Project Better Energy appoints chairman
Project Better Energy, a clean technology and heating solutions provider, has appointed Volker Beckers to the board of the company as non-executive chairman.
After graduating from Cologne University with a degree in Economics & Business Administration and an initial career in IT, Mr Beckers has spent the last three decades within the international energy industry, serving most notably as group CEO of RWE Npower plc until the end of 2012 and prior to this, its group CFO from 2003 to 2009.
His professional experience spans both the private and public sectors, as well as academia, and since 2013, Beckers has held several leadership roles at a diverse portfolio of private companies, in addition to board roles within government bodies such as HM Revenue & Customs and the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) Board.
He also sat on the Advisory Board of the EU Centre for Energy and Resource Security (EUCERS) at King’s College, and is chair of the Advisory Board with Erasmus Centre for Future Energy Business (ECFEB), a specialist research center at Rotterdam School of Management.
Based in Burton-upon-Trent, Project Better Energy was founded by Chief Executive Officer Simon Peat in 2011. Beginning in the residential solar market, the company has since expanded its product range to include off-peak power storage, electric vehicle chargers, air-sourced hot water cylinders and infrared heaters, providing a diversified range of clean technology solutions to both the residential and commercial property sectors.
The business has experienced significant growth over the last twelve years and is now the UK’s largest solar panel retailer, installing nearly 40,000 solar energy systems to date. Additionally, its Project EV division has installed over 80,000 electric vehicle chargers across the residential, commercial and public sectors, such as local councils and the NHS, as well as major retailers including B&Q and Arnold Clarke.
The group now employs approximately 300 people across its divisions and generates around £100m of sales on an annual basis.
Mr Beckers’ appointment comes after the recent announcement that Freshstream has acquired a strategic stake from the company’s shareholders, who reinvested alongside the firm. Project Better Energy is the 6th investment for Freshstream’s first independent fund, which closed earlier this year having raised €762 million.
Volker Beckers, incoming chairman of Project Better Energy, said: “Project Better Energy has quickly grown into the UK’s largest solar panel retailer and is fast becoming a leading provider of EV systems and energy efficiency solutions as demand for these technologies has expanded significantly.
“Demand for these services will only grow further as businesses and organisations begin to ramp up initiatives aimed at meeting regulatory requirements to integrate clean energy solutions, offer electric vehicle charging infrastructure and enhance energy efficiency in both new and existing developments.
“Simon has built a talented and motivated team over the past twelve years, as well as a strong industry network and customer base, which will provide the foundation for the company’s next phase of growth and is underpinned by recent investment in the business. I look forward to working with the Board to provide the governance oversight and market insights to guide Project Better Energy as they realise the future vision for the business.”
Simon Peat, CEO of Project Better Energy, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Volker as chairman at Project Better Energy as we reach this exciting inflection point for the company.
“His breadth of non-executive roles and multi-national experience built over many years will further enhance the capabilities and expertise of the board as we execute our ambitious growth strategy to provide a diverse range of clean technology and energy efficiency solutions across the UK.”
Expansion work starts at ESPO’s Enderby warehouse
The first spade in the ground has signalled the start of expansion at ESPO’s warehouse and head office.
The 26,000 square foot extension to the site will double the company’s current storage capacity – enabling more stock, quicker turnarounds and reduced lead times for customers in the UK and across the world.
A ground breaking ceremony marked the beginning of the project, designed by architects IMA.
Work by contractors Galliford Try is expected to take a year and will also offer apprenticeships, on-site training and work experience opportunities for local people to benefit from the expansion.
Employing more than 400 people and offering school supplies and procurement services across the UK, ESPO has operated from its current location at Grove Park in Enderby since 2006.
ESPO is a partnership consortium of five councils and has enjoyed sustained growth over the last decade. It is now looking to build for the future as part of its growth strategy.
With returning and new customers and its package to support multi academy trusts the Enderby base has quickly reached capacity, deciding now is the time to expand and capitalise on its market strength.
Kristian Smith, Chief Officer at ESPO, said: “This is an exciting step for us. The last few years have seen unprecedented growth and this extension is our chance to extend our offer to customers and continue to invest in great service.
“We’re ideally located at our Enderby base and with great transport links to the rest of the UK, so it makes sense to extend our current site to secure our long-term future on Grove Park.
“The work will also benefit local people and nurture those starting out their career in the construction sector thanks to the commitment from Galliford Try, and we look forward to welcoming them over the next few months.
“We’re confident about the future and cannot wait until we can start to take advantage of the benefits this will inevitably bring.”
University of Law building in Nottingham acquired
Franklin Real Asset Advisors, on behalf of the Franklin Templeton Social Infrastructure Strategy, has completed the acquisition of a university building comprising around 28,000 sq ft in the city centre of Nottingham.
The asset is fully leased to the University of Law on a long-term basis and benefits from a WALT of over 10 years. Klaus Schmid, director, Franklin Real Asset Advisors, says: “We are pleased to acquire this asset which has recently undergone refurbishment, with the tenant making significant investments to utilise it for long-term educational purposes. “The university’s efforts to not just provide high quality education but also to encourage and support underrepresented groups to pursue such education further create a strong alignment for the asset with the impact objectives of our strategy.” Michel Lim, vice president at Franklin Real Asset Advisors, adds: “This acquisition is an addition to our growing portfolio of educational assets in the United Kingdom. It originates from an off-market approach, allowing us to acquire it at attractive terms for our investors, while capitalising on the current market environment. “Through our credibility and relationship with the seller, we were able to source this unique asset and we look forward to closing on similar assets in the future.”Pinelog welcomes new production manager
Steve Betts has joined Chesterfield-based timber lodge manufacturer Pinelog Limited as production manager.
He brings a wealth of experience in manufacturing, engineering and fabrication to his role at Pinelog.
Within his new role, Steve will support Pinelog’s detail driven process, from design conception, manufacture, delivery, installation, and customer handover.
Steve said: “I’m a process driven person, with years of experience in fine tuning production and developing teams’ skillsets. I’m excited to see how I can support Pinelog’s vision.”
Steve’s employment background spans a number of blue-chip companies, including Toyota in both Derby and Japan for 17 years. Most recently, Steve worked in a consultancy role for a modular building manufacturer in the north of the UK.
He explained: “I first became aware of Pinelog when I visited Mercia Marina holiday park in Derby in my previous role and saw one of the company’s timber lodges. I was impressed by Pinelog’s quality.
“I am delighted to now be working for a company with such high standards of design and production. The attention to detail is unrivalled. Pinelog’s products stand apart in the timber lodge market.”
As well as the production of complete timber holiday lodges, in his new role Steve will also be overseeing the production of the commercial buildings designed and built by Pinelog which are also manufactured at the company’s Chesterfield site.
Steve’s appointment is just one of a number of new management appointments Pinelog has created following its move to a new, larger site in Chesterfield in 2023. Earlier this year Pinelog appointed Judy Barwell to the position of sales account manager.
Welcoming Steve to the role, Nick Grayson, chairman of Pinelog Group, said: “Steve’s comprehensive background in production and management within a number of industries provides us with a springboard for further developing our own best in class processes.”
Netherfield-based educational resources supplier wins major Welsh local authority contract
Netherfield-based educational resources supplier Findel has been awarded the framework for the supply of education aids, curriculum aids and associated products by Wrexham County Borough Council, the lead council, on behalf of 22 local authorities in Wales.
The multi-million pound framework is to supply to primary and secondary schools in Wales. This is a national framework, available on request for any public sector organisations across England, Scotland and Wales to use.
Findel is now the approved supplier of educational resources to more than 1,400 schools across 22 local authorities in Wales after being awarded the framework.
The company was the core supplier on the previous iteration of this framework with Wrexham County Borough Council running from 2019 to 2023. The new agreement to supply educational resources will run until 2027.
Findel’s team which will work with schools also includes native Welsh speakers to support the growing priority of the language being taught on the Curriculum for Wales.
Findel’s Chief Executive, Chris Mahady, said: “Not only retaining, but growing our supplier relationship with all the Wales local authorities and their schools is testament to Findel’s commitment to provide customers with the highest quality of products and customer service.
“As a business, we are truly dedicated to our ESG activities to positively support the communities in which Findel and its customers operate. It’s fantastic to see that this was a differentiator for us when it came to being awarded the framework.
“We look forward to continuing to work with schools across Wales to ensure they have the right products and supplies to support pupils and teachers alike.”
Fall sees target to halve inflation met
The rate of inflation fell sharply to 4.6% in the 12 months to October, the lowest rate in two years, achieving the Government’s pledge to halve inflation by the end of the year.
Largely due to a drop in energy prices, it follows sticky figures last month where inflation failed to drop as expected, making for an annual rate of 6.7%.
Meanwhile core inflation, which takes out volatile factors like energy, food, alcohol and tobacco to give a clear picture of underlying trends, though falling is still stubbornly high at 5.7% for the 12 months to October, down from 6.1% in September.
Alpesh Paleja, CBI lead economist, said: “A big drop in inflation was always expected in October, with last year’s energy price cap rise falling out of the annual comparison. But even taking this into account, inflation is heading in the right direction and the Government’s pledge to halve inflation by the end of the year has been met.
“Inflation should continue to fall in the months ahead. But the decline is set to be slow, and the CPI rate is likely to remain above the Bank of England’s target for much of next year. It’s worth noting that domestic price pressures remain sticky, and uncertainty over labour market data makes it difficult to gauge how much this is adding to inflationary pressure.
“Nonetheless, we’ve likely reached the peak of rising interest rates, and many are expecting the Bank of England to cut rates at some point next year. But with inflation set to fall slowly and the Bank of England being clear in their ‘higher for longer’ message, businesses and consumers shouldn’t expect a significant reduction in rates anytime soon.”
Driving forward industrial energy efficiency key to achieving Net Zero targets
Manufacturers have been hit by soaring gas and electricity prices hitting record highs, leaving businesses desperate to cut their energy use, according to a new report Driving Industrial Energy Efficiencies, published by Make UK and Inspired PLC.
The new research delves into how energy-efficient practices and technologies can help companies save money and boost productivity while at the same time moving towards their Net Zero targets.
Net Zero is a priority for 92% of businesses and 68% have already made investments to start on that journey with two-fifths (22%) planning to in the next 12 months.
Over the past two years, the cost of energy has been highly turbulent, exacerbated by an increase in operational costs. This has left manufacturers forced to operate with a significantly reduced margin, making introducing energy efficiency projects an attractive proposition.
The report shows that businesses have been taking a two pronged approach to reducing energy consumption, from low-cost, low effort measures to more costly investments which deliver equipment and process upgrades. Simple steps such as getting the right energy supplier and securing an advantageous contract is critical.
Monitoring energy use through smart metres and sub-metering can further cut consumption, providing more granular detail of unnecessary use. One rubber compound manufacturer saved £62,734 through a better energy contract and over £48,000 by reducing waste through circuit-level (sub-meter) monitoring.
Equipping plant machinery with meter reading tools or sensors, can offer real time data access by connecting it to the cloud (Internet of Things Technologies), enabling faults to be spotted as they happen.
Implementing Voltage Optimisation, which only allows the exact amount of energy a business needs to be brought in from the National Grid, can also make significant savings. While overhauling compressors – which account for 10% of all industrial energy used – can cut energy consumption by 50%.
One energy intensive company which galvanises plant equipment introduced digital controls to deliver variable on-demand power to its furnaces, saving £400,000 on energy bills and reducing its carbon output by 1000 tonnes.
Faye Skelton head of policy, Make UK, said: “Britain’s manufacturers have made significant steps to cut carbon emissions and move towards Net Zero. But in order to supercharge that journey, business needs Government to play its part in driving the process forward.
“To that end, Government needs to commit to introducing a National Advisory Energy Service similar to the model of Made Smarter which helps SMEs digitalise their production processes. This should provide smaller funding to companies of up to £20,000, include an energy audit, sub metering and an implementation plan as well as helping businesses access the right funding.
“We need to see also an immediate extension of the 12 months of 100% business rates relief on green plant machinery and equipment and building improvements to three years to reflect the business payback period.”
With the abolition of the Energy Efficiency Taskforce (EETF) which had expected to put forward policy proposals to support greater energy efficiency, Make UK is calling on Government to use the upcoming Autumn Statement to help companies transition to net zero through energy efficiency measures.
Among these calls included in the report, is for Government to undertake a gap analysis of the tax incentives available on energy efficiency to check no type of business falls between the cracks.
Heat recovery may have the biggest potential to improve energy efficiency, but as yet is almost untapped. It uses the steam or waste heat from machinery (e.g., compressors, ovens/furnaces, galvanisation baths) or high temperature processes, to heat up other parts of the process (low temperature), hot water, or for the space heating of the building. It can also be used to produce electricity via the Organic Rankine Cycle, a type of thermodynamic process which can use low temperature industrial waste heat.
Construction company appointed to build new 20,400 sq ft regional hub for logistics firm
Construction company Glencar has been appointed by Verdant Regeneration to design and build a new 20,400 sq ft regional hub for DX (Group) plc, a provider of delivery solutions including parcel freight, secure courier, 2-Man and logistics services, at a new 200-acre development site in Ilkeston, Derbyshire.
The DX regional hub project which will also include construction of offices and external works will be built to a high standard with a raised dock and onsite car parking.
The new hub and depot will provide significant additional regional capacity, improve efficiency by reducing stem mileage, delivering environmental and customer service benefits. PC is expected by early April 2024.
Pete Goodman, Managing Director – UK Midlands, North and Ireland, said: “We are very happy to have been appointed by new customer Verdant Regeneration on what will be the first development to come out of the ground at this brand new strategically located development site which has been a long time in the planning.
“This development has been designed with sustainability at the core which when combined with large amounts of amenity and green space at New Stanton Park will see fishing ponds, rural walkways and cycle tracks all enhanced to link the site and wider communities.
“Glencar are fully committed to sustainable construction and a sustainable future. Our ESG approach has been deliberately designed to help us to create a positive impact on the world in which we operate as well as a more innovative, resilient and successful business for the future.
“We are committed to being a responsible business and to supporting customers in achieving their own sustainability targets and look forward to working closely with Verdant Regeneration and the broader project team.”
David Grier of Verdant Regeneration said: “Having acquired the site in 2020, we have worked hard across the team to quickly bring forward an outline planning application for a development of 2.6m sq ft on what is one of the largest regeneration projects within the region.
“We are delighted to have now successfully secured outline planning consent and thank Erewash Borough Council for the professional manner and efficiency in which they have dealt with the planning application.
“New Stanton Park offers an excellent strategic location, blending an active rail connection with strong private and public transport connectivity, plentiful labour, large power supply and high volume water connection.
“When combined, we are confident this will result in a highly successful development with the next chapter set to positively transform and improve the area, bringing forward large scale job creation in the process.”
Paul Ibbetson, Chief Executive Officer, DX (Group) plc, said: “DX is delighted to be announced as the first business taking space on New Stanton Park Industrial Estate, a redevelopment scheme near Nottingham. The purchase of this 25,000 sq ft site will enable us to create a major new regional hub and depot to service our Group’s parcel freight activities.
“The new hub and depot will provide significant additional regional capacity, improve efficiency by reducing stem mileage and is in line with our plans to make strategic property investments.
“We also look forward to creating further job opportunities in the area. Construction, which will benefit from a raised dock and mechanisation, is expected to be completed during Q2 2024.”
New Stanton Park has outline planning permission for the construction of 2.6m sq ft of industrial/warehouse units from 11,000 sq ft up to 1,068,00 sq ft in a single building with the potential to deliver up to 4,000 new jobs once fully developed.
East Midlands unemployment rate below 4% for two years
The East Midlands’ unemployment rate has remained at 3.7% for the fourth month running, new figures by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show.
The data, for the period between July and September 2023, means the proportion of working-age people in the region who do not currently have a job but are actively looking for work has been below 4% since the three months to October 2021 – almost two years.
Nationally, the unemployment rate is half a percentage point higher at 4.2%, although the economic inactivity rate for 16 to 64-year-olds – which measures the number of working-age people who have dropped out of the labour market for reasons such as retirement, caring duties, long-term ill health or studying – is 21% for both the UK and East Midlands. This remains above a pre-pandemic trend around the 19% mark.
East Midlands Chamber Chief Executive Scott Knowles said: “The fact our region’s unemployment rate has remained at a relatively low level for such a prolonged period is testament to the efforts and resilience of our region’s business community in the face of significant economic challenges.
“Rising economic inactivity has been one of the greatest concerns over the past couple of years as it led to a dwindling labour market, which has restricted capacity – and therefore the ability to grow, raise productivity and bring prices down.
“While this rate remains above pre-Covid levels, it’s pleasing to see this has now come down by about 2% throughout this year, giving firms more room to manoeuvre.
“However, our own research shows there is no room for complacency. Our Quarterly Economic Survey has highlighted a slight growth in the region’s workforce, with 60% of East Midlands businesses adding to headcount in the first quarter of 2023, rising to 62% in Q2 and 63% in Q3.
“Employment prospects look weaker going forward with the proportion of firms expecting to recruit in the coming months falling by a net 8%, amid slowing demand for our region’s businesses products and services from both domestic and international customers.
“Many employers continue to face challenges with filling job vacancies. While 58% of organisations attempted to recruit during Q3, two-thirds (67%) of those experienced problems in finding suitable staff.
“This illustrates how we really need a dedicated Government policy that supports companies to invest in their people, whether that be in upskilling their existing workforce or reskilling prospective employees to fill skills gaps.
“In our regional economic blueprint, A Centre of Trading Excellence: A Business Manifesto for Growth in the East Midlands and Beyond, investment is one of the ‘four Is’ we urge Government to prioritise – and next week’s Autumn Statement provides a great opportunity to address this.
“We have set out a list of policies we believe will make the required difference, including introducing flexible incentives for businesses that invest in staff training and bringing forward the introduction of the Lifelong Loan Entitlement to support retraining and the retainment of an older workforce.
“We must also tailor policies to recognise the diversity of people who are out of work and avoid a one-size-fits-all solution. We would also like to see Government work with businesses to offer support, and share best practice, on what a flexible and inclusive workplace looks like as this is another vital ingredient in enticing people back to work.”
New NTU partnership set to improve sustainability in logistics
Nottingham Trent University (NTU) and Baxter Freight have been awarded funding for a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) focused on sustainability within the logistics sector.
The funding will allow Baxter Freight to work with leading academics from Nottingham Business School, part of NTU, within the field of supply chains, sustainability, organisational change and marketing, as well as to recruit an associate to work within the organisation.
The logistics and transport sector is essential to the global economy, helping supply chains to keep moving, transporting essential goods around the globe. However, it contributes just over a third of global carbon dioxide emissions, making it the largest-emitting sector in numerous developed countries.
The Nottingham-based freight forwarder is focused on driving sustainable innovations within supply chains and decreasing its impact on the environment. In the UK alone there are around 61,303 road freight businesses who need to evolve their operations to be more sustainable and future ready.
From 2025 Scope 3 reporting, the indirect emissions in a company’s value chain that are typically responsible for 70-90% of an organisation’s carbon footprint (Carbon Trust), will become mandatory in Europe.
However a recent survey by Baxter Freight found that 47% of their customers aren’t ready. The company works very closely with hauliers and customers and has found that many of them are still unsure what Scope 1, 2 and 3 is and how it impacts them and their operations.
Richard Jeggo and Tom Isler, who are leading the KTP at Baxter Freight, are working to support customers and suppliers and the KTP will be key to that.
Tom Isler, Baxter Freight Innovation & Sustainability Manager, says: “Collaborating with NTU and NBS is an opportunity for us to see how we can create clarity for our partners, whether they are suppliers or customers on this complex issue of Scope 1, 2 and 3, net zero and sustainability.
“If we can help even a handful of businesses to not only report on scope 3 but find more sustainable solutions because of it, then we will have already made a positive impact.”
Dr Stuart Carnell, Senior Lecturer at Nottingham Business School, said: “It is inspiring to see an organisation such as Baxter Freight who are redefining sustainability and net-zero within the freight industry and creating a forum for stakeholder interaction as part of this Scope 3 initiative.
“Furthermore, the team at NTU are proud to support and facilitate this initiative as part of this knowledge transfer programme.”
Over the coming months Baxter Freight will be growing their innovation team as they recruit for the new KTP associate.
