Botham Accounting appoint Healthcare & Property debt advisory specialist
Botham Accounting, the Nottingham-based accountancy firm, have appointed Wes Hodelin and launched a dedicated debt advisory service for clients – Botham Capital.
The boutique accounting practice who have a team of 40 and have seen year on year growth of 25%, specialise in the healthcare and property sectors with a nationwide client base.
Wes brings with him 16 years’ of financial services experience, 10 years of which have been dedicated to healthcare and property financing. The majority of his career was spent in commercial banking and client coverage at RBS Group as a relationship manager, then at Santander Corporate as a relationship director. His most recent role was director of healthcare at MAF Finance Group, providing independent advisory and brokerage services to healthcare groups and property investors across the UK.
Wes, who has experience working with funders from across the capital spectrum, from private credit and hedge funds through to bridging lenders and high street banks, said: “I am delighted to be joining the Botham Accounting team, having worked closely with them on several transactions where my origination, structuring and execution expertise have combined with Botham’s robust financial modelling and due diligence services.
“The debt advisory practice will bring this all together under a single proposition which will serve to improve the client experience whilst making transactions efficient for all involved. Given Botham Accounting’s position as a mid-market boutique, and my track record of delivering funding in the £1m to £50m space, I am excited about unlocking the significant value our new and disruptive service will add to those who choose to engage us as advisers.”
Tom Gregory, director of Botham Accounting, said: “We’re thrilled that Wes has joined us. Having Wes on board will enhance our offering to both existing clients as well as new clients. In addition to work such as accounts preparation and audits we’re spending an increasing amount of time on transactional work so having Wes’ involvement and his experience will be invaluable.”
East Midlands refreshment companies merge
East Midlands refreshments companies R+R Hub and Posh Nosh are merging, resulting in a predicted combined turnover of over £2m in the next financial year, and the joining of more than 30 staff.
Posh Nosh have more than 20 years of experience as a corporate caterer. Rhona King, the Managing Director, started her journey in 2001, when an opportunity arose to rename her company at that time, to Posh Nosh, from a competitor who was in the process of retiring.
Soon to join the business was Rob King, now the commercial director of Posh Nosh. The team has grown over the last 20 years to now include a multi skilled work force, of caterers, drivers, and a customer service team.
R+R Hub on the other hand, is comparatively new, born out of a continued demand of a variety of vending solutions from their sister company, Cema Vending. R+R Hub saw an opportunity to meet more customer demand by providing workplace refreshments in commercial settings, with concepts such as Micro Markets.
“This is such an exciting opportunity for everyone involved,” said Rhona King, Managing Director of Posh Nosh. “This move means that we are all looking forward to the future. We have some ambitious growth plans, so make sure that you watch this space for some exciting developments.”
Simon Leadley, Managing Director of R+R Hub, described the merger as “a perfect fit.” He explained that “two local businesses combining to offer the complete solution will mean that the best possible service can now be provided to our customers.”
Work completes on £23m urban logistics development in Wigston
Developer Chancerygate has achieved practical completion on a 128,000 sq ft Grade A urban logistics scheme in South Wigston, near Leicester, which has a gross development value in excess of £23m.
Known as Genesis Park, the development comprises 15 urban logistics units ranging from 4,800 sq ft to 18,570 sq ft which are available on a freehold or leasehold basis.
Located close to a Tesco superstore, Lidl and Wickes, the development is just over five miles south of Leicester city centre and is also well connected to the M1 and M69.
All units at Genesis Park feature electric vehicle charging points, secured cycle parking and 15 per cent roof lighting.
In addition, the units are constructed from high-performance building materials to reduce CO2 emissions. The scheme has a BREEAM rating of Very Good and the units have an EPC rating of B.
Chancerygate development director and head of its Birmingham office, Mark Garrity, said: “Genesis Park is a fantastic new addition to South Wigston’s well-established warehousing and logistics area.
“Our new development provides occupiers with much-needed sustainable, high specification urban logistics accommodation in a well-connected strategic location within the East Midlands.
“We have every confidence Genesis Park will be an enduring economic asset for the area, ensuring businesses are best placed to grow and deliver ongoing job creation.”
Agents for Genesis Park are Avison Young, Phillips Sutton and JLL.
Work starts on 333 new homes for Fairham, Nottingham
On Friday (June 16), Countryside Partnerships, the mixed tenure developer, was joined by local dignitaries and stakeholders to mark the start of construction of 333 new homes at Alvaredus, Fairham, a new community being built to the south of Nottingham.
Cllr Neil Clarke MBE, leader of Rushcliffe Borough Council joined representatives from the scheme’s housing providers, developers and partners, comprising Countryside Partnerships, emh group, Start Living, Gatehouse Investment Management, Clowes Developments and Homes England.
The new development, called Alvaredus as a nod to the area’s lineage to Alvaredus de Clifton, a Norman knight, will deliver 333 new homes and provide a sustainable new community made up of two, three and four-bedroom properties.
The new homes comprise 133 homes for private sale, 100 affordable homes for emh group and 100 private rental homes through Start Living, the single-family build-to-rent joint venture between Gatehouse Investment Management and TPG Real Estate Partners.
Martin Harrison, Managing Director, North East Midlands, Countryside Partnerships, said: “I’m immensely proud to welcome our partners and stakeholders to site to celebrate the start work on Alvaredus, a new, attractive and sustainable community for Nottingham.
“This is a start of an exciting new chapter for the area; widening the choice of homes, bringing employment and boosting the local economy.”
Rushcliffe Borough Council’s leader and portfolio holder for strategic and borough wide leadership, cllr Neil Clarke, said: “I am thrilled to witness this ground-breaking ceremony that marks the beginning of housing development here at Fairham.
“Today symbolises years of work and collaboration with the developer (Countryside), the landowners and other partners and stakeholders along with a commitment to create a community and legacy that we can all be proud of.
“Let us celebrate this momentous occasion and look forward to the vibrant and thriving neighbourhood that this housing development will form part of.”
Paul Stockwell, Managing Director of Gatehouse Investment Management, said: “Having worked closely with Countryside Partnerships on other developments, it is hugely pleasing to be undertaking another project with them, which when finished will be Start Living’s third site in Nottingham. Start of works is a major milestone for the scheme, and we look forward to welcoming families to the homes once construction is complete.”
Robert Hepwood, director – Clowes Developments, said: “After many years of planning Fairham, we are absolutely delighted to welcome Countryside Partnerships to the development. To date, most of the works at Fairham have centred around a £100million infrastructure works package, ensuring that power, utilities, sewerage, drainage, and roads are in place.
“The first four buildings on Fairham Business Park are nearing completion with occupiers scheduled to move in before the end of the year. We have worked closely with the NET to create a brand-new access road off Mill Hill serving the Park and Ride and Fairham.
“Having the first housing developers mobilising their team on site is a very exciting next step for Fairham.”
Alvaredus will form part of Fairham, the 606-acre mixed use neighbourhood scheme championed by Homes England and Clowes Developments. Fairham will not only deliver new employment opportunities but will also assist Rushcliffe Borough Council in meeting its new homes target of 13,500 dwellings by 2030.
LLC completes hattrick of “spectacular” National Licensing Week Events
Licensing Law Consultancy (LLC) has, for the third time, hosted the National Licensing Week Event 2023 in Nottingham, an event described as “spectacular.”
The National Licensing Week Event was conceived and first delivered in June 2019 by Walaiti Rathore and Licensing Law Consultancy.
The purpose was to support the Institute of Licensing’s annual National Licensing Week campaign, with a large scale national event to celebrate and raise awareness of licensing and the role it plays in everyday lives.
Once again, the event was a private invitation-only black tie celebration. These events have been attended over the years by representatives of the Institute of Licensing, directors of UK Hospitality and the Confederation of British Industry, Pub Watch, the Gambling Commission, Hospitality Association, leading operators with a local and national presence, representatives from international hospitality brands as well as leading businesses and professionals from all sectors.
Guests, over the years, have been treated to canapes, a three course meal, unlimited complimentary drinks all evening, spectacular entertainment acts and music, and have received various gifts including items from fashion designer Paul Smith.
The evening this year was compered, once again, by Bikram Rathore, who gave an overview of licensing’s importance and pivotal role in our efforts to recover from the number of crises currently shaping our economic landscape, before introducing a stellar line up of speakers; Dan Davies, the UK Chair of the Institute of Licensing and CEO of Rock Point Leisure, Karl Thomas, Chief Inspector of Nottinghamshire Police for the city centre, George Wishart from the Licensed Trade Charity, and Marcellus Baz, winner of BBC Sports Personality of the Year and CEO of the Switch Up group.
All speakers emphasised the importance of partnership working to help overcome the current challenges faced in hospitality and licensing, to ensure vibrancy and safety in businesses as well as in our communities.
Walaiti Rathore said: “I am humbled, once again, by all the guests who attended as it would not have been possible without them, some of whom travelled long distances to Nottingham to support LLC and this event.
“These events continue the aim of involving representatives or members of organisations within or closely connected to licensing and also people from businesses and professionals with no such connections. This has proved to be the best way to reach out to the wider public.
“A special mention this year for Alea for their continued incredible support as well as Michael Wisher Team Support, Chaiiwala, Equinox Audio Visual, Freedom Brewery and Clever Socks.”
Management buy-out for Lincolnshire engineering firm
Lincolnshire-headquartered engineering firm, Blackrow, has undergone a management buy-out (MBO).
Established over 40 years ago, the Grimsby-based firm provides specialist fabrication services to a blue-chip customer base across the world, with the 300 strong workforce delivering solutions including conveyors, gantry, mezzanine and platform manufacture, control and automations systems, structural and pipework fabrication and installations.
The MBO sees Managing Director, Tony Booker, together with Gary Pexman (sales director), Nick Rands (operations director), Luke O’Brien (structural/piping director) and Callum Day (electrical director), join the board and become majority shareholders.
Blackrow’s current directors and shareholders – Neil Ellis (finance director), Chris Marfleet, Darren Broughton and Glenn Richie – will remain on the board and retain an investment in Blackrow.
ABN AMRO provided new facilities to fund the transaction. James Elliott, director at ABN AMRO, said: “Blackrow has a fantastic reputation in its markets and an impressive, loyal customer base. These factors, together with an excellent pipeline of projects over coming months and years led us to want to support the MBO and the future growth of the business.”
Neil Ellis, finance director, said: “The current shareholders of Blackrow have had succession plans in place for some time and its very pleasing to have seen the MBO team take shape over the last few years and to transition into leadership roles, delivering excellent service to our customers and driving fantastic growth for the business. We believe that Blackrow is in very good hands for this next phase of its growth.”
Tony Booker, Managing Director, said: “Neil, Chris, Darren and Glenn have led Blackrow through periods of both opportunity and challenge and the strength of the business today is testament to their determination to invest continuously in the business’s facilities, people and capabilities. The MBO team are delighted to be given the opportunity to acquire Blackrow and to continue to build and grow this market leading, regional business.”
Blackrow and the shareholders were advised by corporate finance advisers, Dow Schofield Watts (Roger Esler, Paul Herriott, Jonathan Wilkinson, Mike Barker), legal advisers, Andrew Jackson Solicitors (Andrew Funnell, Jon Croft, Adrian West) and tax advisers, Tax Advisory Partnership (Russ Cahill). ABN AMRO was advised by Shoosmiths. The MBO team was advised by Wilkin Chapman (Adam Ottley).
Roger Esler, corporate finance partner at Dow Schofield Watts, said: “It’s been a pleasure working with Blackrow over several years as the company navigated the challenges of the Covid pandemic to emerge as an even stronger and larger business today, with a fantastic reputation in its target markets and creating a robust platform for the MBO.”
Andrew Funnell, head of corporate at Andrew Jackson Solicitors, added: “Blackrow has been through a number of buy-outs in its 40 year history and having been adviser to the company for over 20 years, it is great to see it continue its journey as a management owned business, with this MBO being the culmination of careful succession planning.”
Geldards chairman awarded MBE for services to business and the economy in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire
Geldards chairman David Williams has been awarded an MBE for services to business and to the economy in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire in the King’s Birthday Honours List.
An MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) is awarded for outstanding achievement or service to the community which has had a long term significant impact and stands out as an example to others.
David has lived and worked in the region for over thirty years and has long been a champion of the East Midlands, advocating for the region’s growth and prosperity in the various positions he holds including, deputy chair of D2N2 LEP, chairman of EMB Group, non-executive director of East Midlands Chamber and Board member at Nottingham Trent University.
Internationally, David also regularly represents the East Midlands abroad and has participated in trade missions for the region to China as well as attending MIPIM in Cannes, the world’s leading property event.
Since joining Geldards in 1989 David has been an instrumental force in driving forward Geldards’ business expansion in the East Midlands, making a strong commitment to the region with offices in both Derby and Nottingham.
Commenting on his award, David, said: “I am truly honoured and humbled to receive an MBE for Services to Business and to the Economy in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. I am committed to driving the East Midlands forward to become a regional powerhouse of productivity and growth for the country.
“With its unique blend of infrastructure, business innovation and superb transport links boosting connectivity to and from the region, the East Midlands is an outstanding and ambitious area for business to succeed and grow. With its ambitious plans our region can compete nationally and internationally to be amongst the best in which to conduct business.”
Jeff Pearson, Chief Executive at Geldards, said: ”My congratulations go to David who is an extremely worthy recipient of an MBE for his tireless support for the East Midlands. As well as being an inspirational leader and ambassador for our firm, David has been a driving force in championing the region. Everyone at Geldards is delighted that his significant contribution to regional businesses and the economy has been recognised.”
Practical completion achieved at Fairham delivering almost 270,000 sq ft of logistics space
Hines, a global real estate investment, development, and property manager, in a joint venture with a global investment manager, have delivered three modern industrial units at Fairham Business Park in Nottingham, spanning a total of 268,814 sq ft, ranging in size from 65,810 to 101,775 sq ft.
The joint venture acquired the site from Clowes Developments in a forward funding transaction. Clowes Developments acts as development manager.
In total, the joint venture in conjunction with Clowes Developments is developing eight state-of-the-art warehousing and light-industrial units covering a total of 1.15 million sq ft across the East Midlands.
Clowes, working alongside main contractor TanRo, reached practical completion of the first three units, B1, 2 and 3 at Fairham marking delivery of prime logistics space at the brand-new development.
Furthermore, significant infrastructure works have also been completed including a brand-new signalled access road into Fairham and existing road improvements from Mill Hill Island to Clifton South Park and Ride.
In 2022, 195,000 sq ft of space was delivered by the joint venture at Dove Valley Park in South Derbyshire. The remaining units under development, located at Castlewood Business Park and East Midlands Distribution Centre, are anticipated to complete during the course of 2023.
Greg Cooper, Managing Director at Hines in the UK, said: “We continue to meet the needs of occupiers, delivering high-quality logistics space in a supply constrained market.
“Each of the three units at Fairham are high specification, with BREAAM ‘excellent’ certification achieved including EV charging infrastructure and the ability to support the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels.
“We look forward to continuing our work with Clowes to deliver the remaining space at Castlewood Business Park and East Midlands Distribution Centre this year.”
James Richards, director at Clowes Developments, added: “The practical completion of three units at Fairham Business Park marks a step forward in our commitment to deliver best-in-class warehousing across the East Midlands.
“Our lead contractors, TanRo, have delivered this significant development totalling 268,000 square feet, to a tight schedule and have produced a set of quality industrial use facilities setting a high standard for this brand-new business hub.
“With one occupier already lined up to take over one of the units, we are looking forward to watching the business park flourish with activity in the months to come. Our most recent development, A1 at Fairham Business Park is also fast approaching completion with its intended occupiers finalising the legal documentation ready for moving in later this year.”
East Midlands manufacturers see a brightening picture as outlook improves
East Midlands manufacturers have seen an improving economic outlook as the domestic and global markets have improved, easing fears of a significant recession for industry this year.
The findings in the Make UK/BDO Q2 Manufacturing Outlook survey show a marked pick up in the last quarter with both output and orders increasing significantly to balances at +57% and +43%, both substantially ahead of the national average. In particular, the East Midlands has benefitted from the pick up in the automotive sector as chip shortages and supply chain blockages have eased. Car registrations increased for the tenth successive month in May.
In line with this improving picture job prospects are improving substantially with the balance of companies increasing recruitment in the last three months at +14%, jumping substantially to a balance of +36% in the next quarter. East Midlands companies are also planning to boost investment with the balance of companies planning to increase investment at +7%, below the national average but still in positive territory.
In terms of overall output this year Make UK and BDO are forecasting a contraction of 0.3% although this is a significant improvement from the contraction of -3.3% made in Q1 and the -4.4% forecast at the end of last year. However, Make UK is maintaining its previous forecast for growth of just 0.8% in 2024. UK GDP growth is at 0.4% for 2023 and 1.3% for 2024.
Charlotte Horobin, Midlands region director at Make UK, said: “Manufacturers in the East Midlands are seeing a gradually improving picture but the word ‘gradually’ is doing a lot of heavy lifting.
“However, companies are at least seeing a relative period of stability after the political and economic turmoil of the last few years when they have spent most of their time firefighting. Substantial challenges still remain and so long as there is an absence of an overarching industrial strategy growth prospects will remain anaemic at best.”
Jon Gilpin, head of manufacturing at BDO in the Midlands, said: “Despite the first half of the year seeing some pressures easing for local manufacturers – and the short-term prospects looking healthier for it – there are longer-term systemic challenges in the UK market, with built-in inefficiencies that need to be addressed urgently in order for manufacturers to effectively plan and invest.”
Innovative careers scheme inspires Chesterfield’s next generation and aims to reduce skills gaps
A pioneering scheme, which is linking schools with leading property and construction firms in Chesterfield, is inspiring young people to pursue careers in the construction sector.
‘Careers Made in Chesterfield’ has resulted in fourteen quality placements being offered for talented young people to learn about the property and construction sector. This follows several businesses from the town’s property and construction sector participating in workshops at Parkside Community School, showcasing the range of rewarding careers available.
Providing face-to-face interaction with students proved very successful, with 40% of students who completed the programme expressing a high interest in working in the construction sector in the future – rising from just 20% when the scheme was originally conceived in September 2022.
The initiative was launched following a report by CITB, which outlines how an extra 225,000 workers are required in the UK’s property and construction sector by 2027, equating to roughly 3,500 per year in the East Midlands Region alone.
During the ‘Careers Made in Chesterfield’ programme, business leaders carried out an initial speed networking workshop with pupils, answering their questions and helping to open their eyes into the many different exciting roles associated with property and construction.
In the second workshop sessions, students were tasked with designing a new building within the Northern Gateway area of Chesterfield. Working in groups of five to design a community venue, each group was allocated an employer mentor from the property and construction sector to help develop the design.
The project is enabling students to gain vital work experience, but also showcases the breadth of skills needed to achieve Chesterfield’s ambitious growth and regeneration plans.
The innovative pilot has seen 20 professionals from 11 local businesses helping to deliver the programme to 110 Year 10 students at the school.
Andrew Byrne, property development director at The Devonshire Group, and member of the Chesterfield Property and Construction Group, added: “One of the main issues being faced by the property and construction sector is that its workforce is getting older.
“It is vital to begin bringing in the next generation, and Careers Made in Chesterfield is one of many initiatives which will help to secure the future pipeline of talent that our businesses rely on.
“It is a very exciting time to be getting into the sector, and with schemes such as this, our young people will one day contribute towards delivering the physical, social, and green infrastructure that Chesterfield needs to continue its sustainable growth.”
Cllr Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and cabinet member for economic growth, said: “Working with local businesses to deliver the Careers Made in Chesterfield pilot demonstrates how direct engagement with students can spark their interest in different career paths.
“Helping young people learn more about the skills they need and the options available to them is key to ensuring that we can provide secure high quality jobs in Chesterfield and that they can plan for a great future in our borough.”
Ben Riggott, head teacher at Parkside School, said: “The Careers Made in Chesterfield pilot represented a step change in creating sustained connections between our Year 10 students and some great local companies.
“This model is fantastic for several reasons. Perhaps most importantly, students build relationships with employers across the programme, which in turn enhances their confidence and the likely outcomes of work experience.”
One of the firms to be welcoming a student on placement in July is Oasis Studio, which provides virtual reality and augmented reality services to property and construction businesses.
Tony Buck, associate director at Oasis Studio, said: “We jumped at the chance to get involved in the pilot scheme. The construction industry is continually evolving, adopting new technologies and construction methods.
“To stay competitive, I believe it’s crucial we have a skilled workforce that can embrace these advancements. I really enjoyed demonstrating the range of opportunities in the sector today.
“We utilised our VR headsets during the workshop to offer the students a virtual site visit and help them understand the brief. I was genuinely impressed by the student’s level of maturity and engagement throughout the workshops, and their ideation of concepts was fantastic.”
Further addressing the increasing construction skills shortage within Chesterfield, the Construction Skills Hub in Mastin Moor will welcome learners from autumn this year.
Funded through the Staveley Town Deal, the skills hub will provide a practical platform for construction training, careers activity and work experience on a live construction site. Initially the Skills Hub will provide training in site and bench joinery, brickwork, ground works and electrical installation but in time the offer will expand to include training in retrofit and green technologies. It will be open to school leavers and other residents seeking to train or retrain. The Hub will provide training, careers insights, and work experience for more than 5,000 learners over 10 years.Cema Vending become finalists in four categories at the Vendies Awards
Cema Vending were thrilled to have been nominated in the prestigious Vendies Awards on Wednesday 7 June, not just once, but four times!
Although the company didn’t grab the winning spot, the team were thrilled to have been, nominated, shortlisted and even becoming finalists in four categories: Best Overall Operator, Customer Service Award, Woman of The Year (for operations manager Kerry Turton) and Best Route Operator (for Sam Simpson), and are keeping their fingers crossed for the next one.
Ellice Hudson, operations director for Cema Vending, was excited to attend the awards for the first time and take along some of the Cema Vending team to celebrate the event.
The awards themselves are decided by a team of expert judges, including:
· Phillipa Atkinson-Clow – General manager of the Water Dispenser & Hydration Association (WHA)
· Erwin Wetzel – Director general of the European & Coffee Service Association (EVA)
· Phil Reynolds – Director of the Vendex Show
· Michelle Hefferon – Business manager at NIVO
· Heather Ramsden – Editor of Vending International magazine
The Vendies have a long tradition of recognising the people who make a difference to the vending industry.
Nottinghamshire County Council “encourage everyone to get nominating” for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023
Nottinghamshire County Council is encouraging members of the property and construction industry to enter Business Link’s East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023.
Nottinghamshire County Councillor Keith Girling, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Asset Management, said: “With so many high-profile infrastructure and housing projects coming to Nottinghamshire and the region, the property and construction industry is more crucial than ever to our economy.
“This includes a world-class cutting-edge project known as STEP Fusion. Nottinghamshire will be the home of a new prototype site, due to be built at the former coal-fired power station at West Burton near Retford. The aim is to create a virtually limitless source of clean electricity, with potential to export this across the world.
“We’re also helping create new, greener communities and homes such as the Berry Hill development in Mansfield and Top Wighay near Hucknall as well as improving our transport infrastructure thanks to major plans for the A614.
“These projects, which we as a council play an integral part in, will bring skilled jobs, investment and provide long-term contract opportunities for the supply chain.
“So I would encourage everyone to get nominating for these awards as this industry deserves to be in the spotlight.”
With nominations open until Thursday 31 August, now is the ideal time to enter your (or another) business/development for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023. To do so – click on a category link below or visit this page.
To be held at:
Award categories include:
Thanks to our sponsors:
- Most active estate agent
- Commercial development of the year
- Responsible business of the year
- Residential development of the year
- Developer of the year
- Deal of the year
- Architects of the year
- Excellence in design
- Sustainable development of the year
- Contractor of the year
- Overall winner (this award cannot be entered, the winner will be selected from those nominated)
To be held at:
Study finds small nuclear reactors could deliver cost advantages in green energy generation
A feasibility study involving Rolls-Royce SMR and global business and investment company, Sumitomo Corporation, shows Rolls-Royce Small Modular Nuclear Reactors could provide a significant advantage over other energy sources in producing low-carbon hydrogen.
Each Rolls-Royce SMR’s ‘factory-built’ nuclear power plant will produce 470MW of low-carbon electricity, but its compact footprint and flexible modular design means it can be located alongside energy intensive industrial processes – including hydrogen production. For the production of hydrogen via Solid Oxide Electrolytic Cell (SOEC) technology, it is possible to use the thermal output of the power plant to radically boost the overall efficiency of the hydrogen production cycle.
This study analysed the use of both heat and power from the Rolls-Royce SMR to run electrolysers to produce low-carbon hydrogen. The detailed independent study was produced using real-world data and found that – when cost, availability and carbon emissions are taken into consideration – hydrogen production powered by a Rolls-Royce SMR has the greatest overall advantage compared to all other available sources.
Harry Keeling, Rolls-Royce SMR’s Head of Industrial Markets, said: “This is an exciting move forward for Rolls-Royce SMR and Sumitomo Corporation. The potential for the Rolls-Royce SMR to be used for industrial purposes is one of its greatest strengths – being able to deliver large amounts of low-carbon, always-on power, but being flexible enough to be located close to where industry needs it. The production of low-cost hydrogen is a critical step on the pathway to decarbonising our wider society.”
Earlier this year, the Rolls-Royce SMR design progressed to the second step of the Generic Design Assessment by the UK’s independent regulators which reinforced its position as the SMR design that’s furthest advanced towards being deployed in the UK.
Sumitomo Corporation will now use the report to support site suitability work and develop its understanding around the potential for utilising Rolls-Royce SMRs alongside clean hydrogen production facilities in the UK.
The Rolls-Royce SMR concept uses standard nuclear energy technology so far used in 400 reactors around the world. A single Rolls-Royce SMR power station will have the capacity to generate 470MW of low carbon energy, equivalent to more than 150 onshore wind turbines and enough to power a million homes. It will provide consistent baseload power generation for at least 60 years.
Two new lettings swiftly secured at Southgate Retail Park in Derby
Real Estate Investors plc, the Birmingham-based Real Estate Investment Trust with a portfolio of 1.37 million sq ft of investment property, has announced two new lettings in quick succession at Southgate Retail Park in Derby.
Ian Clark, director, Asset Management, at REI, said that when the two units were vacated by Subway, they were immediately snapped up by local businesses.
The 1,600 sq ft retail unit to the front has been taken by Basat Mahmood and Aqib Iftikhar on a 15 year lease to open a local convenience store.
The rear unit, also 1,600 sq ft, has been taken on a five year lease by Asgar Tair who runs a boxing gym as a charitable enterprise.
Southgate Retail Park comprises a 53,202 sq ft, eight unit, retail and office property, combining a modern retail warehouse scheme and a business innovation centre, with extensive car parking facilities.
The park is anchored by a Lidl store and serves as a district centre to residents of the Normanton suburb of Derby. As well as Lidl, tenants include The Gym Group and the Royal Mencap Society.
Portchester Equity extends UK rail portfolio with acquisition of Derby-based Yellow Rail
Portchester Equity Ltd (PEL) has acquired Derby-based Yellow Rail Ltd, a £15m turnover rail engineering service company, strengthening its rail portfolio in the UK rail sector.
PEL is committed to the rail sector and increasing capability and service offering to passenger and freight customers, through its financial strength and by optimising existing PEL rail assets (W.H. Davis and Davis Wagon Services).
This acquisition creates strong synergies with the existing rail assets, well-established business relationships and highly complementary portfolios in the areas of freight wagon maintenance, freight field services and material supply services.
Enhancements to the portfolio through the acquisition include the introduction of rail services to the passenger sector, engineering design services, bogie overhaul and repair services and wheel lathe systems and services.
Yellow Rail will benefit from access to the rail-connected facility at Shirebrook on the Robin Hood mainline for the new acquisition, for both passenger and freight projects, whilst ensuring W.H. Davis continues its full commitment to freight wagon building and re-purposing activities.
This acquisition is a significant step up for the group of companies, now able to offer more ambitious services to the market, underpinned by the PEL financial strength and the integrated capability and geographical presence of the three companies.
Paul Bragg, Managing Director of PEL responsible for leading the acquisition, says: “This is a perfect fit within our multi-industrial manufacturing side of the group, where we will be able to improve our capability to passenger and rail customers.”
Andy Kevins, Managing Director of Yellow Rail, believes this acquisition offers a great opportunity to accelerate the growth of the company with the support of PEL and within a group of rail companies that includes W.H. Davis and Davis Wagon Services, two well-established suppliers within the UK freight sector.
Andy says: “It also provides increased security for our amazing staff, access to an excellent rail connected facility and the opportunity to work with other companies in the same group, to increase our overall capability and service offering. After 16 years as an independent SME, Yellow Rail are looking forward to playing its part in a bigger rail family.”
Cooking oil-powered cement tanker is first for the UK
Coalville-based Aggregate Industries has introduced the first cement tanker in the UK to be powered by waste cooking and frying oil from the food industry, putting it to work in its Lafarge Cement business.
Operated by logistics partner Lomas Distribution, the 30-tonne bulk tanker is powered by Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil, part of the paraffinic family of fuels and a fossil-free alternative to mineral diesel, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90%.
HVO is made by hydrotreating the waste oil, creating a direct substitute for conventional diesel, and reducing emissions not only of carbon but also nitrous oxide and particulate matter.
The truck joins the fleet of 50 Lafarge Cement vehicles, and will operate out of the Cauldon cement plant in the Staffordshire Moorlands to serve locations in the midlands and northwest.
Matt Owen, Supply Chain Manager in Aggregate Industries’ Cement division, said: “The benefits of using HVO are there for all to see. Being able to reduce carbon emissions by up to 90 per cent is huge for us, alongside the reduction in things like nitrous oxide.
“Also, HVO is a direct drop in replacement for diesel so easy to switch to. We are trialling the vehicle and will be monitoring and evaluating its performance and its emissions.
“We are already using HVO in our loading shovels at our three cement dockside terminals at Glasgow, Ellesmere and Chatham and are planning to introduce more HVO fuelled vehicles over the year.”
The cement division has also recently taken an electric cement truck on trial working with Lomas.
Luke Olly, Carbon and Energy Manager at Aggregate Industries, said: “This is a fantastic step forward as we look to accelerate our journey to net zero.
“Our aim as a company is to reduce unblended gas oil usage by more than 90 per cent by 2035. HVO offers us one of a number of opportunities to do this. It is circular in nature as it starts out as raw material derived from plants and we are effectively re-using waste after it has been used in the food industry.
“We have plans to increase alternative ways to fuel our vehicles and plant equipment whether that is through HVO, electric or hydrogen and we look forward to rolling these out across the business over the coming years.”
University’s study measures Covid’s impact on 200 Derbyshire businesses
The impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on Derbyshire’s two 200 businesses have been revealed in a report by the University of Derby’s Business School.
Between 1 July 2020 and 30 June 2021, businesses saw turnover drop by 14%, compared to the previous year, with the total turnover for all 200 being £3.78 billion less than in 2019-2020. Despite this, some sectors remained resilient – especially healthcare and medicine, construction and chemicals – and businesses within those industries performed better than the previous years.
The top three largest sectors were manufacturing (30.5%); wholesale and retail trade, including motor vehicles (20.5%); and financial services and insurance (10.5%).
To qualify for the list, companies must have:
- been active during 1 July 2020 to 20 June 2021
- had their registered office in Derby or Derbyshire
- reported independent accounts to Companies House for the period 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2021
Aspire Pharma sponsors Leicestershire County Cricket Club’s medical centre
Aspire Pharma Ltd is the new sponsor of Leicestershire County Cricket Club’s (LCCC’s) state-of-the-art medical centre at the Uptonsteel Ground, at Grace Road.
Since 2016, the medical centre has been sponsored by Loughborough-based Morningside Pharmaceuticals, which was acquired by Aspire in 2022. This acquisition will create a fast-growing, top-30 UK specialty pharma company.
The newly named Aspire Medical Centre will continue to be a critical treatment area for the club’s players; where specialist physio can be carried out, as well as urgent medical assistance provided in an emergency.
As the medical centre has become more established, it has developed into a hub for sports science and medicine. Hundreds of junior cricketers from LCCC’s Academy are invited to visit and learn more about these key study areas each year.
Richard Condon, Chief Executive of Aspire Pharma, said: “At Aspire, our mission is to make a difference to the lives of patients through the development and supply of innovative products and medicines throughout the world, which this partnership very much aligns with.
“We’re proud to continue our support of the Aspire Medical Centre, which has developed into an essential treatment facility for the club. It has also become an education hub for the benefit of the players, public and wider community.”
Prior to the creation of the Aspire Medical Centre in 2016, the club had to treat players and visitors off-site, which was not ideal if a member of the public or player became seriously ill.
Sean Jarvis, CEO of LCCC, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Aspire Pharma as the medical centre’s new sponsor. It’s great news that Aspire will be continuing our partnership, which has made such a huge difference to the sports science, physiotherapy, and medical treatment facilities at Grace Road.”
The medical centre, in the Lower Meet, provides Leicestershire County Cricket Club players with state-of-the-art match preparation and rehabilitation support from injuries. It has a space for a private treatment room, an open plan treatment area and an adjoining trauma room, which doubles as a crowd medical facility for use by St John’s Ambulance on match days.
Ryan Smith, Head of Sports Science and Medicine at the club, said: “The cricket season is demanding and can take its toll on the players’ bodies. For the team to reach the highest level it’s essential that we have the best facilities onsite to treat and rehabilitate the players. This access allows our teams to deliver individualised treatments at any time and enables our players to consistently train all year round.
“The medical centre’s facilities are an important part of our pre-match, during and post-match physiotherapy and sports science infrastructure. It has enabled us to progress the rehabilitation of our injured athletes by increasing the access we have to a usable and functional training environment.
“This will hopefully give our players the winning edge in the different championships they are competing in this cricket season.”
Loughborough University given role in economy-boosting creative industries project
Loughborough University will be part of a new research team of creative sector specialists, established as part of a government project to give a £50 billion boost to the creative industries in the UK.
Announced as part of the government’s Creative Industries Sector Vision, the new Insight and Foresight Unit will be led by Goldsmiths, which has been chosen as the preferred bidder to be the host organisation, alongside partners at the British Film Institute, the University of Edinburgh, and Loughborough. This Insight and Foresight Unit will support the CoSTAR (Convergent Screen Technologies and performance in Realtime) national infrastructure, which will ensure the UK stays at the cutting-edge of new virtual production techniques for stage, screen and live events. Examples of virtual productions include the hugely popular ABBA Voyage live show and Disney Plus’s The Mandalorian. The Insight and Foresight Unit will focus on identifyingindustry trends and insights associated with creative technologies and informing future policy and investment for the screen and performance sectors. This includes considering improved ecological sustainability, a more diverse and inclusive workforce, new workflows and ways of working, and audience engagement with creative productions realised through theCoSTARinfrastructure. Loughborough’s involvement will be led by Graham Hitchen, Professor of Practice within the Institute for Media and Creative Industries, and head of the University’s new Policy Unit. Loughborough is already established as a research leader in the creative industries, being home to the Creative Research AndInnovation Centre (CRAIC). CRAIC recently received funding from the Screen Industries Growth Network to create a framework to enable the mapping of virtual production assets across the UK. It has also worked with the Audience of the Future and Creative Industries Clusters team at UKRI to understand Creative R&D and to help shape thinking and future investments in the Creative Technology space. Professor Hitchen said: “This investment provides a brilliant opportunity to be at the forefront of future thinking about creative technologies in the UK and will enable us to build on our research strengths.” Professor Jonny Freeman, Academic Lead for Knowledge Exchange at Goldsmiths, and Principal Investigator of the IFU added:“The UK’s Creative Industries have an incredible reputation globally and the CoSTAR infrastructure investment announced today will help to secure this. “The consortium we have assembled for the Insight and Foresight Unit is formidable. It combines Goldsmiths’ expertise in the immersive, audience and virtual production sector, BFI’s unrivalled screen sector expertise and data, Edinburgh’s leadership in developing new forms of data to empower the creative industries, and Loughborough’s track record in research and policy on creative technologies and creative R&D with the support of its new Policy Unit.” The unit was announced as part of the government’s Creative Industries Sector Vision to maximise the potential of the UK creative industries and grow the economy, so they generate an extra £50 billion for the economy and support a million more jobs by 2030.Leicester car park gets rooftop ‘power station’
Two canopies covered with solar panels have been fitted to the roof of Leicester’s Newarke Street car park, making it capable of powering the car park’s machines, lights, cameras and other facilities at the car park, as well as other nearby buildings.
The project involves 360 sqm of solar panels installed as part of the city council’s ongoing work to reduce its carbon footprint, and has cost £267,400, funded jointly by the city council and the European Regional Development Fund.
It follows the council’s successful bid for more than £4million of match-funding from the ERDF to support a range of projects that aim to cut greenhouse gas emissions.
Elsewhere, solar panels have been installed at the city council’s highways depot at Leycroft Road, Beaumont Leys, in a £95k scheme capable of saving over 51 tonnes of carbon.
Leicester deputy city mayor for climate, economy and culture, Cllr Adam Clarke said: “This is part of our work to invest in low-carbon, energy-efficient measures for our buildings, but is also part of a wider move across the UK and further afield towards creating solar car parks like this.
“They enable electricity production in spaces which are open to the air and sunshine, as well protecting parked vehicles from the weather. In addition, they can help with electric vehicle charging in places like this where people coming into the city centre might park their cars for long periods of time.
“With energy prices currently so high, this is a sound investment in generating our own clean energy, using buildings and infrastructure that we already operate.”
The French Senate has recently made it a legal requirement for all existing and new car parks of 80 spaces or more to be covered by solar panels as part of its drive to increase the production of sustainable energy.
