Recruitment firm makes strategic leadership promotions
New infrastructure funding could unlock more housing in Derbyshire
A £1 million funding proposal from the East Midlands Combined County Authority could enable the construction of 200 additional homes in Wingerworth, Derbyshire. The funding would support a new southern access road to The Avenue, a former industrial site that underwent a £185 million remediation effort.
The Avenue, once a heavily contaminated coking plant, closed in 1992 after four decades of coal, gas, and chemical production. The site was redeveloped after extensive cleanup with housing and a 220-acre country park.
North East Derbyshire District Council approved plans for 469 homes in 2014, with 252 already completed by Tilia Homes. However, further expansion is contingent on infrastructure upgrades. Derbyshire County Council has proposed a £1.3 million project to upgrade the junction at Derby Road and Mill Lane, adding traffic signals to improve access. Work is expected to start in October and be completed by March 2026.
The improvements would also unlock 10 acres of commercial space and enhance public transport connections. Local officials stress that without public funding, further development of homes and business facilities may be stalled.
Househam Sprayers secures new ownership, operations to continue
Househam Sprayers Ltd, a Lincolnshire-based manufacturer of self-propelled sprayers, entered administration earlier this month and has been acquired by the newly formed Househam Group Ltd. The acquisition aims to stabilize the business’s finances and position it for long-term growth.
The company’s leadership team includes Managing Director Robey Willey, with Nick Snowden (Commercial Director), Dean Eaton (Operations Director), and Frank Pearson (Finance Director) overseeing key functions. A senior management team has also been appointed to handle the supply chain, product support, engineering, and HR.
Househam Group will retain all 47 employees and continue production without disruptions. Existing customers, suppliers, and partners will receive direct updates on operational changes.
Midlands Engine Investment Fund II marks over 100 deals with investment in air compressor installation business
Nottingham construction consultancy moves to Grade II-listed lace house
New skills service to support growth for Chesterfield businesses
East Midlands law firm adds partner following ‘significant growth’
Leicester plumbing supplier collapses, 27 jobs lost
HAC Pipeline Supplies, a Leicester-based plumbing and pipefitting supplier, has ceased trading after 40 years, resulting in 27 job losses.
Administrators Christopher Lewis and Tyrone Courtman of RSM UK Restructuring Advisory were appointed on February 21 after the company faced trading and cash flow difficulties and increasing creditor pressure. A small number of employees remain to assist with the closure process.
The administrators are working to sell the company’s remaining stock through John Pye & Sons to maximize returns for creditors. Support is being provided to affected employees to help them claim entitlements.
New commercial unit in Kegworth set to create 250 jobs
Plans have been submitted for a 170,000 sq ft commercial development on the former Royal Bank of Scotland data centre site in Kegworth. Developer Hobden Estates has filed the proposal with North West Leicestershire District Council, projecting the creation of approximately 250 jobs.
The existing building, decommissioned since 2021, will be demolished in two phases, with council approval for demolition granted in December 2024. The new facility will include warehouse space, offices, and 160 parking spaces, focusing on accessibility to primary transport links, including East Midlands Airport.
The development also aims to invest in workforce skills and education. A newsletter outlining the plans and requesting feedback has been sent to local residents.
Nottingham firm enters liquidation, 65 jobs lost
Innovation Laser Limited, a Nottingham-based architectural fabrication and laser-cutting company, has entered liquidation, resulting in 65 redundancies. Joint liquidators James O. Everist and Andrew J. Cordon of CFS Restructuring were appointed on February 10, 2025.
The company, founded in 2016, owes £3.6 million to 142 creditors. Employees are owed £39,557 in unpaid wages and holiday pay, but only £11,000 has been raised through asset sales for preferential creditors.