Leicester becomes one of UK’s first full-electric bus cities

Stuart Pearcey
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Leicester becomes one of UK’s first full-electric bus cities
In a £3m investment involving 18 zero emission buses all diesel buses at First Bus’s depot in Leicester are being replaced with 86 electric buses funded by the Zero Emission Buses Regional Areas, making Leicester home to one of the first bus depots in the UK to transition to fully electric. First Bus MD Janette Bell said: “We’re absolutely delighted that Leicester will become one of our blueprint bus depots of the future, helping us to refine and iterate this new concept so we can roll it out across the rest of the UK. At First Bus, we’re continuing to trailblaze with our partners to ensure we meet our net zero targets, supported by co-funding from the Department for Transport. “As leaders in sustainable mobility, we are fully aligned with the government’s ambitions for a net zero carbon transport system. Through this co-funding with the ZEBRA scheme, we’re excited to electrify another five of our UK depots before March 2024, and look forward to introducing even more electric buses to our constantly growing fleet.

“We cannot wait to see our customers’ reactions once the project is complete, as we know the difference this will make to the city. Electric really is the future and we’re glad we can take our customers on this journey with us.

In total Leicester has benefitted from nearly £22 million funding from the ZEBRA scheme to support 114 electric buses. Roads Minister Richard Holden said: “Buses are the backbone of our transport network, providing affordable travel for commuters, families, and pensioners, and providing an economic lifeline for towns and cities around the country.

“This multimillion investment for Leicester’s clean transformation, coupled with the new Bus Centre of Excellence, will help drive the country’s bus sector recovery and provide passengers with cleaner, more affordable buses that run on time.”

The Leicester announcement comes in parallel with news of Government plans to invest £815,000 in a new Bus Centre of Excellence designed to bring together expertise from local government, bus operators and industry to boost skills and diversity in the bus sector. Hosted by the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation, it will provide training opportunities, direct access to resources and industry experts, as well as networking events to uplift the capacity and capability of the whole sector, working to encourage people to get back on the bus.

Industry experts claim road repairs would cost UK £12.6bn

Stuart Pearcey
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Industry experts claim road repairs would cost UK £12.6bn
It’s going to cost more than £12bn to repair all of Britain’s potholes, according to the Asphalt Industry Alliance – making the Chancellor’s additional £200m contribution over the next financial year a mere drop in the ocean. That the view of the Alliance, which says a much-needed long-term investment in roads is needed, estimating that the cost of repairing potholed local roads in England and Wales is  £12.6 billion; roughly £61,700 for every mile of local road. In addition, recent analysis by the Local Government Association showed Government funding for maintaining England’s motorways and major A roads was 31 times higher per mile than for repairing local roads last year. Thomas Edgcumbe, MD for Surfacing Solutions at Coalville-based Aggregate Industries, said: “It’s really encouraging to see that the Government is increasing the pothole fund, and it will of course go some way in enabling local councils to fill the worst offenders. However, it is just a fraction of the amount needed to ensure our local roads meet the standards that we require for long-term use. “Potholes are symptomatic of poorly maintained roads and potential underlying structural issues. A long-term funding framework – as opposed to a reactive programme that allows local authorities to patch up parts of a road – will go a long way in preventing issues forming in the first place. “Investing in long-term, low-carbon and sustainable solutions is crucial in improving the structural conditions of our roads and safeguarding them for future use. This includes making use of the latest advances in sustainable products and practices, including innovative asphalt solutions.” Aggregate Industries works alongside its customers, including UK Government, National Highways and local authorities, across the UK to provide solutions for the long-term.

Football hub scheme kicks off with groundbreaking ceremony

Stuart Pearcey
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Football hub scheme kicks off with groundbreaking ceremony
A groundbreaking ceremony has marked the official start of the £11.9m Football Hub project on Derby Racecourse. Developers Alliance Leisure were joined by representatives from Derby City Council, the FootballF oundation, main contractors Universal Group and other key stakeholders at a ground-breaking ceremony to mark the start of the Football Hub development on Derby Racecourse. The Football Hub will regenerate the Racecourse, providing a state-of-the-art community building and three new full-size 3G football turf pitches  on the site, as well as the refurbishment of the existing FTP. The new changing pavilion will include a community café and meeting space. In addition to the enhanced pitch provision, the Hub development will include increased parking spaces and improved entry and exit to the site. The project has received joint funding from Derby City Council and the Premier League, The FA and Government’s Football Foundation. The goal is for the Football Hub to provide high-quality, sustainable facilities allowing all-yearround pitch use, ensuring a long-term future for grassroots football. Construction work will start next month and is due to finish in early next year, when the facilities will be managed on behalf of Derby City Council by the National Football Trust and operated by Leisure United. Martin Davies representing Universal Civils & Build, said: “All of the team here at Universal Civils and Build are proud to be working alongside our project partners Alliance Leisure on this prestigious project. We have been invested in this exciting scheme for the past 2 years and cannot wait to break ground and be an integral part of the development of this facility that will serve the public of Derby for years to come.”

Leicestershire celebrates successful year For new businesses

Michael Fisher
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Leicestershire celebrates successful year For new businesses
Figures just released show that Leicestershire welcomed more new companies during 2022 than in the previous 12 months – marking the county out as a great place to do business. A total of 10,408 new companies were registered, an increase of 7.5% on 2021, resulting in a record high of 73,507 businesses in the county. The statistics are taken from the Inform Direct Review of Company Formations, using data from Companies House and the Office for National Statistics. Leicester formed the highest number of new businesses (5,072), followed by Charnwood (1,456) and Blaby (841). John Korchak, Managing Director at Inform Direct said: “It is great news to see that Leicestershire can celebrate a successful year for new company formations. “The last few years have been turbulent for businesses, with inflation and a cautious economic outlook following the impact of the pandemic. However, in these figures we see evidence of the ambition, creativity and resilience of entrepreneurs in Leicestershire, as well as the benefits from the county’s support for a range of enterprises. “This positivity is mirrored in the overall picture for the UK which saw a record number of new companies established during 2022, exceeding 800,000 for the very first time.” The UK saw 805,141 new companies, compared to 771,617 in 2021, which represents an increase of 4.3% and brings the total number of companies to 5,236,227. Dissolutions of UK companies totalled 578,679, down on 2021 when 606,912 were recorded, suggesting that new and existing businesses are adapting to survive in a post-pandemic business environment.

Corporation Road Bridge works safeguarding historic crossing and boosting local economy

Michael Fisher
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Corporation Road Bridge works safeguarding historic crossing and boosting local economy
Essential restoration works to Grimsby’s Corporation Road Bridge by Hull-based Spencer Group are safeguarding the landmark structure for future generations and providing a boost to the local economy.   Bridge works specialist Spencer Group has been selected to carry out a full refurbishment of the Grade II listed crossing by North East Lincolnshire Council and its delivery partner, EQUANS. The works need to be carried out in order for the council to fulfil its statutory obligations to protect the bridge, which is of historical and architectural significance. The restoration will include key structural works, as well as aesthetic improvements, preserving the bridge’s heritage status and protecting it for many years to come. Spencer Group, which was appointed as the contractor for the project after a strict tendering process, will have a team upwards of 15 working on the project at any one time. The company is using a local waste management company, with the aim to recycle as much as possible from the redundant materials taken from the bridge. It is also employing people from the area to work on the bridge, using a Grimsby builder’s merchant and haulage company, as well as encouraging its own workforce to use nearby facilities to further boost the local economy. Ben Lorne, Project Manager for Spencer Group, said: “We’re delighted to be carrying out these works, which are a statutory requirement bound by legislation to ensure the bridge remains fully operational. “We’ll be safeguarding the bridge for future generations with structural, mechanical and electrical works, as well as painting to protect it from corrosion. “Much of the work will be done on the underside of the bridge, where we’ll be inspecting, repairing and replacing the structural beams that support the roadway. These works won’t necessarily be visible to the public, but are vital to keep it safe. “It’s always good to have local people working on a local structure such as this, which is why we’re using Grimsby companies in the delivery of this project.” The works to Corporation Road Bridge began last month. A full road closure will be in place for the duration of the works, which are expected to take between 12 and 18 months, with diversion routes clearly signed. The bridge remains open to pedestrians and cyclists, except during short periods when Spencer Group will need to test the lifting mechanisms. The Corporation Road Bridge refurbishment is a £4.967m scheme – funded by £2.967m from the Department for Transport, £1.83m set aside by the council and a further £170,000 from the Local Transport Fund. The Department for Transport funding is specifically ringfenced for these works. Diane Rowe, Customer Relationship Manager for Spencer Group, said: “It’s important with a project like this to engage with the community and employ local people wherever we can, which is what we’re doing. “Anyone who wants to find out more about the project and how it’s progressing is more than welcome to get in touch with us for an update.”

Jobs growth under spotlight as work on updated Local Plan continues

Michael Fisher
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Jobs growth under spotlight as work on updated Local Plan continues
Future job opportunities in North East Lincolnshire’s growing renewables sector and the potential of the Humber Freeport will be assessed, as a picture is painted of how local life will look in the decades ahead. The next stage of updating the borough’s Local Plan includes external experts examining key factors that will help outline the necessary growth between 2023 and 2042. A key priority is to establish the number of new homes required to support the local population and meet the needs of people who will come to the area or decide to stay because of job opportunities. Reflecting on how the updating of the Local Plan will progress, North East Lincolnshire Council leader, Cllr Philip Jackson, thanked people for taking part in an initial public engagement held last autumn. And he said he looked forward to seeing others’ views when full public engagement of the draft updated Local Plan takes place later this year. “The views of people who live in North East Lincolnshire, or who work here, or have a business interest here, are extremely important. Ideas that may not have been considered, suggestions, along with opportunity and challenge, is welcome as we look to support the development of a stronger and improved borough for us all,” said Cllr Jackson. Every Local Authority must have a government approved Local Plan, which sets out the future vision, covering themes including the environment, health and wellbeing of residents, access to work and creating jobs in the area, meeting local housing demand, and ensuring access to education for children and young people. Adopted plans are reviewed based on a five-year cycle. Cllr Jackson said that gaining a real understanding of the economic opportunities that are set to be a reality in North East Lincolnshire will shape the look and feel of the updated Local Plan here. Figures already reported suggest how the low carbon and energy economy across the whole of Greater Lincolnshire is worth £1.2bn, with more than 12,000 people employed – figures that are set to grow along the south bank of the Humber estuary. Meanwhile it is predicted that the Humber Freeport development will be a driving force in the attraction of new industry in North East Lincolnshire. “We are standing on the cusp of real and true opportunities here and we need to ensure we match the predicted business growth in other areas too. Our housing, schools, health and green offer must live up to the expectations that young people and families have. This means developing with consideration – providing the right balance of new homes and improving our urban areas whilst enhancing the natural environment,” said Cllr Jackson. He added how work currently on-going was already in-sync with issues that were likely to come up. This work included planned new primary schools in Scartho and Waltham, unique wildlife sites along the Humber bank to offset development, and an £800,000 investment into some of the 150 acres of green space in the borough, which includes 50 managed parks and open spaces. The successful Cleethorpes LUF bid announced in January will also see a significant environmental investment with the regeneration of Pier Gardens, revamped green and activity space, and improved biodiversity. Views captured during the initial engagement to update the Local Plan show that local people want reassurance on the scale of growth, want empty homes brought into use and for new homes to be affordable, whilst protecting green spaces and supporting a low carbon focus. These views are not made public at this stage, as is best practice, but are used alongside the expert analysis to shape the updated Draft Plan that will be published and go out for full public consultation later this year. “As we move forward, we want people to continue to be involved and to also understand just how important it is for future generations particularly that we make the right choices with regard to both economic and domestic opportunities,” added Cllr Jackson.

East Midlands manufacturers see mixed start to the year

Tess Egginton
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East Midlands manufacturers see mixed start to the year
East Midlands manufacturers have seen a mixed picture in the first quarter of the year, although the trends are far more improved since the second half of last year, easing fears of a significant recession for industry in 2023. The findings in the Make UK/BDO Q1 Manufacturing Outlook survey show a marked pick up on the picture in the final quarter of 2022, albeit from a very negative picture in the second half of last year. The figures echo the gradual improvements in other data such as the UK and European PMIs, which are now only just in negative territory, as well as a strong pick up in demand from China. According to Make UK and BDO, this mixed picture reflects the ongoing difficulties being experienced by the automotive sector and the ripple effects being felt down the supply chain amid the transition to electric vehicles. However, this is balanced against the strong performance of food and drink where the East Midlands has a strong exposure. Both output and orders picked up in the region although the balance on output was only just positive at +6%, an improvement mainly driven by export orders as UK orders remained very weak. However, despite this improving picture, employers’ intentions to invest remained at weak levels although conversely recruitment intentions were very strong showing employers are anticipating a pick-up in demand. Looking forward, the next quarter remains mixed although export orders are forecast to pick up significantly and investment intentions are also set to turn positive. As a result of this mixed picture and the lack of any significant upturn in growth, Make UK is still forecasting a contraction for manufacturing in 2023 as the substantial challenges the sector is facing show few signs of abating. Charlotte Horobin, Midlands director at Make UK, said: “Manufacturers in the East Midlands have seen a rebound at the start of the year as conditions have improved in their major markets and, business confidence has improved. “However, one swallow doesn’t make a summer and it is far too early to say the worst has passed given the significant challenges the economy faces. However, the Budget should help boost investment in the short to medium term although ideally, full expensing should be made permanent to better reflect the investment cycle for manufacturers.” Jon Gilpin, head of Manufacturing at BDO in the Midlands, added: “Despite a few glimmers of good news such as improvements in output and orders picking up in the region, inflationary pressures are still very evident for UK manufacturers with increased costs still being passed on. We caution that worst of conditions for the sector may still be to come. Manufacturers and investors need consistency and commitment to long-term support to shape their next steps.” In terms of overall output this year Make UK is forecasting a contraction of -3.3% (a slight improvement from -4.4% forecast at the end of last year) and growth of just 0.8% in 2024.

Derby based Aquabox filters provide safe drinking water for earthquake victims

Michael Fisher
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Derby based Aquabox filters provide safe drinking water for earthquake victims
Derbyshire-based charity Aquabox is gearing up to send water filters and aid to victims of the recent earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. Its volunteers are working hard to respond to the natural disaster and already have 300 units ready to send out. The charity is now working with international partners to establish secure access routes and is calling on the generous British public to help fund its invaluable work. Established in 1992, Aquabox offers displaced people the gift of safe clean drinking water and humanitarian aid. The charity has so far sent more than 110,000 aid boxes to disaster zones and conflict areas around the world. Its ultra-filtration hand pumps convert polluted water into clean, safe water for drinking, cooking and washing. The World Health Organisation estimates that the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria have killed 47,000 people and left 26 million people in urgent need of assistance. When disasters strike, there is an urgent need to provide safe drinking water as supplies are damaged and contaminated with water from sewage and drains. Aquabox filters remove all common pathogens, including cholera, typhoid, polio, dengue fever and other water-borne diseases. The charity is now working closely with fellow charities and distribution partners to open up safe access routes into Turley and Syria and set up reliable distribution networks. The team is exploring the option of sending an initial consignment of aid by land into Eastern Turkey. It is also working with an NGO to send a container of aid to Syria. Roger Cassidy, Chairman of Aquabox, said: “We have been working very hard getting consignments ready. It is estimated that there are 700,000 displaced people in Turkey alone and they desperately need a way of accessing safe drinking water. Each of our family filters will meet the daily water needs of up to 10 people and will go on working for months if not years. The disaster is on such a large scale that we foresee many more shipments over the next 6 months and will be very grateful for any donations received.” Aquabox relies entirely on donations and fundraising activities to support its work. With the help of donors, it aims to reach its target of providing sufficient filters to dispense water to 100,000 people per year by 2025.

Works progress on second phase of Horizon 29 in Derbyshire

Michael Fisher
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Works progress on second phase of Horizon 29 in Derbyshire
Pivotal construction works led by McLaren Construction (Midlands and North) are progressing well for Phase 1B of the prominent industrial and distribution hub, Horizon 29, in Bolsover, Derbyshire. Located one mile from Junction 29A of the M1, Horizon 29 is a new landmark distribution development, which once complete will span 1,150,256 sq. ft and have a total of eight warehouses, delivered over three phases. McLaren Construction (Midlands & North) commenced construction on Phase 1B in November and will be delivering design and construction work on two new speculative builds (Units 4 and 5), with extensive ground remediation works to stabilise the former coal site, which will complete this summer. Works delivered to date for Unit 4 of Phase 1B include earthworks and VSC piling, concrete foundations and steel framing alongside lift shaft and stair installations. The installation of nets for roofing works and office elevation cladding are due to complete this month. Earthworks are also complete for Unit 5 and concrete foundations have commenced alongside the construction of steel framing. CMC piling is also due to be finished this month. The contractor is also in the process of constructing two single storey distribution warehouses for P1A (Units 1 and 2), which are due for completion in April, and all units at Horizon 29 will be constructed to a BREEAM Rating of ‘Excellent’ with an EPC ‘A’ Rating. Sustainable features of the industrial and development hub include solar PVs, air source heat pumps, enhanced cladding, responsibly sourced sustainable materials, LED lighting and electric vehicle charging points.All external works are being undertaken by McLaren Construction (Midlands & North) including general hardstanding, car-parking, electric vehicle charging points, landscaping, mains services and drainage. Gary Cramp, managing director of McLaren Construction (Midlands and North), said: “We are delighted that works are progressing well at Horizon 29 P1B and we’re on track for completion this summer. In a prime location in the Midlands, Horizon 29 will be a premier distribution centre for the region, and an ideal hub for quality tenants looking for direct and easy access to the M1 north and south. “Working with Bentall Green Oak and Equation Properties for the second phase of the build has allowed us to solidify our strong working relationship and we are incredibly pleased to be working with them across two pivotal phases of this landmark scheme.” Equation Properties is a London-based property development company for the distribution and industrial sector. Dick Smallman, construction director at Equation Properties, said: “We are delighted to be working with McLaren on the second phase of this prestigious development, the scheme is progressing extremely well. This is a high-quality product in a premier location.”

Forterra makes material contribution to net-zero future

Michael Fisher
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Forterra makes material contribution to net-zero future
Following a successful trial at Forterra’s Kings Dyke site, the programme has been rolled out to all 17 of Forterra’s manufacturing facilities, with non site-based staff able to utilise the recycling facilities at the site most convenient to them. Avena’s 0% landfill policy provides a sustainable end of life process for all textiles and PPE, and as the only company in the UK that offers shredding as an alternative to incineration and landfill they are the perfect choice for Forterra to align with. The old uniforms and PPE will be recycled in the most effective way, this includes the material being reused, turned into insulation or made into chips for energy generation. David Manley, Forterra’s Head of Sustainability said, “As a business we’re looking into every aspect of our operations to work more sustainably, from our manufacturing processes to our energy sources. We have set ambitious ESG targets to reduce our carbon emissions by a further 32% by 2030, and I’m very proud that we’re on our way to achieving them. “350,000 tonnes of textiles are sent to landfill each year, and we’re delighted that Forterra will no longer be contributing to that figure.” This recycling programme follows a series of other important sustainability measures announced by Forterra, including a solar farm that will supply 70% of its electricity needs by 2025, a reduction in single use plastic used to wrap its products, the use of HVO (bio diesel) fuel to power all its mobile machinery at its Measham facility, and a £21 million investment in its haulage fleet.
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