PE ROUNDUP 24 July – Post-Brexit trading, extending AI, innovation, collaboration and appointments

Although the UK's overall share increased to 52% in 2022, it was driven by sharp growth in Northern Ireland and Scotland. UK manufacturers are exploring opportunities beyond their traditional markets, while Make UK calls for increased export support for companies, particularly SMEs, to adapt to changing trade dynamics.

Generative AI is expected to widen the roles of knowledge workers, according to a report by Capgemini Research Institute. Some 70% of executives responding said they believe in its potential. The study also reveals that 96% of executives view generative AI as a key topic in the boardroom, with strong leadership support. Despite risks, such as copyright infringement, 74% of executives think the benefits outweigh concerns. Many organisations (40%) have already established teams and budgets for generative AI, while 49% plan to do so within a year. Executives anticipate improved efficiency in product design, customer experiences, and operational efficiency. 

JRE Operations and Envision Digital have signed a framework agreement to implement remote monitoring and analytics across JRE's 90 solar and wind farms in Japan. The collaboration aims to develop an advanced digital operation model using Envision Digital's EnOS™ Bazefield platform. By leveraging this technology, JRE Operations seeks to improve operational efficiencies, increase renewable energy production, and support Japan's emission reduction goals. The partnership aligns with Japan's objective of achieving a 46%emissions reduction by 2030 and reaching near-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Four engineering innovators have been presented by Princess Anne with the Royal Academy of Engineering’s Princess Royal Silver Medal, awarded for outstanding personal contributions to UK engineering by an early to mid-career engineer resulting in market exploitation. They include Dr Saritha Arunkumar, IBM Public Cloud WorldWide Technical Leader for Security; Joel Gibbard CEO of Open Bionics; Samantha Payne, COO of Open Bionics; and James Roberts, Co-founder and CEO of mOm Incubators

CEO of the Chemical Business Association, Tim Doggett has been elected to the Trade Association Forum's Board of directors. The announcement coincides with the CBA's 100th anniversary and significant membership growth during Doggett's tenure.

Yorkshire Water is partnering with SGN Commercial Services and Centrica Energy Trading to introduce biomethane gas to its grid plants at Knostrop and Blackburn Meadows wastewater treatment works. The plants will convert biogas from sewage wastewater treatment into renewable biomethane for heating homes and powering vehicles and industries, producing around 125GWh of biomethane annually.

Oxford Flow has appointed Adam Eckersley as chief technology officer to drive the valve industry's transition to innovative technology and reduced emissions. The focus includes zero-emission solutions and hydrogen-ready products to support the energy transition in oil and gas and emerging sectors. Eckersley will develop the company's technology strategy, enhance flow control equipment, and lead a cutting-edge engineering and innovation programme.

Wastefront has announced a strategic partnership with VTTI for waste tyre recycling, with investments of up to $43mn. The partnership aims to construct Wastefront's plant in Sunderland and develop eight global sites to deploy Wastefront's solution.

James Stevens is the new honorary president of the Association for Electrical and Mechanical Trades (AEMT). Stevens, a director at Preformed Windings, expressed appreciation for predecessor Shaun Sutton's work.

DNV acquired Dublin-based environmental consultancy Enviroguide Consulting to strengthen its presence in the region and expand its portfolio of environmental solutions.

Precision Polymer Engineering has appointed Hynek Jakubicek as general manager to drive the company's growth and innovation in high-performance sealing solutions. He will drive PPE's new strategy, focusing on large customers in high-growth markets.

ATP adhesive systems AG has been recognised for business performance and sustained growth in Switzerland's Best Managed Companies awards. The awards, based on Deloitte's global Best Managed Companies programme, highlight strategic, managerial, and financial prowess in Switzerland's private sector among companies with an annual revenue over CHF100 million that demonstrate excellence in management and growth.. 

The British Compressed Air Society (BCAS) has appointed Cliff Warne, formerly of AxFlow as its new Executive Director.

AVEVA has launched the AVEVA Process Simulation Academic Competition, providing engineering students in North America and Europe with the opportunity to showcase their process simulation expertise. Participants have the chance to win a $3000 cash prize or secure an internship at AVEVA. Open to students in the US, Canada, UK, Switzerland, Norway, and the EU, the competition allows chemical engineering students to enhance their skills using AVEVA Process Simulation, an innovative software. The annual contest aims to inspire students to tackle sustainability challenges and develop professional skills while addressing real-life engineering problems.

Denby Pottery, based in Derbyshire, has received planning permission for a new 2 MW solar array. The installation, in partnership with YLEM Energy, will help the tableware manufacturer reduce its CO2 emissions by 475 tonnes annually. The ground-mounted array, consisting of DMEGC Solar 550w modules, provides Denby Pottery's electricity needs. The firm already sends zero process waste to landfill, saving 600 tonnes of CO₂ per year. YLEM Energy's Dynamic Power Purchase Agreement fully funds the solar PV solution, providing energy-conscious businesses with cost-effective electricity consumption.