Rolls-Royce gets UK Space Agency backing

Tess Egginton
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Rolls-Royce gets UK Space Agency backing
Rolls-Royce has secured funding from Phase 2 of the UK Space Agency’s International Bilateral Fund (IBF). The funding enables strategic research partnerships within the UK space sector and emerging space nations to work together.
The new £1.18 million award from the Fund backs collaboration to identify and advance the optimum technologies for a fission nuclear system, benefitting both UK and U.S. space nuclear development programmes for a range of space power missions. Rolls-Royce is collaborating with U.S. firm BWXT Advanced Technologies LLC (BWXT) to deliver this phase of development, which has been cemented in a Teaming Agreement between the two companies. The agreement facilitates business collaboration and joint developments of new and novel nuclear applications in the space domain, which utilise the core nuclear design and manufacturing strengths of each party. This agreement further strengthens UK and U.S. collaboration on first-of-a-kind space technology innovation, as detailed under the Atlantic Declaration commitment. In an announcement made by UK Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak and U.S. President, Joe Biden on 8th June 2023, both countries pledged to study “opportunities for co-operation on space nuclear power and propulsion.” BWXT brings extensive experience in nuclear capability in the U.S. having manufactured nuclear components for over 70 years, complementing Rolls-Royce’s comparable experience in the UK. This synergy has built a strong strategic partnership, rooted in the successful delivery of nuclear projects for their respective countries over many decades.

Steve Carlier, President for Rolls-Royce Submarines Ltd, said: “We are delighted to win the award for the second phase of the International Bilateral Fund and to be continuing our collaboration with the UK Space Agency and our international project partner BWXT.

“The Teaming Agreement between Rolls-Royce and BWXT brings together over 130 years of safe and secure nuclear delivery on both sides of the Atlantic. “This new agreement builds on our complimentary core competencies and market knowledge from our respective countries. This enables us to build upon our existing relationship and explore potential strategic relationships and business arrangements to further develop nuclear technologies and products for Space.”

Joe Miller, president of BWXT Advanced Technologies LLC, said: “BWXT and Rolls-Royce share a commitment to creating and delivering nuclear energy systems to explore space, support global security imperatives and generate clean energy.

“Today’s announcement, and our teaming agreement more broadly, allows our companies to use our complementary areas of expertise for this award and new opportunities to come.”
All space missions depend on a power source to support systems for communications, life-support and science experiments. Nuclear power has the potential to dramatically increase the duration of future space missions and their scientific value. Nuclear power, effectively utilised in space, will deliver a step change in mission capability across an extensive platform of applications. Space micro-reactors are a solution to meet these requirements in a sustainable and resilient way, and this latest award from the UK Space Agency ensures the continued development of this technology.

Professor Anu Ojha, Director of Championing Space at the UK Space Agency, said: “Our International Bilateral Fund bolsters international collaboration that harnesses the UK’s national expertise, supports new space capabilities and catalyses investment. This exciting research by Rolls-Royce to develop space nuclear power is an opportunity to showcase the UK as a spacefaring nation.

“Innovative technologies such as this one could pave the way for continuous human presence on the Moon, whilst enhancing the wider UK space sector, creating jobs and generating further investment.”
This latest tranche of investment follows £2.9 million of funding awarded to Rolls-Royce from the UK Space Agency under the Lunar Surface Nuclear Power Contract and Phase 1 of the IBF project in 2023, which delivered an initial demonstration of a UK lunar modular nuclear reactor.

Chesterfield pharmacy moves to new HQ and invests in innovative equipment

Stuart Pearcey
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Chesterfield pharmacy moves to new HQ and invests in innovative equipment
Chesterfield-based Peak Pharmacy has invested in new, innovative equipment to speed up its processes, along with improving accuracy and capacity. The organisation recently moved to a new headquarters at the Horizon 29 development near Chesterfield and is now investing in an Austrian system provided by Knapp to improve the way it dispenses medications for customers. Managing Director, Joe Cattee explained: “Knapp partners with a number of organisations within the country already and supports with the ability to pick products by using fully automated and manual picking zones for speed and convenience. “The attraction to work with this provider was that they have designed a system that enables us to dispense patients’ medication at our site. This takes this workload out of community pharmacy and creates capacity within our pharmacy network for our teams to support patients in different ways. “The machine is significantly more accurate than human dispensing, and the speed in which we can dispense medication means that we can do approximately half of all the prescriptions we do on a monthly basis through our Hub. Clearly, there will be some requirements to support and educate both our pharmacy teams and patients, but it enables us to revolutionise what we do under extremely challenging conditions.” The new technology is helping Peak Pharmacy to revolutionise how it operates, enabling the business to continue thriving during a challenging economic climate. Joe Cattee added: “Community pharmacy is vastly underfunded across England. It’s being reported that 8 pharmacies a week are closing in the current climate with funding decreases between 2015 & 2019, and a flat fee funding contract introduced from 2019 – 2024. This obviously has a detrimental effect on the million visits to community pharmacy in England every day. “By investing in automation at our Hub, we reduce the stress and pressure on our pharmacy teams, ensuring a better level of patient care is provided. The launch of the ‘Pharmacy First’ scheme on 31st January 2024, enabling community pharmacy to treat seven common health conditions without visiting a GP, shows the direction of travel that community pharmacy needs to undertake. “By removing dispensing volume across our estate, and assembling centrally, we can ensure a more accurate and timely service of medication provision, whilst also having capacity to engage in more NHS and private services to support patient wellbeing. In short, if we don’t adapt then we will not remain a viable business. Community pharmacy plays a huge part in supporting the country, but the financial reimbursement for what we do means that the costs of running our business now outweigh the revenue we receive for the services we provide.”

PAB Languages Centre secures place on prestigious framework

Tess Egginton
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PAB Languages Centre secures place on prestigious framework

PAB Languages Centre has been named as a supplier on the KCS Procurement Services Language Services Framework Y23031 for the next four years.

Operating nationally and regionally, the East Midlands business will provide an array of services, including translations, transcriptions, ancillary services, telephone and video interpreting, and face-to-face interpreting with a focus on inclusivity through BSL interpreting.

The award of Framework Number Y23004 by KCS Procurement Services marks a pivotal step for PAB in expanding its footprint in public sector language services.

Tarryn Kerr, Director of KCS Procurement Services, said: “We are delighted to have launched our new Language Services framework, which has been created to help support public sector organisations across the UK. “Our framework experts have undertaken a stringent tender process to award to the successful suppliers and we are pleased that PAB Languages Centre is one of our new partners. We look forward to creating a long-lasting relationship with PAB Languages Centre and working collaboratively to support the needs of the UK public sector.”

“Being part of this prestigious framework is not just a great achievement; it’s a responsibility that we take very seriously,” said Iwona Lebiedowicz, Managing Director of PAB Languages Centre Ltd.

“We understand the critical role language services play in a diverse and multicultural society. Being appointed onto the framework reflects our team’s dedication to delivering top-tier language services and demonstrates PAB’s excellence in service quality, efficiency, and reliability.”

This framework is designed to streamline the procurement process for public sector entities, offering a direct award capability that ensures a quick and compliant route to acquiring language services.

New Chief Executive for Futures Housing Group

Tess Egginton
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New Chief Executive for Futures Housing Group
Futures Housing Group has appointed Tim Mulvenna as its new Chief Executive Officer, taking up the post later this year. Tim will succeed Lindsey Williams who became the first CEO of Amber Valley Housing in 2003 and has remained with the organisation through its merger with Daventry District Housing to create Futures in 2007. Lindsey announced her intention to step down in September 2023. Tim has nearly 20 years’ experience in housing and joins from The Barnet Group where he is Chief Executive. The Group is responsible for all aspects of homelessness and housing in the borough. It includes the ALMO (arms length management organisation) which manages Barnet Council’s housing stock, a care and a support company, a registered provider, and a sales and lettings agent. The organisation has delivered the first new build council housing in the area for nearly 50 years and set up its own registered provider of social housing which has developed and acquired over 800 new homes. Previously Tim was Group Director, Customer Services at L&Q, London’s largest housing association where, amongst other things, he was responsible for rolling out the direct maintenance service as well as the stock investment programme. Commenting on his appointment, Tim said: “I am absolutely delighted to be joining Futures. The organisation has a brilliant track record and the focus on customers is clear. “The challenges for housing associations and our residents have never been greater and I look forward to working with the team to continue to improve services and deliver more much needed affordable homes.” Chairman of Futures’ Group Board, Mike Stevenson, who has led the search for Lindsey’s successor added: “We’re immensely proud of our people, our culture and most of all the great homes and services we offer our customers. “Lindsey has played a central part in making the organisation the great success it is today and so finding the right person to follow in her footsteps was really vital. So, following a thorough recruitment process, we’re really pleased to have appointed Tim as our new Chief Executive and look forward to welcoming him onboard. “This is an ideal time for Tim to join the Futures family. We have just launched our new corporate plan setting out our ambitions for the next three years and recently retained our G1/V1 ratings from the regulator following our latest in-depth assessment. “So with Tim picking up the reins we will be fantastically well equipped to deliver our vision of providing quality homes and services for better futures across the East Midlands.”

Financial services activity sees strong rebound in first quarter

Tess Egginton
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Financial services activity sees strong rebound in first quarter
Financial services business volumes grew at a fast pace in the first quarter of 2024 after having fallen in the fourth quarter of 2023, according to the latest CBI Financial Services Survey. Firms expect volumes to increase at an even quicker rate over the next three months. The quarterly survey, conducted between 1 and 19 March, also showed that FS firms’ optimism increased quickly over the quarter. Headcount in the sector grew at a fast pace for a fourth consecutive quarter, and firms anticipate that headcount growth will accelerate further in the next three months. Key findings:   
  • Business volumes grew rapidly in the quarter to March (+36%) after having fallen last quarter (-23% in December). Firms expect volumes to increase at an even quicker rate in the next three months (+50%).
  • Optimism increased at a quick rate in the quarter to March (weighted balance of +29% from -3% in December).
  • Average spreads declined in the quarter to March (-19% from -4% in December) but are expected to increase next quarter (+9%).
  • The value of non-performing loans increased in the quarter to March (+11% from +3% in December) but is expected to fall next quarter (-7%).
  • Profitability grew at a quick rate in the quarter to March (+37% from -3% in December). FS firms expect profitability to increase at a similarly fast pace next quarter (+38%).
  • Headcount grew at a fast pace in the quarter to March (+40% from +46% in December). Firms expect headcount growth to accelerate slightly next quarter (+45%).
  • Firms expect to increase investment in IT in the next 12 months (compared to the last 12). Capital expenditure on land & buildings is set to be unchanged, while firms expect to cut back on investment in vehicles, plant & machinery.
  • Uncertainty about demand was the most commonly cited factor likely to limit investment in the next 12 months (53% from 53% in December).
Louise Hellem, CBI Chief Economist, said: “It’s encouraging to see that the financial services sector had a strong start to the year after a weak final quarter in 2023. Firms expect this positive momentum in activity and hiring to continue going forward, although investment intentions are more mixed. “As a key enabling sector to the rest of the economy, the uptick in activity and hiring will be welcome news. But with global capital markets up for grabs in the race for net zero, we need to send a signal to investors that the UK is open for business, by reinforcing the UK’s leadership in sustainable finance, and offering a world-leading regulatory framework. “So, the CBI is calling for the delivery of a Net Zero Investment plan to ensure public spending is targeted to those areas where there are market failures and to further leverage private sector investment.”

Community cash up for grabs from housebuilder’s £10,000 fund

Tess Egginton
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Community cash up for grabs from housebuilder’s £10,000 fund

Charities and community groups across the East Midlands will benefit from £10,000 of housebuilder funding this year.

Miller Homes has launched its annual Community Fund initiative, which enables local charities, businesses and sports clubs to apply directly to the housing developer for up to £2,000 per organisation as part of the overall pot for 2024.

Each of the housebuilder’s 10 trading regions will have access to £10,000 as part of the Community Fund, including the developer’s Derbyshire-based East Midlands region.

Applicants can request a specific donation amount from Miller Homes, ranging from £250 to £2,000, and must provide their proposals for how the money will be spent as part of their application.

The housebuilder supported several groups as part of its Community Fund programme in 2023, including foodbanks, schools, football and cricket clubs, homelessness charities and autism support groups.

Entries for the first funding round of 2024 can be submitted until Wednesday, April 24, when applications will close for Miller Homes to review the submissions ahead of making their choices of which groups will benefit.

Alastair Parsons, area sales director for Miller Homes East Midlands, said: “As a responsible housebuilder, we appreciate how important giving back to the communities where we’re delivering new homes really is, and our Community Fund enables us to achieve this.

“Twice annually, we open our doors to local charities, sports clubs, small businesses and those who best represent their communities to apply for a donation from Miller Homes to help them achieve their next goals.

“We are really proud to be able to fund local community projects and we always marvel at the stories we hear in response when we see how our money has been used to create positive momentum for those involved.

“So, with applications open again for the first round of funding in 2024, I hope we will receive some inspiring entries once again, to allow Miller Homes to contribute towards our communities as part of our long-term aim to create a better place for people to prosper.”

Renewable energy company expands to Bradmore Business Park

Tess Egginton
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Renewable energy company expands to Bradmore Business Park
Renewable energy company, GeoGreen Power Ltd has let Unit A Bradmore Business Park in Bunny. The property comprises a detached two storey office building situated within a Parkland Campus to the south of Nottingham. Bradmore Business Park comprises three sister buildings that were developed in 2011, all consisting of modern detached office space. FHP let Unit A Bradmore Business Park, which it says generated a strong level of enquiries with the majority of interest leaning more towards a floor-by-floor option of circa 3,000 sq ft, which seems to evidentially be in strong demand for ‘out-of-town’ business park floor space requirements. Ideally, FHP wanted one occupier to take the whole space available to make it more of an attractive option for its client, although they were open to either. “We were delighted when GeoGreen Power Ltd came along and expressed their interest in the whole property,” FHP noted. “After viewing the suite only once, they were already set that this was the office for them as the characteristics of the building appealed to them and their type of occupation. Amy Howard, surveyor at FHP Property Consultants, added: “It was a great result in the end for both our client and GeoGreen Power. The demand for ‘out-of-town’ office space especially in this size bracket is not as high as it once was, so it was a great result to secure a deal so quickly and complete on the legals within four weeks of being under offer. “This property is an example that if a landlord maintains their property well and offers high quality modern office space then the demand is still there and prospective tenants are keen to move. “GeoGreen Power Ltd had only recently started their office search but had not yet come across one that suited their needs and ultimately fell in love with Bradmore Business Park on their first viewing and I wish them all the best on continuing their journey. “We are witnessing demand increasing for offices situated within business parks, with accessibility being a key requirement alongside ample car parking making it attractive for employees and accessible. I am excited to see what this year brings with the office market as in recent months we have seen a rise in take up.”

Commercial property agents find own new premises

Tess Egginton
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Commercial property agents find own new premises
A commercial property agent has relocated to a brand-new office just a free kick away from the site of one of the firm’s most memorable deals.

Salloway Property Consultants, which specialises in the sale, letting and management of commercial and industrial property together with providing strategic advice on development land, has purchased premises in Royal Scot Road, on Pride Park.

Founded by lifelong Derby County fan Stephen Salloway, the company was responsible for the sale of the Baseball Ground in the 1990s, paving the way for the creation of Pride Park Stadium itself, and the 100,000 sq ft Soccer Dome which it pre-let to JJB Sports.

The new office is designed to allow Salloway to grow the property management side of the business and expand its land development division with both areas becoming increasingly popular with clients.

Staff have worked together to create a contemporary, user-friendly office space, specifically designed to enhance the teamworking ethos which has been the cornerstone of the firm’s success. Managing Director Stephen said: “We have been based on Pride Park since 2005 when we were the very first commercial property agent to move here. But of course, our association with Pride Park goes back in further than that with our links to the stadium and soccer dome.

“With such strong links to the area, it seems very fitting that the future of our company is being shaped so close to the site of a deal that was really significant in our history.

“Since then, Pride Park has gone from strength to strength and is now seen as one of the region’s most successful business parks with a variety business, leisure and residential users sharing the same address in a fully integrated manner. Many of the property enquiries we receive have already determined that Pride Park is their favoured location.

“Obviously Covid was a shock to the market giving rise to the work-from-home and hybrid-working concepts, but we can sense the resurgence – people want the experience of going out to work. We feel that with our own staff too which is why we have invested in a new office.

“It was certainly all hands to the pump at times but that turned the move into a team-building exercise, which I dare say was quite fun at times. There is little doubt that the move has refreshed and energised us all which is timely as the market, like the economy, starts to re-emerge from the doldrums of high interest rates and we are seeing a marked increase in demand for our services.”

Ashby property consultancy re-elects managing partner for third term after overseeing growth to record size

Tess Egginton
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Ashby property consultancy re-elects managing partner for third term after overseeing growth to record size
A property consultancy has re-elected its managing partner for a third term after he oversaw its growth to a record size. Andrew Bridge was unanimously voted to stay on as managing partner at Fisher German by his fellow partners until at least April 2028, having first been elected in 2019. His re-election follows Fisher German’s merger with the former Matthews & Goodman in 2022, and the opening of a major new office in Birmingham in late 2023, which has made Fisher German a firm of 800 employees. Andrew is now looking to continue this success by increasing Fisher German’s influence in major cities and ensuring clients receive a joined-up approach from the firm’s many areas of expertise. He said: “It’s a huge honour that Fisher German’s many partners saw fit to elect me again for a third term. It’s a real vote of confidence in the direction the firm is going in. “As a firm, we not only want to help our clients with one issue but to enable them to maximise the value they get from us by assisting them in all sorts of property matters. “We now have an incredible breadth of expert knowledge across our company, from investment; lease advisory, and valuations, through to planning; sustainable energy; infrastructure consultancy; and more. “Our clients are already reaping the benefits of this cross-section of expertise, and I am confident we can continue to grow our influence and win more instructions as I enter into my third term as managing partner.” Andrew is also focusing on Fisher German leading by example when it comes to factors such as ESG and career progression. “Many of our clients are increasingly focused on sustainability and ensuring their supply chain meets that standard – which of course includes Fisher German,” he added. “While achieving monetary value for our clients is obviously important, we need to match our clients’ values by doing all we can to work sustainably too – whether through having greener office space, partnering with charities, encouraging our colleagues to stay physically and mentally healthy, and enabling them to progress their careers as far as they wish to. “I’m looking forward to not only leading Fisher German’s growth as a company over the next few years but to growing those values beyond the bottom line too.”

Magpies to build new nest for fans

Tess Egginton
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Magpies to build new nest for fans
Notts County’s plans for a new Fan Zone called ‘The Nest’ have been granted conditional permission. The proposals relate a commercial unit on Iremonger Road in Nottingham, near the Meadow Lane ground, which will be used as a facility to meet before and after matches, selling food and drink from a bar and street food traders, and including a giant television screen showing football matches. It will also be utilised as a multi-purpose events space for leisure, entertainment and community use. Notts County said the site will “improve the overall community experience” on match days and several non-match days throughout the year. The previous tenant was East Midlands Fabrications Ltd, who produced general steel fabrications and architectural metalwork. The site offers 12,000 sq ft of indoor space complemented by a large outdoor area. Notts County want to develop a space like that seen at Box Park in Wembley, the Rapidz Fan Zone at Burnley FC, and City Square at Manchester City FC.
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