Nottingham workflow automation specialist expands into India
Workflow automation specialist Intoware has continued its global expansion by securing a partner for the Indian market.
The Nottingham-based company has joined forces with State Technologies to drive sales of Intoware’s flagship digital workflow platform, WorkfloPlus, across India.
Launched in 2015, WorkfloPlus is a connected worker platform that enables businesses to digitalise tasks and assessments across industrial operations, converting them from paper to be accessible via mobile, wearable technology, and desktop devices.
Headquartered in New Delhi, State Technologies is a privately owned company providing IT consultancy, professional services and hardware deployment and maintenance to field engineers including local and central government, financial services, telecommunications and health care.
Keith Tilley, CEO of Intoware, said: “This marks our first foray into India, and we are excited to be teaming with State Technologies, a company with an excellent reputation and in-depth knowledge of the market.
“Last year we expanded further into the Asia-Pacific market with a new Singapore-based partner and the deal with State Technologies is a natural progression of our plans for global expansion as we look to deliver digital transformation services to new customers and industries.”
Savinder Pal Singh, Director at State Technologies, said: “We are proud to partner with Intoware and to have the opportunity to use our expertise to help bring WorkfloPlus to the Indian market.
“We are excited to work with the team at Intoware and are confident that customers will quickly see the wide range of benefits that WorkfloPlus can deliver across a variety of sectors, from streamlining operations to facilitating digital transformation.”
Vice-Chancellor and President of Nottingham Trent University to step down
After 11 years as Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Edward Peck CBE, is to leave Nottingham Trent University in summer 2025.
Professor Edward Peck, Vice-Chancellor and President, said: “I am very proud of all we have achieved together over the last ten years at NTU. How we have worked with regional partners, influenced national policy, supported our students to prosper and delivered great impact with our research.
“We have doubled our student numbers whilst remaining focused on exceptional student experience and support.
“However, when considering leadership transitions, one must consider the best interests of the institution as well as the individual and as we head into our next strategic cycle of 2026-2031 it is the right time to hand this role to a new leader.”
Caroline Wayman, Chair of NTU’s Board of Governors, said: “Following Edward’s announcement, I’d like to put on record my huge appreciation for his contribution to the development of NTU and the wider sector. Since he arrived in 2014, NTU has been transformed.
“Not only has NTU experienced considerable growth during Edward’s tenure, the outstanding quality of our teaching has been acknowledged twice in the TEF, and our world leading research performance recognised in subsequent REF outcomes.
“We have been awarded the accolade of University of the Year five times and have made a huge impact on the lives of our students and the communities we serve.
“Fundamentally, the culture and values of NTU are something we are all immensely proud of and Edward has truly instilled this. His leadership has been such a big part of us all being so proud to be NTU and he leaves an outstanding legacy.”
Recruitment for a successor will formally commence in February 2025.
Construction commences at £22m Milford Mills scheme in north Derbyshire
Wavensmere Homes has commenced construction to redevelop Milford Mills, which overlooks the River Derwent, located between Belper and Duffield in north Derbyshire.
The £22m development will comprise 69 new homes to be delivered on the historic brownfield site, which is within the Derwent Valley Mills UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Accessed off Derby Road (A6) in the centre of Milford village, the redevelopment of former commercial premises will feature 42 two- and three-bedroom houses and 27 one- and two-bedroom apartments, within a four-storey building overlooking the River Derwent and Mill Lade.
Ground and site enabling works across the 4.7-acre site are underway, with the first phase of construction to incorporate 10, two- and three-bedroom houses, which will be ready to move into during autumn 2026, constructed from locally quarried stone and natural slate.
A second phase of 15 three-bedroom houses will be completed before the end of 2026. The handover of the waterside apartment building and the full redevelopment, restoration and construction programme is scheduled to conclude by mid-2027.
James Dickens, Managing Director of Wavensmere Homes, said: “Locals have been waiting for many years to see this unique and prominent site – in the centre of one of North Derbyshire’s most well-regarded villages – get the green light for redevelopment.
“Milford’s beautiful rural setting, community spirit, and easy access to Derby and the Peak District, makes it very desirable. But the chronic shortage of homes has led to people moving out of the area to find suitable housing.
“Milford Mills’ 69 energy-efficient houses and apartments will cater to first time buyers, families and downsizers. We are proud that local craftsmanship and our fine attention to detail will create a highly sustainable development that will add to the village’s vibrancy and appeal. With these natural stone homes becoming available to reserve, we are urging interested parties to register on our website.”
The houses will be installed with air source heat pumps, while the apartments will have electric heating, with solar PV panels fitted to the roof of the building to generate renewable energy. The site will be further complemented by 1.5-acres of public open space and the recent restoration of the Grade II listed Dye House by Chevin Homes to form a 4,500 sq ft commercial premises.
The former 18th Century cotton mill housed some of the world’s first mechanised industrial spinning factories. The historic features that are being painstakingly restored include the Mill Lade that now feeds a hydroelectric power plant downstream, along with the repair of all original stone boundary walls.
James Dickens, Managing Director of Wavensmere Homes, said: “Locals have been waiting for many years to see this unique and prominent site – in the centre of one of North Derbyshire’s most well-regarded villages – get the green light for redevelopment.
“Milford’s beautiful rural setting, community spirit, and easy access to Derby and the Peak District, makes it very desirable. But the chronic shortage of homes has led to people moving out of the area to find suitable housing.
“Milford Mills’ 69 energy-efficient houses and apartments will cater to first time buyers, families and downsizers. We are proud that local craftsmanship and our fine attention to detail will create a highly sustainable development that will add to the village’s vibrancy and appeal. With these natural stone homes becoming available to reserve, we are urging interested parties to register on our website.”
The houses will be installed with air source heat pumps, while the apartments will have electric heating, with solar PV panels fitted to the roof of the building to generate renewable energy. The site will be further complemented by 1.5-acres of public open space and the recent restoration of the Grade II listed Dye House by Chevin Homes to form a 4,500 sq ft commercial premises.
The former 18th Century cotton mill housed some of the world’s first mechanised industrial spinning factories. The historic features that are being painstakingly restored include the Mill Lade that now feeds a hydroelectric power plant downstream, along with the repair of all original stone boundary walls.
Vistry Group gets green light and signs partnership deal to build 140 new homes in Earl Shilton
Vistry Group, the provider of affordable mixed-tenure homes, has been granted planning permission by Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council to bring 140 new homes to Leicester Road, Earl Shilton.
Simultaneously, Vistry has completed on a contract with Places for People, the Social Enterprise, for 83 properties.
This £31m new development will consist of one-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom mixed-tenure houses and maisonettes designed to blend with the town’s historic community.
Andy Reynolds, Managing Director of Vistry South East Midlands, said: “We are thrilled to have secured planning permission to start work on these much-needed mixed-tenure homes in the historic town of Earl Shilton.
“Working in partnership with Places for People means that this development will not only meet the housing needs of the area but will blend family-friendly homes and green open spaces to create a thriving and sustainable community for the future.”
The new homes will be built using modern methods of construction (MMC) reducing the carbon footprint of every property. The homes will be manufactured off site using open panel timber frames from the Vistry Works East Midlands factory just 12 miles away in Leicestershire.
Each home built using these panels emits 14,460kg CO2e less than a traditional brick-and-block house.
Nilam Buchanan, Regional Managing Director, Developments Central and North from Places for People, said: “We are delighted to partner with Vistry Group on this significant development in Earl Shilton to bring forward more high-quality, affordable homes that foster vibrant and sustainable communities.
“The mix of one-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom homes will cater to a diverse range of people, ensuring that everyone has access to a safe and comfortable living environment.
“We know how vitally important a sustainable home can be for people, and we’re excited to see modern methods of construction used to reduce the carbon footprint of these homes, contributing to a greener future for all. We look forward to seeing this development come to life and making a positive impact on the local community.”
Work is expected to start in spring 2025.
Saint-Gobain’s assets from closed Holwell foundry to go under the hammer
Saint-Gobain PAM UK has appointed NCM Auctions to manage the complete clearance of its Holwell foundry facility in Melton Mowbray. The Doncaster-based auction and asset management company will also oversee the asset recovery of the entire foundry complex.
The historic Holwell foundry, established in 1881, has been a significant part of Melton Mowbray’s industrial heritage for over 140 years. The facility specialised in manufacturing access covers and gratings for the water and sewage industry until its recent closure, with production operations being moved to a sister facility in France.
NCM will execute a comprehensive site clearance program at Saint-Gobain’s Holwell facility. The program will combine careful decommissioning with optimised asset value recovery through an auction.
This online auction will feature an array of specialist foundry equipment, including overhead cranes, weighbridges, lathes, milling machines, compressors, conveyors, racking and many other items.
Amy Rutherford, Partnership Lead at NCM, said: “This contract award from Saint-Gobain represents a significant milestone for NCM Auctions and reinforces our position as a trusted and leading partner in industrial site clearances.
“Saint-Gobain’s commitment to sustainability is truly commendable. By auctioning off a wide array of specialist equipment, they support the local community and businesses and ensure that valuable resources are recycled and reintegrated into the circular economy.”
The collection will be sold via an online auction with lots ending from 1pm on Thursday 20 February. NCM will also be considering private treaty sales for the disposal of these assets.
Proposal raised to create Loughborough Town Council
A proposal has been made to explore the creation of a town council for Loughborough following the Government’s publication of the English Devolution White Paper.
The white paper outlines the Government’s intention to create elected mayors, strategic authorities, and reorganise councils in two-tier areas like Leicestershire, replacing county and district councils with unitary authorities.
At a full council meeting of Charnwood Borough Council on Monday evening (20 January 2025), Leader Jewel Miah put forward a position statement outlining the Council’s position on the white paper.
The position statement, which was discussed by the Council at the meeting, sets out the Council’s in-principal support for a Strategic Mayoral Authority for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
It also set out the Council’s initial concerns over the size and scale of a proposed single unitary council for Leicestershire and Rutland and considers that there are other viable options that should be explored and opportunities for wider discussion and engagement.
The statement also proposed to “explore the creation of a Town Council for Loughborough.”
Cllr Miah said: “Government has put forward the English Devolution White Paper and has set a clear agenda to create unitary authorities in two-tier areas like ours in Leicestershire.
“That process has only just started, with all options on the table and there is a long way to go.
“However, to ensure that Loughborough has proper local representation and a strong voice in the future, we feel it is appropriate to explore the creation of a Town Council for Loughborough, whatever local government structures end up in place.
“There is a clear legislative process that will need to be undertaken which will involve consultation and engagement with local communities. Officers at the borough council will now be looking at the proposal and producing a report for Cabinet.
“Clearly Charnwood already has successful parish and town councils which make positive impacts on their local areas. People and communities in Loughborough would expect the same representation, should local government structures change in the future.”
Nottingham City Council reduces budget gap
Nottingham City Council has significantly reduced the budget gap it is facing next year by two thirds due to “major improvements and efficiencies being implemented or planned.”
A report to the Council’s Executive Board on 21 January set out the latest budget position for 2025/26 which shows a projected budget deficit of £23.4 million, down from the £69 million gap forecast in June last year.
The cumulative budget gap over the period of Council’s Medium Term Financial Plan to 2028/29 has reduced from £172 million forecast last year to £56.8 million.
Council Leader, Cllr Neghat Khan said: “The reduced budget gap is the result of the significant work we have been undertaking to get our house in order, making major changes to become more efficient and put the Council on a solid financial footing for the future.
“The much improved financial settlement which Nottingham is to receive from the Government which includes an extra £30 plus million for next year has also had a positive impact on our financial position.”
Nottingham food business reveals plans to reduce employee numbers
Jobs are on the line at Nottingham business The Compleat Food Group, as reports reveal plans to reduce employee numbers at a pie-making facility.
The firm told Just Food it has entered into discussions over possible redundancies, with up to 131 roles at risk at Tottle Bakery in Nottingham.
A spokesperson from the company explained that the plans are a result of a “comprehensive review of cold pie volume,” with jobs to be cut “across several departments.”
They added the plans were “due to changing demand in a competitive trading environment and to ensure we can continue to support the long-term sustainable future of roles at the site.”
The Compleat Food Group is not planning to close the factory, however.
The business made a number of acquisitions last year, with aims to become the UK’s number one chilled prepared food company, including speciality food producer and distributor Harvey & Brockless, SK Foods and Zorba Foods.
2025 Business Predictions: Gary Piper, Sales Director at Barron McCann
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 Gary Piper, Sales Director at Barron McCann, a provider of IT services across retail, hospitality, travel, banking and payments throughout the UK and Europe.
In 2025, additional revenue streams like digital media and advertising spaces will play an increasingly critical role for retailers. On screen advertising space will be an opportunity that stores should own, but we will start seeing these spaces, and WIFI advertising space, sold to external advertisers too. We’re going to see even smarter technology emerge, capable of tracking customers throughout store and delivering highly targeted advertisements.
Smart shelf solutions are also gaining traction – improving pricing accuracy and supporting consumer-facing apps like the Co-op’s or Tesco’s Clubcard app, enabling members to view exclusive pricing. Customer experience is becoming more critical than ever and aligning with individual customer behaviours is essential for retailers to stay competitive.
Serving the eco-conscious customer is another opportunity retailers can’t afford to overlook. EV charging stations, for example, not only support sustainability goals but also drive footfall and loyalty. The focus here isn’t on making money from the chargers but on keeping customers who value these services from going elsewhere. With EV technology becoming more affordable and reliable, it’s crucial for retailers to stay ahead.
Moving to low-carbon logistics is a key part of this – think green vehicles for last-mile delivery and initiatives that encourage employees and customers to adopt more sustainable practices.
For hospitality and retail businesses, leveraging green technologies will be a powerful way to attract eco-conscious customers by 2025. IT hardware recycling is one example of how we can embed sustainability into our operations while also demonstrating our commitment to the environment.
E-commerce business expands at Silverstone Park
Diva Group’s presence at Silverstone Park is set to expand significantly as Diva Patang, one of Afghanistan’s leading businesswomen in Europe, is to dramatically increase the size of her e-commerce business.
Diva Group is in the process of moving from its 33,000 sq ft premises to newer 100,000 sq ft industrial accommodation at the innovation and technology campus. Employee numbers are set to double to around 200 as a result of the move.
The business has already invested heavily in the use of AI plus, more recently, over £1m in automation systems to keep up with consumer demand for the big brand products it sells online.
Diva, who located her business to Silverstone Park with just 20 employees three years ago, says growing belief in her vision from external forces has given her the confidence to expand.
“Before Covid, online business was not as known to so many big brands,” explains Diva. “I remember trying to impress them and they weren’t that interested but now it is the other way around – they knock on our door to impress us to say ‘we’ve got the good brand, why don’t you bring it onto your shelves’.
“I think that just shows the growth in online business and the technology that people are using today.”
Diva continued: “In the next few months the premises will be transformed with a huge amount of warehousing for distribution – we anticipate serving a huge number of customers.
“A lot of automation is coming – we’ve invested over £1m alone on automation and bringing new technology into the business such as belting systems to make our business growth faster.
“AI is separate and something we’re already using. I’ve been careful to ensure I personally understand the AI so it is used in the correct way for our customers. This has proved highly effective in dealing with customer enquiries – 99.9% in fact.”
Diva says her business also has the means to move with the times in terms of consumer demand.
“As technology has improved, we have the online tools now to see what consumers are searching for the most.
“This enables us to respond to these trends and fill those niches.”
She added: “Who knows, maybe in the next few years there will be little robots running around in our premises – they perhaps need to be more advanced before we bring them, but it is something I want to bring in maybe the next stages of our growth. They could be part of our future but I think automation is the future anyway.
“I believe in the next three to five years we can be three or five times bigger than we are now – this is my challenge.
“I’m very happy with my business being at Silverstone Park – it’s a place that is providing huge opportunities for big companies and I’m actually proud to be with all these brands, companies and names in technology. And of course it’s nice to now be the holder of the biggest property here.”
