Network Rail awards £1.15bn framework for small works in Eastern Region

April Lara
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Network Rail awards £1.15bn framework for small works in Eastern Region

Network Rail has appointed a group of contractors to a £1.15bn framework designed to deliver reactive and small-scale infrastructure works across its Eastern Region during Control Period 7. The five-year framework, with the potential for two one-year extensions, covers civil and building assets. It aims to maintain operational continuity through emergency response, preventative maintenance, and minor construction projects.

The framework is divided into four lots, each assigned to multiple suppliers. Lot 1, valued at £372.1M, covers civil works across the North & East, East Coast, and East Midlands routes, with Amalgamated Construction, CK Rail Solutions, Construction Marine, and QTS Group selected. Lot 2, worth £102.3M, focuses on civil works for the Anglia route and includes QTS Group, Murphy, CK Rail Solutions, and B&M McHugh.

Lot 3 covers building-related works in the North & East, East Coast, and East Midlands regions, totaling £198.6M. Contracts were awarded to Construction Marine, Colt Construction, Sisk Rail, and Railscape. Lot 4, valued at £96M, focuses on buildings in the Anglia route and includes Colt Construction, Railscape, Sisk Rail, and Ede & Wilkinson.

The types of work covered include emergency call-outs for flooding, bridge strikes, urgent infrastructure repairs, and ongoing maintenance of concrete, steel, and earthwork assets. Smaller schemes such as platform refurbishments, footbridge repairs, and structural improvements to lineside buildings are also part of the package.

Suppliers may be called upon to work across multiple lots within their disciplines to maintain resilience and meet demand. The total value of the framework includes estimated costs for optional extensions and is based on budget forecasts from Network Rail’s Strategic Business Plan, rather than committed project pipelines. The framework supports broader regional delivery objectives and complements the recently established Design Delivery Framework.

East Midlands accountancy firm, Moore Thompson, celebrates centenary of success

Michael Fisher
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East Midlands accountancy firm, Moore Thompson, celebrates centenary of success

Leading accountancy firm, Moore Thompson, is proud to mark its 100-year anniversary – celebrating a century of supporting businesses, individuals and communities across the East Midlands region.

Founded in 1925, Moore Thompson has grown from a small local practice to one of the region’s most respected accountancy firms, with offices in Market Deeping, Spalding, Peterborough, Stamford and Wisbech.

Impressively, the firm remains independent and is run by its 10 partners – the majority of whom are locals and grew up in the area.

Reflecting on the firm’s milestone, Mark Hildred, Managing Partner at Moore Thompson, said:

“This is an incredibly proud moment for all of us at Moore Thompson. Reaching one hundred years is a testament to the dedication, professionalism and hard work of our team, past and present.

“Throughout our history, we have adapted, evolved, and continued to deliver the highest standard of service to our clients, many of whom have been with us for generations.”

Since its early days, Moore Thompson has consistently expanded its offering, embracing new technologies and services to meet the needs of modern businesses and individuals.

As part of its centenary celebrations, the firm is hosting a special year-long festival, culminating in a spectacular event at Crown Hall Farm.

When asked about the future of the firm, Mark added: “While we are proud to celebrate our heritage, we’re equally focused on the future. Our commitment remains the same – to support our clients’ growth and success while playing an active role in the communities we serve.

“With offices now in five locations, our reach has never been greater, and we look forward to building on our strong foundations for the next hundred years.”

Leicester Financial Services company acquires Manchester-based firm

Michael Fisher
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Leicester Financial Services company acquires Manchester-based firm
The Westerby Group has announced the acquisition of the specialist pension provider and Independent Financial Adviser (IFA) Redswan Ltd.
The asset purchase of Manchester-based Redswan’s IFA business and two trustee companies for Self Invested Personal Pensions (SIPP) and Small Self-Administered Schemes (SSAS) means they are now part of the Westerby Group.
The deal marks the latest acquisition by Westerby, which recently became an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT), when the chairman and founder Les McLintic transferred all his ordinary voting shares in the company to the trust to make employees beneficiaries of any future profits the company makes.
The acquisition is part of an established growth strategy of acquiring businesses within the Independent Financial Advice and specialist SSAS and SIPP pension sectors.
Commenting on the news, Westerby chairman Les McLintic said, “We are delighted to announce the purchase of Redswan Ltd. We would like to extend a warm welcome to all Redswan clients and professional connections as the brand integrates into Westerby.”
Westerby will retain Redswan’s staff and in doing so establish a presence in Manchester in addition to its locations in Andover Street and The Crescent, King Street in Leicester city centre and its offices in Weymouth.
 
Redswan Ltd managing director Mark Andrews comments, “We are confident that integrating Redswan’s portfolio into the Westerby brand will provide our valued clients with continuity of the trusted service they rely on, with the added benefit of retaining their relationships with the Redswan team in Manchester.”
The Westerby Group consists of three companies. Founded in 1986, Westerby Investment Management Ltd is a provider of specialist financial, taxation and independent investment advice. Established in 1996, Westerby Trustees Services Ltd “The Pension Specialists” are experts in the trusteeship and administration of Self Invested Personal Pension Schemes (SIPP), whilst Westerby Pension Administration Ltd specialises in the trusteeship and administration of Small Self-Administered Schemes (SSAS).
This latest acquisition means the Westerby Group’s total assets under trusteeship, administration and advice are now over £1.66 billion servicing over 5,000 clients.
“As a strong and resilient business with a proven track record of successfully integrating the businesses we acquire into the Westerby Group, we look forward to extending our expertise to our latest portfolio of new clients,” adds Westerby’s group managing director, Stephen Harvey.

Derby City Council approves £2.2m expansion for Wren Park Primary and £3m in school improvements

April Lara
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Derby City Council approves £2.2m expansion for Wren Park Primary and £3m in school improvements

Derby City Council has approved a £2.2 million expansion for Wren Park Primary School in Mickleover as part of a broader £3 million investment aimed at upgrading facilities across 11 city schools. The expansion at Wren Park will include the construction of a new four-room block and a multi-use games area, enabling the school to accommodate an additional 42 pupils.

Several schools will receive essential repairs as part of the approved improvements. Mickleover Primary and Ridgeway Infant, which are operating beyond their intended lifespan, will have structural timber window panels and posts replaced. Meadow Farm Community Primary will see blocked drains replaced with a new pipe system, and surface water drainage will be upgraded.

Additionally, Murray Park and Lord Street Community Nursery will undergo re-roofing, while Ashgate Primary will address existing leaks. Dale Community Primary will replace outdated boilers with a hybrid heating system, incorporating air source heat pumps and gas boilers. Rosehill Infant and Nursery, as well as Redwood Primary, will also replace their obsolete boilers. Roe Farm Primary will continue with window replacement work.

The funding is part of a government-backed initiative to ensure that necessary upgrades are completed during the summer holidays, minimising disruption to students’ education

Derbyshire council switches fleet to vegetable oil to cut emissions

April Lara
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Derbyshire council switches fleet to vegetable oil to cut emissions

Bolsover District Council in Derbyshire has transitioned its entire vehicle fleet from diesel to hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO) to reduce carbon emissions significantly.

The council’s 130 vehicles—including bin lorries, tractors, street sweepers, and vans—will now run on HVO, a renewable alternative to diesel made from waste oils, animal fats, and vegetable oils. The change is expected to reduce the fleet’s greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90%.

The fleet previously consumed around 335,000 litres of diesel annually, generating approximately 841 tonnes of carbon dioxide. By shifting to HVO, the council aims to cut this figure by 829 tonnes.

While the council explored electrifying the fleet, high upfront costs and limited charging infrastructure led to HVO being selected as a more practical interim solution. The council reports successful trials with no impact on vehicle performance.

This move reflects growing interest from public sector bodies in low-carbon fuel alternatives as they work toward net-zero targets.

Watches of Switzerland to shut 16 UK showrooms and cut 40 jobs

April Lara
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Watches of Switzerland to shut 16 UK showrooms and cut 40 jobs

Luxury watch retailer Watches of Switzerland is set to close 16 of its UK showrooms and cut around 40 roles following an internal review designed to improve operational efficiency.

The Leicestershire-based company, which operates 155 showrooms nationwide, said it would seek to redeploy affected staff where possible. The job cuts focus on its support services division, which employs over 700 people.

Despite the closures, the group continues expanding its retail footprint through acquisitions and new openings, including a recently launched flagship Rolex boutique in London—one of the largest in Europe. Over the past year, the company opened 22 new locations, refurbished 15, and acquired another 15 via the Ernest Jones brand.

The firm has not disclosed which showrooms are being closed. The restructuring is part of a broader strategy to streamline operations and support continued growth in the luxury retail segment.

Ashgate Hospice reopens upgraded outpatient services to boost patient capacity

April Lara
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Ashgate Hospice reopens upgraded outpatient services to boost patient capacity

Ashgate Hospice in Old Brampton, Derbyshire, has reopened its outpatient services following a six-month refurbishment designed to expand capacity and enhance the patient experience.

The £320,000 revamp covered the day services area, clinic rooms, reception, waiting area, and fundraising hub. During the renovation, outpatient care was temporarily relocated within the hospice.

With the updated facilities now operational, Ashgate is positioned to accommodate more day patients and improve service delivery for those already receiving care. The project was funded through contributions from businesses, trusts, and individual donors.

This investment strengthens Ashgate’s infrastructure, aligning with broader efforts across the healthcare and charity sectors to create more functional, patient-centred environments. For B2B stakeholders in healthcare design, equipment supply, and philanthropic engagement, the project signals growing demand for collaborative support in modernising community-based care.

Government takes over running of Scunthorpe Steel plant

Michael Fisher
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Government takes over running of Scunthorpe Steel plant
In shocking news over the weekend, the Government passed a bill that allowed them to effectively take over British Steel’s Scunthorpe plant from its Chinese owners. Keir Starmer visited Scunthorpe after the decision became law, meeting with relieved locals and industry groups who had for months been asking the government to step in and protect the site. A reprasentatice for the government said that the Chinese owners had been making unreasonable demands of late, and it’s believed the site would have stopped producing steel entirely if the government had not stepped in.

Hallam Land secures planning approval for 300-home site following appeal

April Lara
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Hallam Land secures planning approval for 300-home site following appeal

Hallam Land, the land promotion and planning arm of Henry Boot, has received outline planning permission for 300 homes in Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, after a successful appeal.

The approval followed Ashfield District Council’s failure to determine the original planning application, prompting Hallam to appeal in July 2024. The Planning Inspectorate ruled in Hallam’s favour in February and granted a full award of costs.

The land, originally tied to a planning promotion agreement signed in 2012, has now been unconditionally contracted for sale to housebuilder Harron Homes. Completion of the sale is expected in 2026.

This is part of a broader strategic push by Hallam Land, which has secured planning for around 3,000 plots in recent months and intends to submit applications for an additional 10,000 plots over the next year. The move reflects growing momentum in the UK’s planning environment, presenting opportunities for developers and investors seeking exposure to the housing sector.

DHL logistics hub approved after government appeal review

April Lara
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DHL logistics hub approved after government appeal review

DHL has received planning approval to build a major logistics warehouse near Towcester after the UK government overturned a local council’s refusal. The decision follows a nine-day public inquiry led by the Planning Inspectorate.

The project includes an 18.5-metre-high facility spanning roughly 265,000 sq ft. The site will be accessed via a newly constructed roundabout on the A5, with improvements also planned for the nearby A5/A43 Tove Roundabout.

Initially rejected by West Northamptonshire Council due to concerns about visual impact and increased traffic, the development faced over 1,100 public objections. Despite this, the inspector ruled that the economic and employment benefits outweighed the negative effects.

The approval also grants outline planning permission for three additional employment zones on the site, with land allocated for Towcester Town Football Club pitches. DHL has previously projected the development’s first phase will create around 1,300 full-time jobs.

The move signals continued expansion in the logistics sector, despite growing resistance from communities concerned about large-scale warehousing developments.

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