Payroll company boss warns against ‘dodgy companies’ after seven are jailed for fraud

Stuart Pearcey
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Payroll company boss warns against ‘dodgy companies’ after seven are jailed for fraud
Payroll company boss Ian Anfield is warning against working with what he calls ‘dodgy payroll companies’ after seven people have been jailed in a £22m tax fraud. Mr Anfied, of Bridlington-based Hudson Contract, said: “This isn’t the first time we’ve seen the owners of construction firms hauled off to jail alongside the dodgy payroll companies they used – and it won’t be the last. HMRC has new legal powers and extra resources so time is running out for fraudsters and those who profit from using them. “Any CIS payroll firm or so-called ‘commercial contractor’ that offers cash backs, volume rebates, free credit, free insurance or fees that seem too good to be true should be given a wide berth. “It is easy to see why firms are attracted, especially when the use of commercial contractors is so prolific, but ignorance is no defence. Those who have fallen into the trap need to get out – while they still can.” His warning comes after seven individuals connected to payroll firms and a construction company have been imprisoned. Daniel Newton, Philip Bailey, Sean Dean, Lee Hudson (no relation), Sarah Gillard, Bradley Mortimer, and Kevin Ratcliffe were sentenced at Southwark Crown Court for cheating the public revenue, money laundering-related offences, acquiring criminal property, and organised criminal gang activities. The individuals were involved in setting up commercial contractor payroll firms that would pay individual construction operatives for construction companies. The payroll firms would charge customers gross plus VAT and then pay the individuals net of CIS deductions. The VAT collected from the clients, and CIS deducted from the individuals – amounting to 40 per cent of anything paid – was supposed to be paid to HMRC. However, instead, the unpaid contributions were diverted to the bank accounts of the defendants, who were beneficiaries of these fraudulent actions. Most of those convicted actually ran the payroll fraud, but a client who ran a construction firm also went down because he was aware of the fraud and profited from it. Ian Hackett, operational lead at HMRC’s Fraud Investigation Service, said: “We have worked closely with Kent Police to dismantle this sophisticated and complex fraud. The tenacity and expertise of the investigators involved in this joint investigation has protected millions of pounds of taxpayers’ money, which is needed to fund our public services. “We encourage anyone with information about any type of tax fraud to report it to HMRC.”

Wakefield Council loses appeal over landfill site

April Lara
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Wakefield Council loses appeal over landfill site

Wakefield Council has lost its legal battle to stop waste tipping at Welbeck Landfill Site, following a five-day public inquiry. The Planning Inspectorate ruled in favour of site operators Welbeck Waste Management Ltd (WWML), allowing operations to continue until 2025.

WWML appealed after the council rejected its application in November 2023 to extend tipping for two more years. The company argued that reduced landfill volumes had delayed the site’s completion. The council cited concerns over the impact on residents and biodiversity.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, funded by the BBC, planning inspector Jason Whitfield found that extending operations would not harm the environment or local residents. He stated that further filling was necessary to prevent long-term pollution risks.

Wakefield Council has also been ordered to cover WWML’s legal costs, after the inspector ruled the council had acted unreasonably. A financial report from September 2023 estimated the council’s own legal expenses at £200,000.

Forgemasters unveils future plans at Electric Steelmakers Guild meeting

April Lara
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Forgemasters unveils future plans at Electric Steelmakers Guild meeting

At a recent gathering of the Electric Steelmakers Guild in Sheffield, key industry figures discussed the future of steelmaking in the UK. Major steel producers, including Forgemasters, TATA Steel, and British Steel, were represented at the meeting, highlighting a forward-looking update from Forgemasters.

Gareth Barker, Chief Operating Officer, and Aleck Knight, Head of Operations, shared their plans for the Sheffield site, emphasising long-term investments that will ensure the facility’s future sustainability. These efforts are crucial for the local economy and the broader UK defense strategy.

Carl Brown, Guild Vice President, and incoming President expressed enthusiasm about Forgemasters’ investments, particularly in equipment and workforce development. He pointed out that the company’s commitment is vital for the Sheffield area and the national steel industry.

The Guild’s 2025/26 agenda will focus heavily on South Yorkshire and the North, with planned visits to British Steel’s Skinningrove Special Profiles and new electric arc furnace facilities, as well as to Danieli’s facility at the Advanced Manufacturing Park later in the year.

Government doesn’t care about farming families, says NFU

Stuart Pearcey
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Government doesn’t care about farming families, says NFU
Government ministers have angered farmers’ representatives by rejecting a compromise plan on reforms to inheritance tax proposals. NFU President Tom Bradshaw says the Government doesn’t care about the impact of their proposals on farming families can’t afford vast tax bills on the death of a loved one, or the elderly who feel they are now a burden on their family.
He said: “This morally bankrupt position sits with this government. Without change, ministers will reap the consequences.
“For the 70 million people living on these islands, food security matters. It matters more given the ever-increasing geopolitical uncertainty. “While this is shocking for me to say, the only conclusion I can come to is this government doesn’t care about British food production. Is this the same government which in its manifesto said food security is national security?” He said farmers didn’t get money when they inherited. He said they got the farm, the business asset, and often the debt. “Any money they do get, they get when they sell.”
He said it was nonsense to say the £500m the proposals would generate would rescue the NHS. “This amount will fund the NHS for a day. It’s disingenuous for ministers to repeat this untruth,” he said.
“Despite the Chancellor calling for alternatives, and today the UK food sector went collectively to share those, I am hugely disappointed there was no response from Treasury today, no acknowledgement that this could be done better. This is the same Treasury department which admits it has not yet carried out impact assessments on its current policy. “Let’s remember, this policy has now been challenged by farming unions and agriculture representatives from across the UK, it has been challenged by the independent Office of Budget Responsibility, by the Efra Select Committee, by tax advisers to the government, and recently the National Preparedness Committee has reminded us that UK food security is in a precarious state. “And every single major food retailer in the UK has also called for change. Why? Because they can see what this will do to the security of the supply of their products.”

Leeds supports local innovation with new grant funding

April Lara
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Leeds supports local innovation with new grant funding

Leeds City Council has confirmed funding for seven innovative projects designed to support the growth of small and emerging businesses in the city’s digital and tech sectors. As part of the Innovation@Leeds programme, these grants are aimed at fostering talent and providing key resources for entrepreneurs, particularly from diverse backgrounds, to succeed in industries like artificial intelligence, fintech, and green tech.

A competitive selection process saw 40 applications, with each of the successful projects awarded grants of up to £25,000. These initiatives will provide a mix of mentoring, workshops, and networking opportunities, helping participants acquire the skills and contacts necessary to thrive in the competitive world of innovation-led business.

Among the successful projects is GreenTech Gathering, a series of workshops that will help green technology businesses with topics such as investor readiness and brand strategy. FinTech North is also on board, offering mentorship and opportunities for future business leaders to develop their pitching skills. Buttercrumble’s The Brand Lab will also focus on helping tech businesses enhance their communication strategies, while Lifted Ventures’ Athena VC Elevate aims to guide founders toward rapid growth.

Other initiatives include Quick Labs, which will provide essential business support to early-stage start-ups, and the Global Innovators programme, which will help businesses explore their potential for international expansion. AI 360 Leeds will also offer resources for businesses looking to integrate AI into their strategies.

This round of funding is backed by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, managed by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority. Leeds City Council’s Deputy Leader, Councillor Jonathan Pryor, emphasized that these grants are more than just financial support; they’re a step toward creating long-term opportunities for growth and innovation in the city.

Yorkshire Kennels and Cattery business to be auctioned online

April Lara
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Yorkshire Kennels and Cattery business to be auctioned online

Stod Fold Farm Kennels and Cattery, a property situated on 1.5 acres in Yorkshire, will be featured in Mark Jenkinson’s online property auction on February 26, 2025. The kennels, with a guide price of £375,000, are licensed to accommodate up to 10 dogs and hold a two-star rating.

Along with the kennels, the property includes a bungalow that offers flexibility for business or residential use. It could serve as the business owner’s main residence or be converted into short-term rental accommodation. The location near Ogden Water Country Park offers a desirable setting for potential visitors, with local amenities, including pubs, schools, and restaurants.

This sale presents a unique opportunity for buyers seeking a combination of business and lifestyle. The property is expected to attract interest from both those in the animal care industry and investors looking for vacation rental potential. The auction will begin on February 25, with bidding closing the following day.

Doncaster named top investment hub for third year

April Lara
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Doncaster named top investment hub for third year

For the third consecutive year, Doncaster has secured its position as one of Europe’s top investment destinations, ranking among the top five Small European Cities in the fDi European Cities and Regions of the Future competition. The competition evaluates over 300 cities and 141 regions across Europe, assessing economic potential, business friendliness, connectivity, human capital, lifestyle, and cost-effectiveness.

Doncaster was recognised in the ‘fDi Strategy’ category, highlighting cities with strong investment promotion strategies. The city’s strong performance in infrastructure, workforce availability, and business-friendly environment contributed to its ranking. Notably, Doncaster was ranked first in the category in 2021.

The city’s appeal to investors is further supported by its membership in the UK’s first Investment Zone, which is set to benefit from a £1.2 billion funding boost. It has seen significant development, with multiple major projects across strategic sites. Local leaders emphasise the city’s connectivity, skilled labor force, and favorable investment conditions.

Doncaster’s business environment was also recently recognised by Simply Business, which ranked it the fifth best city in the UK to start a business. These accolades strengthen Doncaster’s position as a prime location for established companies and startups.

TPP Retail Group acquires stake in InFormed Software

Tess Egginton
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TPP Retail Group acquires stake in InFormed Software
Leeds-based TPP Retail Group has acquired a one-third stake in software provider InFormed Software, marking a strategic move to accelerate the growth of this digital form-building platform. Known for digitising paper-based reporting and processes, leading to significant operational and efficiency benefits for its customers, InFormed allows businesses to create, copy, and instantly deploy operational documentation such as workflow recording, task reporting, compliance checks, and health & safety forms through its powerful document creation and replacement software. This partnership aligns with both companies’ shared vision of prioritising customer satisfaction and fostering long-term relationships. By combining InFormed Software’s technical strength with TPP Retail’s robust sales and marketing engine, the collaboration sets the stage for exponential growth. “We’re excited to partner with the InFormed team, recognising the strong synergy between our technologies and our shared commitment to solving critical challenges for our customers,” said James Ussher-Smith, Managing Director at TPP Retail Group. Sales Director Tony Rainbow said: “We are delighted to partner with the TPP Retail team and excited about the opportunities this collaboration will unlock for our businesses and customers alike.” As part of the agreement, James Ussher-Smith will assume the role of Commercial Director at InFormed Software, working alongside founding members Tony Rainbow as Sales Director and Jacob Boston as Technical Director.

Future potential of 270-acre site on outskirts of Flaxby to be explored

Tess Egginton
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Future potential of 270-acre site on outskirts of Flaxby to be explored
Scarborough Group International (SGI) has partnered with Greyfriars Investments to explore the future potential of a 270-acre site on the outskirts of Flaxby, Harrogate. Situated next to Junction 47 of the A1(M), this site was previously a golf course. The land was acquired from administrators in 2016 with consent for a hotel and golf resort. Alternative proposals, including an eco-village resort, were considered in the past but did not move forward. Following a strategic review of the site in 2022/23, SGI has joined as a new partner to help shape its future. As part of this process, SGI has submitted the site for consideration in North Yorkshire Council’s new Local Plan. This plan will guide development across the county for the next 15 to 20 years. With the council currently issuing a ‘Call for Sites,’ SGI is actively engaging in this initiative to ensure the land’s potential is properly assessed. Development Director, Adam Varley, said: “Our partnership with Greyfriars Investments represents an exciting step in understanding how this site can support North Yorkshire’s wider development strategy. “While it’s still early days, we’re committed to working with local communities and stakeholders to ensure any future plans reflect their priorities and concerns. With our proven track record in delivering major mixed-use developments, such as Thorpe Park in Leeds, we are well-positioned to contribute meaningfully to this conversation.” Greyfriars Investments’ Jamie Macnamara said: “We’re pleased to be working with Scarborough Group to explore the opportunities for the Flaxby site. Their expertise in employment-led developments and deep understanding of regional priorities make them the perfect partner as we seek to create a sustainable, deliverable vision for the site.”

Magtec motor forwards with funding to advance innovation in defence

Tess Egginton
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Magtec motor forwards with funding to advance innovation in defence
Rotherham-based SME Magtec has been awarded funding through the latest rounds of the Defence Technology Exploitation Programme (DTEP). They will collaborate with a higher-tier supplier who will mentor them over the duration of a forthcoming defence project. They will receive a government grant worth 50 percent of the project value with the aim of developing innovative new solutions that meet UK defence challenges and increase capability in the UK defence supply chain. Magtec is a designer, manufacturer and integrator of electric and hybrid drive systems for customers in the defence, rail and commercial sectors. The company is a member of the British Army’s programme to develop technologies for battlefield electrification and holds an Armed Forces Covenant Bronze Award in the Employer Recognition Scheme. Founded in 1992, Magtec is privately owned and headquartered at a bespoke design and manufacturing facility in Rotherham. The firm was recently visited by Secretary of State for Defence John Healey MP who described Magtec as “deeply impressive” and said that they have the “long established manufacturing skills and creative flair to improve the battlefield performance and the environmental performance of military vehicles.” The DTEP programme, which seeks to improve the competitiveness of the UK Defence supply chain, is sponsored by the MOD’s Directorate of Industrial Strategy and Exports (DISE) and delivered through the Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA), Innovate UK, and ADS. Magtec’s innovative Permanent Magnet Motors (PMM) will provide superior power to submarine systems with significantly reduced size and weight. This will in turn reduce maintenance costs substantially while increasing submarine availability and operational capacity. Magtec will be working with higher tier partner MacTaggart Scott on developing and producing the PMM. Andy Sloan, Engineering Director at Magtec, said: “We are delighted to have won funding from the Defence and Security Accelerator and to be collaborating with MacTaggart Scott. “Our team is developing permanent magnet motor technology for submarines, reducing weight, space, heat and noise and making the Silent Service even quieter. As a UK-based company, we are proud to be strengthening our sovereign capability.” The SDA Supplier Management Team said: “Magtec have previous defence development experience, therefore easing their learning and journey into becoming a potential defence supplier for the Submarine Enterprise. The product they offer will be bespoke, offering the many advantages as stated, and others besides.”
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