Clean Planet Technologies Awarded UK Government SAF Clearing House Funding

Clean Planet Technologies (CPTech), part of the Clean Planet Group, has been awarded funding by the UK Department for Transport (DfT) through the UK Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) Clearing House, supporting the next phase of qualification and testing for its waste-plastics-to-Sustainable Aviation Fuel (P2SAF) technology.

The award forms part of a funding package announced today by the DfT, supporting four SAF innovators, Avioxx Ltd, Clean Planet Technologies Ltd, Green Lizard Technologies Ltd, and Zero Petroleum Ltd, to accelerate the testing, certification and commercialisation of next-generation sustainable aviation fuels.

The UK SAF Clearing House plays a central role in the UK’s aviation decarbonisation strategy, providing technical guidance, access to recognised testing facilities, and support for the ASTM qualification process. The programme underpins the UK’s ambition to lead globally in SAF deployment, alongside the SAF Mandate and wider measures to derisk first-of-a-kind SAF production.

Matthew Jee, Director of the UK SAF Clearing House, told That's Business: “The UK SAF Clearing House is delighted to support [Clean Planet Technologies] as they move through the critical stages of fuel qualification. 

"The testing we facilitate provides the robust evidence base that producers and industry needs to build confidence, unlock investment and accelerate the deployment of new fuels. These awards underline the UK SAF Clearing House’s commitment to working closely with innovators to scale sustainable aviation fuel production and to deliver meaningful progress towards a more sustainable aviation sector in the UK.”

Advancing the UK’s first Plastics-to-SAF pathway

For Clean Planet Technologies, the funding will support detailed fuel characterisation, materials compatibility testing, and data generation required for progression through the ASTM qualification process for plastics-derived aviation fuels.

CPTech is developing the SAFe-P2SAF platform — a proprietary system combining pyrolysis and advanced hydroprocessing to convert hard-to-recycle waste plastics into ultra-clean, low-carbon jet fuel. Their technology was unveiled publicly at the SAF Global Summit, where CPTech presented the UK’s first end-to-end Plastics-to-SAF pathway.

The programme builds on CPTech’s patented pyrolysis-oil upgrading technology, now protected in the UK, United States and Saudi Arabia, and is being advanced through the company’s upcoming UK pilot facility, planned for opening in April 2026.

Dr Andrew Odjo, CTO of Clean Planet Energy and CEO of Clean Planet Technologies, said: “We are delighted to be supported by the UK SAF Clearing House programme, enabling us to accelerate the validation of our innovative plastics-to-SAF technology. 

"Every molecule of virgin fossil fuel that we can replace with our oils brings waste back into the value chain, and significantly reduces lifecycle carbon emissions and plastic pollution. The UK is at the forefront for advanced fuels, and this support helps ground-breaking technologies like ours reach commercial deployment. We’re proud to contribute to the future of sustainable aviation and to the UK’s Net Zero ambitions whilst removing waste from the environment.”

Dr Katerina Garyfalou, COO of Clean Planet Technologies, added: “This support allows us to move faster and with greater technical confidence through the SAF qualification process. Fuel testing and certification are essential steps in bridging innovation and commercial reality, and the UK SAF Clearing House plays a critical role in reducing risk for new fuel pathways. This award strengthens our roadmap from pilot-scale validation to commercial deployment.”

Supporting UK SAF scale-up and feedstock diversity

With UK and EU SAF mandates coming into force and increasing pressure on traditional bio-based feedstocks, alternative circular feedstocks such as waste plastics are gaining strategic importance. CPTech is an active contributor to the ASTM task force for plastics-to-SAF and is working alongside industry partners, including OMV, whose forthcoming annex is expected to establish the regulatory route for this new class of fuels.

Each stage of the Clearing House programme brings CPTech closer to commissioning its first commercial-scale Plastics-to-SAF unit, targeted later this decade, and to supplying meaningful volumes of low-carbon SAF into the aviation market.

https://www.cleanplanet.com

First Advantage launches Enhanced DBS checks for self-employed workers as new safeguarding rules come into force

First Advantage has launched a fast, digital application service enabling self-employed individuals to obtain their own Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, following a major legislative update designed to strengthen safeguarding across the UK.

For the first time, self-employed professionals including private tutors, carers, and therapists can request their own Enhanced DBS check, giving personal employers greater confidence when inviting workers into their homes and places of work. 

Previously, only organisations such as schools, churches, hospitals, or care providers could request these checks, leaving private employers without access to the same level of safeguarding information.

The legislative update, announced in November 2025, responds to recommendations from the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA), which called for stronger measures to protect children and vulnerable adults.

A streamlined digital route for self-employed professionals

As a global background screening leader processing more than one million UK criminal record checks each year, First Advantage is supporting the change through the provision of a seamless online process that uses digital identity verification to speed up and improve the accuracy of applications.

Enhanced DBS checks provide details of relevant spent and unspent convictions and cautions, along with any additional police information deemed proportionate to disclose. Where eligible, they can also include checks of the children’s and adults’ barred lists, the highest level of safeguarding available.

Having an up-to-date Enhanced DBS certificate can help self-employed workers to secure roles more quickly, demonstrate their commitment to safeguarding, and build immediate trust with potential clients.

Rolf Bezemer, Executive Vice President and General Manager International at First Advantage, told That's Business: “Extending Enhanced DBS checks to self-employed workers is a transformational step for safeguarding in the UK. 

"Historically, personal employers have not had access to the same level of information and protection available to institutions such as schools or care providers. This change finally closes that gap.

“At First Advantage, we welcome this progress and are proud to support it with a digital application process designed for speed, accuracy, and security. Self-employed professionals rely on trust to build their client base, and being able to evidence their suitability through an Enhanced DBS certificate helps them do exactly that.

“As one of the UK’s largest processors of criminal record checks, we see firsthand how important clear, reliable screening is for safeguarding. This update gives personal employers real confidence in the people they invite into their homes, and it gives workers a simple way to demonstrate their commitment to safety and professionalism.”

https://fadv.co.uk/services/personal-background-checks

Why Net Zero Starts with Facing the Data

As organisations strive to meet net zero commitments, the biggest challenge often isn’t ambition, it’s action.

And at the heart of that action lies one critical step: establishing a carbon emissions baseline.

The foundation for progress

A carbon emissions baseline provides a clear starting point for measuring and reducing greenhouse gas emissions across Scope 1, 2, and 3. Without it, even the most well-intentioned sustainability strategies risk drifting into irrelevance.

Baselining is essential for:

• Understanding your environmental impact.

• Setting meaningful targets.

• Planning effective reductions.

• Meeting growing regulatory and reporting expectations.

What is the barrier for organisations?

Despite its importance, many organisations postpone baselining. Common barriers include fragmented data, unclear ownership, and fear of inaccuracies. But these delays can stall progress and increase risk as compliance requirements tighten.

The human factor

The challenge isn’t just technical, it’s organisational. Internal silos, legacy systems, and budget hesitations often slow decision-making. Sustainability can remain sidelined when leadership waits for perfect data or a dedicated team.

Start where you are

The most effective approach is pragmatic: begin with what you have. Use estimates. Be transparent. Build from there. Practical steps include:

• Embedding emissions tracking into core responsibilities.

• Leveraging unified data platforms for clarity across all scopes.

• Creating a culture of accountability around sustainability reporting.

Why now is the best time to start

With regulatory expectations rising and public scrutiny growing, the cost of inaction is increasing. Baselining isn’t just a compliance requirement, it’s the cornerstone of measurable, lasting change. And as we step into a new year, organisations have a unique opportunity to set the tone for their sustainability journey.

Recent government updates reinforce this urgency. The latest EPC reforms confirm that commercial properties must have a valid EPC before marketing, and while the carbon-based Environmental Impact Rating remains the headline metric, tighter compliance and clearer links to MEES obligations are on the way. 

Later in 2026, expect further changes to Display Energy Certificate (DEC) cycles, EPC and DEC data use, auditing standards, and air conditioning inspection reporting. All signalling a stronger emphasis on transparency and accountability.

Starting now means:

• You’ll be ahead of upcoming policy refinements.

• You’ll avoid last-minute compliance scrambles.

• You’ll build credibility with stakeholders and customers who increasingly demand proof of progress.

The message is clear: don’t wait for perfect data or future deadlines, use this new year as your launchpad for action. Baselining today sets the foundation for every net zero commitment tomorrow.

To learn more visit https://www.teamenergy.com

Rudell The Jewellers Highlights Opportunities as Gold Hits Record Highs

Gold has reached an all-time high, creating exciting opportunities for jewellery owners and collectors across the United Kingdom. 

Local jewellers, such as West Midlands-based Rudell The Jewellers, are emphasising the benefits of this historic milestone for customers who own, trade, or are considering purchasing gold jewellery.

The surge in gold prices reflects a combination of global factors, including geopolitical tensions, financial market volatility, and continued central bank purchases in countries such as China, India, and Poland.

Currency fluctuations and low interest rates in major economies have further strengthened gold’s appeal as a safe-haven asset. While these dynamics impact investors worldwide, jewellery owners are experiencing tangible benefits closer to home.

For those who already own gold jewellery, the rise in prices enhances the intrinsic value of their collections. According to Glenn Jenkinson-Deakin, Store Manager at Rudell The Jewellers Wolverhampton, who told That's Business: “Our customers are seeing the real-world value of pieces they have cherished for years increase significantly. 

"Jewellery that was purchased for personal enjoyment now represents sentimental and financial worth. This historic market milestone is a reminder of the strength of gold through generations.”

Even for customers considering new purchases, gold jewellery remains a compelling investment, holding additional worth through its design, craftsmanship, and sentimental value. 

Glenn further explains, “Purchasing gold jewellery now is not about investment. It is about acquiring a piece that carries lasting beauty, quality, and personal meaning. The high price of gold also means each piece purchased today has greater long-term value, creating a tangible store of wealth alongside its aesthetic appeal.”

Rising gold prices also create opportunities for strategic buying. Smaller designs, mixed metals, and lower carat options allow customers to acquire high-quality jewellery while navigating higher raw gold prices. These choices provide flexibility, ensuring that jewellery remains attainable while still retaining value. Furthermore, high gold prices mean that any new purchase has the potential to grow in value over time.

The historic peak in gold prices also highlights the value of local expertise. At Rudell The Jewellers, customers benefit from guidance on trade-ins, upgrades, and new purchases, helping them navigate a complex market with confidence. 

“We focus on ensuring that every customer understands the benefits and opportunities of the current gold market,” Glenn said. 

“For customers looking to purchase a new piece, upgrade an existing item, or assess their collection’s value, our priority is to provide practical, informed guidance.”

Historically, gold has maintained its status as a reliable store of wealth, and the current record underscores its continuing relevance. 

For jewellery owners in the West Midlands, this surge reinforces the importance of careful collection management and informed decision-making. It also demonstrates that jewellery is a tangible, long-lasting asset that combines financial value with beauty and personal significance.

The record-high gold prices represent a positive development for jewellery owners. They enhance the value of existing collections, provide opportunities for trade-ins and upgrades, and create long-term benefits for those acquiring new pieces. 

Residents in the West Midlands can take comfort in knowing that, with expert guidance from trusted local jewellers like Rudell The Jewellers, gold jewellery remains a meaningful and valuable investment, even during times of historic market growth.

www.rudells.com

Ignore the doom-mongers – e-commerce had a strong December and crushed Christmas, says Parcelhero

Reports of online’s death this peak season were greatly exaggerated, says Parcelhero. The latest ONS retail figures show 2025’s results smashed 2024’s December and golden quarter results.

There’s still gold in retail’s golden quarter, says the home delivery expert Parcelhero. Forget talk of  ‘Drab December’ – online peak sales values for October-December 2025 surged by 8.4% compared to the same period in 2024.

The latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) retail sales bulletin for December 2025 reveals online in particular enjoyed a mini-boom, while overall sales for online and High Street stores were also up in December 2025 compared to both the previous month and December 2024.

Parcelhero’s Head of Consumer Research, David Jinks M.I.L.T., told That's Business: "Despite talk about a “Drab December” and lacklustre Christmas peak, the latest ONS retail sales figures show online sales had a strong December. Non-store retailers (the majority of which are online) saw their sales volumes (the amount we bought) rise 4.2% in December compared to November. The end of the so-called “golden quarter” was literally that, with online jewellers reporting a resurgence in demand for precious metals in December.

"In terms of online sales values (the amount we spent), spending was up 1.8% in December compared to November and, encouragingly, soared a whopping 11.1% compared to December 2024. 

"E-commerce sellers enjoyed a strong Christmas-BFCM (Black Friday/Cyber Monday) peak overall, in terms of the amount Brits spent online. The October-December golden quarter saw sales values rise by 2.1% over the previous quarter (though they slipped -1.5% in terms of sales volumes) and values also rose an impressive 8.4% over 2024’s peak period.

"Nor did online’s successful December come at the expense of High Street sales. In fact, overall retail sales volumes (in-store and online) were up 0.4% in December compared to November and 2.5% over December 2024. In terms of the entire peak season, while volumes did fall slightly (-0.3%) against the previous quarter (July-September, 2025) they were up 2.1% against 2024’s seasonal peak. Likewise, in terms of the value of total sales (in-store and online) December’s spending topped November’s by 0.8%.

"With December being the final month of 2025, the ONS also had some good news looking back on the year as a whole. Retail sales volumes overall rose by 1.3% in 2025 over 2024 with non-store sales (mostly online) in particular rising 3.6% over the previous year.

"In short, online sellers can be heartened by this largely positive set of results and can plan for Christmas 2026 with more confidence!

"Ultimately, however fickle or strong key retail periods of the year prove to be, it's those stores with a combined High Street and online offering that are most protected against unexpected events.

Parcelhero’s influential report “2030: Death of the High Street” has been discussed in Parliament. It reveals that retailers must develop an omnichannel approach, embracing both online and physical store sales. Read the full report at: https://www.parcelhero.com/content/downloads/pdfs/high-street/deathofthehighstreetreport.pdf

Local playlists measurably improve hotel experience. HearDis! and Motel One present music study

What people feel in a place is shaped not only by architecture, design, or service, but also by music. 

A new European pilot music study by HearDis! in collaboration with Motel One provides the first data-driven evidence of how local music influences the hotel experience. 

The results demonstrate clear positive effects on sense of place, guest satisfaction, and cultural curiosity.

HearDis! has long been creating music programmes for Motel One and The Cloud One Hotels. These playlists form part of the Motel One Group’s brand commitment to making cities and their identities holistically tangible. The study examined the measurable contribution local music makes to guests’ sense of arrival and overall quality of stay.

The findings show a strong impact of local music on the guest experience. Guests exposed to local playlists were almost three times more likely to feel connected to the destination than those listening to non-local playlists. 

Overall satisfaction also rose significantly, with guests rating their stay as good or very good rising from 66% to 79%. Local playlists also strengthened cultural curiosity and the impulse to discover new artist.

The pilot study was conducted as part of the EU-funded Horizon Europe research project OpenMusE, which investigates innovative and fair usage contexts for music across Europe. Six Motel One Group hotels participated.

Each hotel played two brand-fit music programmes across two phases, identical in atmosphere and brand alignment. The sole variable was content locality: one playlist without local references and one featuring local artists, language, or regional context. Guests and employees evaluated their experience anonymously without knowing the study purpose, enabling a reliable comparison.

“Our guests should not just stay in a city – they should truly arrive, emotionally and culturally. This study shows that music is a highly effective yet often underestimated part of the guest journey” Susan Schramm, CMO of the Motel One Group told That's Business. 

“Local music strengthens the sense of place and measurably enhances the overall experience – regardless of age, gender, or musical taste. 

"This proves that music serves as a strategic component of modern hospitality experience, which we will continue to develop and scale together with Motel One,” adds Sören Maisch, Director In-Store Music at HearDis!.

The study highlights that effectiveness is not driven by song recognition, but by music’s ability to convey the character of a place. Local playlists make a destination’s identity audible and create a cultural connection between brand, city, and traveller.

Motel One and HearDis! will further develop and expand local music programs to embed local profiles consistently along the guest journey while increasing visibility for local artists.

www.motel-one.com 

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