Category Archives: South East

News, South East

London manufacturing SME Get It Made makes the FT1000 list

London-based SME manufacturing specialist Get It Made has been recognised as one of the FT1000 Europe’s Fastest Growing Companies 2024 following the publication of this year’s list.

In the UK, the 723rd ranked company secured the fourth position as the fastest-growing manufacturer, a particularly noteworthy achievement considering the size and rapid expansion of the UK manufacturing sector. It also has significantly fewer employees per £000,000 of turnover, at £486,900 per employee, making it the most productive manufacturing company, which has grown organically since its inception in 2011, with zero venture capital investment. Resin manufacturer Vuba was placed 314th on the list, with a turnover of £289,147 per employee based on its 32-strong team (a total of £9,252,712), while the UK’s second fastest growing manufacturer on 2024’s FT1000 list was Fractory with £9,296,944 turnover, equating to £132,813 per head based on 70 employees.

The ranking highlights European companies that have achieved the highest compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in revenue in the three years to 2022. To be included in the 2024 FT1000, companies needed to have a minimum CAGR of 36.3%.

Luke Smoothy, Founder of Get It Made said: “Making it onto the FT1000 list is truly gratifying, as it reflects the remarkable commitment and effort put in by the team. This holds even more significance considering the challenges faced in 2020 and 2021 due to the strict COVID-19 restrictions. Despite the difficulties, our manufacturing work in London during that period presented us with unforeseen chances to address the significant gaps in supply chains across the UK through manufacturing services, including 3D printing, CNC machining and injection moulding.

“We’re enormously proud of the fact that Get It Made is the fourth fastest growing manufacturing company in the UK, as well as the most productive manufacturing business based on turnover per employee. Our success is testament to the team’s hard work, unwavering attention to detail and delivery of bespoke, high-quality outcomes to help us build a loyal and expanding client base. We feel privileged to work in an era of rapidly evolving innovation and technology which we’re able to harness to the benefit of our customers, driven by a simple ethos of providing simplified manufacturing processes while maintaining exceptional customer service.”

Each year, the Financial Times and research company Statista jointly identify the fastest growing companies across Europe by launching a public campaign and conducting supplementary research. The successful companies are then recognised in its annual edition of the FT1000 Europe’s Fastest Growing Companies Special Report, and is public acknowledgment of firms’ fast, sustainable, and organic growth.

Get It Made is among 130 companies included in the list from the UK, which is the third most-represented country on the list. Italy holds the first position and maintains its lead, followed by Germany in second place. As reflected in the FT report, London continues to be a prominent growth hub, and Get It Made is one of the 69 companies based in the capital that have secured a spot on the list. This achievement contributes to London maintaining its lead for the eighth consecutive year.

News, South East

Final season of ‘The Crown’ causes gold rush for coin collectors in Surrey

A Hatton Garden-based gold coin broker has reported a huge surge of investment in royal-themed gold coins since the final season of The Crown was aired on TV.

Aurum Bullion Plc has revealed that canny investors in Surrey account for a quarter of its total UK sales of coins relating to the British Royal Family in the month since the finale of the popular drama series was released.

In total, Aurum Bullion has sold £2.97m worth of royal-themed minted gold coins in the ensuing one-month period, more than £750k of which was spent by investors in Surrey.

The figure compares with just £798k in sales during the same period last year, which the company puts down to The Crown and a growing interest in Royal Family memorabilia.

Similar spikes were seen after the death of The Queen in September 2022, during her Diamond and Platinum Jubilees and following the Coronation of King Charles in May last year. But none of those spikes was as big as the one witnessed since The Crown’s final season.

Gregory Cole, founder and director of Aurum Bullion, said: “There is definitely a deep and ongoing affection for the British Royal Family which has spilled over into the gold coin collectors’ market.

“The fact The Crown TV series coincided with the run-up to Christmas and the purchasing of Christmas lasting gifts could explain some of the huge increase in investments, though sales over this Christmas period particularly have been exceptional.

“It is not totally surprising that Surrey has come so far ahead of everywhere else in the UK in terms of royal-themed coin purchases. It has one of the wealthiest demographics, and many residents in Surrey will already be pretty astute investors, a lot of them having worked in London’s financial markets.

“The older average age bracket in Surrey may also suggest that canny investors are spending their wealth on safe investment heirlooms for their children and grandchildren.

“Gold remains one of the most secure investment commodities and, similar to investment in art, collectible cars and watches, some of these gold coins are seeing significant increases in value, far outstripping returns on cash investments.”

Aurum Bullion’s most popular royal-themed products currently are a 2023 Coronation of King Charles III Gold Proof Sovereign and a 2006 Queen Elizabeth II Birthday Gold Proof Coin (Grade PF70). The term ‘Proof’ means their provenance has been certified as being in mint condition, complete with a protective, tamper-proof display pouch.

To illustrate the investment potential of collectible gold coins, the aforementioned Queen Elizabeth II Birthday coin cost £1,450 when it was released in 2006. Its current price is £5,600 – representing a 386 per cent return on investment in less than 18 years.

Similarly, the release price of a four-coin set celebrating Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee was £8,250 in 2012. It is now worth around £22k.

And an ultra-rare royal-themed Kew Gardens 50 pence coin that sold in 2009 for £550 was recently sold at auction for £6.8k pre-hammer, representing a return on investment of over 1,200 per cent.

“The royal coins are eminently collectible,” said Gregory. “They never seem to go out of fashion – in fact they are becoming more and more popular, especially in some of our overseas markets like China, the US and Dubai.

“The increase in investment in the gold coin market suggests that people have definitely become more informed in ways of getting a better return on their money. Another significant benefit is that any gains made on gold coin investments are exempt from capital gains tax, inheritance tax and VAT.

“Many of our clients have also indicated they’ve been forced to be more creative with their investments due to big rises in the cost of living combined with the fact that their other assets have been underperforming.”

While Surrey has claimed the top spot overall in terms of the purchase of royal-themed coins, investment with Aurum Bullion from residents in the Cotswolds has grown by 12.5 per cent during 2023, London is up by 34.6 per cent and, perhaps surprisingly, Sheffield has seen an increase of 22 per cent.

Anyone interested in the growing trend of gold coin investment should take advice to ensure they are buying from a reputable source. The safest routes to investment are typically direct with the Royal Mint, and at registered auction houses or certified dealers like Aurum Bullion Plc.

For further information, visit www.aurumbullion.co.uk. 

Charity & CSR, News, South East, South East England News

Pearl Lake Country Park celebrates 25th anniversary with donation to local suicide bereavement charity

In commemoration of its 25th anniversary, Pearl Lake Country Park, based in Herefordshire, has proudly announced a charitable donation of £1,000 to Kelly’s Heroes, a Wellingborough based charity which supports those who have been bereaved by suicide.

Since its establishment in 1998, Pearl Lake Country Park, named after the 10,000-year-old glacial beauty that forms its central feature, has been committed to fostering community spirit and contributing to worthy causes. Owners Glenn and Hannah Jones have been so overwhelmed with all the support and custom they’ve received over the years, they’ve pledged to give something back to those that have helped them succeed, by way of donating £25,000 to be split between different charities to mark the 25 years since their arrival at the beauty spot.

Park owner Glenn said: “It’s hard to believe a quarter of a century has passed since we first walked through the gates as owners. It’s been an exciting and exhilarating journey and occasionally a bit overwhelming. We’ve reached an incredible milestone and are extremely proud of our success but couldn’t have done it without the support of our amazing team and the wonderful holiday homeowners and guests who make the park what it is today.”

The 100-acre park is set in a stunning location, consisting of 20 acres of ancient woodland with the largest glacial lake in Herefordshire. Since the initial purchase Pearl Lake has become award-winning and is one of three holiday parks owned and run by the Jones family. www.discoverparks.co.uk. After years of continued investment and development it now provides 5* holiday homes, self-catering accommodation, and fully serviced touring facilities to nearly 200 people, bringing valuable revenue into the area supporting local shops and restaurants and much more.

“We are honoured to mark our 25th anniversary by supporting Kelly’s Heroes, an organisation that aligns with our values and dedication to community well-being,” said Hannah, co-owner of Pearl Lake Country Park. “Two of our regular residents are close friends with John Hewitt, Co-Founder of the charity and they decided to nominate Kelly’s Heroes as one of our beneficiaries. The work they do is remarkable, and we are incredibly happy to support such a worthy cause.”

Kelly’s Heroes, known for their unwavering dedication to assisting anyone with poor mental health, has been chosen as the beneficiary for this special anniversary donation. The £1,000 contribution reflects Pearl Lake Country Park’s commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of those who have been bereaved by suicide.

Long term residents of the park, Pam George and Steve Hancox nominated Kelly’s Heroes after seeing the hard work John has put into helping and supporting those who have been bereaved by suicide. Pam said: “On the 18th of December 2018 we received the devastating news that Kelly had taken her own life. John decided to channel his grief and despair into creating a legacy for Kelly. He dedicated his time and money into starting what has now become an incredible charity helping countless people in person, and online. Kelly’s Heroes, as it is now known, has already saved many lives, and changed others.”

John Hewitt, of Kelly’s Heroes said: “The team are deeply grateful for the generous donation made. It will enable us to continue making a meaningful impact and create positive change to help those who struggle with their mental health and have been bereaved by suicide.”

To find out more about Kelly’s Heroes, visit: www.kellysheroes.org.uk

Appointments, London News, News, South East

CovertSwarm strengthens leadership team with three key senior appointments

CovertSwarm, the leading global red team, and cybersecurity solution provider, has announced three new senior hires to its senior leadership team in anticipation of significant growth in the coming year.

Neil Jefferies joins as the Finance Director, bringing extensive experience supporting AIM-listed companies and overseeing large-scale exits. Ronan McCrory has been recruited as Head of Product and joins from industry competitor, Cobalt.io. Meanwhile, Santi Quintana, with more than a decade of international product marketing experience, joins as the business’ first Head of Marketing. 

These strategic hires coincide with CovertSwarm’s ongoing efforts to disrupt the conventional Attack Surface Management (ASM) market. Following a highly successful 2023, the London-based company is poised to expand its operations into North America in 2024. The company was also named in the latest Startups 100 Index, recognising the UK’s pioneering startups sparking change across every sector.

During 2023, the London-based company announced it had become the youngest organisation to join the Beech Tree Private Equity portfolio after receiving investment earlier this year (ranging between £10 million – £30 million), enabling its ambitious organic growth strategy and accelerating the development of its proprietary “Offensive Operations Center” software.

Anders Reeves, CEO at CovertSwarm, said: “These strategic senior appointments underscore our rapid growth trajectory while affirming our ability to attract top-tier talent from established industry players.

“Our latest hires align with our commitment to revolutionise and disrupt the Attack Surface Management (ASM) sector, challenge the outdated industry norms, and establish a new standard of excellence.

“The addition of key roles in Product, Marketing, Business Development, and Finance also demonstrates our focused expansion in North America, underlining our dedication to enhancing global operations and achieving sustained growth.

“These appointments reflect our continuous pursuit of maturity and prominence in the cybersecurity landscape, emphasising our persistent efforts to punch above our weight and make a resounding impact in the industry.”

 

Charity, Charity & CSR, News, South East

Chelmsford homebuilder’s charity walk raises over £16,000 for Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity

A Chelmsford-based housebuilder has completed a charity walk to raise money for its charity of the year, Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity (GOSH Charity).

The event organised by Barratt and David Wilson Homes employee, Sarah Tew, aimed to not only raise vital funds for the charity, but to also encourage team building and bring a day full of joy to its employees.

The efforts of the dedicated participants culminated in an impressive total of over £8,070 raised for GOSH Charity. This sum was matched by the developer’s Barratt Foundation cause, resulting in a final tally of over £16,140 raised for the charity.

GOSH Charity exists to support seriously ill children from across the UK who are treated at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) in London.

GOSH Charity supports the hospital’s most urgent needs across four key areas: funding pioneering research into children’s health, cutting-edge medical equipment, vital support services for children and their families, plus the essential refurbishment and rebuilding of hospital facilities.

This charity walk saw the participation of nine teams comprised of the housebuilder’s enthusiastic employees, with each team consisting of 10 members sporting distinct colours selected by their team leaders.

The spirited competition saw the teams go head-to-head in a variety of games, surprises, and engaging tasks along the scenic coastal walk route.

Prizes were awarded for the best-dressed teams, and added an extra layer of excitement to the day’s proceedings.

Marina Barnes, Charity’s Head of Community Fundraising at GOSH, said: “It has been brilliant to be the Charity of the Year for Barratt and David Wilson Homes, and this charity walk is another fantastic fundraising initiative the staff have all got behind.

“We are so grateful for their support, particularly at this time of year when families at GOSH need our support more than ever. Thank you so much to everyone involved.”

The walk commenced at Frinton Golf Course, where the housebuilder’s Managing Director, Tom Wright, delivered a speech to set the tone for the day, which was followed by light-hearted entertainment, including karaoke sessions.

Afterwards, the participants embarked on the walk covering a substantial distance. Along the way, the teams engaged in various party games and physical challenges at a beach hut and a local pub in Walton-on-the-Naze.

To enhance the overall experience, each staff member was also equipped with a kit for the day including drawstring bags and inflatable beach balls.

 

Tom Wright, Managing Director at Barratt and David Wilson Homes Eastern Counties, said: “It was heart-warming to witness our employees come together with unwavering enthusiasm to participate and show support for our wonderful charity of the year, GOSH Charity.

“The event was both tremendously enjoyable and a resounding success.”

The prizes awarded to participants were sponsored by Pharoah Fencing, CHS, Siobhan Johns Photography, Artspace, Next, Cox Landscapes, Greggs, PickandMix.com, and members of the Barratt and David Wilson Homes team.

The event’s donators included OPC Building, Paul Warren, PGM Carpentry, Robinson Plumbing and Heating Limited, New Homes Carpeting, Move Plus, Bryden Briflex Limited, GJB Newbuild, GSQ Brickwork, Naio, T-Prime Limited, FPP Facades, Evolve Law, Forrester Hughes, DT Tiling, Baines Gardening Limited and APS Bricklaying.

To find out more about the charity or to make a donation, visit GOSH Charity’s website.

For more information about the housebuilder’s developments in the county, visit the websites at Barratt Homes in Essex and David Wilson Homes in Essex.

News, South East

Gloomy economic forecasts fail to dampen mood for East of England businesses

Despite gloomy economic forecasts, business leaders in the East of England are optimistic about their growth opportunities for the year ahead.

According to data from Grant Thornton UK LLP’s latest Business Outlook Tracker*, mid-market optimism in the East of England has rebounded across all indicators monitored:

Revenue growth expectations have risen +37 percentage points (pp) since October

Economic optimism has risen +35pp since October

Profit growth expectations are rising – increasing +17pp since October

The results indicate that businesses are confident they can weather this economic downturn. Optimism regarding their funding position has risen +39pp since October. Over half (62%) are also confident that they have sufficient working capital to manage the impact of a recession for six months or more.

The top concerns for the region’s mid-market heading into 2023 are winter blackouts, geopolitical tensions and the rising tax burden, all of which they feel sufficiently prepared to manage.

The mid-market continues to struggle to attract and retain talent, with 65% of respondents experiencing unusually high attrition rates. Over half (60%) are also struggling to recruit for open roles.

But employers are pulling out all the stops in a bid to remain competitive. Just under three quarters of respondents (73%) are planning to offer their people a pay rise in line with, or above, inflation, while 90% are also reviewing their employee benefits package to make it more competitive. Almost half (46%) are planning to invest more in skills development over the next six months.

The research also finds that the mid-market is starting to look for ways to reduce its reliance on people, with over two thirds (67%) agree that they are increasing their use of automation and digital.

James Brown, Partner and Practice Leader at Grant Thornton UK LLP in the East of England, said: “It is surprising that the market’s positivity levels are at odds with the forecasts from the Bank of England and the government. Optimism levels have rebounded significantly since October, when the shock and uncertainty from the mini-Budget plummeted mid-market optimism to some of the lowest recorded in our Tracker. The certainty provided since seems to have reassured the market.

“Even though we know the economy and operating conditions are not likely to improve much in the short term, it is perhaps better to have bad news over uncertainty. Certainty over the future allows businesses to work this into their forecasts and take action to soften the impact.

“While a potential recession is often in the headlines, our survey shows that the labour market remains a concern. Employers are trying to improve efficiency and productivity, while also managing cost levels, which is demonstrated by high investments in technology and people. It is interesting to note the focus on skills development, which shows a commitment to making staff more efficient as well as a desire to manage retention levels and costs.

“Having seen first-hand how our region responded to the challenges of recent years with determination, flexibility, enterprise and innovation, I am confident that businesses in the East of England will find a way to survive and thrive during the months ahead. Given the encouragingly high optimism levels, it would seem that the local market shares this confidence.”

Health, South East

Learn Myofascial Release & The Benefits with Vicki Askew

Why should we listen to Vicki Askew?

Vicki Askew has been a qualified massage therapist for over 5-years, and has studied sports massage, myofascial release and trigger therapy since the start. She runs an independent massage business called Enhance Massage in Wymondham, Norfolk, and has a multitude of clients in the area including the public but also sports people who compete at a high level. Her knowledge of this area is fantastic, so without further ado, let’s delve into what myofascial release is, and the benefits thereof.

What is Myofascial Release?

It seems like the obvious place to start with something like myofascial release, because it’s not necessarily widely known about, is to explain what it is. So, the physical therapy known as myofascial release is frequently used to treat myofascial pain syndrome, most seen in businesspeople who sit down too much, and sports men and women. A condition known as myofascial pain syndrome, that typically produces persistent pain, is brought on by sensitivity and tension in your myofascial tissues, thus it is ideal to remove this tension. All the muscles in your body are surrounded by and supported by these tissues. The “trigger points” (otherwise known as “knots”) in your myofascial tissues are typically where the pain first appears.

By releasing the tension and tightness in the trigger points, myofascial release aims to lessen discomfort. Understanding which trigger point is causing the discomfort is not always simple. It is quite challenging to pinpoint a single trigger point for pain. Because of this, myofascial release is frequently applied to several locations rather than a single muscle or piece of tissue.

How Does it Work?

By releasing limitations and releasing tension, myofascial release relieves painful areas. Myofascial release raises the temperature and blood flow to soft tissues, which also lessens discomfort.

Myofascial release aids in the removal of scar tissue and other constrictive tissues. Scar tissue can develop as part of the body’s natural healing process after an accident. Scar tissue can limit fascia’s range of motion and hurt. Myofascial release works to break up scar tissue and return the tissue to its pre-injury state.

Myofascial release is frequently employed as a method of relaxation. Slow and exact movements are used when performing myofascial release. Myofascial release can activate the parasympathetic nervous system by moving slowly across the skin. The nervous system generates sensations of serenity and regulates emotions.

What are the Physiological Effects?

Tissue elasticity is increased during myofascial release. Important connective tissue called fascia can suffer damage or scarring from trauma, overuse injuries, inflammation, or immobility. Damage will cause myofascial release to become shorter and tighter. Myofascial release therapy helps to activate neuronal receptors that are found in skeletal muscle tissue. By applying pressure and raising the fascia’s temperature, myofascial release alters the fibre length. Greater tissue flexibility promotes fascia tissue movement while reducing limitations and adhesions.

The soft tissues receive more blood flow thanks to myofascial release. More nutrients can enter tissues and waste can be eliminated when blood flow is increased. Fascial adhesions can be lessened, and the fascia system can avoid malfunctioning with improved circulation.

What are the Benefits?

Long-lasting relief is not possible with only one myofascial release treatment. However, regular myofascial release therapy, on the other hand, can give you all sorts of benefits, including:

  • Improved range of motion
  • Increased relaxation
  • Improved circulation
  • Helps your body to naturally recover
  • Reduces pain and soreness
  • Reduce stress

Reduced fascia tissue tension is one advantage of myofascial release. Tightness and discomfort may result from tissue tension that creates a constricting barrier, particularly for those with back pain. Myofascial adhesions and blockages are relieved with direct myofascial release. Myofascial release helps mobilise adhesion tissue while stretching and lengthening fascia.

Myofascial release aids in boosting motion. Fascia tissue and muscles may shorten after an injury and start to impede joint movement and blood flow. Myofascial release treatments assist restores range of motion around a joint by releasing muscle tension and rupturing fascial adhesions.

Conclusion

Myofascial release is a very effective treatment if it is done regularly, as part of your normal health regime. Having treatment once isn’t really very useful. This is particularly true if you’ve had an injury, because of the improvements it can give you in range of motion, circulation, and the help it gives your body to naturally recover.

News, Pets, South East

Ghost Fishing Nets – The Portsmouth-based brand making a real difference

British sustainable pet brand, Tangle, launched in 2022 with a mission to stop ghost fishing nets (fishing nets which have been discarded, lost, abandoned or dumped) from entering the precious marine environment. It’s estimated that 640,000 tonnes of ghost fishing nets end up in our oceans every year, accounting for nearly 50% of all plastics in the ocean. Born of the founders’ desire to make a real difference, Tangle’s range of premium dog products made from recycled fishing nets is expanding in 2023 and helps to prevent discarded fishing nets from entering the marine ecosystem and killing millions of turtles, dolphins, whales and other ocean life.

The Tangle Dog Lead – A strong, lightweight 4 ft dog lead made from discarded fishing nets featuring a padded brown cork handle and label, chrome plated clip and O-ring that allows for clipping the lead over your shoulder when your dog’s running free. The Tangle Dog Lead is durable, waterproof, chew proof and rinseable under the tap, available in two sizes 10mm for small and medium dogs and 12mm for larger dogs in Ocean Green online at www.tanglemission.com, RRP £39 including P&P.
Coming soon in 2023:
Tangle Dog Bowl, green marble-effect bowl made from recycled fishing nets, RRP £35
Tangle Throw Toy, strong, durable, lightweight and buoyant, RRP £14
Every Tangle product sold also supports Ghost Fishing UK, a charity dedicated to removing abandoned, lost and discarded fishing gear from UK waters.

Tangle Co-founder Sam Cartwright explains: “For 2023, we’re aiming to stop 526 tennis courts (137,800 sqm) worth of fishing nets becoming ghost nets. We’re all already aware of the impact of plastic bottles and straws, but in reality ghost nets make up nearly half of all ocean plastics and they’re far more deadly. By creating our beautifully-made dog products from recycled nets, we’re helping animal lovers save the oceans without compromising on quality, function or design.”

Co-founder Xavier Warburton adds: “We’re extremely proud of the products that we’re creating at Tangle, by creating a process where fishers are incentivised to donate their old nets, we’ve been able to stop ghost nets at their source and recycle them into something useful and beautiful. We want to continue to actively remove ghost net material from the oceans, recycling these into products, as well as educating communities about the ghost net problem and how they can help.”

News, Property, South East, South East England News

Community garden blossoms as Morgan Sindall Construction completes work on regeneration scheme

Morgan Sindall Construction’s Eastern Counties team has celebrated the completion of work for Great Yarmouth Borough Council to provide residents of the Middlegate housing estate with a new communal garden and outdoor play areas.  

 Across the estate a number of play areas were tired, and the pre-existing Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) had been identified by the local community as the source of anti-social behaviour. The former MUGA area now forms part of 2,500 sq. m of new green space to be enjoyed by the surrounding residents. In addition, three new play areas were replaced and enhanced with new seating and improved lighting.  

 Looking to celebrate its completion, residents along with the Mayor of Great Yarmouth, Councillor Graham Plant, and local councillors including Councillor Flaxman-Taylor, Councillor Robinson-Payne, Councillor Wright and Councillor Jeal all attended the formal opening of the new areas, as well as, Chief Executive of Great Yarmouth Borough Council Sheila Oxtoby. 

 This was the third community-engagement event to take place throughout the project’s duration, with residents previously invited down to engage with the project in a fun and informal setting. As well as being educated on the importance of health and safety on building sites, the children also heard from the local police regarding anti-social behaviour. They also got involved in some of the painting works and enjoyed a number of free ice creams that were provided. The second event saw volunteers from Morgan Sindall, the contractors involved in the works, Council staff and councillors undertake painting of garden fences and shed doors as well as planting bulds, 

 Procured through the SCAPE Construction framework, Middlegate community gardens is the first project Morgan Sindall Construction has delivered in the Eastern Counties since being appointed to the national framework last year.   

 

Warren Salmons, Morgan Sindall Construction’s Eastern Counties Business Development Manager, said: “The whole of the Eastern Counties team is proud to have delivered its first project procured through SCAPE and, with a strong pipeline of activity, we look forward to delivering more in the future all across the region. 

 “This project’s main goal, like all others Morgan Sindall Construction complete, was to create genuine social value where it is most needed for the benefit of the local community. Through engaging with the local community, council and police we have not only fulfilled that goal in the finished work, but also throughout the whole project.”  

 

Mark Robinson, Group Chief Executive at SCAPE, added: “Place as a route to stronger, healthier communities is vital. This consultative regeneration project has enabled a green space that will be of great value to residents in Great Yarmouth and provides an inclusive, outdoor environment to be enjoyed. SCAPE is pleased to have been able to accelerate the delivery of this project through our Construction Framework.” 

 

Emma Flaxman-Taylor, chair of the Housing and Neighbourhood committee at Great Yarmouth Borough Council, said: “It’s great to have the new wheelchair accessible play ship installed as part of work to improve a number of play areas and create a new shared secure communal garden in the Middlegate Estate. I know all of our residents will really enjoy and appreciate the improvements to their area.” 

Electric Vehicles, News, South East, Transport

Fleet of London Electric Buses Rapidly Charged by World-First Technology

This week, Transport for London (TfL) announced that a fleet of its electric buses has been fitted with innovative pantograph technology to deliver rapid high-power charges to keep the buses running throughout the day.

The 18 double deckers on route 132 in London can now call into a local bus garage for a top-up which is delivered by an arm-like device that descends to connect with a power receiver on their rooves. This top-up takes less than 10 minutes and is aimed at boosting the conventional ‘slow’ charge received overnight.

It is the first time this technology has been used in the world and is part of the company’s commitment to deliver a fully zero-emission bus fleet in London by 2034, as outlined in its Bus Action Plan.

Uwe Jasnoch, director of government and transportation for EMEA at Hexagon’s Safety, Infrastructure & Geospatial Division, welcomes the use of this innovative technology and comments on what needs to be considered as the use of electric public transport continues:

“Given the rapid increase in electric vehicles, local governments, transportation companies and electricity suppliers must adapt their infrastructure so that there are enough powerful charging stations to accommodate all vehicles. Transportation suppliers will also have to service these new vehicles, and the charging times of all the electric vehicles on the network need to be taken into consideration as well – which is no easy task.

“There is also an array of challenges that can impact the efficiency of electric vehicles. For example, during a heat wave, the air conditioning in an electric vehicle can drain the battery faster than usual, and multiple stops and starts – which are of course common on bus routes – can also drain batteries quickly. As such, change management will have to become a priority for making this transition to electric transportation a true reality.

“It’s also necessary to factor in the larger city ecosystem by analysing networks like electricity lines, water pipes, and road networks, as well as aggregating power line data and features with an overview of the planned bus routes within a city. This is important because it will detect routes where charging a vehicle during a shift may pose problems due to weak power lines in a certain area. Authorities also need visibility into vehicle routes, battery life, the location of charging stations — even resting times for drivers – to plan effectively. Data monitoring and analysis will therefore rise in importance, especially with 3D capabilities, as this will provide a complete citywide view of traffic, weather, battery life, and roadwork to see and respond to issues before they arise.

“The public transportation arena has seen an explosion in game-changing technology, much like this, which satisfies emerging sustainability initiatives. Local governments and transportation companies must ensure their data monitoring and analytics capabilities are aligned with their wider plans for technological advances in order to avoid hindering their potential.”