Duty may increase on Chinese tyre imports to protect 5,500 UK jobs in retreading industry
The Trade Remedies Authority has recommended raising the duties paid by the majority of Chinese tyre exporters in order to protect the UK’s tyre retreading industry, which competes with imported new tyres in the lorry and coach industries.
According to the British Tyre Manufacturers’ Association, the UK’s retreading industry is contributes about £230 million to the UK economy each year, and supports 5,500 UK jobs.
The TRA has assessed evidence that historically, many of the tyres imported into the UK from China have been lower-quality, “single-use” tyres which are less likely to be retreadable. If the measures were removed, it is likely that imports of these lower quality tyres would increase and cause injury to UK industry. This would also be detrimental to the environment as fewer of these tyres would be recycled through the retreading process.
Based on evidence provided, the TRA has recommended that the new combined anti-dumping and countervailing duty rates range from £10.03 per tyre to £110.11 per tyre.
The Hankook Group, which participated in the transition review, would pay £10.03 per tyre in duties, while those exporters that did not cooperate would pay the residual rate of £110.11 per tyre.
Trio of East Yorkshire dental practices sold
Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, has sold three Rejuvadent dental practices in Grimsby, Scunthorpe and Hull in East Yorkshire.
Together, the three NHS practices comprise 17 surgeries and are located on Osborne Street in Grimsby, Oswald Road in Scunthorpe, and Freetown Way in Hull. They have all been serving their local patient communities for many years.
Dr David Bryden started the group of practices in 1999 and recently decided to sell it to hand it over to a like-minded operator who will continue to deliver for the patients in the area.
Following a confidential sales process with Tom Morley at Christie & Co, the group has sold to Jonathan Schonberg at April Holdings Dental Group. Alongside his interest in the Carholme Dental Group, this acquisition takes Jonathan to 24 practices across the UK and bolsters its significant presence across Yorkshire.
Dr David Bryden, former Owner at Rejuvadent, and Debbie Rose, Group Manager at Rejuvadent, say: “After many enjoyable years of starting and expanding the practices, the decision was made that it was the right time to transfer the group to take it further forward. We are delighted to conclude the sale of Rejuvadent and look forward to witnessing it go from strength to strength under the new ownership.”
Jonathan Schonberg, Owner of April Holdings Dental Group, says: “We are delighted to have completed the transaction of Rejuvadent and warmly welcome David and Debbie into the group. April Holdings and Rejuvadent share the same values in delivering quality NHS, dentistry and the patients can expect the same quality service under our ownership.”
Tom Morley, Associate Director – Dental at Christie & Co, says: “This represents yet another landmark sale brokered by Christie & Co, it is also refreshing to see a larger transaction to be completed by an independent group, further strengthening the sector. It has been an absolute pleasure to work on behalf of David for the sale of his group.
“Our task was to confidentially identify and introduce appropriate buyers for this unique opportunity, working alongside Jonny and David on this transaction has cemented our original advice further. I wish them both the very best moving forward. I would also like to say a huge thank you to Debbie Rose the Group Manager for her tireless work and commitment to completing the transaction.”
The sale was also supported by Clare Emery and her team at HCR Law, and Paul Shinwell and his team at Abrahams Dresden.
The three Rejuvadent dental practices were sold for an undisclosed price.
Community building transformed in Keighley
Major work has been completed to transform a community organisation in Keighley, after a year of renovations to the building.
The Sangat Centre received £230,000 from the government-funded Keighley Towns Fund for essential refurbishments to its Marlborough Street premises, with £140,000 of match funding from the Community Ownership Fund.
The centre has been based in the old Victorian building for more than 20 years and the venue was in urgent need of modernisation. The comprehensive programme of work included replacing a section of the roof, upgrading the electrics, installation of a new floor in the main hall, upgrade for the toilets, construction of a mezzanine, a new energy efficient heating system and new IT network and infrastructure.
Riasat Ali, Sangat Centre Manager, said: “It has been over a three year-long process to get to this point but we are so pleased with what has been achieved. Previously, the building was in a near-constant cycle of ongoing repairs. With the Towns Fund we’ve been able to undertake the extensive scope of works, utilising our local tradespeople and organisations to upgrade the centre and make it fit for purpose.
“The results are incredible, and our users are really impressed with the renovation. This is a bright, warm, modern space now where people can use our services in comfort. It’s a place the whole community can feel proud of. Staff, volunteers, board members and service users have all contributed towards the successful completion of this project.
“We would also like to mention the late Mr. Rabani – who was the previous centre manager – and Chair of the board Younas Qamar who put forward the initial idea and laid the groundwork for this project to be delivered.”
Tim Rogers, Chair of the Keighley Town Board, said: “It’s fantastic to see what’s been achieved here with the funding. This is a building which now functions well, and which people can be proud of for years to come.
“This full renovation means the Sangat Centre can operate more efficiently and effectively for the people it supports. Improving community services in this way is a vital part of the Keighley Towns Fund’s work.”
Board member Raza Israil who volunteered his time to help design the new mezzanine space said: “It’s a privilege to give something back to the community by helping to produce a space which so many people can utilise and benefit from. The redevelopment will enable the association to continue to offer social day care, adult education activities, youth activities, holiday play schemes and other services to the hundreds of people it supports each week.”
Bradford Council’s executive member for regeneration, planning and transport, Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, said: “The renovation has stayed true to the character of the building but means that it is now energy efficient and can meet the digital and online needs of service users. This brilliant space provides an accessible, practical environment for an extensive range of crucial community services.”
Brighouse firm acquires Barcelona-based AI company
Logically, the Brighouse-based company that builds AI to combat harmful online content at scale, has acquired Barcelona-based AI company Insikt AI.
This acquisition strengthens Logically’s research and development capabilities and expands its technology portfolio, providing customers with a competitive information advantage and equipping them with the clarity and confidence to mitigate online harms through AI-driven solutions.
Founded in 2016, Insikt’s proprietary technology has empowered governments, private enterprises, and intelligence operations to identify emerging issues and predict and mitigate the spread of harmful content.
Recognized with multiple prestigious EU and Spanish research grants and awarded four Seals of Excellence by the European Commission, Insikt has developed domain-specific Machine Learning (ML) models to uncover trends, threats, and anomalous patterns within large volumes of online data.
Renowned for its advanced Social Network Analysis (SNA) capabilities, Insikt enables clients to reveal hidden links and networks by analyzing relationships that are crucial to online intelligence operations.
The acquisition will integrate Insikt’s technology into Logically Intelligence®, Logically’s flagship Intelligence platform. Customers will gain access to advanced SNA methods and other cutting-edge innovations driven by emerging AI research. This will enhance their ability to tackle a broader portfolio of online threats, including terrorism and extremism, where Insikt has showcased state-of-the-art capabilities.
This acquisition will also bring co-founders Jennifer Woodard and Guillem Garcia to Logically.
Jennifer, who will assume the role of VP of Artificial Intelligence, is a recognised expert in AI applications for counterterrorism and advises organisations such as the UN and the European Commission, among others, on balancing AI’s application to combat online harms with ethical considerations. Her expertise spans strategic leadership in scientific research and development and its practical application to AI-powered products for public safety and national security.
Guillem is the Chief Scientific Officer at Insikt AI, where he leads efforts to leverage emerging research in NLP, Deep Learning, and Network Analysis to use AI to help solve some of society’s most pressing challenges. At Logically, he will take on the role of Head of Data Science, transferring this expertise to scale a robust data science capability that will help further cement the company’s reputation as a leading AI company in combating harmful online content.
Lyric Jain, Founder and CEO of Logically, said: “We have followed Insikt’s innovative approach to building and perfecting its scientific methods and model accuracy for some time. The team’s approach pairs perfectly with our mission to mitigate harmful online content.
“Integrating Insikt’s capabilities – especially its advanced NLP and SNA technologies — into Logically Intelligence® enhances our ability to detect and counteract threats early. This acquisition marks a crucial step toward providing robust protection against increasingly sophisticated adversaries, empowering the customers of our products with new advanced tools to safeguard, maintain freedom of speech and prevent the impact of harmful online content.”
Jennifer Woodard, Co-founder of Insikt AI, added: “Research and development has always been at the heart of Insikt’s work. After dedicating over eight years to building our research-driven ‘methodology stack’, which leverages cutting-edge AI to detect, understand, and defeat harmful online content, we are thrilled to join Logically.
“By integrating our advanced AI technology and expertise into Logically’s products, we will deliver a significant information advantage to our customers.”
Rogue car wash employers targeted in illegal worker crackdown
During an intensive week of action this month Immigration Enforcement teams carried out targeted visits to almost 300 rogue businesses suspected of employing illegal workers, with a particular focus on car washes.
More than 130 operations receiving notices for employing illegal workers, and 85 illegal workers have been detained.
According to Home Secretary Yvette Cooper many illegal workers live in squalid conditions on-site, earn far below the UK national minimum wage, work longer hours than legally allowed and may have entered the UK illegally, overstayed their visas or arrived under visitor conditions.
The fact they are paid so little also allows their employers to undercut honest competitors who follow the law, and these businesses often do not pay their fair share in taxes to contribute to the economy.
This operation is said to be part of a larger, ongoing effort to tackle illegal employment and exploitation of vulnerable people in the UK. More operations of this kind will be conducted in the near future.
Unscrupulous employers are potentially liable to substantial financial penalties. The maximum civil penalty for employing illegal workers is £45,000 per worker for a first offence and £60,000 per worker for repeat violations.
Immigration Enforcement teams also play a critical safeguarding role, working closely with the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority and other organisations to allow employees to report labour exploitation.
Yvette Cooper said: “It is completely wrong that dodgy employers can work hand-in-glove with the smuggling gangs who risk people’s lives to bring them here illegally and push them into off-the-books employment.
“These workers are sold complete lies by the gangs before being made to live and work in appalling conditions for a pittance. We are determined to put a stop to this, which is exactly why we have launched crackdowns such as this. While this operation marks an important step forward, our commitment to tackling this issue is ongoing. We will ensure those who break the rules face the full force of the law.”
Director of Enforcement, Compliance and Crime at Immigration Enforcement, Eddy Montgomery said: “This operation shows how dedicated the Home Office is to protecting vulnerable people and holding employers accountable.
“We’re dedicated to stopping exploitation by criminal gangs, ensuring vulnerable people receive the correct support and make sure that those who break the law face serious consequences. I’m incredibly proud of our teams across the country for their hard work and teamwork in preparing for and conducting this national operation.”
Grant sees digital agency invest to improve productivity
A digital agency has expanded its team and invested in tech in a bid to improve productivity by 50 per cent after receiving a Business Productivity Grant.
Genius Division, based at the Business Village Barnsley, has gained grant support to back an investment package designed to slash the average time it takes them to complete website projects.
The aim is to tackle the stop-start nature of the process by reducing unproductive downtimes, often caused by waiting for missing pieces of content from clients or others.
Pilot projects bringing more control in-house and enabling the team to take the lead on more content creation have already shown they can reduce average start-to-finish delivery times on larger website projects from 151 days to 75 days.
The business is now set to spread this efficiency saving across all output after investing in new photography, videography and drone equipment, skills development and the recruitment of two additional staff members. The trainee web development and digital marketing executives take their team from seven to nine.
Genius Division’s investment has been backed by a Business Productivity Grant delivered by Barnsley Council through the Enterprising Barnsley programme and supported by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA); part-funded by the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).
Genius Division creative director Craig Burgess said: “We had an honest look at what we do and realised that, whilst we’re always busy, we had to change the way we work to improve our productivity and profitability as a business.
“Although we meet our own internal project deadlines, the sticking point has always been waiting for the creation of website content by others within a similar timescale.
“We realised we could help clients to do this much more efficiently by making this part of our delivery package. By bringing this work in-house, we have more control and eliminate a certain amount of drag involved in chasing clients and outsourcing work.”
Business support advisor at Enterprising Barnsley Judy Sidebottom helped Genius Division apply for a Business Productivity Grant to support its investment.
Judy Sidebottom said: “Genius Division has grown as a successful digital agency over 14 years and this bold move to invest in improved productivity inhouse demonstrates the business’ growing maturity. We are very pleased to support their ambition and look forward to seeing the company’s larger, better equipped team go from strength to strength.”
Craig said: “We knew we wanted to invest, but gaining the Business Productivity Grant has made it happen quicker and all at once so we can see the project and cash flow management benefits sooner. Our clients get their new websites sooner and we get jobs done and invoiced for quicker.”
Drax welcomes new apprentice engineers
Renewable energy leader Drax has welcomed five new apprentice engineers to support its ambitious decarbonisation plans for the UK.
The youngsters are joining the company’s technical apprenticeship scheme at Drax Power Station, near Selby.
One of the apprentices who is excited to start her career at Drax is Keeley Sheldon, 17, from nearby Selby. She said: “I have a great interest in engineering and wanted to pursue this as my career,” she said. “I made an application to Drax knowing that this would be a great company to work for.
“I know being female and going into this career will be a challenge which I’m looking forward to and to want to break the stereotype label and know Drax will be an excellent employer to help me do this. Drax is well known both locally and globally so being given this opportunity is amazing and I’m excited to get started and for my future in engineering.”
Bruce Heppenstall, Drax Power Station Plant Director, said: “It was fantastic to welcome our latest group of apprentices to Drax Power Station. They are an extremely talented group of young people and I’m so pleased they have chosen to take their first steps in their engineering careers with Drax.
“The plant is pioneering carbon capture and storage technology and these young apprentices could one day be working at the world’s first carbon negative power station. By giving them the engineering skills today, we are ensuring they are ready to take full advantage of the opportunities of tomorrow.”
The four-year apprenticeship gives new recruits the opportunity to gain expertise working alongside the world-class engineers at the power station. The plant has been transformed over the last decade as part of Europe’s largest decarbonisation project, swapping coal to generate renewable electricity using sustainable biomass.
Seafood industry encouraged to engage in more self-promotion
The UK seafood industry is being encouraged to share positive and uplifting stories to support a new campaign aimed at improving the public’s perceptions of seafood and its production.
Seafish, the public body supporting the UK seafood industry, has this week launched Seafood for Life, an initiative that aims to help businesses or individuals in the sector share good news stories the public may not otherwise hear about.
Seafish CEO Marcus Coleman said: “The UK seafood industry has told us it wants our support in helping them improve perceptions of seafood.
“While we know the industry faces challenges, it is also clear that it is full of passionate people with remarkable stories to tell and we have developed Seafood for Life as a means of shining a light on these positive examples.
“We’re asking people to get behind this new initiative and tell us their stories so we can create exciting content they can share to encourage the world to think better of seafood and the industry that gets it onto our plates.
“Examples might include how the industry is responding to climate change, to managing end of life fishing gear or attracting new entrants to the industry; whatever the positive story, we want to hear about it.”
He said positive stories might include technological and environmental advancements to help make the supply chain more efficient and resilient, stories around creating employment for communities, spreading the news of fish as a protein rich food source or industry case studies which help debunk myths.
“We will then work with contributors to develop these inspiring stories into content including videos and photography, news, social media posts, fact sheets and more, to be shared with seafood businesses and help them communicate positively about the industry. The content will also be showcased in a new online Seafood for Life hub on our website.”
Creation of business hub is precisely what Grimsby needs, says Council Leader
The remodelling of St James’ House into a thriving business hub in Grimsby is precisely the vision and ambition needed for the town centre, according to Council Leader Philip Jackson.
Touring the facility with E-Factor Group MD Mark Webb he said: “It shows how our council’s ambition to work with our partners to achieve such regeneration is becoming a reality.
“Our vision is to see a town centre that is vibrant, and attracts a diverse range of business, retail, leisure and community activities. We see around us now a whole host of schemes that will do just that, and with plans now being finalised for our Freshney Place Market Hall and Leisure Scheme, there is a positive future to look forward to,” added Cllr Jackson.
North East Lincolnshire Council supported E-Factor’s application for a £1.5m Towns Fund grant towards the £2.5m complete renovation of the empty building. This has enabled the purchase of the building by E-Factor and for the work to go ahead.
Once the two-phase scheme is complete the new E-Factor Business Hub will stretch across three floors. In time there is also an ambition to remodel the roof space, which has wonderful views onto St James’ Square, the Minster, Grimsby, Cleethorpes, and the Humber Bank.
Phase one includes redevelopment of the ‘arches’ space along the ground floor – to be let – with a separate reception area and space for the E-Factor’s 15 staff. More than 23 business units will also be created on the second floor as part of phase one.
Phase two works on the remaining floors is the next step with the first-floor plan being a new Business Hive HQ, with facilities such as a business lounge and boardroom for the 300-plus local businesses, as well as a modern conference room for businesses, exhibitions, conferences, and other events – bringing even more people into the town centre.
Mark Webb said: “This building has such potential and I can only endorse what Cllr Jackson has said. We all want what’s right for Grimsby Town Centre and if we can bring in such a variety of businesses, we can play a part in turning this town centre into something incredible. We are not only investing in this building, but we are investing in the whole of Grimsby.”
Community groups share in grants from KCOM
Charities dedicated to healthy smiles and creating Hull’s future rugby stars are amongst the latest KCOM community grant winners.
The four groups benefitting from the latest round of grants are Hornsea and Holderness Mini & Junior Rugby Juniors, Goole-based The Green Team, The Teeth Team Hull and Withernsea Primary School, each of which will receive up to £1,000 towards empowering local communities and improving lives.
KCOM Community Partner Louise Babych, said: “As always it’s been an incredibly difficult choice for our panel to pick just four winners from more than 50 brilliant entries. The winners shone through as making a real difference to their local communities and we’ll look forward to seeing their progress.”
Pete Woolsey from the HNH RUFC Coaching Team said its grant would go towards buying new team kits for the U16s team.
He said: “I would like to thank KCOM for the sum of £1000. The team feels a huge feeling of accomplishment and pride that a major company within our community recognise the potential in this amazing group of teenagers.”
KCOM’s Community Grants are designed to provide funds to charities and volunteer organisations offering life changing help and support to people across Hull, East Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire.
Goole-based The Green Team will use its cash to help recruit more volunteers. Development Officer Cheryl Price said: “On behalf of The Green Team, I would like to express our sincere and grateful thanks for our award from the KCOM Community Fund. It’ll help us immensely, as we will be able to fund and hold a volunteer open day, where we will be able to recruit new volunteers from within our community.”
Hull’s nationally-recognised charity The Teeth Team was started in 2010 to help combat high levels of tooth decay in the city’s children. It will use its grant to continue its programme promoting dental health in local schools. Chairman Chris Groombridge said: “Thank you so much for your award of £1,000 towards our work supporting the dental health of disadvantaged children in Hull. We are immensely grateful.”
The final winner is Withernsea Primary School which will spend its £500 grant buying new sound equipment for its main hall, giving young performers the chance to shine. Deputy Head Jeni Clark, said: “I’m thrilled about the £500 donation towards a new sound system for our hall. This generous contribution will greatly enhance our school plays and drama club performances, significantly enriching our children’s personal development and fostering their confidence and creativity.”
