Universities share in multi-million pound grant to drive development of agro-tech

Stuart Pearcey
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Universities share in multi-million pound grant to drive development of agro-tech

The Universities of Lincoln and Cambridge have been awarded a £4.9 million grant from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council to help fund their drive to make the Lincolnshire and north Cambridgeshire region a global innovation centre for agricultural technology.

The Greater Lincolnshire LEP is supporting the LINCAM partnership, alongside the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority and West Lindsey District Council. The LINCAM region is already a major UK production centre for crop-based agriculture and the associated supply chain. Its significance and sheer scale has led to the establishment of a nationally renowned agri-tech cluster – centred on the Universities of Lincoln and Cambridge, where interdisciplinary agri-food innovation is focused on digital technologies, including robotics and artificial intelligence, to boost productivity. Now the hope is that the Place Based Impact Acceleration Account award from the EPSRC – the main funding body for engineering and physical sciences research in the UK – will deliver a step change in activity. The aim is for the LINCAM region to become an agri-tech gateway for the world – enabling the development of technologies at industrial scale and providing export opportunities for agri-tech companies and inward investment opportunities within both the agri-tech and primary production sectors. Simon Pearson, founding director of the Lincoln Institute of Agri-Food Technology at the University of Lincoln, said: “The LINCAM agricultural sector supports 88,000 jobs, generates gross value added (GVA) of £3.8 billion and farms more than 50% of the UK’s grade 1 land. However, despite this scale, there are still significant challenges and opportunities. “Food production accounts for 24% of all UK greenhouse gas emissions, leads to significant biodiversity losses and drives challenging social issues – not least from seasonal worker influxes to rural communities. In addition, farmers are under relentless cost pressures which are eroding supply chain equity and local economies. “These challenges are acute across the LINCAM region but this funding award offers an opportunity to harness agri-tech to secure sustainable growth, bringing high-value and skilled jobs to the region, whilst mitigating the serious environmental impacts of the food production system.” The University of Lincoln has a long track record of agri-tech collaboration with the University of Cambridge and its commercialisation arm Cambridge Enterprise. Their work has included the setting up of Agriforwards CDT – the world’s first EPSRC centre for doctoral training (CDT) in agri-food robotics. LINCAM will build on the success of their Ceres Agri-Tech partnership with three other leading UK universities and three renowned agricultural research institutes. Ceres, funded by Research England, provides translational funding and commercialisation expertise to drive agri-tech innovation by accelerating high-quality research to market. It has launched four agri-tech spin-out companies to date and created 13 licensing opportunities. LINCAM will broaden participation in the cluster by offering access to the EPSRC funding to all UK higher education institutes involved in agri-tech research with the potential to drive economic and environmental or social sustainability in the region. Projects that are successful in securing a share of the funding will be actively mentored by the LINCAM team to accelerate the delivery of results. Professor Miles Padgett, interim executive chair at EPSRC, said: “I’m pleased to announce our first ten Place Based Impact Acceleration Accounts which will play a unique role in enhancing the capabilities of innovation clusters across the UK. A key priority for UKRI is to strengthen clusters and partnerships in collaboration with civic bodies and businesses, thereby driving regional economic growth.”

Bradford-based Business Enterprise Fund appoints new Chairman

Stuart Pearcey
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Bradford-based Business Enterprise Fund appoints new Chairman

The Bradford-based not-for-profit Business Enterprise Fund has appointed Tim Hamilton as the new chair of the board of directors.

The appointment comes as BEF also unveils key findings from its latest social impact report, showcasing the organisation’s commitment to fostering economic growth and sustainability in communities across the north.

Tim, a partner at Pannone Corporate, continues to enjoy a longstanding and successful career within the legal profession. He is an experienced leader who champions relationships and collaboration in business as keys to long term success.

“We are delighted to welcome Tim as the new chair of the board,” said CEO Stephen Waud. “His leadership, vision, and dedication to fostering economic development align perfectly with our mission to empower businesses and create positive social impact. We are confident that Tim will help guide BEF to even greater success in the years to come.”

BEF’s board of directors has eight members:

  • Alex Beardsley, Joint Managing Director of ABL Business
  • James Mason, CEO of West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce
  • Katie Hurrell, CEO of Bradford District Credit Union
  • Laurence Beardmore, Former Group Commercial Director of York Coffee Emporium
  • Penny Hembrow, Former Senior VP, of CGI
  • Simon Jackson, Director of Investments of BEF Group
  • Stephen Waud, CEO of BEF Group
  • Tim Hamilton, Partner – Corporate Services of Pannone Corporate

Mr Hamilton said: “It is an honour to be asked to serve as chair at BEF and I am looking forward to supporting its talented team in continuing to deliver the opportunities described in the social impact report.”

In summary, main points of the social import report are:
  • Investment: BEF invested £16m in new and existing businesses across the region helping drive the local economy.
  • Business created: BEF helped create 396 new UK businesses, helping individuals to make their business dreams a reality.
  • Job creation: BEF has played a pivotal role in job creation across the region, with 1,885 of jobs supported by BEF-backed businesses in the past year alone. These jobs contribute to the local economy and improve the livelihoods of individuals and families.
  • Diverse entrepreneurship: The report reveals that BEF has continued to champion diversity in entrepreneurship, with women-led businesses making up 34% of its clients while 14% of its clients are ethnic minority led businesses. This commitment to inclusivity fosters a more equitable business landscape.
  • Community Engagement: BEF remains dedicated to giving back to the communities it serves. In the past year, the organisation raised nearly £10,000 in to support good causes, strengthening its ties with local stakeholders.

Port of Immingham carries out crane evacuation drill

Stuart Pearcey
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Port of Immingham carries out crane evacuation drill
ABP and Humberside Fire and Rescue have carried out an evacuation/rope rescue on one of the large Kalmar cranes in Immingham Container Terminal . The first-of-a-kind joint exercise was an opportunity to test evacuation plans and then adopt them for other equipment and terminals. The training exercise also gave the fire service an opportunity to train on our larger pieces of equipment and gave them knowledge of our terminals. Simon Bird, Regional Director for the Humber said: “This is the first time we have done this kind of training exercise and it’s important for us as a business to be confident that in extreme circumstances where we cannot rescue our colleagues from height, we have the expertise and knowledge of the emergency services. “Giving them access only provides confidence in our operations team that we have all bases covered should anything concerning happen.” Steven Smith of Humberside Fire and Rescue Service said: “This kind of training provides realistic scenarios, which by their nature prove challenging and test the skills of our teams.  In addition to testing our rescue techniques, it also gives us the opportunity to build relationships with our partners from industry and allows us to better understand how our work as emergency responders, impacts on their business activities. We also gain knowledge on the skills and equipment the organisation provides, for us to bring an incident to a safe and successful conclusion.”

Ørsted puts money in to creativity centre in old fire station

Stuart Pearcey
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Ørsted puts money in to creativity centre in old fire station
Wind energy giant Ørsted has provided funding towards STEAM Studios, a new dedicated centre for creativity at Hull’s Ron Dearing University Technical College to support and inspire its growing number of students in Hull.

The STEAM Studios, in the former Hull Central Fire Station, will prepare students for careers in the creative sector.  It will also be used to educate engineering students about opportunities in renewable energy and support a renewed focus on decarbonisation, sustainability, and renewables, helping underpin the Humber’s growth as a leading hub for green energy technology. 

The site has been renovated and repurposed to create a cutting-edge hub including a gallery and exhibition space, digital and photography studios, 2D and 3D studios, as well as an additional sixth form independent study centre.  

The expansion has enabled the UTC to increase its capacity from 600 to 800 students in response to huge demand for student places. The funding Ørsted has provided has also ensured the STEAM Studios building is as energy efficient as possible.

Lauren McGee, Ørsted’s Head of Site for the Hornsea 3 offshore wind farm, said: “Ørsted is so proud to support STEAM Studios. We have a passion for inspiring the next generation into roles within the renewable energy sector.  Our investment in the independent learning facilities at RDUTC and the Digital Lab in STEAM Studios is a great example of our commitment to investing in young people and education.

“With the offshore wind sector predicted to have 100,000 careers in the UK by 2030, our partnership with Ron Dearing UTC facilitates powerful, employer-led learning that gives students the chance to hear and work with real industries while learning skills that will help them in their future jobs.”

The school’s unique curriculum created in conjunction with the region’s leading employers to address the STEM skills gap has been such a success that it has been over-subscribed every year since its opening. 

 

The school, which has been oversubscribed every year since it opened its doors in 2017, has already filled all its additional places and reached its new capacity – a year ahead of schedule.

Ron Dearing UTC Principal Sarah Pashley said: “STEAM Studios is an incredible facility which is perfect for our rapidly expanding creative pathways. We’re delighted to be able to offer more students a Ron Dearing education and it’s really positive to have hit our recruitment target a year early – which further demonstrates the demand for places and the need for this expansion.

“We’re keen to become a centre of creativity for the community and this has been a hugely exciting project which was a real team effort from everyone involved.

“We’re exceptionally grateful to Ørsted for their backing, to our fantastic Founding and Major Partners for their sponsorship funding, and to the Department for Education for the multi-million-pound grant from its Post-16 Capacity Fund to make this possible.

 

“The building is amazing. Everyone involved has worked really hard to retain its history and integrity while transforming it into a high-tech creative facility which is also a low carbon building – quite a challenge!”

£23.8m brain injury centre completes in York

Tess Egginton
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£23.8m brain injury centre completes in York
Property developer HBD has completed a £23.8m Acquired Brain Injuries Centre at its Chocolate Works scheme in York. The 54,806 sq ft building was delivered on behalf of Brainkind (formerly The Disabilities Trust), which works to improve the lives of people with an acquired brain injury. The world-class centre provides 36 beds across four wards plus four assessment flats, alongside new courtyards and a therapeutic garden designed to aid recovery. The new building is also highly sustainable, designed to EPC A and BREEAM Excellent standard and with the flexibility to embrace new low carbon technology. It limits embedded and operational carbon, with emissions expected to be 29% lower than the national building target emission rate. Clean, renewable energy is generated on site via roof-mounted PV panels and filtered fresh air is provided via high-efficiency heat recovery ventilation units. GMI Construction was the appointed contractor on the project which will now be fitted-out before opening its doors later this year. The completion of the Acquired Brain Injuries Centre marks the final phase of HBD’s Chocolate Works scheme; a decade-long project that included the restoration of the former Terry’s Chocolate Orange Factory and recently saw the Clock Tower transformed into apartments, with the iconic timepiece ticking once again. Tom Wheldon, head of region at HBD, said: “This has been an incredibly rewarding project to deliver – it’s a state-of-the-art, sustainable building that will help to set a new benchmark for brain injury rehabilitation, providing Brainkind with the facilities they need to continue offering the very best care and support throughout the recovery process. “We’ve no doubt The Chocolate Works will prove to be an ideal location and it’s a very fitting scheme to conclude one of our most impressive and iconic developments.”

Leeds-headquartered security, risk and property protection business acquires Wembley firm

Tess Egginton
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0
Leeds-headquartered security, risk and property protection business acquires Wembley firm
First Response Group (FRG), the Leeds-headquartered security, risk and property protection business, has strengthened its position in the events and stadia security management sector with the acquisition of Wembley-based ISC. The acquisition is part of the group’s strategy of diversification, whilst underpinning its strategic expansion into stadia, arena and the leisure crowd-safety sector. According to the group’s CEO, Simon Alderson, the acquisition of ISC is an important step for the business as it broadens its portfolio and geographic footprint. ISC was founded in 2003 by Pat Carr. It employs more than 800 security officers, all of whom will be brought under the FRG brand. ISC brings with it a track record of more than 500 events, including two UEFA Champions League finals and provided all areas of security at Wembley Stadium for bands such as Take That and Coldplay. Simon Alderson said: “For the past 20 years, ISC has enjoyed a great reputation within the industry for developing its people and embodies the exacting standards we ourselves set as a group, so it was a perfect match for us. “As we extend our national reach and our range of security offerings, it’s important for us to identify trusted companies like ISC who have the resources and agility we need to meet our customers’ most demanding requirements. For this reason, it made perfect sense to bring ISC into the FRG fold once the opportunity arose. “As an accredited, nationwide stadium security company we have responsive and adaptable resources to provide for the most complex of events. Bringing in the skills, and experience of ISC will allow us to provide even greater flexibility and peace of mind for our customers.” Nabeela Bhutta, director at ISC, said: “We have long admired FRG, and the way in which it operates as a business. As a National Security Inspectorate (NSI) Guarding Gold certified company, raising standards within our industry has been of great importance to us. “It has been vital that we develop our most valuable resources, our people, and in doing so, enable them to help shape the delivery of our services, rather than just supplying off-the-shelf solutions. “We knew that FRG holds to the same principles, and we are very much looking forward to being part of an expanding national group, and excited for the benefits this will bring.”

Yorkshire sustainable polymer systems business secures funding package to support worldwide growth

Tess Egginton
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0
Yorkshire sustainable polymer systems business secures funding package to support worldwide growth
Rosehill Polymers Group has finalised a multi-million-pound deal with Virgin Money and UK Export Finance (UKEF) – the UK’s export credit agency – to complete a refinancing and management buyout of the business and support its worldwide growth ambitions. Since 1988, Rosehill Polymers has established itself as a market leader in the design, development and manufacturing of sustainable polymer systems at their facilities in Sowerby Bridge, West Yorkshire. The business serves a range of markets and industries including offshore energy, highways, rail, and security. Rosehill exports its products to over 550 customers in 52 countries across the world, manufacturing many of its products using recycled and low-carbon-impact materials. The UKEF-backed funding package from Virgin Money will help Rosehill to complete a management buyout, continue its worldwide growth and accelerate its move into new international markets. A key growth area that Rosehill will focus on is the decarbonisation and modularisation of construction materials used within the rail and highways sectors, by expanding its design, development and production of products using recycled materials as a primary raw material. Rosehill anticipates that its continued development within this sector will create new highly skilled job opportunities, both across its production sites in West Yorkshire as well as in its supply chain. The funding package includes a UKEF General Export Facility (GEF) loan guarantee which covered 80% of the financing, enabling Virgin Money to complete the transaction. The GEF product is a flexible government-supported scheme that helps UK export businesses to access working capital facilities, helping to improve cashflow or speed up international trade growth. Dr Alexander Celik, Managing Director of Rosehill Polymers Group, said: “This new funding package from Virgin Money will enable Rosehill to pursue our growth strategy as we focus on developing sustainable solutions for both the infrastructure and energy markets across the globe. “I would like to express my thanks for the exceptional support and service that Rosehill have received from Virgin Money and we look forward to a long, successful, and profitable relationship with them.”

York-based mental healthcare company makes acquisition

Tess Egginton
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0
York-based mental healthcare company makes acquisition
Onebright, the York-based private outpatient mental healthcare company, has expanded its neurodevelopmental services with the acquisition of Psicon Ltd for an undisclosed sum. Onebright provides a comprehensive range of mental healthcare services, including neurodevelopmental assessments, to its private medical insurance, corporate, and consumer clients. With the addition of Psicon, the mental healthcare company has increased its breadth and depth of capabilities in this important area.
Psicon is a rapidly growing provider of neurodevelopmental assessments for Autism and ADHD, and works extensively with the NHS, as well as providing private assessments to the public. The organisation offers a full range of assessment and treatment services across the lifespan and is one of the largest providers of children’s neurodevelopmental services in the UK. The two brands will operate independently with Psicon continuing to be led by Managing Director Dr Dan Simmonds. With the support of Onebright it will significantly invest in its operational and technology capabilities and continue its UK expansion to enable more people to benefit from its services. The new enlarged group will employ over 500 staff delivering services remotely and from a growing number of face-to-face clinics. Its operational centres are in York, London and Canterbury. Donald Fowler, CEO of Onebright, said: “We are delighted to welcome Psicon to the Onebright family. Our mission at Onebright is to create a brighter tomorrow by providing easy access to personalised, life changing mental health support, and the addition of Psicon and its team to our group will really enhance our ability to deliver on this mission. “From very early on in our discussions it was apparent that our two organisations share a passion for clinical excellence and patient centred care, and I am really looking forward to what we can achieve together.” Dr Dan Simmonds, Managing Director of Psicon, said: “Demand for high-quality support for the neurodivergent population has increased substantially up and down the country and we look forward to working within the Onebright family to further support NHS Trusts, Integrated Care Boards, and private patients across the UK.” LJ Conradie, Psicon founder, retired MD, and chairman, said: “I am very proud of all the achievements at Psicon over the last 25 years and very excited about the Psicon Onebright union. Passing the baton to leaders with focus on strong values and high-quality services will, without doubt, continue to be the basis of future success.”

Fletchers Group acquires Emsleys Solicitors’ Personal Injury division

Tess Egginton
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0
Fletchers Group acquires Emsleys Solicitors’ Personal Injury division
Fletchers Group, the medical negligence and personal injury firm, has acquired Emsleys Solicitors’ Personal Injury division. The deal will see Emsleys’ Personal Injury division clients across areas including employers’ liability, public liability, catastrophic injury and fatal accident claims, transfer to Fletchers. It’s expected that all 28 staff including fee earners and legal support staff, will transfer to Fletchers’ Leeds office as part of the deal, bolstering the firm’s personal injury expertise and capabilities in the region. Peter Haden, CEO, Fletchers Group, says: “Emsleys’ Personal Injury business has an outstanding track record and is a strong addition to Fletchers Group. Both firms have the same core values, delivering the very best outcomes and putting clients’ needs first, making us a natural fit. We look forward to welcoming the team and their clients to the business.” Andrew Greenwood, director at Emsleys Solicitors, says: “We felt it was a good time to transition the Personal Injury division to a partner that could help the business navigate its next phase of growth. “The enthusiasm of the Fletchers’ team, together with the firm’s reputation in the sector, exciting ambitions and people-centric culture, will provide our team with the support, resource and expertise to both serve our existing clients and pursue new opportunities. It will allow us to focus more on our non-personal injury services going forward.” Fletchers Group was acquired by an affiliate of investment firm Sun European Partners, LLP in October 2021 and since then has added Leeds-based medical negligence specialists Minton Morrill and national cycle claims practice Cycle SOS to its business portfolio. The opening of a new office in Leeds city centre in February 2023 further strengthened its commitment to Leeds and the wider region.

KCOM trekkers raise £5,200 for charity with Three Peaks challenge

Stuart Pearcey
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KCOM trekkers raise £5,200 for charity with Three Peaks challenge
A team from Hull-based telecoms provider KCOM has braved blustery weather and blisters to raise more than £5,200 for charity by walking the Yorkshire Three Peaks. Thirty-eight intrepid KCOM employees put their best foot forward this weekend to take on the Three Peaks Challenge, a mountainous 24-mile hike encompassing Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough in the Yorkshire Dales, which must be completed within 12 hours and includes 1,585m of climbing. And despite the rain, wind and fog closing in, the team successfully completed the sponsored walk to raise much needed funds for Hull and East Yorkshire Mind, a charity helping local people suffering from poor mental health. Event organiser and engineer team leader Ollie Lockton said: “It was an absolutely brilliant day and I’m so proud of everyone who took part. “I’ll admit it was tough and the weather wasn’t great. My legs are certainly feeling it today – there’s nowhere that I don’t ache! When we got up the third peak at Ingleborough the rain was really lashing down, but the morale and the camaraderie  was amazing. We really helped pull each other through. The feeling of achievement when we finished was incredible.” As well as raising funds for Mind, the event enabled those taking part to promote mental health and wellbeing in the workplace. “It was really good to be there with people from right across KCOM,” said Ollie. “I’ve made friends with people from other parts of the business I didn’t know existed, so it was really good to be able to team up and talk about mental health and how it affects us.” Not content with completing the Three Peaks, Ollie and colleagues are now planning on their next adventure which could be a special walking challenge to coincide with KCOM’s 120th anniversary next year.
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