Major milestone reached in development of Rolls-Royce SMR technology

Stuart Pearcey
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Major milestone reached in development of Rolls-Royce SMR technology
Rolls-Royce SMR has progressed to Step 2 of the Generic Design Assessment with successful completion of the first step in the assessment by the UK’s independent nuclear regulators. Reaching this significant milestone puts the Rolls-Royce SMR significantly ahead of other designs in securing consent for a Small Modular Reactor to operate in the UK. Rolls-Royce SMR’s unique ‘factory-built’ power plant can generate 470MW of low-carbon electricity – enough to power a million homes for at least 60 years. Safety & Regulatory Affairs Director Helena Perry, said: “This is a huge stride forward for our project and, through the independent scrutiny of our regulators, further increases confidence in the viability of the Rolls-Royce SMR design. “Rolls-Royce SMR has unmatched experience in GDA, international licensing and permitting. We are using all the knowledge and learning from our uniquely skilled team to move at pace through the GDA process – bringing us closer to our vision of providing clean, affordable energy for all and providing a British solution to a global energy crisis.” Step 2 is the fundamental assessment stage of the GDA where the detailed technical assessment by the regulators – the Office for Nuclear Regulation, Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales – begins in earnest. To ensure the design meets the highest standards of safety, security, safeguards and environmental protection, Rolls-Royce SMR has launched a dedicated website where people can ‘have their say’ on the Rolls-Royce SMR design. Key documents will be published and any comments or feedback will be incorporated into the regulatory process.

RSK acquires Lincolnshire electrical specialist Hawkins Electrical

Tess Egginton
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RSK acquires Lincolnshire electrical specialist Hawkins Electrical

A company providing a specialist nationwide electrical service to the UK caravan park industry, Hawkins Electrical, has been acquired by RSK.

The company is a one-stop provider of all holiday and mobile home park electrical services, and offers bespoke design and installation, product supply and manufacture, inspection and maintenance, mandatory testing and remedial works.

Skegness-based Hawkins Electrical was founded in 1967 and its team of 74 includes qualified electrical engineers along with electrical apprentices and a skilled, experienced management team.

The company is proud to have a number of long-service employees with up to 40 years’ service, and two directors achieved their current positions after working their way up through the company from apprentice level.

Another of the directors is the founder’s nephew, who has worked for the business since school age, and the final director is a highly knowledgeable member of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) with many years’ experience across different sectors of the electrical industry.

Hawkins has built its reputation on designing and installing private electrical distribution networks and providing quality products to the holiday and mobile home park industry, with a small element of works in the marina marketplace.

In partnership with Megger Instruments and the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting, Hawkins Electrical has developed a bespoke testing software package for its technicians to use on site. The time-efficient automated system enables on-site technicians to give the in-office team full visibility of project works.

Managing Director Alex Farrow, who will continue to lead the business, said: “Our business has been built on a proud tradition of strong growth and ethics and we believe that joining the RSK Group will provide an excellent foundation to continue this ambitious trajectory. RSK offers considerable opportunities for expansion into new markets and being part of such a significant group is great for staff development and retention, which is very important to our entire team.”

Alan Ryder, RSK Group Chief Executive Officer, said: “Hawkins Electrical has an enviable reputation of innovation and client service – one of its customers has had a relationship with the business for 52 years – and this close alignment with RSK’s ethos is why we are proud to welcome the company to our group. Hawkins has earned a reputation that is unrivalled in the industry, servicing both the small and large sites with national holiday park operators.”

The acquisition adviser was Bishopsgate Corporate Finance.

Dual hire at East Midlands engineering company

Tess Egginton
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Dual hire at East Midlands engineering company

Nottingham-based civil and structural engineering firm Howard Ward Associates (HWA) has bolstered its team with the hire of two new engineers.Claudia Henry joins as a structural engineer and Rob Morley as a principal engineer, increasing the company’s team to 16.The new recruits come following a sustained period of growth in 2022, with growing workstreams from Midlands contractors under major construction frameworks, and a surge in housing and renewable energy projects.

HWA has secured a pipeline of work for 2023 with a Gross Development Value of over £400m in the East Midlands and nationally and is continuing to expand its team this year to facilitate its growing portfolio.

HWA director, Dan Bailey, said: “Our strategy over the last 12 months has been to diversify our client base and the sectors we operate in and our efforts in delivering that strategy have really started to come to fruition. HWA is experiencing a welcome time of significant growth and innovation which is great following a challenging time for the industry.

“We are working with incredible clients, old and new, on really impressive, innovative schemes and the growing demand for our services has led to us expanding the team at all levels.

“Rob and Claudia join us at an exciting time and their passion and expertise is a real asset to our team and will enable us to expand our offer and portfolio further.

“Likewise, we feel it is just as important to invest in the next generation of engineers and our year out student, Jakub, has gained valuable experience over his time with us which we are sure will benefit his studies.  

“We’re a close-knit business with a supportive and progressive culture and myself and the rest of the team are really pleased to be welcoming new people to the company.”Claudia, who studied Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Nottingham and is a graduate member of IStructE, has already become a valuable member of the team delivering building designs for the wider HWA team.

Rob has over 25 years of consultancy experience and has worked with some of the HWA team previously. He will add further expertise to the reporting and structural assessment side of the business, whilst carrying a substantial depth of knowledge of building and design projects.

YMCA begins work on transformational housing at Cotton Lane

Tess Egginton
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YMCA begins work on transformational housing at Cotton Lane
Building work on 60 flats in central Derby, specifically designed for young people in employment, education and training, has begun. The project was initiated following on from an extensive piece of work through the YMCA movement which looked at the housing market from a young person’s perspective. The research found that young people entering work or on low wages faced considerable barriers to accessing the housing market. Affordable and social housing is in short supply and the private sector requires references, deposits and rent in advance making this sort of housing beyond the reach of the young people. As a result, YMCA Derbyshire in partnership with Nottingham Community Housing Association and Blueskies consortium, have planned and are beginning build on these 60 transformational flats. Fran Cropper, development and new business manager at Pelham (on behalf of the Blueskies Consortium), says: “We are delighted to see works commence at Cotton Lane. We have experience of working with clients to inject new high quality housing schemes on derelict sites which will bring a new lease of life to the area. “Our design has been driven by the needs and requirements of the young people who will live and thrive in these new homes. The flats will be energy efficient to reduce fuel poverty and utilise green energy to help reduce running costs. Our specialist architects and development team will be working very closely with YMCA Derbyshire to bring this plan to life.” Gillian Sewell, Chief Executive at YMCA Derbyshire, says: “This project has been four years in the making and we are so pleased that thanks to support from our partners, Derby City Council and Derby Homes we’ll be able to provide this offering to young people in Derby. It’s so important that we invest in the youth of our city as they become the future leaders of our businesses and our communities. “Our services over the last 12 months have enabled 52 young people to gain employment, 41 to secure a volunteering role, 61 to enter education, 7 to get to university and 59 to attend training courses. We aim to support even more young people to achieve their goals and fulfil their potential with this project.” Tony Walker CBE DL, YMCA Derbyshire’s chair of the Capital Development Committee and trustee, says: “The start of construction of these 60 flats is a significant milestone for YMCA Derbyshire. “The build will strengthen the YMCA’s ability to support young people who have had a difficult start in life become independent and to live self-reliant lives. It was such a joy to be present at the ground-breaking.” The location of the scheme has been influenced by its proximity to some of Derby’s largest employers – those who provide apprenticeships for young people. The area also has fantastic public transport links for education and work purposes. Construction is due to be finished in September 2024.

Atlantic crossing raises nearly £170k for cardiac risk in the young

Tess Egginton
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Atlantic crossing raises nearly £170k for cardiac risk in the young
Andrew Osborne, a 57-year-old businessman from Rutland, has completed his unsupported row across the Atlantic in honour of his late daughter, Amy, who died aged 25 years-old from an undiagnosed heart condition. Andrew’s ‘Row For Amy’ campaign has raised £169,025 as of the 30th March for Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) with the support of sponsors, MHR and Delancey. The total amount takes into account funds raised via Andrew’s Just Giving page (£143,542), the Row for Amy prize draw (£7,810) and gift aid (£17,673). The charity offers lifesaving screenings to 30,000 young people aged 35 and under per year – the funds raised by the campaign will pay for 3,000 of these tests, which equals one test for every mile rowed by Andrew. Setting off from Gran Canaria on 8th January – just a few days shy of the sixth anniversary of Amy’s death on 14th January 2017 – Andrew rowed tirelessly for 78 days before finally arriving in Antigua 3,000 miles and 1.5 million oar strokes later. Along the way he overcame bouts of sickness, technical issues with the boat, loneliness and isolation, and even a large storm – but arrived at his destination unscathed and full of accomplishment. Andrew decided to take on this gruelling challenge in memory of his daughter, Amy, who shared her father’s love for water and sea, but passed away suddenly from an undiagnosed, asymptomatic heart condition. Each week in the UK, 12 seemingly healthy young people die from similar undetected heart defects, with four-fifths (80%) of them never exhibiting or feeling any symptoms. Andrew’s goal was to raise the funds and awareness needed to put a stop to these staggering numbers and prevent others from losing their young, loved ones in the same way. His original fundraising target was £100,000, which he passed in January earlier this year. Andrew Osborne notes: “My arduous voyage across the Atlantic has been the most gruelling and exhilarating experience of my life. Rowing solo across the Atlantic in a little 20-foot boat, I was pushed to the limits of endurance. “I faced an initial 72 hours of extreme sickness and problems with the boat’s autohelm shortly after setting off, and later, there was troubleshooting with contact due to a faulty satellite. “At several points, I had to abandon my oars for a parachute anchor, to steady my position amid unruly waters and searingly hot gusts and I even experienced a turbulent capsize but thankfully emerged unscathed. “At the other extreme was frustratingly calm waters which were soon overthrown by a cataclysmic storm towards the end of my journey which threatened to push me back off course altogether right before the finish line. At the same time, mentally I experienced extreme isolation and loneliness throughout my journey and had to dig deep to find the strength and determination to go on. “Despite the challenge, each painstaking mile has been worth it, and it is the most humbling and rewarding feeling to know that every pull on the oars will give at least one young person the chance to receive lifesaving tests and be spared from experiencing the same tragic fate as Amy did. It is the honour and privilege of a lifetime to be able to raise this support and awareness, in memory of Amy. “It has been a challenge of a lifetime, and the moral support from those tracking my journey has been pivotal. The generous donations of everyone both personal and sponsored has given me the strength and determination to forge on, in the moments when I felt like I no longer could.” Jessica Mills, chairman at MHR, says: “We extend our warmest congratulations to Andrew on successfully completing his formidable 3,000-mile row across the Atlantic. The combined support of MHR and other sponsors has raised much needed funds and awareness for Andrew’s efforts and the vital work that CRY do. With Andrew’s Rutland roots, this is a cause that feels very close to home for MHR as an East Midlands-based business. “We are privileged to have partaken in and contributed towards such a valiant and successful fundraising challenge. People are at the centre of the work we do at MHR, as we collaborate with our local community and charities to build a better world. It has been an absolute pleasure to work with Andrew and CRY for such a worthy cause and as a very fitting memorialisation for Amy.” Dr Steven Cox, Chief Executive of CRY, says: “We’d like to congratulate Andrew Osbourne on this amazing feat of crossing the Atlantic. We are privileged to continuously receive inspiring support from families such as Amy’s who sadly know all too well the pain of losing a loved one at a young age to sudden cardiac death. “I always admire how these bereaved families are able to channel their own traumatic experience to prevent others suffering a similar loss, by undertaking amazing awareness and fundraising challenges such as Andrew’s rowing event, which was generously supported by MHR. “The amount of sudden but preventable deaths that undiagnosed heart conditions are causing among young people is exactly why CRY believes screening is so crucial. We strongly believe the government approach to specialist cardiac screening needs an overhaul and we are committed to continue campaigning for this change. “CRY’s mission is to give every young person the opportunity to have their heart tested. Since we don’t receive any government funding, it is only through the generous support of various communities throughout the UK that we are able to provide our free, UK-wide screening programme to the public. “Anyone interested in booking a free screening or finding out more details about an upcoming local event, can do so at www.testmyheart.org.uk” All funds raised by the Atlantic row will be donated to CRY.

Independent property company swoops for city centre commercial park

Tess Egginton
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Independent property company swoops for city centre commercial park
Independent property company, Hortons’ Estate Ltd, has expanded its industrial portfolio with the multi-million pound acquisition of a city centre commercial park in the East Midlands.Sinfin Commercial Park is a prominent, multi-let industrial and logistics estate approximately two miles south of Derby city centre and near the Rolls-Royce Sinfin campus.The 26-acre site consists of 21 fully occupied warehouse units, totalling more than 135,000 sq ft and includes almost eight acres of additional open storage and development land. The deal complements Hortons’ investment and development portfolio, which encompasses more than two million sq ft of industrial, leisure, offices and retail properties located throughout the Midlands. Steve Tommy of Hortons, said the company intends to further expand its portfolio by investing in the acquisition of additional high-quality industrial and logistics locations in the region. He said: “This is an excellent acquisition which builds on our investment strategy of obtaining income generating industrial sites with significant development potential.“Sinfin Commercial Park benefits from a good mix of modern and flexible units with established occupiers and presents the opportunity to add value through letting or developing vacant plots of land.”Hortons was advised by Acre Capital Real Estate.

Leicester duo to compete in Ultra Ballroom charity dance off

Tess Egginton
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Leicester duo to compete in Ultra Ballroom charity dance off

Tom Moore, CEO, and Dimple Joshi, a senior tax associate from Leicester-based WBR Group have announced their participation in the Ultra Ballroom event which is taking place at the Leicester Tigers on 15 April 2023.

Tom and Dimple are partnering together as they enjoy 8 weeks of professional training to prepare for the competition which is raising money for Cancer Research UK. The Leicester event hopes to raise over £30,000 in total.

The duo has chosen to perform a jive routine choreographed to the song ‘Candyman’ which was a hit for Sammy Davis Jr in 1972 and was later remixed and released in 2006 by Christina Aguilera.

Tom is no stranger to dance-off success as he is the 2022 Ballroom Glitz champion. He said: “Dimple and myself have been having great fun rehearsing our routine. The song has some quite memorable lyrics, and also mentions being a one stop shop – which is exactly what WBR Group aims at for SSAS pensions, tax planning and actuarial advice.”

Dimple added: “I am really looking forward to performing with Tom on the night and more importantly raising money for such a great charity. We would both like to thank everybody who has supported our fundraising so far.”

Nicki Jones joins board at 200 Degrees as financial director

Tess Egginton
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Nicki Jones joins board at 200 Degrees as financial director

East Midlands-based coffee roaster 200 Degrees Coffee has made its second senior promotion of 2023, with Nicki Jones becoming financial director.

Joining 200 Degrees last year as financial controller, Nicki takes on the financial director position from Stephen Fern – who was promoted to Managing Director of the company earlier this year.

With 20 years’ experience in the financial industry, Nicki will help to implement and oversee 200 Degrees’ growth strategy and is the first female director at the company.

Both promotions follow a continued period of expansion for 200 Degrees and come as it prepares to open its 19th coffee shop, and eighth barista school, in Chester this spring.

Nicki said: “200 Degrees is an impressive company that I’m proud to be a part of and the teams across our head office and coffee shops are the best in the business.

“Becoming financial director is an exciting step in my career and I look forward to taking on more responsibility and continuing to work with Steve to achieve our financial and community ambitions as a company and a team.”

Stephen said: “As we continue on our growth journey it is important we continue to strengthen the infrastructure and foundations of the business for now and the future.

“Nicki brings a wealth of expertise in finance and hospitality. Since joining us in the summer, Nicki has exemplified all the core behaviours of 200 Degrees Coffee and the word on the street is her latte art is better than the previous FD. In a short time she has built great relationships within the 200 Degrees family and has made and assisted with implementing significant improvements across all facets of the business.

“I’m extremely excited about Nicki joining the Board and seeing the value she will continue to bring through her desire, work ethic and expertise. We wish Nicki all the very best in her new role.”

20 new jobs created as MKM Nottingham opens

Tess Egginton
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20 new jobs created as MKM Nottingham opens
Nottingham Forest great Mark Crossley and local philanthropist and boxing coach Dr Marcellus Baz (BEM) were the special guests for the grand opening of MKM Nottingham. The UK’s largest independent builder’s merchant invited the two local heroes to mark the branch officially opening its doors to the trade and public. To kick-off celebrations and highlight MKM’s commitment to the local community, the branch has pledged its ongoing support to Mark’s W.A.T.C.H Foundation (Walking and Talking Charity Hikes / #Walkingsbrilliant) with an initial donation of £1000. And to deliver another knock-out punch, MKM Nottingham’s Branch Directors Gavin Moody and Sam Shipman also presented a cheque of £1000 to Baz, the founder and CEO of Switch Up Nottingham, a charity that exists to empower Nottingham’s young people, children and adults to break the cycle of offending and reoffending. Gavin Moody, Branch Director at MKM Nottingham, said: “As a local, independent business, we are extremely passionate about our local community. That’s why we are delighted to celebrate the official opening of our new branch with the announcement of these two partnerships. “Mark’s a local legend in these parts and W.A.T.C.H – a non-profit organisation, has already raised up to £200k for a number of local good causes, whilst at the same time promoting the importance of mental health support. “We also wanted to pledge our commitment to Switch Up Nottingham and the amazing work that Baz and his charity do in the local community. The hard work, dedication and passion that Baz has for helping others, driven by his own adversity and the power of boxing, is truly inspirational. “The charity makes such a huge difference to the lives of the people they touch, so we are looking forward to supporting Switch Up Nottingham and playing our part in making a difference in the local area too.” Marcellus Baz (BEM) said: “My team and I are grateful to MKM Nottingham for choosing us as its charity partner. Aligning with local and like-minded businesses is essential in creating opportunities for the young people we support, both through funding but also through connections with the city’s employers. “Our work empowers vulnerable, disadvantaged young people by providing mentors and steering them away from the temptation of crime and exploitation. We offer a supportive environment backed by fitness classes, workshops and alternative education where they can build skills to carry for life and reach their true potential. “The construction sector has to urgently attract the next generation of skills, while we have a resource of local people that desparately want to be given the chance to prove themselves and build a long-term career. With that in mind, we’re looking forward to a long and prosperous partnership between Switch Up and MKM.” Open to both the trade and general public, MKM Nottingham is a purpose built, state-of-the-art builder’s merchant that is conveniently located on a 1.9 acre site just off the A612 in Colwick. Creating 20 new jobs in the area, the branch provides an extensive range of building materials, plumbing and heating, timber, landscaping, joinery and more. The branch also boasts a kitchen and bathroom showroom and outdoor landscaping display, which showcases all the latest designs, colours and trends. Sam Shipman, MKM Nottingham’s Branch Director, concluded: “We might be a new independent business, but we have a highly experienced and skilled team on-hand to help our customers every step of the way, no matter what project they are working on. “Our aim and commitment is to provide outstanding levels of customer service in a welcoming, friendly and fun environment. In addition to our extensive product offering, we also offer a range of first-class services, from free same day or next day delivery, to free kitchen and bathroom design services.” Nottingham born and bred and huge Forest fans, both Gavin and Sam have extensive experience in the merchanting industry and of the local area. Gavin started in the sector at 16 years old as a part-time sales assistant, working his way up over the last 34 years. Sam took a slightly different path, studying for a degree in Business at Nottingham Trent University, before joining the management training programme of a national merchant where he became one of the youngest branch manager’s in the company’s history. They are both excited by the challenge and opportunity of running their own business with MKM.

Work completes on 55,000 sq ft urban logistics development in Brackley

Tess Egginton
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Work completes on 55,000 sq ft urban logistics development in Brackley
Developer Chancerygate has achieved practical completion on its 55,000 sq ft urban logistics scheme in Brackley, South Northants. Called Boundary43, the development is situated at the Buckingham Road Industrial Estate off Boundary Road. The scheme comprises 14 Grade A units ranging from 2,100 to 19,200 sq ft available on both leasehold and freehold basis. All properties at the development have achieved an EPC A rating and benefit from electric vehicle charging points. In addition, the units are constructed from high-performance building materials and 15 per cent roof lights to reduce CO2 emissions and occupational energy costs. Chancerygate development director, George Dickens, said: “There is already strong demand from businesses in Brackley and the surrounding region for high-quality, sustainable urban logistics accommodation on both a freehold and leasehold basis. “The region has a shortage in supply of small to medium sized Grade A industrial and warehouse accommodation. Boundary43 will act as key development to meet this demand. “The scheme’s strategic location in one of Brackley’s most prominent industrial estates means occupiers will be best placed to serve both the town and wider region.”
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