Shirebrook market upgrade to cause temporary disruption

April Lara
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Shirebrook market upgrade to cause temporary disruption

Shirebrook’s market area will face disruptions from April to September as the final phase of the REimagined regeneration project begins. The improvement plan includes an events hub, new lighting, trees, street furniture, and cycle stands.

Bolsover District Council plans to temporarily close nearby streets to keep the market running while the leading site is cordoned off. Preliminary work, including tree removal and electricity adjustments, will occur in February and March.

The council coordinates with Shirebrook Town Council to minimise disruption and support local businesses. Temporary public toilets will be provided during the construction period.

Derby-based accountant acquired by Duncan and Toplis

Stuart Pearcey
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Derby-based accountant acquired by Duncan and Toplis
Derby-based accountancy practice Underwood Green has been acquired by North-east  Lincolnshire-based Duncan & Toplis. With locations across Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, North London and now Derbyshire, the acquisition is part of Duncan & Toplis’ largest-ever period of growth, coinciding with the group’s 100-year anniversary. Underwood Green will now rebrand, with all team members including directors Gary Underwood and Richard Green remaining in their roles and in their existing premises at Pride Park in Derby. The deal sees Duncan & Toplis expand into another new location, broadening the group’s service offering to clients across the Midlands, and follows hot on the heels of the acquisition of North London-based ALG. Damon Brain, CEO of Duncan & Toplis, said: “This is a very exciting time for Duncan & Toplis, as it is the first time our group will have an office in Derbyshire. We’ve supported clients in Derby and Derbyshire for many years but, with the acquisition of Underwood Green, we’ll be welcoming a fantastic new team who are based in the city. “Gary, Richard and the Underwood Green team have a terrific reputation in the area and we’re two very like-minded businesses. I’m looking forward to welcoming all team members to Duncan & Toplis and providing them with great career opportunities, at the same time as taking great care of clients they love working with. “We want to continue to grow and expand the team at our new location in Derby, particularly our tax advisory team, and are looking for talented individuals to join us.” Gary Underwood, director and co-founder of Underwood Green, said:“Joining forces with Duncan & Toplis is a great opportunity for us and our clients. Being a part of Duncan & Toplis, we’ll be able to offer a wider range of services and even greater support.” Richard Green added: “Becoming a part of Duncan & Toplis is a thrilling step for us – their values and ambition align closely with our own. We’re excited about the incredible benefits this will bring, for our clients and for our team, who will gain fresh opportunities to grow within an ambitious and fast-growing group.”

Nottingham businesses ordered to vacate due to fire risk

April Lara
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Nottingham businesses ordered to vacate due to fire risk

Nottingham City Council has ordered the closure of the Howitt Building and Lenton Business Centre 1 due to fire safety concerns, giving tenants 28 days to vacate. The decision affects around 70 businesses and community organisations, including the Marcus Garvey Centre, which provides cultural and educational services.

The closures stem from a Fire Risk Assessment that identified issues with fire doors and compartmentalisation. The council cited safety as the priority and stated that repairs could have significant cost implications.

Business owners and community leaders expressed frustration over the short notice and lack of consultation. Some tenants have offered to contribute to repair costs, while an online petition demanding council action has gathered over 3,400 signatures.

The council has pledged support for affected businesses but has not confirmed long-term building plans.

DHL appeals warehouse rejection as public inquiry begins

April Lara
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DHL appeals warehouse rejection as public inquiry begins

DHL has launched an appeal after West Northamptonshire Council rejected its plan to build a large logistics hub on the outskirts of Towcester. A public inquiry, led by planning inspector Malcolm Rivett, is now underway to determine the project’s future.

DHL’s proposal includes a 24,572 sq m (264,494 sq ft) warehouse, offices, a gatehouse, and a new roundabout on the A5, with 273 parking spaces. The company also seeks outline planning approval for three additional development zones, potentially accommodating up to 14 buildings. The first phase is expected to create 1,300 full-time jobs.

The council cited the project’s scale, design, and location as reasons for refusal, stating it would significantly impact the local landscape and road network. Officials raised concerns about increased traffic congestion at the Tove Roundabout, despite council officers initially recommending approval.

Over 1,100 residents submitted objections, with campaigners from Save Towcester Now warning of “traffic chaos” and up to 400 vehicle movements during peak hours. Concerns include light and noise pollution, environmental impact, and disruption to nearby villages. National Highways initially objected due to traffic concerns but later withdrew its opposition.

Businesses invited to join the Lewis Foundation’s £50 challenge

April Lara
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Businesses invited to join the Lewis Foundation’s £50 challenge

The Lewis Foundation is calling on businesses in Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes to participate in the Franklins Solicitors £50 Challenge, running from February 24 to May 23, 2025. Participants receive £50 from Franklins Solicitors and are tasked with raising as much money as possible to support adult cancer patients.

Funds raised will help provide over 2,000 free gift packs each month to patients at Northampton General, Kettering General, and Milton Keynes University Hospital. An award ceremony on June 25 will recognise top fundraising efforts.

Businesses of all sizes are encouraged to take part, with early participants including The Crafty Pair, The Link Cafe, TLF Cafe, and Fawsley Hall Hotel & Spa.

Employment Bill will wreak havoc on already fragile economy, says FSB

Tess Egginton
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Employment Bill will wreak havoc on already fragile economy, says FSB
Small firms are tightening their belts on jobs, with potential changes that will expand the grounds for unfair dismissal and higher sick pay costs at the top of their list of worries, research from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) shows. New data shows that in the last quarter of 2024, 33 per cent of small employers said they expect to reduce staff, up from 17 per cent in the previous quarter. Fewer businesses are also looking to hire – with only 10 per cent of small employers planning to take on more staff, down 14 per cent from the previous quarter. Meanwhile, 56 per cent expect to keep their workforce the same. Elsewhere, 51 per cent of small employers say labour costs are one of the greatest barriers to growing their business. The upcoming Employment Rights Bill is also causing dread among the small business community, and in response to a separate FSB survey last year, 75 per cent of small employers highlighted fears relating to unfair dismissal changes, while 74 per cent raised concerns about changes to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP). In fact, two thirds (67%) of small employers say the proposals in the Employment Rights Bill would make them curb hiring and one third (32%) plan to reduce the number of employees they have before the measures are introduced. Tina McKenzie, FSB’s Policy Chair, said: “The figures speak for themselves – plans to allow employees to sue their employers on their first day on the job will wreak havoc on our already fragile economy, while changes to Statutory Sick Pay will make employers think twice about their hiring plans. “Of course, existing protections against unfair dismissal for protected characteristics from day one are essential and should remain. But extending these rights to any and all cases from day one risks opening the door to frivolous claims. “Ministers should recognise the risk to jobs and resist any approach that comes across as out of touch with business reality, instead of brushing off their concerns. “The Prime Minister should ditch these reckless changes to unfair dismissal and reinstate the one-year qualification period that worked under the last Labour Government. It’s a zero-cost fix that would show he understands what it takes to create and sustain jobs. “If taking on staff becomes a legal minefield, businesses will simply stop. That means more people on benefits, a ballooning welfare bill, and a devastating hit to living standards. Those who will be shut out of work because of this Bill deserve better from the Government.”

Camping World secures $2.15 billion credit facility for expansion

April Lara
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Camping World secures $2.15 billion credit facility for expansion

Camping World Holdings has amended its floor plan credit agreement, increasing its borrowing capacity by $300 million to $2.15 billion. The agreement, dated February 18, 2025, also resets an accordion feature, allowing access to an additional $300 million for future growth.

Led by Bank of America and J.P. Morgan, the facility supports Camping World’s expansion plans. It provides financial flexibility to grow its dealership network and strengthen partnerships with major RV manufacturers, including Thor, Forest River, and Winnebago.

HSBC cuts jobs, delays net-zero targets in cost-saving push

April Lara
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HSBC cuts jobs, delays net-zero targets in cost-saving push

HSBC is cutting jobs and delaying its net-zero emissions targets as part of a broader effort to reduce costs. The bank aims to save $1.5 billion (£1.2 billion) by 2026 by cutting global staff costs by 8%, primarily affecting senior roles within its newly merged wholesale corporate and institutional division.

While HSBC has not disclosed the number of job losses or a country-specific breakdown, CEO Georges Elhedery confirmed that the UK head office will see the most significant impact. The restructuring follows a shift to an East-West operational model and consolidates two of the bank’s three main divisions. HSBC is also scaling back its mergers and acquisitions banking operations in the UK, Europe, and the US.

The bank also announced it is pushing back its goal to achieve net-zero emissions in its operations and supply chain from 2030 to 2050. HSBC will review its 2030 emissions reduction targets for sectors such as oil and gas, power, aviation, and steel, with findings expected later this year. Despite this shift, HSBC remains part of the Net Zero Banking Alliance.

Work starts on new £5m children’s home

Tess Egginton
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Work starts on new £5m children’s home
A ground-breaking ceremony has taken place at a £5 million purpose-built children’s home being developed by Derbyshire County Council to provide essential short-break and long-term care for children and young people with significant disabilities and complex learning needs. County council officials joined project design and build partners at the ceremony at Spire Lodge in Chesterfield. The home, situated on the Ashgate Croft School campus, will offer tailored support and create a nurturing environment for children and their families, supporting the council’s commitment to improve services for children with special needs and disabilities (SEND). The Derbyshire County Council-funded project has been designed by the authority’s design consultant partner Concertus and is being built by construction partner Stepnell. Principal Architectural Designer from Concertus, Andrew Elliot said: “We are excited to be part of such a vital project for young people in Derbyshire, which will provide residential facilities in new flagship accommodation. We are pleased to further collaborate with our appointed contractor Stepnell and strengthen our positive working relationship with our client Derbyshire County Council.” Tom Sewell, Regional Director at Stepnell, said: “Our work at Spire Lodge shows how an effective construction process can have positive impacts not only on end users but also the wider community. The finished facility is set to provide such essential care for children and young people that need it the most, and we’re proud to have been involved. “The project is one example within a collection that we’ve had the opportunity to be part of alongside both Concertus and Derbyshire County Council, both of which are partnerships that we’re looking forward to continuing in our work across the region.” Derbyshire County Council Cabinet Support Member for Education, Councillor Robert Flatley said: “It was great to join with the council’s design and build partners to mark the start of construction on the new Spire Lodge children’s home. “Alongside the £7.5 million investment into new children’s homes recently approved by the council’s Cabinet, projects like these demonstrate our continued and long-term commitment to supporting some of the county’s most vulnerable children and young people. “The new children home features a bespoke design to support children in an individual but social environment in the heart of the community, with local shops, amenities, and parks nearby and is next to Ashgate School where some of the children will attend. “I was particularly pleased to hear about the provision the home gives to children in care with disabilities and how it builds a bridge to adult services, supporting families in managing transitions and helping to maintain education placements. l look forward to seeing the building’s completion offering an exciting new chapter of memories and experiences for the children and young people of Spire Lodge.” The site is due to open in November 2025.

Payment Assist expands leadership team

Tess Egginton
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Payment Assist expands leadership team
Provider of flexible payment solutions in the automotive sector, Payment Assist, has expanded its leadership team with two new appointments. With decades of experience in consumer lending, automotive finance, and digital payments, Richard Sharp, as Chief Operating Officer, and Chris Masters, as Chief Payments Officer, are implementing a future-forward strategy to enhance Payment Assist’s offerings further. Richard brings a wealth of experience to Payment Assist, having spent 25 years in consumer lending. His career includes working within the motor finance, unsecured and secured lending markets in various executive positions for large-scale PLCs and challenger banks. Richard’s expertise in regulated financial services, risk management, customer experience, and operational efficiency makes him a great asset in the growth strategy of Payment Assist. As Chief Operating Officer, Richard is leading the company’s transformation efforts, focusing on digitalisation, enhancing the customer journey, and making sure operations are as resilient as possible. He is also overseeing Payment Assist’s preparation for full FCA regulation, ensuring compliance without compromising efficiency. Richard said: “I am absolutely delighted to be joining Payment Assist at such an exciting time for the business. We have ambitious growth plans, and I’m excited to bring my experience in transformation, change, and improving our customer experience, as well as implement risk management measures so that we remain compliant and efficient as we grow.” Chris has spent 18 years in the automotive sector and has worked with some of the UK’s biggest retailers and partners. He initially worked for the digital media business Motors.co.uk, building relationships across the industry before moving to iVendi to lead business development. During this time, Chris gained valuable insight into customer behaviour and purchasing trends, particularly as the business shifted towards online transactions. His move into payments came in 2018 when he began working with online payment solutions, helping automotive businesses transition to e-commerce. Now, as Chief Payments Officer at Payment Assist, he leads on commercial strategy, marketing, and product innovation. Chris is focused on optimising Payment Assist’s payment processes and developing a next-generation platform that makes transactions seamless for automotive retailers and garages alike. Chris added: “We have a fantastic foundation from our consumer finance products, but it’s our vision to develop and deliver a best-in-class payment platform for our network. The motor industry is an amazing sector to work in, with lots of forward-thinking businesses; we want to support them with a solution that will be at the forefront of technology. “We’ve structured our teams to create dedicated support for customers and partners, which ensures that payment processing is easy and accessible for businesses.”
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