Latest news-in-brief around the county and region...
Southam innovation company wins R&D funding for EV Powertrain
Warwickshire company Shield Manufacturing Technologies has secured £11.3m investment for motorsport-inspired energy recovery system for electric vehicles. The e-MOTIF project led by the Southam company combines lightweight energy recovery technology from motorsport with a new motor and inverter for electric cars and vans to cut energy consumption and CO2 emissions. https://www.thebusinessdesk.com/westmidlands/news/2049952-warwickshire-company-secures-11.3m-investment-for-motorsport-inspired-energy-recovery-system-for-electric-vehicles
Coventry & Warwickshire welcomes first fall in unemployment for 12 months
Business leaders in Coventry and Warwickshire have welcomed a first drop in the unemployment rate since the start of the Coronavirus crisis. The rate dropped from 5.1 per cent to 5 per cent in the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) for the period from November 2020 to January 2021. https://www.cwlep.com/news/business-leaders-coventry-and-warwickshire-welcome-small-drop-unemployment-rate
Aston Martin to go electric by 2025
Luxury car maker, Aston Martin announces that all of battery-powered sports car will be manufactured at its Gaydon, Warwickshire, plant – while its electric SUVs will be put together at St Athan in Glamorgan. The move will see Aston Martin switch to hybrid versions of its cars over the next four years, with electric-only models from 2025, following a tie up with Mercedes Benz last year under new ownership. https://www.thebusinessdesk.com/westmidlands/news/2049479-aston-martin-pledges-to-make-electric-sports-cars-in-west-midlands
MTC and Lloyds Bank providing support for SME manufacturing
The Manufacturing Technology Centre and Lloyds Bank have joined forces to offer a wide-ranging free support and resources to help UK manufacturing and engineering SMEs embrace innovation, develop their workforce and increase productivity. The new SME Support Service includes advice, guidance and access to additional funding and resources for smaller organisations. https://www.businessinnovationmag.co.uk/coventrys-manufacturing-tech-centre-launches-new-support-service-for-manufacturing-smes/
Major new role in UK EV supply chain for WMG
WMG and the School of Engineering at the University of Warwick have been awarded just over £5m funding and a key coordinating role in the Government’s Driving the Electric Revolution Industrialisation Centre programme. WMG at the University of Warwick has been selected to provide leadership to the Midlands Driving the Electric Revolution Centre, which is one of four across the UK. https://www.thebusinessdesk.com/westmidlands/news/2050021-university-wins-5m-and-key-role-in-government%e2%80%99s-driving-the-electric-revolution-programme
Telent and WCG on track to deliver rail apprentices
Warwick Trident College, which is part of college group WCG, is strengthening its relationship with technology company Telent. The company will be working with the college to train new apprentices to support its railway telecommunications workforce. The firm, which employs nearly 100 apprentices across the business, is already training five rail apprentices through the college and is expecting that number to nearly double next year. https://www.businessinnovationmag.co.uk/warwick-trident-college-strengthens-apprenticeship-relationship-with-telent/
Project set to transform Nuneaton with £23m of Government funding
The 11 initiatives that have been approved and funded include the creation of a new digital skills and innovation centre, the creation of a George Eliot Visitor Centre, the restoration and repurposing of Saints community hub, upgrading the Weddington Cycle Link, and reimaging Nuneaton Museum and Art Gallery. https://www.thebusinessdesk.com/westmidlands/news/2049784-projects-to-transform-nuneaton-through-23m-cash-boost-revealed
New investment for rail technology business
Stratford-upon-Avon-based Fenix Rail Systems has secured investment to support the company as it bids for larger contracts, provides rail depot control systems and mainline signalling services. It is the sole provider of the Train Depot Control Solution called Tie-FenLock. The systems are computer based and adaptable to new train facilities. https://www.thebusinessdesk.com/westmidlands/news/2050006-rail-consultancy-on-track-for-new-growth-following-investment
Warwick data company sold to US group
Warwick-headquartered data management company Comma Group has been acquired by Amplifi, a strategy and information management consultancy headquartered in Dallas, Texas. Comma Group, is an award-winning international management consultancy which connects people and data to improve commercial results. https://www.businessinnovationmag.co.uk/warwick-data-management-company-sold-to-usa-consultancy/
Green light for Coventry to become UK’s first £50m All Electric Bus City
Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) will lead the project in partnership with Coventry City Council, Warwickshire County Council and local bus operators – who are together paying 25% of the added costs of electric vehicles over diesel and charging infrastructure. https://www.cwlep.com/news/green-light-coventry-become-uk%E2%80%99s-first-%C2%A350m-all-electric-bus-city
University experiments with Future Transport Showcase
E-scooters, buses on demand and Enterprise Car Club vehicles are just some of the innovative transport projects being looked at to reduce personal car use under a two-year trial at the University of Warwick. The Future Transport Showcase will involve a number of new projects aiming to reduce private vehicle usage, cut carbon emissions and create a safer, more environmentally friendly campus. https://www.cwlep.com/news/ground-breaking-trial-project-launched-reduce-private-car-use-university-warwick
North Warwickshire industrial parks see further investment
NDI, part of FTSE 250 listed Grafton Group, has taken a 10 year lease on the 14,259 sq ft Core 5 at Core 42 Business Park at Dordon, between Atherstone and Tamworth. The unit was developed speculatively by Hodgetts Estates in December 2020. The move follows larger lettings to DB Shencker and Winit in recent months at neighbouring St Modwen Park and Centurion Park. https://www.thebusinessdesk.com/westmidlands/news/2049502-division-of-ftse-250-listed-builders-merchant-signs-up-to-tamworth-scheme