Experts at the University of Nottingham will be part of a new research network that will focus on making the design and manufacturing of digital technologies more sustainable, thanks to £2m in funding from the EPSRC.
The Digital Innovation and Circular Economy (DICE) Network+ is a three-year programme that seeks to leverage the digitalisation of industry to foster a circular economy across sectors and value chains for digital and communication technologies.
Through interdisciplinary collaboration, research and technological innovation, the network will aim to develop circular solutions for issues such as the lack of circular economy (CE) principles in digital technology design and manufacture, and the poor understanding and coordination of digital advancements in supporting the CE transition.
Circular approaches design out waste and pollution and keep materials and products in circulation at their highest value for as long as possible.
The DICE network comprises 11 investigators from nine UK universities: Exeter (ECCE and INDEX), Swansea, Salford, Surrey, Open University, Southampton, Sheffield, Queens University Belfast and Nottingham.
They bring expertise from engineering, materials science and social sciences, plus a wide range of partners, including universities, industry stakeholders and public bodies.
Experts from the University of Nottingham will develop digital solutions for a circular economy transition that are not only innovative but also inclusive and accessible to all. This ensures that the benefits of a circular economy extend across diverse communities, addressing societal challenges while fostering equitable and sustainable progress.
University of Nottingham to help make design and manufacturing of digital technologies more sustainable
Severn Trent Water gives £600k to Trent Rivers Trust after pollution incident
Severn Trent Water is to give £600k to the Trent Rivers Trust for polluting a kilometre of West Meadow Brook near Whitwick in Leicestershire after it failed to operate a pumping station properly.
An investigation by the Environment Agency revealed that the issue was not corrected for a few weeks in September 2022, and there was an overwhelming odour and a thick coating of sewage fungus covering the bed. Human faecal matter was also visible.
An Environment Agency investigation revealed that the discharge had been on-going for some weeks before, and Severn Trent admitted not only that their teams had failed to see that pumps were not activated, but that they had failed to monitor the site when the telemetry system had failed.
Emma Hardy, Minister for Water and Flooding, said: “Pollution incidents like this are completely unacceptable and should never have been allowed to occur. It is only right that Seven Trent pays for its failings, and I’m pleased local environmental charities will benefit.”
After years of failure, this Government is strengthening regulation further through the Water (Special Measures) Bill so that water companies are held to account, benefiting customers and the environment.
Matt Easter, chief executive officer for Trent Rivers Trust, said: “Whilst we would rather such incidents did not take place, Enforcement Undertakings are an effective tool to support the recovery of our rivers and catchments following severe pollution events. “The funds will be used to restore and improve vital habitats and introduce or enhance natural processes that will cope better during any future pollution incident.“With the funding, Trent Rivers Trust will create a more natural catchment to better support the communities and wildlife that depend on its health and resilience.”
University of Leicester collaborates with two companies to foster innovation and drive business growth
The University of Leicester has collaborated with two local companies in partnerships designed to foster innovation and drive business growth.
The University has announced Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) with Structural Adhesives Ltd, a research-driven developer of advanced adhesive solutions, and rradar, a legal services and technology company.
A KTP is a three-way partnership between an academic institution, a business and a suitably qualified graduate, aimed at helping companies innovate for growth.
The partnership with Structural Adhesives is valued at £200,000 for two years and will allow the company to commercialise reversible adhesive products, enabling easier disassembly and recycling of electronic, battery and renewable products.
The University of Leicester has a strong track record of working with Structural Adhesives, a family-owned manufacturing business based in Leicester. The company has been developing adhesive technology for over three decades, servicing markets in the UK, Europe and beyond.
Each project is supported by one of Innovate UK’s Knowledge Transfer Advisers, who provide expert guidance at every stage, and is managed by a KTP Associate – a talented graduate or postgraduate.
Chemistry graduate, Morgan Bates, has been recruited as the KTP Associate for Structural Adhesives. She will be supported by Dr Sandy Kilpatrick and Professor Andy Abbott from the University’s School of Chemistry.
The double KTP with rradar, valued at £400,000 for three years, will enable the development of a cutting-edge system that will transform the way businesses identify, quantify and manage risk. It will integrate data science, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to create a platform capable of automatically identifying and assessing risk scenarios.
rradar is a top 250 legal services and technology company that employs over 250 people across seven UK sites, including Leicester.
Leading the academic side of the project are Dr Yi Hong and Dr Paul King from the School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences. Data scientist, Dr Adinath Ghadage, has been employed as one of two KTP Associates, with the second position expected to be filled in the coming months.
Commenting on the Structural Adhesives partnership, Dr Sandy Kilpatrick from the University of Leicester, said: “Structural Adhesives and the School of Chemistry have been collaborating on projects for some time, so this KTP feels like a natural progression.
“The project will deliver a sustainable product that will greatly enhance the circular economy in used electronics, enabling the company to bring their innovative idea to market. It’s really encouraging to see the local economy being supported by the University to launch sustainable products.”
Angela Orton, Director of Structural Adhesives, said: “Our relationship with the University of Leicester began with a smaller project that built trust and proved the value of working together, which has now grown into this impactful partnership.
“Collaborating with the University brings fresh insight and expertise that is helping us move our reversible adhesive concept closer to market.
“For small businesses like ours, strong and trusted relationships with academic institutions are essential for driving innovation and growth, and this partnership is a perfect example of how business and university collaboration can support this. We’re excited to see the positive impact that this sustainability-led project will have on current markets.”
Commenting on the KTP with rradar, Dr Yi Hong from the University of Leicester, said: “This KTP is a fantastic opportunity to apply our expertise in data science and machine learning to real-world challenges. The partnership with rradar will not only advance our research but also provide tangible benefits to businesses, empowering them to proactively manage and mitigate risks.”
Davina Gillyon, Chief Commercial Officer at rradar, said: “Working with the University of Leicester on this double KTP, funded by Innovate UK, has undoubtedly enabled our business and our teams to accelerate the distinctively unique proposition that rradar was built on, and continues to be recognised for in the innovation rankings.
“I would also add that we are incredibly proud to have been awarded the double KTP in recognition of not only the strength of rradar’s cutting-edge risk innovation, but also of its future promise and potential – which we believe to be very much uncapped, given the increasingly fluid and fast-paced environment of risk that we all live and work in today.”
New hope for future of Allestree Hall following renewed market interest
There is new hope for the future of the historic Allestree Hall following renewed market interest.
The Grade II listed country house, which sits at the heart of Allestree Park, is owned by Derby City Council. A previous sale fell through in 2022 as a result of the Covid pandemic, but recently property agents Salloways have been marketing the hall on the Council’s behalf.
Cabinet Members will be updated on the latest position at their next meeting on Wednesday 4 December, where they will be asked to give the go-ahead for Council officers to identify a preferred bidder.
As the Council doesn’t have the resources to bring the building back into use, disposal of the building by a long lease would set the scene for its renovation, safeguarding its future and preventing it from falling into further disrepair.
A number of outbuildings are included in the sale. The preferred bidder would be expected to take immediate action to prevent further deterioration of the hall, and to maintain access to public toilets at Allestree Park.
They would also need to confirm that they will work collaboratively with the Council and Derbyshire Wildlife Trust to ensure future use of the hall aligns with the ongoing community rewilding project at Allestree Park.
Councillor Kathy Kozlowski, Cabinet Member for Governance and Finance, said: “We have searched for a buyer for a number of years for Allestree Hall, and it’s exciting to see the renewed interest in this historic building, which could lend itself to a variety of uses. With sympathetic restoration, this country house could once again become a jewel.
“Disposing of long leasehold interest means the Council can make the best use of this property by handing it over to a developer who can bring it back into use. It will also generate some much-needed income at a critical time for local government finances.”
Council considers sale of Derby’s register office
Derby’s register office could move to new premises, if proposals to sell the city centre building are approved.
Cabinet members will be asked to allow plans to dispose of Royal Oak House and adjacent buildings at 30 and 31a Market Place when they meet in December.
The city’s births, marriages and deaths are currently registered at Royal Oak House on the corner of the Market Place. The building, which dates back to 1890, needs significant investment if it is to remain suitable as a location for the Council’s registration services.
If plans to sell the building are approved, registration services could relocate to an empty suite of rooms on the ground floor of Riverside Chambers. Riverside Chambers is currently home to the Council’s Local Studies Library and managed office space, operated under the Council’s Connect brand.
Some refurbishments would be required to the space to create two ceremony rooms and waiting areas. Relocation to Riverside Chambers will allow the launch of a new wedding offer by the Council with an improved setting for wedding ceremonies and photo opportunities by the River Derwent.
Recent Transforming Cities roadworks on the corner of Full Street and Derwent Street, have created a pull in space for wedding cars immediately outside the building, as well as improvements in the local streetscape area.
Councillor Kathy Kozlowski, Cabinet Member for Governance and Finance, said: “Registration services play a crucial role in marking significant life events for citizens. It’s important that we continue to provide high-quality services that allow residents to register deaths in a dignified and respectful environment and to celebrate births and marriages in buildings that are accessible to everyone.
“In a challenging financial environment, we need also to explore the most effective and cost-efficient methods to deliver services and make the best use of our buildings.”
The buildings at 30/31a Market Place have been empty for a number of years and the Council has no plans for them. They will be separated from the adjoining Guildhall during its refurbishment to allow for their eventual disposal.
Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Leader of Derby City Council and Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Strategy and Policy, added: “The sale of Royal Oak House and 30/31a Market Place could provide a great opportunity for buyers to bring them back into use as hospitality venues, complementing the restoration of the historic Guildhall Theatre and the wider Market Place regeneration work.”
Family business finds new home in Melton Mowbray Commercial Park
A Leicestershire family business has taken up 13,000 sq ft of warehouse space in Melton Mowbray Commercial Park.
The space is comprised of two warehouses, Unit C and D of Melton Mowbray Commercial Park, which combine to a total 13,371 sq ft (10,929 sq ft and 2,442 sq ft respectively). The units have stood vacant since May 2024 due to the previous tenant’s liquidation.
In a quick turnaround of just five months, Innes England has managed to secure a local family-owned business, Digital Deadline, as new tenants of behalf of the landlord, Almcor.
Following the units being vacated, Almcor has made a series of refurbishments and renovations to the spaces including new kitchenettes and facilities, recarpeting, and repainting. The smaller 2,442 sq ft unit also comprises of three separated shuttered storage spaces with its own office space.
Nell Balfour-Farnon, surveyor at Innes England who managed the transaction, said: “This was a great deal to be involved in with all parties coming away satisfied. We were able to minimise our clients’ time between tenants, and have found a new home for a local family business to continue to grow and expand in a great new location.
“The quick turnaround of this deal shows the vibrancy of Leicestershire’s market at the moment, with plenty of opportunities and interest.”
Moving into the space is Digital Deadline, a family-owned Leicestershire-based business specialising in premier signage, displays and wall wraps. Digital Deadline has agreed to a five-year lease in which time it will be utilising the space for building signage as well as storage.
Mark Brooks, director at Digital Deadline, said: “This is a great new space that will help us continue to expand our operations.”
BGF invests £6m into Northampton-based playground design and installation business
BGF has made a £6 million investment into Miracle Design & Play, a Northampton-based business specialising in the design and installation of children’s playgrounds, basketball and tennis courts, fitness trails, and skateparks for the housebuilding sector.
The investment marks a pivotal step in Miracle’s growth strategy, enabling the business to enhance its market presence and further expand across the UK.
Founded in 2000, by husband-and-wife team Richard and Julie Howard, Miracle has established a strong market position by focusing on the unique needs of UK housebuilders, providing bespoke playground solutions that comply with planning regulations.
Richard Howard, Non-Executive Founder of Miracle Design & Play, said: “Over the past 20 years, Miracle has grown into a market-leading design and installation business with embedded and strategic relationships with our customers. Building on this, partnering with BGF was an important decision, driven by their proven track record in helping companies grow and flourish.”
Miracle has completed more than 3,000 projects since inception, and has experienced strong growth, with sales almost tripling between 2021 to 2023.
The investment from BGF will enable Miracle to further capitalise on the demand for high-quality, regulatory-compliant playgrounds in new housing developments.
The funding will support a range of strategic initiatives, including the expansion of the business development team, enhancements to operational capabilities, and the implementation of advanced digital solutions (such as project management software and CRM systems) to streamline processes and improve efficiency.
BGF’s Central and East team, which included Mark Nunny, Nathan Heath, Elena Kovalikhina and Tom Gilchrist, led the deal.
Mark Nunny, Investor at BGF, said: “Miracle’s commitment to quality and innovation aligns perfectly with our investment philosophy. We are confident that this partnership will enable Miracle to reach new heights and continue to lead the market in designing safe and engaging play environments for children across the UK.”
This investment will bring significant growth opportunities for Miracle, allowing the company to leverage BGF’s extensive network and expertise in scaling businesses. The partnership is also poised to create more jobs and contribute positively to the UK’s housebuilding industry.
Following an introduction from BGF’s Talent Network, Haydn Mursell has joined the company’s board as Non-Executive Chair. Mursell has extensive experience in the construction and housebuilding markets, having been CFO and CEO of Kier Group from 2010 to 2019, and will play a key role in driving Miracle’s growth.
Post-investment, Daniel Buckley will also assume the role of Managing Director, with Richard Howard moving to Non-Executive Founder. Daniel has been with Miracle since 2007, initially starting as a designer before moving into roles including Design Manager, Project Manager, Commercial and Operations Manager, and most recently, Operations Director.
Daniel Buckley, MD of Miracle Design & Play, said: “We are excited about the future and the opportunities this partnership will bring to our business. This investment will not only enable us to enhance our operations and expand our reach, but also strengthen our ability to innovate and deliver exceptional value to our clients.”
Amanda Hall, Partner at Quercus Corporate Finance, who advised Miracle throughout the process, added: “Miracle is a high-quality business, and the Quercus team is delighted to have helped Richard and Julie to forge a partnership with BGF to drive the next phase of growth.”
Double-digit revenue and profit growth for Lutterworth cybersecurity software company
Double-digit revenue growth, with an expanding and geo-diversified pipeline, has put Intercede, the cybersecurity software company, on track to meet market expectations for the year.
The Lutterworth business is “pleased” with its interim results for the six months ended 30 September 2024, in which revenue grew to £8.54m, up from £7m in the same period of the year prior.
Profit before tax, meanwhile, ticked up to £1.7m from £1.1m.Royston Hoggarth, Chairman, said: “I am pleased to state that the Group is achieving its key objectives of delivering double digit growth both in revenue (adjusting for the exceptional licence order in December 23) and profit before tax.
“Furthermore, today we announce our new standalone product MyID SecureVault which already has significant client and prospect interest, emphasising not only the capabilities of the Group but also its ability to seek and nurture new market opportunities.
“With strategic investment in products and colleagues being maintained, I am also pleased at the level of commitment and talent our colleagues give in helping to deliver and achieve the Group’s growth ambitions.
“The momentum we had in FY24 has, on a like for like basis, further grown in FY25 and our results illustrate that. As the pipeline diversifies and expands, we are in a strong position to achieve our financial performance goals for FY25.
“Following on from the UK Budget and conclusion of the American elections, we hope there is now more stability in the macro-economic environment in the coming years.”
Revenue and profit on the rise at Gateley
Revenue and profit are on the rise at Gateley, the professional services group, according to a trading update ahead of half year results for the six months ended 31 October 2024.
The firm says its “increasingly diverse business lines combined to deliver a strong performance in the Period,” in which group revenue grew by 5% and is expected to be not less than £86m.
Underlying profit before tax, meanwhile, is expected to be not less than £10.5m, representing growth of 5%.
Rod Waldie, Chief Executive Officer of Gateley, said: “I am pleased with the Group’s performance in H1 25 and the ongoing improvement in activity levels as the financial year progresses, which means that we have good momentum into H2.
“The Group continues to benefit from the resilience created by our strategy of investing in a diverse and complementary range of professional services.
“We are pleased that our more recent organic investments are beginning to generate positive returns alongside the strong performance from our recently acquired businesses. Our balance sheet provides a strong foundation from which to take a long-term view of potential opportunities to further invest in both legal and consultancy services.
“Finally, as always, I would like to thank our clients for their support and our dedicated people for their ongoing hard work, commitment and can-do attitude.”
83-acre strategic logistics hub to be sold
A prime parcel of land, located on one of the UK’s major logistics corridors, is now on the market for sale with outline planning permission for a new logistics and industrial park.
The 83-acre Enderby Logistics Hub is positioned within the UK’s logistics ‘Golden Triangle.’
Blaby District Council has granted outline planning permission for over 1.1 million square feet of commercial development consisting of warehousing with ancillary offices and gatehouses (B8) and general Industrial buildings (B2).
Currently owned by two landowners, the Drummond Trust and Inverock, the land is being marketed by land development and property consultancy Mather Jamie, in conjunction with Cushman & Wakefield, Northampton office.
Martin Ward, Director at Mather Jamie, said: “This is a unique opportunity to acquire a significant landholding on the edge of Leicestershire. The Enderby Logistics Hub is projected to generate £200 million for the local economy, creating approximately 2,000 permanent jobs.”
James Harrison from Cushman & Wakefield added: “The logistics sector contributes £232 billion annually to the UK economy and directly employs 2.7 million people. Developments like the Enderby Hub play a crucial role in driving economic growth across the UK.”
