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.
Fairfield School of Business secures major Leicester office space
Fairfield School of Business (FSB) has signed a 15-year lease for the entire top floor of Peat House in Leicester city centre. The deal, brokered by Real Estate Investors (REI) and Commercial Property Partners, adds 10,750 sq ft to FSB’s existing presence in the city.
FSB offers higher education courses in Leicester, Birmingham, Croydon, Luton, and Sheffield. Peat House, acquired by REI in 2011, is now fully let, with existing tenants including Innes England, Bellrock FM, and the Association of School and College Leaders.
Commercial Property Partners advised FSB, while REI was represented by law firm Shakespeare Martineau.
Lincolnshire district to receive £7.8m for tourism and woodland restoration
East Lindsey District Council has allocated £7.8 million to improve tourism and local infrastructure. The funding of the East Lindsey Investment Fund includes £1.8 million for tourism-related projects, such as road upgrades, car parks, markets, signage, and visitor facilities.
A significant portion of the funding will go to The Woodland Trust to purchase and restore the 483-acre Harrison Woodlands near Louth. The site, currently damaged and closed to the public, will undergo tree removal and regeneration before reopening.
The initiative aims to boost the local economy and strengthen East Lindsey’s position as a key tourist destination, further developing the Lincolnshire Wolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
East Midlands Airport adds new Jet2 and TUI routes for summer 2025
East Midlands Airport will introduce two new flight routes in May 2025. Jet2 will launch direct flights to Leros, Greece, starting May 2, with departures available every Tuesday and Friday until the end of October. TUI will begin flights to Boa Vista, Cape Verde, on May 3, operating on Wednesdays and Saturdays through October.
The expansion adds to the airport’s growing list of summer destinations, providing more options for travelers seeking warmer climates. Leros, a lesser-known Greek island, is popular for its secluded beaches and historic sites, while Boa Vista offers year-round sunshine and is known for its white-sand beaches and watersports.
The new routes are part of Jet2 and TUI’s broader strategy to expand offerings at regional airports, catering to increasing demand for holiday travel from the Midlands.
Derby’s Market Hall to reopen in May following £35.1m refurb
- A carefully curated mix of traditional and themed stalls, including quality fresh produce
- Make and trade stalls and creative spaces
- A cosmopolitan food court and bars
- Events and pop-up activity.