Technical resources for the brewing sector have been given a boost by the combining of two of the UK’s leading resources of brewing education and support.
The University of Nottingham has launched an expanded partnership with Murphy and Son that will drive forward enhanced research and development, with the Murphy and Son laboratory and R&D team relocating to the International Centre for Brewing Science.
This new partnership is the progression of a successful collaboration that has been built over several years. Over this period, the partnership has facilitated numerous graduates through apprenticeships, fellowships, knowledge transfer partnerships and post-graduate placements.
Murphy and Son’s own team has also expanded with University of Nottingham alumni and these talented individuals have become integral members of their lab and technical teams.
As part of the expanded partnership, Murphy and Son’s laboratory and R&D team will be relocating to the International Centre for Brewing Science. This move will provide greater access to state-of-the-art facilities, enabling more comprehensive product testing services for customers and expand lab testing offerings to include a wider range of analysis for wine, cider, spirits as well as brewing.
The International Centre for Brewing Science is a centre of excellence for brewing education and research and is home to one of the country’s most advanced pilot brewing systems. Combined with 135+ years of brewing know-how and global reach from Murphys, a platform for the advancement of brewing excellence and innovation has been created.
Professor Sam Kingman, Interim Provost and Deputy Vice Chancellor at the University of Nottingham, said: “I am thrilled to see Murphy and Son continue to deepen their relationship with the University. We are a centre of excellence for brewing education and research and through this partnership our shared expertise will be translated into world-leading innovation, helping to define the future of the sector.”
Sustainable brewing is a core objective in Murphy’s history, and they aim to find innovative solutions to increase efficiency and address various production challenges. The goal is to provide customers with cutting-edge solutions that enhance their drinks production processes.
Charles Nicholds, Managing Director of Murphy and Son, said: “We are thrilled to deepen our collaboration with the University of Nottingham. This partnership not only enhances our research and development capabilities but also strengthens our commitment to supporting the next generation of beverage producers.
“By relocating our lab and R&D team to the International Centre for Brewing Science, we can leverage advanced facilities to better serve our customers and expand our testing services. Additionally, this collaboration will help us continue to push the boundaries of our R&D, finding innovative solutions to deliver on our goal of being the number one technical resource for drinks producers.”
Jo Simpson, Chief Commercial Officer at the University of Nottingham, said: “Our partnerships are built on innovation and impact and our relationship with Murphy and Son exemplifies this.
“Combining our world-leading facilities, research expertise and new pathways for our students and graduates to thrive has created a partnership that will have an impact globally. I am very much looking forward to seeing the continued success and growth of Murphy and Son alongside the University.” Wavensmere sells 262 homes to Kennedy Wilson
Wavensmere Homes has exchanged on the sale of a portfolio of 262 single-family homes in the Midlands to global real estate investment company, Kennedy Wilson.
The portfolio comprises 131 homes which are currently under construction at Wavensmere Homes’ £75 million redevelopment of Friar Gate Goods Yard in Derby city centre. 131 houses will also be delivered at the housebuilder’s £150 million Wolverhampton Canalside South site, where construction work will commence imminently.
Wavensmere Homes’ bespoke product is purpose-designed by Glancy Nicholls Architects for institutional ownership in the rental market. The portfolio, comprising two- and three-bed city centre rental homes, is being delivered as a fully-fitted turnkey package and is expected to become available for occupation between 2026-7.
Designed to an EPC-A specification, each house will have an EV car charging port, together with an air source heat pump and solar PV panels to generate green energy.
The off-plan transaction was brokered by ACRE Capital Real Estate’s Operational Living team.
James Dickens, Managing Director of Wavensmere Homes, said: “We are thrilled to announce this significant deal, bringing institutional capital from a major global investor into regeneration sites that had long been derelict in the centres of Derby and Wolverhampton.
“We continue to see huge demand for eco-focused single-family housing that’s close to major centres of employment, retail and leisure, with extensive healthcare, public transport, and education provision.
“This transaction enables us to accelerate our construction programme, delivering homes for local people, whilst supporting local supply chains at Derby’s Friar Gate Goods Yard and Wolverhampton Canalside South.
“An additional 145 open market houses and apartments at Friar Gate, and a further 450 mixed-tenure homes at Canalside South, will become available in-line with our build programmes.”
Mike Pegler, President, Kennedy Wilson Europe, added: “Wavensmere Homes has garnered a strong reputation for urban regeneration and the delivery of major housing-led schemes within city centre and town locations.
“These homes will offer residents high quality, well-designed and sustainable rental housing in excellent locations within Derby and Wolverhampton. We are looking forward to construction progressing as we continue to grow our UK single family housing platform.”
Mark Wilson, Partner at Acre Capital Real Estate, said: “This UK residential portfolio offers prime city centre addresses and exemplary ESG credentials which is reflective of Wavensmere’s high quality developments.
“These two well-amenitised Midlands locations have the added benefit of the range of on-site communal facilities Wavensmere delivers for residents, such as co-working offices, screening rooms, community gardens, and fitness and play spaces.”
Progress made in improving Rutland and Melton transport services with green light for Jules House alterations
Progress has been made in improving vital transport services for residents of Rutland and Melton following the planning approval of alterations to the former Jules House building in Oakham.
The proposals are part of a broader scheme, known as Rural Innovation in Action, being collaboratively delivered between Rutland County Council and Melton Borough Council under £22.95m UK Government funding.
The scheme will be centrally located in the former Jules House area, close to Oakham Train Station and leading to Rutland Memorial Hospital. The plans include establishing two new bus routes from the site, featuring both fixed-line and demand-responsive transport operated by 11 additional buses.
Councillor Christine Wise, Cabinet Member for Transport, Environment and Communities at Rutland County Council, said: “Receiving planning permission for this important infrastructure and transport initiative marks an exciting step forward.
“Once fully operational, we expect the new bus service to significantly enhance the mobility of thousands of residents across Rutland and Melton, integrating the two rural market towns and boosting the local economy.”
The approved plans also involve reconfiguring the current land to accommodate suitable parking and turning areas for minibuses on the site. An accessible path will be created through the former Jules House site, seamlessly connecting pedestrians between the hospital area and the town.
The Jules House property will benefit from an expanded rear extension, full interior refurbishment, and new landscaping. The redevelopment will also provide much-needed community space, with first-floor office space available for rent to support the scheme’s economic viability.
Cllr Wise added: “The addition of community space in the approved plans will be welcomed by the local community and serve as an important area for residents and local groups once open.
“As we move towards the next stage of the project, Rutland County Council will be keeping local residents and key stakeholders informed as it progresses towards construction.”
Hillwood start on site at Raunds industrial and logistics scheme
Hillwood UK have started on site at Quattro, Raunds; a multi-unit industrial and logistics scheme that is being developed on a speculative basis fronting the A45 corridor.
A&H Construction have been appointed as Main Contractor by Hillwood UK and are targeting practical completion in December 2025.
The contract represents the latest in a series of developments in the Midlands delivered by A&H Construction for Hillwood UK, which acquired the business operations of Trebor Developments in October 2024.
Quattro will provide four ‘mid-box’ units in total ranging from 10,650 to 117,050 sq ft. Units will be built to the highest specification, including BREEAM “Excellent” certification and EPC “A” rating.
Greg Dalton, Vice President for Hillwood UK, said: “We’re delighted to have reached the next key milestone on this exciting project, A&H are well placed to deliver the scheme and we look forward to working with them again.
“These units will provide best in class, high specification accommodation that is much needed for surrounding occupiers and we would welcome conversations with prospective tenants.”
Hillwood UK are represented by Bidwells and M1 Agency as retained joint letting agents.
Baby loss charity smashes £50,000 fundraising target for Nottingham’s QMC
The transformation of the garden, clinical and non-clinical areas of Ward A23 at Queen’s Medical Centre (QMC) Nottingham has begun, thanks to a £50,000 donation by local baby loss charity Forever Stars.
Last year, the charity dedicated its fundraising to the ambitious Ward A23 project, spearheaded by its ‘Supporting 1 in 4 for 2024’ campaign, launched to mark Forever Stars’ tenth anniversary year and recognise the one-in-four pregnancies which end in miscarriage before 20 weeks.
Forever Stars reached its £50,000 target thanks to numerous fundraising events, individual and corporate donations, and help from hundreds of the charity’s friends and supporters, old and new.
Among the biggest fundraising events were a skydive from 14,000 feet by staff from Levi’s Barbers in Beeston, this year’s ‘One Step at a Time’ 26-mile walk around Nottingham completed by over 50 people, and the John Pye & Sons Charity Shield Football match.
“Every day, QMC’s Ward A23 cares for an average of 10 families suffering baby loss through miscarriage, and provide truly outstanding specialist care, treatment, emotional support and assistance,” says Richard Daniels, who founded Forever Stars with his wife Michelle following the stillbirth of their daughter Emily on 19 December 2013.
“But there are areas of the Ward that could be improved, and so the £50,000 donation will be used to finance some changes to the Ward’s clinical and non-clinical areas, and an exciting DIY SOS-style makeover of its adjoining garden and outside space.
“Of course, everyone involved in Forever Stars is thrilled to have hit our Supporting 1 in 4 Campaign’s £50,000 fundraising target, but as always, we are all overwhelmed and humbled by the unwavering support and generosity of so many individuals and companies from across Nottingham and the East Midlands.
“So many people give so much of their time, and money, to help the charity realise its vision to transform the support available to families experiencing the heartbreak of baby loss and miscarriage.
“I am so excited to see the planned renovation and improvements to Ward A23’s clinical and non-clinical areas take shape, and the designs for the garden turned into reality. The money will be used to cover both the work and materials necessary to completely re-model and refit the garden adjoining the Ward, so that it becomes a more inviting, usable and an appropriate sanctuary space for patients and their families.”
Talent services firm secures three-year contract with Buckland Rail
Ford and Stanley Talent Services Group has won a three-year contract to supply staff for integrated rail services company, Buckland Rail.
The partnership will utilise all three recruitment businesses within the Ford & Stanley Talent Services Group – Ford & Stanley TalentWise, Ford & Stanley Recruitment and Ford & Stanley Executive Search – with each business employing specialist teams providing shop floor to boardroom capability.
Last year, UK holding company Buckland Rail amalgamated its family of rail businesses under its own brand, combining the strengths of W.H. Davis, Davis Wagon Services, and Derby-based Yellow Rail, as it seeks to expand its capabilities and services for both passenger and freight customers in the UK rail sector.
With the focus on areas such as freight wagon maintenance, bogie overhaul, and material supply services, the integration is part of holding company Buckland Group’s broader strategy to invest in and develop businesses within the rail industry.
Jackie Glover, Group Supply Chain & Procurement Director, Buckland Rail, said: “Since the forming of Buckland Rail, we have been exploring several initiatives to improve quality, efficiencies, scalability and reduce cost.
“As our business looks to grow exponentially in the years ahead, a priority for us has been to appoint a reputable, credible recruitment partner that holds industry expertise in the vertical and cross functional needs of our business.
“Ford & Stanley came forward with the most innovative, low maintenance, yet highly effective solutions. With its independent yet synergetic three business verticals, specialising in Blue Collar, White Collar and Executive Search, they were able to provide us with a one stop, shop floor to boardroom solution.”
Daniel Taylor, Director, Ford & Stanley Talent Services Group, said: “When we learned of the forming of Buckland Rail and their ambition for growth, we anticipated that the appointment of a strategic recruitment partner could play a vital part.
“Throughout the last six months, we have worked with the leadership team of Buckland Rail to tailor a service provision specific to their business need. It’s going to be an exciting few years ahead; we’re both delighted and privileged to play our part in supporting the journey.”
Revenues slip at NAHL
NAHL, the Kettering-based marketing and services business focused on the UK consumer legal market, has seen revenues slip in 2024.
According to a trading update from the business, which is behind National Accident Helpline, revenues for the period are expected to decline to £38.8m, down from £42.2m in 2023. This is 8% lower than last year due to an anticipated reduction in revenues from the firm’s Personal Injury business.
Underlying operating profit, meanwhile, is expected to be approximately £3.9m, decreasing from £4.4m in 2023, after the deduction of £0.6m exceptional costs associated with the potential disposal of the group’s Critical Care business (£0.4m) and the associated restructure of the group’s Personal Injury business (£0.2m).
Profit before tax (PBT) for the period, however, is expected to increase 23% to £0.8m from £0.6m.
The results came as NAHL confirmed that it is in exclusive discussions with a potential buyer for Bush & Co. and due diligence and negotiations have moved to the next stage.
Housebuilder to make redundancies across Central region
Housebuilder Avant Homes is looking to make redundancies across its Central region.
Consultations are underway, according to reports from Construction Enquirer, at the regional office covering Derbyshire, North Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, and South Yorkshire.
A spokesperson from the company said that through targeted reorganisation, it has identified “clear regional overlap” which can be reduced while making sure Avant’s “multi-tenure growth strategy can be better supported by a more efficient operational infrastructure.”
The reorganisation, however, means some office-based jobs in the firm’s Central region will no longer be needed, pushing Avant to begin a redundancy consultation. The spokesperson added that the business was “committed to the redeployment of people, where possible, and a number of new roles are being proposed.”
Avant Homes Central currently has live developments ranging from Merlin’s Point at Witham St Hughes to Bennerley View in Awsworth, and is part of the Avant Homes Group, which operates across the Midlands, north of England and Scotland from eight regional operating businesses.
At present, Avant Homes Group employs more than 600 people.
2025 Business Predictions: Dave Atkinson, regional director for the East Midlands at Lloyds
It’s that time of year, when Business Link Magazine invites the region’s business leaders to offer up their predictions for the year ahead.
It has become something of a tradition, given that we’ve been doing this now for over 30 years.
Here we speak to Dave Atkinson, regional director for the East Midlands at Lloyds.
East Midlands businesses face a dynamic 2025, shaped by shifting global trends and regional strengths. Opportunities in reshoring and government defence spending are revitalising industries like advanced manufacturing and engineering, with firms increasingly focusing on supply chain security to reduce vulnerabilities and enhance resilience. These shifts also align with the region’s push toward adopting clean energy, offering a chance for businesses to lead into green innovation while meeting growing sustainability demands.
However, unlocking these opportunities requires addressing critical challenges. Productivity remains a cornerstone of business success, but achieving gains will demand investment in advanced technologies, such as AI and automation. For manufacturers, these tools will not only streamline operations but also enable smarter, circular designs that reduce waste and lower emissions.
Cybersecurity also looms as a significant focus, with businesses, particularly SMEs who may not have the resources or knowledge to protect themselves facing increasing threats. A robust approach to cyber defence is no longer optional but essential to safeguard operations and protect customer trust. And, as businesses across industries compete for expertise in AI, data analytics, and emerging technologies, greater success will hinge on cultivating and retaining skilled teams capable of driving innovation and adaptation.
In 2025, businesses in the East Midlands that embrace sustainability, leverage technology, and develop their workforce can thrive in an evolving economic landscape.
More than 100 affordable homes to be built by Derby housebuilder in Langley Mill
Derby-based developer Wheeldon Brothers is set to deliver more than 100 new affordable homes in Langley Mill following a deal with Places for People.
Wheeldon, which has been operating in the East Midlands since 1867, has partnered with the UK’s largest social enterprise to deliver 109 new homes at the site located off Bridge Street.
Under the partnership, the eight-acre brownfield site will be transformed into a combination of two- and three-bedroomed houses and two-bedroomed bungalows across a mixture of tenures.
Theo Till, land manager at Wheeldon Brothers, said: “This is a site that has sat vacant for a number of years in the heart of Langley Mill, which is now set to be transformed into much-needed new homes for the area.
“The development will include 109 new homes and a mix of tenures including affordable rent and shared ownership, which will cater to a variety of local housing needs.
“We are very pleased to be working in partnership with Places for People to deliver this fully affordable scheme; our great emphasis on delivering quality new homes combined with their outstanding reputation will ensure that local people will benefit from high quality yet affordable homes.”
Copping Joyce and Ward Hadaway LLP advised Places for People while Wheeldon was advised by CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang LLP during the deal.
Construction is set to start in Spring 2025 with homes expected to be available via Places for People from Summer 2026.
