NW business briefs: Kinaxia Logistics; Belle Vue Manchester; Knowsley Safari Park; Gran Caffè; Preston Council; Tech Returners
Kinaxia Logistics has taken delivery of its first batch of tractor units powered by compressed natural gas as it moves towards having a net zero fleet across its national linehaul service, following a £2m investment.
The Macclesfield-based company has invested in IVECO S-Way tractor units for its Primary division, replacing diesel vehicles in the fleet. Kinaxia’s Primary division serves a client base which includes major retailers, parcel carriers and delivery networks. It includes the Mark Thompson Transport linehaul business, which has its headquarters in Appleton, Warrington.
Richard Smith, managing director of the division, said the new vehicles make up 10% of the Primary fleet, with more on order for delivery in the new year. He said: “These CNG trucks produce 90% fewer emissions than diesel ones, leading to a reduction in CO2 of at least 100 tonnes per truck per year.
“The addition of these vehicles is a significant step as we look to create a carbon net zero linehaul and trunking fleet for our customers. We trialled the trucks earlier in the year and the feedback was extremely positive. Drivers reported a good driving experience, and a quieter cab.”
Other recent greener additions to Kinaxia’s group fleet include two IVECO CNG units at its haulage operation in Telford, and a 7.5 tonne Tevva electric truck in use for urban deliveries around Greater Manchester.
Jack Sims, director at South West Truck & Van which partnered with Kinaxia, said: “Having extensively trialled the IVECO S-Way CNG, Richard and the Kinaxia team have embraced the technology and can see the benefits biomethane offers from an emissions reduction and total cost of ownership perspective.”
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George Baker beneath CCTV cameras
Bus and coach operator Belle Vue Manchester is upgrading its entire private hire fleet by installing CCTV cameras to improve the safety of its passengers and drivers.
The investment encompasses more than 40 vehicles, including minibuses, single and double decker coaches and Belle Vue’s collection of vintage buses. All of the company’s school buses are already fitted with CCTV cameras. The private hire programme is nearing completion and is being carried out with equipment supplied by technology group Journeo.
Belle Vue’s single decker vehicles are being fitted with eight cameras – four internal and four external ones – with an additional four on the upper deck of each double decker.
Contracts manager, George Baker, who is spearheading the project, said the company’s investment of around £150,000 will help to reduce insurance claims as well as enhancing safety.
Michael Rutherford, Journeo’s business development manager, said: “From our very first discussion with Belle Vue, it was clear that the team had a forward-thinking attitude regarding future proofing and standardising the CCTV systems in their fleet of vehicles. CCTV is not only a vital operational tool – it also gives passengers confidence in choosing to travel by bus.”
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Safari Park team
Knowsley Safari is the focus of a new primetime six-part television series, Secret Life of the Safari Park, which is scheduled to hit screens on Channel 4 at 8pm, from Thursday, January, 4, 2024.
Produced by Blast! Films, makers of The Supervet and The Secret Life of the Zoo, the hour-long weekly shows focus on the Safari’s extraordinary animals, the amazing keepers who care for them and some of the – often hilarious – 500,000+ guests who visit the popular Safari each year.
Lancashire actress, Maxine Peake, takes viewers on a journey into the incredible lives of some of the rarest and most endangered creatures on earth. Secret Life of the Safari Park is a unique opportunity to get to know the fascinating background stories of the animals, which viewers have the option of coming to see in real life.
The first episode focuses on the hierarchy of an African Lion pride, the potentially perilous birth of a Congo Buffalo calf, mischievous Fallow deer, Cosmo, getting into trouble trying to impress the females and the antics of coming-of-age baboon, Kevin.
Rachel Scott, Head of Marketing, Knowsley Safari, said: “It’s been an amazing opportunity and a real adventure having the Blast! film crew on site at the Safari. They’ve captured some magical moments of our remarkable animals, as well as our fabulous animal team and some of our wonderful guests, too. We’re so excited to see everyone’s reactions to the show – viewers are in for a real treat with high quality, genuine behind the scenes access to the Safari.”
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Gran Caffè, the Italian Quarter’s popular coffee shop, is opening its second site in Liverpool city centre, capable of seating up to 30 customers.
A favourite in the city for its authentic Italian coffee, freshly baked Italian pastries, delicious sandwiches served on their homemade sourdough bread and gelato that’s made in house each day, Gran Caffè will open on Duke Street later this month.
Gran Caffè has been serving its Italian delicacies in Williamson Square for more than 10 years, headed up by brothers Paolo and Donato Cillo. Originally opening as P&D Deli, the venue underwent a renaissance to reflect the finest quality ingredients used as well as the varied selection of traditional Italian coffees served within the venue.
Gran Caffè which translates to ‘Great Coffee’ will serve a selection of Italian breakfast dishes including their expertly made croissants that are handmade each day by the talented pastry team. Donato Cillo said: “After over a decade, it’s now the right time to expand Gran Caffè with our second site in Liverpool city centre. We’re very excited to be opening on Duke Street in the heart of the Ropewalks district, introducing authentic Italian coffee, pastries and gelato to the other side of town.”
Paolo Cillo added: “The Italian Quarter’s Gran Caffè is very popular with guests wanting to try Italian delicacies and classic coffee and we can’t wait to open our doors to our coffee shop on Duke Street to showcase the same high quality produce we’re known for.”
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Support programme launch
Preston City Council has invested nearly £2m of its £5m+ UK Shared Prosperity funding specifically to support local businesses.
The money has been shared between six distinct projects that provide free advice and practical help for all types of companies, from newly registered sole traders to established small to medium-sized enterprises looking to grow. For companies looking to innovate or test new markets, UCLan, along with partner universities, will provide access to industry and academic expertise, plus its state-of-the-art technology. The project will help with research and development, product testing and a range of related advice and guidance.
For others new to exporting or already exporting and wishing to grow, the North and West Lancashire Chamber of Commerce is offering a free wraparound service. Specialised advisers will equip local businesses with the right tools to develop export plans and find the right countries for their products and services.
People who are contemplating how to set up a community business and do it in a fair and democratic way can now get expert help from Preston Co-operative Development Network. PCDN has also begun to promote how co-operative models work through small renewable energy and insulation projects across neighbourhoods.
Councillor Valerie Wise, Cabinet member for Community Wealth Building said: “With our successful bid for UKSPF funding, I am delighted we can provide such a breadth of tailored support that promises to make a real difference to so many local businesses, whatever their query or ambitions.”
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Manchester based Tech Returners has announced a brand new partnership with Government Digital Service (GDS), that will see the launch of a free, nine-week course dedicated to helping experienced software engineers re-enter the tech industry. The programme is being sponsored by global technology consultancy, Thoughtworks, and is focused on backend JavaScript and TypeScript.
The content has been carefully curated around what organisations and companies need from their software developers and will aim to instil confidence in participants. GDS is guaranteeing job interviews for every programme participant and is currently recruiting for mid/senior level developers for its hub in Manchester.
Eight places are available on the programme which will be delivered online. The course will start on Monday, January 22, 2024 and will finish on Friday, March 22. The deadline for applications is Tuesday, January 9.
In detailed analysis covering last year, Tech Returners reported that 62% of returners on their programmes were people of colour; 59% identified as women; 72% who identified as women were proficient in agile development; while one in four who identified as women had leadership experience.
Beckie Taylor, co-founder of Tech Returners, said: “We have worked incredibly hard to make sure the curriculum will strengthen technical skills, build confidence and drive employment opportunities. These aims are at the heart of everything we do, and we would encourage anyone who might be interested in returning to the tech sector to apply today.”
