Family haulage business closes doors after eight decades
Cartwright Brothers (Haulage) Ltd, the family haulage and storage business based in Lincoln, closed its doors last week after 80 years of trading.
The company, which employed more than 100 people, was set up by four brothers shortly before the end of the second world war to meet demand for road haulage across the agricultural sector.
In the early fifties, Cartwright Brothers delivered sandbags along the east coast to hold back the damage caused by one of the worst storms in UK history. Over the past decades, Cartwright Bros has continued to work for large name businesses – mostly in the agricultural sector as well as internationally renowned companies.
Directors and sons of two of the original brothers, cousins Jamie and John Cartwright have been running the business for the past 30-plus years and delivered the bad news around the closure to staff on Thursday.
Jamie said: “It was with tremendous sadness that we had to close the doors at Cartwright last week. But running a haulage business over the past decade has come with huge challenges – rising diesel prices, a difficult economy, along with huge constraints caused by COVID 19.
“Cartwright was never able to continue in the same vein since COVID. Plus, the Ukranian war had a huge impact on our sector in terms of fuel price increases, acquiring replacement parts for vehicles and having to wait long periods of time for these parts to arrive – and at inflated prices.
“All of these challenges were underpinned by serious lorry driver shortages following Brexit which added even more pressure to running Cartwright Bros – along with Government legislation changes which continued to impede our viability.
“In December it was reported that more than 450 UK haulage businesses went out of business in the previous 12 months. These are stark figures for the industry and something needs to be done to ensure that this much-needed sector thrives and survives.”
John added: “Running a successful family business turning over £12 million over the past few years has been a huge honour and a great sense of pride. Unfortunately, with the number of challenges thrown at us, we were unable to continue the success of the business.
“It has been a really sad time for us – particularly as Cartwright Bros celebrated eight decades in business in January this year. We are so grateful to our wonderful staff whom we are supporting in the recruitment process going forward. Some of our people worked for Cartwright Bros for most of their lives and we count them as personal friends.”
The company started in 1944 with just one lorry. At its height, Cartwright Bros had more than 60 wagons on the roads.
Cartwright customers, who have worked with Cartwright Bros for many years, have been quick to commiserate with the cousins and Cartwright staff.
Natasha Crowson, who started her career at Cartwright Bros when she was just 21 has worked for the business for three decades.
She said: “Cartwright Bros has been a fantastic company to work for. My colleagues and I were devastated to hear the news last week – both for the business and its success over the years, but also for Jamie and John who have worked tirelessly to ensure that the company was safe – and staff were looked after.
“The outpouring of love and affection by employees for the directors was wonderful to see last week. Everyone had their own stories of how Jamie and John looked after them over the years – not just as employers but as friends. It was truly a sad day to see this fantastic company close its doors after so long.
“We will all miss seeing the distinctive Cartwright Bros lorries on our roads. The company has been a massive Lincolnshire success story for so long and they will be sadly missed.”
Stake snapped up in Lincolnshire offshore wind farm
Norges Bank Investment Management has acquired a 37.5 percent interest in a 573 MW operational offshore wind farm located off the Lincolnshire and North Norfolk coast.
The wind farm, named Race Bank, reached commercial operations in February 2018. It has 91 6.3-MW wind turbines with a combined total capacity of 573 MW, powering the equivalent of more than 510,000 UK homes annually.
Norges Bank Investment Management paid £330 million for its stake, valuing the wind farm at approximately £2.599 billion. The wind farm includes a debt facility with an outstanding balance of approximately £644 million at Norges Bank Investment Management’s ownership share.
The sellers of the 37.5 percent interest are Macquarie Asset Management, via Macquarie European Infrastructure Fund 5 (25%), and Spring Infrastructure 1 Investment Limited Partnership, a fund managed by Spring Infrastructure Capital Co., Ltd. (12.5%).
Arjun Infrastructure Partners will remain co-investor for 12.5% of the wind farm, and Ørsted will remain as a 50% owner and operator of the wind farm.
Output volumes unchanged but expectations remain positive amongst manufacturers
Manufacturers reported that output volumes were broadly unchanged in the three months to June, after rising for the first time in a year and a half in the quarter to May, according to the CBI’s latest Industrial Trends Survey (ITS). Manufacturers expect output to rise modestly in the three months to September.
Total order books improved in May, despite a sharp deterioration in the volume of export orders. Both total and export orders were reported below “normal” and below their long-run averages. Manufacturers reported that stocks of finished goods were more than adequate to meet expected demand, and to the same extent as last month. Meanwhile, expectations for selling price inflation picked up, with prices expected to rise at an above-average pace over the three months to September.
The survey, based on the responses of 248 manufacturers, found:
- Output volumes were broadly unchanged in the three months to June after rising in the quarter to May (weighted balance of +3%, from +14% in the three months to May) and were equivalent to the long-run average. Output is expected to rise modestly in the three months to September (+13%).
- Output increased in only 4 out of 17 sub-sectors, in the three months to June, with growth in the food, drink & tobacco, motor vehicle & transport sector, and plastics and furniture & upholstery sub-sectors broadly offset by falls elsewhere.
- Total order books were reported as below “normal” in June but improved sharply relative to last month (-18% from -33%). The level of order books remained slightly below the long-run average (-13%).
- Export order books were also seen as below normal and deteriorated relative to last month (-39% from -27%). This was also below the long-run average (-18%) and was the weakest outturn since February 2021.
- Expectations for average selling price inflation accelerated in June (+20%, from +15% in May) – well above the long-run average (+7%).
- Stock adequacy for finished goods were unchanged from June, with a net balance of manufacturers reporting that stocks were “more than adequate” standing at +14%, broadly in line with the long-run average.
Paint recycling firm relocates to new premises in Leeds
Paint reprocessing specialist Seagulls Reuse has relocated to Water Lane within the heart of the Temple district of Leeds where it recycles about 400 tonnes of household paint every year.
Seagulls will recycle, mix and sell paint as well as running a series of creative workshops close to the city centre in its new 31,150 sq ft warehouse.
Cat Hyde, co-founder of Seagulls, said: “We’d love to have the capacity to collect leftover trade paint but, at the moment, we have enough paint from Leeds households to meet our customers’ needs. But we are hopeful that this new city centre location in the fast-growing Temple district will hopefully entice new painters through the door enabling further expansion.
“So this is a plea to people across the city to pop in and see significant savings on quality paint, varnish and timber care. Whether painting your home, office, community centre, shed or garden furniture – we have something for everyone no matter the colour.
“The new space will also enable us to expand the range of workshops we run, from beginners decorating courses, to mosaics, murals and terrazzo, we will also have decorating pods available for hire.”
Seagulls Reuse launched in 2005. It is the brainchild of Cat Hyde and her co- founder. Keen to find new pathways into employment, with a shared passion for environmental sustainability they wanted to create a social enterprise that would benefit their community. They engaged with Leeds City Council and agreed to collect and reuse paint disposed at the nine Household Waste Recycling Centres across the city.
They now divert almost 400 tonnes of reusable paint each year, checking and reprocessing it for resale. Bespoke colours are mixed and matched by the team and its helpful volunteers before being resold from as little as £1 per tin.
The process is labour intensive and has provided an opportunity for employment, volunteering and training. Ruksar Ajmal started as a volunteer with Seagulls Reuse when leaving prison in 2007. A colour-blind paint mixer, he now works full-time helping to train other volunteers and decorators, assisting customers and managing the bespoke paint-mixing service.
Ruksar said: “Seagulls Reuse is a vibrant and vital environmental social enterprise. It has been life changing for me, and many others. In the last 17 years, I’ve learnt many skills and am now expert at creating bespoke paint colours by and using a spatula and paddle drill along with a splash of intuition and creativity!
“I love training our new volunteers from all walks of life. Many have been through struggles similar to mine and I’m keen to pass the support I’ve been given onto others who need it. We offer a fantastic community service and look forward to welcoming many more happy customers through our doors as we make the exciting move to Temple.”
Two in the running for housing sector achievement awards
Two team members at the Lincolnshire Housing Partnership have been shortlisted in the Women in Housing and Housing Hero Awards.
Danielle Toyne, Neighbourhoods and Allocations Manager at LHP in Grimsby, is one of only 10 women nationally shortlisted for Woman of the Year (Housing Association/Council).
Danielle has worked at LHP for 10 years and is responsible for the Neighbourhoods and Allocation teams which provide support to customers in 12,500 homes across the east coast of Lincolnshire ensuring a ‘customer first’ approach is at the forefront of what they do.
She said: “Being a finalist for Woman of the Year is absolutely the pinnacle of my career so far, so much so that I don’t think I will ever be able to top this, but what is especially special to me is being nominated by my colleagues.
“To know they think so highly of me means the absolute world, and I’m so grateful that I work with such a wonderful, passionate and inspiring group of people! A huge thank-you to my wonderful team, working with every one of you is the best part of my day!
“I am really looking forward to the awards ceremony and I am so proud to be one of the 10 finalists.”
Neighbourhood Officer at LHP, Mel Cheuk is a finalist in the Outstanding Achievement by an Apprentice category.
Based in the Grimsby office, Mel joined LHP in 2022 as a Housing Apprentice which involved working with its Neighbourhood Officers who have an active presence in the local communities. Mel was successful in gaining a full-time position in May 2023 as Neighbourhood Officer and has recently completed the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) Level 3 in Housing Management.
She said: “I was completely overwhelmed and humbled after being told I had been nominated for the award and was a finalist.
“I honestly just do my job which I love, and I am so passionate about our organisation and the difference we make, I just didn’t think I did anything special or different to deserve the nomination.
“I have always wanted to support people and work within an organisation that has strong moral compass and I have found it at LHP. I finally feel I fit and can make that difference.”
John O’Hanrahan, Corporate Head of Customers at LHP, said: “There really is no better way to reward those individuals making a real difference at LHP than to recognise their immense contribution at Women in Housing 2024 which is the only place the whole UK housing sector comes together each year.
“We are extremely proud of both Danielle and Mel for their well-deserved recognition. Their hard work, dedication, and continuous improvement have not only contributed to our organisation’s success but have also set an example of leadership and commitment for everyone at LHP.
“They embody our values by putting our customers first and working together collaboratively across the organisation, ensuring our services are delivered in the LHP Way – with commitment, empathy, and excellence.”
Gainsborough cinema on track for 2025 opening
Building of Gainsborough’s new cinema is said to be well under way by Eddisons incorporating Banks Long & Co who are managing the project on behalf of client Savoy Cinemas.
Scheduled to open in the summer of 2025, the four-screen cinema complex and attendant leisure and retail development are the anchor properties at the heart of the multi-million pound initiative by West Lindsey District Council to regenerate Gainsborough’s historic town centre.
Gainsborough is the third Lincolnshire location – alongside Grantham and Boston – for Savoy Cinemas Ltd, a growing regional chain whose other locations include two in Nottinghamshire, one in Northamptonshire and another in South Yorkshire.
Eddisons incorporating Banks Long & Co was appointed last year as the project manager and quantity surveyor by the cinema chain, and work on the new cinema building follows the demolition of old buildings and the clearing of the site.
The firm has worked on a number of cinema, leisure and retail projects before, most recently in Lincoln as part of the ongoing Cornhill regeneration project.
Eddison’s’ director Daniel Garfoot is leading the project management team. He said: “The site is in the town’s conservation area and has rightly been of archaeological interest given the site’s previous uses down the century.
“We are also mindful of the Listed status of neighbouring buildings, as well as the operational requirements of their current traders and occupiers. But it’s our job to steer the project through to deliver the new cinema building in a way that reconciles local sensitivities with our client’s commercial imperative. That’s something all parties are on track to achieve.”
James Collington, Savoy Cinemas’ MD said: “We’re glad to be adding Gainsborough as the newest location to our growing portfolio of cinemas across this part of the country. The fact that our new complex gives new life to a derelict site and is at the heart of the revival of the town centre gives the project extra significance for all involved.”
Charity walks raise more than £4,000 for good causes
Teams from Breckenholme, including representatives from Yorkshire Rapeseed Oil, Charlie & Ivy’s, and The Honest Bean Co, and Wold Top Brewery met at Breckenholme Farm in Thixendale to walk 31 miles across the Yorkshire Wolds to Hunmanby Grange, home to Wold Top.
A team of 18 from Breckenholme participated in the walk, with six walking all 31 miles and the rest walking between eight and 23 miles to raise money for HOPING York Street Kitchen. Wold Top’s team included one member, Alex Balchin who did all 31 miles and five walkers who completed between eight and 20 miles to raise money for St. Catherine’s Hospice in Scarborough..
Breckenholme’s co-founder Adam Palmer was one of the walkers who completed all 31 miles: “It was a great team effort from both businesses that raised an incredible amount for the respective charities. It was a fantastic day: good weather made for amazing views and it was very rewarding to see the money rolling in and to have a well-deserved pint of Wold Top at the end!” The team exceeded their £3,000 target and have raised £4,157 to date.
Wold Top’s brewery director Alex Balchin added: “St. Catherine’s is a charity very close to our heart at Wold Top as they helped to care for our co-founder Gill at home in her last few months battling cancer. There was great camaraderie en route and we all enjoyed the food and beer at the end. We were delighted to exceed our fundraising target of £500 and have raised £845 to date, with some monies still to come in. Thanks to the team at Breckenholme for organising it: it was a great success.”
Yorkshire digital marketing firm acquires web development agency
Accelerant has acquired web development agency Burrwalk, transitioning more than 50 of Burrwalk’s clients into its own portfolio.
The acquisition sees the agency more than double its own client base, taking the overall tally to more than 90.
Established in November 2023 by Tom Coates, Accelerant is a digital marketing agency based in Mirfield, West Yorkshire, offering marketing services including website development, SEO, branding, social media and digital design.
The agency will initially deliver website management and hosting services for its new clients, prioritising a seamless and interruption-free transition.
Coates believes that the integration of Burrwalk’s client base, which includes small to medium-sized businesses from throughout the UK, aligns perfectly with Accelerant’s ambitions for growth.
Accelerant Managing Director Tom Coates said: “We are excited to welcome Burrwalk’s clients into the Accelerant family and look forward to managing their online presences moving forward, as well as driving their own growth through our marketing offering.
“Adding to our existing base of close to 40 active clients, this is a major early milestone for Accelerant, underpinning significant expansion and entrenching additional stability for the business following a successful first six months.
“Our priority is to ensure business as usual for Burrwalk’s clients during this transition, although we are also relishing the opportunity to explore additional marketing potential that can further benefit these businesses.”
Burrwalk was a specialist website development and management agency, based in St Neots, Cambridgeshire, owned and operated by Lee Burrett, an experienced IT specialist and web developer.
He said: “After many successful years of building Burrwalk into a specialist web development agency, I am thrilled to see our clients in the capable hands of Accelerant.”
Lee now intends to focus on business interests outside of the sector following the completion of the sale to Accelerant.
The acquisition was facilitated with the advisory support of Accelerant consultants Phil Taylor-Guck, Adam Matich and Mindaugas Bendikas, and Bruce McLeod of Ad:Ventue.
Lincoln emerges as promising location for successful AI enterprises
Lincoln ranks fourth in newly-published research about the best UK locations for AI enterprises, with the region’s other major cities not even making the top 20.
The report is by BusinessFinanced.co.uk. Called AI Business Rankings 2024, it identifies the 59 leading towns and cities in the UK for artificial intelligence (AI) enterprises.
Evaluating key factors that contribute to a thriving AI ecosystem, the report is said to be invaluable for a variety of stakeholders, including entrepreneurs and start-up founders looking to establish AI businesses, investors and venture capitalists seeking lucrative opportunities, policymakers and government officials aiming to foster AI development, and educational institutions preparing the future AI workforce.
The report ranks 59 locations across the UK, identifying Cambridge as the top location for AI businesses. The rankings are based on a detailed evaluation of AI-related job vacancies, the number of AI-related businesses, online search volume for AI-related terms, and the 5-year business survival rate.
It sais smaller locations like Lincoln and Gloucester are emerging as promising locations, offering high business survival rates and growing interest in AI technologies.
The top 20 towns and cities are:
1. Cambridge
2. Bristol
3. Reading
4. Lincoln
5. Newcastle upon Tyne
6. Southampton
7. Gloucester
8. Slough
9. Oxford
10. London
11. Bournemouth
12. Milton Keynes
13. Chelmsford
14. Warrington
15. Cardiff
16. Exeter
17. Cheltenham
18. Belfast
19. Glasgow
20. Manchester
North Lincolnshire businesses sign up to Safer Nights charter
Businesses and workers from Brigg’s Pubwatch have signed up to the Safer Nights NL charter.
Many night time economy venues are part of Pubwatch and have signed the Safety at Night Charter, pledging to take the safety of everyone seriously. It shows venues are being proactive in improving safety of those working in the night time economy and members of the public who want to enjoy socialising safely.
This follows on from the Safer Nights NL being successfully launched in Scunthorpe.
The campaign sees venues being trained in bystander training, how to use bleed kits and First Aid training, and given details on Ask Angela and spiking and ‘One Punch’ awareness.
The charter was created by the North Lincolnshire Community Safety Partnership, which includes North Lincolnshire Council, Humberside Police, Humberside Fire and Rescue, Ongo, the National Probation Service, NHS Humber and North Yorkshire ICB and the Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner.
North Lincolnshire CSP has also teamed up with WalkSafe, the UK’s most downloaded personal safety app. It features a safety map that will show the safe space venues in Scunthorpe and Brigg venues. The app has local safety information on the map’s menu button in addition to WalkSafe’s personal safety tools like WalkSafe Journey Sharing, Follow Me and HomeSafe.
Chief Superintendent Paul French of Humberside Police, said: “As part of our local Safer Nights North Lincolnshire partnership, we are delighted to support the launch of Pubwatch in Brigg and the initiative of the Walk Safe App extending its coverage across our local communities.
Eddisons secures new tenant for Lincoln’s Carlton Centre
The Carlton Centre in Lincoln is the location chosen by soft play leisure business, Bounce Central for its first venue in the East of England, confirms Eddisons incorporating Banks Long & Co who acted on behalf of the landlord in the letting of the premises.
Unit 20 at the Carlton Centre, two miles north of Lincoln city centre, gives Bounce Central more than 8,500 sq ft in which to host its trampoline and soft play equipment open sessions, scheduled classes, parties and events.
Established in 2016, the family-run business already has two successful venues in the North West – Salford and Oldham – and, in looking to branch out to the East of England, had been seeking a suitable location for a number of years.
Bounce Central MD James Fearn said the business landed on Lincoln for a number of reasons. “Having grown up in the area, I know Lincoln very well and opening up a Bounce Central branch in the East of the country has been part of our business growth plan.
“Lincoln has changed a lot since my childhood. Recent regeneration and investment in the city centre, in particular, sees the area raising its game in responding to changing habits and expectations of a young and vibrant demographic. It’s a market and a vibe we want to tap in to.”
Bounce Central’s new venue at the Carlton Centre is currently being fitted out and is scheduled to open on 20 July. The new Lincoln operation will take the company’s total headcount to 75 staff, adding to its current number of 53 across its North West venues.
James Butcher of Eddisons incorporating Banks Long & Co, who led the agency deal in the letting of the premises to Bounce Central, said: “The Carlton Centre is the largest retail park in the immediate Lincoln area and is a popular neighbourhood centre.
“There are over 10,000 people living within easy walking distance of the centre and it has over 450 parking spaces. It’s an ideal location for an operator looking to bring a leisure offer to add to that of established high profile retailers at the centre.
“We’re happy to have played our part in securing Bounce Central as the new occupier and, in doing so, providing a warm welcome home to a Lincolnshire lad.”
Businesses get new guidance from Security Industry Authority
The Security Industry Authority has published new guidance videos for business users, licence holders and licence applicants.
Six new videos on the Authority’s YouTube channel provide helpful guidance to business users, licence holders and licence applicants in an easy-to-understand format.
The new videos are:
- Guide to the SIA’s business services
- Setting up an SIA business account
- Using the SIA’s Licence Status Checker or Licence Pay Only services
- Keeping your SIA online account up to date
- Telling the SIA when something changes
- Overview of the Public Space Surveillance (CCTV) licence
“We’ve been reviewing the advice and guidance we make available to customers to identify what more we can do to make the information more visual and easily understood. The new videos were developed as part of a wider review by our licensing team, keeping the customer experience at the forefront throughout.
“We will continue to monitor our contact strategy and continuously improve the advice and guidance we publish to help make the application process as straightforward as possible for new and returning customers.”
The Security Industry Authority is the organisation responsible for regulating the private security industry in the United Kingdom, reporting to the Home Secretary under the terms of the Private Security Industry Act 2001. The SIA’s main duties are the compulsory licensing of individuals undertaking designated activities and managing the voluntary Approved Contractor Scheme.Bradford College secures £2.6m grant for energy-efficiency works
Bradford College has been awarded a £2.6 million grant for energy-efficiency works that will contribute to national net-zero targets.
Delivered by Salix and run by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, the Phase 3c Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS) aims to slash energy bills and reduce carbon emissions.
The Scheme targets public sector buildings that still use fossil fuels for heating, hot water, and catering. In total, more than £530 million of funding is being handed to schools, hospitals, fire stations, universities and other public buildings across the country to help tackle climate change.
With a Bradford College contribution taking the funding total to over £3 million, the project will connect the David Hockney building and Advanced Technology Centre to the Bradford Energy Network by March 2026. Networks such as this produce heat on a large scale from the same source to buildings that are separated by miles.
Bradford has one of the UK’s largest Air Source Heat Pump installations. Buildings on the Bradford district heating network will benefit from an 85-90% reduction in emissions, contributing to a city-wide reduction in emissions of approximately 8,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent in the first phase of the network.
Bradford College is one of 189 public sector organisations nationwide that were awarded grants for heat decarbonisation and energy efficiency schemes. Work will also cover improvements to hot water distribution systems, pipework insulation, and emitter and substation upgrades.
Pamela Sheldon, Head of Projects at Bradford College, said: “Bradford College is committed to reducing its carbon footprint. This latest funding will be a huge boost to our decarbonisation strategy.
“Over the last two years, Bradford College has secured nearly £32 million in funding incorporating the PSDS grant. This substantial investment is helping us to rethink, reshape, rework, and rebuild aspirational new sustainable facilities in the heart of Bradford.”
The Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme was launched in 2020 and Phase 3 of Scheme was announced in 2021 to reduce fossil fuel usage and make public buildings more comfortable and efficient to heat. Phase 3c is the latest funding released by the Department for Energy Security to achieve net zero targets.
Director of Programmes at Salix Ian Rodger said: “Climate crisis is one of the greatest challenges of our time and we are pleased to be working with Bradford College on reducing its carbon footprint.
“Our teams will work closely with the college as they progress their decarbonisation journey, ensuring these buildings not only become more energy efficient but better places in which to work and study.”
Alongside this grant, other upcoming Bradford College capital work includes improvement of the fabric of buildings for optimum thermal performance, the incorporation of high levels of natural daylight to reduce artificial light sources in new buildings, energy-efficient LED lighting and optimising lighting control, as well as adding social value by targeting local SME labour and supply chains.
Harrogate firm facilitates MBO at £35m turnover tile business
Harrogate-based CorpFin has been instrumental in a management buyout of UK tile specialist Johnson Tiles, which has a turnover of £35m at its base in Stoke on Trent.
The deal, which precedes a comprehensive restructuring of the business to safeguard the future of the respected British brand, was led by Chris Silverwood and Tony Norwood, partners at corporate finance and restructuring specialists CorpFin.
The management team, led by MD Stephen Dixon, commercial director Rich Kelsall, procurement director Jason Bridges and finance director Melanie Birks has assumed full control of the business having acquired it from former owner Norcros Plc with the full support of all parties.
An £8m revolving credit facility was sourced by CorpFin from Allica Bank, led by Ian Flaxman, head of growth finance, to provide working capital facilities to the new entity.
Chris Silverwood said: “In a challenging time for UK manufacturing, the future of the business demands a root and branch review of strategy in order to establish new firm foundations for success, and the MBO enables the first stage of that process.”
Tony Norwood added: “This was a highly complex situation successfully navigated due to the collaborative and pragmatic approach of the management team and Norcros, both of whom recognised that an MBO was in the best interests of all staff, customers and shareholders.
“The transition to a fully outsourced model, alongside the secured funding package, will allow Johnson Tiles to maintain its market leading position following the buy-out and ensure that the company is ideally placed to benefit from future growth.”
Sheffield building products supplier gives profit warning
SIG, a Sheffield-based supplier of specialist insulation and building products, has warned of lower than expected sales and underlying operating profit.
In a trading update for the year ending 31 December 2024 to date, the business noted that market conditions have remained challenging, with subdued demand in the majority of its markets, reflecting ongoing softness in the building and construction sector.
With weaker than expected trading in recent weeks and a more cautious view of the timing of any potential market improvements, the Board now expects 2024 full year underlying operating profit to be in the range of £20m to £30m – below the current analyst range of £36.7m to £43m.The company also highlighted a Group like-for-like (LFL) sales decline versus the prior year’s May and June of 7%.
SIG said it “continues to perform well relative to its markets and is also continuing to drive cost reductions and efficiency initiatives, which support the continued expectation of a stronger second half performance and will help drive higher profitability as markets recover.”
Green cleaning company’s recycling scheme saves 10,000 plastic containers from landfill
Hull-based green cleaning company Bio-D has helped consumers return more than 10,000 of its 20 litre refill containers as a result of its initiative to further reduce plastic waste.
The company’s ‘No Brainer Container’ scheme was launched in 2021 and encourages customers and suppliers to return their 20 litre Bio-D refill containers to be cleaned, refilled and used again. The 10,000 containers that have now been collected have saved 10 tonnes of plastic from going to landfill or incineration – saving the equivalent CO2 emissions as 1,330 trees would absorb in a year.
Bio-D MD Lloyd Atkin said: “We are over the moon to have reached this incredible milestone so soon. We couldn’t have done this without our customers and suppliers, who are as passionate about sustainability as we are.
“This is a significant environmental achievement for Bio-D and the next step in our ever-evolving green journey.”
The independent company is the UK’s leading manufacturer of environmentally responsible, ethically sound, vegan cleaning products and secured B Corp Certification in 2022. Prioritising reducing plastic waste from the very beginning, it first introduced refill sizes for its products in 1998.
Its closed loop ‘No Brainer Container’ initiative dramatically reduces the amount of plastic used within the company. Each returned container is rinsed, washed, steamed, and dried, before being quality checked, refilled, and reused by Bio-D customers.
Heather Nixon, Bio-D’s sustainability, NPD and regulatory manager, said: “One of Bio-D’s main business objectives is to minimise its environmental impact as much as possible. It is wonderful to see our refill containers, which in themselves were designed to reduce plastic use, make even more of an impact.”
Holmfirth town centre improvement scheme to get underway in July
From Monday 1 July, work will start on the Holmfirth Town Centre Access Plan, a £10.3 million investment scheme to create a more accessible town centre for businesses, residents and visitors.
Initial work starts at Huddersfield Road Car Park, where the existing market hall and footbridge will be replaced with a unique community events space where markets and events will take place throughout the year, drawing in visitors and cultivating the local economy.
Along with electric vehicle points, car parking facilities, widened footbridge and footways, new kerbing, and improved drainage, pavements will be resurfaced which will improve safety in the town centre, the pedestrian crossing on Victoria Street will also be signalised, along with improved street lighting, traffic signals and signage.
David Shepherd, Strategic Director for Growth and Regeneration at Kirklees Council, said: “Holmfirth is a beautiful town, and a fantastic place to live, visit and spend time. The Holmfirth Town Centre Access Plan will give longevity to the area, modernising Holmfirth’s unique offering, whilst embracing and celebrating the town’s world-famous heritage.
“Once complete, the town centre will be much more accessible and enjoyable for all, whilst we continue to help local businesses thrive and boost the local economy, whilst improving congestion, journey times and encourage active travel.
“This is scheme is a collaborative effort by the community, council and the Combined Authority to create a brighter future for Holmfirth.” The Holmfirth Town Centre Access Plan is a partnership project between the council and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority. The scheme aims to help reduce traffic congestion and carbon emissions by prioritising sustainable transport options such as walking, cycling, wheeling and public transport, while ensuring accessibility for all, and supporting the growth and development of the cultural sector.Councils turn to TV personality to promote sustainability in construction industry
East Riding of Yorkshire Council and Hull City Council are joining forces to stage a free-to-attend Construction Summit for businesses from across the sector, hosted by television presenter and DIY expert Mark Millar.
Mr Millar is best known for his roles in DIY SOS, Build Your Dream Home in the Country and Dream Kitchens and Bathrooms, but also appears on Fix Radio’s property development show, Building Ideas.
The DIY expert will lead a varied programme of discussions, inspiring sessions and practical workshops, all aimed at helping businesses to grow, enhance their offering and win new contracts. Approaches to environmentally responsible construction; insights into the procurement process from both sides; and methods of streamlining construction business operations and boosting productivity are among the topics that will be covered.
Attendees will also have plenty of opportunity to engage directly with procurement teams from key national and regional organisations, including Kier, Sewells and Hobson & Porter, as well as East Riding of Yorkshire Council, which will be represented by Construction Framework Manager Stefanie Wright, and Hull City Council’s Mark Homersham.
Mark Millar said: “Those who attend will benefit from the latest knowledge on industry trends and developments; information about new opportunities and forthcoming major projects; an increased awareness of local supply chains and opportunities for collaboration; insights into the supply chain network and how to navigate the market; exclusive ‘meet the buyer’ sessions; and strategies for improving their operational efficiency and sustainability.”
The Construction Summit 2024 is suitable for construction businesses of all sizes from across the Hull and East Yorkshire area that are looking to grow, increase their efficiency and make their operation more sustainable.
Taking place this Thursday, 27 June, from 8.30am to 1pm, at the MKM Stadium in Hull, the summit will focus on the themes of sustainability, efficiency and growth.
New Yorkshire partnership aims to support start-up businesses nationwide
Business experts at Leeds Beckett University have teamed up with marketing agency, GOLD79, in a new partnership to boost the long-term growth and sustainability of start-up businesses across the UK.
A new programme – GOLD79 MINE – has been launched as a collaboration between Leeds Business School at Leeds Beckett and GOLD79. The programme will support talented and entrepreneurial individuals who want to start their own businesses through academic consultancy, expert business support services, mentoring, networking, business infrastructure and financial support.
GOLD79, which has offices in Leeds and London, will also invest a minimum of 10 per cent of its profits into an investment fund for MINE members each year.
Professor Lebene Soga, Academic Director of the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Knowledge Exchange at Leeds Business School, said: “GOLD79’s collaboration with Leeds Beckett University in the launch of GOLD79 MINE is a testament to our shared commitment to fostering innovation in the vibrant Leeds City Region and beyond.
“Through GOLD79 MINE, we aim to provide a dynamic environment for students, graduates, academics and wider talent from the marketing industry to collaborate with entrepreneurial minds, echoing our dedication to driving growth and sustainability in the marketing agency scene.
“This partnership exemplifies our role as an anchor institution, proudly working alongside GOLD79 to offer a central hub in Leeds for engaging with entrepreneurial marketing people, supporting their resilience, and contributing to the overall success for our community.”
A key criterion for all businesses applying to the MINE programme is that they must operate within the guidelines and parameters of both B-Corp and Net Zero.
A series of 12 modules will be delivered over the course of the 12-month programme, with a selection of sessions delivered by Leeds Business School at The Knowledge Exchange business hub at the Rose Bowl in Leeds city centre. Professor Soga has inputted his academic know-how into all modules across the programme, which will be delivered by a range of academic and industry experts across a broad range of themes.
Tamarind Wilson-Flint, co-Founder of GOLD79, said: “We’ve always believed in the transformative power of entrepreneurship. From our beginnings 20 years ago with Jet2.com and Jet2holidays as our first and only client, to becoming industry leaders with a global presence through our L’Attitude network, our journey has been shaped by our ability to spot new opportunities and grow our business.
“Now, the launch of the MINE Programme represents a new chapter for GOLD79. We’re not just looking to the future; we’re actively shaping it. By fostering a community of entrepreneurs, we hope to create a ripple effect that extends far beyond our immediate reach. Our partnership with Leeds Beckett University underscores our commitment to education, innovation, and community engagement.
“Entrepreneurship has the power to transform lives, economies, and societies. It’s a path filled with challenges, but also immense rewards. Through MINE, we’re excited to support the next wave of entrepreneurs, helping them navigate their journeys and achieve their dreams.”
Business golfers raise £22,000 for Sheffield Hospitals Charity
Sheffield businesses have raised more than £22,200 for Sheffield Hospitals Charity at their annual golf day at Hallamshire Golf Club.
The annual event which has been supported by IFM Insurance Brokers over the past nine years has raised a cumulative total of more than £201k.
The Golf Day attracted over 40 teams drawn from local South Yorkshire businesses, and the money raised will support neurology and neurosciences at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS FT Trust.
Alister Smith, Director of IFM Insurance said: “Once again it was great to see so many familiar faces supporting the golf day. The monies raised from this event form a vital part of the ongoing funding of neurology related support in Sheffield, and we are pleased to have played a small part in raising such an amazing sum of money.”
Beth Crackles, CEO of Sheffield Hospitals Charity said: “A huge thank you to IFM Insurance Brokers Ltd for their ongoing support and to everyone who took part in what was an incredible day. This year we are funding an outdoor rehabilitation area at the Northern General, so that neurology patients have a dedicated space to begin regaining their physical independence outside of the ward.
“In research, we recently committed to funding the exploration of potential links between abnormalities in the immune system and epilepsy. We are also continuing to fund research into FSHD – a degenerative neuromuscular disease. The funds we raise make such a big difference to people across Sheffield receiving care and benefitting from research.”
