Thursday, May 8, 2025

Council puts historic building up for auction

Tess Egginton
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Council puts historic building up for auction
Derbyshire County Council’s former adult community education centre in New Mills town centre is to go up for auction this month with a £235,000 guide price. The historic, two-storey, 15,000 sq ft building stands on a one-acre site on Spring Bank and was most recently the home of the High Peak Community Arts organisation. It is now being put up for sale by the council and will appear in the online auction being held by SDL Property Auctions on 27 June. Built in 1891, the stone-built property was originally constructed by local philanthropists and business owners, the Mackie Family, as the Mackie Memorial Library. Andrew Parker, auctioneer and managing director at SDL Property Auctions, said: “This imposing building, which has been an important presence in the town for over 130 years, would be well suited to a variety of alternative uses that would make a positive new addition for people in New Mills. “Redeveloping the property to create apartments, a medical centre or some other community scheme, subject to obtaining the appropriate planning consents, are all options. It will be interesting to see what the next chapter holds for this characterful building.”

Loughborough’s BRUSH acquires Scottish M&E building consultancy

Tess Egginton
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Loughborough’s BRUSH acquires Scottish M&E building consultancy
Energy engineering solutions provider BRUSH Group has acquired Rybka, the Scottish mechanical and electrical building services and sustainability consultancy. The acquisition expands the Loughborough firm’s portfolio of services to include mechanical and electrical consulting engineering, BIM (Building Information Modelling), building physics, Passivhaus design and low carbon consulting. It also gives BRUSH a foothold in the Scottish market whilst enabling Rybka to grow into England and Wales, supported by London-based building services consultancy Eta Projects Ltd – acquired by BRUSH in 2022 – which has a strong track record in healthcare and critical infrastructure. Nicolas Pitrat, CEO of BRUSH Group, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Rybka on board as part of the BRUSH Group. We already share a lot in common and I see many of our values reflected in the way the team at Rybka works together to deliver outstanding results for their clients. “I am impressed with their breadth of knowledge and expertise, and having Rybka as part of the Group will support our ESG ambitions and create decarbonisation opportunities with our customers.” David MacLeod, Rybka chairman, said: “We are very excited to be joining the BRUSH Group. Our proven track record as a provider of outstanding consultancy services, along with BRUSH’s reputation for delivering engineering excellence, will ensure we continue to go from strength to strength. “Working in partnership with BRUSH we will grow our geographical footprint and build on our existing expertise, while continuing to deliver an exceptional customer experience.” Established in Scotland in the 1990s, Rybka has continued to grow, especially with the advent of the decarbonisation agenda and drive towards a low carbon economy. With more than 50 staff located in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness, Rybka will become a key part of the BRUSH Engineering Solutions portfolio whilst operating independently with existing partners and clients. Rybka is the latest in a series of acquisitions and ventures by the BRUSH Group. The company anticipates that this acquisition will give rise to career opportunities for both the teams at Rybka and BRUSH, with the creation of more job roles across the UK.

UK economy showed no growth in April

Tess Egginton
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UK economy showed no growth in April
The UK economy showed no growth in April, according to new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). It comes after GDP (gross domestic product), a key measure of economy growth, increased 0.4% in March, and reflects expectations that GDP would be flat. Economic growth was held back by further contraction in the construction industry, with construction output falling by 1.4% in April, its third consecutive monthly fall, and weakness in the manufacturing sector, with production output dropping by 0.9% in April. Meanwhile services output grew by just 0.2% in April, its fourth consecutive monthly growth. The figures were in part impacted by wet weather, where rain was 155% of the long term April average. Ben Jones, Lead Economist, CBI, said: “After one of the wettest Aprils since records began it’s no surprise that rain dampened consumer spending, with many households also feeling the pinch from higher prices and bills. “But consumers and firms alike are going to start to feel the benefit of lower inflation, which in turn should boost confidence and support spending as we head into a summer packed with major entertainment and sports events, like the Euros. “Lower inflation, rising real incomes and low unemployment mean household spending is set to drive a steady economic recovery in the year ahead, which should broaden out to stronger business investment next year. “However, to ensure longer-term, sustainable growth we must tackle our ongoing productivity problem. Top of the in-tray for the next government should be a cutting-edge trade and investment strategy, a Net Zero Investment Plan and more support for firms to invest in automation and AI. “At the same time, a focus on building momentum behind the ‘big three’ enablers of tax, planning and skills policies within the first 100 days can give firms a clear flightpath for growth.”

Net zero firm devises way to save NHS millions in energy bills

Tess Egginton
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Net zero firm devises way to save NHS millions in energy bills
A company that helps organisations reduce their carbon footprint and energy costs has become the first to design a method of harnessing waste heat from MRI machines. Viridis Building Services devised the ground-breaking innovation as part of its work to deliver the UK’s first fully net zero Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC), in Scunthorpe town centre. Not scheduled for completion until this autumn, the £19.4m Scunthorpe CDC new-build project is already on target to achieve net zero status, having been passed as such by Building Regulations and construction-stage EPC ratings. Viridis was tasked to achieve as close as possible to net zero with the scheme but is confident that it will surpass expectations and create a building that will even be able to feed excess energy back into the National Grid. The firm, based in Collingham, near Newark, has introduced a combination of natural and mechanical heating and ventilation, roof-mounted PV tiles and optimal lighting systems. But as part of its problem-solving process, it has also pioneered a method for capturing the enormous amounts of rejected heat from the centre’s two MRI machines and feeding that energy back into the 2,000 sq. metre building. This innovation alone could save the NHS millions of pounds in energy costs if the same method was introduced across its estate. Lee Marshall, Managing Director of Viridis, said: “The knock-on benefits to this unique breakthrough could be huge. “Not only have we delivered the UK’s first net zero Community Diagnostic Centre, we have also achieved a solution with the MRI heat recovery process that could save millions in energy bills and make a significant contribution to the reduction of the NHS’s carbon footprint.” Scunthorpe CDC is one of the 160 Community Diagnostic Centres that the Government pledged to deliver before the end of 2024. The centres, which are being located in high-population areas close to public transport networks to provide easy patient access and encourage a reduction in car travel, will provide non-invasive treatments such as MRI scans, CT scans, ultrasounds and X-Rays.
Architect impression of the new Scunthorpe CDC
Due to its strong reputation for delivering net zero buildings, Viridis was given a completely open brief with Scunthorpe CDC by Northern Lincolnshire & Goole NHS Foundation Trust. “We were told they wanted a ‘nearly’ net zero building, as part of the NHS Estate’s commitment towards eventually achieving net zero across its entire portfolio,” said Lee. “How we achieved that was effectively up to us. So we employed our usual process of combining each team member’s individual expertise in various disciplines to ask how we can exceed the brief and actually deliver a fully net zero building – within budget. “We do not stop short at only implementing what has gone before. We always challenge the norms – and, like here, it often pays off.” The Viridis team working on this project comprised of experts in mechanical engineering and electrical design, renewable energy and the environment. The team’s first ideas focused on the thermal efficiency of the building – ways to contain heat and recover waste heat. They then began to look at various energy systems within the building, such as lighting, and came up with ways to optimise them to create maximum efficiency and minimum carbon emissions. But the major breakthrough came about when the team began to investigate the enormous quantities of heat that are traditionally rejected from MRI machines.
Architect impression of the new Scunthorpe CDC
The use of MRI machines as energy providers rather than energy wasters had never been done before. Heat produced by MRIs would normally be ‘disposed of’ through a fan to the outside atmosphere, whereas Viridis found a way to collect and re-use it with the use of heat pumps. A building like Scunthorpe CDC would typically have expected to pay around £60k-£65k per year for its energy. But with the Viridis innovations, it is expected to have zero energy costs and figures indicate it may be able to sell around £1k of energy back to the Grid.

Loughborough University development could fix “significant problem” in solar panel industry

Tess Egginton
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Loughborough University development could fix “significant problem” in solar panel industry

A new development at Loughborough University could fix a “significant problem” within the solar panel industry.

A team, led by Professor Michael Walls from the University’s Centre for Renewable Energy Systems Technology (CREST), has worked on a new way to improve the cover glass for solar modules – which increases the amount of light transmitted into the panel whilst decreasing the amount of soiling clinging to the surface. The new concept aims to reduce the number of panels with anti-reflective coatings – with 90% of modules currently unable to withstand regular cleaning. Academics at the University found the standard anti-reflective coatings used by the solar industry are easily damaged by abrasion during cleaning. In addition, the coatings are ‘hydrophilic’ which means they are more likely to adhere to dust or other soiling. Soiling on the panel prevents light getting to the active part of the module and reduces the power being generated. Professor Walls said: “The issues surrounding the solar panel industry will only become greater as time moves on, as the industry is growing at a staggering rate. Solar use is forecast to exceed coal by 2027 to become the most important source of electricity generation across the globe. “This project addresses the significant problems of reflection and soiling to increase the power output from solar modules. “We use a polymer to glass laminate. The polymer faces the sun and has a very low reflection – much lower than glass. At the same time, it is highly hydrophobic so soiling doesn’t easily stick and makes the surface much easier to clean. “Crucially, the polymer/glass laminate is robust and abrasion resistant. Although the industry is conservative, the advantages are compelling. If the industry adopts the technology, the economic and environmental impact will be substantial.”

Recruitment consultancy makes public pledge to support Armed Forces community

Tess Egginton
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Recruitment consultancy makes public pledge to support Armed Forces community
A Kettering recruitment consultancy has publicly pledged its support to the armed forces community by signing the Armed Forces Covenant. For many years, Wills Consultants has worked closely with the armed forces to help those leaving the military to secure permanent employment roles that help them adjust to civilian life. They have now gone one step further in signing the Armed Forces Covenant and by doing so, acknowledge and understand that those who serve or have served their country, and their families, should be treated with fairness and respect in the community, economy and society. Since it was established in June 2013, thousands of companies have voluntarily added their names to the roster. Wills Consultants cofounder Nikki Wills said: “We are very proud of the work we do to help those leaving the armed forces to find the right role for them in civilian life. It can be a difficult transition period for veterans, and it is vital to provide the right support to make the transition as easy as possible. “We work hard to match companies to veterans and believe it is imperative to invest plenty of time to ensure that the two are a compatible match. “We are delighted to be able to publicly show our support for the military through the Armed Forces Covenant and I would encourage all businesses to consider doing the same thing and backing this fantastic scheme, which honours all those people who so selflessly serve our country to keep us safe.”

Furnley House Foundation FiveAthlon Challenge raises over £11,000 for local Leicestershire charities

Tess Egginton
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Furnley House Foundation FiveAthlon Challenge raises over £11,000 for local Leicestershire charities
From Wednesday 5th to Sunday 9th June, Chief Executive Officer Stefan Fura, Head of Culture Kevin Dunn and Protection Specialist Darren Bradbury, joined forces for the FiveAthlon Challenge. This event aimed to raise funds for three Leicestershire based charities. The Inspiring FiveAthlon Challenge pushed the team to their limits, not just physically but also mentally. Over five consecutive days and across five diverse locations, each team member took on their own rigorous activity: Stefan Fura swam 2km, Kevin ran 13.1 miles and Darren cycled 91 kilometres per day. During the challenging days, friends of Furnley House joined the team for various legs of the challenge, amplifying their efforts to maximise fundraising. The Furnley House Foundation was born out of local financial adviser and mortgage broker Furnley House’s ambition to create opportunities and improve the lives of the local community. The money raised from the Furnley House Foundation will support three charities that were selected during the 2023 Leicestershire Community Champions Awards and includes: Charity of the year winner – Steps Conductive Education Centre; and finalists Focus Charity and Heartwize. Steps Conductive Education Centre is a registered charity supporting families with children who have special educational needs. Focus Charity supports vulnerable young people, many of whom are in mental health crisis. Heartwize delivers basic life support training which includes CPR using resuscitation dolls as well as teaching how to use a defibrillator. Kevin Dunn, Head of Culture, said: “The FiveAthlon Challenge was an incredible experience that pushed us all to our limits. Knowing that our efforts will make a real difference for amazing causes is what really kept us going. “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who supported us, whether by sponsoring, donating, spreading the word, providing butties or joining us for a leg of the challenge, your support made all the difference. Thank you!”

Appointment made to head up Midlands expansion of Cornerstone Commercial Finance

Tess Egginton
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Appointment made to head up Midlands expansion of Cornerstone Commercial Finance
Finance industry professional John Maude has been appointed by Cornerstone Finance Group to lead the Commercial Finance business in the Midlands region. John has been appointed Head of Commercial Finance (Midlands) to drive further expansion of the commercial lending business, where he’ll have responsibility for growing both the team and client base. John has over 36 years of experience, where he has led teams within both the business and commercial banking fields and is looking forward to applying his skills to expand the Cornerstone client base and help Midlands-based businesses to secure lending to meet their business needs. John said: “I am delighted to be joining the Cornerstone Finance Group with the remit of building the business and establishing the brand as the number one commercial broker in the Midlands. “Businesses across the Midlands are striving for growth and Cornerstone has vast experience of working with such clients to offer bespoke advice whilst working together to find solutions that are right for them.” John started his career at RBS, later becoming NatWest, where he held a number of roles and spent 30 years in leadership. He has recently held the role as Regional Managing Director, Midlands, South West & Wales, followed by the last 18 months as Head of Business Banking Portfolio Management. John’s appointment will see Cornerstone Commercial Finance extend its reach from Wales and the south west of England into the Midlands area. Commenting on his appointment, Cornerstone Commercial Finance Managing Director, Kevin Morgan said: “John’s appointment marks a significant milestone for the Cornerstone business, and we are delighted to have him on board to lead the expansion of the business in the Midlands. “We have grown the business in Wales and the south west and are delighted that with John at the helm we can offer Midlands businesses a range of commercial lending solutions. “John has a proven track record in financial management and business development that aligns with our strategy of providing bespoke solutions to our clients and we look forward to the valuable contributions he will make to the success of Cornerstone Finance Group and our clients.”

Sustainable and inclusive fleet management strategies

Tess Egginton
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Sustainable and inclusive fleet management strategies
Managing a fleet efficiently is crucial for any business reliant on transportation. However, achieving this in a way that is both sustainable and inclusive can present unique challenges. Here are some practical strategies to help your business navigate these challenges and achieve a fleet that is not only efficient but also environmentally friendly and accessible to all. Embrace Green Technology One of the most impactful steps towards sustainable fleet management is the adoption of green technology. This can include electric vehicles (EVs) or hybrid models that significantly reduce carbon emissions. While the initial investment might be higher, the long-term savings on fuel and maintenance costs are considerable. Moreover, as regulations around emissions tighten, having a green fleet can future-proof your business and ensure compliance with environmental standards. Installing charging stations at your business premises is another step towards sustainability. Partnering with local authorities to access public charging infrastructure can also be beneficial. Incentives and grants are often available for businesses transitioning to electric vehicles, so take advantage of these opportunities to offset costs. Regular Maintenance and Monitoring Maintaining your fleet in top condition is essential for both sustainability and efficiency. Regular maintenance checks ensure that vehicles run smoothly and efficiently, reducing fuel consumption and emissions. Implementing a robust monitoring system can help track vehicle performance and identify any issues early on. Telematics systems can provide valuable data on driving habits, fuel consumption, and maintenance needs. This data allows for proactive maintenance, reducing downtime and extending the lifespan of your vehicles. Additionally, encouraging eco-friendly driving habits among your drivers, such as smooth acceleration and braking, can further enhance fuel efficiency. Prioritise Accessibility Inclusivity is another critical aspect of modern fleet management. Ensuring that your fleet includes vehicles that can accommodate passengers with disabilities not only broadens your customer base but also demonstrates a commitment to social responsibility. Reputable, long-established companies like Cab Direct offer wheelchair-accessible taxis, which can be a valuable addition to your fleet. Having a mix of vehicles that cater to various needs ensures that you can provide services to a wider audience. This inclusivity can enhance your reputation and open up new business opportunities. Additionally, being known as a company that prioritises accessibility can build customer loyalty and trust. Invest in Training and Development Your drivers play a crucial role in the sustainability and efficiency of your fleet. Investing in regular training programs can ensure they are equipped with the knowledge and skills to operate vehicles efficiently. Training should cover eco-driving techniques, safety practices, and the proper use of any new technologies or vehicles introduced to the fleet. Moreover, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and encouraging feedback from your drivers can lead to innovative ideas for further enhancing fleet efficiency and sustainability. Recognising and rewarding good practices can also motivate drivers to maintain high standards. Efficient Route Planning Efficient route planning can significantly reduce fuel consumption and emissions. Using route optimisation software can help identify the most efficient routes, taking into account factors such as traffic, road conditions, and delivery schedules. This not only saves time and fuel but also improves service delivery and customer satisfaction. Real-time tracking and dynamic routing can further enhance efficiency. By responding to traffic changes or urgent delivery requests promptly, you can ensure that your fleet operates at maximum efficiency at all times. Adopt a Circular Economy Approach Adopting a circular economy approach in fleet management involves considering the entire lifecycle of your vehicles. This means planning for the reuse, refurbishment, or recycling of vehicles and their components at the end of their service life. Partnering with companies that offer vehicle recycling services can ensure that your old vehicles are disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner. Furthermore, exploring options for using remanufactured parts for vehicle repairs can reduce costs and environmental impact. This approach not only supports sustainability but also promotes resource efficiency. Engage with Stakeholders Engaging with stakeholders, including employees, customers, and suppliers, is vital for successful sustainable and inclusive fleet management. Regular communication and collaboration can help identify areas for improvement and ensure that everyone is on board with your sustainability goals. Customer feedback can provide insights into how your services are perceived and where there might be opportunities to enhance inclusivity or efficiency. Working closely with suppliers can also lead to better deals on green technology and maintenance services. Measure and Report Progress Finally, measuring and reporting your progress is crucial for continuous improvement. Set clear sustainability and inclusivity targets for your fleet and regularly review your performance against these goals. Transparency in reporting can build trust with stakeholders and demonstrate your commitment to these values. Using performance indicators such as fuel consumption, emissions, maintenance costs, and customer satisfaction can provide a comprehensive view of your fleet’s performance. Regularly sharing these results with your team and stakeholders ensures accountability and helps drive ongoing improvements. Achieving sustainable and inclusive fleet management requires a multifaceted approach that incorporates green technology, efficient practices, and a commitment to accessibility. By embracing these strategies, your business can enhance its operational efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and provide inclusive services to a broader customer base. Investing in sustainability and inclusivity is not only beneficial for the environment and society but also positions your business as a leader in responsible and forward-thinking practices.

Engineering and groundworks contractor fined following HGV driver’s death

Tess Egginton
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Engineering and groundworks contractor fined following HGV driver’s death
A Nottinghamshire-based engineering and groundworks contractor has been fined £233,000 for safety breaches after a 52-year old HGV driver was struck and killed by the mast of a piling rig at a house build site in Annan, Dumfries and Galloway. On 21 January 2021, Gary Dobinson, who was employed by another company, visited the Hallmeadow development off Elm Road with his lorry to collect and transfer the piling rig owned by Van Elle Limited. Tragically, as the mast of the rig was being lowered in preparation for its transportation, it suddenly collapsed and struck Mr Dobinson. Site workers and the emergency services raced to the scene to try to help him, but he sadly died from his injuries. An investigation by Police Scotland and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that insufficient measures had been taken to maintain the piling rig in a safe condition prior to the incident. Specifically, the securing lug for one of the mast’s retaining pins was badly corroded and failed, allowing the pin to displace, causing the mast to topple. Van Elle Limited, of Southwell Lane, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 5 of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. The company was fined £233,000 at Dumfries Sheriff Court on 4 June 2024. HSE inspector James Caren said: “All work equipment should be subject to suitable inspection and maintenance to ensure that it can be used without risk to the safety of those using it and those in the vicinity. Construction plant are exposed to harsh conditions and require effective inspection and maintenance regimes to avoid safety defects developing. “The company should have had robust measures in place to maintain the piling rig so that it was structurally sound and could be operated safely.”
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