Agemaspark founder wins lifetime achievement award in Doncaster
A lifetime achievement prize has been awarded to Paul Stockhill, Founder and MD of precision-engineering company Agemaspark at Doncaster Chamber’s 25th annual business awards evening attended by 900 people.
Chamber President Andy Morley said: “It was a privilege to present this trophy to Paul, who has done so much for Doncaster, its economy and communities.
“While growing his business, which was founded back in 2002, he has helped to drive forward innovation in the manufacturing industry by embracing new technologies and really thinking outside the box. In the process, he has supplied parts for use in aviation, medicine, robotics and oil drilling, with Agemaspark’s global clients spanning both sectors and continents. They even have interstellar components that can be found in places like Mars and the International Space Station.
“Of course, Paul’s open-minded thinking is not only evident in his use of cutting-edge technology but also in the way that he nurtures the next-generation of talent. Indeed, he has mentored dozens of apprentices over the years, sits on various skills and education- related boards, and was instrumental in getting Doncaster’s first UTC off the ground.
“For all of this and more, Paul has been showered with accolades and praise throughout his distinguished career and we are pleased to recognise this with our 2023 Lifetime Achievement award.”
There were also accolades for standout SMEs, major corporations, inspiring apprentices, caring charities, promising start-ups, exemplary education providers, intrepid entrepreneurs and more; allowing the ceremony to really do justice to our phenomenal business community here in Doncaster. All of the finalists underwent a rigorous judging process — which saw them being scored by expert panels and being interviewed by their peers— to ensure that the most deserving recipients were selected for each trophy.
Dan Fell, Chief Exec of Doncaster Chamber, said: “It’s hard to believe that our Business Awards have been going strong for 25 years now and Doncaster has certainly come a long way in that space of time.
“Last night was an opportunity to reflect on the progress we have made since that inaugural ceremony in 1998, to recap the biggest highlights from the past quarter century and, of course, to shine a spotlight on our city’s best and brightest.
“It was a real honour to be in the presence of such remarkable businesses last night, all of whom exemplify the uniquely tenacious, determined and forward-thinking spirit of Doncaster. It’s always difficult to single out just a handful of winners — especially with all of the impressive finalists that put themselves forward, of whom there was a record amount in 2023 — but I believe that our judges have picked some truly fantastic organisations and entrepreneurs this year.
“When I look at those who were recognised, I am reminded just how extraordinary our local business community is and how they are constantly driving forward growth and taking us to new heights. With incredible businesspeople like these right at our doorstep, I know that the future for Doncaster is truly bright and cannot wait to see where they take us next.
“With that said, I would like to thank everyone who made this inspiring evening possible, from our hosts at Doncaster racecourse right through to our amazing roster of finalists, our generous sponsors and, of course, the fantastic team I am privileged to lead at the Chamber.”
Creative agency’s input bolsters teaching resource in Cleethorpes
Work done by Lincoln-based creative production agency Ruddocks has helped a educational project led by the Greater Lincolnshire LEP to be recognised as an example of good practice in a national report.
Ruddocks has worked with the Greater Lincolnshire Careers Hub to stage a summer Teacher Encounter programme for students at Cleethorpes Academy.
What made the project stand out was the interactive educational handbook that Ruddocks’ Managing Director Paul Banton provided to teachers following their encounter.
The handbook contains several curriculum-related activities that can be used by teachers to bring their subjects to life, and each task is directly related to the work of the company, such as a creating a design brief or providing quote estimates.
The report, entitled Evaluation of The Careers & Enterprise Company’s Teacher Encounters Programme and published by academics at the University of Derby, highlighted the handbook and the Teacher Encounter at Cleethorpes Academy as an example for others to follow.
The handbook is currently being used by Cleethorpes Academy to help develop students’ knowledge in media, and the academy is in conversation with Ruddocks to develop the resource further so that it can be incorporated into more subject areas.
Alex Nightingale, Enterprise Co-ordinator at the LEP Careers Hub saids: “As soon as Paul Banton of Ruddocks revealed that he planned to create a handbook to support the Teacher Encounter I was really pleased.
“One of the integral aims of the programme is to support subject teachers to enrich their lessons with content from the world of work. The fact that Cleethorpes Academy is keen to develop this further shows the value of our Teacher Encounters programme and of the resource kindly created by the team at Ruddocks.”
Mr Banton said: “My experience of the Teacher Encounter has been really positive. Having undertaken several different initiatives over the years, engaging with schools in various ways, the concept of hosting teachers from myriad schools here on site, so they can see at first hand the skills and roles we have available as an employer, is without doubt the best.
“There’s nothing like being able to get up close to the different functions within our business and talk to some of the team for getting a real sense of where the employability opportunities lie. I really felt the participants were fully engaged and I’m pleased and excited to see how things develop with Cleethorpes Academy as we continue the journey together.
“It’s the first time we have been involved in anything quite like this, and having Cleethorpes working alongside us to develop the scheme and workbook we created will be really interesting. I very much hope that we are piloting a blueprint for the future that enables young people and enterprise come together and create pathways into employment that I do not believe exist today.”
Connor Russell, an ICT teacher at Cleethorpes Academy, added: “Exploring Ruddocks proved to be incredibly insightful. Led by Paul, the team demonstrated the start-to-end process of designing creative graphics, which has given me a comprehensive understanding of their entire process, from the initial client enquiry to the distribution of the final product.
“Our visit highlighted the cutting-edge technology required to print for the masses, but also showcased the skillsets required to work at a printing company. When I returned to the academy I passed on the knowledge I gathered to other members of the department so they can also implement this into their teaching.”
Connor said that in future he and his colleagues would embed the handbook in aspects of their teaching.
“Whenever we teach a creative topic such as graphic design, we will look at using some of the elements of the handbook such as asking students to create a design concept before creating the product. We could also look at setting the lessons around a client (the teacher), providing students with a brief to work from and getting students to pitch their intended product which will allow them to get feedback that can be considered when developing their product.”
Agreement with EU and Norway gives UK fishing industry opportunities worth £700m
The UK fishing industry will have access to 420,000 tonnes of fishing opportunities worth up to £700 million after agreements were reached with the EU and Norway, the UK Government has announced.
This brings the total fishing opportunities secured for the UK fleet in 2024 in the main negotiating forums to 750,000 tonnes – 80,000 tonnes more than in 2023 – worth up to £970 million based on historic landing prices.
The deal with the EU has secured UK fishermen access to opportunities of 130,000 tonnes for 2024, worth up to £340 million.
The trilateral deal with the EU and Norway secures access to opportunities of 290,000 tonnes of North Sea stocks, worth around £360 million.
This is on top of 330,000 tonnes, worth around £270 million, from catch limits agreed earlier in the year on widely distributed stocks with coastal States in the northeast Atlantic.
As a result of quota share uplifts agreed in the Trade and Cooperation Agreement, the UK has up to 120,000 tonnes more quota from the 2024 negotiations than it would have received as an EU Member State.
In the fourth year of the UK operating as an independent coastal state in the negotiations, catch levels were agreed for over 80 important total allowable catches (TACs). This included key commercial stock across the industry, including northern shelf cod, North Sea saithe, and Nephrop stocks in the Celtic/Irish Sea.
Fisheries Minister Mark Spencer said: “These significant deals give UK fishermen access to important fish stocks worth £970 million and take advantage of our position outside the EU to independently negotiate in our fishing fleets best interest.
“They are based on the latest scientific advice and support a sustainable, profitable fishing sector for years to come while continuing to protect our marine environment and vital fishing grounds.”
COP that: Supermarkets won’t be able to stock items produced by harming the world’s forests
Palm oil, cocoa, beef, leather, and soy are to be included in new legislation aimed at helping ensure the products we buy do not harm the world’s forests.
At COP28 Nature Day the government set out how these new laws will ensure that there is no place on our supermarket shelves for products which have been produced on land linked to illegal deforestation.
This move will protect the habitats of some of the world’s most precious and endangered species, including tigers and leopards. It will give British shoppers assurance that the goods they buy are not contributing to deforestation that violates the laws and regulations of the countries where they come from.
The biggest driver of deforestation is agricultural expansion, with an area the size of the UK ploughed up each year to meet UK demand for commodities.
The legislation marks a step change from voluntary approaches already in place, protecting the future of the world’s forests that we need to help tackle climate change, and their wildlife-rich canopies.
Introduced through the world leading Environment Act, this legislation will see businesses that have a global annual turnover of over £50 million and use over 500 tonnes of regulated commodities a year banned from using them if sourced from illegally-used land.
These businesses will also be required to undertake a due diligence exercise on their supply chains and to report on this exercise annually for transparency.
Environment Secretary Steve Barclay said: “I find it heart-rending to see the way illegal deforestation is destroying the habitats of tigers, jaguars, orangutans and many other endangered species, and I know many people across the world feel the same. Globally, we lose forests equivalent to the size of about 30 football pitches every minute.
“It’s why we are cleaning up supply chains to make sure that big businesses in the UK aren’t responsible for illegal deforestation. It also means shoppers can be confident that the money they spend is part of the solution, rather than part of the problem.
“Through our work at COP28 on forests, food, and nature we are reversing the loss of biodiversity, increasing food security, and tackling climate change – safeguarding these critically important landscapes for generations to come.”
Biomethane fuel supplier starts work on Doncaster depot
One of Europe’s leading suppliers of renewable biomethane fuel for HGVs is building a new refuelling station at Doncaster.
The public access Bio-CNG station operated by ReFuels under the CNG Fuels brand puts 90% of the UK’s population and four of the country’s largest ports within a 4-5-hour reach of the station. With 76% of all intermodal journeys involving heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) beginning or ending at a shipping dock, the new station will play a fundamental role in enabling major fleets to cut CO2 emissions.
The UK’s largest port by tonnage, Immingham Docks, sits within an hour’s range of the new station, enabling fleets travelling to and from the port to run on 100% renewable biomethane for the first time. Additionally, the site will serve iPort, the UK’s most advanced multimodal logistics hub. Several of ReFuels’ customers already have warehousing and distribution bases in the area, including Amazon, DHL and Lidl.
Philip Fjeld, CEO and co-founder of ReFuels, said: “Our latest site to enter construction in Doncaster is set to transform access to Bio-CNG for fleets travelling to and from the UK’s largest ports. As a key logistics hub in the UK, the Doncaster station will not only expand the reach of low-carbon deliveries for our existing customers, but many major brands and local hauliers looking to make substantial emission cuts of over 90% from fleets.”
The station at Doncaster is owned by a joint venture (JV) with Foresight Group. It will feature 10 fuel pump islands, allowing more than 500 trucks to be refuelled daily with a total capacity of more than 19 million kilograms (kg) of Bio-CNG annually.
Equity group endorses newly-established Charter
A year after the launch of the CATCH Equity, Diversity, Inclusivity, and Belonging Network, member companies have endorsed the organisations newly-established Charter and its accompanying guidelines.
Current Chair Nina Stobart of Phillips 66 says this demonstrates their collective commitment to shaping an industry that is resilient, adaptive, and inclusive.
With the sector currently facing a notable skills shortage and with a surge of job opportunities expected from upcoming large-scale engineering and construction projects, ensuring a diverse talent pool and equal opportunity has never been more crucial.
The group boasts a membership of highly skilled industry professionals and therefore has established four specialised sub-committees: Policy, Recruitment and Outreach, Allyship, and Training and Development to tackle some of the industry’s most pressing challenges. Nina, External Communications & Public Affairs Lead at Phillips 66 said: “Promoting and delivering EDI&B in the workplace is an essential aspect of good people management. It’s about creating working environments and cultures where every individual can feel safe and a sense of belonging and is empowered to achieve their full potential. “Our new Charter is a commitment that we are on that journey to help our business and the region reach our Vision which is to be part of a progressive and equitable region where businesses support a fully inclusive and diverse workforce in an environment where they feel seen, heard, supported, and valued. To do this we all need to play our part by embracing difference, valuing everyone’s contribution, treating people with dignity and respect and increasing our understanding by hearing lived experience of others. Only by doing this can we take the appropriate positive steps forward to ensure we can meet the needs of everyone. We know this really does matter. It matters for everyone, and it must be a priority, not just in words but in action.” Lisa Buck, CATCH’s Head of Stakeholder Engagement, said: “The inception of this network was inspired by discussions within the CATCH HR leaders forum. Regional businesses expressed a feeling that, despite commendable efforts already underway, there was vast potential for more impact if we all worked together. Our sessions have been lively and uplifting, with influential people eager to collaborate in enhancing the industry as a more inclusive workspace.” Companies that have signed up to the Charter include – Philips 66, Yara International, Tronox, Humber Bank Instruments, OLG, Lenzing, Solenis, and Gassco.BCC upgrades economic forecasts for now, but predicts downturn in 2025
The British Chambers of Commerce has marginally upgraded its 2023 and 2024 GDP forecast but lowered the outlook for 2025, as economic growth for all three years flatlines.
The BCC’s Quarterly Economic Forecast, ranked joint second most accurate by the Sunday Times, predicts the UK will remain in the slow lane.
Vicky Pryce, Chair of the BCC Economic Advisory Council, said: “The BCC’s latest forecast shows the UK economy has yet to find a way to break out of its current rut. While it’s welcome that GDP should continue to expand there is an underlying fragility that is eroding confidence.
“The Government set out several pro-growth measures in the Autumn Statement, but businesses and consumers have had their fingers badly burned by the pandemic and ensuing economic shocks.
“It will take a Herculean effort to shift the dial on investment and consumer spending, against that background, and inject some much-needed vitality.
“The minimum wage increase early next year will further impact investment concerns among businesses, as cost pressures rise.
“As we head towards an election next year, politicians will have to show how they will work with the business community to build on the Autumn Statement commitments and develop a much-needed long term economic plan to give companies confidence to invest in people, trade and grow.”
The UK economy looks set to continue expanding until the end of 2025, but growth will remain very sluggish. A growth rate of 0.6% is now expected for the whole of 2023, dropping to 0.4% in 2024, and nudging up only slightly to 0.6% in 2025. Prolonged high interest rates, trade barriers, particularly with the EU, and limits on consumer spending are all seen to feed into a low growth climate.
Despite core inflation now outpacing the headline CPI rate, BCC research indicates the proportion of firms expecting their prices to rise is continuing to fall. The forecast for the CPI rate is now 4.6% in Q4 2023, 3.1% in Q4 2024, and 1.9% in Q4 2025, when it finally slips below the Bank of England’s 2% target.
Although ONS revisions have revealed the economy recovered from the pandemic much faster than originally estimated, the momentum has been lost. While the start of 2023 turned out better than expected, the second half of the year has been lacklustre, leading to overall growth of 0.6% for the year.
And with interest rates now predicted to fall only slightly in 2024 and business confidence failing to take off, the BCC expects the economy to grow by just 0.4% in 2024 and 0.6% in 2025.
This is a slight increase for 2024 and a similar decrease for 2025, from the BCC’s previous Q3 forecast of 0.3% and 0.7% respectively.
Weak levels of growth in household consumption and a forecast of a reduction in overall real terms Government spending in 2023 and 2024, are also factors in this shaky performance.
Although disposable incomes are now above pre-pandemic levels, households are spending less than they did then, suggesting high interest rates, inflation and global headwinds are weighing on consumer confidence.
Trade is also likely to continue to suffer, with export growth of just 0.5% and 1.2% in the next two years, following a contraction of 0.5% this year. Imports are similarly lacklustre, with further regulatory changes at the UK and EU borders weighing on trade flows.
Against this background, the BCC expects business investment to contract by 0.8% in 2024, a downward revision from –0.1% in Q3, before rebounding to 1.2% in 2025.
Despite the gloomy economic outlook, average earnings are now expected to grow more strongly than inflation across the forecast period, with growth of 5.5% in Q4 2023, followed by 3.5% in Q4 2024 and 2.5% at the end of 2025.
With core inflation remaining stubborn, and fears that wages could continue to put upward pressure on prices, the Bank of England interest rate is expected to fall only slowly – reaching 4.25% in Q4 2025.
While the number of vacancies continues to decline and demand remains subdued, the unemployment rate is also expected to stay higher for longer, hitting 4.8% by the end of 2025. However, this cooling of the labour market is yet to translate into any significant easing of the recruitment difficulties felt by firms, with BCC research showing the hospitality, construction and manufacturing sectors all struggling.
Woodlands Home & Garden Group acquires modular garden building business
Leeds-based Woodlands Home & Garden Group has completed the acquisition of Smart Modular Ltd (trading as My Modular), a modular garden building business with a network of skilled installation specialists, based in Otley.
The firm’s portfolio of products will be rebranded and become part of the Tiger range over coming months.
The modular operation will be based at Woodlands Home & Garden Group’s manufacturing facility at Thornbury alongside the Log Cabin production team, and Stuart Davison, the founder of My Modular, will join the Woodlands board as Commercial Director, to further develop the modular category and to support the wider growth plans of the group.
Ross Moran, Chief Executive of Woodlands Home & Garden Group, said: “As part of our strategy, we are committed to helping our customers find their perfect space, by offering them an extensive selection of high-quality garden buildings that showcase the best possible range of designs, budgets and uses.
“As a result of our analysis of the market, product, and service proposition, we concluded that it would make sense to bring in specific expertise, and the right level of experience, innovation and quality required so that we could enter the market as quickly and effectively as possible. We are delighted to welcome Stuart and his team to the group, and we look forward to working with them to create further growth for the business.”
The news comes as three members of the senior leadership team at Woodlands have been promoted to join the main board of directors: Graham Parlett to Finance Director, Lauren Coley to Product Director, and Agata Choma to Operations Director.
New bus station gets go-ahead in Heckmondwike
Plans to build a new bus station in Heckmondwike have been given the green light by West Yorkshire leaders.
The existing “bus hub” in the town centre will be given a major upgrade, with more bus stands and improved facilities for passengers.
The current traffic island will be demolished, with a new bus station building with indoor waiting facilities built in its place.
The project aims to improve journey reliability and times, as well as reduce congestion and improve air quality.
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “We want to improve bus services for people in West Yorkshire – so that public transport is reliable enough to make it the first choice for travel.
“This new station is a big step towards that goal and will make it easier to walk, cycle and wheel in the area too.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the project come to life as we build a better-connected region that works for all.”
This £8.6 million project is being delivered in partnership with Kirklees Council.
The new, fully accessible station will also include extra seating, better footways, cycle parking, solar panels, a “green roof” with plants and more green space for people to enjoy. New toilet facilities will be created, including a “Changing Places” room with extra features for people with a range of disabilities.
It will also improve safety by introducing more CCTV cameras and better lighting.
The new station will make it easier for people to use the bus, cycle, wheel or walk in and around Heckmondwike.
Cllr Cathy Scott, Leader of Kirklees Council, said: “As we unveil the new Heckmondwike Bus Station, we embark on a transformative journey that goes beyond bricks and mortar.
“This station is not just a transportation hub; it’s a catalyst for positive change within our community. With an unwavering commitment to sustainability and accessibility, this project is part of plans to regenerate the town centre and is part of our Heckmondwike Blueprint regeneration initiatives.
“Our vision encompasses a future where bus travel becomes a preferred choice, reducing our travel-based carbon footprint and congestion. By enhancing reliability and attractiveness, we invite more residents to embrace sustainable transport, making strides towards our sustainable and inclusive growth ambitions.”
The scheme is being delivered through the Combined Authority’s Transforming Cities Fund programme, which is aimed at making it easier to walk, cycle and use public transport.
Construction work is due to start in January 2024.
East Yorkshire High Street businesses urged to ask for grants
Businesses on High Streets across East Yorkshire are being given an opportunity to enhance their business premises by accessing ‘Love Your High Street’ grant funding.
The Invest East Yorkshire team, which is part of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, can help business owners to access funding to revamp their premises, increase footfall in the town in which they’re located and boost customer engagement. The team is able to help eligible local businesses access grants though the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF). Advisers work closely with business owners to help them identify projects that will help their business grow and evolve, as well as identifying any sources of grant funding that may be available to help them cover the costs. Dawn Hall of the Invest East Yorkshire team said: “Whether you’re planning to upgrade your storefront or workspace, or want to attract more customers and boost local foot traffic, our knowledgeable and friendly team is here to help and advise you. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to make a meaningful impact on your business and community; give the team a call today to discuss your ideas!” For more information or to discuss your project, contact the Business Support Team on 01482 391622 or email business.support@eastriding.gov.uk.