Latest news with #Merseyside-based
Daily Record
20-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Perth and Kinross Council decides not to object to 100MW energy plant
The application will be determined by the Scottish Government's Energy Consents Unit due to its size Perth and Kinross Council (PKC) has not objected to a proposed 100MW energy plant near Coupar Angus. The proposed electricity generation station at Kettins would be situated on 4.2 hectares of farmland currently used for crops. PKC's Planning and Placemaking Committee was asked on Wednesday June 11 to consider the application, submitted to the Scottish Government due to its size. In December 2024 Cogeo Planning and Environmental Services Ltd submitted a planning application to the Scottish Government, on behalf of Merseyside-based Balance Power Projects Ltd to build and operate the proposed electricity generating station. The application site, referred to as Hallyburton BESS, sits within the Hallyburton Estate, Kettins. Planning applications for battery energy storage systems which are 50MW or higher require approval from Scottish Ministers. The Scottish Government's Energy Consents Unit consulted PKC on the proposed development on land 260m south east of Colbeggie Farm Cottage, Kettins. The footprint of the built area would be 1.3 hectares - just smaller than the combined size of two football pitches. The built site would include: 28 battery blocks - with each block containing four battery containers; 28 inverter and transformer units; two auxiliary transformers; two control room and welfare units; two private substations; two storage rooms and two district network operator (DNO) rooms. The development would also include access, lighting, security fencing, drainage and acoustic fencing. The site is currently being used for crops and sits within an agricultural rural landscape of Coupar Angus bounded by hedgerows and post and wire fencing. Last week, PKC's Planning and Placemaking Committee was asked to consider whether or not to object to the application. If PKC had objected, it would have triggered the requirement for a public inquiry to be held to consider the application. The committee's convener SNP councillor Ian Massie put forward a motion not to object to the application. It was seconded by Conservative councillor David Illingworth. Conservative councillor Ian James raised concern "it was too large" and "on a prime agricultural site". Cllr Bob Brawn agreed but the pair were unable to table an amendment -to oppose the application - which was deemed legally competent. National planning policy does allow for energy developments to be built on prime agricultural land. The report of handling - put before councillors - said: "...the global/local need for energy is outweighed by the small loss of land proposed for this development. Furthermore, the site has been designed so the land is minimally disturbed." And councillors were told there was nothing to show the plant was taking more land than required for 100MW. The committee agreed to uphold planners' recommendation not to object to the application.
Rhyl Journal
18-06-2025
- Business
- Rhyl Journal
Speedy Hire warns over ‘challenging' conditions amid depot closures
Shares in the equipment hire firm dropped on Wednesday morning as it also reported weaker revenues and swung to a loss for the past year. The Merseyside-based business said it was impacted by 'challenging market conditions' after the Government delayed spending on major infrastructure projects, such as Network Rail's development programme. Speedy Hire said these challenges underpin its commitment to its accelerated transformation plan in order to return to growth. As part of its turnaround efforts, the company said it shut eight of its depots, leading to a reduction in staff numbers. It said its headcount dropped by 74 at the end of March compared with a year earlier. On Wednesday, the company reported that revenues for the year slipped by 1.2% to £416.6 million for the year to March 31. It said its hire business saw sales edge up 0.6% for the year. Meanwhile, the group also swung to a £1.5 million pre-tax loss from a £5.1 million profit a year earlier. It also saw its net debts grow by £11.8 million to £113.1 million. Dan Evans, chief executive of the business, said: 'Despite the macro-economic challenges, we have remained committed to, and in parts accelerated, the implementation of our velocity transformation strategy during its latest phase, which is setting the foundation for growth opportunities for the benefit of our customers and people, whilst maintaining shareholder returns. 'We are focused on what we can control, and we will continue to manage our cost base and balance our investment decisions through the economic cycle. 'Our transformation is key to our business, ensuring service excellence, innovation and ease of transacting for our customers, from an efficient and systems driven operating model.' Mark Crouch, market analyst for EToro, said: 'It's been anything but a smooth ride for Speedy Hire. 'Grappling with spiralling costs and softening demand, the tool and equipment rental firm has found itself under mounting pressure as challenging economic conditions have pushed the business close to its limits. 'With both revenue and profit falling short of estimates, Speedy Hire's full-year results will have done little to shore up investor confidence. 'The broader trend of businesses tightening their belts is already troubling, but Network Rail's decision to delay spending on its £45.4 billion five-year infrastructure programme has delivered yet another hammer blow.'
North Wales Chronicle
18-06-2025
- Business
- North Wales Chronicle
Speedy Hire warns over ‘challenging' conditions amid depot closures
Shares in the equipment hire firm dropped on Wednesday morning as it also reported weaker revenues and swung to a loss for the past year. The Merseyside-based business said it was impacted by 'challenging market conditions' after the Government delayed spending on major infrastructure projects, such as Network Rail's development programme. Speedy Hire said these challenges underpin its commitment to its accelerated transformation plan in order to return to growth. As part of its turnaround efforts, the company said it shut eight of its depots, leading to a reduction in staff numbers. It said its headcount dropped by 74 at the end of March compared with a year earlier. On Wednesday, the company reported that revenues for the year slipped by 1.2% to £416.6 million for the year to March 31. It said its hire business saw sales edge up 0.6% for the year. Meanwhile, the group also swung to a £1.5 million pre-tax loss from a £5.1 million profit a year earlier. It also saw its net debts grow by £11.8 million to £113.1 million. Dan Evans, chief executive of the business, said: 'Despite the macro-economic challenges, we have remained committed to, and in parts accelerated, the implementation of our velocity transformation strategy during its latest phase, which is setting the foundation for growth opportunities for the benefit of our customers and people, whilst maintaining shareholder returns. 'We are focused on what we can control, and we will continue to manage our cost base and balance our investment decisions through the economic cycle. 'Our transformation is key to our business, ensuring service excellence, innovation and ease of transacting for our customers, from an efficient and systems driven operating model.' Mark Crouch, market analyst for EToro, said: 'It's been anything but a smooth ride for Speedy Hire. 'Grappling with spiralling costs and softening demand, the tool and equipment rental firm has found itself under mounting pressure as challenging economic conditions have pushed the business close to its limits. 'With both revenue and profit falling short of estimates, Speedy Hire's full-year results will have done little to shore up investor confidence. 'The broader trend of businesses tightening their belts is already troubling, but Network Rail's decision to delay spending on its £45.4 billion five-year infrastructure programme has delivered yet another hammer blow.'
South Wales Guardian
18-06-2025
- Business
- South Wales Guardian
Speedy Hire warns over ‘challenging' conditions amid depot closures
Shares in the equipment hire firm dropped on Wednesday morning as it also reported weaker revenues and swung to a loss for the past year. The Merseyside-based business said it was impacted by 'challenging market conditions' after the Government delayed spending on major infrastructure projects, such as Network Rail's development programme. Speedy Hire said these challenges underpin its commitment to its accelerated transformation plan in order to return to growth. As part of its turnaround efforts, the company said it shut eight of its depots, leading to a reduction in staff numbers. It said its headcount dropped by 74 at the end of March compared with a year earlier. On Wednesday, the company reported that revenues for the year slipped by 1.2% to £416.6 million for the year to March 31. It said its hire business saw sales edge up 0.6% for the year. Meanwhile, the group also swung to a £1.5 million pre-tax loss from a £5.1 million profit a year earlier. It also saw its net debts grow by £11.8 million to £113.1 million. Dan Evans, chief executive of the business, said: 'Despite the macro-economic challenges, we have remained committed to, and in parts accelerated, the implementation of our velocity transformation strategy during its latest phase, which is setting the foundation for growth opportunities for the benefit of our customers and people, whilst maintaining shareholder returns. 'We are focused on what we can control, and we will continue to manage our cost base and balance our investment decisions through the economic cycle. 'Our transformation is key to our business, ensuring service excellence, innovation and ease of transacting for our customers, from an efficient and systems driven operating model.' Mark Crouch, market analyst for EToro, said: 'It's been anything but a smooth ride for Speedy Hire. 'Grappling with spiralling costs and softening demand, the tool and equipment rental firm has found itself under mounting pressure as challenging economic conditions have pushed the business close to its limits. 'With both revenue and profit falling short of estimates, Speedy Hire's full-year results will have done little to shore up investor confidence. 'The broader trend of businesses tightening their belts is already troubling, but Network Rail's decision to delay spending on its £45.4 billion five-year infrastructure programme has delivered yet another hammer blow.'
Glasgow Times
18-06-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Speedy Hire warns over ‘challenging' conditions amid depot closures
Shares in the equipment hire firm dropped on Wednesday morning as it also reported weaker revenues and swung to a loss for the past year. The Merseyside-based business said it was impacted by 'challenging market conditions' after the Government delayed spending on major infrastructure projects, such as Network Rail's development programme. Speedy Hire said these challenges underpin its commitment to its accelerated transformation plan in order to return to growth. As part of its turnaround efforts, the company said it shut eight of its depots, leading to a reduction in staff numbers. It said its headcount dropped by 74 at the end of March compared with a year earlier. On Wednesday, the company reported that revenues for the year slipped by 1.2% to £416.6 million for the year to March 31. It said its hire business saw sales edge up 0.6% for the year. Meanwhile, the group also swung to a £1.5 million pre-tax loss from a £5.1 million profit a year earlier. It also saw its net debts grow by £11.8 million to £113.1 million. Dan Evans, chief executive of the business, said: 'Despite the macro-economic challenges, we have remained committed to, and in parts accelerated, the implementation of our velocity transformation strategy during its latest phase, which is setting the foundation for growth opportunities for the benefit of our customers and people, whilst maintaining shareholder returns. 'We are focused on what we can control, and we will continue to manage our cost base and balance our investment decisions through the economic cycle. 'Our transformation is key to our business, ensuring service excellence, innovation and ease of transacting for our customers, from an efficient and systems driven operating model.' Mark Crouch, market analyst for EToro, said: 'It's been anything but a smooth ride for Speedy Hire. 'Grappling with spiralling costs and softening demand, the tool and equipment rental firm has found itself under mounting pressure as challenging economic conditions have pushed the business close to its limits. 'With both revenue and profit falling short of estimates, Speedy Hire's full-year results will have done little to shore up investor confidence. 'The broader trend of businesses tightening their belts is already troubling, but Network Rail's decision to delay spending on its £45.4 billion five-year infrastructure programme has delivered yet another hammer blow.'
