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Leading family-owned furniture retailer, Barker and Stonehouse, is excited to announce a new partnership with award-winning Norwich department store, Jarrolds. The collaboration will see the opening of a new concept store within Jarrolds this December, perfectly timed for the Winter Sale period.   Both companies are family-owned with deep regional roots and a shared passion for exceptional design and customer experience, making Barker and Stonehouse and Jarrolds a natural fit. Together, they bring over 200 years of retail heritage and expertise to Norwich, offering customers an inspiring new destination for furniture and homeware. Established in 1946, Barker and Stonehouse is known for its design-led furniture and homeware, combining quality craftsmanship with contemporary style. The new concept space, spanning 12,000 sq ft, will feature a curated mix of Barker and Stonehouse’s best-selling upholstery, dining, bedroom, and occasional pieces, reflecting current interior trends. It will serve as an introduction for Jarrolds’ customers to the design aesthetic of Barker and Stonehouse. Curated collections from leading brands will be on display such as English Heritage, Tetrad, Orla Kiely, Pure Home, Stressless, Relax & Recline Studio and Linwood x Barker and Stonehouse, reflecting the brand’s commitment to quality, sustainability, and modern living. James Barker, Managing Director at Barker and Stonehouse, says, “We are delighted to partner with Jarrolds. We share a very similar ethos and values, so it is a great opportunity for both parties to combine expertise in complementary activities.”   Jarrolds’ Norwich furniture floor was named Best independent department store in the UK at the 2024 Drapers awards, and John Adams, Managing Director at Jarrolds’ Retail division, added: “ I am delighted to announce this new partnership with Barker and Stonehouse. It reflects our strategy of working with the very best partners across our retail business to provide a curated and class-leading merchandise offer in our award-winning department store. There are lots of synergies between our business and customers, and we look forward to seeing our partnership develop.”  Customers can save up to 25% off furniture, marking the perfect opportunity to discover the new Barker and Stonehouse concept store at Jarrolds Norwich.

Demand for data centre capacity dedicated to artificial intelligence (AI) has surged across Europe this year, as emerging AI infrastructure providers, often referred to as neoclouds, accelerate their expansion efforts amid slowing hyperscaler activity. According to new research from CBRE, signings for AI-focused colocation capacity reached 414MW in the first nine months of 2025, up from 133MW compared to the same period in 2024. More than half of this capacity (57%) was signed in the Nordics. The increase reflects a market shift as hyperscaler demand has moderated temporarily and neocloud providers are securing large-scale capacity to meet the growing requirements of AI-driven applications. Data centre operators are implementing measures to manage the additional risk associated with leasing to neocloud firms, including higher rental rates to offset build costs and ensure returns on AI-ready facilities. Andrew Jay,Head of Data Centre Solutions, Europe at CBRE commented: "Neoclouds have expanded their footprint in Europe this year by absorbing vacant space that was originally intended for hyperscalers. It is a sign that many data centre providers are growing more comfortable with the ambitions of neocloud providers and the covenants that come with it." Kevin Restivo, Director, European Data Centre Research at CBRE commented: "Neocloud providers are taking AI specific capacity at scale in Europe. We see tremendous growth of this segment especially in the Nordics, where lower-cost renewable power is often available in greater abundance than in many other European markets." About CBRE Group, Inc. CBRE Group, Inc. (NYSE:CBRE), a Fortune 500 and S&P 500 company headquartered in Dallas, is the world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment firm (based on 2024 revenue). The company has more than 140,000 employees (including Turner & Townsend employees) serving clients in more than 100 countries. CBRE serves clients through four business segments: Advisory (leasing, sales, debt origination, mortgage serving, valuations); Building Operations & Experience (facilities management, property management, flex space & experience); Project Management (program management, project management, cost consulting); Real Estate Investments (investment management, development).

Property consultancy Vail Williams has secured seven properties in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Frimley in Surrey totalling 78,000 sq ft, for an expanding patient transport specialist. Healthcare logistics provider EMED Group won a 10-year contract from the NHS to provide non-emergency transportation of patients across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Surrey Heath & Farnham and North East Hampshire. EMED Group is one of the largest health and care partners to the NHS with more than 2,800 colleagues across over 50 bases UK-wide. Vail Williams partner Geoff Fallon led the firm’s acquisitional team working with EMED Group, which also included partners Maria Hoadley and Nicola Mottershaw and surveyor Clark Tersol. Building consultancy support came from Matthew Beech, Keith Shaw, Holly Vos, Chris Harrison, Christopher Bailey and Nicki Rought, with business rates under the care of associate Derek Moore. Sarah Swan at Irwin Mitchell acted for EMED. The firm has been supporting long-established client EMED with strategic property needs to allow them to hit the ground running with their service delivery, including comprehensive occupier advisory advice, encompassing agency, building consultancy, planning and business rates. Vail Williams successfully negotiated deals for these properties: Unit 12 Faraday Road, Bicester Road Industrial Estate, Aylesbury – 7,153 sq ft (664.51 sq m). Bicester Road Industrial Estate forms part of the established Rabans Lane industrial area just off the A41 Bicester Road and approximately a mile to the north-west of Aylesbury town centre. Unit 6 Hawley Lane Trade Centre, Farnborough – 7,988 sq ft (742 sq m). The property comprises a terrace of units providing industrial accommodation with offices on the first floor. Frimley Railway Station is within close proximity with Junction 4 of the M3 adjacent to the property. Fleetwood House, Albion Close, Slough – 13,707 sq ft (1,273.4 sq m). The property is located in the centre of Slough, in an established industrial location, close to the main railway station serving both London Paddington and the West Country, as well as the Elizabeth Line and with the M4 and M40 easily accessible. 37 Nuffield Way, Nuffield Centrum, Abingdon – 7,141 sq ft (663 sq m). Nuffield Centrum is Abingdon’s major industrial and warehouse location set within some 11.5 acres and totalling approximately 265,000 sq ft of warehouse and production space distributed in three main clusters. Lovelock Road, Reading – 8,759 sq ft (814 sq m). Lovelock Road is a well-established commercial and semi-industrial area within easy reach of Reading town centre. The location also benefits from excellent access to the A33 and A4, providing convenient connections to the M4 motorway. Cadogan House, Wheatley, Oxford – 20,768 sq ft (1,929 sq m) is a distribution warehouse within a secure fenced environment, located half-a-mile from the A40 and two miles from Junction 8 of the M40. Unit 3 MXL Centre Lombard Way Banbury – 12,789 sq ft (1,118 sq m). Banbury is undergoing significant residential and commercial growth and Unit 3 is situated on the MXL Centre on Lombard Way within approximately one mile of Junction 11 of the M40. Geoff said: “EMED Group, a valued client, is now the largest provider of non-emergency patient transport services in the UK, such as for outpatient appointments, discharges, and renal dialysis." “Due to winning the contract for NHS BOB (Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire) and NHS Frimley, EMED needed suitable and conveniently located premises to cover this comprehensively." “We were tasked with locating and securing premises enabling EMED to house their ambulances and other vehicles at strategic locations, to enable them to reach patients in optimum time." “Such a large and complex project naturally threw up snags and obstacles, but we worked closely with our client and legal teams to overcome these and deliver a successful outcome within a challenging timeframe." “I am gratified that our multi-disciplinary team was able to call on decades of experience, detailed local knowledge and great contacts to ensure EMED Group can care for patients in the best possible and most efficient manner.” Darren Henderson, Head of Procurement and Contracts at EMED Group, said: “We tasked Vail Williams with sourcing and securing suitable, accessible, flexible and cost-effective premises to service our new patient transport contract across a swathe of the central south region." “The hard yards put in by Geoff and the team have enabled us to deliver improvements to the patient transport system for NHS BOB and NHS Frimley and offer the best possible service for patients in Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire West and Frimley.” EMED Group (ERS Transition Limited) was awarded a 10-year contract to provide non-emergency patient transport services (NEPTS) across Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire West, and Frimley Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) which officially commenced on April 1, 2025. The service covers patients registered with a GP in Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire West (including Wokingham, Reading, Slough, Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, and Bracknell Forest), and the Frimley area (including Surrey Heath, Farnham, and North East Hampshire). The services were previously run by the South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SCAS). Affected SCAS staff were transferred to EMED Group under the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations (TUPE). The contract, for an initial five-year period with an option to extend for a further five years, is to provide transport services for eligible patients who are unable to use private or public transport due to their medical condition. EMED Group was formed in 2023 following the merger of ERS Medical and E-zec Medical Transport Services. As well as patient transport services, it also provides secure mental health services, community and educational transport, as well as medical courier services. Earlier this year Vail Williams secured four major properties totalling 68,000 sq ft in Sussex when EMED Group won a 10-year contract from the NHS in the county. Vail Williams’ full-service property advice includes commercial agency, investment and development advice, building consultancy, property valuation, planning, lease advisory, property asset management, business rates and occupier consultancy.

Family run Mediterranean bakery, confectionery and savouries supplier Dina Foods has invested £1m over the last three years in an ongoing programme of manufacturing upgrades, as demand for its authentic foods grows. Dina Foods’ latest investment was the complete overhaul of its pitta line in August, which is now fully operational. The pitta line is one of five bread production lines at the family company’s London bakery, all capable of making different sizes, flavours and varieties of Dina Foods’ range of authentic breads. Dina Foods’ Managing Director Suheil Haddad explains that ongoing investment in its plant allows Dina Foods to keep reducing production costs and improving efficiency and product consistency and quality, while reducing its carbon footprint. The enhancements to the pitta line will speed up the production process and reduce waste. Haddad comments: “We want to help our customers stand out by delivering high-quality, innovative, and healthy products at competitive prices. We are always looking at new ideas and potential enhancements in efficiency across our whole business.” The pitta line upgrade comes after the production line which produces Dina Foods’ traditional Khobez flatbreads, trademarked as Paninette®, was revamped last year. The entire line was upgraded, with a fully automatic stacker added. The new fully automated line, operational in August 2024, has nearly doubled Dina Foods’ capacity. Output has increased from 5,000 pieces per hour to 9,000 pieces per hour, also reducing labour costs. The quality of the bread has also been enhanced, and downtime and wastage reduced, with energy efficiency increased, says Haddad. Dina Foods – based at Park Royal, North West London - also invested in an onsite nitrogen generator and new pipework to mix gas to supply its packing machines last year. It previously used CO2 cylinder banks, using bottles of compressed gas, which were exchanged when empty for filled gas. With gas now on tap, shelf life has been boosted and gas flushing costs reduced by 50%. Other recent investments by Dina Foods include the installation of depth meter sensors to monitor the level of flour in its flour silos, and the rate of consumption. Fully automatic readers relay the flour holding capacity to the Dina Foods team and its flour supplier. Having this level of visibility of data reduces transportation costs, as the silos can be filled just in time. The meter also prevents Dina Foods from risking any supply interruption. As it continues to invest in its future, customers in the UK and internationally can always trust Dina Foods to deliver authentic products to the highest standards.

A cutting-edge Hampshire start-up that provides dry wood for burning has marked its anniversary by achieving the New Forest Marque. Lymington Firewood creates seasoned timber from trees cut down within sustainable parts of the forest. It means it qualifies for the marque that is allocated only to businesses whose produce is sourced locally. Run by Ed Wallrock and Alice Shaw, Lymington Firewood has delivered 200 tonnes of kiln-dried wood in the last 12 months. It is also now the exclusive provider of wood for Comanche, the smoked food company which attends local events and whose produce can be found in farm shops. Ed said: “We have been operating for a year and our investment in the FuelWood machine that cuts, splits, cleans and dries the timber has proven well spent. It has made 13,000 cuts since we set it up and it enables us time to make free deliveries within a 10 mile radius of our site near Boldre." “Achieving the New Forest Marque really does make a difference and others with the marque look out for it. We supply farm shops and have become the supplier for Comanche whose smoked food is superb." “Our process has no waste; off-cuts are burned to season the wood and the sawdust is supplied to stables and other places. We now sell kindling and firelighters, which are covered with natural wax and hand-rolled. With wood-burners and firepits so popular we have been busy all year, even through the summer." "We now also sell through our website and after a full year in business we have a growing number of repeat customers. We also supply Everton Nurseries, Beaulieu Farm Shop and Setley Farm Shop.” Photo: (l-r) Alice Shaw, Giles Riley from Comanche, Ed Wallrock and Alex Baker

Contractor Henry Brothers Construction has started work on a 16-month scheme to refurbish Stechford Police Station in Birmingham. This is the first major refurbishment of the building since it was opened in the 1970s and involves creating additional parking, upgrading safety and security systems, modernising office and meeting facilities, upgrading refreshment and toilet areas, providing a bespoke locker room, new victim care facilities, and an expansion to the public contact office, as well as new lift installations to make the whole building fully accessible. It is the second project that Henry Brothers Construction is currently undertaking for West Midlands Police Authority, and follows start on site last month for a £9 million refurbishment at Wolverhampton Police Station. Both were awarded to Henry Brothers Construction under the Pagabo Refit and Refurbishment Framework. MD of Henry Brothers Construction Ian Taylor said: “As a company that regularly works with blue light clients, Henry Brothers Construction is very pleased to have been appointed on this scheme to improve Stechford Police Station. Better facilities will help West Midlands police to provide vital services for the local community and the people who live there, and we are proud to be playing a part in making that happen.” The police station will remain open and fully operational throughout the building work. Henry Brothers Construction will employ local people including apprentices, ploughing money back into the local economy. Cash for the £8 million critical works comes from West Midlands Police Authority making better use of its estate, reducing energy consumption and other cost savings that have made the authority more efficient and more effective, such as the introduction of robotics to automate administrative processes including artificial intelligence to answer all non-emergency calls. The refurbishment will deliver better conditions for victims and witnesses, provide officers with a modern workplace, and safeguard the long-term future of the building. Chief Constable Craig Guildford, said: “These essential works represent a major investment in policing in east Birmingham and this building. Every penny will be spent wisely, with local businesses and local people benefitting from this injection of cash into the local economy." “Stechford has one of the busiest public contact offices in the West Midlands. That’s why the work will see that part of the building expanded to increase the waiting area and counter space.” Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster said: “I am pleased that we have secured the long-term future of Stechford police station through this vital investment. This is a clear indication of my commitment to neighbourhood policing, to ensure officers and staff have the facilities they need, to provide the public with an effective and efficient police service." “By modernising the police station, we are not only improving working conditions for our hard-working police officers and staff but also enhancing the service we provide to victims of crime and the wider community." “This investment is part of my wider strategy, to ensure that West Midlands Police is fit for policing in the 21st century, with an accessible, reassuring and visible police presence, based in the communities it serves – preventing and tackling crime and keeping people, families, businesses and local communities safe and secure.” Henry Brothers Construction is part of The Henry Group, which comprises a number of manufacturing and construction sector companies, ranging from external construction through to interiors fit out. In partnership with its valued clients, it has a proven track record in education, defence, commercial, industrial, transport and healthcare sectors.

Ahead of the Autumn Budget on 26 November 2025, Hampshire Chamber of Commerce is calling on the Chancellor of the Exchequer to focus on business-friendly measures that support growth and turn around years of weak UK productivity. Ross McNally, Hampshire Chamber’s Chief Executive and Executive Chairman, said: “The number one priority must be to avoid any new business taxes. The recent rise in Employers’ National Insurance has put a burden on workplaces leading to a virtually static number of vacancies and higher unemployment." “We understand the Chancellor has a fiscal shortfall to fix and must tackle disappointing productivity growth caused by many previous factors, but hard-working businesses now need respite from high labour costs and other taxes in order to create the scope to invest and grow. Business cannot be expected to shoulder the burden alone." “We urge Rachel Reeves to hold off on any new workplace taxes and at the same time reduce regulatory burdens, cut business rates and work with us on a clear, consistent and supportive strategy to champion skills development, clean growth and infrastructure investment." “To help our exporters, including those many Hampshire firms we support through our International Trade team, we call on the government to continue working with us to strengthen business networks in high-growth markets. That way, companies here can take advantage of the global opportunities that come up. Steady leadership on export support is vital." “Here in Hampshire, we have the skills and knowledge to make and deliver world-class products and services. Our success drives economic growth and helps to raise wages and living standards." “Our message to the Chancellor could not be clearer: give firms here and across the country a reason to be optimistic. If, together, we can achieve higher productivity growth it will not only deliver real wage increases but will be the number one contributor to the tax receipts that fund the essential public services we all rely on.”

The latest Hiring Trends report from the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo), produced in partnership with Bullhorn, reveals a steady rise in contract hiring activity, signalling growing demand for flexible talent solutions across the professional staffing sector. According to the data, contract vacancies rose by 2% between September and October 2025, with a notable 8% year-on-year increase. Contract placements also followed suit, up 1% month-on-month and 13% compared to October 2024, highlighting the continued reliance on contingent workers amid ongoing economic uncertainty. While the permanent market remains more cautious, there are signs of stabilisation. Permanent vacancies held steady in October following a 26% surge between August and September. Although year-on-year figures show a 16% decline, permanent placements rose by 2% month-on-month and 5% year-on-year, suggesting that recent vacancy growth is beginning to translate into hiring activity. Samantha Hurley, Managing Director at APSCo UK, commented: “The uptick in contract hiring reflects the agility that businesses are seeking in today’s market. With ongoing economic uncertainty and evolving workforce expectations, organisations are increasingly turning to flexible staffing models to maintain momentum while managing risk." “While permanent hiring is still finding its footing, the growth in placements is a promising sign that confidence is gradually returning. It’s clear that professional staffing firms are playing a pivotal role in helping businesses adapt, providing access to skilled talent quickly and efficiently, whether on a contract or permanent basis.” Andy Ingham, SVP Sales, EMEA & APAC commented: "October showed steady progress in both contract and permanent hiring. Contract jobs and placements saw modest month-over-month growth, a positive sign as we move into November." "The permanent market remains stable, with recruiters showing improved efficiency, possibly an early sign of AI helping teams deliver more effectively. Overall, a solid month that points to quiet but steady momentum in the market.”

A group of young people from Stockport have been recognised on the national stage for transforming how youth voices shape decisions locally. The L!STEN Youth Alliance has been named the UK’s leading youth-led group and presented with the British Citizen Youth Award 2025 at the Palace of Westminster. Receiving the Dame Mary Perkins British Citizen Group Award, the L!STEN Youth Alliance was celebrated for its outstanding contribution to improving the wellbeing and lives of young people across Stockport. Formed in partnership between Stockport Council and local social enterprise PIE: Pursuing Individual Excellence, L!STEN launched in 2023 to ensure young people’s voices influence decisions that affect them. The group includes around 20 young people from across the borough - including members with additional needs - and works closely with local organisations to represent thousands of youth perspectives every year. Their work has already made a lasting impact through: Annual Wellbeing Festivals designed by young people, for young people. The Stockport Youth Summit, which brings together 250 students, councillors and local leaders to discuss real issues. Quarterly youth surveys with more than 1,000 responses each time, shaping council policy on topics from hate crime to the cost of living. Contributing to the One Stockport One Future Borough Plan, ensuring young people’s priorities are embedded in Stockport’s long-term strategy. Councillor Wendy Meikle, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education, said: “L!STEN has transformed youth engagement in Stockport, giving young people pride, belonging, and a real voice in shaping change. This national recognition is thoroughly deserved - we’re so proud of their achievements and grateful to everyone who made it possible.” Beth Collins, founder and CEO of PIE, added: “When we started the L!STEN Youth Alliance just two years ago, we couldn’t have imagined how much the group would achieve. What began as a project to gather youth voices has grown into a powerful movement influencing policy, hosting major events and improving young people’s lives. This award celebrates their hard work - and the importance of listening to youth voices in everything we do.” Artemis, one of the young members, said: “To be recognised nationally for something we built together is incredible. Our hard work has made a real difference - and people know about us now!” Another member, Victoria, added: “Winning this award was the wackiest thing! It really shows that all the effort we’ve put in has paid off. I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved.” Since 2016, the British Citizen Youth Award (BCyA) has celebrated young people under 18 making extraordinary contributions to their communities. Each year, only one group nationwide receives the Dame Mary Perkins Group Award - and this year, that honour belongs to Stockport.

Bright Hope, a charity based in North West Leicestershire, has been awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service for 2025. This is the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK and is equivalent to an MBE. Bright Hope offers a range of therapeutic and social care services, supporting individuals who have a life limiting condition or one that leads to a significant reduction in quality of life, as well as offering support to their partner, carer or family. Services include three drop-in Support Cafés located in Ashby, Ibstock and Coalville; counselling; befriending; complementary therapy; wellness support and day care, all based at Bright Hope House, Swannington. All services aim to give the power back to those using them, creating a community where no one is left behind, and everyone is lifted. Bright Hope is one of 231 local charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year. Their work, along with others from across the UK, reminds us of all the ways fantastic volunteers are contributing to their local communities and working to make life better for those around them. Laura Mackie, Chief Executive of Bright Hope, said: "We are incredibly honoured to receive The King’s Award for Voluntary Service – a recognition that belongs to every volunteer, supporter, and member of our Bright Hope community. We hope that this award helps us to reach new supporters, enabling us to continue our vital work – without which people would fall through the cracks." “Whether someone comes to us for wellness services, complementary therapy, or attends one of our Support Cafés, they’re part of something bigger. Bright Hope is more than a charity; it’s a social movement – a network of care, connection, and hope across North West Leicestershire." “As we receive no statutory funding, everything we do is made possible through the generosity of our supporters. However, to continue meeting the growing needs of our community, we urgently need more assistance to sustain and expand our vital work.” The King’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by local volunteer groups to support their communities. It was created in 2002 to celebrate Her Late Majesty The Queen’s Golden Jubilee and was continued following the accession of His Majesty The King. 2025 marks the third year of The King’s Award for Voluntary Service. Recipients are announced annually on 14th November, The King’s Birthday. Award winners this year are wonderfully diverse and include volunteer groups from across the UK. Representatives of Bright Hope will receive the award crystal and certificate from Lord-Lieutenant of Leicestershire, Michael Kapur, OBE CStJ, in the coming months. In addition, two individuals from Bright Hope will attend a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in the summer of 2026, along with other recipients of this year’s award. For more information on Bright Hope, and to donate, please visit here.

Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce the signing of Papua New Guinea international Dan Russell on a one-year deal – subject to international clearance. The 6ft 4in back row forward, who can also play in the centres, spent seven years in the Queensland and NSW Cup competitions in Australia before making his NRL debut for St George Illawarra Dragons in 2023. Russell’s form for club and country saw him secure a move to Sam Burgess’ Warrington Wolves ahead of the 2025 season. Russell made 19 appearances this year in Super League, with nine of those coming for Salford Red Devils during a loan spell. Dan Russell said: “I am super excited, it’s going to be a challenge in the first year but it’s a challenge I am looking forward to with the players and staff that have been put together." “From watching the Bulls in the Championship they already had a good side who played good footy and after seeing them get promoted, I wanted to stay in Super League and being given the chance to work with Kurt [Haggerty] again and the players he’s brought in made it an easy decision." “I’m looking to bring some experience and versatility to the team in Super League, I can play back row and other positions I just want to be a real team player, cover where I can and we have a great group for the first year back which can make it a really special year." “The history of this club in Super League was another reason why I jumped at the chance to join, it is an exciting time and an exciting chance to continue the history of the club and I am looking forward to getting there and making a mark in 2026.” Bradford Bulls Head Coach Kurt Haggerty said: “I worked with Dan in a short space of time at Salford at the back end of the year, it didn’t work out at Warrington but he is big, athletic and can ball play on the edges. He is a player I like, he is a first class human being who will fit the environment really well and he is someone who will be highly thought of in the group." "I am really looking forward to helping him get to the next level in his game and be a consistent back row forward. There is a lot of Dan’s game that I like and there is a lot I think I can help him getting better with too and he knows his own improvement areas, I am excited to see what he can do.”

Henry Brothers Construction has delivered a brand-new endoscopy unit at the Leicester General Hospital. The new unit includes six procedure rooms, and 20 private pods for patients before and after their procedures, each with an en-suite. Ian Taylor, Managing Director of Henry Brothers Construction, said: “We are delighted to have successfully completed our first project for the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust and look forward to more successful partnerships in the future." “The new Endoscopy Unit at the Leicester General Hospital will improve the diagnostic and treatment experience of patients and provide staff with a modern facility in which to work. Henry Brothers Construction is very proud to have delivered this new Endoscopy Unit which will play a key role in enhancing healthcare for the local community.” The endoscopy team at the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust already provides a wide range of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures to more than 30,000 patients every year and this new facility will help patients to be seen sooner in a purpose-built environment. In response to growing demand, the new unit will help ensure patients are seen more promptly, enabling quicker access to the next steps in their planned care. The unit will have the capacity to see an extra 9,000 patients every year, which will play an important part in reducing waiting lists. Associate Director of Operations, Rachael Briggs, said: “We know how important earlier diagnosis is for conditions such as cancer, which endoscopy procedures help to detect. We are delighted that this new facility is open to help our teams see and treat more patients, as well as bringing some of our services closer to this area of Leicester." “As part of the new unit, we have used digital solutions to replace paper forms, allowing our clinical teams to have more time to care for patients. The new facility is bright, open, and modern, which will make a big difference to those working here and visiting." "I would like to thank everyone who has been involved in this project for making it a reality. Our patients are at the heart of everything we do, and this new unit will go a long way towards improving their experience, and that of our team.” Work to deliver the one-storey unit started in March 2024 and was carried out by Henry Brothers Construction, along with project manager Selcon, quantity surveyor Rider Levitt Bucknall, principal designer Stephen George & Partners, architect P+HS, structural engineer Curtins, and mechanical and electrical engineer CPW. James Almond, Managing Director, P+HS Architects, said: “We’re delighted to have worked with Henry Brothers Construction and the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust on this important project. The new endoscopy unit is a fantastic example of how well-designed environments can enhance both patient experience and staff wellbeing. It’s a credit to everyone involved and we're proud to make a real difference to healthcare provisions in the region.” Henry Brothers Construction, based in Nottingham, is part of the Henry Brothers Group headquartered in Northern Ireland. The group comprises a number of manufacturing and construction sector companies, ranging from external construction through to interiors fit-out. In partnership with clients, it has a proven track record in education, defence, accommodation, commercial, industrial, transport and healthcare sectors.