Key milestone achieved at Redmoor Academy

Tess Egginton
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Key milestone achieved at Redmoor Academy
Works are progressing for Midlands contractor, G F Tomlinson, on the recently commenced Redmoor Academy project. The completion of the steel frame structure, along with associated groundworks mark an important milestone for the scheme’s ongoing progress. Funded by Leicestershire County Council, the enhancement works for the academy on Wykin Road will include delivering brand new educational spaces to enrich the lives of pupils and cater to the academy’s increasing capacity. Works will comprise the construction of a 696 sq m sports hall for indoor sports including cricket, basketball, netball, badminton and handball. The building will include changing rooms, a reception area, offices, four classrooms and a fitness room, creating a first-class learning environment for students. The new sports hall will be the latest addition to the campus undertaken by G F Tomlinson, following the completion of the new teacher car park last year. Works are progressing well on site with the Vibro stone piling, drainage, and concrete foundations now complete, alongside the steel frame. Current works taking place include the pre-cast floor planks and sub structure masonry. Adrian Grocock, Group Managing Director at G F Tomlinson, said: “The team are making great progress at Redmoor Academy and we are pleased to be delivering enhanced educational facilities for current and future pupils at the school. “The new dedicated spaces will allow the academy to expand and improve its current curriculum catering to the growing pupil capacity of Redmoor for the coming years.” Redmoor Academy Principal Matt Nicolle said: “As the school has grown, our infrastructure has struggled to keep pace with sports facilities being the worst affected. This fantastic, cutting-edge new sports facility will not only inspire our students to greater achievements but also provide the local community with better facilities.”

UK economy grows, beating expectations

Tess Egginton
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UK economy grows, beating expectations
Easing the risk of a recession, the UK’s economy saw fractional growth in the final quarter of 2024. According to new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), GDP (gross domestic product), a key measure of economy growth, is estimated to have risen by 0.1% in the October to December period, following no growth in the previous quarter. It beats expectations of a contraction of -0.1%. Across key sectors, growth in services (0.2%) and construction (0.5%) output led the way, while production fell by 0.8%. Monthly data, meanwhile, shows GDP expanded 0.4% in December, above expectations of 0.1%, largely because of growth in the service sector. Responding to the figures, Martin McTague, National Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), said: “News that there was a modest up-tick in growth in the weeks running up to Christmas is far preferable to the alternative but flat growth registered across the final quarter will not come as a surprise to many small firms. “The fall in production in the last quarter shows that evidence of a feel-good factor from the end of last year is sadly lacking, with members telling us they are finding trading conditions difficult, to say the least. “With tax changes coming up in April, and the looming Employment Rights Bill which is set to put a big dampener on small businesses’ willingness to take on staff, any economic uplift that has been carried over from last year will be a help, but more must be done to offset turbulence. “The recent cut in the base rate is a good sign, but will not by itself be enough to give small businesses the confidence they need to choose to invest in their operations, which is what is needed for long-term, substantial and sustainable growth in GDP. “The Government has loudly stated its commitment to growth, which we agree with, but we need to see words turned into actions in the shortest possible timeframe, so that this positive momentum can snowball into a virtuous circle of investment, productivity gains, and greater prosperity in every part of the UK.”

Plans to build a ‘stronger economy and stronger communities’ outlined in NE Lincs

Michael Fisher
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Plans to build a ‘stronger economy and stronger communities’ outlined in NE Lincs
The new Freshney Place Leisure, Foodhall and Market scheme and supporting other development is central to the council’s commitment to growing a stronger economy.
Members of North East Lincolnshire Council’s cabinet have unanimously supported the authority’s proposed Budget, Finance and Business Plan for the financial year starting on April 1, 2025. This plan will now progress to next week’s Full Council meeting for discussion and vote. A key detail recommended and approved at last night’s cabinet meeting was a core Council Tax increase of 1.98% and the application of a 2% Adult Social Care precept. The overall proposed plan reflects the aims and objects set out in the new Council Plan, which will come into effect from April 1. This puts a ‘Stronger Economy’ and ‘Stronger Communities’ at the heart of the authority’s vision. Priorities to achieving this vision are outlined and include:
  • The continued transformation of Children’s Services. The plan details how current work is having a ‘positive impact on outcomes for our children and young people, as well as supporting financial sustainability’.
  • Again, with a focus on transformation, attention will be put on Adult Social Care where innovative solutions will be explored. This will help to meet an increase in demand and complexity of care.
  • Continuing with a ‘commercial approach’ to grow a strong and sustainable economy. It details how major investments, such as the redevelopment of Freshney Place, are progressing and will support the borough at a time of economic challenge.
  • A pledge to ensure the capital programme is reviewed regularly to ensure schemes remain viable. This approach, adds the report, will help ensure plans remain ‘affordable, sustainable and prudent’.
The Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, Cllr Philip Jackson, says: “As Leader of this Council I am pleased to be able to support a plan that delivers a balanced budget.”

Student housing portfolio relisted at £30M after price reduction

April Lara
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Student housing portfolio relisted at £30M after price reduction

Beachrock has significantly lowered the asking price for a purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) portfolio, now seeking £30 million after initially marketing the properties at £90 million. The portfolio comprises over 1,000 student beds across Coventry, Nottingham, and Sheffield.

The assets are spread across Coventry, Nottingham, and Sheffield. Initially part of the offering, a Cambridge property is no longer included. The remaining properties, which vary in size and price per bed, are available for purchase individually or as a group, with offers due by March 20.

The portfolio is now priced at £26,300 per bedroom, aligning with previous market interest. Beachrock stated that the new price reflects previous interest in the portfolio, aligning with market valuations.

M54-M6 Link road upgrade could reduce congestion and improve freight movement

April Lara
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M54-M6 Link road upgrade could reduce congestion and improve freight movement

According to a new analysis from Midlands Connect, a proposed road link between the M54 and M6 in Staffordshire could significantly cut congestion and improve freight movement. The project, which would connect Junction 1 of the M54 to Junction 11 of the M6, is expected to divert thousands of vehicles off local roads and onto a more efficient motorway route.

The A460 carries around 20,000 vehicles daily, with freight accounting for 28% of the traffic. If the link road is completed, traffic on the A460 could drop to just 4,000 vehicles per day, reducing congestion and improving journey times. The most significant delays occur between the Laney Green Interchange and the A460/M6 Toll junction, where peak-hour speeds are well below the national average.

Supporters of the project highlight the environmental benefits of diverting freight from residential areas and the potential for improved transport efficiency. The government approved the link road in 2022, but with the Department for Transport currently reviewing its spending priorities, no timeline has been confirmed for its construction.

Staffordshire County Council has backed the project, citing its potential to enhance connectivity, reduce emissions, and support long-term regional investment.

Capital thinking – OTB Legal adds expertise

Tess Egginton
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Capital thinking – OTB Legal adds expertise
The Nottingham-headquartered UK immigration law firm, OTB Legal, has bolstered its personal immigration team with the addition of Natasha Mitter to the growing team at its new London office. Fluent in English, Punjabi and Hindi, Natasha began her legal career by obtaining a Law Degree (LLB) from City, University of London, followed by completing the Legal Practice Course (LPC) at BPP Law School, London in 2019. Now, with over 5 years of Immigration experience providing her clients with the support they need to navigate the complexities of the UK Immigration system, Natasha joins OTB Legal at an exciting time for the growing firm, which opened its London address in the summer of 2024. Describing the London launch last year, Director Sally McEwen noted that: “…as a global hub, (London) presents an incredible opportunity to extend our expert legal services to a wider audience at a time when the demand for top-tier immigration and business law advice is soaring.” Sally adds: “This move, along with the recruitment of high calibre experts like Natasha enables us to provide even more responsive, innovative, and client-focused solutions, meeting the needs of our clients in this dynamic and fast-paced environment.” Offering expert legal advice and support from sponsor licences and skilled worker Visas to spouse Visas and citizenship, OTB Legal has grown consistently from its Chase Park headquarters just outside Nottingham. The firm also opened offices in Manchester in 2024, and now has a team of 22 with the addition of Natasha. Commenting on her new role, Natasha said: “I am excited to be joining OTB Legal’s growing team here in London. The firm is making waves in the sector and is a fresh voice and brand in the industry. “I look forward to bringing my expertise to a wide range of Immigration applications and providing our clients with the support they need to navigate the complexities of the UK Immigration system.”

Housing and business development approved near Chesterfield supermarket

April Lara
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Housing and business development approved near Chesterfield supermarket

Plans for new housing and commercial units in the Goytside area of Chesterfield have received conditional approval.

The development includes five three-bedroom houses on the corner of Factory Street and Goytside Road. Each home will feature brick construction, grey roofing tiles, front and rear gardens, and two parking spaces. The site is next to a Lidl supermarket, with existing residential properties to the east and former industrial land to the south and west.

In addition, five business units will be built on Goytside Road near a power substation. Each unit will have dedicated parking. The approved plans aim to bring both residential and commercial growth to the area.

Funding uncertainty looms over £200 million North Hykeham Relief Road

April Lara
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Funding uncertainty looms over £200 million North Hykeham Relief Road

Lincolnshire County Council is still waiting for confirmation on government funding for the £200 million North Hykeham Relief Road, which would complete the ring road around Lincoln. Despite previous commitments, uncertainty has grown following a review of capital spending ordered by the new Labour government.

The previous Conservative administration had pledged £110 million toward the project, which is expected to cost around £190 million. If that funding is withdrawn, council leaders warn the project may not move forward unless alternative sources can be secured.

While the Department for Transport has not officially halted funding, the council must submit a final business case before the government releases funds. That approval is expected in autumn, but the outcome remains uncertain.

Work is still progressing, with archaeological surveys, site clearance, and utility diversions planned for later this year, followed by major construction in early 2026. However, concerns remain that without government support, the relief road could be at risk of cancellation.

Local officials continue to push for clarity, emphasising the road’s importance in reducing congestion and improving transport links in the region.

Apprenticeships more feasible for East Midlands firms says Chamber

Tess Egginton
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Apprenticeships more feasible for East Midlands firms says Chamber
Shorter minimum terms and the removal of English and Maths requirements to pass apprenticeships have been welcomed by East Midlands Chamber. Under new government measures, over 19’s will no longer need a level 2 English and Maths qualification – equivalent to a GCSE – to pass an apprenticeship and businesses will decide whether they require it. The minimum duration of an apprenticeship will drop from 12 to 8 months in August. East Midlands Chamber Director of Resources Lucy Robinson said: “Removing barriers, like cutting 4 months from what was a 12-month commitment for apprenticeships and removing the qualifications the recruit needs to pass will make apprenticeships a viable option to more East Midlands businesses and that’s something we’ve been calling for. “Letting employers have flexibility in deciding whether level 2 English and Maths qualifications are needed for the apprentice to pass makes good sense as the needs of businesses differ. “When 7 out of 10 East Midlands businesses have been struggling to find the right candidates to fill roles and 20% are planning to pull back on training investment, according to our Quarterly Economic Survey, apprenticeships are a worthwhile consideration for firms looking to hire. “Apprenticeships can be a win-win for both employers and recruits. Candidates are getting a great career kickstart in a professional environment, while the workplace gets someone enthusiastic and hungry to learn. With National Apprenticeship Week underway and the skills gap an ongoing challenge, now’s a good time for businesses to explore this avenue.”

Iconic property in Nottingham’s Old Market Square acquired

Tess Egginton
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Iconic property in Nottingham’s Old Market Square acquired
SNGgroup has acquired a landmark property in the heart of Nottingham’s historic Old Market Square. The newly acquired commercial property, located on King Street, strengthens SNGgroup’s growing investment portfolio. Richard Singh, Managing Director of SNGgroup, said: “We are thrilled to add King Street to our expanding portfolio. This acquisition reaffirms our commitment to investing in prime locations that offer both commercial vibrancy and long-term value. Nottingham is a city of immense potential, and with our strategic investments, we aim to continue shaping its skyline and enhancing its property landscape.” Tenants at the property include C & J Clark International Limited, Nottingham Trams Limited, King Street Business Centre Limited, and a brand-new phone shop set to launch soon. This latest acquisition complements SNGgroup’s developments in Nottingham, including the brand-new apartments at 33 Long Row, known as Picture House. “Slowly but surely, SNGgroup is strengthening its roster of commercial units and expanding its esteemed list of commercial tenants,” said Stuart Singh, Managing Director of SNGgroup. “Our focus remains on providing exceptional spaces that foster innovation, collaboration, and growth. As we continue to diversify our portfolio, we are committed to building long-lasting relationships with our tenants and contributing to the success of the businesses. This strategic growth reflects our dedication to excellence and our long-term vision for the future.”
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