Secretary of State for Work and Pensions visits Workbridge in Northampton

Michael Fisher
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Secretary of State for Work and Pensions visits Workbridge in Northampton

The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, RT Hon Liz Kendall MP, has been to Northampton to visit people who have been taking part in a mental health social prescribing programme.

Ms Kendall, who has held the ministerial position since July last year, visited Workbridge – the vocational and educational part of mental health charity St Andrew’s Healthcare – to find out more about the Community Skills and Wellbeing programme.

The initiative was developed to help people who have been unable to work due to mental ill health, by easing them back into employment. The visit comes as the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has published new research which shows that many sick and disabled people say they want to work to help boost their living standards – but aren’t given the right support.

Work and Pensions Secretary, Rt Hon Liz Kendall MP, said: “Today’s report shows that the broken benefits system is letting down people with mental health conditions who want to work. People claiming Health and Disability benefits have been classed by the system as “can’t work” and shut out of jobs and have been ignored – when they’ve been crying out for support.

“That is a serious failure. It’s bad for people, bad for businesses, which miss out on considerable talent, and bad for the economy. For young people in particular, being out of work can have a scarring effect that lasts a lifetime.

“On Time to Talk day, it’s time to change how we support people with long-term health conditions, such as a mental health condition, so that they have a fair chance and choice to work.”

Prison officer Teresa Hawkins is on long term sickness leave, but would really like to return to work when she feels well enough. The 48-year-old, who has been attending the five-week programme at Workbridge, said: “I’ve been off work for three months now and all I’d been doing was sitting at home, overthinking, which wasn’t doing me any good. My social prescriber gave me a list of courses in Northampton to help get me out of the house and I liked the sound of the artwork course at Workbridge.

“It took a lot of courage for me to walk through the door on the first day – I was very nervous as I didn’t know what to expect, I almost didn’t come – but I’m so glad I did because if I didn’t have this course I would be getting up late every day. It’s helped give my day structure and a reason to get up. The course tutors are so lovely and friendly, I feel like this is a safe place for me.”

The programme was made possible courtesy of a £60,000 grant provided through the central Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) via West Northamptonshire Council (WNC). The programme is part of a wider initiative aimed at enhancing local skills and fostering positive change within the community.

Those who sign up are supported by skilled tutors, helping them to realise their potential. Participants are given the opportunity to learn new skills, understand more about resilience and gain confidence which is hoped will assist them in gaining employment.

Teresa said: “This course has really helped me. I’ve met some like-minded people, learnt some new skills and I don’t feel as hopeless as I used to. I live with my daughter and she’s seen me so low, and it’s always her that picks up the pieces. I desperately want to get better so she can go live her life.

“This programme is helping me to heal and for the first time in a long time, I’ve got hope for my future. I want to go back to work eventually and the people here are helping me as I’m getting back all the social skills that I had lost from being at home all day.”

Dr Sanjith Kamath St Andrew’s Healthcare’s Deputy CEO and Executive Medical Officer, said: “As the largest mental health charity in the UK, we are committed to amplifying the voices of those who have complex mental health needs. We know that stigma around mental health remains a major barrier to people getting the support they need and this can be even worse for those with complex challenges.

“Across the UK more than a million people are waiting for mental health services. Too often, long waiting lists and a lack of early intervention mean that people’s mental health worsens, making it harder for them to stay in or return to work. There is an urgent need for parity of esteem between mental and physical health, so that people receive the right support at the right time. We must act to ensure timely, accessible care for all.

“This vital support from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) means we’re able to offer courses to those most in need helping people rebuild confidence, gain new skills, and take positive steps toward employment in a welcoming and supportive environment.”

Rolls-Royce says Government’s decision will re-establish the UK as a world leader in nuclear

Stuart Pearcey
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Rolls-Royce says Government’s decision will re-establish the UK as a world leader in nuclear
Changes to planning rules brought in by the Government mean Rolls-Royce SMR’s ‘factory-built’ nuclear power plants can be deployed flexibly in more locations – closer to centres of high energy demand – and will support the UK’s energy intensive industries including datacentres, AI infrastructure and hydrogen production. And that’s been welcomed by Alastair Evans, Rolls-Royce SMR’s Director of Corporate Affairs. He said: “This is a clear statement of intent from the Government. This announcement, coupled with wider planning reform that is focused on growth, will pave the way for the UK to re-establish itself as a global leader in nuclear. This will align the planning of nuclear projects with all other forms of electricity infrastructure and enable projects to be delivered in the longer term. “There is a range of existing nuclear sites, ready for development now, that will be unlocked by a commitment to the SMR programme in the upcoming Spending Review. It is therefore vital that winners of the SMR selection process are announced in the Spring, to give certainty to these nuclear communities.” Progress at pace – including a decision by GBN as early as possible this year – will create thousands of jobs, unlock export potential and have a transformative effect on growth and the wider UK economy. Rolls-Royce SMR offers a radically different approach to delivering new nuclear power, with each plant providing enough low-carbon electricity to power a million homes for more than 60 years on a site that is a fraction of the size of a large ‘gigawatt-scale’ nuclear power station.

East Midlands marina to be sold for first time in its history

Tess Egginton
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East Midlands marina to be sold for first time in its history
Specialist leisure property adviser Christie & Co has been instructed to market Farndon Marina, for the first time in its history. Located on the River Trent near Newark in Nottinghamshire, Farndon Marina has been owned by the same family since 1966, when the 25-acre freehold site was originally purchased and developed by local businessman and boating enthusiast Mark Ainsworth. Over the decades that followed, the business evolved and expanded, and today Farndon Marina is owned and operated by Mark’s son Paul and his wife Janet who, after a lifetime of working within the business, are looking to retire and pass the reigns to new owners. The marina comprises over 300 private berths and moorings, with berthing fees and chandlery sales forming the backbone of the business, together with boat sales brokerage and marine services, which incorporates repair, maintenance and boat lifting. Recent investments have been made in technology to improve day-to-day operations, site security, and enhance the customer experience, as well as the development of amenity buildings including workshops, visitor facilities and office space. Farndon Marina presents several development opportunities for a new owner, including the development of holiday park, motor home and touring caravan facilities, extending the boat brokerage business, and the potential to introduce floating lodges (subject to the necessary planning permissions). Farndon Marina Managing Director Paul Ainsworth said: “Since my father passed away over 16 years ago, Janet and I have continued as custodians of this incredible business. We have consistently invested in improving the facilities and customer experience, and have a fantastic team, who are and will continue to be great assets to the marina. “We too are at that time in our lives where it makes sense to pass the reigns to new owners. I’ve been contacted many times over the years asking if we would sell, and so this tremendous opportunity now becomes a reality.”
Jon Patrick, Head of Leisure & Development at Christie & Co, who is overseeing the sale process, added: “We’ve witnessed a marked uptick in the demand for both inland and coastal marina and boating businesses over the last two years. This has come from existing UK and European operators, as well as boating and marine enthusiasts and investors. “However, we’ve also seen greater activity in the sector from owners of holiday parks and associated leisure hospitality businesses which share a number of similarities with marinas in terms of the underlying business model. “In addition, this is a marina that has never been offered for sale on the open market before, and that in itself is a unique opportunity. As a result, we anticipate that interest in Farndon Marina will come from a diverse range of potentially interest parties.”

£1.2m plans revealed for new culinary experience at Retford’s Buttermarket

Tess Egginton
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£1.2m plans revealed for new culinary experience at Retford’s Buttermarket
A new culinary experience is being proposed as part of a £1.2 million project to breathe new life into the historic Buttermarket in Retford Town Centre. Bassetlaw District Council has revealed plans to create a modern and inviting food hall with multiple street food outlets. As well as being a new destination for residents and visitors, it will also provide an opportunity for various food vendors in the town, with seating inside for up to 60 diners alongside external seating and new toilet facilities. Cllr Steve Scotthorne, Cabinet Member for Identity and Place, said: “These are exciting proposals, which if given the go ahead, could attract more people into the Buttermarket and the wider town. “As well as giving the much-loved historic building a new lease of life it’ll also create exciting opportunities for several food retailers in Retford.” There is also an ambition to decarbonise the space with the introduction of electrified heating and cooking equipment for food vendors to use. Planning for the development is due to be submitted in the coming weeks, and if successful, the search for an operator to manage the six food retail outlets will begin. If given the go-ahead work would be financed through government funding including from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Innovative legal workflow provider acquired

Tess Egginton
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Innovative legal workflow provider acquired

Litera, a global leader in legal technology for experience management, has acquired Nottingham-based Peppermint Technology, an innovative provider of technology solutions tailored to law firms and a valued Microsoft partner.

This strategic acquisition significantly elevates the value law firms derive from their Microsoft applications, adding innovative marketing, business development, and case & matter management solutions to Litera’s suite of legal technology capabilities that manage the end-to-end legal experience.

Peppermint’s CRM, Client Engagement, allows law firms to create a unified view of the client. This enables more personalised interactions and enhances the targeting of business development activities through data-driven decision-making.

Gary Young, CEO of Peppermint Technology, said: “We are very excited to become part of the Litera family, where our shared vision and offerings will deliver even more benefit to our customers and the wider legal sector.

“It is the right time in Peppermint’s growth journey to bring our businesses together, having similar cultures and ambition for our people, customers, and partners.”

“The combined offerings from Litera and Peppermint Technology will empower law firms to excel in client engagement and operational efficiency directly in the Microsoft tools they use every day,” said Avaneesh Marwaha, CEO of Litera.

“We are excited to both integrate Peppermint’s innovative solutions into our portfolio and partner with Microsoft, accelerating Litera’s mission to transform top-to-bottom the entire legal experience and give our clients efficiencies they did not imagine possible.”

“As mutual customers of both Litera and Peppermint, we are excited about the opportunities this acquisition presents for our lawyers, enabling seamless access to some of our most utilised applications within the cloud,” said Mike Wilson, Managing Partner at law firm Blake Morgan.

“By integrating our legal workflows directly into Microsoft cloud applications, we anticipate a significant boost in efficiency for our lawyers, and Litera and Peppermint have been key partners in achieving this vision. We look forward to continuing our collaboration and are confident that this acquisition further enhances the exceptional products and services we’ve come to expect.”

The corporate team in Gateley’s Nottingham office advised the selling shareholders and management of Peppermint Technology, led by partner and Nottingham head of corporate Victoria Elliott, alongside corporate senior associate Rachael Mitchison, corporate solicitor Joe Girgis, corporate paralegal Elizabeth Cole and graduate solicitor apprentice Charlize-Li Clark. The team were also supported by employment partner Paul Ball and tax partner Bernhard Gilbey. Victoria Elliott said: “We are delighted to have advised our long-standing client Peppermint Technology on its sale to Litera Group. This transaction not only underscores our expertise in the tech sector but also highlights our commitment to supporting successful businesses across the East Midlands and beyond. “The opportunity to be a part of the Litera ecosystem of powerful, user-friendly tools heralds another exciting chapter in our client’s growth journey and together will present a formidable offering to the market.”

Regeneration project given the green light to make Melton Mowbray a major cultural destination

Tess Egginton
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Regeneration project given the green light to make Melton Mowbray a major cultural destination
Plans to regenerate Stockyard Melton Mowbray have been approved by Melton Borough Council’s Planning Committee, marking an important milestone for the project. The Stockyard development is a flagship project for the council that will support the growth of the food production sector in Melton Mowbray and enhance its potential as a cultural destination. The vision includes a range of improvements to the current site, featuring a new destination anchor building serving multiple purposes and new open plan food production hubs which will enable multi-use occupancy for business needs. The new buildings have been carefully designed to complement the existing area, and the development will also enhance some of the existing buildings on site, such as the trader hall and existing toilets. Stockyard forms part of a wider ambition being delivered collaboratively with Rutland County Council under the Rural Innovation in Action scheme, which has received combined UK Government Funding of £22.95m. The approved proposals, subject to a Section 106 agreement, also include a multifunctional events space in the centre of the site, which will host a diverse calendar of activities to attract local and national visitors to the town. Many events, such as food festivals already established on the Cattle Market site will remain and will now have the space to expand thanks to the upgraded plans. The scheme aims to make the space a more welcoming environment for all, with significant improvements to the main walkways, additional green infrastructure and seating as well as electric vehicle charging points. Additionally, there will be the inclusion of a Changing Places toilet facility to ensure the site is accessible for all. Councillor Pip Allnatt, Leader of Melton Borough Council and responsible for key project delivery at Melton Borough Council, said: “Following a thorough planning and engagement process with the local community and key stakeholders to help form the Stockyard project, it’s good to see that our plans have been approved. “The scheme is a transformational development that enhances the existing site. We will be able to increase and improve the food manufacturing and education aspects on site, and we’ll also be adding new public toilets with a changing places area – a facility the local community has voiced the need for. “The planning approval represents a significant milestone, and we’ll be keeping stakeholders up to date on progress.” In recent years, Stockyard has acted as a local point of interest bringing people together from around the area to experience the goods that are produced on site, which has already attracted visitors to the town. The Retail Impact Assessment showed the enhancements at Stockyard will generate further footfall and economic activity, supporting existing businesses in the town centre, whilst making full use of a unique site that cannot be replicated elsewhere. A key part of Stockyard is to incorporate the broader Town Centre Vision, ensuring the plans link and support the wider area. The plans also include new signage directing people to the town centre and improved public realm across the site, with enhanced access. Following planning approval and the discharge of any relevant planning conditions, work is planned to begin in the spring. The council have already received interest and are taking enquiries from potential occupiers of the new units and are encouraging interested parties to contact APB.

Barwood Capital invests for growth with key hire and promotion

Tess Egginton
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Barwood Capital invests for growth with key hire and promotion
Barwood Capital, the Northamptonshire-based real estate investment and development specialist, is investing for growth with a new senior hire and promotion. The news comes following a successful year of capital raising, which saw Barwood close its fifth Growth Fund at the beginning of 2024 targeting strong, value add returns from UK commercial real estate, followed by two successful fund raises for its innovative Barwood Residential Investment Platform, BRIPs 10 & 11, and a further equity raise into its Urban Industrial Income LP, an existing multi-let industrial vehicle. Barwood believes that the UK real estate market is poised to benefit from several key structural tailwinds – limited supply, rising rents, an improving interest rate environment, and potential government support – presenting strong opportunities for investing in undervalued assets. To capitalise on these opportunities, Barwood has made a key hire to support its capital raising initiatives, with Will Dickens joining as Head of Business Development. Will brings over 25 years’ experience in the real estate industry, having previously worked at King Sturge (JLL) and multinational investment bank and financial services company, Citi, as a Director within the Global Real Estate and Private Equity Team, and more recently Yoo Capital. Will’s role will focus on leading the capital raising efforts across Barwood’s various funds, vehicles, and mandates in both the commercial and residential sectors, including seeking strategic co-investment and joint venture partners. Will said: “The bottoming out of the UK property market during 2024, and availability of debt improving, means that we are seeing significant interest in UK property from both domestic and international investors. “I look forward to bringing my wider relationships into the Barwood fold as the market picks up pace, supporting the company at an exciting time in its growth trajectory.” Barwood has also promoted Danielle Sheppard as Head of Performance and Impact, with responsibility for managing Barwood’s commercial portfolios and developments, as well as overseeing its sustainability initiatives and sourcing new opportunities for its property funds. Her new role will focus on ensuring that Barwood’s funds and mandates deliver optimal returns for investors, while upholding the company’s commitment to making a positive societal and environmental impact. Danielle said: “I’m incredibly excited to embark on this new role, which will give me primary responsibility for managing the commercial mandates at Barwood. “This is a particularly exciting step in my journey, due to the current diversity and ambition of the company’s investments across the UK. “Barwood has a long-standing reputation for unlocking value from underperforming and under-managed real estate — a mission that aligns closely with my passion for sustainable investment and driving investor returns.” Hugh Elrington, Managing Director at Barwood, said: “Our people have always been our greatest asset, and we’re proud to be able to continue attracting strong talent and giving existing team members the opportunity to grow their career. “I’m confident that they will play in an integral role in the success of the business going forward, supporting Barwood’s next stage of growth and helping us to achieve our purpose to innovate and unlock value in both the commercial and residential markets.”

Derby’s Electric Daisy founder hails success of accountancy firm’s free year-long community programme

Tess Egginton
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Derby’s Electric Daisy founder hails success of accountancy firm’s free year-long community programme
The leader of Derby’s Electric Daisy and Down to Earth nature projects has urged local “mission-led” organisations to apply for an accountancy firm’s free project aimed at improving life in the community. Jamie Quince-Starkey, who runs the Electric Daisy and Down to Earth project in Bold Lane, said winning a year’s free support from Vibrant Accountancy through its Community Programme has significantly helped the organisation with its mission to help Derby become a greener city. Electric Daisy and Down to Earth are nature regeneration events spaces in the heart of Derby that are backed by The Eden Project in Cornwall. Now Vibrant Accountancy has launched its community business support project for 2025 and local organisations including businesses, Community Interest Companies and charities on a mission to improve life in Derby and Derbyshire have been urged to apply. Vibrant Accountancy owner and founder Bev Wakefield is offering one winning business a year of complimentary advice services, business planning sessions and quarterly coaching to refine and improve goals. Jamie Quince-Starkey said of winning Vibrant’s Community Programme last year: “Bev and her team were really helpful with us, levelling up our organisation and business so we didn’t have to be so granular and could take a bird’s eye view on the business. “It has not just the financial side which has been really, really helpful. Just to have people you can talk to about other aspects of running the business – it has been like therapy. “We’ve been able to focus on the things that we really need to. For start-ups and organisations that are purpose and mission led, because you’re so focused on that, having someone to help you with the business side of things is great. “If organisations are out there which are about their purpose, and need that support with the business side of things, they should definitely apply. “We have been able to grow the team which has been really helpful. Having strong budgets and targets has also been helpful.” Vibrant’s Community Programme is a free initiative aimed at uplifting a deserving Derbyshire business. The tailor-made year of support is being offered to a business making “a real difference” in the community. Bev said: “Our community programme is about more than supporting a business. We want to amplify the impact of those who care as deeply about our local area as the team at Vibrant does. We really hope that any organisation which is making a difference will apply for the programme and benefit from a year of expert coaching and advice. “It’s brilliant to hear how our support has helped Down to Earth and Electric Daisy flourish and grow. Now we’d love to hear from other local organisations keen to let us know how they are making a difference to our communities.”

Midlands private equity deals increase in 2024

Tess Egginton
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Midlands private equity deals increase in 2024
The number of private equity transactions completed in the Midlands increased marginally in 2024, while the total investment figure fell, according to the latest UK Private Equity Review from KPMG UK. The comprehensive annual study into private equity deal activity found that investment in the region declined by 27.4% in 2024, to a total of £13.3 billion. The findings come following a period in which the UK experienced a more stable economic climate, with falling inflation and greater interest rate stability; increased political certainty following elections; and a surge in transactions ahead of anticipated changes to Capital Gains Tax. Despite this fall in investment levels, the volume of deals in the region increased slightly from 157 to 160 year-on-year. Investment in the Midlands accounted for 8.3% of total new PE backing in the UK. London continued to deliver the greatest interest from PE funds, attracting £78.1 billion of investment, ahead of the North West (£20.0 billion) and the South East (£15.8 billion). Stuart Sewell, Head of M&A for the Midlands at KPMG UK, said: “Although private equity investment by value in the Midlands fell in 2024, deal volumes remained encouraging, with interest rate cuts likely to stimulate the market in 2025. “Once again the Midlands made a solid contribution in terms of national investments and the region’s plethora of innovative businesses look to be in good shape to target even larger deals in the coming months.”

Work starts on 107,000 sq ft development at Derbyshire industrial and logistics scheme

Tess Egginton
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Work starts on 107,000 sq ft development at Derbyshire industrial and logistics scheme
Work has started on site at ARK, a new 107,000 sq ft development at Markham Vale, Derbyshire. The £19m GDV scheme will be delivered by Origin, the UK-focused mid-box industrial and logistics platform formed by HBD, part of Henry Boot, and Feldberg Capital. Markham Vale is a flagship 200-acre industrial and logistics scheme which was delivered by HBD in joint venture with Derbyshire County Council. An award-winning development, it sits at the heart of the UK motorway network with direct access to the M1 via a dedicated junction, J29a. It is home to a range of businesses, including advanced manufacturers and logistics providers, with occupiers including Smurfit Westrock, Bilstein Group, Great Bear, Granger International and Sterigenics. More than 2,600 jobs have been created at Markham Vale since work began in 2006. Henry Boot Construction has been appointed to deliver the four units at ARK, which is expected to complete in Q4 2025. Vivienne Clements, Executive Director at HBD, said: “Markham Vale is one of the region’s leading I&L locations so it’s positive to be able to deliver further Grade A space, which remains in short supply. “Like all of our Origin developments, all four units will have market-leading ESG credentials, prioritising sustainability and securing both BREEAM Excellent and EPC A ratings. We look forward to seeing ARK begin to take shape, attracting additional inward investment and creating new jobs.” Jamie Acheson, Managing Director of Feldberg Capital, said: “Having only just set up the venture in December 2024, the fact that we are already on-site at ARK demonstrates our ambition to rapidly grow Origin into the UK’s leading mid-box industrial and logistics platform.” The agents for ARK are JLL and CPP.
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