Another STEP towards near limitless, low-carbon energy at West Burton
The future of abundant low-carbon energy without the need for fossil fuels could be in sight after Science Minister George Freeman announced the creation of a new delivery body for the UK’s fusion programme, named UK Industrial Fusion Solutions Ltd.
Fusion energy has the potential to transform our world, by delivering near limitless, safe and low-carbon energy across the globe for generations to come.
It also represents a burgeoning industry in which the UK is already a world-leader, as demonstrated by the record-setting results from experiments conducted at the UK’s Joint European Torus (JET) facility last year, with the potential to not only power the world but deliver vast economic growth across the country.
On the visit to the future site of the UK’s first prototype fusion energy plant at West Burton, near Retford, the minister urged energy companies and investors to recognise the vast potential fusion energy could have for both the UK and the wider world.
The Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) plant will be constructed by 2040 to demonstrate the ability to use fusion energy to generate electricity for the UK grid.
Magnetic confinement fusion, the approach to generate fusion that will be demonstrated in STEP, occurs when a mix of two forms of hydrogen are heated to extreme temperatures – 10 times hotter than the core of the sun – fuse together to create helium and release huge amounts of energy.
The energy created from fusion can be used to generate electricity in the same way as existing power stations. Fusion is many million times more efficient than burning coal, oil or gas and the raw materials needed to provide the fuel for fusion are readily available in nature.
However, a number of significant technical hurdles remain, which the STEP programme is set up to address.
The STEP programme intends to pave the way to the commercialisation of fusion and the potential development of a fleet of future plants around the world, driving forward the UK’s global leadership in this innovative sector.
The announcement comes shortly after a major breakthrough for fusion in the US where the US National Ignition Facility in California conducted fusion experiments which released more energy than was put in by the lab’s enormous, high-powered lasers, a landmark achievement known as energy gain.
Science and Innovation Minister George Freeman said: “Fusion energy now has the potential to transform our world for the better by harnessing the same process powering the sun to provide cheap, abundant, low-carbon energy across the world.
“The UK is the world-leader in fusion science and technology, and now we are moving to turn fusion from cutting edge science into a billion-pound clean energy industry to create thousands of UK jobs across the UK, grow exports and drive regeneration of this former coalfield site through a fusion innovation cluster in Nottinghamshire.
“That’s why I’m delighted to announce the creation of Industrial Fusion Solutions as the vehicle for industrial development and deployment of this technology as a new clean energy source in the coming decades.”
Professor Sir Ian Chapman, UKAEA Chief Executive, said: “The establishment of Industrial Fusion Solutions will enable STEP to accelerate its journey towards delivery of electricity from fusion energy to the grid. The new body, which will be formed over the next 18 months, will be established as a programme delivery organisation, driving performance and pace and engaging industry in this endeavour.
“Alongside the establishment of the new organisation, we are beginning to map out our future skills requirements and, as part of this, we are committing to the development of a STEP Skills Centre at West Burton. This will enable us to provide as many opportunities as possible to people across the area.
“We look forward to working with people in the region to develop our ambitious plans and realising broader social and economic benefits.”
The new organisation will be a company limited by shares established to work together with industry to deliver the prototype plant by 2040. Recruitment for the Chair of UKIFS launches soon.
As part of the visit, Science Minister George Freeman also announced an immediate commitment to create the STEP Skills Centre at West Burton, a major boost during National Apprenticeship Week. He also spoke with local apprentices currently working at the UKAEA Culham campus, and key local stakeholders.
Welcoming the news of a new delivery body and skills centre, Councillor Ben Bradley MP, Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council said: “STEP will bring incredible benefits to the county and wider region, including millions, if not billions worth of investment, putting it at the heart of the government’s plans to revolutionise the way we generate energy in the UK.
“The site will be the international hub for carbon-neutral, fusion development, attracting the brightest minds locally and from across the world and creating thousands of highly skilled jobs. The creation of a new skills centre at West Burton will further boost skills and training.”
Cllr James Naish, Leader of Bassetlaw District Council, said: “The District Council welcomes the announcement of the creation of a new company to deliver the STEP project. The construction of a prototype fusion energy plan will require significant investment over the next two decades, and we are delighted that the initial steps – including the appointment of the first three local jobs – are happening quickly and efficiently.
“I am especially excited by the broader benefits of this project. In addition to billions of pounds being spent on the project itself, we envisage millions being pumped into towns and villages across Bassetlaw, through both direct and indirect investment. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Retford, Tuxford and other nearby settlements to see improved infrastructure, better connectivity, and thousands of new skilled jobs – all of which will raise living standards and transform our area.
“The announcement about a new training hub on the West Burton site is also warmly welcomed. The creation of high-quality apprenticeships for people of all ages is a corporate priority for the Council, and we are looking forward to working with the UKAEA and its partners to create successful training programmes for current and future Bassetlaw residents.”
Next steps for major 4,500 home regeneration scheme
Plans for one of Derby’s flagship regeneration projects, with the potential for thousands of new homes and jobs, could be set to receive a boost as Derby City Council’s Cabinet are set to grant powers and transfer funding to Derbyshire County Council.
The two authorities, along with South Derbyshire District Council, are working collaboratively to deliver one of the city’s most exciting projects, the South Derby Growth Zone which includes the Infinity Park Derby and Infinity Garden Village.
The authorities have already received an ‘in principle’ of £49.6m from the Levelling Up Fund, which is reliant on a full LUF Business Case being submitted.
Cabinet members will now decide whether to approve the transfer of £500,000 of Homes England Garden Villages funding to the County Council to finalise the business case.
This scheme promises major benefits for Derby, including up to 4,500 new homes, 3.4 million square feet of employment floor space, and a further 5,000 jobs for the city. Without the new junction, it’s expected that only 280 of the possible 4,500 new homes would be possible.
These new homes would form the new Infinity Garden Village, one of 14 new Garden villages announced by the Government in 2017 as a response to meeting local housing needs – especially for first-time buyers.
The County Council are also set to be granted highways powers within Derby City’s boundaries to allow them to progress works on a junction and link road at the A50, which will unlock maximum benefit from the scheme.
Councillor Steve Hassall, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Decarbonisation, Strategic Planning & Transport, said: “The South Derby Growth Zone is a big opportunity to deliver high quality housing and jobs for Derby, whilst also providing a brand-new transport link in the south of the city. Entering into these collaborative agreements demonstrates our commitment to the project and to the city.
“By allowing the transfer of powers and funds to our colleagues at Derbyshire County Council, we can ensure good progress continues to be made towards the completion of the LUF business case and delivery of the new road junction.”
The recommendation will be discussed at Cabinet on Wednesday 15 February.
East Midlands employers turn to school leaver apprenticeships to attract diverse talent
Grant Thornton UK LLP has unveiled new research for National Apprenticeship Week (6-12 February), which shows that employers in the East Midlands are increasingly looking to apprenticeships to attract diverse, talented young people to their business.
Every business leader in the East Midlands who responded to Grant Thornton’s latest Business Outlook Tracker survey said that they currently hire young people who have completed their A-Levels (or equivalent exams) into apprenticeship roles.
Over half (64%) of respondents said that they hire more school leavers in their business now than before the pandemic and 66% agree that hiring school leavers is as important to their business as hiring university graduates.
According to ONS data collected in February 2022, more than 9 in 10 (91%) university students in England were worried about the cost of living. Half (50%) felt they had financial difficulties and more than three-quarters (77%) of students were concerned that the rising cost of living may affect how well they do in their studies. For young people, these increasing financial burdens from self-funded higher education could explain the rising demand for paid apprenticeships.
East Midlands employers also see additional strategic benefits, with 78% of regional respondents to Grant Thornton’s survey agreeing that school leaver apprenticeships increase opportunity for people from lower socio-economic backgrounds within their business and 62% agreeing that school leavers perform just as well as graduates.
James Brown, partner and practice leader at Grant Thornton UK LLP, said: “Employers in the East Midlands are discovering the benefits of using apprenticeships as a development tool. These employers are strategically using apprenticeships to address issues such as improving diversity in the workforce, achieving sustainable recruitment, and replacing traditional graduate programs with highly desirable qualifications.
“Apprenticeships offer flexibility and the ability to tailor courses for specific development needs, making them particularly valuable to employers. These programs provide opportunities for training in high priority areas such as digital skills, finance, data analysis, and management, bringing new skills into the business that significantly benefit the organisation.
“At Grant Thornton, we are passionate advocates of apprenticeships as a valuable and effective route for young people to become trusted business and financial advisers. Apprenticeships promote social mobility in our communities and ensure a diverse and highly skilled talent pipeline for our firm, enabling us to provide top-quality service with teams that reflect the clients we serve.”
East Midlands manufacturer delivers £1.8m furniture contract to fit out new £60m schools campus in West Lothian
Mansfield-based Deanestor, one of the UK’s leading furniture and fitout specialist, has delivered a £1.8m contract for Morrison Construction for a new £60m multi-school campus in West Lothian. This is Deanestor’s 12th project for Morrison.
The new Winchburgh Campus near Edinburgh was built by Morrison on behalf of West Lothian Council and their delivery partner, Hub South East Scotland. It has provided two new secondary schools, a primary school with an early years facility, and a sports and wellbeing hub.
Deanestor fitted out over 340 rooms across the campus and manufactured furniture from its education solutions range.
The contract included the provision of over 300 base cabinets, 940m of white laminate worktops, over 1km of adjustable shelving, 16 teaching walls, 215 resource storage units, as well as write-on teaching aids, shoebox storage units, and wall cupboards.
David Wright, Construction Manager at Morrison Construction, said, “Deanestor performed really well at each stage of this project – pre-construction, programme scheduling, and project management. The quality of the furniture they manufactured was excellent, and the client and teaching staff are delighted with the new campus.”
“This project follows Deanestor’s successful delivery of the furniture and fitout contract at Barony Campus and good relationships with their team have been fostered on both of these large-scale schemes. We appreciate their transparent and collaborative approach and good communications, which build trust. We see Deanestor as a market leader and look forward to working on future projects.”
Lawrence Fitzpatrick, Leader of West Lothian Council, said, “I am astounded by the quality of the facilities here at Winchburgh and am delighted with the buildings that have been completed and handed over to us. The growth and development at Winchburgh is going to have such a positive impact on the local community for generations to come.”
The £62m development is West Lothian Council’s largest ever investment in education facilities and is required to serve the growing community in the core development area of Winchburgh.
The centralised teaching aids manufactured by Deanestor for each classroom feature tall resource storage cabinets at either side and a central interactive LED panel. Deanestor’s contract also included the procurement of chairs, classroom tables, modular seating for breakout areas, lockers, noticeboards, whiteboards, and dining seating solutions across the campus.
The four buildings that make up the new campus are individually distinct but share a common thread of materials, natural light, and ventilation, and have created inspirational learning environments as well as a focus for the rapidly growing community of Winchburgh.
Designed by Ryder Architecture, the secondary schools – Winchburgh and Sinclair Academies – are initially serving up to 660 non-denominational and denominational pupils respectively. Facilities include art zones and studios, breakout spaces, dance and drama halls, exhibition areas, general classrooms, science laboratories, assembly halls, hub rooms, offices, library, meeting rooms, outdoor learning areas, and sports centre.
The interior of Winchburgh Academy has a contemporary design with a master palette based on shades of green, grey, and light wood furniture, and four other colour themes reflected in soft furnishings for different parts of the school.
JM Architects designed the new Holy Family Primary School and nursery. The primary facilities have flexible play and learning spaces, reception, dining/assembly hall, courtyard, and multi-use games area for outside play.
Commercial shell to be transformed into veterinary hospital
AG Construction, a construction firm based in Hilton, Derby, has been awarded a new contract in Ashbourne, Derbyshire.
Working closely with Turner & Co Consulting Ltd., AG Construction will produce a turnkey project for their client, converting a newly built commercial shell located on Derby Road, next to Stirling Business Park, into a complete veterinarian orthopaedic hospital.
This is a significant development with the contract awarded currently standing at £550,000.
AG Construction will transform the 6,060 sq ft commercial shell into a hospital offering a full range of services to Ashbourne’s furry friends, from diagnosis to treatment.
£6.4m Community and Young People’s Centre on the horizon for Stapleford
Plans for a brand-new £6.4m Community and Young People’s Centre on the Hickings Lane Recreation Ground in Stapleford have been submitted for approval.
Due to open in 2025, the Centre will be a state-of-the-art, accessible, energy-efficient multi-use building. It will bring local community groups together under one roof as a central hub for people of all ages to meet, learn, improve health, and keep fit. Enhanced and increased onsite car parking spaces and cycle storage are included in the plans.
This project is one of six regeneration projects funded through the £21.1m Stapleford Towns Fund.
A public consultation event will be held in Spring for people to speak to the team and input into the project.
Paul Sweeney, vice-chair of the Stapleford Towns Fund, said: “People told us they wanted a place to be able to meet for activities and events, and better facilities that help them to live healthier and more active lives. The new Centre will really deliver this, and become the heart of our community, bringing people together in a building that will stand the test of time for generations to come.”
Plans for Kings Mill Reservoir advance
Plans for a new boathouse and an 80-seat restaurant have been given the green light by Ashfield District Council’s Planning Committee.
The plans form part of Ashfield District Council’s £62.6m Towns Fund projects.
Plans to demolish the former sailing club building at Kings Mill Reservoir were also approved.
The new building will provide modern, accessible changing and storage facilities for water sports on the ground floor, with a dedicated space for a restaurant on the first floor. The plans will support activities including sailing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and open water swimming at the reservoir. The new offering will allow more residents and visitors to Kings Mill Reservoir the opportunity to access water sports.
Since submitting the initial planning application for the plans in 2022, the Council has been undertaking surveys and site investigations at the sailing club building, including Bat Surveys, to ensure wildlife is protected and habitats are enhanced by the new facility. The new building will include new bat roosts, bird nesting boxes, and a replacement open-front pole-mounted kestrel nesting box.
Construction of the new extended car park to accommodate the new leisure building will begin in May 2023, with the demolition of the sailing club building beginning later this year. The construction of the new building, on the site of the sailing club building, is due to start in late summer.
The new facilities are due to be completed during the summer of 2024. The new leisure facilities will complement the expansion of the Mill Adventure Base to include new outdoor activities which will be operational in 2023.
The plans for the well-loved reservoir are just one of the 16 projects being funded by the £62.6m Towns Fund. The Council was successful in securing the funding from the government in June 2021, and since then have been developing business cases, designs, and plans for the planned projects.
Cllr Samantha Deakin, Executive Lead Member for Parks, Town Centres and Environmental Services, said: “The plans for Kings Mill Reservoir are extremely exciting. We can’t wait to be able to open up the offer of a variety of great new activities to visitors. The location of the new restaurant offering will be a fantastic addition to the reservoir, and will bring in even more visitors to Ashfield.
“I want to reassure residents that the demolition and construction phases of this project will be done sensitively to ensure none of the resident wildlife will be disturbed.”
Cllr Matthew Relf, Executive Lead Member for Regeneration and Corporate Transformation, said: “This is another positive step for our plans to make Mill Waters one of the top tourist destinations in the East Midlands. We want to hear from clubs or individuals, who are keen to get involved in developing and running water sports activities at the reservoir. Please get in touch with the team if you are interested.”
Council agrees to establish new development company
Bolsover District Council has agreed to formally establish a wholly owned development company, to help provide regeneration and new housing.
The company, called Dragonfly Development, will provide an income stream from housing, commercial and regeneration activities across the District to help fund the Council’s ambitions and the key challenges it faces.
Deputy leader, Councillor Duncan McGregor said: “Let’s not beat about the bush here, government funding is reducing all the time, so we have to come up with ways of generating more income if the Council is to survive and we are to continue with our ambitions and improve the services we provide.
“Our district is growing and everyone deserves the chance to live in a safe, secure, modern and efficient property. So, if we are in control of building these properties through Dragonfly Development, this will enable us to formulate business cases for each project and provide new homes for areas that need them and for people living in that community.”
The Council decided to set up the company after it had previously took quick and decisive action by agreeing to take on the current constructions projects at Whaley Thorns, Creswell, Langwith and Shirebrook after the collapse of its preferred building contractor Robert Woodhead Ltd.
A full business case on the new company was commissioned from Sharpe Pritchard (Public Sector Lawyers) and councillors had the opportunity to ask questions at two separate presentations. The business case shows Dragonfly to be a viable proposition, which will generate income over the proposed 30-year period of the plan.
Councillor McGregor added: “So, rather than a construction company making a profit on our regeneration and house-building schemes, Dragonfly Development will allow us to take this profit and re-invest it back into our services and District for the benefit of our residents.”
Pioneer Group invests in Nottingham surgical innovator
Pioneer Group (formerly the BioCity Group), the life sciences venture incubator in the UK, has invested in Selentus Science, a surgical innovator, to support the development of new surgical haemostat, TenaTac.
No financial details have been disclosed.
Selentus is based at Pioneer’s BioCity Nottingham site and the Pioneer investment team have known CEO Ben Nichols for many years, having previously invested in and successfully exited Haemostatix, the company he formerly led.
Selentus has developed TenaTac, an innovative medical device that controls bleeding during a surgical procedure while also reducing the risk of post-operative haemorrhage.
Ben Nichols, CEO of Selentus, said: “This investment really validates the innovation at Selentus and will assist in the funding of a post-approval clinical study of our lead device, TenaTac, and the development of an exciting pipeline of new products for surgical bleeding and wound therapy.
“We have benefited enormously from working in the BioCity, Nottingham life sciences ecosystem and from Pioneer Group’s specialist and dedicated support network. We intend to continue our ambitious growth plans with Pioneer’s support.”
Dr. Imelda Juniarsih, investment manager at Pioneer Group, said: “Our mission is to help life sciences businesses, such as Selentus, thrive at every stage of their innovation journey.
“We are proud to come in as lead investor in Selentus and strongly believe in the innovation behind TenaTac, a medical device with an exceptional IP that solves a key gap in the haemostatic market. We are excited to be supporting Selentus’ growth through our investment as well as our all-round incubator programme.”
Midlands tech specialists report a 192% increase in turnover
Public Sector specialist, Kingsfield IT, has reported a record year for growth, following a series of high-profile new business wins and several strategic appointments to their leadership team in 2022.
Kingsfield reported a 231% increase in turnover over the course of the last year compared to 2021, with revenue increasing from £6.19m to £20.47m during this period.
The success comes after a series of new business wins, including a place on the Total Technology Solutions (NOE.0552) Framework, worth £1.5 billion. The framework win means Kingsfield are now on hand to offer a range of IT solutions at best value to NHS Trusts across the country, supporting frontline workers with improved access to a wide range of products and services.
To facilitate growth, the Public Sector IT specialists appointed Brian Boys as Managing Director in February 2022, marking almost 12 months of his leadership. Kingsfield has since appointed Kieran Shah and Matt Green in senior, Public Sector roles.
Kingsfield Managing Director, Brian Boys, said: “It has been a fantastic year for Kingsfield and since my appointment in February I’ve loved supporting our specialised team in the East Midlands, continuing to grow its turnover and securing a number of framework positions.
“Alongside the new vendor accreditations and framework successes, I’m also pleased to report a huge increase in customer satisfaction, most recently in the period between October and December 2022, we can report NPS had grown to +77 for the period, signifying a huge enhancement in positive customer outcomes.
“Internally, Kingsfield has also gained a number of ISO certifications, as well as cementing our commitment to the local community by signing as a member of the Northampton and Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce, ensuring we can continue supporting small and medium sized businesses in the adoption of technology. We have no intention of stopping there and we’re hopeful 2023 will mark another year of continued growth for Kingsfield.”
Kingsfield provides IT consultancy and support to various Public Sector bodies and organisations both in the region and nationwide, working with clients such as the NHS, Ministry of Defence, Department for Education and the BBC.
