University of Lincoln appoints Founding Director for new research centre
Professor Fiona Strens has been appointed as the Founding Director of a new University of Lincoln research centre focused on innovations in the use of artificial intelligence and technology in security and defence.
She’ll join the University of Lincoln in next month from the University of Strathclyde, where she is currently Professor of Practice in Security and Resilience.
With more than 30 years’ experience in government, industry and academia, she is one of the UK’s thought leaders in the application of novel technology, including AI, automation, machine learning and computer vision for enhancing security and building resilience.
Professor Strens began her career in the Ministry of Defence after graduating with a Master’s degree in Computer Science from the University of Cambridge, undertaking several technical and policy roles before becoming a Senior Civil Servant with responsibility for science and technology policy.
After moving into consultancy for clients in the national security sector, she co-founded and served as CEO of CrowdVision, an innovative computer vision and analytics company, growing the company from start-up to an international business providing real-time people movement data for the safe, secure and efficient operation of major events, airports and venues.
She is an advocate of science and technology skills and careers, serves as an adviser to UK Government. and is a non-executive director for Ordnance Survey, the UK’s geospatial authority, and Corps Security, a profit-for-purpose social enterprise supporting veterans’ charities.
She said: “The University of Lincoln has a well-earned reputation for its approach to industry-aligned research, for supporting innovative organisations and partnering nationally and locally to deliver impact and drive growth in the Greater Lincolnshire region. The University has expertise in a range of disciplines essential for advancing defence, security and resilience capabilities. I am particularly excited by the potential to build on the University’s strong AI foundations.
“These qualities attracted me to the University and this exciting new position as Founding Director of the Centre for Defence and Security Artificial Intelligence. I look forward to meeting colleagues and partners as we establish this significant new centre for academic, industry and government collaboration.”
Major General (Retd) Julian Free CBE, Deputy Vice Chancellor, University of Lincoln, said: “The appointment of Professor Fiona Strens as Founding Director of the new Centre for Defence and Security Artificial Intelligence is testament not just to the existing specialisms and partnerships in Lincoln and Greater Lincolnshire but the potential to grow the technical capabilities which keep people and infrastructure safe and underpin tens of thousands of jobs in the future.
“The CDSAI will address challenges in all areas of national security, including building security and resilience in multiple sectors, such as food and energy, and supporting effective strategic, operational and crisis decision-making in the defence sector and beyond. Professor Strens brings a remarkable range of expertise and experiences across the public and private sectors, which can help the CDSAI play a significant role in solving complex challenges facing governments and businesses in the 21st Century.”
Record revenue for Marks Electrical
The CEO of Marks Electrical Group, the Leicester-based online electrical retailer, is “proud” of its performance, as the firm achieved record revenue for the year ended 31 March 2024.
According to a new trading update, revenue grew to £114.3m from £97.8m in the year prior, representing a growth rate of 16.9%, and more than double the revenue the business achieved in the year prior to its listing (£56m). The firm has also seen increased market share in the Major Domestic Appliances and Consumer Electronics markets, though with consumers highly price-conscious in the current trading environment an adverse impact is being felt on average order value, resulting in customer order volumes growing faster than revenue.As Marks Electrical continues to build its scale, it decided to leave the Euronics buying group as of 31 March 2024. It noted that this will enable the group to establish closer, direct relationships with its manufacturer partners, which will provide further opportunity to drive growth and margin in the future.
Mark Smithson, Chief Executive Officer, said: “I am proud of the revenue growth we have achieved of 16.9%, in a flat Major Domestic Appliances and a declining Consumer Electronics market. In addition, the investments we have made in driver training and customer services have resulted in us improving our Trustpilot rating from 4.8 to 4.9, further demonstrating the strength and attractiveness of our market-leading customer offering and the hard-work all of our colleagues throughout FY24.
“As we focus on positioning our business to deliver long-term growth and value creation, our decision to exit the Euronics buying group represents the next logical step in that journey, further building on the direct relationships we have with our brand partners. We anticipate that our departure will lead to revenue and margin upside in the medium-term and in addition, once the exit has concluded, our £1.7m balance sheet investment crystallises into cash, expected in June 2024.
“As explained in our January trading update, in the current trading environment consumers remain highly price-conscious, which given our premium focus, continues to have an adverse impact on our average order value, resulting in customer order volumes growing faster than revenue. This impact will limit our ability for margin expansion in the short-term, when taking into account the relatively fixed cost of delivery.
“Despite this, we are very pleased with the growth in our order volumes and new customer acquisitions during the period and the strong growth we have seen in early April, giving us confidence that our fundamental strategy of continued profitable market share gains and excellent customer service will help us in delivering further growth.”
Specialist seed duo will offer advice from Northumberland to the Midlands
Agrovista Seeds has appointed two seed specialists to help meet increasing demand from growers looking for technical expertise and advice.
Eastern seed sales manager James Barlow has taken on responsibilities for the East Midlands, East Anglia and the East, whilst northern seed sales manager Marc Lanham is looking after Yorkshire, Durham and Northumberland.
James grew up on an arable farm in Nottinghamshire and gained a degree in Agriculture at Lincoln University. He joins Agrovista after more than 10 years with Gleadell/ADM Agriculture where he rose through the ranks to become head of seed.
Marc gained an HND in Agriculture at Bishop Burton College. After creating a successful business as a self-employed contractor providing agricultural labour and services throughout Holderness, he joined Nickerson (LG UK) as a seed specialist in 2011 and was promoted to northern seed manager six years later.
James says: “Our main role is working with Agrovista’s agronomists, who are trusted first points of call for many of our growers. We supply those agronomists with key information to help customers make the best variety choices for their farms without having to go through what can be a laborious decision-making process.
“With cereals and oilseed rape, we offer a mix of the best mainstream varieties and our own exclusives, based on our rigorous testing regime over several seasons and a range of growing conditions.
“Agrovista is not afraid to give it a go, putting money behind these varieties, and it is an area we want to build.”
Aggregate Industries names Sustainability Director
Anna Baker will be part of Coalville-based Aggregate Industries’ Exec Committee after being appointed as its Sustainability Director.
Her most recent role at Kier saw her lead the sustainability strategy for the UK-wide construction division. Before that she set up the sustainability function at Sir Robert McAlpine, where she won Environmental Contractor of the Year.
She said: “Aggregate Industries is a future focused and innovative company with sustainability at the heart of its vision. I’m thrilled to be joining this business and look forward to working alongside the talented teams here to deliver an ambitious sustainability agenda that will add real value for our customers and communities.”
Dragan Maksimovic, CEO for Aggregate Industries, said: “Decarbonising our operations and the wider industry is central to our vision and strategy as a company.
“It is great to have Anna joining us at this exciting time. She has an established track record in sustainability within a construction setting and understands the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. We look forward to her continuing to take us forward on our journey.”
Council launches decarbonisation scheme to help West Northamptonshire businesses reach net zero
Businesses in West Northamptonshire can now access a new decarbonisation support programme aimed at helping them to reach net zero and achieve their sustainability goals, including free business support, tailored energy audits and match funding up to £20,000 to implement energy efficiency measures.
The programme is specifically tailored to help small and medium sized businesses make the transition to net zero and implement their sustainability plans and has received £630,854 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), a central part of the Government’s Levelling Up agenda.
The Net Zero West Northants project combines technical advice and diagnostic work with access to grant funding to enable qualifying businesses to invest in decarbonisation activities, and is part of the Council’s commitment to supporting sustainable economic growth across the West Northamptonshire area.
West Northamptonshire Council has a target for the area to reach net zero as a whole by 2045 and this fund will be a catalyst to realising this target.
Following a competitive tendering process, West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) has appointed Ngage Solutions to deliver the programme.
Ngage are leaders in this field and will work with local businesses to help them understand more about their carbon footprint, providing information, advice and guidance on decarbonisation solutions, including how the business can monitor reduction in carbon emissions. The free support will include 1-2-1 sessions, workshops and the use of expert diagnostic tools.
Grants are match-funded and will initially cover 50% of project cost between the value of £1,000 – £20,000. Examples of projects that can be funded include LED lighting, solar panels, insulation and glazing, heating and cooling systems, new energy efficient equipment, and water and waste reduction technologies.
Cllr Daniel Lister, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Town Centre Regeneration and Growth, said: “This decarbonisation programme highlights our commitment to supporting local businesses while reducing West Northamptonshire’s carbon emissions as we all move towards a net zero future.
“As well as saving businesses money, energy saving solutions have many cross-benefits for the wider community, including better air quality and improved health and wellbeing for residents.
“This scheme is one of many ways in which we are actively driving the local economy to ensure inclusive, sustainable growth, making West Northants the perfect place to live, work, visit and invest. I encourage all businesses to take a look at the website and see how they could benefit from this support today.”
Daniel Cope, Climate Change Project Manager at Ngage Solutions, said: “We are thrilled to be partnering with West Northamptonshire Council to support local businesses in measuring their carbon footprint and providing the necessary funding to fuel their decarbonisation endeavours.
“Often, just knowing where to start on the journey can be a major hurdle for many organisations to take action, and that’s where our team can step in to assist.
“With our extensive experience of closely collaborating with hundreds of businesses to accelerate their journey to net zero, we’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of sustainability initiatives. From driving cost savings to boosting staff morale and seizing green marketing opportunities, the benefits are tangible.”
Nottingham Venues’ Orchard Hotel unveils new Signature Suite
Following months in planning and construction, Nottingham Venues’ Orchard Hotel has launched its new luxury accommodation offering – the Signature Suite.
According to the latest figures, Nottingham City and the County of Nottinghamshire welcome more than 30 million visitors annually and the tourism sector contributes £2 billion to the region.
The Signature Suite has been designed to cater to the luxury end of the leisure and business tourism market and to guests wanting a more unique hotel experience.
Peter Bartlett, Manager of The Orchard Hotel, says: “Nottingham attracts a huge number of visitors annually but there a few accommodation options for those tourists looking for a more luxurious stay.
“We wanted to add a luxury hotel suite to our existing 4* accommodation offering and provide this option for our business and leisure guests and those parents visiting Nottingham to visit their children at university.”
The Signature Suite is located on the top floor of the 4* Orchard Hotel situated within the parkland of the University of Nottingham Campus. Guests can enjoy views out over the city campus and treeline of the parkland and the suite also features a large terrace for entertainment in the evening with friends. There is also the option for private dining and small events.
The 726 sq ft suite has been designed and constructed by Nottinghamshire-based Arracol Ltd and the design of the room has been inspired by its local environment. The concept and build were conducted with locally sourced suppliers and trades within the Nottingham locality wherever possible.
As part of the Orchard Hotel, the Signature Suite also comes with access to the hotel’s leisure facilities, restaurant, and bar.
Peter Bartlett adds: “We are delighted with our new hotel suite, and we expect it to appeal to the many business clients we welcome to the East Midlands Conference Centre.
“We believe this is the only hotel suite of its type in Nottingham and that, combined with the private location, means we might even attract some of the celebrities and sports stars we welcome to our city each year.”
Skegness Gateway unveils £151m flood defence plan
The owners behind the landmark Skegness Gateway scheme have revealed a £151 million Flood Risk Resilience Fund (FRRF) as part of a raft of measures that will help defend the development and wider Skegness area from the impacts of flooding.
The plans, which have been collaboratively developed with East Lindsey District Council and the Environment Agency, have been more than 12 months in planning.
The news follows the approval of a Local Development Order (LDO) for the scheme in March, announced at an executive meeting of East Lindsey District Council in Horncastle.
Agreement was given on more than £300m in socio-economic benefits for the region, alongside new homes, jobs, a crematorium and supported living provision. A new TEC college was granted planning permission for the site in February 2023.
The unique FRRF scheme will operate via an ongoing management fee, associated with the 1,000 properties planned for the 336-acre site. A specialist estate management company will be formed alongside this, which will manage the financial model and take an active role in flood risk strategy on site.
A proportion of the money received from the Gateway properties will allow funding agreements to be setup between East Lindsey District Council (ELDC), the Environment Agency (EA) and other vested interest parties for ongoing defence management and flood risk reduction over the lifetime of the development.
Sue Bowser, of Croftmarsh, said: “The Gateway team take the issue of flooding very seriously. It’s one of the key reasons we have generated this funding, which contributes positively to schemes that maintain and mitigate against the risks posed by flooding and water management.
“We’ve worked hard to come up with a solution that not only protects our development, but also our wider home of Skegness, closely collaborating with the Environment Agency and East Lindsey District Council.
“Regenerating the area is hugely important to us as a fifth-generation family in the area, and we’re pleased to see the acceleration of a scheme that will bring new homes, jobs and greater prosperity to our region.”
According to the latest Climate Change Risk Assessment, an estimated 1.8m people are living in areas of the UK at significant risk of coastal, surface or river flooding.
In Skegness, the Gateway’s Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) identifies the coastline defending the project to be 13.8km, running from Burgh Sluice to the main drain outfall at Ingoldmells. Estimates from the Environment Agency put defence management for the next 100-year period, from Saltfleet to the Gibraltar Point coastline, as ranging between £15m per kilometre to £40m per kilometre.
The contribution enabled by the FRRF scheme could cover 27.0% of the defence management at the highest rate and 71.9% at the lowest rate, depending on the approach and measures taken to flood prevention efforts in the region.
Neil Sanderson, also of Croftmarsh, added: “We understand the flooding risks posed to coastal communities across the UK and want to be active in the role we can play in mitigation efforts.
“What we have here is a solution that is bespoke for our town, allowing regenerative efforts to flourish whilst contributing positively to flood defence strategies being undertaken by public sector organisations.”
As part of the Gateway’s flood prevention efforts, a series of flood education and evacuation programmes will also be undertaken by the estate management team, extending to new homeowners as well as the wider population of Skegness.
Raised ground and flood compensation areas are all part of the Gateway’s proposals, aiding flood prevention onsite.
Councillor Steve Kirk, East Lindsey District Council portfolio holder for coastal economy, said: “I am delighted we have been able to agree this significant investment and commitment to help protect this landmark development and the wider area from flooding for many years to come.
“The risk of flooding and the devastating impact it can have must always be taken extremely seriously, and working in partnership with transformational projects like this we can help make real improvements and additions that will safeguard Skegness and its residents and businesses for generations to come.”
Chris Baron, chair of Connected Coast, said: “It is great that this level of commitment is being made to support flood resilience as part of the Skegness Gateway. We have such a fantastic opportunity to invest and deliver transformational improvements for the area through all of our work, and doing this responsibly and respectfully of the environment is crucial.”
Frontier Software support HR Technologies UK
Frontier Software is supporting HR Technologies UK at ExCel London on 17th and 18th April 2024.
HR Technologies is the UK’s only technology focused event, with over 60 suppliers in the exhibition hall showcasing the latest in workplace technology. HR professionals can discover technology solutions to support their business.
The event includes panel discussions, presentations, roundtables and networking opportunities with more than 20 keynote speakers. Delegates can also join one of the 70 free seminars in dedicated theatres, where industry leaders and solution providers share their expertise.
HR has experienced a significant shift in their alignment with broader business strategy, and Frontier Software has remained focussed on the development of innovative technology to support that alignment.
HR has come a long way from its administrative roots, adapting to a landscape driven by technology and helping to ensure a business can thrive in an increasingly competitive and complex world. The HR professional is integral to developing and implementing organisational strategies and is a key to driving innovation.
An experienced and trusted provider, Frontier Software has been delivering software solutions to support HR professionals for over 40 years and has evolved and adapted in line with the complex demands of users.
A comprehensive suite of fully integrated software modules, with highly configurable automation tools, ensure personalised employee interactions create the right balance for your organisation and your people.
Real-time data is readily available for accurate and informed decision making and a ChatHR feature supports conversation style interactions between your employees and your HR database.
Visit Frontier Software at HR Technologies to learn more about their proven HR and/or Payroll cloud-based solution, and outsourced payroll processing services for organisations of every size and sector.
Chamber names keynote speaker for annual dinner
AI specialist Katie King is to be the keynote speaker at East Midlands Chamber’s annual dinner for 2024. A member of the All-Parliamentary Group Taskforce on Artificial Intelligence, CEO of AI in Business and bestselling author, Katie King will share insight on embracing the potential of AI.
The formal gala dinner, taking place on 20th June at Goosedale, Nottingham is open to businesses across the East Midlands and invites reflection on challenges faced over the last year and the opportunity to network.
East Midlands Chamber Head of Commercial Events and Partnerships Trace Voss said: “It’s tremendously exciting to have Katie King confirmed as our keynote speaker at the biggest and most prestigious event in the Chamber’s calendar. I’m sure Katie’s expertise in the field of AI and marketing will spark plenty of lively discussion amongst delegates.
“Coupled with such a stunning venue and a fantastic three course dinner, the stage is set for what I think will be an inspiring evening. The three counties of the East Midlands come together with a wide range of industries and the discussions over an elegant black tie dinner are a perfect way to network.”
Spin-out company secures funding boost to revolutionise power generation sector
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.” 