Business & Innovation Magazine - Issue 03 September 2017

THE FUTURE CONSTRUCTING

GREAT BRITISH TECHNOLOGY

TAKES OFF

Colin James talks ambition at

Airbus Helicopters, Oxford

Robert Hitchins’

Simon Tothill:

‘High street retail will never fail’

Manufacturing

Demand RISES

Work to Live:

Eat, drink & travel

Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Worcestershire, Warwickshire and North Wiltshire

Editor-in-Chief

Nicky Godding

Tel: 07966 510401

nicky.godding@nkmedia.co.uk

Commercial Director

Kirsty Muir Tel: 07971 912020

kirsty.muir@nkmedia.co.uk

Customer services

enquiries@nkmedia.co.uk

Accounts accounts@nkmedia.co.uk

Advertising Design

The Isaac Partnership Ltd www.isaacpartnership.co.uk

Magazine Printers

Severnprint Ltd www.severnprint.co.uk

Chief Photographer: Rob Lacey www.roblaceyphotographer.co.uk

Our Regions

ISSN

Our first ‘Live’ event is happening at Cheltenham Racecourse on 28 September. Manufacturing Live will bring together manufacturers from across the region to share ideas and issues, and be inspired by new technologies. More information on our website.

We’re known for our fantastic network across the region, so we’re launching a brand new series of regional lunches, because business doesn’t stop at county borders. This autumn we’ll be inviting guests to our first invitation-only Regional Women’s Business Lunch.

This issue highlights construction and development. There’s huge change and investment going on to improve the UK’s infrastructure. While HS2 isn’t proving popular across swathes of Oxfordshire and Warwickshire, where some don’t see the benefit of a line slicing through their countryside without stopping, there is a lot of extra capacity being added to our regional rail network.

And if you don’t want the train to take the strain, have you considered owning a helicopter? There are more private owners than ever before, as I discovered when I visited Colin James at Airbus Helicopters, Oxford for our interview in this issue. Shortly after I visited, I flew in an Airbus Squirrel helicopter. It was an absolutely exhilarating experience.

I want to be a helicopter pilot when I grow up.

SPOTLIGHT ON MANUFACTURING

The Report: Supply Chain

P14

P65

Technology News Science & P58

P72

We meet Simon Tothill of Robert Hitchins

IN THE HEADLINES

P6

Regional News Update

P17

Constructing the Future:

P77

THE REPORT: LEGAL & FINANCE

P44 Work to Live A helicopter view of Airbus Oxford P10

GLOUCESTERSHIRE BUSINESS SPACE RACE ENTERS THE

Gloucestershire marketing and advertising agency

The Isaac Partnership has secured the contract to design branding and website for a game-changing NASA and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) mission.

It proves that no matter where you are in the world: downtown Boston, Massachusetts - or Stonehouse, Gloucestershire, if you’re brilliant at what you do, the world is your oyster.

The Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) mission is a two-year project developed by MIT to discover exoplanets (planets beyond our solar system). The mission is being led by Sara Seager, Professor of Planetary Science and Physics at MIT, Massachusetts.

MIT is one of the world’s most prestigious universities renowned for its work advancing knowledge, particularly in the areas of science and technology.

Chris Isaac, Creative Director at The Isaac Partnership, is delighted with securing the project, building on a successful working relationship with MIT.

He said: “Our strong science and engineering background means that MIT is confident in handing us the information to present in a way with which they are happy. Three of our design team have been working on branding and website concepts to meet the tight deadline set by the team at MIT. I think our work will

really portray the ambitious work of the mission.”

TESS is scheduled to launch from Cape Canaveral in June 2018 for the two-year mission. The satellite will be launched using the SpaceX re-landing Falcon 9 rocket and will discover thousands of planets during its time in orbit.

The website will present the mission through its various stages, from launch to its findings.

Chris explains: “The science team will use the platform to present their data to the world. We want to create a website this incredible mission deserves.”

BMW confirms electric Mini to be built at Oxford

In the headlines

BMW has confirmed that Oxford will be the main ‘production location’ for a fully electric model of its iconic Mini. The new car will go into production in 2019.

While the electric motor will be built in Germany, it will be shipped to Cowley for integration into the car at Plant Oxford, the main production location for the MINI three-door Hatch.

Richard Byard, Oxfordshire LEP’s Director of Business Development, said: “This is excellent news for everyone involved, not just the hundreds of BMW staff based at Cowley, but for the wider Oxfordshire economy too.”

Image Credits: Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research and Lincoln Laboratory

Fast Track to success

In the headlines

Oxford-based research company Fast Track, has revealed its 2017 Sunday Times HSBC Top Track 100 league table which ranks Britain’s 100 private companies with the biggest sales, and the Sunday Times HSBC 2017 International Track 200, ranking Britain’s mid-market private companies with the fastestgrowing international sales.

Six companies across our region appear in this year’s Top Track 100 league table: TI Automotive of Oxford, Dyson of Malmesbury, The Rigby Group and Listers, both of Stratford-upon-Avon, First Utility of Warwick and Unipart Group, Oxford.

Eight businesses across the region made it into the 2017 International Track 200:

Specialist mobility services company Ability Matters, Abingdon; George Pragnell, jewellers, Stratford-upon -Avon (customers include European royalty and Chinese entrepreneurs); Dairy Partners, cheesemakers, Stonehouse; Charles Faram Hop Merchants, Malvern; Fire protection manufacturer Advanced Insulation, Gloucester; CVP, AV equipment supplier, Studley; Gtech, appliance manufacturer, Worcester and valve engineering group Severn Glocon, Gloucester.

British brand Bravissimo launches in the USA

In the headlines

Bravissimo, the Leamington-Spa company dedicated to supporting and celebrating big-boobed women, is expanding to the USA with the launch of its first US website.

Founded in the town by Chief Executive Sarah Tremellen in 1995, Bravissimo aims to inspire its customers to feel good about themselves and to make shopping for big-boobed women a fun, confidence-boosting experience.

It now employs 693 people across 26 shops, the warehouse and head office in Leamington Spa and includes an online operation that accounts for 40% of the company's £49 million turnover.

Since the company began, it has been overwhelmed by the positive response from its customers, many of whom describe discovering Bravissimo as a life-changing experience.

Bravissimo was started by Sarah Tremellen and her friend following their own frustrating experiences of not being able to find a good choice

of pretty bras to fit them. Adamant that women deserved better, they started Bravissimo as a mail order company from Sarah’s living room, providing a wide range of lingerie, swimwear and clothing for women who are D cup and above.

Today the company has over a million customers (including several thousand in the USA), 28 shops across the UK, a thriving mail order and ecommerce operation.

Sarah said: “We know that the choice of bras available in bigger cup sizes is limited in the US, and that there are many, many women there who are D cup or above, so we are very excited to be taking Bravissimo to the big-boobed women of the USA.

“Our US website is only the beginning, we can’t wait to get to know our American customers better and we plan to open our first store in the USA as soon as we can.”

The company is ranked 15th in the 2017 Sunday Times Best 100 companies to work for.

Metrasens takes possession of Queen’s Award for Export

A leading provider of advanced magnetics technologies has received its Queen’s Award for Export from Worcestershire’s Deputy Lord Lieutenant, Andrew Grant.

Metrasens’ products have been astonishingly successful in contraband and cell phone detection in prisons,

In the headlines

and projectile threat detection for patient and staff safety in MRI radiology suites for the world’s healthcare centres and hospitals.

95% of sales made by the Malvernbased company go overseas, and have grown by 400% over the last six years.

Cirencester’s Barn Theatre could rival Donmar Warehouse

In the headlines

Private investment of over £4 million is being made in an old theatre in Cirencester which its Artistic Director thinks could rival London’s successful Donmar Warehouse.

The Barn Theatre, originally a World War II Nissan hut, is being developed into a state-of-the-art, 200-seat theatre (London’s 250-seat Donmar Warehouse is similarly intimate). Due to open as a professional venue in early 2018, The Barn Theatre is the centrepiece of ongoing development at Ingleside House; a grade II listed building sitting next to the theatre.

The unsubsidized not-for-profit venue is aiming to become a major producing house, attracting theatre talent to become a destination theatre for the community, visitors and tourists.

The project is the brainchild of Chairman and Founder, Ian Carling, Artistic Director, Iwan Lewis and

Worcestershire achieves strongest workforce skills growth

In the headlines

Worcestershire has achieved the strongest growth in higher level workforce skills for the second year running.

The ‘Inclusive Growth Monitor

2017’ report by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, measured Worcestershire achieving growth in all areas, between 2010 to 2015.

The growth is due to a larger number of people in Worcestershire having higher level occupations and a higher quality of educational attainment.

The county’s latest success follows the recent announcement that it has also achieved the highest growth in workforce productivity in the country. Earlier this year, the Office of National Statistics data showed the county’s productivity growth at 3%.

Gary Woodman, Chief Executive of Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “By raising the skills of our local workforce, we are continuing to ensure that our local businesses are well equipped for the future of business with access to a talented employment base.”

Commercial Director, Rachel Wright. Ian’s career was spent building up a UK-wide group of concrete businesses. Since retiring he has focused on a lifetime’s interest in theatre and music shared with his wife Chrissie. Ian has been passionately involved in every stage of The Barn Theatre’s redevelopment.

Artistic Director Iwan Lewis trained at Guildford School of Acting. Before joining The Barn Theatre, he played lead roles in productions such as Legally Blonde, Godspell, Passion (at the Donmar Warehouse), and the Academy Award-winning Les Miserables. Iwan is also a regular voice lecturer at several UK Universities. Iwan said: “The venue is incredibly

well-equipped for its size and with our well-established links to London’s theatre scene, we are ambitious about creating something special.”

The Barn Theatre is the latest Rock the Cotswolds’ Rocker, the campaign showcasing surprising businesses, people, events, charities or venues in the Cotswolds. Other new Rockers include Daisy and Charlie Cooper, the talented writers behind successful BBC comedy ‘This Country’; Sophie Jones, successful ‘theflyingfitfoodie’ Instagrammer; Robert Welch, award-winning cutlery and homewear designer and cider makers Beard & Sable.

www.rockthecotswolds.com

Metrasens’ Chairman Lawrence KInet, CEO and co-Founder Dr Simon Goodyear, with Deputy Lord Lieutenant Andrew Grant

Branding & Website Design that’s out of this world

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Image Credits: Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research and Lincoln Laboratory

Isaac Partnership: Official developers of the TESS space mission science website and mission branding

A HELICOPTER Oxford AIRBUS HELICOPTERS, VIEW OF

World-leading aeronautics manufacturer Airbus sells helicopters for military and civil use. Now it’s seeing a growing demand for private urban air transport

By Nicky Godding

Earlier this year Airbus Helicopters, based at Oxford Airport, was awarded a £500 million contract by Ascent Flight Training which will run until 2033. As part of their proposed and selected solution, Airbus Helicopters will provide 32 new helicopters to meet the RAF’s training capability requirement and number of contracted flying hours.

The contract includes full support and maintenance services for the rotary wing aircraft as part of the UK’s Military Flying Training System (UKMFTS). The rotary wing element of the world class training system will be based at RAF Valley and RAF Shawbury, where both Princes William and Harry learned to fly helicopters..

Airbus was up against tough competition, according to the company’s Managing Director, Colin James but the company was the only original equipment manufacturer which didn’t have to partner with a third party to deliver against the MOD tender. “We will be supplying helicopters and delivering full service and maintenance support,” he said.

It’s the latest major contract win for the Oxford-based company, which expects to double employee numbers from the current 270, by 2020.

More widely known for manufacturing passenger jetliners and private jets, Airbus also designs the world’s leading brand of helicopter, but it doesn’t manufacture in the UK. The company operates a world-wide industrial model, with helicopter manufacture taking place mainly in Germany and France.

Airbus Helicopters’ unique UK capability is adding value to helicopters destined for the military, civil and private markets into which it sells.

“Here in the UK, we are very close to our marketplace,” explains Colin. “The aircraft we receive from Airbus Helicopters’ manufacturing sites are the basic commodity on which we build.”

It’s seldom a customer wants just to buy a helicopter. They will invariably need special equipment, additional capabilities, training and a full maintenance package to keep it flying for longer. Steve Pickston is Head of UK Support and Services at Airbus Helicopters. His team is directly responsible for the maintenance schedules of dozens of Airbus helicopters in civil, private and military service, and provide spares and support to hundreds of others.

FACTS ON COLIN JAMES 04

Growing worldwide demand for helicopters

Demand for helicopters is set to grow, particularly in emerging countries. In the developed world, the requirement is largely for replacements, or for helicopters adapted to 21st-century needs, such as transporting valuable cargo (highly-trained specialists in the armed forces, or power network professionals maintaining powerlines), or to reach offshore wind and energy installations. If you need to cross treacherous terrain, whether flying across the Bering Strait or crossing the M1 at peak hour, a helicopter is probably the most efficient form of point to point transport.

Airbus Helicopters is even trialling a public service in São Paulo, Brazil (a city renowned for its overloaded infrastructure), which runs on the Uber app principal, where a helicopter can be booked in slots of eight minutes. The project is helping the company understand how to operate future passenger drones in a commercial environment.

Airbus Helicopters

Colin James, Managing Director, Airbus Helicopters

Helicopter flight will never be a cheap form of transport, but sometimes it’s the only way difficult locations can be reached with urgency, hence their importance for police and air ambulances.

And because they are not mass market, there is also an exclusivity about owning one among those who can afford to buy and operate them privately.

Transporting the globally connected

Sales of bespoke Airbus helicopters are rising within the private sector.

The European head of Airbus Helicopters’ private and business aviation brand, ACH (Airbus Corporate Helicopters), Renaud Lambert, reports

A high-flying career

Airbus Helicopters

After completing a degree in computer science in 1992, Colin James accepted a job with MBB Helicopters in Germany (which became Eurocopter, the precursor brand to Airbus Helicopters).

His degree studies had focused on real time systems, a prescient choice as helicopter flight was moving from analogue to digital. However, one of his first jobs was more hands-on than he’d anticipated: He had to roll up his sleeves and solder cables to integrate newly developed software into the helicopter computer hardware. This was needed to build a power supply with a cooler system, allowing the helicopter software developers to install their system.

Within six months he was running a team of five to six people. Eurocopter, as it was by then, had spotted a rising star.

that more people see helicopters as a flexible form of transport.

That they can be branded and the interior fitted to personal taste is also attractive to private users. Last year an Airbus H175 7.5-ton helicopter was customised in order that it could land on the back of a customer’s superyacht. The increasing demand for unique fittings also means that innovation at Airbus is second nature.

Richard Atack is head of Airbus Helicopters’ UK Design & Engineering in Oxford. His team is working on enhancements to helicopters, including light armour protection systems using composite materials, to blade enhancements, and even cyber protection as helicopters become increasingly digital and automated.

QUICK FACTS

 Airbus Helicopters UK Ltd is part of Airbus, the global leader in aeronautics, space and related services

 It employs 270 people at Oxford Airport, and plans to double employment by 2020

 The company is responsible for nearly 450 military, civil and private helicopters currently deployed across the UK

On the hunt for talent

Airbus Helicopters’ apprenticeship programme at Oxford has run continuously for more than 35 years. It’s not difficult attracting apprentices: helicopters are exciting and make a valuable contribution to society. From being used to monitor train tracks, and supporting the UK’s network of lighthouses (critical to maritime trade and security), to powerline maintenance, they play a major role in our world.

Management training followed, although to begin with Colin wasn’t keen. “My dad had worked in a UK factory and his reports of management practices in the 70s and 80s wasn’t very complimentary. So the first leadership course I went on was a pleasant surprise.

“We were taught to always be honest and take both the technical challenge and the human element into account when making decisions. It was all about living your values and being your own person.”

This was management training German-style. “German management training brings people together,” explains Colin. “Whatever objective you set, it’s always about the execution, and that only happens if everyone feels a part of it. Only then do we obtain high productivity and high efficiency.”

Colin spent 23 years working for Airbus Helicopters in Germany and 18 months in France, leading large teams working

on multi-million pound projects. But despite all the years away, and bringing up a family in Germany, he was surprised how instantly he felt at home when he returned to the UK.

“It was the right time for us to come back. My children had spent their whole lives in German education, but it didn’t take long for them to flourish in the English system.”

When Colin joined the team at Oxford, it was a lean and efficient business, wellknown within the Airbus group for its niche capabilities. Colin is elevating its abilities, thinking globally rather than nationally. “Our success doesn’t have to be confined to these shores.”

Airbus Helicopters will be exhibiting at Helitech, Europe’s largest helicopter exhibition, taking place at London’s ExCel from the 3 October. Entry is free

Airbus Helicopters

Airbus HelicopterC

“We will be supplying helicopters and delivering full service, maintenance support and training”

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The SUPPLY CHAIN

An efficient supply chain eases the journey from raw materials to finished product. But with Brexit and Industry 4.0,

going to get a lot more complicated

Planning, sourcing, making, delivering and returning: the fundamentals of a global supply chain. Sounds simple? it’s anything but.

Too many companies organise their supply chain processes without considering its management within the business, according to Jan Godsell, Professor of Supply Chain & Operations Strategy at WMG, University of Warwick.

Trained as an engineer, Jan joined Dyson in 1997 when it was still an SME. “At Dyson I came to understand the fundamentals of the supply chain,” she says. “It’s about managing the end-to-end flow of product.”

The manufacturer’s products were hugely successful with retailers and it could only just produce enough to keep up

with demand. Retailers would over order to try to get what they needed. Good supply chain management enabled Dyson to balance demand and supply, and ensured availability of product across all channels during a period of phenonmenal growth. It required a complete view of the supply chain, including customer demand, internal systems and supply base capability.

A supply chain starts with consumer demand. In Jan’s opinion, three companies run particularly good supply chains: Audi, Lidl and McDonalds. “They are sensible in the way they ‘manage’ the demand pattern,” explains Jan. “McDonalds has a limited menu and relatively predictable demand. This is used to not only drive internal efficiency, but, as suppliers know exactly what is expected of them, they become more

Professor Jan Godsell, WMG

productive too. It’s one of the reasons that over 75% of the restaurant’s |suppliers have been with them for more than 20 years.”

That isn’t always the case. Many companies still push risk along the supply chain – a short term strategy, says Jan. “Such companies are not taking a holistic view, and the people that suffer are those down the line.

“Sadly, our research shows that there are very few companies managing their supply chain efficiently end to end.”

Manufacturers boost UK automotive supply chain investment

The Report

A new study from the Automotive Council has revealed a welcome rise in the amount of British parts used in British car production, as manufacturers boost the UK’s automotive supply chain investment.

The report, Growing the Automotive Supply Chain, shows 44% of all components used by UK car makers now come from domestic suppliers, compared with 41% in 2015. The figures are a significant move in the right direction as efforts

to re-shore the automotive supply chain continue. British car manufacturing hit a 17-year high in 2016, with more than 1.7 million vehicles made, and since 2009 production has risen more than 72%.

Much of the sector’s ‘value added’ is created at the start of the production process.

Turnover in UK automotive parts output has risen 41%, from £9 billion in 2011 to £12.7 billion today, but with

it’s

Professor Jan Godsell WMG

“At Dyson I came to understand the fundamentals of the supply chain.”

With trade between the UK and the EU about to undergo a fundamental change thanks to Brexit, what will that mean for the UK’s supply chain and for this region’s businesses?

PwC UK has published a report on the future of the supply chain after the UK withdraws from the EU, urging companies to start planning now.

But how the UK and EU intend to separate is still unclear.

Will people be able to move freely between the UK and the EU? Will different regulatory standards apply? Will potential trade tariffs significantly impact the bottom line? Will alternative Free Trade Agreements open new markets?

The PwC UK report outlines some key issues:

Foreign exchange

For businesses importing raw materials to the UK, costs rose overnight when sterling fell by 20% after the UK’s exit vote last year. Yet the same change meant stronger export demand for finished goods. Businesses should be looking at currency hedges and analysing risks related to raw materials costs.

VAT, international trade compliance and customs

Unless the UK government manages to negotiate free movement of goods within the EU, retaining its current VAT and customs duty integration (no other country has this without free movement

of people), a customs border is likely between the UK and the EU. That means extra paperwork for import and export declarations and charges for goods passing in and out of the UK, as well as taxes, duties, tariffs and import VAT.

The basis for UK VAT law will alter, so expect changes to VAT relating to goods moving between the UK and the EU, and for domestic sales.

New data requirements

A new EU trading relationship could mean significant reconfiguration of data held in a company’s enterprise resource planning systems. Brexit could mean the need to handle more complex information, and a change in frequency of data submission for customs declarations.

Industry 4.0 and why it matters for the UK supply chain

What Brexit could mean for the supply chain The Report The Report

The latest commercial catchphrase is Industry 4.0.

Stonehouse-based recruitment experts Omega Resource have published a paper highlighting three key aspects of Industry 4.0 (the integration of new technologies, including cloud computing, robotics, the Internet of Things, automation etc) which could impact on the supply chain.

There are obvious advantages to adopting good technology to improve supply chain processes, including increased productivity and profitability, but there are significant pitfalls if change isn’t properly embraced from shop floor to board level.

 ‘Smart’ or ‘Intelligent’ factories: Flexible manufacturing processes integrated with customers and business

partners, in support of product lifecycle changes, will significantly impact current factory layouts and operations.

 Advanced and connected data: Industry 4.0 brings predictive analytics to drive flexibility on production lines and at the process level. This advancement will put more pressure on organisations to improve data collecting and use data efficiently.

manufacturers such as Nissan in the UK upping local sourcing (local content of its new Qashqai model is set to rise to 60%), competition for suppliers will rise.

One answer is for the UK’s automotive companies to collaborate to compete, according to WMG, University of Warwick’s Janet Godsell. Issues of anti-competitive behaviour could be overcome by using independent intermediaries to consolidate demand

for common components, she says, creating sufficient volume for UK production to be economically viable.

Jan is also advocating focussing on growing what we’ve got. Anyone who has a machine could be part of the supply chain, she says. “The UK may have more capability to manufacture than we think. We just need to make all potential sources of supply visible.”

 Industrial ‘Internet of Things’: The connection of production facilities across company boundaries will create new business models. The way things are manufactured will require new thinking to define and design products and also to manage product lifecycles.

The report also highlights the importance of maintaining strong and secure networks. Integrating physical systems with the internet makes them increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks. Robust cybersecurity should be a top priority for producers.

Tewkesbury Park has completed a key phase in the extensive two-year redevelopment with the addition of a brand-new conference and events suite…

The brand-new luxury Cotswolds Suite and Berkeley Bar, with floor-to-ceiling glass façade, and panoramic views across the Cotswold Hills and Severn Valley, really does offer what the regions business community has been crying out for…

Since breaking ground back in September 2016, it’s been full steam ahead on the building front to ensure the new suite would be ready for events already booked for this August. Finishing two weeks ahead of schedule, Patrick Jones, General Manager is delighted with the results and the new conference offering which the investment has created.

Architecturally stunning, the Cotswolds Suite, commands breath-taking views across the Cotswolds countryside and Severn Valley. Accommodating up to 200 guests, theatre-style, the suite can be subdivided into three equal sections. Adjoining is a brand-new bar and lounge area, the Berkeley Lounge, Bar and Terrace, complete with wood-fired pizza oven.

Behind the scenes state-of-the-art technology, offers any event access to the

“The hotel has undergone a complete transformation and now with the addition of the Cotswolds Suite, we are the ideal events venue. Not only are we a great leisure hotel, with our 18-hole golf course and leisure club, but with the investment that has been poured into our meeting facilities, coupled with our superb location, logistically we are perfect for the corporate user.”

hungry events are just some of the high-tech equipment available.

The team at Tewkesbury Park believe meetings and events should be as unique as your company and as impressive as your product or service, and the new conference suite offers flexible conference options.

Tewkesbury Park is set in 163 acres of majestic parkland and has an 18-hole par 73 golf course, academy course, golf boutique and squash & tennis courts. The Leisure Club provides an extensive gym, sauna, steam room and indoor swimming pool.

The hotel is only five minutes from M5 junction 9, on the doorstep of Tewkesbury and Cheltenham, and is ideal for regional and national events.

latest conference equipment. An Erco lighting and BOSE sound system with colour change mood lighting; multi-screen video wall, (4m width x 2.5 height); additional rolling 55inch TVs; electronic privacy blinds and hand-held and lapel microphones by Senheisser; three phase high powered connection for lighting and visual and all power connection for power

Tewkesbury Park now offers, newly built premium conference facility with stunning panoramic views, following £3m investment

Patrick Jones, General Manager, Tewkesbury Park

“ADEY has come a very long way since it was set up and its success is testament to a talented and highly-skilled team of people who have made the business what it is today.”

ADEY banks on national awards success

ADEY, a market-leading water treatment manufacturer, has been shortlisted in two categories of the 2017 Lloyds Bank National Business Awards. The Cheltenham business has been selected as a finalist for the Lloyds Bank Mid-Market Business of the Year Award and the Samsung Innovation Award.

John Vaughan, ADEY’s CEO, said: “ADEY has come a very long way since it

Insect idea bites student imagination

Forget the exclusivity of ‘I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here’, we could all be eating insects soon.

Two students from the Royal Agricultural University think eating crickets could be an answer to food security.

Luke Craven and Adam Gray are behind BiJimini, a premixed cricket flour which can be used in baking to add protein, and which they say is a cost and energy efficient alternative to traditional protein sources.

The enterprising duo have had their idea endorsed by winning the top £10,000 prize in this year’s Grand Idea competition, run by the Royal Agricultural University at Cirencester.

The cash prize has been supported by DCS Group, Christine Cross Ltd, Amersi Foundation, Inclusive Ventures and solicitors Harrison Clark Rickerbys.

was set up and its success is testament to a talented and highly-skilled team of people who have made the business what it is today. Since pioneering magnetic filtration technology more than a decade ago, ADEY has changed the way that household heating systems are looked after.”

The winners will be revealed on 14 November.

New PE investment for ProLabs

South Cerney-based mid-tier IT company, ProLabs, an independent supplier of optical transceivers, has received new funding from Inflexion Private Equity to allow it to go for global growth.

Principally serving blue-chip telecoms and financial services businesses in the US, Europe and Asia, Prolabs has grown profits at over 25% annually.

The global transceiver market (devices which can both transmit and receive communications), is expanding rapidly as accelerating demand for voice and data services drives the roll-out of faster and higher capacity networks.

Entomophagy is the human consumption of insects as food and BiJimini believes that it is the most sustainable future resource. The company produces and manufactures an organic cricket blended flour, higher in protein than other forms of protein such as beef, chicken and fish.

The judges for Grand Idea 2017 included Denys Shortt OBE (Chair), CEO and Founder of DCS Group; Professor Jo Price, RAU ViceChancellor and Ian Wilkinson, Managing Director of Cotswold Seeds; Luke and Adam received their award from Dragon’s Den winner, Levi Roots.

Finnick Solutions goes for gold

Cheltenham-based Finnick Solutions, part of the Finnick Group, a collective of four design and print companies, has been awarded Gold Plus business partner status with Epson. The Epson Partner Programme will help Finnick Solutions and Epson to grow their businesses.

Partnering with Epson, Finnick can supply products that can help customers reduce waste and contribute to a more sustainable society.

Regional Round Up

Regional Round Up

John Vaughan CEO, ADEY

Luke Craven and Adam Gray with Dragon’s Den star Levi Roots

Ambitious Growth Plans?

The Growth Hub Team

As we enter our next exciting phase of fully funded business support, we’re delighted to introduce our Business Guide team. Bringing together a range of skills and sector expertise, the Growth Hub Business Guides are on hand to guide you through every stage of your growth journey.

With deep roots in the local business community, Chris Gibbs is a born-and-bred Gloucestershire business consultant with experience that has taken him around the world. He has worked in California, Japan, Singapore, and Milan, advising businesses on sales, marketing, finance, strategy, and leadership for more than 30 years.

His specialist expertise and notable insights into funding opportunities have built him an enviable reputation amongst Gloucestershire’s business community and beyond.

As a business coach in Gloucestershire, and previously as a Growth Coach for Growth Accelerator, Angela has worked with many ambitious businesses over many industry sectors.

Focusing heavily on growth strategy, Angela specialises in helping businesses find effective ways to overcome barriers to growth and plan for scale up. With proven expertise across all strategic marketing channels, Angela retains a firm focus on an organisation’s bottom line and operational efficiency.

Andy joins The Growth Hub having spent 20 years in the B2B financial services arena, 11 of which have seen him focused solely on the Gloucestershire region. With many years’ experience of cash flow and term lending, Andy has played a pivotal role assisting Gloucestershire SMEs with their business growth.

Most recently, Andy has spent six years working at Santander, managing a portfolio of some 130 businesses and has applied experience across businesses of all sizes and from many sectors.

Peter’s specialist strengths are drawn from his 30-plus year career holding senior strategic roles across FMCG consumer and industrial brands, plus PL volume manufacturing.

As an SME board member, Peter has hands-on experience across finance, business turnaround, distributor acquisition, repositioning sales models, export distribution and e-commerce. Peter has a solid understanding of NPD, operations and production, and QC process.

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Downton rolls out on £15 million contract

A £15 million contract, won at the end of 2016, is now in full operation after a challenging and complicated transfer.

Insulation manufacturer Isover, part of the global Saint Gobain group, awarded the five-year transport contract to Gloucester-based CM Downton.

Isover manufactures mineral wool insulation products at Runcorn, Cheshire, just 400 metres from Downton’s own facility in the town.

Bamboo wins telephony contract with Tracscare

Tracscare, a specialist provider of support for people with mental health needs, learning disabilities, autism and acquired brain injuries, has consolidated its telecommunications services with Cheltenham-based Bamboo Technology Group.

Following an extensive tender process, Bamboo was selected to provide Tracscare with mobile and fixed line telephony, and data connectivity.

Tracscare offers support to vulnerable adults with challenging or complex needs who may have experienced difficulties in finding suitable services elsewhere.

Downton has taken on the management, transport and shunting teams from the previous transport provider and acquired a number of Isover-liveried trailers. The transport company took over full operations at the end of May 2017.

David Hutchings, Head of Business Development at CM Downton, said: “The length of contract is unusual but we were able to demonstrate innovation and value that will support Isover’s ongoing business growth with added stability.”

Target shortlisted for national awards

Cheltenham-based communications agency Target has been shortlisted for two industry awards.

The firm has been named as finalist for its work with leadership development and strategy specialists QuoLux in the ‘Business and Corporate Communications’ and ‘Best Publication’ categories in the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) PRide Awards for South of England and Channel Islands region.

“We’re over the moon to have been shortlisted,” said Target’s Chief Executive, Sarah Bryars. “We’ve supported QuoLux with PR since 2012, working closely with Managing Director,

The gulf in understanding between education and business isn’t narrowing, but a new partnership, borne out of Gloucestershire’s Growth Hub, could help change that.

The University of Gloucestershire and Nailsworth-based international consultancy Applied Change are improving collaboration between multi-national businesses and research establishments.

Applied Change consultant Mark Vincent is working with Senior Lecturer Josie Truscott and occupational psychology masters students at the university to provide a practical and business foundation to their studies.

Mark Vincent said: “We are hoping to lead the way and show the benefits of closer collaboration both in terms of the research itself and in the development of students into well-rounded future business leaders.”

Target will find out if they’ve won at an awards ceremony in November.

Partnership could have international business potential

Stewart Barnes and Director, Rachael Ramos to build the firm’s profile among SME business owners and directors.”

John Downton, Downton Group Operations Director, Simon Tait and John Pointon, Isover Operations and Jannette Wallace,Downton Runcorn Depot Manager

Rachael Ramos of QuoLux, Jamie Rudd of Design Sanctuary and Sarah Bryars, Target

Gloucestershire food and drink success at the Great Taste Awards

A slew of Gloucestershire food and drink producers have been recognised in the Great Taste Awards.

Organised by the Guild of Fine Food, the awards are an acknowledged benchmark for fine food and drink. They have been described as the ‘epicurean equivalent of the Booker prize’.

Tewkesbury-based Cotteswold Dairy achieved recognition for five of its products. Toddington-based Martin’s Meats achieved three stars each for its Longhorn 30 day dry aged Cote Du Boeuf and Gloucester Old Spot Drycure bacon.

Over 100 of the county’s food producers were recognised. For the full list visit www.greattasteawards.co.uk

La Hacienda ownership moves Stateside

UK outdoor living brand La Hacienda, based at Minchinhampton, has been acquired by The Ames Companies, for over £8 million.

Ames sells garden tools, (a quick google tells us that the company made America’s first shovels, back in 1774).

John and Simon Goodwin founded La Hacienda in 1998, after discovering wood-fired chimenea while travelling around the Southern Highlands of Mexico.

The Goodwins began importing chimineas to sell in the UK, and then extended their market across the world.

Dowty Propellers invests in new HQ

Aircraft propeller systems manufacturer Dowty Propellers has announced approval to create a new facility in the Gloucester area. This follows a fire in February 2015 that destroyed its Gloucester operating headquarters and blade manufacturing facility. It is expected that the new premises will be operational in 2019.

The exact location will be announced by the end of the year.

Dowty has also announced a £20 million technology development project to deliver capabilities for propeller systems and future propulsion systems. The project, Digital Propulsion, is

match funded by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial strategy through the Aerospace Technology Institute Programme, with a grant of £9.5 million, and overseen by Innovate UK. Partners include the National Composites Centre, the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre and the Manufacturing Technology Centre.

“We are delighted to be continuing our long history with the Gloucester area,” said Oliver Towers, president of Dowty Propellers. “The decision to stay in this area was driven by the capabilities and commitment of our workforce that stretches back over 80 years.”

Phone Co-op launches new Foundation for Co-operative Innovation

The only UK telecoms provider set up as a co-operative is launching a new initiative to help drive the development of the co-operative economy.

Vivian Woodell has stepped down as The Phone Co-op’s Chief Executive to lead the development of the new Foundation.

The Phone Co-op, a telecoms provider, offers broadband, phone and mobile services from its Chipping Norton headquarters.

The Foundation will become a focus for co-operative innovation and will support the UK National co-operative development strategy.

The company’s Board is committed to the new initiative and is delighted that it will be led by Vivian building on his excellent track record as a co-operative entrepreneur.

Peter Murley, who has wide-ranging experience in the telecoms sector, will act as interim Chief Executive at The Phone Co-op which has achieved 19 years of profitable growth.

Robert Denbeigh, Chair said: “No other consumer co-operative launched in the UK in the last 50 years has achieved this.

“The Phone Co-op is widely recognised as an example of a successful, innovative co-operative business.”

Regional Round Up

Vivian Woodell

MEET THE TEAM

FOLK2FOLK helps build and sustain financially and socially successful local communities. We empower local businesses which require access to flexible, affordable and responsible finance to develop and diversify by matching them directly with local investors through our award-winning Peer-2-Peer lending platform.

FOLK2FOLK enables local people requiring income and with money to invest, to become Local Lenders and to thereby play their part in supporting the growth and prosperity of local UK businesses; businesses such as bars, restaurants, hotels, manufacturers, farms and food and drink producers, businesses which knit the fabric of our society together, creating local job opportunities, driving positive social outcomes, easing deprivation and strengthening our national economy. And since 2013 we’ve helped arrange more than £170m in secured loans to UK businesses, creating a Local Lending Movement through our “Human to Human” approach. We think we’re building something to be proud of.

We work closely with local professional advisers - lawyers, accountants, financial advisers and bank managers and our Three Counties hub, based in Tewkesbury, is open to both local businesses looking for finance and to interested, locally minded investors looking for an “inflation busting” return who want to make a difference.

FOLK2FOLK is an award-winning Peer-2-Peer Lender, having been awarded “Altfi Best Lending Platform for Small Business 2015” and “Altfi Up and Coming Business Platform of the Year 2016”.

WHAT WE DO

We arrange secured business loans from local investors to local, small and entrepreneurial businesses secured on UK property and land to investors through our Peer-2-Peer lending platform.

Advantages for Investors as FOLK2FOLK Lenders:

• Interest of 5.5% p.a. or 6.5% p.a. paid monthly*

• A real opportunity for inflation beating retirement income

• Investing locally, tangibly and transparently, helping local businesses grow

• All loans secured against UK land or property reducing investment risk

• Zero fees for investors**

• Innovative Finance ISA availble for tax efficent investment

Benefits for Borrowers:

• Borrow £50,000 to £5m or more

• Loans considered from all business sectors

• Attractive Interest-only rates payable monthly

• Decisions made and communicated within 24-48 hours

• Funds available within 7 -10 days of approved application

• Fixed or flexible loans from 6 months - 5 years

Giles Cross CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER

John Cairns HEAD OF UK SALES

Penny Dean BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Barry Chapman BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Hayley McGuire

CLIENT RELATIONSHIP OFFICER

Kayley Hood

CLIENT RELATIONSHIP MANAGER

Three Counties

Big Breakfast

The Three Counties Big Breakfast hosted by Harrison Clark Rickerbys, Bruton Knowles and Three Counties Showground welcomed Chris Pockett, Head of Communications at Renishaw as guest speaker at the latest business breakfast. Chris shared what it’s like managing a global brand from corporate communications to brand management. www.threecountiesbigbreakfast.co.uk

PHOTOGRAPHY: Rob Lacey

Would you like to feature your business event, launch or party in our Business events section?

Please contact

kirsty.muir@nkmedia.co.uk or visit businessinnovationmag.co.uk

Linda Younger and Stewart Linnane of Clydesdale Bank with Emyr Saer from Santander

Peter Hadley and Ian Pitt from Bruton Knowles

Alison Holmes from RWB Global and Helen Farley-Figgs from Brewin Dolphin

Patrick Downs from Bruton Knowles with Malcolm Sutton and Nick Henderson of Integrated Architecture

Angus Taylor from Bruton Knowles with Chris Pockett of Renishaw, Suzy Hillier from Three Counties Showground and Mark Fabian from Harrison Clark Rickerbys

Jonathan Smith from Business Forums with David Cash from Barclays

Tim Rolph from NatWest with Robert Capper from Harrison Clark Rickerbys

Celia Adams of Celia Adams Association with Gary Woodman from Worcestershire LEP

Matthew Barnett from Target with Ian Woodley of Stilo Design & Branding and Chris Eldridge Bruton Knowles

North Worcestershire Engineering Centre of Excellence launches

The new North Worcestershire Engineering Centre of Excellence has opened its doors. Run by specialist training provider Midland Group Training Services (MGTS), the centre will provide a dedicated facility to train young people in engineering skills.

The new £1.5 million facility includes new CNC machinery and manufacturing equipment.

The centre will deliver advanced manufacturing education, training and assessment at Levels 3 and 4, with an emphasis on advanced CNC and automation.

MGTS, a registered educational charity, has invested £800,000 in the centre to deliver apprenticeships and engineer development programmes. It is set to train up to 200 young apprentices over the next four years.

40 years for Whitings Landscape

Landscape construction and maintenance company Whiting Landscape celebrated 40 years in business this summer. The Bromsgrovebased business held a family fun day to thank staff and families for their part in the business’s success.

Managing Director Maurice Murphy said: “I can’t believe we’ve been in business for four decades. It’s a real milestone and we wanted to mark it with a celebration that said a big ‘Thank You’ to all our employees who work so tirelessly year in, year out. A special mention must be made for all the teams out on our sites in all weathers, often in very challenging conditions.”

Victoria Carpets reports another record year

Following another record year of growth, which saw an operating profit of £33.9 million on revenues of £330 million, Victoria Carpets is targeting further growth.

Geoff Wilding, Executive Chairman of the Kidderminster-headquartered Victoria PLC said: “2017 was another good year for Victoria and we look to the future with confidence. There is a huge opportunity to expand within the UK and overseas, via acquisition and organic growth. However, we remain focussed on increasing earnings per

share and generating free cashflow, and will not pursue growth for growth’s sake alone.”

He predicted that 2018 will be another positive year for Victoria as it widens its market exposure, geographically and by product range.

Tasty FindItInWorcestershire event for food producers

Ninety of the best local food and drink producers attended a FinditinWorcestershire breakfast event at Sixways rugby stadium, Worcester, where they heard from leading suppliers and retailers in the region on how to become retail ready.

Speakers from A F Blakemore & Sons Ltd, a food, retail, wholesale and distribution company - and the largest SPAR distribution centre in the UK, discussed how to work with regional buyers as well as supermarkets, to maximise their business potential.

Other speakers included Emma Heathcote-James, founder of Little

Soap Company, who spoke about selling to Waitrose. Food Science Fusion Ltd discussed the science of managing food company growth and how consistency was key to making it in front of key retailers. The new business-led Worcestershire Food & Drink Association was also introduced.

Lorna Jeynes, Business Growth Manager at Worcestershire County Council, said: “Worcestershire has some of the best food and drink suppliers in the country. We really hope this event gave businesses in the region the opportunity to link with potential buyers.”

“2017 was another good year for Victoria and we look to the future with confidence.”

Geoff Wilding, Executive Chairman, Victoria PLC

Regional Round Up

New creative studio brings business growth to Bromsgrove

A full-service creative studio has launched in Bromsgrove dedicated to helping businesses grow, and providing opportunities for young people to break into the creative industries.

Studio B61 is run by graphic designer Hannah Dudley and marketing consultant Sian Conway, who between them have over 12 years’ experience and an impressive portfolio of high profile clients - including Harris Lamb Property Consultancy and Spire Healthcare.

Hannah and Sian met in 2011 as students at Coventry University during an entrepreneurial development programme. They’re now putting their joint enterprising skills to work.

Studio B61 will offer marketing, branding, design, printing services and a photography studio from their base at Sanders Road Industrial Estate.

“It’s not always easy for local businesses to find the right expertise to help them grow.” said Sian, Marketing Director. “We want

to help them find the right methods for their brand.”

Local photographers and creative students can also benefit from Studio B61, which has already offered an internship to a Coventry University graphic design student starting in September.

“It’s not an easy industry to break into” said Creative Director Hannah. “Employers and clients want to see an impressive portfolio as well as qualifications, and work experience isn’t always easy to find. We wouldn’t be here if we hadn’t had that opportunity, so it’s important to us to give back.”

Witley Jones Furniture secures £100,000 grant

Stourport-on-Severn based Witley Jones Furniture has secured a £100,000 grant package to expand its premises, boost production and create new jobs.

The company worked with the independent commercial finance services provider, Central Finance, which sourced the grant through The Worcestershire Growth Fund, administered by Worcestershire County Council and part funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

Witley Jones Furniture Ltd, based at Sandy Lane Industrial Estate, has been trading since 1996. It specialises in the design, manufacture and installation of high-quality education furniture for clients in the UK, Europe and across the world.

Bromsgrove company raises £19 million to fund growth

Rimilia, which designs and implements cash allocation software to streamline business systems, has raised £19.1 million in a fund-raising round led by investment advisors Kennet Partners and Eight Roads Ventures.

The firm, founded in 2008, intends to expand across Europe and the US, and double the size of its team.

Chris McGibbon, CEO, said: “We’ve built a unique product that takes the burden off over-stretched finance teams. This investment comes at a pivotal time for Rimilia and will allow us to capitalise on global opportunities. Both Eight Roads Ventures and Kennet Partners have terrific track-records investing in SaaS (software as a service) and financial technology companies.”

Chris Jones, Managing Director, said: “The variety of work we do requires significant experience, high-quality workmanship, the very best machinery and technology, and more importantly a significant space to house it all.

“To develop and diversify our products, ensure they are the highest quality on the market, and keep up with demand, we needed to invest in machinery and additional premises.

“Purchasing the property was going to be a huge financial commitment for the business, and I had heard of grant funding for manufacturing businesses was available in Worcestershire and called Central Finance due to their grant funding success.”

Alloc8 Cash, Rimilia’s flagship product, leverages machine learning for businesses, matching their invoices to payments received. Another product, Alloc8 Collect, allows users to collect outstanding payments by using predictive analytics to help firms prioritise which clients to chase.

Hillel Zidel, Managing Director of Kennet Partners, said: “Rimilia is a bootstrapped success story, having grown rapidly since it was founded, without raising any external capital. We believe that it has a great opportunity to become a global leader in the automation field.”

Davor Hebel, Head of Europe for Eight Road Ventures, added: “Rimilia is one of the UK tech scene’s hidden gems, built in the Midlands and solving a genuine problem.”

Regional Round Up

“Rimilia is one of the UK tech scene’s hidden gems, built in the Midlands and solving a genuine problem”

Hannah Dudley and Sian Conway graduate to a new business

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Delicious ideas Dawn from bakery student

A final year bakery and patisserie student at University College Birmingham has helped Eveshambased Dawn Foods create three new recipes.

As part of her year at the company, Laura Gibbons worked with Dawn’s Head Application Chef, Robin Loud, on recipe revivals of sweet products as part of Dawn’s ‘Creating New Traditions’ Campaign. This sees traditional bakery favourites given a new twist with different ingredients or new formats.

Laura and Robin created a crème brulée tart, flavoured with Earl Grey

tea and lavender.They also created a lemon drizzle cake with a difference. The loaf cake was produced using Dawn crème cake base mix and Dawn lemon fruit concentrate, adding a lavender syrup to the finished product along with a lavender glaze. The final product created by Laura and Robin was a pear and walnut dome-shaped tart.

Laura said: “I’ve had a fantastic year working alongside Dawn Foods and coming up with some new recipes that are a twist on a classic. My favourite recipe is the Earl Grey and lavender tart; the flavours work really well together.”

Driotwich-based AKW competes for national innovation award

AKW, the UK’s leading manufacturer of accessible bathroom, kitchen and mobility support solutions has been shortlisted as a finalist for the Samsung Innovation Award in The Lloyds Bank National Business Awards UK 2017. AKW entered its ground-breaking iCare shower.

The Droitwich-based business has designed the world’s first bluetooth electric shower, which can be controlled via remote or smartphone app. Paul Massey, Group CEO, said: “To

have been shortlisted in this flagship awards programme which recognises excellence across all sectors in the UK is testament to our high-quality people.

“I feel very proud that AKW has been seen as one of the best in British ambition and innovation.”

AKW now progresses onto the next round of the competition where the live presentations to the judging panel takes place. The Awards will be announced in November.

REGIONAL ROUND UP WORCESTERSHIRE

Chamber celebrates business success

570 business people from across Worcestershire and Herefordshire gathered at the Worcester Arena for the Chamber Business Awards, sponsored by wealth management company Sanlam.

12 Awards were presented on the night, with categories ranging from Most Promising New Business to High Growth Business of the Year.

Sharon Smith, Chief Executive of Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber, said: “Another spectacular event celebrating the amazing growth, expertise and innovation of businesses.”

Worcestershire award winners included Pershore High School, for the Education and Business Parternship, Titania Ltd won Small Business of the Year and Thursfields Legal Ltd won Excellence in Professional Services.

Excellence in Customer Service was won by medical device manufacturer Kimal, Bee Lighting of Redditch won High Growth Business of the Year and International Glazing Services of Kidderminster won Employer of the Year and also Winner of Winners. Judges said that the company excelled in all areas.

Speaking on behalf of Titania Ltd, Sian Conway said: “We’re lucky to have such an active Chamber of Commerce and thriving business community, which Titania is proud to be a part of.”

Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce has over 1400 members.

Regional Round Up

Regional Round Up

Regional Round Up

“We’re lucky to have such an active Chamber of Commerce and thriving business community.”

Chef Robin Loud and Laura Gibbons

New shop and gallery for the artful Em

A new shop and art gallery is helping drive retail in Atherstone. The official opening attracted guests including artists, MP Craig Tracey and representatives from the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce who supported the new venture.

The new shop will sell artwork created by owner Em Solway, who spent 12 years in the RAF before studying for a BTEC in art and design, and work by other artists from the area.

The new business has been supported by the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce.

Warwick-based Mplsystems acquired by IFS

Global industrial and financial systems company IFS AB has bought Warwick Science Park-based Mplsystems Limited. The company develops and implements contact centre and field service management solutions for brands including: Babcock International, HomeServe, Ecomaster and Iceland.

Paul White, CEO of Mplsystems said: “We have a great opportunity to take our award-winning omni-channel and customer engagement solutions onto the world stage”. The financial terms of the acquisitions were not disclosed.

Glued sticks up for new services

Regional Round Up

Stratford upon Avon brand consultancy Glued has diversified from its core design and marketing into training and development.

The company is offering taster session at the forthcoming Stratford Business Show, The ArtsHouse on 5 October.

Playground Games to double workforce

Playground Games, which develops the Forza Horizon driving games for technology giant Microsoft, is to grow its workforce to 300 from 150 after winning a new project.

It has taken on an extra 3,000 sq ft at Rossmore House, Leamington Spa and agreed a new 10-year lease on the building owned by developers AC Lloyd. Gavin Raeburn, Chief Executive Officer and founder of Playground Games, said the move would mean recruiting developers from across the world.

“The new project, which is secret at the moment, will see us having to cast the net widely to attract the best developers in the industry,” he said.

“Leamington is a hugely important area for the digital gaming industry and we are the largest developer in the town. It is important that we keep attracting as well as breeding the best new talent in the industry.”

Em Solway (seated) with, from left, Helena Bassett, MP Craig Tracey and local artist Katie Sara

“Leamington is a hugely important area for the digital gaming industry and we are the largest developer in the town. ”

Tony Hargreave and Des Wynne (AC Lloyd) with Trevor Williams and Gavin Raeburn (Playground Games).

Precision Medicine and Digital Health, Technology Showcase, Oxford

Held at Saïd Business School, Oxford the Technology Showcase was presented through a partnership of Oxford University Innovation, NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, the Oxford AHSC and Oxford AHSN. Attended by leading scientists, senior business and healthcare professionals in precision medicine and digital health, the agenda focused on new technologies and research initiatives from around Oxford and the region, and celebrated recent technology and research initiatives in precision medicine and digital technology. Keynote speakers included: Lord Drayson, Drayson Technologies, Lionel Tarassenko, University of Oxford, Ian Campbell, Innovate UK, Gordon Sanghera, Oxford Nanopore, Peter Knight, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Chris Chamberlain, UCB.

PHOTOGRAPHY: Rob Lacey

Maxine Allen from Oxford University, Medical Sciences Division with Prof Katharine Owen of OCDEM and Cecilia Lindgren of The Big Data Institute

Jonathan Gledhill of Cegedim Healthcare Services with Dr Matt Perkins of Oxford University Innovation Saïd Business School

Dr Richard Liwicki, of Oxford University Joint Research Office, Dr Rishi Patel, Oxford University and Dr Christopher Bray of Oxford University Joint Research Office

Professor Gary Ford and Martin Leaver of Oxford Academic Health Science Network

Ulara Toma from Saïd Business School with Aaron Bennet from Triteq and Jean-Matthieu Cottin of Oxford University

Dr Nick Scott-Ram of Oxford Academic Health Science Network with Dr Stefano Bonfa of Oxford Sustainable Development

Dr Adam Mahdi and Dr Dario Salvi, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Oxford7

‘Star Light, Star Bright’ wins first Smart Oxford award

Regional Round Up

The winner of the first Smart Oxford Playable City Commission has been announced as the Guerilla Dance Project, which specialises in augmented dance, fusion between movement and technology.

Entrants were asked to propose new and distinctive ideas that put people and play at the heart of the City of Oxford.

The Playable City project, driven by the Universities of Bristol and West of England, puts people and play at the heart of the future city, using infrastructure and smart technologies to create connections.

The winning project, Star Light, Star Bright, maps the night sky onto the streets of Oxford via pressure sensitive lights embedded in the ground. Placed

in clusters across the city, the lights encourage players to gather together to map constellations from the night sky.

Each ‘star’ will shine brighter as more are activated, until the final star cues super bright beams of light – bathing the people beneath in a constellation of stars.

This city-wide intervention brings life to dark, winter streets.

The judges were particularly excited by opportunities for connection between the diverse populations who live, visit and

Oxford Products and HJC celebrate 20 years in the UK

Regional Round Up

Oxford Products, one of the world’s leading suppliers of products to the two-wheeled industry, has celebrated 20 years as the exclusive

UK distributor of specialist motorcycle helmet manufacturers HJC helmets.

When Witney-based Oxford Products first started importing the unknown brand to the UK in 1998, the offering was simple: two helmet models, both under £100, but the products sold well from day one.

Nearly twenty years and huge investments later, HJC is not only the UK’s but also the world’s biggest selling helmet brand.

work within Oxford and the connection to the city’s history of space exploration from Radcliffe Observatory to the European Space Agency at Harwell.

Guerilla Dance Project will receive £30,000 and the winning idea will be unveiled in Oxford this winter.

Playable City is active across five continents in cities as diverse as Recife, Bristol, Oxford, Lagos and Tokyo. In each place, it has created a connected, innovative community of interest exploring their own city’s issues and opportunities.

OXIS Energy moves up a gear

Regional Round Up

OXIS Energy Ltd has established an International Lithium Sulfur (Li-S) battery system Test Centre at Abingdon. The first of its kind in Europe, it will enable OXIS to extend its development of Lithium sulfur chemistry and technology.

OXIS Energy is regarded as a world expert in the development of Li-S batteries.The test centre will enable OXIS to develop new processes for the use of rechargeable Lithium Sulfur battery systems for a range of applications and will be made available for use by OXIS’s international clientele.

The test centre will allow OXIS to further develop products towards commercialisation and deployment into applications such as aircraft and electric vehicles.

“This city-wide intervention brings life to dark, winter streets connecting strangers for a shared moment of discovery and wonder.”

Oxford Playable City

Oxford Products MD Andrew Hammond with WK Hong

Oxford Brookes helped construction consultants Virtus Consult to develop their portfolio, diversify their business, join frameworks and win major new clients.

So what can we do for you?

Aircharge

extends partnership with Eurostar

Regional Round Up

Wantage-based Aircharge has extended its partnership with Eurostar to provide wireless charging facilities at Paris Gare du Nord and London St. Pancras International.

As travellers become more reliant on mobile devices, including the use of mobile check-in and boarding applications, mobile payments and onboard wi-fi, access to free charging opportunities is vital. The new installation at Paris Gare du Nord

includes 34 wireless surface chargers positioned across long tables and coffee tables to enable customers to charge their devices whilst in the lounge.

Aircharge solutions are in cafés, restaurants and shops, at the airport, in hotels, gyms and even in cars. Venues with Aircharge deployed include McDonald’s, Virgin Lounges, Eurostar, Finnair, EE, Vodafone, Orange, O2, Premier Inn, IBIS and Novotel, and the list is growing every day.

Oxford University’s global consultancy arm reforms as Oxentia

Regional Round Up

Oxentia, the global innovation consultancy arm of Oxford University, has become the first Oxford University spin-out of the financial year, and the first spin-out company formed directly from the University’s research commercialisation office, Oxford University Innovation (OUI).

HR Wallingford, Oxfordshire has provided navigation simulation expertise to help experts prepare for towing Prelude, Shell’s new Floating Liquefied Natural Gas Facility from a South Korean shipyard to a remote gas field 475 kilometres off the Western Australian coast.

At 488 metres in length, longer than four football pitches, Prelude - a monster facility whose storage tanks can hold the equivalent of 175 Olympicsized swimming pools, represented a formidable challenge even for the skilled tug masters.

To practise vital manoeuvres, Howbery

Business Park-based HR Wallingford, has been using its Australia Ship Simulation Centre in Fremantle to create a navigation simulation of Prelude for Shell, which was used to familiarise the tow masters,

tug masters and pilots, with a realistic simulation of Prelude manoeuvres at sea.

Prelude arrived safely at its destination off the coast of Western Australia in July. HR Wallingford also created and provided Shell Australia with a bespoke, web-based decision support tool, to assist with the operations planning.

Captain Roy Lewisson, Master of the Deep Orient, the vessel that connected Prelude to its 16 mooring lines, and who took part in the simulator training said:

“Being able to accurately test the manoeuvring beforehand was a real advantage. Never before in oil and gas history have we had the chance to practice in the simulator before we get on the water.”

Formed in 2004 as Isis Enterprise, the global technology transfer and innovation management consultancy firm’s clients now include universities, governments, corporates and startups from across the world.

This increasing demand is driving Oxentia’s formation as an independent company, better positioning it to meet the needs of its ever-growing customer base.

OUI will be a shareholder in Oxentia over the next three years, and will remain reliant on Oxentia as its international consultancy partner of choice, with both companies sharing opportunities with each other.

Steve Cleverley, Chief Executive Officer at Oxentia, said: “With the backing of the University and OUI behind us, Oxentia is in a strong position to build our client base and diversify our service offering, while continuing to provide high-quality support for our existing clients.”

Matt Perkins, Chief Executive Officer at Oxford University Innovation, added:

“For all of us in OUI, Oxentia’s evolution is something to be proud of. Oxentia will have the opportunity to develop new offerings, deliver new consultancy services and access new markets around the world.”

HR Wallingford helps manoeuvre the largest floating structure ever built

“For all of us in OUI, Oxentia’s evolution is something to be proud of.”

We provide a Total Waste Management service for the reduction, reuse, recycling, recovery and disposal of waste

We ensure that you and your organisation are fully compliant with all relevant legislation

We deliver this via a combination of specialist services, innovative thinking and contract management

We operate our own state-of-the-art treatment facilities

We do the waste, leaving you free to manage your facilities

CubanEight Named Small Consultancy of the Year

Oxford-based CubanEight has been named Small Consultancy of the Year at the Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) Dare Awards Midlands ceremony in Birmingham.

The ‘Small Consultancy of the Year’ category is open to any company with up to ten staff, multi-discipline or niche.

The judges said: “CubanEight’s supportive and proactive approach won over the judges with energy and

enthusiasm. They are a small agency with big ideas and big heart.”

Sian Gaskell, Founder and Managing Director of CubanEight, said: “The PRCA Dare Awards are well known within the industry so it’s a real honour. I’m really proud of the team for their hard work – I know that this recognition will encourage them.”

CubanEight has also recently celebrated its eighth anniversary, and has been ranked within the top 20 UK B2B PR Agencies for 2017.

3D tech gives birds eye view of Oxford Science Park

The Oxford Science Park has become the first science, technology and business park to harness simulation technology used by Formula 1 teams and automotive equipment manufacturers, to visualise the park and its new Schrodinger Building, in 3D apps.

The park, home to more than 2,500 people across 70 companies, used the technology to create an interactive 3D park plan, with contextual information added to each building. Panoramic images of 360 degrees were also embedded into the visualisation app to

merge the virtual with the actual ‘street view’ type perspective of key locations.

Users are also able to ‘walk through’ The Schrödinger Building, experiencing the finished building before it is completed.

Piers Scrimshaw-Wright, Managing Director, The Oxford Science Park said: “We wanted to be able to showcase the park and The Schrödinger Building in our marketing suite and also when out of the office using a tablet. This flexibility has already proved invaluable.

“The combination of Cobalt’s patented technologies with Agilent’s product development expertise, manufacturing capabilities, channels and customer base will allow us to scale our operations to take advantage of this rapidly growing market.”

Cobalt Light Systems bought by Agilent Technologies

Oxford-based Cobalt Light Systems, which provides Raman spectroscopic instruments for the pharmaceutical industry, applied markets and public safety, has been snapped up by USA-based Agilent Technologies.

Cobalt’s customers include more than 20 of the largest global pharmaceutical companies, and more than 75 airports across Europe and Asia-Pacific, with over 500 devices deployed at airport checkouts.

Recently Cobalt entered the hazardous substances market with its handheld platform.

Agilent paid £40 million in cash for the Oxford University spinout.

Cobalt’s CEO Paul Loeffen, said: “The combination of Cobalt’s patented technologies with Agilent’s product-development expertise, manufacturing capabilities, channels and customer base will allow us to scale our operations to take advantage of this rapidly growing market.”

Regional Round Up

Regional Round Up

Regional Round Up

Left to right Jonathan Lenz, Sian Gaskell and Siobhan Eyres.

Oxfordshire

Business Awards 2017

Over 500 business leaders from across the county attended the Oxfordshire Business Awards which, for 23 years has been recognising, rewarding and promoting the excellence of Oxfordshire based companies. Hosted for the evening by TV broadcaster Gyles Brandreth, and supported by the county’s leading organisations, the Oxfordshire Business Awards serve as a benchmark for excellence in today’s competitive business environment. www.oxfordshirebusinessawards.co.uk

PHOTOGRAPHY: Rob Lacey

Kirsty Muir from Business & Innovation Magazine with Simon Newton of Darke & Taylor and Debbie Austin of Wellers

Adrian Lockwood of Integration Technology and Bob Wood from Handelsbanken Oxford Parkway

Paul Lowe, Chairman of Oxfordshire Business Awards with Nicky Godding of Business & Innovation Magazine

Jim Heppell of NatWest with James Woollard and Jacqui Thomas from Polythene UK

Steve Wilkinson and Jonathan Tibbitts from Tibbetts Group

Dan Rogers from Hays with Gary Souch of Gleeds, John Hoy of Bidwells and Nigel Tipple from Oxfordshire LEP

Nigel Brooks and Graham Reed from Lloyds

Mike Shearan, Jacqui Birks and Andy Cowie from James Cowper Kreston

The King’s Centre, Osney Mead

James Latham, Carter Jonas with Emma Brennan of Oxford Science Park, Scott Harkness, Carter Jonas, Amy Oakley of BSDR Solicitors, Bryn Byrne, Oxford Science Park, Rebecca Macfarlane of BSDR Solicitors and Tom Phillips, Knights

Dan Rogers from Hays with Kate and Rob Allen from Allen Associates Chris Morris from NGI Finance with George Wagerfield of Mathews Comfort, Maria Morris of NGI Finance and Peter O’Connell of Shaw Gibbs

Christina Nawrocki and Chris Thompson from Wellers

Laura Yuill and Robert Pinheiro from Royds Withy King with Kirsty Muir from Business & Innovation Magazine

Simon Bassett of Royds Withy King with Sue Staunton of James Cowper Kreston

Simon Smith from Wellers Accountants with Nick Rogers of James Cowper Kreston and Alan Bond from Reaction Engines

Team from Oxford Space Systems

At Move we understand what your property means to you.

We provide friendly and helpful lettings advice from the moment you contact us. We advise you on how to maximise your rent and how to find the best tenants. With years of experience in Cheltenham lettings, we guarantee to obtain the highest rent for you and to let your property as quickly as possible.

At Move we do things differently. Our customers stay with us because of the exceptional customer service they receive.

We need new stock, so we are offering you:

• £150 for every new Landlord referral*

• A complimentary 2 months new Landlord fees

If we don’t let your property in 14 days then we will not charge a tenancy set up fee!

*for successfully let properties

THE WORLD IS Sweetness & pea

The last thing most young mums might think of doing when they’re unexpectedly single with a tiny baby to look after is setting up their own business.

But that’s what Becky Ackary has done. Sweetness & Pea is an online natural parenting shop sourcing and selling ethically produced, natural products, from bamboo coffee cups and wooden toys to cloth nappies.

Last year Fairford-based Becky also bought a new company, Eco Mailing Bags, which specialists in sustainable packaging in bright colours, all manufactured in the UK.

Becky tells her story: “Not long after Leo was born (about 11 weeks actually),

I became a single mum and was faced with the dilemma of how I was going to support my family. Prior to maternity leave, I worked for a waste broker where my passion for recycling and preserving the environment began.

I used cloth nappies from birth with Leo, and launched Sweetness and Pea to introduce modern cloth nappies to a wider audience, and dispel myths surrounding reusable nappies.

Sweetness & Pea has now expanded into ethically produced products for the whole family.

“I wanted to break that ‘single mum’ stereotype and support my child while

having the flexibility to work around him,” says Becky. “However, the more I learn about sustainability and the wonderful eco alternatives out there, the more motivated I am to make ethical business practices more mainstream.”

Becky dreams about opening a physical shop where customers can shop, browse and socialise with friends.

“I’d love it to be a one-stop for all the needs of a family looking for a more natural and ethical lifestyle. I’d like the business to be able to give back to the community, employing local staff and using local suppliers.”

www.sweetnessandpea.co.uk

Meech teams up with OCF

Businesses in the community

Witney-based manufacturer Meech Static Eliminators has made its first grants to local organisations via the Meech Centenary Trust, a ring-fenced charitable fund held by Oxfordshire Community Foundation (OCF).

WORCESTER STANDS TALL 2018

Cirencester has its hares, and in 2018 Worcester will have over 25 giant giraffes thanks to a Wild in Art campaign being run by St Richard’s Hospice.

Worcester Stands Tall will see at least 25 individually designed, 2.5 metres tall giraffe sculptures appearing throughout the city’s streets, parks and open spaces.

Funded by companies and individuals across the county, the sculptures will be decorated by artists to create a trail of art. The sculptures will be auctioned to raise vital funds for St Richard’s Hospice. Worcester Bosch have announced sponsorship of two giraffes, the New Four Season restaurant and CrownGate Shopping Centre have also signed up.”

Total grants of £7,718 were distributed to Base 33 (a charity supporting vulnerable young adults) and OCVA (Oxfordshire Community and Voluntary Action) as part of Meech's commitment to supporting and investing in the local community.

The Meech Centenary Trust was established in 2013. Chris Francis, CEO of Meech Static Eliminators, said: “The company has grown into a successful multinational business, and we feel we have a responsibility to engage with our local community and give something back.”

‘Ivan Knezovich, West Midland Safari Park & Tricia Cavell, St Richard’s Hospice, with Gerald, the Worcester Stands Tall giraffe, and real ones from the safari park

Finnick Group proud to announce aquisition of Tigerfish.

In today’s digital marketplace, the development and maintenance of your brand’s online profile is crucial - with digital marketing and website optimisation being at the core of today’s corporate strategies.

Tigerfish are a team of digital marketing and web design specialists whose expertise lie in building responsive websites which work flawlessly across all platforms. The company works with clients to optimise their website and ensure their online presence is a principal factor in their business’ success.

Tigerfish now joins the group based at Finnick House, Longhill Cheltenham. Finnick Group combines high quality digital print, graphic design specialists, digital marketing expertise and money saving managed print solutions. Our team of dedicated professionals work in partnership to offer a first rate, in- house solution to all of your marketing and business needs. The four companies cover all areas necessary to develop a company’s brand and online presence.

For over 12 years Tigerfish have been developing brands’ online profiles and have established a fantastic reputation along the way. Tigerfish build outstanding, aesthetically pleasing websites which are specific to a client’s requirements - whether it’s e-commerce sites, brochure sites or campaign-focused micro sites.

Tigerfish begin by laying the foundations for your solid, responsive website. The friendly team will then work with you to make it impeccable across all operating systems. These platforms may include newsletter creation, copy, photography and videos.

Areas Tigerfish actively work with clients:

• Responsive and Platform focussed websites

• SEO: Search engine optimisation

• PPC marketing consultancy

• Email marketing

• E-commerce and payment systems

• Content creation and e-Newsletters

• Photography and image manipulation

• Video and video editing

• Fully Content Managed Solutions

• Fast and Secure website hosting

Tigerfish can help you harness as much traffic to your site as possible, enticing your audience to engage with a sign up, a landing page offer, product purchase, or any other call to action. All these activities contribute to improving your Search Engine Ranking as part of the SEO programme Tigerfish offer.

Other web professionals might consider their job complete after the site-building process, but Tigerfish continue to work with their clients on a long-term basis to ensure the website produces the desired results.

Support is sustained once the project is complete, guaranteeing safety in the increasingly complex digital marketplace. This involves promotion using search engine optimisation, social media, PPC, social promotions, advertising and email marketing. By developing your online identity Tigerfish will ensure your business reaches its full potential.

t: 01242 507550 | e: info@tiger-fish.com tiger-fish.com | finnick.co.uk

“Since the launch of the new website, we have never had so many enquiries.”

Darren Thompkins, Managing Director, Swindon Car and Van

Gloucestershire Business Community turnout to support Charlie Sharples Testimonial Year launch

Would you like to feature your business event, launch or party in our Business events section?

Charlie Sharples kicked off his Testimonial Year at The Clarence Social with a launch event organised by the CS Testimonial Committee. The launch evening, sponsored by Randall & Payne was an opportunity to share plans on the series of events for Charlies Testimonial Year

PHOTOGRAPHY: Rob Lacey

Miles Dunkley from SLG Beauty with Mark Powles from RRA Architects

Rob Freeman from Malvern Tyres with Shaun Dandy of Cellar Supplies and Nick Broady from The Pied Piper

Stella and Simon Piggott from Swan Financial

Sophia Maynall and Euan Forbes from Taybali Tomlin with Nick Howells of Nick Howells Wealth Management

Charlie Sharples with the CS Testimonial Chairman, David Thornhill of Simplicity in Business

David Burgess from Seer International with Darren Stevens from Prestbury Marketing

Neil Brimble from Abbey Business Group with Alex Brown from Gloucester Rugby Club and Emily Hunt of Emily Hunt Design

Julie Kent from The Pied Piper with Jason Smith of Marketing Gloucester and George Tatham-Losh of Move Sales & Lettings

Russel Byrd from Randall & Payne with Rose Sharples and John Search from JS Security

WORK LIVE TO

“The industry is growing at the same time as skills are dying out. The vast majority of practitioners are in low grade accommodation across the UK, yet customers expect a buying experience befitting the 21st Century.

“Few have the time to travel around the country to find what they’re seeking, and few garage mechanics have the knowledge to care properly for an historic car,” he added.

Bicester Heritage is the vision of Managing Director Dan Geoghegan, whose love of historic cars, and successful career in private investment and venture capital, has helped him turn a beautiful former RAF bomber station into the UK’s (maybe even the world’s) first centre of excellence for historic vehicles.

The site opened four years’ ago. Now it’s home to 30 businesses, from historic vehicle dealerships to car restorers and servicing, upholsterers and Historit, a company which currently stores around 300 historic cars on site. It exists in a ‘cluster’ just as life science companies, aerospace, cyber and automotive manufacturers do across the region.

But is there really a demand for old tech?

“The historic car industry is worth around £5.5 billion a year to the UK economy. It employs 35,000 people, but it didn’t have a centre,” says Dan.

RAF Bicester, built in 1926, is now home to around 50 restored buildings across 348 acres, including a runway. It feels like a country club when you drive in (by appointment only, except on open days) and is an authentic period setting for the historic vehicle specialists who have located their businesses here.

But Dan’s ambitions for Bicester Heritage go further.

“We want to grow the site for new car technology as well as being a centre of excellence for historic cars.”

Bicester Heritage’s aspirations include exhibitions halls, festivals and permanent exhibitions, a leisure facility and home to a major UK brand centre. Plans for a hotel and conference centre are also being submitted for planning.

Ideas for motor lodges are also ongoing. Imagine buying your own historic vehicle, storing it at Bicester Heritage, serviced and cared for by experts, who will deliver it to your motor lodge: a first-floor

apartment above a garage close to the site’s private, two-mile ‘exercise track’.

Bicester Heritage is also helping to revive old skills. “Many historic car experts are one man bands, and there was no infrastructure to pass their skills on.” explains Dan.

The answer was an apprenticeship scheme, in association with Banbury and Bicester College. “Three years’ ago, we had eight apprentices. Now we have 65 with another scheme launching,” says Dan. “Lots of the students work on site and we’re helping the industry think about the future.

“But really it’s all about the customer. If you can’t satisfy the customer – there will be no industry.”

Discover Bicester Heritage for yourself. The next open day is the Sunday Scramble on 1 October. Visit www.bicesterheritage.co.uk for more information and to book.

Bicester Heritage is the UK’s first dedicated park for the restoration, storage and enjoyment of vintage and classic cars, motorcycles and aeroplanes

Bicester Heritage: the past drives the future

“We want to grow the site for new car technology as well as being a centre of excellence for historic cars.”

In association with Steppes Travel

This month Justin Wateridge of Steppes Travel reports from his Indonesian diving adventure.

This was the part of the holiday that we, two families of four adults and six children ranging from eight to thirteen, were least looking forward to after seeing orangutans in Borneo and cycling through the Indonesian countryside of Ubud. Yet any doubts were dispelled within seconds of boarding Tiger Blue.

The children scampered around the boat, checking cabins, unearthing the ship’s nooks and crannies and testing the rigging, I have rarely seen my 11-year old daughter with such a huge smile on her face.

We had flown in from Bali, transfixed by the islands strung out beneath us and the impressive conical volcano of Mt Sangeang emerging from the clouds. We had landed at Labuan Bajo airport on the island of Flores and were whisked to Tiger Blue, a ten-metre wooden schooner and our home for five nights. A two-masted Indonesian phinisi with burgundy sails, Tiger Blue had a swashbuckling feel to it reinforced by the ten-man and one-woman crew.

The next morning, we are in the water early in search of manta rays. Sadly, to no

An Indonesian odyssey on Tiger Blue

avail. But that does not deter us, we move quickly onto the next activity, water-skiing.

The following day we head to Siaba Besar to dive. We submerge just below the water level, kneeling on the sand, where we rehearse a couple of drills and then head into deeper water, never more so than nine metres. We are only down for some twenty minutes but the experience is exhilarating.

Tiger Blue relocates to another dive site, Tatawa Besar. I float with huge pride seeing my girls diving alongside me.

We have pushed them to the limits of their comfort zone, yet they embrace the experience with enthusiasm. At dinner, the eight-year old boys fade. Unsurprisingly –it has been an action-packed day.

When sailing we play chess, teach the children backgammon, read books, fall

asleep in the sun and delight in dolphins riding the bow wave. We were treated to the hoisting of the sails: one of the crew scaled the rigging like an orangutan.

The next morning dolphins glide serenely past us as we head out to see dragons. The Komodo dragon legend, and its bacterial bite had long fascinated the boys, sadly we did not see the fully-grown beasts of documentary films.

The bar has been raised high for future holidays. Rarely have I heard my children so grateful and sincere. But are we spoiling them? For me, it’s important they see and understand the beauty of the seas - to dispel cinematic myths about sharks and I’m not sure how much longer such beauty will be around. I hope it will lead them to appreciate the magnificence of the oceans and become their ambassadors and guardians.

Elmore Court, the gorgeous, exclusive-use party and wedding venue close to the River Severn at Gloucester has completed its second phase of development. Accommodation capacity for overnight guests has doubled including an alternative master suite, and a ‘Bridal Prep Pad’ opening in the former Coach House.

Eight more rooms are now open in the main house, along with a spacious house kitchen for families to prepare kids meals, or as communal space for guests to chill out.

www.elmorecourt.com

De Vere Tortworth Court, close to Wotton-under-Edge, has revealed a £5 million refurbishment. One of Gloucestershire’s hidden countryside retreats, the Grade II listed Victorian mansion is part of the De Vere portfolio of country estate hotels. The spa and gym have been refreshed along with the hotel’s bars, restaurants and event rooms. The Orangery, a Victorian conservatory and the most impressive event space at the hotel, has also undergone extensive refurbishment.

www.phcompany.com/ de-vere/tortworth-court

Iconic British restaurant brand

The Ivy is set to open in the old Lloyds Bank Rotunda building at Montpellier, Cheltenham.

Originally built in the early 1800s, the Grade I listed Rotunda Building is one of the most recognisable buildings in Cheltenham with its dome inspired by The Pantheon in Rome (though without the hole in the roof we hope).

A new circular bar and servery will be located in the centre of the Rotunda, acting as the focal point of the new restaurant.

In association with Steppes Travel

Handelsbanken celebrates being open in Cirencester at Poulton Hill

Di Pitts and the team at Handelsbanken in Cirencester welcomed guests on a warm summer evening to the exclusive, luxury Poulton Hill Estate. On a warm summers evening guests were hosted by Poulton Hills owners and treated to a selection of unique, award-winning wines from Poulton Hill’s very own vineyard along with Canapés served and made by MINT catering.

PHOTOGRAPHY: Rob Lacey

kirsty.muir@nkmedia.co.uk

Caroline Flatley from Poulton Hill Estate with Di Pitts of Handelsbanken Cirencester and Max Thomas of Poulton Hill Estate

Daniel Hannam and Mary Cutts from Bower & Bailey

Robert Killen of Charlton Park Estate and George Adams of George Estates

Tina Rowley-Mussell and Camilla Williams from Parlour Farm Kitchens with Di Pitts of Handelsbanken

Canapés by MINT catering

Jan Woodland from Davey Law with Helen Beesley of Handelsbanken

Russ Bullock of Handelsbanken with Richard Clark from Alder King, James Lockhart of Whitmarsh Lockhart and David Bird from Sewell Mullings Logie

Howard Smith from The Number Cruncher) with Justin Wateridge from Steppes Travel

Chris McIntosh, Stewart and Linda McIntosh from Tewkesbury Park with Neville Glidden from Handelsbanken

Kristina Hall from Firmsight Ltd with Patrick Hall, Caroline Flatley of Poulton Hill Estate and Sam Butler from Butler Sherborn

Poulton Hill wine

Calcot Spa – the perfect relaxation for publishers

Calcot Spa, part of Calcot Manor Hotel, sits in one of the loveliest areas of Gloucestershire.

After a hard five months working around the clock launching this magazine, the founders were thrilled to be invited there to relax and unwind.

We’d told them ahead of time that we were attending the Oxfordshire Business Awards that evening, so they’d organised our day accordingly, giving us time to swim, sauna, steam and relax.

There were other guests, but such is the spa’s chill-out feel that we felt the spa belonged to us alone.

We did strike up a brief but meaningful conversation with a fascinating author, and regular guest, who writes on wellbeing. He

Stanbrook Abbey Hotel joins Hand Picked Hotels

visits the spa regularly. We can think of no better recommendation.

11.30am. We enjoy a glass of fizz and a dip in the hot tub before heading to the therapy rooms. We’d booked massages, facials and pedicures. The afternoon was spent in a haze of perfumed delight under expert hands of the Calcot Spa therapists.

We take a late lunch outside the hotel’s traditional English country pub, The Gumstool Inn. The sun shone prettily through our glasses of chilled wine as we tucked into the most delicious food.

Back in the Spa, replete and happy, we climbed into our glad rags ready for a trip to Oxford, sighing that we couldn’t abandon our publishing responsibilities for a little while longer. www.calcot.co

What’s on

Cheltenham Literary Festival

The Times and The Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival 6-15 October has unveiled headliners for 2017. From Salman Rushdie, Alan Hollinghurst, Miranda Hart and Matt Lucas, to Nadiya Hussain, Simon Schama, Nigella Lawson, Twiggy and more.

www.cheltenhamfestivals.com

Ghost Fest at Oxford Castle

Scare yourself silly at Oxford Castle during the whole of October. Brave the castle overnight to complete a ghost hunt. Big kids may prefer to try the truth or dare tours, or enjoy a midnight tour on Halloween night

www.oxfordcastleunlocked.co.uk

Seurat to Riley: The Art of Perception

Catch Compton Verney’s summer exhibition at Kinerton, Warwickshire before it ends on 8 October. Go on a fascinating journey looking at how visual perceptions have been explored by artists.

www.comptonverney.org.uk

The going’s good for Cheltenham Racing

Cheltenham’s 2017/18 season begins with a bang on Friday 27 October with The Showcase. Catch up and book tickets for this season’s racing fixtures. And don’t forget the McCoys South West Jump Awards at Cheltenham, 29 September.

www.cheltenham. thejockeyclub.co.uk

www.handpickedhotels.co.uk

The historic Stanbrook Abbey Hotel near Worcester has officially launched as part of the award-winning Hand Picked Hotels collection.

The Grade II listed former abbey, at the foot of the Malvern Hills in Worcestershire, has joined the group of 20 country house hotels and resorts across the UK and the Channel Islands as

part of a strategic expansion to boost the Hand Picked presence in the heart of England.

In association with Steppes Travel

BPE Solicitors, behind the scenes at TV’s the Fabulous Baker Brothers

Guests joined the team at BPE for the next in their series of ‘Art of Brilliance’ family business Hobbs House bakery, home of TV’s the Fabulous Baker Brothers!

Guests heard from Trevor Herbert, MD of Hobbs House, and Will Ugle, Hobbs House Brand Ambassador on the History of Hobbs House Bakery, their award-winning sourdough and plans for the future, whilst enjoying drinks and nibbles on the bakery’s sheltered terrace.

PHOTOGRAPHY: Rob Lacey

Would you like to feature your business event, launch or party in our Business events section?

Trevor Herbert, MD of Hobbs House

Annie Shapland and Jonathan Randall from Jonathan Randall Kitchens

Suzanne Flook from Investec Wealth & Investment with Kirsty Hall from Target PR

Anya Wood of Anya Wood PR with Clare Young from BPE

Ellen Roome from The Finance Roome with Helen Cankett of BPE

William Ugle Hobbs House Brand Ambassador and their award-winning sourdough with Anthony and Rachael Locke from Frocester Group

Simon Taylor from Woodchester Valley Vineyard with Helen Bradbury from The History Press

Janet Towers of Business Genie with Tammy Nicholls and Louise Oliver of Piercefield Oliver

Jemma Jones from BPE with Richard Neale of Lloyds Bank

FAMILY BUSINESSES: INCENTIVISING MANAGERS IN THE DIGITAL AGE

workspaces, birthday holidays and all-expenses-paid mini breaks.

The pace of change in the workplace has never been greater. Disruptive technologies and flexible working practices have made uncertainty the new norm and are driving family business owners to think of new ways to attract and retain talent.

Keeping non-family managers focused and incentivised is one of the biggest challenges faced by family business owners.

As small to medium sized companies (SMEs) expand, it can become harder to find the necessary skillsets available within existing staff structures to support growth, so companies have to look elsewhere.

Traditionally, the key element of attracting and retaining talent was in remuneration packages and how packages compared to those offered by others. Flexible benefits, such as enhanced pension provision or the buying and selling of holidays for example, can be a tax efficient extra to complement bonus or share reward arrangements, although recent changes in salary sacrifice rules has restricted some opportunities.

The offer of flexible working, making use of emerging technologies, an appealing office environment and genuine opportunities for training and career progression are now just as important. Some businesses are now offering fun

The tax system supports capital investment, through schemes such as the Annual Investment Allowance. This offers full tax relief on up to £200,000 of capital expenditure each year on certain assets, which can include laptops and mobile phones (usually exempt from benefit in kind charges). Additional relief and reduced taxes are available for low emitting company cars and workplace nurseries.

That’s not to say pay isn’t important, but cash can be provided in a way that incentivises ambitious members of staff. A carefully structured bonus system based on performance is a useful tool because it rewards success when the business is thriving but can be scaled back when the economy tightens and the ability to pay rewards is not immediately available.

While family companies can have concerns about awarding shares to employees, if structured carefully, the existing shareholders’ interests can be protected. Employee shares can be created which do not allow the employee to vote; do not disturb the company’s dividend policy and allow the employee to share only in the growth in value of the business, to which they contribute. If a business has assets of £30 million or less, it may be possible to offer share options known as Enterprise Management Incentives (EMIs). An employee can buy shares at a set point in time in the future, potentially subject to performance conditions, with a current value of up to £250,000. The gains the employee enjoys can be free of income tax and National Insurance Contributions

(NIC) and there is a special relief which can mean that the rate of tax on the proceeds from selling the shares is just 10%.

If the sale of the business is the ultimate goal, then share plans dependent upon the sale taking place are ideal for focusing the attention of key employees on achieving that goal.

If there is no natural family successor identified, then a trade sale or sale to the management team, could be considered. If a trade sale takes place, it is possible the acquiring company may not welcome family members staying on. It is possible the acquiring company will place the interests of the non-family management team first and foremost.

If a management buyout is a real option, then by building an involved and incentivised management team, the foundations for a successful exit and the continuation of the business have already been laid.

Whatever the ambition, obtaining specialist help from pro-active advisors who can help plan and make the most of reliefs that are available to the business will be crucial.

Nick Latimer, Tax Partner in the Cheltenham office of national audit, tax and advisory firm Crowe Clark Whitehill, advises business owners, entrepreneurs and families on incentivising growth.

“Keeping non-family managers focused and incentivised is one of the biggest challenges faced by family business owners.”

Nick Latimer, Tax Partner, Crowe Clark Whitehill

Everyone expects to face hurdles when starting a business, but being a woman shouldn’t be one of them. That’s why we have accredited Women in Business specialists who understand the unique challenges that women face, and can offer the tailored support needed to overcome them.

Search: NatWest Women in Business

Email: julie.1.powell@natwest.com

Because women are working hard to succeed, we are working hard to help them

Shaw Gibbs supports Xeretec Group with major acquisition

Oxford-based accountancy firm Shaw Gibbs has provided corporate financial support to Xeretec Group, the largest managed print service (MPS) reseller for Xerox, in its acquisition of Landscape Group, the UK’s most accredited HP MPS and solutions specialist.

Shaw Gibbs played a major role in financial due diligence reporting on the target business and provided advisory services throughout. It is the third major deal for Xeretec Group which Shaw Gibbs has supported.

In 2014 the firm advised Xeretec Group on its acquisition of Bytes Document Solutions Ltd to create the largest Xerox reseller in Western Europe, and in 2015 it provided advice on Xeretec Group’s acquisition of the managed print and printer supply parts business of First Choice Business Systems Limited.

Daniel Hayes, Corporate Finance Executive at Shaw Gibbs, said: “This deal with Landscape Group adds genuine value to the business.”

Wright Hassall named UK’s best regional law firm

Wright Hassall has been named as the UK’s leading regional law firm at a national legal awards ceremony.

The Lawyer Awards 2017 celebrate the excellence of the legal sector across private practice, commerce and industry.

The law firm has also announced a rise in revenue up by 11.5% to £19.6 million. Pre-tax profit at the Leamington-based firm rose to £3.9 million from £3.6 million in 2015.

BPE Solicitors advises Spectrum Medical on share acquisition of Qura SRL

Legal & Financial

The corporate team at Gloucestershire legal firm BPE Solicitors has advised Spectrum Medical, a Cheltenhambased provider of medical software and equipment, on the acquisition of 49% of Qura SRL, a technology company located in Mirandola, Italy.

With locations in the UK and USA, Spectrum Medical entered the global healthcare market in 2006. It provides specialist electronic equipment used in operating theatres and hospital wards across more than 50 countries.

Senior Partner, John Workman, said: “The acquisition signals a chapter

of growth and development for Spectrum Medical, one that we very much hope to be continually involved in.”

Steve Turner, Chief Executive at Spectrum Medical, added: “This investment represents a major commitment to the technologies and expertise within Qura.

“We’re grateful for the support and expertise of the team at BPE. I have worked with John for over 20 years in various ventures and we know each other pretty well by now.”

Sarah Perry, Managing Partner at Wright Hassall, said: “To be recognised as the UK’s best regional firm is testament to the hard work of all our employees and we are delighted to share this accolade with everyone associated with Wright Hassall.”

She added: “Wright Hassall has achieved year-on-year growth in each of the last seven years and we’re pleased the hard work of our team has led to revenue climbing to close to £20 million.”

AFH Financial Group on acquisition trail

Legal & Financial

Bromsgrove-based wealth management company AFH Financial Group has acquired Chipping Campden-based Granville Bates and Martin Cooper Wealth Management of Worcester. Following the acquisitions, both vendors will retire and their clients will be serviced by AFH advisors.

These are two in a total of 12 acquisitions the business has made so far this year. Alan Hudson, Chief Executive of AFH, said: “The latest acquisitions continue our strategy of providing a stable business within which successful IFAs can provide clients with professional advice and investment opportunities.”

Wright Hassall Chairman, Nick Abell, Managing Partner, Sarah Perry and Senior Partner, Richard Lane

WHAT IS YOUR NEXT MOVE?

Hazlewoods have a specialist corporate finance team who, in 2016, successfully completed 119 deals valued at £512 million. The team provides a range of services, including merger & acquisitions, due diligence and business valuations.

Oxford Metrics reports record first half year performance

Legal & Financial

Oxford Metrics, the international software company servicing government, life sciences, entertainment and engineering markets, has reported group revenue of £12.9 million, up 17%, a record first-half performance.

Yotta, its Leamington Spa-based infrastructure asset management software and services company, reported revenues up 20% year-on-year and Oxford-based Vicon, a global leader in motion capture cameras for the film, life sciences and engineering industries, reported revenues up 15% year-on-year following a strong Americas performance.

Nick Bolton, Chief Executive Officer said:

“When we announced our new five-year strategy last year we signalled a series of targeted investments to drive long term growth. Since then we have accelerated investment in our development teams and expanded our international sales

channels. Even at these early stages, it is encouraging to see the impact showing through as we launched Yotta’s new software platform, Alloy.”

Vicon recently collaborated with acclaimed conductor Sir Simon Rattle to deliver a new visual identity for the London Symphony Orchestra.

Employing ground-breaking tracking technology delivered by 12 Vicon Vantage cameras, the University of Portsmouth’s School of Creative Technologies captured Sir Simon’s conducting movements to excerpts of Elgar’s Variations on an Original Theme, ‘Enigma’ at the Barbican.

By covering a specially modified conductor’s baton with reflective markers and using a motion capture suit and gloves, the university tracked Sir Simon’s upper body, arm, hand and finger movements.

Profits rise at St James’s Place

Legal & Financial

Funds under management exceeded £83 billion at Cirencester-headquartered St James’s Place, the wealth management company’s half year results reveal.

On an IFRS basis, underlying profit before shareholder tax was £106.3 million, up from £73.8 million in 2016.

Chief Executive David Bellamy, said: “I am very pleased to report that the

momentum we experienced in the first quarter has continued, with new and existing clients entrusting St. James’s Place with some £6.9 billion of new investments in the first six months, around 30% higher than the same period last year.”

The company has boosted its number of advisers up to 3,540, an increase of nearly 4% since the start of 2017.

Health and social care team scoops global mid-market M&A prize

Legal & Financial

The health and social care team at Harrison Clark Rickerbys has been named the best Mid-Market Healthcare M&A Team by Acquisition International magazine.

Charlotte Thornton-Smith, who leads the team, said: “We are delighted to have won this award which rewards not just one amazing deal but a steady stream of excellent achievements over a prolonged period.”

Record revenues for Renishaw

Legal & Financial

South Gloucestershire manufacturer Renishaw has reported record revenues of £536.8 million, with underlying growth of 14%.

Headcount at the company increased by 244 to 4,530 including 91 graduates and apprentices.

Chairman Sir David McMurtry said: “Renishaw is a long term business and we remain committed to strategic investments and R&D. In spite of the potential headwinds brought about by the uncertainty of Brexit, we remain confident of future growth due to our innovative product base, extensive global sales and marketing presence, and relevance to high value manufacturing.”

Charlotte Thornton-Smith (holding Award) with the health and social care team

London Symphony Orchestra’s new identity

BRUTON KNOWLES MAKES KEY APPOINTMENT

Bruton Knowles continues to grow its commercial office with the appointment of Dorian Wragg as Partner in the Gloucester team. Dorian, a former director at Grice Collins Long, brings expertise across a range of business sectors and specialises in managing complex, multi sector property assets.

CHEMICAL ENGINEER TO LEAD NATIONAL CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE

Professor Andrew Livingston, from the Department of Chemical Engineering at Imperial College London, will be the Interim Academic Lead at The Rosalind Franklin Institute (RFI) Harwell, Oxford. The RFI will create a national centre of technology development and innovation.

DEVELOPMENT MANAGER TO BOOST LIFE SCIENCES

Deborah Spencer has joined the Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership to lead on Life Sciences, focussing on Harwell’s HealthTec Cluster. Deborah moved from Scotland, where she helped develop a biotech cluster in Dundee and a Genomics Hub at Edinburgh University.

LLOYDS BANK REGIONAL DIRECTOR APPOINTED

Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking has appointed a new regional director to support small-to-medium sized businesses working across Central England. Joanna Costin now heads up a team of around 100 relationship managers providing support to businesses across Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire and Swindon.

NEW BOSS KICKS OFF AT SIXWAYS

Gus Mackay has taken over as Managing Director of Worcester Warriers Rugby Club after roles with Sussex CCC, Surrey CCC and London Broncos. He has been tasked with using his 15 years of experience in sport to lead the commercial and operational side of the Club.

SPECIALIST JOINS COMMERCIAL TEAM

Adding City and international experience to the commercial team at Harrison Clark Rickerbys in Worcester, new arrival Georgina Eclair-Heath specialises in commercial and competition law. Georgina, a Senior Associate, joins the firm from the Brussels office of Bird & Bird LLP.

Experience Oxfordshire, the county’s destination management organisation, has appointed Joanna Simons CBE as Chair of the Board of Directors. She was previously a trustee and director in a number of public sector companies, and more recently Chief Executive of Oxfordshire County Council.

PROMOTIONS

Wealth management company Brewin Dolphin, has promoted Paul Nurden to the role of Head of Office, and Paul Whitehead to the position of Divisional Director at its Cheltenham office.

OUI NAMES LUDDEN AND ASHLEY HEADS OF TECH TRANSFER

Dr Paul Ashley and Dr Brendan Ludden have been named as the Heads of Technology Transfer at Oxford University Innovation (OUI), the research commercialisation office of Oxford University.

NEW CEO FOR FOREST GREEN ROVERS

Leading Midlands PR firm Advent Communications has appointed a new director to help drive growth.

Lee Corden joined the Coventry-based company in 2001, and has helped steer Advent’s recent growth while also working closely on a string of key clients.

STL COMMUNICATIONS PROMOTES HIGH ACHIEVER

Witney-based STL Communications has promoted Darryl Breach to Account Director in recognition of his continued high sales achievement and long service with STL. Darryl joined STL in 1999 as an Account Manager and has looked after key accounts and new business sales during his career with the company.

Forest Green Rovers has appointed Helen Taylor as Chief Executive, ahead of its historic first season in the English Football League. Helen becomes one of the first women CEOs in football, alongside leaders including Karren Brady at West Ham.

OUP ACADEMIC DIVISION WELCOMES CLARK

Oxford University Press has appointed David Clark, Senior Vice President for Health and Medical Sciences at Elsevier, as the new Managing Director of its Academic Division.

David joined Elsevier in 1996 as a Social and Behavioural Sciences publisher. He has also worked at HM Treasury and Edward Elgar Publishing.

One of the UK’s top independent boarding schools has appointed a new head. Mrs Nicola Huggett, who is currently Head of Blundell’s School, Devon, will take up post at Cheltenham College in September 2018. Educated at Marlborough College, Mrs Huggett read PPE at Oxford University. After completing a graduate management scheme in advertising with J Walter Thompson Ltd, she completed a PGCE in History and began teaching in 1994.

Royal recognition for Clarkson Evans & Oakman Inns

Electrical contractors Clarkson Evans and hotel operators Oakman Inns have been commended by HRH Princess Anne for commitment to training and skills development. They are among just 40 organisations across the UK to be awarded the Princess Royal Training Award.

The Awards were launched last year by the City & Guilds Group. Each application is assessed against three Hallmarks of Excellence by the Princess Royal Training Awards Commission.

Abingdon & Witney College’s higher education praised Kier Construction Director visits SGS Berkeley GREEN college campus

Abingdon & Witney College has received a Teaching Excellence Framework Silver award for its higher education programme.

As SGS College opens the doors at Berkeley GREEN Campus to learners this month, Managing Director of Kier Construction Central, Mark Pausey, visited the site to donate a defibrillator to the campus and tour the new facilities alongside SGS Group Chief Executive, Kevin Hamblin.

Kier, the main contractors on SGS Berkeley GREEN University Technical College, has refurbished the former Magnox engineering hall building at the former Berkeley Nuclear Laboratories. It now provides workshops, project spaces and offices for engineering learners.

In 2016, work commenced on the construction of a brand new £12 million, 19,500 sq ft University Technical College to provide specialist education to learners aged 14-18 in digital technology, cyber security and advanced engineering.

The redeveloped site will offer some of the best training facilities in the country for the built environment, including welding, engineering

and digital technologies, and will deliver full and part-time training to learners from 14 upwards including apprenticeships, adult re-training programmes and degree level learning.

The redevelopment also brings new business opportunities to the area, offering 300,000 sq ft of commercial floor space consisting of office premises, workshops, laboratories and conference rooms.

A £4million Advanced Skills Centre is scheduled to open in January in 2018 providing new resources in the STEM sector, a direct response to the lack of these crucial skills in the local community, increasing the College’s higher education offering even further. Lee-Ann Penaluna, Head of Higher Education at Abingdon & Witney College, said: “This is a clear indicator that our higher education offering is of an excellent standard.”

Heber joins ranks of Silver Level Industrial Cadets

Stroud-based Heber, which designs and manufactures electronic controls for the UK manufacturing industry, has been presented with the Industrial Cadets Silver Award. This is given to a company who takes on a student,

through the Industrial Cadets scheme, for hands-on industry experience.

As part of the award, Heber welcomed 15-year-old Tomas Keble School student Ben Latham at its Chalford offices.

Heber Product Manager, Richard Horne, sees the Industrial Cadets Silver Award as good news for the industry:

“It’s vital we keep new talent interested in engineering, so that we can keep innovating and developing new and exciting technologies.”

SGS Group Chief Executive, Kevin Hamblin with Managing Director at Kier Construction Central, Mark Pausey

Richard Horne with Ben Latham

CAN OXFORD MATCH THE ‘CAMBRIDGE PHENOMENON’?

Founders and CEOs from some of the UK’s most exciting startup tech and science businesses have launched an Oxford branch of the Bessemer Society.

Their mission is to better showcase and support innovation across the county, to match the ‘Cambridge phenomenon’.

That phrase, coined in the 1980s, described how the City had developed

spontaneously as a hot bed of globally significant companies and innovations across bioscience, medicine and technology.

The Bessemer Society, which has branches in Cambridge, Bristol and Manchester, consists of entrepreneurs committed to creating innovative new companies in science and technology. It is named after the 19th-century steel inventor, Sir Henry Bessemer.

The launch was supported by Oxford University Innovation, Oxford Sciences Innovation (OSI), Wellers, Royds Withy King, Grant Thornton and JA Kemp.

Speaking at the launch, Professor Peter Dobson, a key figure in Oxford’s spinout and commercialisation community. said: “Oxford doesn’t celebrate enough what it has. The community is poor at promoting itself, unlike Cambridge.”

The Government is making up to £2 million available to fund research into cutting edge technology and behavioural science projects designed to keep people safe in crowds.

The competition is being run in a partnership between the Home Office and Defence and Security Accelerator with support from the Royal Society.

The competition is seeking research proposals from the country’s brightest talents for innovative or novel ideas to reduce the threat from terrorist attacks using weapons or explosives.

A prime mover behind Oxford’s Begbroke Science Park and its director for many years, Peter is now Principal Fellow of Warwick Manufacturing Group.

Oxford’s science parks are scattered and self-contained, he added. “Oxford has location advantage: 40 minutes to the West Midlands and around an hour to London, Southampton and Bristol.”

But is the tide turning? In the last 18 months, Oxford Sciences Innovation has invested about £160 million of a war chest of £580 million in 36 Oxford companies. This is about three times the rate at which the University was spinning out companies prior to its agreement with OSI in 2015.

Dr Gordon Sanghera, CEO and coFounder of Oxford Nanopore spoke at the launch. Having raised £380 million, his company has developed the only portable, real time device for DNA and RNA sequencing. It has a valuation of over £1billion, currently making it Oxford’s most talked about spinout.

Alex Stewart, founder of The Bessemer Society, said: “With the right support, Oxford could be at the beginning of a ‘perfect storm’: R&D, finance and manufacturing, allowing Oxford to pull ahead of its old rival, Cambridge.”

Immunocore and MEPC announce lab expansion at Milton Park

Science & Tech

Immunocore Limited, a world leading T-cell receptor company developing biological drugs to treat cancer, infectious and autoimmune diseases is expanding its operations at Milton Park, Oxfordshire to create new purpose-built research laboratory facilities.

Immunocore, which currently occupies 135,000 sq ft of laboratory and office space, will lease a new 53,000 sq ft purpose-built premises in the Enterprise Zone at Park Drive and take further leases on a 48,000 sq ft on Jubilee Avenue and Park Drive on Milton Park.

£2 million fast tracks new technology to combat terrorism

UK’S LEADING REAL ESTATE ADVISOR TO SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY SECTORS

Simon Bassett, Royds Withy King, Alex Stewart, Bessemer Society and Dr Gordon Sanghera, CEO Oxford Nanopore at the launch of the Bessemer Society, Oxford

£3 million UK Cyber Security Centre opens in Gloucester

A new facility designed to help tackle cyber-crime in the UK has opened at Gloucester Business Park as part of a £3 million investment by Lockheed Martin.

The Cyber Works centre is dedicated to developing UK solutions to national security risks and will support the government’s National Cyber Security Strategy.

Lockheed Martin, the world’s largest aerospace and defence company, is a leader in the fields of cyber security and intelligence. The company provides capabilities to defence and intelligence communities around the world. The new facility at Gloucester, which employs 90 people, will enable Lockheed Martin to work more closely with its UK partners to share knowledge and best practice, undertake research and development and deliver cutting edge capabilities.

Advanced Battery Development Site for Mira Technology Park

Horiba Mira, a world-leader in advanced engineering, research and product testing, is enhancing its test and engineering capabilities with a dedicated Advanced Battery Development Suite at the Mira Technology Park, Nuneaton.

The 2000 sq ft development suite, which represents £2 million of investment by the Horiba Group, will provide test and development services for battery packs

Oxford University Innovation reports strong quarter

Oxford University Innovation (OUI) reported a strong quarter, not least being named the leading technology transfer office worldwide.

The report showed that the University contributes £7.1 billion to the global economy every year, with the University’s commercialisation activities responsible for £1.2 billion.

As of 2015, Oxford had generated 136 new spin-out companies, more than any other UK university, boasting a combined global turnover of £600 million. Oxfordshire is home to 80 of these

innovative companies, employing 1,886 people and contributing £132 million annually to the local economy, while 129 remain based in the UK.

Oxford University companies raised £93 million during Q2 of 2017, of which £3.9 million was at the seed stage. In addition, £268,037 in translational funding was awarded.

Green water solutions at Stoneleigh Park

Environmental water solutions company, Green World Innovations, which relocated to Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, has launched a new installation and maintenance service. This includes high quality filtration and water products, water softening, heating

During this period, OUI launched four spin-out companies, including Oxford Quantum Circuits, the first quantum computing spin-out to emerge from the University. and cooling, general plumbing and ozone cleaning solutions, an area where the firm has built its name.

Green World is known as the only UK and European distributor of 100% green commercial cleaning equipment.

and other components for hybrid and electric vehicles.

The development suite provides unique levels of testing capability for the UK, with the ability to test battery packs at up to 600kW, 1200A and 1000V.

The facility is set for completion by the end of 2017. This follows the opening, in July, of an £8 million 12,000 sq ft advanced emissions test centre for Horiba Mira at the company’s headquarters at Mira Technology Park.

UK’S LEADING REAL ESTATE ADVISOR TO SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY SECTORS

HORIBA MIRA advanced emissions test centre

Major role for D-RisQ in automotive software project

Science & Tech

A three-year research initiative led by global engineering and environmental consultancy Ricardo, called PICASSOS (Providing Integrity of Complex Automotive System of Systems), came to a conclusion earlier this year.

The project involved Jaguar Land Rover, Johnson Matthey Battery Systems, YorkMetrics and Malvern Science Park-based D-RisQ, along with the universities of Oxford, Coventry and Warwick.

The research concluded that the adoption of Formal Methods tools (mathematically based techniques for the development of electronic systems), such as Modelworks developed by D-RisQ, in automotive software would provide significant cost and time benefits, as well as complete coverage when compared with traditional test-based development methods.

Native Antigen company expands

Science

Cougar Automation expanding and recruiting in Coventry

NAC has doubled its turnover and increased the number of employees by 30% over the last year in addition to winning a government grant from Innovate UK to continue with the development of Zika diagnostic kits.

One of the largest independent control system integrators in the UK is expanding its Midlands office after consistent growth of new business.

Cougar Automation is growing its Coventry-based office by a third and is looking to recruit four new members of staff after taking on a number of new projects.

The firm, which has six regional offices across England including its Coventry site at the University of Warwick Science Park’s Business Innovation Centre in Binley, is the UK’s leading supplier of control system software and integration.

Government pledge to meet JET project funding at Culham

The government has signalled its willingness to maintain research collaboration with European partners after the UK leaves the EU, by committing to underwrite UK funding for the Joint European Torus (JET) project, the world’s largest operational magnetic confinement plasma plastics experience, based at the Culham Centre for Fusion Energy, Oxfordshire.

Subject to the EU extending the UK’s contract to host the world-class nuclear fusion facility beyond 2018, the UK has agreed to underwrite its fair share of JET’s running costs.

The move supports the UK’s ambition to secure the right outcome for the UK’s research base as we exit the EU.

Multibox Helps to Rethink Food Waste

& Tech Science

Science

A company aiming to help the UK reduce the amount of food we waste is seeking to produce insects on a commercial scale for the animal feed, fertiliser and medical industries. Multibox is developing a biotech solution from its base at Farm491, Cirencester, a new hub for agritech start-ups, individuals, farmers, scientists and innovators.

Once a license has been granted, insects can be used in pig and poultry feed, reducing imports of soya from America and the environmental problems associated with soya production.

UK’S LEADING REAL ESTATE ADVISOR TO SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY SECTORS

Proposed National Satellite Testing Facility

Great British Tech Take Off

Science

£99

million boost for Harwell Campus satellite test facility

Science & Tech

Universities and Science Minister Jo Johnson underlined the government’s commitment to the UK space sector when he visited the Science & Technology Facility Council’s Rutherford Appleton Laboratory Space Facility at Harwell Campus, the future site of a new £100 million state-of-the-art government-funded satellite facility.

The package includes £99 million of investment to create a National Satellite Test Facility (NSTF) at Harwell, Oxfordshire, alongside a £4 million investment for a new National Space Propulsion Facility to develop and test space engines at Wescott Venture Park in Buckinghamshire.

Jo Johnson said: “Located in a cluster known for research excellence, these new facilities will help UK companies be more competitive in the global market for space technology and support our ambition to capture 10% of the global space market by 2030.”

US experts back life-saving cancer treatment with ‘blockbuster’ potential

Leading gene and cell therapy group, Oxford BioMedica, which develops treatments for serious diseases, has received a unanimous vote of approval from the US Food and Drug Administration for Novartis investigational therapy CTL019. Oxford BioMedica is the sole manufacturer of the lentiviral vector that encodes CTL019.

CTL019 is a treatment for paediatric and young adult patients with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

John Dawson, Chief Executive Officer of Oxford BioMedica, which is based at Oxford Industrial Park at Yarnton, said: “The positive vote provides further support for this novel immunocellular therapy.” Novartis has described the project as having ‘blockbuster’ potential.

Theresa May has described the technology industry as ‘a great British success story’ after a report revealed that the UK has attracted £28 billion in technology investment since 2011, compared with £11 billion in France and £9.3 billion in Germany. Science and technology is central to our Government’s Industrial Strategy.

Science and technology clusters have traditionally developed around major universities. Oxford and the surrounding counties benefit from a push to co-locate industry, academia and public sector investment. These clusters drive economic growth and all parties work together, the real estate industry included. Creating the right physical environment for businesses to flourish is crucial, and Science Parks are ecosystems for innovation.

Our perspective, from involvement in the 14 science and technology parks spread across the Golden Triangle, is that investment and innovation is driving growth and therefore demand for buildings. In Oxfordshire, we have projects underway totaling more than 1.5m sq ft, mainly along the A34 corridor.

At Harwell Campus, we have concluded deals with Oxford Space Systems, the 2015 UK Technology Best Start Up; and Queen’s Awards for Enterprise winner, Cobalt Light Systems. Both wanted to work within a world leading environment geared to science and technology. Harwell Campus has the largest speculative commercial development in Oxfordshire’s history – 190,000 sq ft of which is in addiition to 90,000 sq ft being refurbished within the old runway buildings. This is valued at more than £80 million, and just a small part of the millions more square feet to come across the 710 acre campus.

Science and technology investment looks set to continue. In July, the House of Lords Science and Technology Committee launched an inquiry into Life Sciences and the Industrial Strategy, the Government’s Plan to make the UK the best place in the world to invest in life sciences. No wonder this is so high up the agenda – the UK life sciences sector contributed £30.7 billion to the economy in 2015 and supported 480,000 jobs.

The Government recently pledged £99 million to the Harwell Campus space cluster to develop new satellite test facilities. A further £246 million has also been set aside for developing battery technology in the UK, another future facing sector that will benefit the EnergyTec sector.

by David Williams, Partner, Bidwells

UK’S LEADING REAL ESTATE ADVISOR TO SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY SECTORS

Malvern Festival of Innovation is back

The Malvern Festival of Innovation returns for its sixth year. From Monday, 2 October to Saturday 7 October, this fantastic showcase for social, technical, business and enterprise innovation takes place in the heart of the UK’s cyber security industry.

Worcestershire is where Radar, LCD Displays and touch screens were invented, and is currently home to a slew of exciting and ambitious companies, from cyber and design to automotive.

Business & Innovation Magazine is proud to be media partner for this week-long festival of innovation and enterprise creativity which draws visitors and delegates from a much wider area.

Dr Adrian Burden, Festival founder and Managing Director of the social enterprise Innovate Malvern, said: “The week brings together a topical mix of themes with industry experts who wish to contribute to the growing national conversation on Britain’s contribution to the world’s scientific and business ambition. With Brexit looming we share inspiring ideas to remain competitive and globally relevant.

“We also have to inspire the next generation to follow careers in the STEM subjects of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.”

Last year around two thousand visitors, including professionals, entrepreneurs, students and the general public attended eight events.

Embarkation:

The free-to-attend launch evening in Great Malvern on Monday 2 October with inspiring keynote speaker.

Next Generation Innovators:

Tuesday 3 October offers a day of STEM, design and entrepreneurship talks and workshops for Years 7-9 pupils. Businesses can exhibit and engage. The event is free to attend, but teachers should register in advance. The day attracts about 800 students and teachers from around the region.

Automotive Advances:

A symposium on Wednesday 4 October looks at developments in the auto industry, particularly around alternatives to fossil fuels and the trend towards driverless cars. Hosted at the Morgan Motor Company at Malvern, join a free factory tour after the talks.

Startup Stories:

Successful entrepreneurs spend the evening sharing their stories at the Coach House Theatre, Wednesday 4 October. Refreshments from Malvern’s crowdfunded brewery the Friday Beer Company.

Cyber Security & AI: Thursday 5 October. Some of the UK’s most exciting cyber security

SMEs are showcased, with a slant towards artificial intelligence (AI). Free to attend at the Malvern Theatres.

Festival Dinner:

Thursday 5 October. A reception and formal dinner at Malvern College. Mix with colleagues and entertain business guests.

The Business of Innovating:

On Friday 6 October, hear keynotes from Emma Jones MBE and Rashik Parmar MBE about scaling-up innovative businesses in the digital age. The day will also elevator pitching sessions with entrepreneurs facing a panel of experts.

Creative Careers:

Friday 6 October, an afternoon event for students in Years 10-13 in which STEM Ambassador and Aston Martin engineer Dr Bal Choda will arrive in an Aston Martin and showcase how these iconic sports cars are designed, tested and manufactured.

The Family Day:

Saturday 7 October at the Malvern Theatres, a ticketed family show and a free exhibition of hands-on science and technology exhibits.

Check out all the events: www.festival-innovation.com

This year’s events include:

World first plastic invention could revolutionise treatment of limb injuries

Coventry company, torc2, has created a world-first form of plastic that could revolutionise the way limb conditions and injuries are treated.

The inspiration behind the business was the daughter of torc2’s Polymer Chemist, Ron Taylor, who suffered from Hip Dysplasia 26 years ago.

Along with co-director Gary Blundell, Ron started developing a replacement for plastic of paris plaster casts, which is still used today, though its use predates the industrial revolution.

But plaster of paris casts are bulky and soil quickly. Get them wet and they become weak.

As well as being more efficient and user-friendly, the new torc2 solution has another benefit for a financially

stretched NHS: greatly reduced costs per patient. The product is also to be used in other lower limb conditions, including Cerebral Palsy.

The company’s innovation has led to a grant from Coventry City Council under the Coventry & Warwickshire Innovation Programme, partfunded by the European Regional Development Fund. torc2 is the first SME to be awarded a grant through the programme.

Gary said: “Our torc material can be softened at low temperatures. It can be reshaped directly on the patient at around 55 degrees and can be altered to exactly fit the patient quickly, easily and without waste.

He added: “We are incredibly grateful

An unpleasant pong turns Stratford couple into inventors

Hugh and Michelle Mackinnon from Stratford-upon-Avon are the proud owners of four-legged muck magnet, Mocha – a chocolate Labrador who rolls in everything from puddles to fox poo (to humans, a disgusting smell – to most dogs, better than Chanel).

Few want to share a car with a smelly dog after a long walk, but after a fruitless trawl of the internet for a gadget to help, first-time inventor Hugh decided to come up with his own solution to wash away the grime and pong.

The Muddi 15, a nifty little portable rinse unit, was four years in the making and touched down in the UK in June this year.

The unit, which plugs into the AUX or cigarette lighter socket of the car, is compact and tough, with a kink-free coiled hose which retracts neatly back into

they are almost impossible to get out.”

the unit. The tank can hold up to 15 litres and pumps water up to 60 degrees centigrade.

Hugh, a mortgage consultant and unintentional inventor, said: “On long countryside walks Mocha’s main objective appeared to be finding something disgusting to roll in.

“The car journey home was always a pungent affair and once substances

for the support from the Growth Hub and from Coventry City Council – it’s great that such organisations want to get behind innovative, local companies.

“We’ve also been supported by Warwick Manufacturing Group with trial production and have had significant help from our friends at RDM Group.

“The next phase is to upscale the current lab micro 3D printing process to enable production of full size devices for clinical trials. We are currently seeking additional funding to help us to do that.”

dry into the coat, they are almost impossible to get out.”

But the Muddi 15 is not confined to the task of washing down the dog.

Children, covered in sand from the beach, muddy horses, surfers with salty boards and wetsuits, cyclists who’ve been tackling tough terrain, mud runners and campers on a site with no shower can all use the Muddi 15. www.white-mud.com

“On long countryside walks Mocha’s main objective appeared to be finding something disgusting to roll in. The car journey home was always a pungent affair and once substances dry into the coat,

Mocha being hosed down

SGS BERKELEY GREEN – OPEN FOR BUSINESS FROM SEPTEMBER 2017!

Set on the Gloucestershire Science & Technology Park, SGS Berkeley GREEN is open for business, offering some of the best training facilities in the country for the Built Environment, Welding, Engineering and Digital Technologies.

SGS College has invested in a new £5million Engineering Centre (known as GREEN) that will respond to the regional growth in engineering and nuclear and will deliver full and part- time training to learners from the age of 16 including apprenticeships, adult re-training programmes and degree level learning.

An exciting range of commercial training courses are available in the following subject areas:

• Construction

• Engineering

• Health & Safety

• Plumbing/Electrical

• Renewable Energies

• Security

• Welding

Please contact Jo Matthews on 01453 761131 to discuss your requirements and book a course or email sgsberkeleygreen@sgscol.ac.uk

www.sgscol.ac.uk/berkeleygreen |

Berkeley Green

Manufacturing and design sector sees the future in 3D

Manufacturing

JLR links with Gorillaz to find new engineering talent

Manufacturing

Jaguar Land Rover and the animated band Gorillaz (created in 1997 by rock band Blur frontman Damon Albarn and cartoonist Jamie Hewlett), have joined to find the next generation of world-class electronics and software engineering talent.

They have designed a code-breaking challenge found in the virtual band’s app. The best performers will be fasttracked through the recruitment process.

It’s a major change in the way the business looks for candidates, aiming to tackle the engineering skills gap and inspire and attract a diverse range of talent and new thinking.

of a 360-environment in the garage of the band’s home.

The two-part challenge is designed to educate users about the benefits of electric vehicles, involves assembling the Jaguar I-PACE Concept, Jaguar’s first all-electric five-seater sports car, and solving a series of code breaking puzzles.

Alex Heslop, Head of Electrical Engineering, at Gaydon-based Jaguar Land Rover, said: “As the automotive industry transforms over the next decade, fuelled by software innovation, we have to attract the best talent and that requires a radical rethink of how we recruit.”

Manufacturing production strengthens

Manufacturing

Production among UK manufacturers grew at the fastest pace since January 1995 in the three months to July, according to the latest quarterly CBI Industrial Trends Survey.

The survey of 397 manufacturers also found that employee headcount increased at the fastest rate for three years and that hiring intentions for the coming quarter also improved. Optimism rose marginally in the three months to July, while export optimism for the year ahead rose at a slower, but still healthy pace.

Growth in total orders moderated in line with expectations, but remained robust. Output growth is expected

to continue to grow strongly and manufacturers are upbeat about prospects for overall demand.

Domestic orders are also expected to continue growing strongly, while expectations for growth in export orders improved to a four-decade high.

Alongside robust expectations for demand, firms accumulated raw materials at the fastest pace since April 1977 and stocks of work-in-progress expanded at a record rate.

Against this backdrop, investment intentions improved across the board, particularly for training and retraining.

The Coventry-based Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) has become the first centre in the country to install the revolutionary new HP Jet Fusion 4200, but it’s not the only centre to be jumping into 3D printing technology, product development specialists

ARRK Europe at Gloucester have also invested in 3D.

The Coventry MTC printer will be housed at the National Centre for Additive Manufacturing, which recently agreed a partnership to be the benchmarking centre for the European Space Agency.

HP claims the new printer can deliver components up to 10 times faster than current processes, improve print quality and do so at half the cost.

The printer will be available to companies interested in testing the technology and the capabilities of 3D printing.

Chris Ryall, Operations Manager, at the MTC, said: “By housing the printer at the National Centre we can open the use of it to industry, allowing them to explore and test the latest technologies and see what benefits 3D printing may be able to offer their operations.”

Product development specialists

ARRK Europe has installed a new 3D stereolithography machine into its Gloucester facility.

ARRK’s head of Prototyping and 3D Printing Operations in Europe, Craig Vickers, said: “This new machine will allow us to build larger, more complex parts more accurately and in shorter timescales. In the last 12 months or so we have invested heavily in our prototyping operations in Gloucester, and in our facility in France, near Annecy, where we installed three ProX800 as well”.

The Gorillaz app launches a new Jaguar Land Rover recruitment area in the form

Brintons Carpets acquired by private equity group

Brintons Carpets, based at Kidderminster, has been acquired by US private equity house Argand Partners from global alternative asset manager The Carlyle Group.

The venerable brand, which has designed carpets for venues from Buckingham Palace to The Kremlin, is recognised for its manufacturing technology.

Record Summer sales for Precision Dippings

Staff at South Gloucestershire-based Precision Dippings celebrated a recordbreaking sales month in June, topped off with the signing of a supply contract with giant retail outlet Superdrug.

Precision Dippings specialises in dipped rubber products. The familyrun company also developed and manufactures Bloccs, a range of waterproof cast and wound dressing protectors that won a 2016 Queen’s Award for Enterprise and Innovation.

The company saw a 20% uplift in sales during this financial year and Bloccs, the

firm’s first ever consumer product, is recording a massive 40% rise. Exports account for just under half of the overall sales total, with the US proving a particularly buoyant market.

“We are absolutely delighted with our success to date and continue to invest heavily in our branding, marketing and distribution network,” said Director Kate Richards.

Superdrug is the second largest health and beauty retailer in the UK, joining Boots, Amazon and Lloyds Pharmacy as online distributors of Bloccs.

New premises for Gloucestershire engineering company

Stroud Metal Company has been awarded £3.5 million by the Gloucestershire Infrastructure and Investment Fund (GIIF) to enable relocation to Brunel Way, Stonehouse.

The business has been producing precision components for over 100 years and recently acquired Cotsworld Plastics Ltd.

The factory is due to open this December. Once fully operational, the company intends to offer three apprenticeships a year to further grow the local economy.

Matthew Large, Managing Director of Stroud Metal Company, said: “The

support of GFirst LEP, Gloucestershire County Council and Stroud District Council were key to this project. Stroud Metal Company is thrilled to confirm that the construction of the new premises at Brunel Way, Stonehouse, has commenced.”

David Owen, Chief Executive of GFirst LEP, added: “I’m pleased that a long-established county business has been able to secure this loan from the Gloucestershire Infrastructure and Investment Fund. It’s great to see that Stroud Metal Company will create over 100 new jobs and support apprenticeships within the county.”

Tariz Osman, Managing Director at Argand, added: “Brintons is uniquely capable of meeting demand for custom designed flooring at a competitive price within tight delivery timetables. Such qualities in an iconic brand like Brintons is rare.”

Duccio Baldi, Brintons’ CEO, said: “We look forward to working with Argand to build the brand further.”

Safran Landing Systems flies with new innovation

Safran Landing Systems, which employs around 1,000 people in Gloucester, has teamed up with Michelin to develop the world’s first connected tyres for the aeronautical industry.

The innovation, called ‘PresSense’ comprises an electronic pressure sensor installed within the tyre to improve and simplify ground maintenance operations.

Vincent Mascré, CEO of Safran Landing Systems, said: “We are pleased to partner with Michelin. Together we will be able to offer our customers a reliable, efficient and time-saving solution.”

Frank Moreau, President of Michelin Aircraft Tyre, added: “PresSense represents a real technological innovation, answering our clients’ needs.”

The deployment of the PresSense project is scheduled for 2019.

Manufacturing

“We are absolutely delighted with our success to date and continue to invest heavily in our branding, marketing and distribution network”

A Bloccs arm protector

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Mabey puts cutting-edge robotics to work

Manufacturing

Coventry company to revolutionise keyhole surgery

Manufacturing

A Coventry company, which has developed an innovative device to revolutionise keyhole surgery, is entering its third phase of development.

a clear lens as blood and particulate matter can all block vision, as can the humidity of the body cavity.

Leading bridge and engineering services specialist Mabey has put robots to work at its Mabey Bridge site in Lydney, Gloucestershire. Forming one complete cell, the new robots support the manufacture of the Mabey Compact 200 (C200), which the company says is the world’s most widely used modular steel bridge.

The £2.6 million robots will halve the manufacturing time for the C200’s panels and chords.

Employees load the raw materials, at which point the robots take over and manoeuvre the heavier components, weld all sections together and make it ready for drilling.

Michael Treacy, Chief Executive of Mabey Bridge, said: “Our investment in the next generation of industrial robotics demonstrates our commitment to accelerating our own manufacturing and construction processes.

“Significantly, the robots reduce manual lifting and handling while ensuring the quality, and consistency of our products.”

Now operational, the robots ensure Mabey’s Lydney factory has the capacity to manufacture up to 2km of steel bridging a month.

Cipher Surgical, based at the University of Warwick Science Park’s Venture Centre, is now evolving its OpClear technology to work with more telescopic lenses used by surgeons when performing keyhole surgery.

OpClear helps clinical staff maintain vision by preventing condensation from forming on a laparoscope that is inserted in the body.

A clean laparoscope is essential for a safe surgical procedure, but the internal conditions of the human body are rarely conducive to maintaining

OpClear helps stop the persistent need to remove the laparoscope from the body, which interrupts the surgical workflow and could endanger the patient.

Cipher Surgical has a long association with University of Warwick Science Park as it gained around £100,000 of investment from its Minerva Business Angel Network in 2011.

Over the years the firm has received more than £400,000 from Minerva investors and has also benefited from support and advice from the science park’s Ignite programme.

Consortium aims to create lighter, stronger carbon fibre

Manufacturing

Banbury-based Crompton Technology Group is to lead a Government initiative to encourage on-shoring of UK manufacturing.

The aerospace composite product manufacturer will lead a consortium including the National Composites Centre, the National Composites Certification and Evaluation Facility at the University of Manchester and Cheshire-based machine builder Cygnet Texkimp, which won a £200,000 grant to develop machinery to manufacture lighter, stronger materials and parts for the international aerospace market.

Stevens Francfort, Project Manager at CTG, said: “We are on course to open an incredible amount of possible new applications, which will support the development of a new generation of aircrafts that are more respectful to the environment and comply with stringent FAA regulations.”

The project designers intend to break new ground in their industry by creating carbon fibre composite material that is thinner, lighter and stronger than any other in the market, and aim to do so by minimising the amount of resin used to create it.

Karen Aston, Centre Manager of the University of Warwick Science Park’s Venture Centre with Justin Buch, Director of Cipher Surgical

“The robots reduce manual lifting and handling while ensuring the quality, and consistency of our products.”

Mabey Compact 200 bridge at Pembroke Refinery

INFRASTRUCTURE SPENDING SET TO GROW

UK infrastructure spending is forecast to grow strongly.

Ian Griffiths, Partner at BPE Solicitors, looks at some challenges facing such projects.

From local road schemes to plans for tidal lagoon power generation and high speed rail links or Crossrail 2; infrastructure projects range vastly in scale and scope.

The Infrastructure and Projects Authority (IPA) has just published its report for 2016-2017 listing the significant projects overseen or supported by government, known as the Government Major Projects Portfolio (GMPP). The plan is for the projects to be delivered through a mixture of public and private finance. The infrastructure and construction element at £222 billion accounts for half the GMPP.

At a local level the Gloucestershire Growth Deal projects summary from GFirst LEP shows some £25 million committed to ‘enabling infrastructure’ projects, and a further £32.8 million spread across a dozen transport developments.

Challenges

Whilst some of the IPA’s assumptions may be overblown this is understandable given that infrastructure projects are generally popular and, if done well, have an enabling and transformative, or renewing impact. Projects are also inherently risky. The four key elements and challenges of major projects are:

One of the criticisms of an otherwise generally well received National Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2016-2021 was the balance between private and public finance in certain sectors. Some commentators have queried why public funding is given to sectors such as highway development where the technology is well understood, but is a low proportion of the spending planned for the energy sector. As funding of technology not already proven at a commercial scale is perceived as riskier and therefore more expensive, the argument runs that it would make sense for public spending to be a higher proportion of the funds in this sector.

Specific Challenges

There is a need for sustainability to be intrinsic to new projects and for them to contribute to hitting the UK’s 2050 emissions targets. Traditional methods of completing projects need to adapt to being both environmentally sustainable, and sustainable in the context of local support and engagement. Recent work on sustainable drainage in Gloucestershire was relatively well received as local memory of the 2007 floods is still strong, and the perceived benefits are clear. Conversely, public consultation and education on renewable energy projects may need to be more involved.

Most major projects in this country have a strong international element whether in the technological input, supply chain

or finance. Global risks of a geo-political nature (currency fluctuations and supply chain security amongst others) all play a part.

The government’s National Infrastructure Delivery Plan was published before the EU Referendum. Times have changed somewhat and with most infrastructure projects taking place over prolonged timeframes, the impact of uncertainty can be heightened. The easy movement of goods and skilled labour are critical to major projects. It is estimated that EDF’s new nuclear plant at Hinkley C will require 7,000 construction workers during the peak construction period.

Gloucester-based Horizon Nuclear Power’s planned Wylfa Newydd plant in Anglesey will require a similar number. The surprising decision of the government to leave Euratom (a common nuclear market in Europe but distinct from the EU) is a further layer of complication to Britain’s planned nuclear renaissance.

Expert support

In this context, it’s important to have a legal team on hand who are experienced in the intricacies of procurement, contracts management and regulatory considerations. BPE Solicitors has worked with key players in the infrastructure, nuclear new build, renewables and engineering sectors and has a wealth of experience in reducing the risks inherent to such projects.

Ian Griffiths, Partner at BPE Solicitors

COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT

Few have a better outlook on the region’s property development and investment landscape than Simon Tothill, Property

IN PERSPECTIVE

&

Development Director at Robert Hitchins Ltd

By Nicky Godding

The company’s headquarters are at Boddington Manor, a 19th-century Grade II listed manor house built in the Arts & Crafts style, although the building’s history goes back beyond the English Civil War.

Robert Hitchins is a regional strategic landowner, promoter for the residential development market and a major commercial property and development company. The commercial arm has a portfolio of more than one million sq ft of income-producing properties, predominantly industrial and office space.

Simon Tothill has been the company’s Property & Development Director since 2014 and has strong views on the value of development.

“Change is a difficult concept for many people but we seek to develop for the better. Development has to be in the right location at the right time and of the right quality,” he says.

“All development is quite rightly challenged and tested through the planning process. We seek to extol its virtues and reassure that planned development will enhance and improve the status quo, and provide new and further employment opportunities.

Economic growth is needed to create and retain jobs, he says. “We are in a competitive environment from other towns and cities in the UK and also, given the increasing pace of globalisation, internationally.

“We recently lost one of our tenants to the USA. If we can’t attract new companies into the area while retaining and encouraging existing businesses to expand, as a region we will falter.”

Land for commercial development?

But there is insufficient development land. “As well as an ongoing housing shortage, there is also a lack of welllocated employment land close to existing centres of population, with suitable infrastructure,” says Simon.

“Quite rightly there is a focus on finding sites suitable for new housing, as the acute lack of supply is causing residential markets to become unaffordable to the local population. However, employment land is also needed for companies to invest and expand.”

QUICK FACTS

 Robert Hitchins Group was established more than 50 years ago.

 Still a family-owned business, it has developed more than 17,000 houses and more than three million square feet of commercial property.

 It has extensive land interests across Gloucestershire, to the edge of Birmingham, into Oxfordshire and down to Bristol and South Wales.

 Originally a highly successful housebuilder, Robert Hitchins Ltd no longer builds houses itself, but is one of the region’s dominant landowners and promoters for the residential development market. It is also a major commercial property and development company.

The problem is compounded by office buildings undergoing conversion to residential or student use.

“Gloucestershire and the surrounding area has a huge number of high-tech, innovative engineering companies, from aerospace to nuclear and cyber, wanting bespoke buildings to allow growth,” he added.

Simon develops commercial properties where they’re needed, delivers a return on current company investments and is broadening Robert Hitchins’ geographical reach across the South West, South Wales and The Midlands.

Commercial rents had, until the last couple of years, risen little since 2008, but with construction costs rising and with a greater level of occupier demand chasing dwindling supplies of industrial and office stock, the market is now experiencing significant pressure on rents, he says.

A significant proportion of the Robert Hitchins development portfolio is in the office and industrial sectors: the company owns properties from Tewkesbury to Bristol and across South Wales. A particularly interesting site owned jointly with Redrow Homes PLC is the 300-acre site known as Westgate, next to the M49 and opposite Severnside on the outskirts of Bristol.

If a good work environment improves the quality of the decisions you make, it’s no surprise that landowner and developer Robert Hitchins is so successful.

Robert Hitchins

The company has been working with Redrow and others to secure a decision by Highways England to locate a new M49 motorway junction adjacent to the site which will provide a much-needed connection into the Avonmouth and Severnside Enterprise area, and unlock a major employment site.

Elsewhere, other development opportunities are starting to crystallise for Robert Hitchins. In Oxfordshire, the company is building a 20,000 sq ft office building for Air Tanker, a major employer in Carterton which delivers aircraft, infrastructure, service, training and expertise in support of Voyager, the RAF’s new generation tanker transport aircraft.

A soft spot for retail

Simon has a soft spot for retail, having undertaken some big projects across the South West.

That expertise will come in handy as the company progresses a major retail development project, after Tewkesbury Borough Council backed a £60 million designer outlet centre at Junction 9 of the M5.

The proposed 180,000 sq ft outlet village should create around 1,000 jobs. The location is as good as it gets: in easy reach of Birmingham, Bristol and immediately accessible to Tewkesbury, Gloucester and Cheltenham.

“We are not trying to be a Bicester Village,” says Simon. (the epitome of luxury outlet shopping which attracts millions of overseas visitors).

“Tewkesbury will offer more accessible outlet shopping, and we have been delighted with the response from retailers interested in committing to the scheme.”

Designs are being worked up for consultation, which include plans to develop an 80,000 sq ft garden centre alongside.

With a career spanning 30 years, what project is Simon most proud of? The answer is unexpected: A B&Q in Torquay.

“This project had it all. We had to assemble five land interests including part of a private road and achieve planning for an out-of-centre retail development. Having pre-let the building to B&Q and started on site, we were hit by an 11th hour High Court legal challenge in respect of alleged access rights over the road. After many sleepless nights we won. It’s not necessarily the best architectural project that I’ve been involved in but it involved many facets of development.”

And the project with the most potential? “Junction 9 on the M5,” he says. Expect a little retail therapy from Robert Hitchins over the new few years.

Simon Tothill on town centre retail

“High street retail will never fail because people are inherently sociable. We like meeting and talking to each other. Online retailing makes life easier but you can’t stroll around a website and stop for a cup of coffee with friends. Retail is a fashion business and although the provision of space within the high street may reduce, there will always be a demand for it.”

Where does Gloucestershire do retail well?

“Cirencester is beautiful, with a wealthy catchment, attractive environment and plenty of independent shops.”

Also Cheltenham’s coup in securing a new John Lewis store shouldn’t be underestimated, he says. “Cheltenham had to provide John Lewis with enough certainty that it could deliver, before the retailer agreed to invest a huge sum in a new store. The council had to pull out all the stops and they did. With the work at The Brewery and on The Promenade, Cheltenham is on the up.”

“Gloucestershire and the surrounding area has a huge number of high-tech, innovative engineering companies, from aerospace to nuclear and cyber, wanting bespoke buildings to allow growth”

Robert Hitchins

Robert Hitchins

Bond’s Mill, a thriving business park close to Junction 13 of the M5, owed by Robert Hitchins. Home to 45 companies from start-ups to well-established names such as UK Power Solutions, Green Gourmet, Omega Resource. The Victorian mill buildings offer modern commercial premises, a café and car parking next to Stroudwater Canal.

GLOUCESTERSHIRE: FUTURE-PROOFED

We need to make sure that today’s businesses are ready for tomorrow.

That’s why we’ve partnered with the University of Gloucestershire to create The Growth Hub, a specialist centre that has already worked with thousands of local businesses to help them plan, learn, network and expand.

It’s an idea that we think is just the business. Find out more at gfirstlep.com/projects

Connecting London’s Largest Developments

UK Power Solutions’ aim is to be the UK’s leading independent utilities connections company. We have a wide breadth of experience of residential, industrial and commercial connections.

We operate nationwide in partnership with clients, providing support for every step of the process, with a dedicated team and clearly identified points of contact at each step. We provide guidance and a transparent and efficient connection solution for high and low voltage connections, substations and meters and gas connections.

In the residential market we connect new homes every year in private/social housing

schemes, high-rise apartments, flats and student accommodation and as part of mixed-use developments.

In the industrial & commercial market segment we have worked on a number of high profile projects including Cribbs Causeway in Bristol, The Mall at Kingsbury and the London Designer Outlet. We are currently working on a number of projects for Quintain, at their 85 acre mixed-use development of Wembley Park.

Many parties can be involved in a project and different contractors and subcontractors can have very different working methods. We create flexible

solutions that work around each project, complementing the design and build programme in a cost-effective, fixed price solution. We offer manageable payment plans and a fast, flexible service, delivering projects on budget and on time.

We consistently provide accredited, competitive and reliable services, helping to connect customer sites to the national distribution network and our dual-lay (gas and electricity) solutions give the advantage of one point of contact for the entire project, managed to our quality standards.

Ensure a smooth switch on for your next development project - call UKPS today.

CONSTRUCTING THE FUTURE

Innovation will drive our long term economic growth, but innovation needs infrastructure investment and support from business.

Where will that investment come from, and who is deciding regional infrastructure priorities?

Josh Hardie, Deputy Director-General of the CBI, says we have a truly golden opportunity to transform the UK’s infrastructure, making it the envy of the world. But this once-in-a-generation moment to fix a cornerstone of our economy can only be a success if words are turned into action.

“From Heathrow to HS2, we can build our way to a new era of shared prosperity, so it’s absolutely vital the Government doesn’t put the brakes on,” he said.

In 2011, the Government established Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) to lead regional economic growth.

Ask a Saturday high street shopper what an LEP is and few will know, because its work won’t directly impact on them for years.

However, most businesses are now aware of LEPs as partnerships in which any business can participate, and the more that do, the more they will be representative of the region.

Driving skills development

Construction membership organisations are working together to encourage new entrants into all areas of construction.

Skills shortages remain a worrying fact across the construction sector. To build the infrastructure Britain needs, 400,000 new workers will be required each year for the next few years, says infrastructure investment company Arcadis.

60% of construction SMEs are struggling to hire bricklayers; 57% need more carpenters and joiners; and 47% are trying to recruit plumbers, according to the Federation of Master Builders. However, more private companies and

The IET (Institute of Engineering and Technology) is working with companies such as UK Power Solutions. Nick Wright, Operations Director at UKPS, said: “We are keen to promote our employees’ career aspirations through their professional registration applications with IET and continuing professional development.”

For seven years, free from direct central Government control, LEPs have been shaping the future of our regions.

They aren’t working in isolation. Where there are shared problems across regions (because economies don’t stop at county boundaries), LEPs are working together.

Strategies are relatively easy to plan, difficult and expensive to bring to fruition. For them to be successful, public and private sectors must work together.

Brian Cooke is Sales Director at UK Power Solutions, a leading utilities connections provider. He said: “For a region to thrive, strong vision is needed, but the delivery of that vision is down to private sector companies applying their expertise to achieve the reality.”

Based at Stonehouse, UK Power Solutions provides utility connections, gas and electric. It works on industrial and commercial projects across the UK, large residential developments (with developers such as Willmott Dixon, Laing O’Rourke and Quintain), renewable energy and mixed use.

They’ve often been at loggerheads over infrastructure priorities, now local government and businesses are working more closely together

MOTORWAY NETWORK INVESTMENT KEY TO GLOUCESTERSHIRE GROWTH

The M5 motorway slices through Gloucestershire like wire through Double Gloucester cheese. From north to south, it is the county’s single most important vein of transport infrastructure.

But two key junctions are holding back economic development, according to Gloucestershire County Council and Gloucestershire LEP: Junction 9 (which meets the A46 at Tewkesbury) and Junction 10 at Cheltenham which needs a substantial upgrade it to an ‘all ways’ junction.

Investment in these two key areas would open up significant opportunities for new business park space, particularly for Cheltenham.

And of course, there’s the infamous A417 ‘missing link’ at Birdlip, the rush-hour favourite of radio traffic reporters countrywide.

At Birdlip, a two-and-a-half-mile ribbon of single track road separates a strategic 30-mile stretch of dual carriageway between the M4 and M5.

30 potential route options within five broad route corridors were identified. Each underwent a rigorous sifting

process and have now been narrowed down to six possible route options.

Mike Curran, Strategic Business Manager at GFirst LEP, said:

“We have been working closely with Highways England, the Highways Authority at Gloucestershire County Council and relevant Local Authorities on these issues, including the source of funds required, to overcome these barriers.

“Gloucestershire is home to world-class companies and a diverse economy. It’s also known for its culture, heritage and beautiful landscape.”

New University of Gloucestershire Business School and Growth Hub Expansion

A £20 million new building programme will bring the University’s business school to Gloucester from Cheltenham, to sit alongside an expanded Growth Hub, in which GFirst LEP is investing £10 million.

GFirst LEP is also rolling out a network of Growth Hub Centres across the county to support business start-ups, grow-ons and high growth businesses. The project is due for completion in September 2018.

GOVERNMENT GIVE GO AHEAD FOR

£135 MILLION GLOUCESTER PROJECT

A £135 million master plan for the regeneration of Blackfriars which received Government go-ahead earlier this year is moving forward. The project includes a £20 million project to build 295 student apartments for the university, and new homes and retail alongside Gloucester Docks.

Rokeby Developments has begun work at the 4.13-acre site at Bakers Quay,

next to Gloucester Docks, to implement a £55 million regeneration of the site.

GFirst LEP is investing £4 million in the regeneration of a central area of Gloucester that has been derelict for more than 25 years. It will kick start investment into the city and create a critical link between the city centre and the on-going development at Gloucester Quays.

Cheltenham Cyber Park New Gloucester Bus Station

Construction

A £22 million investment by GFirst LEP into new road infrastructure could unlock a 45 hectare site for a new UK cyber security centre. The park would support and benefit from the proximity of GCHQ and the Cyber Innovation Centre announced by the Government in 2015. Completion date to be confirmed, but likely to be 2021.

Construction

GFirst LEP is investing £6.4 million in a project to build a new bus station and city gateway for Gloucester. The LEP believes that the project will be transformational for Gloucester. dramatically changing the perception of the city for visitors arriving to the city. Due for completion August 2018.

Case study

Switching on Cheltenham Racecourse

Construction

When Cheltenham Racecourse underwent its recent £45 million redevelopment, including its new five-and-a-half storey grandstand, the building works themselves were only half the story.

Behind the fabulous façade lies a complex network of utilities delivering the modern infrastructure and basic utilities which every top class venue must provide.

UK Power Solutions, based at Stonehouse, were brought in to install a new privately-owned transformer for the racecourse.

The company was then commissioned to undertake the design and build of a brand new high voltage metered supply to cater for the increased load requirements of the expanded racecourse.

The company successfully designed, supplied and installed 3,500 metres of HV cable and 1,700 metres of offsite excavation.

UK Power Supplies has been involved with a number of other flagship developments across the UK, including the renovation of the Cutty Sark. More recent developments have included Ballymore’s Providence Tower and Embassy Gardens in London.

Blackfriars and Quayside Gloucester

EESI puts Forest Green in control to meet Football League requirements

stadium size or attendance, the grounds of League football clubs have to ensure crowd safety, accessibility and enjoyment.

tight deadlines. The three week build time was arranged around the growth of the organic pitch and ‘friendlies’.

When Nailsworth-based football team Forest Green Rovers was promoted to the English Football League at the end of the last season, the celebrations were, understandably, huge.

The club has spent the summer preparing for the 2017/2018 season and EESI has been helping them to meet some of the EFL’s stringent requirements for joining League 2 by building their new Control Room. The EFL strict regulations state that, irrespective of league position,

Group Services

Built to enable the club to manage crowd safety and control during matchdays, the control room is a closed environment where CCTV is monitored in order to keep all occupants of the stadium safe, in conjuction with the club’s security staff and the police. The effort and vigilance of the team off the pitch allows the game to be enjoyed in security and comfort.

EESI’s dedicated HSEQ Manager put together full construction phase plans which were implemented before works took place to ensure legal health and safety compliance. Qualified and experienced EESI engineers oversaw the project to ensure the efficient completion of works within the club’s

EESI’s Home-Grown Expertise

Based in Stonehouse, EESI is a leading provider of mechanical and electrical building services to the industrial and commercial markets.

The business was founded in 1994 delivering on time electrical solutions in line with client expectations. This ethos was quickly expanded into an apprentice programme which allowed EESI to train and retain qualified and experienced engineers, providing clients with the high quality of service EESI customers expect and deserve.

EESI has continually evolved through the 20 years the apprentice programme has been running, now offering a full suite of mechanical & electrical building services via a 70 strong workforce, with 10 apprentices being trained to provide the future workforce for the company.

Today many of those original apprentices have management roles at EESI, further evidence the programme has been successful.

Brett Durn, now Project Manager, completed his Electrical apprenticeship 16 years ago. He says: “I fully support the apprentice programme as it gave me the foundation to start a great career. I work closely with our apprentices to help provide them with the specialist training that they require. It’s a pleasure to see them succeed and move through the EESI ranks.”

Managing Director Derek Jarman would like to thank our valued customers and will continue to train local people through the apprentice programme for many years to come.

Kyle Evans started his apprenticeship with EESI in 2016 whilst working on a Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Maintenance Ops (construction) at SGS College and was a finalist for Apprentice of the Year in this year’s Stroud Life Awards.

The new glass Control Room and viewing area opens out the existing room to double its former size.

Constructed from an elevated opening in the East stands, it was adapted to join up to the metal clad building. EESI built the platform base out into the stand for a clear view across the pitch. This new security suite, which required new floor, ceiling, doors, upgraded fire ratings and a fire alarm repeater panel, also has an energy efficient heat pump air conditioning unit and energy saving LED lights, in line with the club’s ethos.

EESI also installed 30 IP cameras in and around the stadium, both static and PTZ (Pan, Tilt, Zoom), operated from the Control Room. Specialist lifting equipment, provided by our partners, GT Access, enabled EESI to install the CCTV cameras without damaging the pitch, which continued to grow in time for the new season.

New Gloucestershire Health UTC

Construction

The University of Gloucestershire has joined forced with the NHS Gloucestershire Hospitals Foundation Trust, and other NHS Trusts in Gloucestershire to work towards the development of a new Gloucestershire Health University Technical College, (UTC), ideally to be based close to Gloucester Royal Hospital.

Worcestershire prioritises access to UK and international markets

Worcestershire has a strong heritage of manufacturing, including in food production and new industries such as cyber security.

Now its Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) is investing in infrastructure to better connect to UK and world markets.

The county has also set its sights beyond the UK for business. It has been nominated by the Midlands Engine (a collaboration between Midlands LEPs and councils to drive economic prosperity), to strengthen relationships between the Midlands and Maryland, the centre of cybersecurity research and innovation in the U.S.

In June this year, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed to promote economic development.

As part of the agreement, an exchange programme has been developed for

Gloucestershire College, new Cinderford Campus

Construction

A new 64,500 sq ft campus for Gloucestershire College is being built at Cinderford in the Forest of Dean. It is expected to be completed in time to welcome students in September 2018. Roberts Limbrick Architects of Gloucester have designed the centre for post-16 education, with Barnwood Construction responsible for the build.

GFirst LEP is investing £2.6 million into this scheme, which will also kick start a £100 million mixed-use regeneration scheme on the former Northern United Mining site which has the potential to transform economic activity in an area of significant economic deprivation. Due for completion August 2018.

Gloucestershire Science and Technology Park at Berkeley Green

Construction

GFirst LEP is investing almost £20 million into the decommissioned Magnox nuclear site on the banks of the River Severn. It will create a science and technology campus focused on

Renewable Energy, Engineering, Nuclear and Digital technologies. This campus will be of regional and potentially national significance. Due for completion mid 2020.

And with 95% of Worcestershire covered by super-fast broadband the LEP is now working on 100% coverage.

Housing Targets

Worcestershire has a target of building around 21,500 houses between 2006-2025.

UK cyber companies to visit Maryland to establish or increase their presence in the US, and for Maryland cyber companies to visit the Midlands region for similar purposes.

Ian Edwards is deputy CEO at Worcestershire LEP. “Worcestershire is in a great location, with great connectivity in the centre of the country, which is good for business. We are not far from Birmingham International Airport and Bristol Airport.”

“We have the land allocated in our local plans, the bigger challenge is for the house building industry to be able to resource the skills to build them,” he said. The LEP is investing in essential infrastructure, including road improvements, to encourage house building to go ahead.

Two of Worcestershire’s biggest planned housing developments are the west and south extensions of Worcester, where 5,000 homes are allocated to be built.

Construction

From the ground up - a team to trust

Taking a real estate project from the ground up, and creating new homes, offices, shops or a school is a major undertaking, and it’s rare to find a team like the experts at Harrison Clark Rickerbys who can advise you on every aspect of the project.

Bringing together commercial property expertise with construction experience, planning, property finance, quantity surveying, property litigation and commercial law skills, the team offers a complete end-toend service for projects of all sizes, from a new higher education college to a lease renewal.

Andrew James, head of the firm’s construction team, who also leads the best practice group Herefordshire and Worcestershire Constructing Excellence (HAWCE), said: “We work together across the firm all the time, so that clients have the right combination of skills – it’s a real benefit to them to have a one-stop shop. Not only does it make their lives simpler, it also means delays in communicating are kept down and the process moves more smoothly.”

The team can support real estate projects across the region, and their

involvement in local bodies supports their knowledge of the local market –Mark Fabian, who is on Gloucester’s Regeneration Advisory Board, said: “We do keep our ears to the ground, so we know how the market is shifting and while we are lawyers first and foremost, our involvement in the area means that we hear about changes and opportunities.”

With property finance led by Mark Carter, Lucinda Baker’s experience in handling a wide range of construction issues, Keith Blizzard providing expert quantity surveying advice and litigation expertise given by Andrew Walker, as well as the planning skills provided by Rosalind Andrews, the team leaders can address issues which arise at all stages of development, from questions about leases or sales to disputes with contractors.

Mark Fabian said: “We are also very fortunate that we can call on the firm’s other sector specialists – for instance, we have an outstanding education team, so when we’re involved in a project such as the new Forest of Dean campus at Cinderford, we can call on their experience too.

We have international specialists as well, so our reach goes well beyond the region – we have national and international clients.”

The team share a common cause – to give clients practical and commercial advice which addresses their needs, and keeps pace with those needs as they change. Andrew said:

“Construction projects are complex and we are experienced in dealing with the detail. We have definitely seen a growth in the need for more planning and environmental advice and our team has grown to reflect that.”

For developers, builders, landlords and property buyers and sellers, the team can offer a complete service so that your focus can be on your property dream, while our team focuses on the legal details, smoothing your path to success.

Contact:

Mark Fabian, Partner

Call: 01242 246420

Email: mfabian@hcrlaw.com

Andrew James, Partner

Call: 07711 272782

Email: ajames@hcrlaw.com

Game changer employment sites

Construction

Four employment sites across Worcestershire have been dubbed ‘game changers’ by the LEP. Malvern Hills Science Park, Redditch Eastern Gateway, South Kidderminster Enterprise Park and Worcester Six, right next to Junction 6 of the M5.

Site clearance has started for Phase Five at Malvern Hills Science Park. The highly successful park is expanding with the potential for at least 172,000 sq ft of new development.

Kimal confirmed for Worcester Six

Construction

The first occupier at the £120 million Worcester Six business park has been secured by Stoford Developments.

A new 140,000 sq ft business unit is set to be built at one of the LEP’s ‘game changer’ sites after Kimal PLC agreed to locate its new headquarters there, at junction 6 of the M5 near Worcester.

The development will provide 1.5 million sq ft of accommodation and create up to 5,000 jobs.

Kimal, a market leader in developing and manufacturing products for the healthcare sector, has agreed a 15-year lease for the £13 million unit. The company plans to create up to an additional 100 jobs.

County gets rail link improvements

Worcestershire is to get a new £22 million parkway station, close to junction 7 on the M5. Scheduled to open at the end of next year, it will address the county’s current poor accessibility to and from London arising from the limited frequency and length of journey time of North Cotswold Line services.

The development will include a 500-space car park and modern station building.

Another rail challenge, not only for Worcestershire but also Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire, is the North Cotswold Line from Hereford to London Paddington, where the collective ambition is to dual the entire line, currently single only in places.

“We are working with Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire LEPs, Councils and Network Rail on investment plans to address the situation,” said Ian Edwards of Worcestershire LEP. “There’s a huge cost attached to the project but we’re not going to lose sight of our ambition.”

The LEP is also investing £2.5 million in Kidderminster railway station. The station, which has direct trains to the heart of London, Birmingham and Worcester, was used by 1.6 million people last year, with numbers predicted to rise 50% within five years.

The company has outgrown existing accommodation at Droitwich and Redditch. Employees at these two centres will be relocated to the new HQ. The company will continue to operate at sites in Bromsgrove and Uxbridge.

Kimal is investing £3 million in an initial fit out phase, with a further £3 million investment in facilities in the pipeline.

Pershore hosts agri-tech centre of excellence

Construction

Last year, Pershore College revealed its new £5.8 million Collections House, an environmentally controlled building for exotic plants. The building also hosts a STEM centre (science, technology, engineering and maths) and agritech lab where innovations such as sustainable horticulture, aquaponics, and the use of UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) will be developed.

A further £500,000 investment from Worcestershire LEP will address skills shortages in agriculture and horticulture that act as a barrier to innovation and growth. A new applications laboratory and live field-based experimentation and demonstration facility will enable the college, local horticultural businesses and students to work together on industry challenges.

Construction

“There’s a huge cost attached to the project but we’re not going to lose sight of our ambition.”

Kimal’s proposed new facility at Worcester Six

Herefordshire & Worcestershire Constructing Excellence meet for summer networking

HAWCE, one of several regional best practice clubs established by Constructing Excellence to drive exceptional practice in the construction industry, hosted an informal networking event at the beautiful riverside setting in the shadow of Worcester Cathedral, Diglis House Hotel. As well as enjoying evening supper, the group chatted about ways to support businesses, clients and the supply chain as well as sharing their construction knowledge. hawce.co.uk

PHOTOGRAPHY: Rob Lacey

Matthew Bailey and Sarah Leeson from Speller Metcalfe

Nicholas Jones and Peter Hazzard from both Cundall

Kirsty Muir from Business & Innovation Magazine with Harriett Lacey and Ricki Goode from BPS Parkwood

Craig Walding, Kevin Scott and Andy Baylis from ONE Creative Environments Ltd

Group committee members, Andrew James from Harrison Clark Rickerbys, Malcolm Knight of Greenwood Projects Ltd and Mike Webb from SLR Consulting

Vanessa Anderson from Herlig Marles with Karen Lewing from Jacobs

John Whiting from 3W Developments with Martyn Macefield from SLR Consulting

Karl Greenway and Nick Hatton from Lett & Sweetland

Warwickshire: Linking the manufacturing Midlands to the Southern economy

Ask David Ayton Hill, who heads up Economy and Skills at Warwickshire County Council where the challenges lie for his county and it’s largely a positive response. “We have strong growth in key areas of automotive manufacturing, research and development and in the digital and creative economy.”

Jaguar Land Rover is a massive employer, and around 130 of the UK’s best games businesses are based in the West Midlands, notably around Leamington Spa. At any one time, there are up to 2,500 employees in over 50 games companies in and around the town, out of a total of 3,000 to 3,500 games industry professionals across the West Midlands. These are highly skilled and productive jobs.

But there lies the problem. Strong growth puts pressure on infrastructure, so the county council, along with Warwickshire LEP, is planning to solve some of the issues through improved road and rail access, and a nifty idea to help road users avoid traffic jams: an investment of £2.5 million is being made in dynamic routing, the development of cloud-based technology to provide real time motorway and local journey road traffic data.

One of the county’s key strengths is its location, within the M40/M60/M1 ‘golden triangle’, a fact which hasn’t gone unnoticed by the UK’s big logistics companies. Where better to put a vast warehouse than bang in the middle of England. But that presents its own problems.

“Good sites get picked off quickly by developers for warehousing or large company headquarters, making it difficult for small companies seeking flexible office space,” says David Ayton Hill.

Prioritising infrastructure on the A46

The A46 corridor is being prioritised for infrastructure investment. Running through the county from Alcester, past Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwick, Kenilworth to Coventry, this will not only help access to key employment sites, such as Jaguar Land Rover at Fen End, but also support local housing development.

Warwickshire’s railway stations are also getting investment. Using the acronym NUCKLE, the county has dusted off plans to improve the route between Nuneaton, Coventry, Kenilworth and Leamington Spa. Currently this route offers around one train an hour. With the opening of new railway stations at Nuneaton (Bermuda station) and Coventry’s Ricoh Arena, and a further station planned at Kenilworth due to open in December this year, the number of trains through the region is set to increase. Kenilworth Station is being funded by the DfT, the Government’s Local Growth Fund through the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) and Warwickshire County Council. It is part of a major rail enhancement scheme designed to encourage economic regeneration between Nuneaton and Leamington Spa.

Housing boost for county

Coventry and Warwickshire needs to build at least 75,000 new homes and bring forward 714 hectares of employment land by 2030 to meet its growth aspirations. Key residential development includes: 2000 new homes at Gaydon and Lighthorne Heath, and 735 new homes at Europa Way, Warwick.

Davidsons Homes has been granted planning permission to build the first homes at Rugby, on the site of the former Rugby Radio Station.

The homes represent the first phase of RadioStation Rugby, a 1,200 acre urban extension which will eventually comprise 6,200 new homes, three primary schools, a secondary school, GP health centre, 31 hectares of employment space and 299 hectares of open space.

The scheme, a joint venture between property development company Urban&Civic and Aviva Investors, is set to be delivered over a 20-year period.

Known locally as the ‘mast site’, the land was once home to twelve 820ft masts which helped pioneer global communications in the 1920s.

“Good sites get picked off quickly by developers for warehousing or large company headquarters, making it difficult for small companies seeking flexible office space.”

Construction

Glevum Design & Build grows it’s work with national house builders…

Mention Glevum to somebody in the street and the chances are that unless they have a keen interest in roman history, they will think of double glazing, the catchy three pig radio adverts or the advertising campaign that launched Melinda Messenger’s career.

There is more to the firm though that has been improving people’s homes since 1984. As well as installing high quality UPVC windows, doors and conservatories for homeowners in Gloucestershire and the surrounding counties, a big part of Glevum’s business now is installing windows, doors and conservatories for major national house builders such as David Wilson, Taylor Wimpey, Charles Church and Croudace.

Gary Jones, Managing Director of Glevum explains.

“Through our Glevum Design and Build brand we now work on new build developments across Southern England and the Midlands.

We pride ourselves on our deep understanding of the specific requirements of housebuilders and have all the necessary safety and construction accreditations including Safe Contractor and CHAS. Glevum offer quality products, expertly installed at a competitive price. We have also developed an online portal specifically for new house builders that enables them to call off ordered products digitally as and when the development progresses”.

Glevum’s expertise in this area was reflected when they were the first UK installer to be New Build accredited in 2010 under a new industry standard for installers of new build UPVC windows and doors. Glevum Design and Build also carry out work for commercial organisations ranging from small local businesses to multi-national corporations. Projects have included office buildings, refurb and refit projects as well as the construction of entire car showrooms.

So whether you are a housebuilder, developer or a commercial organisation with a project that you might be looking for help with, take a look at www.glevum.co.uk and click on the Glevum New Build option or call 01452 760000.

THE UK’S “BEST LEGAL ADVISER” LEGAL WEEK 2017

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Friargate: a new business district for Coventry

An ambitious £100 million new business destination at Friargate, Coventry will bring new office space, hotels, homes, shops, restaurants and public space to the city, right next to Coventry railway station and a five-minute walk from the city centre. The completed development will span 3,200,000 sq ft, the largest regeneration project Coventry has seen in a generation.

OXFORDSHIRE SPREADS THE LOAD TO HELP SOLVE HOUSING CRISIS

While Oxfordshire LEP’s infrastructure strategy is just as robust and ambitious as the other regional LEPs in this feature, we’re focussing what many consider to be the county’s biggest issue, its chronic shortage of housing, affordable or otherwise. Oxford is Britain’s most unaffordable city, with rents and house prices relative to earnings higher than London.

This summer, Oxford City Council launched a public consultation on a new Local Plan that will shape development in Oxford over the next 20 years, with one possible solution to providing more homes and jobs being increasing densities and heights of buildings in the city: a policy sure to have its critics.

Oxford’s housing crisis is revealed in the city council’s consultation document. The document says: ‘The scale of housing need in Oxford is so large that even if every site came forward for housing, we would still not meet the target. A similar challenge exists for economic development.’

Part of the solution could be to farm out house building to the county’s district councils. Councillor Colin Clarke of Cherwell District Council says all of

Oxfordshire’s districts have a duty to work cooperatively with each other to accommodate the overall shortfall and meet the housing targets for the area.

Everything is up for consideration, including building on Oxfordshire’s green belt. New public transport infrastructure will also help. The city and county councils, Network Rail and the Department of Transport, are consulting on the redevelopment of Oxford’s railway station.

Cllr Jim O'Boyle, Member of Coventry City Council outside Friargate

Gloucester-based Barnwood Group, which includes Barnwood Construction, Barnwood Shopfitting and Barnwood General Works, is celebrating its 55th successful year of trading. Barnwood Group’s reputation continues to be built on reliability and quality.

Barnwood Group managing director

Simon Carey said: “The turnover increase was largely due to an influx of several high-value construction projects. These include St James’s Place 2 offices at Cirencester; two office buildings at Milton Park, Abingdon for MEPC and the Prospero building for McKay Securities

Turnover up by 4.5% as the Barnwood Group builds business success on firm foundations

in Redhill, Surrey. “In fact, it is quite exceptional to win four large contracts to construct new offices in a short period of time. We have been fortunate to start 2017 with some equally impressive contracts.”

These include Phase One of the £55 million regeneration of Bakers Quays next to Gloucester Quays; the new Gloucestershire College campus at Cinderford’s Northern Quarter and a new office building at Honeybourne Place, Cheltenham for Formal Investments. The company has also been awarded a contract from Robert Hitchins Ltd to provide a new purposebuilt office in Carterton, Oxfordshire for Air Tanker, a major employer delivering aircraft, infrastructure, service, training and expertise in support of Voyager, the RAF’s new generation multi-role tanker transport aircraft (MRTT), the UK Armed Forces and their global partners.

Barnwood is currently building a new factory at Waterwells, Quedgeley for Prima Dental, the world leaders in precision dental instruments, as part of its expansion worldwide.

Also in Waterwells, two 40,000 square foot units at Gateway 12 for regeneration specialists St Modwen are under construction.

Further afield, Barnwood Construction is undertaking a £13 million contract for a large office building at Oxford Science Park which is owned and managed by Magdalen College, University of Oxford. Simon Carey said: “Barnwood Shopfitting is benefiting from a new roll out of work for Nationwide Building Society as well as existing work for clients such as the Signet Group, Debenhams, WH Smith, H&M and Jigsaw, the fashion clothing stores.“Barnwood General Works has continued to secure many local contracts including works in Cheltenham for Formal Investments and also Safran at Staverton.”

With a national shortage of tradespeople in the building industry, Barnwood Group has an established apprenticeship programme to ensure it has the skilled staff it needs for the future.

For information call: 01452 614124

Email: enquiries@ barnwoodconstruction.com

Visit: www.barnwoodconstruction.com

The Barnwood Group, a major player in some of the most prestigious construction projects in the South West, increased turnover by 4.5% to £90 million in 2016.

“The Barnwood Group looks forward to continuing to trade with success and integrity as we have done over the past 55 years.”

Simon Carey, Managing Director, Barnwood Group

High-value construction project, St James Place 2, Cirencester

Barnwood is main contractor for Bakers Quay

Impression of the new college campus, Cinderford

Dalton Barracks delivers new development opportunities

Construction

The Vale of the White Horse Council is required to deliver a total of 2,200 homes by 2031 and the announcement by the Ministry of Defence last year to sell Dalton Barracks near Abingdon is seen as an unexpected but welcome opportunity to deliver a sustainable mixed-used development, including new services and facilities, schools, local employment and a substantial Country Park of at least 80 hectares.

Garden village for Eynsham

Construction

A key element of the emerging West Oxfordshire Local Plan is the establishment of a new stand alone Garden Village to the north of the A40 near Eynsham.

The new garden village will make a major contribution towards providing homes and jobs in the county. It will also unlock funds to improve infrastructure and boost the case for improvements to local transport links, including upgrades to the A40.

Major upgrade to A34

Construction

Major improvements to the A34 in Abingdon have received £9 million in Goverment funding.

Two new south-facing slip roads at Lodge Hill Interchange will help end congestion and pave the way for up to 1,700 new homes in Abingdon. The scheme will boost growth in the wider Science Vale area, where up to 20,000 new jobs and 20,000 new homes will be created by 2031.

UK’s first eco-town at Bicester raises the development bar

The first phase of the UK’s only eco-town currently under development, will deliver up to 6,000 new homes at North West Bicester.

Lead developers and affordable housing provider A2Dominion, in partnership with Cherwell District Council, has been planning this for a number of years.

Elmsbrook is the first phase which will create thousands of new homes in North West Bicester.

It provides 393 highly energy efficient homes and a local centre, creating the UK’s first zero carbon community.

Affordable housing makes up 30% of the project.

Housing plans given the go ahead in Didcot

Plans for 1,880 homes, including affordable housing, north of Didcot have been given the go-ahead.

The new development will be supported by a new secondary school and two new primary schools, along with parks, sports pitches, a

Construction

pavilion and a community centre. It also includes space for a new leisure centre.

The site is included in the Didcot Garden Town draft delivery plan, which sets out how the district council proposes how to manage the growth in Didcot effectively and efficiently.

Construction

Elmsbrook is the UK’s first eco-town

Making your building work for your business

You would think that in today’s high tech world where you can be virtually connected to virtually anyone at the touch of a button the workplace building would be less important to the success of your business. In fact, quite the opposite is true.

Retailers are very good at realising the importance of kerb appeal and the potential of their ‘shopfront’. They invest in their premises to

have a website and, often, clients want to be able to see your Head Office or view the standards of a manufacturing facility whether in person or remotely.

The presentation of a well-designed, up-to-date, appropriate image speaks volumes about the company and conveys confidence that you are not only good in your area of expertise, but, also, in all aspects of your business.

A professional reception area makes an immediate impression and this is a perfect opportunity to use the space to promote your business, or even to cross sell, particularly if clients or suppliers have to wait in the reception area for meetings.

As the idea of nurturing your employees has developed, with quite astounding results, companies are introducing more extreme measures with Google’s quirky new headquarters boasting a rooftop meadow growing strawberries, a three-lane Olympic-sized swimming pool and soundproofed ‘sleep pods’ amongst other delights.

promote their brands, their wares or their services.

Less so in the industrial and corporate business world, although that’s changing as they become more ‘switched on’ to the idea and as the internet has opened up trade to the world. Nowadays all businesses are ‘expected’ to

One of the huge benefits of investing in your premises is the effect on staff both in recruiting and retention. Thankfully, the days of a ‘put up or shut up’ attitude in the workplace are long gone and employers have to take the welfare of the workforce into consideration. Whilst it is clearly vital that your premises are fit for purpose and safe, most companies these days recognise that a happier workforce is a healthier, more efficient and more productive workforce. Ensuring staff comfort levels are optimised, whether that means the right lighting, a comfortable temperature, access to nice, clean toilet facilities, for example, all contribute to the happiness and motivation of the team.

Ok, not everyone can fit a swimming pool in the office, but as architects designing corporate facilities we are being instructed, more and more, to incorporate break out spaces such as gyms, meeting pods, social coffee stations and so on. With jobs being advertised on the internet the potential workforce catchment area has hugely increased; companies are having to compete for good staff. A company which demonstrates an ethos of looking after the interests of the work force is in a much stronger position to recruit high calibre employees.

Often companies approach us when the business has seemingly outgrown its current premises, looking for advice to how to extend. However, a simpler, and, usually, very cost effective solution may be to reconfigure the existing building to make better use of the space. With some architectural input, a new layout and the moving of some services or departments, it is amazing how a building can suddenly turn from being a tired old set of walls to a hub of energy and vibrant workplace. Of course, in the ideal situation you can build a bespoke facility to fit your business perfectly – although there are still challenges.

RRA Architects talks about the importance of maximising your biggest asset…

“with a bit of vision any building can be something special”

Mark Powles, MD

When RRA was appointed by Evesham Micros in the 90’s, it was one of the fastest growing dotcom businesses of the time. The brief was to create a purpose built, linear facility which would maximise efficiency and which could, literally, expand with the company. At the beginning of construction Evesham Micros employed about 150 staff, by the time this was completed (only 18 months later) they had over 300 staff who were all easily accommodated.

If you don’t have the luxury of being able to design and build your own bespoke building it is important to be open to looking at all sorts of properties and, maybe, applying for a change of use. A good architect would look at remodelling a building which does not appear, at first, to be suitable.

When RRA was looking for new premises, we found a listed, old warehouse on the banks of the River

Wye, no one was interested in buying it because it flooded every year. By employing a radical idea of designing it to flood, we converted it into an award winning, landmark building in Hereford. This is now our head office, The Watershed, and it has certainly helped us attract and demonstrate to clients that we practice what we preach - what better way to advertise your business?

Contact a member of the RRA team to find out more about commercial architecture:

rraarchitects.com

The old, ram-shackled, very damp listed riverside warehouse which became The Watershed has won RRA a Conservation award and been short-listed for an RIBA award.

A raked ground floor allows flood water to drain from the building easily. All electrics and power services are connected top-down so that cabling is not a hazard during a flood. The building remains operational in a flood situation, as the top floor is dry and serviced separately. The stone walls of the old warehouse have been expertly restored using lime. Steel and glass rise above the stone wall creating a new second storey. The steel structures are influenced by the surrounding trees in the adjacent park. To walk on the first floor of this building is to walk in a tree canopy. The arch of the steel, frames the gothic arch of Hereford Cathedral opposite, and when viewed in long section the steel arch creates a Tudor arch, to reflect the heritage of the original building.

The RRA team outside The Watershed

CASE STUDY

MEPC

signs first pre-let

on speculative development at Milton Park

MEPC has signed a deal with Oxford Immunotec Global PLC to expand its global headquarters at Milton Park in Oxfordshire. The pre-let will see Oxford Immunotec taking the whole of 143 Park Drive, one of three buildings on Milton Park’s latest £24 million speculative development, Park Drive East.

Oxford Immunotec is a global NASDAQ-listed, high-growth diagnostics company, focused on developing and commercialising proprietary tests for the management

of underserved immune-regulated conditions such as tuberculosis.

A spin-out from the University of Oxford, Oxford Immunotec has been a tenant at Milton Park for over a decade.

Dr Peter Wrighton-Smith, Founder & CEO of Oxford Immunotec said: “We are pleased that the MEPC team continue to support our growth. The company manufactures all its products at Milton Park, of which over 90% are exported.”

Science and technology sector drives Oxford office market success

Oxford and South Oxfordshire was the only office market within the Thames Valley to out-perform its long-term average in both 2016 and the first half of 2017, according to Lambert Smith Hampton’s 2017 Thames Valley Office Market Report.

Demand was driven by expansion in the region’s science and technology sector, particularly in out-of-town locations.

There is a particular shortage of town centre space, with no new supply expected here. 195,000 sq ft of construction is taking place out-of-town on dedicated science and technology parks.

Lambert Smith Hampton Director, Kevin Wood, said: “We’re seeing exceptional demand, led by the robust investment

in the region’s knowledge economy. 10 of 13 transactions comprised occupiers from the science and technology sectors. Of those 10, nine are expanding businesses and nine were science park deals.

“The majority of transactions have been completed by expanding homegrown occupiers, with few relocations from outside of Oxfordshire.”

75% of space currently under construction will be let by the time it is completed. 30% is already under offer at Harwell and 25% at Milton Park.

Rents are likely to increase significantly in 2017, with space at Harwell Campus already under offer at £32.00 per sq ft.

Development

site sold for key SME accommodation

A key site which is set to form part of Oxford’s first new freehold scheme in a decade has been sold.

The land, covering 0.77 acres at Langford Locks, Kidlington, was sold to Glenmore Holdings Ltd for £550,000 by commercial property agents VSL & Partners acting for building firm Kingerlee.

Planning permission has been submitted by Glenmore for a speculative 16,000 sq ft development of 14 units. These will range from 1,000 sq ft and are aimed at small businesses looking for high tech industrial space or office accommodation.

Richard Venables, Director at VSL & Partners, said: “There is significant demand for this type of accommodation in the Oxford area but there is a critical lack of supply.

“As a result, this new development will be very welcome as it is the first time for 10 years owner/occupiers have had such an opportunity.”

Beard Construction welcomed construction professionals from Ethiopia and Sudan at its Iffley Road Sports Centre site. The visit was organised in conjunction with Roger Flanagan, Professor at the University of Reading. Roger researches and lectures on construction in many countries and wanted visitors to discover health, safety and construction techniques on a UK site. Visitors included the President of the Sudan Contractors’ Association and President of the Ethiopian Construction Technology & Management Association.

Commercial Property

Commercial Property

Commercial Property

Commercial Property

Members of Oxford Immunotec’s management team

Cheltenham office plan to bring in global HQ

Work has begun on a £15 million office development set to bring up to 500 jobs to Cheltenham.

Property investor Formal Investments is creating more than 64,000 sq ft of prime offices as the new HQ for a major international business.

Honeybourne Place has been pre-let to the global company with the occupier expected to move into the building in 2019.

Nicholas King, Managing Director at Formal Investments, said: “This striking landmark building will help deliver economic growth and bring further major inward investment in a location that has cemented itself as a key business district for Cheltenham.”

Honeybourne Place will complete the redevelopment of the former St James railway station site which closed to passenger trains in 1966.

Subrooms up for sale

Stroud’s famous Subscription Rooms are on the market. The Grade II listed building, which has an imposing ballroom and 450-person capacity exhibition space, was built in 1833 by public subscription, and has played a hugely important part in the town’s artistic and civic life.

Stroud District Council has put the Sub Rooms up for sale at a guide price of £600,000.

Dairy Partners has completed the purchase of a 4.5 acre development site on the Stroudwater Business Park at Stonehouse, following a deal brokered by Bruton Knowles on behalf of Ashville Asset Management.

The site was originally purchased on behalf of clients by Ashville Asset Management. Consent was secured for a 90,000 sq ft commercial use on behalf of their clients before the land was marketed for sale.

Bruton Knowles acted jointly with Cushman Wakefield on behalf of

business park

Ashville in selling the land with the benefit of the planning consent.

Will Bennett from Dairy Partners said: “We wanted to stay within the business park as we have a well-established presence here. Location wise, it is perfect for us.”

Robert Smith from Bruton Knowles’ Gloucester office said: “Dairy Partners is one of the fastest-growing independent businesses in the country producing mozzarella cheese for the UK, Europe and overseas markets from their sites in Gloucestershire and Carmarthenshire.”

E G Carter & Co Ltd has begun construction of a new classroom teaching block at Beaufort Co-op Academy designed by Robotham Architects.

The project goes hand-in-hand with the construction of a new entrance building and internal remodelling of the science faculty.

To mark the new developments, E G Carter hosted a ground-breaking ceremony with children, teachers, members of Gloucestershire County Council, the site team and local councillor David Norman.

Beaufort Co-op Academy is now catering for over 1200 pupils.

E G Carter is extending the building to help facilitate the increase in pupil numbers.

The construction company has been working with Beaufort Co-op Academy for 14 years. Thomas Jones, Construction Manager, said: “We are a Gloucestershire based company with traditional roots. It’s always a pleasure to work locally. Beaufort Co-op Academy has been a friend for many years and we hope the relationship continues for years to come.”

The new works will transform the school, allowing more teaching space and giving the school a visual identity by creating a modern entrance at the front of the building.

The project is due to be completed by next summer.

Ashville site sold as Dairy Partners look to expand on popular

Commercial Property

Commercial Property

Commercial Property

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Honeybourne Place

E G Carter with pupils from Beaufort Co-op Academy

Considered approach to EPC deadline will help landlords comply

Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) for commercial property will come into effect from 1st April 2018 and means it will not be possible to grant a new lease to a new tenant or renew a lease with an existing tenant unless the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) has a minimum rating of E. This standard will apply for existing leases from 2023 and a significant proportion of the building stock will be affected by these regulations.

But rather than rushing off and spending thousands of pounds to upgrade the building’s energy performance, property experts at the Gloucester office of Bruton Knowles are advising landlords to take a more level-headed approach to ensure compliance.

Angus Taylor Partner at the firm says that landlords should not get caught up in the hype and get sensible and reliable advice before committing to any capital expenditure. Angus said: “Ever since the new EPC rating deadline was set, there has been a lot of commentary on how landlords will be stuck with void properties because they hadn’t undertaken any remedial works.

“Our view is that compliance could be quite simple and by making some subtle changes to a building will see the rating potentially rise. “We’ve provided advice

to landlords where minor upgrades to their property led to an improvement in the building’s EPC rating.”

According the Angus, landlords need to be reviewing their asset schedules to identify the properties with an EPC rating of F and G.

Once these properties have been identified, a re-run of the EPC should be undertaken as the existing EPC may not take into account any improvements made to the property or default values and inappropriate assumptions that were made in the original assessment and modelling process.

He added: “Potentially re-running the EPC process could bring the property up to an E rating, without having to invest significant capital expenditure. “Early identification of measures which will achieve the minimum E rating and the determination of the nature of works to be undertaken and a programme of works is vital, as this will allow capital expenditure to be managed accordingly.

“Appropriate periods for undertaking the works also need to be considered, such as during periods of planned refurbishment and maintenance, though lease clauses should be reviewed around landlord’s access for undertaking works if the tenant is still in situ.

“There is still time to make improvements to obtain the minimum rating but if landlords do not review the EPC ratings and start to make improvements, they will not be able to lease their propertyunless they have applied for an exemption - which will affect their rental income and value of their property.”

For help with all your property matters email Angus Taylor on angus.taylor@brutonknowles.co.uk or call 0845 200 6489.

www.brutonknowles.co.uk

Twitter @BrutonKnowles

Landlords of commercial properties across the South West are being advised to seek expert advice and not to panic as the new Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) deadline gets closer…

Harris Lamb secures permission for new Worcester HQ

Property consultancy Harris Lamb has been given the green light by councillors to build a new office for a Worcester housing association.

Having successfully won a tender to identify a site for a new office on behalf of Fortis Living, the business secured space next to the organisation’s existing premises, and put forward proposals to the city council.

Simon Hawley, of Harris Lamb’s planning consultancy, said: “We were able to secure a site off Midlands Road in Worcester, beside Progress House, Fortis’ existing base.

“The intention is that once the new building is complete, both offices will be used together as the organisation’s new headquarters.

“An application was approved for a 15,000 sq ft office, along with 15,000 sq ft of commercial floor space that will be put to the market to address the shortage of space across the region.”

Harris Lamb’s building team has been instructed to oversee the construction, expected to commence next year.

Fortis Living is a not-for-profit housing association based in Worcestershire, providing more than 15,000 homes across Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Gloucestershire. With a turnover of over £75 million a year, it is one of the largest housing providers in the West Midlands.

St Modwen

hands

over to KFC and Greene King at Nunnery Park

Regeneration specialist St. Modwen has sold development sites to fast-food giant Kentucky Fried Chicken and family pub operator Greene King at its 155,000 sq ft Nunnery Park scheme, Worcester.

Both companies will develop their own outlets, with KFC providing a new drivethrough restaurant and Greene King planning a family pub and restaurant.

St. Modwen is now progressing with the next phase of development work at Nunnery Park which will see new trade units completed by the end of October. Jonathan Green, Director of Asset Management at St. Modwen, said:

Speller Metcalfe shortlisted for building contractor of the year

Malvern-headquartered building firm Speller Metcalfe has been nominated for ‘Contractor of the Year’ (up to £300 million) at the 2017 Building Awards.

With offices in Malvern, Gloucester and Wolverhampton, Speller Metcalfe has an annual turnover of £130 million and works nationally on projects from £250,000 up to £40 million.

The company has recently secured placements on high-value construction frameworks. These include the £6 billion LHC Schools and Community Buildings Framework and the £8 billion Homes & Communities Agency’s Delivery Partner Panel, opening up significant business opportunities.

“The additional 55,000 sq ft we are currently marketing is in response to the ongoing demand for trade counter, business and industrial space in the Worcester area.”

Creating 400 effective full-time jobs in Worcester city, Nunnery Park lies between Junctions 6 and 7 of the M5 motorway and three miles from Worcester Shrub Hill train station.

Des O’Neill, Managing Director of Speller Metcalfe said: “It’s an honour to be shortlisted for the Contractor of the Year award, cementing what has been an exceptional period of growth for the company”.

“We are working on projects bigger than ever before – with a secured forward workload of £240 million – and remain true to the family roots on which the company was founded over 20 years ago.”

The Building Awards take place in London on 7 November 2017.

Des O'Neill, Managing Director, Speller Metcalfe

Nunnery Park Worcester

Agents appointed to market ‘oven-ready’ Warwickshire office development

Bromwich Hardy and KWB have been appointed as joint agents to market the first phase of a major Warwickshire office development expected to create some 350 new jobs.

The new 34,000 sq ft Grade A office building at Abbey Park, an established business park at Stoneleigh, Warwickshire, will be the first phase of an eventual 128,000 sq ft office development.

Deeley Construction lands major deal

Coventry-based Deeley Construction has landed a £2.9 million contract to build a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Buckinghamshire.

The company has been appointed by Leamington-based developer AC Lloyd to create a new 40,000 sq ft complex on land at Princes Risborough.

The property will be occupied by iLECSYS, a multi-disciplined company working predominantly within the electrical control sector. Its main areas of operation include electrical distribution products, rail, hazardous area, engineering and sheet metal fabrication.

Work has started on-site and the build is scheduled to be completed in February 2018.

Martin Gallagher, Managing Director of Deeley Construction, said: “We are very pleased to be working with AC Lloyd once again.”

The new high specification office building will be located on a 40-acre landscaped office campus, set within hundreds of acres of historic grade II listed parkland, almost equi-distant to Warwick, Leamington, Coventry and Kenilworth. Nearby occupiers on Abbey Park include AGCO (formerly Massey Ferguson) and The British Horse Society.

David Penn, Partner at Bromwich Hardy, said: “Confidence in the county’s economy and business outlook is high, and this new development will tap into that.”

Mark Robinson at KWB added: “Abbey Park is a beautiful location, less than three miles from Jaguar Land Rover’s global headquarters. With strong recent take-up, this area has a real shortage of available quality offices, so we expect interest to be strong,”

Geberit settles into new HQ

Following a £6 million investment, Swiss sanitary product supplier Geberit has moved into its new UK headquarters at Warwick.

The newly-built offices at Tournament Fields are double the size of the company’s original building and will be the base for 82 employees working in marketing, IT, HR, R&D, customer support and sales.

The building work was undertaken by Tournament Fields owner Sackville Developments, part of the CWC Group, and saw the creation of a 25,000 sq ft building.

Leamington Spa-based EHB Commercial assisted Geberit in securing the building and negotiated the disposal of its former headquarters.

Arden Construction celebrates 25 years in business

Commercial Property

Warwickshire-based construction, building maintenance and refurbishment company Arden Construction has celebrated 25 years in business.

The family-run business was formed by Carl Brooker and John Harwood in June 1992.

Arden Construction has developed and maintained buildings for educational establishments and healthcare organisations as well as undertaking industrial and heritage work for clients

including the Royal Shakespeare Company, Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, National Trust, Worcester and Coventry Dioceses, and the British Film Institute.

Carl Brooker, Managing Director at Arden Construction said: “We pride ourselves on providing a high quality of service. By doing this we have retained clients over 25 years, as well as gaining new ones. Our sustainable growth has been achieved by the support of our loyal local sub-contractors and supply chain.”

Commercial Property

Abbey Park Warwick

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