Alton Valley, a Derby-based security technology firm with a workforce fully vetted for the highest-level clearance, has secured exclusive UK distribution rights for Credo ID, an advanced access control and security management platform developed by Midpoint Security.

Under the agreement, Alton Valley is now the only approved UK supplier of Credo ID, and will act as its primary installer and service provider. This positions the company as a central player in delivering high-grade security infrastructure to industries that require robust protection—such as defence, energy, and transport.

Credo ID’s cloud-ready platform is designed for scalable deployment across critical infrastructure, offering integrated physical and digital access controls tailored for mission-critical environments. With this partnership, businesses across the UK gain access to Ministry of Defence-level safeguards, backed by Alton Valley’s experience in complex, high-security installations.

The collaboration was unveiled at The Security Event trade show at Birmingham’s NEC, where both firms demonstrated their joint capabilities.

Alton Valley reported a record £6 million turnover last year and is expanding its footprint across the UK. The rollout of Credo ID will further support clients in responding to rising cybersecurity and physical threats, ensuring compliance and continuity in sensitive operations.

Midlands contractor, G F Tomlinson, has successfully completed the unique and intricate task of removing the original roof from the iconic Grade II Listed Central Building at the Castle Meadow Campus for University of Nottingham.

As part of a comprehensive refurbishment to extend the life of this architectural city landmark, the original PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) roof has been replaced with a modern tensile structure, the latest generation in PVDF fabrics. Originally designed and installed in 1994 by Hopkins Architects and Arup, the roof is described as one of the most complicated roof structures in Europe.

Prior to G F Tomlinson starting on site, the building was given a Grade II Listed status and at 30-years old is one of the youngest buildings to achieve this. This presented additional challenges to ensure the heritage requirements were met, whilst adhering to the original refurbishment needs.

The building’s entire framework has been carefully refurbished to preserve its structural integrity and historical significance – a process which began mid-2024, with the removal of the building’s glass elements, repainting of the structural frame and refurbishing of key components.

Temporary rigging and birdcage scaffolding were installed to stabilise the frame, while sections of the roof were removed in sequence, starting with the North and South sections, followed by the Main Roof Central section with its three floating Oculi and finally the East and West. Structural strengthening, including additional welding and the replacement of worn components was carried out before the placement of the new fabric.

The project continues to progress, with the installation of a new glulam mezzanine floor to enhance the building’s functionality and a new central glass roof box to ensure plenty of natural light into the building. The final stages will include installation of new laminated glass to the roof, designed to meet modern building standards.

The university are displaying some of the original structural parts of the building at the Castle Meadow Campus to showcase the architectural elements and to preserve the legacy of the building’s original design.

This project has involved exceptional engineering feats – the new roof spans approximately 4,500 sq. metres, equivalent to the size of seven tennis courts, and the scaffolding used as a working platform for the replacement weighed 60 tonnes and stood seven meters tall, covering a platform area of 945 square meters. Over 5,000 bolts were removed and replaced, while 15 tonnes of existing glass will be reinstalled, complemented by an additional four tonnes of new glass within the facade.

These significant works have been delivered in collaboration with Bond Bryan Architects and Arup Consultants. Specialist contractors, Base Structures have been responsible for the fabric replacement, with Novum Structures installing the glass box and internal glazed roof lights, underscoring the importance of preserving historical buildings while modernising them to meet current standards.

As work progresses, G F Tomlinson remains committed to ensuring the Central Building continues to inspire future generations with its blend of innovation and heritage.

Adrian Grocock, Managing Director at G F Tomlinson, said: “The Central Building project is a perfect example of how we combine innovative construction methods with heritage expertise to deliver transformative projects. The roof replacement represents a significant achievement, and we are proud to be playing a key role in extending the life of this iconic structure. Our longstanding working relationship with University of Nottingham, spanning over more than 7 capital projects has allowed us to contribute to the campus’s evolution and provide world-class facilities that reflect its reputation for excellence.”

Fraser Shirley, Director and Project Manager at Base Structures said: “Having built many of the UKs most notable fabric canopies Base Structures fully appreciated the significance of this elegant and refined structure. The integrated tensegrity design was one of the first of its kind, making this a truly unique project.

“The fabric replacement works on the Central Building was far from straightforward, presenting an incredibly challenging task as the original builders had never intended for it to be replaced. Due to the sensitive nature of the structure, a meticulous and carefully planned methodology was essential to minimise excessive loading on its components. Significant input from Tensys Ltd was instrumental in developing this approach. The success of this project was ultimately down to the vast experiences with the Tensys and Base design, project and site teams, who in collaboration with the main contractor, G F Tomlinson, carried out the works safely and seamlessly, ensuring the structure’s integrity was maintained throughout. Base Structures are proud to have played a part in extending its lifespan.”

Energy company VPI is seeking government backing for a £1.5 billion carbon capture and storage (CCS) project at its Immingham power station, aiming to decarbonise one of the UK’s most emissions-heavy industrial regions.

The proposal involves retrofitting the existing gas-fired facility with carbon capture and storage (CCS) infrastructure, enabling captured carbon to be transported via a short onshore pipeline and stored under the North Sea using existing offshore assets. This approach avoids the need for new-build power generation, reducing capital outlay and timelines.

The project would serve as a key part of the wider Viking CCS network and is expected to create 1,500 jobs during construction. In the longer term, it supports regional decarbonisation and positions the Humber as a hub for carbon imports, with government projections suggesting potential tax revenues of up to £30 billion by 2050.

VPI is requesting official designation as the anchor emitter for Viking CCS in the upcoming Comprehensive Spending Review—an essential step to secure investment and move to delivery.

For industrial operators, the network would offer shared CCS infrastructure and lower barriers to compliance with emissions. The project is pitched as a strategic opportunity to clean up heavy industry, unlock private capital, and drive regional economic growth through low-carbon infrastructure.

A 7.5MW solar farm is moving ahead on green belt land in Derbyshire after winning planning approval, marking a notable decision in the ongoing balance between energy infrastructure and land conservation.

North East Derbyshire District Council approved Ethical Power Development’s proposal to install photovoltaic panels across seven hectares of farmland near Wingerworth. The system is expected to supply renewable power to around 2,760 homes.

While the site sits on protected green belt land, the council ruled that the environmental and energy benefits of the project outweighed the impact on the local landscape. Key planning conditions include site restoration after 40 years, time-restricted construction activity, and assessments for land contamination and potential mining legacy risks.

The decision went through with a narrow majority, despite objections from residents, the parish council, and conservation groups. Concerns centred on the project’s proximity to housing, visual disruption, and the principle of using undeveloped land for utility-scale renewables.