ID card company, Digital ID has acquired Connected ID, a leader in Networking and Enterprise Mobility solutions.
With sites in Corsham and Leicester, Connected ID has built a reputation for the supply of Handheld Devices, Mobile Computers and Wireless Network Solutions. By integrating their expertise with Digital ID’s Photo ID and Security Solutions, Digital ID says it is “creating a technology powerhouse that enables organisations of all sizes to seamlessly identify both People and Products – faster, smarter, and more securely than ever before.” Recognising the synergy between Digital ID and Connected ID, Digital ID’s owners at Levata saw an opportunity to merge the two businesses, bringing best-in-class Identity, Authentication, Automatic Identification and Data Capture (AIDC) technologies under one roof. This collaboration unlocks new opportunities for Digital ID customers by offering a single-source, end-to-end solution for identity management and product tracking. “Connected ID has an outstanding reputation, backed by a highly skilled team and loyal client base,” said Stephen Dodd, Vice President of Digital ID Europe. “This acquisition is a major milestone for us. By combining our expertise, we can deliver an unparalleled suite of Identity, AIDC and Networking solutions, ensuring businesses operate more securely and efficiently. I’m thrilled to welcome Jamie and his team into our growing organisation.” Jamie Dickinson, Managing Director of Connected ID, said: “From the start, it was clear that Digital ID and Connected ID share a commitment to innovation and customer success. This acquisition strengthens our solutions, expands our market presence, and enhances the overall customer experience. I’m excited to be part of this next chapter and look forward to driving new growth and opportunities together.” The acquisition boosts Digital ID’s headcount to 200 employees across five key locations in the UK and Europe.Mansfield’s new specialist school reaches construction milestone
A new school for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) has reached its latest milestone.
Nottinghamshire County Councillors and partners gathered at the former Ravensdale School site in Mansfield to mark the completion of the building’s main structure, with a roof also in place.
To be known as Horizons Academy and run by Diverse Academies Trust, the purpose-built school will have capacity for up to 160 pupils across the seven to 19 years age range.
Due to open by spring term 2026, it will provide a specialist learning environment for children with social, emotional, and mental health needs.
The £30 million project is part of a wider programme being delivered by the county council to create up to 490 additional SEND school places by 2026. This will help address the growing demand for more specialist school places across the county.
David Cotton, Diverse Academies Trust chief executive officer, said: “We were delighted to attend the structure signing for Horizons Academy and it was a rare opportunity to leave an indelible mark within the building structure for future generations to come.
“It was also incredible to see how far the building works have progressed – Horizons is truly on track to deliver an exceptional learning environment for young people in the local community with special educational needs.”
The school is being designed, project and cost managed by Arc Partnership, a joint venture between Nottinghamshire County Council and SCAPE, with construction being undertaken by Morgan Sindall Construction.
Sara Williams, Deputy Managing Director at Arc Partnership, added: “Horizons Academy is a special project for us. Particular attention has been given to how the design supports the particular needs of these young people, considering their movement around school and accommodating sensory zones and calm spaces to better support the pupils.
“It was great to celebrate the school’s progress and we look forward to seeing how it benefits pupils and the wider community.”
As well as the build, the £30 million costs include additional costs such as furniture and equipment.
Event helps construction industry on journey to decarbonisation
Over 100 people from the local construction industry attended an event at The Museum of Making on Thursday 6 February.
The event, hosted by Derby City Council, in partnership with SCAPE, aimed to give attendees a clear roadmap to decarbonisation. According to the latest data from DESNZ, 25% of the UK’s CO2e emissions come from the built environment.
The event included an opening speech from Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Transport and Sustainability, Councillor Carmel Swan and an overview of the Council’s own ongoing journey to net zero as well as the role of procurement in delivering sustainable construction.
The second half of the event focused on the practicalities of decarbonisation within construction and gave participants an opportunity to hear about the Supply Chain Sustainability School and The Carbon Reduction Code.
The event supported the Council’s wider net zero ambition. With ongoing regeneration work across the city, the Council wants to ensure that the city develops with the climate and sustainability at the forefront of its ambitious plans.
Councillor Carmel Swan, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Transport and Sustainability, said: “It’s vitally important that we work alongside our construction industry and wider supply chain partners as they are key to being able to reach net zero, not just in Derby but the wider region and globally.
“This event has given us the perfect opportunity to open lines of communication about decarbonisation and we’ll keep those conversations going.”
Mark Robinson, Group Chief Executive at SCAPE, said: “We were delighted to support this event, which provided a crucial platform for Derby’s construction supply chain to engage with buyers and gain practical insights into decarbonisation.
“The built environment is responsible for a significant proportion of the UK’s carbon emissions, so it’s vital that businesses at every level of the supply chain have the knowledge and support they need to deliver more sustainable projects.
“By working together and accessing initiatives like the Supply Chain Sustainability School and the Carbon Reduction Code, we can drive real change and help ensure that the industry moves towards a low-carbon future.”
Nationwide Platforms empowers employees through apprenticeships
This National Apprenticeship Week (10th – 16th February 2025), Nationwide Platforms is championing the value of lifelong learning through employees like Yetunde Adefila, a 40-year-old HR Business Partner who’s using an apprenticeship to sharpen her leadership skills and shape company HR strategy.
With an engineering background and a degree in computer science, she began her career in the technical sector. However, she soon realised she missed the human interaction element in her work, leading her to transition into HR in her late 20s. Since joining Nationwide Platforms as an HR Advisor three years ago, she has progressed rapidly, being promoted to HR Business Partner within a year.
While transitioning into her new role, Yetunde sought guidance from a mentor outside of work who recommended an apprenticeship to strengthen her leadership and strategic HR skills. Already holding a Level 7 qualification in HR Practices, Yetunde opted for a career-adjacent route, enrolling in a Level 5 Coaching Professional apprenticeship through KnowledgeBrief. Her apprenticeship is focused on coaching and influencing and takes 12 months to complete, involving online learning, bi-monthly meetings with a skills coach, portfolio development, and a final exam. Now two months in, she is already seeing improvements in her approach to HR strategy. “I absolutely love my role,” says Yetunde. “Every day is different, and I enjoy the gentle strategising that comes with it. HR is often the first place people turn to when they’re struggling at work. I want to be able to guide them effectively, balancing emotional support with strategic decision-making. I’m incredibly thankful for the opportunity to level up. I describe myself as a ‘certification freak’, but this apprenticeship is more than a qualification. It’s about applying frameworks in real-time and developing the soft skills that make a real difference. Balancing work, studies, and family life is no small feat, and Nationwide Platforms’ hybrid working policy has been crucial to maintaining this balance while still enjoying precious family time.”Charlie Stanley, HR Director at Nationwide Platforms, said, “Nationwide Platforms champions internal career development through apprenticeships. By providing employees with the tools, flexibility, and support to advance their careers, the company is fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth. As we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, Yetunde’s experience is a testament to the power of lifelong learning and the impact of investing in people. Nationwide Platforms is proud to play a part in helping employees reach their full potential, proving that career growth is always within reach.”
New Procurement Act set to reshape business operations
The UK government will implement the Procurement Act 2023 on February 24, 2025, introducing changes to increase small business participation in public contracts. The government spends £400 billion annually on public procurement and has set a target to direct over £120 billion to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Only 11% of contracts are awarded directly to SMEs, rising to 24% when subcontracting is included.
A key change under the new Act is the introduction of a Central Digital Platform to replace and enhance the Find a Tender service. The platform will centralise supplier registration, store core business details for multiple bids, and improve visibility into public procurement opportunities. Suppliers can manage profiles, track procurement notices, and set up tender alerts. The platform will also capture procurement data for future analysis.
All suppliers seeking public sector contracts must register on the new platform, regardless of previous registration on Find a Tender or Contracts Finder.
Robin Hood Energy’s final liquidation report shows £50m unpaid debts
The final liquidation report for Robin Hood Energy has confirmed that more than £50 million in debts remain unpaid, according to a report from the BBC’s Local Democracy Reporting Service.
The Nottingham City Council-owned energy company, established in 2015, collapsed five years ago. It left 347 claims from individuals and businesses totaling £67.1 million. Only £13.7 million has been repaid, with most creditors unlikely to recover their money.
An independent review showed significant governance failures, and the losses were a key factor in Nottingham City Council’s economic crisis. In November 2023, the council issued a Section 114 notice, signaling its inability to balance its budget.
Number of companies in Leicestershire hits record high
New figures just published reveal that in 2024 the number of companies in Leicestershire was the highest ever recorded – in a year that presented a range of challenges for business.
During the last 12 months, registered companies grew to an all-time high of 78,116 – up from 75,930 at the end of 2023 – and 11,209 new businesses were established in the county. The statistics are taken from the Inform Direct Review of Company Formations, using data from Companies House and the Office for National Statistics. Leicester formed the most new businesses (5,801), followed by Charnwood (1,399) and Blaby (868).
John Korchak, Managing Director at Inform Direct, said: “It is really good news that Leicestershire can celebrate a record number of companies. The year undoubtedly presented a range of challenges for business with the uncertainty of the General Election, the introduction of new regulations and concerns over Labour’s first Budget in October which included the increase in employer National Insurance. World events also played a part in economic volatility with the US Election and instability in the Middle East high up on the list. Despite all these factors, businesspeople in Leicestershire demonstrated great resilience and inspired leadership, evidenced in this successful result.”
The UK as a whole mirrored this trend with a record total of 5,637,210 companies, up from 5,476,772 at the end of 2023. There were 848,192 formations during the year and 690,501 dissolutions.
Blueprint Interiors complete full interior design and fit out at Inizio’s new Ashby office
Workplace consultancy Blueprint Interiors has completed a full interior design and fit out for Inizio’s new office in Ashby-de-la-Zouch.
Inizio, a commercialisation partner that specialises in healthcare, was formed in 2022 out of the combination of Ashfield Health and Huntsworth, under private equity firm Clayton, Dubilier & Rice (CD&R). Ashfield Healthcare opened its first office in Ashby-de-la-Zouch back in 2002.
Marking a new chapter for Inizio in the region and continued investment in people and communities across the UK, the company took the lease of Excelsior House on Excelsior Road, just off junction 13 of the M42.
With 18,000 sq ft across two floors, Blueprint Interiors were briefed to create a workspace that integrated teams, enabled collaborative working, offered creative and flexible spaces, and a place Inizio could welcome clients.
The space now includes areas for diverse working styles and activities, such as hot-desking areas for collaboration and interaction across teams and departments, private spaces for focused work and confidential conversations, and a state-of-the-art control for hybrid and virtual events.
In line with the company’s core values, the project had clear sustainable goals. The building’s EPC A rating was maintained, existing furniture was repurposed, and recycled products made from ocean plastic were installed. Other features of the fit out included exposed ceiling designs, sustainable bespoke furniture pods and meeting rooms named after Ashby’s traditional trades, such as Smithy, Forge and Cooper.
Kate Kelly, Managing Director UK & Ireland at Inizio Engage, said: “The new office has truly transformed how we work. It’s an engaging, sustainable space that brings our Inizio Engage teams together and adapts perfectly to our evolving needs. Every detail reflects our unique culture and values, creating an environment where our people want to spend time because they feel empowered to succeed.”
Chloe Sproston, Creative Director at Blueprint Interiors, said: “Having worked with Ashfield Healthcare before it became Inizio, it was fantastic to be supporting them again on their impressive new office space. Just six minutes from our own HQ, the Inizio team were pleased to have sourced a local partner, echoing its sustainable and community focusses.
“After immersing ourselves in the Inizio business and culture, we interviewed stakeholders to gain a view of the company’s aims and ambitions. With a clear sense of the project goals, we set to work to create a dynamic workspace that met the needs of the evolving business.
“The space we designed brings people together and reflects the culture of the teams based out of the Ashby-de-la-Zouch location. With areas for different styles of working and socialising, alongside sustainable practices, Inizio has a workplace which enhances its wellbeing, diversity and inclusion and environmental policies.”
As fit out designer, supplier and main contractor, Blueprint Interiors worked alongside Gleeds as project manager.
Emma Wiggin, Director at Gleeds, said: “We were pleased to provide project management services on this exciting new space for Inizio. It was fantastic to work alongside them and other project partners to help achieve their ambitions for an office that truly serves their purpose. It was also great to lead on the delivery of a project that prioritised circularity, which aligns with Gleeds’ focus on sustainable practices in construction.”
In line with the company’s core values, the project had clear sustainable goals. The building’s EPC A rating was maintained, existing furniture was repurposed, and recycled products made from ocean plastic were installed. Other features of the fit out included exposed ceiling designs, sustainable bespoke furniture pods and meeting rooms named after Ashby’s traditional trades, such as Smithy, Forge and Cooper.
Kate Kelly, Managing Director UK & Ireland at Inizio Engage, said: “The new office has truly transformed how we work. It’s an engaging, sustainable space that brings our Inizio Engage teams together and adapts perfectly to our evolving needs. Every detail reflects our unique culture and values, creating an environment where our people want to spend time because they feel empowered to succeed.”
Chloe Sproston, Creative Director at Blueprint Interiors, said: “Having worked with Ashfield Healthcare before it became Inizio, it was fantastic to be supporting them again on their impressive new office space. Just six minutes from our own HQ, the Inizio team were pleased to have sourced a local partner, echoing its sustainable and community focusses.
“After immersing ourselves in the Inizio business and culture, we interviewed stakeholders to gain a view of the company’s aims and ambitions. With a clear sense of the project goals, we set to work to create a dynamic workspace that met the needs of the evolving business.
“The space we designed brings people together and reflects the culture of the teams based out of the Ashby-de-la-Zouch location. With areas for different styles of working and socialising, alongside sustainable practices, Inizio has a workplace which enhances its wellbeing, diversity and inclusion and environmental policies.”
As fit out designer, supplier and main contractor, Blueprint Interiors worked alongside Gleeds as project manager.
Emma Wiggin, Director at Gleeds, said: “We were pleased to provide project management services on this exciting new space for Inizio. It was fantastic to work alongside them and other project partners to help achieve their ambitions for an office that truly serves their purpose. It was also great to lead on the delivery of a project that prioritised circularity, which aligns with Gleeds’ focus on sustainable practices in construction.” Derby ICT company appoints Sales Manager to grow presence in SME sector
Derby-based IT and telecoms support company, Link ICT has appointed Keith Smith as Sales Manager in order to grow its presence in the SME sector.
Link ICT already has a well-respected reputation for providing IT Support Services to the education sector where its sales proposition includes providing an IT engineer on site on a set day and time to resolve IT problems and ensure end users enjoy the best experience.
The appointment of a Sales Manager follows the company’s recent move to new offices within Pride Park and a strategic plan to significantly increase the number of IT support retainers with East Midlands businesses.
Keith, who lives in Derby, holds an MPhil in Leadership & Coaching, an MA in Communication Science, a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration, and a BCOM in Marketing.
He has a Diploma in Modern Applied Psychology and various certificates, including Counselling Skills, Digital Marketing, Sales Mastery, and Strategic Sales Management to his CV. During his career, Keith has held leadership positions where he’s built and nurtured high-performing teams and developed strategic initiatives that deliver measurable success.
His previous experience includes Chief Sales Officer for software provider d6 Group, where he led a team of over 70 professionals, significantly increased global sales revenue from £12m to £33m and expanded international market presence. As National Sales Manager at training provider Pearson, he developed and implemented strategies that achieved consistent annual growth, driving revenue from £110m to £174m over six years.
Link ICT Managing Director Mark Fryers said: “Our business recently celebrated its 20th anniversary, and as part of our ongoing strategy of progressive growth our aim is to increase our portfolio of companies in other sectors that rely on IT to operate profitably. Keith has an impressive track record in sales and his leadership skills will be a great asset to the management team.”
As Sales Manager at Link ICT, Keith will be working closely with SME clients to understand their unique ICT needs and provide tailored solutions that enhance their operations and overall efficiency.
Commenting on his role Keith said: “A key part of my role will be to develop and execute strategic initiatives, ensuring that we continue to deliver exceptional service and strengthen our position as a trusted partner for SMEs. I’m especially looking forward to collaborating with our clients, helping them unlock their potential and achieve their goals.”
He added: “I was drawn to Link ICT because of their incredible values, which align closely with my own, and their exceptional service offerings. It’s clear that they genuinely care about their clients, and this is reflected in the outstanding feedback they receive.
“Knowing that I can contribute to a company with such a strong reputation and passionate team is incredibly exciting. I’m confident that my experience in team leadership and strategy development will enable me to make a meaningful impact.”
Outside of work, Keith is deeply passionate about psychology and leadership, and enjoys socialising to build connections, share experiences, and learn from others. Keith has also served as a volunteer firefighter and believes the role helped to develop his courage and teamwork skills, whilst also teaching resilience, empathy, and the value of stepping up when it matters most.
Listed Midlands companies record highest number of profit warnings since 2022
Listed companies across the Midlands issued 37 profit warnings in 2024, a 19% (six) year-on-year increase, according to the latest EY-Parthenon Profit Warnings report.
In Q4 2024, 13 warnings were issued by companies in the region, four more than Q3 and the highest quarterly total since Q4 2022, when 14 warnings were issued.
In the Midlands, companies within the FTSE Consumer Discretionary sectors issued the highest number of profit warnings in Q4, totaling nine. This trend has been consistent throughout 2024, with Consumer Discretionary sectors accounting for 54% of all profit warnings (20 warnings in total).
Dan Hurd, a Partner at EY-Parthenon in the Midlands, said: “Cost pressures caused by uncertainty continued to drive an increase in profit warnings in 2024, particularly within the region’s retail sector.
“As concerns about how rising costs, driven partly by increases in National Insurance and national living wage, become a reality, it is important that businesses look at how they can offset these increases through efficiency savings or price adjustments.
“A weaker-than-expected end to 2024 means that UK economic growth in 2025 will be slower than previously predicted. EY’s ITEM Club Winter Forecast predicts that GDP will likely struggle to accelerate beyond 1% in 2025, however real incomes should continue to rise as interest rates fall, leaving consumers more confident and likelier to spend.”
One in five UK-listed companies issued a profit warning in 2024
Across all sectors, one in five (19%) UK-listed companies issued a profit warning in 2024, the third highest annual proportion in 25 years, behind only the 2020 pandemic (35%) and the impact of the dot-com bubble burst and 9/11 in 2001 (23%).
By the end of 2024, 274 profit warnings had been issued – including 71 in Q4 – down slightly from the 294 issued during 2023.
The leading factor behind profit warnings in 2024 was contract and order cancellations or delays, cited in 34% of warnings, including 39% in Q4 – the highest quarterly percentage for this reason in more than 15 years. Increasing costs triggered nearly one in five (18%) warnings in the last 12 months.
Jo Robinson, EY-Parthenon Partner and UK&I Turnaround and Restructuring Strategy Leader, said: “It’s clear that companies have faced an extraordinary succession of forecasting challenges since the pandemic, contending with interconnected disruptions to supply chains, material and energy costs, and the labour market, as well as higher interest rates.
“2024 was also an exceptional year for global geopolitical uncertainty and policy upheaval, with a record level of profit warnings linked to contract and spending delays as businesses held back from recruitment and investment. As a result, companies’ forecasting strategies need to respond to both short-term policy changes and deeper structural issues.
“Ordinarily, a sustained increase in company earnings pressures would be followed by a significant rise in insolvencies. But this cycle has been different. The availability of cheap, long-term debt and pandemic support provided breathing space for both businesses and stakeholders to explore consensual solutions and new restructuring options.
“However, more companies are now reaching a tipping point as cumulative pressures build. We don’t expect a huge uptick in insolvency levels in 2025, but we are now seeing more distress, and more stakeholders viewing insolvency processes as a real option in finding the best path forward.
“While the pace of profit warnings has eased slightly in early 2025, we’ve seen the recruitment sector continue to grapple with a downturn in activity across key geographies and sectors, before the increases in employer National Insurance Contributions and the National Living Wage take effect. Across the board, the road ahead remains rocky with challenges around trade, geopolitics, interest rates, and more.”
