Focus becomes partner of NTU’s School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment in support of sustainability in construction

Tess Egginton
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Focus becomes partner of NTU’s School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment in support of sustainability in construction

Focus has become an official partner of Nottingham Trent University’s School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment (ADBE), with its newly launched £1.5m Centre for Sustainable Construction and Retrofit.

As part of this arrangement, Jason Redfearn, managing partner at the Nottingham-headquartered consultancy, has been appointed as lead for Focus’ ongoing contribution to the centre which will include skills development, research, training, and consultancy support to the University in a mutual drive to help the UK construction sector to reach net zero carbon. It will also offer various related placement and employment opportunities for students.

The company has supported built environment programmes at the University for seven years and now the relationship has been cemented by this new partnership.

The Centre for Sustainable Construction and Retrofit will bring together a range of expertise from leading experts to help the construction sector reach the ambitious net zero climate change targets by 2050 and benefit students wishing to pursue a sustainability focussed career within construction.

“The Focus team is excited to be a partner of ADBE and the Centre for Sustainable Construction and Retrofit on a three-year framework,” said Jason Redfearn. “We are committed to a sustainable future for the built environment and this partnership will enable us to share our expertise with future generations.

“Focus has a long history of supporting the built environment teaching and learning at Nottingham Trent University, providing lecturing and other support, which has helped to develop skills in the sector. Now we have built on our long-standing relationship by official partnering as the University launches this exciting new project. I am very pleased to be actively involved and look forward to continuing to play a key role in the drive towards net zero in the construction sector.”

During the three-year term, Focus is committed to student engagement, lectures, internships, industry insights, promotion of the Centre for Sustainable Construction and Retrofit, as well as an award for students associated with excellence in sustainability in the built environment.

Founder partner at Focus, Kevin Osbon, who is an alumnus and a lecturer at the University, said: “Focus is an innovator – a company that is at the forefront of sustainability – and this partnership with Nottingham Trent University and the new Centre for Sustainable Construction and Retrofit allows us all to be a part of the sustainability revolution.

“We take great pride in sharing our sustainability expertise with future generations of construction professionals, and those who currently work in the sector – helping us all towards a net zero target.”

The Centre, part of the School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment at NTU, will explore how the built environment sector transitions to a low carbon future, while addressing the retrofit skills gap via the creation of new courses and providing consultancy support for business.

It was launched at the university’s Newton Building, City Campus, during an event that was open to policy makers, business leaders, academics and students. Focus’ Jason Redfearn was among the speakers exploring the challenges and opportunities for the built environment sector to meet Net Zero 2050.

“Net-zero by 2050 presents a huge challenge to the construction sector, which accounts for up to 50 per cent of carbon emissions,” said Professor Richard Bull, an expert in energy, sustainability and the built environment and Deputy Dean of ADBE, who will lead the new centre.

“An absence of skills, knowledge and expertise threaten to derail plans for the UK’s important net zero targets, but this ground-breaking centre will enhance the way in which existing buildings and new construction can meet those all-important climate change objectives.

“NTU has a well-earned reputation for sustainability in the built environment and our research in housing retrofit in particular has a strong track record. We plan to develop new ways to support industry, to help them learn the new skills needed to retrofit existing properties en masse and create new buildings in a sustainable way.”

Air, road and sea freight solutions provider expands in Derby

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Air, road and sea freight solutions provider expands in Derby
AGI, a provider of air, road and sea freight solutions, has expanded its presence in Derby, moving to a significantly larger office in Nurton Developments’ Cardinal Square to accommodate its future growth. The new 3,776 sq ft office, three times the size of its previous one, positions the company for continued success into 2024 and beyond as it looks to scale up operations to better serve its clients and meet their evolving needs in the East Midlands. Dale Cross, director of AGI Derby, said: “It’s a great step up for us, but what’s even better is that it’s just down the corridor from where we were before. “Cardinal Square is ideally located for our needs and near to amenities and designed to consider the wellbeing of our team too, which will also help us recruit as we expand. “We have big plans for the East Midlands following rapid growth of the business and all the team are pleased to be staying at Cardinal and looking forward to welcoming new people and growing into the new space as we deliver our strategic growth plans.” David Dyas, asset manager for Nurton Developments, said: “We’re pleased to be retaining AGI in Derby city centre and helping them expand their presence in the region, signing them up for another 6-year lease. “Cardinal has always been an office to help nurture businesses and as a landlord we welcome conversations and are open to looking at how we can use the space to offer flexibility and opportunity for occupiers to realise their ambitions. “AGI is a classic example of a company looking for a base, taking a two-man office three years ago, then a five desk office 15 months ago expanding into 1,100 sq ft and now trebling their space requirements. “The next few years look set to be exciting for AGI and we look forward to watching and playing a supporting role in their continued success.”

Sustainability award for East Midlands business at trade body conference

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Sustainability award for East Midlands business at trade body conference
An East Midlands builders merchant has been recognised with an award by national trade body, the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF). John A Stephens Ltd, based in Nottingham, was handed the BMF Sustainability Award 2023 at the BMF Annual Members Conference and Awards. Philip Long, sales director at John A Stephens Ltd, said: “We at John A Stephens were thrilled to have won the Sustainability Award at the BMF Members Conference and Awards. It’s great to be recognised by the industry for our ongoing efforts in net zero and carbon reduction. “We’ve invested heavily in solar, installing panels across all of our available warehouse roof space at both branches and constructing a new substation at the main site. We replaced all 28 of our diesel forklift trucks, both counterbalance and side loaders with fully electric trucks. “We continue to look for ways to reduce our carbon footprint with the potential introduction of a Battery Storage Scheme. We would hope that we can help pave the way for other organisations to get on board and contribute to the improvement of their local environment.” Held at the Hilton Metropole Hotel in Birmingham, the BMF’s Annual Members Conference and Awards recognises the achievements of individuals and businesses within the builders’ merchants’ industry. The BMF Sustainability Award 2023 was sponsored by Kerridge Commercial Systems. John Newcomb, BMF CEO, said: “Congratulations to the team at John A Stephens Ltd on the commitment to sustainability and demonstration of leadership that is recognised with this award. “BMF membership encompasses the entire building materials distribution industry, and our Annual Conference and Awards are an opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of suppliers, service members and individuals across the sector.”

£12m secured to help progress The Island Quarter

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£12m secured to help progress The Island Quarter

Conygar has secured a new debt facility agreement to power forward Nottingham’s Island Quarter.

The loan with A.S.K. Partners Limited (ASK), for a maximum of £12 million, will be utilised to further progress certain plots at The Island Quarter site, in addition to the planning application for the company’s potential acquisition site in Bristol.

The term of the loan is for a minimum of two years. The interest rate is calculated by reference to the Bank of England base rate plus a margin of 5.9% and is secured on part of The Island Quarter site in Nottingham.

Robert Ware, Chief Executive of the company, said: “We are delighted to have secured the facility with ASK which now enables the further progression of both our substantial mixed-use projects at Nottingham and Bristol.”

Pioneering hydrogen programme which could protect and create 360,000 jobs a step closer to reality

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Pioneering hydrogen programme which could protect and create 360,000 jobs a step closer to reality
A major hydrogen programme that could save the UK 12 million tonnes of CO2 emissions per year is a step closer to reality after a property consultancy supported the launch of a detailed delivery plan for the project. Fisher German is providing land services and developing the consenting strategy for Cadent as part of the East Coast Hydrogen project (ECH2), which will connect hydrogen plants to end users and other strategic networks in the Midlands and the North East, and decarbonise much of the existing natural gas network. It has worked as part of a multi-disciplinary team for Cadent including Worley, J.Murphy & Sons, SLR and Camargue to contribute to the project’s Delivery Plan, which was officially presented to government in November at a launch event. The project, which is jointly led by Cadent, Northern Gas Networks and National Gas, aims to connect up to 4 TWh of hydrogen storage by 2030, save up to 12 million tonnes of CO2 emissions per year by 2037, and help decarbonise industries such as power generation, aviation, and commercial business. It is also estimated to retain and create around 360,000 jobs in Teesside, the Humber and the East Midlands. Mark Gilkes, partner at Fisher German and its DCO (Development Consent Order) land strategy lead, said: “The launch of the Delivery Plan for East Coast Hydrogen is a significant step in making this ambitious project a reality. “It provides more clarity for decision-makers in the public and private sector as to what the project might look like and how it can be realised. “Our role is to progress the consenting strategy for Cadent through consultation with landowners and secure a DCO if needed. “We are delighted we are continuing to play a major role in helping decarbonise the country’s gas network through our involvement in this pioneering plan.” Sally Brewis, head of regional development at Cadent, said: “Our industrial and power generation customers in The Humber, South Yorkshire and the East Midlands are telling us they need hydrogen in huge quantities to decarbonise their operations – often hydrogen is their only viable option. “They need a resilient pipeline network that connects them to storage and production sites and our Delivery Plan shows how that will happen. The carbon savings potential is enormous, and we’ll help to ensure that our treasured manufacturing industries can stay viable in a Net Zero world, maintaining employment in the regions. “It is vital that projects such as this are supported and accelerated, enabling the customers who need hydrogen to make their own investment decisions for the energy transition. Cadent is proud to be a part of driving the future infrastructure that can help enable the achievement of these ambitions.”

Health & safety training provider snaps up prime Pride Park location

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Health & safety training provider snaps up prime Pride Park location
Salloway Property Consultants has let a prime, off market industrial unit on behalf of long-standing clients, Ivygrove. The successful letting of the prime commercial property on Pride Park, Derby makes testament to Derby’s enduring popularity as a location for both local and national occupiers. William Speed at Salloway Property Consultants helped facilitate the leasing process for growing national training provider, 3B Training, with the letting completing in just 5 weeks following the initial viewing. William Speed said: “It is great to be able to place another national business in a prime location within Derby. The letting to 3B Training emphasises the fact that Derby still proves to be top of the list for many regional and national occupiers.” 3B Training Limited has taken c. 3,250 sq ft of industrial accommodation on Royal Scot Road, Pride Park. This adds to an expanding number of training venues across the UK including Blackburn, Doncaster, Leeds and Manchester to name a few. Dave Brooks, executive chairman at 3B Training, added: “We are thrilled to have found a unit in such a short timescale. This move has allowed us to expand our office space and means we can offer a wider range of courses to our clients in the Midlands, including practical courses such as Basic Scaffold Inspection and PASMA.”

Buses door open for Alstom engineers

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Buses door open for Alstom engineers
trentbarton is offering guaranteed interviews for engineers who are facing the threat of redundancy from the Derby operation of train manufacturer Alstom. It is reported that more than 1,300 jobs are at risk at Alstom’s Litchurch Lane site, due in part to the delays to the HS2 high speed rail project. trentbarton has engineering operations at several sites including in Derby, Nottingham and Langley Mill, and at its sister operator Kinchbus in Loughborough. It is keen to recruit skilled engineers even if they have not worked on buses before. trentbarton Group Engineering Director John Bickerton said: “We’re saddened to see the impact on engineers of the uncertainty around Alstom’s order books, and on the wider Derby community as Alstom looks to reduce its skilled workforce. “At trentbarton and Kinchbus we are looking to grow and have lots of demand and opportunities in our workshops. “We will guarantee an interview for any skilled Alstom staff who are feeling uncertain about their future, and we have a route for upskilling anybody with an engineering background so they can reach a level 3 NVQ qualification in buses.” trentbarton recently gave its qualified engineers a pay rise of at least 20 per cent, with some getting more than 25 per cent. John said: “We have opportunities for mechanical, electrical and body technicians to join the team. Alstom engineers should get in touch to find out more about working at trentbarton and how we can put their skills to work.”

1,300 jobs on the line as Alstom plans to end production of rolling stock in Derby

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1,300 jobs on the line as Alstom plans to end production of rolling stock in Derby
After months of talks with Government, Alstom is planning to end the production of rolling stock in Derby and will be starting a redundancy consultation affecting manufacturing staff, matching up with the end of current projects. It sees around 1,300 jobs put at risk at the Litchurch Lane factory following a dwindling order book due to HS2 setbacks. Alstom is the UK & Ireland’s leading supplier of new trains and train services, having built, or building, just under 40% of the UK mainline train fleet; as well as the entire fleets in service with London Underground. The company is one of Derby’s largest private sector employers, employing 2,000 highly skilled people who design and build trains at their Derby Litchurch site, which is the UK’s only train factory. Leader of Derby City Council, Councillor Baggy Shanker, commented on the future of Alstom’s train manufacturing within Derby: “We’ve been informed by Alstom this morning that after months of talks with Government, they must now plan to end the production of rolling stock within the city and will be starting a redundancy consultation affecting Derby manufacturing staff, coinciding with the end of current projects. “The Litchurch Lane factory site is a unique asset for Derby and the UK and we understand the impact these supply chain job losses will have on our residents and the wider region. “We’ve been working closely with Alstom, Unite and senior Government officials to explore potential resolutions to the current situation since the announcement of possible job cuts back in September and we’re saddened to hear that a solution has not yet been possible. Minsters really need to commit and focus on this vital industrial sector. To date I’m disappointed that no Minister has agreed to speak to us on this matter. “The rail sector is immensely important to the city, and was recognised earlier this year with Derby being named the home for the new Great British Railways headquarters. “We stand with Alstom and their workers during this disappointing time and continue to support wherever we can.”

Leicestershire building society plans office move

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Leicestershire building society plans office move
Market Harborough Building Society (MHBS) has revealed plans to move to a new head office, and is pledging to offer meeting and event space to local groups and charities. MHBS, whose 120 strong management and administrative functions are currently based across two sites in the centre of Market Harborough, is moving to the former Joules building at The Point Business Park. The 12,152 square foot office has been empty since 2019 so MHBS’ move by spring 2024 will help reinvigorate this landmark location. The move includes purchase of a 65 space car park adjacent to the office building which will ensure the venue is accessible for groups of all sizes. The Society’s CEO, Iain Kirkpatrick, says: “By moving head office we’re able to unite our colleagues in one building for the first time, creating a modern and flexible working environment which will encourage more team working and collaboration which is good news for members, whilst also supporting the health and wellbeing of our people. “The Point’s reputation as a premium location also means we can boast a compelling work environment for our teams, now and in the future as we continue to grow the Society. “I’m also personally delighted that The Point offers us the ability to share the benefits of our new office with local community groups, clubs and societies by making space available for them to host meetings or other events. “Supporting our community is at the heart of our purpose as a mutual and our ambitious Thrive! Agenda, which is focused on giving back to the communities we serve.” The Society is upgrading the new office space with sustainability at the heart. This principle will underpin the design and see MHBS re-purpose as much of what is already on site as possible in order to minimise wastage. All the works will be undertaken by local contractors, with the key project team all based within 15 miles of Market Harborough. The Society has no plans to move its Welland House Branch, which occupies space in one of its current head office buildings. Kirkpatrick says: “We are committed to providing face-to-face service in our Market Harborough branch, which we know is invaluable to many customers especially the more vulnerable members of society. “The branch offers much more than a place to transact, our colleagues offer a wide range of support to help members look after their financial and personal wellbeing, as well as playing a vital role in their wider communities through fundraising and volunteering activities.”

Project Better Energy appoints chairman

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Project Better Energy appoints chairman
Project Better Energy, a clean technology and heating solutions provider, has appointed Volker Beckers to the board of the company as non-executive chairman. After graduating from Cologne University with a degree in Economics & Business Administration and an initial career in IT, Mr Beckers has spent the last three decades within the international energy industry, serving most notably as group CEO of RWE Npower plc until the end of 2012 and prior to this, its group CFO from 2003 to 2009. His professional experience spans both the private and public sectors, as well as academia, and since 2013, Beckers has held several leadership roles at a diverse portfolio of private companies, in addition to board roles within government bodies such as HM Revenue & Customs and the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) Board. He also sat on the Advisory Board of the EU Centre for Energy and Resource Security (EUCERS) at King’s College, and is chair of the Advisory Board with Erasmus Centre for Future Energy Business (ECFEB), a specialist research center at Rotterdam School of Management. Based in Burton-upon-Trent, Project Better Energy was founded by Chief Executive Officer Simon Peat in 2011. Beginning in the residential solar market, the company has since expanded its product range to include off-peak power storage, electric vehicle chargers, air-sourced hot water cylinders and infrared heaters, providing a diversified range of clean technology solutions to both the residential and commercial property sectors. The business has experienced significant growth over the last twelve years and is now the UK’s largest solar panel retailer, installing nearly 40,000 solar energy systems to date. Additionally, its Project EV division has installed over 80,000 electric vehicle chargers across the residential, commercial and public sectors, such as local councils and the NHS, as well as major retailers including B&Q and Arnold Clarke. The group now employs approximately 300 people across its divisions and generates around £100m of sales on an annual basis. Mr Beckers’ appointment comes after the recent announcement that Freshstream has acquired a strategic stake from the company’s shareholders, who reinvested alongside the firm. Project Better Energy is the 6th investment for Freshstream’s first independent fund, which closed earlier this year having raised €762 million. Volker Beckers, incoming chairman of Project Better Energy, said: “Project Better Energy has quickly grown into the UK’s largest solar panel retailer and is fast becoming a leading provider of EV systems and energy efficiency solutions as demand for these technologies has expanded significantly. “Demand for these services will only grow further as businesses and organisations begin to ramp up initiatives aimed at meeting regulatory requirements to integrate clean energy solutions, offer electric vehicle charging infrastructure and enhance energy efficiency in both new and existing developments. “Simon has built a talented and motivated team over the past twelve years, as well as a strong industry network and customer base, which will provide the foundation for the company’s next phase of growth and is underpinned by recent investment in the business. I look forward to working with the Board to provide the governance oversight and market insights to guide Project Better Energy as they realise the future vision for the business.” Simon Peat, CEO of Project Better Energy, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Volker as chairman at Project Better Energy as we reach this exciting inflection point for the company. “His breadth of non-executive roles and multi-national experience built over many years will further enhance the capabilities and expertise of the board as we execute our ambitious growth strategy to provide a diverse range of clean technology and energy efficiency solutions across the UK.”
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