Colleagues from Aon’s Hull office have donated used office furniture to St Andrew’s Hospice – ensuring the items did not instead go to landfill.
After relocating its 50-strong Humber team to a new, fully serviced office at Redhill Court in Hull, global professional services firm Aon has donated the office furniture to the charity, which provides hospice care to adults in North East Lincolnshire and children across Lincolnshire, Hull and the East Riding of Yorkshire.
By giving the furniture a second life at St Andrew’s Hospice and furnishing the charity’s new building in Grimsby, Aon has ensured that the items have not ended up in landfill and avoided the associated carbon emissions. It also means that instead of spending money on new office furniture, the charity can divert more funds to providing hospice care for adults and children living with life-limiting conditions, as well as to their families.
Julie Smith, Head of Retail and Trading at St Andrew’s Hospice, said: “We cannot thank Aon enough for the incredibly generous donation of office furniture.
“The timing of the donation was absolutely perfect as we were looking to furnish our new 15,000 sq foot online sales department and logistics warehouse in the centre of Grimsby. As a result of this donation, Aon has saved St Andrew’s Hospice thousands of pounds and the savings can now be used to deliver patient care.
“Once again we want to send a heartfelt thanks and in particular we want to mention Olivia and Michelle who have been instrumental in ensuring that the hospice received this donation and support.”
Olivia Cammack, client service specialist at Aon in Hull, said: “St Andrew’s Hospice makes a huge difference to adults and children facing life-limiting conditions, providing them with specialist care in a supportive and comfortable environment.
“Aon is not only committed to making a positive difference in the local community but as part of our ESG strategy, it is committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, through pursuing sustainable business solutions.
“By donating the used furniture to St Andrew’s Hospice, we have reduced our carbon emissions and helped the charity save money.”
Aon, which employs around 50,000 people worldwide, has agreed a 10-year lease for the entire first floor of Redhill Court. The move is part of Aon’s investment in the region and brings the whole Humber-based team together in one space, providing a flexible, collaborative and open working environment for all colleagues.
Sheffield-founded activewear retailer, Lucy Locket Loves has entered voluntary liquidation, owing just under £900,000.
It follows supply chain issues, warehouse floods that caused downtime and lost stock, rising import costs that impacted margins, and the cost of living crisis hitting revenue.
The Dronfield-based business was also affected by a change from monthly to quarterly rent payments for its warehouse, which it was unable to meet.
Founder Lucy Arnold said: “Firstly, I want to apologise to everyone impacted by this, especially our customers and the LLL Team. Despite everyone’s hard work, the challenges of the past 18 months were overwhelming, leading us to enter voluntary liquidation on May 28, 2024.
“Supply chain issues, warehouse floods that caused downtime and lost stock, rising import costs that slashed our margins, and the ongoing cost of living crisis hit our revenue hard and disrupted our operations. These essentially made our traditional business model obsolete.
“In December 2023, we managed to negotiate monthly rent payments for our warehouse, but by May 2024, the owners insisted on reverting to full quarterly payments, which we couldn’t meet. This led to their abrupt decision to take control of our warehouse on May 10th with no notice, disrupting our operations and leaving us without working capital.
“Facing no operational ability and mounting financial obligations, we made the difficult decision to enter voluntary liquidation.
“This has been incredibly distressing, particularly for our team, who were reluctantly made redundant. We deeply regret the impact on our staff and their families and I can never say sorry enough for how abruptly this happened. This has personally been the most upsetting part of this process.”
The business aims to relaunch the Locket Loves website in Summer with a new look, operational hub, and new leggings designs.
In 2020, Arnold was included in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list.
Hull City Council has appointed Esh Construction Limited and Mason Clark Associates to work on design, repair, and strengthening of Drypool Bridge.
In preparation for the physical works on site, Esh Construction Limited and Mason Clark Associates have been appointed to lead on the preparatory phase. Their teams will undertake detailed investigations of the bridge’s condition and prepare the schedule for the main repair and strengthening project.
Alongside these works, Mason Clark Associates will also be overseeing the design phase, ensuring that the bridge’s historic character and charm is preserved while meeting modern safety standards.
Garry Taylor, Assistant Director of Major Projects, Culture, and Place, said: “The appointment of the principal contractors is a significant milestone in the repair of Drypool Bridge, and it will be great to see work progress in the coming months.
“The bridge has been a part of Hull’s history for generations, and its repair is not only about improving its structural integrity but also about maintaining a safe and reliable transport link for residents, commuters, and visitors.
“We hope that this early contractor involvement will ensure the bridges longevity, and that the structure continues to be accessible for many generations to come.”
The early contractor involvement phase, with both Esh Construction Limited and Mason Clark Associates, will determine the start date for physical works on site.
In the meantime, the bridge retains sufficient loading capacity to operate safely and will continue to be open to all traffic until the major repairs start.
Following a routine inspection in April, it was discovered that several of the load-bearing columns under Drypool Bridge had significantly deteriorated. As a result, the historic structure on Clarence Street must undergo major repairs to ensure its safety and longevity.
Rogue business owners who sell vapes to underage children have been warned that they will be brought to justice after two people were fined following undercover trading standards operations.
Scarborough magistrates heard that a 15-year-old was used as a test purchaser under supervision of council officers at two locations in the town last year.
The teenager was sold vapes on both occasions, including one that contained almost twice the legal amount of nicotine-containing liquid.
Dean Anthony Mitchell, the owner of Save a Lot in Castle Road, Scarborough, pleaded guilty to four offences under the Children and Families Act 2014 and the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016.
In a separate case, Marta Monika Olejarcz, manager of Marta’s European Food, of Victoria Street, Scarborough, pleaded guilty to selling a vape to a person under 18, contrary to the Children and Families Act 2014.
Magistrates were told that on 11 November the volunteer was sold an illegal vape by Mitchell. The grape flavoured vape contained 9,000 puffs and 18 millilitres of nicotine-containing liquid.
The maximum quantity of nicotine-containing liquid allowed by law is two millilitres, about the same amount as in a standard packet of cigarettes.
Officers returned to the shop 10 days later and seized 230 illegal vapes, 214 of which contained more than the permitted amount of nicotine-containing liquid. Some were found to contain 10 times the permitted amount.
A further 16 vapes were not marked with information required by law, including the name of the producer and the amount of nicotine in each puff.
A test purchase was also made on 11 November at Marta’s European Food. In that case, while the volunteer was sold a legal vape, it should only have been available to over-18s.
Mitchell was ordered to pay a total of £769, including fines, a court surcharge and prosecution costs, while Olejarcz, must pay a total of £361.
Magistrates said Mitchell’s offences were aggravated by the fact he continued to sell the products even after being visited by trading standards officers.
North Yorkshire Council’s orporate director for environment, Karl Battersby, said: “These cases follow a successful prosecution in Skipton last week and show our determination in cracking down on offences like this.
“We are pleased the court recognised the harm that can be caused by the availability of vapes to young people, especially when they contain such huge amounts of nicotine.
“There are very simple steps a retailer should have in place to ensure they do not sell age-restricted products to a young person. No such precautions were followed in these cases and, in one, the sale was made far worse by the fact that the vape was illegal.
“The regulations set strict limits for the amount of liquid in these devices in order to limit the risks associated with nicotine, a toxic substance harmful to health. It is hugely concerning that some of the vapes contained 10 times the amount of nicotine found in a packet of cigarettes.”
Services continue to perform particularly well among UK exports, with solid increases in the past three months. Goods exports performed less well in April, as in recent months, says the British Chambers of Commerce.
William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the BCC, said: “The BCC’s election manifesto and our recent Global Britain report set out clear options for policymakers to improve UK trade performance.
“Goods import volumes (excluding inflation) rose by 7.8% in April, with similar increases for both the EU and the rest of the world. Imports from the EU rose by 7.7% (£1.6bn). This was led by rises in machinery and transport equipment, and food. Non-EU imports volumes rose by 7.9% (£1.3bn) driven by higher miscellaneous manufactured goods and fuels.
“Goods export volumes fell by 2.8%. For the EU, they fell by 1.4% (£0.2bn), after adjustment for inflation – the main decline being in crude oil sales to Germany. Non-EU goods exports volumes fell by 4% (£0.5bn), driven by chemicals exports. This was offset to some degree by higher fuel, machinery and transport equipment exports.
“UK services trade showed another month of consistent growth in both import and exports. In the month of April, services exports increased by an estimated 0.6% (£0.2bn) on values measure. At the same time, imports increased by 0.9% (£0.2bn) on the values measure.”
To celebrate today’s Social Mobility Day, Yorkshire Building Society has joined Progressive Together, a network of organisations aimed at making sure colleagues can progress in their financial services careers, regardless of background.
The society is one of more than 100 employers in the Progress Together network, aiming to create a financial services sector where people from all socio-economic backgrounds can fulfil their career potential.
Tina Hughes, Director of Marketing and Digital Channels at Yorkshire Building Society, said: “At Yorkshire Building Society, we have colleagues with different beliefs, ages, cultures, outlooks and more – just like the communities we serve.
“Social mobility is a key part of our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Strategy, which sets out our vision to build a Society where everyone, regardless of background or identity, feels valued, empowered and supported.
“We’re proud of that and we’re working hard to create an environment that’s welcoming and inclusive, where everyone has the opportunity to develop and progress.
“We want everyone to have the chance to show their full potential – it’s about what they can bring to the business, not where they were brought up or the school they went to.
“We can always go further and do more, and that’s why we’ve joined Progress Together.”
Sophie Hulm, CEO of Progress Together, said: “As a member of Progress Together, Yorkshire Building Society has demonstrated commitment to improving socio-economic diversity at senior levels. By working together we are making changes in UK financial services, ensuring that employees from all backgrounds have the opportunity to reach their career potential. This benefits individuals, business and the wider economy.”
PIB Risk Management and PIB Insurance Brokers come together in new offices in Chesterfield for the company, which already has bases in Leeds, York, Halifax, and Lincoln.
The company says the expansion not only underscores its commitment to growth, but also reflects dedication to fostering professional development through the latest training facilities.
Rob Armitage, Business Development Director, PIB Risk Management, said: “We are looking forward to the positive impact that the Chesterfield branch will have on our operations and the local community. The blend of sales expertise and training excellence housed under one roof represents a significant step forward in our journey of growth and innovation.
“The new branch is a testament to our company’s vision of creating dynamic spaces that blend functionality with innovation. Equipped with advanced technology and modern amenities, the Chesterfield location is set to become a pivotal sales hub, driving business growth and customer engagement in the region.
“Moreover, the facility features dedicated training rooms, tailored to provide comprehensive training programmes for our colleagues and the businesses we support. Our external training schedule includes a wide range of accredited and non-accredited courses, tailored to our clients’ requirements.
“The opening of the Chesterfield branch is part of a broader strategy to expand our footprint in the region. By establishing a strong presence in the Midlands, we are better positioned to meet the needs of our clients and support the local economy. This expansion not only brings new job opportunities to the area but also strengthens our ties with the community.
Doncaster Chamber is celebrating the St Lager racing festival, and what its its considerable impact means for the economy of the city.
Dan Fell, Chief Exec of Doncaster Chamber, said: “The St Leger has been going strong since 1776 and has become synonymous with our city. It’s one of our biggest claims to fame and a major attraction that reliably drums up business while also showcasing Doncaster on the world stage.
“We are proud to be a part of it once again with our Ladies Day marquee and would like to thank our sponsor, Orb Recruitment, for making it possible. This always proves to be a hit with our members; giving them an opportunity to relish in the glamour of the occasion, network with one another and enjoy the various entertainment offerings of the festival.
“As highlighted in our recently published plan, Doncaster ’35: Manifesto for a Winning City, the ambition for Doncaster is sky high, and the business community is eager to see it unlock its full potential.
“While there is a long journey ahead of us in that regard, the continued success of existing attractions like the St Leger — which already contributes so much to our economy — will be instrumental in getting us to where we want to be. I am greatly looking forward to this year’s event, and cannot wait to see all of the good that it will do for Doncaster.”
The Leger is the oldest of the five British classics, and is now in its 248th year. The festival continues to draw in thousands upon thousands of racegoers each and every September and still remains ones of the most important dates in the sporting calendar. One that puts Doncaster firmly in the international spotlight.
With spectators flocking in from all over the country, it also has the welcome effect of stimulating economic activity. Those in the hospitality sector feel the benefits of this most of all, as visitors end up frequenting our bars, dining at nearby restaurants, spending at local shops, and staying at conveniently-placed hotels.
Stewart Olson, MD of Orb Recruitment, added: “It’s always a pleasure to help create an electric atmosphere for our fellow businesses and I am sure this year will be no different! The event is not only a highlight of the city’s calendar but, with Doncaster Chamber’s input, becomes a valuable opportunity for the business community to come together, network and celebrate shared successes. We are honoured to support an occasion that fosters growth and partnerships in this way.”
Premier Inn has signed a 25-year lease with CBRE Investment Management, on behalf of CBRE UK Property PAIF, on a 188-bed property in York in York.
Built by main contractor Clegg Construction, the four-storey building on a one-acre plot, formerly a retail warehouse leased by Carpetright on the city’s Foss Islands Road.
The development features multiple energy-saving technologies, such as air source heat pumps, heat recovery ventilation systems, LED lighting, photovoltaic panels, and electric vehicle charging points. Accordingly, the building has achieved an EPC A rating and is due to achieve a BREEAM rating of “Very Good”.
Jamie Philips, Fund Manager for UK Property PAIF at CBRE, said: “We expect growth in the hotels and catering sector to outpace the wider economy during the next five years. Tourism supports a significant number of jobs in York and given the strength of the city as a destination for tourists, combined with its current undersupply of hotel beds, the addition of a new modern and sustainable hotel will help to bolster York’s businesses and economy. This project sits firmly within the Fund’s strategy, providing a great opportunity to thoughtfully invest in and repurpose an existing asset, in order to create a long and sustainable cash flow for our investors.”
Clegg Construction MD Michael Sims added: “The site is a historically-sensitive city centre location in York, and I am delighted with how the Clegg Construction team conducted themselves with minimal disruption to local businesses and residents. The scheme achieved consistently high Considerate Constructors Scheme scores in audits taken throughout the contract. More than 80% of the workforce travelled 30 miles or less per day to reach the site – demonstrating our commitment to supporting the local community and to sustainability.”
“As a company, Clegg Construction is very happy to have now handed over this new development which I am sure will be an asset to York and its tourism and business communities, along with the local economy.”
Ramsdens Solicitors is continuing to recognise and reward colleagues with two recent associate promotions.
The 150-year-old firm’s clinical negligence and personal injury team has been further strengthened by the appointment of Ian Miles to senior associate, while Ramsdens’ private client practice sees Kirsty Dunn promoted to associate.
Based at Ramsdens’ Leeds office, Ian Miles joined Ramsdens in 2022 as a litigation executive, having previously worked for a number of sector-leading international law firms. With 20 years’ experience, he has expertise in handling complex injury claims, including brain injury. Mr Miles’ specialisms cover employers’ liability, occupiers’ liability and road traffic accident claims, as well as claims involving clinical negligence against medical and healthcare providers.
An associate of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives and a ‘recommended lawyer’ in The Legal 500, 2021 edition, Mr Miles is known as a skilled litigator and is an active member of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers.
Kirsty Dunn, a chartered legal executive and Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx) probate practitioner, joined Ramsdens in 2021 having predominately worked in litigation before transferring her skills and expertise to specialise in wills, lasting powers of attorney and the administration of estates. She is now based at the firm’s Edgerton office. Her expertise includes advising on the severance of jointly owned properties to enable families to put in place protection from care fees, when making a will.
Kirsty Dunn
Paul Joyce, managing partner of Ramsdens Solicitors, said: “It’s extremely satisfying to see talented members of the team like Ian and Kirsty developing their legal skills with us. Both are technically adept lawyers who consistently put their clients first and deliver outstanding service in their respective niche areas of the law.
“We are pleased to celebrate these promotions with Ian and Kirsty as we pride ourselves on providing a supportive, nurturing environment where up-and-coming lawyers can flourish with the support of more senior colleagues.”
Glenbrook Investments has acquired a 62,000 sq ft industrial estate from the administrator of H.P.A.S Limited, formerly trading as Safestyle UK.
The property, located on Station Road Industrial Estate in Barnsley, was originally constructed as a multi-let industrial estate, but used solely by Safestyle as its UK distribution and training facility.
Comprising 17 units across 3 terraces on a 4.5 acre self-contained site, the sale also includes a 1.6 acre parcel of vacant land, providing options for future development or expansion.
The price remains confidential, but following Safestyle’s fall into administration in October 2023, the property was marketed by Hilco Real Estate, on behalf of the joint administrators, at a guide price of £2.75m.
Scott Griffiths of Glenbrook Investments said: “We are excited to add this to a portfolio of industrial repositioning projects that we have been carefully rebuilding following significant disposals in 2021 and 2022.
“We are very fortunate to have a great team and with live projects nearby, we have been able to make a quick start on site. We now look forward to bringing this estate back to life as a modern, sustainable destination for local businesses.”
Ian Whittaker at Watling Real Estate in Manchester, who advised Glenbrook Investments, said: “We were delighted to advise our client on this fantastic value-add investment.
“The property presents an excellent opportunity to create a thriving multi-let industrial estate of sub 5,000 sq ft units, which we know are in high demand from local and regional occupiers that are currently suffering from a constrained supply of smaller, modern units.”
Watling Real Estate, CMS and GV&Co acted for Glenbrook Investments. Hilco Real Estate acted for the joint administrators at Interpath Advisory.
f1 Recruitment & Search has been acquired by the Harrogate-based PartnerWise Collective, specialists in executive search, interim and talent intelligence.
This acquisition marks a significant step forward, said to position f1 as the expert consultancy for Communications, Marketing, and Sponsorship within the Collective, covering sectors such as Sports & Entertainment, Consumer, Lifestyle, B2B & Professional Services, Sustainability, and Social Impact.
Amanda Fone, founder and CEO of f1, said: “We’ve always challenged the norm at f1, and now it’s time to join like-minded experts and accelerate our growth during this unprecedented time of disruption and opportunity in our sector.
“At PWC, I have found an ambitious leadership board determined to keep the ‘human’ at the heart of talent advisory services whilst using advanced technology to provide the most cost-effective service delivery to clients.
“Candidates and candidate relationships have never been more important. Our presence on the international stage, especially in the MENA region, the US, and Europe, will blossom, while our laser focus on helping gender parity and social mobility in leadership roles will, of course, continue.”
Alex Raubitschek, board member of PartnerWise Collective, added: “I have known Amanda and her team at f1 for over a decade and am delighted to have been able to introduce her to our Collective.”
Ian Williams, CEO of PartnerWise Collective, said: “The acquisition of f1 Recruitment & Search is a major milestone for PartnerWise Collective. Amanda’s team complements our vision perfectly, and together, we’ll drive innovation and deliver great value to our clients, enhancing our focus on diversity and social impact.”
The partnership with the PE-backed PartnerWise Group will provide f1 with additional support for its ongoing growth plans.
Harrogate College is calling on the people of North Yorkshire to help keep its £22m rebuild on track.
A judicial review has been called into how the planning application for the college’s rebuild has been handled, meaning the planning process will likely need to be run again, causing delays to the project. This will jeopardise the main, Department for Education provided, funding for the project, which is linked to work completing in 2025.
Principal Danny Wild is calling on local residents and businesses to help by lobbying the DfE, and after the election their MPs, to have the time limit for this funding extended.
Harrogate College Principal, Danny Wild, said in a statement: “Our plans for a £22 million state-of-the-art campus redevelopment will be delayed because a challenge to the planning process has sparked a judicial review.
“This setback means that the planning process will probably need to be run again. This will push back the project completion date into 2026. The delay may also put at risk £20m of Department for Education (DfE) funding for the £22m scheme because the DfE grant and loan funding is linked to completing the work in 2025.
“The new campus would be perfectly placed to support the region’s skills needs for the future, boosting our businesses and economy while providing targeted training in key areas like green technology. The new Harrogate College will also provide the facilities and courses that young people and adults need to start or develop their careers.
“We are now calling on the people and businesses of Harrogate, Ripon, Boroughbridge, Pateley Bridge and Knaresborough to help us by lobbying the DfE and politicians to ensure that the grant and loan funding for the new college continues to be available for a project completion in 2026. With everyone’s support, we will still be able to see this development, which will benefit so many local people for decades to come, through to its completion.”
Hull College has signed a three-year contract with Sewell Construction, who’ll manage all minor building works at the college’s city centre campus, including replacing doors, windows, flooring and minor repairs.
The company will also provide 24/7 emergency response for urgent works, and set up a new Computer Aided Facilities Management system to help the college oversee its maintenance.
Sewell Construction has been working on various projects with Hull College over the past few years, including the replacement of an extensive glazed roof and frontage on their Hull School of Art and Design building.
Matthew Blowman, Head of Facilities and Contracts at Hull College, said that the college was looking forward to beginning the partnership with Sewell Construction. “We’ve worked with Sewell Construction a number of times in the past, and they’ve always impressed us with their can-do attitude, and the way they go the extra mile to ensure all work is completed to the highest standard.
“We’re delighted to have them on board to ensure our campus can continue with the transformation to provide a high-quality learning experience for all our students.”
Geoff Smith, Construction Services Sector Head at Sewell Construction said: “We’re really pleased that Hull College have shown faith in our work by appointing us for this three-year partnership, and we’re looking forward to helping students achieve their career goals through ensuring they have the best facilities possible.”
A sustainable fashion concept from Trinity Leeds will seeup-and-coming designers showcased alongside local fashion brands and second-hand sellers in a 12-week pop-up this summer.
It’s called Re:Pair Lab, a new initiative from Trinity Leeds owner Landsec, partnering with Leeds Beckett University and Wayne Hemingway – co-founder of HemingwayDesign.
Launching tomorrow, Re:Pair Lab will promote sustainability, creativity, and community, featuring rotating residencies from Leeds fashion students, designers and fashion businesses, who will collaborate with charity retailer Emmaus to repair and transform clothing that would otherwise end up in landfill, into new garments and collections.
The in-house designers will also sell their own creations, alongside curated rails from second-hand and sustainable sellers from Leeds who will have the chance to build upon their online success on websites such as DePop and Vinted with a physical presence.
Re:Pair LAB has been designed to support Leeds-based creatives and small businesses by providing a platform to test out ideas without the stresses of significant financial investment. Re:Pair LAB is a physical space for up-and-coming designers and sustainable businesses to innovate, collaborate, and thrive.
Steven Foster, Centre Director at Trinity Leeds, said: “We are always listening and adapting to what guests want to see here at Trinity Leeds, and our research proves there is a clear demand for a service like this with sustainability at its heart, which also gives us the opportunity to collaborate with local creatives and shine a light on the talent we have right here in Leeds.”
Sam Hudson-Miles, Course Director of Fashion at Leeds Beckett University, said: “Leeds Beckett Fashion is delighted to support the Re:Pair Lab initiative as an educational partner. As the most connected and dynamic fashion course in the city, we bring our creative energy to this project through involvement from our students, emerging and established designers with a sustainable ethos, and businesses such as vintage resellers, launched by our Professor of Fashion, Matty Bovan.
“Re:Pair Lab aligns with our commitment to celebrate and retain fashion talent in Leeds and its region. The initiative also furthers our allegiance to sustainable fashion design education. Re:Pair Lab is a pivotal opportunity for our students to test-bed the marketability of their collections and host workshops to demonstrate simple repair and upcycling methods that can be done at home, sharing skills and amplifying the slow fashion message. It’s a joy to bring together this Leeds-centric melting pot of creative fashion talent!”
In the quest to reopen Doncaster’s airport, City of Doncaster Council is due to take the next steps in its process to appoint an operator later in the summer.
The council’s cabinet is being asked to approve delegated powers to the Director of Corporate Resources in consultation with the Mayor to appoint an operator who will be allocated preferred bidder status before a final contract can be concluded later in the year.Cabinet will hear next week (June 19) that the council is currently engaged in a Public Procurement Process to identify an operator with the ability and experience to take the steps necessary to reopen the airport, return it to profitability and to take forward the South Yorkshire Airport City concept which is a wider programme of economic growth and regeneration. Coupled with this is the requirement for the Civil Aviation Authority to re-establish airspace following the airport’s closure in November 2022.Tenders are due to be returned on 17 June 2024, following which an intense period of evaluation and clarification will take place to identify which submitted proposal provides the best deal for Doncaster and the potential operator that is best able to meet the challenge to reopen a successful and thriving airport. The report also highlights that a planning restriction – Article 4 Direction – which prevented any assets to be removed or dismantled from the airport site should be removed now that the council is the leaseholder. There are also other due diligence requirements that need to be met under law.Mayor of Doncaster Ros Jones said: “This is another step forward in our journey to reopen our airport. The procurement process is complex and detailed, when we have completed the selection stage, we will proceed to giving an operator preferred bidder status, this will allow City of Doncaster Council and the operator to work together to conclude a contract for the reopening of the airport. This is all part of our carefully managed plan and the necessary processes involved.”
Shadow Secretary of State for Transport Louise Haigh has opened Hull Trains’ Learning and Development Academy and experienced the facility’s new world-class train driver simulator in Hull city centre.
MD Martijn Gilbert said: “At Hull Trains our team are fundamental to who we are as an organisation and this is reflected in our recent colleague ‘Your Voice’ survey which showed an overall engagement score of 84%. The Learning and Development Academy is key to our plan of harnessing the talent of tomorrow and ensuring that they have the skills to drive our company forwards for the benefit of customers and communities.”
Louise Haigh said: “We must inspire the next generation to join the exciting range of roles on offer in the rail industry and the Hull Trains Learning and Development Academy is a fantastic example of the cross-industry commitment to attracting the talent of tomorrow.
Several driver apprentices have already been recruited to support the Hull Trains expansion. They are all now fully qualified and driving the Hull Trains route, demonstrating the quality and longevity of the training available from the open access operator.
The launch of the new Learning and Development Academy in Hull’s iconic K2 building highlights how Hull Trains is at the heart of innovation in the rail industry and is continuing to contribute to jobs and skills development in the region. Its drivers are now able to experience an even higher quality of training by becoming familiar with in-cab digital signalling before it is fitted to Hull Trains’ fleet as part of the company’s commitment to training the future talent of a truly digital railway.
Small firms see the domestic economy as their top barrier to growth, and flat GDP result in April rings alarm bells, according to the Federation of Small Businesses.
Latest figures from the ONS shows that GDP was flat in April, promoting the FSB’s Martin McTague to say the economy was not yet delivering the conditions that small businesses needed to flourish. He said: “Coming off the back of solid growth in the first quarter, it is especially disappointing. With the election just weeks away, no political party has yet set out a compelling vision for how it would achieve a steady increase of two to three per cent growth per year. To ensure that GDP climbs – and stays – at healthy levels, the next Government must prioritise this. It’s the only way we can rebuild the number of small businesses in the UK from 5.5 million to the pre-pandemic level of six million.
“Construction output fell for the third month in a row, underlining the need for a new Small Housebuilder Strategy, to ensure sufficient capacity to achieve ambitious housebuilding targets.
“Our latest Small Business Index shows that while small firms’ confidence score in the first quarter climbed to positive territory for the first time in two years, the domestic economy was still seen as the top barrier to growth, and today’s GDP result could contribute to a decline in the findings for the second quarter.
“Now that the National Living Wage (NLW) increase has kicked in, employment costs are a growing pressure. To help offset that, our election manifesto calls for the Employment Allowance to be raised to £6,500 and automatically go up each year with the NLW.
“Whoever takes office on July 5 should also see through a Small Business Act, establishing legislation to bolster small businesses on crucial issues. This does not require any extra spending but will bring a wealth of benefits to the economy. The Act would enshrine measures to clamp down on big businesses with poor payment practices, improve access to finance, and put in place a 33 per cent SME statutory public procurement target. Other measures could include reforming business rates and increasing the number of start-up loans.
“Small firms are the key to economic recovery – after all, they’re the ones who drive innovation and create jobs. Supporting them is a sure-fire way to strengthen our economy and ensure lasting growth. The next Government has its work cut out for it, but with the right focus, it will be able to make a substantial impact on the economy.”
The UK economy showed no growth in April, according to new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
It comes after GDP (gross domestic product), a key measure of economy growth, increased 0.4% in March, and reflects expectations that GDP would be flat.
Economic growth was held back by further contraction in the construction industry, with construction output falling by 1.4% in April, its third consecutive monthly fall, and weakness in the manufacturing sector, with production output dropping by 0.9% in April.
Meanwhile services output grew by just 0.2% in April, its fourth consecutive monthly growth.
The figures were in part impacted by wet weather, where rain was 155% of the long term April average.
Ben Jones, Lead Economist, CBI, said: “After one of the wettest Aprils since records began it’s no surprise that rain dampened consumer spending, with many households also feeling the pinch from higher prices and bills.
“But consumers and firms alike are going to start to feel the benefit of lower inflation, which in turn should boost confidence and support spending as we head into a summer packed with major entertainment and sports events, like the Euros.
“Lower inflation, rising real incomes and low unemployment mean household spending is set to drive a steady economic recovery in the year ahead, which should broaden out to stronger business investment next year.
“However, to ensure longer-term, sustainable growth we must tackle our ongoing productivity problem. Top of the in-tray for the next government should be a cutting-edge trade and investment strategy, a Net Zero Investment Plan and more support for firms to invest in automation and AI.
“At the same time, a focus on building momentum behind the ‘big three’ enablers of tax, planning and skills policies within the first 100 days can give firms a clear flightpath for growth.”
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Understanding Market Dynamics
Navigating market challenges starts with understanding the market dynamics. This involves analysing current trends, consumer behaviour, and competitor strategies. Industry experts can provide a clear perspective on these elements, helping you make informed decisions.
Consumer behaviour is a critical aspect. Understanding what drives your customers’ decisions allows you to tailor your products and services to meet their needs. Experts often have access to comprehensive market research and can interpret data in a way that highlights key insights. This information can be pivotal in adjusting your marketing strategies and product offerings.
Competitor analysis is another crucial area. Knowing what your competitors are doing, their strengths, and their weaknesses helps you position your business more effectively. Industry experts can provide you with detailed analysis and strategies to differentiate your business, ensuring you stay ahead in the market.
Leveraging Professional Networks
Building and maintaining professional networks is essential for business growth. Engaging with a professional speaker bureau can connect you with industry experts who share their knowledge and experience through speaking engagements. These connections can offer fresh perspectives and innovative ideas that you might not have considered.
Professional networks also provide opportunities for collaboration. By partnering with other businesses or experts, you can gain access to new resources and markets. Collaboration can lead to innovative solutions that help you overcome market challenges. Networking events and conferences are excellent places to meet potential partners and learn from industry leaders.
Adapting to Technological Advances
Keeping up with technological advancements is vital in today’s business environment. Industry experts can guide you on the latest technologies and how to integrate them into your business. Whether it’s adopting new software, using data analytics, or exploring artificial intelligence, expert advice can streamline your operations and enhance productivity.
Technology can also open up new market opportunities. For example, e-commerce platforms can expand your reach, and digital marketing can increase your visibility online. Experts in these fields can provide you with practical tips on how to leverage technology effectively. They can also help you avoid common pitfalls and ensure a smooth implementation process.
Enhancing Customer Engagement
Customer engagement is key to business success. Industry experts can offer strategies to improve your interaction with customers, ensuring they remain loyal and satisfied. One effective method is personalisation. Tailoring your communication and offers to individual customer preferences can significantly enhance their experience.
Another important aspect is customer feedback. Experts recommend regular feedback collection to understand customer satisfaction and areas for improvement. This can be done through surveys, social media interactions, or direct communication. Acting on this feedback shows customers that you value their opinions and are committed to providing excellent service.
Engaging content is also crucial. Experts can advise on creating compelling content that resonates with your audience. This could include blog posts, videos, or social media updates that provide value and keep customers interested in your brand.
Embracing Market Research
Market research is a fundamental tool for understanding your business environment. Industry experts often emphasise the importance of thorough research to identify opportunities and threats. By regularly conducting market research, you can stay informed about changes in consumer preferences, emerging trends, and potential risks.
There are various methods for conducting market research. Surveys, focus groups, and online analytics are some of the tools that can provide valuable insights. Experts can guide you on the best practices for each method, ensuring you gather accurate and relevant data. This data can then be used to make strategic decisions that align with market demands.
Market research also helps in understanding your brand’s perception. Knowing how your brand is viewed by the public allows you to adjust your marketing strategies to enhance your image. Experts can assist in analysing this data and providing recommendations for improvement.
Strategic Planning and Execution
A well-thought-out strategic plan is essential for navigating market challenges. Industry experts can help you develop a comprehensive plan that includes clear goals, actionable steps, and measurable outcomes. This plan should be flexible enough to adapt to changing market conditions yet structured to keep you focused on your objectives.
Strategic planning involves setting short-term and long-term goals. Experts suggest starting with a vision of where you want your business to be and then breaking it down into achievable milestones. This approach keeps you motivated and provides a roadmap for success.
Execution is as important as planning. Industry experts can offer advice on efficient execution strategies, ensuring that your plans are implemented effectively. They can also help you identify potential obstacles and develop contingency plans to address them.
Financial Management
Effective financial management is crucial for business stability and growth. Industry experts can provide insights on budgeting, investment, and cost control. Understanding your financial health allows you to make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary risks.
Budgeting is the foundation of financial management. Experts recommend creating a detailed budget that outlines your income and expenses. This helps in monitoring cash flow and ensuring that you are allocating resources effectively. Regularly reviewing and adjusting your budget based on actual performance is also essential.
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