University of Nottingham collaboration secures Manufacturing Technology award

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University of Nottingham collaboration secures Manufacturing Technology award
A multi-site collaboration between the University of Nottingham, Loughborough University and Coventry University is celebrating after winning the “Manufacturing Technology” category at this year’s Collaborate to Innovate (C2I) Awards. Made up of eight categories, the annual C2I Awards are in their eighth year and celebrate the UK’s depth of engineering talent and the role they play in addressing some of the biggest global challenges we’re currently facing. The rapid expansion of advanced manufacturing technologies in industry means there’s an increased need for more sophisticated inspection strategies. In response to this, the Midlands Centre for Data-Driven Metrology (MCDDM) has developed “a single-click automated manufacturing metrology demonstrator” that integrates new technologies, custom-code, machine learning, and digital manufacturing trends to improve speed, reduce costs and enhance quality inspection. Professor Samanta Piano, Director of the MCDDM and Professor of Metrology at the University of Nottingham, said: “This demonstrator is the culmination of seven years of research and we’re incredibly proud of the significant progress we’ve made in developing customised metrology solutions for advanced manufacturing applications. “By integrating several techniques into a cohesive system, we’ve been able to enhance measurement speed and automation, bringing us closer to a streamlined, user-friendly solution that minimises complexity and increases productivity.”
The team is now moving onto a second phase, which aims to concentrate more on the speed and integration of machine learning to optimise the optical demonstrator into a single-click solution.
“To be recognised for creating cutting-edge tools and technologies that solve real world challenges is exactly what we’re looking to do here at Nottingham,” said Professor Chris Tuck, Associate Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange.
“We’re thrilled to have continued our streak of success at the C2I awards with another win this year, and I’d like to congratulate the team on their well-deserved win.”

New Energy Centre unveiled in Derby

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New Energy Centre unveiled in Derby
A new ‘Energy Centre’ which will help reduce the carbon footprint of businesses on a major food and production and distribution hub being created in Derby has been unveiled. In a ceremony held last week, Leader of Derby Council, Councillor Baggy Shanker, Chief Executive Paul Simpson and Mid-Derbyshire MP Pauline Latham, jointly unveiled a plaque at the official opening of the centre at SmartParc SEGRO Derby. SmartParc SEGRO Derby is providing two million sq ft of food production and distribution space at the former Celanese site, which will deliver 5,000 jobs for Derby. And a critical part of the scheme is delivering low-carbon, collaborative food production on the park – which is where the innovative central energy centre comes in. The first of its kind in the food industry, the Energy Centre is a shared heating and cooling system, which recycles heat from refrigeration plants and reuses it to heat water and offices. It is a future-proofed energy balancing system – designed with an ability to connect future innovative technologies. Jackie Wild, Founder and Chief Executive of SmartParc, said: “We are very proud that our revolution in sustainable food production begins here in Derby.” Councillor Baggy Shanker, Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Strategy, Governance and Finance, said: “Innovation is at the heart of everything we do in Derby and SmartParc is a perfect example of this. “I started my career on this very site 35 years ago and worked there for 23 years so it’s really special to see it regenerated and creating thousands of jobs for local people. Developments like the energy centre are essential in putting Derby on the map as a centre for excellence, innovation and sustainability. “We have been working really closely with the SmartParc team over the past few years and it was brilliant to see all the hard work come to life at the centre’s official opening. A huge well done to the team for transforming the site so quickly.” It is estimated that between 2024 and 2030, the system will provide annual carbon emissions savings of around 27,000 tons compared with an equivalent system. According to SmartParc, a minimum annual seasonal efficiency of 400% is guaranteed to tenants – over four times more efficient than gas boilers. The official opening of the Energy Centre, which was attended by around 80 dignitaries from across the region, also marked the launch of the Midlands Engine Food White Paper. SmartParc has been working with the Midlands Engine on the document, which highlights the huge potential that exists in the Midlands to lead the transformation of the food system to deliver better food security for the region and the country. Among the dignitaries at this week’s official opening ceremony was Sir John Peace, chairman of the Midlands Engine. Sir John Peace said: “Launching our Food White Paper at SmartParc provided the perfect platform to call for the transformation of our food system. “Both the report and this extraordinary site are built upon regional collaboration – clear examples of what can be achieved when partners come together to drive their industry forward. “This Food White Paper is another excellent tool we can use as we continue to advocate for the region’s food sector, championing the exceptional strengths and opportunities to be found in the Midlands.”

Internet of Things business placed into administration

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Internet of Things business placed into administration
Chesterfield-based Internet of Things (IoT) business Konektio has been placed into administration. The news comes after Tern, the investment company specialising in supporting high growth, early-stage, disruptive IoT technology businesses, announced in November 2023 that it would not invest further in Konektio, as it had “lost focus.”

Revealing the fall into administration to the London Stock Exchange, Ian Ritchie, chairman of Tern, said: “Whilst it is obviously very disappointing that Konektio has been placed into administration, it was clear to the Tern board that the Konektio business had lost focus in the second half of 2023. We therefore decided not to invest further in Konektio in November 2023 and Tern’s stake was significantly reduced.

“The nature of investing in early-stage technology businesses is that there will inevitably be the occasional failure, but this is a first for Tern. I am happy to report that the remainder of Tern’s portfolio companies continue to perform well and I look forward to reporting on their continued progress in due course.”

In March 2023 Konektio, which specialises in digital transformation solutions for the industrial and manufacturing industries, moved to Chesterfield’s Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre from nearby Clay Cross. The business raised £2.1m in December 2021 from both the Midlands Engine Investment Fund (MEIF) and Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund (NPIF), managed by Mercia and Foresight Group, along with Tern plc. The company was previously known as InVMA.

Nottingham City Council sets budget and makes significant cuts

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Nottingham City Council sets budget and makes significant cuts
Nottingham City Council has set its budget and made significant and much opposed cuts for the coming financial year, 2024/25, at a meeting of all councillors (on 4 March). The council had faced a budget gap of over £50m for 2024/25 due to issues facing councils across the country including increased demand for children’s and adults’ social care, rising homelessness presentations and inflation. This has meant savings of over £36m need to be made between 2024/25 to 2027/28 in order to set a balanced budget, which is a legal requirement for all councils. In addition, the council, has been granted Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) from the Government of up to c£66.143m – £25m for the current year, 2023/24 and £41.143m in 2024/25. EFS is not additional funding from Government but allows the council to use capital resources, including from asset sales, to fund revenue costs for services. The council’s element of the Council Tax will increase in 2024/25 by the full 4.99% indicated by the Government, made up of 2.99% Council Tax and a further 2% precept specifically towards Adult Social Care costs. In January, the council was issued with new statutory instructions by the Improvement and Assurance Board then overseeing the authority, which meant it had a legal duty to maximise the savings brought forward as part of the budget-setting process in order to minimise the amount it required in Exceptional Financial Support from Government. A team of three Commissioners has now been appointed for the council by the Government to replace the Improvement and Assurance Board, which includes a Lead Commissioner, Tony McArdle; a Commissioner for Finance, Margaret Lee; and a Commissioner for Transformation to be nominated in due course. The Commissioners have been granted extensive powers and will oversee the full range of the council’s improvement activities, including strategies to secure the medium and long- term financial sustainability of the council and plans to transform front line services. Councillor Audra Wynter, the council’s Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Finance, said: “Local government in this country is facing an unprecedent financial crisis. Nottingham was one of 19 councils confirmed by the Government as needing Exceptional Financial Support to balance their books. “Seventeen of these are councils with social care responsibilities like Nottingham, highlighting the huge pressure we are all under to meet the rising cost of vital care services for our most vulnerable people. “The council’s financial reserves have been impacted by decisions it has made in the past and this has affected our financial resilience. However, since 2013/14, the council’s Revenue Support Grant (RSG) from Government has reduced by nearly £100m every year. “Over the same period, Nottingham’s ‘Core Spending Power’, a measure used by Government, has reduced by over 28% in real terms according to SIGOMA, the Special Interest Group of Municipal Authorities. “The council has been faced with having to make some extremely difficult decisions but we have a legal duty to set a balanced budget. Our focus will be on continuing to provide important statutory services but other discretionary services that we know local people value will be significantly affected by the savings. We will do our best as a council to mitigate the impact as much as we can.” Savings planned for 2024/25 budget include:
  • Reviewing Library Service provision while maintaining a comprehensive and efficient service offer appropriate to the needs of citizens.
  • Removing the council contribution towards Area Based Grants to the voluntary and charity sector and grants to arts organisations and cultural sector.
  • Reducing both the Community Protection and Resident Development services. The requirement to deliver duties relating to environmental enforcement and anti-social behaviour will be met.
  • Reviewing the operation of community centres seeking to remove all council contribution from their operation.
  • Re-structuring and reducing tiers and overall capacity across the Adult Social Care Assessment function.
  • Closure of Colwick Park Activity Centre.
  • Ending school uniform support for eligible families if the Household Support Fund grant does not continue.
  • A reduction in council staffing levels of more than 500 full-time equivalent posts. Every effort will be made to limit compulsory redundancies through targeted voluntary redundancy.

Number of tech company start-ups in East Midlands jumps 20%

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Number of tech company start-ups in East Midlands jumps 20%

The number of new technology companies incorporated in the East Midlands jumped by a fifth (20%) to 1,627 last year, up from 1,358 the prior year. The figures suggest the region’s tech sector remains resilient despite broader economic challenges, according to analysis by audit, tax and consulting firm RSM UK.

Sheetal Sanghvi, office managing partner, RSM Nottingham said: “It is great to see the continued growth of tech incorporations in the East Midlands. From cyber security and artificial intelligence to data analytics and fintech, businesses in the region are pushing boundaries, helping the UK lead the way in the global tech market.

“With a rich ecosystem of start-ups, established tech giants, and pioneering academic research from its universities, the region continues to be a beacon for technological innovation and entrepreneurial spirit. Many of the groundbreaking technologies and digital solutions that businesses across the UK benefit from originate from the East Midlands and this is attractive to tech entrepreneurs wanting to set up on their own.”

The national data shows a total of 51,017 tech companies were incorporated in the UK last year, up 22% from 41,972 the year before. Key sub-sectors that saw significant growth included software developers, data businesses and IT consultancies.

All regions in the UK saw an increase on the previous year, except for Wales which still incorporated 1,150 businesses, a small decrease from 2022. Tech incorporations in London rose by more than a quarter (26%) on the previous year’s figure to 26,060.

Ben Bilsland, partner and technology industry senior analyst at RSM UK, said: “Our research is testament to the resilience of the UK’s tech sector despite global challenges. The rise in tech incorporations shows there is cause for optimism in this key industry.

“Whilst it’s impossible to ignore AI as a driving force behind UK tech incorporations, especially for businesses working in data, there will be other factors to consider. London projects itself as a leading global authority in tech, and that strength is reflected across the UK by a vibrant and energetic sector that consistently supports early-stage businesses.

“But the sector has, and continues to be, marked by layoffs, so it may be that these members of the workforce have been confident enough to go it alone, thereby fuelling incorporation growth.

“The government has an important role to play if this trend is to continue. Making valuable resources, including AI compute, accessible for universities and early-stage entrepreneurs is critical.

“Funding and policy changes, including innovation reliefs, that ensure a world-class tech workforce are crucial both in terms aiding education and skilled immigration. For those businesses working in AI, clarity on future regulation will assist the ability to forward-plan.”

Tech company incorporations by year  

Region

2022

2023

% change

East Midlands

1,358

1,627

20%

East of England

2,853

3,730

31%

London

20,627

26,060

26%

North East

605

704

16%

North West

3,167

3,602

14%

Northern Ireland

373

377

1%

Scotland

1,280

1,553

21%

South East

4,614

5,160

12%

South West

2,072

2,422

17%

Wales

1,257

1,150

-9%

West Midlands

2,230

2,797

25%

Yorkshire and The Humber

1,536

1,835

19%

Total

41,972

51,017

22%

Works progressing on next phases of Lincoln Enterprise Park

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Works progressing on next phases of Lincoln Enterprise Park

Construction works to deliver the next phases at Lincoln Enterprise Park are progressing to schedule with 80% of space already reserved.

Located on the A46 near Thorpe on the Hill, Lincoln Enterprise Park is progressing with phases 7 to 10, which will bring an additional 34,500 sq ft to the park and could potentially create up to 100 new jobs.

Following the continued demand for commercial property in and around Lincoln and a successful planning appeal in 2021, developer and site owner LEP Developments commenced works in October last year, acting as both developer and contractor.

With groundworks done, steel frames ups and roofs complete, works to phases 7 and 8 – which are 6,500 sq ft each – are on schedule.

In total, phases 7 to 10 will bring 13 new mixed-use units ranging from 1,451 to 11,500 sq ft to Lincoln Enterprise Park, offering in-demand expansion opportunities for current occupants and new commercial premises for other businesses.

Current occupant and bespoke kitchen and furniture manufacturer, Krantz Designs, has been on Lincoln Enterprise Park since 2020. With its expanding client portfolio and desire to manufacture all its products in-house, the company has bought phase 7 as well as securing the lease of part of another unit as part of phase 9, giving the company a total of 20,000 sq ft at the park.

Managing director of Krantz Designs, Jamie Krantz, said: “With our showroom on historic Bailgate in Lincoln, we currently manufacture about 90% of our products here at Lincoln Enterprise Park, but for some time have wanted to increase that to 100%.

“We had no desire to move from the park as it’s the perfect location for us, is well managed and has a supportive business network, therefore when Nick secured planning for the next stage of expansion, I jumped at the chance to design and build our new HQ.

“We will have approximately 30 skilled team members at the park when we move into our new spaces later this year, which will include CAD technicians, cabinet painters, machinists and office personnel, and we will be recruiting in due course to fill new roles. The team and I are pleased to be continuing our journey at Lincoln Enterprise Park.”

Managing director of LEP Developments, Nicholas Falkinder, said: “At Lincoln Enterprise Park we support economic growth by providing our premium product in a unique and highly accessible location.

“Because of what we have on offer here and the service we provide, we have been fully occupied for over seven years. Jamie and the team at Krantz Designs are a great example of the business community at the park and how we support those businesses through leasehold agreements, then on to freehold opportunities if required.

“From the outset interest in the new units has been high and this resulted in 80% pre-construction sales in just a matter of months. The majority have been taken by existing occupants, which is what we strive for, and we are welcoming some exciting new businesses later in the year.

“I’m passionate about this park and its success, and for the first time we are developer and contractor, which is an incredible journey to be on to both ensure quality and see the progress onsite each day. I want to thank our community of businesses here and everyone who has made these next phases possible.”

Phases 7 and 8 are due for completion in the summer this year, phase 9 in early autumn and phase 10 in early 2025. Two units remain available to rent or buy and are being marketed by local agents Pygott & Crone and Lambert Smith Hampton.

All contractors working on the site are East Midlands-based and include CM Civils, a Lincoln-based civil engineering company which has delivered the groundworks.

Subject to planning, there is scope for further expansion at Lincoln Enterprise Park.

Derby digital marketers’ office move gives it twice the space to innovate

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Derby digital marketers’ office move gives it twice the space to innovate

A Derby digital marketing agency says it has created new space to innovate, expand and grow after it doubled its floorspace by locating to bigger offices.

JDR Group has moved into a 2,938 sq ft office on the Wyvern Business Park, on the other side of Pride Park from its previous base in Brunel Parkway, its home for the past 12 years.

David Roberts, the company’s managing director, said: “This move is a major landmark for JDR Group and it’s a wonderful step forward for us to take in our 20th year and at a time when technology is creating incredible changes in our industry.

“It’s vital that we stay at the forefront of those changes and the new offices will help us to do that, because we have extra space and a larger boardroom to bring staff together for training, invite clients and bring in external consultants.

“It will also allow us to experiment with technology to explore what’s possible and where we should be looking to innovate in the future. There is so much potential with new tools like AI, and while it will mean that some roles may no longer be necessary, it will also mean new roles are created, many of which we simply aren’t aware of yet.”

Freeths bolsters insolvency practice with partner hire

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Freeths bolsters insolvency practice with partner hire
Law firm Freeths has appointed partner Su Garner to establish a Restructuring and Insolvency team in Leicester. With more than 20 years’ experience, Su advises clients on a wide range of non-contentious restructuring and insolvency matters. Working across all sectors including construction, retail, hospitality and automotive, she has a particular focus on distressed real estate as well as formal insolvency appointments and security issues. Su will help strengthen and grow the firm’s offering in the Midlands following recognition from the High Court Review 2023 which named Freeths as the most active in the UK with 358 insolvency filings. Commenting on the appointment, national head of Insolvency and Restructuring at Freeths, Joey Byrne, said: “The team has expanded considerably over the last couple of years and Freeths is established as a leader in the Restructuring and Insolvency market nationally. With shared values, I’m confident Su will not only complement our team but will also be a valuable addition for our clients during this time of economic uncertainty.” Lisa Gilligan, managing partner of Freeths Leicester, continued: “Su is a key appointment for the Leicester office to help further strengthen our regional presence as we continue to grow our practice areas. She brings with her a wealth of experience, we’re delighted to welcome her to Freeths.” Su Garner added: “I’m incredibly excited to join such an outstanding team. The strength of the firm’s existing national offering will assist my aim in enhancing the restructuring and insolvency service across the Midlands for both new and existing clients.”

Nottingham baby loss charity issues plea for help from local businesses for DIY SOS style QMC project

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Nottingham baby loss charity issues plea for help from local businesses for DIY SOS style QMC project

Baby loss charity Forever Stars has issued an urgent plea to local people, businesses, artists and workers for help with a DIY SOS-style makeover project for Queen’s Medical Centre (QMC) Nottingham’s Ward A23 and its garden, where families suffering baby loss through miscarriage receive specialist care and support.

With approximately 10 families seeking support on QMC’s Ward A23 each day, it plays a pivotal role in providing treatment and emotional assistance during tough times, and represents a crucial place for families experiencing baby loss before 20 weeks. 

“Miscarriage is the most common kind of pregnancy loss, affecting around one in four pregnancies,” explains Forever Stars’ co-founder Richard Daniels. “Despite its prevalence, the emotional toll it takes on families often goes unspoken, leading to a silent suffering for many.

“Forever Stars recognises the need to address this sensitive issue, and provide essential support to those affected by miscarriage. We want to provide as much support as possible to those experiencing baby loss, and so are launching our ‘Supporting 1 in 4 for 2024’ Campaign.”

The charity – created by Richard and his wife Michelle following the stillbirth of their daughter Emily on 19 December 2013 – has pledged to raise £50,000 from donations, fundraising and financial support from local businesses for the Campaign. The money will be used to finance the renovation and improvement of Ward A23’s clinical and non-clinical areas.

The money will also be used to cover work and materials to completely redesign and refit a garden adjoining the Ward, to transform it into a more useable, inviting and appropriate sanctuary space for patients and their families. 

“A23 has a fantastic team that supports families dealing with baby loss,” Richard says. “However, the limited funding allocated to A23 primarily caters for essential medical support, leaving the surroundings in need of attention.

“A23 is a busy area, often with the feeling of an A&E ward due to the nature of activities on the ward. We really want to create a better environment for families whilst they wait for treatment or a consultation, at what is a very difficult and scary time.” 

Forever Stars has already begun work to transform two of A23’s treatment rooms, to create spaces that not only meet clinical requirements but also acknowledge the emotional needs of families going through miscarriage.

The charity knows that for the 1 in 4 Campaign to truly succeed, it desperately needs more than just financial support to make the renovation of the outside space possible. 

Richard explains: “In addition to A23’s vital role in providing medical support, it has the rarity of a garden space, which is a sanctuary where families can retreat to try and deal with the weight of their loss.

“It’s also a valuable waiting area for fathers, and somewhere siblings can get fresh air and be kept occupied and distracted playing with toys while the rest of the family receives treatment. But, the garden requires a lot of attention. 

“While Forever Stars’ team never stops fundraising to help support baby loss families, this major campaign is a big challenge, but one we are meeting head on.

“But we desperately need help, donations and resources from as many people and businesses as possible to not only support us in raising the funds we believe are necessary to develop what will be a truly special environment for the families, but also to donate their skills, time, materials, and talents,” explains Richard.

In particular, the charity is hoping for help from local artists to paint large scale murals on outside walls, and a number of specific items and equipment to make the project complete:

  • Outside covered areas, seating, heating and lighting
  • Audio systems
  • Artificial grass
  • Bedding plants
  • Children’s outdoor toys.

“This is one of our biggest ever challenges, and something we know we can’t do alone. We need as many people as possible to join our fundraising efforts to help us to create a truly special environment for the families that need to use the ward. Support – big or small – can make a genuine difference to the lives of families across the East Midlands who rely on A23 during their miscarriage journey,” says Richard. 

Forever Stars officially launched its ‘Supporting 1 in 4 for 2024’ campaign on 1 March 2024. Anyone wishing to donate their time, expertise or materials, or fundraise for the charity and this campaign, can email: enquiries@foreverstars.org.

More than 40% of England & Wales’ Top 25 Net Zero powerhouses are in the East Midlands

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More than 40% of England & Wales’ Top 25 Net Zero powerhouses are in the East Midlands

Hinckley & Bosworth (going by boundaries at the next general election) comes fourth out of all constituencies in England and Wales for the productivity of its Net Zero economy, a new report has found.

Businesses in sectors such as renewables, energy storage and sustainable construction make up 12% of the Hinckley economy by the Gross Value Added (GVA) measure of productivity, account for almost 2,000 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) jobs, and represent a value of £258 million.

Analysis by CBI Economics and Data City, commissioned by the Energy & Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU), locates more than 40% of England and Wales’ Top 25 Net Zero economy constituencies in the East Midlands region. Mid Leicestershire, South Leicestershire and North West Leicestershire feature in the Top 15 along with Hinckley & Bosworth.

Researchers found Net Zero businesses in the East Midlands produce £5.1 billion (4.6%) of regional GVA, and that they account for 58,500 FTE jobs or 3% of employment in the region – the highest proportion in England. 

Nationally, the study shows that Net Zero industry grew by 9% in 2023 and contributes £74 billion to the UK economy (3.8% of the total) – larger than the economy of Wales. It calculates that the 765,700 Full Time Equivalent roles in the green sector are better paid by almost £10,000: the average salary for a Net Zero job being £44,600 compared to the £35,400 UK average. 

Midlands green businesses welcomed evidence of the sector’s significant contribution, but called on Government and partners to support the scaling up of their operations and an expansion of training. 

“Since becoming an Enterprise Zone in 2012, our tenants have raised $22 billion (£17.38 billion) in VC investment to fund Net Zero transport technology R&D, with our infrastructure playing a key part,” says Tim Nathan of Horiba MIRA about the company’s 850-acre Technology Park off the A5, where he is the MD.

“The challenge for Government is turning that innovation into commercialisation opportunities for the UK. For example, [fuel cell developer and green hydrogen innovator] Ceres have announced their fuel cells will be manufactured with licensing agreements in Europe and Asia. The global marketplace is a competitive one and we have many strengths to shout about; but a lack of coherent industrial policy and investment does hinder UK growth. 

“We are about to break ground on a 72,000 square foot building with a confirmed occupier for 50%, taking R&D into product manufacture. This new development has only been possible with investment from our Enterprise Zone retained business rates through Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership and Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council, and funding from our parent company HORIBA and our joint venture property partner Evans Randall.

“We need continued support to realise our masterplan for a combined 4 million square foot campus from incubation to production, where the employment potential alone could bring over £2 billion into the local economy.“We have an on-site training centre of excellence in the MIRA Technology Institute, alongside our own Skills Academy through which we play a leading role with our Further and Higher Education partners in electrification skills and increasingly in hydrogen fuel cells. Our STEM Ambassadors visit and host local schools to showcase opportunities for purposeful and well-paid employment.

“We are doing all the right things, but we need longer-term Government support and backing to really put Nuneaton on the map as the cleantech capital it has the potential to be.”

Dr Michaela Kendall of Birmingham-based Adelan, developers of microtubular solid oxide fuel cell (mSOFC) technology, warns the Midlands’ success in attracting Foreign Direct Investment in Net Zero industries masks tepid investment by the Government, leading to value being offshored.

Adelan has formed a partnership with Midlands neighbours the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), Johnson Matthey and ANT Industries to explore scaling up fuel cell production for battery range extension. Last year, it showcased the capabilities of mSOFC technology to power a train in Rugby.

“The commercialisation of UK innovation in green technology is vital for cultivating a high-growth economy, supporting the creation and preservation of UK supply chain jobs, and advancing high-skilled manufacturing,” Dr Kendall said. 

“When we put a hydrogen fuel cell project out, we were inundated by young engineers. No young engineer sees their future in combustion.“We have the two longest-running fuel cell companies in the UK in the Midlands and the national Hydrogen Champion in the Midlands [Jane Toogood at Johnson Matthey]. Why can we not make more jobs for young people in the Midlands, and retain more people coming out of our universities?”

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