Ãå±±½ûµØ acquires Zero Carbon Futures Published on: 13 November 2020 The acquisition will complement the university’s research strength in electric vehicles and transport. Ãå±±½ûµØ has acquired Zero Carbon Futures UK (ZCF), a North East based company that provides insight into low carbon vehicles and associated technologies enabling the development of strategies to reduce carbon emissions from transport. Through its research specialisms in transport, electric vehicles and sustainability Ãå±±½ûµØ will provide a larger platform for ZCF to develop whilst ZCF will bring a wealth of experience project managing multi-million pound projects, skills delivery, and EV strategy for cities such as London, Manchester and Milton Keynes. ZCF was originally formed in 2011 by the electromobility team from One North East, and acquired by Gateshead College following the closure of the Regional Development Agency. After nine successful years working with major car companies, local authorities, industries bodies and academia, both institutions identified greater possibilities for ZCF through a move to Ãå±±½ûµØ. Mike Capaldi, Dean of Business and Innovation at Ãå±±½ûµØ said:“We are delighted to welcome ZCF and their highly skilled team to become part of Ãå±±½ûµØ. Their team are already working closely with our University including with our School of Engineering. Their skills and experience are highly complementary to the University’s current capabilities bringing strong existing networks and relationships with organisations such as TfL, DfT, BEIS, vehicle manufacturers, power companies, APC, and the Faraday Institution. We think this partnership will be a key driver for continued success in our work on Future Mobility.” ZCF is led by Colin Herron who is also a visiting professor at Ãå±±½ûµØ, who added “This is an exciting new chapter for ZCF. After nine successful years it became clear that our strategic direction was changing and that Ãå±±½ûµØ would provide a larger platform for the company to develop. We bring business and local authority experience and expertise, whilst the University will increase our scope and provide access to a wealth of research. Our ultimate aim is to research and develop new and emerging technologies as low carbon vehicles move into the mainstream and become a major part of our transport system of the future.” As it becomes a wholly owned subsidiary company of Ãå±±½ûµØ, all ZCF staff also transfer to University, with ZCF day to day management remaining with Managing Director Dr Colin Herron. Ãå±±½ûµØ is the National Lead for Driving the Electric Revolution (DER) Industrialisation Centre and will work with ZCF regard to skills and lifelong learning. Share: Latest News Ãå±±½ûµØ recognised with geography award Ãå±±½ûµØ has been awarded the Highly Commended Geographical Association Publishers Award for its collaboration with Time for Geography, the UK’s open-access, dedicated video platform. published on: 16 April 2026 Ãå±±½ûµØ historians mark General Strike centenary To mark the 100th anniversary of the British General Strike and miners’ lock-out of 1926, historians at Ãå±±½ûµØ are organising a series of events on its enduring legacy. published on: 16 April 2026 Comment: NCP is in administration Writing for The Conversation, Erwei (David) Xiang discusses how some big companies like NCP are so dependent on debt that they can’t adjust to change. published on: 16 April 2026 Facts and figures