A Nottingham-based family-owned care home operator has acquired a care home in Solihull with the help of a seven-figure funding package from HSBC UK. Affinity Care Consortium, based in Sherwood, will use the funding to advance its national expansion strategy. The acquisition of Silver Birches, a 50-bed care home, will be followed by a review and upgrade of the facility, including redecoration and technological improvements. This acquisition is part of Affinity Care Consortium’s goal to open six new homes in the West Midlands by 2025, adding to its existing site at Coundon Manor in Coventry and five other locations in […]
The post Funding drives care home operators expansion plans first appeared on Connect East Midlands.

Lincoln-based Lindum construction is working on 16 schools across Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire, and Yorkshire to complete projects before students return this Autumn, ensuring teaching and learning are not disrupted.
In Nottingham, teams are delivering projects ranging from fire alarms to re-roofing at seven primary schools for Nottingham City Council, another repeat client.
The work for repeat client the Priory Federation of Academies at four sites in Lincolnshire includes science classroom upgrades and internal remodelling of a trades training centre.
In Yorkshire, work involves delivering a pipeline of refurbishments for Red Kite Learning Trust, a multi-academy trust of 14 schools across North and West Yorkshire.
The works include a new landscaped outdoor space for children to enjoy, and roof replacement. We procured our school summer projects through our membership of frameworks.
Lindum Framework Manager Steve Duckering said: “Our commitment to forward-planning is evident in projects like our summer works programme for Nottingham City Council where discussions began as early as October last year, utilising the efficient procurement mechanisms offered by frameworks.
“These frameworks enable us to collaborate with clients early in the process, ensuring projects are meticulously planned and resourced. This proactive approach is essential for successful delivery, especially when working under tight deadlines like the school summer holidays.”
Other school summer works include refurbishments in Boston, Wisbech and Peterborough.
The post Lindum works on 16 schools during summer lesson break first appeared on Connect East Midlands.

Work has started on refurbishing two vacant industrial and warehouse properties which will offer over 100,000 sq ft of Grade A space. Previously occupied by Knights of Old, the properties were acquired by Cabot’s Industrial Value Fund VII in April. Located at Kettering Venture Park in Northamptonshire, the site covers 8.11 acres. It features two detached units, including Cabot Kettering 86, an 86,148 sq ft warehouse and Cabot Kettering 15, a 15,233 sq ft building. The units will be available together or separately, with Cabot Kettering 86 including an additional 14,000 sq ft covered loading canopy. Related Articles Both units […]
The post Former premises of collapsed haulage firm Knights of Old to be overhauled first appeared on Connect East Midlands.

The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) has appointed Willmott Dixon to deliver a £61m estate investment for the British Army at Kendrew Barracks in Rutland.
Procured through the Crown Commercial Service framework, Willmott Dixon will be delivering technical infrastructure to enable the rebasing of 18 Army Education Centre and 1 Military Working Dogs from St George’s Barracks to Kendrew Barracks.
The project will deliver 15 buildings – 11 which will be brand new with four being refurbished or retrofit – and will enable the disposal of St George’s Barracks scheduled from 2026.
The project will deliver some 13,000 sq m of space, including refurbishment of 110m of hangars. The facilities will comprise 173 new kennels for permanent, isolation and quarantine needs with a vet centre and training facilities, squadron offices and stores for all squadrons, a new gym and the repurposing of hanger B as the Regimental Headquarters and Quartermaster stores.
Nick Heath, director at Willmott Dixon, said: “This significant investment from the Army, supported by the DIO, is set to create high-quality facilities for those stationed at Kendrew Barracks. It’s always a privilege to contribute to national defence by making sure the estate meets the needs of those who access and use the facilities.
“Operating on a live barracks, as we will be throughout this project, creates unique challenges in terms of ongoing operations, but our wealth of experience within the sector means we are well positioned to understand and overcome these.
“Works will incorporate DREAM – the environmental assessment tool for new building and refurbishment projects on the defence estate – and we are aiming for high standards across all elements of the project.
“In particular, the new build elements will be targeting net-zero carbon in operation. With modern methods of construction also set to be used within the kennels structures, the entire scheme has been considered in relation to its current and future impact.”
Belinda Lunn, Senior Responsible Owner Army Basing Project Kendrew said: “I am delighted to see the Kendrew Barracks project progressing as part of our ongoing effort to rationalise the Defence estate, provide the right infrastructure for the Army and enable the delivery of the important Military Working Dogs capability.”
Expected to complete in December 2025, the project team working on the scheme also includes architect Corstorphine + Wright.
The post Willmott Dixon to deliver £61m estate investment for the British Army in Rutland first appeared on Connect East Midlands.

Spiżarnia, a Polish food wholesale business, is set to expand its UK distribution network following its move from Lincoln to larger premises in Gainsborough. Eddisons, along with Banks Long & Co and CPP, represented Swiss Life in securing the new lease for Spiżarnia at Unit 1 Peckett Plaza in Gainsborough. Founded in 2012, Spiżarnia supplies over 600 Polish food specialist retailers across the UK with a team of more than 80 employees. With its lease at Boulder Business Park in Lincoln expiring, the company sought new, larger premises to support its growth, including local recruitment. After more than a year […]
The post Polish food wholesaler expands UK distribution network with new facility first appeared on Connect East Midlands.

Vistry Group, the provider of affordable mixed-tenure homes, has been given the green light by West Northamptonshire Council to start building 60 new homes on Towcester Road, Northampton, in partnership with emh group.
This new development will consist of two-, three- and four-bedroom homes in the heart of south-west Northampton. Planned by Vistry, working under its Countryside Partnerships brand, it aims to strike a balance between family-friendly housing and green open spaces. The project will also include over £550,000 of investment in the local community.
Andy Reynolds, managing director of Vistry South East Midlands, said: “We are thrilled to receive full planning permission for this exciting new development which will not only meet the housing needs of the community but will also blend with the local environment.
“We’re excited to be working with emh to play a part in Northampton’s growth and to be entrusted with the build of these much-needed new homes which will contribute to the unique character of the area and will release over half a million pounds of investment in local services, creating a thriving and sustainable community.”
Chris Jones, executive director – development at emh, said: “We’re proud to be working alongside Vistry Group to provide this new affordable homes development in Northampton. The scheme has been thoughtfully designed to meet the needs of local people, with community, green spaces and the environment in mind. We look forward to seeing the development progress in the coming months.”
The post 60 new homes get the green light for Northampton first appeared on Connect East Midlands.

Development company Harworth Group says it is on track to meet two key targets, including growing its investment portfolio to £900m in the next five years. Half year results for the Yorkshire-based land and regeneration specialist include the expectation it will reach £1bn EPRA net disposal value – a key industry measure of performance – by the end of 2027. The listed group said it has already either completed, exchanged, or agreed heads of terms on the 86% of its budgeted sales for the year – excluding the £106.6m deal struck with Microsoft at the former Skelton Grange power station […]
The post Harworth hails progress on ambitious targets amid strong half year sales first appeared on Connect East Midlands.

Breedon, the construction materials supplier, has reported a decrease in profit despite an uptick in revenue, attributed to its significant expansion into the US market earlier this year. The company, which is based in Leicestershire and listed on the London Stock Exchange, experienced an 18 per cent drop in pre-tax profit to £46.5m for the first half of the year, a decline from the previous year’s £56.5m during the same period. Despite the dip in profits, Breedon’s revenue saw a three per cent increase to £764.6m, bolstered by its foray into the American market with the acquisition of BMC Enterprises, […]
The post Leicestershire-based Breedon sees profit fall amid challenging UK market, despite growth in US first appeared on Connect East Midlands.

A Hull climbing centre Rockcity is set to expand its operation in its home city, while also going for gold at the Paris Olympic Games. Rockcity, which marks 30 years of trading this year, has been selected to provide 600 holds for the competition climbing walls at the Games, which launch this Friday, July 26. The award is the latest global success for Rockcity, which also provided the holds for the Olympic climbing qualifiers in Shanghai, China, and Budapest, Hungary, as well as the last Games in Tokyo in 2020, when competition climbing made its debut. Now, Rockcity is planning […]
The post Climbing centre Rockcity set to launch new Hull manufacturing facility first appeared on Connect East Midlands.

Listed landlord Grainger has acquired Manchester build-to-rent scheme The Astley from M&G Real Estate in a £31m deal. The purchase was funded by the £27m sale of an older private rented sector 80-home scheme in London, via its “asset recycling programme”. Grainger said the move had allowed it to put capital into the higher yield Manchester development which is located close to other properties it owns. Based between the Northern Quarter and Ancoats, The Astley is a fully-occupied, 135-home site. The property, which features a rooftop garden and is a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, is near Grainger’s […]
The post Grainger buys Manchester housing development The Astley scheme in £31m deal first appeared on Connect East Midlands.

Willmott Dixon has been chosen by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) to undertake a £61m project for the British Army at Kendrew Barracks in Rutland, East Midlands. Through the Crown Commercial Service framework, Willmott Dixon will provide infrastructure to relocate the 18 ArmyEducation Centre and 1 Military Working Dogs from St George’s Barracks to Kendrew Barracks. The project, part of the Army re-basing initiative, includes constructing 11 new buildings and refurbishing or retrofitting four others, allowing for the disposal of St George’s Barracks by 2026. The 13,000 m² development will feature 173 new kennels, a vet centre, training facilities, squadron offices, […]
The post Contractor chosen on £61m army barracks project first appeared on Connect East Midlands.

Vistry Group has received approval from West Northamptonshire Council to begin constructing 60 new homes on Towcester Road, Northampton, in collaboration with emh group. The development will feature two, three and four-bedroom homes and is managed under Vistry’s Countryside Partnerships brand, which aims to provide family-friendly housing alongside green open spaces. Andy Reynolds, managing director of Vistry South East Midlands, said: “We are thrilled to receive full planning permission for this exciting new development which will not only meet the housing needs of the community but will also blend with the local environment. Under section 106 £550,000 will be invested […]
The post Housebuilder gets green light for Northampton development first appeared on Connect East Midlands.

A huge property scheme on an old industrial site in Bristol city centre has been completed after five years. The second phase of Finzels Reach includes hundreds of build-to-rent and affordable homes, and office space. The £150m regeneration project is a collaboration between developer Cubex, funder Fiera Real Estate and global property advisor JLL. The development brings together three separate projects alongside £5m of public urban space. The new landmark office building Halo consists of 116,000 sq ft of Grade A space, with tenants including law firm Osborne Clarke and professional services company Deloitte. The scheme also includes the £63m […]
The post Landmark Bristol city centre property scheme completes first appeared on Connect East Midlands.

BGF-backed Johnsons Aggregates has made a major six-figure investment in new technology and equipment as it accelerates its carbon reduction strategy.The business recycles incinerator bottom ash (IBA), reducing the amount of waste going to landfill. Metals are extracted from the IBA, turning the residue into a quality aggregate suitable for the construction industry, thereby avoiding any material going to landfill and prolonging the life of finite resources in the country.
Johnsons currently handles more than 700,000tonnes per annum of waste and quarried material, projected to rise to 1,000,000tonnes in the next 24 months.
It is committed to an ambitious carbon reduction program as part of its ESG strategy, reducing its carbon output by 33 per cent to date since 2020.
It has invested £750,000 on the installation of the latest technology PV panels across the two largest of its three processing sites, generating circa 700kwh of annual energy generation. The investment will save more than 200 ton of carbon emissions each year, with periods of self-sufficiency.
2024 will also see further exploration with bio fuels & electric vehicles on the road, as well as electric shovels and kit on sites, plus the introduction of hydrogen fueled vehicles, two of which will be operational by the end of 2026.
Lewis Johnson, CEO of Johnsons Aggregates and Recycling, said: “The waste sector has a lot of work to do in reducing carbon output – we’re proud to be leading the way with these significant investments which form part of an ambitious ESG strategy. It’s vital that the industry commit to major innovation and improvement as we target net zero carbon.”
BGF backed Johnsons Aggregates in 2016.
Jonathan Earl at BGF said: “Johnsons has made significant capital investments across its infrastructure and is also focused on major fleet improvements and other new technologies. Its ambition is matched by its performance, which is fantastic to see – investment in ESG is vital for the long-term, sustainable growth of the business.”
The post Johnsons Aggregates & Recycling targets net zero with six-figure investment first appeared on Connect East Midlands.

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Fairham Business Park, which is being developed and managed by Clowes Developments, is open for business, with occupiers including Vision Express (Essilor Luxottica) and SLS Medical now on site and fully operational from their new premises.Situated in Fairham, the 606-acre brand new neighbourhood minutes from the centre of Nottingham, Fairham Business Park consists of one million square feet of purpose-built commercial space.
With over half of this already built and occupied and a further two units under construction, property developers, Clowes, felt it was the right time to open the business park spine road, Foresters Way.
James Richards, Development Director at Fairham Business Park and Clowes Developments, said: “We are thrilled to announce that Fairham Business Park is officially open for business.
“Whilst there remains construction on certain plots, this milestone marks a significant step forward for our community, with leading local manufacturing companies already on site and two additional manufacturing and logistics occupiers to be named soon. This vibrant hub of industry and innovation is set to drive economic growth and create numerous opportunities for the region.”
Clowes have also invested heavily into the business park’s green open space and landscaping. Whitings Landscaping have successfully completed an extensive planting task over the last six weeks, with a variety of trees, shrubs, flora and fauna now embedded into the business park’s DNA.
The planting is heavily centred around creating an impressive vista along Foresters Avenue, with its infrastructure designed to create clean, straight lines down the middle of the business park featuring wide footpaths, a treelined street scene, and low-level evergreen planting. There is also a designated footpath around one of the park’s attenuation ponds providing a clear walkway all year round.
With half of the site now under offer or sold, there remains opportunities for build to suit facilities. The next phase of the development will see not just manufacturing and distribution space available but also space suitable for offices, a hotel, leisure facilities and other conveniences including roadside retail and trade counters.
The post Occupiers on site as spine road opens at Fairham Business Park first appeared on Connect East Midlands.

Long-running sponsor, Press for Attention PR, has returned to back the East Midlands Bricks Awards for 2024, eager to once again support the Responsible Business category.Greg Simpson, founder of Press for Attention PR, shared: “I have sponsored The Bricks for many years now and as far as I recall, always this particular category. Why is that? Well, it is the PR and the former journalist in me combined.
“There are some superb stories that come to light here that might otherwise struggle to make the news or are perhaps kept under the bushel to an extent. I get that. The work and changes that are being created are the key thing when it comes to being responsible from an ESG perspective, not the column inches. That being said, here’s a chance to cast off those sharing shackles and to shine the spotlight proudly on some of the fantastic feats and worthy work that is taking place across the region within the built environment. Cheers to you all.”
A former business journalist, Greg Simpson is the author of The Small Business Guide to PR and has been recognised as one of the UK’s top 5 PR consultants, having set up Press for Attention PR in 2008. He has worked for FTSE 100 firms, charities and start-ups and conducted press conferences with Sir Richard Branson and James Caan. His background ensures a deep understanding of every facet of a successful PR campaign – from a journalist’s, client’s, and consultant’s perspective.
Offering advice to those entering Press for Attention PR’s sponsored category, Responsible Business, Greg shared: “First up, tell us judges a story.
“We don’t need to hear about what you do, your history and inside leg measurements. Set the scene by all means but grab our attention early on by explaining the problem or challenge as it stood and how you tackled it and crucially…why?
“How did you change things? What does it mean for the user/stakeholder.
“Remember, nobody wants a drill…they want a home in the wall. Show us the results.”
The East Midlands Bricks Awards, which will take place on Thursday 3rd October, at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, recognise development projects and people in commercial and public building across the region – from office, industrial and residential, through to community projects such as leisure schemes, schools and public spaces. We also highlight the work of architects, agencies and those behind large schemes.
Winning one of these awards will add considerably to a company’s or individual’s brand and enhance their commercial reach significantly.
To nominate your (or another) business/development for one of our awards, please click on a category link below or visit this page.
Award categories include:
Nominations end Thursday 5th September
A highlight in the business calendar, winners will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony on Thursday 3rd October, at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground – an evening of celebration and networking with property and construction leaders from across the region.
Tickets can be booked for the 2024 awards event here. Connect with local decision makers over nibbles and complimentary drinks while applauding the outstanding companies and projects in our region.
Thanks to our sponsors:
To be held at:
The post Press for Attention PR returns to back ‘Responsible Business’ at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024 first appeared on Connect East Midlands.

Sustainability is a vast conversation across multiple industries, with many mapping out lofty net zero carbon emissions targets in the coming decades. Logistics is no different, with the wider industry looking to achieve net zero by 2040.
Being able to effectively manage logistic operations can significantly affect the level of emissions produced and the harm it can cause both environmentally and socially. So, how can logistics operators introduce changes to their fleets and practices to meet these sustainability goals? Here, Wincanton, leading logistics partners, have offered some industry-level insight into how sustainability goals can be hit.
Cleaner fuel alternativesOne of the key challenges for logistics to overcome is the carbon footprint that the industry faces due to the use of vehicles with internal combustion engines (ICE) that require traditional petrol and diesel to fuel them.
That’s why it’s so important for fleets to explore alternatively fuelled vehicles to move towards more sustainable operations. Fully electric and hybrid vehicles are beginning to emerge significantly in the UK, with over 950,000 fully electric cars estimated to be on the roads. With the public so readily embracing alternatively fuelled vehicles, logistics as an industry should also be prepared to start integrating them into their fleets.
Similarly, reviewing transport routes can help identify areas of improvement to reduce the level of carbon emissions from the fleet. This could work in tandem with more advanced route planning to assess how best to balance fuel consumption and the emissions produced.
The social and economic benefits of sustainable logisticsConversations around sustainability usually focus on environmental concerns, but there’s a lot to be gained positively from a social and economic perspective. Prioritising sustainability and displaying it to your customers and consumers can help to build and establish trust within the supply chain.
Within the supply chain, focusing on sourcing ethically and fair labour practices is important from a social perspective. This is where the logistics industry can have a huge impact by working with companies that embrace and prioritise local sourcing. Not only does this help to stimulate local economies, but it also helps to grow local communities.
By focusing logistics on local areas, the environmental impact of long-distance journeys and routes associated with the industry can be reduced.
Emerging technologiesNewer technologies will be massive in helping logistics optimise their operations and reduce the waste and emissions produced. One emerging tech concept that could offer a solution is the Internet of Things (IoT), which refers to a network of devices and software that are all connected and communicate for a fluid experience of each working in tandem.
Using these devices and sensors in fleet vehicles can allow for real-time monitoring of anything from the temperature to the humidity of the goods you’re transporting. From this, logistics companies can make informed, data-driven decisions for the efficiency of their routes and transportation.
Another that could be hugely beneficial to the industry is blockchain tech. This is most associated with cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin due to it being a ledger that is tamper-proof and offers duplicates of transactions for better visibility. Integrating this into the supply chain could reduce fraud, as well as ensure ethical and sustainable processes are being kept within standards.
Collaborative approach and setting standardsA wider industry shift could be required to achieve sustainability goals, particularly when moving towards a collaborative approach. This extends towards suppliers and manufacturers, and working closely with the logistics industry can set standards for sustainability that can not only be established but also upheld accordingly.
Tackling these goals collectively can promote a commitment to these practices that focus on sustainability, leading from the onus moving away from just individual companies and offering a much larger impact for a whole industry.
The standards set through this collaboration could include monitoring and reporting on the levels of CO2 emissions and overall landfill waste produced by businesses or projects. Once a median has been found, setting collaborative standards throughout the industry that align with government targets could help establish the sector’s commitment to greener, more sustainable practices.
The key to sustainability success in logistics is through the integration of not just established and proven green strategies like alternatively fuelled vehicles but also embracing social and ethical practices. This aligns with the changing preferences of consumers and customers who want to engage with businesses that place sustainability at the heart of their mission.
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Manchester’s landmark Hotspur Press is poised for revitalisation after a new developer secured permission to redevelop the long-disused site. The central Manchester mill is set to be converted into a 595-bedroom student accommodation complex, with a commitment to include affordable units making up ten percent of the total. It follows previous stalled plans at the site, which has fallen into disrepair after closing as a printing mill in 1996. The building’s historic exterior and the distinctive ‘Percy Brothers’ sign will be preserved and integrated into the new structure. The development plans also feature a 37-storey tower, complete with commercial spaces […]
The post Revival of Manchester’s historic Hotspur Press includes new public square and commercial units first appeared on Connect East Midlands.

Councillors have approved two developments in Crewe which could create an estimated 2,900 jobs – despite suggestions the “grey sheds” would be a “blot on the landscape”. Muse Developments secured full planning permission for three large units for light industrial or warehousing and distribution on land at Basford East. They have a combined gross internal floorspace of 72,803sqm. Outline approval was also granted on another part of the site for employment units suitable for offices as well as warehousing, manufacturing and distribution uses, with a combined gross internal floorspace of up to 53,463sqm.The site, which neighbours a 325-home development being […]
The post Crewe employment scheme approved despite ‘‘blot on the landscape’ claims first appeared on Connect East Midlands.