Forgemasters takes on 24 apprentices in Sheffield
Sheffield Forgemasters has welcomed 24 new apprentices for 2023, joining the Ministry of Defence-owned company during an exciting period.
They’ll apprentices will start at a variety of levels including two degree apprenticeships as the company drives forward with significant investment into new plant and equipment.
Nicola Childs, interim HR Director, said: “The calibre of candidates that came forward to join our apprenticeships scheme was very high this year and we were pleased to see much greater gender diversity across applications and successful candidates.
“The apprentices join our company at an exciting time, having secured significant investment following the MoD acquisition. As we transform our capability to meet the demands of our defence work, we are also expanding in areas such as civil nuclear and renewable energy.”
Sheffield Forgemasters is investing heavily over the next ten years to support its defence-critical assets, including a new 13,000 tonne Forge line and building, 17 major machine tool replacements within a new machining facility, which will be unmatched outside of the UK.
Nicola added: “Our apprenticeship programme is recognised as one of the best our region has to offer, and we are incredibly proud to be able to provide future generations with the opportunity to not only have a meaningful and varied career but also to develop important skills for life.”
Apprentices have secured roles in the following disciplines; Machinists, Electrical and Control Engineers, NDT Technicians, Methods Engineer (Degree), Design Engineer (Degree), Production Planning and Estimating.
Hull-based Arco renews long-term contract with FedEx
Hull-based safety specialist Arco has renewed its long-standing multi-million-pound deal with FedEx.
Working across Arco’s operating bases including the National Distribution Centre in Hull, the Arco Clothing Centre in Preston and all other retail operations, FedEx currently processes over 7,500 parcels per day, for next day delivery. This collaboration has been a vital part of Arco’s supply chain, ensuring seamless logistics and timely deliveries to customers across the UK.
The long-term close strategic relationship between Arco and FedEx first began in 2009 and has since been extended to December 2026. Throughout this relationship, FedEx has consistently demonstrated its ability to provide high-quality services, making them an ideal supplier for Arco’s ongoing growth and development. Neil Griffiths, Divisional Director, Logistics and Supply Chain at Arco said: “Since we signed the original contract in 2009, FedEx has proven to be the perfect supplier for Arco. With demonstrated excellence in reliability and customer service, we are delighted to extend this exclusive agreement through to the end of 2026. Both companies share the same values in terms of innovation and quality, and together we can build a positive future for our business and the customers we serve.” Rob Peto, Vice President Ground Operations, FedEx Express, said: “We’ve been working closely with Arco to improve and optimise their supply chain to deliver outstanding customer experience.”Government pulls back from imposing more reporting burdens on business
The Government has withdrawn draft regulations after consultation with companies raised concerns about imposing additional reporting requirements.
Instead, it will pursue options to reduce the burden of red tape to ensure the UK is one of the best places in the world to do business.
Draft regulations would have added certain additional corporate and company reporting requirements to large UK-listed and private companies, including an annual resilience statement, distributable profits figure, material fraud statement and triennial audit and assurance policy statement.
This would have incurred additional costs for companies by requiring them to include additional layers of corporate information in their annual reports.
Since July, the Government has completed a call for evidence on existing non-financial reporting requirements, which has identified a strong appetite from businesses and investors for reform, including to simplify and streamline existing reporting.
The Business Secretary has now decided to withdraw these regulations, and will be setting out options to reform the wider framework shortly to reduce the burden of red tape on businesses.
Business Minister Kevin Hollinrake said: “Since the Government first published these draft regulations in July, discussions with businesses and stakeholders have highlighted a strong appetite for existing reporting requirements to be simplified.
“The Government has decided not to implement the draft regulations at this time, while we continue at pace with our plans to reform the wider non-financial reporting framework. This will deliver a more targeted, simpler and effective framework for both business and investors, reinforcing that the UK is one of the best places in the world for firms to list and to do business.”
Pensana Chairman meets Government minister to talk about vital role of new Saltend factory
Pensana Chairman Paul Atherley has met Nusrat Ghani, Minister of State at the Department for Business and Trade and Cabinet Office, to discuss the potential UK and US Government support for its Saltend project, which is predicted to be a vital link in the UK automotive supply chain.
The meeting highlighted that development of the US$250 million Saltend project would be an important step in supporting the UK automotive supply chain, which employs over 780,000 people.
By 2030 the UK is expected to have transitioned to be a world leader in the manufacture of electric drive units, producing three million every year, with a large proportion destined for export. Without a secure magnet metal supply chain this is under threat.
Pensana is establishing an independent, sustainable rare earth supply chain with mid-stream processing to produce magnet metal in the UK.
The Saltend project will deliver 450 jobs during construction and 150 high value jobs in operation with a significant opportunity for further expansion. The facility is specifically designed to be flexible allowing it to process feedstock from the Longonjo project in Angola along with feedstock from other different rare earth mining projects.
The Minister assured Pensana that the project was of strategic importance for the UK and that support for the project would be raised during talks with Under Secretary Jose Fernandez during the Mineral Security Partnership discussions held during the London Metal Exchange Week.
Pensana was previously nominated by the UK Government as a partner under the recently announced Minerals Security Partnership between the US and its international allies.
The goal of the MSP is to catalyse investment from the private sector and key government partners for “strategic mining, processing, and recycling opportunities that adhere to the highest environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards,” focused particularly on the priority critical minerals needed for core technologies such as electric vehicles and clean technologies.
Suite of support programmes unveiled for Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland businesses
In a significant boost to the economic landscape of Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland, Business Lincolnshire has unveiled a suite of fully funded support programmes.
These initiatives, aimed at fostering growth and development across various sectors, reflect Business Lincolnshire’s dedication to supporting businesses from their inception to their growth stages, and then onto reaching their full potential.
Among the standout programmes available are:
Your Business Boost, designed specifically for Retail, Hospitality, and Leisure businesses. This fully funded initiative provides a comprehensive support package, including group sessions, masterclasses, and tailored expert sessions.
For manufacturing businesses, the Made Smarter East Midlands Adoption Programme and Manufacturing Transformation Programme offer specialised support in digital transformation and business enhancement.
Also available is the Start Up Academy, geared towards budding entrepreneurs and early-stage businesses, offering vital workshops and mentoring sessions.
Meanwhile, the Scale-Up programme promises to take established businesses to new heights through personalised leadership and management training.
Additionally, Business Lincolnshire addresses the pressing need for environmental sustainability through the Low Carbon programme, equipping businesses with knowledge about Net Zero, Decarbonisation, Energy Management, and Supply Chains.
Councillor Colin Davie, executive councillor for economy and place at the county council expressed his enthusiasm about these programmes. He said: “These easily accessible programmes are part of Business Lincolnshire’s commitment to empowering local businesses.
“Not only do they provide expert guidance, mentorship, and funding opportunities, but also serve as educational and networking platforms. They help businesses to adapt, innovate, and flourish in an ever-changing market. As a region, we are investing in our businesses, enabling them to thrive and contribute meaningfully to our local economy.”
In addition to the suite of new programmes, there is a full calendar of upcoming events. The next event in the series is an AI and Marketing Masterclass, which will be delivered online on November 2nd, catering to both experienced and novice marketers and AI enthusiasts keen on advancing their businesses.
Additionally, the Going Global Conference, scheduled for November 27th at Lincoln Bomber Command Centre, offers an opportunity to explore international business opportunities with optional facility tours and a fantastic line up of key speakers from within the region.
Ready to embark on a path to business success? Business Lincolnshire has dedicated Growth Hub Advisers, who can offer personalised support and guidance to your business. Specialising in several key industries, their advisers can help you grow your business, upskill your workforce, and much more. To find out more about any programmes and events or for tailored business support, contact a Growth Hub adviser today.
£100m terminal regeneration set for Leeds Bradford Airport
Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) is making an over £100m investment into a regeneration of its terminal facilities which will improve the passenger experience.
Approved by Leeds City Council, the work is set to commence in autumn 2023 and is expected to complete in 2026. Farrans Construction has been appointed as the contractor to deliver Phase 1 of the project, the construction of the terminal extension.
The regeneration will see a 9,500 sq m, three storey extension to the existing terminal, alongside a significant refurbishment of the current terminal building.
Passengers will benefit from the creation of additional aircraft stands, more seating, faster security, new shops and eateries, and a larger baggage reclaim area and immigration hall, as well as improved access for passengers with restricted mobility.
By 2030, the regeneration has the potential to create 1,500 new direct jobs at LBA and 4,000 new indirect jobs, as well as contribute a total of £940 million to the local economy.
The regeneration will also help LBA to further decarbonise its operations, as outlined in the airport’s 2030 Net Zero Carbon Roadmap, with the installation of new heating, lighting and machinery, including new baggage belts. It is expected that airlines attracted by the regeneration will accelerate the deployment of their newest, quietest and most efficient aircraft at the airport.
Vincent Hodder, Chief Executive of Leeds Bradford Airport, said: “This announcement marks the beginning of a new era for Leeds Bradford Airport.
“This investment will give us the infrastructure needed to deliver an outstanding customer experience, support the growth of our airline partners, enhance connectivity for business, investment and trade and provide the airport that Leeds, Bradford and Yorkshire have been waiting for.
“LBA is a key asset for our region and our community, our investment enhances and supports broader investments underway in Leeds and Bradford creating new jobs, new opportunities and shared benefits for our community.”
Cathal Montague, regional director at Farrans Construction, said: “Leeds Bradford Airport has played an integral role in the ambitious growth of the city of Leeds and the wider Yorkshire region, supporting connectivity to some of the world’s best destinations for business and tourism.
“We are looking forward to bringing the vision for its next stage to life through the extension and modernisation of the terminal. This project will be a major boost to the construction industry with jobs created through apprenticeships, direct labour and supply chain.
“We have had a strong connection to Leeds for many years, having delivered a number of important transport and infrastructure projects in the area. Farrans opened a new office in the city centre last year and we are in the final stages of the delivery of a 20-storey student accommodation project on Belgrave Street, Live Oasis St Alban’s Place.
“We will continue to engage closely with community groups, charities and schools to create local employment, training and apprenticeship opportunities to deliver a positive lasting impact while delivering Leeds Bradford Airport.”
This year, the airport is expected to contribute a total of £460 million to the local economy, directly employing 2,100 people and indirectly supporting 4,500 jobs.
Cosmetic vehicle repairer sees turnover rocket by 25%
Smart Repairs.co.uk, the independent cosmetic vehicle repairer, has seen an increase in turnover of 25 per cent this year.
The Leeds company, based at 18,000 sq ft freehold premises in Weaver Street, has also smashed its target of creating over 100 new and sustainable jobs.
Overall turnover is set to rise to more than £9.5 million by the end of this year.
Managing Director Darryl Short explained: “Since 2019, we have achieved sustained growth across the UK, disrupting the fragmented cosmetic vehicle repair sector, creating over 110 new jobs, buying brand-new premises in Leeds and working closely and rewarding our mobile technicians all over the country.
“We expect to employ 140 within three years, with turnover rocketing to £12m. This increase is totally sustainable as we steadily grow our share of the cosmetic vehicle repair market year on year. Currently we carry out 165,000 vehicle repairs a year.
“Our turnover in 2020 was £3,582,865; in 2021 it was £5,403,674; in 2022 it was £7,530,000; and this year it is projected to be £9.5 million, a year-on-year increase of almost 25 per cent. It is fair to say that the past 12 months have been our most successful ever in terms of growth.”
The company has recently extended its leadership team, employing a key account manager in the Midlands and, from this month, a financial controller.
Smart Repairs has already committed to 15 new vans early next year, an investment of £800,000. This year the company has bought 21 vans and have invested £1.2m in vans and equipment.
Millions to be invested in net zero glasshouse development near Lincoln
A new net zero glasshouse research and development facility is set to be built on the University of Lincoln’s Riseholme campus.
The Greater Lincolnshire LEP is providing a grant of £1.3m for the project, and the University of Lincoln is providing a further £889,000 bringing the total project cost to just over £2 million.
This new purpose-built glasshouse will offer access to specialist research infrastructure and innovation support services. This will allow SMEs and other businesses in the agricultural sector to adapt or improve their products or services.
The glasshouse will be sub-divided into independently controlled compartments, facilitating the delivery of multiple projects at the same time throughout the year.
The Greater Lincolnshire LEP’s proposed Agricultural Growth Zone, designed to support Greater Lincolnshire agriculture and the delivery of the UK Food Valley, will benefit from the addition of the glasshouse facility as it will provide a space for collaborative research and innovation.
The research and development infrastructure will also be used for the new AgriTech Incubator established by the university in partnership with Barclays Eagle Labs.
Eligible businesses will have access to research and knowledge transfer opportunities from experts at the University of Lincoln who will support businesses within the industry to adopt new technology, implement new processes and develop new products to transition into modern, technology-enabled businesses.
Sarah Louise Fairburn, Chair of the Greater Lincolnshire LEP Food Board, said: “This project will support those innovative businesses in Greater Lincolnshire that are working on agricultural and horticultural technology.
“The university’s Agri-Tech Incubator will establish a pipeline of businesses who require access to R&D facilities within a professional glasshouse environment, supporting future growth of the agri-tech cluster and ambitions of our UK Food Valley.”
Professor Simon Pearson, Director, Lincoln Institute for Agri-Food Technology (LIAT) said: “This is a critical new facility that complements the world-class research and innovation facilities already in place at the University of Lincoln’s Riseholme Campus.
“It will support research, innovation and skills development for the Local Enterprise Partnership and the national horticulture sector, and the investment will focus on the development of novel renewable sources for glasshouse production. These will, in turn, reduce emissions and mitigate the sector’s dependency on fossil fuels.”
Food and drink manufacturers remain confident despite mounting challenges
Eight in 10 (81%) leaders in the UK food and drink sector feel positive about the prospects of the industry over the coming year, but mounting pressures including the twin threats of higher energy costs and constraints on consumer spending will continue to test businesses’ resilience, accountancy and business advisory firm BDO LLP has warned.
BDO’s annual Food & Drink Report, which surveys manufacturers in the sector, reports a high degree of optimism among food and drink manufacturers.
Although down slightly on last year (78%), 70% of respondents are feeling positive about the future of their own business in the next 12 months. This is buoyed by the big jump in optimism for the sector overall which has increased from 69% in 2022 to 81%.
Over a third (40%) expect an increase in their gross profit margins over the coming year and, as the buoyant mood continues, a further quarter (24%) are planning acquisitive purchases. Almost a third (30%) say new product development will be a key driver for growth across the next 12 months, whilst 29% say expanding in non-European Union (EU) markets is a key focus.
Despite the confident outlook, BDO’s survey highlights the myriad of challenges businesses in the sector are facing.
Half (50%) of the respondents reported difficulties in recruiting the people they need, with engineering and project management or production-related roles the hardest to fill. Almost two fifths (39%) of those experiencing recruitment challenges believe skills shortages are worse now than before Brexit and COVID-19.
Digital transformation remains a key area of investment to boost productivity and gain competitive advantage. The majority of respondents state their executive teams recognised the importance of this, however 60% aired concern that they were falling behind on their digital transformation journeys as firms grapple with unswerving economic headwinds. In addition, 28% say they are taking on higher levels of debt to counteract inflation.
The Ukraine conflict continues to affect 65% of businesses in the survey. According to the BDO report, overly complicated import-export rules are cited as reasons for hampering trade. Almost two thirds (63%) are finding it hard to trade with Northern Ireland via the Trader Support Service, with a further 69% struggling to use preferential origin under the UK’s Free Trade Agreements.
Cindy Hrkalovic, head of food and drink at BDO, said: “After enduring Brexit, COVID-19, supply chain disruption and a cost-of-living crisis brought on by a war in Ukraine, food and drink businesses should be applauded for the resilience and adaptability they have demonstrated.
“However, the long-term nature of many of the threats facing UK food and drink companies suggests that leaders will need to stay flexible and think strategically about the future of their businesses. Sticking-plaster measures from businesses or government will not suffice in an environment where a return to normality – whatever that is – remains elusive.”
Food and drink is the biggest manufacturing industry in the UK with a turnover of £128bn and exports worth £25bn. The sector employs 456,000 people in the UK, with its supply chain employing a further 4.3m people.
Expanding engineering design consultancy gets a foothold in the Humber at The Deep Business Centre
A long-established engineering design consultancy is aiming to build partnerships and generate job opportunities after expanding to the Humber by opening a new office in Hull.
ENG-CAD Group is on the doorstep of the region’s onshore and offshore renewable, oil and gas sectors in its new location at The Deep Business Centre where it will also be targeting general industry.
Graham Manning, business development manager at ENG-CAD, said the company, based in Great Yarmouth, has worked in the Humber area in the past and now feels that the time is right to take a foothold on the estuary.
He said: “Having worked previously with a number of businesses in the Hull and Humber area we are aware of the massive opportunities that exist here given the huge amount of ‘all sector’ industry. We also see an appetite for growth and sense that there could be room for another company here to provide the range of technical engineering and survey services that we offer.”
ENG-CAD Group was launched 15 years ago by Managing Director David Tucker, an experienced engineer who established the business in the onshore and offshore industries and expanded into sectors including renewables, marine, nuclear, utilities and food.
Graham said: “Currently, we have ten core people in the business including structural engineers, design engineers, surveyors and draughtsmen and we also use local contractors where necessary and available, including many from the Humber, Yorkshire, and North East regions.
“We are dipping our toe in the water by opening an office at The Deep, where the beauty of this facility is that we can add more space very quickly and bring in additional people for our projects if needed.
“You only have to look out of the window here to get an idea of the enormous potential so we’re looking to collaborate with existing companies, contractors, suppliers, and skilled trades people where we see mutual benefit in working together, sourcing new opportunities and delivering projects.
“We recognise there is a lot of competition but also that there are a lot of business opportunities so it’s up to us to use our new location, our experience and the work we have done here in the past and to make more people aware of what we can do.”
Freya Cross, business and corporate manager at The Deep, said: “Over the years we have welcomed many clients from engineering and energy who have started on a small scale and made the most of our support to raise their profile and expand their activities.
“As a city centre site on the bank of the Humber we are close to essential amenities and within easy reach of riverside energy companies and major industry in the local area and further inland. We are also well-versed in the ever-changing requirements of project work, and we look forward to supporting Graham and his colleagues as they expand in the Humber.”
