Beano to take over Coach and Horses after £200k refurb
The Coach & Horses pub in Ashbourne’s Dog Street has closed for a £200,000 revamp by Heineken-owned Star Pubs, after which firefighter Ian Godfrey will take the reins as the new operator.
The venue will reopen in late February in time for Ashbourne’s Shrovetide Football, which Ian has participated in every year since the age of 15.
Ian, known as Beano in the town, said: “I love Ashbourne; I’ve lived here all my life and try to do what I can to support it. The Coach & Horses was always very popular when I was growing up, and I’ve got many happy memories of visiting with my family. I’d like to return it to its glory days as a great pub for visitors to the town and a hub of local life that serves the whole community.
“I’ve always wanted to run a pub in my home town that was big enough to accommodate live bands. They’re hard to come by: when I spotted The Coach & Horses was available, I knew it was now or never. People are very excited about the improvements and to see the pub getting the TLC it needs to make a comeback. The pub has a fantastic team of staff who are staying on, so though it will look very different, there’ll be lots of familiar, friendly faces.”
Lorna Willoughby, Star Pubs’ investment manager for the Peak District, said: “Ian is very civic-minded and enthusiastic. The works combined with his plans will give The Coach & Horses a much broader appeal and put it back at the heart of the community.”
2025 Business Predictions: Sarah Newton, director, Penguin PR
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 Sarah Newton, director at Penguin PR.
As we move into 2025 the demand for authenticity will become increasingly important in the world of PR. Undoubtedly, AI-generated content will be more abundant, but audiences will become quicker at detecting inauthentic or formulaic messaging. This means genuine messaging will be more important than ever.
Consumers will increasingly value human connection, transparency and brands that resonate on a personal and emotional level. AI may provide efficiency, but it cannot replace the genuine storytelling and human connections that build trust.
Modern audiences, particularly Gen Z and millennials, expect brands to take a stand on social, cultural and environmental issues in ways that feel sincere and consistent. PR strategies that prioritise human voices, relatable stories and real experiences will resonate far more deeply than AI-generated content that lacks nuance or emotional intelligence.
When it comes to crisis communication, people will prefer to connect with brands that admit mistakes, engage in open dialogue and demonstrate accountability. AI tools may help craft responses quickly, but audiences will only trust brands that communicate with genuine care and transparency.
As the PR landscape becomes more saturated with AI-powered solutions, the brands that thrive will be those that leverage technology to enhance – not replace – authentic human storytelling. By prioritising meaningful voices over automated content, the PR professionals that will stand out in 2025 will be the credible, relatable and honest communicators.
Vistry Group completes first deal with Placefirst to bring 139 private rental homes to Mansfield
Vistry Group, the provider of mixed-tenure homes, has sealed its first deal with Placefirst, the build-to-rent property developer-operators, for 139 of the 156 new homes that have been given the green light at Redruth Road in Mansfield.
Once constructed by Vistry, Placefirst will manage the homes for long-term rent, with a focus on fostering a strong sense of community and maintaining the high standard of construction quality.
Redruth Road will be Placefirst’s second presence in the East Midlands, following the acquisition of 34 homes in Corby last year.
The 9.8-acre site, previously owned by Mansfield District Council, now has full planning permission for 156 properties, secured with the assistance of O’Connell Property Ltd.
The two-, three-, and four-bedroom homes, as well as one-bedroom maisonettes, will be served by carefully designed footpaths and roads to ensure excellent connectivity through the new development to the surrounding communities.
As well as building new homes, Vistry is committing £536,869 to bolster local services. This includes a £91,576 cash injection for healthcare, £90,322 towards education and £318,062 for roads and transport. The scheme will also include a leap and trim trail through the public spaces and playground equipment for younger members of the community.
Each of the 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 in Bardon in neighbouring Leicestershire.
Each home built using these panels emits 14,460kg CO2e less than a traditional brick-and-block house and will be designed to complement the surrounding area.
Lee Parry, Managing Director of Vistry North East Midlands, said: “It’s great to be working with Placefirst as we embark on what we hope is the first scheme of a fruitful partnership. Together we can make inroads into the shortage of rental properties in the region, bringing new family homes where they are needed most.
“We’re excited to have secured full planning permission for this site, which forms part of Nottinghamshire’s ongoing growth, and to be entrusted with creating high-quality homes here that will strike a harmonious balance between family-friendly housing and green open spaces, creating a thriving and sustainable community.”
Henry Marshall, Investment Director for Placefirst, said: “As we grow, our priority remains providing residents with the sort of exceptional stress-free living experience that inspires them to see the benefits of renting, and treat it as an active choice.
“Through a shared commitment to minimising environmental impact while keeping energy bills low for residents, this new partnership with leading housebuilder Vistry Group marks a step up in our ambitions for nationwide growth, while ensuring we continue delivering the market-leading standard of homes we are known for.
“Mansfield has faced challenges in meeting rising demand for homes, as seen by the increased housing target last year. This collaboration will play a key role in driving the town’s progress by delivering diverse, high-quality homes that support a growing population.”
BDO advises on £3.4bn deal value across Midlands and East of England
Accountancy and business advisory firm, BDO LLP has advised on 69 deals across the Midlands and East of England with a combined value of £3.4bn in 2024. Deal activity spanned 10 sectors, with over a third of BDO’s activity international/cross-border in nature.
During 2024, across the Midlands and East of England, BDO’s M&A, Transaction Services and Tax teams advised on 49 buy-side and 20 sell-side deals. Nearly half of all transactions (33 deals, 48%) involved private equity, with a further 31 deals (45%) involving corporate/trade and five deals capital markets related.
Vinod Patel, Partner, Deal Advisory – Transaction Services – said: “It’s fair to say that the economic headwinds have continued to create a difficult trading environment for many regional businesses, but their resilience and ambition translated into sustained deal activity throughout the year.
“While the Autumn Budget has added an additional layer of pressure for many businesses, what it has done is provided a degree of political and economic certainty, which will only benefit the M&A market in both the Midlands and East of England.
“Yes, the National Insurance Contribution (NIC) increase will sting for many, undoubtedly impacting on cost bases in 2025. For some, this will result in a reduction in headcount, a pause on pay rises and a freeze on recruitment, amongst other things. However, what it’s likely to bring is a greater examination of pricing strategies – by those businesses that are able to – in response to increased costs.”
Standout BDO deals across the Midlands and East of England in 2024 involved a wide range of buyers, including corporate/trade, private equity, debt and capital/plc markets in the UK and internationally.
These included: providing financial due diligence services to HSBC in respect of the take private and refinancing of AIM listed Rotala PLC (transport solutions business); the sale of Utopia Tableware to Steelite International (a portfolio company of US Private Equity house, Arbor Investments); the sale of Torus Technology to KKR backed IP Group; as well as providing buy-side financial and tax due diligence and SPA advisory services to Nurture Group on its buy & build strategy, including its 50th and largest acquisition of Tivoli Group.
In addition, BDO provided sell-side financial and tax due diligence support to Clifton Packaging Group on its sale to Carton Pack (an Italian group and portfolio company of A&M Capital Europe); buy-side M&A and commercial due diligence for LDC on its investment into Integrated Doorset Solutions; sell-side tax advisory services on the sale of CCS Media (one of the UK’s largest IT resellers) to Goldman Sachs-backed Advania; sell-side financial, tax and SPA advisory services to Charles Street Buildings Group to Lone Star, a leading private equity firm; while raising growth funding for PitPat (designer and creator of GPS Trackers & Activity Monitors for pets) from Correlation One Investments (Europe) Limited.
Roger Buckley, Partner, Deal Advisory – Mergers & Acquisitions – added: “Despite several competing factors, there is a growing sense of optimism for 2025. Despite the negativity arising from the 2024 Budget, we are expecting activity levels to exceed those seen in 2024, which is backed by a strong pipeline of engagements and opportunities.
“The UK faces many challenges. Yet both trade and private equity appetite for deals remains, with significant “dry powder” to deploy and portfolio companies to exit. M&A activity will also be underpinned by a desire to consolidate, particularly in those markets that remain fragmented with businesses executing buy and build strategies to achieve scale and gain market share in 2025.”
In light of the future pipeline, BDO continues to invest in its Deal Advisory team across the Midlands and East of England with the appointment of eight people, including Steve Round, as Deals – Tax partner.
Businesses called on to spend a night sleeping out, so others don’t have to
YMCA Derbyshire is calling on individuals, businesses, and community groups across the city and county to come together to spend a night sleeping out, so others don’t have to.
Sleep Easy will take place at the County Ground, home of Derbyshire County Cricket Club, on Friday 7 March 2025. Tickets cost £10 for adults in full-time employment and £5 for young people aged 17 and under.
Each year the event brings together over 100 people who challenge themselves to sleep out for one night to raise money for those at risk of homelessness and social isolation.
Last year’s event raised just over £35,000, which was used to provide a wide range of youth and community services, enabling those they support to move along their positive pathways. Thanks to this incredible support, the charity was able to make a real impact last year.
- 325 individuals at risk of homelessness were given a safe place to live in the charity’s housing
- 884 hours of therapeutic counselling was delivered
- 95 residents were supported to gain a qualification
- 36 residents who engaged in employment programmes gained employment
- 10,310 hot meals were served to those in need, and over 1,000 food parcels were provided
- 653 individual support sessions were delivered
Chesterfield and North Derbyshire businesses encouraged to embrace new skills initiatives
Chesterfield and North Derbyshire businesses are being encouraged to embrace new skills initiatives which aim to create high-quality jobs, bridge skills gaps, and ensure the region thrives in high-growth industries.
The upcoming Chesterfield and North Derbyshire Employability and Skills Conference will outline how businesses can access and bolster local talent to support the growth of the economy.
The conference will highlight new and emerging policy at national and regional levels. This includes the government’s intention to launch foundation and short apprenticeships in key sectors, investing £40m to create a Growth and Skills Levy and a Youth Guarantee Trailblazers initiative. The East Midlands is one of eight areas in England and Wales set to benefit from additional funding for young people.
Delegates will also gain updates on existing programmes that enable new and existing employees to access an apprenticeship or other work-related training, such as Skills Bootcamps and supported internships – with no or minimal cost to employers. Experts will update delegates on emerging topics, initiatives, funding, and opportunities to upskill their workforce.
The conference will hear from Cllr Paul Hezelgrave, Portfolio Lead for Skills & Employment at East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), who will speak about the challenges and opportunities in skills and employment across the region.
Cllr Hezelgrave commented: “The East Midlands is at the forefront of innovation, and we want to ensure our businesses are equipped to harness future growth in our region. By investing in local talent, we can close skills gaps, create high-quality jobs, and support sustainable and inclusive growth.
“This is an exciting time for employers to shape the future of our workforce, so I would encourage businesses to attend the conference and gain a comprehensive overview of the latest opportunities. I look forward to meeting regular members of our business community who attend the conference, and many new ones.”
Delegates will also hear about the benefits of inclusive recruitment and how employers can engage with a new project. Six Youth Voice Ambassadors will attend to share their experiences of the Connected Futures project, which is designed to break down barriers and improve access to employment for young people with learning disabilities and/or Autism Spectrum Condition.
Back by popular demand, the conference will once again include an interactive Round Table session, giving businesses a unique chance to engage with four different table hosts who are experts on skills support and funding.
The conference seeks to strengthen existing links between education providers and local businesses. This helps ensure school leavers become work-ready and can ‘make it’ in their hometown.
Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “We are proud to deliver the annual Employability and Skills Conference, which plays a vital role in supporting continued collaboration among businesses and the skills and education sector, promoting the sharing of best practices, and enhancing the skills of our residents.
“By developing a resilient workforce, we can help local businesses seize new opportunities and drive growth.
“This year’s conference places a strong emphasis on the wide range of support available to local businesses, and I encourage all business leaders to attend and explore the resources on offer.”
The Chesterfield Skills and Employment Partnership delivers the Chesterfield & North Derbyshire Employability & Skills Conference in association with Chesterfield Borough Council and Destination Chesterfield.
Businesses urged to embrace new skills initiatives to help region thrive
Chesterfield and North Derbyshire businesses are being encouraged to embrace new skills initiatives with the objective of creating high-quality jobs, bridging skills gaps, and ensuring the region thrives in high-growth industries.
The forthcoming Chesterfield and North Derbyshire Employability and Skills Conference will outline how businesses can access and bolster local talent to support the growth of our economy.
The conference will highlight new and emerging policy at national and regional levels. This includes the government’s intention to launch foundation and short apprenticeships in key sectors, investing £40m to create a Growth and Skills Levy and a Youth Guarantee Trailblazers initiative. The East Midlands is one of eight areas in England and Wales set to benefit from additional funding for young people.
Delegates will also gain updates on existing programmes that enable new and existing employees to access an apprenticeship or other work-related training, such as Skills Bootcamps and supported internships – with no or minimal cost to employers.[1] Experts will update delegates on emerging topics, initiatives, funding, and opportunities to upskill their workforce.
The conference will hear from Cllr Paul Hezelgrave, Portfolio Lead for Skills & Employment at East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), who will speak about the challenges and opportunities in skills and employment across the region.
Cllr Hezelgrave said: “The East Midlands is at the forefront of innovation, and we want to ensure our businesses are equipped to harness future growth in our region. By investing in local talent, we can close skills gaps, create high-quality jobs, and support sustainable and inclusive growth. This is an exciting time for employers to shape the future of our workforce, so I would encourage businesses to attend the conference and gain a comprehensive overview of the latest opportunities. I look forward to meeting regular members of our business community who attend the conference, and many new ones.”
Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, commented: “We are proud to deliver the annual Employability and Skills Conference, which plays a vital role in supporting continued collaboration among businesses and the skills and education sector, promoting the sharing of best practices, and enhancing the skills of our residents. By developing a resilient workforce, we can help local businesses seize new opportunities and drive growth.
“This year’s conference places a strong emphasis on the wide range of support available to local businesses, and I encourage all business leaders to attend and explore the resources on offer.”
Details disclosed on Ryedale Caravan & Leisure’s financial struggles as caravan and leisure sector experiences “period of decline”
PKF Smith Cooper has disclosed more details surrounding Ryedale Caravan & Leisure’s financial struggles, citing a “period of decline” in the caravan and leisure industry as the leading cause.
This announcement follows the news publicised earlier this month that Ryedale’s company directors are currently working with business recovery experts at PKF Smith Cooper to review the business’s financial position and explore the possibility of marketing the Leicestershire-based caravan retailer for sale.
The caravan and leisure sector has been in a period of decline for a while, with a large number of caravan dealerships being closed as a result.
Other caravan dealerships that have succumbed to the challenges facing the industry include Lady Bailey Caravans, a high-profile dealer of 30 years from Blandford Forum that recently announced its closure, and Alcester-based Broad Lane Leisure Limited, a similar sized dealership to Ryedale that entered into Administration on 9th July 2024.
Brett Barton, Business Restructuring and Recovery Partner at PKF Smith Cooper, said: “Whilst the industry enjoyed increased levels of success in the pandemic with the staycation boom, recent issues with rising ownership costs – including new caravans, running costs and site fee costs – have resulted in a period of contraction.
“Other external factors have also had an impact, such as the rise in electric car ownership and the limitation on towing capacity for this vehicle type. Electric cars are on average 1250kg gross weight compared with a VW Passat Estate that can tow 2000kg.
“In addition, towing a caravan significantly reduces the distance between charges for electric vehicles as the UK charging infrastructure is not set up for vehicles that are towing a caravan or a trailer. This means that you would have to park up, unhitch the caravan, charge the car and then return to re-hitch the caravan to complete your journey.
“Due to these factors, Ryedale Caravan & Leisure has been struggling to sell the requisite number of caravans to cover its overheads, which culminated in a large number of 2024 variants remaining on site while the new 2025 versions are now being offered elsewhere in the market.
“We are also aware through our industry knowledge that the manufacturers tried to stimulate the new caravan market by offering discounts at the show held at the NEC in October 2024 and then extended those discounts for several weeks after the show. This unprecedented step has further agitated the ability to sell the 2024 stock.
“The lack of sales of new caravans has meant that payments on account have become due and payable to the finance companies that provide stock finance to Ryedale. This pressure, together with other payments that had become overdue, led to the Board of Directors contacting our business restructuring and recovery team at PKF Smith Cooper for formal advice.”
34,000 sq ft Leicester TMS dealership completes
HBD, part of Henry Boot, has completed a 34,000 sq ft TMS dealership at Melton Road, Leicester, representing the largest single investment in the dealership’s 18-year history.
The new centre is the sixth TMS location across the Midlands and offers Volvo and Kia vehicles alongside servicing facilities.
TMS Group is a family run franchised motor retailer. It represents Volvo in Coventry, Hinkley and Leicester and Kia in Leicester, Loughborough and Hinkley. TMS was created in 2006 by Len Hallows, growing quickly since launching its first dealership.
Ed Hutchinson, Managing Director of HBD, said: “We have created a modern and sustainable building for TMS Group, with eco-friendly technology sitting alongside state-of-the-art servicing facilities. The new centre will play a key role in the business’ continued growth, while creating 20 jobs and apprenticeship opportunities.”
Boutique employment law firm secures new base for expansion
The specialist law firm Michael Cummins Employment Solicitors has begun the New Year with a new base to accommodate its expanding workforce.
The now eight-strong firm, which tripled its turnover in its second year in business, has relocated to new offices at Desford Hall in rural Leicestershire.
The firm was previously based at its initial location at Leicester’s Grove Park since being founded by Michael Cummins in 2022.
The new offices, in the Coach House at Desford Hall, are located within countryside with views as far as Bradgate Park and set in grounds enjoyed by staff, clients and especially the family firm’s dog Monty.
Michael Cummins said: “We have taken on three fee-earners in the last six months, thanks to significant new client wins and sustainably growing levels of work and turnover. So we needed a more suitable space for the bigger team.
“The new offices and their environment really chime with the kind of firm we are – boutique, focussed, atypical and determined to be a great and enjoyable place to work. We now have the space to expand the team throughout 2025 and beyond.
“Our growing team live in both the East and West Midlands, including Birmingham and Nottingham, so this new location is perfectly accessible to all. As it also is for our national client base.
“Our clients love our new surroundings and all comment on how wonderfully green and pleasant the environment is. They all love meeting Monty too, who couldn’t be happier to have the fields and gardens to explore.”
