Powering up rail electrification could create 4,300 East Midlands jobs
Regional leaders, MPs and the biggest business organisation in the East Midlands have joined forces to urge government to power up plans to electrify more sections of the Midland Mainline railway.
More than 4,000 skilled jobs could be created if government signs off plans to electrify parts of the line which go north of South Wigston in Leicestershire.
And industry experts say the most cost-effective way to deliver on those plans will be to let the firms and workers who have been building electrification infrastructure further south know that more work is on the way.
Midland Mainline is the main rail link between the East Midlands region, South Yorkshire and London, carrying more than nine million passengers a year and bringing annual economic benefits of £450m.
Unlike the East and West Coast main lines, it is not fully electrified, meaning trains must switch to polluting diesel power when they go north past South Wigston in Leicestershire and on to Leicester, Derby, Nottingham, Chesterfield and Sheffield.
Ahead of the 30 October Budget, Transport for East Midlands (TfEM) has revealed analysis showing that alongside the transport and environmental benefits, electrification of the line up to Sheffield could create 4,300 new jobs, including skilled occupations, and more than 100 apprenticeships.
The analysis also shows that over the remaining course of the project, electrification of the Midland Mainline could generate an additional £61m in economic value from jobs created in the East Midlands, and nearly £18m in social value benefit.
Sir Peter Soulsby, the Chair of TfEM, said: “After the cancellation of the eastern leg of HS2, it’s vital that the East Midlands’ existing rail infrastructure is improved and upgraded to support rising passenger demand and the need for economic growth.
“One of the critical components of getting electrification done cost-effectively is to ensure we’ve got a workforce that has the skills and capacity to deliver. I’m urging government to signal progress on the next phase beyond South Wigston so that we can keep the workforce together and develop the skills we’ll need for future sections to be electrified.”
In a clear demonstration of regional consensus, the elected Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, says the jobs electrification will create are vital to the region achieving its growth ambitions.
She said: “The electrification of the Midland Mainline is a vital step in unlocking the full economic potential of our region.
“By electrifying the line, we not only honour our region’s rich rail heritage but also create thousands of skilled jobs and apprenticeships, driving investment and improving connectivity for towns and cities across the East Midlands.
“This is a chance for the government to power up our economy, attract new businesses, and ensure a greener, more efficient transport network for generations to come.”
MPs and businesses are also supporting TfEM’s call for government to provide certainty.
Catherine Atkinson MP, whose Derby North constituency is a national centre for rail engineering, said: “For generations, Derby has been a rail industry leader and is the proud home of Great British Railways. Investment in our regional rail infrastructure will solidify that legacy for future generations to come, support our economic growth, whilst also retaining the rich skills we already have in the city’s workforce right now.
“This is an opportunity to signal a bright future for the rail sector, both at home and internationally, which is essential in protecting our supply chains, nurturing innovation and keeping recruitment and retention of this highly skilled workforce on track.”
One of the businesses involved in Midland Mainline electrification is Derby-based Overhead Line Engineering, headquartered at Pride Park.
Keith Orgill, owner-director of the business, said: “OLE is one of very few East Midlands businesses capable of carrying out electrification design. We employ 15 engineers and we have successfully delivered electrification of the Midland Main Line up to South Wigston.
“The delay to the procurement of the next stage of the electrification programme has created a hiatus in design work. This has already had an impact on design companies based in the East Midlands and the longer confirmation is delayed the harder it will be to keep the specialist workforce together.
“Should it be lost, it will be really difficult to reestablish this capability in the region. However, if government commits now, we can recruit, train, prepare and deliver cost effectively.”
James Naish is MP for Rushcliffe, which includes East Midlands Parkway on the Midland Mainline. He said: “After the cancellation of HS2, it is important that connectivity to the region isn’t forgotten and with electrification of the Midland Mainline, the East Midlands Parkway station will finally act as a proper gateway to the area.
“We know that there’s the prospect of high-quality jobs nearby on the Ratcliffe-on-Soar power station site, as well as fantastic and growing businesses and universities within a short journey, so I’m really pleased that we’re speaking as one on the importance of this project.”
East Midlands Chamber of Commerce has identified transport infrastructure as one of its key asks of government in the Autumn Budget.
Richard Blackmore, the Chamber’s Director of Policy & Insight, said: “Full electrification of the Midland Mainline is long overdue. We represent more than 4000 businesses across the region, and they tell us regularly about the challenges they face from inadequate rail and road links.
“Rail engineering is also an important part of the regional economy and an investment in improved connectivity is going to pay back directly in skilled jobs, greater productivity and increased growth. Government needs to commit to give the industry the certainty it requires to deliver.”
Tom Newman-Taylor, the CEO of East Midlands Freeport, has also joined calls for greater investment in the region’s transport infrastructure.
He said: “East Midlands Freeport is the biggest growth opportunity in the region, with the potential to create 28,000 jobs and deliver an additional £9bn in economic output.
“The Midland Mainline runs directly alongside our Ratcliffe-on-Soar Power Station investment site, with a station at East Midlands Parkway. If we are to unlock the region’s full potential, then we need to see investment in both upgraded rail and road infrastructure.
“Without this, transport could become a major barrier to growth and prevent us from realising these ambitious opportunities.”
Monthly insolvency figures rise, but seeds of recovery emerging
A rise in the number of monthly company insolvencies in England and Wales does not reflect the seeds of recovery which are beginning to germinate in the Midlands business economy.
This is according to the Midlands branch of insolvency and restructuring body R3 and follows latest monthly statistics published by the Insolvency Service which show that corporate insolvencies increased by 1.5% in September 2024 to a total of 1,973 compared to August’s total of 1,943 but decreased by 7.4% compared to September 2023’s figure of 2,130.
R3 Midlands chair Stephen Rome, a partner at Penningtons Manches Cooper in the region, said: “Although corporate insolvencies have risen by a small percentage compared to last month, there have been some positive indications for the local marketplace, with construction output increasing, retail sales volumes continuing to rise in August and consumers spending more in the hospitality sector in September.
“Across the wider local economy, however, the business climate remains difficult as almost every firm faces a multitude of issues, including ongoing cost challenges and uncertainty around announcements in the Budget.
“Of particular concern is the impact of future tax rises, and R3 members are telling us that there’s an increased demand for support around Member Voluntary Liquidations as directors take steps to reorganise their business and its finances ahead of any changes announced in the Budget.
“Also of significant concern are the potential knock-on effects of the conflict in the Middle East, particularly for local companies in the energy, manufacturing and retail sectors. Increasing instability could further disrupt trade routes, impacting on the supply of imports or exports. Businesses will have to weigh up whether they pass any cost increase onto customers or absorb it themselves.
“With so much uncertainty ahead, R3 urges Midlands businesses to keep a close eye on finances and seek advice at the first sign of significant distress. Most R3 members will give prospective clients a free initial consultation to learn more about their circumstances and to look at potential solutions.”
Region’s role in leading development of hydrogen as an energy source to be celebrated at summit
The future of clean energy and the region’s role in leading the development of hydrogen as an energy source will be celebrated at a high profile summit next month.
Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, will be the keynote speaker at the East Midlands Hydrogen Summit on November 8th, organised by East Midlands Hydrogen, an industry-led initiative supporting the region’s energy revolution by growing the UK’s largest inland hydrogen cluster.
At the Summit, Mayor Claire is set to share her vision for decarbonising the region and stimulating inclusive growth.
Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, said: “I’m thrilled to be speaking at the East Midlands Hydrogen Summit during such an exciting time for our region. Our spirit of innovation and enterprise, which drove the first industrial revolution, gives us the chance to lead once again.
“With our ideal location, outstanding infrastructure, and skilled workforce, we’re perfectly positioned to power the UK’s green energy future and make a real difference.”
Dr Jeevun Sandher MP, Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Hydrogen and MP for Loughborough, will also be speaking at the summit. The APPG for Hydrogen focuses on raising awareness of, and building support for, large scale hydrogen projects to help the country meet decarbonisation targets.
The East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), Cadent and the East Midlands Freeport, will be showcasing the investments, advances and innovation underway in the region at the summit.
Delegates will also hear from East Midlands Hydrogen Consortium partners and members who are playing their part in establishing the full hydrogen value chain, from production, distribution and industrial end use, forecasted to result in carbon dioxide emissions savings of at least 1.9 million tonnes per year, equivalent to removing gas-related carbon emissions of 860,000 homes per year.
The event takes place at Loughborough University on Friday 8th November 2024 10am – 2pm.
Delegates can register for the event using this link using the password EMHregister2024
Computer repair firm plugs in at Burton business park
Rushton Hickman Ltd has let Unit 11 at Eccleshall Business Park to Thinktech IT Services Ltd, a provider of computer and laptop repair services.
Eccleshall Business Park is located on Hawkins Lane, situated within one of the principal industrial areas of Burton upon Trent.
Specifically, the 1,725 sq ft unit features a layout that includes a ground floor area of 1,440 sq ft equipped with two roller shutter doors, providing seamless access for deliveries and operational needs. Additionally, the unit also offers extra first-floor space of 285 sq ft, ideal for office use. It also benefits from a small, self-contained yard.
Bilal, director of ThickTech IT Services Ltd, said: “I want to thank the team for all their help from start to finish. We viewed a few units and were struggling to find the right one for our needs at first, Richard and Steph were very helpful throughout. They made us feel comfortable and explained everything in detail. The whole process was smooth and trouble free.”
As Rushton Hickman Ltd welcomes the new tenant to Eccleshall Business Park, Richard Fairey, Director, said: “We take pride in finding businesses like Thinktech IT Services Ltd the best premises and supporting facilities available to operate and grow from. We believe Eccleshall Business Park is the ideal location for this to happen.”
Hortons to deliver 200,000 sq ft industrial redevelopment in Corby
Independent property company, Hortons, has secured planning consent for the redevelopment of a vacant warehouse unit in the UK’s logistics ‘golden triangle’.
The project will deliver more than 200,000 sq ft of premium warehouse/logistics accommodation at Saxon Park off Saxon Way West, in Corby.
Hortons will extensively redevelop a single existing building to create two new units, known as Saxon 79 and Saxon 129, which will comprise 78,500 sq ft and 129,300 sq ft respectively.
The new units will include secure yard space, integral first floor offices and a power supply of up to 1 MVA, with the ability to increase capacity. Environmental sustainability lies at the heart of the refurbishment, with features such as LED lighting, PV roof panelling and EV charging stations. Both units will target an EPC A+ rating.
Hortons acquired Saxon Park in 2023 and has since completed the comprehensive upgrade of Saxon 58, a 58,350 sq ft warehouse/logistics unit, which was pre-let to Russell & Bromley.
Saxon 79 and Saxon 129 are expected to be available for occupation from Q3 2025.
James Slater of Hortons said: “We are investing in a full scale redevelopment programme to create two new high specification warehouse/logistics units, offering enhanced power and sustainability. The project is one of a series of developments we are undertaking at Saxon Park. It will provide occupiers with grade A accommodation in an established and sought after industrial location.”
Nottingham City Council launches new housing strategy
Nottingham City Council has launched its new strategy – Homes Fit for the Future – which will improve the quality, supply and affordability of housing in the city.
Covering social housing, the private-rented sector and owner-occupied homes, the strategy runs until 2028 and is committed to a vision where: “Homes in Nottingham meet the aspirations and needs of our current and future residents. People live in safe, warm homes that they can afford, in vibrant local neighbourhoods where everyone can thrive.”
To achieve this, the strategy focuses on the following priority areas:
- Enabling the building of new homes and regeneration
- Enabling people with support needs to live independently
- Improving housing standards while continuing the progress towards a carbon net zero future
- Making the best use of the available housing stock and supporting the development and acquisition of more affordable homes
- Preventing and reducing homelessness and rough sleeping
Leicester creative agency becomes employee-owned
Full-service creative agency, Rock Kitchen Harris, has become 100% employee-owned, through the establishment of an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT).
After 42 years as an independent agency, the move from direct to employee ownership marks a new chapter and demonstrates the agency’s commitment to putting its team of over 60 employees at the heart of its future.
Employees are now the sole beneficiaries of the EOT and will benefit from the company’s success. In addition, a team of internally elected Trustee Directors will ensure that employee interests are at the forefront, now and in the future.
In a joint statement, the Directors of Rock Kitchen Harris, Paul Petherick, Jamie Mollart and Paul Sculthorpe, said: “Since 1982, we’ve proudly championed and supported each other, with one shared goal: to create great work for our clients.
“We believe in people-powered growth, where everyone matters, so we’ve turned that into our lasting legacy. By embracing the opportunities that employee-ownership presents, we’re confident in our ability to grow and exceed the expectations of our clients, as well as ourselves.”
Rock Kitchen Harris works for a wide range of clients, including Vision Express, national housebuilder Taylor Wimpey, cleaning and security services provider Samsic and Twycross Zoo.
Vaillant and DCG unveil strategic partnership reshaping heating apprenticeships
Taking a proactive approach to how heating apprenticeship training is designed and implemented in the UK, and to help provide the skills needed to support the decarbonisation of heat, Vaillant has built a new, strategic partnership with Derby College Group (DCG).
Working closely together, Vaillant and DCG have developed a blended learning experience for both those leaving school and mature students, providing the wide range of skills needed for a career in the heating industry, as well as a working knowledge of business and the many opportunities that lie across the sector, to ensure that together, they can support the journey towards decarbonisation.
Through this first of a kind collaboration for Vaillant, a new strategic partnership has been formed to develop new enhanced college schedules enabling students access to the best learning from an educational and real-life business perspective.
Integrated with practical training, a new Vaillant Low Carbon Technology Training Room has also been officially opened at the Derby College Roundhouse campus. Incorporating Vaillant’s heat pumps and controls, it provides hands-on learning for the ten inaugural Low Carbon Heating Technician (LCHT) apprentices and for future cohorts starting their journey in the industry.
In 2023, Vaillant made history as it hired the UK’s first ten full-time, employed LCHT apprentices, who are being supported throughout their 3-year course, and who work across the Vaillant business – including on-the-job training with qualified heating engineers.
This new apprenticeship is a significant development for the industry; with demand for heat pumps rapidly increasing in the UK, encouraging younger generations into the industry is fundamental and will support the UK’s transition towards renewable heating solutions.
The new partnership provides an additional location for Vaillant’s own technical training team to deliver knowledge and skills to Vaillant employees, to help develop both business knowledge and career progression. In addition, the training facility can be used to bolster the training capacity across Derbyshire helping to meet the high demand for heat pump training courses from installers who are looking to upskill.
The collaboration ensures the knowledge share between both Derby College and Vaillant, in particular regular training between teaching staff is continued, so they are familiar with the latest developments in low carbon heating.
Henrik Hansen, Managing Director at Vaillant Group, UK and Ireland, said: “Derby has long been known as a hub for engineering and innovation. As one of the largest manufacturers in the area producing a significant proportion of the UK’s heating appliances in Belper, we are keen to train and upskill those coming into the low carbon heating industry.
“There are many opportunities within this industry, from becoming a qualified installer, to becoming an engineer on the manufacturing side, which is often overlooked by existing education criteria.
“This partnership offers students access to the very latest learning, alongside an in depth understanding of business and manufacturing. We want to encourage people into the many roles available and keep the heating industry moving forward at the fast pace required for the UK to achieve net zero.
“We are confident that the benefits will be felt across the existing industry, by equipping students with the right skills needed for installers to take them on during their apprenticeship – and grow or expand their businesses into low carbon technologies.
“We are also proud to hold the ‘Investors in People’ Gold accreditation, and this partnership further supports our ongoing investment in providing continuous development to our colleagues, many of whom are local to Derby.”
Carol Dixon, Director of Employer Partnerships at DCG, added: “It is much talked about that the heating industry has an aging workforce, so it is essential we look at new ways to showcase and encourage people into this wide-ranging industry, and ensure they leave work and skills ready to make a difference as we move to a low carbon era.
“Being able to work with Vaillant on content and hands-on learning tools means we can combine and share our experience to give students a meaningful and valuable apprenticeship experience. Vaillant’s first cohort of Low Carbon Heating Technician Apprentices have made huge strides over the past year and the new training facilities can only help to take this further.”
The course is recognised by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) and was developed by MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) with support from employers across the low carbon heating sector including MCS certified contractors. It also forms part of the Green Apprenticeships holding the Kings Standard, launched to celebrate the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III.
Midlands businessmen retire and set sail on round-the-world fundraiser
Two retiring Leicester businessmen have set sail on their latest voyage – an 18-month round-the-world sailing trip.
Experienced sailors Simon Tysoe and Dave Percival leave UK shores this week on the first leg to cross the Atlantic before joining a flotilla of some 200 boats in the World ARC adventure race for 2025-26.
The pair will be the ever-presents in a crew of four who will guide a 60ft Oyster sailing yacht named Distraction 3 – Mr Tysoe’s retirement gift to himself – through the Panama Canal, across the Pacific and Indian Oceans before rounding Africa and reaching finish line in the Caribbean Sea.
In the process they hope to raise over £200,000 for a select group of good causes – The Lord’s Taverners cricket charity and conservation programmes Mareco and Project Seagrass.
Mr Tysoe left school at 16 and learned his trade as an electrician and panel fitter before founding several successful companies around his home city of Leicester, including S Tysoe Installations, Midlands Access Platforms, TPS Hire and a substantial property portfolio.
Now living near Markfield, his main company S Tysoe Installations was bought in March 2021 by The P & M Group, the parent company of Gloucester-based coldstore construction and maintenance specialists ISD Solutions. Three years later and he has the opportunity to retire.
“I’ve sailed the Atlantic before,” he said, “and covered some 40,000 nautical miles in trips over the years. But this is going to be my biggest challenge.
“I’m an adventurer – I always have been, whether it’s mountaineering, helicopter flying, or rally car driving. Now I’m retired I’m lucky enough to be able to take on this journey and raise some funds for charities, doing valuable work tied in with The P & M Group’s environmental and social values.
“I’m excited about the trip and we’re well prepared. It’s going to be quite a journey.
“In the meantime my people at S Tysoe Installations are in good hands – it was the best thing for the business and the staff to hand it over to another good company with a great reputation.
“The boat has Starlink satellite internet so if anyone’s desperate to get hold of me they’ll be able to find me – or at least they can find the boat!”
Mr Tysoe and Mr Percival met 35 years ago and have sailed together on many trips. Mr Percival, who lives in Leicester Forest East, has recently retired as a director of Percival Hosiery – the ladies’ underwear manufacturer originally set up by his father in 1977.
“We’ve spoken about doing the ARC event for many years,” he said, “before Covid got in the way of our plans. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and now that we’re both retired it’s the right time.
“I’m grateful to Simon for investing in this stunning boat and I consider myself very lucky to have the chance to take part in such a voyage.
“It can be dangerous of course, particularly around the western Atlantic at this time of year, but once we pick up the trade winds from Gran Canaria we should be fine.
“Overall, it’s a challenge but one I’m looking forward to – we can’t wait to get started.”
Tony Wall, managing director of The P & M Group, said: “We’re really excited for Simon and wish him all the best for the next 18 months. What an incredible opportunity for him and something which is richly deserved after a fabulous career in business.
“Mareco and Project Seagrass are both marine focused charities and reflect our commitment to the environment whilst, from a personal note, Lord’s Taverners helps to give young people life changing opportunities and very much supports our wish to invest in future generations. We are grateful to Simon for his fundraising efforts.”
Corporate sponsors are already on board with the fundraising efforts – committed funds already include £60k from headline sponsors Winvic and Kingspan alongside contributions from Simon Tysoe and The P & M Group itself.
Anyone looking to support the charities can contribute here.
Council gives final go-ahead for new bridge over River Trent
Work on the first new bridge over the River Trent in 60 years is expected to begin early in 2025.
Nottingham City Council’s ambitious project to build a new 85 metre long pedestrian and cycle bridge over the River Trent between Trent Basin and Lady Bay has reached a new milestone, with the project given a final approval from the Council at its Executive Board meeting on 22 October.
Once this approval is given, the project will get a final go-ahead from the Department for Transport before contracts are signed and work can begin in the new year.
The bridge will be the flagship, and final, project to come out of the City Council’s Transforming Cities Fund programme, which began in 2020 following a successful bid for over £160 million of central Government funding for projects which encourage inter-city connectivity and lower carbon journeys.
The new traffic-free bridge, the first to be built over the River Trent since Clifton Bridge in the 1950s, and its new and enhanced connecting paths will be a key link between the regenerating Trent Basin area with its new homes and schools, and the south side of the river with its many sports facilities including the City Ground, Trent Bridge, Holme Pierrepont and Nottingham Rugby Club.
By enhancing connections between communities, green spaces and riverside paths, the bridge will make it easier for people living and working in the Nottingham area to travel in a more sustainable way, linking those in communities such as Sneinton and the city centre with green space south of the river.
The new bridge will also help the city towards its Carbon Neutral 2028 ambition as well as improving local air quality and congestion levels by enabling people to get around for work or play without needing a car.
Planning for this ambitious and complex project has been underway since 2019, with many important milestones already achieved including public consultations, detailed design work, land agreements, securing planning permission from the City Council and Rushcliffe Borough Councils, as well as working with the Environment Agency, local residents and other stakeholders to make sure the new bridge works for everyone.
Since the project began, plans have evolved as the design and methods of construction have been refined and this along with other factors outside of the Council’s control, including Covid, the war in Ukraine, and periods of high inflation, means that the maximum delivery budget for the total project is now £18 million. The final construction costs will be confirmed by December 2024.
Looking ahead, the City Council intends to enter into contracts with the lead delivery partner Balfour Beatty in January with enabling works starting early in 2025.
Then, into the spring and summer, a warehouse used by Flo Skate park will be demolished to make way for the bridge sections to be brought to site and erected before being lifted into place by a gigantic crane during autumn 2025. The new bridge is expected to officially open in early 2026.
Nottingham City Council Leader and Executive Member for Strategic Regeneration, Transport and Communications, Councillor Neghat Khan said: “The new bridge will be the first built over the Trent in Nottingham for more than 60 years, creating a vital link between developing new communities and opening up new safer commuter and leisure routes, offering a huge boost to cyclists, pedestrians and runners as well as everyone in our city through improving air quality and congestion.”
Other Transforming Cities-funded projects already completed include the new bus station in Bulwell, the expansion of safe city centre cycle routes and a secure new cycle store at Broad Marsh, the transformation of Collin Street into a new area of public realm and playground and the newly opened Green Heart area.
