Honorary Fellowship for University of Nottingham spin out champion
Business executive David Whelan has been made an Honorary Fellow of the University of Nottingham for his outstanding contribution to the institution.
David, who has led, developed and grown many businesses during a career that spans four decades, has been honoured for the expert guidance and support he has provided to the university and its spin-out companies, during the past 15 years.
The company chairman has in the past been a sounding board to Nottingham Technology Ventures, which facilitates the formation and management of, and investment in, university spin outs.
The entrepreneur is the non-executive chairman of cutting-edge Nottingham venture, Medical Photonics, which is developing new medical devices based on its optical fibre sensing technology. He has also guided The Thinking Pod innovations, which is creating power electronics for electric vehicles, aerospace and industry, through the early stages of their fundraising and commercialisation.
“I am extremely honoured to be made an Honorary Fellow of the University of Nottingham for my contribution over a number of years,” said David. “As someone who spent many years at third level education when I was young, it appears that in the autumn of my career I have returned to my university roots.”
“I would like to thank all those who supported my appointment especially all at Medical Photonics and Nottingham Technology Ventures,” added David.
“And I look forward to being able to help and assist many other Nottingham University spin outs in the not-to-distant future. I will continue to be an ambassador for The University of Nottingham in promoting all its educational and commercial programmes.”
Honorary Fellowships are “senior and eminent appointments” made to people with an industrial/entrepreneurial background, who provide support and bring significant benefit to the university. The appointments may involve giving seminars or lectures and collaboration in research.
David’s skill is to work closely with academics to set up effective companies that can manage the successful commercialisation of ground-breaking technology. His involvement allows the experts to focus on developing the technology, while ensuring governance and administration is maintained to the highest standards.
His expertise includes raising funds through Angel Investors, Venture Capitalists and Private Equity to facilitate business growth; leading and inspiring company board members by encouraging their active participation and involvement, and increasing company turnover, profitability and successfully facilitating exit strategies.
David became the chairman at Medical Photonics in early 2024 and is supporting the commercialisation of the company’s pioneering technology in medical sensors.
“I am delighted that David has been appointed as an Honorary Fellow at the University of Nottingham,” said Stephen Morgan, a director of Medical Photonics and Biomedical Engineering at the University of Nottingham.
“David has a wealth of business experience and has made a valuable contribution to setting up our new spin out. I am sure that this experience will contribute to the University’s ambitions to achieve impact from its world-leading research.”
David’s career has included the successful development and sale of companies engaged in logistics and courier services, as well as leisure, travel and hospitality, prior to his work with the University of Nottingham.
Charity receives £36,000 grant for Wellbeing Cafe
End-of-life charity Treetops Hospice is celebrating a grant of over £36,000 from SC Johnson Foundation, which will allow them to complete a renovation of the Wellbeing Cafe at the hospice in Risley.
With SC Johnson Professional’s European headquarters in Denby, the company is helping to support Treetops’ efforts to provide a high-quality experience for patients and their loved ones.
Since 2019, Treetops has been offering a Model of Care, designed to meet the changing needs of people living with life-limiting illnesses. At the heart of the care model is the Café, a large, open-plan space with a glass front that opens onto a veranda and overlooks the hospice grounds.
The charitable grant will help transform this space, including a café counter to serve food and beverages from and much-needed improvements to the veranda, such as the installation of heating, and new outdoor furniture.
Adela Appleby, Head of Community Relationships at Treetops Hospice, said: “Treetops aims to reach hundreds of local people each year. Creating the right environment is such an important part of making it easier for them to turn to us for support while they are living with a life-limiting illness or recovering from a bereavement.
“Now, we can make vital improvements to ensure the space is more comfortable and functional for our patients and their families.
“We’re also excited to enhance access to our beautiful grounds. With the addition of heating, we’ll be able to keep the veranda open for longer, enabling even more people to enjoy it.”
Work on the Wellbeing Space is due to begin shortly with renovations to be complete later in 2025.
Spilsby Market relaunch aims to boost local economy
Spilsby Market will relaunch on Monday, 4 March, following efforts by East Lindsey District Council and Spilsby Town Council to revitalise the weekly event. The market aims to attract more traders and visitors, supporting local businesses and providing residents with fresh, locally sourced products.
As part of the initiative, the council has introduced a 50% reduction in market fees, with pitches now starting at £7.50—among the lowest in the region. The market will operate every Monday throughout the year.
Grantham Library to add business hub with flexible workspaces
Lincolnshire County Council is investing in a new business hub at Grantham Library, providing flexible workspaces and modern technology for local businesses, students, and community groups.
The hub will include an IT suite with business software, drop-in working zones, and acoustic booths for interviews and online meetings. Spaces will also be available for study and educational use.
Grantham is the third Lincolnshire library to receive a business hub, following similar upgrades in Lincoln and Spalding. Renovations, including new carpets and redecoration, are set to begin later this summer.
Phenna Group makes fourth water sector deal
Nottingham-headquartered Phenna Group, which invests in and partners with niche, independent Testing, Inspection, Certification, and Compliance (TICC) companies, has acquired Calibre Environmental.
It marks the firm’s fourth acquisition in 2025 and fourth deal in the water sector. Calibre will join Phenna’s Built Environment division alongside Sayvol Environmental & Building Services, Trident Water Solutions, and Evolution.
As part of this investment, Sayvol will incorporate Calibre Environmental’s experts into its skilled team.
Founded in October 1995 and based in Surrey, Calibre Environmental specialises in delivering reliable, effective, and practical solutions for water hygiene and water treatment.
Rob Fletcher and Mike Fletcher, Directors of Calibre Environmental, who will transition out of the business shortly after completion, said: “We are delighted to join Phenna Group and excited to collaborate with the Sayvol team.
“Having known Sayvol for many years and sharing the same culture and values, I believe this is a perfect fit for Calibre to flourish on the next chapter of its journey. From our first discussions with Phenna Group and Sayvol management, we felt confident that we had found the right partner.”
Les White, Managing Director at Sayvol, added: “I’m thrilled to welcome Calibre Environmental to the Phenna Group and Sayvol family. Working with Mike and Rob throughout this process has been a pleasure, and I look forward to collaborating with Jamie Birdsall, who will continue with his role in the business.
“This acquisition strengthens our regional presence in the South East with a Surrey-based location and aligns with our commitment to delivering outstanding customer service across the UK. The combined expertise of our teams will significantly benefit our customers, and I look forward to driving continued growth and excellence together.”
Brian Shannon, Built Environment Divisional MD at Phenna Group, said: “This acquisition is a fantastic addition to our Built Environment division. Calibre Environmental’s reputation for excellence in water hygiene and treatment complements our capabilities.
“Combined with Sayvol’s. Their expertise will further enhance our service offering across the Built Environment, allowing us to deliver even greater value to our customers.”
Phil Marshall, CEO of Phenna Group, said: “I’m delighted to welcome the Calibre Environmental team to Phenna Group. Their dedication to quality and customer service aligns perfectly with our values.
“We look forward to supporting their continued success and growth as part of Sayvol and our expanding Built Environment division. Together, we are building a stronger, more comprehensive offering for our clients, and I’m excited for what the future holds.”
Phenna Group were advised by Johnston Carmichael and Browne Jacobson. Calibre Environmental were advised by Brebners Chartered Accountants & Business Advisers and Wellers Law Group.
Partridge Exterior Cleaning sweeps into Burton industrial estate
Rushton Hickman has let Unit 15 Steel Fabs Industrial Estate in Burton upon Trent to Partridge Exterior Cleaning.
The property comprises an end-terraced industrial unit of steel portal frame construction and provides 698 sq ft of industrial / workshop accommodation including an office.
The new tenant, Sidney Partridge, owner of Partridge Exterior Cleaning, wanted a central location in Burton with convenient access to major transport links for their new premises.
Taylor Millington, the agent who facilitated the deal, said: “We are very pleased to have introduced Partridge Exterior Cleaning to the site on behalf of our client and we are confident that their strategic location will not only enhance their operational efficiency but also contribute positively to the local economy.
“We look forward to seeing their business flourish and are proud to have played a role in this exciting new chapter for both Partridge Exterior Cleaning and our client, Steel Fabrications Limited.”
Freeths named most active for insolvency claims in latest High Court Review
The Insolvency and Restructuring team at Freeths has been listed as the highest performing insolvency firm by volume of claims in the Insolvency and Companies List for the second consecutive year, in the fourth edition of Solomonic’s Year in Review.
The annual review revealed that Freeths had 402 insolvency claims during 2024, surpassing its total of 365 in 2023, more than 100 claims above the second ranked firm.
The claims in these calculations included Insolvency Act Claims for Office Holders, Administration Appointments, CVA filings, and Winding Up Petitions.
National Head of Insolvency and Restructuring at Freeths, Joey Byrne, said: “To achieve such strong results for the second year in a row demonstrates the strength and depth of the team’s capabilities following significant growth in the past 12 months, and deep-rooted client relationships.
“I would like to thank our clients for their ongoing support, and the trust they have in the firm.”
Direct rail proposal linking Nottingham, Leicester and Coventry receives support
East Midlands Chamber has joined political leaders across the Midlands in backing calls to reinstate direct trains between Nottingham, Leicester and Coventry, that campaigners say could be worth millions to the region and create thousands of jobs.
Bringing back the service, stopped in the early 2000’s to allow work on the West Coast Line, would be worth £400m to the region and generate 3,000 jobs, say Midlands Connect who hosted a conference to present their proposal at Coventry Transport Museum on 28th February.
Political representatives from the Midlands were joined by East Midlands Chamber Director of Policy and Insight Richard Blackmore, as the business case to reintroduce the service was made, followed by discussions examining how the project can best support businesses in the region. Midlands Connect first submitted a Strategic Outline Business Case to the Department for Transport in 2021.
East Midlands Chamber Director of Policy and Insight Richard Blackmore said: “Reinstatement of this critical service is a key ask of the Chamber’s Manifesto for Growth and would be of huge benefit to the East Midlands economy. Three important cities sit right next to each other – but not just geographically – they’re already connected by tracks, stations and most importantly a business need.
“It’s hard to believe you can no longer jump on a train in Nottingham or Leicester and get to Coventry on one train, when it was once possible, and Coventry and Birmingham have direct trains. 30% of people choose the train for that route, but only 3% bother from Nottingham or Leicester.
“Removing that service was a backward move and it’s time that was righted. Connectivity is a key lever in the decision making of businesses to invest in a region as this facilitates the ability to attract talent, connect supply chains and drive economic growth.”
Midlands Connect CEO Maria Machancoses said: “It was so great to hear support for our project from leaders across the Midlands. This scheme is so important, as we move to decarbonise transport, we must make rail the most attractive option possible. Creating direct routes between major centres is the best way to do this.”
Also in attendance at the conference were Leicester City Mayor Peter Soulsby, Coventry East MP Mary Creagh, North Warwickshire and Bedford MP Rachel Taylor, Nuneaton MP Jodie Gosling MP and Corin Crane of Coventry and Warwickshire Chambers.
Leicester City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “Coventry and Leicester are the two biggest cities without a direct rail link. This crucial scheme will reconnect them, directly helping travellers and supporting the local economies of Coventry, Leicester and Nottingham.
“With rail lines through Leicester at capacity, hindering the development of both passenger and freight trains, this scheme is urgently needed. By increasing rail freight capacity, the scheme will remove HGVs from the highway network, reducing carbon and improving air quality – which is great news for Leicester.”
Derbyshire plastics manufacturer ceases trading, assets up for auction
CPR Manufacturing, a polythene and plastic sheeting producer based in Alfreton, has ceased trading, with its assets now available for auction.
The company specialised in recycling and extrusion, supplying polythene, linear, and compostable films to industries including retail, trade, local authorities, and healthcare.
Asset advisory firm Walker Singleton is handling the online auction, with bids closing at 12:00 pm on Thursday, 13 March. The sale includes equipment from CPR Manufacturing’s facility on Dunsford Road, Alfreton.
Leicestershire bungalow development rejected again over sustainability concerns
North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC) has rejected plans to demolish Rosine Cottage in Coleorton and build seven bungalows for over-55s and those with medical needs for the third time.
Planning officers cited concerns over the village’s lack of shops and sustainable transport, arguing the location was unsuitable for older residents or those with mobility issues. They also noted that the development would require residents to rely on cars, increasing environmental impact.
Additional objections included insufficient garden space, with officers deeming the proposal “cramped” and an example of “over-development.” The council also criticised the project’s impact on the countryside, stating it would erode an open and undeveloped land area.
A separate, previously approved application to convert Rosine Cottage into three homes remains valid and can still be implemented.
