foster community engagement.

Stalls will be located in Market Place and The Borough, and a dedicated community space will offer activities and free giveaways. Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council supports the event, which it sees as an opportunity to boost the local economy.

The market will run on the last Sunday of each month from 10am to 3pm, with free parking available in council-run car parks. The first event is scheduled for Sunday, 30 March.

East Midlands Aeropark plans expansion with modular buildings

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East Midlands Aeropark has submitted plans for new modular buildings to North West Leicestershire District Council for its visitor experience upgrade. The development includes a new entrance, snack bar, and four viewing shelters. The existing entrance building will be repurposed to house exhibits related to the park’s Vulcan aircraft.

GCS Group has been appointed as the project’s principal contractor, bringing its modular construction expertise. The company will handle the design, supply, and installation of the buildings, which will be largely completed off-site to minimise disruption.

Once approved, construction is expected to begin in autumn 2025, and the new facilities will open for the winter season.

Annual Payroll & HR Update 2025

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Whether you have just one employee or a large workforce, you do payroll in house or use a payroll bureau, have an HR team or not, our annual update aims to keep you informed of the issues, regulations and changes affecting payroll management, HR and compliance. We will also look at the broader HR matters that may concern employers now and in the year ahead, along with the potential impact of changes to and the introduction of new employment legislation.

Payroll – a topical update and refresher

Theresa Waddingham, Partner, Streets Chartered Accountants Theresa’s presentation will focus on the forthcoming changes affecting payroll as we start a new tax year, along with some useful hints and tips to make your life easier to ensure that those charged with payroll are on the right track. Her presentation will include the following:
  • NLW and NMW changes and rates for 2025
  • Statutory increases
  • Working from home expenses
  • Working from home when home is in another country
  • Changes to the employment allowance
  • Employment allowance and connected entities
  • Employers NI changes
  • What can be done to mitigate the NI increases
  • What can we anticipate in the future

On the minds of employers and those charged with HR

Anita Wynne, CEO and HR Advisor, Beststart Human Resources Anita’s presentation will cover a number of highly topical issues facing employers and in house HR managers and professionals including:
  • What businesses need to do to demonstrate that they are taking measures to prevent sexual harassment following the amendment to the Equality Act that came in in October 2024 and the guidance issued by Equality and Human Rights Commission
  • What will happen with the Government’s Employment Rights Bill in 2025
  • Other legislation that will come into force in 2025 that businesses should be aware of