Fresh funding energises Allium’s growth
A family-owned business in York is pioneering the next generation of combined heat and power technology following a seven-figure investment in a suite of new machinery.
Allium Energy, based near Easingwold, began trading as F D Todd & Sons at the end of the First World War – and started banking with Lloyds Bank shortly after.
Originally starting out in quarrying and road building, it evolved into skip hire and waste management services under the leadership of Richard Todd, the fourth generation of the family to run the company. Then, in 2017, he sold the waste management business to form Allium, after spotting the potential to diversify into renewable power generation and land restoration.
Recognising that a number of the business’s former waste sites were producing gas, Richard set out to learn how to generate renewable energy by capturing the methane generated from decomposing organic matter. These sites are now renewable centres – all waste is processed to recover its power, with compost produced as a biproduct.
Both the electricity and heat from the new plant will be used locally. A nearby poultry farm will receive the first draw of power, with the balance being fed into the national grid.
The £6million project – supported by a £3million loan from Lloyds Bank – to install a dedicated energy recovery plant is now underway, with the Bank funding supporting investment in a suite of new machinery.
On completion, the plant will reduce local CO2 emissions by almost 6,500 tonnes every year, and will generate enough power to supply the equivalent of 813 homes. In addition, it will create four new skilled job opportunities, which will see the Allium team grow from 14 to 18 over the next year.
Richard Todd, Managing Director of Allium Energy, said: “In the current climate, factors like demand for new housing and the drive to adopt electric vehicles are placing huge pressure on our grid. Couple this with the fact that energy prices are only set to rise, and it’s critical that we do as much as we can to capitalise on the materials we have at our disposal to create renewable, clean, sustainable sources of power.
“This was the inspiration for the evolution of F D Todd & Sons into Allium Energy – there was huge potential sat, quite literally, waiting to be transformed into energy that can contribute to meeting local demand.
“The set-up we are creating here is fully scalable, and we hope it can be used as a blueprint for developers and other big users of energy looking to find more sustainable, localised power and heat solutions.”
Carolyn English, relationship director at Lloyds Bank, said: “This kind of innovation is exactly what the UK needs to help us meet our net zero goals, and take big steps towards becoming a truly circular economy, thinking creatively about how to use waste products.
“We’re excited to see how Allium’s proposition develops over the coming months as they pioneer the use of locally generated energy.”
Government backs farming tech with £600m over next three years
Artificial Intelligence technology to optimise welfare in pigs, agri-robots to help speed up vegetable harvests and automation to increase fruit crop yields are just some of research and development projects to receive funding through the Farming Innovation Programme, it has been announced.
The latest tranche of £16.5m is part of Defra expectations that it’ll spend around £600m on grants and other support for farmers to invest in productivity, animal health and welfare, innovation, research and development over the next three years.
Farming Innovation Minister Steve Double said: “We want to help unlock greater potential in our already brilliant farming and horticulture sector. Today’s first round of projects demonstrate how – with the right funding and support – there are great productivity and environmental sustainability gains to be made.
“Our £270 million investment in farming innovation is designed to help take the UK’s world-leading research ideas and turn them into practical solutions to support healthy soils, abundant pollinators and clean water alongside profitable food production.
Katrina Hayter, challenge director for the Transforming Food Production challenge, said: “You only need look at the sheer breadth of projects that have received funding to see there are so many opportunities for innovation across the food sector. From animal health to crop productivity, the introduction of strategic support technology and the precise application of chemicals, it’s exciting to see so many concepts beginning to come to life.
“When brought together, it shows how the whole food system can benefit from new ideas, with knowledge-sharing and collaboration at its core. We are keen to ensure farmers and growers remain at the heart of projects, bringing their valuable real-life experiences to the project consortia to ensure that each innovation stays focused on helping improve the day-to-day challenges faced by those in the food sector. We now look forward to supporting these projects further as they develop.
The Farming Innovation Programme aims to spark new ideas and collaboration across the sector to address long-term challenges such as producing nutritious food more efficiently whilst helping the sector to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to achieve net zero goals. Farmers, growers, foresters, businesses and researchers are being invited to collaborate and submit applications for these two new competitions:- A £5.5 million competition for ‘Feasibility projects’ will offer grants for projects worth between £200,000 and £500,000 to support research and development through the difficult testing phase of an idea to see if it is worth investing in further
- Winners of the ‘Small R&D Partnership’ competition will receive a share of the £11 million grant funding for industrial research projects worth between £1 million and £3 million to further develop new solutions that will ultimately address major on-farm or immediate post farmgate challenges or opportunities such as enhancing productivity and sustainability.
- Farmsense’s use of innovative sensor technology and AI to optimise welfare in pigs;
- Blue Planet II, a new project which aims to build upon its highly successful autonomous technology to further increase fruit crop yield and quality;
- A new project from ‘Muddy Machines’, whose agri-robot concepts aim to speed up vegetable harvesting with sustainability and reliability at their core.
Forgemasters marks a year since acquisition by MoD
Sheffield Forgemasters is marking one year since its historic acquisition by the Ministry of Defence.
The company, which provides crucial components for the UK defence programme, has embarked on a recapitalisation programme with up to £400 million to be invested over ten years and key changes already taking place across its 64-acre site.
The project, to replace defence critical assets, has seen a new 13,000 tonne forging press shipped from Japan, the appointment of Vinci Building on the early stages of a construction contract expected to be worth more than £70 million and planning submissions for a new 144,000 sq ft Forge building.
Gareth Barker, COO at Sheffield Forgemasters, said: “It doesn’t seem like 12 months have passed since the company was acquired by the MoD, but we have made substantial progress in getting our recapitalisation programme underway in this time.
“We have crossed some key milestones, including the safe shipment of the new forging press from Japan, which was a vast logistical challenge, submission of plans for the Forge building to Sheffield City Council and the appointment of Vinci Building to undertake a large body of work in advance of our new forging line being constructed.
“We have started demolition works, services diversions and the construction of a new site access road to service the forging line construction and have submitted plans for a new footbridge across Brightside Lane to make it safer for staff and site visitors to cross between the two parts of our site.
“Two large Vertical Turning Lathes have already been purchased from Germany and work is underway on foundations to install these within our South Machine Shop to reduce bottlenecks in machining processes for large technical components.
“Additionally, we have engaged in many tender processes for new cranes and furnaces for the 13,000 tonne Forging line alongside 17 new machining centres and a support package through life for those machines, which will serve defence production.
“From this point, the next 12 months are likely to see a dramatic increase in activity as the project gains physical momentum.
“We are now working on a full site analysis to establish exactly how we most effectively use the space that we have on-site and to bring all of our facilities up to the best modern standards to create a truly vibrant and welcoming workplace.”
Sheffield Forgemasters’ new Forging line is estimated to reach completion within four years, with work to install state-of-the-art machining centres running in tandem with the project.
Gareth added: “This is an unparalleled project within the UK and will create one of the most technically advanced engineering facilities of its kind anywhere in the world. It will secure production of key defence supply and the efficiencies gained will provide increased benefits to our commercial customers.”
Wright Vigar moves to new offices – but stays in Marshall’s Yard
The Gainsborough office of Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors Wright Vigar is to move to a new location in the town’s Marshall’s Yard.
Wright Vigar, who have been serving the Gainsborough market since 2005, is relocating within the venue as a result of the company’s continued growth over the past few years. Not only has this growth seen the Gainsborough team expand to 18 people, but there has also been a large increase in the number of clients using their services.
Originally starting as a partnership, the company has been providing accountancy and taxation services for over 40 years. During this time the practice has grown the number of their offices to 8 across Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire. At the same time they have increased the range of their services and expertise to support private clients and businesses alike. Wright Vigar provide a personal, relationship-based service whilst also having the expertise through the depth of their team to provide all the specialist services expected of a large practice.
Wright Vigar works with owner-managed businesses across the full range of business sectors. They provide more than the traditional accountancy and taxation services and pride themselves on offering a proactive and tailored service for their clients.
MD Pete Harrison said: “The relocation of our Gainsborough office is a reflection on the hard work and commitment from our team, who continue to provide an exceptional service to our clients and are dedicated to winning new business. Wright Vigar continues to go from strength to strength and this move is a really exciting development for us.
“The new office will enable us to provide even higher levels of service for our clients and gives us room for even further growth in the coming years.”
Network Rail signs on the dotted line to get more solar energy from EDF
Network Rail has signed an agreement with EDF Renewables UK that will mean almost 50 megawatts of solar energy will be fed into the company’s network – enough to cover 15% of the annual needs if its stations, maintenance depots, and other buildings.
Jo Lewington, Network Rail’s chief environment and sustainability officer, said: “Rail is already in a strong position in terms of its green credentials, but it’s crucial that we do everything we can as a business to improve air quality, minimise our use of fossil fuels, and transition to an industry powered by green, renewable, low-carbon energy.
“Our vision is to serve the nation with the cleanest, greenest form of public transport and this agreement marks another important step towards achieving our aims.”
Matthieu Hue, chief executive of EDF Renewables UK, said: “We are very pleased to be working with Network Rail to help them on their journey to decarbonisation. This project shows the ability of EDF Renewables UK to provide diverse solutions for customers in terms of low-cost renewable electricity.
“This also demonstrates our ability to develop competitive and affordable renewable power projects in the UK as well as underpinning the importance of all renewable technologies in de-carbonising the UK electricity system to reach the country’s net zero targets by 2050.”
Government invests £12.7m in ‘exercise prescription’ trials
Doncaster and Leeds are amongst areas of the UK to share in £12.7m from the government for a trial scheme in which GPs will issue ‘social prescriptions’, including walking, wheeling and cycling, aimed at improving mental and physical health.
The pilots, a commitment in the government’s Gear Change plan published in 2020, aim to evaluate the impact of cycling and walking on an individual’s health, such as reduced GP appointments and reliance on medication due to more physical activity. For the first time, transport, active travel and health officials will work together towards a whole systems approach to health improvement and tackling health disparities.
Walking and Cycling Minister Trudy Harrison said: Walking and cycling has so many benefits – from improving air quality in our communities to reducing congestion on our busiest streets. It also has an enormous positive impact on physical and mental health, which is why we have funded these projects which will get people across the country moving and ease the burden on the NHS.”
National Active Travel Commissioner Chris Boardman said: “As a nation we need healthier, cheaper and more pleasant ways to get around for everyday trips. Active Travel England’s mission is to ensure millions of people nationwide can do just that – so it’s easier to leave the car at home and to enjoy the benefits that come with it.
“Moving more will lead to a healthier nation, a reduced burden on the NHS, less cancer, heart disease and diabetes, as well as huge cost savings. This trial aims to build on existing evidence to show how bringing transport, active travel and health together can make a positive impact on communities across England.”
Art poster company secures £150k to expand sales to Europe
The North Yorkshire company behind an iconic art poster brand has secured a £150,000 loan from NPIF – Mercia Debt Finance, which is managed by Mercia and is part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund (NPIF), to help expand its sales in Europe.
Athena has been an art publisher for over 50 years and previously ran a chain of high-street stores. The new company is now owned by Simon Coates, previously a director of the original Athena company, and his business partner Nick Morgan. The duo moved the business online in 2012 and now supply a range of up to 250,000 product lines from their factory workshop in Easingwold.
The company, which employs a 20-strong team, is also a leading supplier of picture frames via the website Vivarti, providing artworks for consumers, hotels, commercial interiors and buy-to-let investors. The business, which had already begun selling into Europe, has undergone a transformation in the past two years to adapt its systems to comply with changes in export regulations, and European sales are now starting to grow again as a result.
The funding will help further expand its exports to Europe and increase stock levels to enable it to continue its growth plans.
Nick Morgan said: “With 400 million consumers, Europe represents an important market for us and it was challenging to adapt to new regulations. However now things have settled down, we have been able to navigate the new customs arrangements and put measures in place to comply with the rules. The funding will help us rebuild and strengthen our trade with Europe.”
Andy Clough of Mercia added: “Nick and Simon are both very experienced operators who have spent years in art production. It is great to be able to help them reestablish their exports to Europe and support the growth of this iconic brand.”
Work completes on Sheffield student block conversion
Work has completed on transforming Phoenix Court, a historic former fire station in Sheffield, from student accommodation into all-purpose residential apartments.
The final phases have seen the ground and third floor units reconfigured and refurbished, while the lobby has undergone a remodelling to create a new reception area and general office, with the former laundry converted into a mail room.
Work on the 93-unit scheme has been undertaken by property management company Resify, which specialises in transforming undervalued schemes, on behalf of owner L1 Property.
The units were previously in an outdated configuration with clusters of two or three bedrooms, a shared kitchen and bathroom and no dedicated living space.
Resify’s understanding of local market requirements and its strategic approach has transformed Phoenix Court by creating one and two-bedroom apartments with separate living rooms; with some apartments also being reconfigured to make them open plan. Resify completed the first phase in January this year with 29 apartments on the first floor being transformed and fully let.
The 1920s building, which is situated on Division Street within the city centre close to the universities, was converted into student accommodation and extended to Rockingham Street in the early 1990s. However, with students staying away during the pandemic, occupancy levels plummeted, and L1 Property started working with Resify360 last year to explore other options.
Obi Williams, Managing Director of Resify, says: “The transformation of Phoenix Court has brought it back in line with market demand. It’s a historic building in a prime location, however the décor and layout were dated, and rental yields were well below par for the area.
“Given the wealth of student accommodation in Sheffield, it made sense to create multi-purpose apartments to appeal to a wider range of occupants.
“The project shows how an understanding of the local market, and how a strategic approach can transform a single-use development in an area of oversupply.
“We’re delighted with the response from tenants, which demonstrates the demand for high-quality, fully furnished apartments in Sheffield’s city centre.”
L1 Property, which is the UK property investment arm of fund manager L1 Capital, invests in existing and modern residential property with potential for capital growth in major UK cities outside London. It seeks to add value by bringing capital to underinvested assets.
Hull performance marketing business under new management
Hull-based performance marketing agency Summit and technology brand Productcaster have been bought by Managing Directors Ryan Thomas and Martin Corcoran.
Corcoran, who joined the business in 2015, and Thomas, who joined in 2017, acquired Summit from TCC Global after co-operating in a management buyout that saw them take 100% control of the agency.
Corcoran, who has moved to become CEO of the business, said: “We were always interested in buying Summit and know with certainty we have purchased a business with great people, products and clients.
“We are lucky to count Three Mobile, Joules, H Samuel, Ikea, The Range, Levi’s, Ann Summers and many more amongst our corner-stone clients and we are in no doubt other agencies in this space would be lucky to have such a strong track record in performance marketing and such prestigious client list.
“The business has clear positioning and heritage within online marketing and eCommerce as well as being highly differentiated through its proprietary Productcaster technology, which leads the European Comparison-Shopping Service market garnering 200m clicks on Google every month.
“We’ve seen incredible growth across all parts of the business in the last 12 months and by doubling our media spend with Google year on year, we know we’re one of that fastest growing Google Premier Agencies in the UK.”
The growth and ambition of Summit since completion of the MBO has seen them hire twenty new staff with another twenty hires expected before the end of the year.
On the recent growth Thomas, now Summit’s chairman, said: “We recognised we were about to go on a big growth curve more than 12 months ago so put in train a plan to invest in our team, drive our culture and develop our own talent.
“We’re seeing the fruits of this investment into people, enabling us to delight existing clients as well as win and onboard fantastic new brands such as Dr Oetker and Cult Beauty. Our ambition is to turn Summit into a true northern powerhouse agency and bring jobs, prosperity, and some glory to the city of Hull and the surrounding Yorkshire region.”
Post pandemic, Summit have made the digital quarter of Hull their permanent home, signing a long term lease within the C4DI complex.
Confederation of Passenger Transport welcomes Government’s bus service cash injection
Trade body the Confederation of Passenger Transport has welcomed news that the Government is to pump up to £130m into bus services to sustain routes between October and next March.
The organisation’s Chief Exec Graham Vidler said: “We welcome the government’s announcement of recovery funding to support bus services in local communities for a further six months.
“The announcement will help bus operators and local authority partners to balance a network of reliable and affordable services in the short-term as bus networks adapt to new travel patterns.
“For the longer term, we will continue to work closely with central government and local authorities to encourage existing and new passengers to get on board the country’s buses, ensuring they are provided the best possible services.”
The funding package builds on almost two years’ worth of unprecedented government support to keep bus networks running. Today’s funding means almost £2 billion has been made available to over 160 bus operators during the pandemic. The additional funding will help to protect bus services and routes, which are particularly important to people facing pressures due to the rising cost of living. The government is using every tool at its disposal to help people, from ensuring they can access affordable travel, to providing £37 billion of support for the most vulnerable households. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “This funding will ensure millions across the country can continue to use vital bus services, and brings the total we’ve provided to the sector throughout the pandemic to almost £2 billion.“At a time when people are worried about rising costs, it’s more important than ever we save these bus routes for the millions who rely on them for work, school and shopping.
The government is also investing £3 billion in bus services by 2025, including over £1 billion to improve fares, services and infrastructure, and a further £525 million for zero emission buses.