One-of-a-kind AI-driven software that can monitor the “health” of critical power plant components is being developed for sector use with the launch of a new spin-out company.
MatAlytics Ltd is a University of Nottingham spin-out that has launched following participation in Innovate UK’s (IUK) ICURe programme to identify a market and build a business plan for CITRUS (Component Integrity and Technology Readiness Utilisation System) software, which has been developed over many years of research activity.
A subsequent six-figure funding boost from IUK will now focus on commercialising the system, in partnership with Uniper UK, EDF France, and the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) in the US.
CITRUS aims to fill the current market gap to accurately monitor the structural integrity or “health” of in-service critical power plant components, in real-time. The system streams plant sensor data, such as temperatures and pressure, and combines advanced material modelling and artificial intelligence (AI) techniques to convert this information into a live representation of accumulated component damage and remaining lifespan of the engineering components.
This information offers plant operators the ability to make informed decisions to optimise the balance between commercial output and the longevity of the components, while simultaneously improving system efficiency, which will help reduce fuel consumption and emissions, and enhance plant safety.
“Launching MatAlytics Ltd is the next exciting step towards commercialising a system that has been ten years in the making, and so I’m incredibly proud to be where we are today and of everyone who has been part of the journey,” said Christopher Hyde, CEO of MatAlytics Ltd and Associate Professor at the University of Nottingham.
“Immediate component structural health feedback, based on live power plant operation, is something that operators have not had until now – and that’s the real-world solution we’re looking to provide with CITRUS. Now, this information will be available at the touch of a button.”
While the team will be focusing on the energy sector initially, they will be looking to expand into other industries once CITRUS has been established.
“The possibilities are truly endless for software like ours, but we want to focus on one area at a time and grow from there,” said Benedikt Engel, CTO of MatAlytics Ltd. “We’re already in talks with several potential clients and this will only continue to ramp up in the coming months as MatAlytics Ltd makes itself known in the industry.
“To be able to effectively have component ‘life bars’ that are constantly being updated in real-time, will truly revolutionise the way power plants can operate, and we’re thrilled to have been able to turn our research into reality and give CITRUS the platform it deserves.”
Dan Hatfield, MatAlytics board chairman and investor, said: “The UK has been an early leader in the transition to renewable energy, creating challenges with intermittency and new patterns of demand for existing thermal power plant operators.
“CITRUS can provide operators with ‘decision intelligence’ to plan, operate and maintain critical energy infrastructure in a new era of sustainability.” “Exciting new chapter” for utility and land surveying company following sale
A “significant milestone” has been chalked up by the sale of Select Surveys to the LSBUD (LinesearchbeforeUdig) Group.
Founded in 1996 and based in Kent, Select Surveys is a utility and land surveying company which specialises in limiting or eliminating risk for the design and planning of new or replacement mains and services in the utility industry.
The company’s long-standing surveying expertise now complements LSBUD’s utility mapping data service. Based in Leicestershire and Warwickshire, LSBUD provides utility asset maps in response to over 15,000 enquiries every day, having become established as the UK’s leading safe digging service with a free-to-use online search facility which covers a sizeable majority of the country’s utility infrastructure.
It can be used by anyone involved in construction, excavation, fencing, ditching and works likely to break ground of any scale, from a highway scheme to merely replacing a garden fence.
Deme Cordell, Director of Select Surveys, said: “After more than two decades of dedicated efforts in building and nurturing Select Surveys into a leading entity within the geospatial industry, we are pleased to announce an exciting new chapter in our journey.
“LSBUD is a company that shares our unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety of operatives and protecting buried infrastructure across the UK.
“This transition marks a significant milestone for Select Surveys and our valued clients. We believe that aligning with LSBUD will not only enhance our capabilities but also open up new avenues for growth and innovation.
“Our collective focus remains steadfast on expanding and refining our business operations, thereby creating enriching opportunities for our exceptional team members and delivering enhanced services to our loyal clientele.
“As we embark on this new phase of our evolution, we express our gratitude to all those who have contributed to our success thus far. We are confident this strategic partnership will propel Select Surveys to even greater heights while continuing to uphold the standards of excellence that have defined us over the years.”
Richard Broome, Managing Director of LSBUD, added: “We are delighted to have completed this deal as part of a strategic plan to extend LSBUD’s offering. Our previous growth and development has been organic so this marks a step-change, a real statement of intent. It’s just the start of our plans to extend LSBUD’s role and reach.
“With the combined experience and expertise of both companies, and working closely with our new Select colleagues, this new chapter will help solidify LSBUD’s place as the UK’s most comprehensive safe digging service.”
Fabio Rambelli, KBS Corporate Associate Director, who oversaw the deal, wished all parties the very best in their future endeavours and thanked CooperBurnett LLP, the solicitors for Select Surveys, for their work during the transaction.
East Midlands accountancy firm makes trio of promotions
Nottingham-based accountancy practice Page Kirk has made three promotions – recognising talent from within the firm.
Tom Johnson becomes Manager of the Accounts and Audit Department, Matt Walton is promoted to Assistant Manager of the same department, and Josh Ruthven has been appointed as Assistant Manager of the Tax Department.
Tom graduated in Accountancy and Finance before becoming a chartered accountant with Page Kirk. Through his diligent efforts and willingness to take on new challenges, he has earned the trust and respect of both clients and colleagues. As Manager, Tom will assume greater responsibility for the management of client accounts, the leadership of projects and providing strategic guidance.
“I am truly honoured and thrilled that my efforts have been recognised by the Partners,” he says. “This firm is an incredible environment for ambitious individuals, where dedication and innovative thinking are truly valued.”
His new Assistant Manager, Matt, joined Page Kirk with a Mathematics with Economics degree from Aston University. He has been involved in extensive networking and raising money for charity through Nottingham Chartered Accountants Student Society, as well as playing a significant role in the firm’s Audit activity.
Matt reflected on his new appointment: “It is a testament to the support and encouragement I’ve received from my colleagues and mentors. I am truly honoured and excited to take on this new role.”
Josh, who has been promoted in the Tax Department, qualified as an ICAEW chartered accountant last year and completed his chartered tax adviser qualification at the start of this year.
“I am really happy about the direction my career is taking here at Page Kirk,” says Josh. “Since starting at the firm, I have always felt valued, frequently being given opportunity to prove myself, learn new skills and take on more demanding projects.”
Page Kirk Senior Partner John Wallis said: “These promotions emphasise our firm’s commitment to recognising and nurturing talent from within. At Page Kirk, we prioritise a culture of growth and development, ensuring that our team members have the support and opportunities they need to thrive in their careers.”
Intoware welcomes new non-executive director
Nottingham-based workflow automation firm, Intoware, has appointed John Higgs as the newest member of its board of directors.
With a distinguished career spanning over four decades in the technology sector, John brings a wealth of experience to the role of non-executive director (NED), with his professional journey including pivotal roles in sales and marketing at renowned technology corporations such as Cisco, Riverbed, and Realwear.
His strategic acumen and leadership have also been instrumental in his successful tenures as a board member, advisor, and investor.
“I am very pleased to join the dynamic team at Intoware,” said John, who divides his time between Asia and the UK. “The company’s impressive growth trajectory and its impact on the workflow automation landscape are remarkable. I look forward to contributing my expertise to further propel Intoware’s strategic initiatives and expansion.”
Keith Tilley, CEO of Intoware, expressed his enthusiasm: “John’s appointment is a significant milestone for us. His commitment to innovation and excellence resonates with our core values. We are eager to integrate his insights into our strategic discussions and are excited about the future prospects this collaboration holds.”
John joins an esteemed group of board members, including Peter Chambers (chairman), Greg Truman (NED), and Lee Maughan (CFO), each contributing their unique expertise to the company’s vision.
In addition to his professional endeavours, Higgs is a dedicated philanthropist, actively involved with the Soi Dog Foundation for nearly two decades. The foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of animals in Asia, advocating for a world free of cruelty and homelessness.
When not shaping the future of technology, Higgs indulges in his passion for music as an aspiring drummer, often found enjoying the rhythm of life amidst nature with his beloved rescue dogs.
How to save thousands on staff training
Local companies are turning more and more to training videos to streamline their staff onboarding process and increase efficiency. Glowfrog are the Midlands’ leading video production company and they have created training videos for several businesses throughout the region. Let’s explore how incorporating professional training videos can save you both time and money:
Cost-effective solution
Training new staff members can be a significant expense for businesses, particularly when considering the costs associated with hiring trainers, organising training sessions, and providing materials.
By investing in training videos via an expert local production company such as Glowfrog, businesses can achieve substantial cost savings over the long term. Once created, these videos can be reused indefinitely, eliminating the need for repeated investments in training materials.
Streamlined onboarding
Traditional training methods often involve extensive time commitments from trainers and trainees alike. With training videos, however, new hires can access essential information at their own pace, reducing the need for lengthy orientation sessions and one-on-one training sessions.
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Visual content has been shown to enhance learning retention and engagement. Training videos leverage the power of visuals, animations, and demonstrations to deliver information in a compelling and memorable format.
Expertise matters
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Don’t make offers worth sweet FA: by Greg Simpson, founder of Press for Attention PR
Greg Simpson, founder of Press for Attention PR, reflects on a wasted marketing opportunity.
As the final whistle blew, I let out a huge sigh of relief. Not euphoria. Sheer relief. Here’s why.
Now, trigger warning, I’ve followed Manchester United for 36 years now. There’s nothing that will change that unless we reintegrate Mason Greenwood, so if either of these facts puts you off working with me, well, I’ll get over it.
I actually remember the first goal that made me feel triumphant, it was Gordon Strachan bursting through against Liverpool in 1988. Our arch rivals to this day, whatever City might think!
Why relief? Well, even the most rose-tinted of spectacle wearers would admit we’ve been pants all season. As the relief turned into a gradual sense of comfort, then joy, then finally, excitement (all in 10 seconds) my phone pinged!
I assumed it would be my mates on the United WhatsApp group. No, it was a text. From…Manchester United.
Had they been made aware of my punderful analysis on the group chat? Did they agree that Antony is a better LB than RW? Maybe they wanted to ask me to reconsider turning out for them after I bottled an invitation to play in front of the cameras that time. Trust me, this happened. Ask me about it!
No, they were offering me, wait for it…£5 off membership for 2023/2024 season. Given I’m already a member this is smart timing marketing wise and normally I would be professionally tipping my United branded beanie hat to them BUT…£5! It’s pathetic. Not so much in terms of the discount, more the creativity.
I’m already a customer, I was going to renew anyway, now was the perfect time to do something more creative and get me to buy something BIGGER. Why not give me a chance to renew AND get an upgrade? Or renew and buy a prize draw ticket for a VIP Match Day experience?
You can never predict the score or whether you are going to win the game but you absolutely CAN have a range of options lined up to fire as soon as something is known.
Man of The Match? Confirmed within seconds of the final whistle. Use that name as a code to access something special.
The winning goal from the youngster Amad? You know he is in the squad, create a contingency, however unlikely, that if it is him who nabs the glory, that’s your code.
This is a billion pound enterprise operating with a bargain basement marketing mentality. Did I renew? No. I went to the hospitality pages and scanned hopefully for semi final tickets. Hundreds of times more valuable to them than buying my £60 annual membership with a £5 offer.
Have they spotted this or reached out given I’ve enquired before? No. Talk about missing an open goal!
A former business journalist, Greg Simpson is the author of The Small Business Guide to PR and has been recognised as one of the UK’s top 5 PR consultants, having set up Press for Attention PR in 2008.
He has worked for FTSE 100 firms, charities and start-ups and conducted press conferences with Sir Richard Branson and James Caan. His background ensures a deep understanding of every facet of a successful PR campaign – from a journalist’s, client’s, and consultant’s perspective.
See this column in the April issue of East Midlands Business Link Magazine here.
Talent and Innovation Grants to help local businesses take advantage of university expertise
Nottingham-based businesses are being offered the chance to access the talent and expertise available through the two universities on their doorstep, as part of a programme of grants and support aimed at driving innovation, productivity and skills in the city.
Under the Universities for Nottingham Civic Agreement, The University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University are working with Nottingham City Council to offer Talent Grants of up to £2,500 which can be used to subsidise the recruitment of a university graduate or student for a minimum of eight weeks.
To qualify for one of the grants, businesses would need to demonstrate that the graduate/student project/role would be used to implement or improve technology or processes, enable the business to enter new markets, improve or implement new products or services, or focus on research and development projects.
In addition, Innovation Vouchers of up to £5,000 will be offered to city businesses through the Universities for Nottingham Innovation Centres of Excellence, enabling them to access a range of technically-focussed support and consultancy leveraging research facilities and expertise from across the two universities. Support will be delivered through:
- Food Innovation Centre: providing science and technology consultancy, new product or process development support for food and drink focussed businesses.
- Chemistry Innovation Laboratory: providing analytical and product development support across chemistry and materials using and life sciences businesses.
- Institute for Aerospace Technology: working across the aerospace supply chain.
- Design Matter: providing professional sustainable product and packaging design consultancy.
HelloFresh opens its largest European distribution centre in Derby
Recipe box company HelloFresh has opened its latest flagship automated production facility in Derby. The site, named ‘The Windmill’, was opened with a ribbon cutting ceremony by UK CEO Adam Park and Pauline Latham OBE MP for Mid Derbyshire.
The new site has created around 300 jobs for the local community to-date with more expected in the coming months as it ramps up production. The automated production lines will allow HelloFresh and Green Chef customers even more choice and ability to personalise their meals.
In keeping with HelloFresh’s commitment to a more sustainable future, The Windmill has been developed in partnership with SmartParc SEGRO Derby, a low-carbon food manufacturing campus in Spondon, Derby, to be one of the most sustainable production facilities in the country.
Features include a rainwater harvesting system, a 22 MVA rooftop solar panel array, and a shared heating and cooling system which recycles heat from refrigeration plants and reuses it to heat water and offices across the estate.
The site achieved an ‘Excellent’ BREEAM rating for its energy efficiency and will derive 100% of its energy from renewable sources. It will also have EV charging spaces, local bus services that are aligned with production times and provide secure bike storage (alongside a cycle-to-work scheme) to further reduce local emissions while supporting its employees.
The expansion of production capability provided by The Windmill supports HelloFresh Group’s ambitions for long-term growth and will act as a launch pad for future growth and innovation for its brands in the UK.
The automation technology will allow for handling of greater product complexity to give customers more recipes to choose from as well as options to further personalise their meals, including options to replace meat for plant-based alternatives or customise portion sizes.
The site will also use best-in-class predictive algorithms and technology to improve inventory management processes, reduce waste, and ultimately deliver ingredients that are fresher than ever.
The Windmill has created around 300 jobs for the local community so far – including production operatives, maintenance engineers, and management roles – with more to come as production ramps up in the coming months.
The Windmill will also boost HelloFresh’s support for local charities like Community Action Derby. Today, HelloFresh donates ingredients for more than 100 meals each week to assist those experiencing food insecurity in the local area.
HelloFresh UK CEO, Adam Park, said: “We are delighted to open our largest and most advanced European distribution centre – The Windmill – here in Derby.
“We have invested for over two years to build our latest automated production technology in Derby, particularly due to its incredibly diverse and skilled talent pool. This site and its cutting-edge technology will allow handling of great complexity in our production to give customers even more choice, while creating hundreds of jobs and opportunities for talented people in the local area to build skills and careers in a growing space.
“Derby’s great connectivity also means we can provide an even better delivery experience for our UK customers with eighty per cent of customers now being within a four-hour drive of where the product is made.
“All-in-all, we are delighted to be in Derby and look forward to contributing to this great community as we partner on an exciting journey of growth and innovation we have planned for HelloFresh and Green Chef in the UK.”
Also present at the opening ceremony were Cllr Baggy Shanker, Paul Simpson, CEO Derby City Council, Jackie Wild, Founder and CEO of SmartParc, Andrew Pilsworth, Chief Of Staff at SEGRO, and Jane Byam Shaw OBE, Co-Founder of the Felix Project.
Farm sold to Derbyshire Wildlife Trust in landmark that will support recovery of nature
Common Farm, located on the outskirts of the historic settlement of Nether Heage has been sold to the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust. The transaction marks a significant milestone in local efforts for nature and continues the Trust’s environmental stewardship and commitment to the local community.
Occupying an elevated position, with far reaching views over the surrounding area, this newly formed haven for wildlife lies a short distance from the popular market towns of Belper and Ripley with Derby City Centre only 11 miles away.
Garner Holdings, led by local landowner and businessman Roger Hartshorn, has sold the 83 acre site to Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, underlining Roger’s dedication to the Amber Valley region.
Roger, who comes from a farming background and continues to keep cattle and sheep on his local farm, said: “I’ve always held a deep connection to the land, and by selling Common Farm to Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, who will give the space back to people and nature, the land’s future as a bastion of biodiversity and a sanctuary for the local community is secured.”
Previously used for cattle grazing, the farm’s transformation into a nature reserve will not only enhance local biodiversity but also provide a haven for residents and visitors to connect with nature. The Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, celebrating this as their largest acquisition to date, is also exploring ways to utilise the farm’s buildings for additional community benefits.
Jo Smith, CEO of the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, expressed her enthusiasm for the project, stating: “Purchasing Common Farm enables us to create a vital natural green space for Derbyshire, enhancing biodiversity and offering the community unparalleled access to nature. We are delighted that this sale has gone through, and that Roger Hartshorn and Garner Holdings share our commitment to creating more space for nature.”
The decision to sell to the Wildlife Trust over competing bids from companies with more intensive, industrial uses in mind for the land, underscores Garner Holding’s dedication to the local environment, the well-being of the Amber Valley community and the importance of preserving the natural beauty and ecological integrity of the area.
Roger is planning to further contribute to the local community through the redevelopment of the adjacent old Firs Works site, currently home to Garnalex, which manufactures Sheerline energy-efficient aluminium windows and doors systems. The proposed residential development aims to provide high-quality, much-needed housing.
Roger shared his vision for the future, saying: “It’s essential we balance growth with sustainability. By planning a residential area that respects our beautiful Derbyshire, we’re investing in our community’s future. It’s about leaving a legacy that benefits both people and nature.”
Derby writes to Prime Minister to prevent closure of train factory
Marketing Derby is campaigning to prevent closure of the Alstom Derby train factory, a move costing 1,300 direct and 15,000 indirect jobs.
Closure would end 185-years of railway heritage and leave the UK as the only G7 country without the ability to design, develop, build and test trains.
Over the past few days the investment promotion agency for Derby have built a public-private-community campaign. Hundreds of businesses have given their backing and over the weekend 30,000 people saw the campaign at Pride Park Stadium.
This week Marketing Derby will hand in a letter to the Prime Minister asking for his intervention and requesting meetings with the Secretary of State for Transport and the CEO of Alstom.
“Standing between this disaster for UK plc and survival is the procurement of a mere 5 additional trains for the Elizabeth Line,” the organisation notes.
See the letter to the Prime Minister below.
Dear Prime Minister
SAVE OUR TRAINS – DO THE DEAL!
We are writing as a public-private community of hundreds of businesses and thousands of people from Derby to ask you to personally intervene to ensure the Alstom Derby train manufacturing site is saved.
When you visited the area on 22nd March you kindly committed to your government to doing ‘everything it can’ to ensure new orders. Since then, whilst there has been plenty of talk, there has been no progress and we are now looking at the imminent closure of a factory in operation since 1839.
A commitment to fund ten new trains needed for the Elizabeth Line – a success for UK plc, designed and built at Alstom in Derby and used by millions of passengers – will be enough to keep the plant alive until HS2 and other future work is initiated in 2026.
Closure is unconscionable.
It will mean the UK being the only G7 country without a site or capacity to design, develop, build, and test new trains – a body blow for UK pride that will cost the taxpayer billions of pounds over the next few decades.
Conversely, the procurement of ten trains saves the plant, saves thousands of jobs in the national supply chain, and will lead to Alstom making Derby a global HQ for their new commuter train, the Adessia. Derby is already the global HQ for monorail, having recently designed and built the system now in operation in Cairo.
Derby is a proud railway city, home to Europe’s largest business rail cluster and soon to be HQ to Great British Railways, created by your government to bring a guiding mind to track and train (hopefully preventing pipeline cliff-edges like this).
Prime Minister, so much to gain, so much to lose – all dependent on quick action on ten new trains.
As a broad, cross-sector, cross-party, cross-community we urge you to intervene.
Yours sincerely
Cllr Baggy Shanker
Leader of Derby City Council
