January 14, 2019

Business Leader Awards’ Judging Panel Joined by Piers Linney

The line-up of judges for the 2019 Business Leader Awards has been joined by former Dragons’ Den star, Piers Linney. The entrepreneur and investor is a champion of scale-up businesses and brings a wealth of experience to the judging panel. He qualified as a lawyer and is a former banker

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New Landlord Subscription Model Launched

A brand new subscription model for the incoming tenant fee ban has been launched by online letting agency MakeUrMove. With just £12 per month on the ‘Good Landlord’ subscription, landlords will have access to a wide range of services, including Rightmove and Zoopla advertising, tenant referencing, rent collection, legal eviction services,

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Cavanna Homes Appoint New Head of Operations

The South West’s largest independent homebuilder, Torquay-based Cavanna Homes, has appointed Andy Addison to its senior team as Head of Operations. “My priority is to drive-forward the business without compromising on the all-important Cavanna family ethos, which has made this firm such an enduring success over the past 95 years,”

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Nanotechnology, flagship of nanotechnology

The world is advancing in technology at an astounding rate. Everyday new developments are changing the way humans live and work, looking for new efficiencies and application of new technologies. Nanotechnology is not new. However the production of nanofibers and materials through the process of electrospinning is changing the way

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BDC 321 : Oct 2024

January 14, 2019

Business Leader Awards’ Judging Panel Joined by Piers Linney

The line-up of judges for the 2019 Business Leader Awards has been joined by former Dragons’ Den star, Piers Linney. The entrepreneur and investor is a champion of scale-up businesses and brings a wealth of experience to the judging panel. He qualified as a lawyer and is a former banker and fund manager with extensive experience in corporate finance and M&A.  Piers is also a Non-Executive Director of the government-owned British Business Bank, which has facilitated more than £12 billion of financing for UK SMEs. “I am a passionate believer in the importance of SMEs to the success of the UK economy and I am committed to helping ambitious businesses scale-up. The Business Leader Awards is a great way to recognise some of the UK’s most dynamic start-up and scale-up businesses,” Piers Linney commented. The Business Leader Awards champions British business across all sectors and is open to companies large and small, with 16 categories and a special ‘Business Leader of the Year’ accolade. “Starting and running a high growth business is exciting but also very challenging, and Piers is known for providing practical, no-nonsense advice and support. His experience and passion for scale-up business will be a real benefit to the judging process,” said Andrew Scott, Founder and CEO of Business Leader. A panel of judges independently assess award entries and the winners are announced at a prestigious gala awards dinner at the Hilton on Park Lane, London, on 21st June 2019.

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New Landlord Subscription Model Launched

A brand new subscription model for the incoming tenant fee ban has been launched by online letting agency MakeUrMove. With just £12 per month on the ‘Good Landlord’ subscription, landlords will have access to a wide range of services, including Rightmove and Zoopla advertising, tenant referencing, rent collection, legal eviction services, property licence checking, as well as documents and renewals. “The tenant fee bill is going to affect the whole property industry. The most innovative agents will look to technology to reduce costs. We’re at the forefront of this as the first agent to come out and support the tenant fee ban. As a tech platform, we’re constantly developing and will be adding new features as standard to our package. We want to be a landlord platform rather than a letting platform,” said Alexandra Morris, Managing Director at MakeUrMove. Moreover, the subscription offers optional bolt ons, such as guaranteed rent for up to six months in the case of a tenant failing to pay and annual gas safety certificates, for a small additional cost. MakeUrMove conducted a research that showed 25% of landlords and a staggering 85% of tenants didn’t understand the upcoming ban. “We’re confident that our new subscription model will do this, while providing peace of mind and security for landlords, knowing that they will pay a fixed cost of £12 per month with no prices increases over the term of their subscription, as well as benefiting from referencing, legal eviction cover and renewals included as standard. This whole focus behind these packages is to try and mitigate costs for landlords when it comes to having an empty property, as well as supporting them and reducing the risk of non payment of rent,” explained further Alexandra. The £12 per month subscription model will be offered alongside a basic package, which will include advertising and one downloadable tenancy agreement. There will also be a standard package offered at a one-off cost of £96, which will also include tenancy documents and deposit lodging, rent collection for 12 months and advertising with the major property portals.

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Cavanna Homes Appoint New Head of Operations

The South West’s largest independent homebuilder, Torquay-based Cavanna Homes, has appointed Andy Addison to its senior team as Head of Operations. “My priority is to drive-forward the business without compromising on the all-important Cavanna family ethos, which has made this firm such an enduring success over the past 95 years,” said Andy. “By continuing to focus on the delivery of high quality new homes in great Westcountry locations, we will build the Cavanna brand and strengthen the company’s reputation right across the region. It’s a really exciting time to join this thriving regional company – and to be working with Keith once again.” Andy will support Managing Director Keith Miller in a strategic role with operational and commercial responsibilities to ensure that the third generation family firm achieves its ambitious centenary year goals for 2023. Andy’s core focus will be on the firm’s Technical, Commercial and Design expertise. “We strive to attract, retain and promote the best people in homebuilding and Andy’s enthusiasm for the sector is what makes him really stand out. Andy’s appointment coincides with the launch of our new ‘Westcountry Collection’ portfolio of new homes and the launch of our new Cavanna Homes brand,” commented Managing Director Keith Miller about the appointment. With over 16 years’ board level experience in the housebuilding sector, Andy has most recently worked as the Regional Director of Churchill Retirement Living. He has also previously worked with Keith Miller for national homebuilder Redrow.

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Nanotechnology, flagship of nanotechnology

The world is advancing in technology at an astounding rate. Everyday new developments are changing the way humans live and work, looking for new efficiencies and application of new technologies. Nanotechnology is not new. However the production of nanofibers and materials through the process of electrospinning is changing the way many sectors think about production and manufacturing. The development of materials and equipment to facilitate the production of nanometric materials is a fundamental part of many studies into the application of these materials, the scope of which is only now becoming apparent. How electrospinning works to produce nano-materials Electrospinning is a method which involved using electrical force to pull charged threads of polymer melts or solutions as means of fiber production. It is similar in some respects to the traditional methods like electrospraying, however does not require some of the high temperatures associated with those methods. A solution is prepared of polymers, solvents and other functional components, and molecular chain entanglement is allowed to take place. The electrospinning machine then allows for the feeding of the solution through capillaries and a high voltage electricity is applied. This forms a jet which is stretched and whipped into fibers, while the solvents evaporate. The dry fiber is collected, and then can be formed into a membrane or material depending on the purpose intended. The manufacturers of electrospinning machines have to follow through very meticulous quality checks and maintain a consistently high standard to ensure the best results. At a molecular level the nano-material is virtually defect free. Nanomaterials: Application across many fields and sectors As mentioned the sectors in which this technology is being used is very wide ranging. For example in: Nutraceuticals: related to pharmacy and nutrition Immobilization of living cells: used in the application of in vitro processes and used to harness cells Functional foods: the so-called functional nano-foods, microcapsules, etc. Food packaging: it is intended to increase the shelf life of food, as well as preserve its properties.   These are some of the most innovative fields. The following areas are also exploring the possibilities: Biomedical and tissue engineering Cosmetics Delivery of medicines Micro and nano encapsulation Catalysis Energy storage Functional textiles Phase change material Filtration and separation Affinity membranes Compounds and nanocomposites   Meeting the needs of such a wide range of sectors Whether the need for electrospinning equipment is coming from industry or academic circles, the need for specialist machinery can be varied. It could be required for a small research laboratory or and enormous scaled up production environment. The selection of the correct type of machinery is essential to obtain the appropriate results. For example, in the case of tissue engineering , for example as part of a skin graft or organ protective barrier, it is necessary to manufacture materials that meet specific characteristics.   In this field, three-dimensional structures that allow cell growth must be developed. To achieve this, the fiber must be of an adequate size, with the correct distribution of the pores. This allows for the migration of cells, the formation of blood vessels and the diffusion or exchange of materials between cells. In addition, these structures must provide the same functional characteristics as the replaced tissue, and be compatible with the organism to avoid rejection by the immune system. It is vital that, in order to achieve outstanding results, the chosen manufacturer of machinery is of the highest quality. It is very important. However, despite a complexity in this, the set up of the machinery and training of operators to use a simple interface when using it, are actually fairly simple, with the operators being upskilled very quickly. In addition it is a lot more cost effective to set up than other industrial or manufacturing processes.

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Electrospinning, the Nanotechnology, next generation of Companies

Every single day we see new technological advances in every field. The speed at which human endeavour is innovating is pushing the application of science to new levels. Companies who do not advance and develop with it are being left behind. One such field that is seeing huge growth due to its unlimited potential and application, is nanotechnology. The increased development of materials in nanometric and micrometric scale are the subject of a large number of studies and research. The use in manufacturing industries is only limited to the imagination of the development team working with the process, known as electrospinning, that creates these materials. The ability to produce  produce fibers, polymers and nanometric devices as part of these studies brings the need for specialist equipment and the set up of labs or clean rooms to carry out the research and development. The challenge for the electrospinning equipment manufacturer is to be able to adapt the equipment according to the needs of the customer who will be using it, in size, scale, materials used. Even the current uses are just the tip of the iceberg as to what could be achieved in the future. Developing equipment for all sectors that develop nanomaterials The greatest demand currently for electrospinning equipment comes from two main sectors, industry for production reasons, and academic for research , whether as part of university studies or as part of in-house company research and development departments. The requirements for machinery can be very different, despite similarities in the core principles of electrospinning. A provider of the machinery may need to provide laboratory suited equipment one day, and the next provide equipment for large production plants. Having the right machinery will ensure the appropriate results. To give a practical example, one area using nanotechnology is the creation of artificial skin grafts, or protective barriers for organs. This material needs to have the right properties in order to meld with actual living tissue. As such  three-dimensional structures that allow cell growth must be developed. To achieve this, the fiber must be of an adequate size, with the correct distribution of the pores. This allows for the migration of cells, the formation of blood vessels and the diffusion or exchange of materials between cells. In addition, these structures must provide the same functional characteristics as the replaced tissue, and be compatible with the organism to avoid rejection by the immune system. It is vital that, in order to achieve outstanding results, the chosen manufacturer of machinery is of the highest quality. It is very important. Particularly when trusting the machinery to produce highly technical fibers like this. Key factors in choosing the right electrospinning equipment While some factors will change, there are some basis to take into consideration. For example features should include:   A simple design and the possibility of using different materials and formulations; that is compact and light in such a way that allows for maximizing of space; Constructed with with easily cleanable materials A simple interface for operators that allows for easy use and quick upskilling of researchers or employees A means to easily remove any potential gases produced during the process   Of course cost is also a consideration, but it will be far lower in comparison to the set up of normal manufacturing processes and equipment. After this, is will be about making sure the machinery meets individual needs as according to the intended usage. Bear in mind that technology does not stand still. It is always evolving and the equipment needs to be future-proofed to a point where it can stand the test of time and still remain efficient and relevant.   Potential applications for nanotechnology The range of sectors exploring nanotechnology is quite wide ranging. For example it is already seen in: Nutraceuticals: related to pharmacy and nutrition Immobilization of living cells: used in the application of in vitro processes and used to harness cells Functional foods: the so-called functional nano-foods, microcapsules, etc. Food packaging: it is intended to increase the shelf life of food, as well as preserve its properties.   These are some of the most innovative fields. The following areas are also exploring the possibilities: Biomedical and tissue engineering Cosmetics Delivery of medicines Micro and nano encapsulation Catalysis Energy storage Functional textiles Phase change material Filtration and separation Affinity membranes Compounds and nanocomposites   The differences between the requirements for each field can be quite wide ranging. As such the manufacturing companies of electrospinning machines must be able to adapt to those needs easily.  

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Regeneration scheme in Camberwell receives the green light from residents

Bellway has been announced as development partner in a key regeneration scheme in Camberwell. The housebuilder was selected by housing association The Riverside Group to work on its existing estate in March 2018. Together they have been developing a scheme, in consultation with residents. The proposals will replace homes in Canterbury Close, Geoffrey Close and York Close in Camberwell with high-quality new homes built by Bellway. It is only the second largescale regeneration scheme to be voted through by tenants in London since new balloting rules were introduced by Mayor Sadiq Khan in February 2018. The rules mean tenants of housing associations or local authorities are balloted on regeneration schemes that involve demolition of their homes. In this case, 67 per cent voted in favour. The project marks a major landmark for Bellway’s newly-formed London Partnerships division, which will work with housing associations and local authorities to fulfil its aim of creating communities of affordable homes in the capital. Matthew Loughlin, Managing Director of Bellway London Partnerships, said: “We are delighted that Riverside’s residents have recognised the benefits of regeneration in their area and have voted in favour of the scheme. “This project will have a direct and positive impact on the lives of hundreds of people. The proposals are set to give residents of Geoffrey Close, York Close and Canterbury Close more spacious, energy-efficient homes. They can rest assured in the knowledge that Bellway is a five-star housebuilder and we are truly invested in the quality of the homes we build. “The project is an important milestone for the growth of the London Partnerships division which will deliver the wider objectives of the Bellway Group. “We are now looking forward to working alongside Riverside and the residents to develop the scheme from the planning stages through to the delivery of the new homes.” Bellway has worked with the Riverside Group during the consultation period leading up to the ballot and has been involved in pre-application talks with the local council. The next stage is for Riverside and Bellway to draw up a planning application which will be submitted in late spring 2019, with work on the site anticipated to start before the end of 2019. The proposals guarantee that all tenants currently living within the estate will be offered a new home which will meet their housing needs. Four hundred homes are planned for the site, as well as investment in new community facilities. Bellway London Partnerships was formed in the autumn and is working to bring forward further largescale regeneration projects with partners across the capital.

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