Robin Hood Energy’s final liquidation report shows £50m unpaid debts

April Lara
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Robin Hood Energy’s final liquidation report shows £50m unpaid debts

The final liquidation report for Robin Hood Energy has confirmed that more than £50 million in debts remain unpaid, according to a report from the BBC’s Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The Nottingham City Council-owned energy company, established in 2015, collapsed five years ago. It left 347 claims from individuals and businesses totaling £67.1 million. Only £13.7 million has been repaid, with most creditors unlikely to recover their money.

An independent review showed significant governance failures, and the losses were a key factor in Nottingham City Council’s economic crisis. In November 2023, the council issued a Section 114 notice, signaling its inability to balance its budget.

Number of companies in Leicestershire hits record high

April Lara
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Number of companies in Leicestershire hits record high
New figures just published reveal that in 2024 the number of companies in Leicestershire was the highest ever recorded – in a year that presented a range of challenges for business.   During the last 12 months, registered companies grew to an all-time high of 78,116   –  up from 75,930 at the end of 2023 – and 11,209 new businesses were established in the county.  The statistics are taken from the Inform Direct Review of Company Formations, using data from Companies House and the Office for National Statistics. Leicester formed the most new businesses (5,801), followed by Charnwood (1,399) and Blaby (868).  John Korchak, Managing Director at Inform Direct, said: “It is really good news that Leicestershire can celebrate a record number of companies. The year undoubtedly presented a range of challenges for business with the uncertainty of the General Election, the introduction of new regulations and concerns over Labour’s first Budget in October which included the increase in employer National Insurance. World events also played a part in economic volatility with the US Election and instability in the Middle East high up on the list.  Despite all these factors, businesspeople in Leicestershire demonstrated great resilience and inspired leadership, evidenced in this successful result.”  The UK as a whole mirrored this trend with a record total of 5,637,210 companies, up from 5,476,772 at the end of 2023. There were 848,192 formations during the year and 690,501 dissolutions. 

Blueprint Interiors complete full interior design and fit out at Inizio’s new Ashby office

Tess Egginton
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Blueprint Interiors complete full interior design and fit out at Inizio’s new Ashby office
Workplace consultancy Blueprint Interiors has completed a full interior design and fit out for Inizio’s new office in Ashby-de-la-Zouch. Inizio, a commercialisation partner that specialises in healthcare, was formed in 2022 out of the combination of Ashfield Health and Huntsworth, under private equity firm Clayton, Dubilier & Rice (CD&R). Ashfield Healthcare opened its first office in Ashby-de-la-Zouch back in 2002. Marking a new chapter for Inizio in the region and continued investment in people and communities across the UK, the company took the lease of Excelsior House on Excelsior Road, just off junction 13 of the M42. With 18,000 sq ft across two floors, Blueprint Interiors were briefed to create a workspace that integrated teams, enabled collaborative working, offered creative and flexible spaces, and a place Inizio could welcome clients. The space now includes areas for diverse working styles and activities, such as hot-desking areas for collaboration and interaction across teams and departments, private spaces for focused work and confidential conversations, and a state-of-the-art control for hybrid and virtual events. In line with the company’s core values, the project had clear sustainable goals. The building’s EPC A rating was maintained, existing furniture was repurposed, and recycled products made from ocean plastic were installed. Other features of the fit out included exposed ceiling designs, sustainable bespoke furniture pods and meeting rooms named after Ashby’s traditional trades, such as Smithy, Forge and Cooper. Kate Kelly, Managing Director UK & Ireland at Inizio Engage, said: “The new office has truly transformed how we work. It’s an engaging, sustainable space that brings our Inizio Engage teams together and adapts perfectly to our evolving needs. Every detail reflects our unique culture and values, creating an environment where our people want to spend time because they feel empowered to succeed.” Chloe Sproston, Creative Director at Blueprint Interiors, said: “Having worked with Ashfield Healthcare before it became Inizio, it was fantastic to be supporting them again on their impressive new office space. Just six minutes from our own HQ, the Inizio team were pleased to have sourced a local partner, echoing its sustainable and community focusses. “After immersing ourselves in the Inizio business and culture, we interviewed stakeholders to gain a view of the company’s aims and ambitions. With a clear sense of the project goals, we set to work to create a dynamic workspace that met the needs of the evolving business. “The space we designed brings people together and reflects the culture of the teams based out of the Ashby-de-la-Zouch location. With areas for different styles of working and socialising, alongside sustainable practices, Inizio has a workplace which enhances its wellbeing, diversity and inclusion and environmental policies.” As fit out designer, supplier and main contractor, Blueprint Interiors worked alongside Gleeds as project manager. Emma Wiggin, Director at Gleeds, said: “We were pleased to provide project management services on this exciting new space for Inizio. It was fantastic to work alongside them and other project partners to help achieve their ambitions for an office that truly serves their purpose. It was also great to lead on the delivery of a project that prioritised circularity, which aligns with Gleeds’ focus on sustainable practices in construction.”

Derby ICT company appoints Sales Manager to grow presence in SME sector

Tess Egginton
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Derby ICT company appoints Sales Manager to grow presence in SME sector
Derby-based IT and telecoms support company, Link ICT has appointed Keith Smith as Sales Manager in order to grow its presence in the SME sector. Link ICT already has a well-respected reputation for providing IT Support Services to the education sector where its sales proposition includes providing an IT engineer on site on a set day and time to resolve IT problems and ensure end users enjoy the best experience. The appointment of a Sales Manager follows the company’s recent move to new offices within Pride Park and a strategic plan to significantly increase the number of IT support retainers with East Midlands businesses. Keith, who lives in Derby, holds an MPhil in Leadership & Coaching, an MA in Communication Science, a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration, and a BCOM in Marketing. He has a Diploma in Modern Applied Psychology and various certificates, including Counselling Skills, Digital Marketing, Sales Mastery, and Strategic Sales Management to his CV. During his career, Keith has held leadership positions where he’s built and nurtured high-performing teams and developed strategic initiatives that deliver measurable success. His previous experience includes Chief Sales Officer for software provider d6 Group, where he led a team of over 70 professionals, significantly increased global sales revenue from £12m to £33m and expanded international market presence. As National Sales Manager at training provider Pearson, he developed and implemented strategies that achieved consistent annual growth, driving revenue from £110m to £174m over six years. Link ICT Managing Director Mark Fryers said: “Our business recently celebrated its 20th anniversary, and as part of our ongoing strategy of progressive growth our aim is to increase our portfolio of companies in other sectors that rely on IT to operate profitably. Keith has an impressive track record in sales and his leadership skills will be a great asset to the management team.” As Sales Manager at Link ICT, Keith will be working closely with SME clients to understand their unique ICT needs and provide tailored solutions that enhance their operations and overall efficiency. Commenting on his role Keith said: “A key part of my role will be to develop and execute strategic initiatives, ensuring that we continue to deliver exceptional service and strengthen our position as a trusted partner for SMEs. I’m especially looking forward to collaborating with our clients, helping them unlock their potential and achieve their goals.” He added: “I was drawn to Link ICT because of their incredible values, which align closely with my own, and their exceptional service offerings. It’s clear that they genuinely care about their clients, and this is reflected in the outstanding feedback they receive. “Knowing that I can contribute to a company with such a strong reputation and passionate team is incredibly exciting. I’m confident that my experience in team leadership and strategy development will enable me to make a meaningful impact.” Outside of work, Keith is deeply passionate about psychology and leadership, and enjoys socialising to build connections, share experiences, and learn from others. Keith has also served as a volunteer firefighter and believes the role helped to develop his courage and teamwork skills, whilst also teaching resilience, empathy, and the value of stepping up when it matters most.

Listed Midlands companies record highest number of profit warnings since 2022

Tess Egginton
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Listed Midlands companies record highest number of profit warnings since 2022
Listed companies across the Midlands issued 37 profit warnings in 2024, a 19% (six) year-on-year increase, according to the latest EY-Parthenon Profit Warnings report. In Q4 2024, 13 warnings were issued by companies in the region, four more than Q3 and the highest quarterly total since Q4 2022, when 14 warnings were issued. In the Midlands, companies within the FTSE Consumer Discretionary sectors issued the highest number of profit warnings in Q4, totaling nine. This trend has been consistent throughout 2024, with Consumer Discretionary sectors accounting for 54% of all profit warnings (20 warnings in total). Dan Hurd, a Partner at EY-Parthenon in the Midlands, said: “Cost pressures caused by uncertainty continued to drive an increase in profit warnings in 2024, particularly within the region’s retail sector. “As concerns about how rising costs, driven partly by increases in National Insurance and national living wage, become a reality, it is important that businesses look at how they can offset these increases through efficiency savings or price adjustments. “A weaker-than-expected end to 2024 means that UK economic growth in 2025 will be slower than previously predicted. EY’s ITEM Club Winter Forecast predicts that GDP will likely struggle to accelerate beyond 1% in 2025, however real incomes should continue to rise as interest rates fall, leaving consumers more confident and likelier to spend.” One in five UK-listed companies issued a profit warning in 2024 Across all sectors, one in five (19%) UK-listed companies issued a profit warning in 2024, the third highest annual proportion in 25 years, behind only the 2020 pandemic (35%) and the impact of the dot-com bubble burst and 9/11 in 2001 (23%). By the end of 2024, 274 profit warnings had been issued – including 71 in Q4 – down slightly from the 294 issued during 2023. The leading factor behind profit warnings in 2024 was contract and order cancellations or delays, cited in 34% of warnings, including 39% in Q4 – the highest quarterly percentage for this reason in more than 15 years. Increasing costs triggered nearly one in five (18%) warnings in the last 12 months. Jo Robinson, EY-Parthenon Partner and UK&I Turnaround and Restructuring Strategy Leader, said: “It’s clear that companies have faced an extraordinary succession of forecasting challenges since the pandemic, contending with interconnected disruptions to supply chains, material and energy costs, and the labour market, as well as higher interest rates. “2024 was also an exceptional year for global geopolitical uncertainty and policy upheaval, with a record level of profit warnings linked to contract and spending delays as businesses held back from recruitment and investment. As a result, companies’ forecasting strategies need to respond to both short-term policy changes and deeper structural issues. “Ordinarily, a sustained increase in company earnings pressures would be followed by a significant rise in insolvencies. But this cycle has been different. The availability of cheap, long-term debt and pandemic support provided breathing space for both businesses and stakeholders to explore consensual solutions and new restructuring options. “However, more companies are now reaching a tipping point as cumulative pressures build. We don’t expect a huge uptick in insolvency levels in 2025, but we are now seeing more distress, and more stakeholders viewing insolvency processes as a real option in finding the best path forward. “While the pace of profit warnings has eased slightly in early 2025, we’ve seen the recruitment sector continue to grapple with a downturn in activity across key geographies and sectors, before the increases in employer National Insurance Contributions and the National Living Wage take effect. Across the board, the road ahead remains rocky with challenges around trade, geopolitics, interest rates, and more.”

Plans for a new rail freight in Leicestershire

April Lara
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Plans for a new rail freight in Leicestershire
Tritax Big Box Developments (TBBD) has made a further submission to assist the Secretary of State in making a decision on a Development Consent Order (DCO) application for Hinckley National Rail Freight Interchange (HNRFI), a major strategic rail freight interchange project in Hinckley, Leicestershire. The project, when complete, is projected to generate between £329million and £406million per year in Gross Value Added (GVA) to the UK economy. The submission comes a week after Government outlined a series of major infrastructure initiatives aimed at revitalising UK plc.   Tritax Big Box Developments has referred to the project as a “once in a generation opportunity to deliver a major infrastructure project, which has rail freight, sustainability and economic growth at its core.”   HNRFI is supported by Maritime Group, the UK’s leading integrated road and rail freight logistics provider, which signed an exclusive agreement with Tritax Big Box Developments to develop, lease and operate a 40-acre Strategic Rail Freight Interchange. Once in operation, the rail freight interchange will be capable of handling 16 trains per day when fully operational. At full capacity, the SRFI will remove more than 83 million HGV miles from the UK road network. The significant volume of goods switched from road to rail could save around 70,120 tonnes of CO2 each year.   The creation of HNRFI would bring forward:  
  • Over £800m of private sector money invested into delivering major infrastructure, providing direct employment
  • New southern slip roads for M69 J2, making this junction fully accessible for both northbound and southbound traffic
  • New link road between M69 J2 and A47, alleviating traffic from Hinckley and Burbage
  • Up to 850,000 sq m (9.1million sq ft) of modern, rail-served, warehousing and logistics space
  • Creation of c.8,000 jobs of all skill levels
  • Improvement of road junctions near the development
  • Fully funded additional bus services which will serve local areas and the development
  • Improved cycling routes serving the development and surrounding area
  • At least 10% Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)
  • 50 acre extension to existing Burbage Common amenity space, including planting nearly 20,000 new trees
  “Few developers have the funding, capability and expertise to deliver a project of this scale and complexity,” explained Andrew Dickman, Managing Director at Tritax Big Box Developments. “We are fully committed to the project in the knowledge of the major economic and social benefits it will bring to the country’s future economic prosperity, and its impact on growth in the wider UK economy.”   Dickman continued: “We’re pleased to provide further information to assist the Secretary of State in making her decision on the development, and have made a number of significant improvements, including committing additional funding for key areas highlighted in the Examining Authority’s recommendation report. This project is very much in line with the Government’s understanding of the value private investment into infrastructure in the UK economy and would boost the government’s growth agenda.”

Good performance in a challenging environment for Dunelm

Tess Egginton
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Good performance in a challenging environment for Dunelm

Dunelm Group, the Leicester-based homewares retailer, has hailed a “good performance and strategic progress in a challenging environment” in newly released interim results for the 26 weeks to 28 December 2024.

The business saw total sales of £893.7m, up from £872.5m in the same period of the prior year, with sales growth of 2.4% driven by volume.

Profit before tax, meanwhile, reached £123.2m, increasing from £123m.

Nick Wilkinson, Chief Executive Officer, said: “Our performance over the first half reflects the growing attraction of the Dunelm offer for a wide range of customers, and the quality and resilience of our business model.

“Amidst a challenging backdrop for retail, those attributes have helped us deliver increased sales, a strong gross margin, and both customer and market share growth.

“We have also pressed ahead with our strategy. Whether our customers prefer maximalist prints or neutral plains, the elevation of our product is apparent through the diverse range of styles on offer for all tastes, with quality once again endorsed through the awarding of a Royal Warrant to our Dorma brand.

“Our thriving total retail system is connecting that product with more customers, and we saw further growth in our increasingly personalised digital channels, as well as some exciting firsts for our store portfolio; we arrived in inner London at Westfield, acquired 13 stores in Ireland, and we will open our 200th store in the second half.

“As ever, whilst pleased with our results, we are eager to move faster and with greater purpose. Customers love Dunelm, but we can grow to become a destination for more customers, across more categories, more of the time.

“With our dedicated colleagues, who have shown incredible adaptability in a difficult trading environment, this gives us a renewed confidence in unlocking our full potential as The Home of Homes.”

The results come as Wilkinson has revealed his intention to retire from Dunelm and full-time executive life, following seven years in the role.

Alison Brittain, Chair of Dunelm, said: “Nick has been a tremendous leader for Dunelm and amongst his many achievements, he has successfully guided the Group through a global pandemic, driven a step-change in the digital offer, established strategic capabilities across the business including in tech and data, and maintained the unique, entrepreneurial culture which makes Dunelm so special.

“Nick will continue to lead the business over the coming months as we transition to a new CEO, maintaining a focus on delivering long-term, sustainable growth for all stakeholders.” 

Administrators launch sale process for Northamptonshire luxury yacht-builder

Tess Egginton
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Administrators launch sale process for Northamptonshire luxury yacht-builder
The Joint Administrators of Fairline Yachts, a luxury yacht manufacturer, have secured funding for the business and are seeking a buyer to take the brand forward. The additional funding, provided by its existing specialist lender DF Capital, will enable the business to continue the production and sale of its yachts for customers worldwide and retain its 250 employees.
Founded in 1967, Fairline Yachts has built a reputation for crafting best-in-class yachts for its customers, with whom it has established long-term relationships. The company has four yacht ranges, from 33 ft to 68 ft models, which are sold globally both directly and via local dealerships. Fairline’s expert team of 250, based across two sites in Oundle and Suffolk, include highly skilled craftsmen with deep experience in the industry. The Administrators are now encouraging any interested parties to contact them to discuss the opportunity to acquire one of the yacht industry’s most recognisable brands. Michael Magnay of Alvarez & Marsal, Joint Administrator to Fairline Yachts, said: “Fairline Yachts is an iconic brand with a committed and passionate team of experts who have established deep relationships with dealers and end customers over many years. “The business is known throughout the world for the quality of its craftsmanship and the innovative design of its yachts. We expect that it could have broad appeal, to international investors as well as domestic. We encourage interested parties to make contact with us to discuss the opportunity to acquire this exciting business.”

Works to begin to redevelop sheltered housing complex

Tess Egginton
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Works to begin to redevelop sheltered housing complex
Works to redevelop a sheltered housing complex in Thurmaston into nine new bungalows will begin in February. Charnwood Borough Council has chosen Leicestershire-based construction company Mercer Building Solutions to undertake construction of the redevelopment. The first phase of the £2m investment project will be the demolition of the existing buildings, which will take place in late February. The development is expected to be completed in early 2026. The proposed bungalows have been designed for people with mobility issues. St Michael’s Court was built around 1970 and no longer meets the needs of older tenants. The complex comprised mainly of bedsits with shared bathrooms which are difficult to let. The ageing sheltered accommodation also had long corridors which are difficult for people with mobility issues. Cllr Colin Hamilton, the Council’s lead member for planning and housing, said: “I am pleased that the new contract with Mercer Building Solutions is in place, and we look forward to working with them on this important redevelopment. “It will be exciting to see the creation of nine new bungalows in Thurmaston, and I am positive that the team at Mercer will deliver excellent accommodation for residents and provide them with a high-quality standard of living.” Katy Mercer, Director of Mercer Building Solutions, said: “We are delighted to be working with Charnwood Borough Council to deliver nine new bungalows designed specifically for people with mobility issues. “This project reflects our commitment to delivering much needed accessible, high-quality homes. “We are incredibly proud to be part of this important initiative and look forward to seeing these homes provide a safe and supportive environment for their new residents.”

Dedicated Nottinghamshire apprentice travels 161 miles to complete apprenticeship programme

Michael Fisher
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Dedicated Nottinghamshire apprentice travels 161 miles to complete apprenticeship programme

A Nottinghamshire apprentice who battles a six hour journey to complete his apprenticeship training, part-based in Newcastle, has spoken about his career transformation after enrolling on the course.

21-year-old Riordan ‘Rio’ Keetley is currently undertaking a Level 2 Bricklaying apprenticeship at the National House Building Council’s (NHBC) Training Hub in Scotswood, Newcastle. Rio travels the 161 miles for his training block weeks to the Training Hub by train from his home in Nottingham to pursue his career and achieve a nationally recognised qualification.

Before starting his apprenticeship in March last year, Rio worked a number of jobs, including being a waiter, a hospital cleaner and a CCTV operator but he was left feeling unsettled about his future.

Rio chose the apprenticeship route over traditional college or university education because he wanted to learn a practical skill that would serve him for life. He explains: “Construction has always interested me but I struggled to find an apprenticeship initially. I finished school during lockdown and the restrictions meant opportunities were limited.

“I took on various jobs in the meantime, becoming a bit of a jack-of-all-trades. Then, a family member told me about apprenticeship opportunities at Keepmoat, and I knew this was the chance I had been waiting for.

“The apprentice programme with a reputable house builder such as Keepmoat was exactly what I needed. It’s really rewarding to learn a valuable skill, help the community, and know I’m building a great future for myself. The travel is a small price to pay for such an amazing opportunity. I’m excited to see where this career takes me.”

Rio’s apprenticeship includes tailored and immersive training at the NHBC Training Hub, covering both theory and practical skills before working on site. Rio is developing his skills at Park View, a Keepmoat development in Gedling, Nottinghamshire which will deliver 400 homes.

He adds: “I enjoy the physical nature of the job and knowing that what I’m doing is making a difference. It’s satisfying to watch the hard work pay off and use my NHBC industry leading training to see something built the right way by a hard working team. My apprenticeship has given me confidence, independence, and a clear path forward. I’m proud of myself and what I’ve accomplished so far.”

Geoff Scott, Social Value Manager at Keepmoat, comments: “The team is extremely pleased with Riordan’s progression throughout his apprenticeship. He’s a great team player, who is both dedicated and hard working. Our apprenticeship schemes are a testament to Keepmoat’s commitment to delivering key skilled workers into the talent pipeline in the face of a skills shortage.

“It is a privilege to see our apprentices thrive in their roles and become part of the next generation of much-needed bricklayers and we look forward to seeing them progress and succeed in the industry.’’

Roger Morton, Director of NHBC’s apprentice training programme and hubs, said; “It’s fantastic to see how Riordan is thriving at the NHBC Training Hub in Newcastle. Our hubs are not only creating a local supply of talent for the house-building industry but also making a significant positive impact on the lives of apprentices.

“Bricklaying is at the heart of house building and is a vital skill. Through our existing training hubs and our £100 million investment in a national network of 12 new multi-skill hubs, NHBC is committed to supporting the next generation of housebuilders. Our industry-leading, recognised training equips apprentices like Riordan with the skills he needs to deliver high-quality new homes.

“By immersing apprentices in real site conditions from day one, we fully prepare them for life on site. Quality drives everything we do and our tailored approach is enabling Riordan and other apprentices to qualify in just 14 to 18 months, with many achieving distinctions. That’s nearly twice as fast as traditional education routes, which can take up to 30 months.”

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