Analysis of platform activity by The Investors Centre shows that the volume of oil traded by retail investors rose 246% between 6 March and 13 March, highlighting how quickly individual traders responded to the unfolding geopolitical situation. The surge reflects a common pattern in financial markets where energy commodities become focal points for trading during periods of geopolitical uncertainty.

Oil prices are particularly sensitive to developments in the Middle East due to the region’s central role in global energy supply. Any perceived disruption to supply chains or transport routes can trigger significant market volatility, prompting investors to adjust positions rapidly.

At the same time, the data suggests that traders are becoming increasingly cautious as market uncertainty rises. Stop-loss orders — which automatically close positions when prices move against traders — increased by 27% over the past week, indicating that many investors are actively managing downside risk during volatile conditions.

Key Trading Activity Indicators

“Geopolitical events tend to drive short-term volatility across commodities, currencies and equities. Oil in particular is highly sensitive to developments in the Middle East because of the region’s importance to global energy supply. When tensions rise, investors often react quickly by trading energy markets, but the increase in stop-loss orders also suggests that traders are becoming more focused on risk management,” Thomas Drury, Co-Founder and Senior Trading Analyst at The Investors Centre said.

The data also highlights how retail trading behaviour continues to shift toward mobile platforms. More than half of all trading activity — 54% — was executed via mobile devices, reflecting the growing role of smartphone trading apps in enabling investors to respond to market developments in real time.

Despite the spike in trading activity, applications to open new accounts have remained broadly stable when compared with both the previous two weeks and the previous two months, suggesting that the recent surge in activity is primarily being driven by existing traders rather than a wave of new market participants.

As geopolitical tensions continue to influence global markets, analysts say commodity markets — particularly oil — are likely to remain a key focus for retail traders looking to navigate periods of heightened volatility.

Practical steps investors can take during geopolitical market volatility

Avoid reacting impulsively to breaking news.
Geopolitical events can trigger rapid market movements that may prove short-lived. Investors should avoid making immediate trading decisions based purely on headlines and instead focus on broader market trends and longer-term investment strategies.

Use risk management tools such as stop-loss orders.
Periods of market uncertainty often lead to sudden price swings. Stop-loss orders can automatically close positions if prices move against traders, helping limit potential losses during volatile periods.

Maintain diversified exposure across assets.
Rather than concentrating on a single commodity reacting to geopolitical events, investors may benefit from maintaining diversified portfolios across sectors and asset classes to reduce exposure to sudden market shocks.

Turning Energy Efficiency into Economic Infrastructure for UK Retail
Mark Sait, CEO, SaveMoneyCutCarbon

Energy price volatility is often discussed through the lens of household affordability, yet its economic consequences extend far beyond domestic energy bills. Across the productive economy, energy consumption functions as a structural operating cost that directly influences margins, capital allocation and ultimately the pace at which organisations are able to invest, recruit and expand. In sectors ranging from logistics and manufacturing to retail and real estate, energy expenditure routinely represents one of the largest controllable – yet often externally impacted – operating costs. As such, in periods of instability, those fluctuations move rapidly through balance sheets, shaping investment decisions and influencing the wider trajectory of economic momentum and retail as we know it.

For the UK retail sector this exposure is particularly pronounced. Retail estates represent one of the most energy-intensive property footprints in the economy, combining extended opening hours, large internal spaces and continuous heating and environmental control requirements across stores, shopping centres and distribution facilities. When geopolitical tensions tighten global energy markets, the consequences move rapidly beyond commodity pricing. Transport costs rise, building operating costs increase and supply chain expenditure grows, all while consumer spending power is placed under pressure. For retailers operating within tight margins, energy volatility therefore becomes more than a facilities issue. It becomes a structural cost pressure that directly affects operating performance, property strategy and long-term investment decisions.

For retailers across Scotland, this is particularly relevant as stores, shopping centres, mixed-use commercial sites and customer-facing leisure venues across Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Dundee continue to operate within building stock that often predates today’s expectations around electrification and energy performance. As energy costs remain volatile, inefficiencies in older heating and environmental control systems are translating directly into higher operating expenditure. SaveMoneyCutCarbon says this is shifting energy efficiency from a compliance exercise to a clear competitive advantage for operators looking to stabilise costs and future-proof assets.

The structure of the UK’s built retail environment amplifies this challenge. A large proportion of commercial property stock was constructed under design standards that predate modern expectations of electrification and energy performance. Heating systems in particular account for a significant share of operational energy consumption across retail estates, from high street stores and retail parks to fitness studios and wellness environments where internal temperature control forms a central component of the customer experience. As energy prices rise, inefficiencies embedded within older infrastructure translate directly into elevated operating costs across corporate property portfolios. Energy efficiency is therefore shifting from a sustainability compliance exercise to a core commercial requirement for organisations seeking to stabilise operating costs and maintain margin resilience.

Heating infrastructure sits at the centre of this transition. Across many commercial environments legacy gas systems, storage heaters and conventional electric heating continue to operate by heating entire building volumes rather than the areas actually occupied by customers and staff. This approach is inherently inefficient and increasingly misaligned with electrified energy systems that governments, investors and regulators expect to dominate future energy infrastructure. Retail and leisure environments also face growing expectations around indoor comfort and wellbeing. Fitness studios, yoga spaces and boutique wellness environments increasingly favour radiant warmth rather than convection heating, creating environments that are more consistent for customers and staff while reducing unnecessary air circulation.

Electrification is rapidly emerging as the dominant pathway for decarbonising building heat across Europe and the UK, supported by regulatory frameworks, investor expectations and the long-term direction of national energy systems. Advances in materials science are now beginning to change the economics of electrified heat. Low-voltage graphene-based radiant heating systems, such as Haydale’s JustHeat platform, illustrate how innovation in advanced materials can enable a new generation of heating infrastructure that is both more efficient and easier to deploy across existing buildings. Operating at 48 volts and utilising graphene enhanced conductive materials, these systems deliver radiant heat through ultra thin panels that can be installed with minimal structural intervention. Because radiant heat warms occupants and surfaces directly rather than heating entire volumes of air, the result is significantly lower energy demand alongside faster and more responsive heating performance.

In controlled installations graphene-based radiant heating systems have demonstrated energy reductions of up to approximately 39 per cent compared with conventional direct-acting electric heating systems, with carbon savings reaching up to 90 per cent when paired with renewable electricity sources. The technology also offers operational advantages for commercial environments. Graphene heating panels can increase surface temperatures from approximately 22 degrees to 30 degrees Celsius in approximately one minute, allowing heating systems to operate dynamically rather than continuously. For large retail estates or studio environments this responsiveness enables heating to be focused precisely where customers and staff are present rather than across entire building volumes.

Technology alone, however, does not deliver economic transformation. Achieving meaningful improvements in building performance requires coordinated frameworks capable of integrating energy diagnostics, engineering design, technology deployment and nationwide installation capability across diverse property portfolios. Integrated delivery platforms such as SaveMoneyCutCarbon aim to connect these elements, translating technological innovation into implemented energy-efficiency projects that measurably reduce energy consumption and operational expenditure across commercial estates.

Viewed through an economic lens, improving the efficiency of the built environment represents far more than a sustainability objective. It represents the modernisation of national commercial infrastructure. Reducing the energy intensity of commercial buildings strengthens resilience to global commodity shocks, improves the productivity of business infrastructure and protects operating margins in sectors such as retail where property performance remains central to commercial viability. In this sense, energy efficiency is no longer simply an environmental ambition. It is becoming a foundational component of economic resilience, productivity and long-term competitiveness for the UK retail sector.

About SaveMoneyCutCarbon

SaveMoneyCutCarbon is one of the UK’s largest integrated decarbonisation delivery platforms, helping organisations reduce energy use, water consumption and carbon emissions through a single end-to-end model spanning audit, engineering, financing, nationwide installation and verified performance measurement. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Bury St Edmunds, the business has delivered more than 2,000 energy, water and carbon reduction projects across the UK. SaveMoneyCutCarbon works with major financial institutions, utilities and corporate organisations, including Barclays and Wave Utilities, alongside a broader network of strategic partners across the sustainability and finance sectors. Barclays invested in SaveMoneyCutCarbon in 2020 as the first deployment from its £175m Sustainable Impact Capital programme. The two organisations now collaborate to support Barclays Corporate Banking clients in reducing emissions, lowering energy costs and accelerating their transition to net zero. SaveMoneyCutCarbon has also delivered award-winning sustainability projects for the NHS and continues to support organisations nationwide in achieving measurable environmental and financial impact.

Britain’s car-buyers have powered BYD to another record-breaking performance, with more than 10,000* new vehicles registered during the second quarter of the year. That takes the tally for 2025 so far to almost 20,000* – more than double the full year total achieved in 2024.

Unsurprisingly, the figures maintain BYD’s status as the nation’s fastest-growing brand with volume up by 567% year-on-year so far.

The top performer across the past three months was the SEAL U DM-I with 8,700 sales. The super-smart SUV helped BYD increase its market share to 1.8% for the year to date, while for June the figure reached a new monthly high of 2.5%.

And there is the promise of more to come, with the newly launched DOLPHIN SURF set to make a big impact in the EV city car market in the UK and across Europe. Arriving with on-the-road prices from just £18,650, it offers a choice of battery capacities to suit different customer priorities for around-town daily driving, or with extra power for those prioritising more versatile performance on longer journeys.

Steve Beattie, Sales and Marketing Director, BYD UK said: “These results reflect the fantastic response we’re seeing from UK consumers to our innovative and wide-ranging model line-up. Supported by our excellent retail teams, we’re giving them highly competitive and appealing options to enjoy the full benefits of electrified motoring.”
*Q2 total 10,116 units; 2025 year to date 19,390 units (SMMT data)

Stoffel Vandoorne
Free Practice Three // P10
Qualifying // P6 [59.270, Quarter Final Duels]
Race // P13 *
Positions Gained // -7
Fastest Lap // 59.595
Championship Position // P15 [50 points]

Jake Hughes
Free Practice Three // P9
Qualifying // P11 [1:02.645, Group A]
Race // P10 *
Positions Gained // 1
Fastest Lap // 59.680
Championship Position // P16 [40 points]

Maserati MSG Racing
Championship Position // P8 [90 points]

It was a challenging second race in Berlin for Maserati MSG Racing, leaving points on the track after a race that was focused on energy management didn’t play out the way the team was hoping for. Even though it was a strong strategy with the most likely chance of success, Jake Hughes and Stoffel Vandoorne struggled with pace and were unable to exploit the potential.

Qualifying showed the haul marks of a great session, with both drivers putting in lap times fast enough to get them through to the duels. Unfortunately for Jake, he suffered a brake failure during his final run. This not only pitched him into the tyre barrier, breaking his front suspension and ending any further participation in the session, but also resulted in the deletion of his fastest lap time due to a regulation when a driver causes a red flag. Stoffel topped the group and progressed through to the duels but the incident saw Jake start P11 on the grid when he had the pace to start higher.

Stoffel was against Oliver Rowland in his quarter final duel. It was a valiant effort, but the championship leader had the edge on him. He was second fastest of those relegated from the quarter finals, giving him a third row starting position.

Neither Jake nor Stoffel had a great start and the team decided the best strategy was to be on a long first stint, aiming to go into energy management for the first half of the race and try to pounce on anyone struggling with energy come the end of the race.

A couple of Safety Cars extended the race by three laps, and Jake and Stoffel tried to use their late Attack Modes to their advantage, but with everyone using them late the advantage was negated and progress up the field was difficult. Jake had a great, but a late Full Course Yellow stopped him from making it into the points at the chequered flag. A ten second penalty for Andretti’s Nico Mueller post-race moved Jake up to P10 to give him a point.

Maserati MSG Racing would like to express their congratulations to Oliver Rowland for securing his first FIA Formula E World Championship.

The final round of the season takes place in London with a double-header in two weeks’ time, where Maserati MSG Racing will give everything to end the season on a high.

* Pending final classification at the time of the release

QUOTES

Jake Hughes, Driver, Maserati MSG Racing: “It was a frustrating race in the end. It was a shame in the morning to have the brake failure that caused my crash. We were looking really strong, definitely in the duels and possibly fighting for pole. The guys and girls in the garage did a fantastic job to get me back out in time for the race. We left the garage with 30 seconds to spare before the pit lane closed for the race! It was a bit of a rush, but the car felt rock solid, so that’s a massive credit to all the hard work from the team. The race was actually going very well. Arguably I was the strongest on energy and on the same strategy as the cars that finished on the podium, so I really believe I should have finished in the top five. Unfortunately, I think we mistimed our second Attack Mode, which in these races with the four-wheel drive now can be really detrimental. We got a point due to some penalties, but I really think we should have come away with a few more.”

Stoffel Vandoorne, Driver, Maserati MSG Racing: “Today was a difficult one. I think we were on the right strategy to save energy early on, build a massive delta to the guys in front, but unfortunately, we just lacked pace and had massive amounts of understeer. As soon as the pack accelerate, I just couldn’t make any moves, and we didn’t really go anywhere. It was a real shame because we were looking quite good at some points, and it really felt like we could capitalise and get some strong points with the duels performance and starting P6.”

Cyril Blais, Team Principal, Maserati MSG Racing: “Not the day we were hoping for. Overall, a disappointing weekend. We come back from a double header with just a single point which is very frustrating considering the potential we know we have. Today we had a good strategy, but the execution wasn’t great, which is something we’ll have to work on. One race weekend remains, and we’ll do what we can to end on a high to pull something strong out of the second half of the season.”

Maria Conti, Head of Maserati Corse: “Today’s race concludes the penultimate weekend of Season 11 in one of the main markets for Maserati, Germany. Every race weekend, as well as an opportunity to meet our customers, is a chance to learn lessons. Our goal throughout the current season is to optimise every round, compete with the best, and pass on Maserati’s performance-oriented DNA every time we take to the grid. We continue to come closer to next year’s big event, the Trident’s first 100 years in motor racing, and we’re ready to battle in the season finale in London, for what promises to be an adrenaline-packed final round and another step in the countdown to our celebrations.”

Maserati S.p.A.
Maserati produces a complete range of unique cars, immediately recognisable for their extraordinary personality. Thanks to their style, technology, and innately exclusive character, they delight the most discerning, demanding tastes and have always been a benchmark for the global automotive industry. A tradition of successful cars, each of them redefining what makes an Italian sports car in terms of design, performance, comfort, elegance and safety, currently available in more than 70 markets internationally.
The Maserati line-up includes the Grecale, the “everyday exceptional” SUV, the GranTurismo, the iconic Italian grand tourer, and the GranCabrio, the Trident’s new convertible; all models characterised by the use of the highest quality materials and outstanding technical solutions. A range equipped with 4-cylinder hybrid powertrains – available for Grecale – and V6 petrol, with rear-wheel and four-wheel drive, embodying the performance DNA of the Trident brand. The top of the range is made up of the MC20 super sports car and the MC20 Cielo spyder, powered by the ground-breaking 100% Maserati Nettuno V6 engine, which incorporates F1-derived technologies into the power unit of a standard production car for the first time. The GranTurismo is available with both the high-performance V6 petrol engine, derived from the Nettuno, and a 100% electric version: the GranTurismo Folgore, the first car in the Modena-based brand’s history to adopt this solution. The full-electric range also currently includes the Grecale Folgore, Maserati’s first 100% electric SUV, and the GranCabrio Folgore. Finally, the House of the Trident’s latest addition is the Maserati GT2 Stradale, the road-legal version of the GT2 that took Maserati back to the track in closed-wheel championships. The heart of the new super sports car is the V6 Nettuno engine, reaching 640 hp (471 kW) in the latter configuration. The GT2 Stradale is therefore the most powerful road-going Maserati with an internal combustion engine.
The mission at Maserati is to write the future of mobility in the luxury segment, focusing on its customers’ requests. That mission continues to this day, looking ahead to the future and taking Italian luxury all over the world, with Maserati forming part of the Stellantis “Dare Forward 2030” strategic plan.

Denmark, 10 July 2025: Zenvo Automotive has reached two major milestones in the development journey for the Aurora hypercar at the opening day of the Goodwood Festival of Speed. For the first time publicly, the quad turbo V12 heart of Aurora – the ‘Mjølner’ powertrain – was heard, before the first prototype was displayed dynamically, taking to the famous Hillclimb route in front of thousands of gathered spectators.

The development programme for Aurora continues at pace, and this latest stage is a further achievement for the technical team, bringing the new Aurora to life.

Wearing ‘harlequin’ camouflage, the covers were removed from the first prototype – VP0 – which showcased the final production bodywork styling of the more classically design Tur model. The key moment of the morning saw the Duke of Richmond joined by Zenvo Automotive Chairman, Jens Sverdrup, to bring life to the newly developed V12 powertrain.  

The story continued as Chief Engineer, Javier Castrane, demonstrated Aurora in front of Goodwood House. Aurora will remain on display in the Supercar Paddock throughout the full Goodwood Festival of Speed weekend, with further demonstration runs.

“This was more than simply the first public showing of the car, but a major moment in the overall development programme,” explained Jens Sverdrup, Chairman, Zenvo Automotive. “VP0 is not only the first running prototype of the Aurora project, but for Zenvo during this latest phase of the company.

“Since previewing the Aurora project in 2023, we have created something completely new. The company has been strengthened in all areas, both internally and through important technical and retail partners. The whole team has also been working tirelessly to create Aurora – a genuine blank sheet hypercar. We had the overall target and framework set out for what we wanted to achieve, but the route to success was not defined. We have now built and developed something truly unique in the world of modern hypercars, and across the wider automotive industry. 

“There were some things that simply were not going to work, or which wouldn’t deliver the figures we wanted, so we have taken the big decision to design, build and develop everything from scratch. The engine was one such item, which has been painstakingly developed and refined to meet the performance targets Aurora deserves. With that, today is a hugely important and momentous day for everyone at Zenvo Automotive.” 

Independent powertrain consultancy, MAHLE Powertrain, has been a constant partner on the Aurora’s journey to conquer the Goodwood hill climb. Beyond developing and building the engine, its expert team of engineers have been on-hand both in the UK and Denmark to support Zenvo Automotive with engine calibration and mechanical development.

John Hollingworth, Sales and Marketing Director at MAHLE Powertrain, said: “As the Goodwood Festival of Speed is the beating heart of the automotive calendar, the powertrain is the beating heart of the Aurora. Our engineering team has worked relentlessly to develop an awe-inspiring engine and calibration to ensure that the car makes an impact on its dynamic debut. We are immensely proud to work with Zenvo Automotive and excited to show off the Aurora’s revolutionary Mjølner V12 engine for the first time. I would personally like to thank our excellent team of engineers for showing the world our capabilities as a flexible engineering partner for end-to-end, technology agnostic powertrain solutions.”

Built on the all-new ZM1 modular monocoque design from Zenvo, developed with carbon structure experts Managing Composites, every parameter is maximised to the threshold of limitations and compromise.

Lluc Marti, Chief Executive Officer at Managing Composites, added: “Collaborating with Zenvo from the earliest concept stages has been a dream project that challenged us to push the limits of composite engineering, and of our own company, resulting in a platform truly worthy of the Aurora’s vision.

“Managing Composites is proud to have engineered and delivered the complete structural development of the Zenvo Aurora, including the carbon fibre monocoque, crash structures, and all exterior body panels. Starting from a clean sheet, our team focused on pushing the boundaries of lightweight construction, performance, safety, and structural integrity, while enabling the extreme packaging and aerodynamic requirements of a modern hypercar. By leveraging advanced composite technologies, typically reserved for Formula 1 and aerospace applications, we have developed a structure that not only meets the rigorous demands of a hypercar, but also embodies the rare design freedom and technical ambition of the Aurora project.”

The Goodwood Festival of Speed proved the perfect occasion for the Rolls-Royce Cullinan (Series II) Redefined by Urban to make its exclusive world debut.

In centre position on Urban’s biggest stand ever at the Festival of Speed, the new Cullinan Redefinded by Urban was revealed to the waiting crowds when its cover was removed by Urban’s founder, Simon Dearn.

Elegance with real road presence
As the UK-based global leader in premium, bespoke vehicle personalisation,  Urban Automotive has taken the styling programme for the Series II model to a new level with comprehensive range of upgrades to give the car an elegant yet new dynamic.

Widetrack wheel arch and sill extensions in carbon fibre frame 24 inch Urban-Vossen UV-8 Fully Forged black alloy wheels fitted with Yokohama Advan Sport tyres to immediately improve the stance of the Cullinan and give it a more aggressive road presence.

Exclusive styling enhancements continue with a full replacement carbon fibre bonnet with exposed carbon fibre details and restyled front and rear bumpers. This includes a visual carbon splitter at the front and an integrated visual diffuser and billet aluminium exhaust tips at the rear. Upper and mid-rear spoilers are also finished in exposed carbon fibre complete Urban’s enhancements to the Cullinan (Series II).

In-house bespoke carbon fibre for OEM+ quality
An Urban branding pack, plus the highest quality carbon fibre, which is designed and produced in-house at its facility in Milton Keynes, underline the OEM+ standards of quality, style and durability that have become the trademark of its bespoke vehicle enhancements.

Simon Dearn, founder of Urban Automotive said: “We have worked hard to build on the success of our first Cullinan Redefined by Urban. We felt the Series II model needed a more aggressive look and some Urban enhancements to its design. For example, the addition of new vertical DRLs (Daylight Running Lights) which blend seamlessly with the originals create a unique signature look to the front of the car, and more road presence. It looks absolutely stunning, and we are all proud to offer this level of design and personalisation to such a premium car.”

Rolls-Royce Cullinan (Series II) Redefinded by Urban: Specification
With more than 40 exclusive components, the Rolls-Royce Cullinan (Series II) Redefined by Urban includes the following styling enhancements.

Urban Exterior Styling

• Full replacement body-coloured carbon fibre bonnet with exposed visual carbon details
• Full replacement restyled carbon fibre front bumper ​with extended blades and signature vertical DRLs
• Two-piece lower front splitter in exposed carbon fibre ​
• Front upper vent overlays in exposed carbon fibre
• Colour-coded front grille, side window trims, door handles and lower door trims
• Body-coloured Widetrack carbon fibre wheelarches
• Sill extension set with exposed carbon fibre accent
• Full replacement carbon fibre rear bumper​ with exposed carbon fibre exhaust surrounds and rear vented diffuser
• Anodised aluminium billet exhaust finisher
• Upper and mid rear spoilers in exposed carbon fibre
• Urban branding to front lower splitter, bonnet accents, sill extensions and rear diffuser​
• Choice of bespoke 24-inch Fully Forged Urban-Vossen alloy wheels ​

The Rolls Royce Cullinan (Series II) Redefined by Urban is available from £449,995. For more information about Urban Automotive, visit www.urban-automotive.co.uk.

Alpine starred on the opening day of the Goodwood Festival of Speed, thrilling a sold-out crowd as the Alpine A290 Rallye made its world dynamic debut, and the hydrogen-powered Alpenglow HY6 concept car, the phenomenal A110 R Ultime and the soon-to-launch A390 fastback all ran in the UK for the first time.

The event forms part of the renowned French sports car maker’s 70^th anniversary celebrations, and the BWT Alpine Formula One team were on hand to add high-octane thrills to the day, while the all-electric A290, which scooped the European Car of the Year 2025 title earlier this year, also took to the track.

The Alpine A290 Rallye, a competition-modified version of the 2025 Car of the Year took to the track after being unveiled last week. Featuring a full safety cage and a raft of competition-bred enhancements, including a ZF limited slip differential, plus upgraded suspension, brakes and running gear, the car underscores the motorsport DNA that exists between Alpine’s road and competition vehicles.

Also taking to the legendary hillclimb course for the first time was the hydrogen-powered Alpenglow HY6 show car. Pointing to a potentially exhilarating future direction for Alpine in motorsport, Alpenglow features a 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine that produces 740bhp, and which combines environmental innovation with sportiness to offer a new way of reducing a sports car’s carbon footprint. Its design also incorporates elements for future road-going Alpine models.

The A110 R Ultime also set a marker for the event, as it made its UK dynamic debut. Engineered to be the finest expression of the A110, with 345bhp, 420 NM of torque and a 0-100kph time of 3.8sec, it is expected to be a car to watch as drivers battle for quick times throughout the rest of the Festival.

Alpine’s road car line-up was also showcased, led by the A390, the brand’s first sports fastback, which is set to hit UK roads in 2026. The 100% electric five-seater was joined on display by the all-electric A290 and much-admired A110, both of which offer the high-performance and handling agility that typify Alpine’s motorsport heritage.

Targeting drivers who remain on the fence about switching to electric, the campaign challenges common assumptions that EV drivers are all ‘tech bros’ or ‘hipster smoothie lovers.’ Instead, Škoda presents a dynamic EV range for the everyday driver.

At the centre of the campaign is a 60-second TV and cinema spot set in a familiar British cul-de-sac. As a family arrives in their new Škoda EV, their neighbours watch suspiciously, gossiping about who these new ‘eco warriors’ might be, exchanging rumours that they must be ‘part of a cult’, ‘tree huggers’ or have ‘paid for their car with crypto’ as they drive an electric car.  Wild theories are proven hilariously wrong when the family turns out to be perfectly ordinary.

The campaign is supported by a suite of social-first films and animations designed to engage a broad online audience. Playful 45-second social-first films, on platforms like YouTube, Instagram and TikTok ask viewers to challenge the stereotypes of ‘hipster hummus-eating smoothie drinkers’ and ‘tech bros with Bluetooth bellybuttons’ and consider trying an EV for themselves. These are supplemented by cutdowns in 20- and 6-second formats, and animations that parody neighbourhood WhatsApp chats filled with electric car gossip.

To help answer real consumer questions, the campaign also sees the launch of ‘Ask Škoda’, a paid social series wherein neighbourhood characters ask questions about electric cars to educate audiences about Škoda’s electric vehicle range and electric cars in general.

‘Electric, but Škoda’ was developed in partnership with Leo Burnett UK, who brought the idea to life with a distinctive mix of British humour and social relevance. The campaign follows the agency’s previous award-winning work on ‘The Redditor Edit’ for Škoda, which won two gold Lions and a silver Lion at Cannes.

Kirsten Stagg, Head of Marketing, Škoda UK, said: “There’s a tendency in the auto industry to treat electric cars as a completely separate category, which can reinforce a sense of ‘otherness’. That’s one of the factors holding some drivers back from making the switch from petrol and diesel. With this campaign, we wanted to show that Škoda simply makes great cars, some of which just happen to be electric. And we wanted to do it in a bold, creative, and hopefully clever way that makes people smile.”

As an industry leader, with innovation at the heart of everything we do, Garic is at the forefront of transforming site welfare solutions through the use of cutting-edge, sustainable energy solutions, along with static and mobile welfare units.

On-site welfare units, essential for ensuring worker well-being, are now undergoing a transformative shift towards sustainability and energy efficiency. By integrating solutions like solar power and battery storage, these units are not only reducing emissions but also improving operational efficiency.

The role of sustainable welfare units

Under the 2015 Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM), employers must ensure adequate welfare provisions are available for workers. These requirements include but are not limited to, clean drinking water, washing facilities and rest areas. 

Welfare units, providing on-site workers with access to essential facilities, such as rest areas, kitchens and toilets, are not only critical in meeting the needs of the workers but also for staying CDM compliant. 

However, traditional units, often powered by diesel generators, pose environmental and operational challenges.

With sustainability becoming a cornerstone of modern construction, there is a pressing need to transition to eco-friendly welfare solutions. Garic is offering sustainable alternatives to traditional welfare units that lower environmental impact while prioritising worker comfort.

The challenges of traditional welfare units

Many traditional welfare units rely on diesel generators for power, which brings significant environmental and operational challenges. These challenges can hinder sustainability efforts, increase costs, and create negative impacts on both workers and the surrounding environment.

High carbon footprint

Diesel generators contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, notably carbon dioxide (CO₂). In 2023, the UK’s total CO₂ emissions from fossil fuels were estimated at 285.7 million tonnes, with diesel consumption being a significant contributor.

The construction sector within the UK accounted for approximately 4% of national CO₂ emissions in 2023. 

Noise pollution

The continuous operation of diesel generators produces noise levels that can disrupt both nearby communities and site workers. 

Noise levels from a typical diesel generator range from 52 dBA to 72 dBA, exceeding thresholds that require mitigation under the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005.

Operational costs

Diesel prices in the UK reached record highs in recent years, increasing the operational expenses associated with traditional welfare units. Compliance with fuel storage regulations, such as the Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) (England) Regulations 2001, adds further costs.

In addition to the direct financial impact, fluctuating fuel prices create challenges in budgeting and financial planning for construction projects.

Microgrid: Minimising emissions, noise and costs

At the heart of Garic’s energy solutions is the Microgrid system, a game-changing approach to sustainable power. Combining Solar Power Frames, a Battery Energy Store, and a backup generator, Microgrid can power a 60-person site while minimising emissions, noise, and costs.

Microgrid is: 

• Expandable, scalable and capable of adapting to sites of any size with the addition of batteries and high-efficiency generators
• Environmentally friendly, significantly reducing emissions and eliminating noise pollution
• Designed to be cost-effective, lowering lower fuel consumption and cutting operational expenses

Microgrid delivered up to 98% emissions reductions and cost savings of £7,000 for Lancashire County Council.

A sustainable and scalable energy solution designed for efficiency.

Discover more about Microgrid, our site energy generation solution. 

Our sustainable power generation solutions include: 

Battery Energy Store: 

When paired with renewable energy sources, the Battery Energy Store delivers hours of zero-emission, quiet power. 

• Up to 80% reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions
• Silent, emission-free power
• Compatible with the Solar Power Frame and Solar Energy Store to create a Microgrid
• Telematics makes it easy to record usage for auditing purposes

Solar Power Frame: 

This sustainable power generation solution helps sites to minimise generator run time, enabling reductions to fuel costs and carbon emissions. 

• Supplies solar power to welfare cabins and accommodation units
• Up to 3.2kW of energy is generated from each Solar Power Frame
• Can be roof mounted on any 24 x 9 units, either Garic or 3rd party units
• Floor mounted giving you the option of increasing solar capture without a roof
• Multiple frames can be connected for larger sites

Solar Energy Store 20:

A sustainable power generation alternative to a diesel generator running 24/7, Solar Energy Store 20 prioritises renewable energy to reduce emissions but also has a backup generator to make sure you’re never without power, no matter the weather or season.

One customer saved £28,570.14 in fuel and 52,242.5 kg in emissions over 166 days.

• A fully automated 24/7 off-grid power supply
• Telematics lets you easily track all key values for auditing purposes
• Maximises clean energy capture with solar panels
• Supported by a backup generator

For further information on any of these products, head over to our site power generation solutions page. 

Our most sustainable welfare units 

Garic has redefined construction site welfare with innovative, sustainable solutions designed to tackle these challenges head-on. Our latest welfare units go above and beyond industry norms to champion comfort, convenience and sustainability. 

Towable Welfare Unit: Armadillo 18 Eco+

• Rainwater harvesting system
• Powered by Microgrid
• Telematics functionality enables data recording and auditing

Static Welfare Unit: Eco Cabin+ 24

• EPC rated A
• Powered by Microgrid
• Integrated telematics 

For more information on these products head over to our sustainability page.

The real-world impact

Lancashire County Council – During the refurbishment of public highways and paving in Clitheroe, our Microgrid solution powered multiple units using Solar Power Frames, a Battery Energy Store, and a backup generator. This approach resulted in:

• 35% cost savings (£7,000)
• 98% emissions reduction

“We are very impressed with the service from start to finish. The Regional Account Manager was very good and advised us to try the solar panels, this proved to be very cost-effective with us using much less fuel and also good for our carbon footprint. All the emptying of the tanks and refills were very efficient and on time. A very good service all round.” An LCC Spokesperson. 

Siemens Energy – For Siemens Energy’s Moray East Offshore Wind project, the integrated solar power system in our Combi Cabin 24 Eco achieved:

• 76% reduction in generator run hours
• 4671 kg CO2 emissions reduction
• Over £3,500 in fuel cost savings

Ethical Power – In Gloucestershire, Ethical Power tested Garic’s Microgrid solution over 12 weeks for a six-cabin site setup. Results included:

• 90% emissions reduction
• 32% fuel cost savings

For more information on any of these real-world examples, head over to our Case Study section. 

Energy management and sustainable welfare

As the construction industry presses towards net-zero emissions, Garic’s blend of state-of-the-art, sustainable power generation and innovative welfare units is setting new standards for sustainability and worker welfare. 

Garic is once again proving that construction, innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand.

Discover how Garic can power your site sustainably and efficiently. Contact us today!

With 100% of capital equipment projects coming from overseas markets, the company expects to report a 10% increase in revenue in 2024 compared with the previous year.  Capital equipment sales account for around half of the figure, with service and after market also performing strongly throughout the past 12 months.  Almost one third of EnerQuip’s business in 2024 has come from new customers, demonstrating the company’s continuing growth across its chosen marketplaces, and a determination to grow market share.

Geographically, Europe and the Middle East combined have taken in some 50% of the overall total with Norway – which is looked after from EnerQuip’s global headquarters near Aberdeen – continuing to be particularly fruitful.  Meanwhile, EnerQuip sold its highest ever number of torque units to Guyana in 2024 with the emerging market and Brazil together making up one fifth of 2024’s overall revenues.

As well as growing the global team by 15 people by the end of Q1 and ahead of schedule, the year also sparked a move from sub-let, shared accommodation to a larger 6,000sq ft purpose building in Northeast Houston taking it strategically closer to several regional customers.  The move will increase EnerQuip’s capacity to handle refurbishment and life extension projects of torque equipment throughout the Western Hemisphere, removing the need for equipment to be shipped back to Aberdeen, thus reducing lead times and shipping costs whilst adding value by being closer to a growing customer base.

Commenting on the momentous year, Global Head of Sales Darren Bragg said: “The success of EnerQuip’s ongoing global growth journey lies in taking expertise rooted in the North East of Scotland and successfully applying it to energy markets all over the world.

“The team has constantly worked hard to strike a successful balance between a commitment to ‘home’ by  recently expanding our HQ in Aberdeen, whilst ensuring we strive to fulfil our ambitious global aspirations.  It is this combination which has allowed EnerQuip to win its place on the world stage in under a decade in business.

“The growth achieved this year has been a collective effort, across our two main revenue streams – CAPEX and service/aftermarket. Following up last year’s record revenues was always going to be tough but having set ambitious targets, namely our “25 by 25” goal of £25m by 2025, this year sets us up well to achieve this next year!”

Launched in Aberdeen in June 2015, EnerQuip is a leading specialist in the design, manufacture, installation and maintenance of market leading torque machines and associated products, including bucking units and fully rotational makeup and breakout torque machines which can be adapted to suit any application.  The highly skilled team delivers 24/7, 365 support and works with a growing client base in an increasing list of locations that includes Africa, North and South America, Canada, Europe, Asia, Australia and the Middle East.