Robotics firm relocates to Skylon Park in Hereford

A leading robotics and automation business has relocated to Hereford’s Skylon Park.

Visicon provides machine vision, collaborative robot and industrial ID systems. The company, which was founded by control system specialist Peter Jelf, works with customers looking to increase production efficiency and reduce costs. It has recently recruited two employees through the government Kickstarter scheme.

Peter said: “We’ve been looking to move to bigger premises over the past year. We were able to secure a Revive and Thrive grant from Herefordshire Council, which is specifically for businesses looking to move to commercial premises in the region.

“Many of the organisations we work with don’t realise just what the possibilities are when it comes to machine vision and robotics, thinking this type of technology is only available for large blue-chip companies.

“Visicon can bring quality technology solutions to the fingertips of business owners, with support and training every step of the way. We have big ambitions for Visicon. Part of that will be working closely with food and drink producers and processers to help improve productivity through digitalisation and robotic technology.”

Harrison Clark Rickerbys in automotive driving seat for deals

Law firm Harrison Clark Rickerbys’ automotive specialists have completed three automotive deals this year.

In January, Tim Ward helped Gloucestershire-based motor group Baylis acquire Southern Vauxhall in Merthyr Tydfil. The deal takes Baylis to more than 350 staff across nine dealerships in the three counties, as well as two standalone accident repair centres and a used car centre in Worcester.

In February, Startin acquired Cresser Vauxhall in Redditch, where the group already represents Peugeot, Kia and Suzuki from its Far Moor Lane dealership. Worcester-based Harrison Clark Rickerbys Tom Bartley-Smith advised Startin.

In March, Harrison Clark Rickerbys acted for Andrew Hockedy and Nigel White in the sale of Trust Group UK to Johnsons Cars. Trust Group UK operates Volkswagen and Skoda dealerships in Redditch, Stourbridge and Wolverhampton, alongside three Trade Parts Specialist franchises covering the whole of the West Midlands

Urban-Air Port opens world first autonomous taxis demo in Coventry

Urban-Air Port, the UK developer of ground infrastructure for air taxis and autonomous delivery drones, has opened “Air-One”, a world-first demonstration of a fully-operational hub for electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicles – such as air taxis – and autonomous cargo drones.