Funding awarded to train next generation of chemists to take East Midlands towards net zero
The University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University have been awarded funding for a centre that will train chemists of the future to find new ways to decarbonise manufacturing sectors, and help the East Midlands achieve its net zero target.
The announcement, made by Science, Innovation and Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan is the UK’s biggest-ever investment in engineering and physical sciences doctoral skills, totalling more than £1 billion.
The Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Resilient Chemistry (Feedstock to Function) in Nottingham has received £12m in collaborative investment and is one of 65 Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs) that will support leading research in areas of national importance.
Over 50 postgraduate students will be trained as part of the CDT across the two Nottingham university campuses who will benefit from world-class expertise and facilities. The research they will undertake aims to drive down the environmental impact of chemical manufacturing processes which so many sectors and products rely on, from pharmaceuticals and fragrances to adhesives and lubricants, and create sustainable, circular new processes.
The Resilient Chemistry CDT forms part of the shared commitments under the Universities for Nottingham Civic Agreement, a collaboration between Nottingham’s two world-class universities and eight key anchor institutions; the agreement sets out partners’ commitments to working across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire for the benefit of the local community, its people and place.
The CDT supports the Universities for Nottingham environmental sustainability mission that aims to develop innovative ways to tackle the barriers to carbon neutrality and strive for a cleaner, more productive, and inclusive local economy. Also, to translate zero-carbon research into practice and to undertake new research to enhance the competitiveness of the area and contribute towards the achievement of carbon neutrality.
Professor Tom Rodden, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange at the University of Nottingham, said: “This is a fantastic achievement for the university and testament to the excellent quality of our research and strength of our partnership with Nottingham Trent University.
“This CDT will bring together experts from industry and academia across the globe who will train the next generation of chemistry leaders to deliver world-leading research into sustainable, scalable solutions that are urgently needed to reduce the environmental impact of manufacturing processes and support Nottingham’s ambition to be the UK’s first zero carbon city by 2028.”
Richard Emes, Pro Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation Nottingham Trent University, said: “The Resilient Chemistry CDT is another excellent example of collaboration between Nottingham’s universities. I look forward to the fantastic research undertaken whilst training a generation of chemists in the sustainability of chemical manufacturing methods at Nottingham Trent University.”
Major plans approved for new special school in Mansfield
A major scheme to build a new school in Mansfield for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) has moved a significant step forward after councillors gave the plans the green light.
The new school will be built on the former Ravensdale School site in the town and will have capacity for up to 160 pupils across the 7 to 19 years age range.
It is being designed, project and cost managed by Arc Partnership, a joint venture between Nottinghamshire County Council and SCAPE, with construction being undertaken by Morgan Sindall. The school is expected to open in 2025.
Nottinghamshire County Council says the purpose-built facility will provide a specialist learning environment for children with social, emotional, and mental health needs.
Councillors gave their approval for the scheme at a meeting of the county council’s Planning and Rights of Way Committee – a move welcomed by Councillor Sam Smith, Cabinet Member for Education and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
He said: “It’s great news that planning consent has been given for this state-of-the-art, purpose-built facility, and is a significant step forward in making sure we have sufficient places for our SEND children across Nottinghamshire.
“Building a school like this will provide a specific and specialist learning environment for pupils with autism and social, emotional, and mental health needs.
“It is also a key aim of our SEND place planning strategy to help more young people to access the education they need, near to where they live.
“As a council, we are committed to meeting the needs of children and young people with SEND, and their families, and to investing in providing much-needed special school places in Nottinghamshire.
“I would also like to thank my colleague, Councillor Andre Camilleri, who identified this site and has been pushing for a school of this type in his division for more than two years. I know he’ll be delighted the application has been approved.”
Dan Maher, Managing Director at Arc Partnership, said: “We are delighted to be working with Morgan Sindall to deliver further additional SEN provision on behalf of Nottinghamshire County Council.
“We are focussed on delivering real value together and this school will be key to benefitting both young people and wider communities across the county.”
Sensory zones and calm spaces are just some of the design elements included in the construction of the new facility to ensure it is tailored to the children’s needs and complement learning.
Each key stage will be accommodated in either four or six classrooms to promote a ‘small school’ feel along with satellite dining spaces ‘to avoid children being overwhelmed by larger central facilities’.
Separate building entrances will also be created to address the sensory needs of pupils.
The purpose-built school will also boast two all-weather pitches with sports equipment storage buildings and a tarmac multi-use games area, as well as car parking and a drop-off area for minibuses.
Six spaces for electric vehicle (EV) charging will be provided in the staff car park and four, including one for a disability parking space, in the visitor car park.
PEAK Gateway Resort secures reserved matters planning approval
Chesterfield Borough Council has approved the reserved matters planning application for a revised first phase of the PEAK Gateway Resort on the reclaimed Birchall Estate. The 300-acre property is located on the eastern boundary of the Peak District National Park in Chesterfield, Derbyshire.
PEAK proposes to bring the scope and services of internationally successful ski resorts to create the UK’s equivalent for biking, hiking and other adventure sports as well as for nature, culture and heritage experiences.
PEAK will have its own micro grid for energy, waste and water. PEAK will generate and consume its own energy and operate a zero-carbon tourism dedicated mobility service.
Planning permission includes extensive overnight and holiday accommodation supported by hospitality, leisure, wellness, a multi-disciplinary bike park and experiential retail. As such, it is one of the largest permitted mixed-use leisure schemes in the UK. Five of the six largest cities in England are within 75 miles, providing a visitor catchment of over 20 million people.
Locally, PEAK has the potential to create over 1,000 new jobs. It will partner with the education sector to deliver a Green Skills Academy in support of both PEAK and Chesterfield’s commitment to training and upskilling across a broad range of key sectors, but especially for construction and tourism.
PEAK will be open to day as well as stay visitors. Local residents and businesses will be able to take advantage of incentives and membership opportunities.
Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “PEAK Resort offers a fantastic opportunity to bring more visitors into Chesterfield, grow our local economy and create a range of new jobs.
“It will be an incredible asset for our borough and will be a national leader in respect of clean energy, zero carbon mobility and skills.
“I look forward to seeing this development take shape over the next few years.”
The current landowner has, over many years, fully reclaimed the 300-acre Birchall estate from opencast. The property now provides the perfect natural setting for the consented development. Nature and outdoor experiences are at the heart of the PEAK offer and BNG (Biodiversity Net Gain) resulting from the development will all be achieved on the property.
Birchall and PEAK hope to be an exemplar of the reclamation of land from the industries of the past into enterprises of the future.
Rupert Carr, a director of Birchall and Peak Gateway Properties, said at the Planning Committee Meeting: “PEAK is the opportunity to deliver a clean growth infrastructure for the regional visitor economy, an opportunity for Chesterfield and indeed the region to build a significant presence in an economic sector growing at 6% per annum. PEAK is finally of its time.”
PEAK Resort will also support the UK’s first hydrogen and EV tourist mobility service linking visitors to Chesterfield’s medieval market town centre, its national rail station and surrounding attractions as well as to the trails and natural wonders of the National Park.
Colliers’ National Capital Markets team have been appointed to take the project forwards.
Leader of Nottingham City Council not seeking re-election
Councillor David Mellen will not seek re-election as the leader of Nottingham City Council in May 2024.
Every year, the majority group of councillors have the chance to choose the person they want to be leader of the council. Councillor Mellen has been leader since May 2019.
In those five challenging years he has overseen many changes and difficulties in Nottingham. These have included the Covid-19 pandemic, reduced council funding, the collapse of ‘intu’, the closure of Robin Hood Energy and a government-appointed Improvement Board.
However, these challenges have been matched by successes such as the opening of the new Nottingham Central Library, plans for a renewed Broad Marsh development including a new city centre park, several hundred new council houses and a successfully reopened Nottingham Castle. Councillor Mellen has also led the push for a devolved Combined County Authority in the East Midlands and championed a reading scheme that has delivered thousands of free books to children in Nottingham.
After five years as leader, Councillor Mellen has decided that he will not put himself forward at the leadership contest in April. He will remain in post until the new leader is formally appointed at a meeting of all Nottingham City Councillors on 13 May 2024. He will continue to serve as a Labour councillor for the Dales ward in the city.
Councillor Mellen said: “It has been a privilege to serve the city as leader for the last five years. There have been many challenges as well as successes – and I have always tried to do my best to provide the leadership that the people of Nottingham deserve. I am grateful for the support and understanding I have received in my time as leader. After five years in the role, I have made the decision to step aside to allow fresh leadership to continue our council’s journey of improvement.
“I am proud of our continuing vision to improve Nottingham: the ongoing development of the Island Quarter and the revamped Broad Marsh bus station and library, the new Nottingham College campus and the emerging Green Heart will be a legacy for the city in the southern gateway for people who work and visit here.
“We have reopened Nottingham Castle and made it once again a must-see attraction – the jewel in our city’s crown which is now attracting tens of thousands of visitors.
“I have been a champion for Nottingham’s ambition to be a carbon neutral city by 2028. Our climate emergency demands that people in any position of power must take positive action to protect the planet for the future, and Nottingham is leading the country in the steps we have taken to reduce emissions.
“Working with other council leaders in the region, I have been an architect for a devolved authority of combined councils across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire in the East Midlands, which will allow us to fight for a fairer share of funding for our citizens. This combined authority was approved by Government last month and will see our first elected Mayor in May.
“I have also been an advocate for reading and literacy and have long supported the development of the Nottingham Imagination Library that has given more than half a million free books to children aged 0-5 in our city. This is an important work that I intend to continue as a back bench councillor.
“It was a privilege to lead our city through the hard times of the Covid-19 pandemic. I will always be proud of the way that everybody pulled together to look after those who are most vulnerable in our city during those long months of lockdown. We also stood shoulder to shoulder following the death of the Queen. Last year the city stood together at the Market Square vigil following the shocking murders of three people in our city.
“It’s no secret that our council continues to be in a difficult position. Due to underfunding, we have reluctantly agreed difficult budget cuts and reductions to the services we provide for our city. We have commissioners overseeing the running of the council. We face further budget challenges in future years until a fit and proper model for funding local authorities can be agreed.
“There are challenging times ahead. However, I feel strongly that the journey of improvement that we have started is the right one and that our council remains on the right road to recovery. Now is the time for fresh leadership to take the council forward further on this journey. I have no doubt that whoever succeeds me as leader will have a firm foundation and the right support to finish what has been started.
“I love this city; Nottingham has been my home for more than 40 years and will always remain a champion for the people who live here.”
Councillor Mellen was born and educated in Ipswich and came to Nottingham to study at Trent Polytechnic in 1982. He taught for 21 years in the city and county starting his career at Jesse Boot Junior School, continuing at Crossdale Drive Primary in Keyworth and most recently serving as Headteacher at Mellers School in Radford for four years.
He has lived in Sneinton for the last 35 years where he chairs the management committee of Bakersfield Community Centre and supports a variety of other community groups. In May 2015 and 2017, he was the Parliamentary candidate in Rushcliffe for the Labour Party.
He has been a councillor for 22 years and represents the Dales Ward in Nottingham.
Plans to replace Nottingham office building with new apartments tipped for approval
Plans for new apartments on Nottingham’s Waterway Street, in place of a vacant 1970’s two storey office building, have been recommended for approval by the city council.
The proposals for the site near Nottingham train station come from Rainier Developments, and would see the demolition of the existing Waterway House building and construction of a new build development comprising 191 apartments.
The scheme would offer 122 one bed and 69 two bed flats over a block of three to eight storeys.
The development would provide 22 car parking spaces and 4 disabled parking spaces, as well as 191 cycle parking spaces within cycle store rooms.
The site on Waterway Street was purchased by Rainier Developments from Nottingham City Council last year.
The proposals for the scheme will go before the Planning Committee on 20 March.
Businesses collaborate for Derby city centre regeneration project
Matthew Montague Architects (MMA) are collaborating with VINCI UK Developments and ION Developments as part of the design team for an extensive regeneration project in Derby city centre, led by Derby City Council.
The partnership between Derby City Council, VINCI UK Developments, and ION Developments marks a significant milestone in the rejuvenation of Derby’s city centre.
Daniel Evans, architect at MMA, said: “We have been talking to the team at VINCI and ION for the past year. We were approached due to our deep-rooted local knowledge and understanding of the architectural landscape of Derby.
“We have introduced the VINCI UK Developments team to other key stakeholders within the city including; Marketing Derby, representatives from the estates department at The University of Derby, Electric Daisy and Down to Earth. We are passionate about Derby so to then go on and be part of the team that developed design ideas for two key projects within the plan has been fantastic.”
The regeneration plans unveiled by Derby City Council set the stage for a vibrant ‘cultural quarter’, which will encompass a new cultural, commercial, and creative hub centred around the former Assembly Rooms site, creating an area with commercial viability and a new, quality cultural and entertainment offer.
Matthew Montague, principal architect at MMA, expressed his enthusiasm for being part of such a significant city centre development. “As Derby-centric architects, we are thrilled to contribute to the design team for this ambitious project. Our goal is to create spaces that not only elevate the urban landscape but also enrich the lives of residents and visitors alike in an area we know so well.”
Over the coming months the partnership will work collaboratively with the council, businesses and community stakeholders to develop their vision and design for the regeneration of the city centre.
Anthony James Insurance Brokers makes two new Board appointments
Anthony James Insurance Brokers has rewarded talent by appointing two new directors to its Board after a year of sustained growth.Josh Gough and Greg Sands have been promoted by the Loughborough-based firm as it seeks to maintain and develop the volume of its work after the business grew by 38% in 2023.Josh is Anthony James’ new commercial director. He will focus specifically on elevating the delivery of the company’s service, helping to build and maintain relationships with clients, stakeholders, and partners. He will also look to drive initiatives for process improvements and further grow the business.Jacob Duckworth, managing director, said: “Josh has consistently demonstrated a high level of care and attention to detail over the many years he has worked at Anthony James.
“He has a lot to offer in terms of strengthening our opportunity, that he could not facilitate in the capacity of his previous position as an account executive. He has been recognised for his efforts and talents and is sure to raise the bar on client satisfaction.”Greg is Anthony James’ new technical director, and will further the level of technical knowledge amongst the team. Within his new role he will look to implement structured training and development programmes that aim to challenge individuals and create opportunities for them to grow within their position.
“This ultimately adds value to the company’s clients by further supporting them with an even more well-rounded team of champions that they can rely on, no matter what the issue they face,” explains Duckworth.Jacob concludes: “With 30 years’ experience in the industry himself, Greg is well placed to lead the charge as he has dealt with an array of adverse circumstances providing him with unique insights on the most effective way of transferring risk.
“Greg’s passion for both insurance and Anthony James have made him a critical source of support within the business, and so it was only right to recognise his value by giving him the capacity to implement his ideas that will ensure we maintain a standard of excellence.“Whilst Greg and Josh have both been a part of our business for a long time, I am delighted to welcome them to our team of directors to provide additional support specifically to my role, as we enter the next chapter of our business.”
How do you avoid financial forecasting that ends up with rain instead of sunshine? By James Pinchbeck, partner at Streets Chartered Accountants
James Pinchbeck, partner at Streets Chartered Accountants, offers tips for mastering financial forecasting for founders and entrepreneurs.
Financial forecasting can often feel like the weather forecast, financial predictions not always being as rosy as planned, or in many cases, as hoped – a bit like the weather, whilst sunshine is predicted rain all too often can be the outcome.
Whilst many businesses will look to use financial forecasting as part of their day-to-day management, there are also many who only produce financial forecasts based on need, say for external finance or investment. Certainly, those routinely producing forecasts can and do tend to benefit from having validity and accuracy with greater assurance around the numbers and the assumption used to produce them. They are also likely to be subjected to more review, check and challenge helping to improve their rigour over time.
The challenge in terms of effective financial forecasting it seems is more so with those looking to produce ad hoc forecasts. Often this can be the early start-up or scale up businesses looking for capital or investment to take it to the next stage. Few founders or entrepreneurs looking for funding are likely to be a qualified accountant or have the prerequisite skills or experience to produce financial forecasts.
Therefore, when preparing financial forecasts to seek or obtain financing, entrepreneurs and business owners often make several common mistakes. These can undermine their credibility with lenders or investors and reduce the chances of securing the needed funds. Here are some of the most common mistakes to avoid:
1. Overly Optimistic Revenue Projections
One of the most common mistakes is projecting unrealistically high sales or revenue figures. Entrepreneurs may be overly optimistic about their growth potential, leading to inflated forecasts.
2. Underestimating Expenses
Underestimating operational costs, including operating expenses, cost of goods sold, and unexpected expenses can result in cash flow problems.
3. Ignoring Seasonality and Cyclicality
Failing to account for seasonality or cyclicality in your business can lead to inaccuracies in your forecasts.
4. Lack of Detail
Some entrepreneurs provide vague or incomplete financial forecasts, omitting crucial details that would help lenders or investors understand their assumptions.
5. Inconsistent Projections
Inconsistencies between different parts of your financial forecast, such as a mismatch between revenue growth and expense growth, can raise doubts about the accuracy of your projections.
6. Not Adequately Addressing Risk
Failing to acknowledge potential risks and uncertainties in your business plan can erode investor or lender confidence.
7. Neglecting Working Capital Needs
Overlooking the working capital requirements necessary to support growth can lead to cash flow shortages.
8. Not Demonstrating Financial Expertise
Lenders and investors want to see that you understand your financials. Failing to demonstrate financial literacy can undermine confidence.
9. Overlooking Debt Serviceability
When taking on debt, entrepreneurs may not account for the interest and principal payments in their forecasts.
10. Ignoring Feedback
Entrepreneurs sometimes resist feedback from financial professionals, investors, or lenders, leading to missed opportunities for improvement.
By avoiding these common mistakes and presenting well-researched, realistic financial forecasts, entrepreneurs can enhance their credibility and increase their chances of successfully obtaining financing. As you might expect the support of an accountant is often a real asset, not least that it provides increased assurance to potential lenders or investors.
See this column in the March issue of East Midlands Business Link Magazine here.
Derbyshire County Council selects Leicester’s EarthSense for air quality monitoring
EarthSense has been selected by Derbyshire County Council to provide air quality monitoring in and around the town of Ashbourne.
The council will use a network of EarthSense Zephyr® monitors on lighting poles in Ashbourne, combined with EarthSense’s MappAir® modelling tool, to better understand levels of nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone and particulates in the town.
Pollution in the Buxton Road hill area of Ashbourne was formally designated a public health hazard requiring urgent action by central Government.
As part of that aim, Derbyshire County Council and Derbyshire Dales District Council will track air quality issues and develop an air quality action plan. A public consultation earlier in 2023 found the four most popular actions to tackle pollution in Ashbourne were:
- Engagement with minerals and logistics companies
- Bus service improvement plan actions (bus priority through the town and a mobility hub)
- Real-time travel information for key routes through the town to distribute traffic
- ‘Modeshift STARS’, a travel plan programme in which schools would seek to encourage sustainable travel for teachers, parents and pupils
Growth returns for UK economy
The UK economy returned to growth in January, according to new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
UK GDP (gross domestic product), a key measure of economy growth, increased 0.2% in January, in line with expectations following a 0.1% fall in December.
The increase was supported by a pick up in construction activity (growing 1.1% quarter-on-quarter) and a stronger month for the services sector (increasing 0.2% quarter-on-quarter and acting as the largest contributor to the rise in GDP).
Production output, however, fell 0.2% quarter-on-quarter.
The modest growth comes after the UK fell into a recession.
Tina McKenzie, Policy Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), said of the figures: “An increase in GDP is an encouraging start to the year, and one small firms will be relieved to see, as it raises hopes that we may be pulling out of the shallow recession declared following low levels of negative growth through the second half of 2023.
“It’s too early to celebrate with any great level of vigour, however, as small firms are certainly finding the going tough at the moment.
“The recent Budget contained some help for small firms, notably the raising of the VAT threshold from £85,000 to £90,000 and the cut to National Insurance contributions, but small firms hoped for more help with day-to-day costs.
“This isn’t just about existing businesses starting to turn to growth in 2024; this is about creating the conditions for people to set up in business for the very first time, the next generation of start-ups who will make up the ground we lost during the Covid years when the UK small business population contracted by 500,000, losing one in 10 of them.
“Our Small Business Index research has found particular cause for concern among hospitality and retail firms, which are trailing far behind the overall average in terms of confidence levels. Indeed, one in eight firms in the hospitality sector expect to close entirely in the next 12 months, nearly four times the rate for all businesses, which should be a huge wake-up call to the Government about the dangers facing many thousands of small businesses.
“Small businesses contribute an enormous amount to the economy, and a sustainable recovery will be built on their success and growth. Today’s news must be built on if it is not to turn into another false dawn for small firms.”
