LATEST ARTICLES

Deputy Mayor of Market Deeping breaks ground at brand-new development in the town

Michael Fisher
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Deputy Mayor of Market Deeping breaks ground at brand-new development in the town

The Deputy Mayor of Market Deeping, Councillor Robert Broughton, and housebuilder Allison Homes East have officially marked the start of construction work on a brand-new development in the town.

Allison Homes East hosted a ground breaking ceremony on the site, where the Deputy Mayor of Market Deeping was able to meet with the construction team, receive a tour of the site and learn about the housebuilder’s plans for its future.

Alongside providing high-quality new homes, the housebuilder will be providing in excess of £650,000 worth of S106 contributions, which will go towards supporting the existing community and education services.

Adam Knight, Managing Director at Allison Homes East, said: “We are incredibly proud to have broken ground on our Beaufort Gardens development, and it was a pleasure to have the Deputy Mayor celebrate this achievement with us.

“Our former Market Deeping development, Beaufort Grange, was a huge success and we are very excited to be returning to the town and continuing our investment. At Allison Homes East we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional quality homes, creating places that are more than just bricks and mortar and instead communities where people can live and thrive. Now construction work is underway, we are looking forward to delivering these new homes to the highest standards.”

Nottingham Building Society strengthens intermediary sales team with National Account Manager

Michael Fisher
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Nottingham Building Society strengthens intermediary sales team with National Account Manager
Nottingham Building Society, the mortgages and savings mutual, has appointed Beckie Morton as National Account Manager, completing the restructuring of its intermediary sales team under newly appointed Sales Director, Matt Kingston. Matt, who officially took over from Alison Pallett following her retirement, has spent the past six months shaping a dynamic new sales structure designed to drive growth, strengthen intermediary relationships, and enhance the society’s mortgage propositions. With the internal promotion of Jennifer Curry and Emma Weisz to National Sales Managers — leading field-based and telephony support operations respectively — Beckie’s appointment marks the final piece in the society’s new leadership team for intermediary sales. Beckie brings 25 years of experience in financial services, including 21 years with Bank of Ireland before holding management roles at Finova and Dojo. In her new role, she will oversee strategic partnerships with mortgage clubs and networks, identifying opportunities for enhanced collaboration that drive mutual success. Together, Beckie, Jennifer, and Emma will focus on margin growth, onboarding new partner firms, and ensuring that broker insights play a central role in Nottingham’s 2025 specialist lending strategy. Matt Kingston, Sales Director at Nottingham Building Society, said: “Beckie is an outstanding addition to our team, and I’m delighted to be working with her once again. Having collaborated closely with her at Bank of Ireland, I know first-hand the depth of her expertise in the intermediary mortgage market and the strong relationships she has built over the years. “Her understanding of the evolving needs of brokers and strategic partners will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our intermediary proposition. She joins us at an exciting time, with Jennifer and Emma already driving forward our field-based and telephony support operations. Together, they form a formidable leadership team that will help us accelerate our growth ambitions. “Beckie’s appointment also marks the completion of our new leadership team for the Intermediary Sales Team, ensuring a seamless transition following Alison Pallett’s retirement. With this team in place, we are well-positioned to build deeper relationships, enhance our specialist lending offering, and continue to support brokers in delivering great outcomes for their clients.”

Iconic Chesterfield department store snapped up by Nottingham developer

April Lara
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Iconic Chesterfield department store snapped up by Nottingham developer

Nottingham-based ALB Group has acquired the former Marks and Spencer department store in one of Chesterfield town centre’s most prominent buildings.

The developer stepped in to make the deal for an undisclosed fee before the 68,000 sq ft premises, comprising two adjacent buildings, was due to be offered at auction, for a guide price of over £3m.

Marks and Spencer vacated the store in High Street, Chesterfield, over two years ago when it relocated to nearby Ravenside Retail Park.

The premises is distributed over five floors and occupies a prime location next door to Primark and opposite Chesterfield’s historic open air market, in Market Place, which has been undergoing a major refurbishment.

ALB Group is currently in advanced negotiations with a major retailer interested in taking up part of the ground floor of the building. The firm is seeking additional tenants for the remaining ground floor commercial space.

The upper floors are expected to be either residential, office space or commercial use pending further consultations with ALB’s architect John Morgan, of Nottingham-based architect Leonard Design.

Arran Bailey, managing director of ALB Group, said: “We’re delighted to have secured the deal to purchase this magnificent property.

“When M&S vacated this iconic building, it left a huge hole in Chesterfield town centre – one which caused some upset for shoppers and traders alike.”

The Bridge and QinetiQ Sign Materials and Engineering Partnership

Michael Fisher
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The Bridge and QinetiQ Sign Materials and Engineering Partnership
The Bridge at University of Lincoln, UK, and defence and security company, QinetiQ, have extended their ongoing partnership, after signing a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The new collaboration, in advanced materials and engineering, builds on an existing MOU signed in September 2023, which focused on artificial intelligence. This expanded agreement enhances knowledge sharing and innovation, creating new opportunities for research and development. Combining business with innovation, the Bridge, hosted by the University of Lincoln, is a not-for-profit facility with specialist spaces hosting advanced instrumentation, purpose-built laboratories and training and innovation suites designed to ease access for businesses, to all aspects of materials innovation. The new agreement paves the way for exciting opportunities for students from the university, including graduate or ‘year in industry‘ placements, PHD studentships and the sponsorship of Masters level projects. It also grants QinetiQ employees access to use the advanced technology and instrumentation based at the University of Lincoln, enabling the analysis and characterisation of advanced materials delivered by The Bridge. Professor Charles Footer, QinetiQ Fellow, said: “We are excited to deepen our partnership with The Bridge. Their approach to innovating, collaborating and accelerating technology development is infectious, and the team are building an ecosystem that delivers. We look forward to increased opportunities for QinetiQ employees to grow their own skills-set and experience.” Dr Matthew Thornton, Commercial Manager of The Bridge, said: “We are very pleased and excited to be strengthening our already flourishing partnership with QinetiQ, and we are greatly looking forward to working together to deliver incredible support for student projects at The Bridge. “The use of advanced instrumentation and facilities at The Bridge will be open to the team at QinetiQ for collaboration on advanced materials, and we will seek to develop collaborations going forward that will be of great commercial benefit to the partnership. “The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding will be a key driver for innovation and research within the defence sector, and will enable the success of the next generation of defence industry professionals“

Vulcan Works cuts coworking prices to support SMEs

April Lara
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Vulcan Works cuts coworking prices to support SMEs

Northampton-based office hub Vulcan Works has lowered the cost of its coworking and desk hire packages in response to market pressures affecting small businesses and entrepreneurs.

Aimed at supporting flexibility for startups and freelancers, the dedicated desk package now costs £200 per month. It offers 24/7 access, superfast WiFi, networking opportunities, discounted meeting rooms, and tailored business support.

The Coworking Unlimited option, which includes weekday access from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., has also been reduced to £150.

Located in Northampton’s Cultural Quarter, Vulcan Works provides serviced office space and access to grant opportunities, masterclasses, and a collaborative business community—making it a strategic choice for cost-conscious SMEs seeking more than just a desk.

Viking Pipeline project approved to support large-scale carbon capture

April Lara
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Viking Pipeline project approved to support large-scale carbon capture

The UK Government has approved the £200 million Viking onshore pipeline, enabling the development of carbon capture and storage (CCS) infrastructure on the Lincolnshire coast.

The project will see a 55-kilometre underground pipeline built from Immingham to the Theddlethorpe Gas Terminal. Captured CO₂ will then be transferred offshore to the Viking gas fields in the North Sea for long-term storage.

Led by Harbour Energy and supported by BP, the Viking CCS Pipeline is part of a broader decarbonisation strategy projected to attract up to £7 billion in investment across the Humber region by 2035. The initiative is expected to support 10,000 construction jobs and deliver £4 billion in economic value by 2030.

The pipeline’s design includes operational infrastructure such as valves, inspection and venting systems, handling facilities, and temporary construction sites.

After a six-month review by the Planning Inspectorate, which involved input from stakeholders and local authorities, the project received final consent from the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.

The Viking fields have the potential to store up to 300 million tonnes of CO₂, with infrastructure designed to handle up to 10 million tonnes annually by the end of the decade.

Perspective Financial Group boosts growth with nine new acquisitions

April Lara
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Perspective Financial Group boosts growth with nine new acquisitions

Perspective Financial Group has made nine acquisitions in 2025, increasing its total to 116 since its inception. The latest acquisitions have added £900m in assets under advice and expanded its client base by 2,100 households.

The deals have also seen the addition of four new office locations across the UK, including Stockbridge in Hampshire, Uckfield in East Sussex, and Grimsby and Waltham in Lincolnshire. The acquired businesses include Square One Wealth Management, Barrie Hough Financial Services, Select Financial Solutions, Friendly Wealth Management, Clarendon Financial Planning, Chapter Wealth Management, Paul Horton Financial Solutions, and Inspirational Financial Planning.

This marks a continued period of rapid expansion for Perspective, completing 50 acquisitions in the last two and a half years. The recent growth supports the company’s strategy of scaling its footprint and increasing its assets under management across the UK.

East Midlands businesses want more office time despite hybrid working productivity boost

Michael Fisher
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East Midlands businesses want more office time despite hybrid working productivity boost

New research from leading business and financial adviser Grant Thornton UK finds that the vast majority of businesses in the East Midlands believe that adopting a hybrid working approach has boosted their people’s productivity and wellbeing, yet many are still keen for their people to spend more time in the office than they do currently.

The firm’s latest Business Outlook Tracker*, which surveyed mid-sized businesses across the East Midlands region, finds that 68% of companies are currently adopting a hybrid working approach. Of these, the majority believe that the approach is adding significant value to their business and their people, including:
  • 78% believe that it has boosted their people’s productivity
  • 81% believe that it has positively impacted their people’s wellbeing
  • 81% believe that their people prefer a hybrid working approach
  • 70% believe that hybrid working is beneficial for their business
Despite these benefits, the majority (78%) of these respondents are still keen that their people spend more time in the office than they are currently. This may be due to a recognition that in-person interactions can often be more beneficial for specific activities – in fact, 74% of the businesses who are currently adopting a hybrid approach say that it is impacting their ability to provide adequate support and development for younger or trainee employees. Matt Buckingham, Practice Leader for Grant Thornton UK in the Midlands said:  “Across the East Midlands, we’re seeing businesses embrace hybrid working while still valuing crucial in-person connections. This flexible approach boosts wellbeing and productivity, yet many organisations recognise that activities like mentoring younger talent thrive with face-to-face interaction. Finding the right balance is essential for businesses. “At Grant Thornton, we believe in empowering our people to make sensible decisions about where and when they work. A trust-based approach with clear guiding principles allows employees to deliver high-quality work while enjoying a better work-life balance. Implementing a supportive framework helps ensure everyone’s needs are met – from businesses and clients to employees balancing family commitments or seeking enhanced wellbeing.”

Food and drink sector calls for government action to support future growth

April Lara
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Food and drink sector calls for government action to support future growth

The UK’s food and drink manufacturing industry is crucial to the national economy, contributing £37bn and employing nearly 500,000 people. According to the latest Food and Drink Federation (FDF) report, the sector has seen significant growth over the past decade, expanding by 17.9%. It now makes up 24.2% of the UK’s total manufacturing turnover, with widespread impact across regions, from Scotland to Northern Ireland.

While the sector’s contribution to regional economies is clear—accounting for nearly a third of manufacturing in Scotland, and a fifth in both the East Midlands and Northern Ireland—some challenges could hinder future growth. The FDF highlights a slowdown in food and drink exports, particularly to the EU, where trade has dropped more than 30% since Brexit, rising inflation and increased costs due to new packaging regulations. These factors have led to a decline in business confidence within the sector.

Despite these challenges, the FDF sees substantial growth potential, particularly with advances in automation, robotics, and product innovation. The sector is also poised to tap into a £14bn productivity opportunity by embracing digital technology and AI. However, the FDF warns that maintaining this momentum depends on overcoming barriers, including limited investment in innovation, a shortage of skilled workers, and bureaucratic hurdles.

The FDF urges the government to take action by prioritising food and drink manufacturing in national policy. Key recommendations include increasing R&D funding for the sector, simplifying tax credit systems for innovation, and addressing trade barriers, particularly with the EU. The FDF also calls for a more strategic approach to workforce development and the streamlining of regulations, particularly for the 12,000 small and medium-sized businesses that form the industry’s backbone.

Derbyshire tourism business wins national business prize for green growth

Michael Fisher
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Derbyshire tourism business wins national business prize for green growth
Multi award-winning Derbyshire business Hoe Grange Holidays has won the first-ever Green Growth Awards, a national competition recognising the top small businesses across the UK using sustainability to innovate and drive business growth. The Awards are organised by Small Business Britain in partnership with BT.
Hoe Grange Holidays was crowned joint winner at a ceremony at BT’s London HQ in March and awarded a £5000 sustainability grant, which they’ve already spent on further enhancing their impressive green credentials.
Run by family team David, Felicity and Caroline Brown, the business amazed judges with its commitment to sustainability and driving positive change through innovation, showcasing how green practices can benefit both the planet and the bottom line for the UK’s small businesses.
Hoe Grange Holidays has a well-earned a reputation for sharing its stunning Peak District surroundings responsibly with visitors. Based on a working farm between Bakewell and Ashbourne, the business offers eco-friendly and accessible log cabins and glamping holidays.
Caroline said, “We’re over the moon to win at the first-ever Green Growth Awards. Sustainability has always been at the heart of our small family-run business. We know our guests value it, but it’s incredibly rewarding to be recognised by the business community too. We hope our story inspires other small businesses to innovate in sustainability.”
Sharing the announcement of the award, BT and Small Business Britain have congratulated Hoe Grange Holidays for “setting the standard for eco-friendly tourism”.
Using the latest technology, the Hoe Grange team ensure they have a positive impact on the environment without compromising guest experience.
Their log cabins and glamping pods are kept warm and cosy all year round by wind and solar power, heat pumps and eco-friendly natural insulation.
In 2024, the business also installed a battery storage system to store surplus electricity generated for use at night or during less favourable weather conditions.
But little things can make a big difference too – the team are proud of their commitment to community engagement, local business partnerships, and sharing their passion for sustainable farming and biodiversity.
The green approach at Hoe Grange not only attracts eco-conscious travellers but significantly reduces costs too. They’ve reduced their carbon footprint by 77% in the last three years and are well on track to achieve Net Zero before 2030.
Michelle Ovens CBE, founder of Small Business Britain, says: “Hoe Grange Holidays are true pioneers in sustainability. Their commitment to integrating eco-friendly practices into their operations showcases how small businesses can make a profound impact—not only on the environment but also on their profitability. Hoe Grange Holidays is setting the bar for others to follow, proving that sustainability isn’t just a trend, but a smart, long-term business strategy.”
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