Rolls-Royce opens supplier portal for manufacturing journey to nuclear energy future
Rolls-Royce has today launched a supply chain portal to identify the best UK companies to partner with in delivering a fleet of ‘factory-built’ Small Modular Reactor power plants.
The portal suppliers.rolls-royce-smr.com will help companies become part of the supply chain for this nationally important project, led by Rolls-Royce SMR from its base in Moor Lan, Derby, that will significantly improve energy security and help reach net zero targets.
Rolls-Royce SMR COO David White said: “Rolls-Royce SMR has set out its clear intention to maximise UK content and help build a supply chain that will support the Government’s plans to develop 24GW of new nuclear power by 2050.
“Through the portal, we want to build new relationships with organisations that have products and services to offer, and we’ll help them understand the requirements for becoming a Rolls-Royce SMR supplier… We’re looking at a wide range of industries outside nuclear and potentially further increasing the number of UK suppliers.”
The information collected from the portal will underpin Rolls-Royce SMR’s supply chain and social value work to establish a strong and resilient supply chain that can sustain high quality long-term jobs and support growth.
Stephen Phipson, Chief Executive of Make UK, said: “This is a project of strategic national importance that will not only serve to speed up the drive towards net zero, but create a supply chain of high value, sustainable manufacturing jobs that can serve the global nuclear industry and increase our energy security. It is vital that Government moves without delay to approve this programme which is one piece in the jigsaw of an industrial strategy.”
As the UK’s sovereign nuclear technology, Rolls-Royce SMR is making good progress through the independent regulatory Generic Design Assessment (GDA) process to secure consent for their technology to operate in the UK. As part of the GDA, Rolls-Royce SMR welcomes comments and questions about the Rolls-Royce SMR design.
HMV owner’s wilko rescue deal collapses
Doug Putman’s wilko rescue deal, which could have saved thousands of jobs, has collapsed.
According to Sky News, the HMV owner has ended talks with administrators, PwC, for a deal to acquire around 100 stores. The smaller deal followed initial plans to take on around 300 shops.
Reports suggest the central costs associated with taking on wilko’s infrastructure is behind the collapse of the deal.
It is now thought that administrators will look to secure a transaction with the owner of Poundland for around 100 stores. Whether the employees from these shops will be part of the transaction is unclear.
The news comes after 52 wilko store closures were confirmed last week, leading to the redundancies of 1,016 staff. Meanwhile a further 299 redundancies were announced at two distribution centres in Worksop and Newport.
It was also revealed last week that B&M would be acquiring 51 wilko properties.
Wilko collapsed into administration last month (August), putting 12,000 jobs on the line.
The retailer opened its first store in Leicester 93 years ago, and has hosted its HQ in Nottinghamshire for the past half a century.
Journeo secures £2.25m passenger information systems purchase orders
Journeo plc, an Ashby-de-la-Zouch-headquartered provider of information systems and technical services to transport operators and local authorities, has secured purchase orders totalling £2.25m from Hertfordshire County Council (HCC).
The purchase orders are for the provision of Journeo’s advanced real time passenger information systems and software in bus shelters and on-street at key locations throughout Hertfordshire county. Planning, design and manufacturing has already commenced and it is anticipated that the majority of the revenue will be generated by March 2024.
With a population of 1.2 million and over 4,200 bus stops, HCC supported the development of the Bus Back Better strategy and one of their main objectives is to significantly improve public transport services. Journeo’s information systems and software will play a key role in supporting HCC’s commitments set out in their Bus Service Improvement Plans (BSIPs).
Russ Singleton, Chief Executive of Journeo plc, said: “We have been working with HCC for many years and are delighted they have chosen our latest display systems and software as we work closely with them to deliver their BSIPs.
“The UK Government set out clear objectives with local authorities to deliver BSIPs of which providing the accurate and up-to-date information is key to encouraging a modal shift towards the use of public transport.”
Move to new premises offers space for company’s expansion
Relocation to business premises on The Point Business Park in Lincoln will give UK data measurement systems & electronics firm, HGL Dynamics Ltd, a new base from which to expand its operating division and recruit to accommodate business growth.
HGL’s move to its new Lincoln base at The Point Business Park follows the firm’s purchase of the freehold of Unit F – a 503 sq m (5,415 sq ft) detached, two storey, self-contained office building, with parking – through Eddisons incorporating Banks Long & Co, who acted as the sole agent on behalf of the vendor.
HGL – whose client base varies from household names in the aerospace & industrial gas turbine sectors to classic car restorers & drone manufacturers – has been based at Lincoln’s Lindum Business Park for more than ten years, but the firm has outgrown that space.
Julian Howden, Principal Mechanical Design and Production Engineer, said: “In logistical terms, we had reached full capacity at our original Lincoln site. The move to Unit F at The Point gives the team scope to design a floorplan and layout for improved flexibility, efficiency and ergonomics.
“Our Lincoln operation currently has a headcount of 16, but we have plans to recruit to meet business growth and our acquisition of Unit F gives us the space to do that.”
William Wall, who led Eddisons’ agency negotiations with HGL, said: “It’s a testament to the vibrancy of Lincoln’s business scene that companies like HGL are keen to reinforce their presence here by investing in property and recruitment.”
HGL is due to move in to Unit F at The Point Business Park later this year following a comprehensive fit-out programme.
Construction starts at Beauchamp Business Park
Following the completion of groundworks, construction is now underway at Beauchamp Business Park, a new commercial development in Kibworth, Leicestershire.
Clowes Developments and its team including IMA Architects, TanRo, Millward Consulting Engineers, Gateley’s Legal and Postins Project Services are now bringing forward the scheme that, when complete, will feature a series of freehold and leasehold industrial units ranging from 1,270 sq ft to 10,085 sq ft.
Beauchamp Business Park is situated on an 11-acre site located on the outskirts of Kibworth between Leicester and Market Harborough on the A6. Groundworks began at the site in September 2022 following planning permission being granted by Harborough District Council and construction is now underway, with completion expected in the summer of 2024.
Clowes have instructed main contractor TanRo to develop the site along with IMA Architects who are providing all architectural services and acting as Principal Designer on the scheme.
Agents Phillips Sutton and TDBRE have been working closely with interested parties during the planning process which has seen Beauchamp Business Park receive “unprecedented interest” from day one.
James Richards, director at Clowes Developments, says: “The demand for these units has been exceptional which shows the importance of putting the infrastructure in place to support growing local businesses.
“The majority of interested parties are all local businesses which is fantastic to see, and we are sure that Beauchamp Business Park will develop into a thriving commercial hub, creating employment opportunities for Kibworth and the surrounding areas.”
Ben Hall, director at IMA Architects, says: “It is great to see works re-commence on site and to see our plans come into reality. We are proud to again be working with Clowes Developments to deliver a scheme that will benefit the local economy and I am sure that the units will facilitate the further growth of those companies that will call them their home.”
Number of properties to be sold by University of Leicester
The University of Leicester is set to invest millions of pounds to enhance its estate in Oadby.
Proposed changes in the estate form part of the University’s 10-year masterplan which looks at a rolling programme of maintenance and improvements.
As part of the plan, a number of properties will be sold to enable longer-term investment in the University’s property portfolio in the town.
This includes work with Oadby & Wigston Borough Council and other key stakeholders to enhance the Botanic Garden, a real oasis in the neighbourhood, as well as regeneration and maintenance work on buildings within the portfolio.
Kirsty Woodward, Director of Estates and Campus Services at the University of Leicester, said: “We are committed to Oadby and have no plans to leave but we are looking ahead to our investment and enhancement of our Oadby estate over the next 10 years.
“While all of our properties are compliant with safety regulations, some are now in need of greater long-term investment. The focus of our plans is to invest in quality, with disposal of a small number of properties, in order to reinvest in our remaining 1,600 bed space accommodation in Oadby, the Botanic Garden and our estate as a whole.
“We are excited about the improvements that this will bring to the estate to ensure quality and longevity for the future as expected by our staff and students.”
The properties earmarked for sale during 2023/24 are located in Stoughton Drive South:
- Hastings House – (not the Botanic Garden)
- Digby House and Meadowcourt Blocks
- Inglewood
- Highgrove
Over 50 jobs secured as Derbyshire bakery rescued from administration in prepack deal
Jacksons the Bakers Ltd, a family-run bakery based in Derbyshire, has successfully emerged from administration through a prepack deal, ensuring the preservation of over 50 jobs within the company.
The business had faced challenging trading conditions which led to administrators being appointed in September.
Established in 1944 by Cyril Jackson, who sold war-rationed bread, the award-winning bakery has been part of the local community for over seven decades.
Ryan Holdsworth and Danielle Shore from Leonard Curtis were appointed as the joint administrators, overseeing the transition and the subsequent prepack deal.
In a joint statement, Ryan Holdsworth and Danielle Shore stated: “We are pleased to have completed this transaction which will enable the continuing operation of the company’s bakery business and, importantly, safeguards over 50 jobs.”
The administrators were supported by Tom Paton, Curtis Blackham and Rachel Piper of Irwin Mitchell’s Restructuring and Insolvency Team.
Local authorities win £39m from Government for EV charging networks
A baker’s dozen of Midlands local authorities have joined forces to win more than £39m from Government to create two electric vehicle charging networks.
The Midlands has come together to create two partnerships across the region alongside Sub-national Transport Body Midlands Connect.
- Second Midlands EV infrastructure Consortium – Lead by Nottinghamshire County Council, in partnership with Derby City Council, Derbyshire County Council, Nottingham City Council, Staffordshire County Council
- Third Midlands EV infrastructure Consortium – Lead by Lincolnshire County Council, in partnership with Herefordshire County Council, Leicestershire County Council, Rutland County Council, Shropshire Council, Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Telford and Wrekin Council, Warwickshire County Council
Project funding by LLEP helps increase region’s tourism revenue by £440m
An LLEP-funded project has helped boost the region’s visitor economy – creating jobs and increasing footfall by 27% across the city and county.
Latest figures show more than 30.5 million people visited Leicester and Leicestershire in 2022. Tourism was worth £2.07 billion to the city and county – an increase of £440million since 2021.
The Place Marketing Accelerator Project was funded by a £185,000 grant, awarded by the LLEP from the Repurposed Growing Places Fund, and £105,000 from Leicester City Council and Leicestershire County Council.
The funding enabled Visit Leicester to carry out work to support the recovery of the tourism, hospitality, and leisure sectors post-COVID as well as encouraging inward investment.
LLEP CEO Phoebe Dawson said: “We know that Leicester and Leicestershire have much to offer, and investment in spreading the word is having an effect on increasing our reach.
“We’re pleased to see LLEP funding achieve the desired outcome of helping the recovery of Leicester and Leicestershire – one of the areas hardest hit by the Pandemic.”
Tourism figures for Leicester and Leicestershire are taken from the 2022 Scarborough Tourism Economic Activity Monitor (STEAM) survey.
Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby, said: “This is excellent news. The economic value of tourism in Leicester has grown by 36% since 2021, and investor confidence in tourism is high, as demonstrated by the huge increase in the number of hotels in the city.
“The growth we’ve seen in tourism-related jobs gives a huge boost to our economy, as do the millions of visitors who come here every year and spend their money in local businesses.
“It shows that our investment in making the city easy to get around, and an attractive place to be has been well worth it. It also reflects the huge efforts of all those working in the tourism and hospitality sector in our city.”
Gleeds completes Nottingham office move
Global property and construction consultancy, Gleeds, has successfully relocated its operations to a new office space in the heart of Nottingham City Centre.
The firm’s new office can now be found at 11 Station Street, marking a significant step in Gleeds’ commitment to supporting local communities and adapting to evolving work trends.
Previously sited at Apex Business Park, Wilford, this modern facility boasts over 11,000 sq ft of office space designed to meet the highest standards within the city, emphasising sustainability as a core principle. The new space fosters flexibility in work arrangements and places a strong emphasis on employee well-being, promoting collaboration and team synergy.
Transforming the raw space into a high spec functional office environment required a substantial investment, with a Cat B fit-out project managed by workplace consultants and commercial office fit-out specialists, Blueprint Interiors.
Blueprint Interiors had previously collaborated with Gleeds UK leadership to achieve a unified yet distinctive office style, which started with projects to refurbish their offices in Bristol and Manchester.
Andy Sawyer, project director at Blueprint Interiors, said: “We are thrilled to have partnered with Gleeds on this project. We were able to ensure that every aspect contributed to realising Gleeds’ vision for this iconic development, encapsulating the company’s brand identity, workplace cultural development and values within all aspects of the consultation, design and delivery process.”
Matt Darby, regional director at Gleeds, added: “The move to 11 Station Street is a strategic decision aimed at creating a modern, adaptable workspace. Our focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility aligns with our new city centre location, which offers convenient access for clients, colleagues, consultants, and our wider supply chain network, both physically and through advanced technology. This move will also support local businesses who will benefit from the presence of a major local employer.”
