Santander Corporate & Commercial has financed around £2 million in growth capital funding and working capital facilities to Cardiff, Wales based Forward Waste Management (FWM). The Welsh waste and recycling firm, which offers services specifically for the manufacturing sector, will use the funding to help develop its regional waste collection
Herefordshire Council has given planning permission for the building of a 20MW energy storage system (ES) which will give real-time grid stabilisation to the local distribution network. Energy Reservoirs now has three years to start building the system, which will be made up of batteries housed in ten containers on
Four local authorities in Surrey have agreed a 10-year joint waste contract with Amey. The contract for Surrey Heath, Elmbridge, Mole Valley and Woking councils covers household waste collection, recycling, chargeable garden waste, recycling banks, clinical waste, replacement bins and provides an opportunity for a commercial waste service. It will
BAE Systems has opened a new £15.6 million aerospace skills and training academy, marking the single biggest investment in aerospace skills in the UK. The group opened its new training academy at Samlesbury, Lancashire, to create a pipeline of talent that will be able to meet the future technical demands
Minister for employability and training, Jamie Hepburn MSP, was invited by Unite the Union and UCATT to celebrate the achievements of workplace learners at Aberdeen City Council, while also presenting them with certificates. Over the last two years the unions organised learning and support to 297 Aberdeen City Council workers.
The £25 million Biomass Energy Centre & District Heating Network for the University of St Andrews has been celebrated at one of Scotland’s most prestigious awards ceremonies, winning the Sustainable Development category of the Scottish Green Energy Awards. The project saw Vital Energi work in partnership with the University to
A new multi-million pound deal to boost housing in key cities will provide more than 2,000 homes for private rent and create thousands of jobs, Housing Minister Gavin Barwell has announced. This latest private rent deal will unlock £400 million of development, under the government’s programme to increase investment in
London-based European real estate investment and asset management firm, Catalyst Capital, has invested hundreds of thousands of pounds to refurbish an office development in the heart of Hull city centre. Chameleon Business Interior has renovated Anchor House, based in the Maltings on Silvester Street, into a New York-loft style work
Whatever industry you’re operating in – whether it’s construction, marketing, retail, education or something else altogether – your employees face a number of hazards. For instance, your employees might face harm from heavy machinery, noisy equipment, chemicals and electricity, or even just standard trips and falls. And that’s where you
Electrical safety will be high on the agenda at the UK’s first Authorising Engineer Forum next month. The event, hosted by leading training and consultancy specialist Develop Training Ltd (DTL) is designed to provide one clear voice for Authorising Engineers and Authorised Persons working in high voltage environments and a
Santander Corporate & Commercial has financed around £2 million in growth capital funding and working capital facilities to Cardiff, Wales based Forward Waste Management (FWM). The Welsh waste and recycling firm, which offers services specifically for the manufacturing sector, will use the funding to help develop its regional waste collection and processing facilities extending from South Wales to the West Midlands. Established in 2006, FWM provides an end-to-end service to UK manufacturers, including the management of hazardous waste materials. With a substantial increase in environmental regulation over the past decade, FWM said that it has expanded significantly as the demands on its clients have grownenabling it to capitalise by advising clients on their total waste management strategy via a single point of contact. The firm’s current clients include British Airways, Ricardo, Federal Mogul, Sony and Actavis. The Growth Capital funding from Santander is being used in particular to fund FWM’s operations in the West Midlands as the business develops a growing customer base in the region. Santander’s Growth Capital loans are targeted at businesses with annual turnovers of up to £50 million which have a demonstrated history of high year-on-year growth in turnover, profit or employment. The facility is part of the bank’s Breakthrough support programme, which is aimed at fast-growth, ambitious businesses and includes funded overseas trade missions, Masterclass events and also provides graduate interns to SMEs. FWM added said that it also incorporates its own waste handling equipment division, Enviroquip, manufacturing and refurbishing a wide range of machinery including waste compactors, balers and containers. Lyndon Ward, managing director of Forward Waste Management Ltd, said: “We are a dynamic business operating in growth driven by the increasingly significant waste and recycling regulatory and compliance requirements for our customer base.” Peter Abel, Director, Growth Capital, Santander Corporate & Commercial added: “This is a business we have known and tracked for a while…. They operate in a sector with exciting opportunities.”
Herefordshire Council has given planning permission for the building of a 20MW energy storage system (ES) which will give real-time grid stabilisation to the local distribution network. Energy Reservoirs now has three years to start building the system, which will be made up of batteries housed in ten containers on a greenfield site to the west of Clay Hill Pitch, Dormington. The original planning documents state that the system will be directly connected to the adjacent substation to provide energy storage capacity to the National Grid. It will mean that excess electricity generated from a number of conventional and renewable sources will be allowed to be stored in the batteries during times of low demand. The stored capacity will then be fed back into the grid during peak demand times, which can coincide with times of low generation. A spokesperson for Energy Reservoirs said that in terms of other potential streams of revenue, the process of prequalifying for the capacity market was “an expensive job” for a battery due to the high bid bond require, while arbitrage “doesn’t really work yet sadly”. The project is therefore expected to rely on providing frequency balancing services as the main revenue stream. However, the spokesperson added that the company intended to take part in National Grid’s next tender after failing to win in the recent EFR competition. Energy Reservoirs has yet to appoint a supplier and is currently attracting quotes from a number of potential partners, the majority of which are offering lithium-ion batteries.
Four local authorities in Surrey have agreed a 10-year joint waste contract with Amey. The contract for Surrey Heath, Elmbridge, Mole Valley and Woking councils covers household waste collection, recycling, chargeable garden waste, recycling banks, clinical waste, replacement bins and provides an opportunity for a commercial waste service. It will also include street cleaning and associated activities including street sweeping, bin emptying, graffiti removal, and fly-tipping and fly-posting clearance. The councils expect the contract to save taxpayers across the four authorities more than £2m a year. Existing fortnightly recycling and waste collections will be maintained, as will weekly food waste collections. The contract will introduce a weekly collection of clothes, home textiles and small electricals while other new schemes include: Surrey Waste Partnership part-funded the deal, which was supported by Surrey County Council as the waste disposal authority. Amey chief executive Andy Milner (pictured) said: “This announcement sees us build on our reputation as a trusted and innovative provider of high-quality local waste collection services. “We are committed to working closely with these councils to meet their sustainability and environmental objectives, while providing a first-rate service for local residents.” Waste officers from Surrey Heath and Woking councils put out identical statements saying the deal was a “great result.” “By working together, we’re able to deliver an improved waste and recycling collection service, while freeing up substantial sums of money to spend on the services which people value the most.” The contract will have a staggered start depending on when each council’s current contract ends. The earliest is Elmbridge in June 2017, followed by Woking in September 2017, Surrey Heath in February 2018 and Mole Valley in August 2018 for waste and recycling and April 2019 for street cleaning. Other district and borough councils in Surrey, there are 11 overall, will have the opportunity to join as the contract progresses.
BAE Systems has opened a new £15.6 million aerospace skills and training academy, marking the single biggest investment in aerospace skills in the UK. The group opened its new training academy at Samlesbury, Lancashire, to create a pipeline of talent that will be able to meet the future technical demands of its military aircraft business. The Academy for Skills and Knowledge (ASK) marks the single biggest investment ever in skills for the UK aerospace sector. The 7,400m2 building has been designed and constructed over the last three years and is located on the Samlesbury Aerospace Enterprise Zone along with BAE System’s military aircraft advanced manufacturing centre. The centre will train all the graduates and apprentices in the BAE’s military aircraft business, while also providing ‘life-long learning and skills development activities’ for 13,000 employees for at least the next 40 years. The ASK will also act as a collaborative skills-hub for the North West’s engineering and manufacturing sector and offer Stem resources for school children from five to 14 years old. BAE Systems said that the technology in the ASK “mirrors the latest advanced manufacturing technologies and factory layouts” used at its own sites around the UK. This includes 3D printers, a manufacturing Kuka robot cell, a composites clean room, as well as a virtual reality ‘cave’ to train apprentices using immersive simulations that include viewing wiring on a military jet. In early 2017, the academy’s hangar will accommodate a full size Hawk jet for apprentices to understand the ‘engineering complexity and build of an aircraft’ first hand. Chris Boardman, managing director of BAE Systems military air and information, said that the ASK offers “an unrivalled modern engineering and manufacturing environment in which BAE Systems can deliver the highest quality training”. Northern Powerhouse minister Andrew Percy added: “Northern businesses have stablished themselves in the top flight of the aerospace industry and the new flagship Academy for Skills and Knowledge will offer excellent opportunities to our young people from the area.”
Minister for employability and training, Jamie Hepburn MSP, was invited by Unite the Union and UCATT to celebrate the achievements of workplace learners at Aberdeen City Council, while also presenting them with certificates. Over the last two years the unions organised learning and support to 297 Aberdeen City Council workers. The education was delivered free to workers through financial support from the Learning Fund, which is supported by the Scottish Government and administered by Scottish Union Learning. UCATT organised onsite assessment for 23 Aberdeen City Council tradespeople, including joiners, painters, plasterers, slaters and masons. The scheme provided workers who had no formal qualifications with the chance to demonstrate their considerable skills and experience. The candidates were assessed at work and were also required to complete portfolios to obtain NVQ Level 2 qualifications. 10 places were funded by the council to ensure the workloads of candidates were suitable to show their wide range of skills, while the Learning Fund financed the remaining 13 places. Hepburn also enjoyed a tour of disused council properties to look at examples of the work carried out by the learners, which included brickwork, plastering and partitioned walls. Director of Scottish Union Learning, Wendy Burton, commented: “Scottish Union Learning congratulates workers in Aberdeen City Council on obtaining their qualifications. “This is an excellent example of trade union and employer partnerships, demonstrating how working together can overcome logistical workplace challenges and develop vital learning opportunities for workers.” Minister for employability and training, Jamie Hepburn, said: “Scottish Union Learning helps workers to improve their skills and qualifications as well as their prospects and prosperity. Today’s visit highlights what can be achieved when trade unions and employers work together to support Scotland’s workers. “Trade Unions play a vital role in up-skilling our workforce and delivering Scottish Union Learning so it is great to hear first-hand from those who have benefitted from the programme and to celebrate in their success.”
The £25 million Biomass Energy Centre & District Heating Network for the University of St Andrews has been celebrated at one of Scotland’s most prestigious awards ceremonies, winning the Sustainable Development category of the Scottish Green Energy Awards. The project saw Vital Energi work in partnership with the University to realise the their vision for a campus-wide low carbon energy system by refurbishing an Old paper mill building, transforming it into a state of the art Biomass based energy centre that will, in future, form the heart of a planned new technology focused business park. The new energy system feeds remote University Buildings more than 6km away through a highly thermally efficient 23km underground district heating network. The project will bring significant environmental benefits which will see carbon emissions reduced by over 6,000 tonnes per year. We’re delighted the project has been recognised. Mike Cooke explained, “We have worked closely with the University on this project since September 2014 and experienced first-hand their commitment to the environment and their enthusiasm to be involved at every step of the way. We’re delighted the project has been recognised at this prestigious event and we would like to acknowledge the patience and support of the local residents and project stakeholders who experienced disruption while the heat network was formed.” In addition to the building, mechanical and engineering works, Vital Energi took part in the Guardbridge Guarantee, helping the University to ensure that the project also delivered tangible benefit to Scotland and the local community. Vital Energi worked closely with all stakeholders including local residents and businesses to maximise local spending (73%) and local employment. 433 local people have benefitted from employment associated with the implementation and continued operation of the scheme over the next 5 years, 79% of those are employed live within Fife and Central Scotland. Professor Verity Brown, Vice Principal (Enterprise & Engagement), said: “To win such a prestigious award against competition from across Scotland is an outstanding achievement. The energy centre at the Eden Campus at Guardbridge is a remarkable engineering project which would not have been possible without our partners, Vital Energi. “It is a project that would not have possible without the forbearance and support of local people in and around Guardbridge.” www.vitalenergi.co.uk
A new multi-million pound deal to boost housing in key cities will provide more than 2,000 homes for private rent and create thousands of jobs, Housing Minister Gavin Barwell has announced. This latest private rent deal will unlock £400 million of development, under the government’s programme to increase investment in purpose built rental properties, and will grow the amount of good quality rental homes in Leeds, Manchester and Birmingham. The project is one of the largest private rental sector investments in the UK and will receive £45 million funding from the government’s new Home Building Fund ─ which makes money available to help kick-start new development and housebuilding. Housing and Planning Minister Gavin Barwell said: “Alongside home ownership, we’re determined to create a bigger, better private rental market to offer greater choice for tenants in a country that works for everyone. “This is one of the largest private rental sector deals in the UK and will not only create thousands of homes for people in Birmingham, Leeds and Manchester – it will create jobs and opportunities for many hundreds of people.” Sir Edward Lister, HCA Chairman, said: “This massive investment, one of the largest private rented deals this year, shows our determination to get builders building and substantially grow the market in this country. “We’re working on a number of other deals, with builders of all sizes, and we’re also using our investment and land to attract new entrants to the industry.” Founder and chairman of the Dandara Group, Dan Tynan said: “Dandara has already built more than 2,500 properties of this type in the last 10 years in the UK, including Scotland’s largest private rented sector (PRS) scheme of almost 300 properties in Aberdeen, acquired by LaSalle Investment Management on behalf of a large pension fund. Read more at http://specificationonline.co.uk/articles/2016-12-02/thousands-of-new-homes-and-jobs-in-three-key-cities
London-based European real estate investment and asset management firm, Catalyst Capital, has invested hundreds of thousands of pounds to refurbish an office development in the heart of Hull city centre. Chameleon Business Interior has renovated Anchor House, based in the Maltings on Silvester Street, into a New York-loft style work space. Originally built in the late 1860s for the Hull Brewery Company Ltd, The Maltings and Anchor House were used for storing barrels waiting to be distributed to the city’s many pubs. The refurbishment has now transformed Anchor House into a range of office suites available for lease, from just less than 400 sq ft to almost 10,000 sq ft in area, as well as a sandwich bar opportunity sitting in the heart of the wider commercial district. Larger units of up to 20,000 sq ft are expected to come available in Anchor House later in the year. The building is being marketed by East Yorkshire property agent, PPH Commercial. Nick Pearce, PPH director, commented: “Hull, and the wider region, is in the midst of a cultural and economic revolution and with that comes a lot of attention, both nationally and globally. It is no surprise, therefore, that overseas investors are beginning to notice the city’s property market and get excited about it. “Anchor House is a fantastic relic of Hull’s industrial past which found a new lease of life as attractive offices. “Now, with the refurbishment completed, it is one of the most stunning locations in the city centre, with units available to suit start-ups through to much larger organisations. “We expect a lot of enquiries from local companies, but also from national companies as well because Hull’s new found status, coupled with the quality of the space, means Anchor House should attract attention from far and wide”.
Whatever industry you’re operating in – whether it’s construction, marketing, retail, education or something else altogether – your employees face a number of hazards. For instance, your employees might face harm from heavy machinery, noisy equipment, chemicals and electricity, or even just standard trips and falls. And that’s where you come in. It’s your responsibility as an employer to ensure that you’re able to identify, manage and minimise the risks your employees face in a busy working environment. There are a number of rules and regulations on the matter, and penalties for non-compliance are severe… and that’s not to mention the cost of lost business, lost man-hours and a damaged reputation with clients and customers alike. So, here’s a very brief overview of how to minimise risks in your busy working environment. However, be sure to investigate your responsibility further using information from charities such as ROSPA (The Royal Society of the Prevention of Accidents), or guidance from the Health and Safety Executive. First, identify the hazards your employees face This is the starting point for reducing risks. Think about the environment, the processes and materials that have the potential to harm your employees, noting them down. Always ask for a second opinion, getting additional people involved – extra eyes are always a good idea. Then, refer back to your accident and sickness records: can you spot any hazards that are causing employees harm? It’s also a good idea to check guidance from the manufacturers of the equipment and substances you’re using, as they’ll often explain the hazards your employees are likely to be exposed to. Then, evaluate the risks and decide how you’re going to take action Next, you’ll need to decide how likely it is that harm will occur, and put some measures in place for reducing that chance. Don’t expect to eliminate risk completely, but do focus on the things you could do to reduce the likelihood of harm. For instance, can you change a process to circumvent dangerous practices? Can you issue protective clothing, install safety equipment or devise training programmes to better protect your employees? Be sure to record your findings, and report incidents and near misses whenever they arise There’s a lot you can learn when things go wrong, and taking a proactive attitude to it will hopefully mean that the level of risk your employees are exposed to will lessen over time. Finally, ensure you have adequate resources and software to manage risk One of the biggest obstacles for businesses managing risks in the workplace is that they simply don’t have the resources required to ensure everyone is as safe as they can be. So, consider investing risk management software available from providers such as Airsweb. Good quality software will equip you with tools such as best practice templates for employees to refer to, a centralised risk register, and the ability to check that the right employees have read risk assessments – ultimately, it gives you a centralised place to refer to and report back in to.
Electrical safety will be high on the agenda at the UK’s first Authorising Engineer Forum next month. The event, hosted by leading training and consultancy specialist Develop Training Ltd (DTL) is designed to provide one clear voice for Authorising Engineers and Authorised Persons working in high voltage environments and a platform for sharing best practice. The conference will be hosted by Develop Training Ltd (DTL), the UK’s leading training and consultancy specialist, at The Hawkhills in Easingwold, near York, on 9 December 2016. This free-to-attend, all-day forum will bring together Authorising Engineers from across the country in order to discuss key issues, regulatory developments and best practice. The event is intended to play a significant part in shaping the way that electrical training is delivered in future. The Forum includes key note presentations from several leading industry experts, including Bill Bates of Foxgloves Electrical Safety Management who, prior to his recent retirement, was a Principal Electrical Inspector for the HSE. Bill will be delivering a keynote speech explaining how to recognise electrical risks and managing them through a structured approach to prevent serious consequences. Daniel Murphy, Area MEICA Lead/Authorising Engineer at eight2O will be discussing the MEICA management challenges presented by working in the eight-strong water infrastructure alliance delivering billions of pounds worth of essential work for Thames Water. The highly publicised Crossrail project will be discussed by Lee Bateson, M&E Manager for Costain Group Engineering Services, while Phil Bourne and Scott Tonkin will present produce showcases for Lucy Electric and ROOTS respectively. For DTL, Senior Lecturer and Authorising Engineer Al Katib will be presenting on the NFPA 70E advice and guidance associated with arc flashes in electrical environments, while Delivery Manager will be talking about skills compliance in low voltage environments. The safety day will conclude with Senior Lecturer Stuart Gilby leading a practical case study exercise with those attending split into groups to discuss how best to approach a specific scenario before each groups’ findings are reported back. DTL believes that effective training can play a major part in reducing unsafe working practices. Many accidents are caused by inadvertent contact with energised and exposed live conductors and faulty equipment. The resulting shocks or arc flashes can lead to falls, burns, fire and explosion and result in severe or fatal injuries. Authorised Persons play a vital role Steve Braund, Marketing Manager of DTL, explains: “Authorising Engineers and Authorised Persons play a vital role in ensuring the safe and compliant approaches to working with electricity across a wide number of industries. We’ve created this dedicated Forum to facilitate the sharing of knowledge and best practice to strengthen this, and have produced an informative and interactive agenda we feel should be of interest to AEs up and down the country.” To find out more about this event and to register your attendance, please visit: http://www.developtraining.co.uk/news/full-agenda-confirmed-for-authorising-engineer-forum