Bank of England raises interest rates to 0.25%
The Bank of England has raised interest rates for the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic despite growing concern over Omicron.
Threadneedle Street’s monetary policy committee (MPC) voted to raise rates from the historic low of 0.1% to 0.25%, with pressure from surging inflation outweighing the risks to the economy from the new strain.
Figures show inflation hit 5.1% in November as energy prices skyrocketed and supply chains saw significant disruption. The MPC has an official inflation target of 2%.
The rate rise comes during deterioration in the economic outlook as the new variant hits consumer confidence.
Suren Thiru, Head of Economics at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said: “The Bank of England’s decision to raise interest rates was surprising given mounting uncertainty over the economic impact of the Omicron variant. While today’s rate increase may have little effect on most firms, many will view this as the first step in a longer policy movement – not as a partial reversal of last year’s cut.
“While policymakers are facing a tricky trade-off between surging inflation and a stalling recovery, with the current inflationary spike mostly driven by global factors, higher interest rates will do little to curb further increases in inflation. Instead, it is vital more than ever that the Government’s Supply Chain Advisory Group and Industry Taskforce start to provide some practical solutions to the supply and labour shortages that are continuing to stoke inflationary pressures.
“Without real improvement to the situation supply chains are currently facing rising prices are likely to continue to be an issue even with monetary policy responses.”
Derbyshire creative agency proves it has all the right ideas by doubling in size in time for 2022
An award-winning Derbyshire creative agency has proved a strong digital presence is vital for growth in pandemic times, as it prepares to double in size for 2022.
MacMartin, a full-service marketing agency based in Church Broughton, is taking on new office space which will double its square footage, as well as employing two more members of staff who start their roles in the New Year.
The move comes during a successful growth period – despite the pandemic – for the business set up by sisters Claire MacDonald and Anna Hutton back in 2017.
Claire said: “When the pandemic came in 2020 like all businesses we worried for the future, but what we’ve actually found is that our digital services were a lifeline to clients which really needed a strong online presence during those times.
“Clients such as food businesses needed to pivot their offering to be able to offer home delivery or takeaway services, which meant they needed a robust web-based shopfront that we were able to provide for them.
“We’ve also found that many businesses which have managed to survive the pandemic have in fact done more than survive – they have thrived, perhaps by having a greater market share than they previously did.”
Born and bred in Derbyshire, MacMartin founders Claire and Anna are feeling highly optimistic about the year ahead as they take on two new members of staff, Jess Henty and Daria Blok. Jess joins MacMartin from a previous job as an account coordinator for a national sporting body, while Daria is an experienced graphic designer with a background in print.
They join the now 10-strong all female MacMartin team who work in beautiful converted farm building offices at the Bartonfields Centre in the heart of glorious Derbyshire countryside. So strong is the business’s growth that they have recently taken on the lease for the next door office which doubles their total space.
The company’s commitment to its stunning countryside location recently saw it win a regional Amazon-backed Rural Business Award for best small rural business in the Midlands, and it will go on to represent the region at the awards’ national ceremony in February.
Anna said: “It’s an exciting time for us at MacMartin and we hope to do the Midlands proud at the national Rural Business Awards final in 2022.
“Next year we celebrate our fifth birthday and we can’t believe the journey we have come on so far. We’re so proud of our business and of the talent we have nurtured amongst our staff, and we look forward to continuing to flourish in 2022.”
Anglian Water appoints M-EC to landmark pipeline infrastructure programme
M-EC has been appointed by Anglian Water to work on one of the largest strategic infrastructure programmes currently taking place in the UK.
The firm of technical development consultants, which is headquartered in Leicestershire, are working with Anglian Water on various sections of its 500km long stretch of new, interconnecting pipelines that run from Elsham in North Lincolnshire, to Ipswich in Suffolk.
M-EC’s Geomatics Team has been commissioned to undertake topographical survey work and utility tracing on the sections between Grantham and Peterborough and Elsham to Lincoln, some 140 km of pipeline. M-EC will also carry out survey work on associated infrastructure which includes several reservoirs, pumping stations and river crossings.
Anglian Water has invested approximately £400 million into the new infrastructure programme and, once completed, the network will be longer than any UK motorway. The new pipelines will help Anglian move water more freely around the region so it can divert it from areas of water surplus in north Lincolnshire to the south and east of the region, where it isn’t as readily available.
The network will also help combat the impact of climate change as James Crompton, Strategic Pipeline Alliance Director at Anglian Water comments: “The programme will make it possible to reduce the amount of water taken from the environment, as well as strengthening local resilience by reducing the number of homes and businesses which rely on a single water source.”
Alex Bennett, Director at M-EC, says: “This is an exciting project for M-EC and our Geomatics team, and we are proud to be working alongside Anglian Water and specialist partners to deliver this critical piece of UK infrastructure. Our team is already on the ground and our surveys will help inform other engineers at critical stages in the design and development of this programme.”
James Crompton adds: “Each of our partners who have joined our new Strategic Pipeline Alliance, delivering this programme bring not only a wealth of experience but new mindsets, thinking and innovation for what is an incredibly exciting project, but also collectively, one of the largest investments in our water infrastructure we’ve made in recent years.”
The entire infrastructure programme is due to be completed by 2025.
Derby healthcare services firm acquires corporate fitness provider
Derby-based Totally, the provider of a range of healthcare services, has acquired Energy Fitness Professionals Limited (Energy Fit-Pro or EFP) in an up to £1.3 million deal.
EFP is a corporate fitness provider established in 1990 to address a gap in the market for workplace fitness, which has grown to offer a range of services covering workplace wellbeing.
Energy Fit-Pro is owned equally by the two founders, Robert Radford and Alan Gallacher, who will continue to work in the business following the acquisition.
For the year ended 31 March 2021, unaudited management accounts for EFP recorded revenue of £983,708 and a profit before tax of £444,691 (which includes the impact of both government support and the COVID-19 pandemic). Unaudited management accounts for EFP showed gross assets as at 31 March 2021 of £987,000.
Wendy Lawrence, Chief Executive Officer of Totally, said: “We are thrilled to announce a new acquisition for Totally as we continue to deliver on our strategy and expand the Group.
“This acquisition creates exciting opportunities to transform the Group further by providing a new digital solution for many of our existing and planned new services. Totally will now be able to offer existing clinical, and physical and wellbeing services as part of a new digital offering to new and existing customers.
“Energy Fit-Pro is a very well-regarded business and fits well with our commitment to delivering quality services that ensure people within the UK and Ireland have access to the care and support they need.
“By entering the corporate market through Energy Fit-Pro’s strong existing contract base, we can further support our traditional customers, such as the NHS, by providing solutions that keep the population physically and mentally healthy and avoid the need for in-hospital care where possible.
“We are excited by the opportunities that this acquisition offers in a growing market, as large employers take greater accountability for the health and wellbeing of their employees.
“We continue advanced discussions with a number of other bolt-on businesses to enhance and strengthen our proposition further. I look forward to updating the market in due course as we look to build upon Totally’s position as a leading provider of healthcare delivery across the UK and Ireland and expand further by offering workplace wellbeing solutions.”
Hilton Leicester Hotel sold
The Hilton Leicester Hotel has been sold to Valary Hotels Limited, following a year of sustained demand for quality regional hotels, with value-add opportunities.
The freehold property – sold for an undisclosed sum – is the latest addition to Valary Hotels’ growing portfolio of UK hotels and is the first acquisition in Leicestershire for the group’s Leicester-born owner.
The four-star, 179-bed, Hilton Leicester Hotel will benefit from investment across its facilities, which include a bar, two restaurants, eight meeting rooms, as well as a LivingWell Health Club with indoor swimming pool, gym and sauna.
Following an extensive planned refurbishment, the hotel will operate under a franchise agreement with Hilton Hotels and Resorts under the DoubleTree brand and will be managed by Countrywide Hotels.
Situated three miles from Leicester City Centre, The Hilton Leicester Hotel occupies a strategic location close to the M1 and Fosse Shopping Park – one of Britain’s largest out-of-town retail parks – and the Grove Park Business Centre which is home to more than 350 international firms.
The deal was led by senior director Gavin Wright in JLL’s hotels and hospitality team in Birmingham.
Gavin Wright, senior director (hotels and hospitality) at JLL, said: “The UK hotel sector has shown incredible resilience this year and remains an attractive asset class for investors.
“This is a strategic acquisition for Valary Hotels and an excellent addition to its portfolio – which now comprises three branded hotels across central England, totalling 523 bedrooms – and underlines the appetite we’ve seen throughout 2021 for quality regional hotels that provide opportunities to add value.”
Rajiv Nathwani, owner of Valary Hotels, said: “We are delighted to have acquired this hotel; being born in Leicester it is very close to my heart. We plan to significantly invest in the hotel and refurbish the property throughout. The hotel will operate under a franchise agreement with Hilton Hotels & Resorts with their successful DoubleTree brand and be managed by our operating partner Countrywide Hotels.”
Agri-feed manufacturer secures refinance package to support growth and sustainability plans
Agri-feed company, GLW Feeds, has sealed a refinancing deal with HSBC UK to support the company’s future growth and to enhance its sustainability credentials.
Founded in 1873, Charnwood-based GLW Feeds is one of the largest independent, family-run livestock and speciality feed manufacturers in the UK. The deal with HSBC UK will provide the company with additional working capital and allow the business to expand its facilities and invest in new machinery.
The support from HSBC UK will ensure the longevity and sustainable growth of the 150-year-old company. It will enable GLW Feeds to invest in state-of-the-art milling equipment and technology which will allow the company to meet increasing market demand and further its commitment to British Agriculture and the Environment.
GLW Feeds have been actively working towards reducing their carbon footprint and maximizing their environmental sustainability through increased capacity coupled with more energy efficient production processes.
The company now sources c.70% of major raw materials locally to the mill and has already enrolled in global sustainability schemes with other raw materials. Furthermore, a new CHP plant will allow GLW Feeds to continue to reduce their carbon footprint through energy consumption and increase their overall energy efficiency per tonne of feed produced.
Jamie McDonagh, finance director at GLW Feeds, said: “From the initial meeting with relationship director Phillip Carr and the wider team from HSBC UK, the enthusiasm, sector knowledge and support they had for GLW Feeds was clear and we instantly knew they were the banking partner we needed. We now look forward to working closely together as we implement our growth strategy.”
Debbie Harper, HSBC UK area director for East Midlands corporate, added: “By working collaboratively with HSBC UK’s head of agrifoods Allan Wilkinson, we are delighted to welcome GLW Feeds as a new client. The banking facilities provided give increased liquidity and flexibility for the business in support of the exciting, and sustainable, future growth plans.”
In the past five years, GLW Feeds has completed mill renovations to facilitate growth and meet increasing customer demand, which has seen turnover grow by 30 per cent.
New senior associate for Geldards’ Derby commercial property team
Law firm Geldards is strengthening its Commercial Property team in Derby with the appointment of senior associate Chloe Buxton.
Joining the team from Flint Bishop, where she practised for the past four years, Chloe brings to the team specialist experience in commercial and residential property development and finance.
Chloe completed her law degree at the University of Nottingham and qualified as a solicitor in 2016. She honed her specialism in Commercial Property gaining experience with a number of law firms in the East Midlands before joining Geldards.
On joining the team Chloe says: “I am thrilled to be joining the Commercial Property team at Geldards. It’s a great opportunity for me to work with such a respected team and I am looking forward to getting to know the clients.”
Graham Banks, partner & head of Derby Property team says: “It’s been a really busy year for the team, and we have completed some landmark deals, so it is a great time for Chloe to be joining. We look forward to her skills complementing and enhancing our talented team and are looking forward to what next year brings.”
Top 3 features of a successful entrepreneur
If you’re an entrepreneur, you already know how difficult this role can be at times. Not everyone is cut out to succeed in this profession, some people just don’t have what it takes. It’s a harsh truth, but a truth nonetheless. So what are the characteristics and personality traits of an entrepreneur exactly? Let’s find out!
Not Being Afraid of Asking for Help
An entrepreneur is always looking for solutions. To be successful, you can’t give up easily. That’s why, if faced with a task they can’t deal with, a good entrepreneur asks for support. A great option, in this case, is reaching out to a business coach for entrepreneurs like Jake Smolarek. A professional like that will be able to help you get a fresh perspective. Often, advice from someone else is exactly what you need to move on to a new project. That’s why it’s such a great way of dealing with slumps and any type of issues. A coach with experience will know what you need, so the collaboration will surely be beneficial for you.Knowing That Failure Is a Part of the Process
As an entrepreneur, you’re someone who has their own ideas and is not afraid to make them a reality. But along the way, there are always some problems and matters that require a certain amount of time to get sorted out. Nothing’s ever only easy. That’s why a successful entrepreneur, that’s on their way to a great career, is well aware of that. More so, an entrepreneur is not afraid of challenges, treats them as just another step on their way. Failure is an integral part of everything, it’s how you deal with it that decides your fate.Taking Risks and Having Bold Ideas
Successful entrepreneurs can’t be just like everyone else, they have to be willing to implement change. Their ideas can’t be something boring or already well known – they have to be innovative and one of a kind. Being an entrepreneur means being creative and brave, as you have to constantly be coming up with new ideas and overcome hurdles. You can’t be too cautious, taking risks is what’s ultimately going to bring you success, even if it may bring some trouble too. Nothing is certain, when you’re an entrepreneur, a lot of things have to be decided by you. That’s why you have to be confident but also smart and always on your toes. Think outside the box. Only by considering even the most unconventional options will you be able to truly choose the best one.Final Tips
Entrepreneurs are highly creative and bold people. To become a successful one, you have to have certain features. Not everyone could be satisfied or happy with that job, so it’s only advisable for individuals who are incredibly resilient to try their luck in this profession. As an entrepreneur, it’s all about your ideas and your actions, unlike a typical office job. You have to be prepared for the challenges and, if needed, ask for help. A good entrepreneur knows that this job isn’t easy but can be rewarding if you try hard enough and aren’t afraid of unconventional solutions.Major improvements to Kettering’s town centre due to start in January
The Kettering High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) project, a £4 million partnership between North Northamptonshire Council and Historic England, is working to revitalise parts of Kettering town centre to improve the look and feel of the town’s street scene and showcase all it has to offer.
Across England, the £95 million government-funded High Streets Heritage Action Zone programme, which is being delivered by Historic England with local partners, will unlock the potential of high streets, fuelling economic, social and cultural recovery and breathe new life into it for future generations.
The aim is to transform and restore disused and dilapidated buildings into new homes, shops, workplaces and community spaces, restoring local historic character and improving public realm.
Street scene improvements will begin in January in Kettering town centre along the southern end of the High Street, Meadow Road and parts of Lower Street and Gold Street. The works are due to be completed by summer 2022.
As part of the works, new street trees will be planted to enhance the existing planting. Replacement pavement and road surfaces, new seating and bins will be designed to improve functionality for users and compliment the town’s rich heritage, encouraging visitors to look up at Kettering’s fine historic buildings.
Building owners will also benefit from the HSHAZ scheme with grants available for building repairs, shopfront improvements and building conversions.
Cllr David Brackenbury, NNC’s Executive Member for Growth & Regeneration, said: “This exciting programme of works will breathe new life into Kettering’s town centre and unlock its potential. It is hoped that this work will encourage people to visit and stay a while and use the businesses and services available in Kettering.”
Cllr Jason Smithers, Leader of the NNC, said: “I am delighted that this phase of the project is starting, and we will all be able to enjoy the improvements by summer next year. This exciting project will see the area revitalised and I cannot wait to see the end result.”
Louise Brennan, Historic England’s Midlands Regional Director, said: “Kettering has a great High Street with many fine buildings and huge potential. Historic England is excited to be funding these major improvements to the street scene. Good design, traditional and high quality materials will ensure these works complement the unique character of Kettering’s town centre.”
Proposals brought forward for next phase of redevelopment at Lincoln’s Cornhill Quarter
As part of the continued regeneration of The Cornhill Quarter in Lincoln, Lincolnshire Co-op are bringing forward proposals for the next phase of its development.
Having established a vibrant leisure and retail environment in this area of the city, they are now seeking to bring further investment through the addition of both residential and hotel accommodation at the site.
McCarthy Stone, the developer and manager of independent retirement living communities, is bringing forward proposals for a flagship development at the City Square Centre site on Sincil Street and Waterside South, combining specialist retirement accommodation with leisure facilities available to both its residents and the wider community.
Adjacent to the McCarthy Stone development, on Melville Street, Lincolnshire Co-op is proposing to develop the site for a hotel with around 150 bedrooms, supporting and enhancing the city’s role as a key destination for tourism.
As identified by the Consultation Draft Local Plan (2021), Lincoln continues to attract increasing numbers of visitors, and hotels in the city are already frequently full and forced to turn business away.
Both McCarthy Stone and Lincolnshire Co-op have commenced a pre-application consultation programme. Because of the ongoing impacts of Covid-19, the consultation programme is being undertaken in digital and postal format.
Plans in for 34,000 sq ft car dealership in Leicester
Property developer HBD has submitted planning for a new 34,000 sq ft car dealership at its Melton Road site in a jobs and investment boost for Leicester.
HBD is progressing the plans after agreeing terms with TMS Motor Group – a circa £10million deal that represents the largest investment made by TMS to date and will see the creation of 20 new jobs.
TMS Motor Group is family owned and run, operating from five centres across Coventry, Hinckley and Leicester. This latest addition will be its sixth centre, further expanding its reach across the Midlands. The new proposed dealership will offer both Volvo and Kia vehicles, alongside a service centre.
Josh Spicer, development surveyor at HBD, said: “We’re pleased to be working with TMS to deliver a new dealership for Leicester – it’s positive to see investment being ploughed into the city, driving up confidence and creating new jobs. Melton Road is very well-located, providing straightforward access for both TMS and its customers, and I’ve no doubt it will prove a successful addition to the Group.”
Len Hallows, Managing Director of TMS Motor Group, said: “This development represents the largest investment made by TMS to date – it will combine both Volvo and Kia on one site and provide customers with a modern retail facility with plenty of car parking, along with electric charging points.
“The proposed new site will also provide opportunities for new employment across our business, including apprenticeships. It’s a fantastic location close to the outer ring road, coupled with new facilities that will create a relaxed, comfortable environment for customers, with flexible waiting, working and assessment areas that will be designed and built sustainably.”
Major pub company acquired
Fortress Investment Group has acquired Vine Acquisitions Limited (Punch Pubs & Co.) from Patron Capital Partners.
The transaction is entirely funded by equity provided by funds managed by Fortress affiliates, with no additional debt finance, with existing management maintaining its equity ownership.
Punch Pubs & Co., led by Chief Executive Officer Clive Chesser, is one of the UK’s leading pub companies with 1,300 pubs across the UK.
Its strategy focuses on running the best community pubs, led by passionate and independent publicans via a specialist multi-model platform to deliver the optimum return.
Punch’s resilient business model and a suburban and rural estate has enabled it to weather the ongoing challenges of the pandemic, culminating in the acquisition of 56 pubs from Young’s Ram Pub Company in July.
Cyril Courbage, Managing Director, Fortress Investment Group, said: “We are excited to team with Clive and the Punch management, which has done an exceptional job of navigating the challenges of the Covid crisis while positioning the business for long-term growth and value creation.
“We believe in providing strong management teams with the flexibility and support to execute their long-term strategic plans. The UK is an extremely attractive investment environment, and we will continue to explore other opportunities in this sector and across the UK, Ireland and Europe.”
Clive Chesser, Punch Pubs & Co. CEO, said: “This is very positive news for everyone connected with Punch, and we are extremely excited about the opportunity that lies ahead with Fortress Investment Group. Fortress is a hugely experienced investor who understands the strengths of our business and fully buys into our strategic positioning and business plan.
“We welcome their ambition and commitment to work alongside the existing management team to invest in the business with innovation and capital to ensure our long-term success in what is a highly competitive market.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the teams at both Patron Capital and May Capital for the outstanding backing that they have provided during their ownership of the business. Their support has been invaluable over the last four years, none more so of course than during the pandemic.”
Stephen Green, Senior Partner, Patron Capital, said: “Punch is a fantastic business and has been an extremely successful investment for our investors, thanks to the talent and hard work of the management team and our partner on the investment, May Capital. We wish Clive and the team well for the future with Fortress.”
CTS to step-up growth after multi-million pound refinancing
Construction Testing Solutions (CTS), the Palatine-backed provider of construction and infrastructure testing and consulting services, has completed a multi-million pound refinancing with European credit specialist Kartesia.
The new funding will support the Leicester-headquartered company to continue a growth strategy that has already seen it acquire five businesses since it secured investment from Palatine’s Buyout Fund in 2018.
CTS offers a range of construction testing services including materials testing, structure and pavement surveys and geotechnical and geo-environmental investigations. With support from Palatine, the UK mid-market private equity investor, it has grown to become a national network of 19 laboratories and offices, employing more than 600 skilled engineers and technicians.
In the last 12 months CTS’ revenues have passed £40m for the first time, while the business has also recently moved to a new head office, following its separation from sister company CET Group.
Chief Executive Phil Coles said: “The new funding from Kartesia will be key to delivering our strategic growth plan, giving us the firepower to make further acquisitions in the short and medium term, while also allowing us to invest in our people and technical capabilities.”
Nick Holman, director at Kartesia, said: “We are delighted to complete our second transaction with Palatine and support CTS; a resilient and critical service provider with an excellent track record in the UK market. Our capital will help the company continue its impressive growth story and fulfil its buy-and-build ambitions.”
Tom Hustler, investment manager at Palatine Private Equity, said: “This refinancing deal is an important step forward for CTS and will allow it to continue to add depth and scale to its capabilities in line with its strategic vision of becoming an industry-leading nationwide construction testing business.
“We are pleased to be supporting Phil and the management team and look forward to making continued progress in 2022.”
Since becoming part of Palatine’s portfolio CTS has acquired: Esseltest, Enverity (2019), Card Geotechnics Ltd (CGL) (2020), Nicholls Colton, (2021) and most recently Silkstone Environmental in August.
Palatine was advised by a team from Clearwater International.
2022 Business Predictions: Amanda Dorel, regional director for the East Midlands at Lloyds Bank
It’s that time of year, when Business Link Magazine invites the region’s business leaders to offer up their predictions for the year ahead.
It has become something of a tradition, given that we’ve been doing this now for over 30 years.
Here we speak to Amanda Dorel, regional director for the East Midlands at Lloyds Bank.
Businesses in the East Midlands have shown tremendous resilience throughout 2021. Our Business Barometer has indicated that confidence among local firms has grown steadily throughout the year, rising significantly from a negative reading at the start of the year to an impressive 42% in November.
However, the events of the past few weeks have demonstrated that we cannot predict what is around the corner. Firms have had to react quickly to ongoing supply chain disruption, and continue to face uncertainty over the impact of the Omicron variant.
Despite this, businesses will still be tentatively looking towards new opportunities in the new year; both at home, aided by more regional investment, and abroad, where new trade deals could open up wider prospects for East Midlands firms.
We expect sustainability to be one of the key factors dictating the business agenda in 2022. Eco-friendly credentials are no longer a ‘nice to have’, consumers expect firms to be making the right call on their environmental impact, and last month’s COP26 conference has increased this scrutiny even further.
We will be working with businesses to help them become greener through schemes such as our Clean Growth Finance Initiative (CGFI), which provides discounted funding to help businesses transition to a lower carbon, more sustainable future.
While there will be challenges in the months ahead, there will also be opportunities. Businesses must ensure they are ready to take advantage of these.
Banks Infrastructure wins major earthworks contract at Nottinghamshire gypsum mine
The new infrastructure division of County Durham-headquartered renewable energy and property firm The Banks Group has won its first major contract.
Banks Infrastructure has taken over as principal contractor at Bantycock Quarry near Newark after winning a competitive tender from operators Saint-Gobain Formula.
Bantycock Quarry Manager, Kevin Glasper, from Saint-Gobain Formula explains why they chose Banks Infrastructure for the new contract: “We are always looking for ways to continuously improve our operations in terms of efficiency, environmental performance and restoration, and Banks’ reputation in all these areas is first class.
“As a company with over 40 years’ experience as a surface mining business, they are ideally suited to our gypsum quarrying operation at Bantycock. They offer larger, more high-tech mobile plant with state-of-the-art ‘telematics’ monitoring equipment which will enable them to deliver the best fuel and performance efficiency.
“As well as the day-to-day extraction, moving and crushing of gypsum, we are also looking forward to working with them on the restoration of quarried areas as we finish working them. They have experience of restoring 114 mines around the country so also bring particular expertise in this area from which we – and the local area – will benefit.”
Gavin Styles, executive director at The Banks Group, adds: “Our ability to quickly adapt and refocus our business has long been a strength. Following a difficult 2020, we set out to repurpose our mining division and I am delighted that our new Banks Infrastructure division has won its first major contract.
“It is an exciting time with a significant challenge of transitioning to net zero. Responsible businesses are essential to this being a success. Our ambition is to build long-term working relationships with businesses who share our values and approach and together help drive down the financial, social and environmental costs of the transition.
“We are delighted to be working with Saint-Gobain Formula who share our values as we fully support their commitment to making the world a better home.”
D2N2 Hydrogen Taskforce to accelerate hydrogen collaboration across the region
D2N2’s Hydrogen Taskforce could be a key building block for the Midlands Engine as part of a new strategy for hydrogen technologies announced this week.
Last year Derby set out its aim to become the UK’s centre of excellence for future fuel technologies, using the city’s advanced manufacturing expertise to revolutionise the way low-carbon energy is used to power businesses, transport and homes.
In a bid to realise its goal, Derby City Council commissioned Arup – a global, employee-owned, built environment consultancy – to study the potential of hydrogen as an energy source for the region, and to set out a roadmap of how that could become a reality.
Hydrogen is increasingly recognised as a viable and low carbon future fuel that can help the UK meet its net zero commitments by 2050.
The work by Derby City Council, Arup and D2N2 reflects the case for the scaling up of hydrogen made in the government’s recently released UK Hydrogen Strategy report, which pledges support for creating a market and developing home-grown supply chains, leveraging local research and innovation strengths, and attracting investment to create high quality jobs, industry and export opportunities.
As the UK transitions to a low carbon economy there are significant opportunities from the changes to technology, methods of production and forms of consumption. The D2N2 hydrogen taskforce has been set up to lead by example and foster collaboration to create pace and greater co-ordination, as well as a strong single voice to investors and Government.
The new taskforce brings together business, entrepreneurs, academia and public sector partners to champion a range of projects aimed at delivering opportunities for investment, business growth and jobs across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire (D2N2). The taskforce will focus on five main areas:
- Production, distribution, and storage
- Heating
- Transport
- Industry
- Jobs, skills and research.
Dozens of council buildings set to benefit from £24m carbon cutting programme
AN ambitious programme to cut the carbon cost of dozens of council buildings in Leicester has reached a milestone.
Earlier this year, Leicester City Council was successful in its bid for over £24million of Government funding through the Salix Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme.
The new funding – provided by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) – will support an ambitious programme of works to improve the energy efficiency and cut the carbon footprint of over 90 city council-owned buildings, including 55 schools.
After a busy summer installing new energy saving LED lighting in over 50 buildings, work has now been completed on the first installations of new solar photo-voltaic panels on school buildings.
Wyvern Primary School, in Rushey Mead, is one of the first schools to benefit. Work is now complete on the installation of a 45-panel photo voltaic array on its main roof. The school has also seen all 880 of its light fittings upgraded to energy efficient LEDs.
These two measures will help the school cut its own carbon footprint by almost 20 tonnes per year, and make an estimated annual energy saving of around £12,500.
Solar panels are due to be fitted on 60 buildings as part of the city council’s Salix funded programme, with work now complete at three schools. It is estimated that the overall programme will see around 2,800 new solar panels installed in total – enough to cover 18 championship courts at Wimbledon.
Over 50 buildings are already benefitting from new LED lighting, and twenty more will see their lighting upgraded in the coming months.
In addition, the programme will see over 12,000 square meters of replacement double glazed window installed across 40 buildings, and 35 sites are set to benefit from new air source heat pumps to replace gas boilers.
Along with works to 55 schools, improvements will also be made to council-run leisure centres, libraries, community centres and offices. In total, 37 non-school buildings will benefit from the programme, including De Montfort Hall which will see its stage and auditorium lighting replaced with energy efficient LEDs.
It’s estimated the combined energy efficiency improvements being funded through the programme will result in an overall carbon saving of around 3,000tCO2e – equivalent to the average emissions produced by over 900 standard homes.
Deputy City Mayor Cllr Adam Clarke, who leads on environment and transportation, said: “The need to retrofit older buildings to make them energy efficient is among the many challenges presented by the climate emergency.
“This new funding was a huge boost to our low carbon ambitions as a council, and it is great to see the progress being made to help cut the carbon cost of our schools, libraries, leisure centres and other buildings.
“It is an ambitious programme of investment that will help us dramatically cut carbon emissions from our buildings and save hundreds of thousands of pounds in energy costs – something that is very welcome in these challenging times.
“It also just one part of a major, multi-million programme of investment in the city that will help us make an important step forward in our citywide response to the climate emergency.
“Now, more than ever, it is vital that we work with local partners to maintain this momentum and continue to urge central Government to support Leicester’s vision to be carbon neutral by 2030.”
Cutting the carbon footprint of the city’s buildings is a key action resulting from the first Leicester Climate Emergency Strategy. The strategy sets out an ambitious vision for how the city needs to change to move towards becoming carbon-neutral and adapting to the effects of global heating by 2030, or sooner.
To find out more visit www.leicester.gov.uk/ClimateEmergency
Senior plant scientist joins growing AgTech firm
AgTech firm Light Science Technologies (LST) has made a new addition to its rapidly expanding team of scientists, as the business experiences an accelerated period of growth and the sector sees increasing global interest in indoor farming.
Chuan Ching Foo, known as CC, joins the team as senior plant scientist, where she will take on full responsibility for the running and management of LST’s onsite lab facilities where new crop testing is carried out, while also supporting the company’s ongoing efforts to improve the quality, flavour, and freshness of produce for indoor growers and farmers in polytunnel, glasshouse and vertical farming.
With a background in Bioscience, CC studied in her native country of Brunei where she has a BSc in Biotechnology from Monash University, Malaysia. In 2013, she came to the UK to study for her MSc in Crop Improvement, before completing her PhD in Photosynthesis and Photoprotection in Crops at the University of Nottingham, where she also served as a lab technician overseeing lab and growth room facilities.
She has previously taught in student workshops and also worked as a research technician with Verdesian Life Sciences and Azotic Technologies, as well as working on numerous collaborative projects with global institutes including CIMMYT in Mexico; Lancaster University, CSIRO based in Australia and NIAB in the UK.
LST, located on Derby’s Hilton Business Park, creates lighting and sensor technology for commercial indoor farming such as vertical farming, polytunnels and greenhouses.
Currently employing 17 staff, it has its eyes on global expansion as part of the company’s longer-term growth plans. In October, the firm announced its flotation on the stock exchange after raising over £5 million in funds.
Commenting on the new appointment, Simon Deacon, CEO of LST, says: “I am delighted to welcome CC who has the talent, experience and drive we need to take us to the next stage of LST’s strategic objectives in indoor farming and help build on the ongoing momentum we are currently experiencing. We’re excited to utilise her expertise alongside further developing our award-winning technology to revolutionise agriculture and indoor growing.”
“I am thrilled to join LST at a time of such ambitious growth,” says CC. “COP26 has highlighted the urgent need for us all to switch to a way of sourcing food that is sustainable and reliable, and through the use of AgriTech, has reinforced the benefits and potential it will bring over the next few years. To be able to harness my knowledge in crop science to create a more sustainable world is incredibly motivating and LST sets up the perfect opportunity.”
RBC Group expands remanufacturing facility at fully let Old Dalby Business Park
A Leicestershire business park owned by independent property company Hortons’ Estate Limited is fully let after an existing tenant’s expansion secured the final available industrial/warehouse unit on the site.
Engineering and technology firm, RBC Group has signed a 10-year lease with landlord, Hortons’ Estate Ltd on 51,000 sq ft of additional space at Old Dalby Business Park, near Melton Mowbray.
The deal extends RBC Group’s commitment at the business park to almost 200,000 sq ft of industrial accommodation, which includes its current headquarters at Unit 3, one of Europe’s largest remanufacturing facilities.
The firm operates five additional depots at strategic locations across the UK, supporting its delivery of automated retail, manufacturing, technology, asset management, payment solutions and integrated logistics.
Old Dalby Business Park is a 39-acre industrial complex located between Leicester, Nottingham and Loughborough, approximately 1.2 miles from the A606.
The site offers a range of warehousing and manufacturing accommodation from 2,000 sq ft to 135,000 sq ft, and is home to established occupiers including Toyota Material Handling UK Limited, Funbikes and East Midlands Pharmaceutical.
Jeremy Boothroyd of Hortons’ said: “We are very pleased that RBC Group has chosen to commit to Old Dalby as the location for the continued expansion of its industry leading services.
“Like many of our occupiers on the business park, we have developed a positive working relationship with the team at RBC Group and look forward to supporting their growth and development in the years ahead as the business continues to evolve and expand.
“Old Dalby is a popular and established industrial location and now the existing accommodation is fully let, we are exploring further development opportunities on the site.”
Colin Lowe of RBC Group said: “We are delighted to have acquired additional space at Old Dalby Business Park. Old Dalby has been our home for many years, and as we execute our plans to grow the business and invest for the future, our signing of a long-term lease demonstrates our continued commitment to the local community and UK innovation.
“Moreover, as RBC Group expands, we will be creating jobs in cutting-edge fields from manufacturing to artificial intelligence, developing the future of automated retail and, in all our work, building toward a greener and more equitable future.”
Midlands contractor G F Tomlinson appointed to £7bn Department for Education framework
G F Tomlinson are celebrating their re-appointment as an approved partner for the new £7bn Department for Education 2021 Construction Framework, a four year framework for the delivery of both education and non-education projects in the public sector.
The framework supports the delivery of the Department for Education’s school building programmes, with an emphasis on achieving net zero carbon in operation.
Following a rigorous selection process, G F Tomlinson is one of only 26 contractors to be selected nationally, and will deliver projects valued between £0.5m and £6.0m across the East and West Midlands.
This is the third consecutive Department for Education framework the regional contractor has been appointed to since 2014. Over the last 8 years, the company has delivered more than £55m of new build and refurbished primary, secondary, SEND and alternative provision schools, providing 4,467 new pupil places across the Midlands.
The new framework will be available to local authorities, schools, academies, FE colleges, universities and other public bodies which provide educational facilities in England, whilst also being available to central government, including government agencies.
G F Tomlinson has a strong focus on sustainability and social value, and will deliver schemes which meet stringent framework targets for local spend/labour, apprenticeships, T Level placements and reducing waste and carbon emissions.
Chris Flint, Managing Director at G F Tomlinson, said: “We are proud to have been re-appointed to the 2021 Construction Framework which continues our long-association with the Department for Education and expands on our delivery of high quality education facilities across the Midlands.
“With our experienced and committed framework team, we are ideally placed to ensure the educational facilities delivered through the framework meet the immediate and long-term needs of users, providing safe, healthy and productive environments.
“The DfE framework places decarbonisation at the forefront of every scheme. Our standardised school solutions comply with the DfE’s Output Specification and meets the zero carbon requirements for new schools. We will work with the DfE, their Technical Advisors and the schools themselves to ensure schemes continue to respond to the climate emergency and achieve the Government’s net zero targets.”
