NFU calls for swift return of HS2 land to its farming business former owners

Stuart Pearcey
-
0
NFU calls for swift return of HS2 land to its farming business former owners
In the wake of cancellation of the northern stretch of the HS2 the NFU is calling for a quick return of land taken from farmers and growers under compulsory purchase.
NFU Vice President David Exwood has written to Secretary of State for Transport Mark Harper highlighting the need for the government to develop a ‘transparent policy’ to ensure farmers and former landowners can purchase land back, with a first option of refusal.
He said: “Many farmers have been left with more uncertainty and delay after part of the HS2 project was cancelled. They must have a fair and swift resolution when it comes to land compensation and restoration.” David also raised concerns around how the government is resolving issues surrounding HS2 disruption and the eventual phase 2 cancellation, urging them to “accelerate the process” as swiftly as possible.
The NFU is calling for land to be returned to its former condition where required, for outstanding crop loss payments to be finalised and paid out, as well as any outstanding compensation claims that have been made by farmers. Where a Blight Notice has been served and accepted, the NFU asks that the notice is proceeded with unless the claimant prefers otherwise. David also emphasised the importance that the Department for Transport acts quickly to understand the many different scenarios that landowners will find themselves in which need to be addressed, adding that this “will help to lead to a fair and equitable outcome for all parties involved”. He added: “The current level of uncertainty surrounding the HS2 project is unsettling for many members and the broader community, and it’s essential that the many farm businesses already so badly disrupted by this project can start to rebuild their businesses and get back to doing what they do best – producing climate-friendly and nutritious food for the country.”

South Yorkshire plans first-ever international trade conference

Stuart Pearcey
-
0
South Yorkshire plans first-ever international trade conference
Business leaders will all be gathering together next month for South Yorkshire’s first-ever International Trade Conference. Jointly organised by the three regional Chambers of Commerce – Doncaster, Sheffield and Barnsley & Rotherham – the conference represents a chance for businesses to forge new connections to help them prosper in the daunting world of International Trade, to learn about upcoming opportunities that are just on the horizon, and to expand their knowledge of best practice in this complicated field. High-profile speakers will be there to share their insights on a wide array of different topics, including Oliver Coppard, Mayor of South Yorkshire, and Manuel Fantin from UK Export Finance, who will talk about how his organisation supports businesses in going overseas. Liam Smyth, Director of the British Chambers of Commerce, will give an update on important regulatory changes and how these are going to affect traders in the near future. Dan Fell, Chief Exec of Doncaster Chamber, said: “International trade is a vital cornerstone of our economy and that’s why, as Chambers of Commerce, we always stress its importance and advocate for any members who want to explore the opportunities available to them in this lucrative field. “With that said, we are incredibly excited to debut our International Trade Conference. By pooling together the collective resources and expertise of all three regional Chamber networks, this event will be an in-depth exploration. Delegates will be able to deepen their knowledge on this critical subject, better understand its various nuances, and establish lasting relationships that will help them represent Brand South Yorkshire on a global stage. “Whether you are a start-up looking to take their first steps into exporting and importing, or an established international trader that just wants to increase their prospects, there’s bound to be something here that’s relevant to you.” The South Yorkshire International Trade Conference will be held at the OEC Sheffield on Wednesday 15th November and is being sponsored by UK Export Finance and RM Boulanger.

Hull firm expands into north east to be closer to clients

Stuart Pearcey
-
0
Hull firm expands into north east to be closer to clients

Regional construction company I&G has opened new premises in the North East, following a growth in demand for work in the area.

I&G, part of the Hull-based Sewell Group, is headquartered in West Yorkshire, with additional offices in East Yorkshire and Leeds. They specialise in complex construction projects in the health, education, food and commercial sectors. The company has opened a new office in Stockton-on-Tees, providing a base to be closer to their North East clients, and creating new employment opportunities throughout the region. I&G MD Christopher Carline said: “In the last five years, we’ve seen our turnover increase from £6m to over £21m, as we’ve taken on multi-million-pound projects and seen our partnerships with existing clients develop. “We’re now getting more and more work in the North East, so it feels like the right time to expand into the area. Our new Stockton office will give us a base from which we can work across the North East, giving us more opportunities to work on projects across the area. “As an employee-owned business, our people are really important to us, and we’re keen to create more opportunities for existing staff, whilst also looking to recruit locally.” I&G are experts at working in live environments, such as hospital wards, food production facilities and educational spaces. Recent major successes have included the new Critical Care Unit at Barnsley Hospital, the £6m refurbishment of the ophthalmology unit at St James Hospital in Leeds, and a food production factory extension in Pontefract for KP Snacks.

Sheffield metals firm enters administration after more than 250 years

Stuart Pearcey
-
0
Sheffield metals firm enters administration after more than 250 years
Sheffield-based Thessco Ltd, which has been making brazing alloys and contact materials since 1760, has gone into administration, putting 47 jobs at risk. One of the world’s largest manufacturers of silver brazing alloys, metal joining products and industrial silver alloys, Thessco has its head office and production site in Royds Mills, Sheffield. The company ceased to trade upon the appointment of administrators Joanne Hammond and Kris Wigfield of Begbies Traynor with the expected loss of all 47 jobs. The administrators are currently working to ensure the best return for creditors. The company’s directors said: “It is with heavy hearts that we have been forced to make the decision to close Thessco Ltd in Sheffield, following a year of turbulent market forces. Spiralling energy prices, increased raw material costs and the significant rise in finance costs have all had a huge impact on the business. “We would personally like to thank all our staff for their hard work and dedication, and all our customers and suppliers for their loyalty.” Joanne Hammond said, “It is very said to see the demise of such a historic Sheffield business, but, unfortunately, market conditions make it unviable for it to continue. As well as supporting employees, we will be seeking the best return for creditors and anyone interested in purchasing plant or machinery should contact us.”

Snaith-based Croda starts work on new factory in China

Stuart Pearcey
-
0
Snaith-based Croda starts work on new factory in China
Snaith-based Croda International has broken ground at a greenfield site in GuangZhou that will become its new multi-purpose production facility for fragrances and beauty actives ingredients in China. Aligned with Croda’s strategic priority to deliver fast growth in Asia, the new state-of-the-art, low-carbon facility will significantly expand Croda’s fragrance manufacturing capacity in China. It also marks the inauguration of a production capability for beauty actives within the region. This investment underscores Croda’s dedication to the country, enabling realisation of its “Made in China for China” initiative, while also facilitating exports to other countries in the region. Croda Chief Executive Steve Footssaid: “This investment reaffirms Croda’s deep-rooted commitment to China. It triples our manufacturing capacity for fragrances and establishes a production capability for beauty actives for the first time. I had the pleasure of hosting local dignitaries at this momentous event and look forward to a productive collaboration with them as we accelerate our growth in China.” The GuangZhou facility will be principally used to manufacture fragrances, with existing fragrance production in China consolidated on the new site. Croda’s Fragrances and Flavours (F&F) business was initially established through the 2020 acquisition of Iberchem which has a twenty-year track record in China. Tony Xu, General Manager, Iberchem China, said: “The investment underpins Croda’s ambitions for its F&F business, which has delivered strong double-digit percentage per year sales growth in China over the last 20 years.” The investment will also establish Croda’s first production capacity in China for its Beauty Actives business, focused primarily on botanical extracts. Jeffrey Wu, MD Croda China, said: “The market for botanicals in China is growing strongly reflecting Chinese consumers’ long-standing preference for natural extracts. The new facility will provide local production for Croda’s globally renowned beauty actives brands, increase our responsiveness to customers and enable us to meet local market needs.” The Croda Guangzhou site is expected to be commissioned in 2025 and will include application laboratories, R&D facilities and offices as well as manufacturing.

West Yorkshire tourism chiefs unite for first economy-boosting meeting

Stuart Pearcey
-
0
West Yorkshire tourism chiefs unite for first economy-boosting meeting
Tourism chiefs from across West Yorkshire united for the inaugural meeting of a new partnership aimed at unleashing the vast potential of the region’s visitor economy. The first meeting of the Local Visitor Economy Partnership saw representatives from each of the five West Yorkshire districts join forces with key figures from the tourism sector to begin exploring ways to grow the visitor economy, attract more visitors and inward investment and create job opportunities across West Yorkshire.
The meeting followed a successful joint bid for LVEP status earlier this year by councils in Leeds, Calderdale, Kirklees, Bradford and Wakefield alongside West Yorkshire Combined Authority. Under the new LVEP programme, developed and administered by VisitEngland, districts will share ideas and resources to improve the offer and make the most of the region’s 65 million annual visitors. The West Yorkshire LVEP will also be able to access expert advice, dedicated toolkits and training programmes as well as getting support for applications for important national funding. Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire said: “I’m thrilled that work is under way to showcase our amazing region to the world. We’re combining our strengths to ensure that West Yorkshire’s tourism and hospitality businesses can unleash their potential and thrive for years to come. “West Yorkshire is the place to be. And this exciting new partnership will help us build a stronger, brighter region that works for all.” The LVEP programme was originally launched nationwide last year after consultation following a government review of Destination Management Organisations across England. Now it has formed, West Yorkshire’s LVEP will continue working with partners and organisations across the wider Yorkshire region to promote the Yorkshire brand.  

Yorkshire Brewery teams up with kelp grower for unique tasting event

Stuart Pearcey
-
0
Yorkshire Brewery teams up with kelp grower for unique tasting event

The team at an East Yorkshire brewery are hosting a unique tasting event in conjunction with a North Sea kelp grower.

Representatives from Wold Newton based Wold Top Brewery will be onboard the Southern Star, home to the SeaGrown Centre, on 8th November to talk about the unique beers they produce from kelp harvested by the SeaGrown team. Wold Top’s Jo Ward and Michelle Savage will talk about the beers they’re brewing from Yorkshire seaweed, Alice Wilkinson from SeaGrown will share information about their unique large-scale seaweed farm and the SeaGrown Centre chef will prepare a selection of snacks to accompany the beer-tasting. “Since 2018, SeaGrown has been sustainably growing and harvesting seaweed right here on the Yorkshire Coast. This planet-friendly crop can be used for many wonderful things, including beer. In 2022, they invited us to brew a seaweed beer, Hold Fast, for them to serve in their café and restaurant and we have recently brewed a second beer, Down the Hatch. We’re looking forward to tasting these and other Wold Top beers alongside some delicious snacks on board the Southern Star,” said Mrs Ward. Wold Top was founded in 2003 and is located on the Mellor family farm at Hunmanby Grange. The team use home-grown barley and water from the farm’s borehole to produce a range of award-winning cask, keg and bottled beers that are available throughout Yorkshire and nationwide. Founded in 2018 by Wave Crookes and Laura Robinson, SeaGrown is Britain’s first large-scale offshore seaweed farm. Their pioneering seaweed farm is producing a sustainable crop year-round – with an ever-expanding range of uses – from foods to agriculture and nutraceuticals to bioplastics.

Detailed planning application submitted for Louth development

Tess Egginton
-
0
Detailed planning application submitted for Louth development

Developer Charterpoint and housebuilder Snape Properties have jointly submitted a detailed planning application for a site near Louth.

The 12-acre plot off Daisy Way is an extension to the popular Westfield Park and already has outline planning permission for up to 90 new properties.

Now a detailed application has been submitted to East Lindsey District Council for the next stage of the development.

The proposals are for 90 properties, including a mix of one, two, three and four bedroom homes, plus a children’s play area, surface water attenuation ponds, wildflower meadows, sustainable drainage and an amenity lawn for communal informal recreation.

Adrian Goose, CEO of Charterpoint, said: “We are very pleased that Charterpoint and Snape Properties have jointly submitted a detailed planning application for this site off Daisy Way near Louth.

“In conjunction with Charterpoint, Snape Properties has built a flourishing community at Westfield Park and this additional plot will bring more much-needed homes to the town.”

The site, which is bounded by the A16 Louth bypass to the north west and by Westfield Park to the south and east, will be accessed off Daisy Way and will include green infrastructure to provide an attractive quality environment for residents and visitors with consideration given to access for pedestrians and cyclists, enhancement of wildlife biodiversity, sustainable drainage solutions and promotion of use of outdoor spaces for improved mental and physical health and well-being.

Open water, swales and ditches are also included as part of the sustainable drainage strategy to contribute to local biodiversity.

Safestyle UK announces intention to appoint administrators, putting 600 jobs on the line

Tess Egginton
-
0
Safestyle UK announces intention to appoint administrators, putting 600 jobs on the line

Safestyle UK, the Bradford retailer and manufacturer of PVCu replacement windows and doors, has announced its intention to appoint administrators.

It follows the news of parties withdrawing their interest in buying the business and comes as the doors of Safestyle were closed, resulting in up to 600 job losses, and the business suspending share trading.

The Board of the main trading subsidiary of the group, H.P.A.S. Limited (HPAS) and other intermediate holding companies in the group, namely Style Group Holdings Limited and Style Group UK Limited, has concluded that they are no longer able to continue trading as a going concern. 

As a result, the Board has filed notice of intention to appoint administrators to HPAS, Style Group Holdings Limited and Style Group UK Limited. 

A statement added: “Unless financial circumstances change, and in accordance with statutory requirements, the board of these three companies intends to appoint administrators within 10 business days.”

White Hart Hotel to reopen in historic Uphill Lincoln

Tess Egginton
-
0
White Hart Hotel to reopen in historic Uphill Lincoln
Following a comprehensive six-month refurbishment, the White Hart Hotel in Lincoln is set to open its doors to the public on Monday 6th November. Purchased in 2022 by Lincolnshire resident and businessman, Andrew Long, the hotel has been completely transformed and now offers both locals and visitors to Lincoln a truly stylish place to stay, eat and celebrate. Originally one of the oldest Coaching Inns in the region, the White Hart Hotel is located on Bailgate, one of the city’s most historic streets, within yards of the iconic Lincoln Cathedral and medieval Lincoln Castle. As well as a tasteful renovation of the bedrooms, the hotel now proudly boasts the fully refurbished and renamed Colonnade Cocktail Bar & Lounge at the very heart of the hotel, the all-new Gibson Club Bar for more relaxed occasions and a wealth of additional wedding and function suites. The hotel’s stylish new Antlers Restaurant, will be opening at the start of December, serving the very finest local and seasonal produce from a host of local suppliers and artisan producers. Andrew Long says: “Since acquiring the White Hart, we have had ambitious plans to turn it into one of the most elegant and desirable hotels in the region. The comprehensive yet sensitive and respectful refurbishment we have carried out on Lincoln’s most historic hotel should ensure that it quickly regains its reputation as the city’s leading ‘special occasion’ destination for both locals and visitors alike. “We can’t wait to welcome our guests, old and new to see what we’ve been able to achieve.” Andrew added: “The White Hart first opened more than 600 years ago as a Coaching Inn and has been one of Lincoln’s premier hotels since being substantially rebuilt and extended in the mid 1800s.” Hotel General Manager, Paul Noble, said: “We’ve spent the last few months training and developing our highly valued team and getting ready to reopen, so we’re excited to be able to put our carefully laid plans into action. “Not only have we considerably improved our food offering and menu choices, but we’ve also had a complete overhaul of our renowned cocktail menu to ensure each guest has a truly memorable experience – whether they are visiting for a few hours or staying for several days.” Andrew Long has also acquired the nearby Judge’s Lodgings, a similarly historic gem close to the White Hart Hotel on Castle Hill. Andrew plans to refurbish and redevelop the Judge’s Lodgings in conjunction with the former White Hart Hotel Garages and 2 Bailgate, providing fully serviced ‘apartment style’ Rooms, Restaurant and Licensed Cafe Bar, together with a high quality Retail Arcade and the continued provision of approximately 30 customer car parking spaces.
1...510511512...1,014Page 511 of 1,014