DPD trials electric HGVs to reduce supply chain emissions

April Lara
-
0
DPD trials electric HGVs to reduce supply chain emissions

DPD has partnered with MAN Truck & Bus to trial electric heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) as part of its commitment to reduce supply chain emissions. The company is testing the MAN eTGX, an all-electric truck designed to integrate into its last-mile delivery operations. With a range of up to 800km and fast-charging capabilities, the vehicle is being tested at DPD’s UK hub in Hinckley, Leicestershire.

These trials are part of DPD’s broader goal to transition its fleet towards net zero by 2040. The company has reduced emissions by 27.5% since 2020 and operates nearly 40% of its fleet with electric vehicles, contributing to over 6,000 tonnes of CO₂ savings. Integrating electric trucks is crucial in helping DPD and the UK transport sector meet its carbon reduction targets.

The MAN eTGX trials will assess the feasibility of using electric trucks in regular operations, focusing on a larger-scale rollout from late 2025. Additionally, DPD is exploring how to adapt the eTGX for use with double-decker trailers, which are key to its logistics model. These trailers allow the company to consolidate shipments and reduce the number of trucks on the road. Tests for this adaptation are expected to begin in 2025.

The transport sector, the UK’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases, plays a significant role in DPD’s sustainability efforts. The company’s collaboration with MAN is one of several initiatives aimed at decarbonising its operations and contributing to the UK’s net zero objectives. The eTGX, with its modular battery design and quick-charging system, could help further reduce downtime and enhance the efficiency of DPD’s operations.

NatWest Growth Tracker signaled a softer fall in business activity in March in the East Midlands

Michael Fisher
-
0
NatWest Growth Tracker signaled a softer fall in business activity in March in the East Midlands
March’s NatWest Regional Growth Tracker showed improved business growth in more regions of the UK at the end of Q1 – but the majority are still being affected by wider economic uncertainty. The Tracker – which surveyed businesses operating in the manufacturing and services sectors across 12 regions of the country from March 12 to 27 – showed London and the South West led business growth last month, with improvements seen in the South East and Yorkshire and Humber. As witnessed in January and February, most regions in March experienced a dip in business activity as inflationary pressures remained elevated, with Scotland and Northern Ireland the worst affected. The NatWest Regional Growth Tracker Business Activity Index is the first fact-based indicator of regional economic health published each month. A reading above 50 signals growth, and the further above the 50 level the faster the expansion signalled. Of the 12 UK regions, only five posted above 50. The average across the UK for March was 51.5. Commenting on the Tracker’s findings, Sebastian Burnside, NatWest Chief Economist, said: “According to March’s report, London continued to lead in March, with the South West also making a sizeable contribution to UK economic growth. We saw growth broaden out slightly, as both the South East and Yorkshire & Humber enjoyed renewed upturns in business activity. “Market conditions remain challenging and recent tariff announcements suggest we could see continued challenges in the coming months. “Firms up and down the country are looking to control costs, which is feeding through to staffing decisions. “Price pressures remain high across the board, though they did at least subside slightly in most areas in March, on the eve of the changes to national insurance contributions and national minimum and living wages.”

Bradley Hall expands to Birmingham with new office

April Lara
-
0
Bradley Hall expands to Birmingham with new office

Bradley Hall, a property firm established in Newcastle in 1988, has opened a new office in Birmingham as part of its strategic expansion into the West Midlands. The company, which already operates in various regions including the North East, Yorkshire, and the North West, aims to strengthen its presence in the commercial and residential property sectors in this growing market.

The Birmingham office will initially focus on RICS Red Book Valuations, with plans to broaden its services to become a full-service agency. Phil Bartleet, a commercial property expert with extensive experience in the sector, will lead the branch.

Bradley Hall’s recent performance includes valuing £1bn worth of residential property from March 2024 to March 2025. The firm has also been appointed to several major valuation panels, including HSBC, Handelsbanken, NatWest, Yorkshire Building Society, and Lloyds, providing services for lending, legal matters, and commercial property transactions.

The Birmingham expansion is part of Bradley Hall’s broader strategy to increase its footprint in key UK markets. Supported by a central infrastructure covering marketing, operations, HR, and finance, the firm aims to continue attracting top talent as it expands across the country.

Solar farm approved to power EV chargers at M1 services

April Lara
-
0
Solar farm approved to power EV chargers at M1 services

A solar farm will be developed next to Donington Park services, located off junction 23A of the M1, to support the expansion of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. The 6.36-hectare site will generate 7.15 megawatts of electricity, enough to power 42 new EV charging bays at the service station.

The project, approved by North West Leicestershire District Council, addresses the increasing demand for charging stations as the UK transitions to electric transport. The new solar farm will help meet the broader goal of providing more charging points across key transport routes, with the service station operator aiming to roll out 4,000 new chargers by 2030.

Local ecologists initially opposed the development, concerned about its impact on a nearby wildlife area. However, the plans were revised to include comprehensive measures for environmental protection, which led to a shift in support. The site is expected to operate for 40 years, after which it will be restored to its previous agricultural condition.

This project is part of a broader initiative to improve the availability and reliability of EV charging infrastructure, particularly for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), which will require increased energy provision as they shift to electric power.

Work gets underway on £18m agri-tech centre at Leicestershire college

Tess Egginton
-
0
Work gets underway on £18m agri-tech centre at Leicestershire college
A ground breaking ceremony has been held for SMB College Group’s £18 million campus development at Brooksby, which will bring some of the best agricultural equipment and facilities to Leicestershire. In attendance at the ceremony were representatives from Tilbury Douglas and Gleeds, in addition to SMB College Group delegates including Dawn Whitemore (principal and CEO), Jason Spencer (assistant principal for estates), James Fryer (director of land-based and farm) and Andy Graham (director of campus). Also present were four Level 3 Animal Management students, Amelia, Amelia, Noah and Leah, who were in attendance to represent the college’s Brooksby Campus students. The Department for Education funded project will bring a brand new state-of-the-art agri-tech centre to Brooksby, featuring equipment such as GIS software for field and yield mapping, virtual learning environments, purpose-built labs, drones, and robotics – all of which will benefit students and apprentices studying a range of qualifications at the specialist land-based campus. There are also additional buildings, including a new refectory and student services area. Dawn Whitemore, principal and CEO of SMB College Group, said: “I am thrilled to have had the opportunity to watch this project come to fruition. This is a truly transformational project for our Brooksby Campus, and we are incredibly pleased to have the opportunity to remain at the forefront of the Land-based sector with this welcomed investment. “It was an honour to officially ‘break the ground’ and I look forward to watching the developments as the building work progresses.” James Fryer, director of farm and grounds, added: “This is such an exciting new chapter for our Brooksby Campus. This investment will put us on the Land-based map and will allow us to use state-of-the-art precision farming techniques to educate many future generations of Agriculture and Land-based students. “With September 2025 seeing the re-introduction of Level 2 Horticulture and the launch of our brand new T-Level in Agriculture, Land Management and Production, it is a very exciting time to become an SMB College Group land-based student!”

GO Travel Solutions reappointed as Travel Plan Coordinator for Bardon Hill East development

Tess Egginton
-
0
GO Travel Solutions reappointed as Travel Plan Coordinator for Bardon Hill East development
GO Travel Solutions has been reappointed by Harworth Group to continue its role as Travel Plan Coordinator for the Bardon Hill East development in Coalville for the next three years. The Leicester-based consultancy will build on its existing work, further developing and managing sustainable travel initiatives for the site. Since 2022, GO Travel Solutions has led efforts to develop and promote sustainable transport options for those working at Bardon Hill East. This includes conducting annual staff travel surveys to assess commuting patterns, developing a Travel Action Plan to encourage alternatives to single-occupancy vehicle journeys and launching its very own SmartGO workplace travel package. The goals are to deliver economic, social, and environmental benefits by improving access to employment, enhancing local air quality, and promoting staff health and well-being through sustainable travel choices. Dr. Ian Murdey, project manager at GO Travel Solutions, said: “We’re delighted to extend our collaboration with Harworth Group and further develop sustainable travel initiatives at Bardon Hill East. This reappointment allows us to build on our progress and continue making a positive impact.” Michael Jameson, senior asset manager at Harworth Group, said: “Harworth Group is dedicated to creating sustainable places where people want to live and work. The reappointment of GO Travel Solutions reflects our ongoing efforts to enhance sustainable travel options for employees and residents alike.”

Largest cold storage facility opens in Lincolnshire to boost UK food security

April Lara
-
0
Largest cold storage facility opens in Lincolnshire to boost UK food security

Magnavale has launched the UK’s largest cold storage facility in Grantham, Lincolnshire. With a capacity of 101,000 frozen pallet spaces, the site is designed to support the growing demands of the UK food supply chain while focusing on sustainability.

This cutting-edge facility operates entirely on renewable energy and incorporates advanced automation and high-bay, rack-clad storage. It also offers additional services such as blast freezing and contract packing, streamlining operations for businesses in the sector.

The opening of Magnavale Easton will strengthen the UK’s food security and is expected to bring long-term economic benefits to the local area. It will also help companies reduce costs and improve supply chain efficiency.

New solar farm proposal in Lincolnshire to power 23,000 homes

April Lara
-
0
New solar farm proposal in Lincolnshire to power 23,000 homes

Starlight Energy has unveiled plans for a new solar farm in Lincolnshire, which will generate enough energy to power 23,000 homes. The proposed site, located near Burton Pedwardine on the outskirts of existing solar farms, spans 76 hectares (188 acres) off White Cross Lane, Sleaford.

Following consultations with the Burton Pedwardine Parish Council, the developer scaled down the project’s initial size. The proposal includes the installation of 3m-tall solar panels, a substation, fencing, CCTV cameras, and access tracks, with a 40-year operational timeline.

If approved by North Kesteven District Council, the project is expected to generate £50,000 annually in business rates and establish a community fund. Until the consultation period ends, the public has until the end of the period to submit feedback through the NKDC website.

Planning approved for 66-bed care home in Bourne

April Lara
-
0
Planning approved for 66-bed care home in Bourne

LNT Care Developments has secured planning approval from South Kesteven District Council for the construction of a 66-bed residential care home in Bourne. The development will replace an existing house on Tarragon Way, with a two-storey H-shaped building designed to include parking for 30 vehicles.

The project is expected to create between 50 and 60 local jobs and represent a significant investment in the area. Beyond construction, it will generate ongoing opportunities for local contractors, suppliers, and community engagement, including potential partnerships with schools and community groups.

While most local residents supported the location, concerns were raised over the site’s accessibility and parking capacity. Ward councillor Helen Crawford noted issues with the proposed entrance on Coriander Drive, potential congestion from HGV traffic, and insufficient parking for visitors and staff.

The planning committee approved the project with the condition that a travel plan and construction plan be submitted. No timeline for the project’s completion has been provided.

NWSLC partners with JLR to upskill workforce for electric vehicle transition

April Lara
-
0
NWSLC partners with JLR to upskill workforce for electric vehicle transition

North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College (NWSLC) has successfully delivered a bespoke training programme to over 1,000 Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) employees, aimed at addressing the skills gap in electric vehicle (EV) technology. This initiative supports JLR’s Reimagine Strategy, which aims to achieve carbon net zero by 2039.

The training programme focuses on transitioning automotive technicians from internal combustion engines to electric vehicle systems, providing a practical, hands-on approach. The programme is part of NWSLC’s broader strategy to collaborate with industry leaders to offer tailored apprenticeships, placements, and training that address specific business needs.

Following completion of the fundamental course at NWSLC’s MIRA Technology Institute in Nuneaton, JLR employees have the opportunity to advance their skills further through intermediate and advanced programmes offered by Coventry University, depending on their specific role and upskilling needs.

This collaboration highlights the growing importance of education and industry partnerships in meeting the evolving demands of the automotive sector, especially as companies like JLR accelerate their move towards electrification.

1...91011...988Page 10 of 988