Midlands-wide support generated for Notts’ bid to host UK’s first fusion power plant prototype
Representatives from businesses and academic organisations from across the Midlands gathered in Parliament to show their support for Nottinghamshire County Council’s campaign, alongside EDF UK, Midlands Engine, D2N2 LEP and Bassetlaw District Council, to host the UK’s first commercially operating fusion power plant.
West Burton A, an existing coal-fired power station, is one of the five government-selected sites in the running to host the new blueprint for the zero-carbon generation for the whole of the UK, known as the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP).
Achieving STEP would transform and regenerate the region, creating thousands of jobs and supply chain opportunities for construction and manufacturing sectors, in an area already intimately linked with fossil fuels.
The Midlands Fossil 2 Fusion event was addressed by Cllr Ben Bradley, Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council MP, Co-Chair of the Midland’s Engine APPG Lord Ravensdale, EDF Commercial Director Rachael Glaving and Brendan Clarke-Smith, MP for Bassetlaw.
North Nottinghamshire has a rich heritage in energy generation and has been at the forefront of powering the nation with the region often referred to as megawatt valley.
Fusion has the potential to provide a near-limitless source of low carbon energy by copying the processes that power the sun and stars where atoms are fused to release energy, creating nearly four million times more energy for every kilogram of fuel than burning coal, oil or gas.
West Burton A is recognised as being the ideal location for a number of reasons:
• The site can offer over 300 hectares of land, a brownfield site large enough to accommodate the fusion plant and related enterprises, with a single landowner (EDF UK).
• The site has an existing grid connection and water abstraction licence, as well as a direct rail link, transforming a fossil fuel site into a fusion hub.
• It is closely located to highly respected academic centres and UKAEA’s own Fusion Technology Facility.
• Crucially, it is close to key manufacturers and suppliers for the current and future nuclear new build projects.
• Most importantly there is strong support for the development of the site locally, across political parties with business backing in the region.
Cllr Ben Bradley, Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, MP said: “This site in Nottinghamshire has huge reasons to be selected by Government for the STEP programme and the opportunities for thousands of jobs, skills and renewable energy research are just a few. Undoubtedly, the STEP project would make the difference to the region most in need of levelling up. The area is known as megawatt valley, and rightly so.”
Rachael Glaving, Commercial Director, Generation at EDF UK, said: “EDF is the UK’s largest producer of zero carbon electricity, we operate all of the country’s nuclear power stations, so we were delighted to see the West Burton A site on the shortlist for the UKAEA’s very exciting fusion project. It really is a perfect fit for a site.”
Lord Ravensdale, Co-Chair of the Midlands Engine APPG, said: “West Burton is uniquely placed to deliver this with extensive energy capabilities and associated supply chains already in place and this will bring generational transformation to the region.”
Brendan Clarke-Smith, MP for Bassetlaw, said: “Most importantly, there is genuine cross party and community support for the development of the site locally with business backing in the region. The regeneration this would generate for the area and beyond will be huge, and has the added benefit of helping to once again power the nation.”
Cllr Simon Greaves, Leader of Bassetlaw District Council, added: “West Burton is the ideal location for the STEP project. There is local and regional support for the site, a proud history of energy generation, access to skills and a strong supply chain in place. It offers the opportunity to provide jobs and energy for generations to come.”
Manufacturing output and new order growth slow in March as business optimism dips to 14-month low
The end of the opening quarter saw a marked growth slowdown in the UK manufacturing sector. Output and new orders both expanded at reduced rates in March, while new export business contracted for the second successive month. Manufacturers indicated that ongoing
supply shortages, greater caution among clients, escalating inflationary pressures and geopolitical tensions had all hampered the upturn.
The seasonally adjusted S&P Global / CIPS UK Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index® (PMI®) slipped to a 13-month low of 55.2 in March, down from a three-month high of 58.0
in February. The flash estimate was 55.5.
All five of the PMI sub-components had a negative influence on its level in March. Along with weaker growth of output and new orders, there were slower upturns in both stocks of
purchases and employment and a lessening in the extent to which average supplier lead times were lengthening.
Manufacturing production expanded for the twenty-second month in a row. However, the rate of increase eased to a five-month low, as growth decelerated across the consumer,
intermediate and investment goods industries. The extent of the slowdown was especially marked at consumer goods producers.
New orders rose at the slowest pace during the current 14-month sequence of increase in March. There were reports that growth of domestic demand was less robust, while new
export orders contracted for the sixth time in the past seven months. Lower intakes of work from overseas were linked to rising geopolitical tensions, ongoing difficulties following Brexit and sales lost due to distribution delays.
Manufacturers also faced escalating cost inflationary pressures in March. Input prices rose for the twenty-eighth consecutive month, with the rate of increase hitting a three-month high. Rates of increase accelerated across the consumer, intermediate and investment goods industries, and remained well above long-run averages.
Companies reported a wide-range of goods as up in price, as rising demand for inputs met supply chain constraints, material shortages, higher energy costs and rising geopolitical
tensions. There was also mention of transportation issues, surcharges and exchange rates contributing to higher costs.
Shortages and rising prices at suppliers also contributed to increased costs. Vendor lead times lengthened for the thirty third consecutive month and again to one of the greatest
extents in the survey history. That said, there were further signs that supply bottlenecks had passed their peak, as delivery delays were at their lowest for almost one and a half years (October 2020).
Manufacturers passed part of the increase in costs on to clients in the form of higher charges. Average selling prices rose at the quickest pace in three months, with steeper increases registered at consumer, intermediate and investment goods producers.
March saw employment expand for the fifteenth consecutive month. Increased hirings were seen across the consumer, intermediate and investment goods industries and at small,
medium and large-sized companies. Higher staffing reflected increased output, improved demand and efforts to address labour shortages. Purchasing activity and stocks of inputs
also rose, in some cases due to risk mitigation strategies.
Finally, manufacturers maintained a positive outlook in March, with over 55% forecasting that output would rise over the coming 12 months. However, positive sentiment fell sharply to a 14-month low. Companies voiced concerns about rising geopolitical tensions, inflationary pressures and labour shortages.
Commenting on the latest survey results, Rob Dobson, director at S&P Global, said: “March saw a marked growth slowdown in the UK manufacturing sector, with rates of expansion for
production and new orders both easing and new export business suffering back-to-back declines. The slowdown in consumer goods output was especially marked.
“Manufacturers are being hit by several headwinds simultaneously, as supply shortages, greater caution among clients, escalating inflationary pressures, ongoing Brexit factors and rising geopolitical tensions all hamper the upturn. It is therefore little surprise that business optimism has slumped to a 14-month low.
“The inflationary picture also provides no signs of inflation pressures abating, with the already elevated rates of increase in input costs and selling prices both re-accelerating. Job creation is holding up better though, with a further solid increase seen in March, as companies continue to respond to continued growth and address ongoing labour shortages. However, such strong hiring looks unsustainable in the face of the mounting headwinds.”
Duncan Brock, group director at the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply, said: “A muted end to the first quarter of 2022, with flatter levels of production and the softest growth in manufacturing for over a year.
“While new order expansion continued in March largely driven by the domestic market, clients hesitated to commit due to strong rises in prices and potentially further disruption to supplies. Pipelines of work from overseas also took a hit and fell for the sixth time in just over half a year as Brexit customs added to the impacts on UK supply chains.
“This triple whammy particularly impacted the consumer goods sector as reluctant shoppers worried about energy costs, national insurance rises and the elevated cost of
food, ruled out shopping for household appliances, clothing and vehicles.
“The sudden weakness creeping into the sector, meant downcast manufacturers showed the lowest optimism for the strength of the marketplace since January 2021. After
building up stocks and staff capacity in readiness for a stronger recovery, the war in Ukraine and subsequent shortages threatens to undo the good work achieved so far.”
Leicestershire law firms merge
Leicestershire-based law firm Websters Solicitors has merged with Lawson West Solicitors Limited.
The merger builds on Lawson West’s previous growth acquisition of Brown and Company Solicitors, with whom it merged in Market Harborough in 2018.
The former Managing Director of Websters, Barry Webster, is known by many people in Leicestershire and over the past 22 years he has grown and developed his practice to be a highly regarded law firm operating from Quorn.
Barry Webster and his wife Tracey will now work alongside Lawson West’s established six-strong commercial property team, headed by experienced solicitor Rebecca Beswick, providing specific expertise to property clients across the region, widening the firm’s commercial property offering and further strengthening its commercial client base.
David Heys, Managing Director of Lawson West, said of the merger: “I have known Websters for several years and I’m thrilled to welcome Barry and Tracey to work with Lawson West. They are both great assets in our combined business and they bring with them fantastic experience and proven commercial and private client skills.
“Websters is a niche legal practice with an incredible local reputation for quality legal advice including outstanding commercial property expertise. I admire Barry’s superb levels of client service and in this regard our two firms are aligned. The culture at Lawson West is caring, helpful, supportive and respectful of clients and the integration of Websters and Lawson West joins together our mutual ambition to provide excellent client service.”
Barry Webster said: “I have been lucky enough to build my legal practice from its early origins as a new sole practitioner business, to be one of the best-known local providers of legal services in North Leicestershire.
“I’m very proud of the success of Websters Solicitors and not only of the team here and our legacy of advising clients on their specific legal needs, but also of how we have been able to nurture and help our clients to grow and expand in the region and further afield. Helping our clients to prosper is what it’s all about and it’s very rewarding for me personally to see their progress and to have been an important part in their development.
“Now that Websters has transferred our business interests to Lawson West Solicitors, I’m confident that our former clients are in safe hands and will benefit from the extended resource of legal services that Lawson West offers and access to a wider network of legal experience and talent. I’m sure the clients who transfer to Lawson West will be pleased to see our joint commitment to quality, great client service and efficiency. It’s a really good fit with Lawson West.”
Masterplan lays out the future of transport network in the Midlands to boost economic growth
Regional Transport body Midlands Connect has launched its Strategic Transport Plan for the Midlands entitled ‘Greener, Fairer, Stronger’.
The plan lays out the key challenges facing transport in the Midlands, including how a lack of mobility is holding back economic growth and productivity, how levelling up and social exclusion can be addressed with better accessibility, and the need to slash carbon emissions. The plan sets out where the region can come together and work as one to tackle some of these challenges.
The plan identifies requirements for major investment needed, from both the public and private sectors, in programmes for:
- Electric vehicle charging infrastructure;
- Alternative fuels, including natural gas and hydrogen for HGVs;
- Boosting mobility in rural areas;
- Creating more space for passengers and freight on our rail network;
- A ‘tap and cap’ smart ticketing solution for passengers using buses, trams, bike hire and the rail network across the Midlands (similar to the system used in London)
- Birmingham-Derby-Nottingham rail journey time improvement
- M1 junction 28 improvements
- A50/A500 Corridor Central Section (around Uttoxeter)
- Nottingham-Lincoln rail journey time improvements
- A1/A52 junction upgrade at Grantham
- Coventry-Leicester-Nottingham new direct rail services and journey time improvements
- A46 improvements at Syston
- M1 improvements including Leicester Western Access and North Leicestershire extra capacity
- A5/A426 Gibbet Hill Junction
- A46 improvements between Stratford and Warwick
- A46 improvements in Evesham area
- Kings Norton area rail capacity improvements
- Reinstatement of Snow Hill Station platform number 4 in Birmingham
- Birmingham Motorway Box – safety and reliability improvements
- A5 improvements between Hinckley and Tamworth
- Birmingham-Black Country-Shrewsbury rail journey time improvement
- M6 J15 improvements
- Birmingham – Leicester rail journey time improvements
Inflationary pressures reach uncharted territory
The British Chambers of Commerce’s Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) for Q1 2022 – the independent survey of business sentiment and a leading indicator of UK GDP growth – shows inflationary pressures on firms reaching levels never previously recorded in its 33-year history.
The survey of over 5,600 firms also revealed a continuing stagnation in the proportion of firms reporting increased domestic sales and investment, while cashflow weakened slightly in Q1.
42% of respondents overall reported increased domestic sales in Q1, down from 45% in Q4. 18% reported a decrease, up from 16% the previous quarter.
62% of firms expect their prices to rise in the next three months, which is another record high figure for this metric and an increase from 58% in Q4. Only 1% overall expect a decrease in their prices.
For production & manufacturing firms, this rises to 75% and stands at 75% for retailers and wholesalers, 70% for construction firms, and 72% for transport and distribution firms. These are also the highest on record.
When firms were asked what pressures they were facing to raise prices, from a list of factors, 92% of manufacturers cited raw materials, 56% cited other overheads (the majority of respondents comments related to energy costs and transport costs), 34% cited pay settlements, and 19% cited finance costs.
When asked what was more of a concern to their business than three months ago, 77% of firms cited inflation which was the highest on record and a rise from 66% in Q4.
The percentage citing interest rates as a concern also rose in the quarter. Nearly 1 in 3 (32%) reported interest rates as a concern, up from 27% in Q4.
Indicators for both cash flow and investment have shown no sign of recovery since the start of the COVID-19 shutdown.
For firms overall, 28% reported an increase to cash flow, a drop from 31% in Q4. 26% reported a decrease, up from 23% in Q4.
Investment in plant, machinery, or equipment continued to stagnate, with 27% overall reporting an increase, while 58% reported no change, and 15% a decline. This metric remains largely unchanged since Q2 2021.
Responding to the findings, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, Shevaun Haviland, said: “Our latest survey lays bare the huge financial stress that firms across the country are under.
“The level of inflationary pressures has soared to record levels and we are now truly in uncharted territory. Firms cite cost increases coming at them from all angles, ranging from energy bills to raw material prices and the imminent rise in National Insurance.
“We need to be absolutely clear: this cost of doing business crisis is squeezing firms’ finances, driving further increases in prices and directly fuelling the cost-of-living crisis.
“The Spring Statement was a missed opportunity to ensure business have greater resilience to weather the uncertain and volatile times ahead.
“The Government must provide urgent financial support, through the expansion of the energy bills rebate scheme, to include small firms and energy intensive businesses, and he must introduce an SME energy price cap to protect smaller firms from some of the price increases.
“We also urge the Treasury to rethink and postpone the damaging National Insurance increase. A failure to act now will leave businesses with no option but to continue to raise prices – leading to more difficult months to come for both firms and households.”
Suren Thiru, Head of Economics at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said: “Our latest survey points to a solid first quarter for the UK economy, as the release of pent-up demand following the end of Plan B restrictions and reduced consumer concerns over Omicron helped support activity in the quarter. However, our figures also highlight the significant headwinds facing the UK economy.
“Historically high price pressures suggests that the current inflationary surge will escalate significantly in the coming months. The reversal of the hospitality VAT cut, the higher energy price cap and soaring energy and commodity prices amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, should lift inflation well above 8% in the near term.
“The continued sluggishness in cash flow is a key concern as it leaves firms more vulnerable to economic shocks, including the damaging impact of soaring energy bills, higher inflation, and tax increases.
“The first quarter may be the high point for the UK economy with activity likely to stall in subsequent quarters as surging inflation, rising energy bills and higher taxes increasingly drags on activity.
“Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has raised the risk of a renewed economic downturn by aggravating the financial squeeze on businesses and households and disrupting the supply of commodities to key sectors of the UK economy.”
Rutland County Council refuses rabbit farm planning application
Rutland County Council has refused a planning application for a temporary workers’ dwelling and separate agricultural building on land near Hambleton, submitted by T&S Rabbits.
The design for the proposed agricultural building was deemed by Planning Officers to be inconsistent with existing buildings or landscape features in the local area and would appear particularly prominent – causing significant harm to what is a sensitive and largely undeveloped landscape.
Without the agricultural building there would be no way of operating a commercial enterprise at the site and therefore no need for a workers’ dwelling, as was also proposed.
The Council says proposals for this development were also directly at odds with current local planning policy relating to the Rutland Water Area (Policy CS24). This states that any new development which is near to Rutland Water but falls outside of five clearly defined ‘Recreational Areas’ must be small-scale development for recreation, sport and tourism facilities. Such development would also have to be considered critical for nature conservation, fishing or the essential operation of existing facilities.
Shop front fund to help revamp South Wigston high street
Businesses in South Wigston are being offered the chance to receive matched funding to help revamp their shop frontages.
High quality shop fronts are proven to attract customers to individual businesses and the high street as a whole and Oadby & Wigston Borough Council’s Shop Front Improvement Fund is designed to encourage just that.
This scheme was previously launched in 2019 and helped a number of businesses to make improvements to and smarten up their shop front. This ranged from new windows to improved signage and in some cases a simple lick of paint. By re-launching the scheme, the council is hoping more businesses will now come forward to further enhance the look and feel of the area.
Business can apply for up to £2,000 and must match the funding with their own investment into the shop frontage. The funding for the scheme comes through Section 106 contributions from other developments close by and is therefore restricted to businesses in the centre of South Wigston.
Cllr John Boyce, Leader of Oadby and Wigston Borough Council, said: “Shop fronts are important in attracting in shoppers but also in improving the look and feel of our towns. We are fortunate to have secured this funding through developer contributions and we want to see the maximum benefit for businesses in South Wigston.
“We are keen to ensure that none of the funds go back to the developer and therefore encourage eligible businesses to come forward.”
Businesses are encouraged to read the guidance on the Council website and submit applications to the Economic Regeneration team. The use of the funds is limited and business will need to match the funding, up to a maximum grant of £2,000.
The fund will remain continuously open until further notice.
Erewash Borough Council to keep rates reduced for small and medium-sized businesses
Erewash Borough Council looks set to keep rates reduced for small and medium-sized businesses in the borough for the upcoming financial year.
Council Executive will meet on 6 April when it is recommended that it approves use of the council’s discretionary powers to award Transitional Relief and Small Business Rate Relief to qualifying businesses to reduce their National Non-Domestic Rate liability for the 2022/23 financial year.
The two schemes were introduced to protect small and medium-sized businesses from large increases in their National Non-Domestic Rates, which are based on the rateable value of the business premises. The rates are normally reset by the government every five years but this has been delayed until 1 April 2023. The government has therefore asked councils to use their discretionary powers to provide the relief.
Councillor Wayne Major, Erewash Borough Council’s Deputy Leader and Lead Member for Resources, says: “We aim to provide continued support to small and medium sized businesses in Erewash. Approving these schemes for another year will provide continued support to local businesses without any direct cost to the council or other local ratepayers.”
Phoenix Brickwork to build state-of-the-art training academy in Derbyshire
Brickwork, scaffolding and drywall business, Phoenix Brickwork, has revealed its intention to create a state-of-the-art training academy for apprentices in Derbyshire.
Chairman of Phoenix Brickwork, Christian Watson, said the Phoenix Brickwork Training Academy, which is in the early stages of planning and development, will invest in young people who have a passion to work in scaffolding, drylining and bricklaying. He believes the new facility will boost the number of Derbyshire-based teenagers taking up apprenticeships and wanting to launch their careers in the industry.
Christian said: “It is my ambition to see more youngsters learn real, practical skills in scaffolding, drylining and bricklaying. Some people find academic study a struggle, but they often thrive when they learn on the job.
“Establishing a Phoenix Brickwork Training Academy means we can invest in our industry and provide young people with genuine trade skills, and not just a certificate.”
Apprenticeships are now a popular career option for young people and for Dylan Tewson, Oliver Thomas and Jordan Crofts, starting at Phoenix Brickwork has changed their lives – and their outlook on employment – for the better.
The trio make up a cohort of 20 apprentices at Pinxton-based Phoenix Brickwork.
Dylan Tewson, 21, is a trainee quantity surveyor at Phoenix and loves learning on the job. He says he is most excited about getting a degree and becoming a fully qualified quantity surveyor with ambitions to advance into a commercial manager role.
“Working for Phoenix has been good for me,” said Dylan. “I joined Phoenix to gain more knowledge and practical experience in the job, and I fitted in straight away. I really enjoy being an apprentice. This opportunity provides me with hands-on experience and I’m earning money.”
A positive attitude and a genuine desire to work is why Oliver Thomas, 21, is another success story at Phoenix. He says he is excited about gaining recognised practical qualifications, furthering his knowledge, and starting his career.
“What I love most about Phoenix is learning a variety of different skills and working alongside experienced tradesmen who are willing to pass on their knowledge to me.”
Jordan Crofts, 22, joined the team of apprentices in November 2021, and is determined to progress at Phoenix Brickwork.
He said: “I really love working on site and getting involved in different tasks. Having support from the team and gaining knowledge from site managers and bricklayers is so beneficial.”
Christian Watson said: “It is so encouraging to read what our current apprentices have to say – after all, with the disturbing decline in experienced tradespeople in our industry, mainly due to retirement, they are our future, and my mission is to ensure the trade has a strong pool of tried-and-tested talent.”
Bus firm in Alzheimer’s fundraising drive
Staff at bus firm trentbarton have chosen Alzheimer’s Research UK as their charity of the year for both 2022 and 2023.
Alzheimer’s Research UK is the UK’s leading dementia research charity, dedicated to causes, diagnosis, prevention, treatment and cure.
Trentbarton staff will now spend the next two years organising a wide variety of fundraising events and initiatives, including its Namesake programme where people can donate to have a bus named after a loved one.
Alzheimer’s Research UK topped the poll of trentbarton staff who chose from a shortlist of good causes drawn from nominations by colleagues and customers.
Caroline Bacon-Webster, one of trentbarton’s staff charity champions who organises fundraising, said: “We are all looking forward very much to fundraising for such an important charity.
“Most of us know people affected by dementia, and in particular Alzheimer’s, so I am sure our colleagues and customers will be both enthusiastic and generous in their support, so we can raise as much as possible for the charity’s vital work.”
