The new Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority (GLCCA) is now an official body, following final communication from the Government.
The Leaders of Lincolnshire County Council and North and North East Lincolnshire unitary authorities have received an official letter from the Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution, Jim McMahon OBE MP.
This confirms he has signed the Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority Regulations 2025, which created the GLCCA and devolves functions to it.
In the correspondence, the Minister added: “I would like to thank you and your officers for your hard work in enabling us to deliver this landmark agreement for the people of Greater Lincolnshire.”
Following this, the first meeting of the new authority’s board will be in early March, with the election for a Mayor going ahead as planned on Thursday 1 May.
The Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, Cllr Philip Jackson, said: “Having enjoyed a local political career here that has spanned more than three decades, this is a true highlight.
“We now move forward with a combined county authority that can work to effect real and positive change for all our residents. We expect to see this new authority make a significant difference in key areas, such as business growth, skills and improving our housing, our infrastructure and public transport – and this is just the start.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those involved in the creation of the GLCCA and bringing the very best deal here to benefit our communities.”
North Lincolnshire Council Leader, Cllr Rob Waltham MBE, said: “The formal creation of the combined authority marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the residents of Lincolnshire.
“With ministerial approval now secured, we can move forward with the real work of delivering better jobs, improved transport, and greater opportunities.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to take control of our own future – ensuring that investment is directed where it will have the greatest impact and that every penny is spent delivering tangible benefits for local people.
“As someone deeply rooted in Lincolnshire, I am committed to making sure this new authority drives real, positive change – protecting our communities, growing our economy, and securing a brighter future for all.”
Cllr Martin Hill OBE, the Leader of Lincolnshire County Council, added: “There has been a lot of hard work to get to this point, and much more still to do. I firmly believe that decisions that affect local people should be taken locally, and the benefits of devolution mean that we will be in charge of our own future in Greater Lincolnshire.
“These issues are really important to residents’ everyday lives, when it comes to the housing available, how we all get about the county and the jobs and training that are available.
“We’ll also be able to deal more directly with government in representing the needs of our area, and have a clearer voice to attract more investment.”
The Government confirmed its support for the GLCCA in the autumn of last year, following a two-month public consultation last January and February.
The deal brings with it an investment package of £720 million over 30 years with a one-off capital investment of £28.4 million to invest in priority schemes across the Greater Lincolnshire footprint. With it also comes an elected Mayor to chair the new authority and give the region a greater voice in Westminster.
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
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.
Bank of England reduces interest rates to 4.5%
The Bank of England has reduced interest rates to 4.5%, in line with expectations.
The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), which sets monetary policy to meet the 2% inflation target, voted by a majority of 7–2 to reduce Bank Rate by 0.25 percentage points, to 4.5%.
Two members preferred to reduce Bank Rate by 0.5 percentage points, to 4.25%.
The Bank said in a statement: “There has been substantial progress on disinflation over the past two years, as previous external shocks have receded, and as the restrictive stance of monetary policy has curbed second-round effects and stabilised longer-term inflation expectations. That progress has allowed the MPC to withdraw gradually some degree of policy restraint, while maintaining Bank Rate in restrictive territory so as to continue to squeeze out persistent inflationary pressures.
“CPI inflation was 2.5% in 2024 Q4. Domestic inflationary pressures are moderating, but they remain somewhat elevated, and some indicators have eased more slowly than expected. Higher global energy costs and regulated price changes are expected to push up headline CPI inflation to 3.7% in 2025 Q3, even as underlying domestic inflationary pressures are expected to wane further. While CPI inflation is expected to fall back to around the 2% target thereafter, the Committee will pay close attention to any consequent signs of more lasting inflationary pressures.
“GDP growth has been weaker than expected at the time of the November Monetary Policy Report, and indicators of business and consumer confidence have declined. GDP growth is expected to pick up from the middle of this year. The labour market has continued to ease and is judged to be broadly in balance. Productivity growth has been weaker than previously estimated, and the Committee judges that growth in the supply capacity of the economy has weakened. As a result, the recent slowdown in demand is judged to have led to only a small margin of slack opening up.
“In support of returning inflation sustainably to the 2% target, the Committee judges that there has been sufficient progress on disinflation in domestic prices and wages to reduce Bank Rate to 4.5% at this meeting.
“Based on the Committee’s evolving view of the medium-term outlook for inflation, a gradual and careful approach to the further withdrawal of monetary policy restraint is appropriate.”
Dains makes first acquisition after securing private equity backing from IK
Accountancy and advisory services provider to the SME market, Dains Group, has made its first acquisition since securing private equity backing from IK Partners.
Consilium Chartered Accountants, based in Glasgow, has joined Dains Group, which significantly strengthens the client proposition in corporate tax, audit, and corporate finance. The team in Scotland is now almost 200 people strong with offices across the central belt.
“We were attracted to Consilium because of their advisory mindset and strong cultural values,” said Graeme Bryson, Scotland Managing Partner at Dains Group.
“It is our ambition to collaborate with our clients, to provide timely and well thought through advice based on a detailed understanding of what they are trying to achieve, and this has been the cornerstone for Consilium’s rapid growth, making them obvious strategic partners.”
David Holt, Partner at Consilium, said: “Dains approached us with a clear vision for delivering a market-leading advisory proposition for our clients, in a group that believes in providing great careers for its team.
“Upon joining the group, we enhance the range of services open to our clients and look forward to building the business in Scotland for the benefit of all our stakeholders.”
“We are delighted to welcome Consilium to the Dains Group,” said Richard McNeilly, CEO of Dains Group. “It is rare that we meet such an enterprising and client-focused leadership team and the opportunities we can create together in Scotland and across the UK and Ireland are substantial.
“We are building a very compelling proposition in Scotland, having previously partnered with William Duncan & Co, and Condies. Our group comprises over 850 people and we are determined to continue improving the proposition for our clients and the career opportunities for our talented team.”
Pete Wilson, Partner at IK, added: “It is fantastic to welcome Consilium to Dains, which represents the 11th acquisition by the group since 2021.
“Dains has a clear ambition to differentiate itself, through offering a high quality, value-adding, comprehensive suite of services for its customers, whilst engaging with the best delivery team in the SME market – I know the team cannot wait to get started.”
Dains were advised by DSW (financial and tax due diligence), Forward Corporate Finance (Financial Modelling), Deloitte (Tax structuring) and CMS (Legal). Consilium were advised by Vialex (Legal).
BakerBaird builds London link-up
Two long established PR agencies have joined forces to create an East Midlands-London partnership aiming to build a regional network across England.
Nottingham-based BakerBaird Communications’ portfolio includes some of the region’s most significant economic initiatives, including the £4bn East Midlands Combined County Authority, the East Midlands Freeport, and the East Midlands Development Corporation.
It is led by co-founders Richard Baker, a former daily newsroom deputy editor, and Stuart Baird, who was director of communications for government in the Midlands. It also works with the NHS and with a number of technology and built environment businesses.
It is partnering with Allegory, which is based in Shoreditch and was founded by Emma Thwaites, a former BBC news editor who became deputy director of strategic communications at the Cabinet Office and global policy and corporate affairs director for the Open Data Institute.
Now stewarded by CEO Charlotte McLeod, the business specialises in delivering high-impact campaigns for leading universities, research organisations, and data and AI projects for various companies and academic institutions.
The partnership combines the two companies’ experience in strategic consultancy, public relations, public affairs and marketing.
Stuart Baird said: “This time last year, BakerBaird was supporting a Midlands client to host a major event in the House of Commons and it has been our ambition to expand the influence of our clients in the capital. We knew we needed an agency with aligned values, client base and experience. Allegory is a perfect fit.
“Equally Allegory has built a reputation based on excellent delivery for influential clients, such as the AgriTech Centre, and Alan Turing Institute and brings something different to the East Midlands.”
Emma Thwaites said: “Allegory is an insight-driven business with a strong national presence, especially in London and the South East. We have deep expertise in science, data and technology, working with academic, public sector and private sector clients.
“We’ve been actively seeking a regional partner to broaden our reach. BakerBaird stands out as a rare gem outside of the capital – they’ve managed high-stakes campaigns, their team is exceptionally skilled, and they have the expertise to deliver for large-scale clients, much like those we work with.”
Much like Allegory, BakerBaird has supported major university and research projects and worked with key regional businesses. It also has significant experience of government’s devolution programme, delivering awareness raising and engagement campaigns for combined authorities and working across local authority partnerships.
The complementary strengths of both agencies will see them collaborating on a number of new ventures to provide national impact and influence for clients.
SMB College Group’s Brooksby Campus to undergo transformational development with new Agri-tech centre
SMB College Group’s Brooksby Campus is set to benefit from an investment of £18 million from the Department for Education for a transformational development project, including a brand new Agri-tech centre.
With initial building works commencing in the next few weeks, these developments will see the creation of a state-of-the-art Agri-tech centre featuring equipment such as GIS software for field and yield mapping, virtual learning environments, purpose-built labs, drones and robotics.
Dawn Whitemore, Principal and CEO of SMB College Group, said of the new development: “This is a truly transformational project for our Brooksby Campus, and we are incredibly pleased to announce the beginning of construction works for our brand new Agri-tech Centre.
“We have a rich heritage of delivering Agricultural training for many generations and are very proud of our commitment to offering innovative, forward-thinking qualifications and facilities to train the workforce of the future.
“We’d like to extend our thanks to everyone who has been involved throughout the initial planning phases of this project, and we are excited to keep the community updated going forward as the project progresses.
“The support that college has received so far from the teams at the Department for Education and Gleeds has been exceptional, along with Tilbury Douglas who have secured the contract.”
This transformation project also comes in the wake of a series of sustainability projects already underway at the college’s Brooksby Campus, which have been spearheaded by the Land-based Industries Teaching team and their students in recent years.
These impactful projects, which are still ongoing, include a regenerative agriculture/agroforestry project, the restoration of the River Wreake, and a tree planting scheme which has seen hundreds of trees planted across the 850-acre Brooksby estate.
New MD for IMA Architects as senior team step up
IMA Architects, specialists within industrial and commercial architecture, has made three internal promotions at a senior level and welcomed two new members of staff.
Ben Hall, who is celebrating 18 years with the business, has been promoted to Managing Director. Ben will lead on day-to-day operations, continue to run client projects across the UK and oversee the management of the over 20 strong team.
Joe Travers has been promoted to Director and Jack Mellor to Associate Director. The pair will continue to be responsible for the successful delivery of projects for clients, managing client relationships and supporting business development. Ian McCann continues in his role as a Director of the business to share his experience in all aspects, whilst also continuing with a business development role.
The new senior positions also come with the responsibility for mentoring IMA’s growing team. IMA has appointed Alanah Miles as an Architectural Technologist and Jeremiah Olatiilu joins the team as a Part 2 Architectural Assistant.
Commenting on his promotion, Ben Hall said: “It’s a real privilege to take up the position of Managing Director at IMA. Since joining in 2007, I have worked in all elements of the business from being a junior to now being MD.
“To take the helm to help IMA navigate its next chapter is an exciting opportunity for me and the business and something I am immensely proud of. Congratulations to my colleagues Joe Travers and Jack Mellor for well-deserved promotions which will further strengthen our senior team.
“We are really excited to welcome our new team members too, with Alanah and Jeremiah being brought on board to support the team with project delivery.”
Manufacturing network teams up with charity to provide free mental health support
Made in Group, the network that champions, unites, and empowers manufacturers across the Midlands and Yorkshire, has teamed up with Mental Health Innovations, a national charity that powers the Shout helpline. This partnership will enable the group’s 300+ member companies to provide free mental health support to 126,000 manufacturers.
The Made in Group membership is made up of 320 manufacturing businesses across its Made in the Midlands and Made in Yorkshire networks. Shout is the UK’s first and only free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging mental health support service.
The Made in Group is funding access to a Shout helpline, run by trained volunteers, for all network members. Anyone working in a member organisation that has signed up to the initiative can access free support by sending a text message that will enable them to start a conversation with a Shout volunteer at any time of the day or night.
Made in Group CEO Jason Pitt explains the thinking behind the project: “Studies show that manufacturing ranks in the bottom 10% of industries for employee mental health, with 17 million days lost due to work-related stress, depression, or anxiety between 2021 and 2022.
“Add to this the fact that, despite efforts to redress the balance, our sector remains heavily male-dominated, with men making up more than 80% of the workforce in the sector, and men are more than 40% less likely to talk openly about their mental health.
“Our aim is to enable our members to provide free, confidential support for their employees and to help break down stigmas surrounding mental health. We are also keen to encourage a culture of more open conversations about mental health in the workplace and the industry.”
The Made in Group plans to host a series of workshops and events throughout the year, offering further tools and strategies to help manufacturers create supportive environments for their teams. They are also planning a series of fundraising activities for Shout.
Francesca Hughes, partnerships manager at Mental Health Innovations, adds: “At Mental Health Innovations, we are pleased to be partnering with Made In Group to help support engineers across the Midlands and Yorkshire.
“Common challenges those in the industry face, such as financial worries and loneliness, can have a significant impact on mental health, so we want to ensure they have access to immediate and confidential support whenever they need.
“Through our free, confidential and 24/7 text service Shout, we hope to help more people feel heard, supported and empowered to seek further help with their mental health.”
Government develops new planning rules for nuclear development, paving the way for Rolls-Royce SMRs
More nuclear power plants will be approved across England and Wales in the wake of changes planned by Prime Minister Kier Starmer.
Reforms to planning rules will clear a path for smaller, factory built nuclear reactors – known as Small Modular Reactors or SMRs – to be built for the first time ever in the UK. This is expected to create thousands of new highly skilled jobs while delivering clean, secure and more affordable energy for working people.
The new plan will shake up the planning rules to make it easier to build nuclear across the country, achieved by:
- Including mini-nuclear power stations in planning rules for the first time – so firms can start building them in the places that need them.
- Scrapping the set list of eight sites – which meant nuclear sites could be built anywhere across England and Wales.
- Removing the expiry date on nuclear planning rules – so projects don’t get timed out and industry can plan for the long term.
- Setting up a Nuclear Regulatory Taskforce – that will spearhead improvements to the regulations to help more companies build here. This will report directly to the PM.
