“Developing fuel switching technology will make this possible, accelerating the transition to cleaner fuels across our economy, and driving down costs for businesses.
“Industrial fuel switching shifts industrial energy use from high carbon to low carbon fuels, with the aim of decarbonising industry in line with the UK’s target of reaching Net Zero by 2050 while boosting economic growth, jobs and prosperity.” Fossil fuels (including coal, gas and oil) made up around 55% of industrial energy consumption in 2019. As set out in the Industrial Decarbonisation Strategy, to decarbonise industry in line with net zero, it is expected that industrial emissions need to fall by around 2 thirds by 2035 and at least 90% by 2050. Investing in this technology will make it easier and more cost-effective for industry to be powered by cleaner fuels like hydrogen and renewable electricity, instead of fossil fuels. The funding, available through Phase 2 of the £55 million Industrial Fuel Switching competition, will support the development of new fuel switching technology in the UK, helping to attract private investment into the country and supporting new green jobs.£50m boost to cut industry’s reliance on fossil fuels
Nearly £50 million in government funding is being made available to support the future of British industry through the development of fuel switching technology.
It’s intended that a wide range of industries, including steel, ceramics, pharmaceuticals and food production will be helped to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and slash energy costs.
Business and Energy Minister Lord Callanan said: “We’re investing £49.4m to back British industry, making sure they’re fit for the future and helping end their dependency on expensive fossil fuels.
Derbyshire construction firm makes contracts manager promotion
After joining the Enrok team just 18 months ago as a project manager, Matt Shelley, MCIOB has been promoted to contracts manager to focus on client liaison, pre-construction and planning.
Responsible for overseeing all of Enrok’s construction projects, Matt will now have a greater focus on client liaison, managing site teams and ensuring they have the long-term help and support they need to run successful, safe projects. Entrusting his teams to deliver on short term goals, Matt will concentrate on the wider outlook of projects and be involved in pre-construction planning and tender submissions, as well as meeting prospective clients and broader company development.
Talking about his promotion Matt said: “I’ve always had a long term plan and vision for where I want my career to be heading and this is a positive next step for me in a great team. It’s an indictment of joining a company riding a wave of success and I guess its recognition and reward for doing a good job, which is always appreciated.
“First and foremost, I want to continue Enrok’s outstanding safety record and strive to bring in best practice expertise from working with larger contractors. Secondly, I want to continue to play an active part in growing our business and replicating the fantastic year we have had for many more to come.”
With over 20 years’ construction management experience, Matt has worked for several market leaders across several number of sectors including manufacturing, retail, education, probation and multinational consumer goods. He’s been involved in leading large teams to deliver multi-million-pound projects for some well-known brands.
Jordan Mallisch, director at Enrok Construction, says: “Matt’s been instrumental in several of our projects since he joined us, working on Hartshill doctor’s surgery in Nuneaton and our Regan Way and Ashbourne projects too. It’s great to have Matt as part of the senior management team and be involved with projects from start to finish. We’re really pleased to promote him within the firm and look forward to where we can take the business in the future.”
Matt concludes: “I really enjoy the inclusive, open and honest culture at Enrok. When big decisions need making, the whole senior team are involved. We come to a conclusion together, which is great for bringing everyone on board and driving the business forward.”
Godwin secures planning permission for residential development in Shepshed
Property developer Godwin Developments has secured outline planning permission for a residential scheme comprising up to 50 new family homes on Ashby Road, in the Leicestershire town of Shepshed.
The development is located on a vacant site next to the established community of Crowson Close and is part of the emerging Charnwood Local Plan. It will create a much-needed extension to the town of Shepshed which plans to build 2,331 new homes by 2037 to satisfy growing demand.
The development is well positioned for access into the town and all major amenities including local primary and secondary schools, shops, health care, services and employment, as well as the surrounding regional and national transport networks. It lies just over half a mile from junction 23 of the M1 motorway and approximately three miles from Loughborough, the principal settlement in the Borough of Charnwood. It is also surrounded by a range of historic parks and gardens and Charnwood Lodge National Nature Reserve is within a short drive.
The approved outline plans feature an extensively landscaped area facing Ashby Road Central, giving residents access to shared green space and adding to the appeal of the town. As a part of the work to increase connections with the town of Shepshed, the proposals will improve footpaths, offering active forms of travel to new residents.
Nick Harrison, planning director at Godwin Developments, said: “We’re pleased to have secured planning permission for our residential development in Shepshed which will play a vital role in meeting the growing demand for new homes in the area. This housing scheme will support the Council’s strategy for sustainable development, while also promoting Shepshed as a desirable place for people of all ages to live, work and play.”
The Godwin Developments team included Planning and Design Group Ltd as the planning consultants and engineering firm HSP Consulting.
Cooper Parry appoints new COO
Hard on the heels of launching new plans to grow fivefold in five years, Cooper Parry have announced a significant appointment to boost their leadership line-up.
Phil Erridge recently joined the firm as chief operating officer after 16 years with HSBC where he led HSBC’s global wholesale model management and delivery function.
Phil brings experience of taking on a number of significant senior roles with HSBC. These include leading the integration activities of the global Wholesale COO organisation, creation of a data-led customer experience and sales function, and managing the Commercial Bank’s financial crime risk function globally.
Phil is passionate about developing organisational capabilities; using a powerful blend of data, technology and collective team effort to continually develop all the operating elements of the business to enhance “how we do” what we do.
All of which hits the right notes at Cooper Parry as they are driving growth across new and existing opportunities and markets following significant recent investment from Waterland Private Equity.
Working alongside CEO Ade Cheatham and Cooper Parry’s Leadership Team, Phil will lead the firm’s integration activities across several strategic acquisitions and drive operational efficiency.
Speaking about Phil’s appointment, Ade said: “I’m delighted to welcome Phil to the CP family. His role as COO will be invaluable as we target significant and ambitious growth over the next five years. And now with substantial PE investment behind us, having someone with Phil’s global breadth of experience and can-do attitude is both timely and terrific.”
On joining Cooper Parry, Phil added: “What attracted me to CP was the both the culture of the business and its desire to continually improve and challenge the market. For me, this mindset is hugely exciting as it provides an environment to do great things. I’ve watched with interest the growth of Cooper Parry and I’m thrilled to be joining at a time of significant growth and massive change.”
The mini budget – Streets Chartered Accountants to explain what it means for you
The new Chancellor of the Exchequer, Kwasi Kwarteng, is set to deliver a mini-budget on Friday, 23rd September 2022.
Following the appointment of a new Prime Minister, Liz Truss, the Chancellor will outline the ‘new’ government’s plans to help ease the cost of living and to boost growth. It is likely to see measures to reduce the tax burden and incentives for growth, along with details of support to help businesses and individuals manage the rising energy bills.
Following the Chancellor’s announcements, Streets Chartered Accountants will be holding a special webinar on Monday 26th September at 3pm. They will provide details of the announcements along with guidance on what they may mean to businesses and individuals.
To register for the virtual event click here.
This presentation will be recorded and available on-demand for those not able to join live.
Simply register your place to receive a link to watch at a time to suit you.
Plan for £3m heritage vehicle centre on historic site motors ahead
The team behind plans to build a £3m heritage vehicle centre on a historic site in Osmaston have thanked Derby City Council after they were given the green light to start work on the project.
Owners of Great Northern Classics said contractors are expected to move onto the site within days after “tremendous support” from the council helped them to get the necessary permission and funding over the line.
The project, which is expected to create 120 jobs, will see the former Light Alloy Factory in Osmaston Road transformed into a centre where owners of classic vehicles including cars, motorbikes and lorries can bring their pride and joys to be repaired and restored.
Similar to the concept of BBC TV’s Repair Shop, they will be able to access upholsterers, electricians, mechanics and bodywork specialists, all of whom will be given workshop space all under the same roof within the 85,000 sq ft building.
But the centre is also designed to preserve and propagate crucial skills for the classic vehicle industry by acting as a training academy for a new generation of young artisans and skilled workers, who will be offered apprenticeships to enable them to learn their trade direct from the experts themselves.
And it will also have extra facilities so that visitors will be able to meet and look at the work taking place and attend/host conferences and meetings, while the site will offer vehicle storage as well.
The idea for Great Northern Classics belongs to Shaun Matthews, a classic vehicle fanatic and the former MD of Denby-based Deb Group’s International Dispensing, R&D and IP Divisions, who wanted to establish an academy where the skills of classic vehicle restorers could be passed on.
He approached current Derbyshire High Sheriff Mike Copestake and Derby architect Derek Latham, who are experts in renovating old buildings, asking for help to find somewhere suitable to house it.
A number of possible sites were considered until Rolls-Royce agreed to sell the company the former Light Alloy Centre, which is currently home to the aerospace firm’s heritage collection of aero-engines.
Plans were promptly drawn up and, earlier this year, the scheme was approved by Derby City Council, which has also made another contribution to the scheme by lending the company £1.25m from its Derby Enterprise Growth Fund.
Shaun said: “I am so happy to see this project getting off the ground after so long and we’re hugely indebted to Derby City Council for their tremendous support.
“Classic vehicle ownership is booming, but it’s served by a cottage industry of talented engineers who are working away in small workshops all over the country and, frankly, aren’t getting any younger.
“We want to change that, by bringing them together under one roof while giving young people who want to become motor engineers a place to learn their skills from these experts, all of which will create jobs and attract visitors to the city.”
Mike Copestake, who is also a director of the project, said: “We are extremely grateful to the city council for sharing our vision and enabling us to start work on what promises to be a landmark development for this area of Derby.
“There is so much engineering history in Osmaston and we’re only round the corner from where Roll-Royce used to build the Silver Ghost motorcar at the start of last century.
“It’s wonderful to be able to rekindle that automotive spirit by ensuring that owners can preserve their classic vehicles and a new generation of engineers can learn the skills they need for their careers in engineering.”
Chris Poulter, leader of Derby City Council, said: “We want to ensure that as much of our spending as possible remains within the city, supporting Derby people – and Derby City Council is pleased to support this exciting opportunity. Not only will it secure the future of a historic cultural asset, but it also gives back to the people of Derby.
“It will create a space that attracts visitors, boosting the city economy and where young people can learn valuable skills totally befitting of Derby’s engineering heritage.”
The classic vehicle industry is estimated to be worth around £7bn to the UK economy and employs 35,000 people across the country, according to the Federation of British Heritage Vehicle Clubs.
Great Northern Classics is due to open in summer next year.
East Midlands Expo welcomes BSP Consulting as sponsors for 2022
Business Shows Group are welcoming longstanding exhibitors BSP Consulting as sponsors to the 2022 East Midlands Expo, taking place on Monday 14 November at DeVere’s East Midlands Conference Centre, Nottingham.
BSP have exhibited at the event for over 15 years and Business Shows Group have celebrated many business birthdays with them along the way.
Having sponsored the event previously, Carrie Booth and the team are already organised with directors Mark Rayers and Tony Goddard lined up for this year’s seminar, presenting ‘Sustainability and how engineering plays its part’.
Attendees can also join BSP’s Managing Director Carl Hilton and business development manager Carrie Booth at the day’s network lunch, for which tickets are available by pre order only at https://businessshowsgroup.co.uk/product/network-lunch-nottingham/
The East Midlands Expo, for which Business Link is a proud partner, will open to attendees at 9am on Monday 14 November, with a seminar taking place between 10:45am and noon, a special networking lunch taking place between 12:15pm and 2:15pm, and the exhibition closing at 3:30pm.
For more information on exhibiting at the event click here.
To register to attend the event for free click here.
To secure tickets for the networking lunch click here.
City Taxis return as partners of the Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k
City Taxis are returning as partners of the Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k, including reprising their role as Title sponsors of the City Taxis Fun Run which takes place on the 10k race day 16th October 2022.
The Fun Run forms part of the race day activity, and anyone can take part on the 1Km course around Queens Park which will start after the 10k race has left the park at 10 am.
Sacha Skinner, Marketing Manager of City Taxis, said: “We are so excited to be back sponsoring the City Taxis Fun Run at the Chesterfield 10k for 2022.
“The event last year was a fantastic day where we saw so many inspirational people taking to the course with the aim of helping worthy charities and the incredible work they do.
“We are so proud to support the event, helping to raise its profile and in turn benefit the charities. It’s important to us that we give back to the communities we serve, and this is such a great event to do that.
“City Taxis will also be returning as sponsors of the Fun Run, which sees families and children get involved in the action. You can even bring the family dog!”
John Timms, Event Director, added: “Last year City Taxis were integral to the success of the event, from providing the lead vehicle to their sponsorship of the City Taxis Fun Run.
“It’s a much-loved part of the race day, and we welcome everyone to join in. It’s open to all regardless of age or ability and you will go home with a well-earned specially designed medal.”
Once again City Taxis are providing the lead vehicle for the 10k race. This year the vehicle is a hydrogen-powered second generation Toyota Mirai with water as its only emission. Not only will it contribute to the event being more environmentally friendly but will also benefit the crowd of runners behind the vehicle.
Runners in this year’s 10K are fundraising in support of local charities including Ashgate Hospice, Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice and The Redbrik Foundation.
Entry is just £5 for the City Taxi Fun Run on race day at the race information point, or you can register in advance for the Fun Run or the 10K at www.chesterfield10K.com
East Mids solicitor recognised with national accreditation
Senior Associate and solicitor, Gemma Hopper, from the Court of Protection department at leading law firm Nelsons, has been recognised with a national accreditation for her expertise in providing legal support for older and vulnerable clients, their families and carers.
The accreditation is awarded by SFE (Solicitors for the Elderly) – an organisation setting the standards for the highest quality legal advice in specialist areas, such as wills, powers of attorney, deputyships and elder abuse.
To achieve the accreditation, Gemma completed an assessment to demonstrate a solid understanding of the specific needs and considerations required when safeguarding and protecting older clients’ interests.
Since joining Nelsons in 2019 as a Court of Protection solicitor, Gemma provides specialist support to clients who lack the mental capacity to make decisions in relation to their property and financial affairs. She brings a wealth of experience and focusses on supporting and empowering Nelsons’ elderly clients. This has given her a unique understanding and insight that allows her to approach all clients sensitively and provide advice on what is sometimes a life-changing decision.
Gemma said: “I am delighted to be an SFE full accredited member and hope it will enable me to support more clients and their families.
“At Nelsons, we strive to give a voice to everyone who needs it, and in my case, it is so important for more vulnerable or elderly clients. Being accredited marks a great milestone in my career and I am very proud of the accomplishment.”
Craig Staten-Spencer, legal director and trust manager at Nelsons, said: “Becoming an SFE full accredited member is a great achievement for Gemma, but also for the court of protection team and firm as a whole. Guiding our more senior or vulnerable clients is an important part of our work at Nelsons, and I am pleased to see Gemma’s contributions have been recognised.”
Lakshmi Turner, chief executive of SFE, said: “When it comes to planning ahead for later life, getting the right advice is essential. An SFE accredited lawyer is an expert in this area of the law and understands the wider, often sensitive, issues around health, care and family that may need consideration. SFE lawyers understand the issues affecting older and vulnerable clients and follow a strict code of practice with respect and dignity at its heart.
“Ultimately, choosing an SFE lawyer means you’ll be guided through this complex and sensitive area of law and will enable you to lay solid foundations to protect you and your loved ones in later life.”
Interest rates rise to 2.25%
The Bank of England has further raised interest rates, from 1.75% to 2.25% – seeing the base rate grow to the highest level in 14 years.
It comes as the Bank of England continues to battle severe inflation, a top business concern in the East Midlands impacting investment intentions. The decision however will increase the risk for firms exposed to increasing mortgage costs and debt burdens.
“Raising the base rate to the highest level in 14 years is further evidence the Bank of England is taking a hard line on tackling inflation,” said East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) Chief Executive Scott Knowles. “Our Quarterly Economic Survey shows that unrelenting inflation, largely driven by rising energy costs, is by far and away the top business concern at present and is hampering investment prospects.
“But the Bank faces an increasingly tricky balancing act. The interest rate is a very blunt instrument to control inflationary pressures that are largely driven by rocketing energy costs and global supply chain disruption. Its decision to raise rates will increase the risk for individuals and organisations exposed to rising mortgage costs and debt burdens – dampening consumer confidence.
“Recent energy price cap announcements will have provided some comfort to businesses and households alike and should place downward pressure on the rate of inflation.
“[Friday’s] fiscal statement by the Chancellor is now a critical moment. He has the unenviable task of shoring up the economy while avoiding additional inflationary stimulus.
“The Bank, looking to dampen consumer demand, and Government, looking to increase growth, could now be pulling in opposite directions.
“What businesses will want to see is a plan to address the short-term drivers of inflation, as well as a long-term strategy to promote investment that gives them confidence for the future and counteracts the recessionary pull of rising interest rates.”
