Academic innovation shines through in Converge 2022 shortlist
• Converge has published its 2022 shortlist which has seen an increase in innovative projects focusing on sustainability, AI, and healthcare.
• There has also been growth in the diversity of this year’s shortlist with more BAME, disabled and non-British participants than ever before.
• Converge has also announced a new partnership with Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre (IBioIC) with one Biotech project in the running for a prize package at the awards ceremony in November.
Converge, Scotland’s largest company creation and enterprise programme for the university sector, has published its most innovative shortlist for the 2022 programme.
Over 200 applications have been whittled down to 101 shortlisted projects across four ‘challenge’ categories – Converge, Create Change, Net Zero and KickStart, with all 18 Scottish universities represented in the final cut.
Sustainability, AI, and engineering are key themes that shine through from this year’s shortlist, as well as several health-related projects that could directly benefit social care, mobility, and chronic disease management. Projects with the potential for global impact include Converge Challenge semi-finalist, Podspectrix Ltd from Heriot-Watt University. Using AI to detect and prevent diabetic foot ulcers – one of the main causes of limb amputations in the UK, this project has the potential to reduce life-altering complications for patients, as well as reducing pressure on the NHS.
Meanwhile, a Net Zero semi-finalist, SolSafe from Robert Gordon University, has developed a smart thermal battery, a green gamechanger for the energy industry as it can replace both fossil-fuel boilers and supplement heat-pump systems.
Projects in the Creative Industries are strongly represented this year including Storybuild, a semi-finalist in the Create Change category, developing a webapp to enable users to co-create literary works, making the writing process more interactive and less solitary.
There have also been many ingenious and original ideas in the KickStart Challenge, an early-stage category designed to help academic entrepreneurs at the very first stages of the commercialisation journey. One such project is Empatech, from Queen Margaret University, which is developing reusable wearable devices that simulate different physical impairments associated with neuro-disabilities.
The 2022 cohort is the most diverse in Converge’s 11-year history, with 24% of projects from the BAME community. In addition, 10% of participants identify as disabled, as well as 42% non-British participants.
Claudia Cavalluzzo, executive director at Converge, said: “I am continually amazed by the high quality of innovation emerging from Scottish universities, and this year is no different. I believe that this will be one of the most competitive years to date. The diversity and inclusivity of this year’s shortlist is particularly encouraging, with more participants from the BAME community and those with disabilities making it into the cohort. While parity across all areas remains some way off from being achieved, our efforts to extend the appeal of Converge to a broader and more diverse audience is working.
“I am also particularly inspired to see more of the current university population coming forward with interesting and new concepts and projects to make a difference in the world that we live in. Collaboration and ideation within higher education have been undeniably challenged over recent years, however, as we welcome a high proportion of submissions from students this year, this trend has been bucked and is stronger than ever.”
Converge has also announced a new partnership with the Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre (IBioIC), one of Scotland’s seven innovation centres, which will award a package of support to one successful Biotech project. This includes a free membership to IBioIC, a dedicated IBioIC account manager and £20,000 in project funding for the university where the project originated.
Semi-finalists will now move on to attend in-depth training sessions over the coming months, culminating in an award ceremony on 3 November 2022, where the cream of this year’s projects vie for a slice of the £300,000+ prize pot to advance their businesses.
Converge has supported 500+ entrepreneurs and the creation of more than 300+ companies since it launched in 2011. For more information about Converge, please visit: https://www.convergechallenge.com/
Homebuilder announces new selection of homes in east Falkirk village
Leading UK homebuilder, Miller Homes is launching its brand-new Kinglass Meadows development in the village of Bo’ness, Falkirk this Saturday (14 May) and will be bringing 178 of its most popular home styles to the area.
The new community is the third to launch for sale for Miller Homes East this year and is expected to be in high demand following the company’s previous sell-out, Kinglass Fields development in Bo’ness in 2019.
Miller Homes at Kinglass Meadows will comprise of a mix of three, four and five-bedroom homes and will include terraced, semi-detached, and detached styles, offering something to suit every buyer.
Launching this Saturday, interested buyers will be able to pre-reserve their new home online via the Miller Homes website and be one of the first to secure a home in this highly anticipated neighbourhood. With demand for new homes in the area high, Miller Homes expects the development to be popular with those living in Falkirk and the surrounding areas looking to make a move.
Homes available include the five-bedroom Castleford with its extended garage; four-bedroom Riverwood with its elegant bay window lounge; and the four-bedroom Maplewood with its showstopping principal bedroom that features an en-suite shower and elegant dressing area complete with twin wardrobes.
Situated on the edge of historic Bo’ness, Kinglass Meadows will appeal to buyers of all stages, with its prime location making commuting to the cities of Falkirk, Linlithgow, Edinburgh, and across the central belt hassle free. Located within a mile of the development is Bo’ness town centre, which has plenty to offer, including local boutiques and cafes, family attractions, walking trails along the Firth of Forth and much more. The development also lies within the catchment area for Grange Primary School and St Marys RC Primary School, and Bo’ness Academy and St Mungo’s RC High School, making it ideal for families with children of all ages.
Miller Homes’ Regional Sales Director for Scotland East, Lynsey Brown said: “After the success of our Station Brae development earlier this year, we are delighted to be launching Kinglass Meadows in the Falkirk area. The town of Bo’ness has a rich culture and fantastic amenities, plus incredible views across the Firth of Forth, so Kinglass Meadows is the perfect choice for those looking for a picturesque, tranquil lifestyle.”
Kinglass Meadows is currently being sold from Paul Rolfe Esate Agents in Linlithgow. Interested buyers can find out more about the new Miller Homes development by speaking to a Development Sales Manager on 03301 735 524, or by visiting www.millerhomes.co.uk.
Acting on behalf of Orbital House Investments Ltd, Ryden has announced a trio of new lettings at Orbital House, East Kilbride, a high quality multi-let office located in Peel Park, one of West of Scotland’s premier business locations.
The 2,600 sq ft Ground Floor suite has been let to Claremont Office Furniture, who decided to relocate their office function to provide the best working environment for their staff. This new location will also be more convenient for clients to visit.
Additionally, two of the flexible plug and playrooms on the 3rd floor have been taken over by The Social Cow, a boutique creative digital agency, and Garden Maintenance Scotland, a firm specialising in landscaping and gardening services.
Surrounding occupiers include Close Asset Finance, Veolia, HM Revenue & Customs, EDF Energy, IBM and Clyde Blowers.
Orbital House has become one of the highest profile office buildings in East Kilbride. There has been an ongoing programme of investment in the premises over recent years with new lifts, brand new common spaces with modern seating and collaboration areas complementing the onsite café. The offices have a full time building manager who provides an essential role in assisting all the tenants and the building owner to ensure everyone enjoys a premium service.
Gillian Giles, Associate at Ryden, commented on these transactions:
“Orbital House’s commitment to investment in the building facilities and services have already paid dividends with these three new lettings. The building provides excellent quality accommodation in a prominent location and this is proving irresistible to prospective tenants.”
Pamela Gray, Partner at Galbraith and the building’s Asset Manager, commented:
“We are delighted to welcome Claremont Office Furniture, Social Cow and Garden Maintenance Scotland to the Orbital House community. The building’s ability to offer flexible space ranging from 200 sq ft to 30,000 sq ft has ensured that we remain the building of choice in East Kilbride.”
A range of suites remain available from 4,300 – 30,000 sq ft with generous car parking provision. For further information, please contact joint letting agents Ryden and CBRE.
Download the brochure here.
Harvey Nichols Edinburgh will be toasting the arrival of summer and encouraging customers to add some fire to their tipple with a special Rum Fair event on Thursday 16th June. Customers will be transported on a journey through the history of rum, from the early sugar cane spirit to the diverse and ever-growing range of rhums that are available today.
Spirit lovers can sample a selection of the finest expressions from around the world, enjoy talks from industry experts and officionados and participate in mini masterclasses with the Harvey Nichols Bar team. There will also be rum tastings alongside food pairings.
Confirmed partners include: El Dorado, Ninefold, Plantation, Chairman’s Reserve, Clements, Diplomatico, Hampden Estate, Veritas, Companero, Damoiseau, Montanya, SBS Single Barrel Selection, RL Seale, Doorly’s, Fever-Tree, Worthy Park, Equiano and Pussers’ Rum.
RUM FAIR
Thursday 16th June
6pm – 8.30pm
Forth Floor Foodmarket
Harvey Nichols, Edinburgh
Tickets are £25 per person, with £20 redeemable against purchases of selected bottles of rum on the night.*
*Terms and Conditions apply. £20 only is redeemable per transaction.
TO BOOK
Call +44 131 524 8350
Email forthfloor.reservations@harveynichols.com
DM @hnedinburgh_forthfloor
The Edinburgh Futures Institute is a global centre for multi-disciplinary, challenge-based research, teaching and societal impact. The biggest challenges that the world faces are complex and interconnected. Solving them requires multiple orientations and understandings. EFI’s approach brings the arts, humanities and the social sciences into contiguity with data science, natural sciences and with medicine – to co-create deeply interdisciplinary models.
The purpose of EFI is to pursue knowledge and understanding that supports the navigation of complex futures. EFI’s distinctiveness stems from our approach to research, education and engagement – an approach that combines multi-disciplinarity with co-production. Working with industry, government and communities (at home and abroad) we will build a challenge-led and data-rich portfolio of activity that has demonstrable ethical, social, cultural, economic and environmental impacts.
Critical to the success of the Institute is a close connection between our students, academics and industry partners. In addition to developing an ambitious and innovative undergraduate and postgraduate taught portfolio we seek partnerships with companies who may be able to provide themes and ideas for student projects.
We are very keen to hear from members of the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce who may be interested in engaging with our Business Engagement team to support our student cohorts who arrive in September 2022, and grow at scale from 2023.
If this is of interest please contact: engagement.efi@ed.ac.uk
SP Energy Networks is urging people to be cautious while performing DIY tasks after a 20% rise in serious electrical incidents was reported across the UK last year SP Energy Networks is urging people attempting DIY to plan appropriately and follow safety advice to reduce the growing number of DIY-related electrical safety incidents in the home. Figures from the Energy Networks Association (ENA) show that last year there were 1218 reported safety incidents due to people undertaking DIY tasks around their homes and gardens. The spike in domestic incidents is up by almost 20% from 1032 reported incidents in 2020, as more and more people have tackled odd jobs around their property, unaware of the electrical hazards involved.
Derek Bell, Health and Safety Director at SP Energy Networks, said: “Many of us have been spending a lot more time at home and that’s led to lots more DIY projects being undertaken. “However, there are some very real dangers associated with doing tasks by yourself and not involving experts or following the correct safety precautions. “It’s vital that people pay consideration to these risks as there are lots of electrical hazards within the home and garden that can cause serious injury if people don’t follow relevant safety advice.” SP Energy Networks is sharing the following safety guidelines:
• Before you are carrying out excavation works, or installation of fence posts request free network plans and safety advice from SP Energy Network
• Always assume powerlines are live – even if they have fallen to the ground, broken or aren’t sparking.
• Select your machinery and equipment in relation to safe working distances and ensure it can’t come into contact with overhead power lines.
• Avoid walking under overhead cables with long objects and only if required, carry long objects at a low level and horizontally when passing under overhead cables.
• Do not attempt to rewire or tamper with the electrical components of appliances, leave this to an expert.
• Use cable locators before carrying out any work. Check plans by tracing cables and marking their position and always scan the area you intend to excavate before you start to dig.
• Always ensure that electrical items are turned off at the mains after use.
• You can call the 105 number in a case of an electrical network emergency. If anyone is injured, please call 999 for medical attention.
For further information, please visit: spenergynetworks.co.uk/pages/safety
Travelknowhow Scotland are delighted to be able to extend our FREE consultancy support package throughout 2022/23.
This package of support is open to workplaces across Scotland and is designed to provide practical measures to organisations who want to take action to encourage their employees to look at more active and sustainable travel options and work towards net-zero targets.
What type of support can you expect ?
3 days ( 24 hours) of FREE travel planning consultancy support tailored to the requirements of your organisation. This will include: Employee travel survey design and analysis; strategy development and bespoke an Active and Sustainable Travel Action Plan with practical measures and signposting to longer term implementation support via a network of partners. Partners include Cycling Scotland and Sustrans*
Why should you take advantage of this offer?
To develop meaningful and bespoke active and sustainable travel planning measures to reduce your organisation’s environmental impact, improve the health and wellbeing of your workforce and contribute to net-zero targets.
Who is this open to?
Any workplace across Scotland.
How do I register my interest?
Get in touch at info@travelknowhowscotland.co.uk to make an expression of interest (no more than 200 words) and we will get back to you to arrange to discuss your requirements in more detail.
NEW LANDMARK OFFICE BUILDING LAUNCHED TO MARKET
• 85,000 sq ft 1 New Park Square in Edinburgh now complete and available for tenant occupation
• Owner and developer Parabola has created Edinburgh’s greenest office building
11 May 2022 – 1 New Park Square, a prestigious new landmark office building located in Edinburgh, has been launched to the market following practical completion.
Developed by Parabola and located in its new zero carbon urban quarter, Edinburgh Park, it comprises 85,000 sq ft of Grade A office space over five floors, providing a welcome boost to the capital’s office market which has a critical shortage of high quality, sustainable office accommodation.
The building has a double height entrance and reception area, high quality finishes throughout and flexible floorplates which range from 19,440 sq ft, all capable of sub-division. It has a generous car parking and cycle storage provision and has shower/changing facilities with lockers. Benefitting from an abundance of natural light, all office floors have openable windows and VRF air conditioning throughout.
It is Edinburgh’s greenest building with EPC ‘A’ and BREEAM ‘Excellent’ ratings achieved, and an all-electric infrastructure, PV arrays on the roof and double height balconies providing exceptional fresh-air circulation. It has been designed to minimise power consumption using lean technology. The entire Edinburgh Park development will be net zero carbon in operation, powered by 100% green electricity, in part generated on the site.
It also has a WiredScore ‘Platinum’ rating in recognition of its best-in-class digital infrastructure and connectivity.
Parabola is keen to address occupiers’ wellness and welfare requirements, and this has led to some unique internal finishes being introduced to create a stunning working environment. For example, the reception has a bespoke oak desk with terrazzo flooring and timber lining, and features a unique tapestry commissioned by Parabola and created by Dovecot Studios. The landscaped public realm is also peppered with world-class sculpture, some of which were specially commissioned for the site.
Notable features in 1 New Park Square include the multi-use auditorium, meeting rooms and a restaurant, bar and bakery that will open in the summer. It also sits within a civic square with an adjoining garden square, multi-use games area, car park and padel tennis courts.
It benefits from numerous transport links with two tram stops on its doorstop, providing effortless connections to the city and beyond.
Parabola’s Managing Director Tony Hordon said: “The completion of this cutting-edge office building is another step forward in the development of Edinburgh Park. Available now, it provides the perfect solution for occupiers looking for flexible and efficient office space in an easily accessible location with a focus on wellbeing.
“At Edinburgh Park we are creating a new urban quarter, cultural destination and creative campus with sustainability at its heart. This new neighbourhood brings stunning architecture, inspirational workplaces, affordable homes, a civic square and its own arts programme to a sublime setting. Our vision for the overall development is starting to come to life and there is a buzz to the area which will only grow as the plans progress and we add more elements to the site.”
The scheme was designed by prize-winning architect AHMM with Sir Robert McAlpine as the main contractor. JLL and Cushman and Wakefield are the joint letting agents.
Cameron Stott, JLL Edinburgh’s Lead Director, said: “Now complete and available for occupation, 1 New Park Square is one of Edinburgh’s greenest buildings, helping occupiers to benefit from lower running costs and meet future sustainability targets.
“There is an acute shortage of Grade A office accommodation in Edinburgh, and with no other new build office space available and completing before 2024, the delivery of 1 New Park Square is critical for the city. As businesses return to the office, we have seen a significant increase in demand from occupiers seeking high quality space which they can use to encourage their staff back to the office – 1 New Park Square certainly meets those requirements.”
James Thomson, Partner at Cushman & Wakefield Edinburgh, added: ‘’1 New Park Square is unique in delivering what forward thinking office occupiers are seeking. The highly sustainable approach to design and operations, and the intense focus on creating a great working environment through provision of outstanding amenities and an exceptional customer experience, is central to meeting ESG obligations and attracting increasingly demanding top talent.”
In addition to 1 New Park Square, Edinburgh Park will comprise a further 1,000,000 sq ft of commercial space and up to 1,800 homes including for sale, rent and affordable housing.
The historic islands of Orkney have consistently been crowned Scotland’s best place to live in recent years, and now a rare opportunity has arisen to acquire a thriving lifestyle business in the old Viking haven of Stromness.
DM Hall Chartered Surveyors is bringing to market a brace of hotels in the islands’ second busiest town – hostelries which are popular with locals and tourists alike and which are integral to the social infrastructure of the close-knit community.
The 18-bed Ferry Inn commands a view of the Marina and the port where the Northlink ferry pulls gingerly into the tumbling network of flagstone streets, lanes, piers and slipways. The Royal Hotel nestles on Victoria Street, among quaint, traditional shops and houses. Both are as busy as can be.
It is not hard to see the attraction. Stromness has a timeless feel to it. It has been shaped by the sea, as a whaling and fishing port, and is now the heart of the diving industry, with easy access to the haunted hulls of the wartime wrecks in Scapa Flow.
Its past stretches further into the distance than most and the closely-huddled town is a base for touring the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, a World Heritage Site comprising the Ring of Brodgar, Skara Brae, the Stones of Stenness and Maeshowe.
Both hotels have been refurbished and their en-suites have been upgraded and redecorated. They have modern business systems which include cloud-based EPOS, room and table reservations and online accounting systems. As well as established online travel agent and direct selling websites, their own excellent website can be found at orkneyislandhotels.com.
The Ferry Inn is a detached traditional harbour-side inn with 12 individually styled rooms, some with stunning views to the front, and an additional six en-suite rooms in the Harbourside House annex across the street. Its nautically-themed restaurant can host 85 people
The Royal Hotel provides complementary accommodation to that found at the Ferry Inn and brings good balance to the portfolio. It has a public bar, very popular with locals throughout the year, a lounge bar to the rear and separate dining room serviced by a well-equipped commercial kitchen. These areas are all presented to a good standard in keeping with the style of the property and afford a warm and welcoming environment.
The 10 en-suite letting bedrooms are all located at first and second floor being tastefully decorated providing comfortable surroundings in which to relax. Also at first floor is a popular function room which can host up to 120 guests.
Interested parties should contact Margaret Mitchell on margaret.mitchell@dmhall.co.uk. Offers over £1.35 million are invited and competition is likely to be so intense that expressions of interest should be submitted as a matter of some urgency.
Pupils at Longniddry Primary School are now sitting pretty, thanks to some help from Cruden Homes.
Over Easter holidays the company, which is building 81 homes in the first phase of development at Longniddry Village, responded to a request from the school’s Parent Council, to replace the broken benches surrounding planters in the playground.
The benches, which were the only place for pupils to sit, had fallen into disrepair, but a team from Cruden stepped in to carry out much-needed repairs and they even painted the new benches in the school colours.
Elaine Ramsay, from Longniddry Primary School Parent Council, said: “Cruden have been fantastic. They agreed immediately to carry out the work and it was all done so quickly.
“The children had only been able to go out to play in small numbers during the pandemic, but now that they can all socialise at break times again it was important that they had somewhere to sit and chat.
“We can’t thank Cruden enough for doing this for the children.”
Longniddry Primary Head teacher, Sheona Skinner, said: “The children were so excited to see the new benches on their return from their Easter break. They have really brightened up the playground and we want to thank the team for their hard work.”
Brian Dewar, Cruden Homes (East) Customer Care Manager, said: “Our joiners stripped out the old timbers, cemented in new posts, replaced the woodwork and then two of our painters got to work. We were given a free hand, but we thought it would be nice to use the school colours. The whole job was completed before the end of the holidays.”
And Hazel Davies, Sales and Marketing Director, Cruden Homes (East), said: “When Longniddry Primary School Parent Council told us about the dilapidated state of the playground benches, we were only too happy to help.
“Our work in Longniddry is not just about building homes, it is about being part of the community and the primary school is at the heart of village life.”
