Switch on for Solihull’s electric vehicle charging points

In March, the board of the WMCA gave its backing to the first Five-Year Plan to invest in the creation of a resilient low-carbon economy. The authority is now calling on companies across the 18 local authorities to put sustainability at the heart of their operation by taking The West Midlands Net Zero Business Pledge.

The West Midlands has set itself an ambitious target as it strives to lead the green revolution and secure a more sustainable future. Engineering professional services consultancy WSP has produced the region’s first Five-Year Plan (FYP), setting out the projects and policies required to meet its 2041 goal.

Success in meeting the goal will depend on buy-in from the regional business community and one of the WMCA’s key priorities is to persuade regional organisations to make The West Midlands Net Zero Business Pledge. Administered by Sustainability West Midlands (SWM), the initiative promotes the agenda and provides practical support and guidance around emissions reduction.

The WSP report states that the region needs to achieve a carbon reduction of 33% by 2026 against a 2016 baseline to stay on track. It will require a concerted effort from all key stakeholders but presents a unique opportunity to help combat climate change and reposition the West Midlands economy. According to WSP, the net zero drive could create 92,000 jobs by 2041, mostly in sustainable industries and technologies.

Our planet is in the midst of a climate emergency and there is no time to waste in investing in a more sustainable future. Failure to address greenhouse gas emissions will see global temperatures increasing by between three and five degrees Celsius by the end of the century, with catastrophic consequences.Key priorities include retrofitting homes, accelerating the manufacture of electric vehicles, developing an infrastructure for renewable energy, and providing training and skills to support a green economy. The report estimates that approximately £4.3bn of investment will be required to support the net zero transition over the next five years, rising to a total of £15.4bn by 2041.

Yet the key to getting business on board is about more than appealing to their conscience. We must demonstrate the effect sustainability has on their bottom line.

By helping drive what the Government refers to as our “Green Industrial Revolution”, business can unlock huge opportunities. Its Ten Point Plan is all about positioning the UK as a global leader in renewable energy, sustainable transport, and cleaner technologies. Being an early adopter also helps business prepare for new environmental regulation and gain a competitive edge as customers and supply chains become more environmentally savvy.

West Midlands manufacturers who sign the Net Zero Business Pledge can access support from a variety of sources. SWM’s Sustainable Business Support Hub promotes the work of sustainable businesses, provides links to local green business networks and highlights funding opportunities. The West Midlands Innovation Programme, another WMCA initiative, aims to drive up levels of demand-led business innovation across all areas of the region, by delivering integrated and targeted support to business and helping access more national innovation funding.

Councillor Courts, WMCA portfolio lead for Environment and Energy and Leader of Solihull Council said: “We aim to make the West Midlands a leader in green enterprise and our #WM2041 plan will provide businesses with many commercial opportunities such as retrofit, clean transport, forestry and carbon capture. The sooner we get businesses on board the closer we will get to achieving a greener, healthier, more prosperous region.”

He added: “Our transition to net zero will present its challenges, but the sense I get is that people are beginning to see the opportunities it presents. Capitalising on the initiatives that we are already taking in transport, technology and manufacturing the West Midlands is perfectly positioned to emerge as a major driver in the exciting new green economy.”

Meanwhile, the region’s universities have an impressive track record in helping manufacturers exploit new avenues for sustainable growth. That could involve anything from developing new processes with the University of Warwick’s SPIN (Sustainable Product Innovation Network) at WMG, to finding ways of benefiting from the circular economy with Aston Business School’s Advanced Services Group.

WMG’s Innovation Manager, Helena Simmonds, commented: “SPIN brings together like-minded companies to discuss why sustainability is good for business. The online events have attracted over 120 attendees so far and for those who want to work on projects, we have started our cohort programme. Our SPIN cohorts come together to gain knowledge, implement change, and grow their business.”

The West Midlands has set a target to hit net zero nine years before the rest of the UK, yet with a strong support network in place, regional business can enjoy a head-start on the journey to sustainability.

Sustainability consultancy, Wylde Connections, is one of the founding SME ambassadors working with WMCA and Sustainability West Midlands on promoting the net zero message.

Managing Director Dr Denise Taylor said: “The sooner businesses of all sizes embark on their sustainability journey, the better. There really is no time to lose and businesses should be drawing up their action plans now and putting sustainability at the heart of strategic decision making. There is a very strong business case for doing this and the earlier businesses make the transition, the greater the competitive advantage.”

To take the WMCA Net Zero Business Pledge go to:  https://www.wmca.org.uk/what-we-do/environment/west-midlands-net-zero-business-pledge

Original article: https://www.themanufacturer.com/articles/west-midlands-leads-way-road-net-zero/?utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=Orlo 

Plans to bring affordable low carbon energy to Solihull town centre got a huge boost last night with planning approval for a new Low Carbon Energy Centre.

CO2 emitted from heating currently accounts for approximately one third of total greenhouse gas emissions. Working with partners, Solihull Council has been developing plans to build a Town Centre Energy Network utilising low carbon and renewable energy. It will distribute heat from a single Energy Centre directly into town centre buildings via a network of underground pipes.

Plans for the Energy Centre building, which will lie at the heart of this network, have now received the green light. The Planning application was unanimously approved last night, marking a major milestone for the scheme which will support the Local Plan and the wider aims of the Council’s Climate Change Prospectus.

Housing a range of renewable and low carbon energy solutions, including Air Source Heat Pumps and Gas Combined Heat and Power, the Energy Centre, sited next to Tudor Grange Leisure Centre, will provide heat and power to nearby public and private sector customers, including Council owned buildings, education campuses and commercial offices.

The striking designs, which were first shared earlier in year as part of a pre-application public consultation, will help to promote the renewable and low carbon technology being used, while ensuring the building itself sits comfortably within the context of the surrounding site and landscape. Materials for the two storey building have been carefully chosen to help it sit in its natural surroundings. The proposals also include plans to install a footpath adjacent to the Energy Centre which will allow passers-by to see how the energy centre is performing as well as improve access to the park.

Councillor Andy Mackiewicz, Portfolio Holder for Climate Change, Planning & Housing said:

“It’s fantastic news that we have now secured planning permission for this exciting project. The Energy Centre will be the beating heart of our network and represents an exciting opportunity to offer town centre customers an efficient and affordable alternative energy source while delivering significant carbon savings.

“I think what we have is a bold design, which shows off the technology on display and offers a range of educational opportunities while responding to and complimenting its surroundings.

“We know from our emerging Net Zero Action Plan that 56% of Solihull’s greenhouse gas emissions come from the energy we use in our buildings. It’s vital that we make rapid progress in addressing this if we are going to achieve our regional net zero carbon emission target by 2041.

“We need to see more tangible, real world solutions like this being taken forward. It shows the residents of Solihull how serious we are about taking the lead on this by backing up our ambitious policy with on the ground actions.”

So far funding for this carbon saving scheme has been provided by the government’s Heat Networks Investment Programme (HNIP) and the West Midlands Combined Authority. The scheme demonstrates the Council’s commitment to using innovative renewable energy solutions by investing in low carbon heat and power and forms part of a wider strategic approach Solihull Council is developing to help decarbonise the borough over the next twenty years.

With planning permission now secured the project can progress to the next stage. The Council is working with its partners to finalise a Full Business Case and appoint a final contractor to build, maintain and operate the network. First phase customers could be hooked up and start benefitting from the network from as early as Spring 2023.

To receive regular email updates on this scheme sign up to our stay connected bulletin.

Property agents have been appointed to help secure lettings for Westgate, the brand new proposed grade A office building in the heart of Solihull.

Nick Williams of Savills and Scott Rutherford of Cushman and Wakefield will represent the building to potential occupiers in the regional and national commercial property market.

With many decades of experience between them, Scott and Nick are established leaders in their field and are excited to be helping bring Westgate to market.

Westgate will be a highly sustainable, 120,000 sq ft landmark commercial building across eight floors with staff wellbeing, flexibility of space and future proofing built in from the start.

As part of the UK Central, Solihull’s programme to support sustainable and inclusive growth across the borough, Westgate will have both a national and international profile. And with a planned BREAAM Excellent rating, WELL Building Platinum and Wired Score Platinum accreditation, it will represent a unique proposition in the local marketplace.

At the heart of Solihull’s established business district, Westgate positively marks the next generation of quality office space for the town. It provides a forward-thinking ecosystem of working environments, which supports innovation, functionality and wellbeing.

It also raises the bar and excels in its approach, marking a step change in the approach to business amenity and wellbeing for staff in the borough, post-Covid.

With ample space for co-working, collaboration, hot desking, break out zones and its own café, Westgate brings everything together for businesses looking for the very best location in Solihull either as a multi-let building or as a potential HQ for a single occupier.

Scott Rutherford of Cushman and Wakefield said:

“This is a major new landmark for Solihull town centre and the borough as a whole and the wider region. Both sustainable and innovative by design, Westgate is an important building for all the right reasons and will help attract new jobs to Solihull for both current and future generations.”

 

Nick Williams of Savills said:

“Westgate is an important statement not just for Solihull, but the region, and indeed the entire country post-Covid. It is a huge vote of confidence and a remarkable new building for the town centre. It complements what is already in place in the heart of one of the most dynamic and successful regional economies in the country.”

 

Cllr Ian Courts, Leader of Solihull Council and Portfolio Holder for the Economy, said:

“Solihull Town Centre already benefits from a proven track record of attracting major international occupiers and supporting a strong commercial market. The Council is determined to continue supporting our town centre by being an active partner in its future through our town centre masterplan which looks to support retailers, create new opportunities for homes and focus on developing the town’s arts and culture offer.

“Westgate helps reaffirm our business edge here in the heart of Solihull. It shows how we are taking a proactive approach to future development in the town centre and reflects the Council’s ethos of demanding the highest standards of design while placing environmental concerns, sustainability and the climate challenge at the heart of everything we do. This exemplary and sustainable new building will be exactly the right place from which local and national businesses can build on success and draw on a wide and diverse talent pool.

“We know that our economic dynamism, well-balanced sector profile, and highly-qualified workforce mean that Solihull town centre is well placed to lead in the region’s economic recovery. That’s why we are prioritising bold and exciting town centre developments such as Westgate, which look ahead and plant the seeds of our future prosperity.”

Often listed as one of the best places to live and work in the UK, Solihull offers an integrated business offer for regional, national and international organisations looking for the best place to co-locate their businesses alongside fellow blue chip firms, all in the best connected location the UK can offer.

Westgate is being promoted by Solihull Council as part of the wider Town Centre Masterplan approved by Cabinet in November 2020.

• Spanish ecomobility business invests in West Midlands, for UK headquarters and first UK flagship retail store
• Silence brand brings all-electric, two-wheel vehicles to UK
• Solihull HQ site also houses training centre and warehousing, bolstering region as hub for UK electrification
• Regional launch to precede national roll-out of stores and sales hubs
• Latest MCIA statistics show almost 300% growth year on year in registrations of electrified mopeds and scooters

The West Midlands took another leadership step in the electric vehicle revolution today – as leading Spanish electric vehicle brand, Silence, opened its ‘urban ecomobility’ headquarters, training centre and first UK retail store in Solihull. The targeted investment in the region is no accident: it is fast becoming a hub for UK electrification and green travel initiatives.

As well as being a centre for electric vehicle development and production, the West Midlands will also pioneer a UK Clean Air Zone this summer, when Birmingham launches its charging scheme aimed at reducing emissions from petrol and diesel vehicles in the city centre.

John Edwards, one of founding partners of Silence UK, commented:

“Solihull makes the perfect location for investment, in the first phase of our launch and establishment of our UK headquarters. Not only is the West Midlands already a hub for electric vehicle businesses and research, but its leaders are focused on ecomobility and infrastructure.”

Councillor Ian Courts, Leader of Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, said:

“We’re delighted that Silence have chosen to base their UK headquarters here in Solihull. Their investment reflects the confidence in the region as we position ourselves to be at the forefront of low-carbon future mobility.

“Transport currently accounts for 39% of Co2 emissions across the borough. Tackling this area is going to be key to unlocking our low carbon future and achieving our net zero carbon aspirations for the region by 2041.”

The regenerated site on Haslucks Green Road includes Silence’s first UK flagship retail store and service centre, covering over 700 square metres. It serves both retail and business customers, with the full UK range of Silence ‘e-moto’ all-electric motorcycles and scooters available for test rides.

Dan Storer, Chief Investment Officer at the West Midlands Growth Company – the region’s official investment promotion agency – added:

“Silence joins the West Midlands’ leading automotive cluster at a strategic moment in its evolution. Building on a robust legacy of spearheading transport innovations, our region has a rigorous proposition to supercharge the future mobility ambitions of industry and Government.

“The decision for Silence to base its UK headquarters in Solihull is affirmation of the region’s potential to accelerate innovation in the sector and drive interest from foreign companies with aspirations to be part of a world-class automotive ecosystem.”

The timing of Silence’s UK debut is also no coincidence.

Big changes are taking place nationally in electrified two-wheel travel, which is growing in popularity, as an easy and cost-effective way to cut costs and emissions. The electric 50cc and 125cc market grew +50% in 2020 and is up almost 300% in the first four months of 2021, growing by over 550% in April alone.

These changes are being driven across both the business and consumer sectors.

Last mile delivery and food delivery services have soared during the pandemic resulting in a boom in sales of light weight, smaller and sustainable modes of transport, particularly in urban areas.

COVID has also had a significant impact on the individual commuter too with people turning to independent, private, and green transportation. The experience of improved air quality and quieter streets during the pandemic has heightened awareness of the need to choose zero emission mobility to make cities healthier and more liveable.

And new research shows the impact of choosing two wheels over four: travelling by micromobility instead of a car just once a day reduces an average citizen’s carbon emissions from transport by 67%, according to the University of Oxford.

Lightweight two-wheelers are ideal for smart all-electric power, giving low maintenance, quick and convenient charging, and avoiding urban emissions charges. The 100% electric Silence ‘e-motos’ are equivalent to 50cc and 125cc mopeds and scooters, travelling up to 91 miles on a single charge while eliminating emissions, noise and vibrations and reducing running costs to around one pence per mile – a massive 80% less than conventional alternatives.

Solihull Council has acquired ownership of the Mell Square holding company, which includes the ground lease interests and freeholds of a number of key commercial town centre properties. The move will allow the Council to continue to play an active role, with partners, in shaping the future of the town centre and deliver on a key aspect of its bold new Town Centre Masterplan.

Following indications from IM Properties that they wished to dispose of their Mell Square retail interest, early negotiations were entered into with the Council to ensure the best outcome for the town centre and the future long-term prosperity of an asset they had shown considerable commitment to over the years.

The acquisition, sees the Council add to its land holdings in the area, taking control of the entire Mell Square site as well as the company which operate the popular shopping location.

The terms agreed will see ownership of IM Properties’ existing portfolio of tenants and occupiers transferred to the Council, which has committed to support the current occupiers and ensure the site remains intact, paving the way for future regeneration opportunities.

The impetus behind acquisition is to protect the future of this strategically important site and to support the delivery of the Council’s bold new Town Centre Masterplan, a vital element of its UK Central programme.

Published in November 2020, Solihull’s Town Centre Masterplan provides a framework for future growth and development to maintain footfall and vibrancy of the town centre, identifying Mell Square as a key development site. By taking a wider view of upcoming developments and opportunities it aims to ensure effective planning for the future, which is now an even higher priority through the impact of the COVID pandemic.

The Masterplan identifies and outlines a number of development opportunities at Mell Square to enhance the current retail offer by bringing in new complementary uses to the area such as a residential and a more varied leisure offer.

A Solihull Council spokesperson said:

“Solihull Town Centre benefits from a proven track record of attracting high quality occupiers and investment, supporting a strong retail and residential market.

“The Council is determined to support the town centre by being an active partner in its future.”

All Mell Square leaseholders will continue operating under their current terms and the current asset management team will be kept in place to ensure consistency throughout the transition.

easyJet, Europe’s leading airline, and easyJet holidays have today announced the launch of new routes and holidays from Birmingham Airport for this summer, with great value fares and packages available for those who want to take a well-deserved and much-anticipated summer sun getaway this year.

Starting from 29 June, flights and holidays will take off from Birmingham Airport to the popular beach destinations of Majorca, Málaga and Alicante in Spain, Faro in Portugal, and Corfu in Greece, offering customers in the Midlands region even more choice for enjoying a holiday this summer. All easyJet holidays ATOL-protected beach holidays include flights, accommodation, a 23kg bag allowance per person and transfers.

Majorca, Malaga and Alicante are some of the most popular holidays destinations in Spain, with hundreds of kilometres of coastline, rich history, fantastic food and beautiful scenery, while the Algarve’s capital, Faro, is a historic and culturally-rich city that is home to history, bustling plazas, a marina and age-old monuments. Corfu, situated in the North of the Ionian Sea, is one of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful holiday destinations and offers award-winning sandy beaches, warm waters and charming towns.

The new routes and holidays add to the extensive summer 2021 and summer 2022 portfolio already on sale via easyJet and easyJet holidays, giving customers the option to book a great value deal for this summer, as well as plan and make savings on flights and holidays for next year.

• Birmingham to Málaga flights will operate twice weekly on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 29 June
• Birmingham to Faro will operate three times per week on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays from 29 June
• Birmingham to Alicante will operate three times per week on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays from 30 June
• Birmingham to Majorca will operate three times per week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 3 July
• Birmingham to Corfu will operate twice weekly on Thursdays and Sundays from 4 July

 

Ali Gayward, easyJet’s UK Country Manager commented: 

 “We are pleased to announce more connectivity to Birmingham today in flying to popular beach destinations and getting customers away on their much-needed summer holiday across Europe this year.

 “We believe that a framework can be put in place for the safe reopening of travel and a strong summer, and we are currently focused on working with the UK Government Travel Task Force in the coming days and weeks. We are hopeful that progress will continue to be made with the vaccination programmes in Europe, with several countries in Europe having indicated they will be welcoming British tourists this summer. We remain of the view that international travel can restart and that, with the right framework in place, restrictions can be safely and progressively reduced and in some cases removed by mid-summer for key destinations. We’ve kept our fleet in a flight-ready mode so we are ready and able to ramp up our services quickly and increase our capacity where we see increased demand for the summer.”

 

 Nick Barton, Chief Executive of Birmingham Airport, commented:

“We are more than pleased that easyJet will be adding additional leisure sun destinations direct from Birmingham Airport this summer. easyJet already offers direct routes to Amsterdam, Belfast, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Geneva, so these additional sunshine routes demonstrate the strong demand in the region for both business and leisure travel and the carrier’s commitment to serving the Midlands.

“We are continuing to work with easyJet, looking at future route opportunities and an expansion of its services to ensure customers have a choice of destination, flexibility and price from Birmingham Airport.  Customers can confidently book with easyJet with the reassurance that their flights and holidays are ATOL and ABTA protected.”

easyJet and easyJet holidays have introduced market-leading flexible customer policies under its ‘Protection Promise’, meaning that customers can book now with the confidence that if their plans change, so can their booking. This includes a Refund Guarantee for flights or holidays if they are cancelled plus a full refund for holidays if a customer changes their mind up to 28 days before and – unlike other airlines – with our Travel Ban Protection customers can also receive a refund for non-cancelled flights if plans are impacted by travel bans in a regional or national lockdown; the Freedom To Change flights without a fee up to 14 days before departure, and change a holiday up to 28 days before departure; and if quarantine measures come in to place last minute, our Quarantine Assurance also means impacted flights can be changed without a change fee. All holidays are covered under easyJet holidays’ Covid commitments if holidays cannot go ahead or are impacted by restrictions, and holidays booked through travel agents also benefit from flexible booking options, such as the freedom to change their holiday up to 28 days before departure.

Safety and wellbeing of all customers and crew remains easyJet’s highest priority and the airline continues to have a number of biological safety measures in place onboard in line with guidance from the relevant authorities. This includes daily enhanced cabin disinfection effective in protecting against coronavirus for at least 24 hours and mandatory mask wearing for customers and crew. All easyJet aircraft are already fitted with HEPA filters, similar to those used in hospitals, which filter 99.97% of airborne contaminants in the cabin, including viruses and bacteria.

easyJet now operates up to ten routes from Birmingham, offering services to a range of city and beach destinations across the UK and Europe.

Housebuilder Wainhomes has launched a West Midlands region headed up by newly appointed managing director Andy Peters.

Peters has joined the privately-owned firm after 16 years leading regional businesses of Berkeley Group, Barratt Homes and Persimmon and will be based in Wainhomes’ new West Midlands headquarters at Blythe Valley Innovation Centre, Solihull.

The firm is targeting a steady expansion programme across the West Midlands, looking to deliver 500 homes per year by 2026.

The new region is part of a strategic expansion by Wainhomes and completes the West of England ‘jigsaw’ which sees the developer now active in the North West, West Midlands, Severn Valley and South West.

Peters said: “I was immediately attracted by the agility and entrepreneurship of the Wainhomes board and its unwavering focus on delivering the highest quality new homes with customer experience and satisfaction at its heart.

“We have been working incredibly hard during the recent months setting the foundations for this exciting new part of the Wainhomes business and with residential land already acquired we expect to deliver our first completions in 2022. We have the funding and appetite to explore more opportunities, particularly in market towns and suburbs, and are actively working with a number of landowners in the region.

“My aim is for Wainhomes to be the employer of choice in housebuilding across the West Midlands and we have some exciting roles available now for ambitious professionals in our land, planning and technical teams who want to make their mark from the start of this journey.”