Work gets under way to transform Hull’s Europa House
Work is under way on transforming Hull city centre’s Europa House office into Monocle.
Allenby Commercial says that Monocle will deliver a bright new facility for the city and its people and breathe new life into a 50-year-old property which has stood as a landmark since the 1970s.
Georgia Allenby, Design and Marketing Director at Allenby Commercial, said: “Monocle is all about creating a workplace that is more than just your work space. The building is being redeveloped to bring a new experience and environment to Hull.
“The ground floor will be transformed into a high-end coffeehouse that will also be open to the public, alongside a welcoming business lounge with co-working spaces, break-out areas, a gym, meeting rooms and city garden.”
At Monocle, the first move in a transformation with the potential to create 700 jobs will involve building two new lifts and modern central staircase.
At the same time work will progress on providing managed office and studio space on the first floor and the remaining four floors will then be shaped to attract larger operators. Completion is due for late 2025, with PPH Commercial and CBRE in Leeds appointed as joint agents.
Europa House is instantly recognisable as the distinctive, gold-mirrored office block which has stood next to Hull Paragon Station at the corner of Anlaby Road and Ferensway since 1975.
Georgia added: “We see this as the future of office space. It’s old hat to create a sterile office building for people to sit in. People want and need more from their place of work. We’ve incorporated access to exercise with gym facilities and classes, and the good design and flow throughout the building will create an uplifting inspiring vibe.
“We have already got interest in the building, notably from professional firms and creative businesses who see Monocle as an opportunity to elevate their brand, promote staff wellbeing and improve productivity by moving into great space.”
Freeths expands Yorkshire construction practice with strategic senior hire
Law firm Freeths has appointed Construction and Engineering Partner Matt Collingwood-Cooper, expanding the firm’s sector offering across Yorkshire. He joins from Addleshaw Goddard.
Matt brings over 20 years’ experience in risk management and dispute resolution work. He is well regarded for his practical and tenacious approach; advising local, national and international clients, including household names, on construction related disputes.
He has a particular interest in the utility sectors (water and energy), framework disputes, and in the PFI sector, where he has acted on a number of reported cases (including recently in the Court of Appeal).
In his new role, Matt will work closely with National Head of Construction and Engineering Chris Holwell and Leeds-based Construction and Engineering Partner Rachael Yates to further extend Freeths’ presence in the region during a crucial time of economic change under the new government.
Chris said: “Matt’s arrival will strengthen the firm’s already strong construction and engineering sector offering. I’m confident that he will hit the ground running, providing an invaluable addition for our clients.”
Matt added: “It’s always exciting to start a new role, but I am especially proud to be joining such a fast-growing, nationally recognised firm as Freeths. The construction and engineering arm at the firm is absolutely first rate. I’m looking forward to delivering the full Freeths service for both new and existing clients.”
York accountancy firm secures six-figure loan to support growth
A York accountancy firm has secured a six-figure loan from NPIF II – Mercia Debt Finance, which is managed by Mercia Debt as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II), to support its continued growth following its acquisition of another local practice.
The funding for Change Accountants is the first deal in York by the £660m Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II. The Fulford-based firm has recently doubled in size with the acquisition of Sunley & Co in Acomb.
The two practices – which between them employ 12 staff and serve around 800 clients – will continue to operate as separate brands under the direction of Change Accountants’ founder Stacey McVeighty. The funding will enable her to strengthen the management team and invest in technology and training to continue the growth of the business.
A qualified accountant with over 25 years’ experience, Stacey established the practice in 2014. Change Accountants has been paperless from the start, and prides itself on keeping up to date with the latest technology and on being a fair employer, offering staff benefits such as unlimited holidays.
In addition to the standard services such as accounts, tax, VAT and payroll, it produces specialist data to enable clients to create reports such as carbon calculations to comply with the requirements of tender frameworks.
Stacey McVeighty said: “The acquisition of Sunley & Co will boost our growth through the addition of an experienced team and enable us to benefit from economies of scale. The funding will allow us to build on that by investing in new technologies and skills to ensure we stay at the forefront of developments in the changing accountancy landscape.”
Andy Clough of Mercia added: “Stacey has built up a successful practice that has been growing steadily and has now doubled in size following the recent acquisition. The loan will enable her to further develop the expertise and services the business can offer as Change Accountants begins a fresh chapter in its growth story.”
City council earns place amongst nation’s top apprenticeship employers
For the first time Leeds City Council has earned a place as the best local authority on the Department for Education’s index of the country’s best employers for providing apprenticeship opportunities.
More than 632 council employees are currently on apprenticeships from level 2 to level 7. In the 12 months to 31 March 2024, 316 started apprenticeships on pathways ranging from social care, child care, housing, digital and project management to building trades, civil engineering and more.
Councillor Debra Coupar, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for resources, said: “This is a testament to our commitment to providing high-quality apprenticeship opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds in Leeds.
“Apprenticeships are a vital way of developing the skills and talents of our workforce, as well as supporting the local economy and combatting the skills shortages in some sectors. We are proud of our apprentices and the valuable contribution they make to our council and our city.”
Leeds City Council is a living wage employer. All employees, including apprentices of any age, are paid a salary that matches or exceeds the Living Wage Foundation minimum rate.
The DfE’s top 100 apprenticeship employers list was compiled by analysing data from apprenticeship employers across different industries and employment sectors. Over 1,000 employers entered by submitting data from the 12 months to 31 March 2024 on their apprenticeship starts, successful apprenticeship completions and the diversity of their apprentice cohort.
Port of Hull welcomes new vessel under charter to TTS Shipping
A new link to the Baltic ports has been created with the arrive in Hull of a load of timber from Finland aboard the Humber Sprinter, under charter to TTS (Shipping) Ltd.
For her return to the Baltic, the vessel’s cargo was to be load static caravans.
TTS operates long established timber lines from the Baltic Sea into the ports of Goole, Hull and Immingham. The Humber Sprinter, the sister ship to Humber Runner, will call at the Humber ports at least twice a month with timber from The Baltic and Scandinavia.
Juliet Keep, MD of TTS Shipping, said: “We now have another vessel within our own fleet which can all call in the three ABP Humber ports where we are tenants. This gives us much more flexibility and reliability for the services we offer our customers.
Peter Waud, MD of Global Shipping Services Ltd, added: “This is fantastic news, and gives great flexibility in continuing to service the needs of clients into The Ports of Hull, Goole and Immingham where we operate as licenced stevedores.”
The Humber Runner was acquired three years ago to assist TTS in maintaining the schedule of their many services to the Humber Ports.
Global Shipping Services will act as stevedores in the Ports of Hull, Goole and Immingham.
The Navalis Group and TTS Shipping have traded together successfully for more than 20 years before the acquisition in December 2021. Both companies specialise in the forest product trade in the North and Baltic Sea.
New roles for three at Hull accounting firm
Hull-based 360 Chartered Accountants has made a series of appointments across its admin team.
Having been instrumental in improving systems and processes across the firm, Sarah Dalton has been promoted to office manager from administrative assistant. Sarah joined 360 more than three years ago with extensive experience in back-office processes in the financial services industry. Since then, she has implemented a brand new IT system, hailed as one of the best change management projects ever undertaken at 360, introducing a new client onboarding system, anti-money laundering system and invoice system.
Sam Gibson joined 360 eight years ago as an administrative assistant. He has now moved across to the accounting team as accounts and administrative support.
Meanwhile, Ellis Eastburn has become 360’s latest business administration apprentice. He will be looking after the office admin and will be the first point of call for clients.
Andy Steele, Founder of 360, which also haas offices in York and Wakefield, said:
“We really couldn’t do without our fantastic admin team to ensure everything runs smoothly not only within the firm, but also for our clients. Sarah’s overhaul of systems at 360 has been absolutely brilliant. She is so professional, calm and organised.
“As office manager she will be taking on extra responsibilities, so welcoming Ellis to our successful apprenticeship programme was a no brainer. He will be working alongside the rest of our admin team so that Sarah can focus on her officer manager role. Finally, Sam has shown a real interest and has been working more and more with the accounts team, so this means he will now provide dedicated admin support for them.”
“We believe in rewarding our team for hard work and excellence. Anything is possible when you come to work at 360 and we look for opportunities to further everyone’s career.”
KCom Enterprise team spruces up Dove House Hospice gardens
A 12-strong team from KCOM Enterprise spent a day helping out at the brilliant Dove House Hospice this week, getting stuck in to make its gardens look their best for residents and their families.
The gardens are an important space at Dove House, which cares for people with life-limiting illness and gives them the best quality of life and palliative care, and are an area “where patients and families can spend precious time together in a quiet and peaceful setting, making memories”.
One of the green fingered volunteers, Executive Assistant Sue Coulson, who spent the day weeding, chopping trees back and de-mossing the front wall, said: “It was an amazing day, we all enjoyed it and I would highly recommend any other businesses who want to volunteer at the hospice to do so.
“It costs £10m to run Dove House every year, £9m of which they have to fund themselves through fundraising and donations. So, any extra help they can get is greatly appreciated. It’s a brilliant organisation that does great work for caring for people at the most difficult times, which has probably touched most of the families of people who work at KCOM.”
KCOM employees get two paid days a year to volunteer either at an event organised by the business or at a charity chosen by themselves. KCOM staff donate more than 1,000 of volunteering hours each year to help local good causes.
Mayor calls for business leaders to help shape North Yorkshire’s economic future
York and North Yorkshire Mayor David Skaith is seeking business leaders to join a new Business Board with the objective of shaping economic growth for the region.
He’s looking for ‘innovative and passionate’ business leaders to sit on the board and advise the Combined Authority on economic strategy and policy decisions. The board will also help the Combined Authority bid for fresh investment and engage with businesses, opinion formers and policy makers to help generate economic growth.
He said: “The business community will play a vital role in ensuring our region has a connected and thriving economy where we are reaching our full potential.
“The creation of the Business Board will enable me to understand and take action to best support businesses and create opportunity for all, across York and North Yorkshire. If you’re passionate about business and passionate about the future for York and North Yorkshire, your voice is important, and I want to hear from you.”
Sewell Estates Co-Owner Council releases report looking back at its first 18 months
Following its first 18 months of co-ownership, Sewell Estates Co-Owner Council has released its first annual report, which looks back at what’s been achieved so far and the impact becoming a co-owned business has had on its people and customers.
The report was co-written by two ‘voice champions’ from different parts of the business who sit on the Co-Owner Council; the body that represents the 280 people from across Sewell’s seven businesses.
Dieter Franks, Co-Owner and Site Manager at Sewell Construction, said: “It’s been fantastic to see our ideas and suggestions not only heard but implemented throughout the business. The positive feedback I’ve received has been so encouraging and has motivated me to share my thoughts and ideas even more.”
Since launching its employee ownership trust in January 2023, new governance arrangements have been put in place, which include a Trust Board and Co-Owner Council to represent the voice of its people. The team have attended events up and down the country to learn more about employee ownership and share examples of best practice, and Co-owners have had the opportunity to attend board meetings to directly input into the running of the business.
Stuart Verry, Co-Owner Council Member and Operations Manager at Community Ventures said: “I am extremely proud of what the Council has achieved so far. A group of people from varying roles across the group has developed into a cohesive unit who support each other as we navigated through the first year of employee ownership.”
Some of the achievements include launching a new Co-Owner Charter, which outlines the responsibilities of all employees to ensure the business is serving its customers in the best possible way and continuing to drive efficiencies and improvements.
New employee benefits have also been introduced, including enhanced cost of living pay increases, health screenings, a new payroll saving scheme and uplifts in holiday allowances.
Co-Owners have also been actively submitting ideas for developing the business through new or improved ways of working and identifying areas for making productivity gains and cutting waste.
Director of Halifax recycling company sentenced after worker loses leg
The director of a Halifax-based recycling company has been given a community order after a worker lost part of his left leg when it was crushed by machinery.
Daisy Ning Bai, 43, the director of BW Recycling Limited, was told she must complete 160 hours of unpaid work after pleading guilty to health and safety breaches. They related to an incident on 26 November 2019 at the company’s Cinderhall Works site on Sidall Top Lane.
The incident saw Nathan Bland, who was just 20 years of age at the time, have the lower part of his left leg instantly amputated. He also lost several toes from his right foot after his legs were crushed inside a waste baler – a piece of equipment used to compress waste products into a form that’s easy to manage for recycling or disposal.
In a victim personal statement, Mr Bland, who is now 25, said ‘every day was a struggle’ and that returning to work had proved to be very difficult due to the prosthetic leg he now has to wear.
“I can still have flashbacks,” he said. “I also struggle as my stump has issues fitting on my prosthetic leg. The incident has also affected my social life as it has given me PTSD and depression. I have had to get a support worker to help with my daily activities to help me with daily activities such as shopping and going to appointments.”
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that Daisy Ning Bai introduced a working platform in front of the baler to make the job of filling the hopper easier for the operatives. The introduction of the platform in front of the hopper permitted easy access to the baling chamber including access to the dangerous moving parts of the baler itself.
Daisy Ning Bai, director of BW Recycling Limited of Ridge View Drive, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire pleaded guilty to breaching Section 37(1) of the Health & Safety at Work etc Act 1974. She was given a 12-month community order and must complete 160 hours of unpaid work. She was also ordered to pay £5,843 in costs.
BW Recycling Limited was not prosecuted by HSE after it was dissolved via compulsory strike off on 5 December 2023.
After the hearing, HSE inspector Sarah Lee said: “A young man has had his life changed forever as a result of this incident.
“Companies and individuals that use balers should not install working platforms or other devices in front of the hoppers on balers as it permits access to dangerous moving parts of the baler.
“This incident could so easily have been avoided by simply carrying out correct control measures and safe working practices.”
Supermarket fuel price margins are double 2019 levels, says CMA
Supermarkets are making twice as much on fuel sales as they did in 2019, according to the Competition and Markets Authority.
The CMA has updated its action to ensure that people can get the best possible choices and prices in the face of ongoing cost of living pressures. This new analysis highlights the persisting cost to drivers of weakened competition in the fuel sector.
It says retailers’ fuel margins are still significantly above historic levels, leaving supermarkets’ fuel margins roughly double what they were in 2019.
When the CMA published its road fuel market study report, it recommended development of a smart data driven fuel finder scheme be set up to make prices available to motorists across the UK in real time, such as through map apps and sat-navs. This will be backed up with ongoing monitoring by the CMA to hold the sector to account. This scheme could save drivers up to £4.50 each time they fill up, as it would make it easier to find cheaper fuel in their area.
Legislation – which is needed to establish the scheme fully – may take time to come into force. So that motorists can start to benefit from quicker, easier access to fuel prices through everyday apps sooner, the CMA encourages the government to introduce an enhanced interim voluntary scheme that is as close to the final scheme as possible.
90 new affordable homes set for Bradford
Social enterprise, Places for People, in partnership with Vistry Group, the provider of mixed-tenure affordable homes, is set to build 90 new affordable homes in Bierly, Bradford.
The site – Woodlands Edge – in Bierley, a suburb of Bradford, will provide areas of new open space, green corridors and landscaping. Existing pedestrian connections will be improved, and work will be undertaken to enhance nearby Brierley Hall Woods.
The new homes will include a range of two- and three-bedroom houses, offered in affordable rent and shared ownership tenures.
The development is expected to create 144 full-time construction jobs and almost 180 supply chain jobs across the build period, injecting £23m into the local economy.
As part of their commitment to social value, Places for People will also work closely with local schools and colleges to provide site visits, toolbox talks, and work placements, as well as supporting local schools’ own initiatives.
Nilam Buchanan, Regional Managing Director for Central and North of Places for People, says: “As the UK’s leading social enterprise, we have a long-term plan to help address England’s chronic shortage of homes and build sustainable communities, with a big focus on delivering much-needed affordable homes.
“We are delighted to work with Bradford Council and our strategic partners, Vistry Group to create 90 much-needed affordable houses for the local community. We’re also proud to provide significant employment opportunities and showcase the opportunities a career in the built environment can offer.”
Vistry secured planning permission for the development back in October 2023 and work is set to start on site this summer.
Andrew Poyner, Managing Director of Vistry, West Yorkshire, said: “Thanks to the engagement and support of Bradford Council and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, we’ve been able to work together with Places for People to unlock this site for development. It will now deliver 90 high-quality, affordable homes, making a significant impact on Bradford’s affordable housing supply.”
UK signs up to international digital trade agreement
The UK has today joined a groundbreaking agreement which is designed to grow the economy by boosting global digital trade.
After five years of negotiations, the UK and 90 other countries have finalised the E-Commerce Joint Initiative at the World Trade Organization, which will make trade faster, cheaper, fairer and more secure. It will help British businesses, workers and consumers seize the opportunities of global digital trade, which is estimated by the OECD to be worth around £4 trillion and growing.
Once implemented, the agreement will commit all participants to the digitalisation of customs documents and processes. This will in many cases end the need to print forms off and hand them over at customs – a slow, expensive and old-fashioned way of working.
The signatories to this agreement will also commit to recognising e-documents and e-signatures, reducing the need for businesses to physically sign contracts and post them around the world.
Global adoption of digital customs systems, processes and documents would increase UK GDP by up to £24.2 billion in 2023 UK GDP terms. Even partial adoption could represent a significant boost to UK GDP.
It also commits signatories to putting in place legal safeguards against online fraudsters and misleading claims about products.
Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: “We are proud to play our part in securing the first ever global digital trade agreement, cutting costs for business and delivering on this government’s ambition to deliver economic growth.
“Britain is back and proudly playing her role as an outward looking trading nation. Global digital trade is already estimated by the OECD to be worth around £4 trillion and counting but no common set of global rules exist. This is a huge step forward in correcting that and ensuring British businesses feel the benefit.”
Science Secretary Peter Kyle said: “This global agreement aims to help people use technology safely by protecting them from fraud, while driving economic growth through the digitalisation of trade so it’s faster and more secure. We will leave no stone unturned in our work to share the benefits of technology and drive economic growth by working with partners around the world to achieve this.”
Acis Group steps up to manage Mablethorpe Campus for Future Living
The Acis Group is to be the operator of the Campus for Future Living in Mablethorpe, which has been created by East Lindsey District Council.
In partnership, the Council and Acis will bring the campus to life to deliver significant benefits to support the health and prosperity of the local community.
Greg Bacon, CEO of Acis Group, said: “This is an exciting opportunity that aligns perfectly with our commitment to enhancing services, skills and education within our communities.
“In proud partnership with East Lindsey District Council, we will bring our knowledge and skills of delivering for local communities that we have grown across the Group over the last 25 years. We work in Mablethorpe and surrounding areas already through Community Learning in Partnership (CLIP) which has delivered there for over 15 years, and which joined the Acis family in 2022.
“Acis are thrilled to lead this project in delivering future services and helping to make a bigger difference in these communities.”
The Campus for Future Living is the Council’s flagship project designed to bring transformational health, wellbeing, research and community services to this area of the Lincolnshire coast for the first time, thanks to £8.6m government funding from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
The vision is about creating learning opportunities, new jobs, and support for the local community. Alongside a wealth of community-based services the campus will also offer a café facility for all to enjoy.
Proposed plans for the Campus by Acis include a range of activities, networking space and room hire, with each initiative designed to make a tangible difference in the community.
Sited close to the Marisco Medical Centre, Mablethorpe Children’s Centre, Platform Housing and Mablethorpe Community Hub, the campus is primely positioned to become a thriving centre that links services together, creates new services that support local need and offers opportunities for learning, research and wellbeing for generations to come.
This flagship and internationally significant campus benefits from the commitment of the University of Lincoln and the Lincoln Institute for Rural and Coastal Health to use the Campus as a base to conduct research and learning into health inequalities affecting coastal communities.
Parcel delivery company Evri to be acquired
Evri, one of the UK’s largest parcel delivery companies, based in Leeds, is set to be acquired by investor Apollo from Advent International.
Since relaunching as Evri in 2022, the company has grown to become a key leader in parcel delivery, with a strong national network purpose-built for third-party e-commerce parcels and a differentiated last-mile delivery model. Today, Evri reaches nearly every household in the UK and, on average, serves more than 12 million customers per week.
Apollo Private Equity Partner Alex van Hoek said: “Evri has built an enviable position in parcel delivery, with an innovative model, technology and infrastructure purpose-built for reliable, lower emissions delivery in the fast-growing e-commerce market.
“We are delighted to partner with Martijn and the management team to support and invest in Evri’s continued success and expansion as an Apollo fund portfolio company.”
Evri CEO Martijn de Lange said: “We are incredibly proud of the transformative changes that have enabled Evri to efficiently scale while maintaining our focus on on-time delivery and an environmentally responsible model.
“We want to thank the team at Advent for their partnership over the past five years and providing the business with a strong foundation for continued expansion. In this next chapter we are excited to partner with the Apollo team to execute on the compelling growth opportunities we see ahead.”
“There is strong momentum in Evri’s business and we are excited to leverage our capital and experience in logistics and transportation to serve as value-add partners in this next phase,” added Apollo’s Michael Saffer.
The Evri transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2024.
Private equity firm invests into Hull occupational health service provider
Private equity firm NorthEdge has invested into Latus Group (Latus), an occupational health service provider, to support the business accelerate organic growth and deliver strategic M&A.
NorthEdge is backing the founders, Jack Latus (CEO), Sam Latus (COO) and Will Latus (CIO), alongside Alex Birkett (CFO) and their team of medical specialists and support staff, to deliver an ambitious plan.
Latus is headquartered in Hull and works with businesses across a range of sectors to deliver world-class health strategies to support regulatory compliance; improve colleague health & wellbeing and enhance employee engagement – in turn reducing absenteeism and relieving wider pressures on the NHS through a preventative approach to health.
The company’s mission is to improve access to high-quality, data-driven healthcare in the workplace. To achieve this, Latus provides a range of services across Occupational Health, Health Surveillance, Testing and Screening and Employee Wellbeing.
Over the last two years, as well as delivering strong growth, the business has completed two strategic acquisitions and launched its proprietary health platform, Yodha. The on-demand platform enables customers to access digital health surveillance services, streamlining the user experience and providing better data for leadership teams to make decisions about the health & wellbeing of their workforce.
NorthEdge’s investment will support the business to continue on this growth trajectory. The growth plan includes additional investment into people and the operational platform; improving commercial effectiveness; investing in customer success; and further investment into technology to support the shift to a digital health operating model.
In addition, the investment will support the business to execute an M&A strategy to facilitate end-market, service-line and geographical expansion.
Jack Latus, CEO of Latus, said: “We have been building our relationship with NorthEdge for two years, so the completion of this investment represents a significant milestone for us. As well as the clear cultural fit and sector experience, the NorthEdge team have already supported us to find an experienced Chair and M&A Director, alongside helping us to refine our organic growth plan and M&A strategy.
“This investment will allow us to accelerate our growth and further expand our reach – delivering more high-quality occupational health services for our clients that improve health outcomes, by ensuring employees across the UK have the health support they need, whenever they need it and wherever they are.”
Phil Frame, Partner at NorthEdge, said: “Latus is a leader in its field and the team have the ambition of building a business with strategic and social importance.
“The business operates in a large and growing market; has a track record of delivering growth; is committed to introducing new and innovative approaches in the sector to improve health outcomes; and the team’s approach aligns perfectly with NorthEdge’s culture and values – we are delighted to have another business with these characteristics in the NorthEdge portfolio.
“We are looking forward to working with Jack, Sam and Will over the coming years to support them to realise our collective ambitions and build a business that we are all proud to be a part of.”
The deal was funded from NorthEdge Fund III and was led by Phil Frame, Partner, alongside Matthew Mellon and Mike Craven, Investment Managers. Phil Frame will join the board on behalf of NorthEdge, alongside Non-Executive Chair Graham Ewart.
West Yorkshire leaders approve over £40 million for roads and homes
The first meeting of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority since the General Election has seen over £40 million approved for new housebuilding and road improvements.
The meeting also saw progress towards a Local Growth Plan, outlining ambitions for deeper devolution and a single funding settlement for West Yorkshire, following a series of productive meetings between the region’s Mayor Tracy Brabin and Government Ministers.
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “This multi-million pound investment in our cities, towns and villages will give us the building blocks of a stronger, brighter region.
“The backing of the new Government will be a gamechanger for our ambitions, allowing us to deliver more quickly and boldly through a single funding settlement.
“And our Local Growth Plan will give us the tools we need to grow our economy, create well-paid jobs and put money back in people’s pockets.”
In total, regional leaders agreed £43 million of new funding to support over a dozen projects. These include:
- £1.6 million to help build 63 new homes in Wakefield’s Civic Quarter.
- £2.2 million for a range of improvements at bus stations across West Yorkshire.
- £13.8 million to improve traffic capacity in Kirklees.
- £7.7 million to support cycling corridors across Leeds City Centre.
Move to Gainsborough puts Polish food firm in prime spot for network expansion
A move from Lincoln to larger premises in Gainsborough sees Polish food wholesale business, piżarnia (UK) Ltd in prime position to expand its distribution network in the UK.
That’s the view of Eddisons incorporating Banks Long & Co who acted, as joint agent with CPP, on behalf of Swiss Life, on a property deal which sees the Lublin-headquartered business take a new lease on Unit 1 Peckett Plaza in Gainsborough.
piżarnia (UK) Ltd has been trading since 2012 and currently supplies over 600 Polish-food specialist retail outlets in the UK through a workforce of over 80 employees. Facing the end of its lease on premises at Boulder Business Park in Lincoln, the company had been seeking new premises large enough to accommodate its business growth plans – including further local recruitment – for over a year before securing the 21,290 sq ft warehouse facility at Peckett Plaza.
piżarnia (UK) Ltd operates a total of four cross-dock warehouses to fulfill its UK operations. In addition to Lincolnshire, it has others in London, Manchester and Portadown.
Przemyslaw Duklas, Director, said: “We needed to maintain a Lincolnshire presence because of the county’s position on the UK logistics map for ease of goods in and out, especially access to the Eastern commercial port links with mainland Europe.
“Plus, we wanted to remain in the area to not only retain our valued existing workforce, but also to tap in to the valuable local labour pool in looking to recruit to meet our business expansion plans.”
Eddisons’ Cameron McRae, who led the Lincoln-based agents marketing of Unit 1 Peckett Plaza in joint agency with Sean Bremner of CPP, confirmed that piżarnia (UK) Ltd is scheduled to commence operating from its new Gainsborough premises by early autumn.
Manufacturing output expectations strongest since 2022
Optimism among manufacturers fell slightly in July, after rising in April for the first time in nearly three years, according to the CBI’s latest quarterly Industrial Trends Survey.
Output volumes were broadly unchanged in the quarter to July, following a similar result in the three months to June, and under-performed expectations for modest growth. However, manufacturers continue to expect output to increase over the next three months, with growth expectations the strongest since March 2022.
Total new orders fell in the quarter to July but are expected to be broadly stable over the next three months. Inventory building is expected to provide some support to output in the months ahead. Stocks of work in progress are expected to rise at the fastest pace in over two years, with stocks of raw materials and finished goods also set to increase.
Average cost growth accelerated compared with April and remained elevated compared to historical norms. Cost growth is expected to slow in the quarter to October, while remaining historically strong. Domestic and export price inflation also accelerated but are both expected to slow in the next three months.
Meanwhile, manufacturers expect to raise their headcount in the next three months (and at the fastest pace for a year), and investment intentions for the year ahead have generally improved.
Ben Jones, CBI Lead Economist, said: “Sentiment among manufacturers has cooled a little over the past few months, as output growth consistently underperformed expectations. But the near-term outlook for the sector remains positive amid an ongoing recovery in the wider UK economy.
“Manufacturers appear confident that output growth will pick up in the quarter ahead, with expectations the strongest in over two years. Firms are looking to increase stock levels to meet expected demand. And the share of manufacturers working below capacity has fallen sharply over the last quarter, feeding through to a more positive outlook for both hiring and investment.
“Last week’s Kings Speech, with welcome measures to reform planning and speed up approvals for major infrastructure projects, has the potential to give businesses the confidence they need to grow, invest and drive economic growth. And as the economy picks up steam, firms will want to see a relentless focus on delivery from the new government, to turn proposed measures into swift and bold action.”
The survey, based on the responses of 257 manufacturing firms, found:
- Output volumes were broadly unchanged in the quarter to July (weighted balance of -3%, from +3% in the three months to June). Firms expect volumes to grow in the next three months (+25%), the strongest expectations since March 2022.
- Output rose in 6 out of 17 sub-sectors, with growth in the motor vehicles & transport equipment, chemicals, mechanical engineering and electrical goods sub-sectors offsetting declines in furniture & upholstery and metal manufacturing sub-sectors.
- Total new orders fell in July, at a similar pace to the previous quarter (balance of -9% from -6% in April). Domestic orders fell through the quarter (-15% from -6%), while the volume of new export orders was broadly unchanged (+3% from -14%). Manufacturers expect total new orders to be essentially unchanged over the next three months.
- Business sentiment fell in July, after rising in April for the first time in nearly three years (balance of -9% from +9% in April). Export optimism for the year was flat after rising last quarter (0% from +6%).
- Investment intentions for the year ahead generally strengthened compared with April. Manufacturers expect to raise investment in product & process innovation (a balance of +18% was the strongest since January 2022, up from +15% in April), in training & retraining (+7%, from +1%), and in plant & machinery (+6%, from +2%). Investment in buildings is set to fall (-11%, from -3%).
- The main constraint on investment was uncertainty about demand (cited by 44% of manufacturers), followed by inadequate net return (35%), a shortage of labour (20%), and a shortage of internal finance (19%). Concerns around the cost of finance have retreated from a 33-year high set in January (excluding the pandemic period) but remain double the long run average (10%).
- Average costs rose rapidly in the quarter to July (balance of +52%, from +39% in April; long-run average of +18%). Costs growth is expected to remain elevated in the quarter to October (+36%).
- Average domestic prices increased over the three months to July (balance of +15%, from +10% in April). Export price inflation also accelerated from April (+22% from +9%, and the fastest pace in over a year). Both domestic and export price growth are expected to slow in the next three months (+2% and +6%, respectively).
- Stocks of work in progress (balance of +4%) rose marginally in the quarter to July, while stocks of finished goods (+2%) and of raw materials (-1%) were broadly stable.
- Manufacturers expect stocks of work in progress (+13%) to rise at the fastest pace in over two years during the next three months, with stocks of raw materials (+7%) and of finished goods (+5%) also set to increase.
- Numbers employed were unchanged in the quarter to July, after falling in April (balance of 0% from -6%). Firms expect numbers employed to rise modestly in the next three months (+16%).
Construction firms want to scrap the levy and the CITB, reveals survey
Almost three in four levy-paying construction firms want to scrap the levy and the CITB, according to a major new survey conducted by Survation, an independent research company, and commissioned by Hudson Contract.
As a result, Hudson is calling for the CITB to be stripped of its levy-raising powers and absorbed into the new Skills England training body.
The survey comes as the CITB prepares to seek industry support for renewal of its levy-raising powers, including changes that could increase bills for small and micro employers.
A total of 1,042 companies responded to the survey within just a few weeks, demonstrating the strength of feelings on the topic, with only 12 per cent of all respondents saying they would keep the levy and the CITB if given the choice.
Survation also asked firms for their opinion on the CITB’s plans to levy them on the use of labour providers – such as agencies, payroll firms, commercial contractors, umbrella companies – at one per cent of the total labour cost.
Of the 1,042 respondents, 67 per cent said they disagreed with the change, 21 per cent would need to see a levy calculation to understand the impact before deciding and just three per cent said they agreed.
Survation said: “The survey results indicate a clear and significant dissatisfaction with the current CITB levy structure and proposed changes. The majority of respondents, regardless of trade federation membership, favour scrapping the CITB levy entirely. Furthermore, there is considerable opposition to the CITB’s proposed levy changes regarding labour providers.”
Hudson Contract’s Ian Anfield said: “At the last consensus in 2021, the CITB claimed that two thirds of likely levy payers agreed with its levy proposals.
“If this was true, our survey findings suggest that support for the CITB has collapsed to barely one in five levy payers. This is no surprise to us as we speak to a lot of construction firms and it is very hard to find anyone that supports the CITB. In fact, many of the comments made during the survey could not be printed.”
Ian added: “The CITB is currently surveying employers to find out how many use labour providers and to what extent because it is planning a new levy hike next year. This would see most small employers pay significantly more than they do now, as shown by our Freedom of Information requests. However, there is no sign of a levy calculator on the CITB’s website or any other relevant information to let people know what is coming down the pipeline.
“There is a complete lack of openness despite the last government ordering the CITB to be more transparent and improve engagement with the industry at the time of the last review carried out in 2017 and led by Paul Morrell.
“Publication of the latest government review of the CITB, this time led by Mark Farmer, was due to be published months ago but has been delayed yet again amid reports it is heavily critical of the training board’s performance.
“We believe the new government has a perfect opportunity with the creation of Skills England to scrap the CITB and its levy and roll them into the new national training body.
“Skills England will gain functions from the failing Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE), which was previously led by Peter Lauener, who now chairs the CITB. With a brace of failures, one wonders where he will pop up next!
“The skills shortages in construction are shared across manufacturing, the care sector, the armed forces and education. So why construction has to have two levies and two skills bodies makes no sense. A joined-up approach across the board to link school leavers and colleges with employers in all industries, would work better for everyone and fit with the government’s plans.’’
