Hillwood start on site at Raunds industrial and logistics scheme
Hillwood UK have started on site at Quattro, Raunds; a multi-unit industrial and logistics scheme that is being developed on a speculative basis fronting the A45 corridor.
A&H Construction have been appointed as Main Contractor by Hillwood UK and are targeting practical completion in December 2025.
The contract represents the latest in a series of developments in the Midlands delivered by A&H Construction for Hillwood UK, which acquired the business operations of Trebor Developments in October 2024.
Quattro will provide four ‘mid-box’ units in total ranging from 10,650 to 117,050 sq ft. Units will be built to the highest specification, including BREEAM “Excellent” certification and EPC “A” rating.
Greg Dalton, Vice President for Hillwood UK, said: “We’re delighted to have reached the next key milestone on this exciting project, A&H are well placed to deliver the scheme and we look forward to working with them again.
“These units will provide best in class, high specification accommodation that is much needed for surrounding occupiers and we would welcome conversations with prospective tenants.”
Hillwood UK are represented by Bidwells and M1 Agency as retained joint letting agents.
Baby loss charity smashes £50,000 fundraising target for Nottingham’s QMC
The transformation of the garden, clinical and non-clinical areas of Ward A23 at Queen’s Medical Centre (QMC) Nottingham has begun, thanks to a £50,000 donation by local baby loss charity Forever Stars.
Last year, the charity dedicated its fundraising to the ambitious Ward A23 project, spearheaded by its ‘Supporting 1 in 4 for 2024’ campaign, launched to mark Forever Stars’ tenth anniversary year and recognise the one-in-four pregnancies which end in miscarriage before 20 weeks.
Forever Stars reached its £50,000 target thanks to numerous fundraising events, individual and corporate donations, and help from hundreds of the charity’s friends and supporters, old and new.
Among the biggest fundraising events were a skydive from 14,000 feet by staff from Levi’s Barbers in Beeston, this year’s ‘One Step at a Time’ 26-mile walk around Nottingham completed by over 50 people, and the John Pye & Sons Charity Shield Football match.
“Every day, QMC’s Ward A23 cares for an average of 10 families suffering baby loss through miscarriage, and provide truly outstanding specialist care, treatment, emotional support and assistance,” says Richard Daniels, who founded Forever Stars with his wife Michelle following the stillbirth of their daughter Emily on 19 December 2013.
“But there are areas of the Ward that could be improved, and so the £50,000 donation will be used to finance some changes to the Ward’s clinical and non-clinical areas, and an exciting DIY SOS-style makeover of its adjoining garden and outside space.
“Of course, everyone involved in Forever Stars is thrilled to have hit our Supporting 1 in 4 Campaign’s £50,000 fundraising target, but as always, we are all overwhelmed and humbled by the unwavering support and generosity of so many individuals and companies from across Nottingham and the East Midlands.
“So many people give so much of their time, and money, to help the charity realise its vision to transform the support available to families experiencing the heartbreak of baby loss and miscarriage.
“I am so excited to see the planned renovation and improvements to Ward A23’s clinical and non-clinical areas take shape, and the designs for the garden turned into reality. The money will be used to cover both the work and materials necessary to completely re-model and refit the garden adjoining the Ward, so that it becomes a more inviting, usable and an appropriate sanctuary space for patients and their families.”
Talent services firm secures three-year contract with Buckland Rail
Ford and Stanley Talent Services Group has won a three-year contract to supply staff for integrated rail services company, Buckland Rail.
The partnership will utilise all three recruitment businesses within the Ford & Stanley Talent Services Group – Ford & Stanley TalentWise, Ford & Stanley Recruitment and Ford & Stanley Executive Search – with each business employing specialist teams providing shop floor to boardroom capability.
Last year, UK holding company Buckland Rail amalgamated its family of rail businesses under its own brand, combining the strengths of W.H. Davis, Davis Wagon Services, and Derby-based Yellow Rail, as it seeks to expand its capabilities and services for both passenger and freight customers in the UK rail sector.
With the focus on areas such as freight wagon maintenance, bogie overhaul, and material supply services, the integration is part of holding company Buckland Group’s broader strategy to invest in and develop businesses within the rail industry.
Jackie Glover, Group Supply Chain & Procurement Director, Buckland Rail, said: “Since the forming of Buckland Rail, we have been exploring several initiatives to improve quality, efficiencies, scalability and reduce cost.
“As our business looks to grow exponentially in the years ahead, a priority for us has been to appoint a reputable, credible recruitment partner that holds industry expertise in the vertical and cross functional needs of our business.
“Ford & Stanley came forward with the most innovative, low maintenance, yet highly effective solutions. With its independent yet synergetic three business verticals, specialising in Blue Collar, White Collar and Executive Search, they were able to provide us with a one stop, shop floor to boardroom solution.”
Daniel Taylor, Director, Ford & Stanley Talent Services Group, said: “When we learned of the forming of Buckland Rail and their ambition for growth, we anticipated that the appointment of a strategic recruitment partner could play a vital part.
“Throughout the last six months, we have worked with the leadership team of Buckland Rail to tailor a service provision specific to their business need. It’s going to be an exciting few years ahead; we’re both delighted and privileged to play our part in supporting the journey.”
Revenues slip at NAHL
NAHL, the Kettering-based marketing and services business focused on the UK consumer legal market, has seen revenues slip in 2024.
According to a trading update from the business, which is behind National Accident Helpline, revenues for the period are expected to decline to £38.8m, down from £42.2m in 2023. This is 8% lower than last year due to an anticipated reduction in revenues from the firm’s Personal Injury business.
Underlying operating profit, meanwhile, is expected to be approximately £3.9m, decreasing from £4.4m in 2023, after the deduction of £0.6m exceptional costs associated with the potential disposal of the group’s Critical Care business (£0.4m) and the associated restructure of the group’s Personal Injury business (£0.2m).
Profit before tax (PBT) for the period, however, is expected to increase 23% to £0.8m from £0.6m.
The results came as NAHL confirmed that it is in exclusive discussions with a potential buyer for Bush & Co. and due diligence and negotiations have moved to the next stage.
Housebuilder to make redundancies across Central region
Housebuilder Avant Homes is looking to make redundancies across its Central region.
Consultations are underway, according to reports from Construction Enquirer, at the regional office covering Derbyshire, North Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, and South Yorkshire.
A spokesperson from the company said that through targeted reorganisation, it has identified “clear regional overlap” which can be reduced while making sure Avant’s “multi-tenure growth strategy can be better supported by a more efficient operational infrastructure.”
The reorganisation, however, means some office-based jobs in the firm’s Central region will no longer be needed, pushing Avant to begin a redundancy consultation. The spokesperson added that the business was “committed to the redeployment of people, where possible, and a number of new roles are being proposed.”
Avant Homes Central currently has live developments ranging from Merlin’s Point at Witham St Hughes to Bennerley View in Awsworth, and is part of the Avant Homes Group, which operates across the Midlands, north of England and Scotland from eight regional operating businesses.
At present, Avant Homes Group employs more than 600 people.
2025 Business Predictions: Dave Atkinson, regional director for the East Midlands at Lloyds
It’s that time of year, when Business Link Magazine invites the region’s business leaders to offer up their predictions for the year ahead.
It has become something of a tradition, given that we’ve been doing this now for over 30 years.
Here we speak to Dave Atkinson, regional director for the East Midlands at Lloyds.
East Midlands businesses face a dynamic 2025, shaped by shifting global trends and regional strengths. Opportunities in reshoring and government defence spending are revitalising industries like advanced manufacturing and engineering, with firms increasingly focusing on supply chain security to reduce vulnerabilities and enhance resilience. These shifts also align with the region’s push toward adopting clean energy, offering a chance for businesses to lead into green innovation while meeting growing sustainability demands.
However, unlocking these opportunities requires addressing critical challenges. Productivity remains a cornerstone of business success, but achieving gains will demand investment in advanced technologies, such as AI and automation. For manufacturers, these tools will not only streamline operations but also enable smarter, circular designs that reduce waste and lower emissions.
Cybersecurity also looms as a significant focus, with businesses, particularly SMEs who may not have the resources or knowledge to protect themselves facing increasing threats. A robust approach to cyber defence is no longer optional but essential to safeguard operations and protect customer trust. And, as businesses across industries compete for expertise in AI, data analytics, and emerging technologies, greater success will hinge on cultivating and retaining skilled teams capable of driving innovation and adaptation.
In 2025, businesses in the East Midlands that embrace sustainability, leverage technology, and develop their workforce can thrive in an evolving economic landscape.
More than 100 affordable homes to be built by Derby housebuilder in Langley Mill
Derby-based developer Wheeldon Brothers is set to deliver more than 100 new affordable homes in Langley Mill following a deal with Places for People.
Wheeldon, which has been operating in the East Midlands since 1867, has partnered with the UK’s largest social enterprise to deliver 109 new homes at the site located off Bridge Street.
Under the partnership, the eight-acre brownfield site will be transformed into a combination of two- and three-bedroomed houses and two-bedroomed bungalows across a mixture of tenures.
Theo Till, land manager at Wheeldon Brothers, said: “This is a site that has sat vacant for a number of years in the heart of Langley Mill, which is now set to be transformed into much-needed new homes for the area.
“The development will include 109 new homes and a mix of tenures including affordable rent and shared ownership, which will cater to a variety of local housing needs.
“We are very pleased to be working in partnership with Places for People to deliver this fully affordable scheme; our great emphasis on delivering quality new homes combined with their outstanding reputation will ensure that local people will benefit from high quality yet affordable homes.”
Copping Joyce and Ward Hadaway LLP advised Places for People while Wheeldon was advised by CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang LLP during the deal.
Construction is set to start in Spring 2025 with homes expected to be available via Places for People from Summer 2026.
New CEO at The Generator Arts & Culture Centre, Loughborough
The Generator – an ambitious restoration project in Loughborough that’s bringing a new arts and culture centre to the town – has taken another significant step forward by appointing its CEO. Loughborough native Jess Vollar Bell is taking on the role, the first person to hold the post.
Jess will join the team of volunteers at The Generator CIC who have been working hard for several years to restore this sizeable 1930s building, now divided into the fully restored OAC (with the coffee shop Public and Plants) by its joint venture partner Our Neighbourhood and the partly-restored Generator Hall.
This building is well known in the town, with a reputation already established for innovation and creativity through its past incarnations, first as a technical college and then as an art college within Loughborough University.
The Generator is scheduled to open in Autumn 2025, creating a multi-purpose arts and cultural centre. The venue will host visual art exhibitions, music performances, workshops, and community events in its versatile spaces, including a main hall for up to 250 people and smaller studio areas.
While the focus remains on artistic activities, the venue will also cater to private hires, offering a space for weddings, conferences, and other events.
Jess attended Rawlins Academy in Quorn (Leicestershire) before pursuing training in acting at the Guildford School of Acting. After an early career as a professional actor, Jess discovered a passion for facilitating arts opportunities for others, leading her to build an impressive resume in venue management within the arts sector. Jess’s experience spans both local and metropolitan arts whilst being based in London for the past decade.
Jess spoke about her plans for the new cultural centre: “I am driven by a deep commitment to fostering vibrant cultural experiences that are accessible and available to all. With a strong foundation in the industry’s creative and operational sides, I intend to bring a unique blend of artistic vision and practical expertise to The Generator.
“With my Midlands background, I cannot wait to deliver a wealth of arts and culture experiences to this community; my community.”
Volunteer director at The Generator CIC, David Pagett-Wright, spoke on behalf of the existing team in welcoming Jess onboard: “Jess’s leadership will be instrumental in shaping The Generator’s future, and we are excited to see the meaningful impact she will make in the Loughborough arts and cultural community as well as the wider Midlands’ scene. Welcome home, Jess!”
Audiovisual artist and volunteer director at the Generator, Andy Harper, added: “Our vision is to create a vibrant destination where artists, organisations, and communities come together to experience, share, and learn through performances, exhibitions, talks, and workshops.
“We’ll collaborate with local and regional partners to enrich this area’s cultural landscape. Our focus is on delivering high-quality, accessible cultural experiences while championing sustainability and nurturing creative connections across our community.”
Derby firm Cubo overtakes national rivals to become UK’s fastest growing flex office provider
Flex workspace provider, Cubo, has been identified as the fastest-growing operator in the UK flex office market by CoStar, leaders in commercial real estate information.
Over the past two years Cubo has accounted for 33% of all flexible workspace leasing activity across the Big Six regional cities of Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, and Manchester.
This figure is way in excess of the activity of more established operators, such as global workspace giant IWG and Orega, who have achieved 13% each.
According to CoStar’s analysis, flexible workspace continues to grow in popularity across regional markets. While leasing activity by more established operators has slowed, newer entrants like Cubo have seen their market share increase.
This compares to the previous five years when IWG, which owns the Regus and Spaces brands, accounted for just over 40% of leasing activity. However, in the last two years, this figure has dropped to 13%, leaving room for dynamic operators like Cubo to thrive.
This recognition highlight’s Cubo’s rapid expansion and commitment to redefining the workplace experience.
Following a year of sustained growth, during which Cubo opened three sites, the company has announced plans to expand its footprint by 30% year-on-year and venture into European markets, a growth strategy backed by investment firm Literacy Capital, who took a significant minority stake in the business in 2023.
In less than five years, husband and wife team Marc and Becky Brough have acquired 350,000 sq ft of office space over 13 sites.
Recent milestones include establishing a presence in Manchester with two floors at The Lincoln, followed by the acquisition of the former Manchester office of WeWork at Spinningfields and securing space in the Aurora, Glasgow, one of Scotland’s most sustainable office developments.
Most recently Cubo expanded into the London market with the launch of its new workspace at Soho Estates’ Ilona Rose House, W1.
The acquiring agents are Derby-based commercial property specialists Rigby & Co.
Commenting on CoStar’s recent analysis, Marc Brough, CEO of Cubo, said: “This is a brilliant achievement, but we’ve only scratched the surface. Cubo just keeps growing faster and faster.
“A combination of controlling the best in class, Grade A locations in the UK’s top performing cities, together with an unbelievable sales and operations team, is now delivering the level of results which I’m confident will continue to outperform all other operators on a like-for-like basis.
“Cubo is about creating high-end, innovative workspaces where businesses and their teams can thrive. As we continue to expand, we remain committed to delivering exceptional experiences that support productivity, wellness, and growth.
“We’re excited to continue driving growth and supporting occupiers across the UK.”
Upperton completes build of new £7m sterile manufacturing facility in Nottingham
Upperton Pharma Solutions, the contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO), has completed the build of its new sterile manufacturing facility in Nottingham.
The new 7,000 sq ft facility is in addition to its existing 50,000 sq ft facility, Trent Gateway.
The expansion is a natural progression for Upperton which already develops and manufactures small molecule and biological, non-sterile, oral, nasal and pulmonary dosage forms from early development to late-stage clinical manufacture for global biotech and pharmaceutical companies.
Nikki Whitfield, Chief Executive Officer at Upperton, said: “We are delighted to complete the build of our sterile facility.
“The combined experience of our leadership team in sterile facility builds and subsequent operations ensures that we are ideally placed as a CDMO partner of choice for small to mid-sized biotech and pharma looking to get into the clinic quickly with fast access to sterile manufacturing services.”
Jon Austwick, Director of Quality and Compliance at Upperton, said: “This expansion illustrates our continued investment in our capabilities to support drug developers to scale and accelerate the path to delivering safe and effective medicines to patients.
“The facility has been built with the highest level of quality and is a testament to our internal teams and build vendor who have worked tirelessly over the past 12 months to bring our vision to life.”
