MEMBERNEWS Trent Basin, which has set the bar for community energy schemes IN BRIEF


Plumbing apprentice takes home top award


A 19-year-old woman working at the Hinckley branch of plumbing and heating supplier Pochin has won a prestigious award. Gina Bennett was nominated


Working towards carbon neutrality in Nottingham


Sustainability experts at Focus Consultants have welcomed Nottingham’s decision to aim to become the first carbon neutral city in the UK by 2028. The firm, based in the city, has


provided professional support and expertise on sustainability issues on many new-build projects in Nottingham, including the recently opened five-storey building at the Confetti Institute of Creative Technologies at Nottingham Trent University’s Creative Quarter Campus. It is also part of the team


delivering 250 energy efficient homes at Trent Basin, which has set the bar for community energy schemes with the installation of Europe’s largest community battery, and solar photovoltaics that will generate, store and distribute energy at a neighbourhood level, as well as launching a unique energy company for residents.


‘By setting the target, the city is showing itself to be a national leader in climate change action’


Partner at Focus, Jason Redfearn,


who heads the firm’s sustainability team, said: “The accomplished target has seen the city’s carbon dioxide emissions fall by 26% compared to a 2012 baseline, with a reduction of 39% since 2005. To achieve this, the city of Nottingham has invested heavily in transport including an expanded tram system that runs on renewable electricity and one of the UK’s largest electric and biogas bus fleets. “The new target to attain carbon


neutral status by 2028 has been set in light of warnings from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change of catastrophic consequences if global average temperatures rise by more than 1.5 degrees Celsius over pre-industrial levels.


“Mitigating the risks of climate


change is highly important and by aiming for carbon neutral status in the timescale suggested, Nottingham is making leaps towards doing just that. By setting the target, the city is showing itself to be a national leader in climate change action and, if successful, will be the first carbon neutral city in the country.”


CORRECTION In April’s edition on p14 it was stated that the contractor working with Focus Consultants on the former Dagfa School site was GF Tomlinson – this should have read J Tomlinson.


Major investment for historic firm


One of Derby’s oldest companies is weathering the political storm clouds by preparing for its biggest- ever investment in new equipment. Steel stockholder Eggleston Steel, which can trace its


history to 1809, is defying the industrial inertia by planning to spend almost £1.5m to keep it at the cutting edge of its sector. It is buying three new machines for its premises at


Alfreton Road – a laser cutting machine, a pressbrake, and a guillotine. Costing £850,000, this batch is expected to be installed by June. It matches the previous biggest investment of machinery – the most advanced laser profiling machine in the country – made five years ago. The company hopes to then buy a plate processing machine which will cut steel using a plasma process while also being able to drill, tap, mill and counter-sink plates.


Managing Director Richard Hewitt said this machine


uses additional capabilities that are a new concept, something the company does not offer. “It will enhance our capacity and hopefully open new markets for us,” he added.


by the Builders’ Merchants Federation (BMF) as the winner of the Trade Supplier Apprentice of the Year award. Gina, who arrived as a new


apprentice at Pochin a year ago, received the award during the annual City and Awards Lunch in London. Joining Gina were Joe Keogh,


her manager at Pochin’s Hinckley trade counter, and Pochin’s Sales Director Pete Trickett. Pete said: “From first meeting


Gina she stood out a mile. She comes across brilliantly, is very capable and has done remarkably well. “Plumbing and heating is a


very male dominated trade, but Gina is not fazed by that and is positive at all times. “She has formed great


relationships with colleagues and customers and has become an important member of the team.” Gina said: “I knew I wanted to


be an apprentice but not in an office role, I wanted to be meeting and working with lots of people. I love everyone I work with and that includes our customers.”


Anniversary celebration for Pickerings Hire


Pickerings, the fast-growing supplier of modular buildings and portable accommodation to hire or buy, is celebrating its 50th anniversary. The company was founded in


1969 as Pickerings Plant to supply plant hire equipment to the construction and industrial sectors and quickly became known for providing high-quality products and services. The company changed its


name in 2018 to Pickerings Hire and continued to trade as Pickerings, concentrating on developing its portable and modular accommodation for a growing database. As well as taking on larger projects it has also entered into new markets such as Government, education, health and commerce. Neil Moss, Managing Director,


Staff from Eggleston Steel being given a demonstration of the LVD pressbrake machine at the company's facility in Banbury


It hopes to have this equipment, costing another


£500,000, installed by the end of the year. Together with new software and other ancillary spending the total cost will be almost £1.5m. Eggleston provides steel for companies working in the engineering, fabrication and construction sectors.


said: “We are very proud to have achieved 50 years in business with a solid name for quality equipment and an even better name for customer service. The company has grown hugely and seen many changes in recent years and I would like to thank our existing and growing customer base, our workforce and other stakeholders for helping us reach this important milestone.”


business network May 2019 19


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