Latest news with #ChrisClarke
Business News Wales
17-07-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
College and Carbon Removals Producer Unite for 'Groundbreaking' Sustainability Collaboration
Director Chris Clarke (second left) with left-right Mary Clarke, Lionel Clarke, Lisa Fowles and Tom Fowles. Branching out in partnership with a carbon removals producer has created a sustainable method of maximising woodland usage and improving soil quality at a leading college. Coleg Cambria Llysfasi and Llangollen-based BionerG have embarked on a 'groundbreaking collaboration' to explore whether tree brash can become a critical resource for carbon removal in Wales. The college has supplied the 'brash' – typically discarded branches and foliage resulting from forestry operations and stormy weather – which BionerG is processing using a cutting-edge approach involving branch logging followed by drying in their specialized pyrolysis units at the ECKO (Ecology Carbon Knowledge Outreach) Centre in Denbighshire, a facility dedicated to biochar production and environmental education. Biochar is a type of charcoal produced through a process called pyrolysis, where organic matter like biomass is heated at high temperatures in the absence of oxygen. This process creates a carbon-rich, porous material that can be used as a soil amendment, acting as a sponge for water and nutrients, improving soil structure, and sequestering carbon. Dewi Jones, Farm Manager at Coleg Cambria Llysfasi, said the operation will make use of waste wood and help educate the next generation of farmers and forestry and agricultural workers on land management. 'We are in the early stages but long-term we will definitely see the benefits, as once the wood is turned into biochar it will have a positive impact on carbon neutrality and in nourishing the soil,' said Dewi. 'They are a very forward-thinking company, and this is another example of Llysfasi embracing new, sustainable techniques focused on the environment and innovation.' BionerG will host open events on Friday July 18 and Saturday July 19 on 'How to Future-Proof Your Farm' and is keen to hear from recent graduates and young people entering the sector who can explore opportunities available to them. Reflecting on the partnership with Coleg Cambria, director Chris Clarke said their facilities and technology remove logistical challenges to collecting, transporting and processing tree brash to 'significantly enhance its utility for biochar production'. 'This could unlock new economic and ecological potential, turning a forestry by-product into a central component of circular, restorative agricultural practices,' he added. 'Our preliminary studies found you can use half as much fertiliser if you mix it with biochar, so there are huge financial and environmental benefits according to our early testing. 'No other business in this sector is working in the way we are with the team at Llysfasi, which as it continues to develop will prove fruitful for both parties. 'They use the biochar for their land, and it is an educational tool, while from our side – and the open events will delve into this further – there are incentives for current and future farmers and landowners to capitalise on this process and the technology.' Encouraging graduates to attend the upcoming sessions at the ECKO Centre, Chris said: 'We are hearing regularly that children from farming families, after they graduate, are looking to run efficient and sustainable businesses including investigating opportunities to diversify income as well as reduce costs. 'We can help with that as there are grants available if these farms show they are moving towards becoming more sustainable, using significantly less fertiliser will put them in a very strong position – we encourage people to get in touch to find out more and come along and see it for themselves.'
Irish Independent
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Dundalk FC supporters launch new charity jersey to help raise funds for Dundalk Village in Uganda
This is the second fundraising jersey that the podcast – hosted by Chris Clarke, Andrew Gallagher, Dean Arrowsmith, Stefan McKevitt and Donal Hanks – has run in recent years following a similar effort in 2023. Speaking at the launch of this year's jersey, former Dundalk FC player Donal Greene explained the concept of Dundalk Village, where he has done numerous fundraising work in recent years. 'Dundalk Village is a sustainable farming and community development initiative based in Nakasongola in Uganda,' he said. 'Since its founding in 2020 the project has been dedicated to improving the lives of real Ugandans through grassroots agricultural programmes and vital community support services. 'To date, Dundalk Village has delivered clean drinking water to over 100 families, distributed mosquito nets to multiple villages and provided access to education and critical medical treatment for children suffering from malaria and other life-threatening conditions.' Fans can directly fund Dundalk Village community initiatives by purchasing the new Town End jersey, which is being supplied by Playr-Fit and is modelled on the green Dundalk FC third kit by Diadora from 2006. Town End host Chris Clarke said: 'It's great to be able to announce this year's charity shirt. 'We wanted to take some inspiration from Dundalk's First Division seasons gone by and a jersey we always really liked was the 2006 jersey. 'Despite winning a play-off against Waterford that year, the controversial FAI Independent Assessment Group denied Dundalk FC promotion but John Gill had begun assembling his squad which would eventually gain promotion two seasons later. 'Working again with Donal and Dundalk Village has been a real honour as he's someone who has backed the podcast from day one and we are delighted to be able to highlight all the great work Dundalk Village have been doing as well.' The charity jersey, which also features podcast sponsors Tony's Pizzeria and Black Mountain Studios on the sleeves, is available to order for a limited time from the Playr-Fit website at
News.com.au
23-05-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
Modern elevated with dual living
This modern, dual living, elevated home has hit the market in a popular family-friendly suburb close to the beach, university, hospital and shops. Selling agent Chris Clarke of Real Estate Central said this freshly renovated home at 25 Mirrakma Cres, Lyons, was a modern twist on tropical elevated living. He said the property offered the best parts of an elevated home without the maintenance of an older house. Upstairs, the home has a spacious open plan living, dining and kitchen area with high ceilings, timber floors and banks of louvres. 'Concrete slab construction gives you a solid feel underfoot but also provides peace and quiet between the levels,' Mr Clarke said. The kitchen includes an island bench, stainless-steel appliances, neutral-coloured cabinetry and pendant lighting. The living spaces open through sliding doors to a balcony that overlooks the back yard, while the high gable ceilings of the living areas carry through to this covered outdoor entertaining space. The main bedroom has a walk-in robe and an ensuite with dual basins, and the room looks out over the front yard. The three remaining upstairs bedrooms have built-in robes, while the family bathroom has a bath and a double shower. On the ground level is a fully self-contained unit. 'Downstairs is not your typical under-house area,' Clarke said. '(It is) self-contained, with your own bedroom and bathroom, and a spacious living and kitchen area that matches upstairs dimensions. The separate feel is perfect for extended family visits or creating an additional income.' The downstairs kitchen has an island bench with breakfast bar, stainless-steel appliances and modern cabinetry. The home sits on a 793sq m block with established, low maintenance gardens and plenty of lawn space. Bamboo is planted down the side of the home, offering privacy from neighbours. The house has a double carport, electric shutter on the front windows, a fully-fenced back yard and plenty of room for a shed or pool. The property is within walking distance of local schools and parklands and close to the Casuarina coastline, Casuarina shopping centre, Leanyer Water Park, the hospital and CDU.
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Shawbrook supports Bluecroft Finance's UK expansion with revolving credit facility
UK-based specialist lender Shawbrook has extended an eight-figure revolving credit facility to Bluecroft Finance, a bridging lender. The facility will be used to aid Bluecroft's expansion in the UK lending market. It features an accordion option that allows for a potential 50% increase, providing flexibility for future growth. Founded in 2023 and headquartered in Altrincham, Bluecroft offers a variety of bridging finance products. The company was established by managing director David Giovanni, an entrepreneur from Hale with a background in property management and sales. In a statement, Bluecroft said that Shawbrook was chosen as the funding partner due to its 'deep understanding' of the development and bridging finance sector. Shawbrook's speciality finance senior director Chris Clarke said: 'Bridging finance continues to see strong demand, with the market reaching record highs in recent quarters as borrowers seek faster, more flexible funding solutions. 'As bridging plays an increasing role in property transactions and development finance, Bluecroft has established itself quickly in this space, combining deep market expertise with a strong service-driven approach. We're pleased to support them as they continue their growth journey and expand their offering to meet this rising demand.' Giovanni said: 'This new partnership with Shawbrook marks an important milestone for Bluecroft as we continue to scale at pace. Since launching in 2023, we've grown rapidly, expanding our specialist team to support an increasing number of customers across the UK. 'Our focus remains on delivering excellent service, combining speed and expertise with the personal approach that borrowers value. In an era of increasing automation in lending, we believe the human element is more important than ever – and Shawbrook understands this best-of-both model.' Last month, Shawbrook increased its financial backing for specialist development finance lender Magnet Capital, raising its existing funding line to £25m ($32.37m). The transaction terms include a £25m line, with £17.5m committed over a three-and-a-half-year term. This additional funding will support Magnet Capital's continued expansion. In January 2025, Shawbrook paused new applications for its asset finance facilities to concentrate on product expansion. "Shawbrook supports Bluecroft Finance's UK expansion with revolving credit facility" was originally created and published by Leasing Life, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
