Derby-based Rolls-Royce SMR has signed an exclusive agreement with the Dutch development company ULC-Energy to work together to deploy Rolls-Royce Small Modular Reactor (SMR) power stations in the Netherlands.
Rolls-Royce SMR and ULC-Energy believe nuclear energy can accelerate the transition to a clean, affordable, and reliable energy system in the Netherlands.
ULC-Energy intends to develop nuclear projects deploying modern, state-of-the-art, modular reactors that are based on proven technology. The Rolls-Royce SMR has been selected by ULC-Energy as its SMR technology provider of choice.
The Rolls-Royce SMR applies proven nuclear technology to provide affordable, secure, low carbon electricity and heat; building on capability and experience in manufacturing, energy systems and nuclear reactor design and construction.
90% of the Rolls-Royce SMR is built in factory conditions, limiting on-site activity primarily to assembly of pre-fabricated, pre-tested, modules which significantly reduces project risk and has the potential to drastically shorten build schedules.
By signing the agreement, the parties have formalised their alignment and will be working closely together to advance application of this technology solution over coming years.
Tom Samson, CEO of Rolls-Royce SMR, said: “This is an important and exciting step forward towards deploying Rolls-Royce SMRs in the Netherlands. Working under the agreement with ULC-Energy, as a developer who will deploy our technology, we will pursue a range of opportunities to provide affordable low-carbon energy for domestic and industrial uses.”
Dirk Rabelink from ULC-Energy said: “Challenging energy market conditions, particularly in Western Europe, have clarified the importance of having reliable and affordable energy systems. The Dutch Government believes that nuclear can and should play a meaningful role in the Netherlands. The Rolls-Royce SMR is ideally suited for the Dutch market. At 470 MW, and with a capacity factor >95%, each unit makes a meaningful difference and can be deployed efficiently to either supply power to the grid, or supply power and heat to dedicated industrial users.”
Secretary of State for International Trade, Anne-Marie Trevelyan, said: “It is fantastic to see UK firms like Rolls-Royce SMR leading the way on sustainable energy and exporting green technology around the world.
“We are truly proud to support leading UK companies which lead to international partnerships like this one, not only creating high-value jobs here in the UK and abroad, but also helping to wean the planet off harmful fossil fuels and move to reliable, safe, carbon-free energy. This is another essential step to meet our ambitious net-zero commitments.”
JW Doubleday shareholders agree to sell the business
The shareholders of Lincolnshire/Norfolk-based John Deere dealership group, JW Doubleday, have entered an agreement with Ben Burgess for the sale of the business.
In line with John Deere’s dealer of tomorrow strategy, Ben Burgess will formally acquire the Doubleday Group with all employees and existing Doubleday depots across Lincolnshire & Norfolk operating as part of the Ben Burgess group.
Founded in the early 1970s by John Doubleday the business has remained family owned, successfully growing for over 50 years and becoming a core part of the agricultural community. In 1982, the business became a main dealer for John Deere – as Deere was first growing its UK presence. JW Doubleday operates from locations in Swineshead; Holbeach, Kings Lynn and Old Leake. The company employs 54 staff.
Ian Doubleday-Collishaw, grandson of the founder, said: “This decision has not been taken lightly but we the Doubleday family, were determined to protect the future of our loyal team and the longevity of a reputable John Deere dealer across our trading area. We believe this is the correct decision for everyone involved.
“Ben Burgess share Doubleday’s values for providing premium brands backed by expertise and excellent standards of customer service. The combination of our joint processes, dedicated teams and the infrastructure already in place at Ben Burgess will deliver the best value to both our team and customers. We are confident the level of service you our customers are accustomed to will continue undisrupted.
“My family and I would like to take this opportunity to thank our dedicated team and our loyal customers, many of whom we consider our friends who have supported us throughout our 40 years as a John Deere dealer.”
Ben B Turner Dealer Principal at Ben Burgess said: “The Doubleday family have built a highly successful, strong and customer focused business over the past 50 years and were adamant that they wanted to pass their legacy over to a family business that shared the same values. We are enormously proud that they have chosen Ben Burgess to continue their outstanding work.
“The combined business will strengthen our position in the industry and enable the future investments required in facilities and technologies to proactively support our customers, offer greater opportunities and security to all our employees whilst continuing to grow in a responsible and sustainable manner. This growth will give the company a strong platform to enable our business to continue building on the great legacy of these two-family businesses.
“We aim to conclude the deal by the end of September to facilitate a quick and smooth transition for the benefit of all our staff and customers.”
Financial Services most desired destination for career changers, but retention challenge remains for sector
Almost a quarter (23%) of individuals looking to change career would consider working in financial services, making it the joint most popular sector alongside professional services for individuals considering a career change according to new data from KPMG UK.
The desire to change career appears to be trending across the UK’s workforce, with over a third (35%) of workers throughout the economy considering new careers because of the rising cost of living, up from 31% during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.
The three most popular reasons why individuals would consider a career in financial services include high salary and bonus expectations (58%), a good work life balance (43%) and that the topic sounds interesting (36%).
However, despite being an aspirational sector to work in, a significant proportion (42%) of Financial Services workers will be looking to change career themselves within a year, down slightly from 44% in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Among Financial Services workers looking for a new career, 30% want improved salary and benefits, 23% want more job security and 20% want more flexibility regarding working from home arrangements.
Karim Haji, head of Financial Services at KPMG UK, said: “Given the rising cost of living and the broader economic uncertainty, it makes sense that many individuals will be considering their current roles, career choices and where they live and work.
“This will provide a great opportunity for Financial Services firms to target talent, but also make sure that they are better demonstrating the benefits of working in the sector and their improved proposition for employees. Doing so will help firms attract and retain the best talent.
“Encouragingly, the number of financial services workers looking to change career has dropped slightly since the Covid-19 pandemic. Many financial services firms have already offered pay rises to their employees, but as important to many are the other benefits which firms have invested in to boost personal fulfilment, such as more training, mobility and development opportunities.
“In the competition for talent, Financial Services firms should consider extending the scope of their search to include non-traditional pools of talent which can help boost diversity and inclusion. This could mean investing more in return-to-work, military transition, apprenticeships or school leaver programmes.
“Since the Covid-19 pandemic, many Financial Services firms have also made positive changes to their working practices, including dropping some of their more conservative employee policies in line with other sectors. This will go some way in tackling outdated perceptions of the industry and help to attract a more diverse workforce.”
The main reason why individuals wouldn’t want to work in financial services is because they don’t know enough about the sector or what job opportunities there are (32%). Long hours (23%) and the belief that the topic sounds boring (29%) were other prominent reasons why individuals would not want to work in financial services.
Karim added: “There is a huge diversity of roles within the financial services sector, and I’d encourage prospective applicants to do their research and not be put off by old fashioned stereotypes.”
Plans approved for transformation of Swadlincote town centre
South Derbyshire District Council’s Planning Committee has approved plans which will see the transformation of an area of Swadlincote town centre.
At their meeting on Tuesday 23 August, members approved the scheme, planned by the council, which will see:
The remodelling of the former indoor market site in Midland Road to create a multi-function events space available to host community and public events. This will include facilities for staging events such as open-air performances and festivals.
When activities are not taking place, the site would provide further free public car parking.
Work will also be carried out to demolish the derelict structures and clear the land between Midland Road and Belmont Street, on the sites known as Sabine’s Yard and Bank House.
Councillor Kevin Richards, South Derbyshire District Council’s leader, said: “I am proud that the plans for the transformation of Swadlincote town centre are one step closer after being approved.
“The plans for the redevelopment of Swadlincote Market Hall will see the transformation of a building which is unattractive and not fit for purpose into a new site which will offer new opportunities for entertainment.
“The wider scheme will also offer more car parking spaces, a ‘pocket park’ and the regeneration of vacant, derelict sites.”
The proposal was approved by the committee following consultation with stakeholders and the public.
Have you got your tickets for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022?
With nominations closed and the shortlist announced, the final judging is now underway to determine the winners of the prestigious East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022.
The awards recognise and celebrate those behind the changing landscape of our region – the very best companies, teams, individuals and projects – showcasing the exceptional work carried out across the East Midlands over the past 12 months.
A glittering awards ceremony revealing the winners will take place on Thursday 15 September, at Trent Bridge Cricket Ground in the Derek Randall Suite.
Attend the event to see who clinches Contractor of the Year, Developer of the Year, Commercial Development of the Year, Residential Development of the Year, Sustainable Development of the Year, Deal of the Year, Most Active Agents of the Year, Architects of the Year, Excellence in Design, Responsible Business and of course Overall Winner.
The awards also present plenty of time to network, to develop relationships with property and construction professionals from across the East Midlands. Book your tickets here.
The event will begin at 4:30pm and continue until 7:30pm, with additional time thereafter for networking and celebrating.
The occasion will additionally feature John Forkin MBE DL, Managing Director at award-winning investment promotion agency Marketing Derby, as keynote speaker.
Complementary drinks and canapés will be served on arrival. Dress code is standard business dress.
Thanks to our sponsors:
Shortlist for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022
Most Active Agent – sponsored by Blueprint Interiors Mather Jamie OMEETO BB&J Commercial Commercial Development of the Year – sponsored by Frank Key Broad Marsh Bus Station and Car Park – Galliford Try Construction Etiquette Park – Clowes Developments Nottinghamshire Police and Nottinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service joint HQ – Henry Brothers Responsible Business of the Year – sponsored by Press for Attention PR Cawarden Arc Partnership Phoenix Brickwork Residential Development of the Year – sponsored by Sterling Commercial Finance The Rise, Southwell – Stagfield Group Glenvale Park – Glenvale Park LLP Hindle House – KMRE Group Deal of the Year – sponsored by Blythin & Brown Insurance Brokers St James Securities – Phase Two of the Becketwell regeneration scheme in Derby – 3,500 capacity Becketwell performance venue with ASM Global Wells McFarlane, APB and Newton LDP – sale of 460 acres of land in North Leicestershire, making way for a new garden village Morgan Industrial Properties Limited – acquisition of the former Ewart Chain site in Shaftesbury Street, Derby Developer of the Year – sponsored by Ward Hockley Developments St James Securities HBD Architects of the Year – sponsored by OMS Swain Architecture Rayner Davies Architects CPMG Architects Excellence in Design – sponsored by Cawarden St. Peter’s Gate renovation – CPMG Architects Health and Allied Professions Centre at Nottingham Trent University – Pick Everard Brookside Farm – Chevin Homes Sustainable Development of the Year – sponsored by Viridis Building Services Refurbished HQ for LKAB Minerals – Scenariio Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre – Chesterfield Borough Council, Whittam Cox Architects, Robert Woodhead Group Broad Marsh Bus Station and Car Park – Galliford Try Construction Contractor of the Year – sponsored by RammSanderson Galliford Try Construction Cawarden Enrok Construction The Overall Winner, sponsored by Streets Chartered Accountants, will also be announced at the ceremony, who will be awarded a year of marketing/publicity worth £20,000.
To be held at:
Derbyshire housing association secures £102.5m funding deal to boost affordable housebuilding
Savills Financial Consultants has helped Peaks & Plains Housing Trust strike a £102.5m funding deal that will support the landlord’s plan to build around 500 new homes by 2028 to help address local housing need.
The finance package agreed with Aviva Investors and Barclays demonstrates continued investor demand for working with housing associations operating in UK regions.
The £72.5m private placement with Aviva Investors, along with a refreshed £30m revolving credit facility (RCF) with Barclays, will enable Peaks & Plains Housing Trust to deliver on its plans for communities across three local authority areas in Cheshire, as well as in Derbyshire, High Peak in the East Midlands, and the North West of England.
Jules Booker, director of resources at the 5,200-home association, said: “Thanks to the hard work of everyone involved in this deal, Peaks & Plains is now in a better position to be able to fund the new homes the members of our communities want and need.
“The new deal with Aviva Investors and Barclays has enabled us to restructure our existing loan portfolio and extend our existing liquidity lines. This has helped to make us an even more resilient organisation that can create great places to live in the areas in which we operate.”
Munawer Shafi, head of Structured Finance & Private Debt at Aviva Investors, said: “Social housing has an increasingly vital role to play in providing affordable homes to communities, and also offers investors a good deal of value relative to other sectors.
“As we continue to build our external client base, there has been a material uptick in the number of those who recognise the power of their investments to do good and create positive social outcomes, whilst also capturing financial returns.
“The ability of social housing to provide solid cashflows whilst having a positive impact beyond our business and into communities makes it a compelling sector for us to increase our exposure to and to continue our support of.”
Robert Hession, Barclays relationship director, said: “We’ve been with Peaks & Plains since its inception in 2006 and we’re delighted to continue our partnership and support. This new finance package will enable the business to continue on its growth trajectory, investing in existing homes, developing new social housing and delivering for its present and future residents.”
Mike Roche, director at Savills Financial Consultants, said: “It has been great to work on this new deal for Peaks & Plains Housing Trust, knowing that it will play a part in helping the team there to push ahead with plans that will benefit communities in Cheshire, Derbyshire and beyond. Here at Savills Financial Consultants, we continue to be heartened by investors’ interest in supporting housing delivery across the UK regions.”
Natalie Swales, senior solicitor at Devonshires, said: “We are delighted to have been able to support Peaks & Plains Housing Trust in securing this long-term funding with Aviva Investors. This will allow Peaks & Plains to deliver on its development ambitions over the coming years and increase the supply of good-quality social housing in and around East Cheshire and the High Peak for years to come.”
Shortlist revealed for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022
Business Link can now reveal the shortlist for this year’s highly anticipated East Midlands Bricks Awards – THE event for Property & Construction in 2022.
Showcasing the outstanding work of those behind the changing landscape of our region, the Bricks Awards features a diverse range of categories and a glittering awards ceremony that will host many of the region’s industry leaders. This event is also an ideal opportunity to celebrate and network with the very best in the business.
The award ceremony announcing the winners will take place on Thursday 15 September, at the famous Trent Bridge Cricket Ground.
Book your place at the awards now to avoid disappointment!
The event will begin at 4:30pm and continue until 7:30pm, with time thereafter for networking and celebrating. The occasion will additionally feature John Forkin MBE DL, Managing Director at award-winning investment promotion agency Marketing Derby, as keynote speaker.
Complementary drinks and canapés will be served on arrival. Dress code is standard business dress.
Thanks to our sponsors:
Shortlist for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022
Most Active Agent – sponsored by Blueprint Interiors Mather Jamie OMEETO BB&J Commercial Commercial Development of the Year – sponsored by Frank Key Broad Marsh Bus Station and Car Park – Galliford Try Construction Etiquette Park – Clowes Developments Nottinghamshire Police and Nottinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service joint HQ – Henry Brothers Responsible Business of the Year – sponsored by Press for Attention PR Cawarden Arc Partnership Phoenix Brickwork Residential Development of the Year – sponsored by Sterling Commercial Finance The Rise, Southwell – Stagfield Group Glenvale Park – Glenvale Park LLP Hindle House – KMRE Group Deal of the Year – sponsored by Blythin & Brown Insurance Brokers St James Securities – Phase Two of the Becketwell regeneration scheme in Derby – 3,500 capacity Becketwell performance venue with ASM Global Wells McFarlane, APB and Newton LDP – sale of 460 acres of land in North Leicestershire, making way for a new garden village Morgan Industrial Properties Limited – acquisition of the former Ewart Chain site in Shaftesbury Street, Derby Developer of the Year – sponsored by Ward Hockley Developments St James Securities HBD Architects of the Year – sponsored by OMS Swain Architecture Rayner Davies Architects CPMG Architects Excellence in Design – sponsored by Cawarden St. Peter’s Gate renovation – CPMG Architects Health and Allied Professions Centre at Nottingham Trent University – Pick Everard Brookside Farm – Chevin Homes Sustainable Development of the Year – sponsored by Viridis Building Services Refurbished HQ for LKAB Minerals – Scenariio Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre – Chesterfield Borough Council, Whittam Cox Architects, Robert Woodhead Group Broad Marsh Bus Station and Car Park – Galliford Try Construction Contractor of the Year – sponsored by RammSanderson Galliford Try Construction Cawarden Enrok Construction The Overall Winner, sponsored by Streets Chartered Accountants, will also be announced at the ceremony, who will be awarded a year of marketing/publicity worth £20,000.
To be held at:
Light Science Technologies bolsters team with new appointments
AgTech specialist Light Science Technologies (LST) has made two new appointments to its team to continue advancing its strategy of growth.
New recruit Jessica Browne joins as electronics engineer, having previously worked as an engineer at various companies including GeoSLAM and Microlise. With a wealth of technical knowledge, she brings her 25 years’ experience specialising in designing and developing microcontroller-based products.
Her new position will see her take on an R&D function, where she will be responsible for the design of electronics for LST’s burgeoning grow lighting and sensor product portfolio, as well as having input into type approvals, software and firmware design.
James Swords also joins as new project manager, leveraging more than 15 years’ experience at large aerospace companies, starting off as a technical apprentice straight from school.
Previously he worked at established hydraulics and energy absorption device firm TA Savery & Co Ltd / Oleo International as development manager, taking on the operational lead for the expanding UKAS accredited test laboratory for rail and elevator products. In a newly created role at LST, among other responsibilities he will be tasked with overseeing new projects and implementing efficient processes to actively manage and communicate resource.
Simon Deacon, CEO and founder of Light Science Technologies, said: “I believe Jessica has the experience and expertise to help lead our R&D function and execute on the company-wide vision for innovation and growth going forward. Her breadth of design engineering knowledge will play a key role in LST’s development of its lighting and sensor products for the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) market.
“James’ recruitment is an important part of LST’s ongoing strategy to develop and strengthen its project management capabilities. With his track record in coordinating major projects and operations as a mechanical engineering manager, he is the person ideally equipped to step into this new role to support our clients across indoor farming with their project requirements and to streamline technical operations to ensure efficient delivery to the highest standard.”
Established in 2019, the firm currently employs 18 staff at its HQ and inbuilt lab facilities in Hilton, Derbyshire.
Freeze energy prices for firms or risk business failures, warns East Midlands Chamber
An energy cap for businesses must be introduced and prices frozen at an affordable level for at least the next year, says East Midlands Chamber – as it warns against a “cost-of-doing-nothing crisis” that will result in business closures and redundancies.
It believes the cap would give companies the financial headroom to make key investments that will make the necessary productivity gains in order to dampen inflationary pressures until a longer-term solution is found.
The chamber of commerce for Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire has also joined the British Chambers of Commerce network in creating a five-point plan for Government to support businesses via the following measures:
- Ofgem to be given more power to strengthen regulation of the energy market for businesses
- Temporary cut in VAT for energy from 20% to 5% to reduce costs for businesses
- Covid-style support by introducing a Government emergency energy grant for SMEs
- Temporarily reverse the increase in national insurance contributions and put money back into the pockets of businesses and workers
- Government to immediately review and reform the shortage occupation list to help bring down wage pressures and fill staffing vacancies
Burton abuse charity appeals to businesses for support after seeing rise in demand for its services
A Burton charity offering emotional support for victims of sexual abuse is appealing to businesses to help ensure it can carry on its vital work, after seeing a rise in demand in 2022.
The Sexual Abuse and Rape Advice Centre (SARAC) has launched a new corporate sponsor scheme offering the opportunity for businesses to become involved in a very important local charity.
SARAC has helped thousands of sexual assault survivors, including men, women, non-binary people and children, over nearly 30 years of running its services in East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire.
The only specialist rape advice and sexual abuse centre covering the area, it was formed in 1994 by a group of local women who were shocked at the lack of local support for those dealing with the aftermath of sexual abuse during childhood or as adults.
National figures from Rape Crisis show that one in four women and one in 20 men have endured sexual assault of some kind as an adult, while one in six children have been sexually abused.
SARAC offers help for all those aged over 11 who have been through sexual abuse, with the aim of reducing their post traumatic suffering.
The charity’s counsellors are trained to a high standard to offer specialist, face-to-face emotional support. It also runs an outreach service working in local schools and colleges to educate young people and reduce incidence of sexual violence, as well as raising awareness of the availability of the charity should anyone need it.
SARAC holds a prestigious Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, as well as The Staffordshire High Sheriff’s Award. It has reported a rise in demand in its services in 2022, delivering support to the same number of survivors in the first half of this year as in the whole of 2021.
SARAC is inviting businesses to support its services so it can employ more people, offer more therapeutic services, increase its training and support for local communities, and do more research, as well as offer more prevention and education programmes.
Between 2020 and 2021, SARAC helped 218 adults plus 83 children and young people. During that year more than 30 volunteers supported the charity with more than 2,700 hours of their time.
Catherine Miles, CEO of SARAC, said: “Our charity offers a vital service to help people carry on with their lives after suffering the acute trauma of sexual-related assault. Figures from Rape Crisis show that sexual assault is so prevalent in today’s society that literally anyone could be affected. With that in mind, our charity has never been more important. We want to be there to offer our services to anyone who needs them.
“Absolutely anyone can be referred or refer themselves to our service. Some of those we see come to us for years after the trauma they have undergone.
“Now more than ever, we really need support ourselves so we can carry on with helping others. Sexual abuse is a tough topic but for those who have been through this type of trauma, the acute mental distress can last for years. Counselling has been proven to help people come to terms with what has happened and carry on their lives, as well as reduce the likelihood of repeating abuse down the generations. It’s really vital that we can carry on with our work so we’d love to hear from local businesses who feel our service is something they would like to support.”
SARAC is launching a range of schemes enabling businesses to support their services. Corporate options include adopting SARAC as a charity partner for the year, and encouraging staff to take part in active fundraising such as sponsored cycle rides or other activities.
The charity also offers the opportunity for businesses to take a more ‘hands off’ approach, which could include giving employees the chance to donate part of their salary to SARAC, and matching any donations given with one from the company.
Catherine said: “We have devised a range of schemes which we hope will attract local companies to support us. It would be wonderful to think that with the help of firms in our area, we can continue to offer SARAC’s important services, and expand them, so that we can carry on with our aim of spreading education, awareness, and support for many years to come.”
Businesses which are interested in supporting SARAC are asked to contact Catherine at: Catherine.miles@sarac.org.uk
