Leading housebuilder David Wilson Homes is highlighting its development, The Nurseries, after Thrapston has been crowned the best place to live in Northamptonshire. This status has been named by lifestyle site, Muddy Stilettos, who asked its readers across several counties to choose the best places to live outside of London. Eight Northamptonshire towns including Earls Barton and Brackley received many votes, but Thrapston took the top spot.[1] The Nurseries is located within Thrapston, meaning residents can walk to a supermarket, many independent shops and four pubs. Alongside this, the Nene Centre, which includes a swimming pool and gym, is less […]
The post THRAPSTON NAMED THE BEST PLACE TO LIVE IN NORTHAMPTONSHIRE first appeared on Connect East Midlands.

Leicester-local, Reena Pithwa, is heading up the new Midlands Relationship Management division at Allica Bank, helping to launch its direct-to-SMEs banking offering.      The appointment is part of Allica’s Bank’s mission to ‘bring back the local Relationship Manager’ for established SMEs – a group that typically is no longer offered a relationship manager with deep local knowledge and SME lending expertise. Alongside hiring local relationship managers, Allica has invested heavily in its technology, with a focus on providing a quick and transparent experience for their SME customers.  Reena has more than 23 years’ experience supporting SMEs, mostly through high street bank lending: “Business owners want to speak to someone at their bank that knows their local area – someone that can […]
The post Leicester-local appointed by SME bank to support East Midlands’ businesses  first appeared on Connect East Midlands.

Oakley Airfield is set to have a new lease of life as a state-of-the-art testing facility for driverless and automated car technology thanks to Leicestershire based, Andrew Granger & Co’s planning and development team. The site, located between the villages of Oakley and Worminghall near Aylesbury was closed in 1947, with the land returning to agricultural use in the 1950’s. Following Buckinghamshire Council’s approval of the application, work on the CAVWAY project has now started and is due to be complete by the end of 2021. Andrew Granger & Co were very excited to be a part of such a […]
The post Leicestershire based Andrew Granger & Co get green light on driverless car technology test track in Aylesbury. first appeared on Connect East Midlands.

The estate management division of land development and property agents Mather Jamie has won the contract to manage the Lockington Estate in Leicestershire. The Estate comprises a diverse portfolio of 15 cottages, 39,000 square feet of office space and a substantial sand and gravel quarry operated by Tarmac.  Lockington Hall, which is a grade II listed building was converted to office accommodation in 1974 soon after the current owner Charles Coaker inherited the estate in 1972.  Since then, FPCR Environment and Design Ltd have been the head tenants. Together with residential and commercial properties Mather Jamie will also manage around […]
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LEXUS DERBY RECEIVES 2021 EUROPEAN KIWAMI AWARD HONOURING RETAILER EXCELLENCE Lexus Derby among 10 European Lexus retailers to receive a 2021 Kiwami Award Awards acknowledge exceptional business performance by Lexus’s retail partners and the maintenance of Lexus omotenashi customer service, despite the trading challenges of the past year Judging process examined every aspect of the customer journey and business performance Lexus Derby is one of 10 Lexus retailers judged to be the best in Europe in the 2021 Kiwami Awards. The honours reward all-round excellence achieved in the most challenging trading conditions the brand has ever experienced. For this, the fifth year […]
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An ambitious plant-based food company supported by the Food Innovation Centre in its infancy has raised £1.6 million via crowdfunding. Alternative meat brand Better Nature will use the funding to begin a nationwide marketing campaign, launch into major supermarkets, and develop new products. The company, which specialises in products made from tempeh – fermented plant-based protein made using soybeans or other legumes, nuts, grains or seeds – also plans to launch a whole new meat alternatives range in June. The news comes as the Food Innovation Centre, based at the University of Nottingham, turns the spotlight on alternative proteins, such […]
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Bellway is launching a new housing development this month in the Leicestershire village of Bottesford. Construction work is now well underway at The Vale, off Grantham Road, where 60 new homes are being built for the local area. A mix of two, three, four and five-bedroom homes will be provided, with showhomes set to open in May and the first residents expected to move in during the summer. A total of 41 of the properties will be for private sale, while 19 affordable homes will be available for local people through rent or shared ownership. Heidi Higgins, Sales Manager for […]
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Head of conservation at Lincoln Cathedral, Jane Cowan, has been awarded Accredited Conservator-Restorer (ACR) status by the Institute of Conservation (ICON). With a diploma in Conservation and Restoration and a Master of Science in Stone Conservation, Jane applies her 30 years of specialist industry experience to her role – which plays a major part in protecting Lincoln’s greatest historical asset. Jane joins a membership of over 800 accredited conservators operating globally and is proudly one of two members of the works department at Lincoln Cathedral with this accreditation, the other being director of works and property, Michael Sheppard. As part […]
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Specialist coffee roaster and wholesaler 200 Degrees Coffee has welcomed Will Kenney as commercial director. Nottingham-born and now Leeds-based, Will brings with him 20 years of experience in the coffee sector, having held senior positions in the industry supporting some of the high streets best loved coffee operators. At 200 Degrees, Will’s responsibilities include managing and driving all commercial aspects of the business, particularly its wholesale offer and the online sale of beans and coffee machines. Nottingham-based 200 Degrees – which recently announced its 12th coffee shop which will open in Manchester next month – currently has 11 distinctive coffee […]
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Derbyshire based web development, creative and digital marketing agency is expanding its geographic footprint into the West Midlands following its appointment provide marketing advice and services to Rivus Fleet Solutions. Based on Solihull Parkway in Birmingham, Rivus Fleet Solutions is a spin out from BT Fleet which was purchased by The Aurelius Group in 2019 and rebranded to better reflect the comprehensive nature of its fleet management services. Rivus now looks after over 85,000 vehicles across all stages of the vehicle life cycle via a network of 55 self owned garages and a partner network of over 500 garages. The […]
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Foundations have been laid for an exclusive new housing development in Castle Donington that gains its inspiration from the world famous racetrack nearby. Property company Ikon Residence has begun construction work on Spittal Heights, a development of 13 luxury homes nestled among its own woodland area in Spittal Hill. The uniquely designed four and five-bedroom homes are named after celebrated racing drivers who have appeared at the Donington Park circuit, including Senna, Moss, Hill and Stewart. The first properties are expected to be available this summer, with completion estimated by the end of the year. Despite the first completion dates being some months away, Spittal Heights has already sparked interest […]
The post “Ikonic” Luxury Housing Development Set for Pole Position in East Midlands Property Market first appeared on Connect East Midlands.

Bellway is to launch a new development of 257 homes in Ripley next month (May). Construction work is progressing at Coppice Heights, off Whiteley Road, where the developer is building a range of two, three and four-bedroom houses for sale. A sales office will open at the site in May, with the first showhomes set to be unveiled shortly afterwards. Coppice Heights will comprise 228 properties for private sale and 29 affordable homes for rent or shared ownership. Heidi Higgins, Sales Manager for Bellway East Midlands said: “Our Coppice Heights development will deliver a variety of homes to appeal to […]
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Seven charities from across the Midlands have been chosen by employees at Mondelēz International sites throughout the region, to receive a donation of up to £5,000. Guide Dogs in Birmingham, Molly Olly’s Wishes in Warwick, Scope4SEN in Derbyshire, Papyrus Prevention of Young Suicide and Friends of Herefordshire Alzheimer’s & Dementia Sufferers has each been granted £5,000 from The Cadbury Foundation, whilst Birmingham-based Kingfisher Foodbank and St Anne’s Hostel each received £2,500 from the Foundation, as part of Mondelēz International’s ‘Your Charity Your Choice’ scheme. Each year, the company’s employees are invited to nominate charities or projects close to their hearts, […]
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For those dreaming of home ownership, Linden Homes has released the final phase of homes at its Ferriby Rise development. Located in the sought-after area of Scartho Top, on the outskirts of Grimsby, this final release of homes at Ferriby Rise includes a mix of two and four-bedroom homes. Andrew Handslip, Head of Sales at Linden Homes Yorkshire, said: “Our Ferriby Rise development has proven extremely popular with buyers, thanks largely to its attractive setting and location. There are now just 12 homes remaining at the development, three two-bedroom and nine four-bedroom homes. “Confidence in the new homes market remains […]
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Develop Training, the UK’s leading accredited provider of compliance, technical and safety training, is delighted to confirm the promotion of Matthew Gray to the new role of Head of Operations and Training. Matthew, who joined Develop in 2018 as Operations Manager, has a wealth of experience in the sector, having held roles of Electrical Training Manager and National Curriculum Manager after beginning his career as an electrical lecturer. Following his graduation from the University of Derby in 2010, Matthew has built a proven track record in strategic senior leadership and management as well as having a high level of experience and skills […]
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Midlands-based contractor G F Tomlinson will forge a longstanding partnership with Treetops Hospice as part of its new Local Communities Partnership Programme, providing ongoing support and construction-based assistance to fulfil a community project for the end-of-life care charity. Treetops Hospice – which provides vital end of life care in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire to more than 3,000 local people every year, will now receive support from G F Tomlinson and its partners, Arc Partnership and Perfect Circle, to carry out essential improvements around their estate. This will initially involve improvement works to its wonderful woodland grounds to provide a tranquil and […]
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If Spring is getting you in the mood for a move and the end of lockdown is making you feel that a change of inside and outside scenery is just the tonic after months in one location, then a viewing at Trent Basin could be just the new home ticket. The last homes of the Phase 3 build at this incredibly popular new waterside neighbourhood have just been released for sale, ahead of schedule and due to the huge demand for these low energy, sustainable homes – and with prices starting at just £290,000 for a three-bedroom home. These three […]
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A Leicestershire energy firm has solidified its reputation as one of the top suppliers in the country following its latest customer satisfaction commendation. The news follows backing from Which? in January when the firm was ranked first in its annual energy satisfaction survey, toppling the likes of British Gas and EDF energy. Upstart Outfox the Market has claimed one of the top five spots in the latest edition of the Citizens Advice star rating, which ranks domestic energy suppliers on customer service. Achieving third spot with a 4.25 out of 5 rating, the firm, situated on Frog Island in the […]
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Britain’s workforce has seen stress related absence increase by 64% in the last year Stress can lead to a variety of health problems including flu, diabetes and acne, as well as digestive issues Dr Rhianna McClymont, Lead GP at Livi, reveals five top tips for managingstress With the effects of the pandemic and stressors surrounding Covid-19, stress related absence is up 64% from 2019, and there has been a 39% increase in leave due tostress year on year.1 Short term stress can be good in small doses, as it can focus the mind, provide motivation and energise the body, which helps achieve goals, solve problems and perform difficult tasks well. […]
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SO Resi, the shared ownership brand of Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing Association, has celebrated a month of fundraising success for global women’s rights charity Womankind Worldwide, raising a total of £4200. The housing association is behind the MY Resi Upton Square development in Upton, just outside of Northampton. More than 380 members of the SO Resi team, including a number of Directors and senior employees alongside their friends and colleagues, took part in an ‘Around The World in 21 Days’ challenge which required the team to collectively walk, run or cycle 40,075km. Throughout the 21 days, the SO Resi team […]
The post SO RESI CELEBRATES FUNDRAISING SUCCESS FOR WOMEN’S RIGHTS CHARITY WOMANKIND WORLDWIDE first appeared on Connect East Midlands.