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Hydrogen innovation earns Luxfer Gas Cylinders gold at regional manufacturing awards
A commitment to pioneering the use of hydrogen technology has seen Luxfer Gas Cylinders recognised for its innovation at the regional Make UK Manufacturing Awards – paving the way for the company to compete in the national finals in January 2025.
Luxfer Gas Cylinders – the world’s largest manufacturer of high-pressure composite and aluminium cylinders – was presented with the Make UK Midlands Innovation Award earlier this month.
Organised by Make UK, the body that represents manufacturing industry across the UK, the awards were held to mark the achievements of companies from across the Midlands.
Judges handed a gold to Luxfer Gas Cylinders in recognition of its extensive and relentless efforts to develop new systems and infrastructure to transport hydrogen safely. This has involved significant seven figure investment in R&D across teams in the UK and North America in order take advantage of what is expected to be a substantial uptake in the use of hydrogen for clean energy in the future.
Lucy Morris, Marketing Manager, Luxfer Gas Cylinders Europe, said: “We’re so proud to be recognised by Make UK, and particularly in this category, because innovation is something that is fundamental to our organisation, and specifically to our highly skilled alternative fuel experts. They are bringing to bear our decades of experience in gas containment to develop clean, green, solutions that will encourage adoption of hydrogen technology.
“It’s an exciting time for this sector, and we’re pleased to be acknowledged as a pioneer, breaking new ground and helping reformulate what’s possible in hydrogen mobility and storage.”
Chris Corkan, Region Director for Make UK in the Midlands, added: “These awards are a testament to the dynamic companies and individuals working within engineering and manufacturing. The sector remains at the heart of creating wealth in the Midlands and as we grow our economy there will be a bright future for companies and individuals that make the most of their talent.”
East Midlands businesses and property owners urged to assess risks of living walls
An insurance expert is calling on East Midlands architects, property owners and hotel or leisure venues to assess the risks associated with living walls, which may not be fully covered by standard insurance policies.
Vince Kelly of specialist insurance broker Lycetts has issued the warning as the demand for sustainable ‘vertical gardens’ grows.
“With the increasing integration of green roofs and living walls in modern architectural designs, there is a pressing need to address the fire risks linked to the materials used in these on-trend systems,” Kelly said.
“While we wholeheartedly support the move towards sustainable buildings that contribute to net zero targets, it’s crucial that safety is not compromised in the process.”
Highlighting the potential dangers, he pointed out that all cladding systems feature a backing wall with insulation and that even when cavity barriers are installed correctly, some components might still be combustible, posing a risk of fires spreading.
“To mitigate this, it’s essential that the backing wall, insulation and supporting structures – including potting, irrigation and drainage systems – are constructed from non-combustible materials wherever possible,” he said.
“The impact of severe weather events and potential water leaks can significantly affect the safety and insurability of the building, as well as adjacent structures, if the living wall is not meticulously designed, installed and maintained.”
Kelly also pointed out the unique challenges posed by green roofs.
“Unlike conventional roofs, green roofs are considerably heavier due to the additional weight of the support structure, the requisite irrigation systems as well as the plants themselves,” he explained. “Plus, the extra water retention capacity during heavy rainfall must also be factored into architectural considerations.”
To ensure the longevity and safety of these sustainable features, Kelly recommends that installers conduct extreme water tests immediately after installation to check for leaks and consider installing electronic leak detectors. Annual inspections are also advised to remove problematic plants and those developing strong, deep roots to reduce the risk of leak damage.
Furthermore, he recommends that architects and property owners engage a qualified structural engineer during the design phase to assess load-bearing capacity and ensure the building is fit to support these installations. Fall protection measures and access for ongoing maintenance should also be planned into the design to ensure safe upkeep.
“Living walls and green roofs offer numerous environmental, aesthetic and health benefits but the ongoing maintenance and repair can be a challenging and costly process,” Kelly added.
“I would urge anyone involved in a new sustainability project or retrofit that incorporates a living wall to consult their insurer during the planning stages to mitigate the risks and ensure the creation of buildings that are not only stunning and sustainable but also safe.”
Major Boost for a joined up visitor economy strategy for the East Midlands
In a first of its kind, at its meeting on Monday 4 November, the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) Board agreed to develop a regional approach to delivering a thriving visitor economy for the East Midlands. The Board agreed funding of up to £60k to support the joint work of the region’s two Local Visitor Economy Partnerships (LVEPs) to develop a Destination Management Plan for the EMCCA region to add value, strengthen collaboration and avoid duplication.
The approach agreed by the Board focuses on three core elements to boost the visitor economy:
- By promoting our place and products to deliver enhanced profile, greater reach and more visitors.
- By developing the offer, working with our stakeholders to improve and increase, for example, hotel accommodation and live venue, conference facilities etc
- By realising the value of the sector, showing the wider benefits to our region over and above the contribution to our economy.
Promoting our place and products
Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, has begun a series of engagement events in order to hear directly from key organisations across the sector. This has included a Derby and Derbyshire-focused meeting hosted by the Devonshire Group at Chatsworth House, an Arts Council-led event in Chesterfield, bringing together representatives from across the culture and heritage sectors, and a Nottingham and Nottinghamshire-focused event hosted at the National Civil War Centre in Newark. These events provided valuable feedback regarding the challenges and opportunities for organisations in the sector.
Developing the offer
There are now two Local Visitor Economy Partnerships (LVEPs) that cover the whole of the EMCCA area, Visit Nottinghamshire and Visit Peak District, Derbyshire and Derby and they are both formally accredited by Visit England. They will work with us to develop a strategic vision for the region, highlighting all the fundamentals of making our destinations thrive, while supporting local businesses.
Realising the value of the sector
The tourism/visitor economy makes a significant contribution to our economy, worth around £5.25bn in 2023 and supporting around 52,000 jobs. The aim is to take up numerous opportunities to grow the value of the sector, both in terms of direct economic impact and wider benefits that support EMCCA’s inclusive growth objectives.
Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, said: “The Visitor Economy is one of my key priorities because it matters everywhere: to our cities, our market towns, and our rural areas alike.
This is a vital agenda for the whole region and I’m delighted to lead and strengthen collaboration with our regional partners. Our joined up Destination Management Plan means that we can have more impact, and improve our offer for visitors, residents and grow our economy.”
Megan Powell Vreeswijk, CEO of Marketing Nottingham & Nottinghamshire including Visit Nottinghamshire, said: “Collaboration across the East Midlands is key to driving a vibrant and sustainable visitor economy, and we are delighted to work in partnership with East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) and Visit Peak District Derbyshire and Derby to make this vision a reality. EMCCA’s commitment to the Destination Management Plans marks a major milestone in building a unified approach that enhances the unique offer of our regions, while providing a strategic framework for growth.
Together as the two LVEPs with our regional partners, we will elevate the profile of the East Midlands, to attract more visitors, and create new opportunities for local businesses, visitors, and residents.”
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Work nears completion on cutting-edge planetarium
Enhancing science education, work on the UK’s newest planetarium for more than a decade is progressing rapidly at its Nottinghamshire site, with the £6.8 million project set to complete by the end of November.
Funded by the UK Government, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Garfield Weston Foundation, Wolfson Foundation, the Foyle Foundation and numerous other donors, the new planetarium forms part of the Sherwood Observatory, which is being transformed into a leading regional education and exhibition space off Coxmoor Road in Sutton-in-Ashfield.
The internal fit-out is now well underway, with equipment including a ten-metre diameter hemispherical screen and projectors being installed that will show tours of the solar system and beyond. The planetarium will feature 59 seats and will be disability accessible.
Multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard is behind the scheme, delivering project and cost management services.
Nick Hanson, associate cost manager at Pick Everard, said: “This is an exciting project that is contributing positively to the local area with a world leading science and education facility.
“The Sherwood Observatory is of huge historical significance and draws on our expertise of delivering high quality visitor attractions, with protected elements sensitively treated and managed through robust stakeholder management plans.
“Our team is fully invested in helping deliver this unique undertaking, which will have a transformative impact on regional tourism and economy drives.”
Midlands contractor G F Tomlinson delivered the construction works for the multi-million pound planetarium – completing pre-construction design and planning through SCAPE’s Beyond the Public Sector Framework.
Jason Ainsworth, framework construction manager at G F Tomlinson, said: “We feel very privileged to be part of such an exciting and unique project in the region, and once finished, the state-of-the-art centre promises to be a pivotal tourism and educational hub.
“Alongside attracting thousands of visitors to the region and raising awareness of the local area and history of the site, it also provides opportunities for STEM careers for future generations to come. This was made possible due to our early involvement and collaborative working with the client team and consultants, facilitated through the SCAPE Beyond the Public sector Framework”.
The new planetarium design incorporates the existing Victorian subterranean reservoir, which will see its original features, such as the intricate brick arches, kept to preserve the history of the building.
The ambitious plans for the site aim to create a unique, world-class facility that will rival those elsewhere in the UK.
Councillor Matthew Relf, executive lead member for regeneration, growth and local planning at Ashfield District Council, said: “It is wonderful to see construction of the new planetarium and science centre nearing completion. It has been a monumental effort by all involved.
“It will be a fantastic place for schools and youth groups as well as individuals and families to come and see shows about space and science. We know this will light the fire and passion for future scientists and engineers in the area.
“It has been a privilege to be part of the journey of seeing this move from an initial pitched idea while walking around the dark Victoria water tank, to securing the funding and now seeing the space transformed into a modern and exciting facility. I could not be more excited to see my first show in the finished planetarium.
“This really will be an incredible asset for the district and broader region and will inspire so many people with the wonders of space and inspire many onto new and exciting careers.”
Steve Wallace, planetarium project manager and chairman at Sherwood Observatory, said: “This is going to be a cutting-edge facility and it has been fascinating to work on. We are now moving to the next stage where a specialist planetarium creator is on site transforming the dome.
“It is a very unique bit of software that offers theatrical shows and give visitors an immersive tour of the solar system where they can go from planet to planet and then out into the wider Milky Way and Universe.”
The planetarium at Sherwood Observatory is the latest development Pick Everard has worked on in the region, following the recent opening of a new ‘Green Heart’ space as part of the £2 billion Broad Marsh regeneration project in Nottingham city centre.
Irwin Mitchell to open new office in Nottingham
Irwin Mitchell is opening a new office in Nottingham as it continues to invest in growth across the UK.
Earlier this year the firm opened a Brighton office and confirmed deals to invest in Scottish law firm Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie and to acquire Silk Family Law in the Northeast of England. The firm also posted record revenue of more than £300m for the first time for FY24.
The law firm is building on the success of its recent regional consulting office expansion following similar openings in Brighton, Cardiff and Liverpool in recent years.
The new Nottingham office on City Gate East in the city centre provides Irwin Mitchell colleagues with a base to work with existing clients in the East Midlands region as well as grow the firms network to become part of the local community.
The new office presents a strong growth opportunity for a full-service firm like Irwin Mitchell with more than 1.5m people living in the broader East Midlands region.
Craig Marshall, Group Chief Executive at Irwin Mitchell, said: “Our new Nottingham office allows us to build on our presence in the region to meet the needs of our existing and future clients. Colleagues from all of our business units are already active in the East Midlands from personal injury and medical negligence, to private client, family and business services and we expect to see growth in all areas from the region.”