BUSINESS REVIEW OF THE YEAR
AUGUST - Western Gateway Partnership unveils plan to become the UK ’ s first hydrogen ecosystem
For more info : www . western-gateway . co . uk
In August , The Western Gateway in partnership with GW4 Alliance unveiled a new vision for South West England and South Wales to lead the development of low carbon energy to help reach the UK ’ s net zero goals .
The Western Gateway brings together local authorities , city regions , LEPs , universities and governments to work together on the big challenges faced by communities .
GW4 Alliance brings together the four most researchintensive and innovative universities in the UK ; Bath , Bristol , Cardiff and Exeter .
Together they are working to convene expertise from across the area to improve collaboration , share solutions and raise awareness of the level of activity on a global stage to attract investment .
Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe which has long been suggested as a potential energy solution to help the world decarbonise . It is currently being trialled as a potential low-carbon energy source to power transport , distribution and shipping needs as well as heat our homes , and decarbonise industry .
Using hydrogen as an energy source has been highlighted as a key part of the UK Government plans to reach net zero with aims to increase production to 10 gigawatts and the announcement of a new national champion .
From the Milford Haven Energy Kingdom to the Swindon Hydrogen Hub , businesses , industries , universities , research organisations and local authorities across the South West and South Wales are already leading the way in developing this energy source across many of its potential uses .
Debby Skellern , Director of Strategy and Policy at the Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership has been seconded to the Western Gateway to act as the Hydrogen Lead . Debby has coordinated the work of the Western Gateway to produce the region ’ s first ‘ Hydrogen Map ’ which highlights the many hydrogen-linked businesses , organisations and institutions within the Western Gateway .
OCTOBER - Wiltshire set to drive transformative change in the farming industry
In October Swindon ’ s CCm Technologies Ltd received nearly £ 1 million in funding from UK Research and Innovation ( UKRI ) to be at the forefront of transformative change in the farming industry .
The funds are being used to scale-up and accelerate the use of zero-carbon fertilisers by farmers across the UK .
For more info : www . ccmtechnologies . co . uk
NOVEMBER - Official opening of Swindon and Wiltshire Institute of Technology
In November the region finally received the huge boost to degree-level education and skills training it had been waiting for with the official opening event of the new Institute of Technology ( IoT ) at New College Swindon .
The IoT specialises in degree-level courses and apprenticeships across Engineering , Manufacturing , Science , Health , Creative and Media , Digital and Computer Science , and Business Management sectors . Its curriculum has been selected and developed with local employers to ensure that courses fully meet their current and future needs and fill skills gaps . The new facilities pair world-class high-tech equipment with engineering workshops , science laboratories , a film studio , recording studio , conference area and e-sports lab .
Built on the site of the first GWR locomotive works in 1843 , the facility is a 21st century showcase of skills training which is rooted in the past and focused on the future .
For more info : www . sawiot . ac . uk
“ This marks the biggest ever investment in skills training in the region and one that others have termed ‘ a revolution in skills training ’".
Carole Kitching , Principal and Chief Executive Officer of New College Swindon
NOVEMBER - Dick Lovett invests in Melksham
Confidence in the Wiltshire marketplace was reinforced by car dealership Dick Lovett this autumn , relocating its BMW and MINI showrooms from Bath to a purpose-built facility in Melksham .
The opening of the new multi-million-pound centre has created 100 new jobs in the town and features the latest showroom design from BMW / MINI , incorporating new showroom and workshop technologies .
Dick Lovett has invested in a catered business suite for its customers with free high-speed WI-FI , a dedicated space to work and complimentary refreshments .
For more info : www . dicklovett . co . uk
THE BUSINESS EXCHANGE 2022 19