Light Science Technologies renews partnership with global lighting supplier

April Lara
-
0
Light Science Technologies renews partnership with global lighting supplier

Derby-based manufacturer Light Science Technologies Holdings has renewed its 12-month distribution framework with Gavita International, a major supplier of horticultural lighting.

The agreement continues to cover the distribution of Gavita’s lighting systems for controlled environment agriculture, including installations across glasshouses, polytunnels, and other indoor growing facilities. It supports Light Science Technologies’ AgTech division, which develops solutions to enhance sustainable food production in response to global food security and climate challenges.

Since the collaboration began in early 2025, the pipeline of potential projects linked to the agreement has more than doubled, rising from around £10 million to over £24 million. The company has already completed international installations under the partnership, including a project in Poland, and is pursuing new opportunities across Europe and other markets.

Light Science Technologies continues to operate through its three divisions: controlled environment agriculture, contract electronics manufacturing, and passive fire protection. The extension of the distribution deal aligns with the firm’s strategy to expand its global reach and strengthen its position in sustainable agriculture technology.

Travis Perkins sees sales rise in third quarter

Tess Egginton
-
0
Travis Perkins sees sales rise in third quarter

Travis Perkins has seen revenue rise in its third quarter, as actions taken to sharpen its competitive proposition in the Merchanting segment have improved sales performance.

Group like-for-like sales were up 1.8%, with Merchanting revenue up 1.7%. Trading at Toolstation, meanwhile, was “solid,” with like-for-like revenue growth of 2.3%.

The business noted that it continues to make good progress on enhancing cash generation which is further strengthening the group’s balance sheet.

Geoff Drabble, chair of Travis Perkins plc, said: “As we outlined at our half year results, in the third quarter we have consciously focused on building top-line momentum and regaining market share in the Merchanting businesses. I am pleased with how our teams have responded to this challenge with Merchanting returning to revenue growth and our operating performance stabilising.

“In what remains a highly competitive market, we have invested in pricing and targeted promotions and will continue to do so in the near-term. We continue to demonstrate good discipline on capital allocation and overheads which will allow us to reinvest in our proposition and position the Group well as we look forward to Gavin Slark’s arrival as CEO in January.”

Building work starts on national MRI facility at the University of Nottingham

Tess Egginton
-
0
Building work starts on national MRI facility at the University of Nottingham
Building work has begun on a new national MRI facility at the University of Nottingham that will be home to the UK’s most powerful MRI scanner. This will be used by researchers and doctors to give unprecedented insights into brain function and the mechanisms of human disease.
The new magnet hall will be a large extension to the existing Sir Peter Mansfield Imaging Centre and Midlands contractor G F Tomlinson has been appointed to deliver the project. The 250 sq m structure is the first part of the development of the national facility that will be home to the 11.7 Tesla Ultra High Field MRI scanner – a 70-tonne, state-of-the-art system that will enhance the UK’s capability for world-leading brain imaging research. The new scanner needs very specific conditions to operate and the new Magnet Hall will be an iron-shielded space designed to safely contain the scanner’s magnetic field. Surrounding infrastructure will include a control and equipment room, clinical spaces, patient waiting areas and essential welfare facilities to provide a comprehensive clinical and research environment. Professor Richard Bowtell, director of the Sir Peter Mansfield Imaging Centre, is leading the project and said: “It’s a huge moment to see the building starting to take shape after months of meticulous planning for this complex project and we’re delighted to be working with GF Tomlinson. “We’re extremely proud to be building on Sir Peter’s Mansfield’s legacy that started here with the invention of MRI in the 1970’s. The Ultra-High field scanner is the next generation in technology and will provide a step change in the capabilities of imaging research, unlocking new opportunities for collaboration and innovation to bring new understanding to a range of diseases.” Andy Sewards, group chairman, G F Tomlinson, said: “It’s a privilege to once again be supporting the University of Nottingham in delivering a facility that will have a lasting legacy in clinical research. Having previously completed landmark schemes such as the Biodiscovery Institute, we are proud to be working once again at University Park Campus – as well as delivering projects across the University’s Castle Meadow and Jubilee Campuses. “The Sir Peter Mansfield Imaging Centre extension will become a cornerstone of medical excellence in the UK, and we’re pleased to be contributing our expertise to such a nationally significant facility.”

Major redevelopment near Northampton Station set for approval

April Lara
-
0
Major redevelopment near Northampton Station set for approval

A significant redevelopment project near Northampton Railway Station is expected to move forward following a recommendation for approval by West Northamptonshire Council’s Strategic Planning Committee.

The proposed scheme, led by Blocwork LLP and Network Rail, outlines plans for a six-storey residential building with up to 280 homes, a five-storey hotel with around 100 rooms, and a six-storey multi-storey car park providing 866 spaces. The project forms part of a wider plan to modernise the station area and improve connections with the town centre.

Initial designs proposed an eight-storey car park with more than 1,100 spaces, but the height and capacity were scaled back to address local traffic and visual concerns. The mixed-use scheme is intended to revitalise an underused site next to the station, offering new housing and hospitality facilities while supporting sustainable transport links.

The development will be reviewed by the Strategic Planning Committee, which is expected to approve the proposal. The project is being positioned as a key step in Northampton’s ongoing regeneration strategy, enhancing the area’s role as a gateway to the town and supporting its long-term economic growth.

Toyota backs new micromobility research in Derbyshire

April Lara
-
0
Toyota backs new micromobility research in Derbyshire

Toyota will lead a £30.3 million research and development project in Derbyshire to create a lightweight battery electric vehicle aimed at the urban mobility market. The initiative, funded under the UK Government’s DRIVE35 Collaborate programme, includes a £15 million grant from the Department for Business and Trade through the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC).

The project will focus on validating a small, lightweight electric vehicle in the L6e category, designed to address rising demand for sustainable transport in dense urban areas. Manufacturing and testing will take place at Toyota Manufacturing UK’s Burnaston facility, reinforcing the company’s long-term investment in Britain’s automotive R&D sector.

The vehicle will feature an integrated solar roof, enhanced connectivity, and sustainable lightweight materials intended to support recycling and resource recovery.

The consortium brings together industry and academic partners, including ELM, which specialises in lightweight delivery vehicles; Savcor, leading the development of solar photovoltaic roofs; and the University of Derby, which will research user behaviour and the role of solar energy in micromobility. Toyota Motor Europe will contribute by supporting skills development among the Burnaston team.

Rik Adams, Innovation Delivery Director, The Advanced Propulsion Centre UK, said:

“APC is very proud to be able to support Toyota with this Electric Vehicle (EV) urban mobility project, which embodies much of what DRIVE35 aims to support – innovation, UK competitiveness, productivity, and zero emission vehicles. As an integral part of the UK automotive industry, we are delighted that Toyota is partnering with some of our innovative SME businesses, such as ELM, and our world-class academics from the University of Derby, to deliver a cutting-edge vehicle concept designed, developed, and tested in the UK.”

The collaboration aims to strengthen the UK’s competitiveness in low-carbon vehicle innovation and promote growth across the electric mobility supply chain.

Impact HR Consulting appoints new CEO

Tess Egginton
-
0
Impact HR Consulting appoints new CEO
Impact HR Consulting Limited has appointed experienced business leader and HR professional Greg Guilford as its new Group CEO. Greg joins Impact HR Consulting with more than 20 years’ experience in senior leadership, consultancy and HR. At his previous consultancy in Northants he spent 17 years as CEO. Since leaving his previous consultancy in 2024, Greg founded a consultancy business, Aeon Nexus Growth Partners, which supports small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with business growth strategy, investment advice and practical leadership and operations support. Greg has also volunteered as a business mentor with Enterprise Nation and taken on an advisory board member role with TechSkills. Founded in 2018 as Kingswood Group, Impact HR Consulting recently rebranded following a series of acquisitions in Essex, Leeds and Leicester. Greg said: “I am delighted to be joining Impact HR Consulting at such an exciting time in its journey. The business has built an excellent reputation for delivering high-quality HR services, and the new brand reflects its ambition to make a real impact for clients, which I am a firm believer in. “I look forward to working with the talented team to continue driving growth and ensuring we deliver the very best HR services to businesses across the UK.”

Winvic achieves Net Carbonzero certification

Tess Egginton
-
0
Winvic achieves Net Carbonzero certification
Winvic Construction has achieved Net Carbonzero certification through the Achilles Climate Impact Programme, following verification under ISO14064 Part 3. Now operating as a Carbon Neutral business, Winvic has reduced its overall carbon footprint by 71% in compliance with the Part 3 requirements. The announcement highlights the contractor’s ongoing commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and the transparency of its auditing through globally recognised and verified scheme, Achilles. An early adopter to measuring emissions, Winvic began its carbon reduction journey 13 years ago. In that time the contractor has implemented a range of measures to reduce its impact on the environment and embed sustainability across all operations – from investing in renewable energy, battery back-up generators, alternative fuels and energy sources, to waste reduction initiatives and creating its Green Supply Chain (GSC) Forum. Establishing its Sustainability Strategy in 2020, using the pillars of People, Innovation, Planet and Community, these pillars gave Winvic a roadmap to work towards its sustainability goals, including that of being a Carbon Neutral business and directly support seven of the United Nations’ Global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Since 2012, Winvic has been monitoring and measuring its Green House Gas (GHG) emissions, and has achieved the Achilles Carbon Reduce Programme Certification in line with ISO 14064-1 annually since 2022. This globally recognised certification is aligned with Science Based Target initiatives (SBTis) and industry best practice for carbon emission measuring and reporting. As part of Winvic’s steps to reduce Scope 3 emissions and reach carbon neutrality, in 2021 it launched the GSC Forum, a platform designed to educate and collaborate with supply chain partners on sustainability, decarbonisation, and social value. Through bi-annual workshops, one-to-one support, and monthly communications, Winvic engages its 80 GSC partners providing them with the relevant knowledge on ESG principles and decarbonisation, as part of its commitment for a Net Zero future. Winvic also plays an active role in shaping the future of sustainable construction and ESG policy at a national level. It is a project partner of the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) on a number of decarbonisation initiatives. These include updating the initial Net Zero Carbon Buildings Framework, which laid the foundation for defining Net Zero carbon buildings, the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard Pilot Testing Programme, helping to shape aligned metrics and targets, the Advancing Net Zero Workstream, to help facilitate an accelerated pathway to decarbonisation, and the Supply Chain Forum, a community of peers within UKGBC to share challenges and discuss solutions. In 2024, Winvic was invited to join the Advisory Board of the Policy Liaison Group (PLG) on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG), as the sole main contractor representing the construction industry in Westminster. Arun Thaneja, technical services and sustainability director at Winvic, said: “We want to raise the bar for delivering sustainable buildings and infrastructure for our clients, while also leaving a lasting social, environmental and economic legacy. Our newly achieved Carbon Neutral status is testament to that ambition and the progress we have made to decarbonising our operations. “We are incredibly proud to have achieved the certification, and we continue on our carbon reduction journey while supporting and encouraging our GSC partners and clients on their own pathways to a Net Zero future.” Rob Cook, managing director – civils & infrastructure at Winvic, said: “Achieving Carbon Neutral status reinforces our responsibility as an industry leader to set the standard for sustainable construction and infrastructure delivery. “This certification and milestone on our journey to Net Zero is not only important to Winvic, but it enables us to support our clients, including National Highways and other public sector partners, who place strong emphasis on reducing environmental impact and achieving Net Zero targets across their programmes. “It’s a milestone we’re proud of, but it’s also a platform to go further, working collaboratively with our clients, partners, and supply chain to deliver low-carbon solutions that make a real and lasting difference.”

Nottingham set for £1.8m active travel investment

April Lara
-
0
Nottingham set for £1.8m active travel investment

Over £1.8 million in external funding is being directed towards improving walking and cycling routes in Nottingham, as part of the East Midlands Combined County Authority’s latest investment in sustainable transport infrastructure.

Nottingham City Council will review plans to formally accept the funding, which includes £1.3 million for the redevelopment of Gregory Boulevard between Mansfield Road and Noel Street. The proposed works would enhance connectivity between the city centre, Sherwood, and nearby educational, leisure, and transport facilities, forming part of a wider active travel network.

The Gregory Boulevard scheme aims to enhance accessibility and safety for pedestrians and cyclists by upgrading crossings, resurfacing roads, and improving pathways. The improvements would reduce future maintenance disruption and provide better access to venues such as the Forest Recreation Ground, the Forest Park & Ride, and the Forest Sport Zone.

An additional £459,814 has already been allocated to explore future walking and cycling schemes across Nottingham and to continue supporting community cycling initiatives in partnership with British Cycling. The ongoing programme has already introduced thousands of residents to cycling, helping increase participation in active travel across the city.

The proposals will be opened to public consultation before construction begins.

Launch your business to new heights with Lincoln College’s Skills Bootcamps

Tess Egginton
-
0
Launch your business to new heights with Lincoln College’s Skills Bootcamps
Got a potential superstar within your business? Do you know someone who has shown a growth mindset? Or do you just want to become a better leader yourself? Then Lincoln College’s Skills Bootcamps could be the way to develop and grow your workforce to face the challenges of the future. Director of Business Development & Partnerships at Lincoln College, Mark Taylor, says: “Delivered over 10 weeks, the Emerging Leaders Programme supports succession planning by offering those members of your workforce who aspire to be managers/supervisors an opportunity to learn the essential skills to be an effective leader. the ILM Level 3 Certificate in Leadership. “The course is designed to enhance participants’ leadership abilities, focusing on how leaders think, communicate, and act, as well as earning the ILM Level 3 Certificate in Leadership. It is a fantastic opportunity to not only identify the leaders of the future, but to level up your workforce in a very cost-effective way.” Additionally, participants will also complete the Extraordinary Leadership Programme, delivered by the leading local management consultancy, Human Alchemy. Operations Manager for We Sell Tyres and Excelr8 Motorsport Dan Zelos, who has undergone the 10-week course, said: “As an Operations Manager, I’m always looking for new ways to level up, for myself, my teams, and the business. “This course was incredibly insightful and expertly tailored to help managers like me challenge conventional thinking and drive high performance across the board. “I’d highly recommend the course to anyone in a similar role — or those with ambitions to get there.” The modules, taught at Lincoln and Newark, cover everything from communication to leadership skills, focusing on technology, strategies and much more. Individuals joining this course need to be able to give up one day a week for the full ten week course. Costs are subsidised, for SMEs (under 250 employees) the cost is £265 per learner (90% funded). For large companies (250+ employees), the cost is £795 per learner (70% funded). Newark businesses will pay £199.50 if they are an SME and £598.50 if they have over 250 employees. To find out more, visit https://info.lincolncollege.ac.uk/skills-bootcamps

UK spinout investment hits record £3.35bn in 2024

April Lara
-
0
UK spinout investment hits record £3.35bn in 2024

Investment in UK university spinouts reached a record £3.35bn in 2024, marking a 44% rise on the previous year, according to new data from Parkwalk and Beauhurst. The figures highlight renewed investor confidence following a slowdown in 2023, with average equity investment climbing from £4.96m to £7.49m.

Life sciences remained the leading sector for capital raised, particularly in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, supported by continued interest in research commercialisation. Deep tech, AI, and data infrastructure firms also attracted significant backing, reflecting alignment with national innovation priorities.

Parkwalk emerged as the most active spinout investor during the year, completing 41 deals, or 54 when including transactions through its parent, IP Group.

The report points to a growing reliance on long-term capital and policy stability to sustain momentum in university-linked innovation. Analysts note that while the UK continues to demonstrate global strength in research translation, access to scale-up funding remains a decisive factor for future growth.

1...131415...1,157Page 14 of 1,157