Pinelog welcomes new production manager
Chesterfield-based Pinelog, a manufacturer of luxury timber lodges, has appointed Darrell Fisher as production manager.
Darrell brings 34 years of experience in the holiday homes, lodges, and motorhome sectors to his new role, having previously worked with the Swift Group Ltd, one of the UK’s largest leisure vehicle manufacturers.
Beginning his career as an apprentice cabinet maker, Darrell has gained experience across the industry, from hands-on craftsmanship to strategic leadership, culminating in his role as senior production manager at Swift.
“The stars aligned at just the right time,” Darrell explained. “I’d been thinking about a change for a while, and when I saw the role and spoke with Craig Morrison, Pinelog’s Operations Director, I knew it was the perfect fit. The scope of the role and the company’s vision for growth made it an easy decision.”
Darrell’s scope of work includes overseeing the transition from design to production, driving continuous improvement across manufacturing processes at the company’s Chesterfield site, managing delivery and installation, and ensuring exceptional customer satisfaction.
Darrell will assist with Pinelog’s journey to modernise and fine-tune its production processes. “I’m looking to introduce more contemporary techniques, strengthening the production team, and ensuring that Pinelog continues to exceed customer expectations as it grows,” explained Darrell.
Nick Grayson, Group Chairman, commented on Darrell’s appointment: “We’re delighted to welcome Darrell to the team. His wealth of experience and process-driven mindset are exactly what we need to take our manufacturing capabilities to the next level. With Darrell onboard, we’re confident that Pinelog will continue to set the standard for luxury timber lodge production in the UK.”
Rolls-Royce reports strong 2024 results whilst “moving with pace and intensity”
Rolls-Royce has reported “strong 2024 results” as it moves “with pace and intensity.”
The Derby manufacturer saw underlying operating profit rise from £1.6bn in 2023 to £2.5bn in 2024, a 57% increase compared to the prior year, which Rolls-Royce notes was driven by its “strategic initiatives,” including commercial optimisation and cost efficiency benefits across the group.
The business’s efficiency & simplification programme delivered over £350m of savings by the end of the year, with Rolls-Royce now expecting to deliver benefits of over £500m in 2025, above targets of £400m-£500m in 2027, and two years earlier than planned.
The firm also delivered more than £550m of cumulative gross third-party cost savings in 2024 and expects to deliver in excess of £1bn by the end of 2025, helping to offset inflationary pressures. This is also two years earlier than previous targets of £1bn in 2027.
For 2025 the company has shared expectations of £2.7bn-£2.9bn underlying operating profit, and has upgraded mid-term targets to include underlying operating profit of £3.6bn-£3.9bn.
Tufan Erginbilgic, CEO, said: “Strong 2024 results build on our progress last year, as we transform Rolls-Royce into a high-performing, competitive, resilient, and growing business. All core divisions delivered significantly improved performance, despite a supply chain environment that remains challenging.
“We are moving with pace and intensity. Based on our 2025 guidance, we now expect to deliver underlying operating profit and free cash flow within the target ranges set at our Capital Markets Day, two years earlier than planned.
“Significantly improved performance and a stronger balance sheet gives us confidence to reinstate shareholder dividends and announce a £1bn share buyback in 2025.
“Our upgraded mid-term targets include underlying operating profit of £3.6bn-£3.9bn and free cash flow of £4.2bn-£4.5bn. These mid-term targets are a milestone, not a destination, and we see strong growth prospects beyond the mid-term.”
Peak District National Park Authority approves restructure under unprecedented financial pressures
The Peak District National Park Authority has approved restructuring proposals driven by a need to reduce costs.
The Authority is facing ongoing financial pressures due to a fixed government grant that does not take into account inflation and additional pressures such as the recent increase in Employers National Insurance Contributions, the rise in the minimum wage, the ending of the government’s rate relief scheme, and some external costs rising by as much as 150%.
Overall the Authority has faced a real-terms cut of around 50% over the last ten years. The continual squeeze on funding has happened at the same time as those using the National Park have increased and expectations about what the National Park should be delivering for nature, climate and wellbeing are rising.
It is only two years since the Authority last had to undertake a restructure programme. Those changes reduced senior management roles by more than half and combined several service areas whilst allowing for an investment in the Authority’s statutory planning function.
However, since the last round of changes the Authority has faced unprecedented financial pressures whilst the core government grant remains flat.
The changes approved include making efficiencies within important functions such as customer services and communications. There will be a reduction in the size and scope of work in the areas of community engagement, education and wellbeing, although alternative funding opportunities for priority projects are being pursued.
With the ongoing support of a philanthropic donor, some transformational changes are also being proposed for the Authority’s Visitor and Cycle Hire Centres to ensure their long-term viability.
Phil Mulligan, the Authority’s Chief Executive, said: “We are facing a very challenging financial landscape. The approved structure changes are extremely difficult and upsetting for everyone.
“We are cutting or reducing some of our high profile and much valued programmes. None of us wanted to make these decisions but they cannot be avoided unless there is significantly better news from government on our funding.”
The Authority has confirmed it is likely there will be a number of redundancies, which have been mitigated as much as possible through the consideration of voluntary redundancies. The restructure will enable Authority Members to agree next year’s budget at their meeting on 21 March.
Regeneration project delivers educational hub for Sutton-in-Ashfield
Multi-discipline contractor Miller Knight has transformed a vacant space at 9-11 Low Street, Sutton-in-Ashfield, delivering a future-proofed learning environment as part of a wider regeneration initiative across the East Midlands.
In partnership with Ashfield District Council and the Academy Transformation Trust, the contractor was appointed to recast and reconfigure a long-standing empty retail space in Sutton-in-Ashfield into a dynamic educational hub.
Aiming to reinvigorate the high street, this latest transformation project reveals an engaging educational hub for the students at the academy, while providing a useable, modern space serving the wider community, breathing new life into the town centre while supporting local initiatives and businesses.
Dianne Holmes, head of curriculum strategy and partnerships at the academy, said: “Academy Transformation Trust Further Education College is delighted to be moving into this new facility with the aim of supporting lifelong learning and community activities to benefit the people of Sutton-in-Ashfield.
“We hope that our approach to using a centrally located facility will encourage people to visit their town centre, supporting local businesses and positively impacting the regeneration of the town centre.
“We are grateful for all the work that has taken place to make this project happen and would like to express particular thanks and recognition to Ashfield District Council, Kinver Solutions, Gleeds, and Miller Knight.”
The project marks the third in a series of collaborations between Miller Knight and Ashfield District Council, forming part of the £6.3 million Future High Streets Fund initiative aimed at regenerating the town centre, creating new opportunities, and encouraging community engagement.
Executive director for place at Ashfield District Council, John Bennett, said: “This project is another important step in our programme to revitalise Sutton town centre. Ashfield District Council is purchasing disused commercial properties in the town centre, renovating them and bringing them back into active use.
“We are pleased to have worked with Miller Knight, who have carried out the works to a high standard and delighted to have ATTFE as tenants for 9-11 Low Street, bringing their valued services to even more local residents.”
Site construction manager, Dave Swift at Miller Knight added: “We’re incredibly proud to have played a part in bringing this project to life. From the commencement of the works, we understood the importance of creating a modernised space that would serve as a foundation for growth.
“Seeing the completed project and the response from the client and the community is incredibly rewarding and reinforces the trust Ashfield District Council have in us to deliver their vision.”
BRUSH forms power partnership with South Korean manufacturer
Loughborough energy engineering solutions provider BRUSH Group has signed an exclusive partnership agreement with South Korea’s ILJIN Electric, a manufacturer of power generation, transmission, distribution equipment and power cables.
The deal accelerates the expansion of BRUSH’s portfolio to meet the UK’s growing demand for medium and high voltage (36kV kilovolt) low-emission electrical switchgear, along with high-capacity (above 100MVA, megavolt ampere) power transformers for large-scale electrical energy transmission and distribution.
The partnership opens new markets for ILJIN, which already has a strong presence in the USA and Middle East, as well as Korea. It also enables the firm to harness the full capability of its new state-of-the-art factory in Hwaseong-si Hongseong, opened in October 2024.
As part of the arrangement, BRUSH will set up a new switchgear production line at its existing switchgear manufacturing facility in Blackwood, South Wales and train its experienced service team on the ILJIN product range.
Nicolas Pitrat, CEO of BRUSH Group, said: “This exclusive deal with ILJIN is all about growth and increasing our ability to support the UK’s energy transition. It extends the BRUSH product range so we can meet the strong demand from power network operators for products that we do not design and manufacture ourselves.
“ILJIN has an impressive track record in other parts of the world and we’re looking forward to bringing their outstanding products and expertise to the UK.”
Soo Hwang, CEO of ILJIN Electric, said: “This is an exciting next step in the development of our worldwide business.
“It allows us to tap into BRUSH’s vast experience of the UK’s energy network and enables us to combine our engineered products with their well-respected servicing capabilities, ensuring seamless product integration and lifecycle maintenance by BRUSH’s UK-based team.”
ILJIN products are manufactured at the company’s advanced production facility in South Korea. Together, BRUSH and ILJIN will work in partnership to deliver innovative solutions for projects across the UK, including accelerating the development of an SF6-free switchgear solution.
Vehicle leasing firm’s footballer fundraiser returns for sixth year
The date has been announced for the sixth annual Silverstone Soccer charity event, in aid of Cynthia Spencer Hospice.
The popular five-a-side footballer fundraiser, hosted by Northampton-based company Silverstone Leasing, will be held at Daventry Town Football Club on Sunday 22nd June.
The vehicle leasing firm has raised thousands of pounds for the hospice – it’s nominated charity partner – over the years through Silverstone Soccer and this year hopes to collect more than ever before.
Last year the tournament scored the support of football legends Michael Owen and Neil ‘Razor’ Ruddock, who sent video messages encouraging local people and businesses to get involved.
Silverstone Soccer 2025 will see 12 businesses from across Northamptonshire compete for the much-coveted winners title, as well as plenty of family fun for spectators and sponsorship opportunities for any companies who don’t want to play.
Entry for teams is open now.
On the day, there will also be Scott’s Soapy Suds charity car wash, kids bouncy castle, display cars and refreshments.
Organiser of the event and Silverstone Leasing team manager Ryan Bishop said: “This event has grown year after year, and in 2025, we’re making it bigger and better than ever! More teams, more fun, and most importantly, more support for Cynthia Spencer Hospice, an incredible charity that is so close to our hearts and does such vital work in our community.
“By supporting the Silverstone Soccer 2025 event, either by sponsoring or taking part, can be part of a community focussed, impactful event.
“Save the date, spread the word, and get ready for another unforgettable Silverstone Soccer! We can’t wait to see you there for a day of goals, good times, and giving back!”
Nina Gandy, corporate partnerships fundraiser at Cynthia Spencer Hospice, said: “We are looking forward to working with the Silverstone Leasing team as Silverstone Soccer returns for its sixth year!
“This fantastic event is great fun for local businesses as well as families too! I hope we will see both new and returning teams. Thanks also to Daventry Town Football Club for their continued support for the event.”
Nottingham hotel tax expected in 2026 after delay
Nottingham’s plan to introduce a £2 per night levy on hotel stays has been delayed until January 2026. The levy, designed to generate £1.7 million annually for the city’s economy, will be implemented through an Accommodation Business Improvement District (BID), similar to Manchester, Liverpool, and Bournemouth models.
The BID, led by ItsInNottingham, will collect contributions from accommodation providers and reinvest the funds into local initiatives. A vote among BID members on the plan was initially scheduled for 2024 but has been pushed to late 2025 to allow for further consultation and economic assessment.
The Nottingham City Council will review the BID’s renewal plan on March 3, and a final vote among members is set for later this year. The delay is not expected to affect the planned 2026 launch.
Businesses warn of hiring slowdowns, price hikes due to rising costs
According to a report by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) and AAB, UK businesses anticipate reduced recruitment and higher prices as increased employer National Insurance contributions take effect in April 2025.
Survey results show that 82% of businesses expect the tax hike to impact operations, with 58% predicting recruitment challenges and 54% expecting price increases. Additionally, 79% believe the government has not assessed the economic impact adequately.
East Midlands Chamber CEO Scott Knowles stated that businesses already facing prolonged economic strain will struggle with higher staffing costs, potentially limiting growth. The chamber’s survey found that over half of companies in the region expect to raise prices, and those revising hiring plans have doubled to 22% from the previous quarter.
Knowles urged policymakers to consider business concerns in the upcoming comprehensive spending review to support growth and economic stability.
Derby tech firm expands services after securing £750,000 contract
Alton Valley, a Derby-based network and security solutions provider, is launching 24/7 operations after securing a £750,000 contract. The move aims to support mission-critical industries with continuous service, leveraging the company’s security-cleared team for sensitive projects.
The expansion follows a record £7 million turnover in 2024, a fourfold increase over three years. Alton Valley’s growth strategy focuses on meeting rising client demands for around-the-clock support in high-security sectors.
Nottinghamshire solar project moves closer to approval
Plans for the Great North Road Solar and Biodiversity Park in Nottinghamshire have advanced following a six-week public consultation. Developer Elements Green gathered over 300 pieces of feedback and engaged with more than 500 residents across nine events between January 9 and February 20.
The proposed solar farm, northwest of Newark-on-Trent, aims to generate up to 800 MW of electricity—enough to power around 400,000 homes and businesses. It will also include battery storage, 50,000 new trees, 800 acres of wildlife areas, and 46 km of hedgerows. The project features 19 new routes connecting public footpaths and a £40 million community fund for local initiatives.
Elements Green has secured partnerships with the RSPB, Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, and Pro Renewables, which will supply British steel for the project. The next step is submitting a development consent order application, which will undergo a formal review process with additional public input.
