Partner, Solicitorsjournal

Freeths guides SmartParc in pioneering UK low-carbon food production campus launch

12 Mar 2024Announcements

The Energy Centre at SmartParc SEGRO Derby, officially inaugurated on February 28, 2024, stands as a trailblazing initiative and the first of its kind in the food industry

National law firm Freeths has played a crucial role in advising SmartParc on the establishment of an innovative low-carbon energy solution for a significant food production and distribution hub in Derby.

The expansive two-million-square-foot network, supported by Veolia, incorporates cutting-edge technologies to provide an essential heating and cooling system for food manufacturers. The system ingeniously recycles heat from refrigeration plants, repurposing it to heat water and offices. This ground-breaking approach is expected to significantly reduce carbon usage across storage, processing, space heating, and hygiene activities, promoting sustainable food production.

Anticipated to deliver an annual CO2e saving of approximately 27,000 tons between 2024 and 2030, the system boasts a minimum annual seasonal efficiency of 400% for tenants. This efficiency surpasses traditional gas boilers, marking a considerable advancement in environmentally conscious food production infrastructure.

Leading the advisory team, Adam Watson, Managing Partner of Freeths Bristol, expressed his enthusiasm about the innovative project, stating, "It's been a wonderful journey advising SmartParc on this innovative project, from inception to opening. The first of its kind in Britain, this community is guaranteed to be a game-changer across the sector."

The Freeths team, spearheaded by Adam Watson, included Clean Energy Partner Clare King and Associate Samantha Osborne, Banking & Finance Partner Ben Moylan, and Real Estate Managing Associate Danielle Sinclair.

This landmark launch marks another achievement in Freeths' growing portfolio of deals within the clean energy sector. The firm's involvement in pioneering projects aligns with its recent recognition through the B Corp accreditation, reflecting a commitment to sustainability and socially responsible practices.

SmartParc's Energy Centre at SEGRO Derby stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts driving innovation and sustainability within the food production industry. As the first of its kind in the UK, it sets a precedent for future developments aiming to balance economic progress with environmental responsibility.

Legal News desk contact: editorial@solicitorsjournal.com

Latest Articles

EU moves to reset medical devices regulation

The Commission proposes structural reforms to stabilise, simplify and future-proof the EU medical devices regulatory framework

Why UK paternity leave still fails families

The UK’s paternity leave framework lags Europe, undermining families, equality and long-term economic resilience

Agent signatures fail for trust declarations

Court of Appeal rules that declarations of trust over land must be personally signed to satisfy statutory formalities

The UK anti-corruption strategy: pillar one in focus

How the UK’s latest Anti-Corruption Strategy seeks to disrupt corrupt networks, incentivise whistleblowers, and strengthen enforcement

CD&R Galaxy UK Opco Limited fined £33,438

CD&R Galaxy UK Opco Limited has agreed to a financial penalty and investigation costs following regulatory breaches identified by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

Using US discovery to support English litigation

How Section 1782 offers a powerful, underused route to obtain US-based evidence for foreign proceedings

FCA priorities and predictions for 2026

A forward-looking assessment of the FCA’s recent focus and what FS regulatory lawyers can expect in the year ahead

Why judge-only trials won’t fix court backlogs

Proposals to curb jury trials risk fairness, worsen delays, and ignore the real causes of Crown Court backlogs

Regulatory progress under Martyn’s Law

Ronnie Megaughin reflects on his experience as Interim Executive Director and shares the important developments made in the regulation of Martyn’s Law over the past six months

International taskforce unveils bribery indicators

The Serious Fraud Office and Five Eyes nations release guidance to identify foreign bribery indicators for businesses

Government appoints interim commissioners to EHRC

The Government has appointed Ali Harris and Professor Shazia Choudhry as interim commissioners at the EHRC while new commissioners are recruited

Joey Barton: where online speech becomes criminal

The sentencing clarifies how courts are drawing limits on free expression in the digital age

Impecuniosity, mitigation and credit hire on appeal

The High Court clarifies the limits of impecuniosity and appellate restraint in challenges to credit hire awards

Lawyer reflects on New York courts

A London lawyer shares insights from his visit to a busy New York City Criminal Court

Employers face potential legal issues

As Christmas parties approach, employers must be aware of increasing legal risks stemming from festive events

SJ Interview: Joelle Grogan

Dr Joelle Grogan is a legal scholar specialising in the rule of law in times of crisis. She presents The Law Show on BBC Radio 4, and is Co-Academic Director of the Rule of Law Clinic at the CEU Democracy Institute (Budapest), and a Senior Research Fellow at the UCD Sutherland School of Law. Her work focuses on constitutional accountability, emergency powers, and legal misinformation. In this interview, she examines the pressures facing the rule of law in the UK, from executive power and court delays to media narratives, emergencies, and the impact of AI on legal practice.

Justice reform risks targeting the wrong fix

As 2026 approaches, ministers eye jury trials while ignoring deeper causes of England’s criminal justice crisis