General Election is most ‘pro-nuclear’ for a generation, says industry expert
The South Yorkshire-based Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre’s Government & Regional Engagement Manager James Silverward says next month’s General Election is the most pro-nuclear in a generation.
He says: “Parties across the political spectrum have clearly recognised the value that the civil nuclear sector provides to the country not only in economic growth and jobs, but also in delivering on priorities in energy security and decarbonisation which have become much more pronounced since Britain last went to the polls in 2019.
“In addition to wider commitments on enhancing the UK’s energy security, the manifestos of the Labour and Conservative parties have jointly committed to investing in both gigawatt-scale reactors and small modular reactors (SMRs) across the country, as well as each making their own commitments to the prioritisation of a power station development in Wylfa and an extension to the lifespan of existing plants .
“Both parties have also committed to the UK’s nuclear deterrent, a sentiment which reflects continued support for an estimated 42,000 jobs and a supply chain of over 3,000 businesses.
“Whatever the outcome of the election, the incoming government needs to prioritise working with industry at all levels to understand how it can deliver these ambitious plans and how the sector can move quickly enough to meet such demand.
“Our own experience in the East Midlands shows how it is possible to link manufacturing innovation, supply chain development, skills, and policy to deliver long-term benefits to the UK. Indeed, the recent publication of the National Nuclear Strategic Plan for Skills demonstrates how this can be taken to a national level – but we need to do the same to address the other major challenges faced by the industry and work with the new government to drive delivery of a clear plan that can meet our national objectives.
“The UK’s advanced manufacturing sector is ambitious and driven, and Government needs to match this drive and ambition if the UK is to continue its development as a global leader in nuclear energy. Whether in nuclear new build, fusion energy, or the wider sector, our industry must be enabled to continue its development and meet the needs of future generations. The Nuclear AMRC is ready to support the incoming government to achieve these ambitious goals.”
New training partnership aims to support employers in need of machining technicians
Later this year a new apprenticeship training programme between Sheffield College and the Company of Cutlers will support employers needing machining technician skills.
Andrew Hartley, Deputy Chief Executive at The Sheffield College, said: “This apprenticeship will provide a great opportunity for Sheffield’s workforce of the future.
“Manufacturing employers need skilled, experienced machinists to operate complex machinery and produce components. Together with the Master Cutler and Company of Cutlers, we have designed an apprenticeship delivery model that works better for employers, tackles skills shortages and helps manufacturing businesses to thrive.”
On the Level 3 Machining Technician Apprenticeship, learners will study computer numerical control machining.
CNC machining involves the use of computer software to move factory tools and complex machinery such as grinders and lathes.
It is used by a wide range of manufacturing employers from those in aerospace, agriculture and electronics to energy, construction and medical.
Apprentices will earn as they learn in the workplace alongside completing a Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (Machining).
After a three-month foundation course at Liberty Steel in Stocksbridge, apprentices will complete their studies at the college’s Advanced Technology Centre on Olive Grove Road.
The Company of Cutlers, which represents manufacturing employers in Sheffield and South Yorkshire, is helping to design and develop the programme and raise awareness of it amongst businesses.
Master Cutler Charles Turner, who also chairs Made in Sheffield, said: “Our priorities are to help young people in the region be properly prepared with workplace skills to successfully enter the world of work and to help provide talent for regional business. This apprenticeship will have a three month full time in college foundation element to ensure that the young people are factory ready and ready to learn.
“Working closely with education providers and employers will enable us to achieve our objectives, which is why I am delighted that the Cutlers Company is launching a new apprenticeship partnership with The Sheffield College to better serve manufacturing businesses requiring skilled machine technicians.” The first intake of apprentices is planned for October 2024.
YPP Lettings acquires Leeds’ St George House
YPP Lettings has expanded its investment portfolio with the acquisition, on behalf of its investors, of St George House Leeds, a multi-story building currently let to Global Banking School in the centre of Leeds.
The acquisition was for a “substantial value” and was supported by finance from National Bank of Kuwait (International) PLC.
Farooq Zar, partner in Schofield Sweeney’s real estate team, acted on both the purchase and the finance elements of the transaction and was assisted by Oliver Brooke, solicitor.
Farooq Zar said: “It was a pleasure to assist YPP and its investors with their ever-expanding portfolio in Leeds and nationwide.
“The transaction was substantial in terms of value and complexity, with both us and our client working closely with the seller’s professional team to ensure a successful outcome for both the seller and the buyers. I look forward to working with YPP and its investors in the future.”
Siemens supports school summer holiday railway safety
With the school summer holidays rapidly approaching, Siemens Mobility is helping to reduce the dangers from children trespassing on railway line by working with Rail Safe Friendly.
It’s a social impact programme aimed at enhancing rail safety and reducing the number of trespass incidents by providing schools and the rail industry with an opportunity to work together to improve rail safety awareness among young people across the UK using content from Network Rail’s Switched On Rail Safety website.
The gold partnership is a reflection of Siemens Mobility’s commitment to support schools across the UK and is directly aligned with 150 of those closest to its sites, projects and offices, helping pupils learn how to stay safe around railway tracks.
Rob Morris, Joint CEO for Siemens Mobility UK & Ireland, said: “The safety of people on and around the railway must continue to be at the forefront of our minds in the rail industry. We must be relentless in ensuring that tragic accidents involving young people are consigned to the history books, and education about the dangers posed by the rail network is vital.”
“We are immensely proud of the impact our partnership with Rail Safe Friendly has had so far. The engagement from schools across the UK has been outstanding, and we are excited to see this continue to grow as we further our partnership.”
Stuart Heaton, MD of Rail Safe Friendly and Learn Live, said: “Through the support of Siemens Mobility we will be able to reach even more children with vital rail safety awareness with the aim of saving lives and preventing injuries on the country’s rail network and in yards, depots and sidings.
“It is crucial that children receive vital knowledge, at a young age, to keep them rail safe. The Rail Safe Friendly programme seeks to educate children and young people on the many dangers that are present on the railway.”
“Delivery, delivery, delivery” is key focus of Mayor
The Mayor of West Yorkshire will place skills and the economy as key priorities over her next four years of office, with plans to bring more well-paid jobs to the region.
Addressing the Combined Authority’s annual meeting of West Yorkshire’s leaders, she will also set out plans to revamp the region’s training and skills system.
Mayor Brabin will tell the meeting: “My message to you and to the Combined Authority is that we need to deliver, deliver, deliver – and that is what I intend to do.
“I was re-elected with a promise to focus on growing a more inclusive economy, with more jobs and opportunities spread across the region.”
In a wide-ranging address to the meeting, the Mayor will outline plans for a new Local Growth Plan to boost the region’s jobs market, as well as creating a “Region of Learning” to reform the skills and training in West Yorkshire. This will also include an employer accredited ‘badge’ to help learners demonstrate they have some of the skills needed for the workplace.
She will add: “Within the first six months of my term, [we will] set out how we will create a prosperous region with an inclusive economy and more well-paid jobs, putting more money into people’s pockets.
“Creating a Region of Learning will reform our skills system to support people to get the knowledge they need to succeed, with a modular system of learning tailored to the needs of employers and learners.”
The Mayor will also commit to continuing work to delivering a franchised bus system, getting spades in the ground on a Mass Transit network by 2028, and building 5,000 affordable homes across the region.
Norwegian Prime Minister opens green hydrogen plant created by Sheffield firm
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre has opened Yara’s a renewable hydrogen plant based on technology from Sheffield renewable energy provider ITM power.
The plant, at Herøya Industrial Park, is the largest of its kind currently in operation in Europe. Hydrogen is produced via electrolysis using renewable energy, replacing natural gas as feedstock. The plant will cut 41,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions from the site every year.
Using ITM’s state-of-the-art TRIDENT stack platform, the 24MW plant will provide enough green hydrogen to produce 20,500 tonnes of ammonia per year, which can be converted to between 60,000 and 80,000 tonnes of green fertiliser.
The green fertilisers produced at Herøya will form part of a new Yara Climate Choice portfolio, which includes solutions designed to benefit crops while reducing climate impact.
Dennis Schulz, CEO of ITM, said: “It was an honour to attend the inauguration of the plant by the Prime Minister of Norway. Ammonia has long been used as a fertiliser but is typically produced from fossil fuels. Green ammonia offers significant potential, among other things, to decarbonise the agricultural sector. We are proud of our collaboration with Linde Engineering to deliver this groundbreaking project for Yara.”
New city centre base for Sheffield University tech spinout
Phlux Technology, an infrared sensor technology firm, has chosen Pennine Five in Sheffield city centre to set up its new headquarters, as the city’s Innovation Spine gains momentum.
Founded by Ben White in 2020, Phlux is a spinout company from the University of Sheffield developing and commercialising breakthrough infrared sensor technology. This technology is revolutionising the performance of autonomous cars and advanced driver-assisted systems.
Last year, Phlux secured £4m of investment from Octopus Ventures and Northern Gritstone, and is also working on a 500,000 Euro project funded by the European Space Agency to build more efficient free-space optical communications (FSOC) satellite terminals.
Currently based at the University of Sheffield’s Kroto Innovation Centre, Phlux has signed up to move to a new 3,692 sq ft workspace at the Pennine Five campus this summer. The former HSBC headquarters off Tenter Street has been significantly redeveloped and modernised by RBH Properties in recent years.
Ben White, Co-Founder and CEO of Phlux Technology, said: “The success of our product launch means that Phlux has grown rapidly over the past year, outgrowing our existing home. We are very excited to be curating our own workspace at Pennine Five which will enable us to continue on our growth trajectory by enhancing our internal collaboration and feature two state-of-the-art labs for developing and testing future products.
“The location of Pennine Five was ideal for us. The campus is just down the road from the University – with whom we will continue to work closely – while providing us with a beautiful space for Phlux’s employees to continue to innovate as we scale up. I’d love to see other like-minded businesses join us here, as I can envisage the campus becoming a hub for growing technology firms in the city.”
Pennine Five is located at the centre of the Sheffield Innovation Spine, which runs from the University of Sheffield’s campus down to West Bar Square. Backed by the University, Sheffield Council and other key stakeholders, the Spine is a long-term economic strategy that aims to create and link the infrastructure required to grow knowledge-led technology businesses in the city centre.
Jeremy Hughes, Director at RBH Properties, added: “Welcoming Phlux to Pennine Five is a defining moment. It is a truly innovative and dynamic business with a huge future.
“The University of Sheffield is generating many exciting spinouts and tech start-ups. Pennine Five, located at the heart of the Sheffield Innovation Spine, is perfectly placed to support growing tech firms. With our flexible floorplates and tenant agreements, the campus can foster a vibrant ecosystem of collaboration, creativity and knowledge-sharing.”
Yorkshire Building Society colleagues raise over £48,000 taking on Yorkshire Three Peaks
Yorkshire Building Society colleagues helped to raise over £48,000 for FareShare, the UK’s largest charity tackling the environmental problem of food waste for social good, by taking on the Yorkshire Three Peaks.
Over 240 colleagues took part in a gruelling 10 or 26 mile walk, in torrential rain, wind and even some sunshine, to raise money for the Society’s charity partner.
The money raised will fund Building Skills for the Future programmes in seven of FareShare’s regional centres, including London, Bristol, Merseyside, Milton Keynes, Yorkshire, Edinburgh, and Cardiff. The employability programme supports people who are unemployed into good, sustainable work, addressing one of the root causes of poverty. The Building Skills for the Future programme offers participants coaching, support, practical workshops and work experience to help them to gain full-time employment.
In addition, the partnership will fund an outreach programme offering free, face-to-face sessions and workshops helping participants overcome financial hardship by supporting the building of important skills such as CV writing, job searching and improving financial wellbeing. It is hoped that the two programmes will help 2,500 people improve their employability and help them become more financially resilient.
Tom Simpson, Managing Director of YBS Commercial Mortgages, said: “The walk itself was really challenging but everyone was so determined to complete it and raise as much money as possible for FareShare, Yorkshire Building Society’s charity partner.
“We’re delighted that we’ve managed to raise over £48,000 so far, which will help towards our target of raising £1million to fund Building Skills for the Future programmes that will help to lift over 2,500 people out of financial hardship.”
Polly Bianchi, Director of Fundraising at FareShare, said: “We’re hugely grateful to all the Yorkshire Building Society colleagues who took on this challenge in support of FareShare.
“The Building Skills for the Future employability programme, funded by Yorkshire Building Society, will help thousands of people seek long-term employment, as part of our important work to provide a hand up not a hand out to communities across the UK.”
IT and telecoms specialist invests £30k into new site at Slaithwaite’s Globe Mill
Yorkshire IT and telephony expert, Probado, has signed a lease on the Globe Mill building in the heart of Slaithwaite as it continues to expand its nine-strong team and operations.
The move sees Probado take on three offices within the mill across a combined space of 900 sq ft, with a £30k investment into a bespoke fit-out with new furnishings, automatic height adjustable desks, video conference facilities and gaming area for the team to unwind.
Thanks to continued revenue growth, increasing its client portfolio by 20 per cent this year, and the expansion of its technical services team with three new starters in the last 12 months, a larger space was required for the firm, which celebrates its 17th birthday this year.
The partnership with Globe Mills was strengthened when Probado won the contract to support The Globe, and some of its clients, with network and telephony services.
Gordon Maclean, director and co-founder of Probado, said: “We are excited about this move to The Globe which provides us with the space and facilities to support our growing team and ambitions.
“The location in Slaithwaite town centre offers brilliant local food and shopping options, walking routes and rail links and we are confident that it will be a great place for the team and customers alike.
“We have invested in new furnishings and barista training for all staff from Darkwoods Coffee, a local brand renowned for its high-quality coffee, to ensure we are creating a happy, modern and attractive environment for our team to work from.
“We’re also thrilled with the new IT contract with The Globe, this further solidifies our relationship with them, providing us both with new and exciting opportunities to flourish and support fellow West Yorkshire businesses.”
Drax Foundation shares £500k with non-profit organisations
The Drax Foundation, the charitable entity of renewable energy company Drax Group, has given £505,070 to seven non-profit organisations across the regions in which it operates in England and Scotland, including almost £50k to a biodiversity project in Selby.
Shona King, Drax’s Head of Community, said: “This latest round of donations will make a tangible difference to communities in England and Scotland. The projects we are supporting range from restoring ancient hedgerows in Northampton to helping young people from rural communities in Argyll to build their Science Technology Engineering and Maths (STEM) skills.”
The Drax Foundation operates in the UK, USA and Canada. It is focused on funding initiatives that deliver education and skills development in STEM, those that improve green spaces and enhance biodiversity within local communities and improve access to renewable energy and energy efficiency in areas of low social mobility.
Shona continued: “Last year we launched the Drax Foundation and we are excited about the opportunity to build on the progress we have made to ensure that more people can develop their STEM skills, have access to quality local green spaces, and be lifted out of fuel poverty through access to affordable renewable energy, and energy efficiency measures”.
In England, the Foundation has donated a total of £227,002 across three projects including:
- Project: WILD C.I.C, £49,502, Selby: Project: WILD C.I.C is a not-for-profit social enterprise dedicated to addressing declining biodiversity in Yorkshire and supporting young people with mental illnesses. The Foundation’s funding will see the social enterprise deliver its ‘Eco Leaders’ project to increase understanding of local green spaces with young people in the Selby area.
- Canal & River Trust, £27,500, Northampton: The Canal & River Trust is the charity looking after 2,000 miles of historic waterways across England and Wales. The Foundation’s funding will enable the Trust to run a programme restoring ancient hedgerows in Northampton, mobilising a volunteer programme including training in hedge laying techniques.
- Energy Sparks, £150,000, England: Energy Sparks, is an energy education charity. The Foundation’s funding will increase the number of schools which can access Energy Sparks free of charge. Energy Sparks works with schools and pupils to understand energy usage and saving through real life data from their school.
