Lecturers helped with research for yesterday’s nationwide mobile phone alert

Stuart Pearcey
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Lecturers helped with research for yesterday’s nationwide mobile phone alert

Yesterday’s nationwide trial of the new public safety and emergency response alert involved two lecturers from the University of Hull being key players in the research leading up to it.

Dr Robert Thomas, Senior Research Fellow in Geomorphology and Flood Risk, and Dr Kate Smith, then working as a Researcher in the Flood Innovation Centre, collaborated with the Environment Agency before launching an on-campus trial in November of 2019.

The ‘Emergency Alerts’ system will alert mobile phones with a sound and vibration whenever there’s a life-threatening emergency nearby, such as severe flooding, fire or extreme weather. The first national alert will be sent as a trial over the weekend.

Dr Smith said: “We worked with colleagues from the Environment Agency, as well as technical experts from Fujitsu and EE to develop the trial. This involved testing public responses to cell broadcast messages sent to mobile handsets. “The trial showed that these kinds of messages are a really effective way of alerting people to imminent danger, and the research we presented to DEFRA and the Cabinet Office was instrumental in the government’s decision to commission a national cell broadcast service for delivering emergency messaging. “We are delighted that our work supported this important step in improving public safety in the UK, and look forward to the success of the forthcoming mobile alerting service.”

University of Hull prepares to recognise businesses at Innovate North Awards

Stuart Pearcey
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University of Hull prepares to recognise businesses at Innovate North Awards

The University of Hull will celebrate local businesses with the new ‘Innovate North Awards’ on Tuesday 9 May, following on from four EU-funded innovation programmes that have enabled small businesses to develop and thrive.

Over the last six years, the University has provided innovation support to 675 businesses across the Humber, North Yorkshire and beyond. This has resulted in:
  • 170 new products
  • 400 tonnes of carbon emissions reduced
  • 195 jobs created
  • £85m SME increased sales
Small businesses have benefited from European Union-funded innovation support through University programmes such as Aura Innovation Centre, SparkFund, Flood Innovation Centre and the Humber Internships Programme. Across the programmes, SMEs have been able to access a breadth of funding and support, providing opportunities for innovation and growth. The funding has allowed SMEs to access academic research, specialist facilities, and business support to connect them with the right partners to deliver their ambitions. To celebrate their success over the years, the Innovate North Awards will highlight businesses that have excelled in areas including Innovation, Growth, Talent and Net Zero. An external judging panel will decide on the winners for each category and is made up of Paula Gouldthorpe (Development Manager Hull & Humber at the Federation of Small Businesses), Antonio Tombanane (Founder of Tech Week Humber and the Edge Hub), Alan Raw (BBC Presenter of Ecotime and Sustainability Practitioner) and Maggie McGowan (Deputy Director in the Government Office for Technology Transfer). The winner for the special category, ‘The People’s Choice Award for Outstanding Contribution’ will be decided by guests at the exclusive Innovate North Awards ceremony on May 9 2023. Inspirational speaker and businesswoman Nicky Pattinson will host the night of celebration. Sarah Clark, Aura Operations Manager, said: “It’s been amazing to see the phenomenal achievements of local SMEs over the last six years and it’s been a real team effort from all those involved. “The region’s businesses have received much-needed support throughout the years, which was especially helpful when a boost was required during the pandemic. “From brand new products being launched onto the market, improved supply chains, lowered C02 emissions and utilising academic research, it’s been inspiring to see the power of collaboration between the University (and its partners), with local businesses.” The nominees include: For Innovation: Testcard Ltd, Salt Architects, Smartflow Couplings Ltd, Qudos Energy, York Probe Sources Ltd, Synergi Finance, Blue Marble Communications Ltd, iMist, Brandfixx, Floodjack International Ltd, Pulse EV. For Growth: Specialist Marine Consultants, Mad About Horror, Vuba Chemical Innovations Ltd, Testcard Ltd, M.B. Roche. For Talent: Floodjack International Ltd, 2B Landscape Consultancy, Skills Forge, Copernus, UK STEM, Chopsticks, Spectrum, Tick9. For Net Zero: Brandfixx, Floodjack International Ltd, Sustainable Pipelines Ltd, Lindum Packaging Ltd, Cooper King Distillery Ltd, Rainbow Professional, Patrington Haven Leisure Park, Premier Plants, Ryedale Organics, The Three Trees Care Home, Walker Grains. People’s Choice Award for Outstanding Contribution: iParcelBox, Fitmums & Friends, HFR Solutions

CBI suspends all policy and membership activity until June following fresh allegations

Tess Egginton
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CBI suspends all policy and membership activity until June following fresh allegations
The CBI (Confederation of British Industry) has suspended all policy and membership activity until an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) in June as dozens of companies, including Rolls Royce, are leaving the organisation or pausing their memberships following allegations of rape and sexual assault. It follows reports in the Guardian that a second woman had made a rape allegation against two CBI workers, and comes after a series of historic misconduct claims over recent weeks. A statement from the CBI board said that it “shares the shock and revulsion at the events that have taken place in [the] organisation, and at past failures that allowed these events to happen,” with the organisation planning to put forward proposals for a refocused CBI at the June EGM for its membership to decide on its future role and purpose. The CBI said: “We are deeply sorry and express our profound regret to the women who have endured these horrific experiences. “We have listened carefully to what our colleagues, members and stakeholders have said over recent days and weeks. We have heard loud and clear a demand for far reaching change. “We want to properly understand from our colleagues, members, experts and stakeholders how they envisage our future role and purpose. As a result, we have taken the difficult but necessary decision to suspend all policy and membership activity until an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) in June. “At the EGM we will put forward proposals for a refocused CBI to our membership for them to decide on the future role and purpose of the organisation. This work and the cultural reform will be the entire and urgent focus of the organisation over the coming weeks. “Our members have told us in recent days and weeks that they believe in the importance of a collective voice to inform national policy and the unique role that an organisation like the CBI can play in public life. But much needs to change if we are to win back their trust so we may continue to represent business at this critical time for the country. “We are taking steps to address our failings but recognise these are not yet sufficient to sustain the confidence of our colleagues, members and of the broader business community.  We know it will take time to rebuild trust in our purpose and culture. And to give our team and former colleagues the space to heal.” A number of business leaders have called for the CBI to disband.

New Chair launches Humber Business Week

Stuart Pearcey
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New Chair launches Humber Business Week
Humber Business Week has ben launched at an event hosted by the incoming chair for 2024 – Pat Coyle. The event traditionally announces a number of key events confirmed for this year’s ‘Festival of Business’, and acts as a rallying call for other businesses to confirm the details of their own events and ensure they are part of the programme between June 5-9th. Following the announcement that Kath Lavery is stepping down as chair after her 14th and final year at the helm this summer, it has today been confirmed that highly experienced marketing specialist Mrs Coyle is to take over in 2024. The Rollits Director of Marketing and Client Relations has been part of the volunteer steering group which brings together Business Week each year for more than a decade, supporting Mrs Lavery in that time. She has been involved in many of Business Week’s most successful events, including a number organised through her role on the senior management team at Hull law firm Rollits. In her previous role as chair of the Institute of Directors in East Yorkshire, she attracted high-profile speakers including Midge Ure and Kevin Keegan to an annual Humber Luncheon as part of the week. That event is to return in 2023, this time organised by a group of local companies, but again under Mrs Coyle’s leadership. That will include a guest speaker appearance from Carl Leighton-Pope, who during a career in the music business lasting over 55 years, has acted as agent for the likes of Patti Smith, The Motors, Dire Straits, Simple Minds, UFO, Bryan Adams, Van Morrison, Bonnie Tyler, Michael Bublé, Billy Ocean, and Chris Rea. “Stepping into Kath Lavery’s shoes as the Chair of Humber Business Week is both a privilege and a challenge,” said Mrs Coyle. “It’s a daunting task, but with determination, innovation, and collaboration, I look forward to building on the great work that has been done by Kath and the Steering Group to build on the event’s legacy and ensure a platform from 2024 onwards for businesses to connect, learn, and grow. “Humber Business Week is an important event for our region, and I am committed to ensuring that it continues to be a success.”

Quickline’s rural broadband boost changes brewery business for the better

Stuart Pearcey
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Quickline’s rural broadband boost changes brewery business for the better

East Yorkshire’s award-winning Great Newsome micro-brewery has adapted its sales model and diversified thanks to enhanced internet connection, switching online sales from just 2% of its business rot 90%.

Its broadband provider is now Quickline Communications, and the collaboration has allowed the brewery, in Winestead, Holderness, to capitalise on its new brewery by adapting to a rapidly-changing marketplace.

Pre-Covid, the family-run business was doing only minimal online trading, but tanks to the new broadband capability moved to focus on online trading to survive when the country was forced into lockdown.

Great Newsome, which uses barley from its own fields to produce its beer, now also operates a firewood sales business and offers glamping and holiday home retreats on its farm – all of which have been made possible by its improved internet service. Matthew Hodgson of Great Newsome Brewery said: “When Covid hit and we went into lockdown, everything changed and the only way we could survive during that period was to deliver straight to our customers. “Thankfully, we’d switched to Quickline to give us fast, reliable internet. Previously, it had been very patchy at best, and we wouldn’t have survived without the improved service. “Now, it’s essential to our business. Our software is all Cloud-based and we need broadband for everything from taking orders online, telephone sales and taking payments, to things like social media to promote our businesses. It’s also meant we’ve been able to expand to launch our firewood business and glamping and holiday home breaks. “It really shows the crucial importance of broadband in rural communities like ours.” Quickline, which has already passed more than 300,000 premises with its existing next-generation fixed wireless broadband network in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, is blending that with full fibre to create the UK’s only gigabit hybrid network. Quickline CEO Sean Royce said: “I’ve known about Great Newsome Brewery for some time and am a fan of their beer, so I’m delighted we’ve been able to support their business. “Covid changed everything and showed how important fast and reliable broadband is for everyone, in all communities, and for businesses to survive and thrive. “The recent FSB report highlights how rural communities have been neglected by major broadband providers for years, which is why we’re on a mission to reach these areas. “At Quickline, we don’t just sell broadband and build networks, we change people’s lives, and Great Newsome Brewery is a prime example of that.”

Tabletop gaming retailer secures funding to support growth

Tess Egginton
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Tabletop gaming retailer secures funding to support growth
A six-figure investment is helping The Outpost, a Sheffield-based independent tabletop and miniature wargaming specialist retailer, to grow its presence in Yorkshire. Funding from NPIF – FW Capital Debt Finance, which is managed by FW Capital and is part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund (NPIF), will create two new jobs, increasing The Outpost’s team to seven people. The cash injection is also supporting the increase of its stock holdings to meet rising consumer demand for tabletop games. The Outpost was started in 2008 by Managing Director Chris Murdoch, working from his home selling tabletop games products via eBay. Today the business is a successful independent gaming online and store retailer of tabletop games. The Outpost has a strong focus on miniature wargaming including the popular Warhammer 40,000 as well as stocking specific board and card games including Star Wars and Marvel. The Outpost has a Sheffield store located in Neepsend which stocks a wide variety of products from the leading brands in tabletop gaming and some lesser known ranges too. It can also host gaming events and tournaments during store opening hours, with capacity of up to 64 players. Alex Gent, senior investment executive, facilitated the investment funding for The Outpost and was introduced to the business by Patrick Abel from Corporate Finance firm Hart Shaw, who supported the business during the investment process. Chris Murdoch, Managing Director, Outpost, said: “It’s fantastic that FW Capital has seen the value in what we’re building here at The Outpost and helped us to secure the finance needed to support our growth ambitions. Tabletop wargaming is increasing in popularity and having access to working capital is helping us to expand the range of products we stock and services available in our Sheffield store and online. “We’ve enjoyed significant growth since the business was first launched and our success continued during the pandemic thanks to our online sales. Our desire to help however we could during lockdown and the drive of our team was a real testament to their dedication. The continued popularity of tabletop wargaming has seen demand rise across our retail platforms and we were seeking funding to support our next stage of growth. “The opportunity to springboard our business to the next stage was something we had been seeking and when we were introduced to FW Capital it seemed like a dream come true. Alex Gent at FW Capital has been exceptional. She was always on hand when I needed to talk to her and had the best interests of The Outpost at heart to help ensure we secured the right investment to support our expansion.” Alex Gent, senior investment executive at FW Capital, said: “We’ve some fantastic businesses in this region and The Outpost is a great example of how having access to the right finance can make a real difference. Chris has worked hard to build The Outpost, and its growth is a real testament to that. The Outpost operates in an exciting, niche market and is focused on expanding its presence across Yorkshire. The capital in place will help to drive this, creating new jobs and strengthening its stock holdings to better meet the needs of its customers.” Patrick Abel, corporate finance partner at Hart Shaw, said: “We’re delighted to be able to support The Outpost in securing the funding necessary to meet their growth ambitions. As always, we’ve enjoyed working with Alex and the team at FW Capital who ensured the smooth completion of the funding.”

New man joins Board of British Chambers of Commerce

Stuart Pearcey
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New man joins Board of British Chambers of Commerce
Former PwC leader Richard Collier-Keywood has joined the Board of the British Chambers of Commerce. He has a wealth of international and UK business experience, operating at the very highest level of industry. He served as Managing Partner of PwC UK from 2008 to 2011 and as the organisation’s Global Vice-Chairman from 2011 to 2017. He went on to become a senior adviser to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport for four years. He now spends his time working with organisations spanning the charity, business, public and NGO sectors. His roles include Chair of the School for Social Entrepreneurs, Chair of Fair4All Finance, Chair of New Forest Care and Chair of Big Education. He is on the Board and chairs the finance committee of Women of the World Foundation, a UK charity focused on diversity and equality. He also recently joined the Board of The National Lottery Community Fund and chairs the Audit and Risk Committee. Sarah Howard, Chair of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “We are honoured to have Richard join the BCC board. Not only does he bring with him experience working at the top of the international business world, but also years of involvement with brilliant charities, third-sector organisations and public bodies. “The BCC represents the best of Britain, and Richard is exemplary of one of our very finest British business leaders. I look forward to working with him and our Board on ensuring the voice of business is represented and supported at the very highest levels of Government and enterprise.” Mr Collier-Keywood said: “I’m very excited to join the British Chambers of Commerce in the work they do amplifying the voice of UK businesses and advocating for the support they need to sustain tough times. “The power of the BCC lies in its unique network of firms of all sizes across all sectors, within the UK and around the world. I look forward to joining this network and working with Sarah, Shevaun and the rest of the brilliant BCC team on strengthening the influence and power of our national and internationalChambers of Commerce.”

Minister opens Siemens £7m maintenance plant in Goole

Stuart Pearcey
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Minister opens Siemens £7m maintenance plant in Goole
The new Siemens rail components maintenance plant in Goole has been opened by Michael Gove and Sambit Banerjee, the company’s MD for Rolling Stock and Customer Services. Set to create an 30 new skilled jobs in the next year, the £7m facility is at the heart of the Siemens Mobility rail village in Goole, and will maintain gearboxes, traction motors and other parts for train and tram fleets across the UK, helping to keep trains from Scotland to the South Coast running. The components facility used to operate in a small space in Leeds, and already employs 40 full-time staff, including five apprentices from the region. The new dedicated 4000sqm space will allow the state-of-the-art facility to take on the maintenance of further components in the future. Much of the work now done at the site in Goole had previously taken place in mainland Europe. Siemens says the opening highlighted Siemens Mobility’s commitment to the UK, having been built by local firm GMI, which has built the rest of the Siemens rail village. The GMI supply chain is based entirely in the UK, with over 70% of it based in Yorkshire. It also marks the next phase of Siemens Mobility’s plans to establish Goole as a centre of excellence for rail technology in the UK. Michael Gove said: “It’s fantastic to see Siemens Mobility investing in this new facility in Goole. This is a great example of how we’re working with business to deliver on our commitment to secure international investment in the UK to create new skilled jobs and level up the country.“ Sambit Banerjee said:“We’re proud to be able to show the Secretary of State the impact that our site in Goole is already having creating jobs and supporting the region, and how this fits into his ambitions for levelling up. Investment in the rail industry is essential for not only boosting growth, but ensuring we have the capabilities to design, manufacture and maintain the different parts of our rail system here in the UK. What’s more, our state-of-the-art rail village will enable us to drive forward a smarter, greener and more digital rail network.“ MP for Brigg and Goole Andrew Percy said:“The rail village at Goole is one I have visited many times and worked closely with Siemens Mobility to mark many milestones in recent years. It clearly shows how local investment creates jobs and opportunities, not just directly in the rail industry but the vital support services too with a recently opened new cafe and office space this is a hub of employment opportunities.“ Siemens Mobility is investing up to £200m in the rail village at Goole, a site that spans 67 acres. From next year London Underground’s new Piccadilly line trains will be assembled at Goole before they start entering passenger service from 2025. Overall, Siemens Mobility’s investment in the region will create 700 new jobs, with a further 250 roles during the construction phase and an additional 1,700 indirect supply chain opportunities promoting localisation and helping to serve other global markets by 2030.

York modular building market leader acquires Telford firm

Tess Egginton
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0
York modular building market leader acquires Telford firm
Modular building market leader Portakabin has acquired healthcare modular buildings specialist Darwin Group. Combining the modular knowledge, scale and financial strength of York-headquartered Portakabin with the specialist healthcare expertise of Darwin Group will now offer healthcare providers both temporary and permanent building solutions to cover all future clinical and non-clinical requirements. “This union between two of the most respected offsite modular builders in their respective fields is an exciting development for both Portakabin and Darwin Group. We are both passionate about providing the healthcare sector with the most comprehensive range of market-leading products and services, particularly given the considerable pressures on our healthcare professionals today,” says Dan Ibbetson, CEO of Portakabin. “An incredibly strong culture runs through the DNA of both businesses, and our commitment to delivering quality healthcare facilities allowing clinicians to enhance patient care makes this a natural fit. We are truly excited to start working together to continue delivering outstanding buildings for our customers,” says Richard Pierce, CEO of Darwin Group. Darren Boocock, corporate finance partner at Deloitte, said: “We were delighted to be involved in this transaction from its inception to its conclusion. We have worked closely with the Darwin team over the last two and a half years, helping them raise the funding to support their expansion ambitions and assisting them as they built out the management team and explored strategic opportunities for the business. “Portakabin is a natural home for the team; both businesses share the same cultural values and passion to provide exceptional solutions to the healthcare sector. We wish Richard, Jim and the rest of the management team all the best as they pursue the next stage of their exciting journey.” Andy Moody, corporate finance director, added: “This deal is a real success story for the Midlands market. Darwin is an exceptional Midlands business with an unrivalled reputation in healthcare. The transaction with Portakabin will enable them to expand their solutions to the healthcare sector.” Darwin Group is headquartered in Telford, with an organisation of c. 200 employees and a turnover of c. £80m in 2022. Portakabin was advised by Stephens (Corporate Finance), Addleshaw Goddard (Legal) and KPMG (Financial and Tax). Darwin Group was advised by Deloitte (Corporate Finance), DLA Piper (Legal) and PwC (Tax).

Go-ahead given to plans for new hotel in Lincoln

Tess Egginton
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0
Go-ahead given to plans for new hotel in Lincoln
Plans for a new hotel in Lincoln, at the corner of Sincil Street and Waterside South, have been approved.
Lincolnshire Co-operative Ltd are behind the outline planning application for the currently vacant site, which is part of the wider Cornhill Quarter redevelopment scheme and close to the recent developments of the new Central Car Park and the City Bus Station. Formerly a Co-op shopping centre, all existing structures on the site will be demolished. The application also therefore proposes the demolition of the pedestrian footbridge across Melville Street. The six-storey proposed hotel would host up to 150 beds, with front of house and restaurant facilities provided at ground floor level.
A council document says: “It is considered that the proposed hotel will help meet the need for visitor accommodation in the city centre, and provide wider public benefits through improvements to public realm and increased activity to Melville Street, investment within the city and contributing to the vitality and viability of the city centre.”
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