Siemens’ maintenance contract extension secures TransPennine Express work at York and Cleethorpes
Siemens Mobility has been awarded an eight-year contract extension to maintain the Class 185 fleet on TransPennine Express routes linking Manchester, Sheffield Cleethorpes, and Hull. The majority of maintenance work will take place at Ardwick Depot, Manchester and subsidiary depots at York and Cleethorpes.
Sambit Banerjee, MD for Rolling Stock and Customer Services at Siemens Mobility, said “This contract extension is fantastic news and a real testament to the team working so incredibly hard to ensure the trains perform at a continued high standard. We will work closely with the operator to keep the trains well maintained and continue to offer the best passenger experience.”
David Walker, Head of Fleet Commercial for TransPennine Express, said: “We have had a long and productive relationship with Siemens Mobility and we are delighted to continue working together with the award of this eight-year contract extension. We are looking forward to Siemens Mobility, Eversholt Rail and TransPennine Express delivering further improvements to one of our key fleets through building upon our strong, collaborative partnership. Suppliers like Siemens are vital in making sure that customers remain at the heart of everything that we do and we are committed to offering the best passenger experience when people choose to travel with us.”
Siemens Mobility has been maintaining the fleet since 2006 and has delivered a programme to provide a full digital upgrade to the 51-strong fleet leading to improved reliability. The technology-based solutions have given the trains a new lease of life and ensured they remain as one of the UK’s most reliable fleets.
The Class 185s use Siemens Mobility’s cloud-based Railigent X application suite, this means the trains are fitted with remote condition monitoring which allows the teams to get direct updates on each train and how it is performing, including any areas that need to be prioritised for maintenance. The technology provides updates on individual vehicles as well an accurate picture across the whole fleet, ensuring the 20-year-old trains can give the best passenger experience. This technology has meant the train fleet has performed consistently well, winning industry reliability awards.
The contract means Siemens Mobility will work closely with operator TranspennineTrains Limited and the trains’ owners Eversholt Rail Leasing Limited until at least 2031.
Doncaster Chamber offers high powered line-up for business conference
Two senior figures from the British Chamber of Commerce lead the speaker line-up at the Doncaster Chamber’s annual Doncaster, What’s Next? Business Conference on June 6th.
Both Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the BCC, and its President Baroness Martha Lane-Fox, will deliver authoritative keynote speeches about the state of the national economy and the relationship between business and central government. Of course, they will also be ready to hear from Doncaster’s business community as well.
With illustrious careers — having, between them, worked in senior positions for the likes of Disney, Twitter, Chanel, The Open University, The Cabinet Office, and LastMinute.Com — they will have plenty of great insights to share.
On the subject of nurturing local talent, Lindsey Glasby, Senior Vice Principal at Doncaster UTC, Colonel Stephen Padgett OBE, Chief Executive of The National Horseracing College and Chris Nicholls, Area Director for Workforce with the Association of Colleges, will all be offering their unique perspectives. Also sitting on this panel will be Luke Lawson, Automation Engineer at Polypipe Building Products, who was recently named Apprentice of the Year at the 2022 Doncaster Business Awards.
Elsewhere, Jon Duffy, CEO of Clean Power Hydrogen, So Him Fong, MD of King Asia Foods, and Rebecca Crawforth, the Founder of internationally-recognised makeup brand Navy Professional, will be talking about how to nurture a climate more conducive to growth in Doncaster.
Dan Fell, Chief Exec of Doncaster Chamber, said: “I am immensely looking forward to next week’s conference, as we have a packed agenda and a long list of heavyweight guests.
“Hearing from our incredible entrepreneurs and business leaders always proves to be a true highlight for the event and this year’s iteration is looking to be no exception in that regard.
“From major investors — such as Hybrid Air Vehicles, who are doing game-changing things right now in the aviation industry — through to our anchor employers, like LNER, and those inspiring success-stories from our SME community, I am confident that Doncaster will be shown in its best light here.
“Of course, we will also get to hear from those who have a major role to play in shaping our economic destiny. The local authority, government stakeholders and our very own umbrella body, the BCC, will be outlining what they envision for the economy and places likes Doncaster. They will also be listening attentively to what firms on the ground have to say and will hopefully be going away with homework set by our delegates and members.
“With that being said, this is intended to be an open forum, where attendees can join in with the debate and generate their own ideas. And now is certainly the appropriate time to speak up.
“We have to acknowledge that the last twelve months have taken a toll on South Yorkshire, and things haven’t exactly been going our way. Our GBR campaign ended with a near-miss, we’ve had to reckon with the closure of our region’s international airport and businesses have been met with an onslaught of economic challenges.
“Doncaster is fiercely resilient and I still believe that we can rebound quickly from these setbacks. Yet it’s imperative that this journey begins as soon as possible. The business conference is a chance to help get us back on track, to identify new opportunities that are available to us, and to reinject some much-needed optimism back into the community.”
NW Trading signs long-term deal on UK’s only all-weather cargo and storage terminal
Logistics, supply chain, and storage specialist NW Trading has agreed a long-term deal with ABP for an All Weather Terminal at the Port of Hull.
The 16,630 sqm fully enclosed cargo-handling and storage facility is unique in the UK and provides uninterrupted all-weather working and cargo storage for weather-sensitive products. Cargo can be effectively handled from ship to shore without weather delays. The terminal is segregated into three stores, two designed to store dry bulk cargo and the third to house breakbulk cargo. The breakbulk facility benefits from five, 25 tonne automated overhead gantry cranes, a designated undercover rail-freight connection, and HGV loading facilities.
NW Trading Limited will now be operating the facility on a long-term lease where they will be handling and storing both bulk and bagged dry bulk commodities.
NW Trading Limited Director Zara Giles said: “NWT is long established in the Shortsea sector partnering with multiple blue-chip companies to provide Stevedoring services across the Humber and Mersey. The addition of the All Weather Terminal to our facilities in Hull opens up access for our customers to deep water enabling more flexibility in their supply chain and allowing the procurement of product from further afield, key to staying competitive in today’s turbulent commodity markets.”
Director Humber, Simon Bird, said: “ABP has a longstanding relationship with NW Trading, which has been delivering operations at ABP Humber’s Port of Goole for many years now. We are thrilled to be supporting their continued business expansion into the Port of Hull, enabling them to make the most of the opportunity afforded by the port’s deep-sea connections and excellent road link to the M62 corridor.”
The Port of Hull is home to the UK’s largest commercial roof mounted solar array, part of which is installed on the All Weather Terminal.
Work to start on new town square in Goldthorpe
Work will begin next week on the development of a new town square in Goldthorpe as part of the £23.1m Towns Fund investment.
The Heart of Goldthorpe project is one of the five main Towns Fund projects. The works will include hard and soft landscaping with curved planting beds, informal seating and contrasting paving patterns where children might play. There will be an area for reflection and a space which will host the new market. It will also host a variety of community events.
Views from local residents and businesses have helped shape the design of the new square. Architects looked at feedback following several face-to-face consultations on the site and in the library, and through an online survey.
N T Killingley Ltd have now been appointed to carry out the works. They will begin setting up the site on Monday 5 June with preparations for the work continuing throughout June.
Paving, edgings and Market Stall bases will be fitted throughout July and the planters will be installed in August. Planting and the fitting of benches is planned for the end of August. It is hoped all work will be completed by September.
Matthew Stephens, acting chairperson of the Goldthorpe Town Board which is overseeing the Towns Fund projects, said: “Through Towns Fund investment we’re working together to create a thriving community where people can choose to live, invest and excel. Projects have been drawn up in response to local people’s priorities following consultation with local communities.
“It’s really exciting to see the Heart of Goldthorpe project getting underway. This is going to be a really high-quality square local people will enjoy using and will help give a lift to the wider town centre.
“This is just one of five key projects we’ve been able to fund through this once-in-a-generation investment, and I know local people will be impressed when they see this work completed.”
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
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:- Tuesday 6th June, 2pm to 5pm at Drax Village Hall, 168 Main Road, Drax, YO8 8NJ
- Tuesday 13th June, 6pm to 7pm – more information on how to sign up for this event
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
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
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
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.
