University of Nottingham engineering alumni secure funding for device lowering food & beverage industry emissions

Tess Egginton
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University of Nottingham engineering alumni secure funding for device lowering food & beverage industry emissions
A group of alumni from the University of Nottingham’s Faculty of Engineering have received funding for a new device that could significantly reduce carbon emissions for the food and beverage industry.
The device is a biofuel cell (BFC) which addresses the emissions of electricity used in essential processes by harnessing liquid organic waste to generate electricity that is directly fed into on-site equipment, including bottling equipment or battery storage systems. The aim is to decarbonise the food and beverage industry. The next generation fuel cell is possible due to the combination of advanced coating, design and manufacturing techniques, which results in high-efficiency electrodes. Pipeline Organics’ next-generation BFC will be able to produce more electricity per unit volume than traditional BFCs, and promises to be the world’s first BFC capable of generating clean energy at an industrial scale. The primary target for the device, the Food and Beverage Industry, produces roughly 25-30% of the world’s annual Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. In 2019 it was estimated at 158 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e) per year (Food and Drink Federation, 2021). This novel technology will benefit the food and drink industry by delivering a:
  • Reduction in energy bills, due to lower reliance on the National Grid for electrical power;
  • Reduction in carbon emissions, because the Biofuel Cell produces direct electricity through a zero-carbon biological process;
  • Resilient source of energy year-round independent of weather, because the Biofuel Cell relies on a customer waste, and not wind, sunlight or sludge shipments, to operate.
Pipeline Organics is comprised of University of Nottingham alumni with backgrounds across science and engineering. During a competition called YES20 hosted by the University of Nottingham, the team conceptualised an earlier version of the technology which led to a competition win in April 2021. They also proceeded to win the Ingenuity Competition in 2023, hosted by the same Haydn Green Institute for Entrepreneurship at the University of Nottingham, and were strong advocates for the Institute, Ingenuity Lab and its competitions since. The product Pipeline Organics are developing was inspired by the technical insights of two of the company’s founders, combining Keyvan’s expertise in fuel cell and coating chemistry with Eric’s knowledge of computational modelling and manufacturing design. In 2024, after developing a benchtop prototype using prior funding from various competitions and an Innovate UK grant, Pipeline Organics raised a further £1.5m, including a £630,000 grant from Innovate UK. This will enable Pipeline Organics to create and study a feasibility prototype that functions in real industry wastewater, leading to a commercially-ready product in the next 18-24 months. On the importance of Innovate UK funding, Andrew Raslan, co-Founder and COO, said: “The Innovate UK funding is a critical piece of the puzzle that will allow us to fund expensive research and development for hardware that is ‘part metal, part biological’. Co-funding by Innovate UK will allow us to access innovation and deeptech-focused investor networks. “Following operational studies, the data we gather will show very objectively what the value of our product is to our customers in terms of electricity generation, cost savings and carbon savings. This should get us a few early adopters who will buy our ‘beta product’ and will champion us for further funding and early industry adoption of the Biofuel Cell.”

Council support helps manufacturer secure £3m contract

Tess Egginton
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Council support helps manufacturer secure £3m contract
Expert business advice from Blaby District Council has helped a Glen Parva firm secure a new £3 million contract. Business Growth Officer Alfred Bawak assisted bosses at Summit Engineering in obtaining financial support from the University of Derby. The £200,000 in loan and grant funding meant Summit was able to commit to buying the specialist new equipment to deliver the contract, making parts for a Leicester-based division of a global construction equipment supplier. The firm plans to invest £850,000 in a top-of the range robot welder, a hi-tech lathe and robotic stacking and loading system, an advanced vertical milling machine plus other ancillary machinery and tooling over the next two years. Manufacture will ramp up in stages with six existing jobs safeguarded and 10 new roles created. The investment also means the company can streamline and speed up processes, turning out parts in just three minutes when it used to take 15. This will enable them to exploit previously untapped markets and quote competitively for major new work. While the loan and grant made up just a proportion of the funding required, it was instrumental in ensuring Summit could order the first lot of new machinery and satisfy its customer of their capabilities. Summit Managing Director Michael Measey said: “We have been making parts for this customer for some years but we knew we would have to invest in machinery if we won this contract. That meant we’d need finance. “We weren’t really aware of the help available out there from Blaby District Council to be honest. Then we received a circular from Alfred about the potential grants and loans available. He came in and spoke to us and was very knowledgeable. “He organised a meeting with the loans officer at the University of Derby and he helped us tremendously with the application process. I think without Alfred we might have got a bit frustrated with the process, and we would have had to borrow a lot more money if it wasn’t for his support.” Links with the University of Derby to obtain funding is just one aspect of the support available for businesses from Blaby District Council. Help and advice are on offer to all enterprises, whether start-up or established. Councillor Terry Richardson, Leader of Blaby District Council, said: “A thriving economy within Blaby District is one of our priorities. It’s brilliant to see our business advice service has helped ensure this local company can not only safeguard existing jobs but create new opportunities and expand their manufacturing. This is great news and a huge boost for a local company and the local people it employs.”

Destination Chesterfield welcomes eight new board members

Tess Egginton
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Destination Chesterfield welcomes eight new board members
Destination Chesterfield has recruited eight new board members to strengthen the promotion of Derbyshire’s largest town. The Destination Chesterfield Board is made up of local businesspeople who volunteer their time to influence the strategic direction of place-making and place marketing for Chesterfield. Since being founded by Chesterfield Borough Council and local businesses in 2010, Destination Chesterfield has showcased the town as a contemporary destination to work, live, visit and invest. The partnership works alongside a community of more than 230 businesses, known as Chesterfield Champions, to achieve this. Board members are representatives from their Chesterfield Champion Companies. Joining the Destination Chesterfield board are:
  • Ann Fomukong-Boden, Owner, Kakou CIC
  • Andrew Dabbs, Director, Whittam Cox Architects
  • Nick Hogan, Owner, Chesterfield Escape Rooms
  • Dominic Staniforth, Partner, BHP LLP
  • Ryan Wilkes, Director of Owner Managed Business, Shorts Chartered Accountants
  • James Borkoles, Head of Business Development, University of Derby
  • Andrew Byrne, Property Development Director, Devonshire Group
  • Nick Catt, Managing Director, Weightron Bilanciai
As the new board members begin their voluntary roles, the Chair of Destination Chesterfield, Peter Swallow has announced that he is stepping down from his position after 14 years of service. Cllr Tricia Gilby, Vice Chair and Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, will lead the board while a new chair is elected. Peter commented: “It is fantastic to be signing off my chairmanship by welcoming eight new board members, who will all be helping to guide the future marketing and economic growth of Chesterfield. “One of Chesterfield’s great strengths is the collaborative nature of its business community, and this is reflected in the broad range of sectors represented on the board. The new members all have a vast amount of knowledge and expertise when it comes to the needs of our businesses and communities. “As I come to the end of my service as Chair of this successful partnership, I would like to wish Destination Chesterfield and all organisations across our town success in bringing further growth and regeneration, fulfilling Chesterfield’s ambition to be a fantastic location to live, work, visit and invest.” Cllr Tricia Gilby said: “On behalf of the Destination Chesterfield Board, I would like to thank Peter Swallow for his years of dedicated service to the town. I am looking forward to working with all new and existing members of the Destination Chesterfield board to continue building on the progress made by the partnership over recent years. “Not only does Destination Chesterfield raise the profile of our town, it also acts as a vital private sector voice for the area, ensuring that our businesses are heard.”

Leicestershire land purchased to unlock housing development

Tess Egginton
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Leicestershire land purchased to unlock housing development

Persimmon Homes North Midlands has completed the purchase of land to unlock a housing development in Newbold Verdon, Leicestershire.

The site will deliver up to 239 new homes. A significant portion of the land will be kept as public open space for the people of Newbold Verdon, helping to enhance the area’s green space and biodiversity. Along with the boost to local housing needs, the scheme will bring with it a range of community benefits – including a total of up to £2.1m pledged towards the nearby area. Within this amount includes over £1m towards education and £160,000 towards healthcare improvements. Dan Endersby, Managing Director at Persimmon Homes North Midlands, said: “We’re proud to have completed the purchase of land to deliver up to 239 new homes in Newbold Verdon. Our upcoming new community will bring a wide range of new benefits to the area, including major improvements to local roads, public open spaces, healthcare, and education. “Of course, what we do is about so much more than building quality homes. This development will not only generate significant job opportunities throughout the lifespan of the project but will also leave a lasting legacy of community benefits for the people of Newbold Verdon and the surrounding areas.”

Light Science Technologies secures third order from sports entertainment segment customer

Tess Egginton
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Light Science Technologies secures third order from sports entertainment segment customer

Light Science Technologies Holdings’ Contract Electronics Manufacturing (CEM) Division has received a third order from its customer in the sports entertainment segment, worth £134,000.

Since its first order in the sports entertainment segment was announced in February 2024, Derbyshire-based Light Science has now received orders for a total of 15,000 units, worth in excess of £400,000 in revenue. The order will be completed within the current financial year.

The customer currently has 14 entertainment venues in the US, four venues in the UK, and is rapidly expanding with eight new venues currently under construction in the US.

Simon Deacon, CEO of LSTH, said: “I’m delighted with the continued momentum within the CEM Division and the Group as a whole. Importantly, we are establishing long-term relationships with global clients that have the ability to underpin repeat business opportunities, which we believe will result in increased visibility as we continue to convert our strong quoted sales pipeline.

“The Group has really turned a corner this year in all market sectors, and we’re seeing many of the changes we’ve made begin to yield positive results. In CEM specifically, we’ve invested strategically in our ability to take on larger and more significant contracts, which allows us to capitalise on the post-Covid move away from Far East manufacturing.

“We are excited to play a part in our customer’s expansion as they bring new and innovative solutions to market and we look forward to sharing further progress in the future.”

Topps Tiles makes £9 million acquisition

Tess Egginton
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Topps Tiles makes £9 million acquisition

Topps Tiles has acquired the CTD Tiles brands, 30 stores, selected stock and all related intellectual property from CTD Tiles Limited (CTD), acting by its administrators, James Lumb and Will Wright of Interpath Limited, for a consideration of £9 million.

Prior to entering administration on 19 August 2024, CTD supplied tiles to the retail, trade and commercial markets through a collection of related brands including CTD Tiles, CTD Trade and CTD Architectural Tiles, with total annual revenue of c.£75 million.

The CTD retail business operated 86 stores across the UK, each with a separate trade and retail showroom, and had total store revenue of c.£50 million in the year to June 2024. In addition, CTD’s commercial business reported revenues of c.£16 million from the volume housebuilder segment and c.£8 million of revenues from the Architect and Designer (A&D) segment in the same period.

The stores being acquired by Topps Group had total sales of c.£20 million in the year to June 2024, and the acquisition also includes all the CTD brands, selected stock and customer data. As well as adding 30 new well-established stand-alone stores to the Topps Group estate, the acquisition will provide Topps Group with the opportunity to make a meaningful entry into the housebuilder segment and expand its existing share of the A&D segment. The remaining 56 CTD Tiles stores not being acquired will be disposed of through the administration.

The CTD brand is complementary to the Group’s existing businesses and the acquired stores and other assets will continue to trade under the CTD brand name.

Rob Parker, Topps Group CEO, said: “The CTD brand and assets are an excellent fit with our existing business and the acquisition creates a new and complementary specialist tile business within the Topps Group.

“CTD operates a different model to our existing Topps Tiles retail stores, with separate trade and retail offers within each unit and a number of market-specific sub-brands which are differentiated from our existing offer.

“The acquisition of 30 high quality stores and selected supporting infrastructure, together with the intellectual property and customer data required to service CTD’s existing commercial customers in the housebuilding and A&D markets, provide us with an opportunity to make material progress towards our Mission 365 sales goal.

“We are excited about the future of CTD within the Topps Group and look forward to welcoming our new colleagues to the business.”

Ashberry Homes supports sales advisor to help Bourne’s Don’t Lose Hope charity

Tess Egginton
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Ashberry Homes supports sales advisor to help Bourne’s Don’t Lose Hope charity
A sales advisor at Ashberry Homes’ Bourne Springs development in Bourne is spending part of her working week volunteering with the town’s Don’t Lose Hope charity – a cause that is close to her heart. The housebuilder has given Hollie Savine the first two hours of every Monday to work with the charity on North Street, which provides therapeutic and emotional support for a range of people in the local community. Hollie, 31, is helping with the organisation’s Young Men’s Group, which supports young men aged from around 18 to 30 with additional learning needs. The group, which varies between three and six people, meets in the charity’s community garden and shed space to have a cuppa together, chat about their week, and play games. And seeing them progress, make connections, or improve their social skills means the world to Hollie because she has a niece and nephew with similar needs, who are aged seven and eight. Hollie said: “They are a bit younger, but it’s been nice to see the future they might have, and when some of the boys in the group say they have had a milestone in their life like getting a job, it’s nice to see. “It’s about making a little difference in someone’s life and knowing you have impacted someone in a positive way, it brings me joy. And that’s how I would like somebody else to behave to my family. “We play games and have a chat. It’s a social gathering, there are tea and coffee facilities and a games cupboard and nice places to sit. I absolutely love it – I love going there.” Hollie, who lives in Whittlesey, has been working at Bourne Springs since September and volunteering at Don’t Lose Hope since February. The charity’s work includes providing counselling for children and adults as well as craft workshops and meetings to give different groups of people a safe social space to get together and chat. It also runs a gift shop and a café to raise funds for its services. Services are offered free for those receiving certain state benefits and at an affordable price to all others. Professional counselling is delivered by a team of qualified and experienced counsellors in the private counselling rooms at the charity’s premises. Regular groups also include Brew and Banter for serving and former military personnel, and Grandaddy Day Care, as well as woodworking and gardening groups. The charity’s services are in great demand and Hollie is impressed with the work they do. She said: “They just do such a lovely job and there are a lot of hardworking volunteers there and you can see how much hard work goes into what they do. There’s a long waiting list for the sessions and it highlights the need for it in the community. I’m very grateful Ashberry Homes has given me the opportunity to do this.” Steve Smith, Sales Director for Ashberry Homes, said: “Hollie is making a real difference at the Don’t Lose Hope charity and we are proud of her commitment and enthusiasm for volunteering locally. “This charity does essential work by helping people look after their mental health through counselling, and through connecting with others. Supporting charities such as this is exactly what our commitment to charitable work was meant to achieve.” Ashberry Homes is part of the Bellway Group, which has made a commitment to supporting charities locally and nationally as part of its overarching Better with Bellway strategy, which aims to put people and the planet first. This includes making time available for employees to volunteer with good causes within their working hours. Ashberry Homes is further supporting Don’t Lose Hope with plans to include £20 of items from the charity’s gift shop in welcome packs for customers who move into new homes at Bourne Springs.

Make your nominations for Deal of the Year at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024

Tess Egginton
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Make your nominations for Deal of the Year at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024
Shining a light on the region’s property and construction industry, nominations are OPEN until Thursday 5th September for East Midlands Business Link’s annual Bricks Awards. With 10 categories available to enter, make sure to take this opportunity to showcase outstanding businesses, teams and projects at the prestigious event. One such category is Deal of the Year, which can be entered here. The winner of this category will be the deal that has truly pushed the boundaries over the last 12 months – from jobs created to complexity, size and scale. However, that’s not to say the biggest deal will automatically win; the deal which has had most impact in the East Midlands is what we’re looking for. The winning deal will have displayed courage in a tough market to deliver a great outcome for all concerned. Deal must have been completed over the last 12 months. Last year the award was won by Rushton Hickman, for their Branston Locks deal, with Bassi Group Nottingham Ltd (job saving Pizza Hut takeover) and Rigby & Co (Aida Factory deal) runners up. Upon winning, Graham Bancroft, director at Rushton Hickman, said: “We are thrilled to have won this award at the prestigious Bricks Awards, especially as we were up against such outstanding competition, it means the world to us. The deal to Werner had many challenges during the time of the pandemic and escalating build costs, but all parties’ commitment and determination to get an agreement in place was exceptional and the building that our client, Nurton Developments, produced for Werner was fantastic so credit goes to all parties. I am hugely proud of the whole Rushton Hickman team for winning this award.” With this year’s Deal of the Year award sponsored by Tutum Consulting, director, Simon Prescott, said: “Sponsoring the ‘Deal of the Year’ award aligns with Tutum Consulting’s mission to recognise and celebrate exceptional achievements within the industry. “As an independent, emerging company established during the COVID-19 pandemic, Tutum understands the unique challenges and opportunities that come with navigating a tumultuous economic landscape. By sponsoring this award, Tutum aims to recognise those who have demonstrated remarkable resilience and innovation in these trying times. “The Deal of the Year category showcases the hard work and impact that can be achieved by colleagues. As a small, independent company, we know the great pride and effort required in achieving these outcomes “We know firsthand the tremendous effort involved in bringing complex deals to fruition, and we want to acknowledge the teams and individuals who have made significant contributions to their project. By sponsoring this award, we aim to celebrate those who share our dedication to pushing boundaries and driving progress in the construction industry.”
Offering advice to entrants of Deal of the Year, Simon shared: “To create a compelling nomination, focus on what sets your deal apart. Highlight the unique impact and innovative aspects of the project, detailing how it pushed boundaries and achieved significant results. Here are some key elements to emphasise:
  1. Clear Objectives and Vision: Start by outlining the clear objectives and vision behind the deal. Explain the goals you set out to achieve and the strategic thinking involved.
  2. Challenges and Solutions: Describe the challenges faced during the deal’s execution and the innovative solutions implemented to overcome them. Highlight any creative approaches or out-of-the-box thinking that contributed to the deal’s success.
  3. Collaboration and Team Effort: Emphasise the collaboration and teamwork that drove the project. Recognize the contributions of all stakeholders, including partners, clients, and team members, showcasing how their combined efforts led to a successful outcome.
  4. Quantifiable Results: Provide concrete, quantifiable results to demonstrate the impact of the deal. Use metrics such as financial performance, project scale, timelines, and any other relevant data that illustrates the success and significance of the deal.
  5. Broader Impact: Explain the broader impact of the deal on the community, industry, or market. Highlight any long-term benefits, sustainability initiatives, or positive changes resulting from the project.
  6. Supporting Materials: Include supporting materials such as testimonials, visuals, and any other documentation that strengthens your nomination. These materials can provide additional context and evidence of your achievements.
“By focusing on these aspects, you can create a compelling and comprehensive nomination that clearly demonstrates why your deal deserves to be recognised as the ‘Deal of the Year.’ Remember, the goal is to tell a compelling story of innovation, collaboration, and success that captures the judges’ attention and showcases the excellence of your project.”
Simon added: “We are looking forward to seeing this year’s entries and learning about the innovative ways in which businesses have worked. The awards show is a fantastic way for colleagues in the industry to not just connect, but celebrate and promote their own services and achievements. “For Tutum Consulting, this event is an invaluable opportunity to network with landowners, property developers, planners, and architects. We are keen to learn about other services in the East Midlands, identifying opportunities where our expertise can complement and enhance collaborative projects.” Submit your nominations for Deal of the Year here before entries close on Thursday 5th September. Winners will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony on Thursday 3rd October, at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground (4:30pm – 7:30pm) – an evening also offering an opportunity to establish new connections with property and construction professionals from across the region, and hear from keynote speaker Paul Southby. Other award categories open for entry include: Most Active Estate Agent, Commercial Development of the Year, Responsible Business of the Year, Residential Development of the Year, Developer of the Year, Contractor of the Year, Architects of the Year, Excellence in Design, and Sustainable Development of the Year. All entry forms can be accessed here. The Overall Winner award will also be presented at the event. This award cannot be entered, with the winner selected from those nominated for the event’s other awards. The Overall Winner of the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024 will also receive a year of marketing/publicity worth £20,000.

Book your tickets now

Tickets can now be booked for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024 – click here to secure yours. The special awards evening and networking event will be held on Thursday 3rd October 2024 in the Derek Randall Suite at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground from 4:30pm – 7:30pm.
Connect with local decision makers over nibbles and complimentary drinks while applauding the outstanding companies and projects in our region, and hear from keynote speaker Paul Southby, partner at Geldards LLP, chair of the Advisory Board to Nottingham Business School, chair of Broadway independent cinema, trustee of Clean Rivers Trust, chair of Nottingham Partners, board member of Marketing Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, and former High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire. Dress code is standard business attire. Thanks to our sponsors:      

       

To be held at:

Radcliffe pub gets £390,000 refurbishment

Stuart Pearcey
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Radcliffe pub gets £390,000 refurbishment
Lifelong Radcliffe-on-Trent resident Shirleyann Mould will take the helm as the licensee of The Manvers Arms at Radcliffe-on-Trent after a £390,000 refurbishment by Heineken-owned Star Pubs that will create 25 new jobs. Shirleyann, well known in the area as a TV and radio presenter, says she wants to reinstate the Grade II listed Manvers Arms as a hub of the community that has something for everyone. She said: “We’ll provide meeting space for local organisations and good causes and host an extensive programme of activities to bring people together. On the cards are bingo, quizzes and live music as well as pool, darts and dominoes teams, plus special events like a dog show, themed markets and a vintage car display. Says Shirleyann: “I can remember The Manvers Arms in its heyday when it played a big part in village life. It’s a beautiful old building with easy access and ample free parking and it’s been sad to see it closed for so long. I was looking for a new challenge. My parents ran a pub when I was growing up, and I can’t think of anything more rewarding than going back to my childhood roots and reviving The Manvers Arms. People have really missed it and I’ve been overwhelmed by the positive response to its reopening.” Star Pubs’ area manager Dan Littlewood said: “Shirleyann is just the person to put The Manvers Arms back on the map. As a Radcliffe-on-Trent resident, she understands what the village needs and is passionate about making The Manvers a fantastic local.” The Manvers Arms is named after the Earl of Manvers who once owned much of the land in Radcliffe-on-Trent. Rumoured to be haunted, it has previously served as a court of assizes and a mortuary.

Derby security business expands through buy out

Tess Egginton
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Derby security business expands through buy out
Derby-based Monarch Security have bought out another local company and taken a step further in their goal to become one of the region’s largest security and executive protection companies. Monarch Security, based at Oberoi Business Hub in Pride Park, was set up during the pandemic by Farhaan Bhatti and Phil Wright who have more than 30 years’ combined experience in the industry. The company was approached by Leigh Baldwin, the owner of Burton-based Security Kings, to take over his business – incorporating its clients and staff into Monarch Security’s operations. The buy-out increases Monarch Security’s team which provides a range of services including personal protection, mobile patrols, manned guarding, key holding and alarm response for clients across the East Midlands as well as nationally and internationally. Security Kings has been established since 2017 and provides a wide range of services to businesses and residents including retail and site security, alarm response and key holding. Mr Baldwin is now concentrating on his new business Liberty Maze which provides supported housing for young people in care in the Burton and Derby areas. He said: “Having built up a successful business, I was keen to diversify and the only people I trusted to take over Security Kings were Farhaan and Phil at Monarch Security. “We have worked together for many years and I know that both the Security Kings clients and staff are in safe hands.” Monarch Security co-director Phil Wright, whose expertise includes providing close security for high profile celebrities and members of several Royal families in the Middle East and Far East, continued: “We have achieved a great deal in a short space of time and merging Security Kings operations into our own is an important step in our expansion plans. “We are particularly pleased with how we have grown in our own region of the East Midlands – expanding our local teams and vehicle fleet to protect premises and sites for businesses, organisations, individuals and families.” Farhaan Bhatti continued: “The approach from Leigh at Security Kings reflects our reputation for service excellence and the investment we have made in our systems, fleet and calibre of team members. “Our goal is to be one of the region’s largest security companies and we welcome the clients and staff from Security Kings who will be an important part in our continued success.”
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