Latest news in brief from around the region...
Warwickshire firm strikes Commonwealth Games gold
Uniforms for 14,000 volunteers at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games have been unveiled, all produced by Coleshill-based workwear company, Incorporatewear Ltd. From waterproof jacket to sun hats, each volunteer will receive eight items of clothing to last the duration of the Games, all featuring patterns and inspiration from Birmingham’s architecture.
Incorporatewear have ensured the process has been as sustainable as possible with excess material turned into sports bibs for local schools and clubs.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-61066717
Prospero Ansty Park to deliver more Grade A industry space
Ground has been broken for a new 271,000 sq ft Grade A industrial scheme at ProsperoAntsy Park. The project will be split into three units, each for B2 and B8 uses. The site, named Apollo 69/6, is targeting some of the highest certifications, including BREEAM Excellent and EPC A ratings. The development will also include electric car charging points and an energy monitoring smart meter system.
https://www.thebusinessdesk.com/westmidlands/news/2062769-news-271000-sq-ft-industrial-scheme-takes-a-step-closer
MIRA Technology Park has another new arrival
Electric trucks innovator Tevva have opened a site at Nuneaton’s MIRA Technology Park–Europe’s leading mobility research and development base for developing advanced automotive technology.It’s also within closeproximityof Horiba MIRA’S specialist engineering and testing capabilities. London-based Tevva have previously used the MIRA Technology Park facilities for extensive trials, including software and climatic testing. The move illustrates Tevva’s intentions as a new OEM and, potentially, attracting even more talent to its rapidly growing team.
https://www.businessinnovationmag.co.uk/tevva-scale-up-continues-with-launch-of-new-base-at-warks-auto-tech-hub/
New Warwick HQ for major national strategic land developer
L&Q Estates, a major national strategic land developer, has a new modern home in Warwick.Its 45-staff have made the short journey across Tachbrook Park to a 20,000 sq ft building, which features a combination of modern open plan and individual offices, new LED lighting, on-site parking including EV charging points, and energy saving photovoltaic panels. Ian Hardwick, managing director of L&Q Estates, spoke of his delight in securing a long-term site in Warwick, their home for over 17 years, highlightingthe town’s transport links and the ability to showcase the company’s extensive land portfolio.
https://www.commercialnewsmedia.com/archives/120863
JLR sets 2030 sustainability targets
Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has laid out ambitious targets for the reduction of greenhouse gases across its production processes and vehicle fleet by 2030. In line with objectives set out in the 2015 Paris Agreement, JLR will slash greenhouse gas emissions from its operations by 46% over the next eight years, and emissions from its value chains by an average of 56%.
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/business-environment-and-energy/jaguar-land-rover-slash-greenhouse-gas-emissions-2030
Stratford company produce gin that just the tonic
Husband and wife team Giles and Jodie Stagg are celebrating after their own brand of gin garnered a highly-prized silver medal at the prestigious International Wine and Spirit Competition. Despite only launching Stag Gin late last year, the pair who also run the successful Stratford-upon-Avon based Sip ‘n’ Swig mobile bar company, have been overwhelmed with the response to their own brand of London dry gin.Plans are also afoot for Stag Gin to be on sale further afield in the coming months. The growth potential won’t stop there,and the Staggs are already planning another gin brand along with their own bespoke vodka and rum labels.
https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/news/sip-n-swig-120422/
Time to get Reel
The Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce has become a Founding Partner of The Reel Store, the UK’s first permanent immersive digital art gallery, which will open at the former home of the Coventry Evening Telegraph on 13 May 2022. The main 800m sq ft exhibition space, created by the Coventry City of Culture Trust, will house a large projection mapping canvas with multiple high quality video projectors and an immersive sound system. The aim of the project is to bring internationally acclaimed artists to the city and with it boost both the local economy and tourism.
https://coventry2021.co.uk/news/coventry-and-warwickshire-chamber-of-commerce-supports-the-reel-store/
Sterling work once again by Coventry company
Coventry-based commercial vehicle contract hire specialist Fraikin has strengthened its ties with Scottish firm Sterling Furniture by securing a new order. The two companies boast a relationship that dates to the mid-1990s, with the newest acquisition for 12 new DAF rigid trucks – each fitted with a full suite of connected technologies from Fraikin’s partner, Samsara.
https://www.businessinnovationmag.co.uk/fraikin-secures-new-contract-hire-deal-with-sterling-furniture/
Coventry firm sees the power of space
The Coventry-based Manufacturing Technology Centre is backing the Space Energy Initiative – an industry led consortium, endorsed by the UK government, to look at how space can be used to provide energy for terrestrial applications through space-based solar power. The consortium, officially launched in Westminster, will explore how space can be a solution to global energy needs and aid the transition to net zero, including the development of the first Space-Based Solar Power (SBSP) demonstrator by 2030 and a commercially operational system by 2050.
https://www.businessinnovationmag.co.uk/coventrys-manufacturing-technology-centre-backs-space-energy-initiative/
Golden Hines
Hines Global Income Trust has acquired City Central Coventry, a 400,000 sq ft multi-let urban logistics park in the region. The West Midlands saw a growth in last-mile space reach a record 6.4 million square feet in 2021, 42% above its 10-year average of 4.5 million square feet, demonstrating its popularity with occupiers. The industrial assets of Hines Global Income Trust span seven countries and make up the largest asset class in its $2.9 billion portfolio.
https://www.insidermedia.com/news/midlands/hines-acquires-urban-logistics-park
Global armour manufacturer continues to grow
Coventry-based global armour manufacturer NP Aerospace is to create 90 jobs.The company, which produces body armour, bomb disposal suits and vehicle armour, said the move was in response to recent business growth. The Coventry site is home to its armour engineering, design and manufacturing centre, and its servicing facility. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-coventry-warwickshire-61127338
Double turnover predicted for Coventry firm
Kagool Ltd, a Coventry based data analytics and ERP specialist, will double its turnover thanks to Central Business Finance (CBF), a Midlands based, independent FCA approved finance broker. CBF helped Kagool secure a new funding facility to develop four international development facilities recently, including moving to a larger premises in Coventry and hiring over 150 employeesin the last 24 months. Central Business Finance works with hundreds of businesses each year supporting investment into innovative technologies, acquisition and growth strategies to keep businesses afloat in difficult times and to making dreams come true for first time entrepreneurs.
https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/news/cbf-120422/