ONYX Insight acquires blade specialist ELEVEN-I

Tess Egginton
-
0
ONYX Insight acquires blade specialist ELEVEN-I

ONYX Insight, the Macquarie Capital-backed provider of predictive analytics for the wind industry, has acquired ELEVEN‑I, a specialist in condition monitoring and advanced analytics for wind turbine blades.

Founded in 2019, ELEVEN-I specialises in performance, condition and structural health monitoring of wind turbine blades. This transaction strengthens ONYX Insight’s whole-turbine predictive maintenance platform with the addition of proven blade monitoring capability – giving operators a single place to monitor and manage whole turbine risk, avoid catastrophic failures, and optimise maintenance across their fleets.

“As wind turbines grow in size and complexity, blade reliability has become a critical operational risk. Failures don’t just drive unplanned O&M costs – they can escalate into catastrophic events, including blade detachment and full turbine collapse,” said Dr Zhiwei Zhang, chief commercial officer of ONYX Insight.

“Through years of research and testing, ELEVEN-I has developed cutting edge sensors and damage detection software allowing for quick data capture and analysis, ensuring difficult-to-detect structural changes are identified and blades can achieve optimal performance.”

Bill Slatter, CEO of ELEVEN‑I, said: “We founded ELEVEN‑I to help wind operators understand how their blades perform under real-world conditions. Becoming part of ONYX Insight allows us to scale that mission globally, combining ELEVEN-I’s deep technical expertise with ONYX Insight’s industry-leading predictive analytics to enhance blade reliability globally.”

College and housebuilder join forces to support construction students

Tess Egginton
-
0
College and housebuilder join forces to support construction students
Moulton College and Davidsons Homes have formed a strategic partnership as part of a national initiative to support young people entering the construction industry. The Partner a College programme has been launched by the Home Builders Federation (HBF) as part of moves to bridge the gap between education and employment and strengthen practical skills development. With less than 40 percent of construction students in Further Education entering the sector, the Construction Industry Training Board-funded initiative is set to strengthen links between building firms and colleges across the UK. Midlands-based Davidsons Homes and Moulton College will work closely together to deliver training and skills development that will help fill the local skills gap and improve the progression rate of Moulton College’s students into the industry. The partnership will include a range of opportunities for Moulton College’s construction students, including work experience and site visits to Davidsons Homes projects, alongside mentoring, careers advice, and student competitions. Moulton College’s construction lecturers will also benefit from the donation of materials and products from the firm to enhance practical learning for their students. Davidsons Homes, which has head offices in Leicestershire and Northamptonshire, will also have a direct input on the College curriculum to ensure learning aligns with site demands. Fran Beet, group HR director at Davidsons Homes, said: “As an industry, we have a huge opportunity through the Partner a College programme to work directly with colleges and shape the way young people prepare for careers in housebuilding. “By combining classroom learning with real-world experience, we can give students the skills and confidence they need to succeed, while ensuring our sector has the talent it needs for the future. This collaboration is about inspiring the next generation and building a stronger pathway from education into employment.” Oliver Symons, principal & chief executive of Moulton College, added: “We are proud to be part of the Partner a College pilot and to work alongside leading employers to shape the future of construction skills. At Moulton, we see firsthand the talent and ambition of our students. This initiative will give them the vital site-based experience and industry insight they need to thrive. “By aligning what happens in the College with the reality of modern construction, we can equip people with the confidence, skills, and opportunities to build lasting careers, while helping the sector to address critical skills shortages. This is an exciting step forward for both education and industry, and we are delighted to be at the forefront of it.”

83 new homes approved in Sibsey

Tess Egginton
-
0
83 new homes approved in Sibsey
Planning and design consultancy Boyer has secured planning consent on behalf of Towey Homes for a new 83-home scheme in Sibsey, Lincolnshire. The development secured unanimous approval from East Lindsey District Council’s planning committee. At the 3.8-hectare site in Sibsey, four miles north of Boston, the housebuilder will deliver 83 homes in a variety of types and styles, including four one-bedroom maisonettes, 11 two-bedroom homes, 44 three-bedroom homes and 24 four-bedroom homes. The development will provide tree-lined streets, landscaped public spaces and a Local Equipped Area of Play (LEAP). In addition, the scheme will contribute to local infrastructure through Section 106 funding for the NHS and education provision. Olivia Price, planner in Boyer’s Midlands office, said: “There were a number of significant viability challenges to overcome in bringing this scheme forward. “We worked closely with the council and consultees to ensure that appropriate levels of infrastructure could be delivered to meet local need, including the additional requirements brought about by this new development. I’m delighted that we were able to achieve a viable and policy-compliant solution, which was unanimously supported by committee.”

SF Recruitment opens first German office in Frankfurt

April Lara
-
0
SF Recruitment opens first German office in Frankfurt

SF Recruitment has launched its first international office in Frankfurt, targeting finance and accountancy recruitment across the Rhein-Main region. The move expands the company’s footprint beyond its established UK offices in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Nottingham, and Leicester.

The Frankfurt branch will support cross-border hiring, connecting UK businesses entering European markets with local talent, and helping German companies fill specialised finance roles. The office will be led by Lisa Drumm, a finance recruitment specialist with local market expertise, backed by SF Recruitment’s 26 years of sector experience.

To coincide with the opening, SF Recruitment is partnering with AICPA, CIMA, and the British Chamber of Commerce in Germany to host its first German event, The Power of Finance Storytelling, in Berlin on 18 September.

Founded more than 25 years ago, SF Recruitment operates across five sectors: Finance & Accountancy, Professional Services, Technology, Engineering, and Executive. The Frankfurt expansion marks the company’s first step into the European market.

Tritax Big Box Developments reshapes leadership team

April Lara
-
0
Tritax Big Box Developments reshapes leadership team

Tritax Big Box Developments, the development division of Tritax Big Box REIT, has appointed Jonathan Wallis as Managing Director, marking a strategic change in its senior leadership. Wallis, who previously headed the company’s Northampton office and served on the TBBD Board, will oversee daily operations and the delivery of logistics developments across the UK.

Andrew Dickman, after 3.5 years as Managing Director, will transition to Chairman of TBBD. In this capacity, he will focus on strategic projects, stakeholder engagement, and client relationships, while continuing to guide the company’s long-term direction alongside Wallis and fellow directors Tom Leeming and Will Oliver.

The leadership restructuring is part of TBBD’s wider growth plan, aimed at ensuring continuity while positioning the business to expand its portfolio of premium logistics space and strengthen its market presence.

Bennett Engineering partners with charity Aquabox to resolve key manufacturing challenge

Tess Egginton
-
0
Bennett Engineering partners with charity Aquabox to resolve key manufacturing challenge
Bennett Engineering has partnered with Aquabox to design a cutting tool that resolves a key engineering challenge for the charity providing safe drinking water and humanitarian aid to people affected by natural disasters, extreme weather and conflicts. Aquabox provide two solutions, a family filter, capable of filtering water at the rate of one litre per minute, and designed to meet the needs of a typical family group, and a community filter – exactly the same technology, but scaled up to process up to six litres per minute, and designed for schools, clinics and community centres. The magic of the Aquabox filter system is the central core of sub-micron filter membranes which are impenetrable to bacteria and most viruses, and which instantly produce safe, clean water for drinking. The problem is that sometimes the plastic pipe containing the straws has not met the strict tolerances that Aquabox requires. Dominic Wish, trustee of Aquabox, approached Bennett Engineering at the East Midlands Chamber’s Manufacturing Event at Loughborough University to see if they could help. Bennett Engineering designed and manufactured, with partner S.T. Engineering in Ilkeston, a “pencil sharpener.” The cutting tool is designed to shave off some of the external plastic from the pipe without affecting the internal filter. The design means that the pipe cannot be shaved too much as the limit has been set against the exact tolerance Aquabox require. Craig Harbron, director and senior design engineer, Bennett Engineering, said: “Even though this might look simple to design and manufacture a lot of thought has gone into this tool. From the people using it, we knew the volunteer age range to the way the plastic would cut when against the blades were all considered as I put the design together. I am really pleased with the outcome.” Dominic Wish, trustee of Aquabox, said: “The very slightly out-of-tolerance filter components have caused us significant assembly problems resulting in additional scrap.  This simple, but effective, tool allows us to shave a small amount from the outside of the filter membrane component prior to gluing into the assembly. Scrap rates are down, and assembly is much easier – thank you to Bennet Engineering.” Seleena Creedon, director, Bennett Engineering, said: “It’s been our pleasure to help Aquabox with something that might seem small but is clearly crucial to make sure the final filter product is perfect. Aquabox are doing amazing work, we’re proud to have supported them in this small way to carry on getting their life-saving filters out to people who need them.”

Autumn boost for East Midlands economy as business cashflow improves

Tess Egginton
-
0
Autumn boost for East Midlands economy as business cashflow improves
A late summer fall in the number of East Midlands businesses with overdue creditor payments, as well as a decrease in insolvency-related activity, could indicate a much-needed boost for the local economy heading into the final quarter of 2025. This is according to the Midlands branch of national restructuring, turnaround and insolvency trade body R3, and is based on an analysis of data from business intelligence provider Creditsafe. R3’s figures show that the number of East Midlands businesses with invoices overdue for payment dropped from 25,607 in July to 24,462 in August, while the quantity of debts owed by liquidated firms in the region fell by a sizeable 10.08% over the same time period. There was also a decrease in insolvency-related activity in August compared to August of last year, showing fewer liquidator and administrator appointments as well as creditors’ meetings. R3 Midlands chair Stephen Rome, a partner at Penningtons Manches Cooper in the region, said: “It’s encouraging to see the local economy tightening up on the all-important business cashflow, particularly as there is much speculation about tax rises in the Autumn Budget and how the Government will counter increased spending and a widening fiscal ‘black hole’. “In recent months, however, while we have seen some economic improvements provide companies with a bit of breathing space for growth, there is no doubt that trade remains tough. “R3 would urge any business owners struggling financially to seek advice as early as possible. Most R3 members offer a free initial consultation to explore potential solutions for any significant financial issues.”

Nottingham Building Society appoints non-executive director

Tess Egginton
-
0
Nottingham Building Society appoints non-executive director
Nottingham Building Society, the mortgages and savings mutual, has appointed Clodagh Gunnigle to its board as a non-executive director, replacing Simon Linares, who will retire from the role in November after six years on the board. A chartered accountant with extensive experience in banking and consumer financial services, Clodagh has held senior leadership roles across finance, credit and risk, before building a portfolio of non-executive appointments. She currently serves on the boards of Alpha Bank London, where she chairs the Remuneration Committee, and Admiral Financial Services, supporting the business as it diversifies into unsecured lending and auto finance. She was also previously on the board of Lowell, where she chaired the Audit and Risk Committee, and is a non-executive director, serving as chair of Audit and Risk, at Sonas, a Domestic Violence charity in Ireland. In her executive career, Clodagh held senior roles with GE Capital and Arrow, gaining deep expertise in governance, transformation, and M&A. She has been instrumental in driving cultural change, improving governance frameworks, and implementing performance and risk management best practice across multiple organisations. Simon Linares joined the Nottingham Building Society’s Board in 2019, bringing a wealth of HR, communications and leadership expertise from roles at Direct Line, O2 Europe, Telefonica, and Diageo. Over the past six years, he has played a key role in shaping the Society’s people strategy and strengthening its culture. Robin Ashton, chair of Nottingham Building Society, said: “We are delighted to welcome Clodagh to the Board. She brings a rare combination of deep technical expertise in finance, credit, and risk with proven experience in transformation and governance across a range of financial services businesses. Her insights will be invaluable as we continue to grow and modernise the Society while staying true to our mutual purpose. “On behalf of the Board, I would also like to thank Simon for his contribution over the past six years. His leadership, strategic insight, and passion for developing people have made a lasting impact on the Society, and we wish him the very best for the future.”

DSP (Interiors) helps grease the wheels of industry with second project for engineering components firm

Tess Egginton
-
0
DSP (Interiors) helps grease the wheels of industry with second project for engineering components firm
Interior fit-out specialists DSP (Interiors) has completed a second major project for engineering components firm Hayley Dexis. The firm has completed the turnkey design and fit-out of the new Hayley Dexis facility in Burton-on-Trent. Hayley Dexis is a trusted supplier of industrial components and consumables including bearings, seals, power transmission systems, lubricants, PPE and tools. Rapid business growth prompted the need for a larger, more sophisticated facility to meet increased demand and enhance the working environment for staff and clients alike. DSP delivered a comprehensive design-and-build solution, including space planning, bespoke interior finishes, mechanical and electrical works and building control management. The result is a fully customised facility incorporating a dedicated trade counter, open-plan and private offices, breakout area and a purpose-built mezzanine for maximised storage. Garry Waters, manager, said: “We were thrilled to be working with the DSP team again on this project. They did such a fantastic job at our Derby branch, we wanted the same high-quality finish for our Burton site and the results are second to none.” DSP (Interiors) managing director Louisa Priestley said: “We’re incredibly proud to have been invited back to work with Hayley Dexis on their next chapter of growth. It’s always rewarding to build lasting relationships with clients who value quality and trust us to help bring their vision to life. “This project was all about creating a functional, modern space that not only supports operational efficiency but also provides a positive and inspiring environment for the team. We paid close attention to every detail – from the space planning right through to the bespoke finishes – to ensure the final result truly reflected their needs and ambitions. “We’re delighted with the outcome and look forward to continuing our partnership with Hayley Dexis in the future.”

Element Logic UK expands with BS Handling Systems acquisition

April Lara
-
0
Element Logic UK expands with BS Handling Systems acquisition

Element Logic UK has acquired BS Handling Systems, a Leicester-based provider of intralogistics solutions and warehouse fit-outs. The deal strengthens Element Logic UK’s capacity to deliver integrated warehouse automation across the UK and Ireland.

BS Handling Systems brings over 20 years of experience in designing, installing, and servicing conveyors, sortation systems, mezzanine floors, racking, and automated packaging. This expertise complements Element Logic UK’s existing AutoStore® technology and product portfolio, enabling the combined business to offer end-to-end intralogistics solutions.

The acquisition supports Element Logic UK’s strategy to broaden its offerings beyond AutoStore®, addressing growing market demand for fully integrated warehouse solutions. Customers can now access scalable automation services that cover both technology deployment and physical warehouse infrastructure.

From a commercial perspective, the integration aligns Element Logic UK’s technology leadership with BS Handling Systems’ operational capabilities, enhancing service continuity and local expertise. The combined teams aim to streamline warehouse operations for clients and expand capacity for future projects across the region.

This move forms part of Element Logic’s ongoing growth trajectory, reinforcing its position as a leading provider of advanced warehouse automation solutions in Europe. The acquisition highlights a focus on merging global scale with specialised local knowledge to meet evolving intralogistics requirements.

“We are excited to welcome BS Handling Systems to the Element Logic family,” said Scott Torrington, managing director of Element Logic UK and Ireland. “Their strong industry expertise and customer focus aligns well with our goal to innovate warehouse solutions, providing comprehensive in-bound and out-bound services quickly and focusing on delivering value to our customers.” “We are delighted to announce the next step in BS Handling’s journey as we join forces with Element Logic UK,” said Robert Brand-Smith, MD of BS Handling. “This partnership brings together our proven expertise in conveyors, storage and automation, to merge with Element Logic’s global scale and proven innovation, providing full turnkey integrator solutions specifically for the UK and Ireland markets. “For our customers, it means continuity with the same trusted team, combined with even greater capability, resources, and technology with Element Logic UK. For our staff, it opens up exciting new opportunities to grow and develop within one of the top automaton companies in the world. We’re proud of what we’ve built to date, and the future with Element is going to be extraordinary. We are all very excited for the journey ahead!”
1...345...1,114Page 4 of 1,114