Silverstone Park-based business wins £170k government funding
Silverstone Park-based Performance Projects has won a share of over £2.5 million in government grant funding to help further develop its OxDrive electric drive hub technology.
The business is one of just 14 SMEs selected to each receive £170,000 of funding via the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC) Technology Developer Accelerator Programme (TDAP) which helps cutting-edge technology developers bring their innovations to life.
APC’s Head of Programmes Josh Denne, confirmed that the that funding had only been allocated following “a highly competitive round of applications.”
“We are incredibly proud, and honoured, to have been selected,” enthused Chris Horton, MD of OxDrive Ltd which is a subsidiary of Performance Projects.
“We look forward to working with the Advanced Propulsion Centre and its partners, developing and commercialising our exciting new e-hub technology. OxDrive drivelines are critical for the agritech and construction sectors’ road to net-zero.”
The OxDrive electric drive hubs (e-hubs) are a range of high torque, fully integrated electric hub drivelines specifically for the rigours of agritech, construction and other off-highway applications.
They are designed to provide reliable drives which speed up vehicle development, reduce time to market and enable viable progress to net-zero robot and vehicle solutions.
The technology has already been integrated into Performance Projects’ ‘GoFar’ rover which uses AI navigation developed by the University of Lincoln. The GoFar has attracted interest from the agritech sector and is currently undergoing trials with Berry Gardens Growers, a major name in the fruit-picking sector.
Josh Denne said: “This latest cohort of our accelerator programme is once again a celebration of UK start-up and SME-led innovation and demonstrates how the drive within our ecosystem to develop new net-zero technology businesses is not slowing.”
He added: “We have attracted a fascinating range of tech businesses to this round of TDAP. Alongside some fantastic hardware-based concepts, we are seeing a growth in software-based innovation that can drive carbon and cost out of vehicle development and manufacturing.
“As our ecosystem shifts its focus towards net zero, we are seeing new process technologies which could help drive emissions out of the supply chain for clean mobility technologies.
“The team at the APC are excited to work with these 14 companies over the coming months to enable them to forge their routes ahead and accelerate their progress.”
Innovative start-ups win national entrepreneur awards and seed funding
Allergen-free snacks, a physiotherapy app for children with disabilities, and flashcards to help refugees overcome language barriers are just some of the business ideas that have won national entrepreneur awards and a share of £75,000 in seed funding.
After pitching their ideas to an expert panel, as part of the Ingenuity Programme run by the University of Nottingham and sponsored by Nuffield Health, the start-ups are among 17 UK fledgling businesses that have won awards.
Jared Spencer, a University of Nottingham alumnus, won the University of Nottingham Impact Entrepreneur of the Year award, for his business ‘RIDDIM’, which addresses the rise in allergens as the most common chronic disease in Europe where many people with allergies struggle daily with the fear of possible asthma attack, anaphylactic shock, or even death from an allergic reaction.
RIDDIM is a dietarily inclusive, culturally relevant snack company which draws its inspiration from the flavours and the stories of the Caribbean to produce a range of tasty snack products free from 13 of the 14 major allergens.
Katie Michaels, a Loughborough University alumni, won the National Health Champion award (£5,000 sponsored by Nuffield Health) for Moti Me, which aims to help children with disabilities.
She has identified that a lack of access to physiotherapy and physical activity sessions guided by healthcare professionals can be detrimental for children with disabilities in achieving their developmental milestones and how parents often struggle to continue the exercises at home.
Moti Me includes a handheld device, mat and guidance app to support parents or caregivers and their child with special needs to practice physio and carry out developmental exercises in the home environment. Katie also won the Shakespeare Martineau Legal Prize (£2,000 of in-kind legal support provided by Shakespeare Martineau).
Richard Holmes, a student at York St John University, won the overall Impact Entrepreneur of the Year award (£10,000 sponsored by Nuffield Health) for his business, Global Anthem, a hand gesture flashcard system that enables effective communication for refugees and migrants facing language barriers.
Richard also won the Yorkshire and Humber Champion (sponsored by Santander Universities UK); the Shakespeare Martineau Legal Prize (£2,000 of in-kind legal support provided by Shakespeare Martineau); and the Engineers in Business Prize (£1,000 provided by Engineers in Business Fellowship).
“I am delighted with the outcome of the 2023 Ingenuity National Competition and the positive, meaningful impact of the programme this year,” said Claire Mulholland, senior business development and Ingenuity Programme manager at the University of Nottingham.
“The Ingenuity Programme team are so incredibly proud of our 2023 Changemakers and their commitment to developing businesses focussed on improving health, tackling climate change and building stronger communities.”
Claire continued: “Thank you to our participants, alumni, corporate, community and university partners, mentors, judges, contributors and other valued members of our Ingenuity Programme network.”
Ben Davies, organisational development director at Nuffield Health, said: “Nuffield Health is incredibly proud to have partnered with Ingenuity on this programme. Partnerships really are the key to maximising the positive impact we can have at a national, regional and local level.
“One of the ways we are starting to tackle the UK’s major health, social and environmental challenges is by supporting innovative start-ups with a social mission at their core.
“We are delighted to play our part in supporting up and coming entrepreneurs that are making such a meaningful impact in their communities. All of the participants should be incredibly proud, and I look forward to seeing how these fantastic programmes develop in the future.”
Run by the University of Nottingham and in partnership with Nuffield Health, the Ingenuity Programme provides start-up skills and training, networking, mentoring, and routes to funding for early-stage impact-driven businesses to make social and environmental change. The most impactful ideas are awarded a top prize and receive a share of £75,000 funding to help them in the early stages of their entrepreneurial journeys.
The programme supports participants to turn ideas for change into exciting new ventures and adopts an agile and flexible approach to ensure we are diverse, inclusive, and accessible.
The Ingenuity Programme is designed to demystify entrepreneurship and support those not currently served by existing services available in Nottingham and in the UK’s start-up landscape. This includes engaging with and supporting underserved and underrepresented groups both from within the university and its local communities.
East Midlands rallies against faltering UK economy
A rise in the number of East Midlands start-up businesses and a fall in the number of companies with late payments makes for cautious optimism in the region amidst a sluggish UK economy.
According to research from the Midlands branch of R3, the UK’s insolvency and restructuring trade body, East Midlands start-ups rose by 3.7% last month, from 2,335 in April to 2,422 in May.
R3 Midlands’ figures, which are based on an analysis of data from business intelligence provider Creditsafe, also show that the number of East Midlands companies with late payments on their books fell over the same period.
R3 Midlands chair Stephen Rome, a director at law firm Thursfields, said: “These are encouraging statistics for our region and show that there is still scope for growth in the current environment.
“The decrease in the number of local businesses with late payments is further positive news, particularly as the business economy is still facing the challenges of stubbornly high inflation, rising costs of materials and wages as well as a squeeze on consumer spending.
“Should significant cash flow difficulties arise, however, it’s crucial for business owners to take relevant professional advice. There is a significant amount which can be done to rescue and support local businesses, beyond traditional insolvency solutions, if help is taken early enough.”
Planning permissions secured for ground-breaking renewable-focused hub
Planning has been granted for Projekt Renewable to land in Grimsby. Supported by myenergi, RWE Renewables UK and the Town Deal, phase one of this ground-breaking scheme promises not only to celebrate the opportunities presented by sustainable energy production in the area and be a catalyst for the green economic regeneration of the town but also to bridge the gap between industry and community with a summer offering for everyone to enjoy.
With the aim of bringing together Grimsby’s celebrated small businesses this summer in a pop-up style programme of events, Projekt Renewable will ensure this hub of discovery is the centre of attention during the coast’s high season this year.
An immersive educational and cultural destination, Projekt Renewable will be landing – quite literally – in Alexandra Dock within a matter of weeks.
Projekt director, Richard Askam, added: “It’s taken two years of hard work to get to this stage and now, over the next weeks, we’ll bring Phase One of Projekt Renewable to life. Designed to allow everyone to see and hear the opportunity that already exists in our area but is still largely hidden.
“It’s time to write the next chapter in Grimsby’s history, and that is as a world leader in renewable energy. A huge thank you goes out to everyone that has been involved and supported so far, especially Richard Dowson who has been instrumental in getting Projekt off the ground.”
North East Lincolnshire Council leader, Cllr Philip Jackson, said: “On behalf of everyone at the council, I would like to thank all the individuals and partners who have had the vision and determination to make Projekt Renewable a reality.
“The success of our young people will define North East Lincolnshire’s future and we need them to see the opportunities that are on their doorsteps and be inspired to take those opportunities. Projekt Renewable will do just that.”
The driving force behind the delivery of Projekt Renewable is WhiteCrate – the container architecture design and production company – having successfully delivered many projects, pushing the boundaries and perceptions of the humble shipping container and creating destinations and spaces, throughout the UK and Europe; including innovative markets in Altrincham and Wolverhampton, Hatch in Manchester and even the Fan Park at Liverpool FC.
And while residents and visitors are being urged to soak up the summer programme, local music and pop-up food and drinks vendors that appear, Jon Flowerdew, Managing Director at WhiteCrate Ltd, explains that this is the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the goals, they have set for Projekt Renewable.
“WhiteCrate is incredibly proud to be delivering this transformative regeneration project in Grimsby, as we work together to create a vibrant new destination,” said Jon. “It is a testament to the vision and dedication of all involved that we are shaping a future where communities can thrive, and where Grimsby can shine a light on its thriving renewable energy industry and the opportunities it creates for the region and the UK.
“This project represents WhiteCrate’s commitment to revitalising urban spaces, fostering economic growth, and creating a lasting legacy and destination that will benefit generations to come.”
The first step in a phased destination project, created to inspire young minds and the local community, the launch and summer programme are just the beginning of what will be an ever-evolving narrative.
Emma Brigginshaw, Head of Sustainability and Ethics at myenergi, said: “At myenergi, we are focused on removing the barriers to a greener future. Our mission is a commitment to pioneering a simple transition to renewable energy, so we are passionate about showcasing the benefits of renewable energy and showing people how they can harness these benefits for themselves, to gain greater energy independence.
“We are proud to support Projekt Renewable, which will not only help educate and inspire future talent and the local community but thanks to its facilities, will be able to share this message with a much bigger audience nationwide.”
Guy Middleton, General Manager for the RWE Grimsby Hub, added: “As a founding patron of Projekt Renewable, we are delighted to have reached this important milestone for the project.
“Projekt Renewable is such an important resource for the local region and the wider renewables industry and we are so excited to be a part of it! It is vital that we can demonstrate what the renewables industry has to offer the younger generation and encourage them to consider roles in our industry if we are going to meet our net zero targets.”
Chloe McKeown, Social Media and Marketing Manager at Mockingbird Street Food, said: “This project is something Mockingbird would love to wholeheartedly champion. A celebration of both Grimsby’s rich history and its exciting future within the renewable energy industry, we love the community focus at the core of Projekt Renewable.
“As a company, Mockingbird are fully committed to all things ‘Great Grimsby’ and it’s fantastic to see the plans in place to raise youth aspirations within Grimsby and beyond, which will without doubt inspire the next generation of very proud, successful Grimbarians.
“The message that Grimsby and its surrounding areas are cool and accessible, but also aspirational is something we try to regularly promote as part of our brand ethos, and something we are delighted that Projekt Renewable shares.”
The team and patrons supporting Projekt Renewable aim to bring emerging careers in renewables to life with an immersive experience that the community and schools can get deeply involved with. VR experiences and hands-on demonstrations of the jobs available in the Humber ‘energy estuary’ will be housed in the trio of containers, which will also function as workspaces for local businesses and creatives.
The Projekt team is also looking to launch their own Projekt-podcast utilising the on-site studio. Hosted by Richard Askam in the first instance, the podcast will shine a light on those already invested and working within the renewables sector and also showcase how the local community can create user-generated content, powerful in its own right, allowing the people to ‘own’ the space and connect with it on a deeper level.
Officially supported by the home-grown talent that is to be found at RWE Renewables UK, myenergi, North East Lincolnshire Council, the Crown Estate, WhiteCrate, Forrester Boyd, Wilkin Chapman, Knapton Wright, Docks Academy and Mockingbird, the collective vision is for Projekt Renewable to gain national significance.
With the ability to beam into primary and secondary schools and further and higher education establishments up and down the country, but starting with the local area, Projekt Renewable plans on using hand-picked experts in the purpose-built dedicated studio to create their own PRG Studio Content.
Bursting with relevant but exciting content and connecting with schools throughout the full academic year, Projekt Renewable will be bringing the renewables industry alive for school children and the younger generation, educating with purpose and creating UK homegrown talent and the next generation of renewable energy experts.
Blue Light Card names new CEO
Blue Light Card, the discount service for the NHS and Emergency Service community, has appointed Alidad Moghaddam as its new Chief Executive Officer.
Blue Light Card was founded by Tom Dalby and Steve Denny in 2008, with a mission to save its members money as a thank you for what they do for others. Tom and Steve will be taking advisory positions within the Leicester business, whilst remaining as board members of Blue Light Card and Trustees of the Blue Light Card Foundation.
Alidad, who was previously on the leadership team at Trainline, has a proven track record of driving growth and innovation in the digital space. He brings years of experience in various leadership positions at high-growth consumer focussed technology companies.
Speaking on his appointment, Alidad said: “I’m excited to be a part of a company which focuses on giving back to those who tirelessly serve our communities, by helping them save money and manage their cost of living.
“I look forward to helping shape the company’s growth strategy, expand its partnerships with leading brands, and enhance its value proposition for its members.
“I will also continue to nurture our reputation as a great place to work by fostering a culture of gratitude, respect, and mutual support across colleagues, members and partners.”
Tom Dalby, former CEO, said: “Both Steve and I couldn’t be prouder of how far Blue Light Card has come over the last fifteen years.
“The staggering savings and experiences that we continue to deliver for our members are true to our original mission and are a testament to the dedication of the talented people we have been working alongside since we started out.”
Nicky Morgan says local Careers Hub is “shining example” as it marks 5-year milestone
Baroness Morgan of Cotes has praised the Leicester and Leicestershire careers team tasked with bridging the gap between schools, colleges, and businesses.
The former Loughborough MP, now chair of the Careers and Enterprise Company, says the work of the LLEP Careers Hub is a “shining example” of what can be achieved.
Careers hubs boost their local economies by bringing local employers together with education providers. In doing so, they deliver a quality standard in careers advice as young people plan their next move in life.
Baroness Morgan introduces the Leicester and Leicestershire Careers Hub Impact Report 2018-23, which is published this week. “The Leicester and Leicestershire Careers Hub is a shining example of what we wanted to achieve,” she writes.
“The LLEP Careers Hub – like so many nationwide – provides educators with opportunities to engage purposefully with employers. I want young people to be confidently prepared for the future, through a system that’s ready for the future too. Careers Hubs are a key part of that vision.”
The local Careers Hub works closely with the national Careers and Enterprise Company (CEC) in ensuring that every young person in its area is informed about the choices available to them post-education.
It also works with a host of Enterprise Advisers – local business leaders who go into schools to talk about jobs, careers, apprenticeships, and other opportunities in industry.
A celebration event is being held this week to mark the achievements of the Careers Hub during its first five years.
LLEP Chief Executive Phoebe Dawson said: “Much progress has been made by our Careers Hub since it launched in 2018 and the LLEP Board recently agreed to extend its funding through to August 2024.”
Some of the gains have been replicated nationally.
A big part of the journey towards ensuring all schools and colleges have stable careers programmes began in Loughborough. The Bridge to Work pilot was set up when Baroness Morgan was Education Secretary.
Her foreword to the report recalls: “At that time, employers were telling us young people did not have the skills they needed. Young people were telling us they felt unsupported as they prepared to enter the world of work.
“I’d become involved with the Bridge to Work scheme running in my Loughborough constituency. It was bringing employers into schools, raising aspirations, and boosting social mobility – it was scaled up and applied at a national level.
“The LLEP Careers Hub – like so many nationwide – provides educators with opportunities to engage purposefully with employers. That builds understanding of local sectors, pathways, and careers. And that grows regional economies.”
Those attending this week’s event will hear about the significant impact of the Careers Hub, including the number of schools in Leicester and Leicestershire with a stable careers programme having increased by 63% since the hub launched.
Financial planning firm hails impressive growth
A Northamptonshire-based financial planner has moved into a brand-new office following a period of rapid growth, which saw his turnover increase by 270% in just two years.
Conor O’Sullivan, of O’Sullivan Financial Planning, has also had an influx of new clients, maintained profit margins and not raised prices following the pandemic.
He has hired four new members of staff for the firm’s new Lamport Manor base.
There are now three Certified Financial Planners in the firm, which puts them in the top five per cent of UK advisors, and Conor himself has recently been awarded the much-coveted Chartered Wealth Manager status.
The team work closely with business owners and high net worth individuals to manage their investments and assets to create and maintain the life they want. This includes pensions, insurance, estate planning, savings and investments.
Moving into an office space will allow Conor to provide greater career development opportunities for his team, which he hopes to grow further in the coming months.
Conor, who is also a Northamptonshire Chamber board member, said: “All our advisors are in the top echelon of our industry, which makes me immensely proud.
“It is important to me that we offer a first-class service which we tailor to the needs of each individual client to help them reach their goals.
“The growth the business has experienced in the past 24 months is because we deliver this bespoke service daily – testament to the hard work of the team.”
New film studio moves a step closer for Derby
Plans to bring back to life a long-time redundant factory on the edge of Derby city centre have taken a massive step forward.
Damien Walters Limited, working in conjunction with MARV, have completed the purchase of the 80,000 sq ft former Aida factory on City Road at Chester Green from Derby City Council.
The process follows twelve months of detailed work between Derby City Council and a team of locally based consultants working with Damien Walters.
With temporary planning permission already in place for part of the building, a detailed planning application will be submitted shortly to fully repurpose the site with construction work expected to begin at the end of Q4, 2023.
The proposal puts forward that Derby City Gymnastics Club and Gym will relocate from Chapel Street with a new stunt training academy to be incorporated into the new gym.
Three film studios are to be created within the older part of the building, which runs down the full length of City Road. The final phase involves the delivery of a new world class rehabilitation centre for elite sports participants and the wider stunt industry.
Commenting on the completion of the purchase, Damien Walters said: “We are absolutely delighted to have concluded the purchase of this property, and I’d like to pay huge thanks to all the people working on both sides of the deal for all their hard work.
“We have already been rehearsing one major movie in the building and anticipate further rehearsal and production work to take place over the summer and into autumn, when we hope to secure planning to then deliver the first phase of the major building project at the beginning of next year.”
Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Culture and Tourism at Derby City Council, added: “We are working hard to build a really healthy, proud and vibrant Derby and this investment is great news.
“It’s a positive show of confidence in the city and its people. These are ambitious plans which, if approved, will bring welcome diversification to the city economy, and create exciting jobs and opportunities for the people of Derby.”
Russell Rigby, Managing Director of Rigby & Co, who brokered the property deal, added: “We have been working hard for the past three years to try and secure the very best fit in terms of property, to enable Damien and the wider team to deliver something that once complete, will be truly jaw dropping.
“This level of investment in the mixed-use property will launch Derby onto the global map for film production, and stunt training.”
Damien Walters Limited was represented by Rigby & Co, working with Geldards LLP. Derby City Council were represented by Freeths.
Clowes Developments and partners to deliver new £8m facility for Terinex Flexibles at Dove Valley Park
Work is underway at the latest phase of Dove Valley Park, the 200-acre industrial and distribution development in Foston, South Derbyshire.![]()
Clowes Developments and their professional team including IMA Architects, CDS Engineers, and Savills, acting as Employers Agent, are bringing forward site 10A, a 4,231 sq m plot located on the southern area of Dove Valley Park south of the A50. IMA Architects is providing all architectural services and acting as Principal Designer on the scheme.
The development will see the construction of a new £8m facility that will become the new home of Terinex Flexibles, an OGM Holdings Group company. Terinex Flexibles is a leading supplier of printed flexible packaging films and solutions used within the food, pet food and medical packaging industries.
The 46,000 sq ft, state of the art premises, will feature production, warehousing and research and development facilities. The building will also include advanced sustainable energy systems to recover heat for re-use, and solar panels for generating power to operate the factory. OGM Holdings is aiming to create the most sustainable, low carbon footprint, flexible packaging factory in the UK.
Completion of the building is expected in January 2024 and will bring further employment opportunities to the area.
Dove Valley Park Ltd, a subsidiary of Clowes Developments, has been developing the business park for a number of years and is already home to occupiers including Top Hat, JCB, Müller, Futaba Ltd and GXO.
Marc Freeman, director at Clowes Developments, said: “Dove Valley Park is a fantastic location for logistical enterprises, benefiting from easy access to the A50. The site continues to grow in popularity with occupiers, creating valuable employment opportunities in South Derbyshire.
“We are looking forward to delivering the new site for Terinex Flexibles. Clowes Developments is currently constructing a further 270,000 sq ft across the site which will enhance the existing offering for perspective occupants.”
Jack Mellor, associate at IMA Architects, said: “This is our latest project with Clowes at Dove Valley Park, and we are proud to be playing our part in creating a thriving business location. Being involved in the site, from the planning stage to completion, means we are able to create premises bespoke to the needs of the end user, something that was important to Terinex Flexibles.”
Paul Wightman, group Managing Director of the OGM Group, said: “Our new location for Terinex Flexibles will facilitate the further growth of our business and we are looking forward to adding to our team in South Derbyshire.
“The new site will be more than double the size of our current factory and will accommodate new equipment, our expanding team and increased R&D capabilities to benefit our food, petfood and medical packaging customers.
“Reducing the environmental impact of industry in the UK is both a moral obligation and a business necessity. We aim to build the UK’s best flexible packaging factory with the lowest environmental footprint producing very high quality products. We can’t wait to move in next year.”
LLEP Board moves to cement legacy with decision on service provision beyond March 2024
The Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) will preserve its legacy – and continue to provide services – as work begins on the transition of core functions.
Directors have tasked new Chief Executive, Phoebe Dawson, to collaborate with partners on identifying which LLEP functions will be required in future. Work will then commence to transition those functions into alternative accountable bodies.
It comes after the Government indicated that central funding for local enterprise partnerships (LEPs) nationwide will be withdrawn at the end of March 2024. The Chancellor described during the Spring Budget his intention for LEP services to be delivered by local government from as early as April 2024.
The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities subsequently wrote to LEPs to confirm the decision and establish the scope of each LEP’s existing work and relationships.
LLEP directors met soon after the Chancellor’s announcement to begin forming a plan for meeting the Government’s deadline. Their outline for working with core stakeholders on the transfer of powers was then ratified at a LLEP Board meeting on 13 June.
The LLEP Board agreed to form a transition group, chaired by Phoebe, to work with key partners on transferring LLEP functions while building on gains made over the years.
Andy Reed OBE, co-chair of the LLEP, said: “Phoebe has been a valuable recent addition to the LLEP team and will focus on finding ways to further progress the many good things the LLEP has delivered over the years.
“The announcement during the Spring Budget was not unexpected and we had been talking with stakeholders for more than a year. What is important now is that we build on that collaboration with more formal talks to agree our approach ahead of the Government funding deadline in nine months’ time.”
Anil Majithia, co-chair of the LLEP, said: “It’s really important that we maintain our service delivery as the cost of doing business continues to challenge so many. LLEP officers will ensure smooth transition as our teams continue helping local businesses towards increased productivity, investment-readiness, and growth.”
Phoebe started as Chief Executive in May and has since been meeting staff members, delivery partners, and other stakeholders to discuss the local approach.
She said: “Government has put a timeline in place and therefore transition planning must commence promptly. Not only will this preserve our legacy, and provide the best outcomes for all of our stakeholders, it will also give greater clarity to our team members in relation to their own futures.”
Plans are being made to maintain core functions through to March. Funding has also been agreed to provide Careers Hub support through to August 2024 – the end of the next academic year.
“Team members are naturally concerned about the uncertainty around their own functions,” Phoebe added. “The Board has ratified transition, and we will provide that transition with an updated Delivery Plan setting new objectives for each of the team.
“This will maximise the value of functions within our existing portfolio, while also positioning us to continue seizing upon opportunities as we move towards March 2024.”
The Delivery Plan will be presented to the LLEP Board at its meeting in August.
