Derby composite firm wins national net zero award
A Derby composites firm has won a national net zero award, thanks to its pioneering work to find a more sustainable composite manufacturing process.
Composite Braiding Ltd, based at the iHub innovation centre on Infinity Park, was awarded the ‘Sustainability Award: Net-Zero’ from Composites UK, the trade association for the UK composites industry, at an awards dinner in Birmingham.
The company impressed the judges by developing a lower carbon manufacturing process for structural composites, which also enables higher production volumes and lower costs. The initiative was part funded by an Innovate UK loan.
It’s the second Composites UK award in as many years for Composite Braiding, who last year won the ‘Innovation in Composite Materials’ category.
The new manufacturing process reduces energy consumption by up to 99%, compared to traditional processes, and uses tooling that is 50% lighter. The process even reduces consumable waste.
On top of the decarbonisation benefits, the innovation means the firm can produce composite parts in minutes instead of hours, enabling them to increase volumes and reduce costs.
Commenting on the award, Steve Barbour, Managing Director of Composite Braiding, said: “We’re thrilled to have won another prestigious Composites UK award this year for our work to decarbonise composite manufacturing processes. It just goes to show what small companies can do, when you have an innovative team and funding behind you.
“This is a game-changing capability. If this process is adopted by multiple users, which is our aim, it will help deliver decarbonisation at scale. We are already talking to third parties about broadening the awareness and availability of our capabilities.”
Leicester health brand recruits Oadby marketing agency to help the city detox
The expert health brand eternalbeing will be working with digital marketing agency, Digital Ethos, based in Oadby, to improve gut health in Leicester.
eternalbeing is a digestion health clinic and brand, headquartered in Enderby, which earlier this year announced the launch of its new patch ranges to support clients in their journey to better health.
Promoting the Leicester clinic, the marketing campaign will help accelerate the digital and local presence of the brand who are experts in gut health and disorders of the bowel, specialising in detox, advanced colonic hydrotherapy, Gut biome testing, intolerance testing, and well-being.
Michelle Geraghty-Corns, founder of eternalbeing, said: “I am confident that we can support anyone in improving their digestion health. Nobody should be suffering from bloating, IBS/IBD, constipation/diarrhoea, autoimmune responses, food intolerances or sleep deprivation, as we can find a solution. I want to help people in Leicester to find ways to be the best version of themselves, and to feel the best they can.
“I am delighted to have the opportunity with Digital Ethos to expand the reach of my clinic in Leicester to reach a wider audience. This means I can scale the launch of the new patches including the hangover and sleep patches which I am excited to amplify.”
Digital Ethos is a B-Corporation working with a number of health-based brands including Nourished, Reasons and &SISTERS, offering SEO, Digital PR, Paid Media, Social Media and content production.
“We are delighted to be working with eternalbeing, this is a niche we are incredibly excited to be involved in. We will be operating with cross-channel campaigns that tie in Digital PR, SEO, and organic social,” explained CEO of Digital Ethos, Luke Tobin.
“Supporting people in Leicestershire with their gut health, Michelle is an expert whose experience and knowledge know no bounds. To support such a passionate founder in taking their business to the next level is a journey we cannot wait to begin.”
Toyota to develop prototype hydrogen fuel cell-powered version of Hilux pick-up at Burnaston plant
Toyota is leading a consortium to develop a prototype hydrogen fuel cell-powered version of its Hilux pick-up at the company’s UK vehicle plant in Burnaston, Derbyshire.
Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK (TMUK) has successfully secured UK Government funding for the project through the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC), an organisation supporting the development of cleaner technologies and new mobility concepts.
This new opportunity to bring zero emission technology to the commercial vehicle market reflects evolving customer demand and Toyota’s 360-degree approach to sustainable mobility across all sectors. The APC funding will enable TMUK to develop hydrogen technologies for this specific vehicle market segment during the next three years.
The consortium, led by Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK (TMUK), will receive funding to cover the development of a hydrogen fuel cell electric Hilux, working in collaboration with highly skilled UK-based technical engineering partners Ricardo, ETL, D2H and Thatcham Research.
The project will make use of components from Toyota’s second generation fuel cell system, as featured in the latest Toyota Mirai saloon, to transform a Hilux into an electric vehicle. While TMUK is leading the project, Toyota Motor Europe (TME) R&D will provide technical support to help the UK-based teams to build their expertise and become self-sufficient in developing next generation hydrogen drivetrain technologies.
The APC, is a non-profit organisation working with the UK Government, the automotive industry and academic bodies to accelerate the industrialisation of technologies to support the transition to net-zero emission vehicles delivery. It plays a key role in the UK’s automotive sector, offering opportunities to bridge the gap between industry and future technological requirements.
It aims to help achieve significant changes in the industry, creating commercial and strategic outcomes that benefit the UK. Its funding specifically covers the later-stage research and development that progresses a product from proof-of-concept to a prototype vehicle.
Toyota pioneered vehicle electrification with the introduction of Prius, the world’s first mass-market hybrid car, more than 20 years ago. It continues to promote a multi-technology path towards carbon neutrality, offering a diverse range of electrified technologies, including hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid electric, battery electric and fuel cell electric, to meet different mobility requirements. Establishing a successful hydrogen transport sector is an essential element in achieving this goal.
Within the scope of the funding bid, initial prototype Hilux vehicles will be produced at Burnaston during 2023. Once successful performance results have been secured, the intention is to prepare the vehicle for small series production. The project is an opportunity to investigate a further application of Toyota’s fuel cell technology in a vehicle segment that is key to a number of industry groups and will help support the sector’s move towards decarbonisation.
Richard Kenworthy, TMUK Managing Director, said: “The opportunity that this funding enables is significant and goes towards developing the technical capabilities not only of our employees here at our site in Burnaston in the East Midlands but also of those within the wider consortium partners.
“This region is heavily committed to supporting zero emissions mobility and we see this project as a great opportunity to contribute to the critical path on the road to carbon zero mobility. This UK Government funding will enable teams within the consortium to acquire key skills that can then be used to investigate other fuel cell applications.”
Matt Harrison, Toyota Motor Europe President and CEO, said: “The UK is one of the key markets for pick-up trucks and an important market for Toyota. This funding represents a tremendous opportunity to develop a zero emission solution in a critical market segment.
“We would like to thank the UK Government for the funding that will enable the consortium to investigate the development of a fuel cell powertrain for the Toyota Hilux, supporting our carbon neutrality ambition.”
More rail services planned for region in upgrade package hailed “biggest step possible in levelling-up the Midlands”
Faster and more frequent train services are on the cards for up to forty-three communities, towns and cities throughout the region as part of a massive package of improvements to transform east-west connections in the Midlands.
The proposals, announced today (Monday), will reduce journey times, increasing rail journeys and supercharge the economy by bringing the East and West Midlands closer together.
Midlands Connect believe that this would create over 14.6 million more seats on the railway every year and will enhance access to HS2 for 1.6 million more people. It will also help safeguard 1,600 well-paid jobs in the construction industry.
Analysis also shows for every £1 spent on the project will deliver over £1.50 in benefits including faster journey times and benefits to the wider economy.
The plans submitted to the government by Sub-national Transport Body Midlands Connect will be launched today in Birmingham, bringing together politicians like West Midlands Mayor and chair of the West Midlands Rail Executive Andy Street, Preet Kaur Gill MP, Deputy City Mayor of Leicester Cllr Adam Clarke, councils and business leaders to all back the ambitious proposals.
The plan, entitled ‘Going for Growth’, proposes to build two chords as well as 11 further engineering interventions throughout the region to deliver a massive step change in rail transport in the Midlands. The biggest engineering proposals are between Bordesley and Moor Street, called the West Chord, allowing access to Birmingham Moor Street from South-West and Wales, and making sure services are improved on the Hereford and Worcester corridors. The project’s second chord is called the East Chord. This creates an access to Birmingham Moor Street from the East Midlands.
Other plans for engineering upgrades include: Snow Hill platform 4, Moor Street platform 5, improvements around Kings Norton-Barnt Green, Stoke Works junction, a Malvern Wells turnback facility, Ledbury – Shelwick partial double-tracking, Moor Street platforms A & B (east side), Bordesley viaduct widening, Water Orton remodelling, Nuneaton to Wigston signalling headways and freight loops between Nuneaton and Leicester.
The improvements will make space for up to ten extra trains per hour in and out of Birmingham. This means that passengers will see up to one hundred extra trains on the rail network in the Midlands every single day.
If funded by the Government, this would all will deliver a series of major benefits for passengers, commuters and businesses.
The pan-regional benefits for the Midlands are:
- An additional train per hour between Birmingham and Bristol
- An additional train per hour between Birmingham and Cardiff via Gloucester stopping at Worcestershire Parkway
- An additional train per hour between Birmingham and Hereford via Worcester. The service will also stop at Bromsgrove, Great Malvern & Droitwich & Great Malvern
- An additional fast train per hour between Leicester and Birmingham, stopping at Nuneaton
- An additional slow train per hour between Leicester and Birmingham. The service will stop at Coleshill Parkway, Nuneaton, Hinckley, Narborough & South Wigston
- One extra train per hour from Redditch to Lichfield Trent Valley stopping at Alvechurch, Barnt Green, Longbridge, Northfield, Kings Norton, Bourneville, Selly Oak, University, Five Ways, Birmingham New Street, Duddeston, Aston, Gravelly Hill, University, Chester Road, Wylde Green, Sutton Coldfield, Four Oaks, Butlers Lane Blake Street, Shenstone, Lichfield City
- One extra train per hour from Bromsgrove to Lichfield Trent Valley stopping at Barnt Green and the stations outlined by the service above. Together with the service above this means the Cross City Line runs at six-trains per hour
- Rerouting of the imminent two trains per hour from Kings Norton to Birmingham New Street (Camp Hill) service to instead run to Moor Street
Developer purchases new site in Lincoln
Commercial property developer, Stirlin, has announced a new site investment.
Stirlin has purchased 1.22 acres of land on Newark Road in Lincoln, which is situated directly adjacent to an Esso fuel station and the River Witham.
An existing planning application has been approved for 8 single-storey industrial units to be constructed on the site, which range in size from 1,000 sq ft up to 3,100 sq ft.
The site can also accommodate bespoke design and build opportunities of up to 15,000 sq ft, which will be offered by Stirlin on a long-term lease basis.
Stirlin holds a long-standing commitment in Lincolnshire; having developed over 260,000 sq ft commercial property across the county since their first development in 2007.
James Kirby, owner of Stirlin, says: “We are delighted to invest in another site in Lincoln. We have been aware of the site on Newark Road for many years, so were pleased when it became available. The site has a tremendous amount of potential and will greatly benefit from a complete regeneration.
“With its excellent access to Lincoln City Centre and the A46, the development will act as the perfect base for a variety of local and national business.”
Jamie Thorpe, chartered surveyor at Pygott & Crone, says: “It’s fantastic to see Stirlin going from strength to strength as they continue to acquire new sites across the region to deliver their high-quality brand of commercial units. They have been a key player in developing much needed business space throughout the city, providing accommodation that helps local businesses grow and supports economic growth in the area.
“The most recent acquisition at Newark Road is no different, a rundown site that is in desperate need of redevelopment. Situated in a central position, the site location is expected to be very sought after. We encourage all interested businesses to get in touch to discuss their requirements.”
Midlands Energy Summit shines spotlight on region’s opportunity to become ‘famous’ in future energy agenda
The East Midlands needs to determine which part of the future energy agenda it wants to lead if it is to attract overseas investors, an audience of business leaders heard at a conference.
Speakers at the Midlands Energy Summit, held by East Midlands Chamber in partnership with the University of Nottingham at the Hilton East Midlands Airport hotel yesterday (1 December), emphasised the importance of the region having a clear focus when it comes to prioritising various energy strands.
Nora Senior, chair of the East Midlands Freeport, said becoming “famous” for an aspect of the green economy will help to establish clusters of businesses to accelerate innovation and create new jobs, while demonstrating a local commitment to achieving net zero will help to attract inward investment.
Many of the solutions will come from academic research and the University of Nottingham’s vice-chancellor Professor Shearer West CBE, as well as Sustainable Hydrogen Centre for Doctoral Training director Professor Gavin Walker, showcased some of its work in the areas of transport and mobility, energy generation and management, and communities and the built environment.
East Midlands Chamber director of policy and external affairs Chris Hobson said: “With our industrial heritage, world-class research in our universities, central location and the UK’s busiest cargo airport, our region has all the raw ingredients required to be a national and international leader in the net zero economy.
“This is why we are calling the East Midlands a Centre of Trading Excellence in our new Business Manifesto for Growth, which was launched in Westminster last week and calls for Government ‘to back the East Midlands to back the UK’.
“We believe there is plenty to get behind here but there is also a lot for us to think about as a region. The East Midlands Freeport offers a fantastic opportunity to create a name for ourselves on a global stage but as we heard during the Midlands Energy Summit, we need to consider what the focus should be – whether it’s in hydrogen, battery production or aerospace, for example.
“It’s also important that as a region, we demonstrate a commitment to growing our competitiveness in the right way as this is what investors across the world want to see when they decide where to throw their backing.
“More broadly, energy security is a hot topic for many organisations as our research tells us the number one concern for businesses right now is rising energy costs, which is also the main driver of inflation.
“Businesses are eager to work in partnership with Government and the energy industry to develop a long-term energy strategy that gives them certainty about security of supply and minimises costs, which will enable firms to get on with doing what they do best in creating wealth and opportunities locally.”
Frasers Group snaps up luxury homeware platform
Frasers Group has snapped up Amara.com, an online platform for luxury global homeware brands.
The CEO of Frasers Group, Michael Murray, announced the acquisition on social media, saying it would build on ambitions to create a credible homeware destination for luxury retailer Flannels.
Established in 2005 as an independent boutique, AMARA moved its focus online in 2008. It has since grown to partner with over 300 of the world’s leading luxury home brands, such as Versace Home, Missoni, Fornasetti, Roberto Cavalli and Kartell, and has gained a global audience in over 100 countries.
The deal comes hot on the heels of Frasers Group’s acquisition of Savile Row tailor Gieves & Hawkes last week.
Appeal won for village housing scheme in Rutland
Planning permission for up to 75 homes in a Rutland village has been granted following an appeal by Pegasus Group.
Rutland County Council has agreed to the construction of the homes, which will include 30 per cent affordable properties, on 5.52 hectares of agricultural land off Bartles Hollow, Ketton, after Pegasus Group provided expertise on behalf of house builder Vistry Homes.
As well as the homes, the development will also include a formal and informal open space, including pedestrian and cycle routes linking the development through to Wytchley Road and Park Road; and a recreational area with children’s play area.
The new housing scheme, which will be traditional in style and designed to complement the local area and landscape setting, will be under one kilometre from the village centre, where there are shops, services and recreational facilities. The historic town of Stamford is under four miles away.
Last year, Rutland County Council turned down the application, saying the development site was outside the Planned Limits to Development for Ketton and that any new housing has to be proven to be essential for a rural worker or similar operational needs. They concluded that “there is no justification in this instance for setting aside the development plan.”
However, the scheme was approved on appeal.
Guy Longley, executive director of Pegasus Group, said: “We’re pleased that this application has been allowed on appeal. Rutland County Council are unable to demonstrate a five year supply and this is a sustainably located site.
“This housing development will provide much-needed, high-quality homes in one of Rutland’s Local Service Centres. We demonstrated that new residents would benefit from a range of key service and facilities and access to public transport, and the Inspector agreed.”
A reserved matters application will be submitted next year.
Plans submitted for 250,000 sq ft bioscience building at Nottingham’s Island Quarter
A detailed application for the next phase of The Island Quarter mixed-use development in Nottingham has been submitted by Conygar.
The plans comprise a 249,000 sq ft bioscience building, which includes both laboratory and office space.
Christopher Ware, property director of Conygar, said: “We are delighted to submit this application for the next phase of development.
“Nottingham is already home to a large number of exciting businesses in the bioscience space and this scheme will be an excellent addition to the mixed-use development we are creating at The Island Quarter.”
Two more retail units open at £30m development in Nottingham
Two more retail units have opened at a £30 million mixed-use development in Nottingham which is nearing completion.
Birds Bakery’s latest outlet is trading at Teal Park, off the Colwick Loop Road in Netherfield, which has been jointly developed by Warwickshire-based AC Lloyd Commercial (ACL) and Nottingham-based Henry Davidson Developments (HDD).
Valley CiDS charity shop, which supports children, young people and families through its out-reach work in schools and the wider community, is planning to open its 2,000 sq ft premises in the countdown to Christmas.
This will be followed in the New Year by Pizza Triangle opening its first restaurant in the city. The business already has restaurants in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Solihull and Walsall.
Mark Edwards, Managing Director at AC Lloyd Commercial, said Teal Park was proving to be a huge success for businesses from a wide range of sectors.
He said: “It is great the economy is being boosted by the opening of these retail units. Aldi opened in August and the addition of the new retail units will mean they help each other to thrive.
“The area is a hive of activity and the Local Centre is providing amenities for residents on their doorstep which they can walk or cycle to which is good news for the environment as well.”
Richard Croft, director at HDD, added: “We are delighted the Local Centre is fully let and that we have a mix of local and national occupiers across Teal Park.
“Teal Park is going from strength to strength and is adding to the retail mix of this popular area of Nottingham.”
