The Sheffield College extends footprint at Pennine Five
The Sheffield College has extended its footprint at Pennine Five, adding another 3,692 sq ft to its current agreement to accommodate its growing education and training provision for adult learners.
The latest addition means that the college, which educates and trains around 13,000 young people and adults a year across all of its campuses, now occupies six floors at Pennine Five – totalling over 22,000 sq ft of space.
Pennine Five is home to the college’s adult learning centre, which provides courses including English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), maths, digital and employability courses.
Andrew Hartley, Deputy Chief Executive at The Sheffield College, said: “Pennine 5 offers high quality modern teaching facilities which enhance students’ learning experience and inspire them to progress and go further in their education and careers.
“We have built a strong community at Pennine Five and are pleased to extend our facilities there in partnership with RBH Properties. We also look forward to the plaza opening, which will provide an additional attractive outdoor space for our staff and students.”
Jeremy Hughes, Director at RBH Properties, said: “We are delighted that The Sheffield College has extended its footprint at Pennine Five. It is a clear reflection that Pennine Five is working well for them.
“This announcement represents a strong period for us. Interest and enquiries are high currently and we still have plenty of space available to add to our growing portfolio of tenants.
“We have created a modern, attractive business campus that includes EV charging points, outdoor event space, natural light and flexible leasing options. I can’t wait to see the site thriving once all the works are finished and the campus is full.”
The Sheffield College is one of a number of tenants to have moved into Pennine Five over the last two years, including serviced office operator, Spaces (part of the IWG group), Aztec Construction and First Intuition.
Looking further into 2024, Pennine Five’s £1.5 million outdoor central plaza is nearing completion and will be opening in the coming weeks.
Keyland appoints land & planning manager
Keyland Developments Ltd, the property trading arm of Kelda Group and sister-company to Yorkshire Water, has appointed Mike Powell as land & planning manager to further strengthen its Land and Planning Team.
Mike joins from Peacock and Smith where he was a senior associate.
Mike joins the team with a focus on further growing Keyland’s successful Planning Promotional Agreements (PPA) initiative, which is designed to enable private landowners to maximise the development potential from their land risk free.
Additionally, Mike will be working to unlock public sector opportunities via the company’s role as the only land broker on Land Solve 2, the forward-thinking public sector land delivery framework.
Mike brings a wealth of strategic expertise from both the private and public sectors, having started his career in local government in Northumberland, before moving to private practice in Yorkshire with roles across local and national planning consultancies. Prior to Peacock and Smith, Mike worked as senior planner at Hallam Land Management Ltd.
Luke Axe, land & planning director, Keyland Developments Ltd, said: “We are delighted to bring Mike into the Keyland team at an exciting time for the business.
“Mike’s extensive experience in the industry, and in particular his strong track record of strategic land promotion, adds even greater depth to our Land & Planning Team at a time when we are rapidly growing our PPA offer, as well as seeking to unlock public sector opportunities.”
Mike Powell said: “I am looking forward to supporting Keyland’s growth as a leading land promoter for both private and public sector clients. I am excited to use my skills and experience to help Keyland deliver its innovative Six Capitals approach to land promotion on some of the largest and most complex commercial and residential opportunities across the region.”
Yorkshire and the Humber achieves lowest level of insolvency-related activity in England in February
Yorkshire and the Humber put in a stalwart performance in February recording the lowest level of insolvency-related activity of all the English regions since the previous month according to the latest research from the UK’s insolvency and restructuring trade body, R3.
Last month, insolvency-related activity affected 263 businesses in Yorkshire and the Humber, up from 236 in January. This 11.4% rise was the second lowest seen across all 12 nations and regions, with only Scotland outperforming the region with a 7.5% month-on-month rise.
The research from R3, which is based on an analysis of data provided by CreditSafe, also showed that the South West with a 15.7% increase in this type of activity (which includes liquidator and administrator appointments and creditors’ meetings) and the North East (up by 19.4%) performed relatively strongly in February compared with the previous month.
Looking at month-on-month changes to the number of start-ups, another indicator of economic health, the picture in Yorkshire and the Humber was less encouraging with the region seeing no increase in the level of new businesses since January.
In February, there were 5,386 new businesses in the region compared with 5,405 the previous month. However, only Scotland put in a stronger performance (up by 5.6%).
“With the news last month that the UK economy had technically slipped into recession in the last quarter of 2023, potentially just months ahead of a general election, there are very real worries that we will only see sluggish growth at best this year,” explains Eleanor Temple, chair of R3 in Yorkshire and a barrister at Kings Chambers in Leeds.
“A number of factors, such as the curb in consumer spending and the doctors’ strikes, are continuing to act as a drug on growth, and so prospects are far from rosy.
“In this difficult climate it is positive to see our region performing relatively well last month with levels of insolvency-related activity here among the lowest across the UK compared with January. However, the low levels of start-ups in February across the majority of regions and nations is a cause for concern, again revealing poor business confidence.
“While some commentators are claiming that the economy has now ‘turned the corner’, with an imminent interest rate cut unlikely, there may well still be tough times ahead for many businesses. As ever, it’s vital that directors keep a sharp eye on their finances and seek professional advice as early as possible to avoid problems from spiralling out of control.”
Historic Hull firm acquired by marine fuel specialists
Whitaker Tankers, a long standing, family owned shipping business based in Hull, has been acquired by marine fuel specialists Lindsay Blee.
Whitakers is an internationally renowned fuel transportation company, operating a fleet of sea going tankers and specialising in ship bunkering services.
Mark Whitaker, managing director, whose family has owned the business for 144 years, said: “The success of the Whitaker business has only been achieved through the incredible hard work and professionalism of our staff ashore and afloat – and as there will be no changes in this regard we are confident that there will be a smooth transition to the new owners, of whom we wish the very best in their new venture.”
James Hills, managing director of Lindsay Blee, added: “We are thrilled and very proud to be adding Whitaker Tankers to our organisation. We look forward with excitement to working together with the Whitaker team and building upon their well established success and reputation for quality and service.”
The Whitaker family were represented by a legal team from Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP led by Philip Ashworth (Corporate) and including Nicole Waldron (Corporate), Rob Hill (Property), Fiona Phillips (Tax), Dominic Ward and Rebecca Forder (Shipping).
Philip Ashworth, corporate partner, said: “It is particularly poignant to represent the Whitaker family on its exit from the Tankers business after so many years having personally been associated with three generations of the family since 1981.
“The family strongly believe this is a positive change, providing clarity on the succession of the business to its staff and customers.
“I am sure the business will go from strength to strength and it is a delight to see Mark and his family move forward to their next chapter.”
Whitakers was provided with accountancy support from Steve Bramhall at Smailes Goldie in Hull. Linday Blee was represented by a legal team at Gosschalks, comprising Nigel Beckwith and Emma Orris, together with financial advice from Majors in Hull provided by Stewart McGregor.
Hopkins Solicitors expands their legal support into Derbyshire
Hopkins Solicitors Ltd has announced the acquisition of Miles & Cash Solicitors.
This strategic acquisition marks a significant milestone in the growth and expansion of Hopkins Solicitors Ltd’s footprint into Derbyshire’s legal community. By joining forces with Miles & Cash, Hopkins Solicitors Ltd strengthens its position as a provider of legal services, offering an expanded range of expertise and resources to Heanor’s local residents and small businesses.
Miles & Cash’s Managing Partner, Chris Sedgwick, said: “Our search for a law firm to transform the business was easy, having known a number of the Hopkins staff personally, we knew they held the same values and high levels of quality service.
“In addition, we knew that during their previous acquisitions of other local law firms they ensured that existing clients knew that the business was still there to support them, and that the employees felt secure and supported on their future career growth.”
“We are excited about the opportunities that this acquisition presents for our clients and our team,” said Chris.
“Joining Hopkins Solicitors Ltd allows us to continue providing the highest level of service to our clients while offering expanded resources and expertise across a wider spectrum of legal areas. We look forward to a seamless integration and continued success as part of the Hopkins Solicitors family.”
Miles & Cash Solicitors has built a solid reputation for its expertise in Children and Care Law, serving a diverse client base with integrity and professionalism. This team including solicitors Chris Sedgwick (Partner) and Lucy Fisher (Associate) have stayed onboard further expanding Hopkins’ already extensive and reputable Children Law and Care Team.
Martyn Knox, Managing Director of Hopkins Solicitors, said: “We look forward to getting to know and support the members of Heanor’s local community, both as clients and as future employees. We believe that our local expertise and our honest commitment to high standards is what allows us to provide a personal approach to our clients, and truly make a difference in improving people’s lives.”
In March 2024 interior and exterior renovations began on the existing Miles & Cash office which is located in Heanor’s town centre just north of Derby, between Ripley and Ilkeston.
Once complete, the office will be expanding and housing at least 8 solicitors offering a full range of legal support services including private family law, children & care law, residential conveyancing, wills & probate, civil litigation, personal injury & medical negligence, employment law, company commercial and commercial property law.
The acquisition of Miles & Cash Solicitors underscores Hopkins Solicitors Ltd’s commitment to growth, innovation, and delivering exceptional results for its clients.
Late payments cause fears of reduced growth for SMEs, says FSB
Small firms are hampered by late payments and have dampened growth expectations for 2024, according to the Small Business Index for Q4 2023, says the Federation of Small Businesses.
The report is said to be a temperature check of small firms’ sentiment and experiences at the end of last year, and analysis of the figures related to investment and growth aspirations, late payment, and finance use finds that small businesses have lost some optimism amid difficult trading conditions.
FSB National Chair Martin McTague said: “When we look at how small businesses fared towards the end of 2023, it’s hardly surprising that the overall economy also stuttered, with Q4’s poor performance officially dragging the UK into a recession. Now the question is how we rekindle growth – and looking at how to kickstart investment and expansion will be a big part of the answer.
“One major barrier to investment among small firms is the imposition of personal guarantees for even relatively small amounts, which is why we raised a super-complaint with the Financial Conduct Authority about the practice. We think lenders should take a more holistic view of borrowers, and should recognise that demanding personal guarantees is having an overall chilling effect on growth and investment.
“We were relieved to see Government funding for the Recovery Loan Scheme, now renamed the Growth Guarantee Scheme, extended in the recent Budget. This will support the expansion plans of thousands of small firms.
“Another threat to small firms’ financing options looms with the planned removal by the Bank of England’s Prudential Regulation Authority of the SME Supporting Factor, which allows lenders to hold lower levels of capital to counterbalance loans to SMEs. If it is abolished, banks will have one more reason not to lend to smaller firms, which we believe will reduce the availability of finance overall, and push up rates.
“Unless matters change, the holding pattern seen in the SBI results looks set to carry on, with the impact felt more keenly in some sectors than others. It’s striking just how downbeat the hospitality industry is, according to our figures, and the news that one in eight expect to close this year is deeply alarming.
“Late payment is a scourge, and one that shouldn’t exist – there’s no excuse, with modern business banking methods, for large companies to hold onto money due to small suppliers. Overdue invoices cause uncountable amounts of stress and harm to small business owners, leading to sleepless nights and lost productivity. Large companies should make their payment performance a board-level issue, and include it in annual reports, to improve accountability and transparency.
“Small firms contain the dynamism and the ambition to grow that will get the economy up and running, if they are given the right conditions to flourish, invest, and make their mark.”
The differences between sectors on this topic were especially pronounced. Information and communication firms were notably optimistic, with a healthy 56.0% predicting they would grow over the next 12 months, and only 9.4% expecting they would downsize or consolidate the business, sell or hand it on, or close down entirely. Manufacturing firms were similarly confident about future growth, with 54.8% forecasting growth ahead, and 7.9% expecting to shrink, as were professional, scientific and technical firms, at 52.5% looking to grow and 9.8% predicting they would contract.
Retail and wholesale firms were less optimistic than the average, but were still within touching distance of the all-sector scores, with 47.3% predicting growth, and 18.6% predicting contraction.
The hospitality sector was far more downbeat about its future prospects. Just three in ten accommodation and food service sector businesses (31.6%) believe they are on course to expand, while a greater proportion – 35.5% – predict that they will contract. Among that latter figure, a shocking one in eight firms in the hospitality sector – 12.6% – expect to close entirely in the next 12 months, nearly four times the rate for all businesses (3.4%).
The share of small firms experiencing late payments rose from three in five in Q3 (60.8%) to nearly two in three in Q4 (65.8%). The proportion of small firms whose late payments worsened over the quarter, meanwhile, rose from over one in four in Q3 (27.9%) to over a third in Q4 (34.9%).
Small firms’ views of the availability and affordability of new credit remained notably negative, with only around one in seven small businesses (14.5%) rating it as quite good or very good, while over half (52.0%) rated it as quite poor or very poor.
Among those small firms whose applications for new credit were successful over the quarter, a third (33.4%) were offered a rate higher than 11%, a new record for the SBI.
South Yorkshire industrial unit acquired by Network Space
Network Space Investments has acquired a manufacturing and distribution unit adjacent to junction 35 of the M1 near Sheffield for an undisclosed sum.
The 25-year sale and leaseback deal sees the investment company acquire a high specification, modern 27,452 sq ft unit. Green energy solutions manufacturer, Powerstar is the long-term occupier on an index-lined 25-year lease.
Network Space Investments is an active value-add investor with an established industrial portfolio of almost 1 million sq ft across the north of England.
Tom Dawson, Investment Director at Network Space, explains: “We remain a pro-active investor in the industrial market, where we see potential for capital and rental growth through strong occupational demand and pro-active asset management. Our focus is on good quality modern and sustainable real estate, particularly in established locations which offer market resilience.
“The acquisition helps Network Space bolster its single-let portfolio. This unit offers a prime location at the heart of the country, coupled with a long-term, strong covenant tenant operating in the vital and fast-growing renewable energy technology sector.”
Built in 2008 on a 1.4-acre site, the two-storey industrial unit with integral offices space has been occupied by Powerstar since 2012 and operates as its UK headquarters.
Network Space Investments were advised by Knight Frank and Taylor Rose. CBRE was responsible for the sale and leaseback on behalf of the occupier.
Nick Wales, Partner at Knight Frank, added: “This high-quality unit was identified as a perfect fit for Network Space Investments’ growing portfolio, with the acquisition underlining their conviction to the industrial sector.”
MEPC names Sarah as Marketing Manager
Sarah Limbert has been named by MEPC, the asset manager and developer behind Wellington Place in Leeds, as it sMarketing Manager.
Sarah brings nearly twenty years’ experience to the role, having spent 17 years working within leisure and hospitality, including with leading hotel group QHotels, before her most recent role at Medical Protection Society.
In her new role, Sarah will be responsible for delivering multi-channel marketing strategies, and further strengthening the community at Wellington Place through participatory and social impact led placemaking activities.
She said: “I am thrilled to have been appointed as Marketing Manager at MEPC for Wellington Place. My passion for bringing people together and delivering outstanding customer service will be a great fit for Wellington Place.
“Wellington Place has always stood out to me as a vibrant business hub in Leeds city centre that puts people firmly at its centre, and I’m looking forward to shaping this exciting neighbourhood.
“I’m particularly excited to driving forward our activities and initiatives that have social impact at the heart, including working with organisations doing great things in Leeds such as Ahead Partnership, to add more value to the lives of people that work here, and the wider community.”
Dominique Murray, Associate Marketing Director at MEPC, added: “Sarah joins us at an exciting time for Wellington Place. We now have a working population of over 16,000 people and want to continue to expand our exciting and engaging events that will bring together both our business and local community.”
Wellington Place is a thriving urban quarter based in Leeds city centre. It’s home to award-winning, state-of-the-art, mixed use buildings spanning office, leisure and retail space and is the location of choice to over 60 leading companies, including EY, ghd, Lloyds Banking Group, NHS England, and Willis Towers Watson.
Farmers offered 45% ‘pay rise’ for public benefits of new woodland
Farmers and land managers can now get up to £11,600 per hectare for the public benefits delivered by woodlands they create – a 45% increase – under the England Woodland Creation Offer.
The change has been introduced by Defra and the Forestry Commission as the latest step to increase tree-planting across the country.
Forestry Commission Chief Executive Richard Stanford said: “There has never been a better time for farmers and land managers to plant and grow more trees, and these announcements make it clear that woodland creation is a compelling part of the business of land management. I encourage everyone eligible to take advantage of the generous woodland creation incentives now available.
“In addition to encouraging woodland creation away from most productive land, it is important to remember that trees and woodlands can support farming objectives – for instance providing shade and shelter, improving productivity through healthy soil and water, reducing erosion and nutrient loss from surface run-off, or improving drought and flood resilience.”
The increase in EWCO payment rates will take effect immediately and offer farmers and land managers more tailored tree-planting incentives to encourage woodland creation where it is best suited, whilst also protecting our most productive farmland for food production.
This is a key part of the Government’s plans to achieve net zero by 2050 and put nature at the forefront of its efforts to tackle climate change. The current maximum rate per hectare available from additional contributions will increase from £8,000 to £11,600 – a 45% increase. That will increase to £12,700 in stackable payments if the land is also eligible for the new Low Sensitivity Land Payment. Standard costs payments will remain at up to £10,200 per hectare.
As part of the enhanced package, key new measures include:
- A new payment to encourage EWCO applications on low sensitivity land has been introduced, avoiding land most suitable for food production. When planting on low sensitivity land you can now receive £1,100 per hectare.
- A new ‘Nature Recovery – premium’ payment option (£3,300 per hectare) has been added to the Nature Recovery Additional Contribution. This is designed to encourage the planting or natural colonisation of highly biodiverse woodlands next to ancient woodland.
- Uplifts have also been made to some of the other existing additional contributions, with a focus on riparian buffers, flood mitigation and access. For example; payments for flood risk management have doubled from £500 to £1,000 per hectare, and recreational access has increased from £2,200 to £3,700.
- Annual maintenance payments have been raised from £350 to £400 per hectare, per year, for 15 years – recognising that caring for new trees is vital if new woodlands are to flourish.
Call centre company could create 200 Hull jobs thanks to £283k grant
Up to 200 full-time equivalent city centre jobs will be created thanks to a grant from Hull City Council’s Levelling Up Fund to Clearanswer Call Centre Limited.
The company has been awarded £283,403 towards its project at Essex House on Manor Street, where it aims to revamp first floor offices into a 120-seat call centre, as well as upgrade its IT system infrastructure.
Clearanswer Call Centre Limited also plans to relocate the current reception and HR areas of Essex House from the first floor to the ground floor.
The funding, which amounts to 50 per cent of the project costs, has come from the council’s government-backed Levelling Up Fund.
Around 300sqm of vacant floor space will be brought back into use as a result of the works.
Cllr Paul Drake-Davis, portfolio holder for regeneration at the council, said: “I am delighted that the council is able to support this project through Levelling Up Funding.
“The applicant proposes to create hundreds of new city centre jobs, something which is one of the council’s priorities and which will help to boost Hull’s wider economy.”
Humber Freeport launches search for region’s rising property star
Humber Freeport has launched a search to find the region’s rising property star, with a ticket for the huge UKREiiF investment showcase up for grabs.
Taking place in Leeds from May 21st to 23rd, UKREiiF is the UK’s leading investment and infrastructure forum. Bringing together the biggest names in property, investment, planning and development, the three-day conference will attract more than 10,000 attendees, with 700 speakers across 30 stages, and over 150 exhibitors. Humber Freeport will be represented at UKREiiF, showcasing the region’s powerful proposition as a magnet for global investment and development. And, as part of its commitment to skills and talent, Humber Freeport has reserved a place for the region’s rising “Prop Star.” The successful candidate will be an early career professional – aged under 25 – making a big impact and forging a successful path in the fields of property, planning, development or investment, in either the private or public sector. Humber Freeport Chair Simon Bird said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for a young property professional to attend the UK’s biggest event in the world of property and investment. “It’s a rare chance to hear from some of the biggest names in the industry, speak to leading exhibitors, develop valuable contacts and gain invaluable insight and profile at this enormously prestigious event. “Humber Freeport is playing a major role in attracting large scale investments to the region and our attendance at UK UKREiiF presents a major opportunity to promote the region and the additional benefits of freeport status. “We’re pleased to have launched this competition to showcase the next generation of property and investment stars and open up a tremendous opportunity for the winning candidate.” To be in with a chance of joining the Humber Freeport team at UKREiiF, entrants must:- Write a short bio about themselves, including their career history and current role.
- Summarise why they’d love to attend UKREiiF and how it will support their personal and professional development.
Wilkin Chapman appoints new Senior Partner
One of the most prominent private and commercial law firms in Lincolnshire and East Yorkshire is welcoming a new senior partner following a sustained period of growth.
Chris Grocock, head of recoveries and member of the management team is a former professional footballer. He has been with Wilkin Chapman for 34 years and is succeeding Andrew Holt who is stepping aside after six years in the role. Andrew will continue as a partner in the dispute resolution team.
Before joining Wilkin Chapman in 1989 and later qualifying as a solicitor, Chris played for Grimsby Town Football Club. After making his Football League debut whilst still at school he enjoyed two full seasons with the Mariners before making the transition from football to law.
Lauded by the Legal 500 as ‘an expert in his field’, Chris has decades of experience in dealing with debt recovery litigation and insolvency work in the utility, commercial and public sectors. He will officially take over as senior partner on 1 April.
Chris said: “I’m delighted to be taking over the role from my colleague Andrew, who has helped to steer the business through a very successful period notwithstanding an especially turbulent economic climate, navigating the challenges of covid and the cost-of-living crisis. The role of senior partner is to provide leadership and to be an ambassador for our firm. I’ll be working alongside our chief executive officer, Robin Simmonds to help drive the business strategy forward as well as supporting our people and maintaining relationships with our clients and contacts.”
“When I started working with Wilkin Chapman some 34 years ago, there were just three members in the recoveries’ team. Now, there are around 90 dedicated specialists and we are amongst the top five Recoveries firms in the UK. The department has contributed to an increase in the firm’s turnover from £16 million to over £30 million in the last 10 years. Wilkin Chapman has enjoyed an incredible, sustained period of growth and I think the business is in a strong position to continue that progression.”
“Our firm is ambitious but key to our culture is approachability. I’m delighted to take the baton from Andrew and lead our fantastic, growing team as it continues to provide quality legal advice to individuals and organisations, regionally and throughout the UK.”
Meanwhile, Andrew Holt is happy to welcome his colleague as his successor. Speaking of Chris’ appointment, he said: “Chris is a natural successor, having proven leadership and management qualities. Over the last 30 years we have spent time together, he’s shown to be a people person through and through. Chris already has the trust and confidence of over 420 free-thinking people within the business. He will engender that same trust and confidence of our client base, referrers and stakeholders. I have every confidence that Chris will excel in the role of senior partner and the business will continue to go from strength to strength.”
Robin added: “I have worked with Chris for the last three years in his capacity as a member of our management team and I have no doubt he will be an exceptional senior partner for Wilkin Chapman. I look forward to working with Chris to drive our strategy forwards and achieve the ambitious goals we have set ourselves.”
Wake Smith chairman to become High Sheriff of South Yorkshire
Corporate lawyer John Baddeley is to step down in his role as chairman, shareholder and director at Wake Smith Solicitors to become High Sheriff of South Yorkshire.John, who has been at Sheffield-based Wake Smith for 36 years, will take up the ceremonial role from April 8 this year, meaning he will retire and not work for the firm for 12 months while he undertakes his duties.As John prepares for his new position, head of property Neil Salter becomes the new Wake Smith chairman from January 1 having worked his way up to Equity Partner/Director/Shareholder over his 29 years at the firm.Commercial property director Paul Gibbon also joins the firm’s management board while director Rebecca Robinson is promoted to head of the corporate team from April 1. John Baddeley said: “I am very proud to be taking up the role as the High Sheriff of South Yorkshire.
“My decision to leave Wake Smith has been an incredibly difficult one; however, the office of High Sheriff is a high honour and it is an immense privilege to be selected. I hand over the role of Chairman in Neil Salter’s capable hands. I wish him all the best in his new role.”Legal property expert Neil Salter was an architect of, and one of the original members of, Wake Smith’s Management Board, which he re-joined in January 2020, and is an active driver of the success of Wake Smith.He said: “John being chosen as High Sheriff is a remarkable recognition of his profile in the city and, to an extent, that of Wake Smith. “Sadly for us, John will be stepping down from the firm whilst he undertakes his duties, as he will be spending substantial amounts of time with the judiciary, and this has the potential for a conflict of interest. “John has been integral to the development of the spirit and culture of Wake Smith and its continued success, and I would not be surprised if, after his time as High Sheriff, his involvement with the firm may re-commence in some way, shape or form.“We wish him a fond farewell for now, with a huge sense of pride and admiration on his appointment.”Neil added: “We also welcome director Paul Gibbon to the management board, who as well as undertaking his commercial property work, will continue as head of marketing, leading Wake Smith’s involvement with the UK200 and the overseeing of legal accreditations Including Lexcel and CQS.“We are also delighted Rebecca Robinson will become head of our highly regarded corporate team from April. Rebecca’s appointment is well deserved, and she has our full backing as we grow and invest in our corporate services.” The role of High Sheriff dates back before the Norman Conquest. There is one in every county in England and Wales. It is a non-political Royal appointment originally responsible for the maintenance of law and order within the county, and the collection of taxes for return to the Crown.The function has evolved and it is now largely a ceremonial role with responsibility for supporting crime prevention agencies, the emergency services and the voluntary sector.
Lincoln businesses backed by new initiative to tackle shoplifting
Shoplifting in Lincoln city centre is now being tackled by police with the help of Lincoln BIG’s City Centre Warden Danny Mason.
The partnership comes as part of the local Neighbourhood Policing Team’s problem-solving for prolific shop theft in the city centre, and will mean Danny will now be taking on responsibility for the initial evidence gathering on reports of shop thefts to provide a complete package for officers to use to bring those responsible to justice.
The work builds on a previous initiative of shop theft packs, where businesses who had been targeted by thieves completed a statement about the incident and sent it to police along with CCTV. This way, the onus is taken off those businesses to collate the information needed for the investigation, and the support from Lincoln BIG means that officers can spend more time on patrol and working on investigations.
The investigation itself – viewing the CCTV, follow-up statements, identifying suspects, arrests, suspect interviews, seeking a charge with the CPS, attending court, and compiling other material for things like Criminal Behaviour Orders which can help to ban individuals from specific retail premises – will be handled entirely by police.
This new way of working is for all retail premises in the city centre, as well as the immediate outlying commercial parks along Tritton Road.
Community Beat Manager Sgt Steve Parker said: “Tackling shop theft is something we have been working directly on for some time, and we have good news to share: of the top 20 prolific offenders, which we know can be repeat offenders, 13 are in prison, one is out on licence, one has a suspended prison sentence, and a further three are due in court imminently.
“But we still know what an impact shop theft has on our community, and we wanted to introduce something that will make a real difference, so we suggested this way of working to Lincoln BIG, and got a very positive response. This new way of working builds on an existing relationship between Lincolnshire Police and Lincoln BIG, and will help us to realise our ambitions to significantly reduce shop theft and related offences in the city centre. The more our local businesses can help us – via Danny – by providing the evidence we need to secure convictions, the more offenders we can take off the streets.”
Hull-based firm invests £1m in Bedfordshire training facility
Hull-based Ideal Heating is investing £1m in an Expert Academy expect ted to open next month to equip installers with the skills to fit, maintain and service domestic and commercial heat pumps.
The new Training and Technology Centre is at Insignia Park in Dunstable, Bedfordshire, just a few minutes from Luton and the M1 motorway.
The new hub follows the opening in January 2023 of the award-winning Expert Academy’s pioneering National Training and Technology Centre in Hessle, East Yorkshire.
The purpose-built £2.2m National Training and Technology Centre was the first dedicated centre of its kind in the UK. The training it offers is also focused primarily on green technologies, as the industry transitions from traditional gas boilers to environment-friendly alternatives.
Ideal Heating is part of Groupe Atlantic, a global leader in thermal comfort. Andrew Johnson, Training Director for Groupe Atlantic UK, Republic of Ireland and North America, said: “Following the huge success of our National Training and Technology Centre, we know just how much our customers value the importance of industry-leading facilities.
“We believe in providing the highest quality training experiences possible with carefully designed programmes and first-class facilities across the UK.
“Our training technologies, together with our comfortable and relaxed learning spaces, provide the best learning environments for our expert team to deliver unrivalled training.
“We’re delighted to be opening this impressive new facility, which is ideally positioned, with excellent road and rail links, for us to serve large areas of the South East, London and the central corridor.”
Ideal Heating is part way through a £60m investment programme at its main UK manufacturing and logistics hub in Hull, where over 800 people are employed. This investment includes a new £10m UK Technology Centre, which will play a key role in developing and testing low carbon heating solutions.
Dalton Industrial Estate gets £129,000 grant to help with 12-month decarbonising study
Decarbonising Dalton has been awarded more than £129,000 by Innovate UK towards a £202,000 12 month-long feasibility study at the rural Dalton Industrial estate near Thirsk, to look into emissions associated with power, heat, materials and transport and how those can be reduced.
Business leaders hope that the solution will find a pathway to net zero for other industrial estates across the country to follow.
It is projected that electricity demand on the estate of 28 businesses, including nine larger companies, will more than double in the next three years and beyond, with planning permission already granted to extend the area by another 22 hectares.
The project will draw up detailed assessments for each business and propose an action plan to take them to net zero whilst minimising offsetting. It will be delivered in five phases – business needs assessments, quick win reductions, shared onsite opportunities, offsite interventions, and collation and knowledge sharing.
Executive member for climate change, Cllr Greg White, said: “There is growing enthusiasm among Dalton business leaders to tackle carbon emissions but there are also constraints on the electricity grid. Owners of the largest businesses – and users – are working together to find a solution that helps them all grow in a more sustainable manner.
“They are looking at innovative ways to maximise benefits for the environment as well as for themselves. They aim to plan a route to net zero for Dalton which will become a blueprint for the decarbonisation of smaller, particularly rural industrial estates across the UK.”
The project is being led by a partnership of ourselves, six Dalton businesses – Cleveland Steel and Tubes Limited, Wetherby Stone Products Limited, Severfield plc, Inspired Pet Nutrition Limited, Citivale Group Holdings Ltd and National Tube Stockholders – and Northern Powergrid.
Partnership spokesperson and head of ESG at Severfield plc, Michaela Lindridge, said: “We are all committed to advancing the decarbonisation of our industries through our normal business so we are thrilled and excited to be able to potentially take the lead in decarbonisation for industry in general.
“Sustainability plays a vital role in the way in which we do business. Together we can support our ambitions for carbon neutral manufacturing in the region, as well as share experience and expertise in green technologies and actively working together to diminish our carbon footprint through sustainable production practices and energy-efficient manufacturing.
“This project presents a unique opportunity to drive sustainability forward for many different businesses and we are excited to see what opportunities lie ahead”
Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation, is the UK’s innovation agency. It works to create a better future by inspiring, involving and investing in businesses developing life-changing innovations. Its mission is to help companies to grow through their development and commercialisation of new products, processes and services, supported by an outstanding innovation ecosystem that is agile, inclusive and easy to navigate.
Dr Bryony Livesey, UKRI Challenge Director, Industrial Decarbonisation said: “This project shows the keenness of businesses to collaborate on plans to decarbonise by forming local industrial clusters and working together to drive down emissions. This is a crucial step in tackling decarbonisation at dispersed sites on the UK’s journey towards net zero by 2050.”
Yorkshire & Humber manufacturers see mixed start of the year
Yorkshire & Humber manufacturers are seeing a mixed picture as they start the year but confidence is remaining robust despite the UK economy remaining weak overall.
However, Make UK is forecasting growth for manufacturing of just 0.1% in 2024 and 0.8% in 2025 which is weaker growth than the economy overall.
The findings come in the Q4 Manufacturing Outlook survey published by Make UK and business advisory firm BDO. According to the survey, output in Yorkshire & the Humber fell in the first few months of the year. However, looking forward both output and orders are set to pick up substantially in the second quarter of the year in line with the national picture.
However, this picture is not currently being reflected in either investment intentions or recruitment, although this reflects an easing from a strong picture for both indicators last year rather than any negative pattern.
Dawn Huntrod, Region Director for the North at Make UK, said: “After the economic and political shocks of the last few years there is now strong confidence among manufacturers in Yorkshire & the Humber, despite the mixed picture. While growth in the economy is not exactly supercharged, the positive announcements in the Autumn Statement and Budget can at least allow them to plan with more certainty for the future.”
Steve Talbot, Head of Manufacturing at BDO in Yorkshire, added: “Manufacturers across Yorkshire and the Humber have continued to show their ability to overcome wave after wave of challenges, but they cannot continue to do this indefinitely without some more long-term support from the Government.
“The expected increase in output and orders in the latter half of this year is positive and in line with the overall national picture, but whatever happens over the next quarter will be critical to manufacturing businesses in the region.”
Rotherham MP bids to change the law about food traceability
The NFU has worked closely with her to develop the Bill which would amend two existing Acts of Parliament relating to requirements to be followed in public procurement. These include the need for a contracting authority to consider what proportion of the food originates from the UK.
Public procurement is the purchase of goods and services on behalf of a public authority, such as a government agency.
In December 2023, the NFU published its manifesto ‘Farming for Britain’s Future’, calling on a future government to identify opportunities to increase our market share of foods the country could produce sustainably, including a commitment to source half of food eaten in the public sector from British farms. The reporting of the origin of public sector sourced food is essential to monitor progress towards this ambition.
NFU Deputy President David Exwood said: “This would guarantee more British farmers and growers delivering high quality, fresh, seasonal and affordable food to world-leading environmental and welfare standards into our schools, prisons, hospitals and the military.
“Despite spending £2.4 billion on the the public procurement of food, disappointingly, there is currently no record of what proportion of this food is currently supplied by British farmers and growers,” he added.
“We know there is huge support across the country for food served in the public sector to be British,” David added, citing the NFU’s research, carried out by Deltapoll, which found that 76% of the public want the government to commit to sourcing at least half of all food for schools, prisons and hospitals from British farms.
Doncaster Chamber welcomes publication of reports’ potential for area’s businesses
Doncaster Chamber of Commerce has welcomed the arrival of two South Yorkshire Mayoral Authority publications and is optimistic about what they could mean for local businesses going forward.
The Plan For Good Growth and the new Skills Strategy were launched simultaneously, with each representing a commitment from SYMCA to help our region unlock its full potential. Both documents place an emphasis on innovation and embracing fresh ideas, while also being firmly grounded in reality and attuned to what’s happening on the ground level in places like Doncaster.
Chamber CEO Dan Fell said The Plan for Good Growth was concerned primarily with how the region will attract further inward investment and create more high-paying jobs in the future. Meanwhile, the Skills Strategy looks at what more can be done to retain talent here in South Yorkshire. He sad: “More specifically, it sets out three key missions: to help those who are currently unemployed transition more easily into the world of work; to ensure that people are equipped with the core knowledge they need to thrive in today’s labour market; and to generally increase the supply of a high-skilled workforce.
“It’s great to see such strong, but crucially realistic, ambitions being articulated for our region. We believe that this vision bodes well for South Yorkshire and that it will inject some much-needed positive energy into the discussion about where we are heading next.
“The Plan for Good Growth contains a lot of laudable aspirations, including ideas for improving our existing infrastructure as well as for encouraging further innovation and productivity; all of which will be instrumental to our success going forward. Between our Investment Zone status and major assets — like the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, the Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre and Gateway East — there is already a lot of great opportunity here for the indigenous SME community and it’s imperative that we do all we can to help them seize it.
“It feels as though partnerships are working far more effectively in South Yorkshire than they have done for quite some time, and we are seeing a pleasingly collegiate atmosphere develop. The Plan for Good Growth gives us something new to rally behind so that we can continue in this vein and work towards a shared ambition that will really benefit our communities.
“If national government take note of this plan as well, and fully commit to partnering with the region on it, then they will find that there are several ideas here that will help them deliver upon their flagship levelling up policy. We know that our members feel very passionately about this need for greater collaboration with government— a point reinforced when the Levelling Up Advisory Council recently visited South Yorkshire — and so we hope the ambition of this plan is properly heeded by Whitehall.
“All in all, we are optimistic about these two strategic documents from SYMCA and expect that they will deliver great things for the region. Of course, this hard work must now move beyond vision and towards implementation. It is action, not just words, that the business community ultimately wants to see. Nonetheless, today’s strategies were a confident stride in the right direction.”
Manufacturing conference puts innovation and sustainability under the spotlight
Innovation and sustainability were key areas of focus at the Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland Manufacturing Conference, when delegates discussed the future of a sector contributing £5.6 billion to the regional economy.
The conference, hosted by Business Lincolnshire in partnership with NatWest, brought together ndustry experts, thought leaders, and business owners to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the manufacturing sector in the region.
The manufacturing sector in Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland alone employs 66,000 workers and contributes £5.6 billion to the local economy, representing 21% of the total economic value (GVA) in the region. What’s more, over the past decade, the sector has experienced a remarkable 64% growth in real terms, outpacing the national average.
Laura Capper, Head of Manufacturing and Construction at NatWest, offered insights into the financial and non-financial solutions essential for supporting the growth ambitions of manufacturing businesses.
Shane Peel and Angela Borman from Siemens Energy shared their journey and expertise, underscoring the importance of skills development and sustainability in driving manufacturing excellence. A key takeaway from their session that resonated in the room was succession planning with your current workforce to plug the skills gaps projected over the coming two to five years.
Chris Corkan, Region Director at Make UK, provided a comprehensive overview of the industry’s current landscape, emphasising the intrinsic link between manufacturing and productivity. Make UK’s analysis underscored the UK manufacturing sector’s growth to £224 billion, positioning it as a global player. However, challenges such as energy prices and geopolitical instability persist, impacting profit margins and employment costs.
Make UK’s research shows that in 2024, a significant proportion of manufacturers are poised to seize net zero opportunities for growth, with 13% aligning with environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards and commitments. Additionally, more than half are preparing to launch new products, while over a quarter are gearing up to expand into new, previously untapped markets.
These initiatives are fuelled by a collective agreement among 71% of manufacturers that digital technology will drive productivity, with 62% affirming that opportunities outweigh risks. The overarching campaign message emphasises the fusion of physical and digital realms, leveraging automation, innovative materials, and cutting-edge technologies like AI to enhance the UK’s competitiveness and productivity. Moreover, there’s a widespread commitment to sustainability, with 96% of manufacturers already decarbonising operations, 92% prioritising net zero, and 74% integrating ESG conditions into procurement decisions.
