Atomic Energy Authority debuts West Burton fusion energy masterplan in Gainsborough

Stuart Pearcey
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Atomic Energy Authority debuts West Burton fusion energy masterplan in Gainsborough
The first opportunity for the public to see proposals for developing West Burton Power station near Gainsborough as the home for ‘STEP’ – a protype fusion energy powerplant – takes place at an event in the town on Wednesday 14 June. The UK Atomic Energy Authority wants to share information with anyone in the community who is interested in the proposals for the West Burton site, and will stage the event from 3pm to 7pm at the Trinity Arts Centre.. This event will be the first time the team has shared its draft masterplan, showinghow the site might be used in the long term. There will be an opportunity for discussion on the masterplan, with feedback encouraged to inform the team’s thinking at this early stage of the process. Members of the STEP technical team will lead live and interactive ‘what is fusion?’ sessions in the auditorium. During these sessions the team will take questions from the audience. The event will also include a session on potential future supplier opportunities. Paul Methven, STEP’s Programme Director, said: “We’re looking forward to getting out into the community and share our plans for the West Burton site. “We have an action-packed agenda planned for the event in Gainsborough and are excited to invite people to come along and meet the team and find out more about fusion and the STEP programme.” The event will close with a screening of a documentary that follows the lives of the engineers and scientists working at UKAEA as they overcome challenges in their attempt to achieve a world record in sustained fusion energy. Event details: Doors open to the public 3-7pm and there is no need to register in advance. Live in the auditorium:
  • 3.30pm: What is fusion – live & interactive
  • 4.30pm: Future supplier opportunities and timeframes
  • 5.15pm: What is fusion – live & interactive
  • 6pm: Documentary film

Environment Agency encourages comments on carbon capture project at Drax

Stuart Pearcey
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Environment Agency encourages comments on carbon capture project at Drax
The Environment Agency has launched a consultation on Drax Power Ltd’s proposals to develop Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage at its power station site near Selby. Drax Power Ltd wants to capture the carbon dioxide emitted during electricity generation, to prevent the majority of it from entering the atmosphere. The carbon dioxide captured will be transported via a pipeline for permanent storage under the North Sea. To capture carbon dioxide from the combustion process, Drax will need an environmental permit from the Environment Agency. It will also need a Development Consent Order, following a process led and examined by the Planning Inspectorate. Kathryn Richardson, Environment Manager at the Environment Agency said: “The Environment Agency has an important part to play in permitting many of the energy technologies that are likely to emerge over the coming years. “Our role is to ensure that these new technologies, including carbon capture, are conducted in a way that protects people and the environment.

“We’re now seeking views from the local community and interested groups on this application. We encourage them to come and see us at our engagement events so they can find out more and view the plans in detail.

The consultation will run until 29 June and will include a drop-in event in Drax village and a virtual drop-in session: These sessions will provide further details about the application, the Environment Agency’s decision process and provide opportunities for the public to ask questions about the Drax’s Power’s plans.

Wetherby life sciences company snaps up Belgian diagnostic test business

Tess Egginton
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Wetherby life sciences company snaps up Belgian diagnostic test business
Avacta Group, a Wetherby-based life sciences company developing targeted oncology drugs and diagnostics, has acquired Coris Bioconcept SRL for an upfront cash consideration of £7.4 million, with an earnout based on future business performance, payable in cash, of up to £3 million. It follows the acquisition of Launch Diagnostics in October 2022. Coris, based in Gembloux, Belgium and established in 1996, develops, manufactures and markets rapid diagnostic test kits, mainly lateral flow tests, for use by healthcare professionals. Unaudited revenues for the year ended 31 December 2022 (FY22) were £4.6 million, the majority of which were non-COVID-19 related. FY21-22 gross margin was approximately 50%, with EBITDA in FY22 of £0.35 million and a loss-after-tax of £0.02 million. Net assets as at 31 December 2022 were £6 million. Operationally, Coris employs 35 members of staff split across production, sales, marketing, quality control, regulation and administration. In March 2023, the business completed the construction of a new 10,700ft2 production, offices and warehouse facility in Gembloux. Coris’ product portfolio comprises diagnostic tests for respiratory, gastro-enteric and blood-borne pathogens (bacteria, viruses and parasites) and for the detection of antibiotic resistance markers. As part of this portfolio, Coris markets a COVID-19 lateral flow test. Due to this, Avacta has taken the commercial decision to halt the redevelopment of its own AffiDX® SARS-CoV-2 antigen lateral flow test. The existing Coris management team will remain with the business and work closely with Avacta Diagnostics businesses to drive growth and margins through improved distribution channels and an expanded product range. Avacta will transfer its lateral flow product development activities to Coris and support that activity through ongoing development of Affimer® reagents for new products or to enhance existing ones. Dr Alastair Smith, Chief Executive Officer, Avacta Group plc, said: “The acquisition of Coris provides the Group with a broad, professional-use rapid test product portfolio. Complementing the acquisition of Launch Diagnostics last year, the acquisition represents an important step in establishing a full-spectrum in-vitro diagnostics business covering centralised, pathology laboratory diagnostics, as well as decentralised, point-of-care testing solutions outside the hospital setting. “Antibiotic resistance is a major global challenge and we strongly believe that the market for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) testing is one with good future growth prospects. We are particularly pleased, therefore, to have added an AMR product portfolio to the Group with this acquisition. “With this acquisition, our Diagnostics division has taken another important step towards realising its mission to support healthcare professionals and broaden access to high quality diagnostics.”

Law firm makes raft of promotions

Tess Egginton
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Law firm makes raft of promotions
Regional law firm Sills & Betteridge LLP has promoted five fee earners to Partner level and three to Associate, in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the firm’s management and development. Partnership appointments go to the firm’s Head of Crime Christopher Hogg and his Department Manager Katie Scott, Matrimonial Solicitor Emma McGrath, who heads up the Skegness Family Team, and Conveyancers Diane Coultas, who joined the firm through its merger with Bridge Sanderson Munro, and Tracy Wray who has been with the firm for almost 40 years. Kelly Credland is also to become a Partner. Kelly is the firm’s Chief Operating Officer and a member of the Leadership Team. Family Solicitor Ailsa Tennant, Family Emergency Team Paralegal Grace O’Neill and Conveyancer Talisa Hammond are to become Associates. Senior Partner Karen Bower-Brown said “I would like to offer my congratulations to each of our new Partners and Associates, in whom we recognise commitment to the firm and ambition to be our future leaders. “Some of my colleagues have reached these milestones having joined us at the very start of their careers, but what really stands out to me as the firm’s first female senior partner in 260 years is the number of women – eight of the nine appointments – who are rising through the ranks, in testament to how inclusive and progressive the firm has become.” The firm also reports a pleasing year-end position, in line with growth expectations from some senior hires across the business and expansion into Yorkshire – with exciting relocation and refurbishment plans very much underway for a number of its offices across the East Midlands. It continues to explore opportunities in new markets across the region.

Bank signs up as long-term partner to women’s cricket

Stuart Pearcey
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Bank signs up as long-term partner to women’s cricket

Metro Bank has signed up as a long-term partner to the England and Wales Cricket Board designed to help deliver transformational growth to women’s and girls’ cricket across England and Wales.

Through the partnership, Metro Bank – which has branches in Sheffield and Bradford – will have a presence across the international, domestic and recreational game.

It will support programmes designed to make cricket more inclusive, bring more women and girls into the game and retain those who are already in it. The Fund is made up of equal contributions from the ECB and Metro Bank who will co-develop programmes which will power the future of women’s and girls’ cricket, accelerating its progress towards becoming a more gender-balanced sport.

Danielle Lee, Director of Brand and Marketing at Metro Bank (left in the picture): “This is a real partnership with purpose built on Metro Bank’s commitments to local communities and diversity and inclusion. Sport acts as a catalyst, helping to increase confidence and social skills, and together with the ECB we will use the Fund to empower more women and girls to reach their full potential in cricket and beyond. We will do this by changing perceptions and providing women and girls with the means to overcome the obstacles to maximise their participation in this great sport. This partnership will help to deliver a lasting legacy for women’s and girls’ cricket.”

Clare Connor, ECB Deputy Chief Executive Officer and MDA of England Women, said: “Metro Bank share our passion, determination and energy to break down barriers and build on the huge progress we’ve made in women’s and girls’ cricket in recent years. We’re thrilled to welcome them on aboard as our first ever champion partner of women’s and girls’ cricket ahead of the highly anticipated Metro Bank Women’s Ashes Series and are excited by the potential of what this partnership can achieve.

“Whilst we have seen a period of huge growth and increased profile across the women’s game, we know there is still much more to do to make our sport truly gender balanced. By working together with partners such as Metro Bank who share our ambition for the sport, I am confident we will make our sport more inclusive and inspire many more girls from all backgrounds to pick up a bat and ball.”

Begbies Trainer promotes two to partner positions in Yorkshire

Stuart Pearcey
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Begbies Trainer promotes two to partner positions in Yorkshire
Louise Longley and Ian Royle have been promoted to the position of partner in the Yorkshire region by rescue and recovery specialist Begbies Traynor. Having joined Begbies Traynor’s Leeds office in 2004 as an insolvency administrator, Louise qualified as an insolvency practitioner in 2011 and rose to the position of senior insolvency manager in 2016. She was promoted to insolvency director three years ago. During her 19 years with Begbies Traynor, she has undertaken an 18-month formal secondment in the firm’s compliance and technical department with a focus on preparing the firm for the 2016 insolvency changes. Based in Leeds, she has also spent time working across other Begbies Traynor offices. Louise has over 20 years’ experience in insolvency and restructuring and has dealt with all aspects of personal and corporate insolvency, working in  a variety of sectors. She has a strong record in bank-led administrations and more complex insolvencies. Ian has also specialised in insolvency for more than 20 years, having started his career with Wilson Pitts in Leeds in 2000, prior to the firm joining Begbies Traynor Group in 2006. He passed the Certificate of Proficiency in Insolvency in 2005 and the JIEB exams in 2008 to become a licensed Insolvency Practitioner. Ian has extensive experience in corporate insolvency with specific experience in the SME market, working across a range of sectors. He also has excellent knowledge of bank-driven restructuring, recovery and insolvency having spent two years on secondment with a major clearing bank where he was responsible for accelerating the disposal of distressed properties. Rising through the ranks, Ian was promoted to director in 2016 and heads up the firm’s Teesside office. Begbies Traynor’s Yorkshire managing partner Julian Pitts said: “It is always genuinely gratifying to see talented, hardworking members of the team rise through the firm and progress their careers with us. This is a brilliant achievement and testimony to Louise and Ian’s dedication.” Louise said: “After a period working as a legal secretary in a specialist insolvency department, I joined Begbies Traynor almost 20 years ago, and the firm has helped me to develop my skills, providing training, support and varied hands-on experience to enable me to rise to the position of partner. “I am looking forward to continuing to work with our talented team to build Begbies Traynor’s presence across Yorkshire and the North East as we support businesses throughout the region with a full range of corporate and personal insolvency services during a very challenging time.” Ian said: “Having stumbled across insolvency over 23 years ago as a fresh-faced, 17-year-old office junior, I feel extremely privileged to have been able to forge a career with one of the UK’s leading professional services firms. I would like to pay tribute to Begbies Traynor which has enabled my progress on a clear career path and also to partner Dave Broadbent and regional managing partner, Julian Pitts, who have supported me every step of the way. “And thank you to the team on Teesside – there is some incredible talent in the region and I feel lucky to share in our successes and now my appointment as partner.” Begbies Traynor currently has ten offices and employs around 120 staff in Yorkshire, the Humber and the North East. It offers a full range of professional services including corporate recovery, investigations and risk, forensic accounting advice, corporate finance, property, funding, debt collection and personal insolvency.

£3m cultural capital fund and a new architectural competition announced as Bradford 2025 lays the foundations for UK City of Culture

Tess Egginton
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£3m cultural capital fund and a new architectural competition announced as Bradford 2025 lays the foundations for UK City of Culture

One year on from Bradford winning the title of UK City of Culture 2025, preparations for the district’s year in the international spotlight are well underway with the announcement of new investment in venues, communities and creative projects.

Shanaz Gulzar, creative director for Bradford 2025, said: “We may be 18 months away from the official start of our City of Culture year but we started work the day after we were announced, and the work to lay the foundations and deliver a show-stopping year is well underway.

“We’ve already supported 35 local artists and organisations to develop new work and with Bradford Council we’re encouraging more large scale commissions for this November’s ‘Bradford is LIT’. The biannual light festival is growing into a standout date in the cultural calendar and will be an important moment in our lead up to 2025.”

The leader of Bradford Council, Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, said: “The last 12 months have been crucial in ensuring there are strong, solid foundations in place to ensure Bradford 2025 is a year of cultural success. The City of Culture team are committed to making the arts, culture, and heritage sectors sustainable, creating a long-lasting legacy across the Bradford District.

“The energy and partnership working we’ve seen so far is phenomenal. We are looking forward to continuing the collaborations with creators, communities, and stakeholders over the next 18 months.”

Cultural venues in Bradford district will benefit from a new £3m cultural capital fund to improve access and facilities for local people and the millions of visitors anticipated for Bradford 2025.

With funding from City of Bradford Metropolitan Council, Bradford 2025 will deliver two grant schemes for cultural venues: small scale of up to £5,000 each and larger scale for a minimum of £50,000. This investment will help improve venues to make them more welcoming and accessible for visitors in preparation for the district-wide celebrations in 2025.

A new temporary touring performance venue will be located in parks across the district during 2025, enabling larger scale events to take place in the heart of local communities. ‘Beacon’ will be a flagship project for Bradford 2025 and architects and designers will be invited to submit creative ideas to deliver a RIBA [Royal Institute of British Architects] feasibility study and early concept designs. The submission form will be open next week with a view to appointment in autumn 2023.

Dan Bates, executive director of Bradford 2025, said: “We want our year as UK City of Culture to create a lasting and positive impact on the people, artists and organisations across Bradford district. We are committed to ensuring the legacy of the year is felt in and across all our distinctive local communities.”

An important priority for Bradford 2025 is to significantly increase access to cultural activities amongst the diverse communities that make up the youngest city in Europe, in a District with a population that is now over 500,000 strong. Working alongside Bradford 2025, local organisation GiveBradford has been appointed as official grant making partner for Bradford 2025.

Inspired by the theme ‘City of the World’, a new partnership programme will kick start in early 2024 to help communities across the district create work and events in the build up to and during the year as UK City of Culture.

GiveBradford CEO Kate Hainsworth said: “With an average population of under 37 years, the lowest in West Yorkshire, Bradford is really coming of age in 2025.

“It’s terrific to be partnering with the Bradford 2025 team on building a legacy and creating opportunities for all, well beyond the year itself – testament to the positive impact of GiveBradford and the ongoing work of the local community organisations we support across the district.

“GiveBradford is going to be working hard before, during and after 2025 to bring in investment into our local communities: because that’s what the people of this city and this district deserve.”

Major capital development projects underway across Bradford – some of which have been in the works for years – are being accelerated, ready for the district’s celebratory year. Kala Sangam and the National Science and Media Museum – two of the city’s acclaimed cultural organisations – start work on substantial redevelopment projects in the next year. The much-anticipated transformation of the former Odeon cinema, into Bradford Live, a new 4,000 capacity music venue for the district, is due to open its doors in 2024.

Pete Massey, director, Yorkshire and the Humber, Arts Council England, said: “It is fantastic to see the progress being made by Bradford Culture Company a year on from winning the UK City of Culture 2025 status. It is a testament to the excellent team it has in place that such swift progress has been made since the announcement.

“It’s particularly encouraging to see its commitment to engaging with both local communities and the cultural sector is continuing in the development and planning for 2025. We know what an impact participating in and experiencing a City of Culture can have on the people and communities who live, work and visit the city and we are incredibly excited for what Bradford can achieve.

“As with all UK Cities of Culture, Arts Council England will be working closely with Bradford Culture Company and other partners to ensure that Bradford 2025 can be the best year of culture ever.”

The best diskus padlock guide

Tess Egginton
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The best diskus padlock guide
If you’re looking for guidance on which strong, durable, and reliable diskus padlock is best for you, Locks Direct is a great place to start. Their superior range of closed-shackle padlocks are extremely difficult to manipulate, which makes them ideal for securing your gates, sheds, and outbuildings. The diskus padlocks that they supply are from tried and trusted brands such as Abus and Squire who are renowned for quality in the security world. Their excellent reputation can ensure you that whichever lock you choose will provide you with years of security. All at affordable prices that won’t see you compromising on standards. All of the Abus diskus padlocks are available in a keyed-alike option. Keyed alike means you can open all your Abus diskus padlocks with the same key which is highly convenient and saves you from carrying around multiple keys and fumbling to find the right one.
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Even if you live somewhere with severe weather conditions such as snow and ice the Abus 24IB/60 Diskus is the ideal padlock. The internal components are made with 100% non-corrosive materials. The stainless steel exterior is hard-wearing and will last the test of time. Whether you’re looking for a lock for your shed, back door, gate, or outbuildings this padlock is a must-have for security in and around your garden.
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The Abus 24IB/70 Diskus Padlock has been built to provide your property with ultimate protection from force and strength attacks. Whether the perpetrator is using drills and bolt cutters this lock is equipt to keep your valuables safe. Being highly resistant to rust due to its stainless steel body it’s ideal for outdoor use. However, it doesn’t have to be used for outdoor use alone, it’s a great way of securing toolboxes, bike chains, and storage containers kept in outbuildings.
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If you’re looking for an affordable padlock that offers premium security without breaking the bank, look no further than the Abus 26/70 Diskus Padlock. This product is made for dealing with medium/high-security issues, with a CEN scale rating of 3. Looking to secure your garage or toolbox this closed shackles, weatherproof, and long-lasting diskus padlock is made for the job.
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This Marine grade Abus 26/90 Diskus Padlock is heavy-duty and the rust-resistant material ensures longevity. The closed shackle, strong materials, and resistance to drill, saw and bolt cutters give increased protection and an ability to sleep soundly knowing your shed, outbuilding, garage, gates and more are all secure. Extra keys are also available if you need multiple people to access the lock.
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A DCL1 Squire Discus Padlock that offers 360-degree protection, yes please! Squire is a high-quality brand whose locks won’t leave you disappointed. The affordable price tag is just one of the many attractive attributes this lock has to offer. The hardened steel, closed shackle and anti-drill plate offer increased security. If you’re still unsure, the Squire 10-year guarantee will offer you extra peace of mind. Locks Direct are always there to answer any of your questions with regards to padlocks, just contact one of their friendly expert team on 01778 570157.

ITM Power wins Double-A rating for third successive year

Stuart Pearcey
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ITM Power wins Double-A rating for third successive year
Sheffield-based clean energy company ITM Power has achieved an AA MSCI ESG rating for the third consecutive year. The rating measures a company’s resilience to long-term environmental, social and governance risks and identifies industry leaders and laggards. Companies are rated according to their exposure and how well they manage those risks relative to peers.
With the retained AA rating, the company now ranks within the top 11% of all companies in its sector, indicating the company’s ESG practices are well-aligned with shareholder interests. A spokesman for the company said: “It also means we are a company leading its industry in managing the most significant ESG risks and opportunities. More importantly, as the MSCI ESG ranking is the primary research tool and most widely used benchmark by investors, our ranking will further help investors to understand the importance we place on being a business that is fit for the future.”
 

Almost 80 York businesses gather for skills training event

Stuart Pearcey
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Almost 80 York businesses gather for skills training event

York’s medieval Hospitium played host to Google’s Digital Garage when almost 80 businesses gathered for a day of digital skills training.

Google’s expert trainers guided businesses through a range of innovative ways to attract new customers and take their brand to new heights. Attendees learned how to harness the power of video marketing, craft engaging narratives on social media and use Google Analytics technology to measure online engagement. The event marked the end of a series of four free digital training events – three online and one in-person- that were organised this spring by City of York Council, in collaboration with Google UK. Further events are already being planned for autumn this year. The Google Digital Garage is one of Google’s flagship investment programmes in the UK, helping businesses and individuals learn free digital skills through a range of courses and one-to-one sessions. Google mentors and City of York Council Business Growth Managers were on hand throughout the day to offer personalised support and advice to businesses. Between sessions, attendees networked over lunch, enjoying refreshments in the fourteenth-century Hospitium building and the surrounding Museum Gardens. The support offered by this programme of events does not end with the sessions themselves; businesses that have attended any of the four training sessions have also been able to sign up for free one-to-one support from Google. The Google Digital Garage is one of Google’s flagship investment programmes in the UK, helping businesses and individuals learn free digital skills through a range of courses or one-to-one sessions. This event forms part of City of York Council’s business support offer, after the council received £130,000 for 2022/23 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. This is one of several initiatives using the funding to help businesses in the city thrive. Neil Ferris, Corporate Director of Place at City of York Council, said: “The events we have run this spring alongside Google have empowered over 400 York businesses to build their brand online and grow their business. “Given the success of our recent training events, we’re looking forward to continuing our partnership with Google and organising more events later this year.” Debbie Weinstein, Managing Director of Google UK & Ireland, said: “Digital technologies are truly transformative and can help businesses and individuals across the UK to increase their earnings, boost their productivity and unlock their full potential. “As a former business owner myself, I understand how tough it is to know where to turn to for advice. That’s why we’re providing hands-on support as part of our nationwide digital skills drive to help equip more people with invaluable skills that help to create jobs and economic opportunities.”
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