UK Space Agency chooses Space Park Leicester for regional office

Tess Egginton
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UK Space Agency chooses Space Park Leicester for regional office
Space Park Leicester has been chosen to host one of three new regional offices for the UK Space Agency, as part of its national expansion to support the space sector across the UK. The expansion will see the UK’s executive agency for space activity base staff at the University of Leicester’s £100 million science and innovation park. Aligned with the government’s Levelling Up strategy, the expansion will enable the Agency to collaborate more closely with the UK’s thriving space sector, while promoting regional skills and job opportunities to deliver increasingly ambitious missions and capabilities. Within its first two years, Space Park Leicester has already been established as the second largest campus-based cluster with a dedicated space focus in the UK and generated an estimated £89m for the economy in its first year. Professor Richard Ambrosi, Executive Director of Space Park Leicester, said: “Space scientists at the University of Leicester have a long history of working with the UK Space Agency on numerous space missions and programmes spanning upstream technology development and downstream science. “University of Leicester expertise has supported missions with UK Space Agency involvement such as the European Space Agency’s Bepi Colombo mission to Mercury, the Rosalind Franklin Mission to Mars, the Solar wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer mission to launch in 2025 and carbon monitoring mission MicroCarb just to name a few.” Recent projects to receive support from UK Space Agency at Leicester include work on carbon mapping sensors for monitoring greenhouse gas emission management programmes in Bahrain. Funding has also been awarded for a Midlands Space Cluster Development Manager to work with local government, businesses and academia, to coordinate space activity and encourage collaboration and inward investment in the Midlands, as well as to the Midland Aerospace Alliance’s Pivot into Space R&D programme. At the start of the year, University of Leicester scientists also received funding from the UK Space Agency’s Space Science and Exploration Bilateral Programme to deliver (with other UK and Spanish collaborators) a Raman spectroscopy instrument for commercial lunar rover and lander missions investigating minerals on the Moon, helping us to understand whether this is a resource that could be used for longer term lunar exploration. Professor Sarah Davies, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Science and Engineering at the University of Leicester, said: “We are delighted that the UK Space Agency is joining our dynamic and collaborative community at Space Park Leicester. “Space Park draws together colleagues from industry and academia who are working in space and the space-enabled sectors and whose activities and objectives are consistent with those outlined in the recently-published Space Industrial Plan. “Given the value of the UK space sector to our economy, locating UKSA offices in places such as Space City Leicester will be crucial to realising the UK’s ambitions in Space and the University of Leicester is committed to supporting that endeavour.” The UK Space Agency is opening new headquarters at the Harwell Science Campus’ Space Cluster in Oxfordshire and regional offices in Scotland, Wales and the Midlands as it works to support the space sector across the UK. The new structure will create significant opportunities to build on high-growth areas, such as Earth observation and satellite broadband. It will also help the UK establish early leadership in emerging markets such as in orbit spacecraft servicing, active space debris removal, and the new lunar economy, enabling us to help forge a greener, smarter and more inclusive sector. Dr Paul Bate, CEO of the UK Space Agency, said: “This is a transformational moment for the UK Space Agency, responding directly to the feedback that the Agency should be embedded in the sector. “Our new headquarters, located at the UK’s biggest space cluster in Harwell, will connect to new regional offices in Leicester, Edinburgh and Cardiff, and our existing London and Swindon teams, helping us recruit space talent from across the nation and deliver the National Space Strategy. “Space Park Leicester is a vital part of both Space City Leicester and the broader Midlands Space Cluster, with both a national and international focus. As the city’s hub for space research and innovation, since opening in 2022, it’s crucial we nurture Space Park Leicester’s skills and expertise and connect them with the wider sector to ensure we continue this journey.”

Pork pie maker fined £800,000 after two Nottingham workers lose fingers

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Pork pie maker fined £800,000 after two Nottingham workers lose fingers
A company that specialises in making pork pies has been fined £800,000 after two young workers lost fingers in incidents at two different Nottingham bakeries. Pork Farms Ltd, which makes other savoury goods such as quiches, at several sites across England, was given the fine after both workers were injured just weeks apart at the end of 2022. The first incident took place on 16 November when a 22-year-old worker had his hand trapped while trying to clear a blockage on a conveyor at the firm’s Tottle Bakery on Dunsil Drive. He had to have a finger amputated after his hand was trapped between a chain and sprocket on a conveyor at the site. However, just weeks later, on Christmas Eve, Mahamad Hassan, who was just 19, suffered similar injuries at Pork Farms Limited’s Riverside Bakery. The teen also had a finger amputated as a result of coming into contact with a rotating shaft on a conveyor. Nottingham Magistrates’ Court heard that the company had failed to ensure that the conveyors involved in both incidents were adequately guarded. An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that dangerous parts of both conveyors were accessible at the time of each incident. At the Tottle Bakery, an unsuitable interlock was used on a hinged guard over a chain conveyor system and an inadequate inspection and maintenance regime led to this interlock failing. The chain conveyor automatically moved as he tried to adjust the position of the chain following a blockage in the area. At the Riverside Bakery, a section of the driveshaft of a lineshaft style conveyor was unguarded and spacing of the rollers was sufficient for a person’s arm to pass through and reach the driveshaft below. Mr Hassan was injured when his arm went between the rollers and his gloved hand became entangled in the rotating driveshaft. In addition to physical guarding issues, there was no warning system to give notice that the conveyor was about to start working and emergency stop controls were not readily accessible. Pork Farms Limited, of Queens Drive, Nottingham, pleaded guilty to breaching Sections 2(1) and 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The company was fined £600,000 for the incident at the Tottle Bakery and £200,000 for the incident at the Riverside Bakery. The company was also ordered to pay costs of £6,482 at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on 18 March 2024. Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Tim Nicholson said: “Both of these incidents were completely preventable. They left two young men with injuries that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives. “Companies shouldn’t overlook important machinery safety basics, including provision and maintenance of adequate guards and protection devices, to ensure that access to dangerous parts of machinery is prevented. “Companies should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards.”

Revenue and profit dip at Forterra

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Revenue and profit dip at Forterra

Revenue and profit have dipped at Forterra, the manufacturer of clay and concrete building products.

According to full year results for 2023, revenue slid from £455.5m in 2022 to £346.4m.

Meanwhile, profit before tax declined from £70.6m to £31.1m.

Neil Ash, Chief Executive Officer, said: “Forterra produced a resilient performance in 2023, in what turned out to be a very challenging year for our industry. Demand for new housing in the UK fell substantially, driven by increasing interest rates adversely impacting affordability and therefore demand for new homes.

“In light of this lower demand management took decisive action on our cost base. Assuming 2024 demand remains consistent with 2023, our management actions will ensure output is broadly matched with sales, thus limiting future inventory build.

“Importantly, however, these temporary reductions will not impact our ability to respond quickly when our markets recover. Indeed, one bright spot during 2023 was the commissioning of the new Desford brick factory, which gradually ramped up production throughout the year, and which will provide a significant capacity uplift in improved markets.

“With the long-term under-supply of housing in the UK continuing to worsen, and with our previous capacity constraints now addressed, the Board remains confident in the Group’s ability to benefit as our key markets recover.”

During the year production was reduced through the mothballing of factories, shift reductions and production breaks. In addition, Forterra restructured commercial and back-office functions.

These actions are set to deliver annualised fixed costs savings in excess of £20m, with around £6m realised in 2023 and the balance being realised in 2024.

Revenue and profit soar at Journeo

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Revenue and profit soar at Journeo

Journeo plc, the Ashby-de-la-Zouch-based information systems and transport technical services group, has seen revenue and profit soar.

According to final results for the year ended 31 December 2023, revenue increased 118% to £46.1m, up from £21.1m in 2022.

Profit before tax, meanwhile, increased 312% to £3.7m, up from £0.9m in 2022.

Russ Singleton, CEO of Journeo plc, said: “I am very pleased with the progress we have made towards reaching our goal of becoming a market leader in our field. Our strengthening intellectual property and increased barriers to entry into our markets are helping us establish defendable market positions.

“Each year, we are growing our recurring revenue base as well as our sales order book, providing us with greater forward earnings visibility. Together with healthy cash balances, we are able to invest further in our technologies and business.

“The acquisitions of Infotec and MultiQ have performed well since joining the Group, extending our capabilities and geographic reach. We continue to seek out complementary acquisitions that can provide Journeo with access to adjacent markets or increase the services we deliver into our current markets.

“As we entered 2024, we did so with momentum in our strategy, which is enabling us to deliver valuable products, software, and services for our customers. Our strong order book, growing sales pipeline, and increasing leadership positions give us confidence in our ability to further grow the business.”

Contractor appointed for design and re-development of former Beales building in Mansfield

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Contractor appointed for design and re-development of former Beales building in Mansfield

Mansfield Connect has taken a step forward following the appointment of a contractor for the design and re-development of the former Beales building in Mansfield.

Mansfield District Council has appointed Kier Group plc following a competitive tender process to undertake phase one for the Mansfield Connect project. It will see the 1930s former Beales building in the heart of the town centre transformed into a modern, multi-agency and community hub. Phase one was given the green light in a delegated decision taken by Councillor Craig Whitby, Portfolio Holder for Corporate and Finance. It will see the overall design and development of the project, then subject to progress, the council will then tender and award a contract for phase two in autumn 2024, which will see the main construction work being undertaken. Project work is expected to start on site in January 2025, with it being fully operational and open in January 2027. Following a submission made by the council, the scheme was allocated the full £20 million from round two of the government’s flagship Levelling Up Fund in January 2023. It is expected to house a variety of public, educational, enterprise, and health and wellbeing services, along with space for private sector investment and Mansfield District Council’s new headquarters. The project is anticipated to cost around £30 million to complete, and this will be made up of the £20 million Levelling Up Fund, £5 million from the Levelling Up Partnership, with the balance from partner contributions, and from Mansfield District Council anticipated capital receipts. Executive Mayor Andy Abrahams said: “Mansfield Connect is a key regeneration project that will transform the long vacant Beales department store into a multi-use, multi-service community and civic hub. “Its creation will significantly improve access to a range of public services to support our communities; create new opportunities for enterprise and skills development; provide important new town centre amenities; and, by re-opening long closed frontages, will support greater footfall and high street vibrancy. “The co-location of the council with partners in the town centre represents an opportunity to bring key services together, facilitating service transformation and significant efficiency gains within the council and across partner services. “This once-in-a-lifetime regeneration project is a fundamental step forward in creating a brighter and transformative future for Mansfield’s residents, and we anticipate it will stimulate further private sector investment and economic opportunity in the town centre and beyond.” The council purchased the building in December 2021 to take control over shaping a new future for the town centre. It forms a key part of the council’s adopted Town Centre Masterplan and complements several other regeneration projects and developments being progressed across the town. It also aligns with the broader council strategies promoting Growth, Aspiration, Wellbeing and Place. The CEO of Mansfield BID, Jay Rowlinson, said the project is the key to unlocking more business and investment in the town centre. He said: “The impact the multi-agency hub will deliver to our local businesses is two-fold. We will see an increase in footfall in the town centre by having a one-stop shop for council services, education, benefits, and job support. “Also, our town centre businesses will further reap the benefits with all these staff and additional visitors using their eateries, shopping with them for goods, and enjoying what the town offers. “It will not only increase the vibrancy of Stockwell Gate, a key entry point into our town, but it will also bring a building that has stood empty back into use, and I look forward to seeing the progress get underway.” The Mansfield Connect building will be both refurbished and rebuilt to ensure maximum value for money while ensuring important heritage assets are retained. It is anticipated that the front art-deco of the former Co-op building will be retained, and the remaining parts of the building could be demolished with a new building created. It is also anticipated that the existing two shopping link footbridges over Stockwell Gate will be removed within the scheme, opening a key entrance into the town centre, and unlocking its vibrancy. More details will be confirmed during the phase one process, and subsequent planning application due to be submitted later this year.

Ashfield council appoints contractor to revitalise derelict site in Sutton

Stuart Pearcey
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Ashfield council appoints contractor to revitalise derelict site in Sutton
The centre of Sutton in Ashfield is to be enhanced with a project to be delivered by Lincoln-based Lindum Group, which next month will start  to breathe new life into a derelict site on Fox Street. It will become a flexible outdoor space linking pedestrians from ASDA to the town centre, but also to be a venue for markets and events. Councillor Jason Zadrozny, Leader of Ashfield District Council, said: “We can’t wait to see this project begin. The Fox Street site has been an eyesore for a long time and our renovation works will breathe life into it, creating a space that can be used for events and markets – capitalising on the natural footfall in this part of Sutton. Ashfield District Council’s plans for the entire District are revolutionary and will create a lasting impact on Ashfield; a great place to live, visit, work, and play.” Lindum Group MD Edward Chambers said: “Our previous projects with the council together have included the creation of Moor Market in Kirkby and construction of more than 60 new energy-efficient homes across the district. “We’ve been working with the authority on this scheme since mid-2023 to help find the most cost-effective way to deliver the works, which will make a huge difference to the town centre, and ultimately provide a much-needed boost to the local economy.” The site is currently a disused wasteland. The transformative works will see a 41-space car park created with new lighting, CCTV and native trees and hedging planted to enhance biodiversity. The River Idle, which runs through the back of the site, will be cleaned, and restored, providing a natural focal point. The works to Fox Street are being funded by Ashfield District Council’s £6.27million Future High Streets Fund. The next stage of the regeneration of Sutton town centre will start shortly after Fox Street, with ground being broken on Portland Square in May. The Council’s ambitious plans for Portland Square will create a modern, attractive, and useable town centre, funded as part of their £62.6million Towns Deal.

More jobs to be created in Worksop as part of East Midlands Investment Zone

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More jobs to be created in Worksop as part of East Midlands Investment Zone
Plans to unlock £160 million in government grants have taken a notable step forward as the final steps are taken to formalise the East Midlands Investment Zone (EMIZ) – part of which will be on the edge of Worksop – helping to create new jobs, increase productivity and boost the local economy. Bassetlaw District Council Cabinet members have agreed to progress to the next stage of the proposed EMIZ which will include three sites: the Centre of Excellence in Modern Construction (Bassetlaw and Bolsover); Infinity Park Derby (Derby City and South Derbyshire); and Hartington Staveley (Chesterfield). The EMIZ is intended to act as a catalyst for new investments from existing companies in the region, including Laing O’Rourke in Bassetlaw and Rolls Royce in Derby. Together, these sites are intended to support growth in the green industries and advanced manufacturing sectors across the East Midlands as a whole. It’s expected they will collectively help to bring in over £380 million in private investment and upwards of 4,000 jobs to the region. By continuing to be key partners in this inward investment strategy, Bassetlaw District Council can bid for flexible funding in the future worth around £120 million which it can spend on areas including skills, local infrastructure, business support and research and innovation. This could be anywhere in the district, including projects associated with the STEP fusion energy project at West Burton. Cllr James Naish, Leader of Bassetlaw District Council, said: “We are pleased to see that once more, Bassetlaw’s potential as a vibrant place to live, work and do business is being recognised as one of only three parts of the East Midlands to be part of the emerging East Midlands Investment Zone. “By continuing to engage and work at a regional level, the Council and its partners will be able accelerate the transformation of the district into a hub for new technologies. “We welcome the opportunities that this will bring to secure new investment; to create high-quality apprenticeships and jobs; and, ultimately, to improve life chances for Bassetlaw residents.” The financial incentives on the three sites – totalling 95 hectares in total – will initially last five years with the potential for a further five-year extension. Bassetlaw District Council’s Cabinet has given permission to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the new East Midlands Mayoral Combined County Authority (EMMCCA). It is expected that investment incentives at the Laing O’Rourke Centre of Excellence in Modern Construction (CEMC) on the edge of Worksop, will fast track the development of a modular construction hub and an apprenticeship training academy, boosting local productivity. Linked with the University of Nottingham this vital economic boost will create positive opportunities for raising the skillsets of local residents. The latest Cabinet paper details how the EMIZ will be established at the start of next month when the East Midlands Mayoral County Combined Authority (EMMCCA) is formally created.

Grants relaunched for rural Harborough businesses

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Grants relaunched for rural Harborough businesses
Businesses in the Harborough district are being encouraged to apply for grant funding through the Harborough Rural Grant Scheme 2024/25.
Eligible applicants can benefit from grants between £5,000-£20,000 to support their business to diversify, innovate and grow. The council is keen to support exciting projects that will help local businesses and the wider economy and community. The scheme spans across four themes:
  • Farm Business Diversification
Supports farm businesses to diversify their business activities outside of agricultural activities. Such projects should improve business resilience, development, and revenue
  • Innovate and Grow
Support micro and small enterprises in rural areas looking to deliver innovative projects. Funding will support projects that change the way businesses do something, to improve efficiencies and to generate more income. Projects will need to demonstrate how they are helping to overcome a rural issue or barrier they face in order to grow
  • Green Technology
Support businesses to invest in energy efficient and low carbon technologies. This means businesses can invest in green technology that will improve their carbon footprint. Businesses could also use this funding to develop their own green technology which can be used to improve the carbon footprint of their business and/or other businesses
  • Rural Tourism
Capital grants to develop local tourism attractions, facilities, or infrastructure to enhance the rural visitor economy and increase opportunities to attract visitors to rural areas. Applicants must be based in rural areas in the Harborough district which can be identified in the grant policy. Before applying, businesses must review the full policy which includes the eligibility criteria. Applications will open on Tuesday 26 March 2024 and close on Friday 27 September 2024. Cllr Galton, Deputy Leader of Harborough District Council, said: “Building on the success of the scheme last year, we are delighted to use funding from the Rural England Prosperity Fund to support rural businesses in the Harborough district with growth and development. We want rural businesses to do well so I encourage them to go online and apply.” The grants are being managed and distributed by Harborough District Council using funding received from the government through the Rural England Prosperity Fund which is an extension of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. This project has been allocated £230,000 in year two from the Rural England Prosperity Fund, a top-up to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Construction consultancy founder appointed as NTU Alumni and Industry Fellow

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Construction consultancy founder appointed as NTU Alumni and Industry Fellow

The founder partner at multi-disciplinary consultancy company Focus Consultants has been appointed as a Nottingham Trent University Alumni and Industry Fellow.

Kevin Osbon is using the opportunity to share details of how he has built a close relationship with his former university and hopes to encourage others to follow in his footsteps.

He believes that more professionals in their 50s could be sharing their expertise and knowledge with the younger generation.

And, rather than retiring early, he is urging them to consider opportunities for working with their local universities instead.

Kevin studied as a slightly mature student at Nottingham Trent University (NTU) in the late 1980s during the period that it transitioned from Trent Polytechnic to NTU, gaining a BSc Hons in Construction Management in 1990.

Four years later he set up Focus Consultants in his dining room in Beeston, Nottingham.

Since then, the multi-disciplinary company has grown to have offices in Nottingham, Leicester and London with a £6 million annual fee turnover managing over £300 million of construction projects each year – becoming a leading consultancy in the construction, sustainability, cultural and regeneration sectors.

For the past eight years Kevin has been revisiting the corridors of Nottingham Trent University, this time as a lecturer, having gradually stepped away from frontline consultancy following a structured Management Buy In (MBI) of Focus Consultants. He remains majority shareholder and operates as joint chairperson, now largely overseeing the business.

Although still retaining an interest and a role at Focus, his reduced hours, year on year, gave him the opportunity to teach construction management, quantity surveying and construction commercial management, contract administration and control and finance to NTU undergraduates.

He hopes that by highlighting his professional journey, he can encourage others who have a wealth of experience in their respective careers to find a way to share that knowledge with the younger generation.

“When you come to the point of stepping away from frontline consultancy or construction work then all of that intellectual capital should not be lost,” explains Kevin, 59. “The over 50s have vast resources. I have basically had another career in the eight years that I have been working with NTU – gradually increasing my involvement from teaching to writing papers, contributing to books and various other initiatives. It’s been extremely stimulating.

“I never thought I would become a published author or be part of a team that won an internationally significant award for an academic paper, but that’s what has happened as a result of taking on a teaching role at NTU.

“Some over 50s took early retirement after the pandemic and the government is now encouraging them to return to the workplace. This age group has a lot of wisdom and experience to share with the younger generation. They have a lot to give. In my view, the over 50s are a vastly untapped resource.

“There are stacks of people out there like me, who have had a successful first career but who could go on to have a second successful career in teaching, mentoring or training.”

Not only has Kevin’s latest position benefited him personally, it has also brought a number of benefits both to Focus Consultants and to NTU. The University has been able to tap into the knowledge and resources of the Focus team, while Focus has been able to recruit skilled graduates to join the business. The partnership between the two organisations has recently been formalised in a three-year framework looking to provide deliverables such as:

  • Knowledge exchange and building links with industry
  • Provision of lecturers and guest lecturers
  • Fostering talent and providing workplace opportunities for students and graduates
  • Providing support and expertise for the new Centre for Sustainable Construction and Retrofit
  • Collaboration on project work to facilitate hands-on student work experience
  • Contributions to research initiatives leading to published works

Kevin added: “Little did I know that when I studied at Nottingham Trent University in the late 1980s that I would return to the University as a lecturer towards the end of my career and become involved in research and various initiatives leading to a strategic partnership between my consultancy and NTU.

“I’ve enjoyed a very fulfilling career in consultancy and I’m very proud of the business that myself, my partners and my colleagues have built up over the past 30 years. It feels good to be giving something back to help future generations and it’s also been extremely positive for me personally to have had a second career teaching in my 50s.

“I would encourage the over 50s to consider ways that they can share their knowledge and skills. It’s certainly something that I am very pleased to have done and would recommend it to others, if it’s relevant and appropriate for them.”

Planning & Design Practice form electrifying partnership with Down to Earth Derby

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Planning & Design Practice form electrifying partnership with Down to Earth Derby
Planning & Design Practice (PDP) have joined Derby’s nature-based regeneration journey by partnering with Down to Earth Derby (DTE) as part of their Corporate Sponsorship programme. With links to Cornwall’s eco-focused Eden Project, DTE describe themselves as an independent catalyst for nature-based regeneration. PDP were requested to bring their design expertise to spruce up the toilet area of DTE’s city-centre community garden and event space, Electric Daisy. Launched in June 2023 Electric Daisy is: “A botanical garden meets, late night cocktail bar, in this commercially driven concept.” PDP were able to use their DIY and creative skills to transform a utilitarian looking Portaloo into something which is much more in keeping with the tranquil garden vibe that DTE are trying to achieve. On a cold March morning six members of staff arrived with a plan, three inside the toilet decorating and three outside constructing cladding and trellis, upcycling old sheds and bits of salvaged wood. The design inside the toilet was created using acrylic paints and now hand painted electric daisies adorn the walls. The woodwork was painted black to modernise and the overall effect was much fresher than before and ready to welcome guests when the venue reopens soon. DTE’s business strategy and scalability lead Ross Nicholson said: “Big shout out to Planning & Design Practice for becoming a corporate sponsor at Electric Daisy and for a great day converting our shabby toilet block (inside and out) into a shed (kind of!) which blends much better with the community garden and events space. “A brilliant day’s work, which means we can now crack on with letting nature do its thing – growing stuff up, in and around it.” As well as working on the relaunch of Electric Daisy, Down to Earth Derby have also been commissioned by Wavensmere Homes to create an expansive community garden within its Nightingale Quarter development, on the site of the former Derbyshire Royal Infirmary. The £40,000 pilot project will see an interactive garden and allotment space created on the 18.5-acres and is planned to be unveiled in late spring. If successful the approach will be rolled out across Wavensmere’s city-wide portfolio, creating magnets for nature, wildlife, and people across the city.
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