Business & Innovation Magazine - Issue 26 July 2022

INSIDE:

MANUFACTURING POWERS

GROWTH

THE AGRI-TECH CHALLENGE

PROPERTY SPECIAL: PARK LIFE

LET’S GET SOCIAL

Cyber & IT

Finance & Investment

International

Real Estate & Construction

Science & Technology

Skills & Careers

Covering

Gloucestershire

Oxfordshire

Worcestershire & Hereford

Coventry & Warwickshire

South Gloucestershire & Bristol

Swindon & North Wiltshire

LAUNCHPAD

Over the last five years we’ve reported on thousands of company sales and acquisitions. And this time we’re delighted to report on one which involves us personally.

In May Business & Innovation Magazine was acquired by Black Ox Ltd, a relatively new entrant into the regional business publishing sector. But they know a quality product when they see it, and they want us to continue to do what we’ve been doing successfully for five years – supporting and reporting on companies and business activities across our region (Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Worcestershire, North Wiltshire, Bristol, Coventry and Warwickshire), and hosting business events which get us all meeting and talking in person again.

Both directors (Nicky and Kirsty) continue to work full time on Business & Innovation Magazine, and with the backing of our new owners, we are already getting out and about more as the world returns to some sort of normal after the pandemic.

Who are Black Ox Media & Events? The company is a subsidiary of Branscombe Group, a private family-owned company which unites forward-thinking media businesses and supports their growth ambitions – and we’ve still got plenty of those.

Black Ox was established last year, and its first major purchase was The Business Magazine, a well-established title covering the Thames Valley and the South East. It immediately made a substantial investment in the title’s digital offering and plans on returning the magazine to print later this year, as we did last year at

Business & Innovation Magazine, following the Covid-enforced pause in print.

Their investment in our magazine is a big vote of confidence in regional business media. Good quality regional magazines are exceptionally effective at serving business communities. They deliver a healthy dose of positivity and information along with essential regional news to inform people and companies. With Black Ox behind us, we are planning for growth again – and it feels fantastic.

Inside this issue we highlight two key sectors: manufacturing and agritech.

Despite those gloom-mongers who say we don’t make anything anymore, the UK remains the ninth largest manufacturing nation in the world and has an annual output of £183 billion.

In 2021, the UK saw more than $1.3 billion invested in agritech. That sounds a lot, until we tell you that in Germany the figure was more than double – at $3 billion.

British farmers produce 61 per cent of the nation’s food and provide jobs for around four million people in the UK. But if we are to produce more of what we eat, we’re going to have to do more with less, and that’s where agritech comes in.

We’re also delighted to include reports from social business events across the region. From the Gloucestershire Local Enterprise Partnership’s annual review, held on an aeroplane, to the Oxfordshire Business Awards at Oxford Brookes University, it feels wonderful to be able to meet in person again.

Godding Print Editor

Kirsty Muir Head of Print and Advertising

This year we’re celebrating five years of publishing Business & Innovation Magazine, and now we’re doing it under new ownership. But it’s business as usual as we continue to support and report on businesses across our region

Nicky

DYSON GIVES GLIMPSE OF SECRET ROBOT PROTOTYPES FOR THE HOME

Wiltshire-based Dyson has revealed its first prototype household robot which can even pick up teddies and help put away the washing up.

The big reveal, at an International Robotics Conference in the USA in May, was also to help attract the brightest in the field of robotics to join its rapidly growing team.

Dyson is halfway through its largest engineering recruitment drive ever.

More than 2,000 people have joined the company this year, of which 50 per cent are engineers, scientists, and coders.

It wants to recruit 250 robotics engineers across disciplines including computer vision, machine learning, sensors and mechatronics and expects to hire 700 more over the next five years.

The plan is to create the UK’s largest, most advanced, robotics centre at Hullavington Airfield in Wiltshire and to bring the technology into domestic homes by the end of the decade.

New recruits will be based at Hullavington near Malmesbury, a new London laboratory close to the Dyson Robotics Lab at Imperial College, and in Singapore. Dyson has been refitting one of the main aircraft hangars at Hullavington Airfield to prepare for 250 roboticists to move into their new home.

The company bought the 500-acre former RAF airfield in 2017 and then spent more than £200 million restoring the hangars. Its latest robotics makeover is the next stage in Dyson’s £2.75 billion new technologies and facilities investment plan – £600 million will be spent this year.

Jake Dyson, Chief Engineer at Dyson, said: “This is a big bet on future robotic technology that will drive research across the whole of Dyson, in areas including mechanical engineering, vision systems, machine learning and energy storage. We need the very best people in the world to come and join us now.”

Until now, Dyson’s robots have been floor-based vacuum cleaners – the first of which, the DC06, was designed 20 years ago.

Dyson isn’t the only company innovating in the household robot space. Amazon’s Astra won’t wash the dishes but will keep an eye inside your home when you’re out, or remotely check on elderly relatives. Then there’s the Gita, a cargocarrying robot which will trundle along the pavement behind you carrying your shopping bags. Or how about a robotic

Thomas Beecham was born at Beecham Cottage, Curbridge near Oxford in 1820.

His father, Joseph Beecham, was a shepherd and Thomas was sent out to tend sheep at the age of eight.

According to the Oxfordshire Blue Plaque Society, at the age of 11 he moved to

Cropredy, north of Banbury, where he worked as a shepherd at Lawn Farm.

Here he began to make herbal pills based on his observations of plants and animals. In 1847 he moved north, to Wigan, where wages were higher and occupational diseases more common, and opened a chemist’s shop where he manufactured his pills.

He moved again, to St Helens, in 1859 and began a concerted marketing effort. It worked and he built a thriving business.

The society says in its fascinating research:

“Thomas Beecham’s personal life was turbulent. He is said to have had a certain sexual magnetism, was married three times and was a persistent philanderer. His first marriage produced two sons and two daughters and there were other illegitimate children. He maintained a rustic style of dress: an antique frock coat, paper collar, and hard round hat, his voluminous trousers hitched well up to the chest, as remembered by his grandson, the conductor Sir Thomas Beecham.”

Joseph Beecham opened a factory in St Helens in 1886, taking the firm to new heights of wealth and fame. It was the first factory solely built to manufacture medicines. His son, also Joseph, joined him in the 1860s and he gradually took over running the business.

Joseph senior died in 1907 but the company prospered, acquiring other brands and then ventured into antibiotics and pharmaceuticals which resulted in takeovers. In 1989 the name was still visible in SmithKlineBeecham and finally submerged in 2000 in the new company GlaxoSmithKline.

Royal Agricultural University supports Ukrainian students

Cirencester’s Royal Agricultural University has twinned with Sumy National Agrarian University (SNAU) and launched an online fundraiser to help support the Ukrainian university.

Sumy, and the surrounding area, was attacked by Russian forces in February.

University, said: “As a university, we are painfully aware that the education of hundreds of thousands of young Ukrainians has come to a very sudden halt.”

bartender (who presumably won’t be counting the number of drinks its customers order)? Richtech Robotics, based in the USA, has developed a double-handed robot barman named Adam. Adam can be assigned multiple tasks such as drink and food preparation – can it mix an espresso martini while slicing lemon for a G&T we wonder?

Ukraine was the world’s sixth-largest exporter of wheat in 2021 with a 10 per cent share of the market. It is also one of the world’s top exporters of barley, sunflower seeds and oil.

Neil Ravenscroft, Deputy ViceChancellor of the Royal Agricultural

The partnership will provide humanitarian support. The initiative also plans to provide access to databases and libraries, collaborative online international learning, cultural and scientific events for students from both organisations, a partnership for research collaboration, and potential scholarships for academics and students to travel to the UK to continue their studies.

“ is is a big bet on future robotic technology that will drive research across the whole of Dyson ...”

Thomas Beecham, the man who invented Beecham’s Powders and founder of a pharmaceutical company that became a household name for its cold and flu relief products, has been honoured with a blue plaque.

Thomas Beecham comes out from the cold thanks to a Blue Plaque

Professor Catherine Jackson, specialist in the history of science and Linda Hole, of Beecham Cottage unveil the plaque

SILVER LINING FOR NIKKI AT CHELSEA

A Worcestershire woman who left a 20 year career in global IT to retrain as a garden designer, has been awarded a prestigious Royal Horticultural Society medal for her first garden at the worldfamous Chelsea Flower Show.

Nikki Hollier, whose company Border In A Box sells gift-packaged, ready-made garden border templates, designed and created a beautiful container garden at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

The Mandala, Meditation and Mindfulness Garden – one of five unique small space gardens on display this year – was a hit with media, television celebrities and VIPs

on Press Day, and the general public for the rest of the week.

She was awarded a coveted RHS Silver Medal for her work.

A beautiful water feature took centre stage against the backdrop of a muted violet wall with a mandala, surrounded by trees, white flowers and herbs.

Nikki’s garden design story began 10 years ago when she moved into a newbuild house with its standard patch of turf and customary bare fence. Faced with an uninspiring outdoor space and working to a tight budget, she enrolled at Pershore

College, where she learned how to create beautiful borders.

She won a Silver Medal and the People’s Choice Award at the RHS Malvern Spring Festival in 2016, where she met Alan Titchmarsh. Alan purchased the life-size sheep sculptures from her show garden and when she delivered them to him, he gave her a tour of his own garden.

She launched Border in A Box in 2017 and she went on to win Worcestershire Innovation’s Make It Happen Challenge in 2018, and a Platinum & Best Border at BBC Gardeners’ World Live in the same year.

LEVC showcases platinum taxis for the Queen's Jubilee Pageant

The Coventry based LEVC (London Electric Vehicle Company) unveiled three platinum electric TX taxis in the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Pageant last month.

The three bespoke electric TX taxis delivered a host of VIPs to their seats ahead of the start of the show.

The company has recently celebrated 7,000 global sales of the electric TX

taxi and these cabs now make up more than a third of those operating in London.

Since launching in 2018, the TX has provided sustainable transport throughout the world. Over the last four years, TX taxis have travelled more than 418 million miles globally and prevented 127,000 tonnes of CO2 being emitted into the atmosphere.

Nikki Hollier wins Silver at Chelsea

LEVC’s platinum electric taxis

MONARCH’S BIRTHDAY MARKED WITH QUEEN’S ENTERPRISE AWARDS FOR BUSINESSES

The achievements of businesses across the UK have been celebrated to mark the monarch’s 96th birthday, with Queen’s Awards for Enterprise in Innovation, International Trade, Sustainable Development and Promoting Opportunity. Across our region 23 companies are celebrating success.

Region Type of Award Company Name Location

This year a total of 232 UK businesses were recognised with Queen’s Awards. There were 141 recipients of the International Trade award, 51 receive an Innovation award, 31 secured a Sustainable Development award, and nine recipients of the Promoting Opportunity awards.

INNOVATION

Solid State Logic Oxford

Tower Cold Chain Theale

Focusrite High Wycombe

INTERNATIONAL TRADE

G&L Scientific Marlow

Nature of Business South East

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

INNOVATION

South West

INTERNATIONAL TRADE

West Midlands

INNOVATION

Turville Valley Wines Aylesbury

Wirth Research Bicester

Designer and manufacturer of high-performance music and audio production tools

Builds reusable thermal containers that are rented to the global pharmaceutical industry to transport temperature-sensitive products such as vaccines, blood kits, medical devices and clinical trials materials

Produces audio interfaces allowing users to connect microphones, guitars and other instruments into a computer to capture and play back audio in high quality. Recently launched a new range of audio tools for podcasters and content creators

Provides expert scientific regulatory affairs and quality assurance consultancy services and support to pharmaceutical, biotechnology and advanced therapy medicinal product companies around the world

Sells a range of rare and fine new and old world wines. Best known for its selection of Domaine de la Romanee Conti wines

Uses aerodynamics and computer modelling to design sustainable solutions for problems in different sectors – for instance their products are extensively used to save energy in supermarket fridges

Neighbourly Bristol Has developed an innovative digital platform that helps businesses donate volunteer time, financial support and surplus products to local communities

Synalogik

Tewkesbury Has developed an innovative automated data aggregation, cleansing and risk scoring platform for intelligence and investigation teams

Christie International Stroud Provides a complete export management service for UK food and non-food SMEs who do not have a dedicated export department of their own

LB Bentley Stroud Designs and manufactures filters and desiccant dryers, and designs and supplies small bore subsea valves and actuators to the oil and gas industry

The Wentworth Wooden Jigsaw Company Malmesbury Produces unique and intricately hand-crafted wooden jigsaw puzzles manufactured using laser technology

The Little Soap Company Broadway Developed a range of soap bars that are entirely plastic free, ocean-friendly and biodegradable

Proteus Instruments Bromsgrove

The world’s first scientifically proven real-time sensor platform to accurately and measure various bacteria in a wide range of water quality, environmental and industrial applications

Staeger Coventry Enabled the use of UK recycled PET in food packaging, securing raw materials with a 20 per cent cost reduction, ready supply and reduced carbon footprint

BOXRAW Coventry Produces sportswear and equipment for boxing and has developed the world’s most comprehensive machine learning model for boxing training, based on the largest data set of boxers ever captured

Coventry University Coventry

INTERNATIONAL TRADE

PROMOTING OPPORTUNITY

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

With 13,445 international students they are the fifth largest higher education recruiter of international students in the UK. Overseas sales have grown 91 per cent overall across the last six years

Excool Bromsgrove Supplies cooling equipment to the emerging and rapidly growing data centre market

MNB Precision Coventry Provides high quality precision engineering solutions to customers in the oil and gas sectors

Momentum-Pharma Hereford

Provides outsourcing services to the clinical trial industry, focusing on expanding treatment options through clinical trials to patients with lifethreatening illnesses

Pharma Packaging Systems Pershore Specialises in the custom design and manufacture of standalone or integrated turnkey pharmaceutical tablet counting machinery and provides high-tech, reliable packaging solutions

Premier Health Products Coventry Provides order fulfilment and customer services for more than 70,000 e-commerce consignments worldwide annually

Whitefurze Coventry Supplies high quality injection moulded plastic consumer goods for storage, housewares, food storage and garden products

Clean Sheet Coventry

DRPG

A registered charity which provides employment support to broaden job opportunities for people with convictions across the UK

Hartlebury Creates internal, external and experiential communications, producing awardwinning campaigns

BOXRAW’S INTERNATIONAL SALES SOAR 335 PER CENT

Fast-growing sportswear brand BOXRAW was founded in 2017 to provide sportswear and equipment for boxing.

The company was awarded a Queen's Award for International Trade this year after growing its overseas sales by 335 per cent in the last three years.

It recently announced an expansion of its 34-strong workforce by a further 200 staff in the coming years. Its plans include involve re-developing an existing garage

on land north of Broomfield Road in Earlsdon in Coventry to create a fivestorey 2,603 sq m office space with a fully equipped boxing gym with bags, machines and a competition size ring.

Founder and CEO Ben Amanna said: “It has been a whirlwind 12 months for BOXRAW since the Queen’s Award success followed by being included in the Forbes 30 under 30 list and winning the Midlands Young Entrepreneur of the Year award at the Great British Entrepreneur Awards."

Making a positive impact on communities

Neighbourly is an award-winning giving platform that helps businesses make a positive impact in their communities by donating volunteer time, money and surplus products, all in one place.

Its achievements include partnering with M&S to launch the platform’s first food surplus redistribution programme in 2015 and launching the £1.2 million Community Fund in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

One of the UK’s founding B Corps (a private certification of for-profit companies which measures their social and environmental performance), in 2021 it secured a £3 million investment.

Steve Butterworth, CEO at Neighbourly said: “It’s an honour to have been recognised with a Queen’s Awards for Enterprise.

“The last few years have been incredibly tough for local communities and businesses. To have grown a technology solution that has helped organisations to have a positive impact at a local level during this time is testament to a changing world in which being a successful business is being one that is a force for good.”

Engineering specialist wins Queen’s Award for international trade

Award for Enterprise in International Trade.

The award recognises the company’s three years upwards trajectory of continuous growth in international trade and overseas sales between 2018 and 2020.

LB Bentley’s growth was born out of its heritage principles – which are to design and manufacture highly engineered, quality products for deployment in extreme environments.

Thanks, it says, to the dedication of its employees LB Bentley continued to grow even when challenged with the adversity of the global pandemic.

The company is now looking to develop its product range in other areas of the energy industry and a liated industries, such as subsea renewable energy markets and clean power generation.

LB Bentley, which is part of the larger engineering and manufacturing company Severn Group, has 120 employees based in the UK.

Stroud-based engineering company LB Bentley Ltd has been awarded a Queen’s

Justine Chadwick (CWLEP Growth Hub), Coventry South MP Zarah Sultana, and Ben Amanna from BOXRAW during a visit by the MP to its o ces

GLOUCESTERSHIRE’S RETAIL HEAVYWEIGHTS EXPAND AGAIN

Weird Fish partners with Next and Zalando to accelerate overseas expansion

Tewkesbury-based clothing retailer Weird Fish is launching new partnerships with online retail giants Next and Zalando.

Weird Fish will sell its full range of womenswear and menswear across Next and Zalando’s ecommerce sites, allowing the brand to reach more than 53 million active customers across 93 countries.

Revenues at the lifestyle clothing brand were up by 71 per cent to £35.5 million in the year to 31 December 2021, compared to 2020, as a result of strong online sales during the period.

Overall ecommerce revenue was up by 74 per cent to £21 million against the previous year. The retailer said it drove more revenue online in November 2021 compared to the whole of 2019.

Ben Mercier, Weird Fish’s Customer Director, said: “In the constantly changing retail environment it is our objective to identify new markets and opportunities for growth. Partnering with established fashion retailers like Next and Zalando is a logical step in building our brand awareness into 2022 and beyond.”

The new open market partnerships consolidate Weird Fish’s existing online presence with ecommerce leaders Amazon, Ebay and OnBuy, as the brand expands internationally.

But such success wouldn’t have been possible if Weird Fish hadn’t already made a major investment in its digital systems.

According to the boss John Stockton, who joined the business in 2008 when it had around a dozen staff in a small industrial unit in Cheltenham, pretty much every bit of capital the company has spent over the last few years has been in technology.

Speaking to Business & Innovation Magazine last year, he said: “The only clever thing we have done is invest in digital, which rose 400-500 per cent over the last three years, and in people with contemporary knowledge, skills and views.”

ProCook expands again after seeing major growth in sales

Fast-growing kitchenware retailer ProCook is expanding again, developing a 167,000 sq ft warehouse at Gateway 12, Gloucester. The move comes after the company enjoyed a 30 per cent growth in trade over the previous year.

The move will help the company, which floated on the London Stock Exchange last November, consolidate operations from its two existing premises under one roof.

The new facility will have space for product development, a photography studio, enlarged warehouse operations and its head office function, bringing together 220 employees in one location.

Polly Troughton, Managing Director at St. Modwen Logistics, which is developing the facility, said: “ProCook has experienced rapid growth over the last 10 years and this warehouse will further support its commitment to growth, sustainability and employee wellbeing.

The brand sells directly through its website, and through 55 own-brand retail stores, located across the UK. ProCook products are also available in Germany and France with delivery options extending to Belgium, Austria, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Poland.

St. Modwen Logistics is working with Bromsgrove-based Benniman Construction Group on the build at Gloucester.

The Covid pandemic saw sales move online at their fastest rate ever, as retailers were forced to close their stores. For some this proved fatal, but three major UK retailers, all based in Gloucestershire, moved fast and are seeing strong results

Weird Fish playsuit from its summer range

Store revenues recover at Superdry, but e-commerce sales drop

Store revenues are recovering at global fashion retailer Superdry which in May reported revenues up 59.8 per cent yearon-year, as Covid closures and restrictions were lifted in key markets.

The recovery in store sales, however, came at the expense of e-commerce revenues which decreased 24 per cent year-on-year, reflecting an element of channel shift back to physical trading and reduced promotional activity, in line with its determination to get customers paying full price for goods.

Superdry CEO, Julian Dunkerton, said: “Despite the ongoing tough trading conditions and turmoil in the market, our focus on full price trading will deliver a strong gross margin improvement for FY22.

“We are conscious of the cost-of-living pressures on consumers, meaning that now, more than ever, we must continue to deliver product that stands for what is important to them: quality, style and sustainability at great value.”

Last December, Superdry revealed a new store concept on Cheltenham’s Promenade shopping street. Branded The Studio, the store opened just after Superdry revealed its new store on Oxford Street in London.

Julian said: “Studio is very subtly branded, a bit more adult. Classic designs which are increasingly sustainably led. We want to show the consumer how far we have come as a brand.”

Secret Sales appoints former ASOS boss as chair

Secret Sales, the non-full-price marketplace for fashion and beauty brands, has appointed Nick Beighton as Chairman. Nick, who most recently held the role of CEO at ASOS, joined as Secret Sales marks yearon-year growth of more than 150 per cent.

Secret Sales is owned by Cheltenhambased Chris Griffin’s LRG Online Ltd. Chris built the world’s most efficient online retail system of its time for Superdry and has reshaped Secret Sales to solve one of retail’s biggest problems: excess stock.

Gloucestershire biotech secures more than £2M investment

Gloucestershire-born biotech Adaptavate has secured £2.16 million investment to scale production of its carbon absorbing plasterboard, Breathaboard.

Amid growing pressure for the construction sector to identify practical ways to reduce embodied carbon in buildings, products that o er significant carbon savings are increasingly prized.

Adaptavate has designed a scalable, carbon sequestering alternative to plasterboard. one of the world’s most widely used building products.

The funding will allow Adaptavate to build a world-first pilot production line, enhance research and development lab facilities and teams, and complete testing and licencing programmes for Breathaboard.

Adaptavate’s already available Breathaplasta product will continue to be marketed through key distribution partners.

The investment round was led by Low Carbon Innovation Fund 2 and Counteract, the world’s first early stage Carbon Removal investor.

Several climate focused funds including Perivoli Innovations and One Planet Capital also participated, alongside well known figureheads from the construction industry.

Adaptavate also secured a grant from Innovate UK in excess of £800,000.

Industrial estate sells in Tewkesbury as town continues expansion

The Formal Industrial Estate at Tewkesbury, on Junction 9 of the M5, has been sold by owners M7 to US private equity firm Ares. Formal Industrial Estate is now fully let to nine occupiers.

This latest deal is further proof that the town of Tewkesbury, long overlooked despite its key strategic location, is one of the UK’s fastest growth local authority areas.

Over the next 20 years Tewkesbury could be home to more than 12,000 new jobs.

Tewkesbury Garden Town, planned just two miles from the old town centre near Ashchurch o the A46, could o er 10,000 new homes and is set become the biggest strategic housing site in Gloucestershire.

Also currently under development is the Designer Outlet Cotswolds just o junction 9. Robert Hitchins, the Cheltenham property developer, says it will open later this year.

The 180-acre site will feature up to 90 shops, restaurants and cafes, the largest Dobbies garden centre in South West England and 850 homes with a school and community facilities.

Nearby, work is continuing on a £40 million manufacturing and design facility for Moog Controls. The new building will help Moog grow its engine and flight control products for military and commercial aerospace programmes.

FUSION PROJECT COULD BRING BRITISH NATIONS CLOSER

By Ian Mean, MBE Gloucestershire director for Business West and vice-chair of GFirst LEP

In just a few weeks’ time, the South West and South Wales could be celebrating a major industrial and energy breakthrough with the announcement that our region’s bid to site the UK’s first prototype £220 million fusion plant on the Severn Estuary has been successful.

I haven’t got a government crystal ball, but I believe the Severn Edge bid, led by the Western Gateway Partnership, is destined to be awarded to the two decommissioned former nuclear sites at Oldbury in South Gloucestershire and Berkeley in Gloucestershire.

Our bid is in the final five sites being considered by government, and I think their final decision could be announced before Parliament rises for its summer recess at the end of July.

This fusion project is truly ground-breaking.

It is designed to harness the power of the sun and is the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority’s (UKAEA) flagship called STEP or Spherical Tokamak for Energy Programme to give its full title.

Why is it so important for our future energy needs?

Well, fusion has been described as having the potential to become the ultimate low carbon energy source recreating the reaction that takes place with the sun.

The impact of a successful bid has the

potential of creating more than 30,000 skilled jobs in the long-term and will greatly enhance the career options for our young people in a whole range of engineering and digital skills.

Why do I think Severn Edge (or Bro Halfen in Welsh) will win the STEP nomination?

Severn Edge provides the lowest technological risk for delivery and the greatest technical capacity to expedite delivery.

Why?

It’s down to the skilled workforce and supply chain in our region. It is currently building Hinkley C and has substantial expertise in high temperature reactors and technologies at EDF Energy in Gloucester, as well as digital engineering design, instrumentation and advanced manufacturing.

But in my view, and an opinion very much moulded by Michael Gove’s Levelling Up mantra, it’s that I feel our unique asset in the

STEP race is the bringing together of two countries in the Union.

Bringing Wales and England together in technological harmony has gained huge support from major companies on both sides of the River Severn, with enthusiastic backing from MPs and local authority leaders.

Surely that piece of uniqueness in helping to bring two countries of the Union together as part of Levelling Up must be a winning combination?

I also think that STEP will be a major catalyst for Levelling Up the skills “cold spots” in South Gloucestershire and North Somerset.

But it will also be a big fillip for jobs and skills in the disadvantaged communities of Gloucester, the Forest of Dean and right across the Severn to South Wales and down to Somerset and Cornwall.

At the end of the day, the successful STEP bid will, of course, have an element of political influence behind it.

We accept that totally with the Levelling Up process.

But having worked alongside the Western Gateway team and our local councils for the last two years, I am confident STEP will be coming to this region.

I believe Severn Edge will be a winner on merit alone.

“Bringing Wales and England together in technological harmony has gained huge support from major companies ...”

GFIRST LEP… HELPING TO SHAPE THE FUTURE OF GLOUCESTERSHIRE

Cyber Central and the West Cheltenham Transport Improvement Scheme

David Owen, CEO of GFirst LEP, talks about some of Gloucestershire’s key cyber projects. Gloucestershire is perfectly placed to nurture and develop the cyber minds of the future. We need more young people to build their lives here in the county to support our existing industrial strengths, such as advanced engineering, and help us exploit new opportunities - in cyber-tech, agri-tech, and green technology, in particular. This builds on our county's strong tradition of innovation. Our reputation is internationally recognised as the cradle of cyber-tech innovation in the UK.

This is a pivotal time for Gloucestershire, and GFirst LEP is in a strong position to help lead the local economy. The immediate priority is to protect jobs, create opportunities for new employment and upskill workforces, as we move to a more digital, cyber focused and environmentally sustainable Gloucestershire.

The following pages highlight some of the exciting cyber and digital projects that GFirst LEP has successfully secured funding for. Funding in excess of £36 million, will support Gloucestershire through the creation of cyber and digital focused projects.

The UK Cyber Business Park is a joint public and private sector initiative, aimed at creating the UK’s first dedicated hub, in Cheltenham, to support the growth and development of new cyber security businesses, technology, research and skills. People may know it as Cyber Central, or the Golden Valley Development, but whatever they call it, the Cheltenham Cyber Park is one of the largest and most ambitious projects ever undertaken in Gloucestershire.

GFirst LEP successfully bid for £23.6m from central Government’s Growth Deal funding to get the project up and running. By bringing forward improvements to the highway system, this project has unlocked 45 hectares of employment land, focusing on cyber industries and creating new jobs. The park will be home to the Cyber Central Innovation Zone and potentially up 4,000 new homes, and support over 11,000 jobs.

The funding secured by GFirst LEP has paid for an extensive highways upgrade programme, the West Cheltenham Transport Improvement Scheme, which created the infrastructure and access needed to make the Cheltenham Cyber Park possible:

• Arle Court Roundabout and Benhall Roundabout remodelling

• Hatherley Lane and Telstar Way widening

• B4063 bus priority to Arle Court

• A40 Park and Ride access

• Badgeworth Road Bridge extension

• Arle Court carriageway extension for M5 J11

• J11 Southbound slip road capacity improvements

• Cycle and pedestrian infrastructure improvements from Arle Court to Cheltenham Spa railway station

The project was delivered on time and in budget with new shared use infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists to access the railway station from the town centre.

Since the launch of its Strategic Economic Plan in 2014 and, more recently, its draft Local Industrial Strategy in 2019, the cyber and digital sector has been at the forefront of how GFirst LEP wants to shape the future of the county.

If you would like to find out more about how GFirst LEP supports Gloucestershire through sustainable economic growth please visit gfirstlep.com

The C11 Cyber Security and Digital Innovation Centre with the University of Gloucestershire

The C11 Cyber Security and Digital Innovation Centre in Berkeley is equipped with cutting edge technologies and stateof-the-art digital security, to fire the growth and advancement of specialist firms and specialist skills. Operating an ‘open zone’ and a ‘closed zone’, the centre gives opportunities for tech entrepreneurs to collaborate (with each other and students), but also a government-grade, accesscontrolled space for discretion and security. The role C11 plays in supporting new cyber businesses, providing high-tech facilities for established businesses and connecting students with industry will foster high growth throughout the sector and help Gloucestershire defend its position. This project received £3 million via GFirst LEP from the Growth Deal Fund.

Getting Building Fund

GFirst LEP successfully bid for £11.3 million of funding from Government to kickstart the economy in 2020. The funding is part of the Government’s £900 million nationwide Getting Building Fund. GFirst LEP worked closely with public, private and voluntary sectors to submit bids which were shovel ready, would create jobs, aid recovery and support the green agenda. Many of the ambitions were identified in GFirst LEP’s draft Local Industrial Strategy that was published in late 2019.

There were four cyber infrastructure projects which received funding.

The Minster Innovation Exchange with Cheltenham Borough Council – allocated £3.114 million

This low carbon modular construction will deliver innovative co-working space in central Cheltenham. It will provide a purpose-built performance, event and community venue and connect to the High Street through

Gloucestershire Applied Digital Skills Centre with Cirencester College –allocated £4.48

million

The centre opened in May 2022, the Gloucestershire Applied Digital Skills Centre at Cirencester College will be a landmark building for learning. Modelled on digital industries rather than traditional classrooms, this inspiring space will provide resources, equipment and skills needed in both the cyber and digital sectors. Students will be connected to routes into the exciting new cyber industries here in Gloucestershire.

upgraded historic linkages from the Cheltenham Minster grounds. It will also act as a pilot for developments at the Cyber Central campus and be home to the new Cheltenham Growth Hub.

Cyber Incubation Units with Gloucestershire Collegeallocated £950,000

Gloucestershire College has formed a partnership with Hub8 to create new incubation space specifically for high-tech, cyber-based entrepreneurs and innovators. Hub8 GC will provide over 10,000 sq ft of innovation space, complete with offices, shared and dedicated laboratories, workshops and co-working facilities. Hub8 GC a co-location platform for businesses, academic staff and students to interact, facilitating placement and graduate work opportunities for the college’s students, the units opened in 2021.

If you would like to find out more about how GFirst LEP supports Gloucestershire through sustainable economic growth please visit gfirstlep.com

The Digital Innovation Farm with Hartpury University and Hartpury College –allocated £1.25 million

Hartpury’s Digital Innovation Farm is set to further enhance Gloucestershire’s position as a leader in agri-tech. The new innovation and demonstration workspace will be designed for high growth businesses in the growth phase, already operating within the agri-tech sector. The innovation space will allow businesses to explore, test, trial, research and develop products, or enhance existing ones. The farm will be opening in July 2022.

GFirst LEP also runs the Invest in Gloucestershire project

DiT selects Gloucestershire as a High Potential Opportunity destination for Foreign Investment

The Invest in Gloucestershire team worked with DIT on a cyber security High Potential Opportunity (HPO) scheme. This scheme will identify the opportunities and capabilities of the emerging cyber sector in Gloucestershire on a global scale. The initiative will focus on helping the region present an investable o er to achieve potential and help drive foreign direct investment into Gloucestershire, ultimately creating new jobs and growth.

The HPO is presented as a marketing portfolio, highlighting the opportunity to design, develop and commercialise cyber business as part of the emerging cluster.

Invest in Gloucestershire is the county’s leading inward investment programme, helping international businesses to find investment opportunities in the region. The project is run in collaboration with the Department for International Trade (DIT), Gloucestershire County Council and the county’s six district councils. It has received European funding from the European Regional Development Fund.

If you would like to find out more about opportunities with our Inward Investment Team please visit www.investingloucestershire.com

The Golden Valley development in Cheltenham, The Forum in Gloucester and the many other cyber assets now in the county act as the major hook to attract foreign direct investment.

It identifies the opportunity for investors to fill the gaps in the rapidly growing cyber security supply chain, profit from the demand of the multiple sectors that require cyber resilience

and highlight the pivotal location with its robust connectivity and supply chains.

In collaboration with the Invest in Gloucestershire team, DIT has identified the unique opportunity there is to be part of Gloucestershire’s thriving and burgeoning cluster and, as a result of selecting Gloucestershire for the HPO, this prospect will be marketed across the globe via the DIT network. The HPO launched in May 2022.

This scheme will provide serious endorsement of the cyber security sector and will significantly raise awareness of Gloucestershire amongst the global sector market.

If you would like to find out more about how GFirst LEP supports Gloucestershire through sustainable economic growth please visit gfirstlep.com

GFirst LEP flies high at annual review

Gloucestershire’s Local Enterprise Partnership, GFirst LEP hosted its 2022 annual review aboard a British Airways Boeing 747, at Cotswold Airport. More than 200 business leaders from across the county heard from GFirst LEP, CEO, David Owen, on the achievements of the last two years and the county’s ambitions for the future.

Photography: Rob Lacey

Adrian Goodall from Rokeby Developments with Joe Roberts from Roberts Limbrick and Kirsty Muir from Business & Innovation Magazine

Clare Seed from Tidal Training with Mike Simmonds from TruGreen, Paul Woodhouse from GFirst LEP and Neill Ricketts from Versarien

Daniella Rosser from John Morgan Partnership with Kirsten McDonald from GFirst LEP and Aidan Stevens from Veritas Hotels

Mark Fabian from Harrison Clark Rickerbys with Neil Hopwood from GFirst LEP and Tracey Birkinshaw from Cheltenham Borough Council and Stephen Limbrick from Stephen Limbrick Associates

Jenny Raymond from Harrison Clark Rickerbys with Phil Mitchell from Harbour Key and Rachael Reeves from Harrison Clark Rickerbys

Simon King and Claire Whitworth from Hartpury College & University with Karen Taylor from Gloucestershire Airport and Mark Price Vitruvius Management Services

British Airways Boeing 747 at Cotswold Airport

Yvonne Bell with Nicola Bird and Natalie Bell from AccXel and Peter Bell from KW Bell and Kate Shields from Holt JCB

Shelly McCatty from Gloucestershire College with Melanie Jones from Encore PR

Lindsay Holland from Cleeve Hill Hotel with Steve Gardner-Colins from Visit Gloucestershire and Alex Cotrell from the Growth Hub and Dr Polly Pick from University of Gloucestershire

Kevin Harris from Bamboo Technology with Angela Edwards from Circle2Success

Richard Gray from Canoe with James Ashe from Mighty and Dev Chakraborty from GFirst LEP

Nigel Chute from Chute Design with Paul James from Cotswold District Council

Mark Ryan from ZeroAvia and Suzie Lew GFirst LEP

David Owen from GFirst LEP with Dean Hill from Resound Media

Andy Kime from The Growth Hub with Russell Warner from FSB (Federation of Small Businesses)

Ian Mean, GFirst LEP Vice-Chair with Oli Christie from Neon Play

Matt Charman, GFirst LEP Board Member with Nicky Godding from Business & Innovation Magazine

Sandeep Chatterjee from StylePro Labs and Paul Markey from Markey Group

Phil Clement, Invest in Gloucestershire, GFirst with Sarah Danson from GFirst LEP

GFirst LEP Cabin Crew - Jute Blackmon, Robert Shott, Alex King, Patrick Forde and Dev Chakraborty from GFirst LEP

BRISTOL COULD BECOME A 'SCREEN POWERHOUSE' SAYS REPORT

Bristol has the potential to become a 'screen powerhouse' according to a new report.

The Go West! 2 report, produced by The University of the West of England in Bristol, suggests the screen industry in Bristol, UNESCO City of Film, is booming, with turnover increasing by more than 100 per cent in the last five years, despite the pandemic.

But, say the report's authors, more could still be done to further boost its development and expansion.

The report builds on previous research by Professor Andrew Spicer and Dr Steve Presence from UWE Bristol’s Digital Cultures Research Centre.

Their latest research has found that the industry is experiencing very rapid growth, despite the Covid-19 pandemic and a historic lack of investment in the area from external sources.

By examining the evolution of the industry between 2016 and 2021, they found:

• Aggregate turnover increased 105 per cent, from nearly £148 million to £288 million

• The number of independent production companies increased from 131 to 189

• Full-time staff working in this sector are up from 2,200 to 2,760 – an increase of more than 25 per cent

• Freelance numbers are up from 1,500 to around 2,500

Professor Spicer said: “Bristol is home to the largest independent film and television production sector outside London, yet beyond the national beacons of the BBC’s Natural History Unity and Aardman Animations, Bristol’s film and television industries tend to be overlooked by those outside the sector."

Last month, ITV plc acquired a majority interest of 79.5 per cent in Bristolbased Plimsoll Productions, the largest independent producer of natural history programmes in the world, for a £103.5 million, valuing Plimsoll at £131 million. Founded in 2013, the Bafta, Emmy and Academy Award winning producer has produced hundreds of hours of content which is watched, and sold, in nearly 200 countries.

Aardman announces new Wallace & Gromit virtual reality adventure

Stop-motion icons Wallace and Gromit are to star in a new virtual reality video game. The Grand Getaway is described by Bristol-based creative studio Aardman Animations as an “interactive, narrative-led, single-player VR experience” in which video game players will join Wallace and Gromit on an adventure that has – predictably –gone wrong.

After setting off for a seaside holiday the pair find that their latest contraption, the Auto-Caddy, has gone awry. The player will need to navigate a virtual world collecting contraptions that will put the pair back on the right course.

Due for release next year, the game will mark the comic pair’s first foray into virtual reality, although they previously starred in the augmented reality mobile game Big Fix Up, released in 2020.

Sean Clarke, managing director of Aardman said: “The entire studio is

so excited about this project, which provides us with a perfect opportunity to do what we love – combining memorable characters and engaging storytelling with emerging technologies to offer fans a totally immersive experience.

“For loyal fans of Wallace & Gromit, this will be real wish-fulfilment territory –after watching the characters on screen for decades, they will now have an opportunity to step into their world and play an active role in this new story as it unfolds.”

Aardman’s Wallace and Gromit to star in new VR game

METRO MAYOR LAUNCHES CULTURAL PLAN TO PUT WEST OF ENGLAND ON THE MAP

A new cultural plan to put the West of England on the map for national and international success has been unveiled by Metro Mayor Dan Norris.

The West of England Cultural Plan showcases artists and games designers, highlights the region’s visitor attractions, and puts a spotlight on why the West is the place for investment in the creative industries, including in film and TV production.

The Cultural Plan will be supported by members of the West of England Cultural Compact – the first of a kind as the only one in the country with a regional remit.

Dan Norris said the West has a “tremendously strong offer” promoting creative businesses that contribute just under £2 billion to the regional economy each year.

“I am proud that the West of England is attracting international investment from the key players on the planet to benefit both us and them,” he said.

“More than 500 businesses across the South West have been boosted directly from Netflix investment creating 1,000 jobs across the UK.

“The West of England Combined Authority’s recent £12 million investment in the Bottle Yard Studios sends a strong, confident message to the world – that our amazing creative sector here in the West of England is thriving.

“I am also supporting small businesses and freelancers with a programme of professional development and paid placements for young people.

“We are making amazing TV like Outlaws, Tracey Beaker and the wonderful David Attenborough series. We need everyone to know they are made in the West.”

Around 800 million people each month watch digital content produced in Bristol and Bath.

Crowdfunding raises nearly £1M to help creatives on a side-hustle

A crowdfunding drive to help creatives turn side-hustle into a business closed after smashing its target in 28 days.

Bristol-based online local experiences marketplace Yuup has been o ering the city’s creative community a platform to generate income through hosting experiences since it was founded in September 2020.

In just a year, the company has grown from supporting just under 40 experience hosts to now being a community with more than 270 people and small businesses and 500+ experiences to enjoy throughout the city of Bristol.

Visitors to Yuup will find anything from unicycle lessons to rum tasting, wild winter swimming, hot air balloon rides and pottery making to fresh pasta-making masterclasses – each delivered by local people, many of whom pivoted their businesses or followed their dreams of a creative career during and after the pandemic.

The platform has seen side-hustlers and hobbyists turn their favourite thing to do into a business and their main source of income.

In the past year, Yuup says it has generated more than £450,000 in income for local people and small independent creative businesses in the Bristol and Bath region.

In March it opened a £750,000 fundraiser on the Crowdcube platform to expand its reach. And the drive was closed before the scheduled end date after Yuup raised £986,479 – 131 per cent of its target.

“More than 500 businesses across the South West have been boosted directly from Netflix investment ...”

The West of England’s Cultural Plan. cover image – artist Luke Jerram’s temporary installation, In Memoriam, on Weston-Super-Mare beach, September 2021 © Mark Gray

Learn.ink awarded £20,000 to grow mobile training platform for smartphone users in emerging economies

Bristol innovator Learn.ink has been awarded a £20,000 grant by the West of England Growth Hub’s Business Innovation Fund to grow its mobile training platform for people in emerging economies.

Learn.ink’s engaging training platform helps organisations to address the challenges and opportunities presented by the rapid increase in smartphone use in more remote communities.

“My co-founder and I spent a lot of time in East Africa researching the training options available,” said Georgia Barrie, Learn.ink’s CEO.

“We found that most tools assume you have access to a laptop and a Wi-Fi connection and are familiar with navigating complicated interfaces and reading long sections of prose.

“Unfortunately, this kind of technology is completely inaccessible to most of the world’s population.”

Learn.ink has developed a chatstyle interface – instantly familiar to most smartphone users – with games, challenges, quizzes and sound e ects that combine to make the learning experience fun and engaging.

By creating features such as “o ine mode” they also ensure training can be done even in areas without an internet connection.

HIGH-TECH JOBS BOOM IN BRISTOL AS ‘SILICON GORGE’ TAKES OFF

Hundreds of new high-tech jobs are being created in Bristol as young high-fliers flock to the city seeking a better quality of life.

The South West is starting to rival London as a tech hub around the Silicon Gorge region incorporating Bristol, Gloucester and Swindon.

Leading the charge in Bristol is Brightpearl, based in Marsh Street in the city centre, which has more than doubled its headcount in the last year from 100 to 217.

The retail software provider is looking to fill a similar number of further roles by the end of this year with 30 already recruited as year-on-year sales surge.

Brightpearl is expanding fast following its £275 million take-over by enterprise software giant Sage at the end of last year.

Jacqui Coombs, chief of staff at Brightpearl, said: "Bristol employs 8,000 people in the tech industry and is home to almost 500 tech firms.

“The sector continues to grow – over the last year, companies in Bristol attracted more than £300 million in investment, meaning there will be even more opportunities for people in the city.

Meanwhile, e-commerce firm Huboo is a classic high-tech success story in Bristol with rapid growth and offices in Corn Street.

Its team has expanded from 275 people in May last year to a current total of 630 employees – a headcount increase of 130 per cent.

It is looking to hire a further 100-150 technology staff this year.

Recent months have seen a boom for the firm, as year-on-year revenue increased by 124 per cent between January 2021 and last January.

In addition, warehouse space has more than doubled over the past 12 months from 186,508 sq ft to 378,469 sq ft.

Huboo’s new rooftop terrace in Bristol

Student advertising company seeks angel growth investment

A Bristol company that has created the UK’s first digital advertising network within student accommodation is now seeking £200,000 funding to scale up, through the Angel Investment Network

Target Student was launched by Andrew Francksen and Guy Thurlow in 2020. Initially they managed a network of students distributing promotional material in student halls and busy city centre locations across the UK and Ireland.

After delivering hundreds of campaigns for brands such as Pizza Hut, Ola cabs and Boardmasters, they thought they could o er all these clients something more.

The company is now o ering out-of-home (OOH) advertising. Advertisers are increasingly using OOH to drive consumers to interact and engage through social media, and even to transact through their platforms.

OOH audiences are young, digitally-minded, and connected individuals that use social media as part of their everyday life –and this includes how they interact with brands and make purchases.

After a successful proof of concept, including with more than 30 customers such as Dominos and The Department of Education, Target Student covers 33 accommodation sites and has access to more than 100 in the pipeline.

SMART SOCKS COULD HELP MILLIONS LIVING WITH DEMENTIA

“Smart socks” developed by a former Bristol Robotics Laboratory student could improve the wellbeing of millions of people with dementia, non-verbal autism and other conditions that affect communication.

Inventor Dr Zeke Steer quit his job as a software engineer and took a PhD at Bristol Robotics Laboratory so he could find a way to help people like his great grandmother, who became anxious and aggressive because of her dementia.

His smart socks track heart rate, sweat levels and motion to give insights on the wearer’s wellbeing – most importantly how anxious the person is feeling. They look and feel like normal socks, do not need charging, are machine washable and provide a steady stream of data to carers, who can easily see their patient’s metrics on an app.

Dr Steer said: “The foot is actually a great place to collect data about stress, and socks are a familiar piece of clothing that people wear every day.

“Our research shows that the socks can accurately recognise signs of stress –which could really help not just those with dementia and autism, but their carers too.”

His company, Milbotix now wants to work with innovative social care organisations to refine and evaluate the smart socks.

Green robotics start-up signs deal with energy giant

A start-up with University of Bristol roots has signed a deal with energy giant Enel to help keep its estimated 9,000 turbines spinning.

Perceptual Robotics use autonomous drones and artificial intelligence to detect early damage in wind turbines.

Now the company, founded by three Bristol former students, has landed a deal to inspect turbines owned by Enel Green Power, a subsidiary of Enel, the Italian multi-national manufacturer and distributor of electricity and gas and one of the biggest energy companies in the world.

Enel Green Power will use the data to carry out preventative maintenance –reducing costs and turbine stoppages while increasing safety.

Research shows that Perceptual Robotics’ technology is 14 per cent better at detecting damage than expert humans carrying out the same inspections.

Perceptual Robotics says it can reduce the cost of wind turbine blade maintenance by 30 per cent.

Last year Perceptual Robotics secured £1.6 million in a funding round.

“ e foot is actually a great place to collect data about stress ...”

PERSHORE LIQUID FILLING FIRM WINS CONTRACT TO SUSTAINABLY PACKAGE MOTORCYCLE ENGINE OIL

A Pershore firm which fills everything from screenwash to soft drinks in flexible spouted pouches to help cut plastic use by up to 85 per cent, is celebrating its first anniversary with a contract to sustainably package a leading motorcycle engine oil.

Project 7 will fill and package one of the best-selling motorcycle maintenance products in the Silkolene range to support parent company Fuch’s commitment to a circular economy for plastics.

The range of one litre engine oils in their new-look flexible pouch packaging will make their debut on retail shelves this year.

Project 7 co-founder Erik Molinario said: “We are the only contract filler specialising in flexible packaging in the whole of the UK and this was very attractive to Fuchs, which strives to lead the way in sustainable practices.

“Not many companies know we offer this full service and that they do not need to import their own pouches from Europe.”

Project 7 launched in 2021 with startup support of £30,000 from the Worcestershire Proof of Concept Project funding scheme. The company can fill 10 millilitre to five litre flexible spouted Property developer Stoford is planning the next phase of development at a £200 million logistics and manufacturing scheme near Redditch.

New pie and mash shop serves up traditional grub in Studley

Young food entrepreneur Adam Boswell has launched his first venture by opening a traditional pie and mash shop in Studley.

Pie, Mash & More was inspired by Adam discovering the delights of pie and mash during his time working in Essex.

“I must have been eating pie, mash and liquor six nights out of seven. I came back home and couldn’t find it anywhere, so I decided the West Midlands needed pie and mash,” he said.

pouches, as well as up to 20 litre bags in boxes.

Retailers such as Aldi through to niche brands such as Silverback bike cleaning products have all come on board and the game-changing contract with Fuchs marks a key milestone in the company’s growth.

Project 7 is now ramping up its filling lines to six – with the capacity to fill four million units per line – at its highspeed production facility on the Keytec 7 Business Park on the edge of Pershore.

Plans are also under way for a second production site, also in the Midlands, next year.

A recent revival in taste for traditional food has seen surging demand for the pies, with their minced beef filling, mash and the green parsley gravy known as “liquor”.

Adam said: “I’ve worked in sales most of my life, but my dad Kevin – who’s a plumber – had always talked to me about getting together to run a takeaway or food business, so we decided to finally do it.

Ben Truslove, joint managing director of John Truslove, helped Adam secure a three-year tenancy on premises at 69 Alcester Road in Studley at £9,000 per year.

Stoford reveals plans for next phase of Redditch Gateway

Work will begin on site this autumn, subject to planning, and units could be ready from summer 2023.

a multi-national technology company.

A planning application has been submitted for the speculative development of almost 450,000 sq ft of new industrial and logistics accommodation at Redditch Gateway, near Junction 3 of the M42.

Redditch Gateway will deliver almost one million sq ft of new office, logistics and manufacturing accommodation when complete. The scheme includes a new 534,000 sq ft warehouse building to the north of the site in Stratford-upon-Avon, which was pre-let to

Stoford has been appointed as lead developer for Redditch Gateway, working alongside landowners, The Gorcott Trust and Homes England. The scheme is supported through grant and loan funding including £1.7 million from Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership and £1.8 million from Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership.

Before and after Silkolene packaging

HEREFORDSHIRE CIDER MAKER SET FOR GROWTH FOLLOWING SIX FIGURE FUNDING BOOST

An award-winning craft cider producer in Herefordshire is expanding its operations and launching a new visitor centre after securing a £300,000 funding package from the Agricultural Mortgage Corporation.

Leominster-based Newton Court Cider, which is part of organic working farm Newton Court Farm, is on track to complete the extension and refurbishment of its farm shop and a 95-seater café by August. The new facilities will sell the farm’s own cider, locally reared meat and other organic produce including seasonal vegetables, honey, milk and bread.

The expansion also includes construction of a 600-metre square visitor centre.

Around seven new jobs are expected to be created, including a chef and head cider maker, taking the farm’s total number of employees to 10 full and part-time staff.

The business, which also received funding through the European Agriculture Fund for Rural Development Project, expects its annual turnover to more than double following the investment.

Paul Stephens, Director and Partner at Newton Court Cider, said: “Our original farm shop was at capacity, so we’d have really struggled to grow without AMC’s investment and support.

“Our incredible new facilities will be open to the public before the end of the year and we hope people will join us to see where the farm’s apples are nurtured and harvested, before being transferred to the production facility where the apples are turned into cider.”

The deal with the Agricultural Mortgage Corporation was completed with support from agents Ashley Lilley and Arthur Witchell at Savills.

Worcestershire food gifting company secures £200K from Midlands Engine Investment Fund

A Worcestershire food gifting company has secured a £200,000 loan to support growth through increased marketing and product development, The loan will also help create eight new jobs.

Ross & Ross Gifts, based in Evesham, secured the finance from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund, provided by the FSE Group, Debt Finance Fund and backed by the Recovery Loan Scheme.

Ross & Ross Gifts sells locally-sourced food as part of its homemade curing kits, food hampers, British roasts, British bar-b-que and vegetarian.

All products are developed in-house by the founder, Ross Bearman, and made by another local business. The vegetarian range has been created in response to the recent increase in consumers choosing a more plantbased diet.

Ross said: “Due to our existing set-up and the speed with which we can innovate new ideas, we are in a strong position to take advantage of new trends and tastes.

“We are delighted to secure this loan to put the impact of Covid-19 behind us, allowing us to drive our expansion strategy and add a new focus on personalisation and corporate gifting, both of which have huge potential to grow our sales.”

Personalisation is a growing market trend in the gifting industry, and the corporate gift market is worth £78 million in the UK. Ross & Ross will concentrate on expanding its success in this market through sales of luxury hampers.

Paul Stephens, Tom Stephens (Paul’s father) and Nigel Beamont of Newton Court Cider

URBANAIR PORT MAKES ITS DEBUT IN COVENTRY

By Stephen Emerson

It was while sitting at his home office desk during a Covid lockdown that Urban-Air Port’s founder Ricky Sandhu noticed the never-ending procession of delivery vans coming and going from the same parking bay on his street.

This window observation, and the subsequent thought that there must be a more sustainable method of delivering goods, set Ricky on the path to develop his urban air concept.

The team set up the world's first Urban-Air Port (UAP) – Air One, in Coventry with more than 15,000 people visiting during a threeweek public viewing.

The UAP site in Coventry is now being dismantled with talks ongoing about its relocation to another venue.

Urban-Air Port designs, develops, manufactures and operates ground, air and digital infrastructure for new forms of

urban air transport such as air taxis and autonomous delivery drones.

Its mission is to remove the largest single constraint to sustainable air mobility – ground infrastructure – to create a zero emission mobility ecosystem that will significantly cut congestion and air pollution from passenger and cargo transport.

Ricky, a former architect at London-based Foster+Partners, has worked with airport clients and on city designs around the world.

He and his team are now on a mission to to enable these new modes of transport to flourish and have a target of deploying 200 vertiports across the world in the next five years.

Ricky, who is 44 and grew up in Birmingham, said: "The space was being used dangerously by big vans driven by

guys who are in a hurry because they need to get to the next destination.

"I thought there must be a way to make that area safe and take these large moving vehicles away from residential streets and ensure that everyone still gets their packages.”

The Coventry scheme has been aided by a £1.2 million grant from the government. Supernal, Hyundai Motor Group's urban air mobility division, has also invested an undisclosed sum to advance its cargo drone and air taxi technology capabilities.

Drones are already delivering in many cities around the world. However Ricky says that an integrated transport network is needed for the industry to become sustainable.

He said: "Our City Box model is a modular system that allows us to land multiple drones at the same time within which we will then process the cargo and make it

In May Urban-Air Port, the UK-based developer of ground infrastructure for air taxis and autonomous delivery drones, debuted “Air-One”, a world-first demonstration of a fully-operational hub for electric vertical take-o and landing (eVTOL) vehicles

available to the consumer. We have a sister product – Docks Box – which plugs into a fulfilment centre and allows logistics companies to use the system without making huge changes to their warehousing.”

While faster deliveries look ever closer, how long will it be before we see short passenger flights between cities and neighbourhoods in the UK?

Ricky believes that within the next five years this could become a reality and at a price point within reach of the average income.

He said: "Having high capacity is important from a cost perspective for airlines and vertiports will be in high demand areas.

"The cost will vary from location to location, but we expect the price will be in the region of £90 to £150"

Britishvolt to build £200m West Midlands scale-up facility to create “battery corridor”

Battery pioneer Britishvolt, which is building a gigafactory in Northumberland, has partnered with logistics real estate operator Prologis to build its UK battery cell scale-up facilities in the West Midlands, home to the internationally renowned battery ecosystem of WMG at the University of Warwick, the Advanced Propulsion Centre and UK Battery Industrialisation Centre (UKBIC) in Coventry.

With a budget exceeding £200 million, the plan looks to create upwards of 150 skilled, well-paid jobs, unifying the Britishvolt Northumberland Gigaplant with a centrally located scale-up/technology hub.

Paul Franklin, Property Director at Britishvolt, said: “This is another important milestone for Britishvolt, the UK and its world-class automotive industry. I am delighted to see Britishvolt lead the UK’s journey into re-industrialisation with the first full-scale battery Gigaplant. These new R&D and scale-up facilities will help the UK build on its home-grown battery intellectual property and level up the country ready for the energy transition.”

The “Battery Corridor” concept enhances the UK’s existing battery ecosystem –Britishvolt has already developed pre-A battery samples at WMG in Warwick and is scaling up its unique A-Sample cell formulations at the UKBIC.

Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands, added: “Britishvolt’s investment in the West Midlands is another seismic vote of confidence both in the future of our region and our automotive prowess.

“I am determined the West Midlands becomes a global leader in the research and production of state-of-the-art battery technology.”

REE Automotive to build commercial EV plant in Coventry

An Israeli-based automotive technology company and provider of electric vehicle platforms is to build an assembly plant at its European Integration Centre in Coventry.

REE Automotive’s Coventry site will also operate as the blueprint for all future REE Integration Centres, with an expected capacity of 10,000 vehicle sets this year, the company said.

REE Automotive is partnering with Rockwell Automation and Expert Technologies Group for robotics and automated assembly, with the first assembly line expected to become operational in the second half of 2022.

Josh Tech, REE’s Chief Operating

O cer, said: “This is an important milestone on our path to commercial production next year. The automated and connected capabilities at our Coventry site are a great foundation for our global operations, as they will enable us to continuously fine-tune our assembly procedures and rapidly deploy them to other sites.”

The Integration Centre is approximately 130,000 sq ft, includes industry 4.0 technologies and will be partially powered by solar energy.

Peter Dow, REE Vice-President of Engineering, added: “We have a world-class team of highly skilled designers and engineers who are leading the design, development and production of our innovative current and future technologies.”

"Our City Box model is a modular system that allows us to land multiple drones at the same time within which we will then process the cargo and make it available to the consumer.”

CGI of Coventry’s Urban-Air Port

MAJOR INVESTMENT AT LONDON OXFORD AIRPORT IS SIGNIFICANT STEP FORWARD

London Oxford Airport has begun construction work on a new development phase.

Central to the work is a 63,000 sq ft 140m long hangar including offices, stores and workshops and capable of accommodating up to six Bombardier Global, Gulfstream or Dassault Falcon Jet models, simultaneously. The new hangar is the first facility in a new north zone of the airport and will be used mainly by established tenants, along with some larger business aircraft for which there has been limited capacity at Oxford.

The airport is investing in infrastructure to accommodate more businesses and allow established companies, such as Airbus Helicopters, Volare Aviation and Jet Maintenance International to expand.

The new facilities will also support existing and future aircraft, including eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) and hybrid/electric models along with a new fuel farm which will quadruple the capacity of the original facility and provide space for additional future static tankage for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).

The projects are being overseen by Will Curtis, who joined London Oxford Airport as Managing Director in 2020.

A large area of new aircraft parking apron has been created along with seven new helipads supporting Airbus Helicopters and the growing number of commercial helicopter businesses at the airport, such as MyHeli.

Will said: “In a new post-pandemic economic environment, it’s critical that the UK ramps up its capabilities and capacity to provide growth and further employment, especially in high-value, high-skilled and knowledge-based industrial sectors.

Head of Business Development, James Dillon-Godfray added: ‘We have longestablished maintenance, repair and overhaul businesses that need to expand. These new developments allow us to move people around the airport to facilitate that. We are also in dialogue with several new entities about joining us in the next few years, for which this capacity is essential.”

London Oxford Airport is home to Airbus Helicopters UK’s headquarters and a steadily growing business aviation sector, supporting around 10,000 private and charter passengers a year, mainly for business trips.

Last year a new 100-room hotel opened at the entrance of the airport on the adjacent Oxford Technology Park.

Banbury food safety company Fortress Technology triples manufacturing capacity

Fortress Technology Europe has more than tripled its manufacturing capacity after moving into a new purpose-built industrial facility on Thorpe Way in Banbury.

Having merged with British checkweighing and X-ray inspection specialist Sparc Systems three years ago, the 30,000 sq ft facility, marks the next milestone in the company’s growth.

Employing nearly 70 food inspection engineering and service specialists, the company builds X-ray, metal detectors and checkweighers used by factories that supply supermarkets and retailers throughout Europe and beyond.

Re-locating into this larger new production facility represents a significant investment by the Group’s Canadian parent company.

Managing Director Phil Brown said: “This is an exciting time for digital technologies, especially in the food production market.”

The team spent months designing the production floor in the new facility before moving in equipment, machinery and people.

Commercial Manager Jodie Curry added: “No inspection company globally is better placed to navigate the food supply and pricing challenges brought about by the pandemic and now the Ukraine crisis.”

London Oxford Airport

INTEREST HEATS UP IN EAV CARGO’S NEW CHILLED VEHICLE COLLABORATION WITH DENSO

Electric Assisted Vehicles (EAV), the Upper Heyford-based zero-emission vehicle manufacturer is collaborating with Denso Corporation, the global automotive components manufacturer based in Japan, to produced a super-efficient low voltage connected actively-cooled eCargo bike.

Adam Barmby, Founder and CEO of EAV, said: “We know there’s significant interest in the market for a fully connected actively cooled eCargo vehicle rather than just packing cooled goods into highly insulated packaging and trying to minimise temperature gain.”

the production of a low voltage cloudconnected chiller system which is being developed for the EAV project.

Nesh Cvetkovic, Director Connected Services at Denso International Europe, said: “A significant proportion of that last mile traffic requires the option of active cooling that is connected and dynamically traceable, especially with food and pharmaceuticals.

“To provide this capability, Denso collaborated on this engineering programme with EAV, who are the leaders in micromobility solutions, to produce the EAV2Cool.”

The EAV2Cool will feature a 1.4 sq m rear compartment, fully connected and actively chilled to an operating temperature of between 2–5C which can be sustained for 10 hours in 30C ambient heat. Denso has applied its knowledge of being the producer of nearly a third of all automotive air conditioning units worldwide to Property consultancy Bidwells has acquired planning consultancy Turnberry Planning, a division of the Turnberry Group.

Adam added: “We’re now enthusiastically looking for partners who operate cold chain deliveries or who have

a requirement for chilled products distribution, to work with on pilot programmes throughout the summer.

“We’ll have a much better understanding of the operational requirements of the EAV2Cool by the autumn and we’ll be launching the production version with DENSO at the IAA Transportation Show which takes place in Hannover, Germany in September.”

Bidwells buys planning consultancy Turnberry Planning

Oxford, so this coming together formalises that collaboration and will support our ongoing work advising on the delivery of the next phase of Oxford’s growth.”

Bidwells advises two thirds of Oxford’s colleges and is the leading adviser to the science and technology sector in the region with more than 400 employees working across the Oxford-Cambridge Arc.

Turnberry Planning, led by Director Chris Pattison, has significant expertise in higher education and development within Oxford.

Bidwells Head of Planning, Mike Derbyshire, said: “We’ve collaborated with Chris and his team over many years, delivering complex schemes for shared collegiate clients in

Chris Pattison said: “While we will continue supporting our clients across the UK, this move will take our work in Oxford to the next level and build something special with the wider Bidwells team.”

Bidwells is currently advising Harwell Campus on the delivery of its five million sq ft campus masterplan and Oxwed, a joint venture between Oxford City Council and Nuffield College, on its ambitious innovation district proposals for the city centre of Oxford. The consultancy is also a strategic adviser to the world’s largest university spin-out venture capital fund, Oxford Sciences Enterprises.

“We know there’s significant interest in the market for a fully connected actively cooled eCargo vehicle ...”

EAV’s new actively-cooled eCargo bike

One is a fear that the Government may abolish Business Asset Disposal Relief, formerly known as Entrepreneurs Relief.

This relief used to be very generous whereby you could have a lifetime capital gain of £10m and pay ten per cent tax under certain conditions. In 2019 the government cut that ceiling to a lifetime allowance of £1m, although that remains beneficial.

Meanwhile, those on the acquisition trail are benefiting from the fact that banks are currently looking to lend money for business purchases, whereas during Covid the banks were concentrating very much on Covid based loans which kept the purse strings tight.

Whitley Stimpson works with a range of clients who are looking for advice in this key area which requires careful planning.

Succession planning, where ownership of the firm is passed on to family or trusted employees, can be critical, particularly if you consider the business to be your pension.

If there is no obvious succession route, then it may be time to sell the business, and this will require an indicative valuation followed by guidance on the consideration of critical factors such as timing, negotiating the right price and tax planning as efficiently as possible.

HOW TO PLAN THE RIGHT BUSINESS EXIT STRATEGY

Whitley Stimpson director Jonathan Walton advised a UK based director of a UK subsidiary with an overseas parent on the exit from his business.

Jonathan said: “The planning for this client involved providing a valuation as well as a shareholder’s agreement. This meant the shareholder had a guarantee of how much they would be receiving, and the company knew how much their outlay would be.

“We also considered how this was to be paid, the tax e ects for the recipient, and the funds that were available for the company to do a purchase of own shares.

“The shareholder’s agreement set out how the exit would proceed, providing a specific timeline, highlighting every step of the process.

“The result was absolute clarity to avoid discontent and disharmony in the future.”

Jonathan frequently advises on Enterprise Management Initiative (EMI) schemes. This includes schemes where shares are issued on key performance indicators as well as exit only schemes.

One example of this was where a husband and wife wished to reduce their hours of work and incentivise key employees.

Jonathan set up an EMI scheme which provided share ownership to two key employees with an intention of a potential management buy-out at a later date.

Jonathan, who has dealt with management buyouts that have been funded via the use of EMI options, said: “An EMI scheme is a good way to sell your company because you know the buyers and you can remain as a consultant to ensure a smooth transition. This also provides an internal market if there isn’t a ready market for a sale.”

There are many ways of exiting your business, but it does require careful planning to get the business in the right shape for sale in the first place.

For further information contact Jonathan Walton

jonathanw@whitleystimpson.co.uk

For more information about how Whitley Stimpson can support your business visit www.whitleystimpson.co.uk

A growing number of individuals are looking for exit strategies from their businesses for a range of reasons.

Whitley Stimpson Director Jonathan Walton

ENERGENICS’ SMART TREATMENT FOR WOOD IS GOOD

A nanotechnology spin-out from Oxford University which is developing and commercialising novel speciality chemical additives, is celebrating a three-year anniversary of a durability performance trial for its new smart treatment for exterior wood, with the proof evident to all.

In Spring 2019 a new timber enclosure was built to screen wheelie bins at Begbroke Science Park opposite Energenics’ laboratories. Having just developed the innovative wood treatment (which has strong environmental credentials, being water based, non-hazardous and containing no biocides) the new bin enclosure provided a perfect opportunity for a long-term weathering trial for Energenics’ CerPlus P101 under real world conditions.

One half of each external length of timber was treated, the other left untreated for comparison. Since then, the bin enclosure has been left to weather naturally. As expected, the untreated timber rapidly changed from its natural brown colour to a weathered deep grey. After three years all treated areas still show the attractive natural brown colour of new wood.

Energenics CEO Mike Attfield, said: “This result has exceeded our initial expectations of what CerPlus P101 could achieve. In this sector there’s no substitute for realworld weathering trials and this level of performance three years on, together with the environmental credentials, is gaining the attention of the timber and wood coatings industries.”

To celebrate the anniversary, Energenics invited the Oxford University Begbroke Science Park community for afternoon tea on the lawn by the bin enclosure – with the wheelie bins temporarily relocated elsewhere for the occasion.

Energenics also produces Envirox, a fuel borne catalyst for diesel fuel. Major transport operators including Irish Rail use Envirox to reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions.

Envirox has also achieved a strong market position as a performance component in aftermarket fuel additives for regenerating Diesel Particulate Filters (DPFs). Several of the leading UK retail brands of DPF Cleaner contain Envirox.

Juicy result for mobile phone accessories

manufacturer

Banbury-based mobile phone accessories manufacturer Juice beat multi-national industry giants such as Belkin, ZAGG and Reboxed to win ‘Best Accessory Manufacturer’ and ‘Best Environmental Sustainability Initiative’ at the annual Mobile News Awards,

Launched as Gusto Telecom Solutions in 2010, Juice became the top brand for all charging cables in January 2022, selling four times more lightning cables than Belkin and out-performing tech giant Apple – according to a market data source.

After becoming the first UK mobile phone accessories manufacturer to remove single-use plastic from its packaging, Juice is aiming for its entire range to be plastic-free by the end of this year.

In April, Juice shipped £70,000 worth of charging devices to Ukraine. Working with the Polish Red Cross, Juice delivered enough equipment to fully charge 7,070 mobile phones provided to families trapped in besieged cities and to those crossing the Polish border.

Major planning application submitted for £80 million global R&D facility for Siemens

Developer Tritax Symmetry has submitted plans for a 600,000 sq ft global research and development facility for German medical device company Siemens Healthineers.

The proposed facility at Oxford North, would replace its current site at Eynsham and provide superconducting magnets used in MRI systems.

The facility, on land close to Junction 9 of the M40, will support 1,100 skilled jobs for physicists, engineers and cryogenic experts.

Siemens Healthineers said the site search was international before deciding on Oxfordshire, which was the only location that could meet its operational requirements and timescales.

The company is facing increasing demand for its superconducting magnets.

Ralph Seidler, Managing Director of Siemens Healthineers Magnet Technology, Oxford, said: “Subject to a positive planning outcome we will commence a phased transition from Eynsham to Oxford North, anticipated to complete by 2030.”

Energetics’ wood treatment e ectiveness is evident

Community and collaboration: How Bicester Motion is reshaping the future of business

Home to specialist businesses that operate within complementary industries and housed on a unique site with more than 100,000 visitors per year, enterprises of all types are fast realising the benefits of Bicester Motion.

For the uninitiated, Bicester Motion is a 444acre former Royal Air Force WW2 Bomber Training Station that’s currently undergoing a transformation into a hub for the past, present and future of mobility. Divided into different quarters, the success of the site is in its curated community, an aspect that will continue to develop as Bicester Motion grows with the delivery of its so-called masterplan.

These quarters, the first of which is known as Bicester Heritage, are designed to be enjoyed by visitors and businesses alike, operating as a Centre of Excellence for brands, skills, engineering, experience and products, speaking to an audience of visitors that Bicester Motion expects to top 1,000,000 a year by the end of the decade.

Beginning with Bicester Heritage was a simple decision for the Bicester Motion team– after all, the site is replete with heritage atmosphere, whether it’s the preserved and restored historic buildings

on this ex-RAF Technical Site or the 47 specialist businesses that inhabit the world’s largest cluster of historic motoring enterprises. As an entity, Bicester Heritage’s remit is to secure a viable future for the classic automotive industry whilst providing enthusiasts with a one stop shop in which to indulge their motoring passion.

Less than a decade after it opened, Bicester Heritage is now considered to be the home of historic motoring enterprise in the UK, a social and professional hub now home to the likes of the head offices of Singer Vehicle Design, Motorsport UK, The Little Car Company and Morgan Motor Company.

Many have experienced exponential growth as visitors attend quarterly open day events at the campus. And countless partnerships between the site’s tenants have blossomed, as the tightknit community leverages their joint strengths to offer more robust offerings to their customers.

Construction and delivery of

‘The Command Works’ in 2020 – the first significant new-build construction in eighty years at the location, continues to attract pioneering new businesses, both in the classic car industry and modern automotive sector. This shift highlights how futuregazing businesses are realising that the inspiration of the past carries potential for the future, not to mention the opportunities for exchange and collaboration in a location unlike any other in the UK.

Within the next seven years, Bicester Motion will have completed three new quarters at its site, building on the success of Bicester Heritage and shaping Bicester Motion as a must visit destination.

The Experience Quarter is the latest to be awarded a positive planning determination as a strategic development site for heritage tourism uses, leisure, recreation, employment and community uses, by Cherwell District Council in January of this

year. The Quarter will house a collection of automotive, aviation and cycling brands, able to deliver an entirely new experience for their customers, allowing them to immerse themselves in a branded environment.

In addition to Experience, Bicester Motion is spearheading the delivery of The Innovation Quarter.

Offering a hub completely dedicated to future-gazing businesses with a focus on training, technology design, development and engineering, within a campus designed to incubate the latest technology from a selection of the world’s most innovative businesses. Set over six new high-spec buildings, opportunities abound for ‘market disruptors’ within E-mobility, such as electric vehicle manufacturers – or those that design and build their key components, platforms, autonomous technology, electric flight pioneers, and more.

Innovation exists for these forward-thinking businesses to grow exponentially, providing a space in which to exchange ideas and push new limits in a market that embraces disruption and change. Certainly, as transport begins to become smarter, with connectivity and options for autonomy now shaping the future of the UK road network and beyond, Innovation will serve as the ideal home for industry leaders looking to both create solutions and shape the talent of the future.

OXFORDSHIRE BUSINESS AWARDS 2022 BACK WITH A BANG

2022 OXBA WINNERS

Close to 500 business people from across Oxfordshire packed into the John Henry Brookes building to celebrate the triumphant return of the Oxfordshire Business Awards, where winners were revealed in 14 awards categories.

Oxfordshire Business Awards chairman Paul Lowe said: “We congratulate the winners and the finalists and in fact every company which took the time to enter. For 26 years, the Oxfordshire Business Awards have championed businesses and individuals who have made a positive impact in Oxfordshire”.

THE HAYS EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR AWARD

Winner: Abingdon & Witney College

FINALISTS: Gigaclear Hedges Law

THE OXFORDSHIRE LEP NEW BUSINESS AWARD

Winner: Oxford Dynamics

FINALISTS: Quantum Dice Nucleome Therapeutics

THE JACK FM OUTSTANDING VISITOR EXPERIENCE AWARD

WINNER: Oxfordshire Artweeks

FINALISTS:

Wake up to Woodstock

365 Campers

THE SHAW GIBBS YOUNG BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR AWARD

WINNER: Mike Hawkins, Hawkins Group

FINALISTS: Jennifer Schivas, 67 Bricks

Paul Hudson-Jones, The Gin To My Tonic

THE CIS TECHNOLOGY EXCELLENCE AWARD

WINNER: CryptoCycle

FINALISTS: Foot Health UK Business Buzz Oxfordshire

THE HARTWELL CHARITY & COMMUNITY AWARD

WINNER: RAW

FINALISTS: The Abingdon Bridge The ICE Centre

THE RWK GOODMAN SMALL BUSINESS AWARD

WINNER: First Sight Media

FINALISTS: ICEOxford HNB Construction Services

THE OXFORD SCIENCE PARK INNOVATION AWARD

WINNER: OMass Therapeutics

FINALISTS: Wirth Research HR Wallingford

THE BUSINESS & INNOVATION MAGAZINE GREEN AWARD

WINNER: Darcica Logistics

FINALISTS: Ecoserv Group Y.O.U Underwear

THE NATWEST LARGE BUSINESS AWARD

WINNER: Owen Mumford

FINALISTS: Polythene UK Planet IT

THE SYNDICUT MARKETING EXCELLENCE AWARD

WINNER: Ridgefield Consulting

FINALISTS:

Urban Element No Flu Communications

THE BICESTER VILLAGE RETAIL AWARD

WINNER: Grape Minds

FINALISTS: Blue Blood Sports

Rumsey’s Handmade Chocolates

THE SHAW GIBBS BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR AWARD

WINNER: Frank Bothwell, Thomas Franks

FINALISTS: Neel Tank, Imogen Dental James Woollard, Polythene UK

THE RIDGE AND PARTNERS BUSINESS OF THE YEAR 2022

WINNER: Thomas Franks

Oxfordshire Business Awards 2022

A celebration of Oxfordshire Businesses

Oxfordshire’s business community came together for the 2022 Oxfordshire Business Awards black-tie dinner at Oxford Brookes University. The business community came together to enjoy the return of OXBA.

Photography: Rob Lacey

Helen Brind and Nigel Tipple from OxLEP and Julie Copperthwaite from Oxford Biomedica

Robert White from Proactive Risk Control and Kirsty Muir from Business & Innovation Magazine

Jasmine Quiney, Hannah Pearsall, Richard Wratten and Daisy Breeze from Hays

Neil Tattersall, Jennifer Tattersall, Melanie Tattersall and Anthony Tattersall from Darcica Logistics

Oli Christie from Neon Play and Rory Hinton from Business & Innovation Magazine

Hamish Law, Caroline O’Connor and Steve Simms from Jack FM

The team from Hawkins Group of Companies

Adam Mumford from Owen Mumford with Kelly Haddrell and Jacqui Canton from Abingdon & Witney College and Sharon Severn and Jarl Severn from Owen Mumford

Maritana James, Laura Richards, Iain Kerr and Rezia Khan from Gigaclear

Paul Lowe, Chairman of OXBA and Jane Reeve from Jane Reeve Marketing

Professor Alistair Fitt and Mark Tugwell from Oxford Brookes University

Andy Cowie from James Cowper Kreston and Vikki Hemming from Barclays

Carl Selby, Mike Whelan and Simon Bassett from RWK Goodman and Hayley Dimopoulos from HSBC

Gemma Barrett, Emily Hillier, Peter Jones, Gemma Lanning and Emma Bullock from Shaw Gibbs

Roger Mould from HSBC, Ellen Moran from Knights and Byron Byrne from Oxford Science Park

Chris Jones from Boys and Girls Promotions with Christina Nawrocki and Simon Smith from Wellers and Heather Wood from Metro Bank

Agnes Pohl, Hans Korge, Rosie Camburn and Mark Nieuwenhuys from Ridge and Partners

Neill Lawson-Smith from CIS Ltd with Karen Nichol, from Central Pharma and Ian Bradley from BION Electrical

Simon Thomas and Michelle Thomas from Ridgefield Consulting with Jim Wilkinson from Oxford Science Enterprises

Champagne black-tie drinks reception

01

Bristol and Worcester accountancy firm Bishop Fleming has appointed Pippa Clarke as its new chair. Pippa heads up the firm’s technology, innovation and growth sector. Pippa is pictured with Managing Partner Andrew Sandiford and outgoing chair Ian Smith.

02 Buck Rogers joins Uni of Gloucestershire as Professor of Cyber Security

The University of Gloucestershire has appointed Cameron ‘Buck’ Rogers as Professor of Cyber Security. Professor Rogers’ cyber career includes Chief Information Security Officer at the Bank of England and Global Head of Resilience Risk at HSBC.

03 New regional managing partner for BDO in the Midlands

Accountancy and business advisory firm BDO has announced a new regional managing partner for the Midlands. Audit partner Kyla Bellingall will oversee the 450-strong audit, tax and advisory team across the region.

Huboo, one of Europe’s fastest-growing fulfilment technology providers, has appointed Paul Bennett as Chief Marketing Officer to support global roll out plans. Huboo is already in the Netherlands, Spain, Germany as well as the UK.

05 Thomas White Oxford attracts development director from Legal & General

Thomas White Oxford Ltd, the development company of St John’s College, has appointed Victoria Collett as development director to deliver Oxford North, the £700 million global innovation district beng developed in the city. Victoria joins from Legal & General Capital.

06 New Handeslbanken branch manager for Oxford Parkway

After eight years at the helm of Handelsbanken’s Abingdon Branch, David Cook has moved to take up a new role at the Handelsbanken Oxford Parkway Branch, replacing Bob Wood who has retired.

04Paul Bennett will help take Huboo global

Pippa Clarke to chair Bishop Fleming

07 From Mears Group to Cosgrove & Drew for Bob

Mechanical engineering specialist Cosgrove & Drew has appointed former Director of Gloucester-based Mears Group PLC as its new chairman, to help drive the company’s growth and expansion plans. Bob Holt (centre) is pictured with Luke Drew and Zac Cosgrove.

08 Cheltenham accountants appoint youngest partner

Randall & Payne have appointed a new partner. At 30 years of age, Ryan Moore is the youngest employee to have made partner in Randall & Payne’s 143-year history. Ryan heads up the Audit and Assurance team.

09

New Exec Chair and CEO for Morgan Motor Cars

The Morgan Motor Company has appointed Steve Morris (below right) as Executive Chairman and Massimo Fumarola (below left) as CEO. Massimo is joining the Malvern company from Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A., where he was Chief Project Management Officer.

10 Aerospace, digital and cyber expert takes the chair at HR Wallingford

Oxfordshire scientific research association HR Wallingford has appointed Sally Howes as its new chair. Sally has worked in aerospace, digital, cyber, government and higher education sectors, at the boundaries between technology, research and commercial business.

11 Starr appointment for Shaw & Co

Shaw & Co, the Bristol corporate finance advisory firm, has appointed Rob Starr as Head of Mergers and Acquisitions. Rob joins from Top 20 UK accountancy network UHY Hacker Young, where he was Corporate Finance Director.

12 ThinCats expands with West Midlands appointment

ThinCats, the SME alternative finance provider, has appointed Tom Horton as Director, Regional Business Development for the West Midlands. Tom has more than 20 years’ experience in debt and equity including senior roles at Barclays and Lloyds Banking Group.

We have a number of employees on apprenticeship programmes, spanning multiple areas of study including Recruitment Consultancy, Accountancy, Business Administration, Compliance and Project Management. Our robust onboarding programme for new starters provides a solid foundation upon which everyone can embark on their own career path within the business.

Lucy Dowie - Training & Onboarding Manager at RE Resource Group explains the importance of setting the right impression to those who join your organisation from the start.

Using a combination of classroom training, webinar, eLearning on-demand content and on the job training to ensure that delivery styles are varied and cater for all styles of learning, we make sure our team are given the training they need to be the best at what they do. Specialist external providers are also brought in to upskill our consultants in target areas and to make sure that our business is keeping pace with a challenging labour market.

This appetite for continued learning and development is reflected in the willingness of many of our management team to get involved with training. Members of our compliance team take turns to deliver in-depth monthly compliance courses and ensure we are keeping abreast of everchanging employment legislation and

Growing our Own Talent…

government regulations. Representatives from our busy Finance department and social media team also act as Training Champions for these parts of the business and we are always looking to encourage others to participate in sharing their knowledge and experience.

We really do like to ‘grow our own’ talent and this is most evident when you look at our first-line management team. 95% of these managers started at a trainee level within the business and have grown and evolved over time to management roles.

In a market where the competition for talent is fierce, it has never been more important for businesses to be able to develop their own people.

Employee Wellbeing

After riding out the turbulent time of the pandemic, earlier this year we identified that in addition to training on job-specific skills, it is essential for employers to take a more holistic approach to employee wellbeing.

We have implemented several initiatives where staff are encouraged to participate in activities such as Pilates, drop into a virtual Mindfulness Workshop on Wellness Wednesday where techniques to combat stress and anxiety can be discussed or leave the office for a Walking Meeting.

We also made a quite bold move to close

the offices at 1 pm on Fridays and the feedback from this change to working conditions have been very well received with no negative impact on productivity. The four-day working week draws ever closer perhaps!

With the Department of Education bringing in a raft of new educational standards such as T levels and flexi-apprenticeships, and our own development of an Academy style training programme for consultants, we are confident that RE Recruitment will continue to broaden the scope of qualifications and learning on offer to all our employees. There is little doubt that learning and development are critical to the growth and success of every business.

Our continued growth is thanks to the talented team of people that work here. They make us who we are and play a key role in our success. That’s exactly why we are constantly striving to be the best employer and why with everything we do we ‘Expect More’.

One of our mission statements is Expect More – we ask our customers to expect more of the services we can deliver. It seems only fair then that our employees ask to Expect More on their career path with us.

We are always looking for brilliant people to join our team. If you think you’ve got what it takes, and are interested in what RE Recruitment can o er you, then why not get in touch with Lucy.

At RE Personnel we genuinely place enormous value on the development of every member of our sta .

DIGITAL SKILLS ARE IN DEMAND

Tech job opportunities have hit a 10-year high with the explosion in demand for tech products and services over the past two years, resulting in strong hiring for techrelated roles across the country.

More than 80 per cent of all UK jobs need digital skills, according to the government. Companies need their staff to be able to use business software, digital communication tools and project management platforms. But not enough employees can do so effectively.

Small and medium-sized businesses are struggling as much as corporates, with one in five lacking the advanced digital skills they need to operate, according to the Small Business Britain 2021 report,

Even IT companies are finding it difficult to employ staff with the right skills says The Open University. Employers responding to its survey acknowledged that better digital skills would improve profitability and productivity. And almost half of respondents think upskilling current employees would help them avoid expensive new hires.

Cirencester College’s new £4.48 million digital skills centre will go some way to meet the need in Gloucestershire where the cyber sector is growing fast.

At the centre’s official opening, College Principal, Jim Grant, said: “This new facility is part of the challenge to reintroduce digital

skills post 16 after many drop IT-related studies in schools. Digital skills are a major part of all of our lives, at home and in work, and it is our plan to develop these skills in all our learners not just those who study IT-related courses.”

Other regional universities and colleges are also increasing their digital courses.

In February, Gloucestershire College was the first in the region to launch new Level 2 online cyber security and coding short courses to support the local demand.

The University of Bristol has received £1 million from the Garfield Weston Foundation to help build a new hub for digital learning in the city, it will be home for the Bristol Digital Futures Institute, an international University Research Institute pioneering transformative approaches to digital innovation.

The new Swindon and Wiltshire Institute of Technology (SaWIOT) is a collaboration between regional and national organisations which have invested in new facilities focusing on high level skills.

And in the north of our region, a new multimillion-pound digital skills and innovation hub in Nuneaton has taken another step forward. North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College has plans to operate a Digital Skills and Innovation Centre as part of proposals to create a new campus on Abbey Street.

The £8 million funding has been secured from the government’s Towns Fund and Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council.

Final proposals from the council and development partner Queensberry are expected to be discussed by the authority’s planning committee in late summer.

Digital skills are becoming near-universal requirements for employment, so Cirencester College’s new digital skills centre should help meet the growing need

“Today, digital skills are a major part of all of our lives, at home and in work, and it is our plan to develop these skills in all of our learners ...”

Cirencester College’s new Digital Skills Centre which opened in May

CGI, of the proposed Nuneaton digital skills centre

Are you Exit Ready?

When starting a new business, whether it’s from your bank, your potential investors or your accountant. you always hear the same six words… Have you got a business plan?

All business owners, whether a new business or an established business, should have an exit plan in place, even if they don’t plan to exit for a number of years. If you know what the end game is, you can plan ahead to achieve your optimum value and desired exit.

Don’t get caught out, wishing you had put your exit plan in place earlier. You may have to work longer before your retire or settle for a lower business valuation than you hoped for. By being exit ready at all times, if an opportunity comes along earlier than

anticipated, you can move quickly and not lose out because you hadn’t expected it. There are three critical plans that support the overall exit plan:

Business Plan Financial Plan

Personal Plan

The plan most overlooked is the personal plan. Once we understand what’s most important to you, whether that’s regular holidays with the family, time o to do the things you love or working less hours, we can help you design your business journey to achieve your aspirations.

As a business owner, I was in the same position three years ago. My accountancy practice was growing rapidly, but I had become too involved in its operational running, to be able to take a step back and be strategic in its growth. I put an action plan together to change this and achieve my personal goals. Three years on, my practice is still growing, but I have built a strong team, allowing me to work a 3 day week and spend more time with my young family.

If you feel you don’t have all the answers and would like to speak to an expert who can help you and your business, contact Danielle Cole at activate@veloci-tech.co.uk or Contact the Veloci-Tech team on 01242 371317

veloci-tech.co.uk

Veloci-Tech work with business owners to establish these three core plans

GOLDEN VALLEY — THE UK’S SILICON VALLEY

Cheltenham has been the home of cyber since 1952 when GCHQ moved from its temporary home in London, post Bletchley Park. Quiet, quaint, unassuming – for the past seven decades the town has been the cradle of computer security and ingenuity. Post-war into the Cold War and up to now, information security, Signals Intelligence, the CommunicationsElectronics Security Group (CESG) what is now the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), Cheltenham and the surrounding Gloucestershire countryside has become home to some of the most innovative cybersecurity companies in the UK.

Ever since the NCSC was formed and GCHQ came out of the shadows and into the public arena, we have seen an explosion of start-ups, investments, ecosystems and communities blossom in the Gloucestershire countryside. With a rich stream of talent on tap, a strong ecosystem and support network, founders realised they do not need to set up in London to succeed.

With the Golden Valley Development at full throttle, Cheltenham is now the place to start and grow a cyber business. The town itself embraces its history and association to GCHQ.

In 2019 Cheltenham Borough Council put down £37.5 million to buy the land required to build the Golden Valley development. More recently the government awarded Gloucestershire County Council £249 million for housing there. The first phase of the project is estimated to be valued at £1 billion, that includes the cyber business park – known as UK Cyber Central – and its innovation zone. This level of investment and the hub it is set to create will further cement Cheltenham’s position as the place to set up and run a successful cyber security business in the UK.

When the networking group Cyber Cheltenham (CyNam) was first launched in 2017, organisers expected 40–50 people to attend. But nearly 200 people turned up and it quickly became the largest cyber cluster in the UK. CyNam is now part of a National Cyber Cluster Collaboration, UKC3.

Cyber is a small world but it only takes one or two highly skilled engineers or software scientists to build a unicorn business. Cheltenham is known for horse racing, shopping, festivals and now, increasingly for cyber. Talent attracts talent.

Red Maple Technologies was recently selected by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) as one of the UK’s Most Innovative Cyber SMEs.

This is thanks to the company’s latest product, FractScan Surface, created and developed in Cheltenham.

The exciting thing is that this is only the beginning. As the Golden Valley Project progresses Cheltenham will continue to attract top talent and investment, and allow businesses like Red Maple Technologies to innovate and receive accolades.

Red Maple is a cyber technical and product consultancy launched and run by engineers from the UK intelligence and defence communities. We asked them why they picked Cheltenham as their HQ

“With the Golden Valley Development at full throttle, Cheltenham is now the place to start and grow a cyber business”

A CGI of Cyber Central, the dedicated cyber business park being built close to GCHQ

URBASER CONTINUES UK GROWTH WITH ACQUISITION

Cheltenham-based environmental services company Urbaser has acquired Biowise, a resource management service provider in the North of England.

The acquisition supports Urbaser’s expansion of its portfolio of waste treatment and commercial services within the region, building on the acquisition of five waste management contracts in 2021.

Biowise operates three organic waste treatment facilities (any biodegradable material that comes from either a plant or an animal). It also offers a waste management service to local authority and

commercial customers, which together generated more than £13 million during 2021 through the management of 260,000 tonnes of waste.

Javier Peiro, managing director of Urbaser Ltd, said: “The collection and treatment of organic waste is a critical element of the United Kingdom’s overall waste management strategy.”

Urbaser, which has its global headquarters in Spain, is the third largest environmental services provider in Europe. It also has operations across Asia, North Africa and South America.

Waste management company Smiths buys family-run business

Gloucester demolition, transport and waste management firm Smiths has bought Ermin, a plant and equipment hire business based in Stonehouse, which has been operating since 1966.

The purchase, brokered by The Hire Exchange, includes all six of Ermin’s depots in Gloucester, Cheltenham, Worcester, Ross-on-Wye, Cirencester and Stroud.

Nigel Kelly, previous Managing Director and shareholder of Ermin, said: “While I’m sad to be leaving a company that myself and my family have been part of these past 56 years, I’m delighted it will continue its growth under the guidance

of Smiths, a similar local family-run enterprise with the same ethos and values.”

Rebecca Pullin, the newly appointed director of Ermin Plant, added: “We are really excited about this acquisition and the opportunities that it will present. It compliments our existing business which is what attracted us to the deal, but it is also evident that the Ermin business model is one that has been successfully servicing the trade in the South West for more than 56 years.”

Smiths, which is also a family business, celebrates its 40th anniversary of trading this year.

Oxford and Bristol named in top 20 Euro Tech Hubs

Oxford and Bristol have been named as two of Europe’s top 20 tech hubs for investment in 2022 according to data by Dealroom for the UK’s Digital Economy Council – the only UK cities outside London.

This year, Oxford tech companies have so far raised £248 million in venture capital investment. Oxfordbased drug discovery company OMass Therapeutics raised £75.5 million (see across) in April, whilst Bristol-based medical device startup ONI Tumelo raised £60 million in January. This has placed the cities 20th and 19th respectively on the list of Europe’s top tech hubs, behind London which attracted a whopping £11.3 billion.

UK tech companies raised more venture capital funding in the first five months of 2022 than in the whole of 2020. This puts the UK second to the US globally when it comes to startup investment and means that UK startups are outperforming those in China, France and India when it comes to attracting funding, according to the Dealroom data.

The new figures demonstrate the strength and resilience of the UK startup sector. So far more than 950 UK tech start-ups and scale-ups have raised £12.4 billion in 2022, compared to £12 billion for the whole of 2020.

More than a third of the fastestgrowing tech companies in Europe are now based in the UK, which is also home to 122 unicorns, behind only the US and China for the creation of billion dollar tech companies, and first in Europe. Demand for talent in UK tech is stronger than ever, with 8.5 million vacancies in the last year. London also ranks second globally for tech salaries versus cost of living.

Urbaser continues growth through acquisition of Biowise

Finance package for Box Factory helps automation strategy

Packaging business The Box Factory has secured a £2 million funding deal with HSBC UK to enhance its automation.

Based in Leamington Spa, The Box Factory is one of the largest independently owned, high-volume manufacturers of corrugated packing in the UK, all of it certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.

During the pandemic, demand for packaging in the healthcare and retail sectors peaked, and the business saw its client base expand. To meet this demand, the company has also used the funding from HSBC UK to increase warehouse capacity and accommodate its growing sales team.

Chris Earle, Finance Director at The Box Factory, said: “With consumer purchasing habits changing postpandemic and increased market demand, we’re thinking strategically about our growth plans and are spending this time investing in our site, products and manufacturing potential. The help from HSBC UK has been invaluable.”

OMass Therapeutics secures $100M to develop drug discovery platform

OMass Therapeutics, the Oxford Science Park based biotechnology company, has secured $100 million (£75.5 million) in a series B financing round.

The international syndicate was led by new investors, GV – the venture capital arm of Alphabet Inc, Northpond Ventures and Sanofi Ventures, with existing investors, Syncona, Oxford Science Enterprises and Oxford University also participating.

Originally spun out of Oxford University in 2016, OMass has commercialised Professor Dame Carol Robinson’s breakthrough research in native mass spectrometry to develop its proprietary drug discovery platform.

The platform integrates novel biochemistry techniques, mass spectrometry and custom chemistry to interrogate protein interactions within its native ecosystem.

Ros Deegan, Chief Executive of OMass, said: “The completion of this oversubscribed round with such highcalibre investors is recognition of the significance of our OdyssION platform. We have already made significant progress against highly validated but previously undruggable targets and can now accelerate them towards clinical development while continuing to expand our pipeline.”

Invatech sells care homes medication admin system to Person Centred Software

Bristol-based health tech pioneer Invatech Health has sold its care homes electronic medication administration record system, Atlas.

The ground-breaking software has been bought for an undisclosed sum by Guildford-based care home management specialists Person Centred Software.

The acquisition marks the end of a 20

Bottle plant investment will double chemical product o er at Olpro

The fast-growing Worcester-based outdoor brand Olpro is set to double the number of chemical products it sells after building a new bottling and labelling plant.

Before investing in the new machinery, Olpro, would outsource the supply of tens of thousands of chemical products before selling them on Olpro’s e-commerce website. The new investment enables the company to create double the number of chemical products in-house over the next 12 months.

Olpro is already well known in the outdoor industry for selling chemical products designed for cleaning surfaces at campsites, and more recently for chemical products which can be used to re-proof products that have lost their waterproof coating over time.

Olpro received 40 per cent of the funding towards the new machinery from Worcestershire County Council through its Here2Help Business grant.

year journey for Invatech Health CEO Tariq Muhammad, a pharmacist who started working on care homes back in 2002 and first conceived the concept of an electronic medicines system for care homes in 2006.

Following the transition of Atlas to new ownership, Bristol-based Invatech Health will concentrate on further growth of Titan, its new software for pharmacy management.

Daniel Walton, Founder of Olpro said: “Bringing more production closer to our head o ce is a fundamental part of our business strategy, as it helps us to become more sustainable in an environmental sense, but also gives us more opportunity to be innovative and have greater control over improving the quality of our products in a way that continues to be cost-e ective for our customers.”

GROWING MORE, WITH LESS –THE AGRITECH CHALLENGE

UK farmers are being asked to produce more crops on less land, with lower environmental impact in the face of our increasingly fast-changing climate. They are being asked to do this while fertiliser costs have risen four-fold in the past four years, animal feed is up 70 per cent in the last two, alongside well-publicised widespread labour shortages.

Who’d be a farmer?

But that’s not all. Now we’ve left the European Union, they are also having to get their heads around the government’s new environmental land management scheme, which will pay farmers for nature stewardship and replaces the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy.

Despite all this, farmers are an ambitious lot. The National Farmers Union (NFU) wants to grow the UK’s agri-food exports 30 per cent by the end of the decade, increasing their value by £7.5 billion, bringing the total value to £33 billion.

According to the NFU, the UK food and farming industry is worth more than £120 billion to the national economy. British farmers produce 61 per cent of the nation’s food, look after 71 per cent of the landscape and provide jobs for around four million people in the UK.

It says that the farming industry’s number one priority is food production and security, but alongside that, farmers have and always will care, maintain and protect the environment.

So what to do? Boosting technology in agriculture seems the obvious answer. And we’re doing that already. In 2021, the UK saw more than £1 billion invested in agritech. Sounds a lot, but in Germany the figure was more than double that, at around £2.4 billion.

Tackling the fertiliser problem

Farmers worried about the huge rise in fertiliser costs could benefit from innovation from CCm Technologies.

The Swindon-based business has developed and patented a process which turns by-products from industrial and waste processing facilities into fertiliser.

CCm’s technology uses captured carbon dioxide from industrial power generation to stabilise materials such as ammonia and phosphates from agricultural and industrial waste to create new fertiliser products with significantly lower carbon and resource footprints.

Global food manufacturer Pepsico is already using CCm’s technology to turn potato peelings left over from making crisps into low-carbon fertiliser of consistent quality, which it can return to the UK farms where potatoes for Walkers crisps are grown – a great example of a true circular economy product.

Once supplied at scale, the fertiliser

The world is facing a shortage of food this winter. But clever agritech can help

“

e National Farmers Union wants to grow the UK’s agri-food exports 30 per cent by the end of the decade, increasing their value by £7.5 billion, bringing the total value to £33 billion”

CCm Technologies’ process turns industrial waste into fertiliser pellets

is expected to reduce Walkers’ potato-based carbon emissions by 70 per cent.

CCm’s technology connects to the factory’s anaerobic digestor, which uses food waste to generate nearly 75 per cent of the plant’s electricity. The clever tech takes the by-product waste from the anaerobic digestion process to create fertiliser. And alongside the fertiliser pellets, a co-product from the machine will be peat-free compost – a win/win.

The technology is also being used by Severn Trent Water to recycle waste into a ‘super fertiliser’ at Minworth treatment works near Birmingham.

CCm says its fertiliser pellets will be less expensive than traditional fertiliser, 20 per cent more efficient and can be used on existing farm machinery. A farmer’s crop will be more interesting to buyers

World’s biggest vertical farm to open in Lydney

The world's largest, and most advanced, vertical farm is currently being built at Lydney in Gloucestershire.

Jones Food Company builds world-scale vertical farms, growing fresh produce in a sustainable way. The first harvest from the 15,000 sq m facility is due this summer.

The company’s first vertical farm opened three years ago in North Lincolnshire. The Lydney farm will be three times bigger with a growing space of 148,000 sq ft.

This is the company’s first major capital investment since it received additional backing from The Ocado Group.

such as the big food manufacturers, because it’s low carbon and for the first time in decades will help sequester carbon back into the soil.

The products can also be adapted to provide the full spectrum of nutrient requirements for a particular crop and soil type.

Pawel Kisielewski, CCm Technologies’ CEO says he is already talking to other water treatment companies in the UK and overseas.

As the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, which develops and promotes circular economies pointed out in its recent assessment of the fertiliser: “Overall, CCm’s technology eliminates waste and pollution, keeps materials in use and helps regenerate soils – a rare example of a company that ticks all three principles of the circular economy.”

Jones Food Company has also opened a new specialist innovation centre in Bristol. The company believes it can grow soft fruits, flowers, vegetables and even vines on a commercially viable scale in the coming years, significantly impacting the UK’s food security.

The Bristol Innovation Centre will be a testbed for the produce to be then grown at Lydney. The research and development team will study the growing requirements of various plants and varieties.

James Lloyd-Jones, founder and CEO of Jones Food Company, said: “Everyone recognises the importance of reducing emissions, food miles, pesticide use and water use, and generally being more sustainable in the way we grow our food.

“Our new Innovation Centre will build on what we’ve already achieved and diversify our produce range at scale, so that the UK can be wholly reliant on homegrown fresh produce.”

“Once supplied at scale, the fertiliser is expected to reduce Walkers’ potato-based carbon emissions by 70 per cent”

Vertical farming is more sustainable

DIGITAL INNOVATION FARM TECH BOX PARK

Enabling the growth and development of Gloucestershire’s Agri-Tech businesses

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The brand-new facility provides dedicated working space and support packages, access to Hartpury’s commercial farm, and an extended farming network for practical trials and feasibility testing across the county where businesses can explore, test, research, and develop new products, or enhance existing ones.

“WITH THE LARGEST AND FASTEST GROWING NETWORK OF AGRI-TECH SMEs TO WORK WITH, IT’S AN EXCITING TIME TO BE WORKING IN GLOUCESTERSHIRE.”

Catherine Briggs - Tech Box Park Manager

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“THE DRONEPREP TEAM HAS BEEN WORKING WITH HARTPURY AGRI-TECH TEAM TO EXPLORE HOW FARMERS CAN USE DRONES TO CREATE DIVERSIFIED INCOME FOR FARM ESTATES. IT HAS BEEN AN AMAZING ADVENTURE THUS FAR AND WE ARE INCREDIBLY EXCITED TO JOIN THE TECH BOX PARK COMMUNITY TO STRENGTHEN TIES WITH HARTPURY AND THE FARMING COMMUNITY.”

Gareth Whatmore, DronePrep/Sky-Highways Founder & CEO

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SHAPING THE FUTURE OF DIGITAL FARMING

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Russell Marchant, Vice-Chancellor, Principal and CEO Hartpury University and Hartpury College

To find out more about how we can support your business, or book a tour of our facilities visit Hartpury.ac.uk/techboxpark

enquiries@DIA-T.Hartpury.ac.uk | 01452 702546

“OUR STATE-OF-THE-ART COMPLEX WILL ATTRACT LEADING AGRI-TECH COMPANIES AND CONTRIBUTE TO INCREASED PRODUCTIVITY IN THE UK AND BEYOND.”

A revolutionary technology developed at the University of Bristol which allows plants to harvest light more efficiently and helps biomass production is increasing crop yields.

And in March, agritech start-up Glaia secured £1 million investment from Green Angel Syndicate, the UK’s largest network of specialist investors fighting climate change.

Glaia, founded in 2019 by two former University of Bristol scientists, Dr David Benito and Dr Imke Sittel, has discovered how to supercharge crop growth without increasing greenhouse gases, using carbon-based technology that reduces farming’s climate footprint.

The £1 million investment will help the company commercialise its gamechanging carbon-based technology, the ‘sugar dots’, which reduces emissions from crops by 30 per cent when applied to the plants.

Glaia’s Chief Scientific Officer, Imke Sittel, said: “You might think billions of years of evolution had fine-tuned photosynthesis to the max – but in fact, usually less than one per cent of the sun’s rays absorbed by plants are turned into biomass.”

Electric shock treatment for weeds

RootWave Pro is a professional hand weeder for growers, gardeners and groundskeepers to spot weed and treat invasive species.

At the Port of Rotterdam, contractors Blom Hoveniers have begun their third season using Ubiquitek’s RootWave Pro hand-weeder to control outbreaks of Japanese Knotweed.

Heat created by electrical resistance within the weed results in it being boiled from the root upwards. The dead weeds can be left to decompose, which is a benefit as Japanese Knotweed waste from other methods must be removed from site and processed to avoid creating new outbreaks.

Ubiquitek is moving into a purpose-build headquarters and laboratory for research and development at Kineton later this year and will be launching products for agriculture in the next 24 months.

Plant genetics company deploys tech to create new herbicides

To keep growing food sustainably, UK farmers need better herbicides used in better ways. Without them, growers could lose half their yields and be forced to abandon regenerative practices like low and no till techniques.

The farmland would produce less and the food we eat would require more water, fertiliser and area to grow.

A spin-out from Oxford University is helping to tackle the problem. MoA Technology is a plant genetics company using its proprietary technology to help create effective new herbicides.

Applying Glaia’s new-generation biostimulants to the roots or leaves gives photosynthesis a much-needed boost, she added, increasing harvests by as much as 40 per cent without increasing fertilisers or other climate unfriendly inputs.

The technology could revolutionise the production of staple and horticultural crops, but for now the team is focusing on hydroponic tomatoes and strawberries, where they estimate the added value could initially result in a fivefold return on investment for the growers.

The objective is to expand into the EU within two years, and North America within three.

The herbicide market mirrors the antibiotic market in that there have been few new molecules developed in recent years and resistance is developing to those products on the market.

MoA Technology hopes to provide farmers with a choice of innovative technologies for weed control. It also plans to develop products that will provide sustainable and economic weed control in a broad range of crops, using naturally-occurring as well as synthetic sources, and have minimal impact on humans and the environment.

In 2019, the company secured nearly £6 million Series A round funding from The University Venture Fund, Oxford Sciences Innovation and Parkwalk Advisors.

An award-winning Warwickshire company is deploying its patented technology across Europe to kill weeds without using chemical herbicides.

TECH DEVELOPED AT THE UNIVERSITY OF BRISTOL WILL INCREASE CROP YIELDS

“Applying Glaia’s new-generation biostimulants to the roots or leaves gives photosynthesis a muchneeded boost”

Ubiquitek’s RootWave kills weeks without chemical assistance at the Port of Rotterdam

Worcestershire salad-leaf grower invests in tech to reduce reliance on labour

Valefresco is one of the top UK growers of baby leaf lettuce and a leading UK oriental vegetable grower.

With recruiting becoming more di cult, and expensive, in the horticulture sector, the Eveshambased company has mechanised some of its picking and packing processes. Small crops lend themselves to mechanisation. Highly specialised harvesting machines cut up to two to three tonnes of leaves an hour.

But investing in new equipment is not always straightforward, says director Vito Pilade.

“Agricultural technology is field and crop specific. What can seem a good idea on paper can bring up issues in field trials,” he said.

But he points out there are opportunities to mechanise more harvesting on some of the company’s labour-intensive crops in particular.

WAITROSE TRIALLING NEW FARMING TECH AT THAMES VALLEY FARM

Bracknell-headquartered supermarket Waitrose is trialling a range of farming innovations on its Leckford Estate, south of Andover.

James Bailey, executive director of Waitrose, said: “We will use a combination of research and practical application to identify the best farming techniques to help us manage this land in a way that is kinder to the environment.

“Leckford will be an experiment in farming best practice, one that we hope will pave the way to genuine solutions to help conserve our soil, air and water for future generations and importantly, help us deliver our 2035 commitment.

“There is, however, little value in doing this work alone and we are realistic about what this can achieve in isolation,” he added.

“We intend to share all findings with our farmers, suppliers and anyone interested across the agriculture and retail industries,

to elevate regeneration and conservation from a status of ‘nice to have’ to essential everyday farming practice.”

Leckford has already begun a number of sustainable energy projects to replace fossil fuels. For example, in addition to the Partnership’s gradual switch to electric vehicles, it will trial the use of biomethane to power tractors, as well as hydrogenated vegetable oil to run food processing and farming activities. It also works with the Small Robot Company to drive innovation in the low-emission autonomous machinery sector.

It is investing in a facility to capture biomethane and convert it into an ecofriendly fuel alternative to power vehicles.

Other projects include capturing waste from its milk processing unit and sending it to an external company for use as a natural energy source and developing methods to promote topsoil regeneration, improve water efficiency and support biosequestration.

Valefresco

Waitrose’s Farm Shop at Leckford Estate

Robotics experts at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Coventry have developed an autonomous robotic rat which can scurry along underground pipes carrying out inspection work. The invention could cut costs and boost efficiencies for utility companies as well as reducing human exposure to hazardous environments and preventing pipework leaks.

“Ratty the Robot” is a tetherless wheeled inspection robot with a laser-based navigation module, with the potential to carry out tasks in environments which would defeat most robots.

As the robot can self-drive it reduces the need for a human operator. It can also automatically map complex pipework and tunnel systems which have built up over many years.

MTC advanced robotics research engineer

Dr Mahesh Dissanayake said the pipecrawling robot demonstrated how robotics and automation can benefit a wide variety of sectors.

“This proof-of-concept robot can travel in confined spaces, inspecting networks while working fully autonomously. It

opens the opportunity of inspecting far more of the underground network at a much-reduced cost, reducing failure rates and flagging up potential problems. With technology advancing all the time, the next exciting step could be a robot which not only inspects pipework but can carry out repairs remotely without having to dig up roads,” he said.

Currently, most advanced inspection work of drainage, sewage and gas supply pipes is carried out by tethered devices managed by operators, which is costly, slow and labour intensive, and which has difficulty reaching some areas.

Sapphire sensors could boost emission reductions in aerospace and power generation

Oxford University researchers have developed a sensor made of sapphire fibre that can tolerate extreme temperatures.

They say it has the potential to enable significant efficiency improvements and emission reduction in aerospace and power generation.

The researcher’s work, published in the journal Optics Express, outlines how a sapphire optical fibre – a thread of industrially-grown sapphire less than half a millimetre thick – can withstand temperatures over 2000C. When light is injected on to one end of the fibre, some is reflected back from a point along the fibre which has been modified to be temperature sensitive. The wavelength (colour) of this reflected light is a measure of the temperature at that point.

Researcher Dr Mohan Wang of the Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford said: “The sensors are fabricated using a high-power laser with extremely short pulses and a significant hurdle was preventing the sapphire from cracking.”

The work is part of a £1.2 million Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council Fellowship Grant held by Dr Julian Fells at the University’s Department of Engineering Science.

It was carried out with Rolls-Royce, the UK Atomic Energy Authority, Cranfield University, Halliburton and Canadian company MDA Space and Robotics, which has a base at Harwell Campus.

Rob Skilton, Head of Research at Culham-based Remote Access in Challenging Areas (RACE), part of the UK Atomic Energy Authority said: “This technology has the potential to significantly increase the capabilities of future sensor and robotic maintenance systems in this sector, helping UKAEA in its mission to deliver safe, sustainable, low carbon fusion power to the grid.”

Autonomous robotic rat developed by the MTC in Coventry

RATTY THE RAT GOES WHERE NO HUMANS FEAR TO TREAD

“ is proof-ofconcept robot can travel in confined spaces, inspecting networks while working fully autonomously”

Farm workhorse goes all electric thanks to

Electrogenic drop-in kit

Electrogenic, the Kidlington-based company which can convert classic cars to 100 per cent electric, has launched a ‘drop in’ kit to convert working Land Rover Defenders to fully-electric power. The conversion kit, aimed at the agricultural sector and landowners, has been in development and tested extensively over the past 18 months on Worthy Farm, host to the Glastonbury Festival.

The kit is designed to be installed by a qualified mechanic and be maintenance free. An electric motor is bolted to the Defender’s existing clutch bell housing so the vehicle keeps all its gears. It packs 120 brake horse power and 235 Newton metres of torque –comparable power and torque to the

original diesel engine. 52 kilowatt hour of batteries are mounted under the bonnet giving more than 100 miles of range on-road and considerably more when driving off-road or around a farm, says Electrogenic.

Steve Drummond, Electrogenic co-founder, said: “This new electric conversion kit is a really exciting development for us. We do highspecification conversions for roadwarriors, but this kit is all about giving landowners an economic, sustainable option. It uses Electrogenic’s proprietary technology and gives Land Rover Defenders – long a trusty workhorse for farms – an affordable new lease of life and reducing running costs.

Eider Vertical Farms gains £50 million investment for five new facilities

Eider Vertical Farms has secured £50 million to fund new sites that will grow produce all year round.

The investment in the Redditch firm from Slate Asset Management, brokered by Burges Salmon, will be used to fund the construction of Eider Vertical Farms’ first five facilities by 2024.

Slate’s investment will allow the company to develop its sustainably grown produce year round, significantly reducing wastewater, nutrient usage and biohazard risk.

Founded in 2016, Eider Vertical Farms develops farms growing produce to be sold to the UK mass market. Its products are grown in standard warehouses that are adapted to house vertical farms.

Vertical farming is a high-efficiency renewable food production technique which produces a consistent yield and is less vulnerable to increasing food production costs.

Airbus increases UK innovation footprint to develop new hydrogen technologies

Airbus is launching a Zero Emission Development Centre (ZEDC) for hydrogen technologies at Filton in Bristol.

A priority for the UK ZEDC will be the development of a cost-competitive cryogenic fuel system required for the successful entry into service of Airbus’ ZEROe passenger aircraft by 2035, and to accelerate UK skills and know-how on hydrogen-propulsion technologies.

The UK Government has guaranteed £685 million in funding to the Aerospace Technology Institute over the next three years to support the development of zero-carbon and ultra-low-emission aircraft technologies.

Sabine Klauke, Airbus Chief Technical Officer, said: “Establishing the ZEDC in the UK expands Airbus’ in-house industrial capabilities to design, test and manufacture cryogenic hydrogen storage tanks and related systems for the ZEROe project across Airbus’ four home countries.”

Technology development at the new UK ZEDC has already started and will cover the full product and industrial capabilities from components up to whole system and cryogenic testing. End-to-end fuel systems development, a speciality of Airbus in the UK, is one of the most complex technologies crucial to the performance of a future hydrogen aircraft.

When combined with soil-free growing techniques and high growing densities from their layout, vertical farming can achieve yields hundreds of times above that of conventional agriculture, 365 days a year and without requiring pesticides.

This latest news of investment in vertical farming follows an announcement in February by Coventry firm V-Farm that it had gained £10,000 from the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) Growth Hub for its rooftop vertical farming concept.

The business secured a £10,000 Proof of Concept grant which forms part of the Coventry and Warwickshire Business Support Programme delivered by Coventry University Enterprises Limited.

Airbus ZEROe - Formation Flight

The Bessemer Society

Oxford dinner forum – ‘Caption the Carbon Challenge’

In partnership with the Oxford Net Zero Initiative and University of Oxford

The Bessemer Society, forum for ‘serial’ CEOs, founders and entrepreneurs committed to creating successful new companies based on technological innovation in science and technology, hosted its Oxford dinner forum at The Cherwell Boathouse, To enable Oxford University’s Net Zero leadership to engage with the wider stakeholder community, and showcase how industry and technology innovators are engaging to develop commercial solutions. Keynote talks were hear from Professor Mike Kendall, Head of Earth Sciences, University of Oxford, Dr Steve Smith, Executive Director, Oxford Net Zero and CO2RE and Dr Sumitesh Das, Director of R&D, Tata Steel UK

Photography: Rob Lacey

Natalia Dorfman from Kita Earth with Tom Kettlety and Hannah Rane from University of Oxford

Huw Morgan from TATA Steel and Gleb Ivanov, Sigma Lithium

Nicky Godding from Business & Innovation Magazine with Steve Bennington, Q5D Technologies and David Holton from AMEC

Graham Eves from Evesco with Keith Broadbent, Haydale and Dr Anshul Gupta, Clean Air Tech

Guest hearing from keynote speakers

Ivana Barisin from TerraMotus with (Tera Motus), Ian Macafee from Oxsensis and Steve Bennington, of Q5D Technologies

Malcolm Mascarenas, Clean Air Tech with Uma Sagaram from Cyano Capture and Peter Pollard, Clean Air Tech

Alex Stewart, Founder of the Bessemer Society with Professor Mike Kendall, Head of Earth Sciences, University of Oxford, Dr Sumitesh Das, Director of R&D, Tata Steel UK and Dr Steve Smith, Executive Director, Oxford Net Zero and CO2RE

Ziad Melhem from Oxford Quantum Solutions with Samantha Mant, Halcyan Water Conditioners

Neill Ricketts from Versarien plc and Daniel Kaute from Evoralis

Dr Deborah Spencer, from University of Oxford with Paul Stein, Rolls Royce

Richard Varvill from Reaction Engines with Emma Southwell-Sander, Harwell

James Craig from IEAGHG and Andrew Rimmer from Opsydia

Janet Donovan from M-Solv with Paul Childs, Emerson Exploration and Production software and Natalia Dorfman, Kita Earth

Charles Keen from British Aluminium with Chris Elliot, TATA Steel

Tim Kruger from Origen Power with Yi Fang Huang, Caplileo Ventures

Adrian Hewitt from Energence with Professor Mike Kendall, University of Oxford and Graham Hine, Hine Group

Jesper Jonsson from Owen Mumford with Kapil Tuladhar and Callum Docherty of J A Kemp

CAN POWER GROWTH MANUFACTURING

So are there glimmers of hope? Yes, says Make UK. Covid-19 has already forced many manufacturers to turn to suppliers closer to home and diversify their supply chain too.

Does the UK still make things? Most emphatically – yes it does.

With an annual output of £183 billion, according to the manufacturer’s organisation Make UK, the country remains the ninth largest manufacturing nation in the world.

While the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic hit the sector hard, Make UK forecasts that manufacturing is on track to return to prepandemic levels by the end of 2022.

It’s also a major job creator, with around 2.5 million jobs offering, on average, 12 per cent higher wages than the whole economy. And 95 per cent of those jobs are outside London.

If you want more figures, the sector pumps £31 billion into the UK economy each year, and exports more than half of what it makes overseas, with top export countries being the United States, Germany, the Republic of Ireland and Netherlands.

Who’s doing all the work? More than 130,000 manufacturing SMEs across the country often supporting and working alongside the manufacturing behemoths of Shell, BP, Ineos, Unilever, Jaguar Land Rover, Airbus and BAE Systems, to name just a few.

But with a global recession looming (if not already here), the next couple of years are going to be as tough as any most of us can remember. Rising prices, supply chain challenges, lack of skilled staff, the administrative car-crash of Brexit – and navigating the road to net zero would all be manageable if they came along one at a time, but piled on top of each other? Even the strongest manufacturer is already facing tough decisions.

A survey released by the organisation in May found that manufacturers who had long adopted offshoring in response to globalisation, thanks to almost guaranteed transport links and low-cost production, adapted to source more goods in the UK or Western Europe. They have also increased their number of suppliers to give themselves more options in the event of disruption.

The report shows these trends accelerating in the next two years, a trend to which the invasion of Ukraine and resurgence of Covid disruption in China is giving further impetus.

Verity Davidge, Director of Policy at Make

UK, said: “For decades manufacturers have used increased globalisation and supply chains to drive efficiency and create lean manufacturing processes which have helped them grow and remain competitive. The economic shocks of the last few years have created a perfect storm which has turned these models upside down and forced companies to re-evaluate their business strategies and seek suppliers much closer to home.

“As a result, we may now be seeing the era of globalisation passing its peak, with disruption and volatility for global trade fast becoming normal. For many companies this will mean leaving ‘just in time’ behind and embracing ‘just in case’.”

Johnathan Dudley Managing Partner of the Midlands for accountants Crowe, says that more financial support, incentives and grant schemes are needed to help the thousands of UK SMEs manufacturing businesses.

It’s been a tough few years for manufacturers, and the pain isn’t over yet. But there are glimmers of hope as manufacturing remains on track to return to pre-pandemic levels by the end of the year

Manufacturing productivity falling behind due to lack of digital investment

UK manufacturers believe the country’s industry has fallen behind the US due to a lack of digital investment.

According to a Manufacturing Digital Productivity Report from The Manufacturing Technology Centre in Coventry, more than half of UK manufacturers are losing sales as a result, and more than nine in 10 say under-investment will lead to many UK manufacturers going out of business in the next decade.

The report, surveying more than 400 engineering and industrial manufacturers in the US and UK, reveals that a reluctance to invest in digital technology is the industry’s biggest productivity blocker, with more UK respondents saying legacy technologies are having a more negative impact on the business than Brexit.

Dr Clive Hickman OBE, Chief Executive at the Manufacturing Technology Centre, said: “Manufacturing produces more than 18 per cent of UK GDP, yet 96 per cent of employees at major manufacturers think that UK businesses are not doing enough to reap the benefits of digitisation.

“This isn’t just a UK problem –companies all around the world have been sluggish to adopt these technologies; that means there is a prize available for the country that moves swiftly to embrace the new manufacturing economy.”

The report reveals that many UK and US manufacturers are still unable to let go of legacy processes and systems. Manufacturers still use paper for more than a third of processes, while manual spreadsheets are still used for almost half of processes.

A consortium of automotive pioneers is banging the drum for UK automotive engineering by taking part in a series of trade events spanning six countries, demonstrating why Britain is such an attractive proposition for overseas investment into automotive innovation.

The consortium is backed by the government, which wants to showcase the strength of the UK automotive sector and its capabilities in low-carbon vehicle technology development.

Under the banner of the UK Pavilion, the consortium will highlight major success stories emerging from the UK’s thriving clean automotive scene, and show the attractiveness of the sector and the collaboration opportunities on o er.

The ’Britain is Great’ international events programme got under way in Japan in May and will run in six countries across events in Norway, Germany, the USA, India and the UK until October.

Philippa Oldham, Director of Stakeholder Engagement at the Coventry-based Advanced Propulsion Centre, which is managing the programme for the UK

government, said: “Our international events programme gives us a unique platform to showcase exactly why Britain is a prime location for investment and a world leader when it comes to automotive technology.

“As one of the cornerstones of the UK economy, it is essential that the sector continues to strengthen its clean tech capability while actively exploring new opportunities to consolidate trade links around the globe.”

The UK Pavilion exhibitor line-up will include Leamington Spa-based Drive System Design, an award-winning engineering consultancy along with Flettner Ventilator, the Buckinghamshire developer of environmentally-friendly ventilation solutions for vehicles used in the distribution of food and livestock.

It also includes Bicester-based propulsion motors expert Saietta which is helping to deliver axial flux motor technology to the mass market. Brackley vehicle testing facility Total Sim and Oxfordshire-based Willams Advanced Engineering – a leader in battery management systems are also exhibiting.

Government launches international campaign championing UK automotive sector

ROLLS ROYCE BACKING FOR BRISTOL AEROSPACE START-UP

A Bristol aerospace start-up which won support from the RAF, Rolls Royce and Martin Baker for its modular military jet, has secured £10.5 million in backing from a Middle Eastern wealth fund to develop the first fully British military jet since the 1970s.

The company is now gearing up to make a demonstrator version.

Aeralis was founded by Tristan Crawford to develop a new, all-UK developed jet trainer system. Tristan previously worked for Airbus, QinetiQ and Alcan Global Aerospace and Transportation, holding leading roles in aerospace engineering, product development and government relations.

He had the idea for Aeralis while working on the BAe Hawk jet trainer at QinetiQ, where he recognised that the jet trainer market wasn’t benefiting from the Airbus approach of exploiting modular design to better commercialise sales.

Tristan developed, designed and patented a modular, common aircraft that could easily be adapted to fulfil a variety of training roles.

Commercial aviation transitioned to modular systems some 25 years ago, but until Aeralis, air force systems had failed to follow suit.

From the 1990s onwards, commercial manufacturers have been exploiting modularity to create families of aircraft using shared manufacturing processes to build modular systems and parts. As a result, they have enjoyed efficiencies in research and development, while airlines have benefited from reduced costs in training, support, operations and maintenance.

Military customers who transition to an Aeralis fleet are projected to save more than 30 per cent over ‘traditional’ mixed fleets, the company says.

Solid State buzzing as it wins £2.4M contract to help bee health and crop pollination

Redditch manufacturer Solid State has won a contract for its components division to supply hardware for Bee Hive monitoring to a US-based client to improve bee health and crop pollination. The contract has a project value of approximately £2.4 million.

The client, a USA-based precision pollination service, uses technology that ensures the pollination process lives up to farm standard quality every season. By monitoring hives, it produces stronger, healthier and more productive colonies, while lowering operational costs.

The sensors (which took Solid State three years to perfect) are placed in the middle of the hive, a range of data across various parameters is collected, and communications hardware sends this data to the Cloud. In this way, the client can detect concerning changes in hive behaviour which may indicate ill health or stress, or a change in hive conditions which threatens the bees’ wellbeing. The beekeepers are alerted and can rapidly address the issues, helping to reduce the mortality rate.

Solid State manufactures a range of computing, power, and communications products.

Diamorph invests £6 million in Gloucester composites facility

Advanced materials group Diamorph Group is investing £6 million to support manufacturing of composite materials and bearings at its Gloucester facility.

The facility, previously known as Permali before Diamorph acquired the company last year, now serves as Diamorph’s primary composites and polymer materials manufacturing site. Along with Permali,

the facility will also soon house the brands Tenmat Composites and Railko and serve industries such as F1, defence, marine, aerospace and rail.

Diamorph plans to invest £6 million in developing a new fabrication centre. The site is also recruiting for more than 70 positions, including manufacturing operatives, lab technicians, quality

inspectors, CNC managers, and warehouse and logistics supervisors.

Tony Beswick, managing director of the composites and polymer materials business, said: “Diamorph works on some really demanding projects, for example Permali supplies composite parts to all Formula 1 teams on the grid as well as applications on passenger airliners.”

Aeralis’ prototype aircraft

Coventry’s Manufacturing Technology Centre team win innovation award

A team of engineers from the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Coventry scooped a top innovation award for the development of a high-powered electric motor which is smaller and lighter thanks to advanced manufacturing technologies.

The MTC’s Future Electric Motor Systems aerospace motor project, known as FEMS3, won the 2022 3D Pioneers Challenge award, an international design competition for advanced manufacturing technologies.

The team redesigned an MTCdesigned motor casing for a lightweight aerospace application.

They used additive manufacturing technology to combine three machined components, eight fasteners and three o-rings into a single part.

The result was a motor which has a reduction in mass of more than 65 per cent, is much simpler to assemble and has eliminated multiple seals.

The team used high value design tools and manufacturing processes to redesign components in the rotor assembly, consolidating four parts made from three materials to be into a single component, further reducing weight and simplifying assembly.

In their comments the competition judges congratulated the team for leveraging the advantages of additive manufacturing.

Ollie Hartfield, MTC research engineer said, “Our motor showcases the potential of additive manufacturing and advanced design tools to manufacture high performance electric motors.”

OXFORD FLOW WINS PRESTIGIOUS ENGINEERING AWARD

Oxford Flow has been awarded the Albert Woelfel Best Mechanical Engineering Achievement Award by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.

The Woelfel BMEA Award recognises a product, device or system which best reflects innovation or practical use of mechanical engineering in solving problems, improving design or maximising performance. Oxford Flow is the first company to win since 2019.

Oxford Flow’s ES axial flow valve, which has been designed with no mechanical actuator, stem or drive train, eliminates fugitive emissions, significantly increases reliability and is considerably smaller and lighter than existing valves on the market.

Dr Chris Kennell, Technical Sales Manager at Oxford Flow, was one of a team of engineers which designed and developed the ES valve.

He said: “The ES valve was designed with the intention of solving an industry problem, creating something that was not only easy to retrofit into existing systems, but that would provide assurance to operators to know that their operations are now safer and more environmentally sound.”

Oxford Flow, based at Osney Mead in the city, designs and assembles innovative pressure control equipment using technology developed at the Thermo-Fluids facility at Oxford University.

Boiler innovator secures more than £1m in funding

Wokingham-based Tepeo, inventor of the award-winning Zero Emission Boiler (ZEB), has secured grant funding for a £1 million project from Innovate UK. The project will enable it to conduct deep research into the ZEB’s core technology, with a focus on optimising it for high volume manufacture.

The company has also secured a £42,000 grant from the Berkshire Business Capital Grant Fund to invest in an electric kiln and other manufacturing equipment enabling them to significantly scale up production of their innovative zero emission boilers.

The tepeo Zero Emission Boiler is a low carbon alternative to a gas or oil boiler – it heats homes affordably while lowering the carbon footprint and supporting renewable generation.

It provides the same heating service (heated water to any set temperature between 35-80C) as a gas or oil boiler but without the emissions, the company says.

The boiler is powered by electricity and works like a battery to store heat efficiently until it is needed. Tepeo’s patented heatmanagement technology then releases the heat to radiators or underfloor heating and water tanks when needed.

The ZEB’s smart technology charges the core with energy at the cheapest times of day ready for when its needed.

The ZEB can also charge on excess solar electricity generated by a home’s solar PV that would otherwise have to be exported to the grid for a low price.

Tepeo’s ZEB boiler

JSP KEEPS CALM AND CARRIES ON PROTECTING

JSP has kept industrial and construction workers safe for decades, but when the pandemic struck, Europe’s leading independent manufacturer of “above-neck” PPE was deployed to help the NHS

By Nicky Godding, Editor

Where’s the most unlikely place to put a factory? A pretty former woollen mill on a stunning Cotswold river half a mile from the main road? Welcome to the head office of manufacturer JSP at Minster Lovell near Witney, and the company says there’s no better place to be.

Inside the mill, which straddles the River Windrush where trout swim and peacocks strut around the car park, JSP has been designing and manufacturing essential industrial safety equipment such as protective safety helmets, goggles and facemasks since 1969.

The company was founded in London in 1964 by Clive Johnstone who moved it to the Cotswolds a few years later But with all the upheavals of the last few years, his son Mark, who has been Chief Executive since 2006, says that it’s the perfect location. “Being close to nature gives us all a good vibe.”

JSP has other manufacturing facilities at nearby Standlake Industrial Estate,

at Carterton South Industrial Estate and a distribution facility at Witney Bromag Industrial Estate. Outside the UK, there are significant manufacturing facilities in Dusseldorf, Germany, China, the UAE and USA as well as sales and marketing offices in France, Spain, Poland and the USA.

But Minster Lovell is where the company’s research and development is carried out –in its innovation centre which now takes up almost an entire floor of the mill.

JSP’s mission is to improve the safety, health and wellbeing of people in their workplaces. It is now a global brand turning over more than £92 million last year (up more around 21 per cent on the previous year) and employing more than 460 people worldwide, including just over 300 in Oxfordshire.

This impressive growth has been despite pretty much everything but the kitchen sink being thrown at British manufacturers over the last six years. The uncertainty of Brexit, Covid-19 (still causing supply chain r

chaos) and more recently the Ukraine war sending energy prices rocketing.

JSP makes above-the-neck innovative personal protective equipment – that’s everything from facemasks to ear defenders, safety helmets and eye and face protection. It also has a traffic management equipment business making barriers and cones.

While Mark says JSP’s biggest challenge over the last few years has been tackling Brexit – and we will come back to that, our conversation keeps returning to the challenges he and his team faced during Covid.

The Covid dash for PPE

In March 2020, one of the biggest challenges for the government was to secure enough personal protective equipment for the NHS – so it contacted JSP along with every other UK company which popped up when civil servants googled “PPE”.

“They asked for all our stock and all our production, and while it was a massive national panic in the early weeks, we did tool up and increased production,” said Mark.

To meet demand, and with support from HSBC bank, JSP invested £20 million in machines and £10 million into inventory.

However, hard decisions had to be made. “We had a lot of people wanting stock. But we decided to honour our commitments to current customers first (who needed the face masks and other protection just as much as anyone else) and committed to supply them with up to 15 per cent more than their previous average order rates.”

Some other companies might have sold all their stock to the highest bidders, but the JSP team held their nerve. “We focused

on supplying the industrial market, and that enabled us to manage our stock with full supply up to the end of May, later than anyone else,” said Mark. “At the same time, we knew we had to respond to the NHS crisis.”

Mark began working with Oxford University Hospitals. “I told them what respiratory protection equipment we could make locally in the UK, and they told us what they needed. This included half-masks, full face masks, disposables and powered air respirators all made in the UK. We focused on our Force 10 full face mask and Force 8 half-mask fitted with JSP PressToCheckTM P3 filters which, with a thorough cleaning and maintenance programme, only needed changing every 28 days – much better for the environment and more importantly giving the wearer protection at a level multiple times higher than disposable masks.”

At the height of the pandemic, JSP was supplying 125 of the 220 UK NHS Trusts with a range of its safety equipment, either directly or indirectly.

It didn’t help that the company’s manufacturing facility in China went off-line for nine weeks, having been requisitioned by the Chinese government to make PPE for its citizens (which highlighted the vulnerability a company can experience from extended supply chains), or that Mark was masterminding all this having smashed his shoulder to smithereens in a skiing accident in early March.

“We also did what we’d never done before and set up a direct service to supply NHS workers with our PPE because they couldn’t get it anywhere else,” he added.

It was tough for everyone at JSP. “We were working ridiculous hours, and we wanted to be fair, offering the NHS a 30 per cent discount,” said Mark. “Others didn’t and we saw a fair amount of profiteering on the provision of sub-standard PPE equipment.”

“ ey asked for all our stock and all our production, and while it was a massive national panic in the early weeks, we did tool up and increased production ...”

Mark Johnstone in JSP’s Innovation Centre at Minster Lovell

Tackling Brexit head on

While the pandemic hit manufacturers with the force of a juggernaut, Mark says that Brexit has had a longer and bigger impact than Covid.

While the pandemic kicked off in March 2020, for the previous four years the company had been planning for Brexit.

“As a family business (Mark’s brother James is Operations Director and sister Sarah Baker is Head of Marketing), we have always paddled our own canoe, so in January 2017, following the July 2016 Brexit vote, I drove to Germany.

“Our EU customers were accounting for 45 per cent of our total business. As a lean manufacturer, it was a good evolution for us to make products closer to them - and with a Euro currency cost base. Also, we saw Brexit as a real threat which we had to try to turn into an opportunity. Germany made sense due to its legislation and a parallel in that “Made in Germany” is important to German companies like “UKmade” is in the UK, in fact probably even more so.

“We opened in Dusseldorf the following year and found that doors previously closed to us began to open, and those which were partially open widened. In 2022 we are now considered a European company in Europe. Before we were a British company operating in Europe. It’s an exciting time and we are seeing good growth from our platform there.”

JSP now services almost all continental customers out of its Dusseldorf facility.

Lean manufacturing and automation boosts productivity

JSP is a lean manufacturer, which means sourcing raw materials and components as close to its manufacturing facilities as possible, and for years it has embraced automation and robotics to enable more vertical integration and to boost productivity.

“Manufacturing close to our markets gives us more resilience to service our customers when supply chains are difficult – and enables us to tailor our products

for a customer’s needs right up to the last minute. It also allows us to look at supply on a regional rather than global level which we have been doing for many years,” said Mark.

Other markets that continue to excite JSP include the Middle East and the USA –where it has sales offices and currently uses third-party manufacturers. However, it would like to build its own manufacturing facilities there in due course. With growing sales it hopes that could be soon.

A major ongoing investment for the company is research and development.

“We invest up to two per cent of turnover annually in R&D and have some exciting new products coming out later this year,” said Mark.

One of these, Sonis Comms, has just launched. This is a powerful new communication tool providing group intercom and active hearing protection in high-noise environments.

Using military-grade technology, embedded dynamic mesh creates a private network where anyone can talk together at any time. The new product, which helps boost productivity on site by up to 30 per cent, is proving of interest to companies in rail, airports, utilities and civil engineering on major infrastructure sites such as Hinkley Point in Bristol.

Another new product launching towards the end of the year is a climbing helmet for construction workers. JSP is combining the original industrial standard with the climbing standard which will give the wearer additional crown and side impact protection as well as being low profile for use in more confined spaces.

These new products build on other highly successful products launched by JSP over the last few years, including its Force8 half-mask with PressToCheckTM P3 filters which help the wearer ensure their face mask is fitted securely and provides a strong and secure seal. Over the last few years this has been a blockbuster product for the company, helping to improve the protection of people in the workplace by moving away from single-use respirators.

“In the UK alone, 12,000 people a year die from respiratory disease after exposure to airborne hazards in the workplace,” said Mark. “Covid highlighted a general need for effective respiratory protection but because of the frantic dash to obtain as much as possible as quickly as possible, a great deal of it was substandard and it is certainly not fit for purpose for industrial applications.

“There is a real need to get standards back up. Our mission is to improve the safety and health of people in their workplace worldwide, and everything we do is aimed at meeting that objective.”

Sarah Baker, Mark Johnstone and James Johnstone

IS NOW THE TIME TO PASS ON THE FAMILY BUSINESS AND PAY LESS TAX?

And that is how many family business owners must be feeling after COVID-19 pandemic - no one could have foreseen a global pandemic around the corner. So now with supply chain problems, rising material costs and inflation putting pressure on wage costs, it all seems as though they are teaming up to wreck carefully-crafted retirement plans.

But was your plan a bad plan? No, it just took a bit of a battering. But let’s focus on the good bits and see how we fix the not so-good parts.

Nick Latimer, Tax Partner in the Cheltenham office of national audit, tax, advisory and risk firm Crowe, advises business owners, entrepreneurs and families on appropriate ways to structure their affairs to make the most of tax allowances and reliefs.

If you have to accept a lower valuation of your business, could this be the time to begin the process of passing the business on to the next generation?

A lower valuation could mean lower tax implications. Chancellor Rishi Sunak has stated that he plans no changes to Inheritance Tax or Capital Gains Tax in the remaining lifetime of this Parliament.

Perhaps you should act now before the next Parliament, or before the cost of living crisis forces his hand?

Anyone who has piloted a business through the past two years can be forgiven for perhaps feeling a little punch drunk, and with the majority of businesses relying more and more on technology, the coming of 5G, Artificial Intelligence spreading throughout business processes and the need to think and act nimbly, could now be the right time to pass your business on to the younger, more tech-savvy members of the family?

While innovation has been key to survival throughout the pandemic, some of the biggest changes have been to mindset and priorities for the future. A pandemic-inspired heightened sense of mortality may have encouraged senior members of the family to consider their position.

Are there the skill sets within the businesses needed to make it a success, and do they exist within the immediate family? Or should you be considering a sale and if so, how do you go about it?

What about a potential halfway house?

New business structures such as Employee Ownership Trusts have helped a number of business owners ease their way into retirement and this is a highly tax-efficient exit for the owner.

Many long-standing business owners who have been reluctant to think about or discuss retirement plans or inheritance tax are now seeking to take advice on family wealth and succession planning to protect themselves and their family for the future.

Often the support we at Crowe give can be more in the way of a family counsellor role to start with, but the tax planning advice we provide is a foundation to build on to support your goals.

But there are two sides to this coin.

COVID-19 made everyone pause and reassess what’s important and family businesses are no exception. Whereas, in the past, family members have grown into roles, as much out of a sense of duty as expertise, post-pandemic there will be many family businesses who reflect on the purpose of the business.

It is clear that we are on the cusp of further major technological or societal disruption, and this brings fresh business challenges. The pace of change only seems to be increasing. For those who acknowledge they are ‘digital dinosaurs’, these challenges are perhaps best tackled by the younger generation.

We can help our family clients achieve their transition from one generation to the other and focus on retirement goals.

Strategic thinking is now more important than ever. Let’s start the conversation.

To start the conversation on how we can help your business, call Nick Latimer on 01242 234421, or email Nick.Latimer@crowe.co.uk www.crowe.co.uk

When the boxer Mike Tyson was asked before he fought Evander Holyfield if he was worried about Holyfield and his fight plan, he replied: “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.”

One of the issues that is throwing many retirement plans out of shape is uncertainty over valuations.

Nick gives an insight into the challenges being faced by family business owners…

MANUFACTURING APPRENTICESHIPS AT THE SWINDON & WILTSHIRE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

Apprenticeships - A Swindon Legacy

When it comes to manufacturing and engineering, Swindon has a historical legacy. The, now dilapidated, Mechanics Institute once delivered the first engineering courses to workers on the Great Western Railway in 1855. Today, close by, the Swindon and Wiltshire Institute of Technology, delivers a wide variety of STEM apprenticeships including courses in engineering and manufacturing.

Apprenticeship Opportunity

Manufacturing apprenticeships offer a diverse range of opportunities for both school leavers and those looking for a new career direction. Since apprenticeships scrapped the upper age limit of 25 in 2010, apprenticeship study has increased by 41%, highlighting the importance of offering apprenticeship opportunities to all age groups, including those wanting to progress further on their chosen career path.

Engineering and manufacturing career

routes are not always immediately appealing to students but many of them have a passion for STEM subjects and supporting them to realise the wide variety of vocations related to this is vital. Engineering and manufacturing apprenticeships can lead to a wide range of roles including those in the aeronautical, automotive and architectural industries as well as more traditional manufacturing industries such as food production. Add to this the appeal of being paid whilst combining on-the-job training with academic study, for many, an apprenticeship is much more appealing than the traditional university route with high student debt. There isn’t a better time to start a manufacturing apprenticeship as people within this industry are in high demand.

Investing the in development of sta

For employers, apprenticeships not only allow them to address their immediate skills gaps by bringing in new talent, but also provide an opportunity to improve the engagement of existing staff who feel valued by an employer that is investing in and supporting their career. They are a cost-effective alternative to the often lengthy and expensive recruitment/ onboarding processes.

Apprenticeships at the Swindon and Wiltshire Institute of Technology are available to start throughout the year and you can apply for the latest vacancies online via www.sawiot.ac.uk

SMILE AND THE WORLD SMILES WITH YOU

By Nicky Godding, Editor

Social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok are helping to drive the rising demand for perfect teeth.

Also driving growth are an increase in demand for dental cosmetic procedures, rising incidences of tooth disease and technological advances in dentistry.

To meet this growth, the dental market is expected to increase from more than $30 billion in 2021 to $52 billion by 2028.

At the centre of this global industry is Prima Dental – now the leader in design and the biggest manufacturer of dental burs in the world. With a global workforce of around 260, manufacturing operations in Gloucester (its head office), Brazil and China

and a turnover of £29 million (expected to rise to £36 million this year, with £30 million out of Gloucester), it makes more than 40 million burs a year and exports them to around 90 countries, with the USA its biggest market.

A dental bur is a tiny drill piece made from carbide inserted into a dentist’s drill, enabling them to cut teeth. The higher quality the bur, the better outcome a dentist can achieve (and the least patient discomfort) – and Prima Dental’s burs are of superior quality.

A major key to Prima Dental’s recent growth has been a long-standing commitment to technology and automation. The company has just finished

a £3 million investment in equipment, funded largely from its own earnings. Over the last six years it has invested around £25 million in the business, including major ongoing investment in automation, along with an additional new factory building at Gloucester.

Dental sector bounces back from pandemic

Last summer, at the height of the pandemic, the company appointed a new Group Managing Director. Alun Jones, previously the company’s financial director, took over from Richard Muller, who moved into the executive chair role to focus on strategic development.

Prima Dental has grown thanks to its innovations in the thriving global dental industry. Now the Gloucester company is diversifying its technology into the wider medical sector

“It had been a pretty challenging time for us all,” said Alun. “In March going into April 2020, many dental surgeries shut so demand stopped overnight.

“We didn’t know how long it was going to last, but there was still a need for medical and dental products for dentists to alleviate pain, so the factory remained operational throughout the whole period.”

Alun and Richard had experienced recessions before and knew what actions to take. “Even though we were working remotely, we put a strategy together quickly. Cash is king so we safeguarded our cash position as much as possible, then focused on preparing the business to build back up.”

The approach worked. “We kept our management team in place and supported them. This helped us come out of the pandemic better and stronger,” he added.

While the global dental industry took a severe hammering during Covid, when dental surgeries across the world were forced to close, the sector is bouncing back quicker than anyone expected.

However, the come-back hasn’t been without its challenges. “It has taken us longer to build back our workforce, and there are ongoing supply chain issues which every manufacturer is having to tackle,” added Alun.

“Brexit also had its challenges, and while they were not insurmountable, I’d have preferred it not to have happened. Now our biggest challenge is around regulatory, which is getting much stricter around medical and dental products.”

However, Alun says this could be to Prima Dental’s long-term benefit, as some less scrupulous players are likely to disappear from the market.

The future is more innovation and diversification

Prima Dental is looking to innovation and diversification, which it kick-started in 2018 with the appointment of carbide tooling expert Dr Marilyn Goh who now leads the

company’s research and development.

“Prima Dental designs and engineers milling tools for digital dental labs around the world,” said Alan. “More recently we have identified a big demand for similar tools and equipment in the medical sector. We have significant expertise in that area, and while we continue to develop new dental products, there is scope for us to widen our product range.”

The manufacturer is also working on a £470,000 Innovate UK project with King’s College in London, looking at how manufacturing technology could reduce virus transmission in dental procedures.

“It was our first attempt in getting an Innovate UK grant. We had been warned that our first application was likely to be rejected, so we were delighted to hear we’d been successful,” said Alan.

A money-making career –literally

Alun, 64, joined Prima Dental in 2013. An accountant by training but with a deep love of manufacturing, his first job certainly saw him in the money – spending more than a decade working as a financial accountant at the Royal Mint in South Wales.

He moved into the automotive industry, where he spent around 20 years first with Dutch, then German family businesses.

“Even though we were working remotely, we put a strategy together quickly. Cash is king so we safeguarded our cash position as much as possible, then we focused on preparing the business to build back up.”

Alun Jones in Prima Dental’s Gloucester factory

“I joined Prima Dental because Richard had great ambitions for the growth of the business, particularly fostering partnerships outside the UK. For me this was new and different. Since then we have achieved so much, and are planning for 20 per cent growth this year.

“We continue to gain business opportunities around the world. And although America is still our largest market, we are still winning business opportunities there. We are also market leaders for carbide burs in Brazil and our joint venture in China, which we established in 2018, is profitable and growing. That was a challenge for us because the Chinese market for carbide burs is complex but we’ve grown the business quite quickly thanks to a good relationship with our manufacturer there aligned with our sales and distribution expertise.”

Brazil and China are both trading at above

pre-pandemic levels, added Alun.

The future is bright for Prima Dental

Prima Dental is a people-focused company, and not travelling during Covid travel bans was difficult for the team. They had previously been used to regular global face-to-face meetings.

But with travel bans lifting, the team is starting to move across the world again, albeit not as much. And the company recently welcomed the boss of its joint venture manufacturing facility in China –the first time he’d visited for four years.

The future seems pearly-white for Prima Dental as it continues to gain in productivity and efficiencies, but Alun is cautious of complacency. “Our strength is due to our committed and dedicated

workforce. However we need to keep ahead of the curve. We have a strong distributor network around the world, a diversification and growth strategy and are beginning to tackle the carbon zero challenge.

“We are working towards the environmental management system ISO 14001 and hope the business will achieve it by early next year. We are heavy users of electricity and with increasing costs we are looking at solar power at our factory and a variety of offsetting measures.

“We are also looking at our plastic use in packaging, but that has its challenges as we have to meet regulatory and biocompatibility requirements. It’s not as straightforward as it might appear.”

Despite all these challenges, Alun is upbeat. “We have new opportunities, and expansion into new markets in the pipeline – some of which will come to fruition within the next 18 months. While we are a global business, we are a Gloucester company, strongly rooted here and will continue to grow.”

“We are heavy users of electricity and with increasing costs we are looking at solar power at our factory and a variety of o setting measures.”

WHEN HUMAN SKILLS ARE IN SHORT SUPPLY, ROBOTS CAN STEP IN

Manufacturers from across Gloucestershire, Worcestershire and the Southwest came together at Business & Innovation Magazine’s first Manufacturing LIVE in-person event for more than two years.

The first Business & Innovation Magazine Manufacturing LIVE of 2022 was hosted by Gloucester-based Prima Dental, now the world leader in the design and manufacture of dental burs (and you can read about the company in our interview with managing director Alun Jones on pages 74-76).

A dental bur is a tiny drill piece made from carbide inserted into a dentist’s drill, enabling them to cut teeth, and a major key to Prima Dental’s recent growth has been its long-standing investment in robotics and automation.

Keynote speaker at the event was Professor Farid Dailami, Associate

Professor at the renowned Bristol Robotics Laboratory, and perhaps surprisingly for a man who has immersed himself in the technology for more than 20 years, one of his first points was that robotics and automation isn’t always going to be the answer for manufacturers.

Is the work dangerous, dirty or dull? Call in the robots

He asked: “Why would a manufacturer want to use robots? Generally, if the work is dangerous, dirty or dull, or they want better productivity or consistency.

“And that’s great, but it’s not always the answer. When I visited a company which made automotive components and saw an employee who was sitting stamping parts I thought – surely that person is bored to tears, that process could be automated?

“But not in this case. The person in question had learning difficulties. Sometimes the solution might be automation, but in that situation it would have had negative consequences – an employee losing a job which made them feel valued.”

“If you are putting automation in, what are you going to do with the displaced labour? At Bristol Robotics Laboratory, we

encourage our developers to take that into consideration.”

Professor Dailami illustrated his point with another case study, Numatic in Somerset which makes the famous Henry Hoover. “Numatic approached Bristol Robotics Laboratory to help it develop some levels of robotic automation, but they valued their staff and told us that they were not prepared to make anyone redundant.

“That made it easier for them to introduce automation to one key process which stopped staff suffering from repetitive strain injury. We secured funding through a government knowledge transfer partnership for a whole assembly section,

and it has been successfully implemented on the shop floor.”

As a result, Numatic has improved its productivity 50 per cent, with staff deployed in other areas.

There is no such thing as an intelligent robot

The idea that robots will replace humans in the next decades is way off the mark, said Professor Dailami.

“Human beings are excellent in terms of our sensing capabilities. We are good at collaborating. Robots are not. Humans

are also very good actuators and the way that we combine of all this is phenomenal. It’s a huge, huge challenge for robotics engineers to get anywhere near a human being’s capabilities.

“Cognition in robotics is key and Bristol Robotics Laboratory is driving this forward.”

Despite these challenges, there now seems to be a greater than ever commitment among manufacturers that they need to look at robotics for a number of reasons, not least of which are to boost productivity, and to address a severe lack of skilled labour.

The skills challenge was highlighted by

“If you are putting automation in, what are you going to do with the displaced labour?

At Bristol Robotics Laboratory, we encourage our developers to take that into consideration.”

Chris Mould, Partner at accountants Crowe, who also spoke at the event.

He said: “In our annual manufacturing report, published in February this year, we found that 82 per cent of those we surveyed had trouble recruiting skilled employees. And more worrying still, around 40 per cent of them said that the people with the skills they need don’t exist at all.”

What’s stopping manufacturers adopting robotic technology faster is often the financial investment needed.

The Valley of Death

“Bringing an idea to life costs money,” said Professor Dailami.

“We call it the Valley of Death: the period in the development of a product when a significant increase in investment is required, making the risk of failure much more likely to outweigh any potential future return.”

There are sources of government funding which can be applied for, from knowledge

transfer partnerships (KTPs) to Innovate UK grants, but they can be difficult to secure, he added.

Another challenge for those working on robotics research and development is the UK’s departure from the European Union.

“Many of the research and development programmes were funded through the EU, and they are now no longer available to us, probably until such time as the Northern Ireland issue is resolved,” he added.

“Europe is a world leader in robotics. Both Europe and the UK are doing exceptionally well in that domain. And to be separated from that could have a negative effect.”

Despite the challenges it faces, Bristol Robotics Laboratory remains the most comprehensive academic centre for multi -disciplinary robotics research in the UK. A collaborative partnership between the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) and the University of Bristol, it is home to a community of more than 450 academics, researchers and industry practitioners who will collaborate with small

and large companies to develop robotics and automation for their business.

And it’s particularly the smaller companies, which don’t have the financial luxury of in-house research and development teams, which it has been tasked to help by government.

“Small and medium sized enterprises are the UK’s largest wealth generators and biggest employers in the Southwest,” said Professor Dailami.

“We are here to help companies from any sector explore the benefits of robotic technologies and to identify the most appropriate robotic equipment for their organisation.”

“We call it the Valley of Death: the period in the development of a product when a significant increase in investment is required ...”

Philip Johnston, Trackwise tours Prima Dental factory

Business & Innovation Magazine host Manufacturing LIVE at Prima Dental

Guests joined Business & Innovation Magazine for the return of the hugely popular Manufacturing LIVE event, the first in the series since 2019. Hosted at Prima Dental and supported by Crowe UK, guests heard from keynote speaker, Professor Farid Dailami, Knowledge Exchange in Manufacturing at Bristol Robotics Laboratory, before taking a tour of Prima Dental’s unique manufacturing site and their state-of-the-art facilities.

Photography: Mikal Ludlow

Mike Knowles and Darren Jones from Röchling Industrial

Dan Berry and Kieran Hughes from Poeton

Chris Mould, Manufacturing Partner at Crowe UK

Mr Farid Dailami, Associate Professor, Knowledge Exchange in Manufacturing at Bristol Robotics Laboratory

Neill Smith from The MTC with Hamish Pitt from Advanced Coated Products

Mark Confaloni from Helipebs Controls and Rick Steele from Moog Industrial

Philip Johnston from Trackwise Design and David Merchant from Batten & Allen

Alun Jones MD of Prima Dental, with Jonathan Dudley from Crowe and Richard Muller Executive Chair of Prima Dental

Richard Muller, Executive Chair at Prima Dental, Mr Farid Dailami, Associate Professor, Knowledge Exchange in Manufacturing at Bristol Robotics Laboratory and Chris Mould, Manufacturing Partner at Crowe UK

Lino D’Ambrogio from Euro Collimators with Ian Mackinnon from Batten & Allen

John Pattison from MecWash Systems with Mark Evans from Crowe

Richard Muller, Executive Chair at Prima Dental

Guest tour of Prima Dental facilities

Guest tour of Prima Dental facilities

Guest tour of Prima Dental facilities

Guest tour of Prima Dental facilities

Guest tour of Prima Dental facilities

Guest tour of Prima Dental facilities

Guest tour of Prima Dental facilities

Guest tour of Prima Dental facilities

The impressive Prima manufacturing facility

Oldrich Pilger, Cell Leader at Prima Dental

Guest tour of Prima Dental facilities

PARK LIFE!

A creative and stimulating working environment which is attracting more ambitious companies

Life Science REIT buys Oxford Technology Park in £183m deal

Oxfordshire’s chronic shortage of life sciences space will be eased following the acquisition and redevelopment of Oxford Technology Park.

In May, Life Science REIT, the real estate investment trust focused on UK life science properties, acquired Oxford Technology Park in a deal that could reach up to £183 million.

Once fully developed, the 20-acre science and technology park will offer up to 450,000 sq ft of mixed-use life science space and amenities.

The park, the first buildings of which have already been completed, is less than two miles from Oxford University’s Begbroke Science Park campus, seven miles north of Oxford city centre and right next to London Oxford Airport.

Oxford Technology Park was acquired for £120.3 million from Angus and Alicia Bates, who have owned and developed the park since 2007.

The first two of 11 units are already complete with one fully let to The Native Antigen Company, a supplier of highquality infectious disease reagents.

Five further units are due to be completed this year and the final four units during 2023. The acquisition also includes a hotel, let to leading provider Premier Inn until 2045.

Milton Park’s Bee House collaborative workspace opens

After a £12.4 million refurbishment, Milton Park’s new collaborative workspace has opened.

Christened The Bee House, 140 Eastern Avenue has been sustainably repurposed, which has meant the construction saved a high percentage of embodied energy within the fabric of the building, reduced demolition waste and minimised the need for new materials.

The new building is packed with sustainable innovations. It’s electrically cooled and heated using a green renewable energy tari and has a sustainable urban drainage system that will attract wildlife and help prevent flooding. Space previously used for car-parking has been replaced to make room for

bioretention swales to clean water from areas of paving and half of the building’s roof. A gravel mulch system will reduce the need for weeding and keep moisture within the soil. A series of moss walls and living plants bring the outdoors inside.

A water course previously screened by the parking area has been opened up to create a new wildflower meadow, designed to attract bees and other pollinators. A bespoke bee hotel has also been introduced.

Milton Park is currently home to two separate beehives, with plans to increase this to four later in the year. Once ready, the team at Milton Park hope to harvest the honey generated from the beehives and give jars away to occupiers.

The UK’s best business parks aren’t what they used to be. Gone are the soulless, tarmac-covered acres with bland brick buildings. The result?

Milton Park Innovation Centre Manager Nikki Gibson, Commercial Director Philip Campbell, Phoebe the Bee and David Johnston, MP for Wantage and Didcot

GLOUCESTER BUSINESS PARK IS ATTRACTING MORE BUSINESSES

Last year, Benefact (formerly Ecclesiastical Insurance), opened its new multi-million-pound o ces at Gloucester Business Park. During the construction, the specialist insurance company worked with Hucclecote Parish Council and housing developers to improve the local environment with further plans to install a fitness trail and benches for the local community.

Benefact is the latest business to move onto the park, owned by Arlington, which covers more than 276 acres. It is also home to many other major businesses including Dowty Propellers, Ultra Electronics and Laithwaites Wine.

Flurry of new arrivals at Westcott Venture Park

Drone capabilities are set to expand at Westcott Space Cluster in Buckinghamshire as drone services provider Skyports picked the park as its European headquarters and centre of excellence.

In partnership with the Harwell-based Satellite Applications Catapult, Skyports will use the facilities at Westcott to remotely operate its Beyond Visual Line Sight (BVLOS) drone flights.

The company plans to develop the location as its global command and control centre for delivery, survey and surveillance drone missions to enable remote flight operations anywhere in the world. It also plans to open a centre of excellence for its pilots.

Start-up drone company, Nexus Nine, has also taken office space at the park as a stepping stone to further expansion there.

International aerospace and defence company Nammo has moved into a newlydeveloped unit at Building 6040. The business has been based at Westcott for around 70 years.

Elsewhere at the park, transport company Speedy Freight has moved into Century Court to facilitate its rapid expansion. Speedy Freight has grown 39 per cent in the last year.

Further into the park, which is also home to a major space and rocket development

facility, Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service has taken a lease on Building 350 as a training base for the service’s Urban Search and Rescue team. The fire service has been training its live scent detection dog Huw at the site for several years.

Rapid Response Medical Services has moved into Building 4000. Other units within this building are occupied by the Satellite Applications Catapult’s In Orbit Space Manufacturing and Healthy Living Laboratory operations.

Construction is also under way for a major new facility, Building 6000, for garden room builder Green Retreats which is rapidly expanding onsite.

Gloucester Business Park

GREEN HYDROGEN MANUFACTURING FACILITY TO OPEN AT BRISTOL AND BATH SCIENCE PARK

A green hydrogen manufacturing capability is to be established at the new IAAPS research and innovation facility at the Bristol and Bath Science Park following a successful £2.5 million bid to the UK Research Partnership Innovation Fund.

It will also support research into sustainable propulsion technologies and the use of hydrogen as an alternative green energy, in particular in the hard to electrify sectors such as aviation, marine, off-highway and heavy-duty transport.

This is a key strategic step and major expansion for IAAPS, the applied automotive propulsion research team, which grew out of the University of Bath.

IAAPS takes real world problems from industry and applies the best academic minds with access to state-of-the-art

facilities to solve those challenges. This green hydrogen production and storage facility, set to be completed next spring, will be the first of its kind in the South West and form the basis of a regional Hydrogen and Sustainable Transport Acceleration Hub, working with more than 30 partners to stimulate green growth in the region.

Professor Chris Brace, Academic Director at IAAPS, said: “IAAPS is already widely recognised as a collaborative hub for research and innovation. In working with industry leaders, innovators, academics, legislators and SMEs, we are setting the pace in the adoption of net zero technology by a much broader range of stakeholders.

Last July, Bristol and Bath Science Park opened a new 5,000 sq ft £2.4 million Innovation Hub on the site.

Worcester Six Business Park expanding again

In January this year, developer Stoford secured planning permission to extend Worcester Six Business Park which will provide a further 680,000 sq ft of floorspace on 61 acres of land.

It is the latest chapter in the successful development of the park, located next to

Skylon’s success continues as work starts on next phase of development

A leading robotics and automation business has relocated to Skylon Park, Hereford as part of a growth strategy which includes supporting the county’s food and drink sector.

Visicon, which provides machine vision, collaborative robot and industrial ID systems, has moved to the business incubation centre on Skylon Park, Hereford Enterprise Zone, as it looks to meet increasing demand for its services.

The move by Visicon is the latest good news for Skylon Park, which is currently seeing £8 million invested in the construction of nine industrial units at Centenary Park, a 110-acre site within Skylon Park. It will provide employment space for small to medium-sized businesses and has been developed by Priority Space in partnership with HG Sites and Herefordshire Council.

The vision for Skylon is a high quality business space o ering a home to a dynamic business community in an attractive historic setting. The name Skylon comes from the iconic structure that formed the centrepiece of the 1951 Festival of Britain. Manufactured in Hereford, the Skylon symbolised the reaching of new frontiers through technology and innovation.

Junction 6 of the M5. When complete it will provide more than two million sq ft of employment floor space.

The first occupier to arrive in 2019 was Kimal, a manufacturer and supplier of products for the healthcare sector. In May this year, construction began on an

180,000 sq ft unit for leading flooring company Alliance Flooring Distribution – a subsidiary of Kidderminster-based global carpet and flooring company Victoria plc.

Other occupiers include Kohler Mira, Spire Healthcare, Materials Solutions, Ionos and Marmon Foodservice Technologies.

FITNESS HUB AT WINNERSH TRIANGLE WINS AWARD

Ansty Park continues to grow

The trade association for UK sports and play construction, SAPCA, has given Winnersh Triangle contractor S&C Slatter an award for its innovative sports and wellness project, and for its work supporting the Office of the Future at Winnersh Triangle near Reading.

The award was for a new fitness studio and AstroTurf sports pitch which is part of Winnersh Triangle owner Frasers Property UK’s strategy to add occupier and community amenities to its parks.

S&C Slatter created the ‘Generation 2’ multi-use sports pitch, the wellness studio and fitness hub with a green living roof, as well as landscaping to improve biodiversity on the site.

Matthew Thompson, Project Manager at S&C Slatter, said: “We were delighted to receive the SAPCA Project Award 2022.

“The project at Winnersh Triangle evolved in response to the pandemic, resulting in a truly unique, trailblazing approach to health and wellbeing in the workplace.

“It was a fantastic project to be part of and we are thrilled with the result, as well as the recognition by SAPCA.”

Rupert Batho, Commercial Director at Frasers Property UK, said: “These facilities add to the fantastic amenities in place for our occupiers and the local community at Winnersh Triangle.”

A 196-acre business park in Warwickshire is being developed by Manse Opus. Currently the developer is building 241,000 sq ft of Grade A space. The site has a nice piece of history: it is where the jet engines for Prospero – the only British-launched satellite were manufactured in 1971,

With Rolls Royce already located on the site, Manse Opus has also developed aerospace manufacturer Meggitt’s new 495,000 sq ft headquarters and innovation centre which opened in 2020 and construction has been completed on the new headquarters for Cadent Gas.

The Prospero development sits next to Ansty Park, already a highly successful technology and innovation park which is home to companies such as The London Taxi Company and the Manufacturing Technology Centre.

Ansty Park will provide 1.5 million sq ft of space set in 100 acres of landscaped parkland.

Construction of another 30,000sq ft unit at Tournament Fields begins

Clowes Developments has instructed Bromsgrove-based contractor Benniman to begin work on a speculative 30,000 sq ft unit at Plot 1003, Tournament Fields in Warwick.

The Park is already home to a mix of global and regional occupiers such as Semcon, West Midlands Ambulance

Service, Eagle Burgmann, Geberit, Scholastic, Sodick and Taylor Wimpey.

The warehouse and distribution facility will sit at the entrance to Tournament Fields. The unit will provide a secure yard and generous parking provision, including electric vehicle charging points.

Construction is due to be completed in November.

Developer, Paul Shanley said: “Tournament Fields is a thriving business park adjacent to Junction 15 of the M40 motorway. It has attracted global companies to base their UK and European headquarters here.”

The AstroTurf at Winnersh Triangle

Meggitt’s new headquarters at Prospero Ansty Park

Roberts Limbrick celebrate re-brand launch with Summer drinks party

Architecture practice Roberts Limbrick hosted a summer drinks party for clients, colleagues and suppliers to celebrate their recent brand update. To tie in with the new branding, their interior design team transformed the Gloucester

into a dynamic, collaborative space.

office

Photography: Anna Lythgoe

Matt Leach from Beard with Ben Anderson of AFA and Dave Carpenter from Barnwood Construction

Roberts Limbrick Gloucester o ce

Chris Gentle from Roberts Limbrick with Andrew De-Croos of Simpson Associates and Mark Williams from Gleeds

Ian Mean MBE, from GFirst LEP with Kirsty Muir from Business & Innovation Magazine

Oliver Workman from THP Chartered Surveyors with Brian Theron-Morris from Roberts Limbrick and Phil Martin from Martin Commercial Properties

Rob Wilson from Rowntree Consulting with Aled Roberts from Roberts Limbrick and Stuart Nelmes of BWB consulting

Andy Metcalfe from Speller Metcalfe and Philip Illing from E G Carter

Simon Carey from Barnwood Construction with James Billingham from Gloucestershire College

Mark Harries from E G Carter with Aaron Terry from Roberts Limbrick and David Merric from E G Carter

Mark Price from Vitruvius with Roman Cooper of Allcooper Properties and Keir Lindsay from Roberts Limbrick

James Gray and Sarah Williams from UWE with Joe Roberts, Roberts Limbrick

Auctioning off the High Street – regeneration or political gimmick?

Retail landlords could soon be forced by local authorities to rent out empty premises, or face authorities stepping into their shoes and doing it for them via compulsory rent auctions, according to the proposed Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill.

The move by the government, announced in the Queen’s Speech in May, is a bold one. Is this good news for the high street?

Possibly. It could mean that retail units that have been empty for months – or even years, could quickly fill up with new tenants, adding vibrancy and footfall to our beleaguered high streets.

It would certainly force the hands of absentee landlords, or encourage those disinterested ones sitting on large amounts of vacant property to become a lot more proactive in finding tenants.

The bill will give local authorities the right to sign a lease with all the power of the landlord.

But looking at this apparent “quick fix” from a more strategic view it might not be the solution to returning our high streets to their former glory. A local authority, in their enthusiasm to get vacant premises filled, might tie the property up for five years on a low rent in a compulsory rent auction to a tenant who might not be right for the longer term.

The British Property Federation is also concerned. Responding to the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill, its Chief Executive, Melanie Leech, said: “We fully support Government’s ambitions to drive local growth and revitalise town centres but

political gimmicks such as compulsory rent auctions are not the solution, and will deterrather than encourage - investment into the areas where it is most needed.”

She added: “No property owner wants their premises to be empty. In our experience, property owners are willing to do zero-rent deals to avoid boarded up shopfronts, but the burden of business rates and other occupational costs mean it is still unviable for many small and independent businesses to trade from town centre premises.”

What draws people to town centres are big brand names, a safe and vibrant public space, and plenty of activity. But big retail brands won’t take space if business rates and rent remain so high.

Getting all stakeholders around a table is key. Much can be achieved by investors, local authorities, retail brands and the community working out a longer-term plan for their high street, which could include investment in public realm, local parking and transport, and a programme of activity centred around the town. Cheltenham’s Jazz,

Literary, Science and Music festivals annually bring tens of thousands of people into the town centre.

A rates mitigation scheme in addition to stakeholder engagement would be far better than offering commercial rent auctions to retailers who might be looking for short-term gain rather than a longer-term commitment.

The British Property Federation suggests the creation of Town Centre Investment Zones to accelerate regeneration, where local stakeholders could benefit from various powers and incentives to enhance private investment potential and expedite change.

With the Local Data Company quoting 14.5 per cent of retail and leisure high street properties vacant in June 2021, there is no doubt that something needs to be done to regenerate the high street for modern purposes.

Rental auctions may solve the issue of absentee landlords, but from experience more needs to be done to incentivise investment in the heart of our towns.

Matthew Jones, Senior Associate, in the Commercial Property team at BPE Solicitors looks at the future of our high streets…

ASH Chartered SurveyorsProperty Management division, sees significant growth…

ASH Chartered Surveyors, established in 1989 has continued to build upon the solid growth put in place by their founding partners. In addition to its Agency and Professional Services divisions, the Property Management division within the firm has expanded significantly.

With two newly promoted partners heading up the Management departments, the team are delivering a management service to clients which is positive, comprehensive and forward thinking.

COMMERCIAL MANAGEMENT

Neil Jones, Partner and Head of the Commercial Management department, joined ASH in 2018. Neil has worked in the commercial property sector for over 30 years across the South West Region in Bristol, Gloucester and Cheltenham.

Becoming partner in April 2022, Neil has continued to drive the expansion of the firm’s Commercial Management Portfolio, bringing new clients into the portfolio, and expanding upon long standing client relationships, as well as new commercial management instructions leading to sustained growth.

To support this expansion, ASH have recently invested in a bespoke market leading property and asset management software suite, which will enhance our ability to give our clients the best possible service and support.

Our team are specialists in the management of commercial leasehold properties offering services to developers or commercial landlords. The challenges facing landlords of commercial property are attracting and retaining tenants, ensuring the property

The challenge of property management is the ever changing legislative framework. Property ownership is a partnership between the landlord, tenant, and the management team acting as a link between the parties. There is no substitute for in depth and practical knowledge. Such knowledge is essential from both the landlord and tenant viewpoints, to avoid what could be expensive pitfalls.

The Management team at ASH always focus on enhancing value

is compliant with all legislation from EPC's to Health & Safety, delivery of service at the property that exceeds the tenants expectations, ensuring prompt payment of all charges so the Landlord can discharge their own liabilities and maximise the return on their investment.

to cover owner occupiers too by securing rental flow and generating steady capital improvements. We can manage commercial portfolios and individual properties whether you are an institutional, charitable, public, commercial, or private client. We specialise in industrial units and estates, o ces and o ce parks, high street shops and shopping centres, retail parks and parades, plus mixed portfolios and single buildings, as well as residential blocks and housing estates..

With ASH you don’t get put through to a call centre that could be hundreds of miles away.

Our Gloucester and Cheltenham practices are in the centre of the city and town, so our clients can be sure we are there when and where needed.

In this way we truly keep a close eye on our client’s investment, making sure that our clients assets and investments are properly looked after and managed.

Over the years we have built up a strong portfolio of local and nationwide contractors and supporting professionals, allowing us to further enhance the service we offer to our clients.

Our primary function as managers is to ensure the maintenance of your asset and is undertaken in a cost efficient manner, but in addition, enhance the value of your asset.

It’s an exciting time to be part of ASH Chartered Surveyors and our clients continue to show continued faith and confidence in our services, with unprecedented levels of new instructions.

Should you require a detailed management proposal tailored to your needs, please contact Neil Jones AssocRICS

nkj@ashproperty.co.uk

“To us being a local firm with local commercial knowledge is key for our clients”

RESIDENTIAL MANAGEMENT

Richard Smith, Partner and Head of the Residential Management department, joined ASH in 2014.

Over the last 8 years ASH has undergone a significant transformation. The introduction of an adapted software system enabled us to become more efficient and this continues to enhance our valued Clients experience of service and support.

Staff have been recruited to assist with the increased portfolio. We are also currently recruiting, allowing us to continue this growth whilst continuing to provide that personal service we have become known for.

Appropriate training is provided on a regular basis to ensure staff are aware of any reforms of legislation, ensuring we provide the best possible guidance for clients.

ASH Chartered Surveyors offers a different kind of residential block property management. Our residential property managers are thorough and experienced

and provide a professional client service that can be lacking throughout the industry.

Throughout my time at ASH, I have become to understand the importance to our clients and potential clients who enquire with us, that being a local practice is imperative.

As part of our service, we strive to be proactive and react immediately when major incidents occur. Being local also enables us to attend our Clients developments on a routine basis without adding pressure to our working practice with long commutes for colleagues or times of unresponsiveness to Clients whilst the Managers are completing site inspections. We aim to use local contractors for our maintenance and service agreements, again providing

Clients with quick response rates and reasonable costs.

Our aim is simple – to offer a professional, personalised service to the members, directors and leaseholders of residential management companies.

Should you require a detailed management proposal tailored to your needs, please contact Richard Smith BSc (Hons) MIRPM

rs@ashproperty.co.uk

“The advantage of being a mid-size property management company is that we combine the customer service focus of a small local company, with the experience and benefits expected of a large management firm”.

A REGIONAL LOWDOWN ON THE COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY SCENE

David

O ces

The office market has bounced back from Covid – helped in part by the government's pre-pandemic policy allowing older office accommodation to be converted for residential use.

With hybrid working here to stay, businesses are prioritising high-quality A1 space, with many occupiers demanding flexible well-designed space rather than maximising occupancy. Expect flexible workspaces with hot-desking, collaborative workspaces and break-out areas.

Retail

It's a mixed bag. The fortunes of high streets depend very much on the town or city's location. London has suffered from a reduced number of workers coupled with a significant downturn in visitor numbers, but places like Newbury have benefited.

Even though the anchor retailers –John Lewis and Debenhams – have left, Newbury's relatively new Parkway shopping centre still feels busy, with plenty of big-name shops to attract visitors. Next moving into the former John Lewis store provides a clear confidence indicator for the centre.

Residential

The market hasn't skipped a beat during the past few years. Developable land remains in short supply and demand continues to outstrip supply. While there are some signs that house price increases may be slowing down, they're not reversing. The rental housing market remains overheated – demand still outstrips supply. National and international investors are supporting the build-to-rent market, a relatively new product with new-build blocks of 200+ furnished units with high-quality ancillary services including concierge, gym, cinema room, and dining facilities.

What effect the cost-of-living crisis has on property prices remains to be seen, though.

Industrial and warehousing

For many years there's been very little speculative build of industrial units because the yield wasn't there, but that seems to be changing.

The warehousing market has boomed, driven mainly by Amazon and other online operators reliant on the speedy delivery model.

People like the convenience of shopping online and getting their goods delivered the next day.

I think the time is coming when the big retailers have massive strategically placed warehouses, and smaller local warehouses in towns and cities to fulfil the last step of the delivery.

We might see more retail units –especially those in older, unloved shopping centres – become local distribution/collection hubs, with customers collecting rather than waiting for delivery. This could foster a reversal in shopping habits with increased footfall driven by collection rather than the traditional retail experience of browse and buy.

Jones, managing director of property and planning consultancy Evans Jones, which has o ces in London, Reading and Cheltenham, gives the lowdown on the commercial and residential property scene

“ e warehousing market has boomed, driven mainly by Amazon ...”

Reading

Reading missed out on becoming a city again, after four times of trying. It seems it's doomed to be the UK's biggest town.

It is said that city status has no tangible benefits – and certainly that's true when it comes to attracting government funding. But city status lends a place gravitas and I'm sure it helps with inward investment –especially international investment.

However, Crossrail has given Reading an enormous boost. When the Elizabeth Line is fully operational, four trains an hour – six at peak times – will transport passengers from Reading quickly across central London without having to change at Paddington.

Gloucester

Gloucester has spent years playing second fiddle to Cheltenham, but finally seems to be finding its feet. According to Rightmove, it's enjoying the fifth largest year-on-year increase in asking prices for housing – up 12 per cent on this time last year.

Projects identified by the Gloucester Heritage Urban Regeneration Company in the mid-2000s are finally coming to fruition, while the city is managing to attract significant government funding.

The university taking over the former Debenhams as a campus is a masterstroke. It could have been converted for o ce or residential use, but the university will bring young people into the heart of the

The residential market in Reading is being driven by build-to-rent developments providing homes for young professionals. Over 4,500 units are being built in developments of around 200+ units. The buildings have a concierge service and facilities like small cinemas and gyms.

New build-to-rent flats taking shape around the station are a clear response to the demand from young professionals who will be using Crossrail to get to their jobs in London.

The influx of young professionals will support the town's retailers and the nighttime economy too.

Newbury

Increasingly towns need to create an identity for themselves and here Newbury is struggling.

It's been unable to attract government funding because it's doing okay; it's not suffering like many places.

Last summer, with the help of fashion designer turned urban planner Wayne Hemmingway, West Berkshire Council published its town centre masterplan.

The Vision contains some very good ideas but will need private and public funding to bring those ideas – creating zones for leisure, retail, eating and drinking, and entrepreneurship – to fruition.

city increasing retail footfall– and if the right jobs are there, they'll be persuaded to stay.

I think this is where Gloucester could find its new identity – attracting and hanging on to students and graduates in the same way that Bristol did. While Cheltenham's festivals attract a more mature audience, Gloucester can create a younger urban vibe.

It can reinvent itself as the cool capital of the Cotswolds.

One of the most helpful ambitions is the plan to redevelop the outdated, half-empty Kennet Centre. The owners of the centre want to redevelop it, turning an indoor shopping centre into a zone of open streets and spaces called the Eagle Quarter.

This is the first part of the town that visitors by rail see. A food and beverage quarter like the successful Brewery Quarter in Cheltenham would bring visitors into town, and on to the marketplace – the social hub of the town – and the high street and Parkway centre – the retail zone –beyond.

Gloucestershire property firm celebrates 50 years in business

Evans Jones, the Cheltenham-based firm of property and planning consultants celebrates a key milestone in its history this summer – 50 years in business.

Established in 1972 by original partners, Eric Evans and Prys Jones, the firm has grown from humble beginnings as a local surveying and technical practice to the multi-disciplinary, nationwide property consultancy it is today.

Now run as a second-generation family business by David Jones, the son of original partner, Prys Jones, alongside codirector, Ian Eggleton - the firm has gone from strength to strength.

Managing Director, David Jones said: “From our first office in Cheltenham’s Royal Crescent, we now have offices in London and Reading, with our head office still here in Cheltenham. We have survived an oil crisis, the three-day working week, recessions in the 80s and 90s, the financial crisis and now a global pandemic!

The next 50 years and beyond

“We have some ambitious plans for the next five years. We are building and strengthening our team and have made some key investments in our future growth, especially in our people, processes and technology and are looking to build on a strong foundation created over the last 50 years.”

A key part of our strategy is to increase our presence in our target geographic areasthe South West, London and the Thames Valley,” said Mr Jones. A strong focus on marketing has been at the centre of our approach and will remain at the forefront of our strategy going forward.

Ian Eggleton, co-director added; “We work for a fantastic calibre and range of clients, both nationally and locally, and we plan to continue to build our client base in these. We have particular strength in the hotel, leisure and education sectors and these will continue to be a focus for us going forward”.

It has been a cruel few years for everyone and there has certainly been no rule book of how to deal with things”.

Celebrating the occasion

As Managing Director, David Jones reflects and looks back over his family’s business and achievements, his focus remains firmly on the people who have made the company what it is today.

“Whilst this is a milestone to be proud of, the real people to thank are our team, clients and the very many of whom have become friends over the years.”

In true Evans Jones style, we look forward to celebrating in style with those who have been with us on our journey.”

Who are we?

Evans Jones is an independent firm of Chartered Surveyors and Planning Consultants, advising on all aspects of property acquisition, planning, development and cost control for Commercial Property across the UK.

Our mix of Chartered Building Surveyors, Quantity Surveyors, Project Managers and Planning Consultants, allied to niche services such as Disabled Access Consultancy, allow us to guide our clients through all stages of the property development process, as well as the management of existing property portfolios

“Whilst this is a milestone to be proud of, the real people to thank are our team, clients and the very many of whom have become friends over the years.”

Small businesses showcase themselves at Downing Street

Some of the region’s most successful independent businesses showcased themselves at the Prime Minister’s Spring Showcase at Downing Street to fly the flag for British food and consumer goods.

INNOVATORS VISIT SWEDEN TO DRIVE SUSTAINABLE AVIATION

Fifteen innovators headed to Sweden as part of a visit organised by Innovate UK, the UK’s innovation agency to meet potential partners and foster international technology collaboration.

The companies included Hardide Coatings at Bicester, Progressive Technology in Newbury, Didcot-based Qdot Technology, Reaction Engines in Abingdon and Bristolbased fibre-steering business, iCOMAT.

The week-long trip introduced the delegates to Sweden’s top aerospace companies, academics and research institutes and through workshops, specialist facility visits and networking, the delegates were able to identify common challenges and discuss new technologies.

Topics of discussion included new propulsion systems, all electric and hybrid

engines, lightweighting and composite materials.

Innovate UK funded the visit through its Global Business Innovation Programme, a competitive scheme that aims to identify some of the UK’s most ambitious companies.

Sweden’s aviation sector turns over more than €2.6 billion annually and is a worldleader in the transition towards “sustainable aviation.”

In 2020 Sweden became the first nation to eliminate fossil fuels in airport operations and by 2030, it aims to make all domestic flights fossil fuel-free.

The UK is also very strong in this technology, with the third largest aviation network in the world and the second largest aerospace manufacturing sector.

StreetDrone opens new European o ce in Portugal

StreetDrone, the Oxford-based developer of automated vehicle technology, has opened new European offices in Portugal.

This will give the company access to European markets in a location with strong logistical links to the rest of the continent.

The Portuguese economy also offers a large talent pool of engineering resources.

StreetDrone wants to expand the sales

and support of its advanced technology services and autonomous first-mile projects with ports and retail distribution centres. The company also wants to interest European retailers in its planned autonomous last-mile Pix-E delivery vehicles.

João Sebastião, the Department of International Trade’s Regional Director for Europe South, said “The UK is a nation of creators, like StreetDrone, who anticipate

Ten businesses exhibited their products including Stroud Valleybased Soap Folk and Malmesburybased manufacturing and project engineering company Alvan Blanch.

Alvan Blanch designs and supplies machines and integrated systems for processing agricultural crops and waste materials.

Stroud MP Siobhan Baillie was on hand to support Soap Folk and introduce the team to cabinet members including the International Trade Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan, as well as Victoria Prentis, Minister of State at DEFRA, and Jo Churchill MP.

Soap Folk founder Fiona McBryde said: “It was a surreal experience, particularly chatting to the Prime Minister but it was great to have an opportunity to show o our small business to a wider audience and to be able to fly the creative flag for the Stroud Valleys as well as UK small businesses.”

what the future holds by accelerating it, turning science fiction into science fact and bringing innovation to life.”

Mike Potts, Co-Founder and CEO of StreetDrone said: “With our focus on autonomous engineering as well as the autonomous delivery market, Portugal has been selected based on its significant retailer and logistics market and its geographical position as a trading entry point to the rest of Europe.”

SABRE – Synergetic Air Breathing Rocket Engine – is Reaction Engines’ new class of engine for propelling high speed aircraft and spacecraft

The region’s most influential B2B magazine, in-print and online for news, features, interviews and business sector analysis. Published by Black Ox Ltd.

2022 Print issues will be published in January, March, May, July, September, November

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Ray Clark Sales Director ray.clark@black-ox.com

Introducing Black Ox Media & Events

Black Ox is the new owner of Business & Innovation Magazine. We have a clear purpose to inform, connect and promote businesses through quality news and editorial, in-person events, multi-media brand campaigns and video production. Wherever you want to engage with your target audience, our team will help you put your brand and message in front of the region’s business community.

The Business Magazine

The Business Magazine reaches senior decision makers across the South East, in-print and online.

The Business Magazine is the region’s must-read B2B publication for company owners, directors, senior business

professionals, entrepreneurs and the next generation of ambitious business people. Advertising with The Business Magazine can showcase your brand, team and expertise by telling your to thousands of business leaders and senior decision makers. businessmag.co.uk

Business & Innovation Magazine

Business & Innovation Magazine was acquired by Black Ox in May 2022 and has joined the Black Ox group of companies. Under its new ownership Business & Innovation Magazine will continue to deliver quality news and features in-print and online, with ambitious expansion plan to launch new products and events, such as listing and awards, as well growing the magazines geographical reach with a regional edition strategy.

Business & Innovation Magazine is the region’s must-read B2B publication for company owners, directors, senior business professionals, entrepreneurs and the next generation of ambitious business people. Advertising with Business & Innovation Magazine can showcase your brand, team and expertise by telling your to thousands of business leaders and senior decision makers.

Video Production

A highly experienced video production company, established in 1986, and acquired by Black Ox Media this year.

Video can bring your business and brand messages to life. The Sightline team offers professional video production, animation, interactive content and training videos, through to full TV and digital adverts.

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Think of us as a branded content studio. The BOX:Labs team create and offer branded content solutions from engaging articles, video and podcasts, to documentaries that will bring commercial and brand narratives to life. We combine insightful journalism and creativity to deliver highly engaging campaigns, on topics your business cares about.

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Events & Awards Listing Programmes

The Business Magazine offers annually published, comprehensive listings programmes, which identify and celebrate the top performing and growing companies across the South East. The listings programmes will be expanding into the South West.

The listings programmes provide access to key decision makers and offer unique networking opportunities.

Listings programmes includes:

• The Thames Valley 250

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Black Ox’s regional publications run extensive awards and events throughout the year, bringing together business communities to connect, inform and promote business in the region.

Events includes:

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