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Key figures hired to head up HS2


High-speed train company HS2 Ltd has appointed a new chairman and chief operating officer. The former is Sir Terry Morgan


(pictured), who has taken over from Sir David Higgins. Sir Terry was the chairman of Crossrail Ltd for the past nine years, and was also a former chief executive of Tube Lines - a company that was contracted to maintain and upgrade the infrastructure of the Jubilee, Northern and Piccadilly lines. He also held leading roles at BAE


Systems, Rover Group and the Chartered Management Institute. Transport Minister Chris Grayling


said: “Sir Terry’s appointment as chair of HS2 ensures that we will continue to see world-class leadership in an exciting period for one of Europe’s most significant infrastructure projects. “His wealth of experience,


demonstrated in numerous leading roles including overseeing the ambitious Crossrail project, as well as his respected reputation and enthusiasm, will be invaluable in the project’s continued success.” Sir Terry Morgan said: “It is a privilege to take up this crucial role with HS2. It will be a driving force behind greater prosperity and productivity across the country, unlocking opportunities for growth and regeneration and building a transport network fit for the future. I look forward to meeting the team and beginning the vital work of taking this magnificent project from strength to strength.” HS2 Ltd has also appointed


Richard Robinson as its new chief operating officer. He joins from AECOM, where he was chief executive of Civil Infrastructure in Europe, Middle East, India and Africa.


28 CHAMBERLINK September 2018


NEC Group venues are entering the world of virtual reality (VR) which will allow fans in to watch sold- out shows. A “multi-year” technology partnership with MelodyVR will allow fans access to a selection of live events at Arena Birmingham and the Genting Arena through virtual reality technology. MelodyVR are to live stream real-time concerts via


VR and offer virtual tickets to sold-out shows with the biggest artists, enabling an unlimited number of fans to attend in-demand concerts. Ian Congdon, head of NEC Group Arena Sales,


said: “VR is transforming the concert experience and shifting how fans can consume music, so it’s fantastic to partner with MelodyVR as pioneers in this field. “Their usage of exciting features and technological capabilities means missing a ‘must-see’ or sold out show could become a thing of the past. “Nothing can beat experiencing live music in a


venue, but offering VR concerts to our customers gives them more opportunities to experience the live music they love and get closer to artists than ever before.” The concerts, as well as virtual tickets, will be


available to purchase via the MelodyVR app, on Oculus Go or Samsung Gear VR virtual reality headsets. Steven Hancock, COO of MelodyVR, said: “We are


excited to be partnering with the NEC Group to deliver live and recorded VR experiences.


Contact: Henrietta Brealey T: 0121 607 1898


NEC Group to stream gigs using virtual reality


New service: Steven Hancock (left) and Ian Congdon


“Working with forward thinking and progressive


partners to make live music globally accessible via Virtual Reality are the foundations that MelodyVR was built on. I’m very pleased that the NEC Group share that same passion for the future and we look forward to working together more closely.” Meanwhile, the NEC has begun a £4.5m


transformation to improve the look of the exhibition centre. The new design will feature 37 pyramid translucent structures – created by architects Acivico – that can be backlit to create an impressive visual effect.


Same sweet treat, now with less sugar


A new Cadbury Dairy Milk bar containing 30 per cent less sugar is to be launched in 2019 - in what owner Mondelez International describes as “the most significant innovation in the brand’s history”. The launch of the new bar, which


will sit alongside standard Dairy Milk bars, follows two years of research and development from a team of 20 scientists, nutritionists and chocolatiers at Mondelez facilities in Bournville and Reading. Mondelez say the new bar also


underlines their commitment to helping tackle obesity in the UK. As well as delivering 30 per cent less sugar, the new bar will feature


no artificial sweeteners, colours or preservatives and no increase in calories. If the new bar is successful with


customers, Mondelez will also look to apply the approach to other Cadbury Dairy Milk products. Glenn Caton, president, Northern


Europe, Mondelez International, said: “Our brands have been around for hundreds of years. They are a part of British culture and heritage and play a special role in people’s lives as treats to be enjoyed during a moment of indulgence. “Taking sugar out of our


products isn’t easy and will take time. Ultimately they are treats and


‘If the new bar is successful with customers, Mondelez will also look to apply the approach to other Cadbury Dairy Milk products’


people expect them to taste great, but we’re working hard to find innovative solutions that provide more choice without compromising on their world-renowned taste and quality.”


Mondelez have already


introduced a 250 calorie cap on all single-serve chocolate bars and launched a 98 calorie Cadbury Dairy Milk bar. Greater Birmingham Chambers


of Commerce chief executive Paul Faulkner said: “Consumers will be delighted to hear that Cadbury are ensuring they are at the cutting edge of research and development in this area. “Retaining their much-loved


brands while giving customers a lower-sugar choice it vitally important. It is a credit to the company and their research teams.”


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