Business News
Training firm delivers first aid boost to street patrollers
P The WMC300FR hybrid scooter will be welcomed by police forces, says Northamptonshire’ chief constable Nick Adderley (inset)
Trailblazer scooter powers police fleets into a new electric era
A
n electric hybrid scooter designed specifically for use as a fully operational first response vehicle by the emergency services is being developed in Northamptonshire. The WMC300FR is based on the same patented technology behind the all-electric WMC250EV demonstrator with which its creator White Motorcycle Concepts aims to break the world electric land speed record this year. The three-wheel scooter is being developed with Northamptonshire Police, whose chief constable Nick Adderley is the motorcycle lead for UK Police. In the case of the WMC300 First Responder, however, its priority is to significantly increase range and viability while reducing CO2 footprint and running costs for emergency service fleets. It is the result of three years of research into drag reduction aerodynamics. The scooter is based on the Yamaha Tricity 300 scooter and uses the same 292cc motor but also features hybrid power assist via two lithium ion batteries fast-charged from a standard three-pin plug. It is a feature that ensures
the First Responder is ready to go into service years ahead of infrastructure being in place to meet targeted legislation that will phase out all petrol and diesel-powered sales by 2030, the company says. Mr Adderley said: “As the national police chief lead for motorcycling, it is incredible to have been involved in this project from the off, incorporating what we needed in a first responder vehicle. One of the things that I was really clear on in our initial discussions was that the motorcycle should have presence and stand out in our community policing, provide accessibility to officers and be reflective of the professionalism of the police service. The WMC300FR ticks all those boxes. “I think that introducing the WMC300FR will make a real difference and I know that this will be welcomed by the police service.” The project is funded in part by government grants from the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles, the Advanced Propulsion Centre and Niche Vehicle Network. Because of the minimum width between the two front wheels, the scooter can also be ridden with anyone holding
a regular car driver’s licence in most countries. WMC says this significantly widens the accessibility to first responders, many of whom do not hold a motorcycle licence. White Motorcycle Concepts, whose registered office is at Brixworth, was founded by chief executive Rob White. “As the recent COP26 summit highlighted, we are still at the beginning of a revolution in aggressive carbon reduction and this global shift in thinking presents a unique opportunity to think radically about motorcycle design, finding the most efficient and cleanest way to power the future of transport,” he said. Mr Adderley said: “We need to turn this will into action and lead by example. By adopting vehicles like the WMC300FR we are able to show the world what is possible and how innovation can be part of the solution for CO2 reduction without compromising our functional role in society. “As well as meet the green agenda, we need vehicles that are fit for purpose and what we see in the WMC300FR is one of the first vehicles that can achieve both these aims.” T h e W M C 3 0 0 F R ’s technology will reduce its CO 2 emissions by up to
50pc. Mr White said: “We were encouraged by the great reception the launch of our WMC250EV high-speed demonstrator and the high level of interest that the project has subsequently gained. Its real-world application is all about improving range and reducing downtime - major considerations in the electric vehicle industry at present.”
artygoers at clubs and pubs in Kettering can look forward to a safer night out following a new partnership between a training company based in the town and the charity behind the volunteers who patrol the town centre. MBCO Academy has donated more than £3,000 worth of training to Kettering Street Pastors, enabling all 50 of its volunteers to study for an Emergency First Aid qualification. Street Pastors patrol Kettering town centre between 11pm and 3am every Saturday, on payday Fridays and other major party nights. Their aim is to ensure that everyone enjoys a night out and gets safely home. The new training will mean that the pastors - volunteers from local churches - are better equipped to provide first aid support to those who need it. “Some of the response times we have been quoted for an ambulance recently mean that
IT’S NOT JUST A JOB.
Jennie Jahina is a specialist employment lawyer, helping all sizes and types of private sector business, and public sector organisations. Jennie deals with strategic projects (restructuring, compliance, business relocations and outsourcing/insourcing exercises), day-to-day operational and people management matters, and employment tribunal representation. If you need help with employment issues, call Jennie on 0800 088 6004.
“I pride myself on providing practical and clear advice, striving for outcomes that save businesses time, money, stress and reputation… It’s what I do.”
Theatre bosses celebrate awards shortlist
R
oyal & Derngate has been nominated in The Stage’s prestigious Theatre of the Year Award. The nomination acknowledges the theatre’s outstanding work throughout 2021 and for its new three-year partnership with the National Youth Theatre.
Artistic director James Dacre said: “It is a heartening end to a really challenging year.” Royal & Derngate chief executive Jo Gordon said: “This nomination cites some of the many projects that we have been lucky enough to have led on but what it cannot capture is the tsunami of support
To feature or comment email: news@business-times.co.uk
from our Northamptonshire audiences, our funders, the artists we have worked with, our industry and the local partners and friends who have made it all possible and to whom we are truly grateful.” The winner will be announced on January 31 at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, London.
there is a genuine danger of someone losing their life because we cannot get the right care to them quickly enough,” said co-ordinator Rob Webb. “The tremendous support of the team at MBCO Academy will mean that our volunteers are better equipped to provide immediate support while we wait for the ambulance or first responders to arrive.” MBCO Academy made the donation after an appeal at the Kettering Awards in October, of which the Street Pastors was the official charity. MBCO Academy’s chief executive Michael Beddall said: “When we heard the Street Pastors’ appeal for donations towards first aid training, we knew straight away that we wanted to help We are delighted that the training provided will make such a difference right here in the town where we are based.” MBCO Academy delivers first aid, security and more than 100 e-learning courses from its training academy in Regent Street.
Jennie Jahina Head of Employment
0800 088 6004 enquiries@wilsonbrowne.co.uk wilsonbrowne.co.uk
Business Times
|
January 2022
3
