Recent data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveals that UK companies’ spend on Research and Development (R&D) totaled £25 billion in 2018. 

The UK government actively encourages companies to carry out R&D to help growth and increase profitability by offering a wide range of tax incentives to  encourage investment in R&D with different incentives dependant on the size of the company. 

These include an increased deduction for R&D spending alongside a payable R&D tax credit for those companies not yet in profit. The government says it is ‘committed to improving access to R&D’ for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). 

SMEs are permitted to claim R&D tax relief if they have fewer than 500 members of staff and a turnover of under €100 million, or a balance sheet total of less than €86 million. The relief permits SMEs to deduct an additional 130% of qualifying costs from their yearly profit, in addition to the normal 100% deduction, so giving a total deduction of 230%. 

A company may be able to surrender losses for cash repayments where the R&D tax claim creates a tax loss. Currently, this is calculated at 14.5%. 

To make the most of R&D tax relief, a company must have incurred expenditure on qualifying R&D projects related to its trade. These must be innovative and should assess and attempt to resolve scientific or technological issues. Qualifying expenditure falls into different categories which include staffing costs, software costs, expenditure on consumables or transformable materials, costs of work done by subcontractors and costs of clinical trial volunteers. 

The Research and Development Expenditure Credit (RDEC) is a replacement for the large company scheme, but it can also be used by SMEs which have received a grant, or a subsidy, for their R&D project or are subcontracted to do R&D work by a large company. 

The RDEC credit is taxable calculated at 12% of a company’s qualifying R&D expenditure incurred. This credit may be used to discharge corporation tax liability, depending on whether the company makes a profit or a loss, and could also result in a cash payment. Where no corporation tax is due, the amount can be repaid net of tax or used to settle other debts. 

This is an opportunity to give your views on factors such as the phase out date, barriers to achieving the proposal and the impact on the ban.

You can learn more about this on the Government website here.

You can respond by:

Email: communications@olev.gov.uk

Post:

Consultation Response
Office for Low Emission Vehicles
Zones 3/29-33
33 Horseferry Road
London
SW1P 4DR

MIA member Bahrain International Circuit have released an announcement about the Bahrain Grand Prix 2020.

19 - 22 March

Friday, 20 March

Experience Grammy award - winning top 10 global DJ and producer Afrojack at the Formula 1® Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2020.

Saturday, 21 March 

Multi-platinum selling global superstar, Khalid, was recently named one of time’s most influential people of 2019. His debut album led to rolling stone calling Khalid a 'pop prodigy' with the singer-songwriter winning multiple awards and being streamed over 10 billion times worldwide.

Turn it up with global top 10 DJ and producer, Don Diablo. It’s set to be an epic night to remember with smash hits being spun by this pioneering dance music force.

Off-track entertainment

Marvel at the stunning views from the gigantic ferris wheel or take a spin in the ultra-fantastic ghost rider carousel.

Buy tickets here.

The following article from MIA member Blaser Mills Law contains some relevant business updates.

Coronavirus, bushfires, and Brexit. Disruptive events like these are called ‘force majeure’ events, or ‘Acts of God’. Other examples may include war, terrorist attacks, natural disasters, government action, computer viruses and strikes. These are unforeseeable events outside of your control, which can delay, hinder or prevent you from fulfilling a contract.

Force majeure clauses

The force majeure clause in a contract is essential, but often overlooked. This clause usually says that a party is not liable if it cannot perform its duties under the contract because of a force majeure event - at least while that event continues. This protects parties from unforeseen risk, and is especially important as most insurance policies will not cover non-performance because of ‘Acts of God’.

Without this clause, failure to perform the contract may put you in breach of contract. The other party might terminate the contract and/or ask you to pay damages as a result. Under English law, where performance of a contract is impossible, the contract will be rescinded (this is called ‘frustration’). However, it is very hard to meet this threshold, and it will result in the contract ending. A force majeure clause allows parties to agree a more practical and commercial solution, such as suspending or delaying performance rather than ending the contract.

Tailoring your force majeure

Each force majeure clause should be carefully tailored to each specific contract, as industries have different commercial realities and pressures, and parties have different needs. The exact effect of the clause will depend on its precise wording:

• Events
There is no set legal meaning of what events qualify as a force majeure event, so this will depend on what parties choose to include in the contract. The events included should capture each party’s industry-specific risks, and individuals may also wish to specifically exclude events, such as one party’s lack of funds. Depending on the drafting of the contract, events like Brexit – or the end of the transition period on 31 December – may or may not be a force majeure event. 

• Control
The clause could relate to events outside party A’s control only, or outside both parties’ control. The clause could also relate to an event that is outside a party’s reasonable control, meaning the party could have done something to prevent the force majeure event from occurring, however, it would have been unreasonable to expect them to do so. 

• Delay, hinder or prevent?
The clause might only cover where a duty becomes impossible to fulfil, or may include where performance is only delayed or hindered. Parties may choose to agree that being ‘hindered’ includes where performance is possible but inadvisable, illegal, or commercially impractical.

• Causation
The clause will state whether or not the force majeure event must be the sole and/or direct cause of a party’s inability to perform their duties. 

These clauses should be carefully drafted and specific to your business. If you have no force majeure clause or it doesn’t quite do the job, act now. You may need to discuss a contractual amendment to mitigate losses on both sides further down the line.

The force majeure is an extremely important clause that requires careful consideration and expert advice. The recent global examples are a reminder for us all to expect the unexpected – and more importantly, to provide for it in our contracts.

If you found this article helpful, you may also wish to read the following article on ‘Preparing your contracts for Brexit’

How Blaser Mills Law can help:

This article provides some simple guidance on Force majeure clauses, however, every contract is different and it is important you take independent legal advice when drafting or amending a contract.

If you would like further, in-depth guidance on Force majeure clauses, or any other issue related to commercial contracts, please contact one of Blaser Mills Law corporate commercial law specialists on 01494 478621 or at sck@blasermills.co.uk.

Read the full article here.

• UK automotive castings specialist beats stiff competition for Export Achievement award as exports grow to over 50% of business
• Grainger & Worrall global footprint grows to include German and Italian representatives, budding China relationship and opening of GW Inc. US sister company
• UK business also subject to ongoing £6m investment plan focusing on enhanced manufacturing efficiency

In recognition of its sustained business growth and expanding global operations, automotive castings specialist Grainger & Worrall has been presented with the Export Achievement Award at this year’s prestigious Motorsport Industry Association (MIA) Business Excellence Awards. The achievement recognises the worldwide expansion of Grainger & Worrall’s business, culminating in the opening of its US company, GW Inc. and the development of its presence in Germany and Italy. This is alongside a £6m UK expansion programme that includes the build of two new, highly efficient melting towers at its Bridgnorth, UK headquarters.

“We are delighted to receive this coveted award, especially given the strength of nominees and the household names involved,” says Matthew Grainger, Grainger & Worrall director. “The Export Achievement Award doesn’t just recognise the growth of Grainger & Worrall, but the tireless effort of our dedicated, specialist staff who have helped carry the company’s name around the globe. Complementing our domestic expansion, exports have grown to over 50% of our business at an exciting time for the company.”

A previous winner of the award’s Business of the Year category, Grainger & Worrall supplies castings to leading motorsport teams across the world and in a variety of disciplines, including Formula 1^TM, over one third of the last 24 Hours of Le Mans grid and the entire LMP2 class. As well as expanding its export business, most notably through the opening of its GW Inc. sister company, Grainger & Worrall has implemented an extensive £6m UK investment plan with a focus on enhanced manufacturing efficiency. This includes the addition of a third CT scanner, which increased the company’s throughput capacity by 50% while retaining stringent quality assurance and control. The company’s turnover has exceeded £60m for the first time and now employs over 700 specialists.

Chris Aylett, CEO of the MIA, commented: “Grainger & Worrall once again proves it is a shining example of how successful a business can be when the true potential of high-performance motorsport engineering is wholeheartedly harnessed. Through its programmes of significant investment in R&D, innovation and new technology G&W maintains a competitive edge which has undoubtedly led to this MIA Award, recognising the great progress their entire team has made in expanding export business”.

The MIA Business Excellence Awards celebrate the accomplishments and triumphs of the most significant companies operating within the motorsport industry, and the presentation night attracts over 400 attendees from all over the world.

See more at the Grainger & Worrall website.

The following article contains a business update from MIA member Renvale.

Renvale, now based on the A140 near Eye, crowned a momentous year for the business after scooping a top national motorsports award for firms with sales of under £5m.

It recently moved to new purpose-built premises in north Suffolk, after snapping up a five-acre freehold plot in 2016. Two more 12,000sq ft buildings are still under construction for the business, and next door, seven homes will be built - with building work project-managed in-house using local contractors.

The £3.8m scheme has been backed by a £185k grant through New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

One of the other buildings will house Horham-based Hybrid Tune, which specialises in engine tuning and is half-owned with another business partner. The other plant will be Renvale's and will specialise in non-motor sports business such as defence automotive technology.

Stephen James, who took over the driving seat at dad Tony's motorsports electronics firm having grown up in the business, expects turnover at Renvale - which currently stands at around £4.5m - to hit nearly £7m this year.

"It's brilliant," he said. "It felt like it was always so far away when we were in the planning side and for how much had to be done - it was just an enormous task. I'm really proud of how we have done it."

The firm was named business of the year with annual sales under £5m at the prestigious Motorsport Industry Association (MIA) Business Excellence Awards after its whirlwind year. Big names there on the night included big names the Mercedes Formula 1 (F1) team, Jaguar Landrover and Williams Advanced Engineering.

"It's a great achievement and great recognition for everything that has been done by everyone in the business. We have got a brilliant group of people here and a brilliant atmosphere."

Renvale's hi-tech products have been used in cars driven by some of the world's top racing drivers, including Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, Fernando Alonso, Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg.

Its clients now include nine out of the 10 F1 teams, Formulae, MotoGP, Superbikes, WRC, WTCR, WEC, IndyCar and various GT formula.

Since moving to its new 1600m sq state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, its customer base has grown, while the technologies it creates are evolving into a new era of electrification and hybrid systems, which are being integrated into the latest cars.

The factory has dedicated manufacturing bays for high voltage electrification systems, and a highly-trained workforce of around 40.

It has also joined forces with Warwick University, which leads in the field of high-voltage battery technology used in electric and hybrid cars.

The company was launched in 1982 from a spare bedroom at the family home on the Suffolk/Norfolk border, when founder Tony James started making the wiring harness for Italian racing driver Elio de Angelis's car. Elio went on to win the Austrian Grand Prix in his Lotus 91.

Tony pioneered the use of military and aerospace technology in the sport, incorporating ground-breaking processes including the use of military-style connectors.

It designed, developed and manufactured all the Benetton harnesses from 1986 through to the present day with Enstone-based Renault F1.

It also supplied the full harness systems for all Mercedes' championship-winning cars, including Lewis Hamilton's current W10.

In total its systems have been used in racing cars which have won more than 15 F1 World Championship titles.

Although the latest move is a big step, Stephen feels it has been worth it.

"It's a big investment but at points in your company you get to a certain crossroads where you need a step-change. We are in it for the long haul. We are not a company looking to grow and sell - we are looking to steadily grow."

Read the full article here.

MIA member Bahrain International Circuit has the following announcement.

Kanoo Motors rolling drag nights

Rolling Drag is one of the newest activities at Bahrain International Circuit and offers drag racing with a twist.

Participants drive their very own cars or motorbikes down the circuit’s quarter-mile National Hot Rod Association-sanctioned drag strip, in a head to head battle. However, rather than the traditional standing start, drivers start from rolling speed of 80kph.

It is the perfect activity to challenge a friend for a series of head-to-head battles.

You can enjoy Rolling Drag this racing season at BIC on February 20, 2020.

Prices:

BD20     Drag participant
BD7       Passenger
BD10     Service Car Access
BD2       Spectator
BD2       Helmet Rental

You can read more about the event here.

The following news from Innovate UK contains some relevant business updates.

Developing sustainable plastic packaging: apply for funding

Businesses can apply for a share of up to £37 million to support projects that look at ways to radically reduce waste from plastic packaging.

Most of it has a very short use, with 95% lost to the economy and between 8 and 12 million tonnes ending up in the oceans. Governments have recognised the need to address this challenge. Read more here.

Smart energy business supported by Innovate UK aims to power a smartphone revolution that will help drive wealth and wellbeing in the developing world. Read more here.

Horizon 2020: what it is and how to apply for funding

UK scientists, researchers and businesses can continue to participate in Horizon 2020 programmes and receive EU grant funding for the lifetime of individual projects. Read more here.

February 2020 expression of interest: ATI programme

The Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) Programme provides funding for industrial research and capital projects to encourage innovation in UK civil aerospace. Read more here.

Trialling new rail technologies: apply for contracts

Organisations can apply for a share of up to £9.4 million to show how new technologies could improve rail services for passengers and operators. Read more here.

Innovate UK Smart Grants: January 2020

Opportunity to apply for a share of up to £25 million to deliver ambitious or disruptive R&D innovations that can make a significant impact on the UK economy. Read more here.

Read the full article here.

Lamborghini Squadra Corse has carried out the first engine fire-up for its new track-only hypercar at the manufacturer’s Sant’Agata Bolognese factory in Italy. The 6.5-liter V12 naturally aspirated engine is expected to deliver 830hp.

Developed by the Centro Stile department of Squadra Corse, the Lamborghini hypercar will feature a large rear wing, airscoop on the roof and a racing hood with dual air intakes. The track car will also be equipped with an aluminum front frame, a carbon fiber monocoque and an innovative self-locking differential.

Read the full article on the PMW website here.

The Fast Show 
Santa Pod Raceway 
Sunday 29 March 2020 

To book or view the full line-up, visit www.thefastshow.com. 

• British car manufacturing falls for third consecutive year, down -14.2% in 2019 to 1.3m units – the lowest since 2010.
• Production for UK and overseas declines -12.3% and -14.7%, with 81% of cars built for export – the vast majority to the EU.
• Good year for alternatively fuelled and small volume car output, with production up 34.7% and 16.2% respectively.
• New figures reveal importance of auto manufacturing to UK’s regional growth, with £6bn paid out in workforce wages every year.
• SMMT calls for an ambitious UK-EU free trade deal that drives competitiveness, growth and prosperity.

UK car production fell -14.2% in 2019, to 1,303,135 units, according to figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), with a -6.4% drop in December rounding off a third year of decline. Output was affected by multiple factors, including weakened consumer and business confidence at home, slower demand in key overseas markets, a number of significant model production changes and a shift from diesel across Europe. Factory shutdowns in the spring and autumn, timed to mitigate expected disruption arising from the anticipated departure of the UK from the EU on 29 March and 31 October, also had a marked effect.

Manufacturing for domestic car buyers fell -12.3%, to 247,138 units, while exports also took a hit, down -14.7%, although overseas orders continued to drive volumes, accounting for more than eight in 10 cars built and totalling over one million units. Although shipments to the EU27 fell, by -11.1%, the bloc remains the sector’s most important market with its share of exports rising by two percentage points to 54.8%. Meanwhile, trade with the UK’s next largest markets, the US (representing 18.9% of export volumes), China (5.3%) and Japan (3.2%) also fell, with exports down -9.8%, -26.4% and -17.7% respectively.

The UK’s renowned small volume car manufacturing sector, however, bucked the trend with growing demand for some of the world’s most iconic and desirable brands boosting output by 16.2% in the year. Meanwhile, production of alternatively fuelled cars rose, by 34.7% to 192,304 units, as global appetite for the UK’s electric, plug-in hybrid and hybrid offering continues to rise. Thanks to its engineering excellence, expertise in advanced powertrain technologies, light-weighting and aerodynamics, the UK is well-placed to lead the charge in ultra-low and zero emission vehicle development and manufacturing – if the right business conditions are in place.

Last year saw a welcome £1.10 billion of fresh automotive investment publicly announced for the UK. The bulk of that investment, however, was from one company looking to expand electric vehicle production in the West Midlands. With 2019’s investment tally some 60% lower than the £2.75 billion averaged over the previous seven years, it’s clear that more must be done to encourage overseas investors to follow suit.

The news comes as SMMT reveals new figures highlighting the critical contribution of UK Automotive to regions right across Britain. One in 14 people (168,000) employed in manufacturing nationwide works in Automotive, with an additional 279,000 jobs supported, while in regions such as the North East and West Midlands, automotive accounts for more than one in six manufacturing jobs. With annual salaries typically 21% higher than the average across all UK employment, Automotive’s combined national salary contribution amounts to some £6 billion.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said,

"The fall of UK car manufacturing to its lowest level in almost a decade is of grave concern. Every country in the world wants a successful automotive sector as it is a driver of trade, productivity and jobs.

Given the uncertainty the sector has experienced, it is essential we re-establish our global competitiveness and that starts with an ambitious free trade agreement with Europe, one that guarantees all automotive products can be bought and sold without tariffs or additional burdens.

This will boost manufacturing, avoid costly price rises and maintain choice for UK consumers. Negotiations will be challenging but all sides stand to gain and this sector is up for it."

Meanwhile, the latest independent production outlook downgrades expectations for 2020 to 1.27 million units, down from the 1.32 million forecast made in November. To arrest this decline and ensure the future competiveness and success of UK automotive manufacturing, negotiations on the future UK-EU relationship – and trade deals with the rest of the world – must move quickly and deliver for this critical sector.

Read the full article here.

This week - 12 February 2020 - saw 24 MIA members and industry guests visit Zircotec as part of the MIA Business Networking Programme, in partnership with Blaser Mills Law. This event heralds the first official delegation to Zircotec’s new, fully functional facility and was praised by Terry Graham, Managing Director at Zircotec:

“The event has gone really well, many thanks to the MIA. We’ve had some really good conversations and established some potential business. It was well worth doing and we’d certainly host an event again.”

Zircotec - some background
Zircotec provides thermal management expertise for motorsport including plasma spray technology on exhausts and composite materials, and bespoke heat shielding solutions at all levels including F1, NASCAR, World Rally, BTCC, Formula E and Le Mans.

Opening the event
Welcoming everyone to the event was James Simpson from our programme partner, Blaser Mills Law. Chris Aylett, CEO MIA then gave an update from the MIA and introduced the senior team at Zircotec, Terry Graham (Managing Director), Graeme Barette (Sales Director) and Clive Carter (Project Manager), who delivered an interesting overview of their business

Summer 2019
Last year was a challenging year for the Company with a fire destroying the facility at the start of July. Remarkably, a full recovery plan was in situ only 10 days later.

It’s an incredible turnaround. Customer parts that had been coated by Zircotec survived the 1100°C blaze - clearly demonstrating the capability of their coatings! This new factory now provides more space, more capacity and increased workforce.

Emerging technology
Under discussion was emerging technology and Zircotec shared its 4 growth areas:
• Carbon composite wheels,
• Carbon composite battery boxes,
• Dielectric battery coatings and finally,
• Lightweight heat shielding solutions (with the demand to be lighter, thinner and better performing).

Continual improvement
Zircotec is working towards IATF 16949 accreditation to grow their OEM business as a Tier 1 supplier in 2020.

With this push to constantly improve, Zircotec is taking on Government funded projects. Recent involvement in an Innovate UK project has seen the Company working on innovative thermal management for an exhaust system on a gas tractor.

Another Innovate UK project has seen the company investigating how coating performances are tested in the lab vs. real world scenarios in order to develop a testing standard.

Working with OEMs and Tier 1s, Zircotec is looking to develop ground-breaking thermal innovation to lower CO2 emissions as well as building an automated POD coating system - which could be fully integrated into the production line.

The tour of Zircotec
Nowhere was off limits. Guests were taken on a tour of areas including surface preparation, painting, plasma spray coating and heat shielding. The old factory with its 3 plasma booths has been completely overshadowed by the new factory’s 6 booths - including 2 hand spray booths which can coat 100-120 parts a day!

Final words from Chris Aylett:
“Zircotec did a great job of making a positive story out of a terrible fire and that is down to excellent disaster management. It was a great lesson for everyone to hear, and to be the first guests to take a tour of the new premises is a real privilege.”

If you would like to know more about our upcoming activities, please go to our events page. Alternatively, contact the MIA team to find out more.

The following press release from The Department of International Trade contains information about a relevant webinar.

27 February
14:00-15:00
Sign up today

Join this informative webinar focused on the automotive sector in Mexico...

Mexico is the biggest vehicle producer in Latin America and there are export opportunities to tier 2 and 4 level suppliers. 

80% of products in the categories below are imported - mostly from the US, Germany and Canada, so there are opportunities for competitive UK suppliers:

• Machine tools
• Manufacturing equipment and technology.
• Industrial equipment.
• Instrumentation, control, automation.
• Measurement, testing. 
• Laboratory technologies
• Electrification of Vehicles (Light weighting, batteries, Electric Motors, etc.) including collaboration agreements, JV on R&D, Innovation and Technology Transfer

This webinar will be hosted by Luis Salazar, DIT Mexico's Head of Trade and Investment for the Automotive and Advanced Engineering sectors. Sign up today.

The following press release from British Marine contains some updates from the marine industry.

Political uncertainty hasn’t held back the UK marine industry, with exports soaring above national average growth

• The UK’s marine exports have grown by 4% to £1.5bn, higher than national average export growth.
• The industry’s revenue has hit £4bn in 2018/19, a 10% increase on the previous year.
• Wider political uncertainty has led to a dip in consumer confidence.
• The marine industry saw employment growth of 7% since 2017/18 and total sector jobs reaching 38,700.

The new data also reveals an optimistic industry outlook across the sector as a whole. In the previous year:

• The UK’s 5,800 marine businesses directly contributed £1.4bn gross value added (GVA) to the country’s economy, an increase of 17% from 2017/18 
• Total revenue climbed to nearly £4bn, an increase of 10%
• Boat and equipment manufacturing experienced the highest levels of growth at 15% 

While the overall outlook is positive the new data also highlights the challenging environment that some parts of the sector face due to political uncertainty. The boating tourism sector in particular has experienced challenging conditions due to a dip in domestic consumer confidence caused by greater political uncertainty, specifically Brexit.

Despite these challenging conditions the new figures show how the sector enjoyed employment growth of 7% and now supports 38,700 jobs, almost seven times the national average employment growth in the same period. However, concerns around staffing and a skills shortage continue to persist. British Marine is seeking to address this through its National Agenda strategy, which helps members to develop the skills of their existing workforces and bring in new employees by showcasing all that a career in marine sector has to offer.  

In light of these specific findings, Lesley Robinson added: “Recent years have seen increased domestic uncertainty around the UK’s future relationship with the EU, meaning consumer outlook has fluctuated and domestic business sentiment remains flat. Now that we have some political clarity on the year ahead we hope consumer sentiment improves and marine businesses have the greater certainty they need to invest and plan ahead. Overall this new report is very encouraging and is a reminder of the UK’s role as a hub of expertise and employment for the marine industry globally.”

*Due to a revision on previous industry revenue, employment, export and gross value added estimates, these figures cannot be directly compared with previous annual figures. Instead, growth figures have been calculated based on “like-for-like” comparisons of British Marine member companies’ accounts for previous years.
**3.5% is the national average for the same reporting period, according to the ONS

NSRA Nostalgia Nationals 
Santa Pod Raceway 
Fri.8 – Sun.10 May 2020

With a new season under way, Santa Pod's thoughts turn to the year’s first major nostalgia event. 

Hosted in association with the National Street Rod Association, the Nostalgia Nationals promises to be three full days of RWYB track action, the focus, as always, being on pre-1973 Hot Rods and Street Machines, with a generous helping of period race cars adding to the mix. 

Following on from their successful first season in 2019, the modified Ford 100E challenge looks set to reach new heights, with huge interest from the owners of Dagenham’s finest, all eager to put the pedal to the metal this year. Not to be out done, the ‘Bow Tie Brigade’ will be back to put their cars to the test and settle old scores in the Tri-Chevy Shootout. Making sure the staging lanes are never empty will be the ever-popular Wild Bunch contingent, proving that nostalgia never really goes out of style. 

Of course it wouldn’t be the Nostalgia Nationals without a generous helping of extra race classes, getting their annual championships under way. 

If one class captures the spirit of the Nostalgia Nationals, it has to be Outlaw Anglia. They will have had a presence at each and every one of the 27 years of the Nostalgia Nationals, not to mention the Hot Rod Drags before that. This quintessentially British Hot Rod, the Ford Pop and all its variants, has become an integral part of the nostalgia drag racing scene, and rightly so. What will 2020 bring? Who can guess? One thing’s for sure, it will be a show not to miss. 

The Nostalgia Superstock racers will be joining Santa Pod for the second year and the Gasser Circus will also be coming to town. Another class that seems to be growing year on year is the Supercharged Outlaws and you can expect some blistering runs from them over the weekend. Just for good measure there will be some Jet Funny Car action to round things off. 

Of course if you feel the need for some retail therapy, you can visit the Pod Shop, take a wander around the trade village and don’t forget to drop by and say hello at the Nostalgia Nationals merchandise stall and pick up a t-shirt or two. The free courtesy bus will be running to Rushden Lakes all day on Saturday as well. 

Come evening, it will be time to make for the Fuelers Bar, where DJ Grant Pinney will keep you entertained. But that’s not all. It goes without saying that there will be live entertainment on both Friday and Saturday nights. 

MIA member WMG has prepared the following announcement: 

ATI & WMG are organising a joint event on “Aerospace Electrification: Accelerating the Opportunity” to take place at Warwick University on 18 March 2020 – the event is free but companies must apply to attend – and registration is only open for a limited time and already popular! There is considerable synergy between Motorsport and Aerospace in this arena, and this event seeks to encourage cross-sector technology transfer and innovation.   

This day-long event will consider the important issues facing Aerospace electrification, with a critical outcome to develop consortiums for ATI projects around the challenges and opportunities presented, as well as building a better understanding across the supply chain, and the latest technology possibilities.  With contributing presentations from Airbus, Collins Aerospace, Electroflight and Yasa, the event will have key note speeches, panel discussions, aerospace company showcases, challenge sessions (workshops on 3 themes: Machines & Drives, Energy Storage, Systems Integration) and plenty of networking – so a very comprehensive day. ATI & WMG look forward to seeing you there! 

Strategic Roadmapping

The two-day course provides a thorough introduction to strategic roadmapping, guiding delegates through the process of roadmapping, including ‘hands-on’ activities, during which actual roadmaps are created. Delegates will benefit from additional material and exercises in strategic landscaping, workshop facilitation practices and tools/toolkits.

Cost: £1,900 (plus VAT)

Early bird: £1,710 (plus VAT)

Dates: 17-18 March 2020, 9-10 June 2020, 13-14 October

Read more about the course here. 

Technology & Innovation Management

Cost: £3,225 (plus VAT)

Early bird: £2,995 (plus VAT)

Dates: 24-26 March 2020

Read more about the course here.

The following newsletter from APC  UK contains some relevant business support and advice from the industry.

Up to £30 million available through AC15

The latest grant funding competition, APC15, is now open for applications. Businesses with a UK entity can apply for a share of up to £30 million match funding, for UK-developed late-stage R&D, to support growth in advanced low carbon propulsion capability in the automotive sector. Find out how you can secure funding by clicking here.

TDAP Wave 4 Closes

The fourth Wave of our Technology Developer Accelerator Programme is now closed. The programme targets technology developers with early-stage low emissions innovations, both on and off-vehicle technology, helping to kick-start their development and commercialisation journey. To find out more about the SME support programmes, click here.

Join the Best of British at JSAE 2020, Japan

Expressions of interest are now open for UK organisations to join the UK Pavilion at JSAE 2020. The Pavilion acts as a landing point for British innovation at the show, attracting a large Japanese audience. There is also the opportunity to present at the UK's Technical Congress at the show. To find out more and see how you can join, click here.

Electric Vehicle Energy Taskforce launches report

The Electric Vehicle Energy Taskforce has released its first report focusing on preparing the energy system for an electric vehicle revolution, putting the vehicle user at the heart of the matter. The report highlights key focus areas for Government and Industry during this period of change. Find out more here.

The Faraday Institution launches new Industry Fellowship programme

The Faraday Institution has launched a new programme aiming to strengthen ties between industry and academic battery researchers in the UK. The Industry Fellowships will enable academics and industrialists to undertake collaborative energy storage research projects. Find out more here. 

To read the newsletter click here.

In response to the announcement that the Government is pulling forward the ban on new internal combustion engine vehicles to 2035, the Institution of Mechanical Engineers feels it is imperative to reinforce its findings on Accelerating Road Transport: Decarbonisation published on 28 January 2020.

The Institution of Mechanical Engineers would like to see a complete shift away from fossil fuel use in any part of our energy system and we must find solutions in the near term that can make the biggest and fastest reductions in our CO2 emissions.

Steve Sapsford, Chair of the Institution of Mechanical Engineer’s Powertrain Systems and Fuels Group said,

“In contrast to today’s announcement, there is not a 'one-size-fits all' solution. We are running the risk of assuming that all a vehicle’s GHG emissions are emitted at point of use. Whilst that might be where legislation has its current focus, we need to take a more holistic approach including the GHGs associated with vehicle production, use and disposal/recycling.  Such life-cycle analysis is a technique for quantifying the environmental and human health impacts of a product over its life span and can often be referred to as 'cradle-to-grave analysis'.

"In our report, we demonstrate that all forms of propulsion technology, including renewable fuels, electricity and hydrogen could have a substantial impact on GHG emissions. Some, that are currently being ignored and side-lined by today’s announcement, could have a much larger impact in the short term.

"There are over 300 million passenger cars in circulation on European roads; around 99% are powered by diesel or petrol.  Sales of electric vehicles, including plug-in hybrids, represented 2.5% of new passenger vehicle sales in Europe in 2018. This means that over 97% of new vehicles are still powered by diesel or petrol and, once a new car is sold, its average life span is approximately 12 years.

"This clearly demonstrates that we simply do not have time to just wait for the increasing share of EVs to make a dent on the passenger car CO2 footprint.  Indeed, as we accelerate the adoption of EVs, it is possible that we are accelerating the production of GHG emissions unless battery manufacture, which can represent a significant proportion of an electric vehicle’s lifetime GHG emissions, uses only renewable energy.”

Dr Jenifer Baxter, Chief Engineer at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers added,

“There is also the enormous challenge to scale up the associated infrastructure necessary to manage the transition to large-scale electrification in the timeframe put forward. A challenge with no delivery plan. This will not just be additional electricity capacity, but local network upgrades and millions of private and public charge-points, which must be ‘smart’ to prevent overloading the system at times of peak demand. This new transport paradigm will also require a new generation of engineers and technicians who have the skills to design and service both the vehicles themselves and the charging infrastructure.

"So, whilst we rightly continue to invest in electric vehicles we must also pursue and invest in renewable and low carbon fuels made from sustainable and net zero sources. These alternative fuels would be able to use the existing infrastructure, reducing consumer impact at the fuel pump and potentially avoiding the cost associated with new infrastructure to support electric vehicle adoption at pace.”

Consequently, the Institution of Mechanical Engineers believes that by insisting that there is only one solution, today’s Government announcement side lines a significant complementary opportunity to reduce GHG emission associated with road transport.

Read the article here.

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Ahead of another milestone season, the first Formula E car to contest for the world championship has received a range of structural design changes featuring a new front wing, dorsal fin, distinctive curved rear wing and updated championship livery.
 
The modifications to the bodywork have been made midway through the current four-year cycle of the ‘Gen2’ era, to provide a fresh new look for Formula E. The car will continue to be fitted with 18-inch MICHELIN Pilot Sport all-weather tyres, specially designed for use in both wet and dry conditions.
 
The state-of-the-art CGI imagery shows the identical chassis and bodywork that each entry will use in season seven, with the rules remaining open for teams to design and develop their own electric components and parts for the powertrain.
 
Covers will come off the Gen2 EVO for the first time on the FIA stand at the Geneva International Motor Show on March 3.

Bentley has won Bathurst 12 Hour, the opening round of the 2020 Intercontinental GT Challenge, with its #7 Continental GT3 and drivers Maxime Soulet (BEL), Jordan Pepper (ZAR) and Jules Gounon (FRA). 
 
Motorsport is known for creating some of the greatest sporting stories, and this week Bentley Team M-Sport became the protagonist of a tale that saw its crew scale a mountain, both literally and metaphorically. 
 
In the first day of practice, an engine issue for car #7 and sensor fault on car #8 resulted in limited running for the team, as the pit crew worked hard in extreme heat to repair the 4.0-litre V8-engined Continental GT3 machines, based on the Continental GT grand tourer. But, that wasn’t the end of the bad luck for the British manufacturer - the following day, a collision with the wall gave the car #8 technicians a second late night in a row, as they rebuilt the car for the race.
 
Car #7 started P11, but quickly moved up through the order into podium contention. World-class stints from Soulet, Pepper and Gounon, and strong strategy and pit stops from the team, moved the team into P1 for a total time of seven hours – with the car running flawlessly. A superb reactionary pit-stop just over an hour from the end to deal with a puncture was the final act from the team to set the car up for victory. Rain loomed while ambient temperatures exceeded 40°C, but after the half-day sprint the #7 Continental GT3 crossed the line as the winner of the Bathurst 12 Hour. As they took the chequered flag, the crew also set a new race distance record of 314 laps - before the heavens opened and the team rejoiced in the rain. 
 
Car #8’s performance was just as strong, but luck was not on the side of the British driving trio of Oliver Jarvis (GBR), Al Buncombe (GBR) and Seb Morris (GBR). After starting from the pit lane following the all-night repairs, they climbed through the pack of 35 cars into the top six, even leading the race for a lap at the half-way point. In contention for a podium finish, the car was unfortunately retired four hours from the end thanks to damage sustained by a punctured rear tyre. 
 
Bentley’s Director of Motorsport, Paul Williams, comments:
“What a weekend. Our crew has been pushed to its limits but shown that whatever racing throws at you, you must never give up. It’s been a long-deserved Intercontinental GT Challenge win for our Continental GT3 – we’ve been in contention many times, especially here at Bathurst, so it feels good to finally make it stick. It’s a great way to start our season and we hope it is a sign of things to come for our customer teams around the world as we embark on our largest motorsport programme to date.” 
 
Bentley’s weekend of racing now continues in Zell am See, Austria, where a specially prepared Continental GT is competing in the famous GP Ice Race.
 
The next round of the Intercontinental GT Challenge is the 24 Hours of Spa in July, so Bentley and M-Sport’s attention will now return to the customer racing teams and the new Bentley Motorsport Academy, along with expanded testing and development programmes.
 
Fans can follow the action from all of Bentley’s racing teams on social media by searching @BentleyRacing on Twitter and @BentleyRacingOfficial on Instagram.