- tries to pressure them to make a decision or sign a contract
- makes claims about ‘unclaimed credits’ or similar
- says they are acting on behalf of the VOA
- demands large sums of money up front
Don’t be caught out over false claims about business rate appeal deadlines, says VOA
The Valuation Office Agency is warning firms not be caught out by false claims suggesting the deadline for business rate appeals is the end of this month.
A spokesman for the office said: “This is not true. You should be wary of anyone making this claim. Firms are generally able to challenge their property valuation on the 2023 list at any time until March 2026.”
The VOA says firms should be cautious of any agent who:
Yorkshire & Humber manufacturers see boost to growth prospects
Yorkshire & Humber manufacturers are seeing a much stronger picture as they enter the second half of the year with business confidence increasing and the sector forecast to outpace the economy overall in 2024.
The findings come in the Q2 Manufacturing Outlook survey published by Make UK. According to the survey, both output and orders have picked up substantially compared to the first quarter and are set to strengthen in the next three months in line with the national picture.
Yorkshire & Humber in particular is set to benefit from increased production in the construction sector, while the renewables sector which also has a strong presence in the region continues to be strong. This better picture is translating into increased recruitment intentions with job prospects especially strong compared to historical levels.
Business confidence has also risen to equal the highest level recorded since the survey started measuring the indicator in 2014. The only previous occasion it reached the current level was during the immediate post covid rebound.
The survey also asked companies to list their top three priorities for the next Government. More than two thirds of manufacturers (69.1%) said delivering an industrial strategy was the top priority, more than half (54.2%) said strengthening EU/UK relations, while almost half (44%) said reducing the business tax burden. This was followed by investment in national infrastructure (31.5%) and reforming the Apprentice Levy (24.1%).
Make UK is forecasting that manufacturing will grow by 1.2% in 2024 but moderate to 0.8% in 2025. GDP will grow by 0.9% in 2024 and 2% in 2025.
Dawn Huntrod, Region Director for the North at Make UK, said: “After the economic and political shocks of the last few years there is now strong confidence among manufacturers in Yorkshire & Humber. At long last, companies can see concrete signs of growth and a much better economic outlook ahead.
“With prices cooling and potential cuts in interest rates to come, the next Government must capitalise on this scenario by delivering a modern, long term industrial strategy which goes beyond the 2030s and has cross Government support.”
Two further tenants secured for Sheffield Catalyst Business Park
British renewable energy group Octopus Energy and accident repair centre Solus have become the latest inward investors to take space at Mirastar’s flagship development Sheffield Catalyst.
Octopus Energy, which is one of the UK’s largest domestic energy providers, has taken 91,923 sq ft at the five unit scheme, while Solus, an Aviva company, adds to its existing bases in the UK with a new regional facility of 22,448 sq ft at Catalyst. Both leases are on market leading terms.
Both companies join surfaces specialist Cosentino and UK award-winning commercial supplier JLA Group at the development fronting Sheffield Parkway. Cosentino relocated into a 33,608 sq ft unit while JLA Group expanded into 109,166 sq ft on site.
Henry Watson, partner at M1 Agency, said: “These lettings demonstrate where Catalyst sits within the market of Sheffield. From inception we set out to provide a best in class product which suited the needs of occupiers and we have been rewarded for our confidence in the product with market leading transactions across the development.
“The unprecedented growth in demand for last mile solutions shown in the wider South Yorkshire conurbations has been triggered by the rise of the convenience economy driven by mobile technology. Proximity to customers is becoming ever important as goods need to be moved quicker and more often, intensifying the demand for space in last-mile locations such as Catalyst Sheffield.”
Rob Brophy of Mirastar added: “Sheffield Catalyst is an important scheme to deliver much needed new industrial warehouse facilities benefiting from excellent ESG credentials and unrivalled prominence and access via the Sheffield Parkway and the M1 Motorway.
“Catalyst represents a continuation of our clear strategy and vision across our portfolio by developing best in class facilities with market leading ESG credentials.”
Daniel Walker at GV&Co added: “Catalyst, Sheffield Business Park continues to go from strength to strength. This recent letting continues the success on the scheme with another household name and highlights the benefits the development offers to occupiers from both a location perspective and specification of the units.”
1.5 million sq ft industrial & logistics development set for Gascoigne Interchange in Yorkshire
Harworth Group has secured a resolution to grant planning permission from North Yorkshire Council’s Strategic Planning Committee for the development of a major rail-connected industrial and logistics hub at its 185 acre Gascoigne Interchange site in Leeds.
The approved plans will see the development of up to 1.5 million sq ft of industrial and logistics space at Gascoigne Interchange, in line with the Group’s strategy to increase its direct development of industrial and logistics space from its extensive landbank, and has the potential to deliver up to £190 million gross development value (GDV). The proposal is the delivery of seven units, ranging from 57,000 sq ft to 1 million sq ft, all built to Grade A specification, with Harworth expecting to start on site in 2025. The brownfield site is one of Harworth’s next-generation of development sites and is situated in Selby, to the east of Leeds and adjacent to Sherburn Industrial Estate. It is one of the most strategically located, rail-connected sites in the region, enabling future occupiers to utilise the existing main line rail connection from the site for a wide variety of uses, including low carbon freight movement. The site, which is accessed via Junction 42 of the A1(M), has an extensive collection of rail sidings on either side of Network Rail’s Leeds to Hull main line route, with current operational connections into the northern and southern plots on the site. The rail access to the north of the site offers scope to create a dedicated railhead serving the buildings on site, with the ability to handle containers, bulk commodities or next-generation express freight services, and puts most of the UK within three hours of the site. The plots to the south of the site benefit from 1,200 metres of frontage onto the main line with connections at either end capable of accommodating a major intermodal terminal for on-site and off-site customers. Lynda Shillaw, Chief Executive, Harworth Group, said: “Our development at Gascoigne Interchange is another example of Harworth’s unique ability to identify, acquire and transform brownfield sites to generate value, create jobs and increase investment in the region. “This development complements Harworth’s extensive pipeline of industrial and logistics sites and we continue to see high demand for high-specification strategically-connected Grade A industrial space.”Chairman of Leeds-based Bailie Group awarded CBE
Roy Bailie, chairman of Leeds-based Bailie Group and significant contributor to public life and civic society in Northern Ireland, has been awarded Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to the economy and opera in Northern Ireland during this year’s King’s Birthday Honours List.
The CBE has in part been awarded to recognise Roy’s contributions to the economy throughout his career. As a Harvard Business School graduate, Roy is a successful entrepreneur and business leader, with over 60 years of experience in senior management and governance in public, private and community organisations.
Roy’s services to the economy are extensive, with previous notable non-executive director roles including on the Court of Directors for the Bank of England, chairman of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, chairman of Northern Ireland Confederation of British Industry (CBI), among others.
Through the success of his own business ventures, including growing his company Baird Group, now known as Bailie Group, to become the fifth biggest privately owned printing group in the UK, the growth of the organisation led to Roy being awarded the Officer of Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to printing in 1996, followed by a Lifetime Achievement Award from The British Printing Industry in 2007.
And now, with the rise of the digital age, the printing industry has contracted, but Roy has led a change in direction of group strategy to focus on communication consultancies and agencies, initially with the acquisition of digital transformation agency, CDS, with others acquired thereafter.
Further to his achievements in business, the CBE has also been awarded for Roy’s contributions to the opera, having served as chairman for Northern Ireland Opera for 14 years, building the organisation from the ground up to widely respected on the global stage, winning international acclaim for productions.
He has been a key influence in developing the talent and education of the opera community, with the board providing the space and tools for individuals to explore their creative skills, to widen the demographic and age range of the audience.
Roy Bailie said: “I feel greatly honoured to have been recognised for my services to the economy. The transformation of Bailie Group over the years is truly astonishing, starting as a technical printing company and expanding into a modern, highly efficient group of agencies and consultancies with the collective mission to improve people’s lives by sharing knowledge.
“My son, Fergus Bailie is the CEO of the group and has recently been appointed the Yorkshire and Humber regional chair of the CBI. I’m exceedingly proud of the success of Bailie Group which Fergus continues to drive forward, by striving to innovate and exceed growth targets for every company in the group. This year, we’re aiming for an ambitious three-year target — £60m turnover and £5m profit.”
Fergus Bailie, CEO of Bailie Group and son of Roy Bailie, said: “It’s fantastic to see Dad’s incredible lifetime achievements recognised in this year’s honours. We’re all extremely proud of him and the work he continues to do both within the industry and for the opera in Northern Ireland.”
Cameron Menzies, NI Opera’s Artistic Director, said: “Roy’s impact on opera in Northern Ireland is almost immeasurable. His extensive business expertise, visionary thinking and dogged determination have resulted in an opera company of which Northern Ireland can be justly proud.”
Roy concluded: “Lastly I’d like to express gratitude to my family, including my wife Paddy, my two children and their partners, and my five grandchildren. I couldn’t have achieved all I have without their support.”
Hull to consider next phase of green energy projects
Hull City Council’s cabinet will consider whether to progress to the next phase of two of its green energy projects.
The cabinet will hear plans on both Hull District Heat Network (HDHN) and the decarbonisation of corporate buildings.
Plans for HDHN include progressing with procurement activity associated with the delivery of Phase 1 of the network, which includes connections to Great Thornton Street and Cambridge Street flats as well as internal upgrades to heating systems.
Permission will also be sought to progress the feasibility of Phase 2 of the network, focusing on additional social housing sites to the south of Anlaby Road, at Albert Avenue Pools and any other viable connections on route.
Cabinet will also consider the delivery of decarbonisation initiatives to the Treasury building, Streetlife Museum and Western Library and whether to procure a number of these activities through a Strategic Partnering Agreement with the Clear Futures Framework.
If approved, procurement to complete the decarbonisation measures will progress during 2024, with a further report submitted to cabinet later this year to consider whether to progress with the construction activity.
This is with a view to commencing on site in early 2025.
These projects support to the council’s commitment to decarbonisation and achieving carbon neutrality and net zero.
Leeds Bradford Airport enters new era of security scanners
Passenger experience at Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) this summer is transforming with the deployment of new, cutting-edge security scanners.
The introduction of the latest Next Generation Screening technology enables passengers to leave both liquids and large electronic items, such as laptops, iPads and tablet devices, in their bags whilst passing through security. As per latest DFT guidance, all liquids are required to be in containers not exceeding 100ml but an unlimited number of these containers can be taken.
These advanced systems enable a smoother and more efficient security process for all passengers, significantly reducing hassle and reducing queues for departing travellers.
The next generation security technology is now in full operation at Leeds Bradford Airport. LBA is one of the first airports in the UK that has deployed the very latest technology for the entire operation which improves security staff effectiveness, detects prohibited items with greater accuracy and enhances passenger safety.
With all four security lanes now fully operational, Leeds Bradford Airport passengers will experience a smoother, faster, and more convenient journey through security.
Vincent Hodder, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Leeds Bradford Airport, said: “As Yorkshire’s international gateway, we are committed to ensuring passenger safety, whilst also providing a seamless, quick and efficient experience for those travelling through the airport. The introduction of the C3 scanners will enable our security staff to operate with greater accuracy, prioritising passenger safety while minimising unnecessary delays .”
CPP Group disposes of legacy operations in Italy
CPP Group, a Leeds-based provider of real-time, digitally delivered assistance products to insurance and financial services’ clients, has disposed of its legacy operations in Italy through the sale of its wholly owned subsidiary, CPP Italia Srl (CPP Italy) to IGS EMEA SL for a cash consideration of €0.5 million.
CPP Italy is said to be non-core to the Group following the announcement of a revised strategy to withdraw from its legacy operations and to transform the Group to a digitally focused parametric business led by Blink Parametric and supported by CPP India and CPP Turkey.
For the 2023 Financial Year, CPP Italy contributed EBITDA of £0.2 million to the Group’s overall EBITDA of £4.8 million and recorded a profit before tax of £0.1 million. As at 31 December 2023, CPP Italy had net assets of £0.1 million.
The disposal marks the final step in the Group’s withdrawal plans from its legacy operations, with Spain and Portugal closed, Italy and Mexico sold, and the UK in active run-off.
Simon Pyper, Group CEO, said: “The disposal of CPP Italy is consistent with our stated strategy and is another positive step as we simplify the Group and transform to a digitally led parametric business.”
Hudson Contract sees increase in ‘more aggressive tactics’ as HMRC questions construction firms
HMRC is said to be stepping up compliance checks on the construction industry – using its powers to investigate payments for off-payroll labour and gross payments to net paid subcontractors for plant and materials.
Bridlington-based Hudson Contract says it has seen a noticeable increase in HMRC activity and the deployment of what it cals ‘more aggressive tactics’ in recent months, with twelve companies seeking its support in the last six weeks alone.
The company’s Compliance Director Dan Davies said: “The firms concerned are groundworks, joinery, scaffolding and surfacing contractors located across England with turnovers ranging from £2m to £18m.
“HMRC has written to the companies with demands for information including schedule of payments to ‘all workers on a self-employed or off-payroll basis, a description of work undertaken by each worker, sample contracts and company handbooks, information used to determine employment status, details and costs of all materials supplied, evidence of third-party plant hire costs, and supply chain compliance
“In some of the correspondence, HMRC also enclosed an in-depth questionnaire, probing employment status and the categories of off-payroll workers engaged directly, through limited companies or via agencies, umbrella companies and managed service companies.”
Mr Davies said company directors often found the level of questioning to be invasive, ambiguous and a cause for concern, even when their books were in order.HE said: “The costs of getting it wrong can be significant. In one recent case involving a roofing company that engaged between 15 and 20 labour-only sub-contractors, HMRC hit the firm with a statutory income tax notice for more than £330,000 for just one financial year, another was handed a VAT assessment totalling £900,000 because of a tax loss in his supply chain.
“These cases show that HMRC is stepping up the enforcement of off-payroll working rules known as IR35, VAT compliance and general CIS and PAYE compliance issues such as paying net paid subbies gross amounts for plant and materials.”
Hospitality workers on ‘precarious’ contracts found to be vulnerable to sexual harassment
Hospitality workers on precarious contracts are most likely to experience workplace sexual harassment, according to a new report.
The report reveals how a combination of precarious contracts, sexualisation of service work and the workforce’s demographics have contributed to making hospitality workers more vulnerable to workplace sexual harassment.
Dr Bob Jeffrey, lead author of the research from Sheffield Hallam University, said: “We’ve all seen the headlines over the last year about issues of sexual harassment in the fast-food industry. Our research helps to explain why it’s such a problem, not just in fast-food, but across the hospitality sector.
“Part of the reason for this is the hospitality industry having the largest percentage of zero-hour contracts, which makes it too easy for perpetrators in positions of authority to cut the hours of those who try and speak out.”
Researchers interviewed hospitality workers from South Yorkshire, as part of a wider study on low paid and precarious work. Sexual harassment and unwanted sexual attention were mentioned by a significant number of interviewees.
The report highlights how the hospitality workforce is disproportionately young, female, from a minoritised background, on zero hours contracts and on the lowest rates of pay.
All of which make them more vulnerable to sexual harm, with workers on precarious contracts 60 per cent more likely to report being a victim of sexual harassment, and women generally reporting sexual harassment rates twice as high as men.
Findings showed that several of the women interviewed were harassed by their manager or supervisor, who used their position of authority and responsibility for their working patterns to harass them and control their working lives.
