Spanish nuclear manufacturer joins University’s research centre
Spanish nuclear engineering group ENSA is joining the University of Sheffield’s Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre to develop new capabilities in electron beam welding.
The company manufactures large components for nuclear power plants, including steam generators, reactor pressure vessels and heads and heat exchangers, as well as fuel containers, racks and nozzles.
Thomas Dutilleul, welding engineer at the Nuclear AMRC, said: “We will work together to explore the use of electron beam welding to fabricate such components, and collaborate to assess the maturity of this new technology and understand where it fits and how it differentiates itself from other technologies, to help ENSA decide if it makes sense to adopt electron beam welding and what work is necessary to do so.”
The Nuclear AMRC is part of the UK’s High Value Manufacturing Catapult, and collaborates with companies of all sizes to help them develop and prove advanced manufacturing techniques.
ENSA has previously collaborated with the Nuclear AMRC on a number of projects, including international R&D projects funded by the European Horizon 2020 programme, in areas such as intelligent robotic systems for automated weld grinding, and addressing the root causes of stress corrosion cracking in reactor components.
Sheffield printer buys its own premises after ten years of renting
Later this year specialist school printer Ecclesall Print will move from its home in Sheffield’s Archer Road into its first commercial property – the former Tiles Direct building on the corner of Alderney Road in the Millhouses area of this city.
Founder and MD of Steve Durbin said: “Following a full refit, we aim to be in the building in March. We have been trading for 10 years; renting our current premises for nearly seven and building up our customer base and production process. We see the purchase of our own, bigger, commercial property as the start of a new, exciting expansion.”
As well as proving printing services for local business, Ecclesall Print also operate nationally through its School Print World brand, which provide personalised Christmas cards and printed products for hundreds of schools throughout the UK.
The company’s School Print World brand sees it recruit up to 10 seasonal workers each year to manage demand in the run up to Christmas.
Steve added: “Christmas is a year-round focus for us as more and more schools look to raise vital funds through selling bespoke Christmas cards. We are busier than ever and our new, larger premises on Alderney Road are instrumental in our growth plans for the future and recruiting more permanent members of staff to the team.”
Acting on behalf of Ecclesall Print, Mason Thomas Law completed the purchase of the building. Steve added: “Buying a commercial property was a completely new experience for us but Mason Thomas Law ensured the progress was smooth and kept us informed throughout. Sheffield has always been at the heart of manufacturing and production and for us to own our own piece of that heritage and secure our place in its future, feels very special.”
Cathy Thomas, director and solicitor of Mason Thomas Law, said: “We were thrilled to work with Steve with the purchase of his new premises. We are always excited to support local business owners to get their feet on the commercial property ladder in Sheffield.”
Dog rescue charity appoints new CEO
North Lincolnshire-based charity Jerry Green Dog Rescue has appointed Christina Marriott as CEO.
Christina’s appointment comes at a significant time for the charity, which operates centres at Broughton, Gilberdyke near Goole, Algakirk near Boston, and Blidworth in Nottinghamshire, says Chairman of Trustees Ian Cawsey.
He said: “The charity world faces many challenges, not least raising enough funds to do important work in difficult times when people are finding it hard to pay their bills.
“Christina’s experience and track record of delivery is impressive, and as we start the 63rd year of Jerry Green Dog Rescue, we look forward to working with her on the next chapter of our development, to build an organisation that can endure for many more years ahead.”
Exclusive Viewing Day: You’re invited to Ashfield Park, Lincolnshire
Tingdene Residential Parks are delighted to extend a special invitation to you for our upcoming viewing day at Ashfield Park, Scunthorpe, a vibrant community exclusively for the over 50s.Join us as we unveil a range of new plots and thoughtfully designed homes, whilst exploring the benefits of park home living firsthand. With brand new 1- and 2-bedroom homes available, starting from £139,500, our viewing day is your chance to explore the new opportunities available at the park and imagine the fulfilling lifestyle that can be achieved by making Ashfield Park your new home.Our friendly team will be on hand to answer any questions you may have and help you get started on your journey.We look forward to seeing you.Date: Tuesday 20th FebruaryTime: 10am – 4pmLocation: Burringham Road, Scunthorpe DN17 2AL
Tickets can be booked on Eventbrite – https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/february-viewing-day-introducing-ashfield-park-lincolnshire-tickets-810758940817?aff=oddtdtcreatorOr call our team on 01933 837192 to book a place.
York project to boost green construction skills
A new initiative which plans to create new jobs in York, boost green construction skills and in turn help tackle the climate emergency will be discussed at a meeting next week, on 20 February.
City of York Council, with partners on the Retrofit One Stop Shop York (ROSSY) project, has been awarded £3.37 million from Innovate UK to support, promote and encourage retrofitting work to homes across the city, helping residents to save money and to move the city towards net zero, while upskilling the sector with the latest techniques.
The ROSSY project forms a key part of the council’s Construction Skills Initiative (CSI York), alongside two previously-announced UK Shared Prosperity Fund projects which help young people gain experience and skills in the construction sector, and supporting work to improve community venues in the city.
Councillor Claire Douglas, Leader of City of York Council said: “Under our Council plan’s ‘economy and good employment’ priority, we committed to a fair, thriving, green economy for all, and to developing green skills, quality qualifications and employment.
“We pledged to tackle the climate emergency and help people into well-paid ‘green jobs’. This is a significant step in delivering that pledge, and a milestone on the way to the ‘Green Construction Skills Village’ we promised.
“Initiatives such as CSI York are critical to this and have far reaching benefits, tackling a skills gap in the construction sector and upskilling residents so more of them can work in well-paid jobs in the exciting developments being built in the city.
“Retrofitting homes in York means warmer homes and cheaper energy bills with both better for the environment. I want to thank all the partners for their hard work on this so far and I look forward to continuing to work with them to make a real difference.”
Councillor Michael Pavlovic, Executive Member for Housing, Planning and Safer Communities said: “While retrofitting has many benefits, we are aware of some of the barriers for residents, including the upfront costs, practicalities and lack of clear information.
“A key part of this new initiative would see us work to remove these barriers by offering advice and support and creating a ‘retrofit one stop shop’.
“In the long-term everyone benefits from homes being retrofitted. Better insulation will mean people can live in warmer homes while paying lower energy bills.
“A third of the carbon impact in York comes from our homes and retrofitting will help to reduce that number significantly. With the economic benefits too this means the impact of this work stretches far beyond each individual home.”
At the meeting Executive members will be asked to agree to accept the funding from Innovate UK. The Executive meeting takes place on Tuesday 20 February at 5.30pm.
Long-established Suzuki & Subaru dealer acquired by Leeds group
Colin Appleyard Limited, one of the longest established Suzuki & Subaru dealer groups in the UK, has been acquired by Leeds-headquartered D. M. Keith Motor Group.
Colin Appleyard Limited, which represents Suzuki in Bradford, Keighley, Ashton-Under-Lyne and Huddersfield, alongside Subaru in Keighley and Huddersfield, was initially founded by the late Colin Appleyard in 1971 and run by his son Robin Appleyard since 2010. The acquisition sees D. M. Keith’s first venture with Suzuki, giving it a scaled footprint from day one with the brand.
D. M. Keith has expanded substantially over the last decade, most recently acquiring Ringways Ford and Kia in Leeds back in 2021. It now operates 19 businesses across sites in Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and Greater Manchester. This acquisition sees the group grow to an anticipated 2024 turnover to be in excess of £300m.
On 14 February, all Colin Appleyard employees and assets were transferred to D. M. Keith Ltd, increasing the total number of D. M. Keith employees by 125.
The deal was brokered by David Kendrick & Ian McMahon of UHY Manchester, funded by Natwest Bank and the legal advice by Gordons LLP, Leeds.
Plans submitted for £3m health, well-being and community centre in Shipley
Plans have been submitted for a multi-million pound project in Shipley with a focus on Health, Well-being and Community.
The £3m investment from the Shipley Towns Fund will transform The Old School building on Farfield Road, owned by mental health charity, The Cellar Trust.
Plans, drawn up by local firm Rance, Booth and Smith Architects, include full refurbishment of the existing building, a new atrium at the front of the building and full landscaping.
The proposals for the grounds include the creation of a well-being garden which will be accessible to the public.
The new facility will continue to be run by well-established founding member charity, The Cellar Trust with input from strategic charity partner HALE, also based in Shipley. Its mission will be to provide health and well-being services by working with a range of services from the voluntary sector, public sector and social enterprise in one inclusive, welcoming and accessible place.
The Cellar Trust CEO Kim Shutler said: “We have an established track record of successfully delivering specialist mental health support. This building will give us new opportunities to work in partnership with other local organisations, who may not easily have access to such facilities.
“We’ll be making good use of the improved facilities with the access to green space and the opportunity for classes and activities. All with the aim of supporting even more people across Shipley.”
Services will be available for the whole community and will particularly focus on supporting vulnerable people. There will be large rooms for groups and events, smaller activity rooms, consulting rooms for clinical and non-clinical interventions as well as a multi-faith and contemplation space.
Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, said: “This new community development will be invaluable, delivering improved access to mental and physical health services and will support the well-being of our community.”
Chairman of Shipley Towns Fund Adam Clerkin added: “We are pleased to support this incredible project, which will change people’s lives. It will provide a wide range of integrated support services, delivered by a skilled workforce and a team of volunteers who are trained in engaging, assessing, motivating and giving people the tools to improve their health and well-being. We are delighted to have been able to support it through the towns fund.”
Office and co-working space has been set aside for health and well-being providers and social enterprises. The atrium entrance space and welcome area will include an informal seating area and refreshments.
In addition to the £3m funding to be received through the Towns Fund, an additional £600k funding has been sourced through match funding, by way of building collateral from The Cellar Trust.
Goole invests in scooter fleet to help people get to work and training
Opportunity Goole – one of the eight strategic projects funded by Goole Town Deal – has subsidised the cost of 20 brand new scooters to help the town’s residents access training and job opportunities.
The new scooters will be managed by East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s existing Kickstart vehicle loan scheme, but the Opportunity Goole-funded scooters are exclusively for the use of Goole residents. This latest investment takes the total number of scooters available to Goole residents up to 20, although 11 of these are already in use. Councillor Anne Handley, Leader of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “The council’s Kickstart Scheme has been hugely successful and there are now 55 scooters available to residents across the East Riding. Thanks to this investment from Goole Town Deal, 20 of these are exclusively for the use of Goole residents. “We know that demand for these scooters in particularly high in the Goole area, so it’s wonderful to see Opportunity Goole linking up with the Kickstart Scheme to deliver even greater benefits for the town’s residents. I’d encourage anyone who would like to loan a scooter but needs help applying or is struggling to meet the start-up costs to have a chat with the Opportunity Goole team for support and advice.” Phil Jones, Chair of the Goole Town Deal Board, said: “It’s fantastic that there are now 20 scooters available to help residents of the town access work and training opportunities. As one of the eight strategic projects that the Goole Town Deal Board chose to allocate funding to, the Opportunity Goole team helps local people to gain the knowledge and skills they need to secure employment and ensures that employers can recruit local people with the skill set that they’re looking for. This is another fantastic example of the team – and Goole Town Deal funding – being used to make a tangible difference to local people.” Goole residents who are struggling to access work or training opportunities due to a lack of public transport or difficulties meeting transport costs can contact the Opportunity Goole team for more information or visit the Kickstart page on the East Riding of Yorkshire Council website. Eligible applicants are required to pay a monthly charge of £69 to cover rental fees, insurance, tax and servicing, but this is typically much cheaper than the cost of other forms of transport. There’s also a £115 start-up fee, but the Opportunity Goole team may be able to help any applicants struggling to make this initial payment to access grant funding. Pop in to chat with the team at Goole Library or email: opportunitygoole@eastriding.gov.ukNorth East Lincolnshire plans staff move to support Grimsby Town centre businesses
North East Lincolnshire Council this year will see the vast majority of its staff and partners, brought together to work in and support Grimsby town centre through its Doughty Road depot project.
When the refurbishment of Doughty Road is complete in late summer this year, 300 council and partner staff will be working from the completely refurbished major works depot.
It sits very close to the town centre and neighbours the Town Hall, the Municipal Offices and New Oxford House – together those buildings will then house over 1,000 employees of not only the authority, but staff of partners in both project delivery and health.
Council leader Philip Jackson said: “We have been clear about this authority’s efforts to support our town centre – our purchase of Freshney Place, and then the House of Fraser building is evidence of this.
“However, we have also considered how we need to make every effort possible to encourage and increase footfall to both Freshney Place and the surrounding town centre. Our plan to re-locate staff, where possible, into the town centre is a way of doing just that.”
The new Doughty Road depot will see the amalgamation of services from the current site and the Gilbey Road Depot. It will accommodate all teams that are currently housed at the sites as well as the council’s environmental fleet, bin wagons, education buses and associated vehicles.
Efficiencies will include savings associated with staff working together on one site with modern facilities and infrastructure, green energy from solar panels, battery storage, rainwater harvesting and an air source heat pump. All the hard core from the demolished buildings has also been used for the ground works, with all metal and wood from the demolition recycled.
Stewart Swinburn, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Transport added: “I’m delighted to see this approved by Cabinet. We feel strongly that this is a necessary development for the borough and one that will provide countless benefits to the teams working there and Grimsby as a whole.”
Grant helps packaging firm cut energy consumption
Scunthorpe-based international packaging company Skymark has used Government cash to help it install a smart metering system to cut its energy consumption and improve productivity.
Skymark Packaging International installed a £30,000 “full site submetering system” to improve energy consumption and efficiency by accurately determining where electricity is used during the manufacturing processes.
The investment has been backed with £5,000 Government cash – with Skymark one of several dozen firms to collectively invest more than £2.2m backed with £300,000 coming from the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Shaine Gill-Ohrt, Skymark’s compliance and accreditation manager, said: “We found out about the opportunity during a business briefing at The Baths Hall back in early 2023 – although the timelines were tight, we embraced the challenge and applied for the funding.
“The project has been vital in us being able to accurately determine our energy consumption, calculating utilities and carbon levels more accurately and while we are still in the early phases it remains difficult to determine the full impact, it has opened several significant doors, not least in accurately determining costs.
“We would like to thank North Lincolnshire Council for their support and engagement in what has been a milestone project for Skymark.”
Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “This Government cash is helping many businesses in North Lincolnshire improve and develop for the future.
“It is brilliant to see companies like Skymark implementing the funding to make technology investment which are driving real change.
The new system has seen several smart units and 54 individual monitoring stations installed which report real-time electricity consumption back to a cloud-based portal. As a result, the company candetermine the most efficient manufacturing processes, accurately cost each process and product range, assess the electricity impact of reducing machine work times, use the data to change behaviours, set reduction targets per machine and per department while also clearly demonstrating savings and productivity improvements.
Skymark joins the likes of Trent Refractories, Harlequin Office Furniture, Sentex Hydraulics and Blended Products along with several dozen others which have invested the £2.2m after being backed with £300,000 Government cash from the £2.6bn UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
