Yorkshire Building Society names new non-exec director
Peter Bole has is to join the Board of the Yorkshire Building Society as Non-Executive Director on 1 September.
Peter has over 30 years’ experience in financial services and has held the role of Chief Financial Officer at Tesco Bank and Virgin Money, where he went on to become Group Integration Director.
In his current position as CFO of esure Group, he has played a key role in their digital transformation programme. Much of his career has been spent at organisations that are experiencing a period of growth and transformation.
Annemarie Durbin, chair of Yorkshire Building Society, said: “Peter has considerable experience in the financial services sector. His skills and knowledge will be of considerable value to Yorkshire Building Society and the Board as we continue to grow in the years ahead.”
Peter said: “Yorkshire Building Society’s strong mutual heritage and purpose-driven approach was particularly appealing, and I look forward to using my experience to support the Society as it grows for the benefit of its members, customers and communities.”
Cost of countryside crime tops £1m a week, says NFU
Intelligence shows thieves frequently target several farms in one night before moving locations to steal these highly valuable and portable kits, often revisiting farmyards weeks later to steal any replacements.
Increases can also be seen in quad bike, ATV and livestock thefts, while the total claims cost for agricultural vehicle theft reported to NFU Mutual decreased by 9%.
NFU Vice President Rachel Hallos said: “As NFU Mutual’s report highlights, rural crime has continued to plague the British countryside over the past year. Criminals steal expensive GPS equipment, livestock and high-value farm machinery, while also trespassing on private land and regularly fly-tipping tons of rubbish.
“Not only does rural crime significantly cost the UK on a national level, but it also has a significant impact personally to those farm businesses and farming families financially and emotionally affected, leaving many rural communities feeling vulnerable and intimidated.”
Quad bikes and ATVs were top targets for rural thieves, with thefts up 9% to an estimated £3.2m in claim costs reported to NFU Mutual last year.
Sharp rises in inflation in 2023 made farming equipment an attractive target for organised gangs and meant each theft cost the rural community more than in previous years. But a co-ordinated response against crime saw a reduction in the number of agricultural vehicle claims reported to NFU Mutual.
Livestock theft remained high in 2023, at an estimated cost of £2.7m across the UK. Farm animals worth an estimated £2.4m were severely injured or killed in dog attacks across the UK in 2023, up nearly 30% compared to the previous year.
Rachel said these alarming trends needed urgent attention, adding that the NFU welcomed the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Bill, due to be debated in the House of Lords when Parliament was dissolved prior to the election.
“It is crucial similar measures are introduced to stop this needless suffering to livestock,” Rachel said.
“The NFU was pleased to see a new Crime and Policing Bill introduced in the King’s Speech, and we look forward to seeing the details of this Bill when published.”
Small firms have a big role to play in Government’s housing plans – claim
Small and micro businesses are a fundamental part of the construction sector, and have the potential – with the right support and encouragement – to play a transformative role in delivering new homes in line with newly-published Government plans.
That’s the view of Tina McKenzie, Policy Chair at the Federation of Small Businesses, ho said: “We would ask that small housebuilders are central to the Government’s plan. Without that, the project won’t succeed and too few people will be able to get the houses they need.
“The sad reduction in the number of small housebuilders in recent decades is a cause – not just a consequence – of so many of the problems in supply.
“The Government must make sure it’s mindful of the different needs small housebuilders have compared to the major developers – and that we can get Britain building faster and better if the financing, skills and business needs of smaller firms are front of mind.
“That includes reforming policies like the consumer infrastructure levy so they don’t structurally prevent small businesses from accessing finance to build.
“Hand-in-hand with all of this should also be action to tackle late payments and other poor payment practices by big businesses to their smaller suppliers, which are particularly prevalent in the construction sector and act as a brake on investment.”
FSB applauds ‘desperately needed’ base rate cut
The Bank of England’s base rate cut to 5% was desperately needed, and small firms will give it a warm welcome as a harbinger of more cuts yet to come, according to the Federation of Small Businesses
National Chair Martin McTague said: “The base rate’s previous high plateau placed huge pressure on small firms, adding to a difficult operating environment which has been making it far too hard for small firms to grow. Today’s cut will not reverse or immediately stem the financial pain, but it signals that – finally – things are moving in the right direction.
“Small firms have been telling us for some time that it is hard for them to access affordable finance, an issue which is a significant barrier to growth – every finance application that is denied, or every loan request that isn’t submitted in the first place due to high interest rates or pessimism about the state of the lending market means a missed opportunity for investment and expansion.
“There is a place for the Government now to act decisively so small firms can be confident in borrowing money to invest – that means taking decisive action to end poor payment practices and closing the regulatory gap on personal guarantees which leaves so many entrepreneurs fearing for their homes when they take a risk.
“Unlocking economic growth is the Government’s stated goal, and ensuring that small businesses with big dreams for the future are able to get the funds they need to put their plans into action is a key component of stimulating the economy.”
Ongo team shortlisted for communications award
The PR & Marketing team at social housing provider Ongo has been recognised for exceptional work and innovation in communications by being shortlisted for the ‘CommsHero Team of the Year’ award at this year’s CommsHERO awards.
CommsHERO celebrates outstanding individuals and teams within the marketing community who have demonstrated excellence and creativity. The ‘CommsHero Team of the Year’ award specifically acknowledges the collective efforts of in-house departments, highlighting their impactful results and achievements.
Emily Chapman, PR & Communications Manager said, “Really proud that the Ongo comms team made the CommsHERO shortlist for Comms Team of the Year.
“For a relatively small team, our work has and is having a big impact locally and throughout the sector and it’s brilliant to be recognised for it.
“Awards events such as these demonstrate the significance that communications play within every organisation, and the hard work of comms teams around the country. We’ll be proud to champion all the work of our fellow comms colleagues on the evening.”
Winners will be announced at the commsHERO conference on 17 October at Horizon Leeds. It’s an exciting event that celebrates the best in the industry.
Chancellor urged to think of long-term growth
Doncaster Chamber of Commerce is calling for constancy and long-term thinking on economic matters, following Labour’s recent spending audit.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves set the stage for the imminent Autumn budget and announced upwards of £5.5 billion’s worth of cuts for this year alone, ranging from the cancellation of road and infrastructure schemes to the scrapping of planned investment opportunities and more.
But Doncaster Chamber is concerned that short-term savings will ultimately come at the expense of long-term growth. Dan Fell, Chief Exec of Doncaster Chamber, said: “As representatives of the business community, we of course understand the importance of careful decision-making and commend the Chancellor for trying to be pragmatic here.
“Yet, as we have said before, government cannot simply cut its way to economic growth. We challenged the previous government on this very issue — highlighting u-turns and prevarication— and so implore their successors not to repeat the same mistakes. The business community wants to see stability and certainty from Westminster, not just more rowbacks and withdrawn investment. We have to be forward-thinking if we want the UK to maximise its potential and emerge as a real global player.
“On that note, we were heartened earlier this month by how Labour reinforced its commitment to an industrial strategy in both the party’s own manifesto and in the recent King’s Speech. The private sector shares our enthusiasm here and will doubtlessly want to support Government in fulfilling their pledge, yet it will be hard for them to do so if we do not find more sustainable ways of plugging gaps in the state finances.
“Big ticket investments — such as infrastructure, hospitals, and prisons— are essential to the health of our economy, so long as they are calculated and well-considered. That’s why we are urging Government to explore alternative solutions for addressing their budgetary concerns in the future, rather than stymieing growth by cutting the very things that could be stimulating it. “
Government promises new deal to restore confidence in farming sector
The government has promised to introduce a new deal for farmers to address low confidence and provide stability for the farming sector.
Figures released by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, show confidence remains poor. The data indicates that half of farmers don’t feel positive about their future in farming. Of those farmers saying they are making changes, a quarter of plan to reduce the size of their businesses and 14% plan to leave farming in the next 3-5 years.
The results make clear the need for the end of farmers being rocked by the chop and change of farming schemes, optimising Environmental Land Management schemes so they work for all farmers including those who have been too often ignored such as small, grassland, upland and tenanted farms, and action by the new government to restore stability and confidence in the sector.
They follow the negative trend seen across the past few years. This is a complex problem, with several factors contributing to this persistent trend. Farmers have been struggling with extreme weather events like flooding and sudden huge rises in energy costs and been undermined by damaging trade deals.
The latest Farming Opinion Tracker for England gives a snapshot of the views and opinions of the sector between end of April and beginning of June. The latest results show that trade agreements with other countries were a factor for 29% of farmers who made changes to their business.
The new deal includes:
- Optimising Environmental Land Management schemes so they produce the right outcomes for all farmers – including those who have been too often ignored such as small, grassland, upland and tenanted farms – while delivering food security and nature recovery in a just and equitable way.
- Seeking a new veterinary agreement with the European Union to cut red tape at our borders and get British food exports moving again.
- Protecting farmers from being undercut by low welfare and low standards in trade deals.
- Using the government’s purchasing power to back British produce
- Setting up a new British Infrastructure Council to steer private investment in rural areas including broadband rollout in our rural communities.
- Speeding up the building of flood defences and natural flood management schemes, including through a new flood resilience taskforce to protect our rural homes and farms.
- Introducing a land-use framework which balances long-term food security and nature recovery
Ilkley-based training provider gives almost 75,000 breakfasts
Ilkley-based High Speed Training has donated almost 75,000 breakfasts to children across the UK through its ongoing partnership with charity Magic Breakfast.
The e-learning provider has been donating one breakfast for each sale of its Level 2 Food Hygiene for Catering, and is on course to donate over 100,000 breakfasts this year.
Magic Breakfast is a charity that provides free breakfasts to over 200,000 children across England and Scotland each day, estimating four million children live in households that encounter food poverty.
Ali Roberts, Head of Corporate Partnerships at Magic Breakfast, said: “High Speed Training is on course to donate a whopping 100,000 breakfasts over the course of this year, enabling us to make a real difference to the lives of children and young people every day. We’re so grateful for their fantastic support.”
Amy Mortimer, Head of Strategic Partnerships at High Speed Training, said: “We’re really proud to be helping Magic Breakfast tackle the important issue of morning hunger in schools. We know that being hungry at school can affect a child’s learning, and the work that Magic Breakfast does is so crucial in ensuring children get the best start that they can.
“Linking our donations to sales has enabled us to engage our learners in making a positive difference, and has allowed us to commit to raising vital funds for a really impactful charity.”
Clegg Construction celebrates Yorkshire Day
Contractor Clegg Construction is celebrating Yorkshire Day by reflecting on how the company is helping to shape the county.
The Clegg Construction team has delivered multiple new build and refurbishment projects in Leeds, Sheffield, Wakefield, York and other parts of Yorkshire over the past ten to 15 years.
And the company continues to work on high profile schemes across the county.
Managing Director at Clegg Construction, Michael Sims, said: “On Yorkshire Day 2024, I’m proud to look back at the projects that we have completed in Yorkshire and to shine the spotlight on those that we are currently delivering.
“Yorkshire Day is the perfect time to celebrate the county’s investment and economic development which is shaping the towns, cities and rural areas that we see today.
“Clegg Construction is delighted to have partnered with a wide range of organisations to play a part in Yorkshire’s development and we look forward to continuing this in the future.”
The company is currently working on three significant schemes in Leeds – the multi-million pound refurbishment of the Cosmopolitan Hotel, the £35m, 402-studio student accommodation scheme known as The Fabric Works, and Spinners Yard, a 185-apartment, 11-storey build-to-rent apartment development for Rise Homes.
Notable past projects in Yorkshire which the company is proud to highlight include two commercial schemes at Calder Park, Wakefield, Hollis Croft student accommodation in Sheffield, and the refurbishment of Minerva House, a landmark building in the main business district of Leeds.
More recently Clegg Construction has completed the Ironworks, a £28.7m, 11-storey apartment scheme in Sheffield, which recently won Regional New Build of the Year at the Yorkshire Energy Efficiency Awards; an exciting £5.9m renovation scheme to transform Maltby Grammar School near Rotherham into a community resource and education centre; Highfield Care Home near Tadcaster, a £9m, 65-bedroom new-build care home for Barchester Health; and a new four-storey, 188-bedroomed, Premier Inn in York on behalf of CBRE Investment Management.
“Our experience of working in Yorkshire has included projects across a wide range of sectors such as commercial, leisure, education, residential, offices and student accommodation, and it’s pleasing to see how swiftly these developments have become an integral part of their communities,” added Michael Sims.
B. Braun Supply Chain Management team volunteers at St Luke’s Hospice
Sheffield-based healthcare company, B. Braun Medical Ltd, dedicated a day to volunteering at St Luke’s Hospice through their employee sponsorship programme.
The Supply Chain Management team helped to organise and prepare donations at Atlas, the charity’s donation and sorting centre in Sheffield, contributing to the grand opening of St Luke’s newest store on Kilner Way in Hillsborough,
During their volunteer day, the team processed an impressive amount of donation bags for the new St Luke’s store, which is set to welcome shoppers in September.
Through the B. Braun employee sponsorship programme, colleagues can seek internal sponsorship for their community initiatives and personal interests, providing them with a chance to contribute to shaping society.
Founded in 1971, St Luke’s Hospice has significantly impacted the Sheffield region. With the support of over 700 volunteers and more than 250 staff members, the charity goes beyond patient care, helping families and offering bereavement services. Last year, the charity conducted over 6,286 home visits, providing support to both patients and healthcare professionals.
St Luke’s Hospice’s In-Patient Centre is known for its 24-hour specialist palliative care, catering to approximately 300 patients each year. They also play a crucial role in educating healthcare providers in Sheffield and beyond, leveraging their 50 years of pioneering expertise to enhance hospice care both nationally and internationally.
The charity faces significant operational demands, processing over 5,000 bags of donations each week. However, 90p of every £1 raised is directly allocated to patient care, and items that cannot be resold contribute financially, with the ‘rag trade’ generating approximately £1,500 in weekly income.
Martin Williams, Head of Supply Chain at B. Braun, said: “It was a privilege to support one of Sheffield’s longest-standing charities. Our volunteer work was about more than just lending a hand but was a great opportunity to be part of our community and meet new people.
“We were deeply impressed by the complex operations and the dedication shown by every staff member at St Luke’s and look forward to visiting their new store in September.”
