- Achieving a 60 per cent reduction in raw material use and the reduction of waste
- Accelerating patient access to new medicines by increasing research and development (R&D) productivity and agile manufacturing
- The use of technologies to reduce repetitive tasks to free researchers up for creative tasks
University of Sheffield partners in new manufacturing hubs
Four new research hubs aiming to address the challenge of commercialising early stage research within key areas of manufacturing, such as aerospace, medicines and semiconductors, have been launched with academics at the University of Sheffield.
The hubs – four of the five hubs in the funding programme recently announced by the UK Research and Innovation Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) – are also aiming to make manufacturing processes more sustainable by reducing waste, emissions and pollution as well as lowering production costs.
The first hub – CSManuHubSust – aims to capitalise on the huge opportunity of compound semiconductor manufacturing, as identified in the UK’s national semiconductor strategy.
The researchers will develop energy-efficient opto-electronics for use in key emerging technologies such as quantum. They will expand on the environmental benefits of compound semiconductors by creating new devices, such as mercury-free ‘night vision’ mid-infrared detector arrays and devices that both communicate and illuminate based on integrated transistors and LEDs. The hub is led by Cardiff University in collaboration with Professor Lenny Koh from the University of Sheffield’s Management School.
The second – the Advanced Metrology for Sustainable Manufacturing hub – will develop ground-breaking new technologies, such as ultra-fast and compact sensors using nanophotonic metamaterials and quantum sensors, to improve resource efficiency and productivity across the range of sectors that rely on precision manufacturing.
The advances in metrology – the science of measurement – that this hub aims to achieve could ultimately reduce industries’ reliance on cheap international labour and significantly reduce the carbon cost of transportation for many types of manufactured goods. The hub is led by the University of Huddersfield in collaboration with Professor Ben Morgan from the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC).
The third – the MediForge hub – aims to transform the development and manufacturing of medicines by pioneering an Industry 5.0 approach focused on harnessing advanced technologies, such as robotics and AI for sustainable, resilient and human-centric medicine production.
This includes:
The MediForge hub is led by the University of Strathclyde in collaboration with Professor Rachel Smith and Professor Jim Litster from the University of Sheffield’s Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering.
The fourth hub – Manufacturing Research Hub in Robotics, Automation and Smart Machine Enabled Sustainable Circular Manufacturing and Materials (RESCu-M2) – is led by the University of Birmingham in collaboration with Professor Ashutosh Tiwari, Deputy Vice-President for Innovation at the University of Sheffield and Airbus/RAEng Chair in Digital Manufacturing.
This hub aims to use advances in AI, robotics and intelligent automation to create a new sustainable circular manufacturing ecosystem across sectors, such as large aerospace structures, electric drives, energy, and medical devices.
By improving the way we reuse, repair, refurbish, remanufacture and recycle in manufacturing, the hub will help to ensure that we increase reuse of critical components by at least 75 per cent and reclaim at least 50 per cent more components.
For example, increasing the reuse of rare earth metals from magnets by just 30 per cent could secure the UK’s supply of these critical materials whose supply is typically environmentally destructive and from politically unstable regions.
Professor Sue Hartley, Vice-President for Research and Innovation at the University of Sheffield, said: “I’m really pleased to see academics from Sheffield collaborating in so many of these new sustainable manufacturing hubs. Research and innovation in manufacturing is an area of strength for us here at the University of Sheffield.
“Our academics have a fantastic track record delivering projects that have real impact locally, nationally and internationally and these hubs continue that tradition. I’d like to congratulate everyone involved on these awards and I wish you every success in your research to help make manufacturing more efficient, productive and sustainable.”
Pensions law firm welcomes new associate in Leeds
National specialist pensions law firm Arc Pensions Law has welcomed associate Michael Wilcock to its Leeds office.
Michael joins from Walker Morris and has wide ranging experience working with clients on a broad range of pension matters involving both defined contribution and defined benefit schemes.
He specialises in advising on complex and high-value advisory and transactional matters involving schemes with assets ranging from £10 million to £1.5 billion. Michael also has extensive experience advising on the provision of life assurance benefits, individual and bulk transfers, and also on communications to pension scheme members.
Michael also delivers seminars and training sessions for trustees on various aspects of pensions law and legal updates.
Kate Payne, managing partner, said: “We are delighted to have Michael joining us in Leeds. His broad experience across both defined benefit and defined contribution schemes makes him a great addition to the firm.”
Michael said: “I am extremely pleased to join the growing team of experts at Arc Pensions Law, with a longstanding reputation for delivering first-rate advice on all aspects of pensions law.”
Humber Freeport makes new home in historic trade centre
Associated British Ports (ABP) is delighted that the Humber Freeport Company has located its headquarters in the Grade II Listed Grimsby Dock Office.
The Humber ports play a vital role for the UK as nation’s premier gateway with the world, handling around 17% of the nation’s trade, and the Freeport expands across the Humber including ABP’s four major ports of Grimsby, Goole, Hull, and Immingham. As a new catalyst for further boosting trade and investment it’s particularly appropriate that the Freeport has selected an office location in the heart of an enduring part of the Humber’s trade network.
The Grimsby Dock Office is just one element of ABP’s extensive and diverse offering of property and development opportunities – from heritage assets to large scale development sites like the Humber International Enterprise Park (HIEP) in Hull, offering 468 acres of prime development land, including 212 acres of port estate and is situated within the tax-assisted zone. The site also has access to a dedicated road/rail link and is ideally suited for port-centric manufacturing, logistics and green energy uses.
Greg Lacey, Head of Property for ABP in the Humber said: “The Humber Freeport is a fantastic opportunity for the UK to attract new inward investment from both international and domestic businesses. We have several complementary development sites across the North and South Bank, all of which have their own USPs and the ability to attract transformational projects to the region. What is also exciting, is the opportunity for the development sites to play a vital part in the Humber’s transformation to green energy and decarbonisation”.
“We welcome Simon and the Humber Freeport Company team to Grimsby, which is the customs zone of the Freeport, and located close to the offices of North East Lincolnshire Council, which is the accountable body for Humber Freeport.”
Simon Green, CEO of Humber Freeport said: “This is another significant landmark for Humber Freeport, giving us a base in the heart of the region from which to drive further investment. Large-scale developments with a total value of more than £1bn have already been announced for freeport sites in the Humber, demonstrating how attractive our proposition is for inward investors. That investment in turn creates skilled jobs for local people, broadening our region’s supply chain while driving innovation and economic growth.”
Lincoln aims to crack down on ‘out of hours’ delivery drivers
Growing concerns about delivery drivers ignoring traffic regulations and using Lincoln’s pedestrianised High Street when they’re not allowed to do so has promoted action from the authorities, with strict enforcement starting next month.
Lincoln Business Improvement Group is working with City of Lincoln Council, Lincolnshire County Council and Lincolnshire Police to address the challenges created by delivery vehicles navigating crowded pedestrian areas throughout the day, posing a threat to public safety. This is despite Traffic Regulation Orders clearly stating that within Lincoln City Centre, there is no loading or unloading allowed from 10am – 4pm every day.
Whilst Lincoln BIG understands delivery drivers play a crucial role in ensuring goods reach their destinations promptly, there has been a rise in the number of delivery vans and trucks present on Lincoln’s High Street during active pedestrian times, with CCTV recording between more than a dozen delivery vehicles in the city centre every day in breach of the traffic regulation order..
A spokesman said: “There are a number of steps that have been taken to bring about change. Signage has been updated to ensure enforcement can take place, the number of official drop off points are being increased and they will be proactively promoted to delivery companies. Enforcement will restart in June 2024 with an initial period of informing those who continue to misuse the area. Strict enforcement will restart at the beginning of July.
“We are encouraging businesses to make sure their delivery companies are aware of the restrictions being reintroduced and the new drop off points. We will also be reminding the delivery firms directly that there is a risk of invalidating their insurance cover should they fail to take account of the regulations.”
Leeds Bradford Airport Depot sold in £25m deal
Leopard Capital has acquired a vast industrial and distribution estate adjacent to Leeds Bradford Airport for £25 million. This transaction represents one of North England’s largest property investments this year.
The estate, known as Leeds Bradford Airport Depot (LBAD), covers approximately 1.25 million sq ft within a 60-acre site. It consists of a single building structure and had been owned by Broadland Properties Group since 1969.
Broadland Properties was advised by Leeds property consultancy, GV&Co’s investment division, while Robin Bullas from Commercial Property Partners (CPP) represented Leopard Capital.
This investment marks Leopard Capital’s entry into Yorkshire. The London-based investment management and advisory firm specialises in sourcing and acquiring industrial assets across the UK and Europe. With this acquisition, Leopard Capital has now transacted 1.7 million sq ft of floor space across seven purchases.
LBAD is directly accessible from the A658 Harrogate Road and offers accommodation in 15 units, ranging from approximately 25,000 sq ft to 150,000 sq ft. Notable tenants include APCOA, VPK Packaging, Jet2, VLT Logistics, and Toyota Tsusho.
James Hill, director at Broadland Properties, confirms the Group made a bold speculative purchase of this vacant former aircraft factory some 55 years ago.
He said: “After significant capital investment in the building, it became a true engine of growth, with a strong continuing income stream. With changing Group investment criteria and an ambitious acquisition pipeline, the time had come for Broadland Properties to pass this signature building into new ownership.”
Alex Fordyce, CEO of Leopard Capital, expressed excitement about the purchase, emphasising the structural undersupply of industrial space in the area; the expansion of the adjacent airport and an ambitious asset management program including ESG improvements which will drive value.
The vendor was advised by GV&Co’s investment division, while Robin Bullas from Commercial Property Partners (CPP) represented Leopard Capital.
Garry Howes, director of investment at GV&Co, said: “LBAD is a unique, high-yield, multi-let investment opportunity with a rich trading history. The deal reflects confidence in the industrial sector and the North of England’s commercial property market.”
Robin Bullas highlighted various asset management strategies the site offers to drive rents and enhance the estate. He notes that deals like this signal a stronger 2024 as investors return to the regional market.
LBAD played a pivotal role in reinforcing Britain’s military strength in the sky during World War Two. It was originally built by the Avro Aircraft Company and between 1939 and 1946 it became a ‘shadow factory’ with its roof camouflaged in grass, complete with imitation farm buildings and dummy animals. This meant from the sky it looked like agricultural land rather than the largest industrial production centre in Europe, which it quickly evolved into.
The estate contributed to the war effort on a colossal scale with around 700 Lancaster Bombers and 4,500 Ansons built at the site by a 17,500 strong workforce. The remains of the taxiway from the factory to the main airfield, which later became Leeds Bradford Airport, are still visible.
Rollits runners team up to tackle 10k Corporate Challenge
Staff at Rollits LLP will be aiming to demonstrate leadership and teamwork when they take to the streets of Hull to raise funds for charity and test themselves against other businesses.
As competitors in the MKM Hull 10k Corporate Challenge – part of the Hull 10k public race – the Rollits runners will be looking to cross the line as quick as they can, but it’s the quickest combined time that counts towards a win.
Team captain Josh Hobson, and a solicitor in the Corporate team said: “The Corporate Challenge is all about each of us completing the 10k as quickly as we can and also supporting each other on the way, working collectively.”
The event happens in Hull city centre on Sunday June 9th and is organised by Run For All, which is part of the lasting legacy of the late amateur athlete and fundraiser Jane Tomlinson.
Rollits will be running to raise money for Bliss, the firm’s charity of the year which supports parents and families of premature or sick babies by providing face-to-face and email support, giving them access to practical information Anyone can donate to via the team’s JustGiving page, which has a team target of £750.
Josh said: “We’ve set up a running club so that we can be in top shape on the day and with our office being located on High Street it’s been easy to chart out our post-work practice route we can mirror the first 5K of the actual event. It’s a great way for us all to prepare for the day and enjoy some team bonding in the process, plus it means we miss the rush hour when we go home afterwards.
“I have never run a 10K before so it’s exciting to take on this challenge, and it’s a great way to keep fit. Rollits raises awareness and money for charities in a variety of ways, so we decided this was an excellent addition to our annual fundraising calendar.”
Six business bidders share in £55k from Leeds City Council
Leeds City Council has confirmed new funding support for events and projects helping business innovators get big results from bright ideas, with six bidders sharing in £55,000.
The council’s Innovation@Leeds programme invited grant applications earlier this year from organisations keen to play their part in giving aspiring entrepreneurs and other bold thinkers the opportunities they need to realise their potential.
Nearly 60 applications were received – and now, following a competitive selection process, six successful bidders have been awarded grants totalling £55,000.
The funding will support a series of knowledge-sharing events – with associated activity such as mentoring and networking – aimed at people from diverse communities and backgrounds who want to found or further develop their own innovation-led businesses.
The grant scheme has also been designed to benefit the wider city economy by driving inclusive growth while showcasing Leeds’s innovation strengths to outside investors.
The initiatives chosen to receive funding are:
- Climb24, a festival of ‘innovation, industry and investment’ taking place at Leeds Dock on Wednesday and Thursday this week where 30 local businesses – many founded by people from under-represented communities – will get the chance to promote their ideas to potential partners, industry leaders and customers. Last year’s Climb23 event attracted 1,500 delegates, more than 220 speakers and 150 active investors;
- The Athena Festival, a groundbreaking day-long conference at the University of Leeds’s Nexus innovation hub that will bring together female founders, investors and stakeholders from across the North;
- Events and activities – including a funding options workshop for 100 Black business founders where they will meet investors – led by the Include Me and D-List open community platforms;
- A co-design workshop and other inclusive development activity that will drive forward plans for an Ingenuity innovation hub at White Rose Park in south Leeds, focusing on the creation of a real-world testbed for the innovation ecosystem;
- Four interactive events – held in Leeds but live-streamed nationwide – that will turn a spotlight on innovations in the green, eco and sustainability sectors. The events will be run by the Greenhouse innovation accelerator programme;
- Three face-to-face events that will help digital health leaders and innovators share best practice. The events, plus associated website development and communications work, will be organised by a consortium called Leeds Digital Health.
Acquisition sees emission control technology firm expand
Gainsborough-based Eminox has acquired UK and US based SaveGuard (formerly Culimeta-Saveguard). The move enhances Eminox’s ability to deliver pioneering emission reduction technologies to customers, worldwide.
SaveGuard, known for its highly technical, cutting-edge thermal and acoustic insulation products, has manufacturing facilities in Ashton-Under-Lyne, UK, and Eau Claire, Wisconsin, USA.
It designs and produces a range of automotive products used in vehicle exhausts, including acoustic and thermal insulation materials, Katpak, Thermolastic, knitted products, bespoke sleeves, insulation jackets, and heat shields. The acquisition also includes the FireHalt product line, known for its cavity fire barriers designed and manufactured in the UK.
“The acquisition of SaveGuard aligns with our vision of expanding our value offering and enhancing our technological capabilities,” said Jonathan Griffith, Managing Director of Eminox. “SaveGuard’s renowned products and expertise complement Eminox’s mission to continue the development of innovative emission reduction solutions for our customers, globally.
“In addition, the strong alignment of values between SaveGuard’s operational teams, Eminox and the wider Hexadex Group further reinforces the strategic fit of this acquisition and we are excited to welcome SaveGuard into the Hexadex Group.”
Housebuilders offer advice about achieving work-life balance
North Yorkshire housebuilder Barratt and David Wilson Homes have compiled a series of top tips to achieve a good work-life balance.
In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Week the homebuilders stressed the importance of making sure work and home life are kept separate.
Sam Wood, Sales Director at Barratt and David Wilson Homes, said: “May’s Mental Health Awareness Week was an important reminder for everyone to make sure they’re balancing work and their home life equally. It’s also important to get moving whilst spending more time at home, and switching off when necessary.
“Finding this balance and shutting off from work is tough, especially for those working from home. Many of our properties have a dedicated study to help with this, or the potential to adapt a spare room into a working environment.
“Modern living and working from home can be easy and manageable, and we hope homeowners find our guidance beneficial for improving their work-life balance.”
Top tips
Make Use of Your Spare Room: The human brain is extremely responsive to patterns. In the same way that spending all day in a bedroom can affect sleep quality, working all day in a living room can ruin your relaxation time. Try to limit your work to one particular room, leaving other rooms for movement and leisure. Many of Barratt and David Wilson Homes’ properties have dedicated studies or work spaces.
However, if you do not have a study at home, you could convert a lesser-used room in the house such as a dining room or a spare bedroom into a makeshift office to distinguish between work and leisure. This can be an excellent way to shut off and create distance between your work and your social life.
Schedule in Your Downtime: Recognise your own productivity throughout the week and reward it. By picking some short relaxation activities and some longer ones, you can scatter them throughout your week. A short relaxation activity might include making a cup of tea and leaving your work space to drink it, while a long one might be baking some cookies, exercising or listening to a podcast. These can be scheduled into your evenings or lunch breaks, and allows you to have full control and balance in your working week.
Let People Know You’re in the Zone: Whether in an office environment or working from home, sometimes it can be hard to get into the working mode. It’s important to balance the time you spend working and the time you spend communicating with those around you. If you’re working in a room with other people, you can signal that you’re currently in the zone by placing a flag on your desk, or putting on some headphones.
If these signals are given, those around you will know that you do not want to be disturbed. Make sure you regularly leave time to leave the zone, as social interaction is excellent for mental wellbeing.
Find Your Own Balance: Every individual’s ideal work-life balance is going to be different. It’s important to remember that we are all human and balancing work, social and family life is not simple. You can help this with little changes to your day, such as placing your phone on do not disturb when you’re outside of working hours, or spending your lunch time away from your desk, ideally on a nearby walk, and with your family or colleagues.
Leeds Beckett experts leading new project to reduce carbon footprint of Leeds manufacturers
Business and computing experts at Leeds Beckett University are joining forces with Leeds-based Quality Bearings Online Ltd (QBOL) to reduce the company’s carbon footprint, by creating an innovative new business model for the net zero era.
The project is a 30-month Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP), part-funded by the Government through Innovate UK. The academics and QBOL will create a unique, expert computing system which will allow the company to move away from a carbon-intensive ‘Just in Time’ delivery approach. They will build a greener supply chain and investigate opportunities for storage hubs in key geographical locations worldwide.
Dr Alfred Chinta, Supply Chain Management Course Director at Leeds Beckett University and KTP project leader, explained: “Greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector are expected to double by 2050 if they continue at the current rates – and the growing demand for faster shipping is contributing to this scenario, with transportation being one of the main contributors of greenhouse gas emissions.
“QBOL is a highly successful distributor and exporter of quality bearings products. With 90% of sales shipping overseas, it is a business with a high carbon footprint. As a market disrupter since its inception, and in-line with its highly innovative approach, the company recognises that to continue to grow in the net zero era the business must address this carbon footprint.”
The new expert system – named the Intelligent System for the Net Zero Era – will allow the company to manage their key accounts more strategically, with a more scheduled approach to fulfilling orders, steering away from the Just in Time method.
Denny Maude, Chief Executive Officer at Quality Bearings Online, said: “This exciting project will give us a point of market differentiation that addresses a key issue of the current industry model – the high carbon footprint of rapid, Just in Time delivery, that is often provided in small packages via air freight.
“It is our aim to provide greener, more environmentally sustainable services to our clients – where sustainability of the supply chain is a key decision-making factor – and to meet our environmental ambitions.”
