Planning permission has been granted for the construction of a new state-of-the-art hydrogen propulsion lab on the University of Nottingham’s Jubilee Campus, in partnership with Research England and industry partners.
YMD Boon is the architect, lead designer and principal designer (building regulations) for this facility, which will advance research in sustainable transport technologies and play a key role in shaping the future of zero-carbon propulsion.
With a shared commitment to sustainability and innovation, the team has developed a facility that meets the complex requirements of hydrogen research while prioritising safety and efficiency.
Strategically integrated with the adjacent Power Electronics and Machines Centre (PEMC), the Hydrogen Propulsion Lab will provide an advanced environment for high-power propulsion system testing.
The lab will feature cutting-edge cryogenic test capabilities, environmental chambers for altitude simulation, and testing areas for gaseous hydrogen, ammonia, and other green fuels.
These capabilities will enable the university’s world-leading researchers to push the boundaries of propulsion technology in a controlled and secure setting, supporting industries such as aerospace, automotive, marine, and power generation in their transition to clean energy solutions.
The Hydrogen Propulsion Lab is part of a wider initiative to establish Jubilee Campus as a hub for zero-carbon innovation. In parallel, the university is launching a new Zero Carbon Innovation Centre, funded by East Midlands Freeport, in partnership with Loughborough University.
Shari Setayesh, Director of YMD Boon, said: “We are thrilled to be leading the design of this groundbreaking facility, which will drive innovation in sustainable propulsion technologies.
“Collaborating closely with the University of Nottingham and key stakeholders, we are creating a space that not only meets the complex demands of hydrogen research but also supports the transition to a cleaner, greener future. We are proud to continue our partnership with the University and look forward to the development of this project.”
Professor Chris Gerada, Professor of Electrical Machines and lead for strategic research and innovation initiatives at the University of Nottingham, said: “A new hydrogen lab for the East Midlands is a leap forward in establishing the region’s leadership in zero carbon innovation on the world stage.
“It is this region that has the right place, the right people, and the right technologies that industries need to achieve their decarbonisation ambitions.”
Construction of the Hydrogen Propulsion Lab is set to be completed by mid-2026. The facility is designed in collaboration with Turner and Townsend, GF Tomlinson, CPW, Derry Building Services, and Price & Myers.
Calls for Government to take a lead in strengthening cyber security
The British Chambers of Commerce is warning that businesses face increased cyber security risks without stronger engagement with government.
In a new report published today, the BCC is calling for ministers to:
- Carry out a cyber security awareness programme for businesses, particularly smaller firms
- Update the National Cyber Strategy
- Reform cyber security insurance to provide firms with better protection
- Address the shortage of UK cyber security professionals and support more training in all workplaces
- Engage directly with businesses to strengthen confidence in the UK’s digital infrastructure
Transformation of former bus depot into new neighbourhood gets funding boost
Proposals to transform a vacant former bus depot into a vibrant new neighbourhood are set to take a step forward as West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) is awarded vital funding to deliver the regeneration scheme.
WNC has been awarded £1.37m from the Government’s Brownfield Land Release Fund to develop Northampton’s St James Depot, a project which would provide more than 70 homes.
West Northamptonshire Council’s Cabinet will meet on 11 February to discuss the next phase of plans to breathe new life into this vacant site.
Built in the early 1900s, the 4.5 acre site was the home of Northampton’s tram and bus depot until its closure in 2013. Church’s bought the depot a year later so it could expand its operations, but it remained vacant and was bought by the Council in November 2023.
The Council has identified a need for quality housing in the area, but developing this site poses a range of challenges.
Asbestos and ground contamination, the flooding risk, and structural deterioration all need to be tackled before construction work can start, while any development must also retain the Grade II listed Transport Office, built in the 1930s. The funding requirements as part of the Brownfield Release Fund outline that the contract for these remedial works must be in place by 31 March.
Cllr Dan Lister, Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture and Leisure, said: “This redevelopment is a fantastic opportunity to transform a gateway site into Northampton Town Centre and it will complement the wider regeneration of our town.
“By revitalising the St James Depot site, we are not only preserving the historical significance of the Transport Office but also creating much-needed housing and boosting the local economy. We are committed to overcoming the challenges and delivering a project that benefits our residents and the wider community.”
If cabinet approve the proposals, the next steps will include:
- Transport Offices: The Grade II listed building will undergo a light strip out of fixtures and fittings, with asbestos removal where it does not impact listed features.
- Original Section of Tram Depot: The front and rear facades of the original building will be retained. Works will include an internal strip out and asbestos removal. Roof coverings will be removed, but the roof structure and internal walls will remain to support the facades.
- Bus Depot Extension: The mid to late 20th-century extension will be demolished. Hoarding will be reinstated to secure the site post-demolition.
Three banned for misleading investors over Derby development
Three people have been banned as company directors after they misled investors who paid more than £4m into a Derby city centre student accommodation development.
Fraser MacDonald was a director of Prosperity Cathedral View Development Ltd which was behind The Croft development on Cathedral Road before the company went into administration in 2020.
The 53-year-old was also a director of Prosperity Cathedral View NMPI Ltd, a company used as a fundraising vehicle to attract investors for the development.
In his role as Investor Relations Director, MacDonald allowed 42 investors to be misled when they entered into loan agreements with Prosperity Cathedral View NMPI worth a combined £4.13 million.
They thought their money would go into the Derby development, but instead more than £2 million was transferred to a connected company.
MacDonald, of Walkdale Brow, Glossop, Derbyshire, has been disqualified as a company director for seven years, until February 2032. The companies’ Chief Exec Gavin Barry, 49, and COO Edward Fowkes, 52, were both also disqualified as directors in 2021 for their roles in causing or allowing the investors to be misled in 2019.
Ann Oliver, Chief Investigator at the Insolvency Service, said: “Fraser MacDonald, Gavin Barry and Edward Fowkes allowed the continued promotion of an investment offer which was misleading to investors.
“Significant sums of money were invested by people who thought they had more security over their investments than they actually did.
“We also uncovered evidence that the three directors did not use all the funds borrowed for financing the development at The Croft development as they had promised.”
MacDonald has now been removed from the corporate arena until January 2032 and joins Barry and Fowkes in being barred from running, managing or promoting a company without permission of the court.
A total of 44 investments were made by 42 high net worth investors in the Derby scheme between January and July 2019. The highest individual investment during that period was £504,000.US giant acquires Lincolnshire PPE manufacturer
Goldfreeze Limited, the manufacturers of Chill, Cold and Freezer PPE, based in Sleaford, Lincolnshire and founded by Tarek Hayat, has been acquired by US giant RefrigiWear for an undisclosed sum rumoured to be in the region of £3-4 million.
RefrigiWear, established in 1954, has 70 years of commitment to designing warm industrial apparel, with an understanding of the challenges faced by working in the extreme cold.
RefrigiWear entered the UK market in Q1 of 2024 determined to “become the trusted and go-to supplier for Thermal Protective Clothing globally,” raising a share capital of in excess of £13 million before acquiring FlexiTog (Goldfreeze’s largest competitor) in March 2024.
Having acquired FlexiTog and Goldfreeze, RefrigiWear has become a powerful force in the UK cold chain industry’s PPE supply chain.
RefrigiWear CEO Ryan Silberman now sits on the board of Goldfreeze.
Nottingham Venues celebrates success at the Nottingham Hospitality Association Awards 2025
Nottingham Venues, the collection of independent venues specialising in meetings and events set within the University of Nottingham campus, is celebrating success in three categories at the Nottingham Hospitality Association Awards 2025.
The event, held on Thursday 23 January 2025, recognised excellence across the local hospitality sector, with Nottingham Venues’ dedicated team receiving well-earned accolades. The company entered five categories and either won, or was placed, in three.
Among the evening’s highlights was the remarkable victory of Sing Ding Yu and her Operations Team at The East Midlands Conference Centre, who were awarded the prestigious Top Team Award. The team’s commitment to delivering exceptional service, developing a strong team culture and contributing to record-breaking sales earned them the award.
Tom Waldron-Lynch, CEO of Nottingham Venues, said: “The Operations Team are true advocates of our business, always striving to deliver excellent customer service in our mission to be the best meetings and events business. They exemplify our core values – inclusive, ambitious, fair, open and respect and have contributed to record sales and exceptional team engagement.”
In addition to success for the Operations Team, individual team members were also recognised for their hard work and contribution to the success of the business.
Lassad Jaballah was named runner-up in the Unsung Hero Award category, honouring his invaluable behind-the-scenes efforts that keep operations running seamlessly.
Bozena Juszko secured third place in the Back of House Customer Service Award, a testament to her consistent dedication to delivering excellence.
Peter Bartlett, General Manager of Nottingham Venues’ Orchard Hotel and East Midlands Conference Centre, added: “These accolades are a reflection of the talent, hard work, and passion that drive Nottingham Venues forward every day. The company extends its congratulations to all nominees and winners, and thanks to every team member who plays a role in Nottingham Venues’ ongoing success.”
Vistry Group completes contracts on 475-home site in Hinckley
Vistry Group, the provider of affordable mixed-tenure homes, has completed contracts for a major site in Hinckley, Leicestershire, with outline planning permission to deliver 475 new homes for the area.
The site, to the east of Stoke Road and north of Normandy Way, in the north of the town, has a development value of £140m. Of the new homes being delivered, approximately 30% will be affordable, 20% will be developed for the private rented sector, and 50% will be for sale on the open market through a combination of its retail brands Bovis Homes, Linden Homes and Countryside Homes.
All the houses will be constructed using modern methods of construction, with timber frame panels produced at the local Vistry Works factory in Bardon, Leicestershire. This will improve the sustainability and speed of the construction process, as well as reducing disruption for the local community. Each home built using these panels emits 14,460kg CO2e less than a traditional brick-and-block house.
Andy Reynolds, Managing Director of Vistry South East Midlands, said: “Completing the purchase of this high-quality site is hugely exciting as it is destined to become Vistry’s flagship development in Leicestershire, providing 475 mixed-tenure homes for the area.
“With a significant shortage of supply in the area, the acquisition of this site is a major milestone in bringing forward a new mixed-tenure development that will provide modern, well-connected homes catering to people with a wide range of requirements and at various stages of life.”
Lincoln industrial engineers place business in hands of employees
Lincoln industrial engineers Castlet Holdings Ltd, who list Siemens, Tata Steel and BAE Systems among their customers, have placed their company’s future in the hands of the employees. On the advice of Sills & Betteridge Corporate Partner Euan McLaughlin, Castlet Holdings Ltd has been sold to an Employee Ownership Trust. Having provided remedial advice on various shareholder issues in the past, Euan proposed to the Board that an EOT was the key to the long-term stability and success of the business – which was already owned by a group of its employees. Euan collaborated with other professionals, including business consultants Mobius Group and regional accountancy practice Wright Vigar, to flesh out the terms of the deal and undertake shareholder engagement. Euan said: “EOTs are a relatively new phenomena which are fast gaining traction as their benefits become more widely understood – tax advantages, succession planning and social responsibility among the key motivators. “They are most suited to business owners who value the future of their company and the people who helped to build it, over an immediate cash sale – and can be an excellent option where a trade sale is either unavailable or unattractive to business owners.”
Pets become part of the climate change solution as Nottingham dog food company embraces solar power
The UK’s dogs are now part of the climate change solution, thanks to Nottingham-based fresh dog food company Years.com, which has partnered with solar developer Electron Green and commercial landlord Urban Logistics to harness solar power for its operations.
The new rooftop solar installation is projected to reduce Years.com’s reliance on the electricity grid by over 26%, delivering projected electricity savings of almost £22,000 in its first year alone.
Darren Beale, founder of Years.com, said: “At Years.com, our mission is to help dogs live longer, healthier, and happier lives. Protecting our environment is part of that bigger picture, and we are thrilled to have solar power in place.
“We had been considering this for some time, but with competing business priorities, it always seemed out of reach. Thanks to Electron Green and our landlord Urban Logistics, the solar system is free and we pay for the green electricity we use.”
The solar panels were installed in January 2025, covering 761 square metres of rooftop space with 390 panels. The entire installation was funded by landlord Urban Logistics, with Years.com purchasing the clean electricity it generates.
The solar energy will feed directly into the Years facility, effectively powering the steam cooking process, which accounts for approximately 26% of the company’s total power demand.
Because the solar is on the roof of Years.com, the supply has guaranteed provenance and is not subject to transmission losses associated with renewable electricity fed through the grid.
Daniel Green, CEO and Co-Founder of Electron Green, said: “British businesses consistently tell us they need greater certainty over their future energy costs, alongside practical, off-the-shelf solar solutions that reduce emissions. The Years.com and Urban Logistics partnership is a great example of taking decisive action, benefitting both businesses as well as the environment.
“We’re here to provide businesses with flexibility on how they manage and pay for electricity. With energy demands expected to rise by 50% over the next decade, businesses need confidence in their energy supply and greater control over their costs.”
Richard Moffitt, Director of Urban Logistics REIT, said: “This is an excellent example of strong asset management from Urban Logistics, working in partnership with our tenant to deliver a sustainable, cost effective solution that is easily replicable and to the benefit of all stakeholders.”
Global investment manager acquires East Midlands solar project
Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners, a specialist global investment manager, has acquired the 350 MW solar PV project, Mallard Pass in the East Midlands.
The project, located on the Rutland-Lincolnshire border, represents Quinbrook’s second nationally significant infrastructure project (NSIP) after Cleve Hill Solar, which is in final stages of construction.
Construction of Mallard Pass is expected to begin in 2026 with commencement of operations in 2028.
Managing Director and Regional Leader UK for Quinbrook, said: “Renewable power projects of the scale of Cleve Hill and Mallard Pass help accelerate the UK’s energy transition and decarbonisation along with enhanced resilience of energy supply.
“Mallard Pass represents another value-add investment opportunity for Quinbrook in large scale solar. Quinbrook plans to leverage our extensive global experience in large-scale renewables development, construction and operations to bring high-quality solar technology and innovation to Mallard Pass including its demand-side capacity potential.”
Preliminary analysis indicates that over the project’s anticipated lifetime, Mallard Pass could support more than 2,000 direct and indirect jobs and generate upwards of £124 million in local socio-economic contributions.
Mallard Pass is estimated to produce over 14 million MWh of renewable power over its lifespan and reduce CO2 emissions by 665,000 tonnes, equivalent to CO2 emissions from 738,691,906 pounds of coal burned.
Quinbrook also aims to deliver a 71% biodiversity net gain at Mallard Pass, combining natural capital enhancement and creation initiatives and leveraging its experience from implementing 67% biodiversity net gain at Cleve Hill.
“Solar projects of this scale play an important role in the decarbonisation of the UK grid and our country’s energy security,” said Rosalind Smith-Maxwell, Director for Quinbrook. “The investment in Mallard Pass is another excellent example of Quinbrook’s focus on holistic and impactful investment in the infrastructure needed to advance the energy transition.”
Quinbrook and affiliate, Private Energy Partners, will now proceed with detailed design, procurement and construction planning.
