DeepVerge and Abingdon Health collaborate on diagnostic tests

Steve Fisher
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DeepVerge and Abingdon Health collaborate on diagnostic tests

DeepVerge plc (AIM: DVRG), announces that Innovenn  UK Limited (“Innovenn”) has signed a Testing Services Framework Agreement (“Agreement”) with York based Abingdon Health plc (“Abingdon”) for development and manufacture of a range of Lateral Flow Tests (“LFT”) for the Modern Water, Labskin and Skin Trust Medical divisions of the Group.

This follows on from the Memorandum of Understanding, announced in the RNS of 29 March 2022.

 The Agreement provides for development of a range of LFT units over the next 12 months in the following areas of interest:

1.   Traceable Polymer System (i.e. field test kits) offer operational insight for the use of polymers as dispersants in cooling water and as traceable scale inhibitors for oil and gas that require methods to measure the excess polymer added as a treatment to each system. The new LFT units enable a greater understanding of the water chemistry and the ability to optimise treatment levels, and may ultimately prevent over/underdosing.

2.   Sulfate Reducing Bacteria (SRB) optimisation. Used by corrosion engineers to determine the presence of SRB, the current kit format uses multiple sample preparation steps and a colour-change end point. The conversion of this test to LFT accelerates the results by reducing the number of steps compared to tests currently on the market. The SRB business is currently worth in excess of $100k to Modern Water and this easy to use upgrade expands the reach into wider corrosion test markets.

3.   1.7 billion of the world population does not have access to drinkable water[i]. The increasing regulatory support and legislation for high standard maintenance of food and beverage products, pharmaceuticals and other industries, are further increasing the applications of chemically tested water. Environmental LFT tests will include acrylamide, microcystins, algae in the second phase of development.

4.   Detecting PFAS – “Forever Chemicals” (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) is an exciting new area of interest. PFAS has been added to the US Environmental Protection Agency drinking water treatability database[ii] which creates the need to make informed decisions about the level of PFAS in drinking water. This creates a very large opportunity for LFT single use testing in private homes, hospitals, hotels, pubs, restaurants and food and beverage manufacturing.

5.   Wellness tests for Skin Trust Club will include Vitamin D, Cortisol, Menopause, Kidney and Liver function with the potential to extend the test service and product offering, including supplements.

DeepVerge will fund the costs of the projects being undertaken under the Agreement.  Abingdon will be exclusive developer and manufacturer of the products subsequently transferred into manufacturing.

 The Agreement is effective from 27 May 2022 and remains in force for an initial period of one year. The Agreement shall automatically be renewed for successive one year increments unless either party requests, at least ninety days prior to the anniversary date, that the Agreement not be renewed.

 Gerard Brandon, CEO of DeepVerge plc, commented: “With a strong reputation now cemented for delivering innovartive real-time test solutions to aid the prevention of the spread of a range of diseases, we are now focused on upgrading our offering through the conversion of existing multi-step field tests to single-use Lateral Flow Test. This range of new LFT’s has the potential to generate multiple revenue streams throughout Modern Water’s 60+ country distribution network and Skin Trust Club’s rapidly growing club members in the UK, Ireland and the US. Added to the growing list of products and services the LFT range of tests  is expected to contribute to Group revenues in early 2023.”

 Chris Yates, CEO of Abingdon Health plc, commented:“We are pleased to have signed this commercial agreement with DeepVerge. This strategic partnership will allow both companies to build a long-term collaboration to enable DeepVerge to leverage Abingdon’s lateral flow development and manufacturing engine to launch a range of innovative tests into its core markets. This agreement underlines Abingdon’s reputation as a knowledge leader and expert in the rapidly-growing lateral flow testing market”

Public sector buying organisation strikes global supply deal

Steve Fisher
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Public sector buying organisation strikes global supply deal

YPO, one of the UK’s largest public sector buying organisations and educational suppliers, has announced an exclusive partnership with CES Holdings, a worldwide education supplies business with a rich legacy of over 40 years, to supply YPO products to schools internationally. The deal sees YPO’s recognisable school supplies being distributed across key markets with English-medium schools globally.

With nearly 50 years of experience in the UK’s education sector, YPO’s own brand products are instantly recognisable to teachers and families due to their iconic yellow and purple branding. Established to amalgamate buying demands and achieve efficiency savings, YPO has a reputation for delivering value to the education sector while returning profit to the wider public sector.

CES Holdings, which provides international schools with first-class educational resources, is YPO’s only distribution partner, and the companies’ collaboration will enable over 1,200 public and private schools across the globe to purchase YPO products. Take a look at everything YPO has to offer your school on their international website

Simon Hill, Managing Director of YPO, said, “We have a long history of providing schools in the UK with top quality resources and supplies at excellent value, and we’re excited to be in a position to offer our products to the international market in a scalable manner for the first time since the pandemic.

Working in partnership with CES, we’re excited to develop relationships with schools around the world and expand our operations to continue delivering profits back to the UK public sector. Our partnership with CES provides a platform for us to showcase our quality supplies to new audiences and build on our reputation for delivering products that help support learning and help shape future generations.”

Richard Houlton, Managing Director at CES Holdings added, “It’s a pleasure to add YPO to our roster of educational suppliers, and exclusively distribute their products overseas. As one of the UK’s largest educational suppliers, this partnership will allow us to significantly expand our catalogue and enhance our offering for international schools.

YPO has an excellent reputation for being a helping hand for schools in the UK and this came to the fore as we developed the materials and website for the launch of our partnership. We anticipate strong demand from our English-medium schools across the globe and look forward to seeing our relationship with YPO develop over the coming years.”

Planning approved for larger rare earth refinery facility in the Humber Freeport

Steve Fisher
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Planning approved for larger rare earth refinery facility in the Humber Freeport

Pensana has confirmed that its planning application for a larger rare earth refinery site at Saltend Chemicals Park near Hull, has been approved by East Riding Council.

The Company’s £150m Saltend project will have significant local and national benefits: it will create 450 jobs during construction and 125 high-value full-time jobs thereafter, while playing an important part in reducing the UK’s reliance on critical mineral imports from China.

The Company’s Chief Commercial Officer, William Izod, told East Riding councillors that 90% of the world’s magnets are currently produced in China, and their near monopoly could result in them dictating prices and limiting exports.

Electric cars need roughly one kilogram of magnet, whilst a 260 metre wind turbine can use seven tonnes.

The planning approval was also reported by the Yorkshire Post, with Counsellor John Whittle quoted on the project, stating that “If this is going to enhance the robustness of our country it must be supported.”

In addition, The Sunday Times recently reported that £4m of taxpayers’ money from the Automotive Transformation Fund would be granted to the project by Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng. This should help unlock the private investment needed to fund the plant, which could create 125 jobs.

A BEIS spokesperson told the Yorkshire Post: “We are investing heavily to ensure the UK remains one of the best locations in the world for automotive manufacturing. Through our £850m Automotive

Transformation Fund, we are dedicated to securing a globally competitive automotive sector in Yorkshire and across the UK. Developing secure supply chains in critical minerals and battery components is central to this.”

Paul Atherley, Chairman, added: “We are delighted that the strategic importance of Pensana’s Saltend facility has been recognised by East Riding Council, and that the planning application for a larger site has been approved. This will bring high-value jobs to the local area and allow us to expand further into downstream production, as part of our plans to create a world-class, independent, and sustainable supply of rare earth metals for electric vehicles, offshore wind and other strategic industries.”

REA urges Government to do more to save energy in cost of living crisis

Stuart Pearcey
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REA urges Government to do more to save energy in cost of living crisis
The Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology (REA) has welcomed new measures to try and counter spiralling energy bills, but said the Government must now ramp up installation of insulation and rollout of domestic renewables and clean tech. The Government’s plan to tackle the cost of living crisis, to be funded in part by a windfall tax of 25% on the profits of oil and gas companies, includes: scrapping the one-off, £200 loan deducted from energy bills to be replaced with a £400 grant; households who receive means tested benefits being given a one off payment £650; increasing the winter fuel allowance for pensioners to £300 from £150; and £150 extra for those receiving non-means tested disability benefits. The REA repeatedly called for support for households facing increasing bills as part of the trade association’s six point plan to tackle the energy crisis. The removal of VAT on domestic renewable and clean technologies was also part of the six point plan and introduced in the Chancellor’s Spring Statement in March. While the package announced today may bring some immediate relief to household bills, the REA says this will only be temporary as inflation continues to rise. Ofgem said on Tuesday the energy price cap would increase to £2,800 in October, an increase of £800, after the regulator already increased it by £693 in April. The REA is now calling on the Government to lead a ‘national effort’ to increase energy efficiency which includes extending the list of technologies included as Energy Saving Materials, establishing an effective home insulation scheme and delivering an ambitious domestic heat decarbonisation policy. The REA also reiterated their previous calls for the Government to help accelerate the wider energy transition and remove volatile gas prices from bills permanently. Dr Nina Skorupska Chief Executive of REA, said:“The REA has long called for Government intervention to reduce the impact of spiralling energy costs and we welcome the support which will now be provided to low income and vulnerable households in particular. “However, the measures announced today by the Chancellor will only provide temporary and partial relief, with struggling households facing unprecedented inflationary costs that aren’t going away any time soon. “The Government needs to go much further and, in addition to short term cash, lead a national effort to ensure as many households as possible can insulate their homes and install domestic renewables and clean technology before the winter. This will improve energy efficiency, reduce demand for expensive fossil fuels and prevent damaging exposure to volatile global prices. “The situation remains critical – the Government has to rapidly follow today’s short-term relief with a package of real substance.”

Sixth acquisition in just six years for Leeds-based Marshall Wooldridge

Steve Fisher
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Sixth acquisition in just six years for Leeds-based Marshall Wooldridge
Leeds-based Marshall Wooldridge has today announced its sixth acquisition since becoming part of Global Risk Partners (GRP) just six years ago. According to Insurance business news, the broker swooped on Insurefirst Limited, trading as Bush & Associates (Bush) for an undisclosed sum. Bush, which is based between Brighouse and Huddersfield, Bush & Associates are ideally situated in the heart of West Yorkshire, was founded in 2000 and in 2015 became a limited company, under the name of InsureFirst. The management team and all employees will all be retained say the new owners.
Commenting on the acquisition, Geoff Kirk, MD of Marshall Wooldridge, said: “Wayne and his team run a high-class regional brokerage and I’m really pleased they’ve chosen to join us for the next stage of their development.” He added that the business is a great fit with Marshall Wooldridge’s portfolio in Yorkshire and that he is confident that Bush will be in a strong position to expand its footprint with the support and help of the wider group. Wayne Stevenson also commented on the deal and highlighted Marshall Wooldridge’s reputation for entrepreneurship and encouraging owner-managers to go for growth. “We feel that Bush and its team are in safe hands under the GRP umbrella,” he said, “and we look forward to being able to offer our clients a broader range of products and services.”

Six-figure funding deal for Leeds based IT recycling firm

Steve Fisher
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Six-figure funding deal for Leeds based IT recycling firm
A Leeds entrepreneur who set up a successful recycling company when he was just 18 is expanding his business thanks to six-figure funding from Unity Trust Bank. Oliver Bedford established Revive IT in Buslingthorpe Green, Leeds in 2009 and is using the £900,000 refinance package to buy two new warehouses. It means the company, which provides secure computer recycling and data destruction services and employs 33 people, will be able to double the amount of equipment it processes and create 20 new jobs. Oliver said: “I can’t rate my experience with Unity Trust Bank, and my relationship manager Michael Wicks, highly enough, it was phenomenal. “The transaction was faster and smoother because Michael has experience of deals like this. The whole customer experience is what makes this bank so special.” Oliver discovered a flair for businesses when he was 13, buying sweets in multi-packs and selling them to schoolfriends for a profit. He progressed into the mobile phone market when he left school before moving on to IT equipment and buying his first warehouse. Oliver said: “I’ve always had a strong interest in buying and selling stuff – call it the Alan Sugar effect. “The IT recycling market is huge. Businesses upgrade every few years and need to dispose of old equipment, but most importantly they need to ensure all their confidential data stored on the equipment is securely destroyed. Another important consideration is making sure the equipment is recycled in an environmentally friendly way.” Revive IT, which operates around the country and offers a free collection service, destroys hard drives and data-bearing devices using industry-leading machinery. Devices that have been sanitised will be reused, while those that are faulty or obsolete are destroyed and broken down for recycling. The company has a zero waste to landfill policy and predominantly sells its goods on online market platforms. Oliver puts his company’s success down to his staff and excellent customer service. He said: “A lot of firms get so big they lose that personal touch and, like my experience with Michael and Unity, exceptional customer service is what makes a business unique. “We recruit in a sustainable way, making sure we employ the right people and provide proper training and support. We invest in people for the long run and we have extremely low staff turnover. “Making sure your staff are happy is the key to keeping your customers happy.” Michael Wicks, Relationship Manager at Unity Trust Bank, said: “Oliver has built up a hugely successful business and we’re delighted to support his expansion. “Recycling has a number of positive benefits, including helping to reduce our carbon footprint. However, as well as helping the environment, Oliver is also helping the local economy through job creation and training.”

Urbaser continues UK Growth through acquisition of Biowise

Steve Fisher
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Urbaser continues UK Growth through acquisition of Biowise

Environmental services company Urbaser Ltd, has announced that it has acquired Biowise Ltd – part of Wastewise Holdings Ltd, a Hull-based resource management service provider.

Urbaser Ltd provides municipal, waste treatment, and recovery services to residents throughout the UK, focusing its operations on conserving resources, carbon reduction, and delivering a circular economy. The acquisition supports Urbaser Ltd’s growth strategy to expand its portfolio of waste treatment and commercial services solutions within the region, building on the acquisition of five waste management contracts from Amey and J&B Recycling Ltd during 2021.

Founded by the Landau family, the Hull-based Biowise is a leading recycling and waste management firm with over 50-years’ experience within the industry. Delivering services across Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Derbyshire and Cheshire, Biowise operates three organic waste treatment facilities, (including two state-of-the-art in-vessel composting facilities) and offers a Total Waste Management service to a range of local authority and commercial customers, which together generated over £13 million during 2021 through the management of 260,000+ tonnes of waste.

Javier Peiro, Managing Director of Urbaser Ltd, said: “We are delighted to announce the integration of Biowise into the Urbaser Group as another important step along the path of growth and example of our continued ambition to expand the range of services we offer to our local authority and commercial customers across the country. We are committed to ensuring that Biowise continues to deliver the exemplary level of service established by the Biowise team over the many years of operation.

“The collection and treatment of organic waste is a critical element of the United Kingdom’s overall waste management strategy. Through the delivery of the organic waste treatment and Total Waste Management services, Urbaser Ltd is pleased to be able to provide additional support to maximise recycling within the UK.”

The senior management team at Wastewise will remain within the business, including Bob Wilkes as Managing Director, who joined the company in 2017.

Mr Wilkes added: “We are very excited to be joining Urbaser and supporting the Group in its ambitious growth strategy within the UK.

“Biowise is very fortunate to have found a company which possesses the same values in respect of the provision of innovative and environmentally responsible solutions across the waste management sector.”

Commenting on the sale of his company to Urbaser, James Landau added:

“It was extremely important to me to find the right organisation to take the business forward and I have every confidence that Urbaser will nurture and build upon Biowise’s existing relationships with its various local authority and commercial customers to take the company to the next level.

“I am very proud of what we have achieved, and I am thankful to the whole team for their loyalty and support. I wish them and Urbaser all the best for the future as they embark on the next chapter.”

The Urbaser Group has been delivering environmental services across the world since 1990. It plays a key role in the advancement of the circular economy, acting as a strategic partner in cities and industries all over the world, providing efficient and innovative environmental management solutions which it implements through its business areas.

Leeds given prestigious Purple Flag status for fifth year running

Steve Fisher
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Leeds given prestigious Purple Flag status for fifth year running
Leeds has been given prestigious Purple Flag status for the fifth year running, for achieving excellence in the management of its evening and night-time economy.
Awarded by the Association of Town and City Management (ATCM), the Purple Flag aims to raise the standard and broaden the appeal of town and city centres between the hours of 5pm and 5am. Areas awarded the Purple Flag are recognised for providing a vibrant and diverse mix of dining, entertainment and culture while promoting the safety and wellbeing of visitors and local residents. The Purple Flag accreditation recognises the investment in the streets and spaces in the city centre, which has seen streets like Greek Street, Call Lane, New Briggate and Lower Briggate all improved over the past two years. Increased areas of pedestrianisation, wider pavements and more space for outdoor seating have contributed to a more attractive city centre. There has also been major investment in the city’s bus and transport network, helping to improve journey times and provide safer walking and cycling routes. The judging panel praised the city’s approach to managing the night-time economy, with partnership initiatives like ‘Night Safe Leeds’, the multi-agency on-street community safety offer, and ‘Ask For Angela Leeds’ where people who feel unsafe can simply ‘ask for Angela’ at the bar or other venue and trained staff will be able to provide help. In addition, the work of the ‘Angels of Freedom’ who offer a range of visible, engaging, and caring services to people in the LGBT+ community was highlighted, as was the Women’s Safe Space pilot initiative run by Women’s Lives Leeds where a bus was used as a safe space for women who wanted to seek assistance, wait for friends or call a taxi. It was felt that these initiatives demonstrate a real commitment to making the city centre an inclusive, safe, and welcoming environment for all. Councillor Jonathan Pryor deputy leader of Leeds City Council and executive member for economy, culture and education, said: “I am delighted that Leeds has once again retained its Purple Flag status. The city centre has bounced back strongly from the pandemic, with leisure trips at the weekend often driving footfall above the levels seen pre-pandemic. Last weekend, for example, weekend footfall was three per cent up on the equivalent weekend in 2019. The city’s hospitality offering continues to evolve, with new venues regularly opening, and many more in the pipeline.” Councillor Debra Coupar, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for resources with responsibility for Safer Leeds, said: “Leeds city centre is a vibrant and exciting place for everyone and I am delighted that the work we have been undertaking to ensure everyone can enjoy it safely has been recognised through Purple Flag status. “We see people from all communities coming to Leeds to enjoy shopping, theatre and the arts and our thriving nightlife.  I hope that this award will encourage more and more people to visit our fabulous city and feel welcomed and safe while doing so.”

Major Connecting Leeds work to transform New Briggate now complete

Steve Fisher
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Major Connecting Leeds work to transform New Briggate now complete
Connecting Leeds highways work to improve a popular street in the city centre is now complete.
Delivery of the transformation of New Briggate started in July 2021, after a wider consultation in 2018 around improving bus routes, cycle lanes and footways in the city centre. The work, which forms part of Connecting Leeds’ £173.5million programme, aims to enhance the pedestrian and cycling experience by removing motor traffic (except for loading at specified times) and improving the public realm. Buses, which once used New Briggate, now use Vicar Lane, improving reliability and journey times by removing a bottleneck on The Headrow at New Briggate. Delivered by John Sisk & Son, the New Briggate delivery includes wider, high quality pavements to enhance walking and outdoor retail and dining opportunities, new trees, and improvements for cycle users. The scheme will also reduce city centre congestion and help to improve air quality. The New Briggate work follows on from another major milestone in the city centre, with areas around Leeds Corn Exchange benefitting from highway improvements and a creation of a new public space. The New Briggate enhancements also complement the High Street Heritage Action Zone (HAZ) project in the area which is a partnership between Leeds City Council and Historic England. The HAZ scheme is delivering heritage-led regeneration using government-funded grants for repair work to buildings and public spaces. Connecting Leeds aims to tackle the climate emergency in Leeds whilst delivering on Council objectives of delivering inclusive growth and improving the health and well-being of Leeds residents. Councillor Helen Hayden, Leeds City Council’s executive member for infrastructure and climate, said: “We are delighted another major step in city centre improvements is now complete. The work seen here will help to attract investment to New Briggate and offer more leisure options whilst improving active travel routes for people using the city. We would like to thank businesses; bus operators and users; and the public for their patience whilst construction has been carried out.”  

Woodland Group takes second warehouse at iPort, Doncaster

Steve Fisher
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Woodland Group takes second warehouse at iPort, Doncaster
Verdion has secured leading independent logistics company Woodland Group for one of its new speculative buildings at iPort near Doncaster. Woodland Group, one of the largest privately owned global logistics companies, will occupy the 130,458 sq ft distribution facility, iP1b, on a 10-year lease with construction completed and the facility fully operational from this week onwards. The Group is continuing to expand its footprint across Yorkshire as part of a strategic move to service the growing needs of its existing and new business. iP1b will be its second building at iPort following a decision to take a 195,000 sq ft fulfilment and distribution warehouse in February last year. Woodland Group also benefits from iPort’s on-site multimodal freight terminal, iPort Rail, as part of their carbon-conscious solution offering, even launching a dedicated new rail service through iPort Rail for its onsite clients. John Clements, Executive Director at Verdion, said: “Woodland Group is already proving how the combined logistics and rail freight offer at iPort can support businesses seeking a greener, more efficient, supply chain. We’re pleased to be able to prelet this additional unit as part of our wider speculative development programme and look forward to leasing the remaining space this year – there is already significant interest from a range of potential occupiers.” Luke Fermor, Global Head of Fulfilment, Woodland Group, commented: “The Woodland fulfilment business is seeing large growth with strategic clients who trust us with their complete end to end supply chain solutions. It has been a pleasure working with Verdion to deliver a second facility on the iPort estate which allows us to continue to expand our services out of Doncaster. This new dedicated e-commerce facility gives us the ability to store over 15,000 pallets and 12,000 pick locations all being managed by our state-of-the-art, in-house built WMS. This facility will further drive our aim to deliver sustainable supply chains, and we have extensive plans in place to make it our flagship for sustainable development. The investment we are seeing in the South Yorkshire and Doncaster area is very exciting and we are pleased to be a major provider and employer in the area.” iPort is one of the UK’s most advanced multimodal logistics hubs, with capacity for a total of 6 million sq ft of 24/7 of logistics and light industrial accommodation close to Junction 3 of the M18 and the East Coast Main Line. iP1b is the second of four warehouses completing in 2022 as part of a speculative development programme being undertaken by Verdion. iP2f comprises 174,380 sq ft and is available for occupation. iP1a comprises 116,000 sq ft and completes in June and the largest, iP10, comprises 260,000 sq ft and completes in August. All are designed to EPC A rating and BREEAM Very Good. The park’s remaining 1.7 million sq ft includes capacity for specialist buildings of up to 800,000 sq ft alongside this speculative space. Other occupiers include Amazon, Fellowes, Lidl, Maritime Transport, Dusk and Kingsbury Press. CBRE advised Verdion. Knight Frank acted for Woodland Group. Gent Visick, CBRE and Colliers are the retained leasing agents for iPort.
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