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Perfect Group Becomes First Occupier at INTER Welwyn Industrial and Logistics Development

Perfect Group has agreed to move into Welwyn’s new £28 million industrial and logistics scheme, INTER, securing a 17,998 sq ft unit on a 10 year lease. The agreement makes the removal and storage firm the first occupier at the newly completed development.

The sustainable scheme has been delivered by industrial and logistics platform Origin, a joint venture between developer HBD, part of Henry Boot, and Feldberg Capital. The letting marks an early milestone for the INTER Welwyn industrial and logistics development.

Perfect Group is accredited by the British Association of Removers and provides moving services for residential and commercial customers. Its offer includes domestic and international removals, secure storage and professional furniture hire.

INTER completed in November and comprises three units providing a total of 71,000 sq ft of prime industrial and logistics space in Welwyn. The development is aimed at occupiers seeking modern and sustainable facilities with strong transport connectivity, a key feature of the INTER Welwyn industrial and logistics development.

The scheme is located 2.5 miles from the A1M and approximately 26 miles from central London, making it one of Hertfordshire’s best located industrial and logistics sites. Two units remain available, measuring 40,016 sq ft and 13,484 sq ft respectively.

Lucky Gohler, Group Chairman of Perfect Group, said: “Offering high-quality, sustainable space close to London and key transport networks, INTER will be an ideal base for Perfect Group as we continue to scale our operations across the region. The specification and efficiency of the unit will allow us to further enhance our service delivery, while supporting our long-term growth strategy.”

Vivienne Clements, Executive Director at HBD, said: “We continue to see strong demand for Grade A I&L space in Welwyn, so it’s positive to be able to deliver a new scheme for businesses like Perfect Group which meets modern operational needs while supporting occupiers in achieving their ESG objectives.”

Jamie Acheson, Managing Director at Feldberg Capital, said: “Origin is committed to delivering I&L schemes that prioritise environmental responsibility and social impact; INTER exemplifies this approach, combining high-quality space with strong ESG credentials. We’ve no doubt that INTER will prove a successful location for Perfect Group as the business continues to expand.”

The agents acting on the scheme are Adroit Real Estate and Hollis Hockley. Origin, the joint venture behind the project, was established to own and develop next generation, ESG compliant industrial and logistics assets across the UK’s mid box market, with ambitions to deliver £1 billion of high-quality schemes over the next five to seven years.

Airlines support London Stansted growth plans to expand passenger capacity

A range of major airlines have publicly endorsed London Stansted growth plans that would allow the airport to accommodate up to 51 million passengers a year over the next two decades.

The proposal, currently under consideration by Uttlesford District Council, focuses on maximising the capacity of Stansted’s existing single runway by the 2040s. It does not seek to increase the number of flights already permitted and would remain entirely within the airport’s current boundary.

Under the London Stansted growth plans, higher passenger volumes would be delivered through the introduction of larger aircraft with increased seating capacity, rather than additional aircraft movements. This approach is presented as a way to unlock further capacity while remaining within existing operational limits.

The application follows a period of expansion in airline choice at Stansted, with new routes added and a broader mix of carriers beginning operations at the airport. Several of those airlines have now formally expressed support for the plans ahead of the council’s planning committee decision.

Airlines submitting letters of support include Emirates, Ryanair, Jet2.com, Pegasus, Ajet and Turkish Airlines.

If approved, the London Stansted growth plans are expected to support a range of outcomes. These include the creation of 4,500 new jobs linked to the airport’s training and education facilities, improvements to M11 Junction 8 to reduce congestion, funding for local bus services and roads, measures to address fly-parking, and a target for half of all passenger journeys to be made by public transport.

Gareth Powell, Managing Director of London Stansted, said the plans would have long-term regional benefits.

“London Stansted’s plans to sustainably grow the airport to serve up to 51 million passengers a year over the next two decades will help drive the on-going economic success along the innovation corridor from London to Cambridge and right across the east of England.

“This growth opportunity is clearly understood and strongly supported by our airline partners who will be able to serve more destinations and give passengers even more choice and great value options from their local airport.

“This strong backing by our airlines is really important and reflects our joint ambitions to continue growing and make the most of the available runway capacity at Stansted.

“If this application is approved, we will be able to unlock even more local opportunities and improvements over the next 20 years. We have an exciting and ambitious vision for London Stansted and how we best serve our region, so I’m delighted so many of our airlines are backing our plans.”

Airlines supporting the London Stansted growth plans highlighted fleet investment, route expansion and passenger demand as key factors.

David Neill, Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Director at Jet2.com, said: “Jet2.com supports London Stansted Airport’s planning application to increase passenger capacity. Since launching operations from the airport in 2017, we have enjoyed tremendous success taking customers away on their well-deserved holidays.

“The introduction of our new Airbus A321neo aircraft – offering over 20% greater fuel efficiency and 50% less noise – demonstrates our commitment to sustainable growth and with 155 of these next-generation aircraft on order, we are well positioned to support London Stansted’s expansion and deliver long-term benefits for customers and the regional economy.”

Emirates pointed to sustained demand on its Dubai route and recent investments at the airport.

“Emirates’ popular Dubai service from London Stansted reflects the airport’s growing importance as a strategic hub for international connectivity. Since the route began in 2018, demand has remained consistently strong, with over 1.6 million passengers carried and load factors exceeding industry averages,” said Jabr Al-Azeeby, Emirates Divisional Vice President UK.

“The launch of our dedicated Emirates lounge and introduction of our newly retrofitted Boeing 777 aircraft, featuring upgraded Business Class and Premium Economy cabins, underscores our commitment to delivering a world-class travel experience from the airport.

“Stansted’s continued growth presents a valuable opportunity – not just for enhancing global access, but for supporting regional business development, job creation, and long-term investment across the East and Southeast of England.”

Turkish Airlines also confirmed its support as it prepares to expand its UK network.

“London Stansted marks an exciting new chapter for UK operations of Turkish Airlines, the world’s most connected airline,” said Mehmet Gurulkan, General Manager for Turkish Airlines London. “Our third London gateway, launching in March 2026, will offer 14 weekly flights, giving our guests across the region convenient and seamless access to Istanbul – a major hub for international connectivity – and more than 350 destinations worldwide.

“We recognise Stansted’s growing role as a key international airport and are glad to support its ambitious growth plans while contributing to our greater global connectivity.”

Pegasus Airlines referenced its existing passenger volumes and regional role.

“Pegasus Airlines is proud to support Stansted Airport’s 43+ million passengers planning application,” said Elifnur Doğruöz, Group Head of Network Planning and Airline Collaborations. “As a key operator serving nearly 900,000 passengers in 2024, we recognise Stansted’s vital role in connecting the East of England to Türkiye and beyond. Increasing passenger capacity will enable greater route flexibility, strengthen regional connectivity, and enhance access to global markets.

“This proposal aligns with Stansted’s ongoing investment in passenger experience and operational excellence, and we believe it presents a valuable opportunity to drive sustainable growth and reinforce the region’s international competitiveness.”

AJet highlighted rising demand and terminal improvements as factors underpinning its backing of the London Stansted growth plans.

“AJet, Türkiye’s youngest airline, continues to experience strong demand for its London Stansted services,” said Kerem Sarp, AJet CEO. “This growing interest is driven by London’s strategic role within the global aviation ecosystem, combined with AJet’s expanding route network, modernised fleet, and increasing operational efficiency. Passenger volumes on AJet’s London routes remain on an upward trend, with load factors consistently exceeding industry averages – reinforcing the airline’s position in international markets.

“The ongoing renovation and modernization efforts at London Stansted Airport will further enable AJet to deliver a more seamless, comfortable, and high-quality terminal experience. This development aligns closely with our commitment to enhancing customer satisfaction and service excellence.”

Paratus365: Bringing Clarity and Control to a Long-Overlooked Security Industry

For an industry supposedly built on trust, the UK security sector has long struggled with credibility. Businesses rely on it to protect people, property and reputation, yet behind the scenes the system is often opaque, expensive and surprisingly analogue. Quotes arrive slowly, emergency callouts carry hefty premiums, and accountability is largely assumed rather than demonstrated.

Paratus365 enters this landscape with a clear proposition: modernise how security is sourced, delivered and paid for. The platform applies the logic of on-demand digital services to a sector that has, until now, resisted meaningful change.

Replacing Friction with Visibility

At its core, Paratus365 is a smartphone-based platform connecting businesses directly with fully vetted, SIA-licensed security officers. The experience is deliberately simple. Clients book officers on demand or in advance, without waiting for quotes or navigating agency intermediaries whose fees often add little value.

The result is cost savings of 15–30%, but the real shift is less about price and more about transparency. Fixed pricing removes the uncertainty that has historically surrounded security spend. What you see is what you pay – whether booking routine cover or filling short-notice gaps caused by sickness or holidays.

This clarity extends beyond the invoice. Clients can select officers based on skills, experience, appearance, location and even language – a level of choice rarely offered by traditional providers.

A Higher Bar for Vetting and Accountability

One of the platform’s most significant departures from industry norms is its approach to verification. Every officer on Paratus365 undergoes comprehensive screening: SIA licence checks, five-year employment history, right-to-work verification and platform-verified identity confirmation.

Once deployed, officers are tracked via live location monitoring, with compulsory photographic evidence confirming the correct individual is on-site and actively working. For clients, this replaces blind trust with measurable assurance – a shift that feels overdue in a sector responsible for frontline protection.

Paratus365 also introduces verified officer reviews, creating a feedback loop that benefits both businesses and operatives. Performance is no longer anecdotal or hidden behind agency relationships; it is visible and reliable.

Fairer Economics for Businesses and Officers

The platform’s payment model addresses another persistent issue in the sector. Clients pay upfront for a guaranteed service, with funds held securely until the job is completed. This structure eliminates informal payment practices that have historically undermined professionalism.

For officers, payment is instant and always above minimum wage – a meaningful change in an industry where delayed pay cycles often push workers into unreliable side arrangements. By stabilising income, Paratus365 aims to improve reliability and retention, benefiting everyone involved.

Support Without the Middlemen

Despite removing traditional intermediaries, Paratus365 does not leave users unsupported. A 24/7 back-office team aids with both same-day requirements and long-term planning, ensuring businesses retain human support alongside digital efficiency.

A Measured Step Forward

Paratus365 does not claim to reinvent security. Instead, it applies modern expectations – visibility, control, accountability and fair pay – to an industry that has lagged behind them.

In doing so, it quietly challenges long-standing assumptions about how security services should be procured and managed. For businesses tired of opaque pricing and limited oversight, and for officers seeking a more professional and reliable working model, the appeal is clear.

In a sector overdue for reform, Paratus365 sets a new benchmark – not through disruption for its own sake, but by aligning security provision with how organisations now expect services to work.

Nearly 90% of Gen Z distracted by technology at Christmas dinner table, new research reveals

Nearly 90% of Gen Z admit to being distracted by technology at the Christmas dinner table, according to new research that highlights how modern digital habits are disrupting festive mealtimes and meaningful family connection.

The exclusive survey reveals that traditional Christmas gatherings — long seen as a time for warmth, conversation and togetherness — are increasingly being overshadowed by phones, screens and social media. The findings suggest the festive season is no longer immune to the pull of technology, particularly among younger generations.

Research commissioned by Uber Eats also shows that more than a third of Brits (37%) struggle to make conversation at the Christmas dinner table, despite 9 in 10 describing themselves as “good conversationalists”. In reality, 65% admit to being regularly distracted by technology while eating.

While over half of respondents (52%) say they crave deeper, more meaningful conversations with friends and family, familiar conversation starters such as “What’s new with you?” or “Tell me a fun fact about yourself” are leaving many feeling more disconnected than engaged.

In response, broadcaster and self-confessed conversation enthusiast Nick Grimshaw has partnered with Uber Eats and Indian restaurant brand Mowgli to help reignite real conversation this Christmas. Together, they have created a set of festive conversation cards designed to spark meaningful, surprising and entertaining discussion over a shared meal.

The conversation prompts encourage diners to move beyond polite small talk, tapping into shared human experiences with questions such as “Is there a lesson you’ve learned that’s stayed with you?” and “What’s a mealtime tradition you’d love to start?”

With conversational anxiety often driven by fears of saying the wrong thing, a lack of shared interests or chat that feels too shallow, Grimshaw’s prompts aim to unlock personal stories, spark curiosity and get people opening up. The idea is simple: good food, fewer screens, and conversations that actually connect.

Nick Grimshaw said:

“I love when people open up and share their stories, and I firmly believe that the best conversations happen when people are relaxed, enjoying good food, and have their phones at bay, being present in the moment. I’m thrilled to team up with Uber Eats and Mowgli to inject some life back into dinner table discussions, giving people the tools they need to switch off the screen and turn up the chat.”

Saskia De Jongh, at Uber Eats, added:

“Every day, millions of us enjoy amazing food through Uber Eats. With Mowgli, we wanted to offer something extra this Christmas: delicious dishes and a moment to truly reconnect with our loved ones. After all, great stories, like great food, are meant to be shared.”

The festive conversation cards reflect Mowgli’s core philosophy of bringing people together over honest, home-style Indian cooking —-the kind found in a family kitchen. The menu ranges from comforting classics like Mother Butter Chicken to vibrant street-food favourites such as Fenugreek Fries, all designed for sharing. Delivery bundles and set menus are available exclusively via Uber Eats, making group dining easy this festive season.

Fans will also have the chance to see an expert host in action, with Nick Grimshaw hosting a special Mowgli dinner on 16 December. A limited number of places will be available through Uber Eats UK’s Instagram, where users can engage with Nick’s dinner party content for a chance to attend.

The research also highlights stark generational differences in conversation topics. While Millennials tend to talk about food (25%) and fitness (24%), Gen Z conversations are more focused on social media and memes (23%) or people they know (21%). Baby Boomers, meanwhile, are most likely to discuss holidays (41%).

This Christmas, Uber Eats and Mowgli aim to bridge the generational divide – one thoughtful conversation prompt at a time. A lucky selection of customers across the UK will receive Nick Grimshaw’s festive conversation cards with their Mowgli order via Uber Eats from this week, while stocks last.

Buncefield redevelopment concerns rise as new homes built near explosion site

Twenty years after one of Britain’s worst industrial incidents, new residents are continuing to move into homes near the site of the Buncefield explosion, with several saying they did not initially know about the blast.

The explosion at the Buncefield oil depot in Hemel Hempstead on 11 December 2005 was the biggest in the UK since World War Two and injured 43 people.

Thousands of new homes are planned in the area, including at Beaumont Manor and Swallowfields, along with further development under the Hemel Garden Communities programme. The Health and Safety Executive introduced proximity zones after the disaster, and Dacorum Borough Council states that all nearby planning applications follow that guidance.

The incident began on a cold Sunday morning when a vapour cloud ignited with the force of 30 tonnes of TNT. The blast, shortly after 06:00 GMT, was heard as far away as the Netherlands. It was described by Hertfordshire’s chief fire officer as “the largest incident of this kind in peacetime Europe”. Evacuations followed as thousands left their homes, and shelters opened in village halls and leisure centres. The fire burned for five days and the plume of smoke was visible from space.

Sue Ferguson, who moved to Woodhall Farm in 1983, remembers having concerns from the start. “We actually had a conversation and we wondered what would happen if Buncefield ever went up,” she says. “Our conclusion was that we probably wouldn’t know much about it because we’d be wiped off the face of the earth, so it would be quick and painless.” When the explosion did occur, she recalls looking out to see “this massive ball of flame” and thinking “it was another Lockerbie” because her home sits under the Luton flight path.

New estates continue to appear near the depot, which still operates on a reduced scale. Swallowfields began construction a decade after the explosion. Resident Farish Lakhani says he “wasn’t really aware of” the event before moving in. “We drove past it every day and then it triggered a memory,” he says. “Nothing was mentioned when we bought the house. It was down to us to look at the local area.”

Zafar Shaikh, who put down a deposit for his home in 2017, says, “We found out about Buncefield during our research before moving in.” He feels the safeguards now in place address earlier risks, adding, “It was a big thing, absolutely, but given the safety precautions now and the time that’s passed, we were OK to move here.” He believes the chances of a similar incident are “very slim” and calls it “a one-off incident”.

At Beaumont Manor, even closer to the depot, Cristina Apopei says she is relieved she did not hear about the explosion before buying. “If you hear something like that before you move in, you’ll think twice,” she says. The developer, Vistry, states, “Beaumont Manor is outside the Buncefield no-build zone but within the HSE’s consultation distance. The land was thoroughly examined and the HSE did not raise any objections.” Ms Apopei still feels developments “should be pushed a little bit away” from the site.

Some remain concerned that the events of 2005 may fade from public memory. David Herring, a former police community support officer who responded on the day and is now a Reform UK county councillor, describes it as “one of the most awful days that I’ve ever experienced and an absolute miracle that the people who were affected weren’t killed”. He adds, “If it happens again once these estates are finished, I can’t imagine what would happen.”

Swallowfields includes 357 homes and Beaumont Manor will add 600 more across two phases. Both form part of the wider Hemel Garden Communities plan to deliver up to 11,000 new homes by 2050. Andrew Cook, whose Fujifilm Electronic Imaging site was heavily damaged, warns, “There are now thousands of houses that are going to be nearby and there is a danger that in 20 years’ time, 30 years’ time, everybody’s forgotten about the risk and it happens again.”

Dacorum Borough Council says developments continue to be shaped by official risk guidance. “We have worked in line with updated guidance from the HSE and other relevant bodies to ensure land use planning reflects lessons learned,” a spokesperson says. “All planning applications in the vicinity of Buncefield have been assessed against this guidance, and risk considerations have been central to decision-making. Developments such as Swallowfields and Beaumont Manor were determined in accordance with these requirements, ensuring compliance with national safety standards. We remain fully committed to prioritising safety in all planning decisions to protect our community now and in the future.”

Haydale Acquisition of SaveMoneyCutCarbon Marks Major Clean Tech Expansion

A Welsh graphene supplier has acquired a Suffolk based business focused on reducing energy and water consumption for £17.1m. Haydale has purchased Intelligent Resource Management Limited, which trades as SaveMoneyCutCarbon (SMCC), as part of its transition into a graphene enabled clean technology platform. The acquisition expands Haydale’s reach into ESG consultancy, project delivery and the installation of smart building and sustainability technologies. The focus key phrase, Haydale acquisition of SaveMoneyCutCarbon, reflects the strategic nature of the transaction.

SMCC has partnerships with major UK banks including Barclays, Lloyds and Santander, and with utilities such as Wave. Haydale said the deal gives it a national customer acquisition engine, a business to business sales and project delivery capability, and a commercial platform suitable for scaling its existing and future technologies. Mark Sait, SMCC co founder and chief executive, will join the Haydale board as chief commercial officer.

To enable the deal, Haydale has launched a placing of more than a billion new shares at 0.5 pence each to raise £5.91m, with Quidos and Barclays each committing £0.5m. A further £0.5m will be raised through a retail offer. Haydale will become a plc once the transaction is completed.

Simon Turek, Haydale chief executive, said: “This transaction marks a pivotal step in Haydale’s evolution.” He noted that the company had focused over the past year on becoming a commercially driven clean technology business with “world-class graphene products ready for scale.” He said that by bringing together Haydale’s materials platform, the growing momentum of JustHeat and SMCC’s market access and partnerships, the group is creating a scalable platform capable of deploying energy efficiency solutions “at pace and at meaningful scale.” He added that the enlarged organisation would be well placed to meet rising demand for practical decarbonisation in the built environment.

Mark Sait said: “This acquisition marks a major transitional step for SMCC at a pivotal point in our journey.” He added that the business is moving from piloting its Impact Partner Platform to UK wide rollouts with banks and utility companies. He said SMCC has built what it believes is the first fully integrated value chain for retrofitting the built environment. Becoming part of Haydale, he said, adds the JustHeat product to its platform while giving Haydale access to SMCC’s B2B delivery model and route to market. He said he looked forward to contributing to the next phase of growth.

Steven Poulter of Barclays Climate Ventures said the bank is committed to scaling climate technology and has a mandate to invest up to £500m of its own equity capital. He said Barclays’ investment in SMCC since 2020 had supported work to reduce energy, water usage and carbon. He described the acquisition as the next stage of SMCC’s growth, increasing the scope for impact among businesses seeking to cut emissions.

Cavendish, Allenby Capital and OAK Securities are acting as joint brokers for the share placing linked to the Haydale acquisition of SaveMoneyCutCarbon.

Wixams to get GP surgery after 16 years with £5m funding approved

Funding has been approved for a GP surgery in Wixams, a town development where residents have been living without local healthcare for 16 years. Bedford Borough Council has approved a business plan for the facility and allocated £5 million from its capital budget to the project.

Currently, around half of Wixams’ 3,000 residents must travel 14 miles round trip to Ampthill to see a doctor. Conservative councillor Graeme Coombes highlighted the challenge, saying some residents faced “five to six-hour bus journeys to see a doctor in Ampthill.”

A year ago, residents were warned they might have to wait another decade for a surgery. At that time, a report from NHS Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board (ICB) noted that “in excess of £5.5m Section 106 (S106) funding has been secured in principle towards the new facility” but added it “would not be available for an estimated five to 10 years.” Discussions were said to be “underway between them and both Bedford and Central Bedfordshire Councils around any potential to accelerate delivery of a facility in the context of significant financial constraints.”

The new plan will see a 900 sq metre building constructed on Loverose Way, with 50 parking spaces, potentially opening in early 2029. More than £4 million of the funding is expected to come from Community Infrastructure Levy payments, with the remainder from ICB and S106 contributions.

Councillor Coombes, representing Wixams and Wilstead, said he had been campaigning on the issue since 2011. He thanked residents for “holding our feet to the fire and making sure this gets ultimately delivered.”

The project is expected to move into detailed design and planning in 2026, with construction taking place from early 2027 to autumn 2028.

Wixams residents have also been waiting for a railway station for more than 20 years. A station could open as early as next year, and there are plans for it to be expanded to accommodate the proposed Universal theme park nearby.

London Stansted busiest November sets scene for record festive travel

London Stansted busiest November marked a clear rise in seasonal travel as the airport moved into the winter period with strong momentum.

A total of 2.14 million passengers passed through the terminal during the month, which exceeded the previous November figure set in 2024. This reflected a sustained demand pattern across the network.

Istanbul, Dublin and Edinburgh recorded the highest passenger volumes. Spain, Italy and Germany remained the most visited countries. London Stansted busiest November also coincided with solid operational performance. Airline punctuality reached 80% on time across all flights. More than 90% of early morning departures kept to schedule.

Over the twelve months ending in November, 29.99 million passengers used the airport. This was 1.3% higher than the previous year. The steady growth reinforced expectations for the period ahead.

The airport now anticipates around 1.4 million travellers between 19 December 2025 and 4 January 2026. Many passengers will be leaving for Christmas and New Year holidays, while others will arrive from overseas for festive events in the UK. Those departing are advised to keep large electrical items and liquids bags inside their hand baggage, as the security search area uses the latest scanner technology.

London Stansted busiest November was supported by consistent winter season demand. Nick Millar, London Stansted’s Operations Director, said:

“The start of the winter season saw demand for travel across our extensive route network remain very strong thanks to the great value, convenience, choice the airport offers to millions of passengers, and helped London Stansted record its busiest ever November.

“Alongside record-breaking passenger numbers, airline punctuality was strong during the first month of the winter flying schedule particularly during the first wave of morning departures with more than 90% of aircraft departing on time. This positive performance is one of the highest of any airport in Europe and provides the best platform for our airlines to keep to their schedules for the remainder of the day.

“We expect this positive trend to continue in the run up to Christmas and over festive period when we are set to welcome 1.4 million people as they head off on their holidays and winter breaks, and thousands more overseas visitors choose Stansted as their gateway to London and the East of England to enjoy the festivities.

“Our operational preparations for the big getaway are well underway, both in the terminal and on the airfield. All our teams will be working hard to ensure our passengers receive the best possible experience when travelling through the airport, especially across the very busy festive season.”

The comments highlighted the scale of preparation now underway. With London Stansted busiest November setting the tone, the airport enters the festive period with clear indicators of strong passenger activity.

Flying Spur sets new ‘Winter Lap Record’ at most northerly active racetrack in the world

The Flying Spur Speed has again demonstrated its exceptional performance in all conditions by setting a new ‘winter lap record’ at the world’s most northerly active race circuit.

The record was set at the Drivecenter Arena circuit in Fällfors, northern Sweden – just 100 miles from the Arctic Circle, and a former military airbase. Despite the entirety of the 2.05-mile track being covered in 12” of ice and snow, the Flying Spur Speed was able to complete laps in under three minutes, with the best time standing at 2:58 – the quickest any vehicle has lapped the facility in winter conditions, ever. The Flying Spur’s variable four-wheel drive system and rear-wheel steering combined to give the car outstanding agility in the conditions, and peak speed was 120 mph during the record run despite the longest straight being only 450 metres long and covered in sheet ice.

The record was inspired by a combination of previous events from Bentley’s history – the two Ice Speed Records captured by Bentley in 2007 and 2011, and the one-hour endurance record set by a Turbo R at Millbrook Proving Ground in the UK in 1986 where 140 mph was averaged around the banked bowl. While the conditions mirrored those of the Ice Speed Records, the car that was used – registration Y15 BML – has a specification matched to the Turbo R in Bentley’s Heritage Collection. Identical Brooklands Green paintwork, yellow fine lines, and an interior in Linen, Cumbrian Green and Open Pore Walnut were specified to mark the Turbo R’s 40th birthday this year.

Flying Spur Speed – Performance in All Conditions

The Flying Spur Speed is a car designed to deliver exceptional driving performance in all conditions, thanks to its Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain and advanced chassis systems. An advanced 600 PS 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 is combined with a 190 PS electric motor that is neatly integrated within the 8-speed dual clutch transmission. In Sport Mode this powertrain deploys a full 782 PS and 1,000 Nm, with the instant torque of the E-motor complementing the charismatic cross-plane beat of the V8.

In pure EV mode, the E-motor provides 190 PS and 450 Nm of torque, more than enough to keep up with the traffic in most situations, while the 25.9 kWh battery offers up to 47 miles (76 km) of usable electric-only range (on the EU drive cycle). Together, the V8 and E-motor provide the new Flying Spur with a total range of 515 miles (829 km). Full electric mode can be deployed at speeds of up to 87 mph / 140 km/h, with throttle applications of up to 75 per cent.

The Bentley Performance Active Chassis comes as standard with the Flying Spur Speed. Features of the sophisticated new setup include Bentley Dynamic Ride and All-Wheel Steering, along with an electronically controlled Limited Slip Differential, while a new generation of ESC software permits a range of driving styles to be accessed and provides reliable traction in all conditions – though the record was asset with the system completely switched off.

With the new car’s rear-biased weight distribution of 48.3 : 51.7, the chassis systems and ESC have a mechanically-optimised platform in which to provide the final refinement. The system uses active torque vectoring front to rear through a centre differential, and precision vectoring across each axle using the brakes, to provide exceptional traction in all conditions – vital for a fast lap on snow-covered sheet ice.