Firm behind gigafactory strengthens city university partnership
From bright bows to cool claws, KATIE WRIGHT picks out the most on-trend accessories to style up your tresses
THE company behind the UK’S first gigafactory to build batteries for electric cars has strengthened its partnership with the University of Warwick with a new multi-million-pound deal.
Britishvolt, which is building the facility in the North East, has extended its contract with WMG at the University of Warwick.
The company has announced the extension of an existing contract which will see the university develop battery cell technologies in moves to accelerate their route to market. The deal follows a successful initial 12-month project between the two organisations, triggering the new two-year programme of work.
Britishvolt is currently onsite at the former coalyards of the old Blyth Power Station in Northumberland as part of a £3.8bn electric vehicles battery plant project. The factory will eventually lead to 3,000 jobs, as well as thousands more through its supply chain.
Recent months have seen the firm announce a number of deals with motor manufacturers, key material suppliers, infrastructure firms and kit manufacturers, as well as a multi-million-pound investment in a 260,000 sq ft factory at Hams Hall in Warwickshire, creating and sustaining in excess of 150 skilled tech jobs.
Last week also saw Britishvolt announce a strategic partnership with Northumberland College and the Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre to provide the skills needed for its gigafactory in the North East.
Now research by WMG, in Coventry, will assist with battery cell development, including smallscale manufacturing to produce battery electrodes and cells using Britishvolt target materials sets, formulations and cell designs. They will then be tested according to Britishvolt’s agreed protocols.
Dr Allan Paterson, chief technical officer at Britishvolt, said: “Britishvolt are delighted to extend and expand our relationship and programme of work with WMG, University of Warwick.
“The battery science, advanced materials and cell prototyping expertise and capability at WMG has directly, and positively, supported our battery technology development programme.
“This gives us not only an excellent basis to progress from, as we seek to scale and commercialise our technologies, but the relationship also enables Britishvolt to continue to develop our products further, as we continually strive to deliver best-in-class, market-leading, cell technologies to our customers.”
The project is helping Britishvolt to deliver its 38GWH battery gigaplant, one of the largest industrial investments ever undertaken in the UK, which is hoped will open in 2024.
The firm says the facility will quickly increase the availability of batteries required at commercial scale for the electric vehicle market and beyond, playing a key role in helping the UK reach its carbon net zero target by 2050.
Professor David Greenwood, CEO of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult at WMG, said: “WMG, at the University of Warwick, is delighted to be supporting Britishvolt as they set up large scale battery manufacturing and research facilities in the UK. This industry will be critical for the future of the UK automotive and energy sectors. WMG has been investing over the last decade in the research and development capabilities needed to help Britishvolt and other battery companies to be internationally competitive now and in the future.”
WANT an easy way to elevate your summer wardrobe? Look no further than the spring/summer 2022 catwalks, where Nineties and Noughties-inspired hair was styled with all kinds of accessories.
From dainty slides and pretty bows to silky head scarves, there’s a look to suit every outfit – whether you want to put your locks in the spotlight, or disguise a bad hair day.
And now, thanks to Tiktok, there are thousands of hair hack tutorials online to help you perfect your crowning glory.
These are the must-have hair accessories of the season...
BEAUTIFUL BOWS
At Giambattista Valli, sleek high ponytails were tied with crisp white bows, while at Chanel, black grosgrain ribbons sat atop side-swept waves.
Whether it’s a ribbon, headband or hair clip, make sure your big, beautiful bow takes centre stage.
HEAD SCARVES
One of the most hotlyanticipated shows of fashion month was Fendace, the Fendi/ Versace collaboration, where Noughties-style pokerstraight hair was topped with silk scarves in the fashion houses’ iconic prints.
Channel vintage holiday glam with a printed silk scarf around your hair, paired with swimwear and statement earrings.
JEWELLED SLIDES
At London Fashion Week, the queen f sparkle, Simone Rocha, sent models onto her SS22 catwalk wearing her trademark diamante hair clips (and a few twinkling tiaras), while over at Tom Ford’s show, smoothed-down tresses were accessorised with chunky crystal slides. Make a statement with a couple of oversized slides, or load up with lots of little clips to create a gorgeous, glittering effect.
CLAW CLIPS
A massive Tik Tok trend, claw clips (also known as bulldog clips) are Gen Z’s favourite hair accessory, especially if they’re in a tortoiseshell or marble pattern.
A stylish alternative to boring old hair ties, mini claws are perfect for creating pretty half-up styles, while full-sized clips are the coolest way to get your
locks out of the way on hot summer days.