Doggy day care business get time in Channel 5 dog behaviour programme

Stuart Pearcey
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Doggy day care business get time in Channel 5 dog behaviour programme
Chesterfield’s Rose Cottage Doggy Daycare business is to feature on Channel 5 show, Dogs Behaving Badly this year after show’s host Graeme Hall hired its ‘field of freedom’ to train two dogs. The space was used to teach the dogs to walk better whilst on a lead, with Rose Cottage providing a secure location with large fencing, in case the pets were playing up! The epsiode is expected to be aired in the summer of 2024. Dawn Brown, Owner of Rose Cottage Doggy Daycare said: “Graeme was a very chatty, great guy. He spent time with me and my team before and after the filming. He also signed books for us and we have lots of pictures with him” “To be picked out of the whole of Derbyshire to use our field was amazing, and will definitely help us to stand out. He said they searched for a field to hire and ours came up when they researched our services. They were highly impressed with our site, our branding, and our whole different take on dog care in general. We were happy to oblige and would of course welcome further filming if required whilst in our region.”

Acquisitive Ideagen snaps up further Australian business

Tess Egginton
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Acquisitive Ideagen snaps up further Australian business

Nottingham-headquartered Ideagen, a regulatory and compliance software solutions firm, has acquired Plant Assessor, a solution for plant safety and maintenance management in Australia.

It is Ideagen’s seventh acquisition in 12 months and fourth Australian business to be brought into the Ideagen family since the start of 2023.

Ben Dorks, Ideagen CEO, said: “Plant Assessor’s software brings an enhanced level of safety to any person working on or around large plant machinery.

“Adding Plant Assessor into the Ideagen suite of solutions strengthens our EHS product portfolio, enabling us to provide advanced capabilities to our customers, particularly those involved in industries where heavy machinery is commonplace.

“We’re looking forward to helping grow its reach across our global network and excited to start 2024 as we mean to go on, building our global presence in compliance software solutions.”

Paul Dean, CEO and founder of Plant Assessor, said: “Joining Ideagen represents a fantastic opportunity for both our team and our clients.

“We are confident that this acquisition will allow us to deliver even better products and services to our existing customers while expanding the reach of our innovative solutions through Ideagen’s global network.”

Siemens Mobility in Leicestershire secures £47m contract with HS2

Stuart Pearcey
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Siemens Mobility in Leicestershire secures £47m contract with HS2
Siemens Mobility’s facility at Ashby de-la-Zouch will deliver a £47m contract to supply an integrated station information management system across all HS2 stations, Curzon Street, Interchange, Old Oak Common and Euston. The project, which will support about 200 jobs, will use the same technology already in use for the millions of people travelling every day on London’s Elizabeth line, and will touch every stage of passengers’ journeys through stations. Rob Morris, Joint-CEO at Siemens Mobility UKI, said: “We are on a mission to transform rail travel and transport, with the imagination and ambition of 5,000 UK employees. We have a significant presence in Ashby and are delighted as a result to be working in close collaboration with HS2 and our supply chain partners to deliver this landmark project. Not only will it be delivered at Ashby, here in the UK, by the next generation of engineers, it will also help create jobs and provide a boost to the local economy.” Kim Kapur, Stations Client Director at HS2 Ltd said: “Station systems such as the public address, information and fire alarms play a vital role in the smooth running of all modern railways stations – providing clear information to passengers and staff to de-stress journeys and ensure safety throughout. Siemens have a clear track record of delivering state-of-the-art station systems and we look forward to working with them – and their team at Ashby de-la-Zouch.” Collaboration will be at the heart of project delivery, with Siemens Mobility working closely with some of its 3,000 suppliers, 47% of which are UK-based SMEs, as well as with HS2 Ltd and its other contractors. Siemens Mobility will oversee a significant portion of the entire process from design to supply demonstrating proven best practice. This includes Factory Acceptance Testing at its Ashby de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire laboratory testing facilities, before conducting live testing and commissioning activities on site, reducing travel to site and securing certainty of delivery.

2024 Business Predictions: Cris Wootton, Managing Director of Test Your Intolerance

Tess Egginton
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2024 Business Predictions: Cris Wootton, Managing Director of Test Your Intolerance
It’s that time of year, when Business Link Magazine invites the region’s business leaders to offer up their predictions for the year ahead.  It has become something of a tradition, given that we’ve been doing this now for over 30 years. Here we speak to Cris Wootton, Managing Director of Test Your Intolerance in Castle Donington. A longer-living population, increasing pressure on the National Health Service and better technology means that the health and wellbeing sector is likely to be among the more successful markets in 2024, despite the economic uncertainty which is likely to continue until at least the general election. This year we have experienced unprecedented growth and we expect this to continue into next year as more and more people are forced to take their healthcare into their own hands. Since the pandemic, when many people began using home testing kits for the first-time, confidence has grown in the science available to people in their own homes and we expect this to continue having an impact. There’s a robust pipeline of diagnostic tools and drugs in clinical development and many of these will present major breakthroughs for patients. Data and analytics are revolutionizing many industries, and the healthcare sector is one of the most prominent areas where it is transforming processes. It allows the improvement of outcomes, increases operational efficiencies, performs predictive analytics, monitors clients and patients in real-time, reduces fraud and streamlines finance and accounting. I would expect firms to start taking greater responsibility for their employee’s healthcare and this level of responsibility will be more prevalent across the workplace. Remote work enables talent to work from anywhere, so I believe brands and workplace cultures will continue evolving as people reflect on life priorities. To retain and attract top talent, employers must provide work-life balance and flexible scheduling that supports mental health and time with family and friends.

Partnership between manufacturer and University of Nottingham sparks innovation in clean energy

Tess Egginton
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Partnership between manufacturer and University of Nottingham sparks innovation in clean energy
A partnership that pairs researchers from the University of Nottingham with a UK manufacturer is set to strengthen the company’s competitive edge, by creating new capability and in-house-expertise in clean energy. Kingsmill Industries Ltd is one of the leading manufacturers and suppliers of earthing materials, lightning protection products and equipment for global markets. The North Nottinghamshire-based firm has partnered with the university to help expand its portfolio and enter a new market through two Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs). KTPs are a three-way collaboration between a UK-based business or charity, a research organisation, and a qualified graduate known as a KTP Associate who has the capability to lead a strategic business project. Applying research developed within the university’s Power Electronics, Machines and Control (PEMC) Research Group, based at the Jubilee Campus, KTP Associates Shah Meeran Zia and Shangkun Li will work alongside Kingsmill’s existing workforce, taking the lead and injecting know-how and expertise in power electronics and software, to create electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) with smart functions. Shah Meeran Zia said: “As an individual Associate, my role in bridging the University of Nottingham and Kingsmill is a rewarding journey of connection and collaboration. Together, we’re not only advancing clean energy solutions but also forging a powerful partnership that sparks innovation and drives positive change.” The KTP will develop a UK-made electric vehicle charger with a supporting cloud-based portal, enabling Kingsmill’s customers to benefit from variable-tariff regimes and incorporating clean energy as a source of the charger’s power supply. This activity will support Kingsmill in its expansion in the clean energy sector by developing an in-house manufactured product to serve the increasing demand fuelled by the growing adoption of electric vehicles. Mark Sumner, Professor of Electrical Energy Systems, said: “We envisage that these new products will allow end users to play an active role in how their electrical energy resources are used locally, benefitting electricity system operation, meaning fewer system bottlenecks, and being rewarded with improved electricity prices.” Professor Sumner continued: “A good example of the function of the new EV charger is in using the battery of an EV to support the local grid at peak times, and then recharging the EV overnight when there are fewer demands on the grid. The portal will support system management and facilitate remote interactions by end users and provide a secure infrastructure to support innovative ‘Smart Grid’ technologies.” The second KTP partners Kingsmill with Nottingham University Business School (NUBS) and KTP Associate Pischanath Ariyapolkanoksin and will see the creation of an innovative and bespoke material requirements tool and work-flow management module. The module will be capable of supporting rapid growth in the volume of transactions, while managing customer expectations, optimising inventory and human resource. Luc Muyldermans, Associate Professor in Operations Management at NUBS, said: “Kingsmill requires tailor-made solutions to demand forecasting, production planning and inventory optimisation. This KTP touches on all aspects of materials planning and is a unique opportunity for us to develop, evaluate and implement cutting edge solutions to enable and sustain rapid growth in a complex business sector.” David Thorpe, Kingsmill’s Managing Director, said “We are no strangers to Innovate UK’s KTP scheme, having successfully completed one in 2023, which enabled us to take huge steps forward in our ability to carry out sophisticated modelling of earthing and lightning projects. “These two new projects with the University of Nottingham are very exciting for us and will enable us to hone our competitiveness through improved operational ability, as well as take us into exciting new markets in the renewables sector.”

£2.6m centre to train mineral resources experts for new generation

Tess Egginton
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£2.6m centre to train mineral resources experts for new generation
A new generation of mineral resource experts to enable the UK’s transition to sustainable energy are to be trained by a consortium representing academia and industry, led by the University of Leicester. The Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), part of UK Research and Innovation, have announced £2.6 million to support a multi-institution centre for doctoral training, the Training and Research Group for Energy Transition Mineral Resources (TARGET), to address the skills and research needs for the UK. It is one of four new Natural Environment Research Council-funded centres that will teach the next generation of PhD students who will go on to build careers in research, business and public service. Each year, over 3 billion tonnes of metals are produced from mineral resources. Mineral resources underpin society – without them we would have no infrastructure, no industry and no technology. The UK’s transition to renewable energy generation and use – through wind turbines, solar panels and electric vehicles for example – is increasing the demand for mineral resources. Some of them are considered ‘critical’ – economically important but with challenged supply chains that are vulnerable to disruption. Growing expertise in critical mineral resources will help to develop secure and sustainable supply. The TARGET centre is a UK wide group of universities, research organisations and industrial partners, led by the University of Leicester’s Centre for Sustainable Resource Extraction that will provide doctoral-level training in the full lifecycle of minerals from sector leaders. TARGET is recruiting its first cohort of researchers to start in October 2024.
TARGET’s leader Dr Dan Smith, from the University of Leicester School of Geography, Geology and the Environment, said: “TARGET is a really exciting opportunity for us to train a next generation of researchers with the skills they need to tackle some of the biggest challenges in mineral resources: how do they form? How can we find the raw materials we need? How can we process and extract them efficiently, and how can we be more sustainable whilst doing so? “It’s not just about getting more resources either. We know we need more careful stewardship of the resources we do have – considering circular economy models, better waste management, and more efficient use of mineral products.” The TARGET Centre will combine PhD research projects with a multidisciplinary training programme that will provide skills in mineral exploration, processing, finance, policy and sustainability at all stages of a mineral’s use – from a rock in the ground to the end of a product’s useful life. TARGET’s training will be led by a mix of academic researchers and industry practitioners, and the parentship of the centre includes some of the most important global companies in mining, mineral analysis, environmental standards, and finance. TARGET will operate alongside other UKRI programmes, including the £15 million CLIMATES programme being delivered by Innovate UK, boosting rare earth circularity, to provide opportunities for UK industry and research to enhance the responsible supply of minerals. Science, Research and Innovation Minister, Andrew Griffith, said: “Backing our brightest students to tackle issues as vital as flooding and protecting our water quality is an investment in protecting the landscape of the UK, while defending our planet and the resources we need to deliver us all healthier and more prosperous lives. “With more than £10m in funding over the coming years it will also help to skill-up students in high-value research, which will grow the UK economy and ensure we fulfil the potential of the talent spread throughout our country.” Professor Peter Liss, Interim Executive Chair of NERC, said: “This investment by NERC will equip the next generation of environmental science researchers with the technical and professional skills to tackle some of the most significant challenges facing the UK and globally. “The new centres for doctoral training will focus on the key themes of flood management, freshwater quality, sustainable mineral resources and wetland conservation.”

Land sale at Kirton to create 80 jobs for local economy

Tess Egginton
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Land sale at Kirton to create 80 jobs for local economy
The latest sale of land at Kirton Distribution Park will create an additional 80 jobs for the local economy.
Lincolnshire County Council has recently finalised the sale of 10.28 acres at the site, which completes phase 3 of the development. The sale to Dhoot Transmission UK, known locally as Parkinson Harness Technology, will allow them to construct a new factory – manufacturing specialist vehicle parts, following planning permission being granted last year. Cllr Colin Davie, executive councillor for economy and place at the county council, said: “This new factory will be a fantastic addition to the 27-acre Kirton Distribution Park, and Parkinson Harness Technologies will be joining other high profile businesses on the site such as Duckworth Jaguar Land Rover and Sportsbikeshop. “All of the land here has now been allocated, and Kirton is another example of how the council is providing the investment to encourage businesses to start-up, re-locate and grow, in our county.” David Earnshaw, Managing Director at Parkinson Harness Technology, said: “Parkinson Harness Technology (PHT) are delighted to announce their plans for construction of a new facility at Kirton. “The facility will enable the company to further develop their position as a leading supplier of High Voltage leads for the UK specialist vehicle market alongside their long standing Low Voltage product. “When your bins are emptied, it is in part, with product made here in Lincolnshire. We’d like to thank both Lincolnshire County Council and Boston Borough Council for their critical help in putting this project together.”

£4m Chesterfield rail innovation facility on track for planning permission

Tess Egginton
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£4m Chesterfield rail innovation facility on track for planning permission

Engineering consultancy Rodgers Leask is leading the design team currently working on RIBA Stage 4 designs for the Derbyshire Rail Industry Innovation Vehicle (DRIIVe) in Chesterfield, which is awaiting planning permission.

The modern rail innovation and training centre will provide more than 1,400 square metres of floor space consisting of classroom and workshop training areas, and specialist research and development facilities – including a digital laboratory and commercial offices.

Appointed via the ESPO 2664 framework, Rodgers Leask’s involvement so far includes a full-service offering, comprising structural and civil engineering consultancy, geo-environmental engineering investigations and transport planning advice. The consultancy’s various experts are working to overcome the operational constraints posed by the busy industrial site, while also protecting the surrounding area’s interesting features – such as the historically significant Barrow Hill Roundhouse.

Kriston Harvey, director at Rodgers Leask, said: “This is a very important project for the area and therefore we’re proud to be involved. Not only will it bring additional full-time jobs to the local area, it will also provide training facilities to enable people to learn new skills and open the door to highly skilled career opportunities in the rail industry.

“The research and development aspect of the building will see it become a prominent location for rail technology research and innovation, with fantastic links to the rail network.

“As everyone recognises the significant benefits that the project can bring to the community, engagement between the client, design team and other key stakeholders has been very positive and productive.  

“Chesterfield has a clear vision for how it wants to develop over the coming years, with a strong plan for growth – it has been exciting to work with the council on this key project.”

In total the building is expected to cost around £4 million, with funding for the project being provided through the Staveley Town Deal. Development of the centre is being delivered by Barrow Hill Engine Shed Society, Chesterfield Borough Council and New Rail – part of Newcastle University.

Mervyn Allcock, general manager at Barrow Hill Roundhouse, said: “If it is approved, DRIIVe will help establish Barrow Hill as the home of the rail industry in Chesterfield and we look forward to speaking to companies about the potential benefits of being based at the centre. Any revenue from the building will be used to support the Roundhouse in achieving its aim of preserving our local Rail heritage.”

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and vice chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board, said: “The Rail sector offers a fantastic range of high-quality careers and DRIIVe is all about ensuing our residents can receive the skills and training they need to access these opportunities. This is an ambitious project that will create opportunities for generations to come and reflects the council’s aims to expand the local Rail sector.

“I’m delighted that Town Deal funding is being used to support the development of this building because new training facilities like this will improve career prospects and help ensure that Staveley is the place to start, to stay and to grow.”

Rodgers Leask is working alongside architect Frank Shaw Associates, building services consultancy CPW and planning consultant Planning & Design Group. A planning decision is expected in early 2024. 

Chamber achieves WELL Health-Safety Rating

Tess Egginton
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Chamber achieves WELL Health-Safety Rating
East Midlands Chamber is helping to set the bar for workplace wellbeing after landing a global accreditation – with the help of the region’s top expert in the field. The region’s largest business representation group has achieved the WELL Health-Safety Rating at its offices in Chesterfield and Nottingham, following consultancy support from workplace consultants and office fit-out specialists Blueprint Interiors, based in Ashby-de-la-Zouch. Administered by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), the rating is an evidence-based, third-party verified rating for buildings that focuses on operational policies, maintenance protocols, stakeholder engagement and emergency plans to address a post-Covid environment now and into the future. WELL certification helps large and small businesses to take the necessary steps in order to prioritise the health and safety of their staff, visitors and stakeholders by reviewing environmental aspects such as air and water quality, nourishment, light, noise and comfort. The WELL Health-Safety Rating focuses on stakeholder engagement, health resources, emergency preparedness and cleaning procedures. East Midlands Chamber director of resources Lucy Robinson said: “The pandemic shone a new light on how we manage workspaces in order to instil confidence among employees and visitors who use our buildings, whether it is everyday or on a hybrid working basis. “We therefore felt it was important to adopt a recognised standard to ensure our buildings support the wellbeing of our people when they are working from the office in order to support collaboration with colleagues. “Working closely with our patron Blueprint Interiors, we focused on areas including air and water quality management, cleaning and sanitation, emergency preparedness, health service resources, and stakeholder engagement and communication. “As a result of these efforts, we are delighted to have received the WELL Health-Safety Rating, which we believe will enhance our offer as an employer of choice in the region while also acting as an exemplar for our 4,000-plus members.” Workplace design consultancy and interior fit-out specialist Blueprint Interiors became the first company in the East Midlands to achieve the WELL Health-Safety Rating in 2021, and now supports other businesses to meet the requirements for accreditation. Rebecca Beadle is a WELL-accredited professional, and lead project designer and well-being specialist at Blueprint Interiors. She said: “We are continuously innovating in order to bring workplace consultancy, practical processes, sustainable building techniques, psychological theory, data insights and accreditations such as the WELL Building Standard together to ensure workplaces meet the needs of the people that use them. “East Midlands Chamber has fully embraced all these principles and we are pleased to have been able to support it to achieve this prestigious rating.”

Revenue rises at Light Science Technologies while pre-tax losses are cut

Tess Egginton
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Revenue rises at Light Science Technologies while pre-tax losses are cut

Revenue is on the rise at Light Science Technologies Holdings (LSTH) plc, which comprises the three divisions of controlled environment agriculture, contract electronics manufacturing, and passive fire protection.

According to a trading update for the 12 months ended 30 November 2023, the group saw revenue increase by approximately 13% to £9.25m, up from £8.17m in the year prior. This was driven by growth across each of the trading divisions, as LSTH made solid organic and acquisitive progress. 

Overhead cost reductions during the period resulted in 20% cost savings, while gross margins grew by approximately 27% to 22.5%. As a result, the Derbyshire business expects to report an unaudited loss before tax of £1.3m, reducing from a £2.72m loss last year.

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