2016: Our 10 most-read stories of the year
When TheBusinessDesk.com launched in the East Midlands in March of this year, little did we know what a tumultuous period lay ahead of us.
Since we went live on Tuesday 1 March, there have been two leadership elections at the top of the two biggest political parties in the UK, Donald Trump has defied the odds to win the US Election – and, of course, the EU Referendum vote, which will shape the economic landscape for years to come.
Closer to home, the tragic death of Imogen Skirving, owner of Langar Hall, while on holiday was by far our best-read story of the year – testament to her standing within the East Midlands business community.
Behind these headlines, business life has gone on as usual in the East Midlands. As we look back at our most read stories each month we find out what you’ve been reading about, and why.
March
Henry Brothers lands £22.5m schools project – Beeston-based Henry Brothers landed a contract that could be worth £22.5m. The firm was chosen by Derbyshire County Council to a develop a new, single-site secondary school for Glossopdale.
April
Pera Technology calls in administrators – The start of a troubled time for the Pera group of companies saw Pera Technology slipping into administration putting over 150 jobs at risk. The news came just weeks after sister company Pera Management Services was wound up.
May
Derby law firm recruiting seven people a week – Law firm Knights revealed that it was growing so fast that it was hiring at a rate of one person per day.
June
Airline’s biggest ever winter programme from East Midlands Airport – Jet2.com announced its biggest ever winter programme from East Midlands Airport, with more than 175,000 seats available between 30th October 2016 and 25th March 2017.
July
Langar Hall Hotel owner killed in Menorca – Imogen Skirving, who owned and ran Langar Hall Hotel, died whilst on a family holiday after a collision with a driver. She was walking with her daughter, Louise, and a family friend. Both suffered injuries in the accident.
August
Nottingham nightclub announces shock closure – A Nottingham nightclub which was home to some of the East Midlands’ most popular comedy and student nights has announced it is closing. However, it’s owners would soon announce a re-birth…
September
Energy company to create 160 jobs in Ilkeston – A businessman who once sold ironing board covers on Ilkeston market when he was 17 moved his business back to the town creating 160 new jobs.
October
Pera Technology Solutions enters administration – Pera Technology Solutions (PTS), the Melton Mowbray consultancy firm which was set up just six months previously after a management buy-out, fell into administration.
November
Experian to sell email marketing business as profits fall – Experian, the information services company which has its UK headquarters in Nottingham, saw both revenue and profits fall slightly in the six months to 30 September – and announced it was to sell its email marketing arm.
December
New Nottingham bar to promise ‘good times forever’ – A fast-expanding chain of bars was set to open in Nottingham after applying to the City Council for a license.
