

Howden has acquired Forbes Insurance Limited and the book of business from Hill Aviation Insurance Services Limited, strengthening its aviation insurance capabilities in the UK. Both companies will be rebranded under Howden and integrated into a new retail aviation division within Howden UK&I.
Forbes Insurance, based in Leicestershire, specializes in aviation coverage for airfield operators, maintenance firms, product suppliers, and aircraft owners. CEO Terry Moyes will lead Howden’s aviation division and oversee a new Leicester office. Hill Aviation, founded in 1991 in North Yorkshire, will transfer its book of business to Howden, with founder Steve Hill retiring from the industry.
The expansion adds to Howden’s network of over 200 UK and Ireland locations and aligns with its strategy to enhance specialist expertise.
Inflation climbed to 3% in January, up from 2.5% in December, marking a 10-month high, according to the Office for National Statistics. The increase surpasses the Bank of England’s 2% target and could force businesses to raise prices.
East Midlands Chamber reports that inflation remains a significant concern for local businesses, with 60% expecting to increase prices, according to its Quarterly Economic Survey. Rising costs, including the upcoming National Insurance hike in April, add further strain.
The Bank of England’s response is now in focus, as the inflation spike may delay expected interest rate cuts in March. Economists still anticipate rates to fall later this year. Business leaders urge the government to provide economic stability and targeted support in its upcoming spending review.
High Oakham Primary School in Mansfield has been awarded a £2.5 million refurbishment contract as part of Nottinghamshire County Council’s School Building Improvement Programme. Scheduled to begin later this year, the project will involve critical upgrades, including a new roof, lighting, ceilings, and fire alarm systems. These improvements ensure the school meets modern safety standards and supports a productive learning environment.
Arc Partnership, a joint venture between Nottinghamshire County Council and SCAPE, will manage the project’s design and delivery. They will use their expertise in public sector construction to oversee cost management and project execution. This partnership highlights the growing trend of public-private collaborations in large-scale infrastructure projects.
The project is expected to create significant opportunities for local subcontractors in the construction, design, and materials sectors, potentially boosting the local economy. The refurbishment aligns with the council’s ongoing efforts to invest in public sector buildings, demonstrating a commitment to improving facilities while offering businesses the chance to engage in high-value public contracts.
Rutland and Kings Veterinary Centres, a prominent veterinary group in the East Midlands, has joined the Linnaeus network, enhancing their services and facilities. The group includes four Rutland sites and two Kings branches, with the Syston location recently undergoing significant expansion, adding more theatres, consult rooms, and additional facilities.
The merger also facilitates the relocation of Kings’ Melton Mowbray practice to a larger, purpose-built facility that includes specialised rooms for dental procedures, two theatres, and modern imaging capabilities.
The integration with Linnaeus will offer staff expanded training and development opportunities while ensuring the continuation of the high-quality care Rutland and Kings are known for. The practices remain committed to supporting new graduate veterinary surgeons and student nurses, with staff holding advanced qualifications in multiple specializations.
Linnaeus is poised to support the teams in delivering 24/7 emergency care and compassionate service to the local community.
Nottingham City Council has raised over £10 million through an auction of its properties, with some assets fetching up to 30% above their expected sale prices. The auction, hosted by Acuitus, attracted significant interest from local and national investors, with 79 registered bidders.
Among the sold assets was Mortimer House, a Grade II listed property located opposite Nottingham Castle. This building, which houses the Castle pub and the Fothergills restaurant, along with offices and residential flats, was sold for £1.55 million. Despite the sale, business continues as usual for the operators, who hold a secure lease. The identity of the new owner has not been disclosed.
A car park at a Morrisons supermarket in Clifton also saw intense bidding, ultimately selling for over £1 million—more than double its guide price. Other notable sales included three freehold investments on Salisbury Square Industrial Estate, which raised between £1.4 million and £1.7 million, and an industrial site with eight units at Gauntley Court, which sold for £1.8 million.
The sales come as Nottingham City Council seeks to address financial challenges following its declaration of bankruptcy in November 2023. The council has increasingly turned to asset sales to fund operational costs, with the liquidation of Robin Hood Energy, a venture set up by the council, leaving significant unpaid debts. The final liquidation report revealed claims totaling £67.1 million, with only £13.7 million of those debts paid out.
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